Raza and Tsubaki were walking through the streets of Kuoh. Raza had insisted on going by foot, curious about the city. As they strolled, Raza turned to Tsubaki.
“So, Tsubaki-san, what is Sona like?”
Tsubaki replied, “Sona-kaichou, as you know, is the President of the Student Council here in Kuoh. She has many responsibilities, including attending to the students’ needs. Beyond that, she also shares territory responsibilities with Lady Rias. Sona-kaichou’s schedule is always busy, so we, her peerage, assist her in any way we can.”
Raza nodded. “Sounds like a lot. Sairaorg did say the Sitri Clan was made up of intellectuals. That makes sense, I guess. Considering my past, Sairaorg always knew more about people than I did.”
“May I speak freely?” Tsubaki asked.
“Yeah, of course.”
“Considering your past, the young devils were wary or even afraid of you—or still are. Whether they’re nobility or, like us, reincarnated low-class devils. The Black Phenex—an unprecedented power, and an unprecedented member of the Phenex family. To be honest, we from the Sitri peerage had our worries about you a few years ago.”
“So… what changed?” Raza asked.
"Your actions spoke louder than words. Back then, you promised to protect Rias Gremory. The infamous Black Phenex promising to protect a young woman he didn’t even know was… noteworthy.
And two years after that, you returned to the engagement party and proved yourself even further by defeating your brother. Not only did you show dominant prowess, but you also showed character when you decided to spare Riser Phenex."
“He is my brother,” Raza said quietly.
"Yes, but there aren’t many individuals in devil society who would have done the same. Most would see an opportunity to rise in power or take the position of heir for their own interest. Devils are naturally selfish beings. But you weren’t.
Sona-kaichou had been trying for years to help Rias-san with her situation, but there were limits to how much she could do because of her position as the Sitri heiress… You, however, broke through all the expectations. You didn’t hesitate, and you chose to fight even when everyone was against you. We saw that—both the Sitri peerage and Sona-kaichou herself.
Our perspective of you changed, and I believe the Gremory peerage feels the same. You are a unique person, both as a young devil noble and as an individual."
Raza shook his head. “I really am not. I’m just trying to survive like the rest of you.”
Tsubaki smiled softly. “By crashing a wedding and protecting a young woman from an unfair fate? By putting everything on the line for someone you didn’t know?”
“I just couldn’t stand by and do nothing. She didn’t want to be in that position. And I know how cruel my brother can be.”
Tsubaki’s smile grew. “Proving my point.”
Raza glanced at her. “Why are you telling me all this?”
"To make sure there is no doubt in your mind—to help you understand that the devil peerages in Kuoh see you positively. We understand your situation better now; growing up must have been… complicated. But we saw firsthand who you really are, and we respect you for what you did.
What I’m trying to say is, Lord Raza, you are not in enemy territory or under wary eyes, but among allies and people who respect you."
Raza hesitated, then said, “I don’t really know what to say, honestly. Thanks, I guess. And, Tsubaki-san—”
“Yes?”
“You don’t have to call me ‘Lord,’ you know. Raza is fine.”
Tsubaki smiled again. “Proving my point yet again.”
Raza laughed. “Come on, will you drop that?”
Then she stopped and gestured forward.
“We have arrived. Kuoh Academy is in sight.”