The Sitri dining hall gradually emptied after the meal, the servants clearing plates while Lady Sitri excused herself with a knowing smile. Riser remained composed, sipping his wine as if nothing unusual had happened, while Sona sat in her chair, her face still faintly red, her expression halfway between annoyance and embarrassment.
"Ne, So-tan~" Serafall sing-songed the moment they stepped into the hallway, looping her arm around her sister's shoulders. "You kissed him. You really kissed him! Ufufufu, my little sis isn't little anymore!"
"Serafall, please—" Sona's voice was sharp, but her cheeks betrayed her, glowing scarlet.
Her sister only leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, "So, was it soft? Warm? Did you close your eyes? Did you—"
"Enough!" Sona cut her off, shoving her arm away, though her voice cracked slightly. "It was… just… it was a moment, that's all!"
Serafall clasped her hands dramatically. "Kyaaa~! So-tan's first moment! I'll treasure this memory forever." She winked. "And don't worry, I'll only bring it up in front of you every single time Riser's name comes up."
Sona groaned, pressing a hand to her temple. Why did she have to be born with such an older sister?
Meanwhile, Lord Sitri requested a private word with Riser in the study. The fire crackled quietly in the hearth, casting shadows on the dark oak walls.
"Riser Phenex," Lord Sitri began, his tone calm but heavy. "You've caused quite the storm. My daughter may act composed, but I can see she's unsettled by your recklessness. So I must ask: what exactly are your intentions with Sona?"
Riser didn't hesitate. He met the man's gaze with unwavering confidence. "My intentions are simple, Lord Sitri. I told Sona once, and I'll tell you now—I will always treat her as my equal. Not as a trophy, not as a bargaining chip, not as a shadow to my name. She is my fiancée, my formal wife-to-be, and the woman I love. Everything I've done so far, reckless as it may seem, was to prove that truth."
Lord Sitri studied him quietly, the firelight dancing in his eyes. "Strong words. Many men have said the same, yet faltered when tested. Why should I believe you?"
Riser leaned forward slightly, his voice softening but firm. "Because it's Sona Sitri. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't have bothered. But she—she's worth it. Worth every risk, worth every enemy, worth every step I've taken to sever ties with the past. I don't want a convenient wife. I want her. And only her."
For a long moment, silence filled the study. Then, slowly, Lord Sitri's stern expression eased into something more thoughtful. "I see… Reckless you may be, Riser Phenex, but I cannot deny the sincerity in your words."
He folded his hands. "Then prove it, not only with words but with actions. My daughter's heart is not easily won. If you intend to carry this through, you must show her through every step that you are worthy of her."
Riser smirked, standing. "I already intend to. After all—she's already kissed me. That's the first step."
Lord Sitri arched a brow, though the corner of his mouth curved upward despite himself. "Hmph. Bold, just as I expected."
As Riser left the study, the door closing behind him, Lord Sitri leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Perhaps… he truly might be the one.