Kuoh Town – Kuoh Academy
After finishing his inspection of the new mansion, Ren headed to the academy to resume his studies in the same class attended by Issei, the members of the Church, the Fallen Angels, and the Devils.
The classroom was a living example of coexistence and harmony between the different factions. Even a Shinigami had joined only a few days earlier, giving the atmosphere a unique and diverse flavor.
As for his new authority over Kuoh Town, Ren didn't care much about it. He knew Zekram would handle everything, and he planned to hand over the power on a silver platter after squeezing every possible benefit from the Four Great Satans.
But upon arriving at the academy, someone stepped in front of him—and he immediately recognized her. It was none other than the Vice President of the Student Council, Shinra Tsubaki.
Tsubaki was a beautiful young woman with glasses, long straight black hair reaching her knees, a parted fringe, and heterochromatic eyes—one violet, one light brown. Her beauty was reminiscent of Rias and Akeno, yet carried a distinct Yamato Nadeshiko charm.
"Good morning, Ren-sama," Tsubaki said respectfully, bowing politely.
"Morning," Ren nodded coolly, his crystal-like eyes scanning her from head to toe without a shred of shame. He never hid his womanizing nature. With a faint smile, he added teasingly, "Although I'm glad to see a beautiful girl like you waiting for me this early, I doubt you were here just to admire my handsome face, right?"
Hearing his words and seeing his handsome features, the tips of Tsubaki's ears reddened. She was the type to be easily drawn to good looks—and Ren's face fit her tastes perfectly.
"Sona-sama wishes to see you and speak with you," Tsubaki said quickly, her voice slightly shaky. "I was sent to invite you to the Student Council room."
Unlike Rias' arrogant attitude in the past—sending her servants to summon him as if he were her subordinate—Sona seemed entirely different. She sent Tsubaki, her second-in-command, and the invitation was polite, not a command. Ren didn't feel the slightest annoyance; instead, he found it amusing, wondering why Serafall's little sister wanted to meet him.
"Of course, I have time," Ren nodded calmly. "Lead the way."
He assumed the conversation would be related to his position as the new Bael heir and his responsibility over Kuoh Town, but he couldn't be sure until he heard it directly from Sona.
Tsubaki guided him through the academy halls quietly, keeping a respectful demeanor. Ren didn't miss the opportunity to tease her as usual.
"You know, Tsubaki, your walking pace is nice today," he said with a small grin, glancing at her. "But I think if I were five minutes late, my handsome face would've melted from waiting too long."
Her cheeks quickly flushed, though she tried to remain composed. "Ren-sama… you always…" she stammered, "joke in every situation."
Ren grinned widely, leaning a little closer—though without touching her. "Is it not my duty to make the walk more enjoyable? Especially when such a pretty girl is accompanying me."
Tsubaki's lips trembled slightly as she tried not to show her embarrassment. "T-that's… not important…" she said hurriedly, focusing on walking ahead.
"But I can see it in your eyes," Ren whispered lightly, a playful glint in his own, while Tsubaki's eyes shimmered with flustered confusion.
They continued walking, Ren throwing a new teasing comment every time he looked her way—whether about the length of her hair or her graceful stride. Tsubaki kept acting overly serious, but she couldn't deny that his teasing flustered her… and secretly amused her.
By the time they reached the Student Council room, the atmosphere between them had lightened, though Tsubaki still struggled to regain her composure.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
"Sona-sama, Ren-sama has arrived," Tsubaki said respectfully, opening the door gently to give Sona enough time to prepare herself.
As Ren entered the room, he immediately noticed the calm, organized atmosphere—different from any council room he had visited before. Sona sat behind her desk with composed dignity, her eyes shining with intelligence, the papers before her perfectly arranged.
She lifted her head slowly, greeting him with a soft, controlled smile. She seemed ready for discussion—but without the arrogance or domineering attitude he'd grown used to from Rias in the past.
"Welcome, Kurosaki-san," Sona said in her calm, confident voice. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I wanted to discuss a few matters related to your new responsibilities here in Kuoh Town, as well as the relationships between the various factions."
Ren nodded quietly, observing her movements. "I understand. I expected something like this."
Sona noticed his analytical gaze, but he wasn't rude or overbearing—simply a sharp observer assessing the situation. Ren felt that this meeting would be different from the ones before.
Tsubaki stood beside the door, composed yet still clearly affected by the earlier teasing conversation, while Ren remained amused by her reactions and curious about Sona's intentions.
Sona gestured toward the chair before her. "Please, have a seat, Kurosaki-san. Let's start with the main point…"
"What do you think about discussing matters over a game of chess?" she asked, and a playful spark shone in her eyes. For Sona, chess was more than a game—it was her sharpest weapon, a medium to understand and evaluate others.
"A chess match? Certainly," Ren nodded lightly, unfazed. It sounded far more entertaining than a dull talk about administration and faction relations—topics he had already dealt with countless times within the Shinigami faction.
"Tsubaki…" Sona said, glancing at her Queen, who immediately understood. She quickly retrieved an elegant, luxurious chessboard from a nearby cabinet and placed it between Ren and Sona.
Chess was one of Sona's greatest passions, and she always maintained her set impeccably. Tsubaki regularly cleaned and polished it to keep its pristine shine.
From the first glance, it was clear the set was expensive—crafted from a glass-like material, yet more brilliant and mesmerizing, as if it were a rare artifact from the Underworld.
Ren smiled faintly. "How about this—if I win, you give me this chess set?" His interest in it was obvious. "And if you win, I'll give you something of equal value."
Sona paused, surprised for a moment, then smirked softly. In her mind, she thought: If I win, he'll end up giving me everything—including myself—not just a chess set…
But she didn't voice that thought. Instead, she nodded elegantly. "Very well. Since I proposed the match, the first move is yours."
"Of course," Ren said, and he made his opening move calmly, confidently. His experience showed immediately—he needed no explanation of the rules, and each movement he made was smooth and deliberate, revealing his well-honed skill.
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