"So, what do you think? Isn't my sister adorable?"
Serafall, who was standing nearby, pounced over, rubbing her cheek against Sona's, chattering excitedly with a beaming smile.
"In terms of cuteness, my sister wouldn't lose either."
Sirzechs seemed to be butting heads with Serafall, looking like a silly brother and a silly sister having a dispute.
Their shared characteristic was being veteran sister-con, no doubt~
However, Sirzechs cared more about Rias's own will, while Serafall wanted to monopolize her sister; they were different types of sister-con~
But that's fine. If Sirzechs were like Serafall, he'd be a total creep, and Rias would have to think about self-defense~
Fortunately, Sirzechs was as gentle as ever.
"With that icy demeanor, how could she possibly be cuter than my Sona!"
"Don't you think a girl like that is cool?"
"Sona-chan is cutest when she's shy!"
"Shy... Hmm, I'd really like to see Little Rias's shy expression too..." Sirzechs momentarily lost himself, then revealed an expectant smile.
"Ehehehe..."
Seeing Sirzechs's smile, Serafall couldn't help but giggle foolishly too.
The two looked at each other, unconsciously clasping each other's hands, their gazes as if looking at family.
Watching them nearly start a fight only to bizarrely reconcile, Sona, who had originally intended to mediate, was dumbfounded, unsure what to do.
"Don't mind these two idiots."
Rias glanced at them, then took Sona's hand and led her away, saying as they left: "Their relationship is better than you imagine. They grew up together since childhood and have been good companions working together for centuries."
"But..."
Having her hand held, Sona blushed and murmured, "Why were they arguing then?"
"Precisely because they are friends, they can argue without holding grudges and then make up. Perhaps the process of arguing is also a wonderful experience for them."
Rias looked into Sona's eyes and said, "And from now on, you will be my friend too."
Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I decided to raise you myself!
These heartfelt words brought a blush to Sona's cheeks; she was so shy she didn't know what to do, lowering her head, not daring to look at Rias anymore.
"The Sitri Family's attribute is water. Do you like water?"
Rias asked.
"Mm, I like it."
A crisp, childish voice rang out, and Sona couldn't help but show a faint smile.
"Good, then I'll take you to my secret base~"
Rias smiled, then took her to the back mountain.
Watching the two leave, Sirzechs showed a gratified smile, while Serafall beside him bit her handkerchief, muttering tearfully.
"Wuwu, my sister, my sister has been taken away~"
Have you ever experienced true despair, Serafall~
——————
"Such a beautiful place."
Sona gazed at the scene before her, momentarily entranced.
A waterfall cascaded from a height, streams converged, flowers and trees resonated harmoniously, and countless small creatures lived in peaceful coexistence.
Compared to the 'hellish' scenes widely circulated in religious texts, this place was more like a fairyland.
More importantly, she was by her side.
Sona's eyes couldn't help but steal a glance at Rias, cautiously, like a small animal.
"Do you like it?"
Rias asked.
"Mm!"
Sona nodded excitedly.
"That's good."
Rias took off her shoes and sat on the bank.
Her adorable little feet dangled in the water, ripples forming. A breeze blew, instantly turning the summer heat into coolness.
"Want to try? It's very comfortable."
Rias chuckled lightly.
Rias, adorable Rias. Looking at her, for some reason, Sona's heart filled with warmth.
Imitating Rias's actions, she gently touched the water's edge with her small feet.
"So cool."
Sona thought for a moment and said, "And comfortable too."
"That's good."
Enjoying the breeze and the coolness brought by the water's ripples, the oppressive heat of the Underworld environment didn't seem so harsh anymore.
"What does Sona-chan usually do?"
Rias asked.
"Eh... I... I just play with Serafall sister. Other times, I study High-Class Devil etiquette..."
Sona stammered.
"I see."
Rias nodded.
"Um... And Lady Rias..."
Perhaps because Rias's demeanor was too beautiful, Sona unconsciously used an honorific.
"As for me, I'm working hard to become stronger~"
Rias said airily.
"Become stronger?"
Sona seemed unable to comprehend the term.
Although she had the responsibility of inheriting the Sitri Family, Sona had a good sister who played with her every day.
Moreover, Serafall was different from ordinary people; she wouldn't easily let Sona come into contact with the darker side of the devil race, so Sona was very well protected.
"Mm... For example, does Sona like etiquette classes?"
Rias asked.
"Hmm, not really?"
Sona tilted her head cutely and said, "Because etiquette classes are tedious and not very useful, but Mother says they're necessary."
"If you have enough power, you don't need to learn things like that."
Rias said lightly.
"Is that so..."
Sona still couldn't understand.
"Then let me put it another way. If Serafall were being bullied, what would you do?"
Rias asked.
"Sister being bullied... Hmm, I can't imagine such a scene."
Sona thought and said.
"I mean, for example, think carefully~"
"Hmm..." Sona said, "I would protect Sister."
"What if your power isn't enough?"
Rias smiled. "Then wouldn't you only be able to watch Serafall get bullied?"
"Hmm..."
Sona murmured, "It seems... I understand a little."
"Just a little, huh."
Rias pondered slightly, then revealed a smile and said, "Sona-chan, power is a very splendid thing~"
"Look at this."
Rias extended her hand, and from her palm emerged a swarm of red butterflies.
Beautiful butterflies danced in the air, gathering together, looking exceptionally lovely~
This scene made Sona's eyes widen, her heart filled with awe.
"So beautiful."
Crimson, just like Lady Rias's hair.
"And next~"
Rias clapped her hands, and the butterflies returned to her palm, then transformed into a small red bird.
A phoenix-like bird flew around Sona, scattering fragments of red light from the sky.
Soon, the phoenix transformed again, becoming an Eastern dragon dozens of meters tall, circling in the sky.
The next moment, the dragon exploded, turning into countless red flowers that drifted down slowly from the air.
The elegant posture and magnificent spectacle deeply captivated Sona's gaze.
Though it lasted only five minutes, for Sona, time seemed to stand still in that moment.
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