A year had passed since the forging of legendary weapons and the induction of powerful peerage members into Riser peerage. In that time, his strength and influence had only continued to grow.
At just eleven years old, Riser's name was already being whispered across the Underworld and beyond not as a spoiled noble's heir, but as a prodigy whose potential rivaled the Four Satans. His training, overseen by Merlin and Kaijin, had transformed him from not just a prodigy but to a young king in the making.
Thalia had mastered her spear Astrapí, able to summon storms with a flick of her wrist. Artoria had embraced the darkness of Excalibur Morgan, perfecting a graceful and deadly style that blended knightly honor with demonic fury. Merlin had continued teaching magical theory, not only to the peerage but to Riser himself who'd shown an affinity for magical augmentation through fire manipulation. Kaijin, now a respected craftsman among devils, had refined the forge into one of the most revered smithies in the Underworld.
But despite all this growth, today was not about power or politics.
Today was about a celebration.
Rias Gremory, now eight years old, had finally received her Evil Pieces a rite of passage for high class devils. To commemorate the event, she and Riser planned a small trip to the human world together. Their destination: a quiet, elegant district of Tokyo, where the pair could enjoy mortal culture and cuisine away from the prying eyes of noble politics.
The two sat together at a rooftop café, the sun setting behind them. Rias wore a pale pink dress, her crimson hair tied with a silk ribbon, giving her a soft elegance despite the ever present bratty glint in her eyes.
Riser wore a simple black suit with a red scarf a nod to his once mafia upbringing, but with the casual air of a boy confident in himself.
"So, Rias," Riser said as he sipped his tea, "how does it feel to finally have your own peerage set?"
Rias crossed her arms, her cheeks puffing in mock defiance. "Hmph. Took them long enough! I should've had them a year ago. Sirzechs always gets so protective."
Riser chuckled. "Well, your brother does have reason to worry. You're his little sister and heir to a prestigious House. But I think you'll do just fine. Have you thought about who your first member will be?"
"I have a few ideas," Rias admitted. "But I want them to be special. Not just strong, but someone who belongs with me."
After finishing their food they headed out into the town on a walk viewing what Tokyo had to offer.
Before Riser could continue his talk with Rias, a loud crash echoed from a nearby alley.
Both turned their heads. Without thinking, Riser leapt from his once nonchalant walk and raced toward the sound, Rias close behind.
They arrived in the alley to find three low level stray devils twisted, malformed creatures surrounding a girl. She was wounded, her clothes torn, long black hair cascading over her shoulders. Crimson blood streaked her pale face as she struggled to stay upright.
Riser's eyes narrowed. "Stay behind me Rias."
A second later, Blue flames erupted from his hand. With swift precision, he unleashed a wave of fire that engulfed the strays, incinerating them instantly. The alley went silent.
Rias rushed forward to the girl, who looked up with weary violet eyes full of pain and disbelief.
"Are you okay?" Rias asked.
The girl didn't speak right away. Her voice, when it came, was hoarse with a sad desperate tone. "I don't know anymore, I don't know where else to go."
Riser stepped closer. "What's your name?"
"Akeno," she said after a pause. "Akeno Himejima."
Rias's eyes widened. She knew the name. The Himejima Clan members of the Shinto faith known for their exorcists and their hatred of fallen angels.
Akeno looked down. "They found out about my mother that she was in love with a fallen angel and had me. When they murdered her they turned on me. I have nowhere left and no one." She said crying her eyes out
Rias clenched her fists. "That's awful."
Riser said nothing, but his expression darkened. He knew the pain of being judged by blood and legacy, even if not to the same degree. Rias stepped forward and took Akeno's hand gently.
"I don't care about your bloodline," Rias said with surprising maturity. "I think you're strong. Brave. And if you want I'd like you to be part of my peerage. My Queen."
Akeno blinked, stunned. "But I'm a disgusting half breed, a fallen angel."
"You could be more than that someone special to me my queen," Rias smiled. "My first. My strongest."
Tears continue to welled in Akeno's eyes. "You would really want someone like me?"
Rias nodded firmly.
"I, I accept."
Riser watched the moment unfold, a soft smile on his face. Even in her bratty, haughty ways, Rias was growing up. Slowly, but surely.
The rest of the evening was quiet.
After ensuring Akeno was safe and fed, the trio wandered Tokyo for a little longer. They visited a bookstore, a small arcade, and eventually ended up on a bench beneath a neon lit cherry tree.
Riser turned to Rias. "So your first queen."
"She's perfect," Rias said, softly smiling. "I can feel it."
"A Good choice," Riser said. "When you're ready, you'll be able to build a peerage that turns heads. I'll be heading to Kuoh soon it's not far from here. Maybe you can even live with me in my estate there."
Rias blushed from head to toes. "Live with you? Like just me and you alone?"
"Well, if you want," Riser said teasingly.
"Hmph!" Rias turned away, her face turning the same color as her hair. "Don't get full of yourself! But maybe. I'll think about it."
They shared a moment of quiet.
Two young heirs future husband and wife, growing stronger bound by legacy, ambition, and something more delicate taking root.
Love and Hope.