Chapter 333: Tsubaki's Interest
Only one day remained until the convening of the Gods' Assembly.
As a result, the atmosphere in Kuoh Town became particularly unusual.
Even ordinary humans noticed some changes—the number of foreigners in the city had increased significantly compared to before.
"Everyone, please be more diligent in your patrols today. If you encounter any issues, don't rush in recklessly—report immediately!"
"Understood!!!"
All of Sona's Familiars responded in unison.
Kuoh Town appeared to be under Rias's jurisdiction, but in reality, the two of them managed it together.
In the past, her side was primarily responsible for daytime affairs.
While the nights were handled by Rias's side.
Today, however, everyone would thoroughly patrol Kuoh Town.
And by "everyone," it included not only her and Rias's Familiars but also all others under his command.
"Don't worry, President. Our strength has improved as well,"
A cute, white-haired girl raised her fist, speaking with such confidence.
"That's exactly why we mustn't let our guard down!!!"
Sona's voice grew even sterner, causing the girl to shrink back nervously.
Her Familiars, Rias's Familiars, and others who weren't directly under his command had all undergone nearly half a month of training, significantly boosting their abilities. Yet, in the face of the gathering of gods, their power still seemed feeble.
"Tsubaki, please keep an eye on them."
"Mm."
Shinra Tsubaki, leading the team, nodded in acknowledgment.
"President..."
"Hm?"
Shinra Tsubaki seemed hesitant, as if she had something to say but was too embarrassed, conflicted, and perhaps feeling guilty toward Sona?
This left Sona quite puzzled.
"You may all leave now."
She dismissed the other Familiars first, though they weren't heading out for patrol just yet.
It was currently noon, and there were still afternoon classes—the last ones of the week.
Patrols would only begin after classes ended.
So, after everyone had left, only the two of them remained in the student council room.
"What is it, Tsubaki?"
"It's just..."
Tsubaki averted her gaze slightly, unable to look directly at Sona, fidgeting slightly as she twirled a strand of her hair.
"Just?"
"I... I'd like a bottle of perfume too."
Tsubaki blurted it out, her face flushing as she spoke to the person before her.
In that moment, she felt a sense of guilt and immorality, as if she were betraying Sona.
Her actions felt akin to confessing to a close friend that she, too, had feelings for the man her friend liked, and that she also wanted him to give her a special gift.
The reason she couldn't hold back was that Tsubaki could no longer restrain her emotions.
Over this period, though only about half a month had passed in the real world, in the alternate space where time flowed differently, they had spent over a month together.
Even though most of that time was spent training under him, Tsubaki's heart had inevitably grown increasingly unsettled.
"You... you really want one?"
Sona, snapping back to reality, replied with a somewhat complicated expression.
"Yes, is that okay?"
"It's fine, and Tsubaki, you don't need my permission to like someone."
Sona could clearly see Tsubaki's feelings and understood that she was worried her actions would be seen as betrayal, hurting Sona in the process.
If such a thing could truly wound her, Sona would have been deeply hurt long ago, wouldn't she?
That guy had so many women around him, and it was unclear how many he was involved with.
"Thank you."
"What are you thanking me for? There's no need for gratitude at all."
"Then, President, since making the perfume requires two people to collaborate, how exactly is it done?"
Tsubaki wanted to understand clearly to avoid accidentally messing things up when working together with him on the creation.
After she said this, the student council president's expression grew even more peculiar, her face quickly flushing red.
"Th-this... you'll find out when the time comes. Th-that pervert will teach you what to do."
The president's deeply embarrassed reaction, even calling him a pervert?
This left Tsubaki quite puzzled.
"What's wrong, Sona? What pervert?"
A sudden voice chimed in from the student council room's entrance, where a male figure had pushed the door open and entered.
"Hmph, what do you think?"
Sona responded with a tsundere-like cold snort.
The entering male was carrying a box.
"This is...? A Sacred Gear."
Sona stared in astonishment at the contents.
"Right, though it can't compare to a Longinus, it should still help your servants gain some additional power."
"Ah? Thank you~"
His earlier request for detailed information about everyone's servants was likely to create suitable Sacred Gears.
That he could manufacture Sacred Gears didn't surprise Sona either, since they'd already learned he had taken over the God of Nerves' duties and accessed that Divine Artifact System.
".Just thanks like this?"
"Then you—mmph!"
Sona's eyes widened, and she began struggling after realizing what was happening.
But it was only token resistance—she wasn't really using any strength.
Finally, when the oxygen in her lungs was nearly depleted and her body had gone somewhat limp in his arms, he released her lips.
"Well then, Tsubaki, let's go create your signature perfume~"
After releasing her, he immediately called out to Tsubaki, who had been watching with flushed cheeks.
"You idiot!!!"
Sona glared furiously at his retreating back.
How could he be so bold right in front of Tsubaki! How was she supposed to maintain her dignity!
So Sona regrouped her servants, canceling afternoon classes.
She led them into that alternate dimension. Though he wasn't present, Ophis was helping maintain the space.
Inside, she had everyone quickly adapt to their new Sacred Gears.
After some strenuous activity that left her glistening with fragrant sweat, she opened a spatial portal to her luxurious bathroom for a delightful bath.
Entering the mist-shrouded environment reminiscent of celestial vapors, the fully undressed Sona glanced down at herself and sighed softly.
So different from Rias.
Hm? Someone's here?
Who is it?
As she approached and the mist gradually thinned, a figure became vaguely visible through the haze.
Gah!
Sona immediately retreated several steps, hiding behind a nearby pillar.
So the two who were supposed to be making perfume were actually here.
She carefully peeked out again to spy on them.