The Sitri estate's vast gardens stretched under a calm evening sky. The lake glimmered with soft light, and the air smelled faintly of fresh water and flowers. Riser Phenex walked beside Sona, his steps unhurried, his eyes openly drinking in every detail.
"So this is where you grew up," he mused, hands behind his back. "The famous Sitri territory. Elegant, practical, restrained… just like you."
Sona adjusted her glasses, trying to keep her expression neutral. "It isn't much to someone like you. The Phenex estate is far more grand."
"Maybe," Riser said, leaning slightly closer with that disarming grin. "But this place has something I like better."
Her cheeks warmed instantly. "…Stop saying things like that."
"I'm serious." He chuckled as she led him along the stone path, pointing out different areas—the training yard, the library wing, the indoor baths. Each explanation was calm and measured, but Riser noticed how her voice softened when she spoke about the garden.
Eventually, they ended up there, seated together on a wooden bench beneath the shade of a great willow tree. The lake reflected the colors of the setting sun, rippling softly with the breeze.
Riser leaned back, arms resting casually along the bench. "I enjoyed this. More than I expected."
Sona looked at him, her composure faltering just a little. "…I did too."
His eyes lingered on her face, warm and sincere. "Good. Because I wasn't lying, Sona—I came here for you. Not just to stir things up, not just for politics. I came because I wanted to spend time with you."
She opened her mouth to reply, but he suddenly leaned forward, scooping her smoothly into his lap before she could resist.
"R-Riser!" Her hands instinctively pressed against his chest, her face flaming red.
He bent close to her ear, his voice low and teasing. "Relax. I just wanted to give you something."
Her breath caught as he slipped a small black case from his pocket. With a flick, he opened it to reveal a delicate necklace—a silver chain, designed with winter's elegance, set with a deep-blue gem that seemed to hold the night sky within it.
Sona's eyes widened. "This is—"
"I saw it the other day while walking," he said, his voice unusually gentle. "And I thought of you. It suits you perfectly—calm, deep, dignified, beautiful. So I bought it."
Her lips trembled. Slowly, with hands that weren't quite steady, she lifted the necklace from its case and clasped it around her neck. The gem rested against her collarbone, shimmering like frozen starlight.
"…It really does suit you," Riser murmured, his amber gaze softening as he took her in.
Sona's face turned scarlet. She lowered her head quickly, hiding her expression against his chest. "…Thank you," she whispered, barely audible.
Riser chuckled, hugging her closer. "So shy. But it makes me happy." He brushed his hand through her hair, his lips curving in a mischievous smirk. "Now everyone will know you're mine."
Her heart leapt. "D-don't say it like that…" she protested weakly, still hiding her face.
He tilted his head, lips brushing her ear. "Why not? It's true." His voice softened, sincere and steady. "…I love you, Sona."
Her entire body went rigid. For a heartbeat, the world was silent but for the rustle of leaves and the lapping of the lake.
"…Idiot," she finally whispered, her voice trembling. She clutched the fabric of his shirt tighter, her face still buried against him. "…You can't just say that so easily."
Riser smiled, holding her firmly in his arms, refusing to let her go. "It's not easy. But it's true."
Her reply was muffled against his chest. "…Then don't ever take it back."
He kissed the top of her head gently, his embrace tightening. "Never."