Chapter 140: Preparation

"Nothing," I said, trying to hide a smirk. "I just feel like you could become a world-famous poison maker with your skill."

Sona tilted her head in confusion. "?"

For a brilliant tactician and leader, Sona is surprisingly clueless when it comes to her cooking, isn't she? I thought.

"Never mind," I said, waving off her confusion. "Let's just say your cake has a unique... kick to it."

She looked at me, still not fully understanding, but decided to let it go. "Well, I'm glad you at least tried it."

"Of course," I said, smiling. "And who knows, maybe next time it'll be even better."

Sona nodded, her confidence seemingly undeterred. "I'll keep practicing."

Thank you, Serafall, for saving many innocent lives, I thought once more. "Just... let me know if you need any taste-testers," I added, trying to be polite, not because I want to die once more.

"Absolutely," she said with a grin. "But only if you're ready for another round."

Shit, I should keep quiet. Me and my tongue. I cursed myself for playing the gentleman role.

"I'll be sure to prepare myself," I replied, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop them.

I should burn some cash shop items if I want to come out unharmed next time.

Sona smiled warmly. "Since you love cake so much, you can have the rest as well."

I glanced at the remaining cake, feeling a sense of impending doom. "You're too kind," I said, forcing a smile. "I'll make sure to savor it."

"Please do," she said, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. "It means a lot to me that you appreciate my efforts."

I carefully wrapped up the rest of the cake, my mind racing for excuses to avoid consuming more of it.

As I exited her office, I couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of amusement and dread. Sona's cooking was something else entirely, and I needed to find a way to gracefully handle it in the future.

Back in the hallway, I let out a sigh of relief. I cast a spell and messaged Demiurge. "Demiurge, I have something for you to examine."

Demiurge's response was swift. "Of course, Lord Alex. What is it you need examined?"

I glanced at the cake. "It's a cake someone made for me. I suspect it might be... unique. I need to know exactly what's in it."

"Understood, Lord Alex. I will analyze it thoroughly," Demiurge replied.

Feeling a bit more at ease knowing Demiurge was on it, I made my way back to the Occult Research Club.

As I walked, I thought about the day so far. Asia was settling in, Issey was getting her first contract, and I had narrowly survived Sona's cooking. All in all, not a bad day.

When I reached the clubroom, the others were waiting for me. Asia looked up, a smile lighting her face. "How did it go with Sona-san?"

"It was... interesting," I said, setting the cake down on the table. "She made me a cake."

Rias's eyes widened. "You ate it?"

I nodded, trying to keep a straight face. "Yeah, I did."

Akeno giggled, clearly amused. "And how was it?"

"Let's just say it was a unique experience," I replied.

Issey, looking intrigued, asked, "What do you mean by 'unique'?"

I smiled wryly. "It's best if you don't find out firsthand."

Kiba chuckled. "Sounds like you had quite the adventure."

"That's one way to put it," I said.

"Wow, you're braver than I thought," Rias said, a hint of admiration in her voice.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "You seem to know about it."

"Of course. I've been friends with Sona since childhood, and I've had the chance to eat her cakes before."

Akeno laughed softly. "I remember you mentioning that, Rias. You never quite described it in detail, though."

Rias shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Let's just say it's an unforgettable experience."

Asia looked at me with wide eyes. "Was it really that bad?"

I chuckled. "Let's just say Sona's talents lie more in strategy than in baking."

"But you know, Alex, other than me and Serafall-sama, Sona hasn't given her homemade cake to anyone, not even her own peerage," Rias said, looking at me.

I raised an eyebrow. "Really? So, I guess I'm honored in a way?"

Rias nodded, her expression serious yet amused. "Yes, in a way, you are in lot of ways. Sona think highly of you. And you need to prepared, Alex."

"Prepared? For what?" I asked, feeling a hint of apprehension.

"To meet her parents," Rias said, then added in a murmur, "and mine too."

"Wait, her parents and yours? Why?" Oh boy, I really getting the hang of acting like a dense protagonist.

"Nothing, really," Rias said with a smile. "They will just ask you some questions and you need to answer them. It's a formality."

Formality? Rias dear, that's what we call "asking permission from parents to marry the bride," I thought.

A man has to do what a man has to right.

Rias continue, "But before you meet my parents, I have something I need to do." Rias said.

She probably talking about Riser, her fiancee. I am also waiting to meet him.

~~~

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