The vast plaza shimmered beneath a thousand magical lights. At its heart, Riser Phenex stood tall on the central stage, basking in the attention of the gathered guests—nobles, dignitaries, and old rivals perched on the surrounding terraces.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate my coming-of-age," Riser declared, voice ringing with pride.
He drank in their admiration, his confidence swelling. With a surge of demonic power, he conjured a piercing bird cry—a colossal phoenix of flame erupted behind him, soaring skyward and igniting a wave of cheers.
Riser's lips curled into a triumphant smile. Arms raised, eyes glittering, he felt invincible.
On the VIP balcony, Sirzechs Lucifer leaned toward his sister, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Well, Rias? Impressed?"
Rias snorted, lips pursed. "Self-important show-off. Not my type."
She knew exactly what her brother was hinting at. The Phenex family's eldest and second sons already had fiancées. If the Gremory and Phenex houses were to form an alliance, it would be her—Rias Gremory—and that arrogant peacock on stage.
She hated everything about Riser. Even if forced into an engagement, she'd already decided: once she assembled her own peerage, she'd challenge him to a Rating Game and break the bond—just like Sona had.
If Sona could do it, so could she.
Sirzechs smiled wryly. Riser wasn't a top-tier prodigy, but among the Underworld's young generation, he was undeniably impressive. His sister's only flaw was her impossibly high standards.
But as the Gremory princess, she was entitled to them.
Down on the stage, Riser finished his speech. The ceremonial priest took over, guiding the elaborate rites—long and intricate, as befitted the Phenex family tradition. No one in the crowd showed impatience; Riser moved through each ritual step with practiced ease.
At last, the priest's voice rang out, and Riser raised his hand to the sky, soaking in the waves of applause. From this moment, he was officially an adult demon.
Next came the contract ceremony. A servant presented the chess pieces, and Yubelluna led the other girls onto the stage—Kalamaina, Xuelan, Isabella, Mihae, Siris… Each radiated beauty and formidable magical power.
The guests murmured in awe. Every girl was a rare talent—the Phenex family's investment was staggering.
But beneath the admiration lay envy, especially among the male demons. This wasn't just a peerage—it was a harem.
Riser felt their jealousy and reveled in it. Soon, Yubelluna and the others would belong to him. Their bodies, their loyalty, their everything.
On the balcony, Ravel's face was tight with worry.
Duke Phenex met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "Riser is my child. Tenra is my child. I won't favor either."
His meaning was clear. Ravel understood. As the contracts neared completion, she could only pray silently:
Tenra-oniichan, hurry back… or you'll lose your chance forever.
Almost as if the world itself answered her plea—
Creak.
The plaza's massive bronze doors swung open. Silence fell. Every eye turned as three figures entered: a black-haired youth, a white-haired girl, and a golden-haired "pseudo-girl."
Tenra. Tosca. Gaspar.
He'd returned—at the final moment.
Ravel stared in disbelief. Kalamaina trembled with excitement. Akeno, beside Rias, went utterly still.
Akeno covered her lips, tears welling up as her world narrowed to a single figure.
He was back. Truly back.
The guests whispered, unsure who the newcomers were. On the main dais, the Phenex couple exchanged knowing smiles. On stage, Riser's expression soured.
"Tenra-oniichan!"
Ravel's cry rang out. Flame wings unfurled from her back as she leapt from the balcony, gliding down to land before Tenra.
"Welcome home, Tenra-oni… Elder Brother."
Her cheeks flushed; she fought the urge to throw herself into his arms, settling for a graceful curtsy.
"You've grown up, Ravel."
Tenra's gentle smile made her heart flutter—he was even more handsome than she remembered.
While Ravel lingered in a daze, Tenra stepped closer and tapped two fingers to her forehead.
"But…"
"Call me oniichan."
Ravel's blush deepened, but she managed a shy, "Mm… oni-oniichan."
"I'll give you your present later. Wait for me."
"Mm…"
He ruffled her hair, soothing her nerves, then vanished in a blur—reappearing on the terrace above.
"Father. Mother."
He bowed to the Phenex couple.
"You've returned?" Duke Phenex asked.
"Yes, I've returned."
"Will you do it?"
"I will."
"Then go."
Years of distance collapsed in a few simple words. With his parents' blessing, Tenra flashed away again, materializing before Rias and Akeno.
He nodded to Rias, then gently touched Akeno's forehead.
"Wait for me."
Three words—enough to shatter her defenses. Tears spilled freely, but Akeno smiled through them, nodding.
"I'll wait…"
Making a girl cry wasn't exactly gentlemanly, Tenra thought with a wry smile, before disappearing once more.
The plaza erupted in chaos. Rias's eyes sparkled, Sirzechs looked genuinely intrigued, and only Grayfia—the ice-queen maid—remained perfectly composed.
Back on the plaza, Tenra faced Riser, grinning as he raised a hand.
"Yo, Riser. Long time no see."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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