Kuoh Academy Corridors
Sona broke the silence with a casual question:
"What did you think of the school?"
Riser replied with mild disdain:
"Aside from being full of demons, it seems like a typical Japanese school."
Sona smiled, nostalgic.
"Maybe, but to me, it's still special."
Curious, Riser pressed:
"So tell me… what was your criterion for choosing your Peerage? Except for Tsubaki, they all seem like ordinary humans."
Sona adjusted her glasses and answered enigmatically:
"I had my reasons."
Riser raised an eyebrow.
"You know you'll have to fight in a Rating Game someday, right? With that group, you wouldn't even beat Rias."
Offended, Sona shot back:
"You said you'd train me. And my Peerage too."
Riser laughed.
"Yes, I'll train you. But I'm a demon. Miracles… those are for others."
Sona narrowed her eyes.
"Was that an attempt at a joke?"
Riser grinned mischievously.
"It was. Did it work?"
"No."
"I just wanted to wipe that serious look off your face."
Without ceremony, Riser slid his hand over his wife's backside.
"But I think there's only one way to make that happen."
Sona blushed and muttered:
"We're at school. Stop it."
Near the student council room, Riser changed the subject:
"Shouldn't we head straight to the occult research club?"
Sona replied firmly:
"Yes. But first, we need to talk."
"About what?"
"About your attitude toward Rias."
Riser sighed.
"And what did you expect? Have you forgotten what she did to me?"
"I haven't forgotten. But the future matters more. Grayfia and I decided: there will be no more Rating Games between you two. You'll learn to coexist. Politics, Riser. Two pure-blood houses must know how to coexist."
"Fine. I know how to behave."
But inwardly, his smirk said otherwise.
---
Occult Research Club
Issei was fuming.
"Riser's at the school?"
Rias answered without emotion:
"He married Sona. He has the right to live in Kuoh."
"How could she… with someone like him?"
"That's none of your business."
Kiba intervened:
"We're low-class demons. This is above us."
Akeno added:
"Riser is pure-blood, and very strong. It's a fact."
Rias looked at Akeno.
"You seem to admire him."
"I just acknowledge reality."
Issei puffed out his chest.
"I trained with Grayfia. I can beat him now."
Rias snapped:
"I don't want you to do anything! I'm tired of having to justify you to my family!"
Silence fell. Issei stepped back, resentful.
Akeno, trying to lighten the mood:
"Let's keep our composure. Riser and Sona are arriving."
Rias took a deep breath, but the tension was palpable.
---
Minutes later, knocks sounded at the door. Kiba opened it, revealing Riser, Sona, and Tsubaki. Rias's gaze met Riser's—and an invisible pressure filled the air. He subtly activated his Haoshoku Haki, imposing his presence.
"Hello, Miss Gremory," Riser said with dry politeness.
Rias responded, tense:
"Mr. Phenex. Please, have a seat."
They sat. Akeno served tea. Tsubaki remained standing, like a sentinel.
Riser broke the ice:
"Can I call you Rias?"
She nodded.
"Then call me Riser. Sona and I agree it's time to end the grudges. For our families… and for your friendship with her."
Rias looked at Sona, who confirmed with a nod.
"But… what about what happened to me?"
Riser frowned.
"What happened?"
"I lost my title as heir."
"That's not my fault."
"It is. All because of the marriage contract."
Riser leaned back.
"And who signed the contract? Our parents, or have you forgotten?"
"Then why did you want to marry me so badly? Was it just my body?"
"Rias… we're nobles. Love was never part of the equation. I just wanted to fulfill my house's wishes."
"And with Sona? Do you love her?"
"I like Sona. And I have all the time in the world to learn to love her. Just as she does with me."
Sona nodded calmly.
"Then you don't dream of marrying for love, Rias?" Riser asked.
"Yes. I've always dreamed of that."
"Funny. Then why did you offer your virginity to a servant?"
Before Rias could react, Issei stood.
"That's none of your business, Riser!"
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