Sitri Territory – Ceremonial Castle
The entire Underworld seemed to hold its breath. The news of the marriage between Riser Phenex and Sona Sitri had spread like wildfire, fueling rumors, envy, and speculation. Many expected Riser to hide in shame after the Rating Game and the scandal involving Rias Gremory. Yet, the villain everyone thought defeated reemerged stronger—and at the side of his former fiancée's best friend.
For young demons, the marriage was a symbolic victory. A direct blow against Rias, whose actions had brought scorn and dishonor. The elders, however, saw what truly mattered: power and strategy. The union between the Underworld's wealthiest family and the heirs of a house tied to one of the Maous represented influence, stability, and dominance.
During the ceremony, as the priestess recited thanks to Lucifer at every pause, Riser stood motionless beside Sona, fighting not to sigh audibly. The sacred ritual dragged on. Internally, he counted the seconds until he could escape the formal setting and finally be alone with his wife.
But first, there was a role to play.
With his arm linked to Sona's, Riser began greeting guests with a polished smile, masking his fatigue. The presence of the Gremorys—Sirzechs, Grayfia, Zeoticus, and Venelana—was inevitable, and when he spotted them, a silent tension filled the air.
Sona remained steadfast. Riser adjusted his smile.
Sirzechs spoke first:
"Congratulations, Riser. Sona. I wish you lasting happiness."
Sona responded with elegance:
"Thank you, Lucifer-sama."
Riser nodded:
"I appreciate that."
But Riser's informal tone didn't go unnoticed. Grayfia stared at him coldly. He noticed.
"Surprised to see me doing so well, Grayfia? I thought you'd be busy keeping the little sister from attacking some servant."
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes.
"Rias isn't like that."
Riser smirked.
"Isn't she? Because that's what I saw in that video."
Sona tried to intervene, but Riser pressed on. Serafall, uncomfortable, cut the exchange short.
"Let's change the subject, shall we? Today's a day to celebrate."
Sona pulled Riser by the arm, guiding him away from the Gremorys.
Once they were out of earshot, Sirzechs murmured:
"You felt it, didn't you?"
Serafall nodded:
"Yes. His magic rivals Grayfia's. He's above average—perhaps already at Ultimate level."
Sirzechs closed his eyes, thoughtful.
"He'll go much further than we imagined. And now he's part of our family."
Serafall gave a faint smile.
"I'll make sure things calm down between the houses. He's my sister's husband, after all."
---
Reception – Sitri Noble Hall
Amid dances and toasts, Sona led Riser to a discreet corner. Her eyes showed calm, but her voice was firm.
"We need to talk about your provocation toward Sirzechs."
Riser raised an eyebrow.
"I thought a bit of fun wouldn't hurt anyone. But if it bothered you… I'm sorry. Are you regretting the marriage?"
"Don't be childish," she said. "Rias is my friend. I want you and her to coexist, even if you don't like each other."
Riser dropped the light tone.
"Sona, I know your brother was involved in the plan to break my contract with Rias. He never respected me. Today, I made it clear that the dislike is mutual."
Sona sighed.
"Then can you promise not to act like that again? We need to avoid further friction."
"I promise I'll respect your brother as the Maou he is… but I won't let any provocation slide unnoticed."
Sona nodded.
"Thank you. Today is a new beginning. For us. For the houses. Let's keep old wounds from turning into wars."
Riser gave a half-smile.
"Agreed. Today… is just the beginning."
And together, they returned to the celebration—two newly united pillars of power, with the eyes of the entire Underworld fixed upon them.
To read 15 chapters ahead, go to:
patreon.com/22Mirko22
Also, don't forget to check out my other fanfic:
Reincarnation in Smallville
A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.