Kiba's words hung in the air as we made our way through the dim hallway of the old school building. The sun filtered through the dusty windows, casting long shadows along the corridor as we climbed the stairs toward the Occult Research Club room.
"Buchou's problem? Maybe it has something to do with the House of Gremory," he had said earlier. And honestly, it made sense. Only something big—noble-house big—could shake Rias the way she'd been lately.
Asia walked beside me, her expression troubled. "I hope it's not something painful for Buchou…"
Kiba offered a polite smile, but it lacked warmth. "Akeno-san would probably know more. She's Buchou's most trusted person, after all."
I didn't speak. My mind had already put the pieces together.
Today was that day.
The engagement announcement. The arrival of him.
And sure enough, when we stepped into the clubroom, the atmosphere was… heavy.
Rias stood near the window, her crimson hair illuminated by the sunlight, giving her an almost otherworldly glow. Her arms were crossed beneath her ample chest, her eyes gazing out the window. Akeno stood to her right, a calm expression on her face—but her usual teasing smile was absent. Koneko sat near the corner, unusually quiet. Something was off.
"Good afternoon, Buchou," Asia greeted.
Rias turned her head slightly. "Ah… Asia, Issei, Kiba. You're all here."
There was a pause before Rias stepped forward.
"There's something I need to tell you all."
No one interrupted.
She took a breath. "My engagement has been decided."
The room fell silent.
Asia gasped softly, her hands flying to her mouth. "Engagement…?"
Kiba tensed beside me. Even Akeno's eyelids fluttered for a moment.
Only I stayed still, hands in my pockets, expression unreadable.
"I'm engaged to someone from another noble Devil family," Rias continued. "It was arranged by our parents."
And right on cue, the magic circle on the clubroom floor glowed. Flames danced along its edge, twisting into the unmistakable crest of the Phenex House.
From the fiery light emerged a tall, blond man in an immaculate white suit embroidered with golden feathers. His hair blazed like a phoenix's plume, slicked back with practiced arrogance. His eyes glinted with superiority.
"Yo, Rias. I thought I'd drop by. Hope you're not too surprised," the man said, arms open as if he expected applause.
"Riser Phenex…" Akeno said coldly.
Asia hid slightly behind me, sensing the pressure in the air.
"So these are your adorable little servants?" Riser said with a grin, scanning the room. "Not bad. Some decent-looking ones, I suppose."
He stopped when his eyes met mine. He blinked once, expecting a reaction.
I didn't give him one.
"Oi, you. Are you deaf or just too stunned by my glorious presence?" he sneered.
Still nothing.
That only made Riser's smile falter for a split second before he smirked again.
Rias took a step forward. "Riser, you weren't supposed to come today."
"What can I say? I missed my fiancée." He turned to face her, stepping uncomfortably close. "You should feel honored. The House of Phenex is one of the finest. You're lucky, Rias."
Rias looked down, jaw clenched.
I stared at Riser. Not with anger. Just calculation.
I already knew this was coming. I had prepared myself for it, emotionally. Still, seeing it happen—seeing her face as he stood near her—brought a strange, hollow feeling to my chest.
Riser noticed again.
"Oh? What's with the quiet one?" he jabbed a thumb at me. "Not impressed?"
"No," I replied flatly.
He snorted. "Tch. Another jealous peasant who can't handle that a real nobleman is marrying a princess. Don't worry, kid, you'll get over it."
Asia grabbed my sleeve gently, sensing the tension.
Rias, meanwhile, glanced at me—just for a second.
I didn't say a word.
Her eyes widened very slightly. A murmur escaped her lips. Barely audible.
"…He doesn't care?"
And in that moment, for just a flicker of time, her proud expression cracked.
Was she… disappointed?
"Hey, now," Riser laughed. "Let's spice things up. Why don't we have a little test? Let me put your peerage to the challenge. We'll see if these little pets of yours can stand against my flames."
"Riser…" Rias warned.
"You can't choose your family, but you can choose your servants, right? Let's see how well you did."
He took a step forward, flames crackling at his fingertips. The temperature in the room began to rise.
Koneko stood up. Kiba's hand twitched toward his sword.
Asia shrank back.
Akeno narrowed her eyes, her hand starting to glow with electricity.
I took a step forward, saying nothing.
Riser raised his hand.
And then—
BOOM!
A chilling wave of pressure flooded the room.
A new magic circle appeared—silver and shimmering like moonlight. The air turned cold, formal.
In an instant, a new figure appeared.
"—That is enough."
Grayfia Lucifuge stepped into the room, her silver hair flowing behind her. Her icy gaze fixed on Riser with the intensity of a blizzard.
"This meeting was not meant to be combative. The head of the Gremory House has arranged a formal engagement, not a battlefield."
Riser sighed dramatically and shrugged. "As cold as ever, maid-san."
"You will address me properly, Lord Riser," she said sternly.
Grayfia then turned to Rias. "Lady Rias, your brother wishes to remind you that official engagements are not to be trifled with. Should you wish to contest it, the proper route is through the Rating Game."
Rias nodded, her face tightening.
"I understand."
Grayfia's eyes briefly landed on me. "Hyoudou Issei. I suggest you prepare."
I gave a small nod. She turned back to Riser.
"This visit is concluded."
And with another pulse of magic, Grayfia vanished, dragging Riser with her into the teleportation circle.
Silence returned.
Asia looked like she had just survived a hurricane. Kiba's fists were clenched. Akeno's brow was furrowed.
And Rias?
She stood alone by the window again, arms wrapped around herself.
"…He really didn't feel anything…" she murmured softly, just out of earshot of the others.
But I heard her.
I didn't respond.
Not yet.
~~~
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