Chapter 228: Sona's Kindness
With the contract matter temporarily concluded, Haruto and Yuuma cleaned up in the bathroom together, then discussed the upcoming Rating Game with Rias and the other girls.
Prioritizing contracts with Akeno and Yuuma was to further enhance their strength, gaining more advantages in the Rating Game.
As the Queen, Akeno possessed the abilities of the Rook, Knight, and Bishop simultaneously.
Yuuma had the strongest potential among the three Pawns, and Pawns possessed the 'Promotion' ability, allowing them to promote to any piece except the King when in a position the King designates as the 'enemy's territory.'
The stronger these two became, the more strategic options Rias would have at her disposal, while also increasing the pressure and threat they could exert on the enemy.
After devising a simple battle plan, Rias changed into a fresh uniform. "I'll return now to report Haruto's situation. Barring any issues, someone should arrive tomorrow morning for inspection."
"No problem, I'll cooperate fully."
Haruto smiled. After the mutation of Maria's family contract, it had truly become a unique, unprecedented contract in this world, making him unafraid of any scrutiny.
The specific effects, contents, and dominance of the contract were entirely up to him to decide.
However, he would need the loli succubus's assistance later, as it would be difficult to explain the contract's origin otherwise. Additionally, this contract would be recorded in the Underworld.
"Recorded" here meant registering the contract's name and effects—the specific method wouldn't be forcibly disclosed, of course.
After all, this could be considered a "trump card," similar to secret techniques passed down within families.
Naturally, some in the Underworld might be tempted by this contract and offer deals.
But aside from the fact that only he could use this contract, even the original version from the loli succubus could only be used by her lineage of succubi.
Therefore, no matter what offers were made, this contract could never be traded.
After Rias left, the others also returned to rest.
Having contracted three people at once, Haruto needed time to digest it all. Although his dual cultivation ability helped with recovery, the burden on his soul wasn't so easily eliminated.
This was one reason Haruto hadn't continued making contracts.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Haruto multitasked: listening to Kalawarna's English class, circulating magic within his body to adapt to his surging power, and simultaneously engaging in a group chat with Rias, Akeno, and Yuuma through the Soul Network.
Although the contracts placed a burden on his soul, after adapting, his soul power—or mental strength—had improved significantly.
"Haruto."
After class, Tsubaki, whom he hadn't seen in days, appeared at the door of Class 2-A. She adjusted her glasses and said calmly, "The student council president needs to see you. Come with me."
Faced with the aloof vice president, the girls in Class 2-A who had ambiguous relationships with Haruto didn't dare cause a scene. Having waited eagerly for class to end, hoping for a chance to get close to Haruto, they could only restrain themselves.
Recently, with Azazel, Riser, and over a month of special training—aside from when Maria stormed into Kuoh Academy and Haruto had contact with the student council—he indeed hadn't reported to the student council for a long time.
As the only male in the student council and Sona's servant, this was somewhat unreasonable.
While others might let it slide, he felt particularly apologetic toward Tsubaki, who had given herself to him early on.
Most of the women in the Occult Research Club had surpassed her later; Akeno was nearly SS-rank, while the vice president hadn't even reached S-rank yet...
Haruto scratched his head, noticing the faint resentment in Tsubaki's eyes, and obediently followed her to the student council.
Given Sona's relationship with Rias, she likely knew everything that had happened recently.
Arriving at the student council room, Haruto found Akeno there as well. After exchanging greetings, Sona got straight to the point.
"Haruto, Akeno, is it true that Rias will participate in a Rating Game against Riser?"
Haruto gave a slight nod. "Yes, the time and location are both confirmed. Now we're just waiting for the president to resolve my matters and finalize the list of participants."
"So you've already formed a master-servant contract with Rias?"
Haruto hesitated for a moment. It seemed Rias hadn't clearly explained the contract situation to Sona.
Thinking about it, that made sense. Though the two were close friends, it was better to be safe than sorry.
Even if the contract details were to be discussed, it would have to wait until this current turmoil had passed.
With this in mind, he tacitly accepted the assumption.
Sona nodded meaningfully. "Don't forget you're also my servant. Now that you've officially become Rias's servant, then regarding my side..."
"Of course, President Sona, rest assured. Once the Three Factions Summit concludes, I'm ready to form a contract with you anytime."
There were still two contract slots remaining—perfect for Sona and Tsubaki.
Well, that is, if they were still willing after learning the truth.
Haruto hadn't held much hope to begin with. While Sona did think highly of him, her personality differed from Rias'.
As the next head of the Sitri family, the rational and calm Sona couldn't abandon her responsibilities and ideals to completely bind herself to him.
Haruto's response satisfied Sona, making her no longer dwell on how she had been the first to approach him, even having her queen offer him her purity, only for Rias to intervene and keep Haruto mostly at the Occult Research Club.
"With two days left until the Rating Game, would you like me to accompany you for some practice?"
Though Sona didn't know the specifics of their wager, she was aware of the marriage arrangement between the Phenex family and House Gremory.
Subjectively, she supported Rias, but based on available information, Rias stood almost no chance of winning.
Even if Haruto participated, the Rating Game would surely prohibit him from using Juggernaut Drive.
Unaware of the recent improvements in Haruto and Rias' group's abilities, she offered to spar out of goodwill.
As the saying goes, even a last-minute effort can yield some results.
Haruto and Akeno exchanged a smile, puzzling Sona and Tsubaki.
With her black ponytail swaying gently, the vice-president chuckled softly. "Thank you for your kindness, President Sona, but practice won't be necessary."
Jokingly, the current strength of the Occult Research Club members was enough to overwhelm even Riser.
Not to mention that Sona and Rias were roughly equal, but Sona's team was incomplete and hadn't participated in Rating Games due to being underage.
When someone offers help out of kindness, you shouldn't deliberately discourage them.
Sona studied Haruto and Akeno with interest. "It seems you're quite confident. I'll look forward to the live broadcast in two days then."
"Ara ara, I hope we won't disappoint President Sona."
Akeno happily narrowed her eyes, momentarily even letting her verbal tic slip out.
After leaving the student council, just as Haruto was about to return to the classroom, Rias' voice came through their soul network.
"Haruto, Akeno, Yuuma, gather everyone. The arbitrator and I have just teleported from the Underworld."
Though she said "gather," aside from Akeno, everyone else was already in Class 2-A - even Mio and Maria, who had transferred in later, had been placed in the same class as Haruto.
Since Yuuma was already in the classroom, Haruto and Akeno headed straight for the Occult Research Club's activity room.
Entering the activity room, besides Rias, there were two slender figures.
"President, Miss Grayfia, and this is..."
"Ravel Phenex. You can just call me Ravel."
The golden-haired beauty with two drill-style curled ponytails glanced coldly at Haruto.
So this is that blonde chicken's sister, no wonder she looks familiar.
Hearing the girl introduce herself, Haruto's memories suddenly became vivid.
Though he disliked Riser, that blonde chicken, he had to admit the guy had a good sister.
Haruto was absolutely certain that without Ravel, Riser wouldn't have had any chance at redemption in the original story.
Soon, the other members of the Occult Research Club arrived in the activity room.
"Grayfia, the arbitrator sent by Devil King Sirzechs. You could also call her the referee."
With everyone present, Rias made brief introductions.
"This is Ravel Phenex, representing the Phenex family as a witness. She will also participate in the upcoming Rating Game."
There was little to say about the silver-haired beauty—everyone knew her well. As the Queen and wife of the Devil King, no one objected to her serving as the referee for this Rating Game.
This Rating Game would be broadcasted. Unless Sirzechs completely disregarded his reputation, Grayfia would not only avoid helping Rias but would instead lean toward the Phenex family in various aspects.
Even if her judgments were entirely impartial, any decision favoring Rias would inevitably lead some to speculate about their relationship and mindlessly criticize.