"Hey... shouldn't someone explain the situation to me? I mean, I *am* the main person involved here."
Watching the three girls converse as if he weren't even present, Yoru rubbed the bridge of his nose with an amused smile.
"Then allow me to explain."
Grayfia gave a slight bow, the picture of an impeccable maid, before speaking in a measured tone.
"As the servant of both Lady Rias and Lady Sona, I assume you are already aware of their statuses? Lady Rias is the first heir of House Gremory, while Lady Sona holds the same position in House Sitri. Beyond that, Lady Rias's elder brother and Lady Sona's elder sister are none other than Lucifer and Leviathan—two of the Four Great Satans. One could say their standing is such that they might as well be called princesses of the Underworld."
Yoru nodded in understanding as Grayfia continued.
"The reason Lady Rias acted so impulsely just now is due to a marriage proposal from the third son of House Phenex."
"A proposal? If Rias doesn't want it, why not just refuse? Surely the House of Lucifer isn't so weak-willed?"
Yoru frowned, puzzled. Why make such a fuss over something that could be resolved with a single word? If Lord Lucifer himself rejected the proposal, what could the Phenex family possibly do about it?
"In theory, yes. However, the head of House Phenex and Lord Gremory have been close friends for many years. Out of respect for that relationship... and considering that the third son is a demon of considerable talent, ranking highly in the Rating Games, he isn't entirely unworthy of Lady Rias."
Grayfia's explanation was diplomatic, but Rias wasn't having any of it.
"Not interested means *not interested*! I don't care how 'talented' he is—there are plenty of outstanding demons in the Underworld. Should I just marry every single one who proposes? Besides, that third son is a shameless womanizer! Just look at the things he does with his servants!"
*Ahem.* "His... conduct may indeed be somewhat questionable, but I believe marriage would temper his behavior—"
"I don't care! I *won't* marry him! If Father and Brother are so concerned, *they* can marry him!"
"So for the sake of so-called 'face,' they'd sacrifice their daughter and sister's lifelong happiness? House Gremory and this 'Lucifer' sound utterly pathetic."
Yoru's quiet interjection cut through the conversation like a blade. Grayfia's eyes narrowed sharply at his blatant disrespect toward her liege and family.
"Retract those words immediately. The standing of House Gremory and Lord Lucifer is not for *you* to judge!"
"Oh? Struck a nerve, have I? I stand by what I said. All I see from House Gremory and this 'Lucifer' is sheer incompetence. One of the Four Great Satans can't even protect his own sister? Don't make me laugh."
"Yoru..."
Rias tugged at his sleeve, torn between gratitude and worry. She knew he was defending her, and the fact that her beloved brother had made such a decision had wounded her deeply.
But Grayfia—a maid who had served generations of Lucifers—would never tolerate such slander.
Sure enough, the silver-haired woman struck without warning. Just as Rias moved to shield Yoru, he pushed her aside.
"What's this? Can't win the argument, so you resort to violence? Not very becoming of a 'perfect maid,' wouldn't you say... Miss Grayfia?"
A chilling aura spread through the room as Yoru's taunting words echoed. Grayfia, gripping a silver dagger, froze in surprise.
She hadn't intended to kill him—merely teach him a lesson about minding his tongue. But she never expected him to *block* her attack.
Somehow, an enormous pitch-black greatsword, its blade etched with cryptic runes, had materialized in Yoru's grasp. The absurdly large weapon was held effortlessly in one hand, deflecting Grayfia's dagger in a stance that defied human anatomy.
"How interesting... Is this your Sacred Gear?"
Grayfia's eyes gleamed with newfound interest as she studied the sword.
Potential was one thing, but *power* was another. No matter how much promise Yoru showed, nothing spoke louder than the strength he wielded *now.*
To House Gremory, to *Lucifer himself,* potential might catch their attention—but it wouldn't *move* them. True, undeniable power, however? That changed everything.
A newcomer with limitless, even *terrifying* potential... who also possessed strength impossible to ignore? Now *that* was a bargaining chip with real weight.
"Indeed. My Sacred Gear—Frostmourne. I hope it meets your expectations, Miss Grayfia."
Yoru's faint smile was unfamiliar to both Rias and Sona.
Was this really the same Yoru who usually let them push him around without a word of protest?
"On the contrary. A formidable Sacred Gear—one that inspires awe and dread. I daresay it rivals even the legendary Longinus."
Grayfia's praise was genuine as she felt the overwhelming, annihilating force radiating from Frostmourne. When Rias first revealed Yoru's eleven-piece reincarnation, she had still underestimated him.
But now, after witnessing his power firsthand? Her opinion of him had *completely* transformed.
Perhaps... he truly *could* make House Gremory reconsider.
Perhaps his existence alone was enough to reject the Phenex family's proposal.
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