Though surprised by Yoru's actions, Rias couldn't help but feel a surge of pride when Grayfia praised him so sincerely.
Her servant had forced the ever-composed Grayfia to lower her head—proof that her judgment was impeccable.
"In that case... there's no need to worry anymore. Lady Rias, if you wish to annul this engagement, I have the most reliable solution."
"Oh? What is it?"
Though puzzled by Grayfia's sudden change of stance, Rias still listened expectantly.
"It's simple—hold a Rating Game. Use the outcome to decide the engagement. If you lose, you will marry as promised. But if you win, you can reject the proposal flawlessly with the reasoning, 'I won't marry a man weaker than myself.'"
Grayfia's suggestion made Rias's eyes light up with excitement.
"Yes! That's perfect! Let's do exactly as you say, Grayfia!"
"Then I shall convey your terms to the Phenex family."
With a slight bow, Grayfia departed for the Underworld to deliver the message.
"Whew... the troublesome one is gone. So, Yoru, shall we pick up where we left off?"
Once Grayfia vanished, Rias—still seated on the bed—lightly tugged at the coat draped over her shoulders, letting it slip to reveal her alluring figure once more.
"Please restrain yourself, Rias. This is *my* home."
Sona adjusted her glasses with an exasperated sigh.
"Fine, fine. Just teasing~ See you tomorrow, Yoru."
Leaning down, Rias pressed a gentle kiss to Yoru's forehead before vanishing through the magic circle.
Amused, Yoru shook his head and turned to Sona, who remained in his room.
"So... Sona-senpai, planning to stay?"
"Don't get any ideas."
With a faint huff, Sona also exited, leaving Yoru alone.
Shrugging, he lay back down and closed his eyes.
---
**Underworld, Gremory Castle**
Sirzechs Lucifer sat upon his throne, flanked by the head of House Phenex and his third son, Riser Phenex.
"Ah, it seems Grayfia has returned."
As if summoned by his words, a crimson magic circle flared to life on the floor.
"Lord Lucifer, Lord Phenex."
Grayfia stepped forth with a curt nod.
"Have you located Lady Rias?" Sirzechs inquired.
"Yes. Lady Rias has agreed to the engagement."
Sirzechs arched a brow in surprise, while the Phenex father and son brightened visibly.
"However..." Grayfia continued smoothly, "Lady Rias wishes to challenge Riser-sama to a Rating Game before the entire Underworld. Should Riser-sama win, she will wed him without protest. But if he loses... she will reject the proposal, as she refuses to marry a man weaker than herself."
"Oh? So my fiancée can't wait to become my bride, is that it?"
Riser smirked, utterly confident. With fifteen servants under his command and an illustrious Rating Game record, victory seemed assured. After all, Rias hadn't even completed her peerage and had never participated in a single official match.
"Does this mean House Phenex accepts Lady Rias's terms?" Grayfia clarified.
"Of course. As my beloved said—if I can't even defeat her, what right would I have to take her hand?"
Riser's arrogance was palpable.
"Excellent. Then it's settled. The Rating Game will commence in three days, hosted here in my castle. I shall personally oversee the match as referee."
Sirzechs's declaration was met with deep bows from the Phenex duo before they took their leave.
"My dear sister seems awfully confident... Has she acquired some formidable servant in the human world?"
Once alone, Sirzechs turned to Grayfia—who promptly cast a soundproofing barrier around them.
"Indeed... Lady Rias has obtained a servant whose potential and power defy description."
Grayfia's grave tone piqued Sirzechs's curiosity.
"Oh? What manner of individual is this?"
"A reincarnated demon... who required *eleven Pawn Pieces.*"
For the first time in centuries, the great Lucifer—one of the Four Satans—stared in open-mouthed shock.
"Y-You can't be serious. Where would Rias even *get* eleven Pawn Pieces?"
"That is precisely what requires explanation. This servant does not belong solely to Lady Rias. He is also contracted to another—Lady Sona Sitri, sister to Lord Beelzebub. Though the details remain unclear, it is confirmed that both ladies jointly used eleven Pieces to reincarnate this human."
"I see..."
Sirzechs exhaled slowly, now understanding Grayfia's caution.
Eleven Evil Pieces—an unprecedented, unrepeatable feat. What kind of monster might such a method birth? Not even a Satan could predict it.
And if Heaven or the Fallen Angels learned of this... they would stop at nothing to eliminate him.
---
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