Somewhere deep within the Underworld, a rift tore open in the fabric of space. Two battered figures tumbled out, landing hard on the blackened earth.
"Hahaha… Whoa, that was close! I nearly bit it back there!"
Bikou, bloodied and bruised, sprawled on the ground but still managed a wild, exhilarated laugh.
"Hmph. Don't expect to get that lucky again. That Kamiyo Tenra is a monster."
The voice was cold, clipped—a bespectacled man sheathing a sword that shimmered with holy light.
"But fighting him was a blast. Anyway, thanks for the save, Arthur."
Bikou grinned, wiping blood from his mouth.
Arthur shrugged, barely glancing his way. "Don't get used to it. Next time, you're on your own."
"Aw, come on, don't be like that."
Bikou's tone was light, but his eyes were sharp.
He glanced around, sighing. "Too bad about Kuroka. She was decent backup, but… if you're weak, that's how it goes."
...
"Tenra-kun, you went way too far this time!"
The Gremory family's great hall echoed with Sirzechs's rare anger. Tenra sat slumped in the center, looking every bit the guilty party, while Sirzechs paced furiously, reciting a laundry list of disasters.
"The entire forest is gone—razed to nothing! Several rescue team members are seriously injured, and let's not forget…"
Sirzechs's voice wavered between disbelief and exasperation.
Normally, Sirzechs was the picture of patience and warmth. For him to lose his temper like this meant Tenra had really crossed a line.
All because of that last, over-the-top staff strike. The forest was now a wasteland, the rescue teams battered by the aftershocks, and the devastation had even reached the hotel hosting the banquet—collapsing part of the building and throwing everything into chaos.
Rumor had it that Odin himself, in the middle of charming a lady or two, got his leg clipped by falling debris. Not that it could truly hurt a god of his caliber, but when he heard Tenra was responsible, the old man nearly exploded, waving his cane and demanding retribution. It took both Sirzechs and Azazel to calm him down.
In short, Tenra's moment of battle-fueled abandon had left a trail of headaches. Now Sirzechs was stuck juggling disaster relief, politics, and a lot of angry, powerful people.
"Ahem… Sirzechs-sama, I admit I went overboard."
Tenra's voice was contrite, his head bowed.
"The Phoenix family will cover all damages. I'll have Yubelluna send Phoenix Tears to the injured rescue teams as well."
He paused, then added, "I sincerely apologize for all the trouble. If punishment is necessary, Sirzechs-sama, I accept whatever you decide."
He meant it. Tenra knew he'd lost control.
Thank the gods this was the Underworld—if this had happened in the human world, the casualties would have been unthinkable.
Maybe it was the alcohol. Tenra grimaced. If he hadn't had those extra drinks, maybe he'd have kept his head.
Maybe.
"If someone needs to be punished, let it be me. Tenra only did what he did for our sake!"
Rias stepped forward, voice shaking.
"Me too—please punish me, not Tenra, Lord Lucifer!"
Koneko's eyes flashed with determination.
"And us!"
Akeno, Irina, and the other girls surged forward, forming a protective wall in front of Tenra.
Tenra felt a flicker of warmth—and a lot of exasperation.
I was just being polite, you guys! Don't take it so seriously! Now how's Sirzechs supposed to save face?
Sure enough, Sirzechs's anger, which had been cooling, suddenly reignited at the girls' defiance.
"You… you…"
His expression darkened.
Have I really spoiled you all this much? Do you think I'm not a Maou anymore?
You won't let me punish him? I'll show you!
He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, another voice cut through the tension.
"That's enough."
The hall doors swung open. Venelana strode in, flanked by Grayfia and several maids.
"Mother!"
Rias's face lit up. She dashed over, clutching Venelana's arm. "Please, talk to Onii-sama—he wants to punish Tenra!"
Sirzechs's face turned an impressive shade of black.
So that's how it is? I haven't even said anything, and Rias is already painting me as the villain!
"I already know what happened. No need for your commentary."
Venelana rapped Rias gently on the head, her tone half-annoyed, half-affectionate.
Rias blushed, falling silent. She knew she'd overstepped, but her worry for Tenra had gotten the better of her.
"Sirzechs, a Maou who bullies his sister and brother-in-law isn't much of a Maou, is he? Little Tenra may have gone too far, but he knows it. Let's not drag this out."
Venelana stepped up, placing herself squarely between Tenra and Sirzechs—a clear message of protection.
Sirzechs sighed, shoulders slumping. "Even Mother's against me…"
"Fine. I won't pursue Tenra-kun's responsibility this time. But you—"
He fixed Tenra with a look. "No more reckless stunts. Understood?"
"Understood, Sirzechs-sama!"
Tenra replied quickly—no way was he letting the girls start another scene.
Sirzechs nodded, then turned to Rias.
"Rias, I've postponed your Rating Game with Sona. After all that's happened, you and your peerage need time to recover. The match is set for three days from now."
"Onii-sama, I… I…"
Rias's voice trembled, guilt and gratitude warring in her eyes.
"It's fine. You're my precious little sister. Your safety comes first."
He smiled, gentler now.
"Three days from now, do your best. Don't let Sona Sitri show you up."
"I will, Onii-sama!"
Rias straightened, determination shining in her eyes.
Around them, the tension melted away. Laughter rippled through the hall—this was the Rias Gremory everyone knew and loved: confident, beautiful, and utterly herself.
"We have other matters to attend to. Grayfia."
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama."
With a nod to everyone, Sirzechs and Grayfia took their leave.
But as she walked out, the silver-haired maid cast a lingering glance back at Tenra, a faint, enigmatic smile curving her lips…
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