"DXD: Infinite Loot System"Chapter 344: You'll Be Like This Too Someday
Steam curled through the air, veiling the bath in a soft haze. Akeno, Yura Tsubasa, and the other girls lounged in the water, their pale skin and graceful curves flickering in and out of view beneath the mist.
Just beyond the pool, Rias and Sona lay sprawled on plush beds, eyes half-closed as their respective Queens worked skilled fingers across tired shoulders.
"Mmm, this is heaven," Rias sighed, stretching with languid pleasure. "You know, it's been ages since we had a bath together, Sona."
Sona sat up, signaling her Queen to pause. "We've both been busy, that's all."
Rias arched a brow, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Busy, huh? Or have you just been dodging me on purpose?"
Sona met her gaze, calm as ever. "Rias, I really don't know what you mean."
Rias's lips quirked. "How long are you going to keep pretending? Did you really think I wouldn't notice what's going on between you and Tenra?"
Akeno and Tsubaki exchanged a glance, wisely keeping silent. Their King was in the middle of something important.
After a long moment, Sona broke the quiet. "I'm sorry, Rias. I betrayed you."
No more denial. The truth sat plain between them.
Rias's voice softened, tinged with a bittersweet edge. "You did, didn't you? You promised me once you wouldn't let things get that far with Tenra."
Sona nodded, accepting the blame. "It's my responsibility. I won't make excuses."
"If you want, I'll step back. I won't get between you two again."
Rias let out a gentle sigh. "Sona, you're just like you were as a kid—always so stubborn when it comes to pride."
She shook her head, a rueful smile on her lips. "Do you really think I'm that petty? Tenra's already charmed half the beautiful girls in town. If I could accept them, why wouldn't I accept you?"
Sona's lips twitched. "Rias, you're willing to accept me and all the other girls—there'll be more, you know. Aren't you jealous?"
Rias huffed, crossing her arms. "Of course I'm jealous! That's my right as his woman."
"But as long as Tenra loves me and keeps his promise, I'll keep loving him. I'll accept him, flaws and all."
Her expression softened, warmth shining through. Sona watched her, a hint of admiration in her eyes.
Sona touched her lips, voice dry. "You really are a 'tolerant' woman, Rias."
Rias grinned. "Trust me, Sona. You'll be like this too, someday."
For once, Sona was speechless.
She rallied after a moment. "Rias, what's your real reason for bringing this up? Don't tell me you just wanted to call me out."
Rias laughed. "You always see through me, Sona."
"Sure, I wanted you to stop hiding from me. But I've got another plan, too."
Sona's cheeks colored. "What plan?"
Rias's eyes sparkled. "You've heard, right? The next Rating Game is me versus Tenra."
"The Underworld riots might delay things, but unless the world ends, that match is happening."
"I want a fair fight. I want to prove myself to him. But with Tenra's strength now… I can't win, no matter how hard I try."
Sona nodded. "He's grown beyond belief. Honestly, he's not any weaker than the Maou."
Rias's smile was sly. "So I made a suggestion to my brother—and he agreed!"
Sona's curiosity sharpened. "What did you suggest?"
Rias leaned in, whispering in Sona's ear. As the secret spilled out, Sona's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Sirzechs agreed to that? There's never been a rule like this in Rating Game history!"
Sona's voice rose. "Rias, that's cheating! You're just openly cheating!"
Rias flushed, half defiant, half embarrassed. "I just wanted a fighting chance! Why should I work myself to the bone knowing I'll lose?"
She shot Sona a conspiratorial look. "Besides, aren't you interested? I'm fine with you joining, but we shouldn't make things too easy for him. He deserves a challenge."
Akeno and Tsubaki tried—and failed—to hide their laughter. Sona blinked, then found herself smiling. Maybe Rias had a point.
This was a rare chance. And giving Tenra a little trouble… sounded pretty fun.
Morning came, crisp and bright.
Servants laid out a feast for breakfast. Tenra, Rias, Sona, and the rest gathered quietly around the table.
Rias and Sona sat together, perfectly harmonious. Too harmonious, Tenra thought, watching them from across the table. Something was off—last night, things weren't nearly this friendly.
He frowned. "Rias, Sona, you two…"
Rias looked up, smile sweet and innocent. Sona matched her with gentle warmth.
"Is something wrong, Tenra?" Rias asked.
Tenra hesitated. Both girls looked so lovely, so serene—but something prickled at the back of his mind. Wisely, he decided not to push. "No, nothing."
He bent over his breakfast, pretending not to notice the radiant, almost predatory smiles Rias and Sona exchanged.
After the meal, everyone finished their preparations. Right on cue, Grayfia appeared before them.
"The operation is starting. Please follow me."
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]