The student council room was as elegant and organized as always when I knocked on the door. Sona's voice called for us to enter, and I stepped inside with Asia and Valerie flanking me on either side.

"Good morning, Sona," I said with a respectful bow. "Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice."

Sona looked up from her paperwork, her sharp eyes taking in my companions with obvious curiosity. She was seated behind her desk with Tsubaki standing beside her, both wearing their usual professional expressions.

"Good morning, Akira. And these must be the transfer students you mentioned." Her gaze lingered on Asia and Valerie for a moment, and I could practically see her analytical mind working to categorize what she was sensing from them.

"Yes. This is Asia Argento and Valerie Tepes," I said, gesturing to each girl in turn. "They're... very close to me, and they're looking to experience a normal school life."

I kept my explanation deliberately vague, but Sona was far too perceptive not to notice. Her eyes flicked to mine briefly, and I saw understanding pass across her features. She recognized that I was being evasive for a reason and chose not to press the matter.

"I see," she said simply, her tone remaining perfectly neutral. "Well, welcome to Kuoh Academy. I'm sure we can arrange the necessary documentation and class assignments."

Asia stepped forward with a bright smile. "Thank you so much, Student Council President. We really appreciate you helping us."

"Please, just call me Sona. And it's no trouble at all." She turned to her vice president. "Tsubaki, could you handle their paperwork and show them to their respective classrooms once everything is completed?"

Tsubaki bowed slightly. "Of course, President. If you would follow me, please."

As the three of them moved toward a side table where enrollment documents were laid out, Sona gestured for me to remain seated.

"Actually, Akira, could you stay behind for a moment? There's something I wanted to discuss with you."

I nodded, settling back into my chair while watching Asia and Valerie begin filling out forms under Tsubaki's guidance. They both seemed nervous but excited, and I felt a warm satisfaction at seeing them take this step toward normalcy.

Once they were sufficiently occupied, Sona leaned forward slightly, her expression becoming more serious.

"Are you aware that Rias is scheduled to participate in a Rating Game next week?"

The question caught me off guard—or at least, I made sure it appeared to. I knew exactly what she was referring to, but I had to play ignorant.

"A Rating Game?" I asked, tilting my head with what I hoped looked like genuine confusion. "I'm not familiar with that term."

Sona studied my face for a moment, then seemed satisfied with my apparent lack of knowledge. "Rating Games are formalized combat competitions between devil peerages. Think of them as supernatural chess matches, where each piece represents a member of a devil's household."

She paused to adjust her glasses, a habit I'd noticed she had when explaining complex topics. "The games serve multiple purposes—they're used to settle disputes, determine rankings among devil nobility, and sometimes to resolve... personal matters."

"Personal matters?" I prompted, though I already knew where this was heading.

"Rias's Rating Game is being used to settle the question of an arranged marriage. If she loses, she'll be required to marry her opponent." Sona's expression grew troubled. "Unfortunately, I believe she's going to lose."

I leaned forward, feigning concern. "Is her opponent that strong?"

Sona nodded grimly. "Riser Phenex. He's not only her fiancé, but he's also won significantly more Rating Games than Rias has. His experience advantage is substantial, and his peerage is well-trained and coordinated. The odds are quite heavily stacked against her."

I let that information sink in, maintaining my expression of growing concern. "That does sound like difficult odds for her."

"Which brings me to why I wanted to speak with you," Sona said, her tone becoming more direct. "Would you consider joining her peerage? Your abilities could make a significant difference in the outcome."

I shook my head immediately, just as I knew I would. "I appreciate the thought, Sona, but I can't become a devil. There's no coming back from that transformation, and I have my own path to follow."

She sighed, though she didn't seem particularly surprised by my answer. "I expected as much, but I felt I should ask. Rias values her independence as much as you value yours—it's part of why this situation is so frustrating."

"I said I wouldn't join her peerage," I clarified, "but that doesn't mean I wouldn't help in other ways if I can."

A small smile crossed Sona's lips. "I thought you might say that as well. In fact, Rias asked me to pass along a message. She'd like you to meet her at the Gremory family mansion, where she's conducting her training preparations. She didn't specify why, but I suspect she wants to discuss potential... alternative arrangements."

I nodded, filing that information away. "I'll pay her a visit."

"Good." Sona glanced over at Asia and Valerie, who were nearly finished with their paperwork. "Your friends seem like lovely girls, by the way. Whatever their circumstances, I'm glad you're looking out for them."

"They've been through a lot," I said simply. "They deserve a chance at a normal life."

"Indeed they do." She stood as Tsubaki approached with completed forms. "Everything appears to be in order. Asia will be in Class 2-A with you, Akira, while Valerie will be in Class 2-B. They can start tomorrow if they're ready."

"Thank you again," Asia said, practically glowing with excitement. "I can't wait to begin."

Valerie was more reserved but equally pleased. "This is very kind of you, President Sona. We won't cause any trouble."

"I'm sure you won't." Sona's expression warmed slightly. "Tsubaki will show you to your respective classrooms now so you can familiarize yourselves with the locations and meet your teachers."

As they prepared to leave, I stood as well. "I should head back to class myself. Thank you for everything, Sona."

"Think nothing of it. And Akira?" She paused meaningfully. "Whatever you decide regarding Rias's situation, be careful. The Phenex family has considerable influence, and they don't take kindly to interference in their affairs."

I nodded, understanding the warning beneath her words. "I'll keep that in mind."

. . .

Walking back toward my classroom, my mind was already churning through the implications of what Sona had told me. The Rating Game against Riser was happening exactly as I remembered from the original timeline, which meant Rias was probably feeling desperate right about now.

The smart move would be to stay out of it entirely. Getting involved in devil politics was dangerous, and Riser Phenex was not someone to cross lightly. His family's regenerative abilities and considerable wealth made them formidable opponents.

But I couldn't just ignore the situation either. Rias had been decent to me since I'd arrived at Kuoh, and the idea of her being forced into an unwanted marriage didn't sit well with me. Plus, if I played this right, I might be able to gain some valuable allies in the devil community without compromising my independence.

The question was how to approach it. I couldn't join her peerage—that was non-negotiable. But there might be other ways to tip the scales in her favor without officially becoming part of the conflict.

First things first, though. I needed to visit Chysis and get her perspective on the situation. She had centuries of experience with supernatural politics, and her advice could prove invaluable. Then I could decide whether and how to approach Rias about her predicament.

As I slipped back into my classroom just as the teacher was beginning the lesson, I found myself already planning my visit to Chysis's house. The Rating Game was only a week away, which meant time was of the essence if I was going to get involved.

The pieces were starting to move on the board, and I needed to decide which side I was playing for—if any.

. . .

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