The Son of Stars
Rias I
She waited patiently, checking the time on the clock hanging on the wall every few minutes. As usual, she had arrived at the Occult research club to set up the room for their meeting. Typically, after school, she would give out jobs for her peerage to send contracts to humans throughout the city. Today's meeting would be different from their usual ones. Two days ago, she received a message from a familiar bearing a message with house Phenex's sigil, which had changed everything.
The letter had informed her of Riser Phenex's arrival today. She had been shocked and angry upon reading the message. She had met Riser multiple times for the past four years before, but she knew enough about him to see that she didn't want to marry him. She had always believed in choosing her partner based on love, not family arrangements or wealth.
As Rias sat there, lost in thought, her closest advisor and friend spoke up beside her, Akeno's voice laced with concern. "Rias, are you okay? You seem troubled." She placed a hand gently on her shoulder as if to offer some comfort and support. Rias turned to her, grateful for her presence, and replied softly, "I'm just going through a lot right now. But I'll be okay."
She would lie to herself if she weren't worried about the future. Her dreams would be gone the moment she married Riser. Last night was a desperate gamble. She tried to lose her virginity to Issei, which would have been considered impure, and as a result, the engagement would have been canceled. But her chance was taken when her sister-in-law Grayfia appeared and stopped what they were about to do.
The said maid stood beside her, unflinching, tall, and composed. Her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Rias as she waited for Riser's arrival. After a minute of silence, the rest of her peerage entered. Kiba strode in first, his eyes bright and his lips smiling as he greeted them with a polite good afternoon. Asia followed close behind, her soft voice and gentle demeanor a soothing presence in the room that lightning the somber mood. Issei came in last, his eyes darting around the room with excitement before turning into nervousness at the sight of Grayfia.
She stood from her seat and addressed her peerage. "It looks like everyone is here today. Now, I would usually start assigning contracts for tonight. However, I wish to be transparent about something with you all."
Grayfia interjected her. "If I may, my Lady, may I have your permission to speak about your situation."
Rias shook her head. She believed it best if the news came from her. "It won't be necessary, and I think they should hear it from their King. The truth is..."
Just as Rias was about to explain, a sudden heat filled the room, and a bright red light illuminated every corner. Startled by the sudden change, she turned toward the source of the commotion and saw a magic circle materializing at the center of the room. The circle glowed with an intense light, and with the loud cry of a phoenix, flames erupted from it, revealing a man who stood at the center of the circle.
"Phenex," Kiba muttered.
Rias looked at Riser Phenex from the circle with pure disdain. "Ah... So Riser has arrived in the human realm," Riser scanned the room, eyeing the surroundings, and commented, "Oh, how unsavory it is." Then he turned to her, and a disgusting, lecherous smirk adorned his face as he gazed at her, which left her feeling uneasy.
"My lovely, Rias," he said, approaching her. His tone screamed of arrogance, which only served to irritate her further. "I'm here to take you to my family's estate. I want to show you the wedding hall where we'll be walking. We must hurry before it's too late; the wedding has already been planned." Riser reached to grab her arm.
"Get your hands off me, Riser!" she yelled, forcefully pushing him away. The tension in the room was palpable as she stared him down, daring him to make another move.
Riser couldn't help but smirk. It was clear he was enjoying her discomfort a little too much.
Issei came to her defense, shouting angrily at her sutor, "Who the hell do you think you are to put your hands on the president like that?"
As Riser's eyes fell upon her pawn, his smirk disappeared, and his expression turned into a frown. He stared at Issei and asked, "And who might you be, boy?"
To her surprise, Issei stood bravely before Riser and declared his position as a pawn of her peerage. Riser simply looked at her pawn and dismissed his presence."Ah, another low-class devil. Rias, I am indeed disappointed. Even if it is a reincarnated devil, they must know who I am."
Her reply was sharp and laced with anger. "Why do I need to tell them about you?" she exclaimed, her frustration bubbling.
Riser let out a laugh, clearly amused at her fiery response. "Feisty as ever, my love," he jested, taking a step back in mock surrender.
Fortunately, Grayfia was the one who informed her pawn. The more Rias spoke of Riser, the more it left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Issei Hoyoudou, the person you were speaking to, is Riser, the third son of House Phenex. He is a pure high-class devil who wields the power of the immortal phoenix."
Riser's words were dripping with arrogance as he made a bold statement that left Rias displeased. "I am also the future husband to Rias Gremory," he proclaimed to those who have not known, especially to Issei, who had a shocked look on his face.
Issei's hand clenched as he stated, "There's no way you're married to the president. I refuse to believe it. Especially how much of a douche you are."
The temperature in the room rose as Riser's voice grew stern. "It's best to mind your tone when addressing someone of higher status."
Grayfia's arrival interrupted the standoff. With a sharp cough, she captured their attention and fixed them with her infamous icy stare before turning to Riser. "In light of recent events, the contractual agreement between Lord Riser and Lady Rias has raised questions regarding its validity. As a result, a meeting has been called to discuss the matter at hand."
"I don't understand, Grayfia," Rias asked in confusion. Was Grayfia suggesting an alternate way to absolve their contract through a rating game against Riser? Rias knew this would be a difficult challenge as Riser had a win-lose ratio of eight to two, with two of his losses being intentional out of respect for a House he was close to. Rias's chances were further diminished because she only had five pieces compared to Riser's fifteen. Even if she included Gasper in her team, it still wouldn't be enough to match Riser's strength on the field. But her chances of winning are slim as they have no experience in a rating game. Her pawn, Issei, may be the key to victory if she can unlock his potential.
"Yesterday, another much older contract came into effect by the appearance of its heir." Rias was perplexed. She wasn't sure she should take it as good news. For all she knew, her other suitor could be even worse than her marriage with Riser. And what house did he come from?
"This has to be a joke," Riser retorted. Rias, my dear, I am a better suitor than this lesser noble. For House, Phenex is superior in every way possible."
She couldn't help but roll her eyes at Riser's ignorance and his desperate plea for her. No, Rias would hear who this other suitor was. "I've told you multiple times that no matter what you say or do, I will never marry you," she said firmly. In response, she instinctively summoned her aura of the Power of Destruction, causing dark energy to surround her. Riser retaliated by releasing flames around him.
Things would've escalated when the atmosphere suddenly turned dark and foreboding. She noticed Grayfia standing across from them, her eyes fixed on Rias and Riser with an intense, almost threatening gaze. It was clear to Rias that Grayfia was the source of the unsettling feeling in the room. "Enough. In the name of Sirzechs Lucifer, I order you both to stand down this instant."
Rias reluctantly agreed to Grayfia's request, her Power of Destruction dissipating as quickly as she had summoned it. Riser did so as well, his flame extinguished. "When told by who is known as the ultimate Queen, even Riser can be somewhat fearful." Riser apologized, but Rias knew he wasn't genuine.
Rias addressed the maid, who turned her head towards her with her stone-cold gaze. Rias was intrigued to know more about her suitor and thus asked for his name, the house he belonged to, and why this contract should have been mentioned earlier in the meeting.
The maid informed Rias. "His name is Sirius of House Caelum. As for why this was brought at such late notice, the Prince has recently ended his self-imposed exile and is now ready to take up his duty as the head of the House."
Rias couldn't believe her ears when she heard that a living member of the House Caelum existed. As an avid reader of history books, she knew very much about the House's reputation. The Caelum family was a noble one, neither a part of the seventy-two Pillars nor an extra House. They were outsiders who originated from Heaven, and their presence changed the supernatural world.
As per the historical records that dated before the Great War, House Caelum was established by Gwyn, a Seraph of Heaven who left the comforts of paradise and exiled himself to the underworld to go on a crusade. For what the cause, it was lost to time. People say he was angered by the betrayal of the Morning Star and wished to slay him for his treachery against Heaven. Others say he fell as well yet kept his ability out of mercy from the Father.
Whatever it may have been. Gwyn nearly conquered half of the underworld. However, his war became stalemate when the combined underworld houses halted Gwyn's conquest. Peace was brought when Lucifer offered his only daughter in exchange for peace and the return of the original owner's territory. This event marked the formation of House Caelum. Unlike other Houses, they refer to their head members as Emperors and heirs as Princes.
Riser's voice was filled with anger and frustration as he made a cutting remark. He said, "Despite being a Caelum, the previous Emperor failed to protect his empire, which now lies in ruins. And this new, powerless prince is left with nothing to rule over. How pitiful is that? With the vast accumulation of Phoenix tears, I hold more wealth and influence than the Caelum ever will. In my opinion, they should stay dead, for they are against the very nature of our being."
Rias felt a sudden shiver run down her spine as she watched Grayfia's usually emotionless face twist into a mask of anger in response to Phenex's comments. The tension in the air was palpable as the two of them silently faced off, with Rias feeling like she was caught in the middle of a brewing storm.
"Lord Riser of House Phenex," the maid said, speaking in a low and ominous tone. Her gaze seemed to penetrate deep into the Riser's soul. "I strongly advise you against besmirching the name of House Caelum, especially the late Emperor Regis. He was a dutiful and honorable man who laid the foundation of our current society. It's worth noting that your Lord Father and Lady Mother were saved during the Civil War at one point by His Majesty."
Rias couldn't help but contain her amusement as she watched Riser retreat to his seat in utter defeat. Despite Riser's extraordinary abilities, it was evident that he was no match for Grayfia, the Strongest Queen. With a hint of hesitation, Riser uttered, "I withdrew my statement earlier." However, Rias was well aware of Riser's true intentions, and she knew that his apology was insincere.
Rias remembered her brother and the stories he used to tell her about Emperor Regis Caelum. She vividly recalled the wistful expression on her brother's face whenever he talked about the Emperor, reliving cherished moments from the past. It was clear that Regis held a special place in her brother's heart, and Rias couldn't help but wonder what kind of person he must have been to have left such an indelible impression on her brother. Grayfia may have also known the Emperor from long ago. Her defense of the late Emperor may have been a personal insult to her.
By all accounts, Emperor Regis was revered for his unyielding loyalty to his allies and his determination to vanquish his adversaries. The tomes speak of his numerous exploits on the battlefield, where he led his armies to resounding victories against impossible odds. Amidst the pages of history lies a tale of when the Old Devil Faction laid siege to Phenex's castle. Despite their valiant defense, the odds were stacked against them when the loyalists breached the gate. It was at this moment that Emperor Regis emerged as their savior. He led the charge with his strategic mind and unparalleled martial skills, ultimately defeating the enemy forces. Armed with Starbringer, Regis took on the heads of House Marbas and Valefor in the heat of the battle, and both houses met their demise that day. The eyewitnesses of the event speak of the Emperor's bravery and unwavering determination, and this victory has since been etched in the annals of history as a testament to Regis's leadership and heroism.
Despite his fearsome reputation, the Emperor was said to be a man of great compassion and benevolence who went out of his way to alleviate the suffering of his subjects and promote their well-being. The tale was replete with anecdotes about his remarkable acts of selflessness and courage and unwavering devotion to his people. Rias couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for this legendary figure, who had left an indelible mark on the pages of history and continued to inspire and motivate generations long after his passing.
'Surely, the Prince will be like his father?' Rias thought.
"Grayfia, when will the Prince arrive?" she asked the Queen, hoping to learn more about Prince Sirius. As Grayfia was about to answer a question, she felt a sudden change in the room's atmosphere shift. It was as if a powerful force had entered the space, leaving an air of majesty and awe. The scent of a heavenly aura filled the room, and the expressions on everyone's faces changed in an instant. She noticed Issei stood there, frozen in place, while Asia cowered behind him, seeking protection.
On the other hand, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko instinctively went into a fighting stance, ready to defend against the potential threat. Even she instinctively cast her powers. Riser gritted his teeth, indicating he was annoyed by what was happening. However, the only one who remained unfazed by this sudden change was Grayfia. She maintained her composure and stoically looked toward the source of the power that had just entered the room.
As the silence in the room thickened, a sudden burst of bright light jolted. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the flash vanished. As she regains focus, she notices two figures gradually emerging from the summoning circle. The first person to catch her attention is a young man who appears to be in his early twenties. He has an unusual shade of light silver hair, and his hazel eyes glint as he intently stares at the occupants in the room. She can't help but wonder if he is the other suitor she had been informed about. However, as she observes him more closely, she notices that the divine aura she had initially sensed does not seem to radiate from him. In its place, she perceives a draconic energy reminiscent of Issei's. The way he carries himself exudes an air of overconfidence and swagger.
Rias turned sharply, her curiosity piqued by the sight before her; before Rias stood an individual who seemed to epitomize otherworldly beauty. Eight iridescent golden wings, each shimmering in the light, were neatly furled behind his back. The wings revealed a man in his early twenties, with chiseled features perfectly framed by his medium-length platinum blond hair. The man's hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down to his shoulders, giving him an almost angelic appearance. His striking lilac eyes seemed to peer deeply into her soul, and she couldn't help but be captivated by their intensity.
As her gaze traveled down his body, she couldn't help but be struck by the elegance of his outfit. He wore a black jerkin intricately embroidered with gold thread, which contrasted sharply against his pristine white tunic. His black-fitted trousers were tucked into knee-high riding boots, which looked like they had been crafted from the softest leather. A pair of black leather gloves adorned his hands, and a knee-length cloak was draped elegantly over his left shoulder. It looked like it was made from the finest silk, and as he moved, it flowed behind him like a river of obsidian.
The way he carried himself was a study of grace and poise. Every movement was fluid, every step deliberate. She couldn't help but feel drawn to him as he approached them. Something about the way he radiated power and confidence.
She and her peers were feeling anxious. She didn't blame them because of the holy atmosphere that surrounded the room earlier. However, Grayfia's voice seemed to settle her nerves. "Everyone, stand down. These are honored guests," she said. Upon hearing this, she and her companions, albeit hesitantly, relinquished their abilities.
Her gaze naturally gravitated toward the man in the center, who exuded the aura of divinity. The man halted and gave a sweeping look. He acknowledged the presence of those around him, seemingly unbothered by the tense situation earlier. He introduced himself in a majestic and surreal voice.
"Good afternoon. My name is Sirius Caelum, and it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Rias elegantly returns to her armchair behind the desk. Her gaze is fixed on the room's occupants, and she has her fingers crossed in front of her mouth, deep in thought. Standing on the left side of the chair, Kiba, Issei, Asia, and Koneko silently observe Akeno offering tea to their guests. Meanwhile, on Rias' right, Grayfia stands poised with a calm and collected demeanor, ready to discuss Rias's contracts.
As the tea tray was brought in, she observed her guests keenly, taking note of their behavior and mannerisms. To her left, she noticed Riser, who sat with an air of arrogance and had outstretched arms over the couch. Disrespectfully, he laid his legs lazily on the table while his eyes perversely ogled over Akeno as she offered him tea. "Mhh, the tea my Rias's Queen made is very good," he said, his voice filled with smugness. Rias couldn't help but glare deeply at the man's daringness, her eyes piercing into his with anger and disgust.
"Thank you very much, my Lord." Her Queen bowed before moving on. Rias knew Akeno well and could sense she was not happy to receive such praise from Riser.
As she turned her head to the right, her eyes landed on the regal figure of the Prince, sitting there with an air of calm and composure. His gaze was fixed on Riser, seeming to scrutinize him with a critical eye as if making a judgment. His right leg was crossed over the left one, and his hands rested gently on top of his knee. Standing behind the Prince was another man who had yet to introduce himself. His arms were behind his back, and his eyes were fixed intently on her pawn. She couldn't quite decipher the man's expression, but it made her uneasy.
The angelic being waited as Akeno offered him a cup of tea. "Thank you," he said, taking the cup from the tray. The Prince's companion, standing behind, declined the offer with a wave of his hand. The Prince took a moment to inspect the tea, bringing the cup close to his nose. After a moment, he took a small sip and closed his eyes. A faint smile appeared; he opened his eyes and turned to Akeno, who had served him. "Pardon me, my lady, but would you kindly give me your name?" he asked politely.
As Rias watches intently, she notices her Queen being taken aback by the unexpected question. After a moment of hesitation, her Queen quickly regains her composure and gracefully addresses the man. She introduces herself, saying, "My name is Akeno Himejima, my Prince."
"Lady Akeno, I must express my heartfelt gratitude for the delightful tea you have prepared. The aroma is simply enchanting, and the flavor is nothing short of exquisite. Your meticulous attention to detail is evident in every sip, and I can confidently say that I haven't had the pleasure of tasting such a heavenly brew in quite some time." The Prince beamed with appreciation as he savored the tea.
Rias couldn't help but feel skeptical of the man. Despite Prince Sirius appearing well-mannered, Rias couldn't shake the feeling that he might hide his true nature. She knew better than to be naive and trust someone so quickly, especially regarding matters as crucial as this. Rias remained cautious, keeping a close eye on the man's every move, hoping to uncover any signs of deception.
Seated opposite the Prince, Riser's fists tightened as his eyes locked on the Prince, who sat poised. His teeth clenched with anger, and Riser's gaze burned with fierce intensity. The Prince stood unfazed, his lips curled into a small, knowing smile. The corners of Rias's lips curled as she watched Riser's reaction.
"Thank you, my Prince," Akeno bowed before she left to stand behind Rias. To Rias's surprise, Akeno was genuine with her reply. After all, the two had known each other for a long time.
Grayfia's voice resonated through the room, commanding everyone's attention. "Now that everyone is in attendance, we shall discuss the details of the situation. Originally, House Caelum contract should have taken precedence, for their contract dates back five centuries compared to Phenex's decade. However, due to House Caelum's apparent extinction five centuries ago, Phenex's contract was pushed forward. As a result, both parties are at a stalemate."
"However, two options are given for such a scenario: Prince Sirius or Lord Riser will have to terminate their contract with House Gremory. If both Houses refuse to cease their contracts, a rating game will be conducted to decide which house's contract will be annulled."
Riser had a smug smile on his face as Grayfia presented the choices before them. "The outcome is quite clear, Caelum," he boasted. "I have emerged victorious in every game I've played. But you, with your lack of experience, stand no chance against the power of House Phenex's reincarnation ability." Riser exuded confidence, convinced he had already won the upcoming game.
While Riser bragged about his experience and regenerative abilities, the Prince remained calm and composed. His collected demeanor was almost unsettling, leaving Riser unsure what to do next. Even Rias was uncertain about what to take from this encounter. Riser was an egotistical person, but his experience was not in question.
"Hey, Caelum, are you even paying attention to what I'm saying!?" Riser's voice boomed with anger as he confronted the Prince. He stood before the Caelum, glaring at him with fiery eyes. The shadow cast by Riser's height loomed over the Prince.
As Riser stood before the Prince, he suddenly conjured a blazing inferno around himself. The heat emanating from the flames was so intense that it caused Rias' peerage to break out in a sweat, and even she was beginning to feel its scorching effect. Despite this, the Prince remained composed and unaffected while his companion, standing behind him, wore a smug expression as if anticipating a fight to break out. The atmosphere in the room had become tense, everyone waiting to see what would happen next.
The Prince looked up to stare at Riser's tall form, yet he was seemingly unbothered. "I appreciate you stepping aside," said the Prince as he sipped his tea.
"Why you bast-" Riser was in the middle of saying something, but before he could continue, Grayfia intervened. She gave him a stern warning, but Riser complied, although he didn't want to. He trudged back to his seat and sat down; his eyes fixated on the Prince with a look of anger and frustration.
Grayfia continued, "I would like to propose another option and inquire if you have any objections to the contract." She turned towards Riser. "Do you wish to continue your contract with House Gremory? Lord Riser?"
Riser shifted his gaze towards the Prince, his lips curling into a smug grin. With confidence, he proclaimed, "I most certainly do. The possession of Rias would be nothing short of a boon for me and my house. It would allow me to ascend to a higher status in the underworld, further solidifying my power and influence."
She glared at Riser. He had blatantly stated that he saw her as nothing more than a trophy to collect and boost his social status. Her loyal companions frowned disapprovingly at the disrespectful remark, but they knew better than to interfere when their master was in such a state. Meanwhile, Issei gritted his teeth and balled his hand into a fist as he glared at the arrogant Phenex.
"I see then," Grayfia spoke simply, but Rias knew the maid enough to know that even she was disproved by the remark made towards her. "Prince Sirius, do you wish to continue your contract with Gremory?" Grayfia turned towards the Prince.
The Prince's eyes were fixed on the delicate porcelain cup that held the steaming tea. He raised his gaze to meet Riser's eyes, fixed on him intently. With a moment of contemplation, he turned toward the maid and spoke. "Before I answer, may I ask a few questions, if you don't mind, Lady Grayfia?"
Rias watched as the maid momentarily paused before nodding approval. "You may, my Prince."
The Prince turned his gaze towards Lord Riser and asked, "Do you love Lady Rias?" Rias was surprised by the question, as most noble marriages are arranged to benefit the family rather than for personal reasons. While there were some exceptions, such as her parents, who were in love, these were rare cases. Therefore, Rias was curious about the Prince's question.
Riser let out a contemptuous snort in response to the Prince's question. "Of course, I love her. Rias is beautiful, and as the heiress to House Gremory, her status is perfectly befitting mine," he declared proudly. "And you. Your Majesty, do you love her?" Riser asked.
Rias fixed her gaze on the Prince, eagerly anticipating his response to Riser's question. Despite House Caelum's honorable reputation and his father's heroic legacy, she was eager to see how the son would handle the situation. Would he be arrogant like Riser or a man of reason?
"I am not so arrogant as to claim acquaintance with Lady Rias." Prince Sirius retorted calmly.
The Phenex sneered at the Prince's response, "What else to be known about Rias? She is an heiress of House Gremory, and, yes, she is beautiful." Rias couldn't stifle a sigh. 'Riser, your arrogance knows no bounds. How shallow can you be?'
Rias noticed the Prince's eyes narrowed at Riser. "Do you truly understand her on a personal level when you claim to love her? What are her deepest hopes and aspirations in life? What are her favorite things and the things she dislikes? Is she known for her strength of character, honesty, and empathy, or does she come across as arrogant and self-centered? Yes, she is a heiress to the prestigious Gremory. However, a title is not what makes one a person. Lady Rias is her person."
"You speak as though you know of her yourself!"
"Aye, it's true that I don't know Lady Rias. I'm only here out of obligation to my late father's decree." His lilac eyes face toward her. She felt her heart skip momentarily as an ethereal feeling enraptured her. "Though it is my duty as a noble, I shan't treat my partner like you, Lord Riser. I only wish to know the women I will share my future with."
She was shocked by the proclamation. He wanted to know her as simply Rias. She wasn't sure he was being genuine with words, but the Prince had been more understanding than Riser could ever be. But the way the Prince eyed her, he seemed reluctant. As it was duty, it was the only reason he was here.
Riser was about to protest when Grayfia looked at him knowingly. For his part, Riser sat back down and glared at the Prince.
"My second question is regarding you, Lady Rias. Do you wish to marry Lord Riser?"
Her immediate answer was no. The Prince raised an eyebrow at her response but seemed satisfied with her answer.
"Very well. My final question is, what are the details of the contract between House Caelum and the Gremory? Lady Grayfia, could you show us?"
The maid nodded solemnly, her eyes alight with grace. With a simple gesture, a small magic circle shimmered to life in her open palm. From its glowing depths, a decrepit scroll slowly materialized, its edges frayed and its surface etched with mysterious runes. Rias watched with keen interest as the scroll was unrolled. "Here in hand is the written document between Emperor Regis Caelum and Lord Zeoticous Gremory."
Rias listens attentively to the written guidelines outlined in the contract, carefully considering each detail. According to the contract, the agreement will only become valid once the two children of the respective households have met each other in person. Afterward, there is a specified period before marriage can occur, which varies depending on the age of the children involved. If both parties are under eighteen, the probationary period lasts until both individuals reach the age of twenty-one. However, if they are above eighteen, they are given a three-year probationary period until they can proceed with the marriage.
According to the terms of this contract, neither party has the right to cancel or annul it during the probation period. The probation period will only end if both parties mutually consent to it and have reached the age of eighteen.
After completing the three-year waiting period, the contractual agreement will be considered null and void if either party decides to terminate the marriage. In such a scenario, the party opting to cancel the marriage must promptly enter into marriage with another House.
When a member of the Gremory family marries into House Caelum, they must give up their right to succeed in their born House. In exchange, the Gremory will be granted a respected title. If the Gremory is male, he will be addressed as Prince Consort and allowed to keep his surname. However, if the Gremory is female, she must relinquish her surname. In return, she will be given the title of Princess or Empress, depending on the title of the male Caelum at the time.
At first, Rias was excited about the prospect of avoiding her marriage. However, Grayfia explained the potential consequences. If she annulled the Caelums, Rias would be bound to enter another marriage. She felt trapped and had to choose between two difficult options. In either case, she was destined to marry a nobleman. While there was a chance that they could eventually develop love for each other, for now, she could only wait and see what the future held.
After The silver-haired maid respectfully asked His Majesty, "Your Majesty, are you inclined to fulfill your duty, or have you decided to back down?"
The Prince closed his eyes momentarily before turning his gaze towards the maid with a determined look. "It is paramount for me to uphold my last father's act. I will not back down from this, Lady Grayfia."
Grayfia solemnly nodded at the Prince's decision. "In that case, let the rating game decide which contract is annulled." Meanwhile, Rias notices a cocky grin appearing on the Phenex.
"Well, this will be an easy victory for Riser," Riser said confidently. As he spoke, he snapped his fingers. Fifteen figures emerged from the flames of the Phenex. "We've already been through the rating games, unlike you, Prince Sirius," Riser declared smugly. "And from the looks of things, you've brought only one member of your peerage. If not, it's your only piece, along with you. Which I assume is your Queen. I did not expect you to swing that way, Prince Sirius," Riser heckled.
Rias looks at the Prince and wonders how he would respond: "Unlike you, I wouldn't brazenly show my opponents my pieces. I am, however, most disappointed at the peerage you recruited." The Prince calmly spoke as he stood up to look closer at Riser's Peerage. "You mock me for having a man as my Queen, but from the look of things, you have your sister added to your harem."
Riser was about to reply when Grayfia cut in abruptly. "Since both parties refuse to denounce their contracts to House Gremory, a rating game will occur in three days at midnight. Is the timeline agreeable to both parties?" Upon asking the Prince and Riser, they both nodded in agreement.
Both parties agree. Grayfia acknowledged with a nod. "In that case, the meeting has adjourned, and you are free to leave."
Riser nodded and then grinned at the Prince. "You should get ready, Prince Sirius. You'll need it. Three days will be enough time to organize my wedding with my future wife, Rias." With that, Riser and his peerage left the room.
As soon as they left, the Prince approached her at her desk. An awkward silence befell the room as Rias and the Prince stared at one another. "Lady Rias," the Prince started, garnering her attention from her stupor. "I thank you for your hospitality, though short as it may have been. I also enjoyed the tea that Lady Akeno had procured." The Prince nodded towards Akeno, who gracefully bowed.
"Even though this meeting is finished, there is one final discussion we must address," the Prince said, turning to his companion. "Please introduce yourself."
As the man gazed around the room with a smug expression, a sense of importance emanated from him. "At last, my turn to address you all," he began, his voice commanding attention. "I am Vali, known as the White Dragon Emperor. But you can call me the Vanishing Dragon."