Asia and Koneko emerged together, catching Draconis's eye. Both wore the standard school-issued swimsuits—plain, unremarkable, the infamous "school swimsuit" style. But with faces like theirs, even the simplest swimwear was a knockout.
"Adorable," Draconis murmured, making no attempt to hide his appreciation. Koneko shot him a wary look.
"Stare at me like a creep and I'll hit you," she warned, blunt as ever.
Draconis grinned, unfazed. "I'm just admiring you, fair and square."
Asia didn't mind—after all, she and Draconis had already shared much more than glances.
The group cheered as they dove into the pool, reveling in the cool water. After ten minutes of splashing and laughter, Draconis glanced toward the changing room.
"Where's Xenovia? Still not out?"
Asia leaned in, voice soft. "She was trying to figure out how to put on a swimsuit…"
Draconis couldn't help but laugh. For a swordswoman who'd never bothered with anything but armor, swimwear was probably a puzzle.
Eventually, everyone tired out and retreated to the poolside. Koneko and Asia sprawled on mats, soaking up the sun and the lazy afternoon. Rias went all out—beach set, lounge chair, the works. She tossed her crimson hair over one shoulder, looking every bit the queen of summer.
Draconis glanced up at the sky. Not much sun, honestly, but Rias's attention to atmosphere was impeccable.
She beckoned him over. He settled into the chair beside her, under the shade of a big umbrella.
"Prepared as always, I see."
Rias smiled. "Just a few things from home—I teleported them over."
She reached for a bottle of sunscreen, her eyes sparkling. "Would you mind helping me put this on?"
"Of course."
Rias stretched out on the soft mat, deftly undoing the straps at her back and gathering her fiery hair to one side. Her skin was flawless—smooth as polished ivory.
Draconis warmed the sunscreen in his hands, then began to work it into her back, careful and thorough.
"Mmm, that feels amazing," Rias sighed, voice low. His touch was gentle, almost like a massage.
"All done," Draconis announced, wiping his hands.
Rias turned her head, grinning. "What about the front?"
"Need it there too?"
"Obviously." She rolled onto her back, meeting his gaze. "Can't leave it uneven."
Draconis chuckled, unfazed, and continued his work—dutiful, attentive, and just a bit mischievous.
As he smoothed sunscreen across her skin, he asked, "Didn't the three factions say they'd hold talks? Any idea when?"
"Should be in the next few days," Rias replied. "But it's all hush-hush. Nothing gets announced until the last minute."
"And once it's done, that means the peace treaty's official?"
She nodded. "The last few centuries have been a ceasefire, but it's always been a handshake deal—no real contract. This time, after what happened with Kokabiel, everyone agrees it's time for something binding. A magic contract, so nobody has to worry about backstabbing."
Draconis remembered the chaos—how the devil king had wasted time chasing rumors about the fallen angels, all while Kokabiel ran wild. If not for his own intervention, things might've gone south fast.
Rias reached out, gently tracing his cheek. "Still feeling the pressure?"
"Pressure keeps me sharp," Draconis replied, hands never stopping.
He had to admit—Rias's curves were something else.
Rias smiled, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "I was supposed to be the one protecting you. Never thought I'd end up relying on you so soon."
She remembered the early days—how Draconis had struggled against even a low-level fallen angel. Now, he'd saved her more times than she could count, his strength eclipsing hers.
It was surreal. In such a short time, Draconis had reached the power level of a ten-winged fallen angel—top-tier, by any measure. Yet technically, he was still classified as a mid-level devil, officially ranked even lower. The thought was almost laughable.
Rias made up her mind. "We should go to the Underworld this summer. You need to take the promotion exam."
Draconis blinked. "What for?"
"You've never been, right? And it's time you met my parents…"
Her cheeks flushed pink.
Meet Rias's parents? Draconis considered, then nodded with a smile. "Alright. I'll leave it to you."
Rias was delighted. She sat up and hugged him tight.
"Uh… I just finished putting that on. Now it's all over me."
Rias laughed. "Then you'll just have to do it again!"
Draconis sighed, smiling as she snuggled closer.
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