What transpired in the Underworld, and how Sirzechs—Lucifer of the Four Great Satans—viewed Yoru, remained unknown to him.
On the morning of the second day, he arrived at the Occult Research Club as usual, this time in his capacity as Rias's servant.
The greetings were exchanged normally, though Rias's cheeks were tinged pink, likely recalling the events of the previous night.
The atmosphere in the clubroom was unusually tense. All of Rias's servants had gathered, with only Aisha still oblivious to the situation, her confusion slightly lightening the mood.
Despite having Yoru as a formidable asset, Rias wasn't convinced of certain victory. As the third son of House Phenex, Riser was no pushover. His Rating Game experience far surpassed hers, and he commanded a full roster of fifteen servants.
Even if they lost, Rias was determined to make it a humiliating struggle for him.
And if they did lose... well, she could always elope with Yoru. Besides, once Brother learned of Yoru's potential, he'd surely shield her, wouldn't he?
This battle had no true stakes. Victory would be ideal, but even defeat would only prompt Sirzechs to clean up her mess—whether it involved fleeing the marriage or something more drastic.
Smiling smugly at the thought, Rias surveyed her assembled servants—her comrades—with fond pride.
"So, that's the situation regarding the Rating Game against House Phenex's third son. My happiness and future are in your hands now~"
Rias flashed a sweet smile toward Yoru, who lounged on the sofa.
"Don't worry, Buchou. A mere overgrown chicken stands no chance. Right?"
Jubey grinned, her gaze drifting pointedly to Yoru.
"By my honor as a Knight." Kiba's tone was solemn.
"Pummel them." Koneko's response was characteristically blunt.
"U-Um... do your best!"
Only now grasping the gravity of the situation, Aisha offered timid encouragement.
"Aisha-chan, that won't do~ We're heading into a real battle now. No room for timidity."
Rias leaned in close, her implication clear.
"A-Aisha will try harder!"
"Excellent. Victory is assured—wouldn't you agree, Yoru-kun?"
Rias's eyes sparkled as they settled on him.
"Naturally, my dear Buchou."
"Hey, Aisha... doesn't Buchou seem extra affectionate toward Yoru lately?"
Jubey nudged the clueless nun.
"Huh? Rias-oneesama is warm to everyone, though?"
Aisha tilted her head in confusion.
"...Never mind."
---
Three days passed in a blur. Rias drilled Jubey and the others relentlessly on tactics and training—all except Yoru.
During practice, an awkward truth emerged: Yoru's power was too overwhelming.
The moment his calamitous frost erupted, no one could approach, let alone coordinate with him.
Worse, Rias had another concern—Yoru's ice attribute was at a severe disadvantage against the Phenex family's flames.
To this, Yoru merely shook his head and uttered words that left Rias stunned:
"Ice and fire don't counter each other. Only strength does."
That simple statement dispelled her last shred of doubt. From then on, she focused wholly on preparation.
---
Rating Game Day
Sona had generously lent Yoru's "ownership" to Rias for the week—a gesture Rias deeply appreciated.
But it was more than mere generosity. After today, the entire Underworld would know Yoru as her servant.
"Time to enter the Underworld. Our stage awaits."
Rias stood tall as a crimson magic circle flared beneath them.
The world twisted—
When the light faded, they found themselves on Kuoh Academy's familiar grounds, though the sky shimmered with unearthly hues instead of sunlight.
"W-Wow! It's exactly like the school!" Aisha gasped.
"A magical replica. Feel free to go all out—destruction doesn't matter here."
Rias's smile turned predatory as electricity crackled around Jubey.
"Ara ara~ My first official Rating Game. Let's play properly~"
Kiba silently drew his sword, while Koneko slipped on spiked knuckles.
Opposite them, flames swirled as a red-clad nobleman materialized.
"Hello, my adorable fiancée. I never expected you to spice up our wedding with such a bold gesture—but I'm not complaining."
Riser Phenex's smirk faltered as Rias glared.
"Wedding? You're mistaken, Riser. This is where House Phenex's reputation burns to ashes."
"Then let the Underworld bear witness! Riser Phenex, third son of House Phenex, with fifteen servants—enter the stage!"
Fireworks of light erupted as fifteen stunning girls appeared behind him.
"Rias Gremory, with five servants—we answer!"
Rias's roar matched his intensity.
---
Lucifer's Castle, Underworld
A lavish banquet was in full swing—courtesy of House Phenex's patriarch, who'd taken Rias's "if I lose" remark as permission to prepare a wedding feast. Sirzechs hadn't interfered.
The Phenex clan mingled confidently, treating the match as mere prenuptial entertainment.
At the hall's center, a massive screen projected the battle in real-time.
Not a single demon favored Rias's odds. The gap in experience and numbers was simply too vast.
"What madness has possessed that Gremory girl? Does she truly believe she can best that roasted pheasant?"
In a shadowed corner, two elegantly dressed women sipped wine. The elder—voluptuous and sharp-tongued—drew startled glances at her insult, though none dared protest.
For this was Serafall Leviathan, one of the Four Great Satans.
"Just watch, Sister. You're in for a shock."
Sona's proud gaze never left the screen.
The one fighting there wasn't just Rias's servant—
He was hers too.
---
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