Dressed in crisp formalwear, Kiyome Abe glided over and seated herself across from Tenra and Rias, her posture effortlessly elegant.
"Thank you for waiting, Rias-san."
"Please, don't mention it. If anything, we're the ones imposing."
After a round of polite greetings, Kiyome's gaze shifted to Tenra.
"So you're Tenra-kun? I've heard quite a bit about you—the miracle child of the immortal Phoenix family, Rias-san's fiancé, and the current Red Dragon Emperor. Even among my club members, you have fans."
She offered her hand with a poised smile. "I'm Kiyome Abe, daughter of the monster-taming Abe family. Pleased to meet you."
Her eyes, clear and sharp as gemstones, lingered on Tenra with open curiosity. Tenra accepted the handshake, nodding in return.
"Likewise, Kiyome-san."
With introductions out of the way, Kiyome's expression shifted to business.
"So, what brings the famous Rias-san and Tenra-kun to my clubroom today?"
Rias launched into her request, voice composed but earnest. "Due to some circumstances, I need your help, Kiyome-san. Would you be willing to let me interview you as a monster commander? If you could introduce some of the monsters and supernatural beings under your care, that would be incredibly helpful."
Kiyome nodded as if considering, then replied without hesitation, "I refuse."
Rias blinked, momentarily thrown off by the blunt rejection. "Can't you at least think it over, Kiyome-san?"
"Why should I share my affairs with devils?" Kiyome's tone was cool, her resolve unwavering. "I appreciate you letting me attend this school, but business is business. Monsters are precious to us. I won't hand over information lightly."
She didn't flinch, even knowing exactly who she was speaking to.
Rias kept her composure, negotiating calmly. "I understand it's a lot to ask. As compensation, how about a favor from Rias Gremory?"
Kiyome's lips curled into a teasing smile. "You do think highly of yourself, Rias-san. Tempting, but getting tangled up with you could get messy. Even with President Sitri, I keep my distance."
"After all, devils are famous for taking souls, aren't they?"
Her words were playful, but the warning was real.
Rias pressed on, undeterred. "Kiyome-san, is there really no room for negotiation? I'll make sure the reward is worth your while."
Kiyome tapped her chin, then her eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. "Well, it's not impossible… but a simple transaction is boring. How about this: Rias-san, you and your partner play tennis against me and my monsters. The winners get whatever they want from the losers. Deal?"
Rias's eyes sparkled with interest, though she kept her guard up. "That does sound fun—I'm confident in my tennis skills. If we win, I'd like you to accept the interview and help with my research. But if you win, what do you want, Kiyome-san?"
Kiyome's gaze shifted to Tenra, her smile sly. "You caught on, huh? If I win, I want the Red Dragon Emperor as my servant."
The room went silent. Tenra nearly laughed—being someone's servant for a day? This girl had guts.
"Kiyome-san, you must be joking," Rias said, her expression pleasant but her aura suddenly intimidating.
Trying to claim Tenra as her servant—Rias wasn't about to let that slide.
Kiyome waved a hand, her tone light. "Relax, I'm not crazy enough to want the legendary Red Dragon Emperor as my permanent servant. Just one day is enough, and I won't ask for anything outrageous."
"Besides, the Red Dragon Emperor is a monster, and a top-tier one at that. I'm fascinated."
She was nothing if not direct. Rias's expression softened slightly, but she shook her head resolutely.
"No. We can't agree to those terms."
Just as Tenra had refused to wager Rias's happiness in the Rating Game, Rias would never use Tenra as a bargaining chip. This wasn't about winning or losing.
Kiyome sighed, disappointment written across her face. "That's a shame. If you can't accept, I can't help."
Rias stood, ready to leave. "Then we'll take our leave, Kiyome-san. Thank you for your time."
But as she turned, Tenra spoke up.
"Wait, Rias."
He looked across at Kiyome, his voice steady. "Kiyome-san, we accept your conditions."
Rias stared in disbelief. Kiyome's eyes sparkled, a triumphant smile blooming on her face.
"Tenra-kun, are you sure? If you lose, you'll be my servant for a day."
Kiyome covered her lips, her smile sweet but sharp.
Tenra grinned. "Yeah. If we lose, you can order me around however you like. But if we win, you'll help Rias with her research, no holding back."
Kiyome laughed, delighted. "Hehehe… Then it's settled!"
Rias's emotions warred between gratitude and frustration.
"Tenra, I'll find another way to finish the report. You don't have to do this…"
Tenra reached out, gently brushing Rias's crimson hair. "There's no time, right? If you want that report done, we need Kiyome-san's help. If you don't want me working for someone else, then let's win."
A warm rush filled Rias's heart. She sighed, then her eyes grew determined.
"I understand!"
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