As rude and unannounced as it was, when a high-ranking noble and one's fiancé shows up, even demon etiquette demands a minimum level of hospitality.
As a servant and a guest, I stood quietly in the corner while the rest of the club handled the visitor.
"Here's your tea."
"Mmm, such a wonderful aroma. Tea made by Rias' 'Queen' is always the best."
Riser said it smoothly, but Akeno-senpai just smiled coldly and gave no reply. Yep, she's definitely mad.
Meanwhile, Riser shamelessly sat beside Rias, relishing her scowl as he repeatedly touched her inappropriately. Finally, Rias had had enough.
"That's enough. Keep your hands to yourself!"
She stood up and put some space between them.
"You know what I told you before: I will not marry you. I'll choose my own husband!"
Riser stood and sighed as he responded, "I heard that before. But your family situation, from what I know, is getting desperate. I'm not just some Phenex scion, I carry the Phenex name here. I didn't come on a whim, so I can't just walk away."
He reached forward, grabbed Rias's chin, and pulled her face close, an infamous "chin tilt." But there was nothing romantic in the air.
At that moment, Issei exploded: "Hey! Rich or not, is that how a fiancé acts?!" he snapped.
True enough… I myself am already betrothed to Kunou, and I refuse to see that man on equal footing.
To facilitate a showdown with Riser, I joined in the taunting. Even though Koneko's senjutsu is strong, Riser isn't someone she can easily beat, he's like a one-man army in ranked matches, undefeated. And with Phoenix Tears, he can recover magically. The odds hover around fifty-fifty: disrupt him before distance tactics start, and it's Rias's win; otherwise, it could swing his way.
"Issei, Yuuto, nice show just now. You two want to head out for yakitori after club? That new spot near the station, 'Torikizoku'… kinda sounds like a roast-bird king, huh?"
Ignoring Riser's glare, I continued as if unbothered.
"Hey, nice idea! My stomach's already growling."
Issei jumped on it too; Yuuto just chuckled awkwardly.
Riser bristled, "Seems you really want to irritate me. I'll roast everyone here except Rias!"
Rias shot back, "You will not. If you lay a finger on my beloved servants and club members, I'll destroy you first!"
Anger surged from both of them, it felt like they'd clash, when Grayfia stepped in.
"Please, restrain yourselves."
No pressure needed, just those words were enough to calm their magical aura.
"Rias-sama, Riser-sama, I'm here by command of Sirzechs, unapologetically so."
Riser shrugged, as if tough, and replied, "Lady Queen of the Phenex family… I must admit, that scares even me."
True, Grayfia is devilish at conquering fire-immunity, a Maou-level threat. Riser, born after the Great War, hasn't faced that kind of power before, so he's not used to it yet.
"You were probably expecting this outcome. We've also prepared a final measure in case things truly break down."
"Final measure?"
Rias cocked her head.
"If you are determined to stand your ground, I challenge you to decide this in a ranking match."
"I see. You mean that, Rias? I've played many official matches and won major titles. You haven't even qualified to participate… Yet you still dare challenge me? The result is clear."
Rias's senior, intervened: only mature devils may enter ranking matches.
"Then you'd toy with my life so much? Fine, Riser. I will blow you away in-game!"
Riser smiled smugly and glanced at the clubroom.
"Rias, let me confirm, the servants you brought here, is that everyone?"
"And if humans here aren't counted?"
"I invited them, but as humans, they said they have other priorities."
"Mhm… Very well, Rias. Let them join the match too."
"H-What are you saying, Riser!?"
"You know I have a full roster of pieces while you're a rookie. Some handicaps are reasonable. And that human, he needs to regret mocking me."
"Riser! You—"
Rias looked worried, but I inwardly thought, "This might be good."
Riser turned to me. "Still, if you jump in then quietly retire, that's boring. What about you? Coward?"
"Alright. I'll fight."
"Ikki!?"
"No problems, Rias-sama. He's your call, but I want in."
"Rias, I support this. His strength, I guarantee it."
Issei eagerly backed me, though his actual accomplishments remain mild.
"If I judge it dangerous, you'll be forced to retire. Is that okay?"
"Yes!"
I don't need the shame of a broken engagement, no way.
"Then it's settled. A ranking match in ten days. Riser can take some handicap, we don't want to overtrain before the game."
"Ha. I won't be brutal to a virgin opponent. I'll be gentle in showing her how to lose, Ria~s"
As always, thanks for nothing.
"Well, we'll see how long that confidence lasts once play begins."
Rias warned sharply. Riser held a mocking grin, never once hinting doubt.
"Alright, Rias. Let's meet in-game."
He teleported out, no entourage with him! But hey, that's fine.
"Everyone, until Grayfia and I finalize details, you're dismissed. I'll contact you soon."
After that, we dispersed. To celebrate, I skipped dinner at home and joined Issei and Yuuto at Yakitorigizoku. Issei devoured his share as if he was going to war, not kidding, still amazed.
====================
At home, quietly reflecting, I updated Kuroka and Kunou about the upcoming match, family sacrifice for Rias's future.
Kuroka's voice telepathically:
["Understood. That Riser fellow is insufferable. Not a fiancé for Ikki! Though I'm not directly involved, I'll take him down, for both our sakes!"]
["That's fair. Kuroka's my benefactor too, if Kunou joins, I'll cheer for both of you."]
["Agreed. Let's end this. Good night, Kunou."]
Kunou's response:
["Good night, Ikki! And Kuroka-dono!"]
["Night, nya~."]
How much can we level up in training tomorrow?
["Guess we'll find out. Good night, Kuroka."]
["Good night, nya~"]
We turned in early, ready for the next day's workouts.
====================
[Boss-side POV]
In Hell, the Four Great Maous convened at the throne of the Devil Castle. Seated on the throne was Sirzechs Lucifer, hearing a report from his confidante and Queen, Grayfia Lucifugus.
"So it's unfolding as I expected. My father insisting to interfere in Rias's wedding, despite promising not to meddle until she graduates. Naturally, she'd rebel."
Sirzechs Lucifer was born 'Sirzechs Gremory', Rias Gremory's older brother. The Four Great Maous use inherited titles, blending bloodline houses with titular roles.
While they appear equal, Lucifer often acts first, like a Prime Minister. He can't abuse power, but he's top-ranked.
"I guess Dad just wants to see Rias's children soon… a niece? A nephew? I get his excitement but…"
SLAP!
A crisp slap like a harisen echoed, Grayfia's calm expression unchanged, while Lucifer wiped sweat and coughed.
"He does care about her happiness. But I'm the Devil Lord, she must earn her future by her own will. Yet, Riser's challenge? It is a tough opponent. The Red Dragon Emperor he chose is still green with that power. Grayfia, how do they perform?"
He cannot show favoritism, but still wants insight. Grayfia reports:
"All of Rias-sama's servants are growing well. Currently, head-on, they have under 30% win rate, but with strategy, maybe 50%."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow. Few devils ever reach that threshold, let alone a human high schooler like Ikki. One-on-one, his senjutsu potential is unnervingly real.
"He hasn't hidden strength intentionally, just no opportunity yet. He did provoke Riser though, so I don't believe he'll sabotage Rias."
"Good. At least now I see something clearer… hopefully he remains just a friend."
====================
Note: Riser really isn't weak, if treated seriously, he's strong.