Shuo didn't answer Akeno's teasing. Instead, he stroked his chin, eyes sharpening as a new understanding settled in.
So this was how it went—like the Breast Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou, his own arrival had nudged the course of history off-script, just enough to change everything.
Evelyn—the black-haired maid—was striking, no question. And her power? Easily on par with a Devil King. As Sirzechs's queen and wife, she was more than qualified.
Evelyn caught the tail end of Shuo and Akeno's exchange, shooting them a cool glance before turning to Rias.
"Lady Rias, is this the human helper you've chosen?" Her voice was formal, but the edge was unmistakable. "Frankly, you shouldn't drag a human friend into this mess."
Rias bristled, her tone sharp. "Shuo-kun isn't just any human. He's my boyfriend! He—"
But Evelyn cut her off, brow furrowing in disapproval. "This is a matter between two of the Underworld's great families. He shouldn't be involved, Lady Rias. Otherwise, Lord Sirzechs and your father will be put in an impossible position."
Evelyn's presence pressed down on the room, her Devil King–level aura making the air heavy. The others shrank back, eyes wide with unease.
Shuo's expression darkened. He stood, gaze cold as steel, and met Evelyn's eyes without flinching.
"Is this your trump card? Throwing your weight around because you're a Devil King's queen? If that's all you've got, you're about to pay for it."
A phantom skull shimmered into existence behind Shuo, lightning crackling around his body. His face hardened, a chill of killing intent slicing through the air as a crushing pressure crashed toward Evelyn.
Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. She'd expected a mere human—certainly not this. The aura of death washed over her, and she instinctively took a step back, breath caught in her throat.
Rias reacted instantly, hurrying between them. "Shuo-kun, wait! Please, for my sake—on behalf of the Gremory family, I apologize. Please, stop."
She whirled on Evelyn, her voice icy. "Evelyn, do you realize what you're doing? You threatened my family in front of me. You've disgraced the Gremory name."
Evelyn bowed deeply, her pride set aside. "My sincerest apologies, Lord Nangong. Lady Rias. I accept full responsibility. Please forgive my mistake."
Shuo let the pressure fade, his voice flat and emotionless.
"This time, I'll let it go—for Rias's sake. But don't think being part of the Gremory family gives you the right to threaten me."
He returned to his seat, the tension in the room lingering like static.
Everyone was rattled—especially Riser Phoenix, who watched Shuo with a mixture of shock and relief. He'd just witnessed a human put Sirzechs's queen on her heels, and for the first time, he was glad he hadn't picked a fight.
Even Rias was stunned. None of them had imagined Shuo's power could rival the Queen of one of the Underworld's Four Devil Kings.
Rias finally regained her composure and addressed Evelyn. "So, what message does my brother have for me?"
Evelyn straightened, her tone respectful once more. "Lord Sirzechs has negotiated with the family. The Gremory household will grant you one chance."
"If Lady Rias can defeat Lord Riser Phoenix in a Rating Game, the engagement will be dissolved. But if you lose, there will be no further discussion—you must marry Lord Riser Phoenix."
The news hit Rias hard—her face fell. "A Rating Game… So that's how it is."
The Rating Game—one of the Underworld's ways to decide a devil's status.
After the ancient war between the three factions, the devils had their own civil war. Pure-blood lines were lost, and the new Devil King, Ajuka Beelzebub, created the Evil Pieces system to reincarnate other races and swell their ranks. High-Class and Ultimate-Class devils led their peerages into battle, fighting for honor and advancement.
The games followed chess-like rules—King, Queen, two Rooks, two Knights, two Bishops, eight Pawns. Strength determined how many pieces you needed. Special cases required more.
It was the fastest path for a common devil to rise through the ranks.
Many disputes were settled with Rating Games, even if the matches didn't affect official rankings.
Strategy, rules, and terrain all mattered—victory could mean everything.
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