The introductions had ended, and the atmosphere slowly eased from heavy politics into something more natural. After the formal dinner, Sona found herself momentarily separated from the elders and Riser.
Instead, Ravel gently tugged her sleeve and drew her into one of the sitting rooms, away from the watchful eyes of the Phenex lord and lady.
The youngest Phenex tilted her head, studying Sona with open curiosity. "So… you're the one Onii-sama risked his reputation for."
Sona adjusted her glasses, trying to maintain her usual composure. "That is one way to put it. Though I would not say I encouraged him—"
Ravel giggled softly, her voice sweet but teasing. "He wouldn't do this for anyone else. Onii-sama may act reckless, but when it comes to you, he's different. Did you notice? He didn't boast, he didn't posture. He just… said it plainly. That's not the Riser I know."
Sona blinked, caught off guard. Hearing it from his sister made it sink deeper. "…I did notice."
Ravel's grin widened, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "You know… when he said he loved you, So-tan, your face turned so red I thought you might burst into flames."
Sona froze, then pushed her glasses up sharply to hide her embarrassment. "…You saw that?"
Ravel nodded brightly, covering her lips with delicate fingers. "Of course. Everyone did. It was adorable."
Before Sona could muster a response, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Riser entered casually, his grin immediately widening at the sight of the two women.
"Ah, I see the two most important girls in my life are already bonding," he teased.
Ravel rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. "Don't flatter yourself, Onii-sama. I was just making sure she knows what she's getting into."
Riser chuckled, then turned his gaze on Sona—more serious, more intimate. "Speaking of which…" He strode toward her without hesitation. "What you said back there—in front of my parents—that you'd stand with me…" His voice lowered, almost tender. "…Do you know how much that moved me, Sona?"
Before she could answer, he suddenly scooped her into his arms and sat down in the nearby chair, placing her neatly across his lap.
"Riser!" Sona gasped, struggling as her cheeks flushed crimson. "This is inappropriate—especially in front of your sister!"
Ravel, however, only smirked knowingly, her chin resting on her palm as she watched. "Don't mind me. I'm just enjoying the show."
Riser leaned in close, ignoring Sona's weak protests. His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, "You don't know how happy you make me when you say things like that, Sona."
Then, without hesitation, he tilted her chin and kissed her—deep, possessive, yet gentle enough to make her melt despite herself.
When he pulled back, his golden eyes burned into hers. "I love you."
Sona's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to scold him, to remind him where they were—but the sincerity in his voice, the intensity of his gaze, made her words falter.
"…Idiot," she muttered softly, her blush betraying her.
Ravel, meanwhile, clapped her hands together dramatically. "So bold! Right in front of me! Onii-sama, you really are in love."
"Of course I am," Riser replied easily, one arm still wrapped around Sona as though he had no intention of letting her go. "And I'm not hiding it from anyone. The whole world will know she's mine."
Sona buried her face briefly against his chest, half from embarrassment, half because her heart was betraying her composure yet again.
And Ravel only laughed, a bright, ringing sound that filled the room. "Oh, this is going to be fun."