Rias adjusted quickly to our sudden partner swap, her hands settling into proper dance position.
"Well hello, Rias Gremory," I whispered, meeting her gaze directly. "Happy birthday."
"Quite the entrance you made earlier," she replied, her blue-green eyes studying me with newfound interest. "Coincidental timing, I'm sure."
"Complete coincidence. Just a boy's adventure gone slightly wrong." I guided her through a turn. "The soot was an unexpected bonus."
Over Rias's shoulder, I spotted Riser Phenex at the edge of the dance floor. His face had contorted into an ugly mask of rage, teeth clenched as he glared daggers in my direction. Beside him, his older brother Ruval spoke in hushed, urgent tones, one hand gripping Riser's shoulder to keep him in place. The elder Phenex's expression conveyed clear admonishment, though Riser seemed barely able to contain himself.
Perfect. Nothing bothers an arrogant peacock more than someone else playing with his toys.
Rias followed my gaze and pressed closer, her lips nearly brushing my ear as she whispered, "Thank you."
I spun her outward, then back into hold. "For what? I haven't done anything worth thanking."
"No?" A smile tugged at her lips. "Then I suppose it's pure coincidence that Riser's announcement was interrupted just as he was about to push for an earlier wedding date."
"Completely random," I agreed solemnly. "The universe works in mysterious ways."
She laughed. "I didn't realize you were so spiritual."
"Oh, extremely. If I could, I would pray to whatever deity will listen that I never have to wear this formal getup again." I loosened my tie slightly for emphasis. "How do you stand these events?"
"Practice," she sighed. "Lots and lots of practice."
I guided us away from where several elder devils were watching our interaction with obvious interest. "Let's talk about something more interesting than formal obligations. What do you actually enjoy, Rias Gremory?"
Her eyebrows rose slightly. "You really want to know?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."
She considered this for a moment. "I enjoy human culture, particularly Japanese. Their literature, fashion, food—"
"Basic," I interjected with a smirk.
"Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed.
"Japan. Very mainstream choice. Let me guess, you're also into sushi?"
"And what if I am?" She lifted her chin slightly. "Sushi is an art form—the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and presentation."
"It's raw fish on rice," I countered. "Hardly revolutionary."
"And I suppose you have more sophisticated tastes?"
"Okonomiyaki."
"What?"
"Okonomiyaki is clearly superior. It's customizable, hearty, and doesn't pretend to be anything other than delicious comfort food."
Rias scoffed. "A savory pancake versus the precision of sushi? There's no comparison."
"You're right—the pancake wins easily. Sushi is what people eat when they want to appear cultured without actually developing a palate."
"That's absurd. Sushi requires years of training to prepare properly. The rice alone—"
"Is still just rice," I finished for her. "Meanwhile, okonomiyaki offers infinite variety. Add whatever ingredients you want, cook it how you like, top it with dancing bonito flakes that move like they're alive..."
"Dancing fish flakes aren't exactly the height of culinary sophistication," she pointed out.
"No, but they're fun. When's the last time your precious sushi was fun?"
The music shifted to a slower piece, and I adjusted our dance accordingly, noting how naturally she followed my lead.
"Food doesn't need to be fun to be enjoyable," Rias argued. "The subtle flavors of properly prepared sushi speak for themselves."
"Subtle is just another word for boring."
Her eyes flashed. "You're being deliberately provocative."
"Is it working?"
A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "Perhaps. But you're still wrong about sushi."
"Agree to disagree. What other 'sophisticated' human interests do you have? Let me guess—classical music?"
"Jazz, actually."
"Really? I wouldn't have pegged you for a jazz enthusiast."
"What did you expect? Classical piano? Opera?"
"Something suitably pretentious, yes."
She laughed again. "You have a very strange way of making conversation, Dante Valac."
We danced in silence for several measures, the space between us gradually diminishing.
"I heard you'll be coming to Kuoh," Rias said finally.
"News travels fast."
"My brother informed me yesterday. Something about providing structure to your education."
I snorted. "Something about keeping an eye on me, more likely."
"And do you need watching?" There was a teasing note in her voice I hadn't heard before.
"Depends who's doing the watching." I spun her outward, then pulled her back. "Will you be my warden, Rias Gremory?"
"I prefer to think of it as welcoming committee." She matched my slightly improper distance without comment. "Though Sona may have other ideas."
"Ah yes, the Sitri heiress. Still holding a grudge, I take it?"
"You did publicly humiliate her."
"I merely expressed a preference. Not my fault if others found it amusing."
Rias shook her head. "You rejected a chess match for her hand in marriage by commenting on her breast size. That goes beyond expressing a preference."
"In my defense, I was thirteen and an idiot."
"And now?"
"Now I'm seventeen and a slightly more sophisticated idiot."
That drew another laugh from her. "At least you're self-aware."
"One of my few virtues." The music swelled toward its finale. "So, Kuoh Academy. Any tips for surviving under Sitri supervision?"
"Don't antagonize Sona. Follow the school rules. Attend your classes."
I grimaced. "That sounds terribly boring."
"It's school, not an adventure novel." Her eyes suddenly glinted with mischief. "Though the Occult Research Club does have its moments."
"Do tell."
"We investigate supernatural occurrences in the human world. Sometimes they're genuine, sometimes not, but it's rarely dull."
"And you run this club?"
She nodded. "President and founder."
"Of course you are." The music was drawing to a close. "Any chance of a membership invitation?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"On whether you can behave yourself."
I placed my free hand over my heart in offense. "I'm always on my best behavior."
"Somehow I doubt that." The final notes of the song faded. "But I'm beginning to think your presence might make things more interesting."
We stopped dancing as the music ended. I took a step back and applauded the orchestra along with the other dancers.
"If I'd known you were this enjoyable to talk to," Rias said quietly, "we might have spoken much sooner."
"High praise from the Gremory heiress."
"Just Rias," she corrected. "When we're at Kuoh, I'm just Rias."
"Is that what you want? To be 'just Rias'?"
Something vulnerable flickered in her eyes. "Is that so strange?"
"Not at all. Everyone wants to be seen for themselves, not their titles or family name." I offered my arm as the floor cleared for the next performance. "For what it's worth, you make a far more interesting 'just Rias' than you do perfect heiress."
She placed her hand on my arm. "And what about you? Are you 'just Dante' or is there more to you than the careless playboy act?"
"That would be telling." I guided her toward the edge of the dance floor. "Maybe you'll find out at Kuoh."
"I look forward to it." Her tone suggested she meant it.
As we reached the periphery, I noticed Akeno Himejima watching us with undisguised interest. The raven-haired beauty inclined her head slightly as we approached.
"Buchou," she greeted Rias, using the Japanese honorific. "Your brother is looking for you."
"Thank you, Akeno." Rias turned back to me. "Duty calls, unfortunately."
I bowed slightly. "Until Kuoh, then."
"Until Kuoh."
I watched Rias walk away, her crimson hair swaying gently against her back. Akeno lingered a moment longer, those violet eyes studying me with an intensity that felt almost physical. Her lips curved into a smile before she turned to follow her King.
Well, that was interesting. The Gremory heiress had more depth than her reputation suggested—a genuine appreciation for jazz, of all things. I filed that information away for future reference. Potential leverage? Perhaps. Or just something to needle her about later.
I scanned the ballroom for Latia and Millicas, spotting them near one of the refreshment tables. The boy animated gesturing as he recounted what I assumed was our underground adventure, complete with dramatic hand motions mimicking the explosion of black powder. Latia listened with genuine interest, occasionally covering her mouth to stifle laughter.
I started toward them, weaving through clusters of devils engaged in the usual political maneuvering disguised as small talk. A flash of movement caught my eye—Lord Phenex guiding his still-fuming son toward a side exit, probably to prevent any further public embarrassment. Riser's eyes locked with mine for a brief moment, promising retribution. I raised my champagne glass slightly.
I'd nearly reached Latia and Millicas when a familiar chill ran down my spine.
"DA-CHAN! ★"
Not again.
I turned to find Serafall Leviathan bearing down on me, her twin-tails bouncing with each determined step. Her pink eyes narrowed despite the bright smile plastered across her face.
"There you are, Da-chan! ★" She grabbed my arm, pressing herself against it with unnecessary force. "You've been avoiding me all evening!"
"Lady Leviathan," I said, trying to extract my arm from her grip. "I've been preoccupied with childcare duties."
"Childcare?" She pouted dramatically. "You had time for three dances with Rias-chan but couldn't spare even one for me? ★"
"That was—"
"Mou! So cruel, Da-chan! ★" She tugged at my arm. "We need to talk. Privately."
Before I could protest, she dragged me toward the nearest exit, her deceptively small frame containing strength that reminded me exactly why she held the title of Leviathan. Resistance would be both futile and potentially hazardous to my health.
"Lady Leviathan, if you keep pulling me away for private conversations, people will talk," I said as she led me onto a moonlit terrace. "Particularly your sister."
"Sona-tan is already upset with you. ★" Serafall released my arm and spun to face me, her playful demeanor dropping for a moment.
I leaned against the stone balustrade. "If Sona's going to be angry with me regardless, I might as well enjoy myself."
"So cruel to my So-tan! ★" The star punctuation returned to her speech as quickly as it had vanished. "Though that entrance was spectacular! The timing was just..." She chef-kissed her fingers. "Perfect! ★"
She hopped onto the balustrade beside me, sitting with her legs swinging childishly. The contrast between her girlish mannerisms and the power she commanded never ceased to unsettle me.
"Is there a reason you dragged me out here, Lady Leviathan? Besides lamenting my failure to request a dance?"
"So formal! Call me Sera-chan! ★" She nudged my shoulder. "And yes, I wanted to congratulate you on your adventure with Millicas-chan. Grayfia-chan nearly froze the entire eastern wing when you two burst in covered in soot."
"Grayfia was surprisingly restrained, all things considered."
"Only because it was Millicas-chan's idea. If it had been just you..." She drew a finger across her throat with a giggle. "Ice statues are so pretty in moonlight! ★"
"Your concern is touching."
Serafall kicked her feet against the balustrade. "So, Kuoh Academy! ★" She clapped her hands. "Aren't you excited?"
"Ecstatic."
"Mou! Such enthusiasm! ★" She leaned closer. "You should be! The uniforms are adorable, and So-tan looks so cute and serious in her student council president outfit! ★"
Serafall tilted her head, studying me with suddenly sharp eyes. "You're smarter than you pretend to be."
"You're overthinking things, Lady Leviathan. I'm just a simple devil trying to survive another tedious social function."
"Simple?" The girlish persona snapped back into place. "Nothing simple about Da-chan! ★" She hopped off the balustrade. "But that's why I like you so much! ★"
"I live to entertain."
"So sarcastic! ★" She poked my chest. "Be careful around So-tan. She doesn't appreciate sarcasm like I do. ★"
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Good! ★" She smoothed her dress. "Now, about that dance you owe me..."
"The music's stopped."
"We can make our own! ★" She twirled in place. "Or you can promise me the first dance at the next event! ★"
I sighed. "If it will end this conversation, then yes, I promise."
"Yay! ★" She clapped her hands. "It's a date! ★"
"It's really not."
She ignored this, peering at me with exaggerated suspicion. "Unless you actually like Rias-chan? Is that why you danced with her three times? ★"
"I danced with her to annoy Riser."
"Or maybe you like me? ★" She batted her eyelashes dramatically. "All these private conversations under the moonlight... ★"
"Lady Leviathan—"
"Sera-chan! ★"
"—this conversation is giving me a headache."
She giggled. "Politics does that! ★" She spun again, her twin-tails whipping through the air. "But you're good at it, Da-chan! Better than you pretend to be! ★"
I pushed off from the balustrade. "If we're done here, I should return to my actual responsibilities. Millicas will be wondering where I disappeared to."
"So responsible! ★" She reached up to pat my cheek. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret competence. ★"
"There's nothing to tell."
"If you say so! ★" She skipped toward the door. "See you at Kuoh! I'll be there to support So-tan! ★"
"Lucky me."
She paused at the doorway, her pink eyes suddenly serious again. "Da-chan?"
"Yes?"
"Try not to break too many hearts at Kuoh." She winked. "At least, not before I get my dance. ★"
Before I could respond, she vanished back into the ballroom, leaving behind only the faint scent of winter frost and the lingering sensation of a headache forming behind my eyes.
Three dances with Rias. One adventure with Millicas. Two private conversations with Serafall. All carefully observed and noted by the ever-watchful eyes of devil society.
Perhaps I'm overplaying my hand.
I shook off the thought. The game had already begun, and I'd made my opening moves. Kuoh Academy awaited—with Sona Sitri's cold hostility, Rias Gremory's newfound interest, and whatever other complications devil politics would inevitably create.
At least I had Ariel and Latia.