The following evening, Sona sat in her study, her pen poised above a blank page. She had meant to begin drafting new frameworks for her dream academy, inspired by Riser's unexpected promise. But instead, she found herself staring at the ink and paper, her thoughts tangled in a certain Phenex's voice.
"A Sitri dream supported by a Phenex flame."
Her chest tightened. Even now, the sincerity in his words lingered, warming her like a fire that refused to fade.
The door creaked open.
"Sona-chan~!" Serafall sang, poking her head into the study before stepping in without invitation. She immediately noticed her little sister's uncharacteristic distraction and the faint flush still clinging to her cheeks. Her grin turned mischievous.
"Ohhh? My little So-tan, spacing out with such a dreamy face? Don't tell me… were you thinking about your fiancé again?"
Sona's pen nearly snapped in her grip. "S–Serafall. Please. Not now."
But her sister was relentless. She floated into the room, twirling her wand like a baton, and leaned over Sona's desk, eyes sparkling. "So it's true! You're already planning, aren't you? Sitting here, drawing up notes for your grand school project while imagining Lord Phenex standing behind you, all proud and fiery and handsome." She pressed her cheek to Sona's, whispering dramatically: "The Sitri–Phenex Empire of the Future~!"
"Empire?" Sona deadpanned, shoving her sister away lightly though her ears were burning red. "It is nothing like that. He simply—"
"Ohhh, so you admit he's part of it now~?" Serafall cut in, poking her younger sister's cheek. "When my cool, stoic, no-nonsense So-tan starts saying 'he simply' with that expression, it means she's already accepted him in her heart."
"I…" Sona faltered, unable to meet her sister's eyes. For once, the mask slipped. "…He supports my dream, Serafall. Not as a tool, not as a ploy—but because he truly respects it. He… respects me."
The teasing glimmer in Serafall's eyes softened. She rested her chin on her palm, watching her little sister with a rare seriousness. "…That's more than most devils your age could hope for, So-tan." Then, with a grin returning just as quickly: "Still, don't think I won't enjoy teasing you to death about it. You're so cute when you're in love!"
Sona groaned, hiding her face behind her hand. "I should have locked the door."
But Serafall only laughed, pulling her into a playful hug from behind. "Too late! Your secret's out. My precious So-tan is building her dream and a life with a fiery bird man. Papa and Mama will be thrilled~."
"Serafall…" Sona muttered, exasperated but unable to fight the smile tugging at her lips.
For all the embarrassment, there was truth in her sister's words. For the first time, the future she envisioned didn't seem lonely. It seemed shared.