Occult Research Club Rooftop – Minutes After the Announcement
Rias stood motionless.
Her heart still raced, her mind struggling to grasp what had just happened.
"I, Riser Phenex, officially withdraw from the Rating Game."
The words echoed in her head like muffled thunder.
"Riser…"
She stared at him with incredulous eyes. "What are you saying?"
Riser didn't hesitate.
His gaze steady. His voice firm.
"That this game… is no longer worth it."
Silence.
Not even the wind stirred. No magic, no tension. Only the weight of his choice.
Rias didn't respond. She simply watched as he turned and descended from the rooftop, accompanied by Yubelluna. For the first time… she didn't feel like a victor.
(...)
Observation Room – Underworld
Silence reigned there as well.
Everyone absorbed the turn of events like a slow poison.
Lord Phenex took a deep breath.
"I suppose this concludes the marriage contract between our children."
Zeoticus nodded with regret.
"Yes. And I apologize for all this chaos, Lord Phenex. It was never our intention to tarnish your family's name."
"I understand. And I accept your words."
Both locked eyes with sobriety. The Gremory and Phenex names had been brothers in arms for centuries—but now a crack was forming between the pillars of the underworld.
Before Lord Phenex could leave with his wife and daughter, Lord Sitri approached.
"I'd like to discuss a private matter. At your home."
Lord Phenex's gaze hardened. Then he nodded.
"Let's go."
(...)
Rating Game Field
Atop the building, Rias displayed a relieved smile.
The tension finally left her body.
She walked through the illusory corridor toward the observation room, eager to reunite with her family—and her Peerage.
But upon arriving…
"Where is everyone?"
Grayfia responded with her usual neutrality.
"Your Peerage has been sent to the Gremory mansion. They're resting. Sona left with her father."
Rias felt a pang of frustration. She wanted to celebrate. She felt… lonely in her victory.
"Well, let's go home and celebrate."
But Zeoticus didn't smile.
"Rias. We need to talk."
Venelana added:
"But not here. At home."
Confused, Rias merely nodded.
Something had changed… and she didn't yet know what.
(...)
Phenex Mansion – Sitting Room
The atmosphere was elegant, silent, with maids serving tea in fine porcelain.
Lady Phenex raised her eyes.
"What do you wish to discuss, Lord Sitri?"
The man wasted no time.
"I propose a new marriage contract."
Surprise crossed everyone's faces.
"Between my daughter… and Riser."
Lady Phenex slowly set down her teacup.
Lord Phenex frowned.
"Why?"
"It was her wish. And I believe it would benefit both houses."
Before the Phenexes could respond, Serafall interjected:
"I think Riser-chan would be a great husband for my little sister."
The sudden informality shocked Lady Phenex.
"Riser… chan?"
But she maintained her composure.
Lord Phenex considered for a few seconds.
"Then so be it. But I want the wedding to take place tomorrow."
All eyes turned to Sona.
The young Sitri nodded with serenity.
"It's decided."
Serafall grinned widely.
"Then, if you'll excuse me… I'm going to talk to my future brother-in-law."
Sona sighed and followed her.
(...)
Mansion Corridor
"Are you okay with this?" Serafall asked.
Sona didn't look at her.
"It's not about love. It's about respect. And vision."
"Do you really think he'll accept?"
"If he doesn't… he wasn't worthy of me."
(...)
In the Sitting Room
Lady Sitri smiled for the first time.
"I have the perfect venue. Let's organize it now."
Lady Phenex agreed.
"The colors, the invitations, the magical protections… everything will be done today."
And so, while the underworld still processed the fall of one contract, a new one was about to be born.
A lightning-fast wedding that would alter the fate of three houses.
And perhaps… of the entire underworld.
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