"Riser Phoenix has lost his ability to fight and is eliminated. I hereby declare the winner of this match—Miss Rias Gremory."
As Riser's body disappeared mid-fall, Grayfia's cold voice echoed once again.
"My brother... actually lost… The flames of the Phoenix Clan were defeated by frost," said Ravel, her eyes vacant with disbelief.
"Of course he lost. My servant is the strongest, after all," Rias said smugly.
"Mr. Yoru is amazing..." Aisha, arms crossed, wore an expression full of admiration.
Not long after Grayfia's declaration, the battlefield slowly dispersed, and Yoru and the others were teleported back to the hall.
Strangely, despite Rias's victory, the demons in the hall didn't cheer or celebrate—they simply remained eerily silent.
Only the Phoenix family looked particularly awkward, as they had lost—defeated by a power they had once thought invincible.
The prideful flames of the Phoenix… were frozen.
"Congratulations on your victory. I… I'm going to check on my brother."
Ravel forced a smile as she spoke to Rias. The losers in the Rating Game were sent for emergency treatment upon being removed from the battlefield.
"Mm."
Rias nodded lightly. Though she was also worried about Akeno and the others, it wouldn't be proper for the victor to leave so suddenly.
"Aisha, you should go with her. Your Sacred Gear's power might be very helpful."
Aisha nodded and followed Ravel out. The hall's atmosphere wasn't suitable for someone like the little nun. Surrounded by demons staring her down made her knees tremble instinctively—even though she herself was now a demon.
"What a shame. Looks like this wedding banquet is off,"
The one to break the silence was none other than the Maou Lucifer, Sirzechs, who gave a bitter smile and turned to the Phoenix clan's head with a look of apology.
"No need for apologies. We of the Phoenix Clan admit our defeat. Rias has found herself a fine servant," the Phoenix family head replied, also with a forced smile.
Though the wedding was off, the banquet continued. Now, the focus shifted to Rias and Yoru. The demons present began offering flattery and congratulations—praising Yoru's strength and Rias for acquiring such a powerful servant.
Of course, despite Riser's defeat, no one mocked him. After all, in the end, he had still fought with his life on the line to uphold the dignity of the Phoenix.
Rias was already used to such social settings. Yoru, however, clearly wasn't. When swarmed by demons asking all sorts of questions, he seemed completely unsure how to respond.
Most of them were curious about the origins of Yoru's Sacred Gear, while some were clearly trying to get on his good side.
After all, considering Rias's attitude, it wasn't far-fetched to think that this promising young devil might one day marry the heiress of House Gremory.
Yoru was just about to snap from being pestered when Rias came to his rescue. Seeing her clearly displeased expression, the surrounding demons tactfully dispersed, finally allowing Yoru to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Go take a break. You've worked hard for me. I'll handle the rest."
With a gentle smile, Rias spoke, and Yoru nodded lightly. Being someone who preferred quiet, he was already regretting not leaving with Aisha.
Yoru found a quiet corner and sat down with a glass of wine, sipping it slowly. Meanwhile, in the center of the banquet, Rias shone like a proud princess—radiating nobility.
She was born for this kind of stage. A girl destined to be in the spotlight.
As Yoru mused on this, someone sat beside him. He turned and was surprised to see Sona's face, looking slightly sulky.
"Oh... Sona-senpai, what a coincidence."
After an awkward moment, Yoru finally broke the silence. He knew perfectly well what Sona was sulking about. As Rias's servant, he had let her bask in glory, while Sona—who was also technically his master—could only stand aside and watch silently.
"Call me Senpai," Sona whispered softly. Not just the servant-master relationship—even a sibling connection couldn't be revealed. It would be too complicated to explain.
"Sorry… Senpai,"
Yoru scratched his nose, embarrassed. Sona, however, gave a small smile, not seeming to mind.
"It's fine. That was a beautiful fight, Yoru. I'm proud of you."
"If someone ever tries to force you into a political marriage… I'll stand in front of you as your servant and drive them away."
"Don't say something that stupid. It's best to keep your identity hidden. Besides… anyone who tries to propose to me must have a death wish."
As if recalling something, Sona suddenly smirked. Yoru was a bit puzzled.
He didn't know that Sona's older sister—Leviathan, one of the Four Great Maou—was notoriously overprotective and extremely doting. Anyone foolish enough to propose to Sona would be gambling with their life.
As Sona reached out, intending to tap his forehead with her finger, Yoru felt a jolt and gently held her hand in his.
Sona's cheeks flushed red. She instinctively tried to pull her hand back—but failed.
"Don't mess around… People are watching!"
"It's fine… No one will notice. And besides… I want to give you something back, Sona-nee."
"W-What are you saying?! What do you mean by 'give back'?!"
Sona was so flustered she couldn't even lift her head. Just then, a shadow loomed over the two of them.
"Kid… what do you think you're doing?"
A chilling voice pierced through them, and both Yoru and Sona instinctively shuddered.
"Onee-sama!"
Sona was startled, yanking her hand away from Yoru in a panic.
We're screwed…
How did Nee-sama see that?! This idiot Yoru—what do we do now?!
On the other hand, despite having just flirted with Sona, Yoru remained calm even when facing her terrifying older sister. He showed no guilt—just a composed and respectful smile.
"Pleased to meet you, Maou Leviathan-sama.
I am Yoru, a soldier under House Gremory."
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