For the first time, Rias laid her cards on the table. In the castle's grand hall, she told everyone the truth—her family was closing in, and her little acts of defiance weren't working anymore. Time was running out.
Koneko and Asia listened, but neither could offer a solution. If Rias was out of options, what could they possibly do?
Rias's eyes landed on Draconis. "You have a plan, don't you?"
All eyes turned. Draconis nodded. "I do."
"Really?"
He smiled. "Honestly, the answer's been right in front of you. You just never noticed."
Draconis leaned back on the sofa, scanning the room. "Among devils, isn't there a way to settle disputes—a method for deciding everything?"
Everyone blinked, slow to catch on.
"You mean... a Rating Game?" Rias ventured.
"Exactly. If you beat him in the Rating Game, no one can argue. Just say your fiancé can't be weaker than you. Simple."
The idea landed, but Rias frowned. "Riser Phoenix has all fifteen pieces. His team's complete."
"You're not far off," Draconis said, voice loaded with meaning.
With Grayfia present, he didn't spell it out. Compared to Phoenix, Rias only lacked a Bishop and a Rook. Draconis himself filled two Knight slots and eight Pawn positions.
Suddenly, a surge of magic swept through the castle—hot, vibrant, like living flame. A magic circle flashed, and a crowd appeared in the hall.
At the front stood a man—confident, flamboyant. Fifteen women flanked him, each striking in her own way.
"Ah, it's been ages since I visited the human world," he said, scanning the room as if he owned it. His gaze skipped over everyone, landing on Rias.
"I came to see you, my beloved Rias. My future wife."
No one needed an introduction—Riser Phoenix had arrived.
Rias's face hardened instantly. She didn't hate the Phoenix family's third son, but she sure didn't respect him, especially now that he'd become her fiancé.
She kept her composure, sitting quietly.
Riser swaggered over, dropped onto the couch beside Rias, and reached out to sling an arm around her.
But Draconis, already seated next to Rias, pulsed his magic. The sofa split with a crack—he and Rias slid two meters away on half the couch, while Riser's side erupted in springs.
If Riser hadn't dodged, he'd have been launched.
"Riser, what's your problem? You show up and wreck my furniture—are you here to pick a fight?" Rias snapped, jumping to her feet. She seized the moment, her tone sharp.
Riser's face twisted with anger. "Who the hell is this lowborn sitting next to you?"
His eyes blazed. Draconis sat calmly at Rias's side—Akeno, the Queen, was still standing. Right now, Draconis looked every bit the man of the house.
Draconis tugged gently at Rias's sleeve, voice mild. "President, Lord Phoenix is new to the human world. Maybe he's not used to our furniture. Don't be upset."
Rias stared, surprised. She'd been about to use this as an excuse to kick Riser out, but Draconis had just defended him.
Then again, she realized, kicking Riser out wouldn't solve anything—just a momentary win.
She huffed and gave a cool order. "Akeno, tea."
"Yes, President." Akeno's eyes danced with mischief as she brewed the tea, making sure to serve Draconis a cup—while Riser was still standing.
Draconis accepted the tea with a smile. "Thank you, Akeno."
From start to finish, Draconis never said a single offensive word. But every move he made was a masterclass in subtle provocation.
Riser was fuming, but couldn't find a single excuse to blow up.
He finally sat across from Rias, glaring at Draconis, who remained unmoved.
"Rias, I'm a high-class devil. How dare you let your servant sit as my equal?"
Riser finally found something to latch onto, his voice thick with resentment.
Rias shot back, eyes cold. "My Peerage are family. You got a problem with that?"
Draconis smiled, a fake smile so obvious he didn't even bother to hide it. "Lord Phoenix, it's an honor to have you visit. If our hospitality is lacking, please forgive us." He sipped his tea, glued to the battered sofa, not budging an inch.
Sincerity? Not a trace.
Everyone could see it—Draconis was playing the game, and playing it well.
He wasn't a master manipulator, but he'd picked up enough etiquette to be polite when needed. Who couldn't fake a little courtesy?
Koneko and Asia exchanged glances, faces twisted in amusement. If this kept up, Draconis might actually passive-aggressively drive Riser insane.
Riser realized it too—he saw that Rias and Draconis were in this together. Hatred flickered in his eyes. He'd marked Draconis for payback.
He forced down his rage, letting out a cold snort.
"Rias, I hear you've been causing trouble for the family."
"So what? I said it before—I will never marry you." Rias's voice was steel. She glanced at Draconis.
Riser caught the look, but Draconis just sipped his tea, ignoring them, and whispered to Akeno, "Your tea is as good as ever."
Riser: "..."
Everyone: "..."
—
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