As I was about to say, let's just get this over with right away, my words caught in my throat.
Rias's expression stopped me cold.
The look on her face—it wasn't anger, nor the prideful defiance she had shown earlier.
No… it was pain.
A raw, silent anguish, like someone had driven a blade straight into her heart.
For a moment, I couldn't understand it at all.
Why did she look like that?
What had I missed?
Without thinking, I moved closer, placing a steady hand on her shoulder to support her.
"Rias…" I whispered, unsure if my voice even reached her.
Riser looked at us with a mocking smile.
"Heh. Rias, don't fall into despair just yet. I haven't even started. I'll make you and your whole peerage my slaves—and that human…" his eyes narrowed at me, "…I'll torture him right in front of you. I'll make you regret ever staining my reputation and our family's honor."
Every word dripped with venom.
I almost charged at him then and there.
My hand twitched, ready to pull out my Giratina, ready to end his arrogance in blood.
Even Akeno, Kiba, and others had taken their positions to attack.
But what stopped me wasn't Grayfia's presence or the risk of politics—It was Rias.
She didn't react at all.
The Rias I knew—the one who would always stand tall for her friends, who never tolerated anyone insulting those close to her—she would have already torn into him.
But now… she just stood there. Silent. Unmoving.
It was clear something weighed on her heart far more heavily than his insults.
I forced myself to calm down, swallowing my rage.
"…Let's do it tomorrow. At noon."
That was all I said.
Nothing more.
Riser smirked arrogantly.
"Sure. If you all want to become my slaves this quickly, who am I to deny it?"
I didn't even spare him a glance.
My anger could wait—Rias was more important.
Grayfia then stepped forward, her tone resolute.
"Then it is decided. A Rating Game will be held between Lady Rias Gremory and Lord Zevion against Lord Riser Phenex tomorrow at noon."
She declared it like a verdict, sealing our fates.
Riser chuckled as he prepared to leave.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow, Rias. Do struggle as much as you can—otherwise, it won't be fun."
With that, his body was engulfed in flame, and he vanished through a magic circle.
Grayfia bowed her head toward us.
"Then, I will take my leave. I must begin preparations for tomorrow's Rating Game."
And like him, she too disappeared through a glowing circle, leaving the room quiet at last.
I gently cupped Rias's face with both hands, tilting her chin so she had no choice but to look into my eyes.
"What's wrong, Rias? At least tell me what's weighing on you."
Her crimson eyes trembled, and to my shock, tears began to form.
"Zevion… I think my family has abandoned me…"
The words hit harder than I expected. I blinked, confused.
"…What makes you think that?" I asked softly.
She sniffled, her voice breaking as she explained.
"Because… the rule is that the loser has to grant anything the winner demands…"
I stroked her silky hair, trying to soothe her.
"Don't worry, Rias. I'll make sure you win."
But suddenly, she shoved me back, her voice trembling with frustration.
"You don't understand! I know we'll win! I know we definitely will—because of you!"
Her conviction caught me off guard. I frowned, confused, but pressed her gently.
"Then… what's the problem?"
She bit her lip, her voice trembling.
"The problem isn't about winning or losing. It's that… my own family agreed to those rules even while expecting me to lose. They knew what it would mean, what I'd be forced to endure—and still, they accepted it."
Her tears finally spilled, running down her cheeks.
"To them, my defeat was already a given… and they were willing to let me bear the consequences. That's why it feels like they've abandoned me…"
Hearing her words, I felt the weight of it too.
I drew in a deep breath and locked my gaze on hers.
"Rias, it's too soon to jump to that conclusion. And even if it's true—remember, you're not alone. We're here for you. We're family, aren't we? So hold your head high. If they really did abandon you, then we'll just make them regret it. And when the time comes… we can build our own noble house together."
I said it half to cheer her up, but every word came from the bottom of my heart.
Rias's tears slowed, and a faint smile returned to her face.
"…You're right. If that's how it is, then I'll just make them regret it. Or better yet—we'll make something greater. Another family, one that's truly ours. Will you stand with me, too, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Asia?"
Koneko's voice was small but firm.
"Of course, President."
Kiba smiled confidently.
"You don't even need to ask."
Akeno let out her usual teasing chuckle.
"Ara~. If you create a new family, does that mean I'm fired from my old job? I wouldn't want to be unemployed, so naturally, I'll stay by your side."
Asia clenched her fists, her voice full of resolve.
"I'll do my best, Rias!"
I raised a hand, trying to steady the mood before it spiraled out of control.
"Alright, let's calm down. We don't even have the full picture yet."
Turning to Rias, I spoke gently but firmly.
"Rias, now that you've had a moment to breathe, tell us everything. Who exactly was that guy, and what's going on behind the scenes? No holding back."
Rias's shoulders trembled for a moment, but then she straightened herself.
"…That man was Riser Phenex. My… fiancé. Our marriage was arranged by our families, a pureblood union to strengthen political ties."
Her words hung heavy in the air. Even though I already suspected, hearing her confirm it was different.
She continued with a bitter expression.
"Yesterday, I learned that the engagement ceremony had been moved up. Suddenly, the time I thought I still had… was gone. I panicked. And… I chose to spend that night with you, Zevion."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, though her tone stayed serious.
"I know it was reckless, but I didn't want my first time to be forced into some political deal. I wanted it to be my choice. Also, I don't regret it. I am glad my first time was with you."
The room grew quiet.
Everyone understood what that meant, even if no one said it aloud.
I exhaled slowly, piecing it together.
"So in short… a noble pureblood devil ended up with a human boy, and now the politics surrounding it are a ticking time bomb."
Rias nodded grimly.
Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open with a loud slam.
Sona entered briskly, her peerage following closely behind.
Her usual composed expression was tinged with uncharacteristic urgency.
"Rias, are you alright?" she asked immediately, adjusting her glasses as her eyes scanned the room.
"I received notice that you and Riser will be facing each other in a Rating Game tomorrow."
Without waiting for a response, she handed over a thick folder.
"I brought you detailed files—records of every Rating Game Riser has participated in, along with the abilities and roles of his peerage members. This should give you an edge."
Her voice was calm, but there was a subtle tremor beneath it.
For Sona, that alone was enough to reveal how much she was worrying for her friend.
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