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...
Although the party had been interrupted, the guests hadn't left, each group waiting to hear news from their families.
While Badr waited for Rias to finish her report, a familiar girl approached him.
"It's been a while, Badr-san," she said with a polite smile.
Badr regarded her for a moment before remembering. "Ah, you're… Riser's younger sister."
Standing before him was Ravel Phoenix, the golden-haired, twin-tailed beauty he had encountered during the Ranking Game.
"So, your brother didn't attend?" Badr asked casually.
"…Thanks to you, he's not quite himself these days," she replied, sighing.
Badr chuckled lightly. "Really? All it took was that one loss?"
Ravel frowned. "Easy for you to say. That defeat was a tremendous blow to his pride, and then…" She trailed off.
"And then what?" Badr prompted, curious.
"...Forget it," she murmured.
After all, how could she admit that Riser had been utterly deflated, especially after hearing that Badr had taken down a High-Ranking Fallen Angel? Faced with This power, how was her brother supposed to hold his head up?
Ravel sighed again. "Oh well, he's always relied a bit too much on his birthright. Perhaps this setback will finally teach him something. If he can weather it, maybe it'll be for the best."
Badr smiled, bemused. "Aren't you his Bishop? Is it really okay to talk about him like that?"
She shrugged. "After the match, I was transferred to my mother's peerage. And since my mother doesn't compete, I'm more or less a free Bishop now."
…So peerage transfers could be that casual?
Badr tilted his head, surprised. In his mind, a peerage was something sacred, a bond not easily broken. But then again, among devils, it wasn't unheard of to trade, transfer, or even gift peerage members.
"Should I congratulate you?" he chuckled. "But why stay in a peerage at all? Wouldn't you rather be a King?"
Ravel sighed, looking frustrated. "To be a King, you have to reach at least High-Class! Unlike a certain overpowered devil, some of us have limitations…"
Badr suppressed a smile at her self-deprecating remark.
She then composed herself and held out a small, ornate box. "Consider this a gesture of goodwill, a symbol of friendship between us."
Badr took the box, opening it to reveal a small vial within. His gaze sharpened.
It was a [Phoenix Tear], a highly prized elixir, capable of restoring someone to full health from even the brink of death, provided they remained conscious.
…Could such a rare treasure be given away so easily?
For a fleeting moment, he wondered if, by making Ravel cry, he might obtain a never-ending supply.
He quickly dismissed the thought, though Ravel's unexpected gift genuinely surprised him. "Isn't this… a bit much?"
"Of course! It's typically reserved for High-Class devils," she replied, sounding slightly proud. "So just accept it with gratitude. Not that you don't deserve it."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and Badr noticed her eyes lingering on him. It was clear that, despite her brother's loss, she found Badr's strength and confidence captivating.
"Alright, I'll gladly accept it," he said with a warm smile, pocketing the vial. He wasn't one to let pride get in the way of survival. Something like this could very well save a life.
"Thank you, Ravel," he added, sincerity evident in his tone.
Since undergoing noble etiquette training, Badr had adopted a refined manner that exuded calm confidence. His respectful demeanor felt as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Ravel's heart skipped as she took in his poise and elegance, feeling a slight flush rise to her cheeks.
"Y-You're welcome… um, would it be alright if… I called you by your name?" she asked hesitantly, looking away as if to hide her blush.
"Of course," Badr replied with a friendly smile.
"Then… Badr, maybe we could have tea together sometime?"
"Oh? Sure, I'd be honored," he replied easily.
"And… if you're okay with it, I could bring something I baked… I've been practicing recently," she added, her fingers nervously fidgeting.
Badr found her behavior curious but kept his expression gentle. She'd just given him an invaluable gift, so he intended to show genuine appreciation.
"Then I look forward to it," he said with a nod.
Ravel beamed at his response, her cheeks glowing as she gave a graceful curtsy and excused herself with a shy smile.
...
No sooner had she departed than Akeno slid up behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pressing her cheek to his.
"My, my… someone seems to be a little smitten~"
Badr sighed. "Akeno, what are you talking about?"
"She's clearly taken a liking to you~" Akeno replied with a playful smile.
"Oh, come on. I beat her brother to a pulp right in front of her. There's no way she'd actually be interested in me," Badr replied, dismissive.
Just then, Rias returned, accompanied by Sona, only to find Akeno hanging onto Badr. She scowled. "Akeno, really? We're still in public."
"Oh? Isn't it normal to be a little close to one's teammates?" Akeno teased, leaning in even closer to Badr.
Rias clenched her fists, barely able to contain her irritation. "…Enough!"
Sona watched silently, her expression unreadable.
After finally prying Akeno off Badr, Rias bid farewell to Sona and turned back to the group with a small smile.
"For now, the situation's under control. Let's head back. There's something I need to share with everyone about Koneko."
...
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