The tension in the hallway was so thick you could carve it with a Runcandel sword. Alexander stood there, looking casual despite just breaking every physical law of the school, while the most powerful girls in Kuoh were having a collective meltdown.
Alexander caught up to Sona near the Student Council office. She was clutching a stack of papers, her eyes darting everywhere except his face.
"So-tan," Alex said, using the nickname that usually sent her into a spiral. "Are you free this Saturday?"
Sona pushed her glasses up, her hand trembling. "I... yes. I am free from council duties."
"How about going out on a date? Just the two of us," Alex said with a small, princely smile.
Sona didn't even hesitate. "Sure." She blurted it out so fast it was almost a shout. Realizing her lack of composure, she quickly nodded and hurried into the office, her face glowing like a red LED.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Well, that was easier than I thought. I expected a whole lecture on 'school rules' or 'decorum,' but she just said yes. Maybe I'm finally getting the hang of this world? Or maybe she just really likes Earl Grey tea.]
The Shadows in the Corner
As Alex turned to walk away, he felt three distinct mana signatures radiating jealousy and intense focus from around the corner.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Seriously? Rias, Akeno, Tsubaki... I can see your shadows. Why are you all lurking in the corner like you're starring in a spy movie? You're the top beauties of the school, have some dignity!]
The three girls stiffened. Their faces turned a shade of crimson that rivaled the Gremory crest. They didn't move, hoping he was just guessing, but their hearts were racing.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: It's strange. I remember Rias and Akeno used to live in the Runcandel mansion when we were kids. We were so close back then. But one day, they just... left. I never understood why. Did I do something? Did my Grandfather scare them? It felt like they were running away from me.]
The Hidden Truth
Around the corner, Rias Gremory leaned her back against the cold stone wall, her eyes misty. She whispered so softly that only the air could hear her, but her heart broadcasted it to every female lead.
"We didn't leave because we hated you, Alexander..." Rias thought, her voice trembling. "We left because we loved you. Every time we saw you, it hurt. You were engaged to Malty—that contract was ironclad. We thought if we stayed away, we could forget these feelings. But it was impossible."
Akeno Himejima closed her eyes, clutching her ribbon. 'I waited every day for that engagement to break. I just wanted to be the one by your side, not that two-faced brat. Now that you're free... I won't run away again. I'll propose to you myself if I have to.'
Tsubaki Shinra bit her lip, looking at the door where her president, Sona, had disappeared. 'Kaichou got the first date... but I won't lose. I'm a Runcandel-trained maid and a Queen. I'll make my move too.'
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Anyway, I should get to my next class. But wait... I just realized something. If Sona and I are on a date, who's going to stop Malty and Issei from causing trouble? Ciel, remind me to set up a 'Protection Barrier' around the school. I don't want any 'protagonist' bullshit ruining my weekend.]
Sona (inside the office, leaning against the door):"He's calling me 'So-tan' in his head... and he wants to protect me... Saturday cannot come fast enough!"
Venelana (at home, watching a crystal ball):"A date? Oh, to be young again. Maybe I should 'accidentally' be at the same mall this Saturday to give them some advice... and see Alexander in a casual outfit."