Pov Dia,
Sairaog: "Where are we, Dia?"
Misla: "I would also like to know, especially how we got here so quickly."
I had teleported Misla and her son to an area filled with ruins.
Dia: "I don't know how long this will take, so I wanted to make sure we have the whole day to do what we need to do."
Misla: "That's fine, but we still don't know why you teleported us here."
Dia: "We're here because I made a pact with someone, and I had planned to bring you sooner or later. But since you had a son, I had to change my plans. We're going to meet an old friend of mine who might help Sairaog with his training."
Sairaog: "Oh, wow! Who is this person?"
Dia: "I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I'll also take this opportunity to test if you truly have no power."
In the center of a colonnade stood a magnificent golden lion, resting quietly.
I turned my head and saw that Misla had realized who this lion was.
Misla: "How did you manage to become friends with him?"
Dia: "His former bearer was a bastard who used his power to do things against his will, so I set him free and promised to visit him with someone he deemed worthy. At first, I wanted you to meet him, but I waited. Now, it might be your son who becomes the next bearer of this Longinus."
She seemed to sense how much I thought about her, which was normal since she hadn't received much sincere attention since her marriage.
Dia: "Hi, Regulus. As promised, I came with someone I'm sure you'll appreciate."
Regulus: "That's a fine speech, but only I can determine if he is worthy or not. Besides, he's only a 3-year-old kid, so I doubt he'll be able to earn my respect."
Sairaog took a determined step toward the huge golden lion, which was three times his size, before taking a deep breath.
Sairaog: "What's your dream, cool lion?"
Regulus: "My dream?"
He seemed surprised, as if it was the first time someone had asked about his wish rather than expecting him to become their combat partner.
Sairaog: "Yes, your dream. Like proving your power, living quietly, or overcoming the world."
I knew Sairaog was close to winning Regulus over. I could feel a certain warmth emanating from him. His honesty and the genuine nature of his question were clearly earning the golden lion's sympathy.
Regulus: "My dream? I don't know, I haven't really thought about it."
Dia: "Seriously? You've been here for almost half a century, and you still don't know what you want to do?"
Regulus: "I was enjoying my newfound freedom."
Dia: "Half a century is more than sixteen times the age of the person standing before you."
Regulus: "I suppose I don't really have a dream or ambition. But if I think about my desires, I guess it would be to serve a capable master with a good dream."
Sairaog struck a dramatic pose before pointing forward.
Sairaog: "You're lucky because standing before you is the person who will prove to all devils that someone born without talent can reach the heights! But for that, I need your help. So, in the name of my mother's Vapula bloodline, please accept becoming my Sacred Gear!"
He bowed his head, waiting for the Longinus' response.
Regulus: "That's quite the bold person you've found, Dia. Alright, I accept your request—but only on the condition that I am not bound to you."
Sairaog: "Don't worry, you'll have as much freedom as you want!"