Welcome to the next chapter!
Benny Farr; Mittelt does yeah. That would be funny to see Ryuma do that.
FinalFantasygamer2794; Lint could be yeah.
Silver crow; Kokabiel certainly is. Yeah, Ryuma knows how to get Isane motivated. Glad you liked the Vampire moments. Yeah, Ryuma keeps his eyes on developing situations to see whats going on, and if he can get a good fight out of it. Le Fay is a bit shy like that. Yeah, Sirzechs introduced the pair to one another. Vali has other things to keep her occupied. The Fallen Angels are having an interesting time. Yeah, he could show something like that off to Isane, to show her where she could go power wise. That would be nice for them. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 1; Yeah, she surely is~
Guest 2; Yeah, that would be an interesting idea to try, I could see them being like that when it comes to shape shifting. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 3; Thanks!
Guest 4; That would be a cool story for a character like that. That would be nice for Akeno. Thanks for the suggestions.
Freddy8712; Those two will be rewritten at some point.
Guest 5; Yeah, he and Ravel could be engaged to one another, thanks for the suggestions!
Akeno fan; Yeah, pretty much. Azazel would do yeah. Riser knows that he can't do anything with Ryuma so he is trying to go around him. Asia will be soon.
Guest 6; Soon. Probably yeah.
reptoholic; Thanks! Yeah, seems so~ Glad you liked them.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, they surely are. Riser is trying yeah. Isane is yeah, Vali is looking for a good fight. Gasper and Valerie are trying their best.
Guest 7; Probably soon.
Guest 8; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
With those reviews out of the way, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 18
The next day, Ryuma was casually laying in bed together with Grayfia from the night before. The young woman looked to be resting peacefully, so he didn't disturb her for the time being, allowing them both to have this relaxing moment between them.
One of his arms draped around Grayfia's shoulders, pulling her body close to his. In her sleep, she let out a cute mewling sound, enjoying the time that they had with one another.
However, while relaxing, Ryuma noticed his phone was going off, so he picked it up, seeing that it was Sirzechs.
"Morning Sirzechs-san, what's going on?"
[Aah, good morning! So, has Grayfia had a chance to speak to you yet?]
Knowing what this was regarding, and believing he understood what the reason Sirzechs was calling for, Ryuma spoke strongly.
"About Riser, yes I have become aware. It seems that he, and by extension, the Old Devils have become involved again to try and have them marry, correct? Rias-chan seems to be having some difficult thoughts about it from what I have witnessed."
Sirzechs lets out a happy breath.
[Good, so you've become aware of it, this will save time. Today, Riser wishes to come to the human world, and discuss with Rias about their wedding. As you're aware, the House of Gremory aren't for this, knowing who Rias really wants to be with. But with pressures building up from different sides, I want this matter to be solved once and for all.]
"You want me to take out the Old Devils, I understand. Its alright, give me about an hour, and I'll be there."
Ryuma said it in a monotone, though he was having a joke, Sirzechs took it seriously, and let out a surprised voice.
[No, it can't happen like that!]
Ryuma snickered.
"I was kidding."
Sirzechs paused for a moment, but then he let out a deep chuckle.
[Haha, well I was going to suggest, that you help my Ria-tan be prepared. Knowing my cute sister, she will fight it to the very end, so she'll go with the Rating Game option. I have already asked Grayfia to be the go between, and allowing her to handle the meeting set for this afternoon.]
"Yeah, she told me about that. So, you want me to prepare Rias-chan for the Rating Game?"
[It isn't a scenario I'd want, and I hate for my little sister to be caught up in such things. But, I understand that this would settle it once and for all. The Old Devils would have to be satisfied since this is a matter between families. In the future where she doesn't win…]
"I can be very persuasive, I can handle it if things go south. But, I have confidence in Rias-chan, and her group, the latest addition to the group is going to be a good deciding factor. She's still a bit green, but she's coming along with my training. This will be a good excuse for her to flex the muscles that she has been gaining and grow in power. As for Riser himself, there's plenty of ways to take a Phenex, Rias-chan has a couple options open up to her."
Sirzechs was relieved to hear this.
He knew he could count on Ryuma to support Rias, and make sure that she was safe and sound.
[Then I can leave it in capable hands. Goodbye for now.]
"Goodbye."
Sirzechs hung up the phone, Ryuma placed the phone down, and simply laid there with the sleeping naked Grayfia.
When Grayfia finally began waking up, the young woman peered into the eyes of Ryuma, who in turn showed a calm smile on his face.
"Looks like we've got some stuff to do. Dealing with Riser, and the likes."
"Yes, though hopefully it shouldn't take long."
Ryuma hoped for the same thing, he didn't really want to have to have Riser do such things.
"Rias-chan and the others...lets say I've got some ideas for them. Riser might be shocked when he finds out what's going on."
"Perhaps he will be. I am of the opinion that the Old Devils are wrong, in this case. In most cases, the Old Devils live by ancient laws that have been irrelevant to the world at large for sometime. It worked in the past, but times have changed. I do wish they would change."
"Change is something people have to accept, if they don't then nothing ever happens. Everything stays the same, and change in of itself can be good or bad. But as you've said, the way the Old Devils operate is antiquated, and how they treat Devils and others can be appalling."
Grayfia couldn't agree more, and silently petted the side of her lovers face.
"That is why, I understand your thoughts and feelings on the matter. Is there anything for me to do currently?"
"Not until the meeting goes down, you're free for today until then Grayfia-chan."
"I understand, then allow me to do my other duties." Grayfia pulled herself up off of the bed, and straddled his hips the covers still on their bodies. "Ryuma-sama, we have sometime, do we not?"
"We do, and we can continue on together, right Grayfia-chan?"
Grayfia nods, a small blush beginning to make its way onto her cheeks, as she bent down and slowly allowed her lips and his own to meet one another...
Getting out of bed, Ryuma went down the stairs, and found Sona, sitting silently at the table, with her eyes on the next room, watching the three Fallen Angels dancing for Serafall's show, Serafall herself was clapping her hands, and making her move to the timed beat.
"Raynare-chan, you're slowing down."
"Please, I'm scared!"
Raynare yelled, but Serafall scowled in the most adorable way ever.
"Like how Asia-chan was when you were trying to cause trouble for her?"
Raynare hung her head, as Mittelt raised her hand.
"Is it snack time?"
"Mittelt-chan..."
Serafall began, with worry evident on her face.
Mittelt understood what was going on, and shook her head several times as a result.
"P-Please! Don't worry so much about it! I wasn't trying to do anything weird, I swear!"
"Yeah, like we didn't find you high this morning."
Raynare said with seething eyes, Mittelt let out a small cry as a result, Ryuma mused "Here they go." within his head.
"I wasn't high at all!"
"You are lying! Ask Kalawarner!"
Kalawarner shrugged "Don't try and drag me into this." before turning her head to the right hand side.
"I wasn't high! I wish you would stop saying it! People believe that I get stoned now!"
"You do get stoned! On a regular basis! We are here for you, but you keep rejecting our love!" Mittelt looked surprised by that, Raynare continued on. "You had red eyes this morning! Explain that huh!"
"I was tired, and rubbed my eyes! That's all! I swear! Maybe it was a trick of the light, you know like it happens in cameras sometimes where people have red eyes. Or maybe you didn't see me or anything like that!"
"Do not feed me anymore of your deceptions, and admit you've got an addiction!"
"Waaaah! I don't!"
Ryuma kept his intrigued eyes upon the women before him, wondering what truly was going on with them. Even Sona was perplexed, she had to wonder if anything Raynare said was true, as she didn't know either way.
Serafall clapped her hands, her eyes dancing between the two people in the area.
"Ladies! Magical girl dance! On the double!"
A collective groan released from them, and they went back to doing the routine that Serafall had set up for them.
Ryuma shook his head, and went towards Sona, who was remaining baffled by what was truly going on.
"Morning, Sona-chan."
Ryuma greeted, going to the right hand side of her, and leaned towards her. She also leaned towards him, and shared a quick kiss, before Serafall could notice, knowing how exactly Sona would be reacting at how they were sharing affection.
"Good morning, I was witnessing...this. Whatever this happens to be, and to be honest, I don't even know what's going on here."
Ryuma lightly chortled, looking to the dancing Fallen Angels, and saw how they were being.
"Yeah, it seems that Sera-tan is getting into the spirit of helping the Fallen Angels. I have heard many people are awaiting their debut. Well, I can't wait to see what becomes of them. If it is Sera-tan, then I'm sure she will be able to help them, in one way or another."
"Speaking of helping, I heard about Rias."
Sona began, with Ryuma continuing onwards as he magically summoned some food to him.
"That is the Old Devils at play. Probably wanting to do some outlandish stuff like always."
"Yes, I guess so. Still, I assume you wont stay silent on the matter?"
"Worried for Rias-chan, aren't you?"
Sona wouldn't admit it to many people, but with her boyfriend, she felt comfortable enough to say it openly.
"Yes, I weigh up the thoughts about her vs Riser, I am sure it will become a Rating Game if nothing can be settled outwards. And while I don't know the full capabilities of her newest peerage member, Riser does have a full set, and he is a Phenex. Not entirely unbeatable, but those that have less power than he does, or are around even, or even only moderately stronger, would have some difficulty in beating him. Do you agree?"
"I agree with everything you've said as always you've thought of a number of possibilities." Sona nods. "Even then, I have confidence within Rias-chan to be able to win. Riser might waste his peerages potential by not training them, but he has some experience in the games, and how he likes to play could become a problem if Rias-chan gets into a bind. Rias-chan is going to have to show everyone her best sides, and utilize her peerage if she wishes to win. She has the tools on her side to win, its all about how she plays this game."
"But in the event that it doesn't go down that way, and Riser is the winner..."
Ryuma nods a single time.
"Things are being put into place. But, we shall see how Rias-chan handles this, and we shall go from there."
Sona could certainly understand what he was saying.
"Yes, I am curious as to how Rias would accomplish this task. Though she is my friend, and I wouldn't want anything to happen, or disrupt our lives, if this turns out to be a good thing in the long run, then the results, are something that I cannot wait to see."
He could hear that through her words, Sona did hold some worries within her.
She didn't want anything bad to happen to her friend.
He was going to make sure that outcome didn't happen, but he was also certain this would be a good thing for both Rias, and her peerage to grow, and become stronger from.
"Either way, Sona-chan. I wouldn't worry about it for now, we shall have it sorted out quite soon."
"Yes, I hold no doubts that it would be."
As Sona said it, Raynare fell down to the ground and let out a small cry.
"I can't do this anymore! I am bad at it, okay!?"
"Raynare-chan..." Serafall began with empathy, going down to the floored Raynare, and placed a hand on top of her own. "Please, you don't have to worry. Not everyone gets everything on the first go, you know? Its alright now, I am going to be taking care of you from now on. We shall be together for a good while, you even have spots within my show. Now, please try again and also, please keep calm, okay?"
Raynare didn't feel comfort from that.
In fact, she felt great distress from it all.
But she knew that this was a Maou, and she would have to continue onwards, so she hesitantly got up, and began shaking side to side, with Kalawarner and Mittelt, Serafall giving strong nods of her head, looking rather enthused by everything that was going on.
After breakfast, Ryuma was going to grab his stuff from his room, when he saw a timid hand go out of Asia's door. It was waving him over, so he naturally was curious, beginning to walk over to the door, and stepped inside after it opened fully.
What he saw was a cute Asia dressed in the school uniform.
"Ryuma-san, what do you think?"
Asia did a twirl, and the skirt flowed in the wind when she did it.
Ryuma adopted a strong smile on his face, and gave an approving nod of his head.
"Yes, it suits you well Asia-chan. Though you don't start until next week you know?"
Asia giggled.
"I know, but I couldn't help it. I was really excited, and wanted to try it on."
"I can understand. It looks perfect on you Asia-chan. Very well suited in my opinion."
Asia shyly smiled, her fingers fumbling with her skirt.
"T-Thank you Ryuma-san. You know...I have been thinking lately, but it seems that you have many girlfriends, is that true?"
"Yes, that's true."
Ryuma confirmed what she asked, with Asia becoming bewildered.
"A-And, you do things, together?"
"We do many things together."
Asia felt her cheeks beginning to turn red, and she placed her hands on said cheeks, flushing as a result.
"R-Really...w-wow, I didn't know anything about such things back in the Church! But, I was speaking to some of the girls, and it seems that they're really happy when you're together, don't you think so?"
"We are happy yeah, its all apart of being in love with someone."
When it came to things such as love, Asia didn't know fully about it, and she would become shy as a result of such things.
Yet, the topic explored itself within her mind over and over, she wondered more about it, and wanted to understand what it was about the relationships Ryuma had with the girls that they loved so much.
"In the Church, we didn't get to hear much about such things. But, I did see people being in love from time to time, and I thought it was really nice. Ryuma-san, what do you think about love?"
That was an interesting question to Ryuma, he wondered how he was going to answer such things.
"Love...well, as a younger child, I didn't really have many thoughts about it. But as I grew up, I noticed more and more, about females in general. As an Evil Dragon, I didn't really ever think about emotional relationships...but, I got to know a few people, and I decided that I liked having them around."
Asia was more intrigued, sitting down on the bed, with Ryuma joining her not long afterwards.
"Is that so? Who was your first love, Ryuma-san?"
"Hmmm...I guess the first person would be Grayfia-chan."
Ryuma revealed to the surprised Asia.
"R-Really, your Queen?"
"Yes, though as I met others, I felt something similar that I had with her, with them. Like with Vali-chan or Koneko-chan, and others. I am curious though, what's with the questions about love Asia-chan? Have you begun feeling something like that to someone?"
Asia lightly gasped, placing her hands on her blushing face, and shook side to side.
"I don't know! B-But...I liked it, how everyone spoke about their feelings with you. How much you've helped them, and in turn they've supported you. I think that's good to a relationship, support, trust, and loving each other. Though, I haven't done much for you Ryuma-san..."
Ryuma raised a brow at what she said.
"For me? You don't have to do anything for me."
"B-But, I feel like I should. You have been nothing but supportive of me...I wanted to do something to repay your kindness."
Ryuma lightly smiled, reached over towards her, and pats her head kindly.
"Honestly, there's nothing to worry about, you don't have to do that with me. As long as you're happy, and get to live as you like, then that's more than enough to make me happy in return."
Asia cupped her hands together, feeling a warmth spreading within her body at such words.
Truly, she understood what kind of person Ryuma was now.
She understood that he was a kind and generous person, who simply loved to be challenged, and fight strong opponents. She thought it was endearing how he was always trying to improve his capabilities, and becoming stronger as a result in such things.
"Ryuma-san..."
Ryuma watched the young girl place a hand on his own, something he lightly smiled at, and took her hand within his own, holding it tightly.
The young Asia promptly blushed at such a thing, but loved it all the same, and stayed together with Ryuma for a short time, simply being able to hold one another's hands like this.
After spending time with Asia, the school day went on as expected, with him seeing various people, and having the time to talk with a few people. Including that of Isane and Yumi, among others, doing his various duties throughout the day.
Though he was surprised when he suddenly found himself being called back to the house by Yasaka of all people.
So he went on home, and felt her presence within the training room, so he followed her with that.
Going down to the training room, immediately a massive ball of fire came shooting for him.
Reacting within moments, Ryuma thrusted his hand out, generating a wave of aura, which crushed the flames out of existence, only to see a giant tail coming for him, Ryuma didn't even worry as he shot off towards the right, with the tail smashing deep into the earth.
Landing on the ground, Ryuma saw Yasaka stood there, with her nine tails out. She was in human form, and she also had on a very revealing kimono top that exposed a good deal of her chest towards him.
"Yasaka-san, not that I'm unhappy or anything, but what's with the attacking? Trying to keep your skills sharp as always?"
"Fufu, seeing your cute face Ryuma-kun, before I take you back to our room, I wished to have a little bit of a work out."
Ryuma smirked, watching as she unleashed a hailstorm of flames in spheres for him. The hotness was something that he could feel. The potency behind the incredible flames weren't a joke, and it seemed that Yasaka was giving it a good deal of power back.
"I see, so lets have a work out, my adorable Yasaka-san."
So Ryuma stuck out his hand, and activated a magical circle. The magic circle gave path to an incredible wave of ice. The ice was embedded with Dragon aura, enhancing it to the point even Yasaka saw her foxfire being pushed back as a result, the ice encroaching around the flames, and stopping them dead in their tracks, yet kept going for Yasaka herself.
"My, what an interesting power you've got there!"
Yasaka activated a large barrier, with her seeing the ice spreading all over said barrier. Going up the sides of the barrier, freezing it more and more to the point that the entire barrier froze.
"Cold enough for you, Yasaka-san?"
Ryuma wasn't a main ice wielder, but when he did use ice magic, she could see that he had a good deal of power and skill along with technique in using ice, as she saw shooting out of the frozen barrier, where spikes generating Dragon aura at the same time, and they came for her body.
"You naughty boy!"
Yasaka had her enlarging tails come out, and wrap around the incoming ice spikes that came for her. She managed to slow down the momentum, but not completely stop them from going for her, so she increased the power of her foxfire, releasing it out into the world for her to clash violently together with the ice, resulting in a massive explosion that forced Yasaka back, Ryuma stood on the other side of the large frozen barrier, watching it shatter as a result of the power being released by the pair of them.
Landing on the ground, Yasaka exhaled slowly.
"My, it seems someone is showing some enthusiasm today. Are you that desiring for a fight?"
"Seems sometimes reputation can be a hindrance, when people don't want to fight you. Even mildly strong opponents that could entertain me for a short time, they don't want to have a fight against me. It brings me some shame as a result, as I am always desiring to have the best kind of fight."
"My poor adorable Dragon. Its okay, I'll make sure that you're able to feel better! Allow me to take care of you!"
Smiling at the sight, Yasaka rocketed herself forward, swinging her tails like whips for him as she approached, along with firing off another volley of foxfire for the young man.
Ryuma simply loved when Yasaka did this, and couldn't hold back his excitement as he summoned his Dragon wings.
"Thank you for such lovely entertainment Yasaka-san, you really do know what makes me happy."
Ryuma used his wings to protect his body from a lashing of her tails, and caught the flaming spheres of her foxfire, crushing it within the palm of his hands, something Yasaka expected, but was happy to see all the same.
"Naturally, for my future husband, it would be best if I did know how to make you do these things. For now though, allow me to show you the depths of my power!"
Yasaka charged up her flames, and Ryuma watched as a giant ball of fire formed in the air.
The blue foxfire was so large, it was the size of two houses stacked upon one another, fortunately the training room was rather large so it didn't matter about the size of her attack damaging the house, thanks to some magic's placed within the room.
"My, you really are going quite all in today. Its okay, I am excited to see what happens from here."
Ryuma charged up his Dragon powers, and placed it into his fist. Allowing the energies to flow and strengthen.
Ryuma had a battle ready smile on his face, not stopping for even a moment, the power grew to the point that the ground and even the air was shaking rather violently as a result of his power.
"Yes, I thought you might be. So have this wild attack!"
Ryuma saw Yasaka unleash her flames, so he punched forward and shot off his Dragon aura.
The flames and aura clashed violently within the air, causing various large cracks to run across the earth, as well as causing the air to vibrate at unnatural waves, sending ear piercing sounds deep within their ears.
It didn't bother either of them, though Yasaka saw that her attack vanished, while some of his aura came for her, forcing her to dodge out of the way before it could reach her being.
Managing to find a place to land, she stood tall, and looked towards Ryuma, who continued wearing a strong smile on his face.
"My, it seems that you really are pumped for this, aren't you? That's good, I am glad to see that you keep doing your best, my adorable Ryuma-kun. But, I also have to keep showing my strength, so I will come at you with this!"
Yasaka placed her hands up, and summoned multiple balls of fire. The incredible way they danced in the air enticed Ryuma all the more, who was excited to see what was going to happen next.
He watched as she fired them off towards him, all dancing like they were being choreographed by Yasaka herself.
Responding to that, Ryuma laughed loudly, happily.
"Good, your resolve is rather strong! I cannot wait to see it unfurl even more!"
Using his wings, Ryuma flapped them so hard that he generated a large wave of wind.
Accompanying that, he added his own Dragon flames onto them, increasing the output of the winds, and met with Yasaka's own attacks, completely obliterating them, and sending Yasaka backwards, even stopping her tails from reaching his body in one single attack.
Flipping in the air, Yasaka lands on the ground, and pants slightly, turning towards Ryuma with a satisfied smile on her face.
"Ryuma-kun, how do you feel now?"
Understanding the hidden meaning in her words, he allowed himself to pull closer, and gives off an excited face as a result.
"Yes, that was most satisfying for me." Ryuma got out of his battle phase, and walked towards her. Getting before the young woman, he placed an arm around her, fully wrapping around her, pulling the blushing Yasaka closer. "So, you came only to have a fight with me?"
"I might have come for other reasons."
She responded while looking down at his broad chest, and his body.
Licking her lips sensually, Ryuma pulled closer to the young woman.
"Everyone else is busy."
His alluring words only helped spur her on as he got her into a bridal style carry pose.
"Well, I can't leave my beloved alone, let us take care of that situation right now..."
His arms carrying her, he began up the stairs, with Yasaka giving wild eyes as she laid her head upon his shoulder, sinking into the feeling of the young man, loving each and every moment that they could have together.
Isane that afternoon was asked to go towards the Occult Research room by Rias herself, she didn't say why or what was going on.
She thought maybe it was something to do with the contracts that she had been doing, which admittedly weren't doing the best, at least that's how she felt right now.
Ryuma said he'd be along shortly, so she went without him. While approaching, she saw that Yumi was also going towards the Occult Research club.
Letting out a breath, the young woman approached the blonde.
"Hey, Kiba! What's going on huh?"
Yumi paused at the door to the Occult Research club building, and turned towards Isane with a small smile.
"I don't know, all I know is that every member of Buchou's peerage should come to the club after school. It must be important."
Isane wished to know more of what's going on, but since Yumi didn't know either, they began inside together.
Going up the stairs in silence since that's how Isane wished for it to be, Yumi paused outside of the door to the clubroom, looking astonished when she felt someone being there, yet not another.
"Odd."
"What is?"
Isane wondered, Yumi pressed her finger to her chin in thought.
"Its just...Grayfia-san is here, yet Ryuma-kun isn't. Usually, they stick together. But it seems he hasn't arrived."
"He said he'd be here soon, but there's some stuff that he had to take care of."
Yumi wondered what that was, as they entered together. When doing so, they saw Rias sat on a couch by herself, and Akeno stood close by. Grayfia was directly behind Rias, it seemed all three of them had serious faces.
"Good, you're both here. Please sit down. I wanted to discuss this before he had a chance to arrive but now is the only chance I'll get to say it."
"He? As in Ryuma-kun?"
Isane guessed, but Rias shook her head, and urged her to sit down. So she did just that, and sat down together with Yumi. She didn't know what else was going on, she hadn't seen Rias with such a face on before. How serious she was.
"No, it isn't about Ryuma-kun. This is about me, and a visitor that I am getting. The truth is..."
Before Rias could finish, a flaming magical circle appeared on the ground between them all. Isane watched as a late teens to early twenties young man came bursting out of the circle. She saw that it was Riser, though she didn't know who Riser really was.
Riser looked around upon revealing himself. As if he was searching for something, or more precisely, someone.
"...Hello, is he here…? Could I have arrived when he isn't here…?"
Riser kept looking, almost as if he was looking for something, or more precisely, someone.
When he didn't find who it was he was looking for, he turned towards Rias.
"Its been a while since I've been here..." Riser looked towards Grayfia, and lifted his head dramatically. "Your King, is where?"
"Busy."
Pressure lifted off of Riser, who sat down next to Rias, looking so relieved that even Isane thought it was weird at how stressed Riser was being all of a sudden.
"Rias, its come to that time. A decision has to be made now. I do hope you go with the right decision."
Isane pondered what this decision could have been.
Rias on the other hand gave an unsettling look.
"Decision that is right for who? You, or me?"
Rias argued back.
But the arrogant look upon Riser's face told Rias that he wasn't intending to back down for anything, especially because Ryuma wasn't there.
"The best decision for the Underworld, for our clans. It is selfish to keep trying to deny that this isn't good for the Underworld."
"Perhaps it is for the Underworld. But it isn't good for everyone involved."
Rias replied strongly, only for Riser to develop an unpleasant face.
"This is about your families future. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices."
"To make a sacrifice for a future that can be brought about in a different way. Riser, you are the only one being selfish here for not listening to me when I have said repeatedly that I do not wish to be your wife. You already know who I would like to be with."
When Rias said it strongly, Grayfia silently praised the young woman and thought that she made the best decision.
Riser then turned towards Rias, seeing that his eyes were a little more hazy than they were beforehand, still trying to rid Ryuma out of his mind, knowing that he was someone that was rather strong and could be scary if he did anything weird.
"Rias, are you still going to back off like this? To not honour your own family when they have tried to provide a future for your family, and my own."
"You know my stance on this Riser, you know I have love for another, and my family support any decisions that I have."
"So, you really intend to break this marriage, do you? I cannot believe it. I thought maybe that you would be having a phase and that you would have accepted your destiny as the next bride of Phenex, but you're still as defiant as ever, and willing to go against the history of the Devils, it makes no sense to me."
When Isane heard that, she became astonished and asked directly what was going on.
"Wait, marriage!?" Isane yelled out, Rias nods slowly. "H-He is your fiancée?! But you are apart of Ryuma-kun's harem! Right!?"
As Riser heard that, the young Riser continued to scowl, yet Akeno witnessed some fear in his eyes. Riser knew he was treading shallow waters, and had to be as cautious as he possibly could do.
"I am, and intend to stay apart of. This is something Riser hasn't gotten through that thick skull of his." Riser stared at Rias with defiant eyes, Rias continued on towards Isane, ignoring the look from Riser. "He's trying to marry me to have our families come together, which has already happened because of Ravel and my connection with Ryuma-kun. So, his tactics are hardly working due to the connection being there, introducing strong powers into both families at some point in the future."
Riser continued his frown, he didn't find this amusing in the slightest.
He wanted to have this settled quickly, especially because he knew Ryuma could show up at any moment, and he didn't want that to happen. In fact, he was worried that Ryuma could come at that moment and he would have to leave, knowing he'd not be able to take on Ryuma in a fight or in other ways.
"There is a difference between marriage, and peerage, Rias. She is apart of his group, and you associate with him. However, are you forgetting that this is about the pureness of Pure Blooded Devils. We are dying out as the generations go on, we have to do something about that, together."
"If I'm the next heiress for the House of Gremory, then I will choose who will become my husband! And I don't choose you Riser! Even my family have decided that the choice I have made, is a good choice for Gremory as well, Pure Blood or not. It doesn't make a difference to us, and I will choose the man that I marry."
Isane did a mini cheer.
She already didn't like Riser, with how he was trying to force Rias into something she clearly didn't want to be in. Rias was showing a cool side to Isane, not backing down for even a moment, and made her want to do the same thing at the same time.
"Are you willing to crush your house? The next head of the Gremory family, and you're choosing to allow it to die out, are you?"
"I wont allow myself to crush my house, and my house shall not die out either. But I am not going to marry someone I don't love. I cannot do that Riser, understand what you're asking of me. The Old Devils as well. It is my decision as well as yours, and I have decided against it. We are not on the same page, so a different solution has to be found."
Grayfia was proud that Rias was handling this with dignity, now allowing Riser to force her into anything, and standing her ground with him. Laying the groundwork for different things to take place, and for her to have a good resolution, even for Riser to have one as well, by the way Rias was speaking, that's how it came across to Rias, which Grayfia thought was very mature of her to do.
Hearing that, Riser suddenly becomes unpleasant.
His eyes become sharper and he even makes a noise with his tongue.
"…You know, Rias. I'm also a Devil who carries the name of House of Phenex behind me. I can't let that name get tarnished. I didn't even want to come to a small old building like this in the human world. Rather, I don't like the human world that much. The fire and wind of this world is filthy. For a Devil like me who rules fire and wind, I can't stand it!"
Flames burst all around Riser.
Increasing his hostility, Yumi and Akeno looked ready to brawl, as did Rias.
Isane didn't know what to do. If she should fight or what. She knew that this could get serious if Riser didn't calm down. Even Rias looked as if she was ready to fight, and was ready to defend at the same time, so Isane definitely was beginning to understand the conflicts between two High Class Devils, and how they could turn out.
Fortunately, Grayfia was there, and was ready at hand to put a stop to everything that was going on.
"Ryuma-sama shall come if you behave like this Riser-sama. Please consider your decisions before doing anything. It shall not be tolerated."
Riser went pale, and thought after thought of Ryuma filled his mind.
To the point that Riser looked as if he was going to faint.
While Grayfia was more than capable of handling this by herself, even she was curious as to how Riser would react if it is Ryuma that is mentioned, and seeing how he was going more and more pale by the moment, she got her answer rather quickly.
"Alright...lets calm down, I cannot have that monster of a Dragon come here. Please don't summon him."
"Then I advise that you stop immediately, or I will be forced to take action."
Riser began draining his flames, so they didn't bother anyone else around.
"...Understood."
Riser stopped his flames, and sat down.
Isane found it incredibly funny to see Riser go from bravado, and strength, to suddenly become meek and worried at the mere mention of Ryuma's name. It made her wonder how the circumstances between Ryuma and Riser went down and why he was so afraid of him. Though it didn't take many guesses, based on how Riser was.
Grayfia, confirming that Riser had stopped, began speaking once more.
"Your Father, Sirzechs-sama, and those from the House of Phenex knew it would turn out like this. To tell you the truth this was to be the last discussion meeting. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean, Grayfia?"
Rias asked, somewhat bewildered, yet a few seconds later she believed she understood what was going on, and therefore she had an idea.
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you settle it by having a Rating Game against Riser-sama?"
Rias becomes speechless hearing Grayfia. She seems to be very shocked.
Isane got to thinking about what a Rating Game was, vaguely remembering that Ryuma had been telling her about it before.
"It's a game that is played by the Devils with peerage, and they compete by making their servants battle."
Yumi explains to Isane, who held a confused face, but was thankful for the explanation.
"Ojou-sama, are you rejecting the game?"
Grayfia wondered, but Rias made a defiant face.
"No, I won't, since this is a chance. Alright then. Let's settle this with a game, Riser."
Riser smirks after Rias's provocative words.
"Hee, so you're accepting it. I don't mind. But I'm already a matured Devil and I have already participated in the official game. Right now I have won most of the games. Even so, you still want to play, Rias?"
Riser replied back with an even more provocative words. Rias sends back a fearless smile.
"I will. I will blow you away, Riser!"
"Fine. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately."
Both of them glares at each other. They are both glaring at each other with scary eyes, and looked ready to fight there and then.
"Understood. I, Grayfia, have confirmed both sides opinion. I will be in charge of the game between the two household. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Yeah."
Rias and Riser both agrees to Grayfia's approval.
"Understood. I will inform the two households then."
Grayfia bows her head after confirming.
Then the area went silent, and neither Riser, nor Rias said anything for over a minute. Riser was probably trying to think of what to do next, that's what Isane thought anyway. Rias on the other hand contemplated many things on how to win against someone such as Riser in a fight.
"It seems that you have a new servant, Rias."
Riser said, pointing Isane out.
In turn, Isane showed a defiant expression, and cocked her head away from Riser, so they didn't have to face one another.
Riser wasn't so pleased when seeing that, and he himself gave a defiant face.
"She is, so what? I'd prefer if you didn't comment on my servants."
Rias said it in a defiant manner, she didn't want Riser to try anything with any of her peerage members.
"I was only thinking, between your group, there's only really two I have to watch out for. Your Queen, and yourself. It seems that this girl isn't anything special. I can't sense any major demonic power from her. Comparing my servants to yours, it would be a joke."
Riser said it in a condescending way.
Rias herself wasn't amused for even a moment, and looked angrily towards Riser, who in turn had a cocky smirk on his face.
"We shall see when the Rating Game begins, Riser. Do not underestimate my servants, and I do not appreciate you speaking like that to or about my servants either."
Rias laid down the law with him, what she believed to be acceptable, and what she didn't believe to be acceptable.
Riser though remained with his cockiness, and continued to show a smirk.
"Is that so? Do they have potential? Is she someone that could stand up to someone in my group? Let alone fifteen members, while you don't have a complete set."
"There is a thing as quality over quantity Riser."
Akeno held back a snicker when she heard that.
Riser on the other hand angrily folded his arms.
"It doesn't matter what you believe to be the case Rias, in front of the mighty Phenex-" As he spoke, the door opened at the same time, revealing Ryuma to his eyes. "-ooh shit..."
Risers bone chilling expression showed itself, his eyes looking towards Ryuma, with sweat gathering upon his brow.
All of the cockiness he had, vanished.
All of the condescension within him, simply disappeared.
Everything he was trying to show, simply couldn't stand around when in the presence of Ryuma.
Akeno cracked up, as Ryuma stepped inside together with Ravel.
"Onii-sama...geez, don't act so weird all of a sudden. You're going to make others worry about you if you become so hyper about such a simple thing."
Riser slowly moved his head towards Ravel, seeing that she had a face that said that she wasn't pleased with her brothers antics.
But when seeing Ryuma, Riser darted his head back down again.
"Riser, what are you up to?"
"Nothing! J-Just Devil stuff, I swear!"
To Isane, it sounded almost robotic in nature.
Like he was trying to say it with strength, but he lost all emotion at the last moment.
"Really? I have heard that you're here, for a wedding, is that true?"
Akeno showed a wide smile, noting the worry in Riser showing itself through his facial expressions.
Riser nods so subtly that even those close to him had a very hard time noticing him actually do that.
"I...I came here, to yes...to speak with Rias...this is a family matter! You can't become involved!"
"Technically you are my family, Riser. When Ravel-chan and I are to be wed of course. So, I could get involved that way. We'd just have to push the wedding up, which would be okay with me."
Akeno was super into this.
Loving every word that came out of Ryuma, and gauging on how he'd react at the same time.
Risers face dropped, he didn't look well.
"W-Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!"
His near ear shattering scream rang out, Ryuma in turn found it funny, so he carried on with a bright smile on his face.
"She is my peerage member, and my important Phenex-chan, I intend to marry all those within my harem one day. So, say hello to your little brother, Riser."
Riser clutched his head, and looked as if he was going to faint.
"Are you serious?! You, as my little brotheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!"
The level of yelling couldn't be ignored, it was clear that Riser was going through so much right now.
Ravel held a luminescent blush to appear on her cheeks.
"Y-Yes, he's right Onii-sama...it is something that we have discussed, and it is clear that this is a relationship that is here to stay, and for us to progress further and further into the future with our love. So, Ryuma-sama and I could be marrying one day...and it would be something that I would wholeheartedly want to have happen. That would be our decision, and as he said...then it would be a family matter, since he'd be a member of the family through our wedding."
Riser was shivering, sweating profusely at this new development.
He thought that he had gotten one over Ryuma…but it seemed to not be the case.
"It can't beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Akeno was drinking this in.
Her sadistic side loved when Ryuma was able to have some fun like this.
Even Ryuma found it mildly entertaining to see this happen, since he didn't like how Riser was treating Rias currently.
"But it is, Onii-chan." Riser looked scared when Ryuma said that, his body rapidly shook side to side with increasing fears growing inside of him. "When are you thinking that you'll be doing a Rating Game with Rias-chan?"
Isane had to wonder how he even knew that. Did he get told beforehand? Did he predict it? Did Grayfia explain it to him as he came in and she didn't know? It had to be one of those explanations, she didn't know what it would be though.
"...I was thinking a few days...maybe a week or so...w-whatever Rias thought would be best. It would also be her decision...of course..."
Riser spoke in a meek voice, Isane had to keep thinking of how astonished she was, believing how strong Ryuma was, and how the others were going about this as well.
"I see, then is the meeting over?"
Riser truly wished for it to be over, and he couldn't stand being around in the human world due to the fear he had for Ryuma.
"I am...going home yes...R-Ravel."
"Yes, Onii-sama?"
Ravel said in a nonchalant way.
Riser went to speak, when he glanced at Ryuma.
The young man raised a brow, with Riser looking on with worry.
So, he turned his head, shaking his neck rapidly.
"N...No, its nothing! I have to go now! Back to the Underworld! Ryuma-sama..." Akeno smirked at the slip Riser gave. "...Ryuma-san, are you going to the Underworld at all?"
"Depends if I have things to do there or not. Why? Thinking that we could do some stuff together?"
Riser looked worried, and troubled, unsure of what to even say.
He then hastily made a teleportation circle, with flames bursting all around. Though Isane noticed the flames weren't going anywhere close to Ryuma, in fact it seemed that they made a point to not approach the Dragon man at all.
"Well, I have to get going! See you in...lets say ten days for the Rating Game! Yes, is that fine with you Rias?"
"Ten days. I see, then ten days is fine."
Grayfia nods at the strong way Rias said it.
"G...Great, then lets see one another in ten days! Be prepared..." Riser paled at how that could sound, shaking from side to side. "...aaah! I mean, that we should be prepared that's all! Yes, I have to go! Goodbye!"
With that, he hastily teleports out of the room, leaving everyone else behind.
Once gone, Ryuma rubs his hands together like he's dusting them off.
"Well, it seems that he is fired up. Riser, he truly does entertain me."
Rias raised her head, looking towards Ryuma, and adopted a slight smile.
"It seems even without your presence, the mere mention of you kept Riser in line."
Ravel nods with a sigh.
"Onii-sama can be such a fool sometimes. Rias-sama, now that you're doing a Rating Game, have you got any plans for what you might do? Onii-sama does have numbers. Granted, he doesn't train his group as often as he really should do, or at all honestly. Still, it is something to be considered as you form plans. Though because of my relation to Onii-sama, I can't truly become directly involved."
Ryuma nods, and pats Ravel's head.
"Do not worry Ravel-chan, I've got some stuff for you to do anyway. This is a conflict you shouldn't have to worry about, as you can empathize with both sides, and this is also involving your family directly. Leave this to me, and the others."
"Ryuma-sama, you're so kind to me, but really it is fine. I understand that this isn't right, one should marry for love, not have it be decided with others who aren't even personally involved. But, with your words, I take it..."
Ryuma smirked, and turned to Rias.
The young red head looked perplexed as Ryuma folded his arms.
"Rias-chan, its time for boot camp."
"Boot...camp?"
Rias wondered, Ryuma simply smirked, with Grayfia giving an acknowledging nod of her head.
Rias didn't know it, but she was going to be going through quite the training very soon, her, and her peerage.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Sirzechs contacting Ryuma, worried for his sister, though Ryuma assured him that Rias would be ready. Rias herself stood up to Riser, and made her intentions clear. Asia is becoming more and more curious about the relationships between those in the house. Yasaka came to have a moment together with Ryuma. Now, Ryuma is going to be taking Rias, and her group on a training boot camp of sorts, so we shall see what happens there.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryuma's peerage.
Queen; Grayfia.
Rooks; Koneko, Vali (Mutation).
Bishops; Kuroka, Serafall (Mutation).
Knights; Xenovia, Irina.
Pawns; Ravel (one piece), Le Fay (one piece), Elmenhilde (one piece), Kunou (one piece), Ingvild (Mutation), Valerie (three pieces).
Ryuma; Grayfia, Ophis, Roygun, Vali (fem), Yumi, Ravel, Sona, Elmenhilde, Asia, Rossweisse, Yasaka, Irina, Rias, Akeno, Gasper (fem), Le Fay, Isane, Xenovia, Koneko, Kuroka, Kunou, Serafall, Ingvild, Valerie, Gabriel,