The Phenex estate glowed with grandeur and anticipation. Servants in crisp formalwear hurried through marble halls, their every movement precise—today was no ordinary day.
Riser Phenex, the third son of the illustrious Phenex family, was to be celebrated in his coming-of-age ceremony. Guests arrived in waves, filling the castle with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of crystal glasses. As an heir to the immortal phoenix bloodline, Riser's ceremony had drawn the attention of the Underworld's elite.
In the grand hall, the crowd gathered—nobles, dignitaries, and old family friends mingled beneath glittering chandeliers. A magic circle shimmered into existence, and four figures stepped out:
A striking young noble in crimson, a silver-haired maid whose beauty could silence a room, and two young women in elegant dresses.
"Lord Lucifer."
The hall fell silent. Every guest bowed in reverence.
Sirzechs Lucifer—the name carried weight. Once the eldest son of House Gremory, his power and talent had earned him the mantle of Lucifer, one of the current Demon Lords ruling the Underworld.
At his side stood Grayfia Lucifuge, the Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation, famed for her icy grace and unmatched strength.
And with them, the two radiant young ladies: Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima.
"Please, everyone—no need for formality."
Sirzechs's gentle smile eased the tension. Though a Demon Lord, he was renowned for his kindness—an anomaly among his predecessors. Some doubted his approach, but most adored him for it.
The crowd parted, making way for the hosts—Duke and Duchess Phenex.
"It's been too long, Sirzechs. How fares Lord Gremory these days?"
"Well indeed, Uncle Phenex. My father sends his regards."
"And this must be Princess Rias? She's every bit as remarkable as the rumors suggest. Hard to believe how much she's grown."
"Good evening, Duke Phenex. Thank you for your praise."
Sirzechs and the Duke exchanged pleasantries, while Rias, ever the proper lady, curtsied in greeting.
She wore her finest dress, regal and poised, but her smile was tight—forced. Her eyes, usually brilliant with confidence, were veiled in melancholy.
Before leaving home, her father had revealed plans to arrange her marriage to a Phenex heir. Even her beloved brother had agreed, using the ceremony as an excuse to evaluate the match. Rias still hadn't recovered from the shock.
She'd always known this day would come, but not so soon, not so abruptly. Refusal was tempting, but as the Gremory heiress, she couldn't afford such luxury.
Lost in thought, she barely registered the conversation around her. All she felt was a gnawing uncertainty.
"Rias…"
Akeno's voice was soft, laced with concern. Years as master and servant had blurred into sisterhood, and Akeno knew exactly what weighed on Rias's heart. But this was one battle she couldn't fight for her.
Suddenly, Duke Phenex's gaze shifted to Akeno. His stern features softened, a rare warmth breaking through.
"So you're the human girl with fallen angel blood? I've heard a bit about you and my son."
Akeno froze, caught off guard by the attention. Her cheeks flushed; etiquette forgotten.
It wasn't just the Duke's status that unsettled her—it was his other identity.
Tenra's father.
"That boy has decent taste. Before leaving, he said he'd return today. You should go see him when he arrives."
"He's… coming back? Tenra is coming back…"
Akeno's hand flew to her mouth. Surprise, joy, disbelief—her heart soared, words failing her.
He was coming home. After all these years, the one she'd worried about every single day was finally returning.
Rias watched Akeno's joy, her own frustration deepening.
"Ugh, Akeno, I'm about to get forced into marriage and you're only thinking about that guy! Traitor! No loyalty! I hate you!"
—
Elsewhere, in a lavish suite, a handsome blond man stood surrounded by maids fussing over his attire.
Riser Phenex.
Demons aged slowly, so ceremonies like this came late. Riser had waited long enough—today, the world was his stage.
Status. Power. Prestige. As the third son of the Phenex family, he had every reason to be proud.
He grinned, restless and eager for the spotlight.
"Kalamaina, come here. I want a taste of those lovely lips."
His words were laced with arrogance as he beckoned one of the assembled women.
Kalamaina's face went pale, but she bit her lip and stayed put.
"What's this? My soon-to-be Knight dares defy me?"
Riser's smile faded, irritation creeping in. The room grew tense, the other women silent. Finally, Yubelluna spoke up:
"Please be patient, Lord Riser. Once the ceremony is over, we'll finalize our contracts and become your family. Then Kalamaina will obey any command you give."
"The ceremony is about to begin, Lord Riser. The guests are waiting."
Riser scowled, but let it go—for now. As he passed Kalamaina, he shot her a cold glare.
Ungrateful woman. Once the contracts were signed, he'd make her regret her insolence.
"Kalamaina, this is the last time. Don't hold onto your fantasies—Lord Tenra isn't coming back."
Yubelluna's tone was cool, pragmatic. She knew exactly what Kalamaina was hoping for.
But Kalamaina lifted her chin, eyes blazing with stubborn hope.
"No. He will return."
Yubelluna shook her head. What good would Tenra's return do? He hadn't awakened his bloodline, had no real talent—he was nothing compared to Riser. Coming back would only bring humiliation. Reality was always cruel.
Still, Yubelluna couldn't quite banish the thought—the one-in-ten-thousand chance that Tenra might actually return and defeat Riser. If that happened…
It would be nothing short of a miracle.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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