The next day, Rias awoke feeling calmer than usual, free from the irritation that often marked her mornings. It was a Sunday, and with no school, she had the luxury of a slower start. Upon entering the ORC room, she found the others already gathered.
“Good morning, everyone,” she greeted them warmly.
Akeno smiled, “Good morning, President. You seem to be in a good mood today. Is there someone special on your mind?”
Koneko piped up, “Are you talking about the Black Phenex?”
Kiba chuckled. “Honestly, I didn’t expect things to unfold the way they did yesterday. For the Black Phenex to openly oppose his own family—the Phenex clan, no less—takes more bravery than I gave him credit for.”
“Or stupidity. Or both,” Koneko muttered.
Akeno added playfully, “Can we also talk about how handsome he is? You should have seen him up close—just, wow. Don’t you think so, President?”
Rias’s eyebrow twitched, her tone dangerous as she replied, “Akeno.”
Akeno covered her mouth, laughing softly. “Fufufu. I’m only joking, President.”
Rias sighed, allowing herself a small smile. With the day off, they decided to spend time in the ORC room, enjoying each other’s company.
Yet, Rias’s thoughts occasionally drifted to a certain black-haired individual.
Meanwhile, in the Underworld at the Phenex estate, the elders had assembled in Regulus’ office. The atmosphere was thick with tension.
One elder spoke up, “The boy is clearly becoming more unstable by the day. He might end up posing a danger to the Underworld.”
Regulus replied, “What happened yesterday was a misunderstanding between two siblings. I’ve spoken to Raza and made sure it won’t happen again.”
Another elder pressed, “You clearly have no control over the boy, Regulus. He’s becoming a time bomb. We must act soon.”
Regulus argued that removing Raza would be even more dangerous. If they failed, Raza would have every reason to turn on them. His true strength was unknown, and nobody knew what he was truly capable of.
An elder conceded, “That’s a fair point. Having Raza as an asset could be beneficial in times like these. The issue is, we have no control over him.”
Regulus assured them, “That won’t become a problem. Raza may have different views, but he is still a child of a noble family. No matter how he acts, he would never betray his mother.”
“And what about the gathering?” an older man asked.
Regulus brushed it off. “It was just a misunderstanding.”
One leader brought up, “Raza opposed the marriage arrangement between Riser and Rias. What do you say to that?”
Regulus’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “I see that as an opportunity.”
Curious glances passed between the elders.
Regulus continued, “Honestly, I feel Riser is unfit for such an important role—joining our families. He may be talented, but he’s arrogant and careless. Using an unworthy successor in marriage would only bring embarrassment to our family. Perhaps Raza could be a better successor.”
The elders were visibly surprised. “Are you really suggesting we swap Riser’s position with Raza?”
“I’m suggesting we wait and see. Continue with the current arrangement. If Riser is found unfit, then we switch their roles and have Raza marry Rias Gremory instead.”
Most elders protested at first. But after some consideration, a few conceded that it made sense. If Riser was truly unfit, he’d only shame the
Phenex name. And if Raza—whether they liked it or not—proved himself, he could take Riser’s place.
Another elder countered, “We’ve spent years avoiding giving Raza credibility. Are we supposed to just accept him now?”
Regulus replied, “It’s not that simple. Whatever his reputation, Raza is still a Phenex. Like it or not, he has responsibilities to his family.”
He continued, “Over the years, Raza has shown no sign of losing control over his black flames. He could prove useful as a bridge between the Gremory and Phenex clans. Old grudges and fears could destroy that bridge if Riser fails. Let’s set aside our worries and think rationally.”
An elder finally asked, “What do you suggest, Regulus?”
“We proceed as planned with the arranged marriage and wait. If Raza fails, you can do as you wish with him. I won’t interfere.”
The elders exchanged looks. Some saw a chance, some an opportunity, others a failsafe. Regardless of their reasoning, they all agreed. They would continue as planned. If Riser failed, Raza would take his place.
After the meeting, Regulus sat at his desk, gazing out the window. He thought of his youngest son—the day he was born, how he’d turned everything upside down. Raza, the irreverent young man who had become so stubborn. Regulus reflected on his fears as a leader, husband, teacher, and above all, a father. He knew he had hesitated when it came to his own flesh and blood. His wife had fought for their son from the very beginning—perhaps even before that. Regulus realized, too late, that he’d let others cloud his judgment. He had failed as a father.
He’d been pondering this for some time. He truly didn’t know whether Raza could succeed, but he wanted to give him the chance to prove himself—even if Raza never knew. That was fine. Regulus accepted his mistakes.
He didn’t expect Raza to accept him as a father after all these years. Maybe he didn’t deserve it. But he would not let anyone walk over his son. That much he had decided.
He hoped Raza would pull through. His wife had always known, loving their son unconditionally from day one. She could rely on him, spend time with him, and Regulus sometimes envied that. Raza was special compared to his siblings. Regulus should have listened to Ruval, and to his wife, all those years ago.
Turning back to his desk, Regulus pulled out some documents and a pen. There was still work to be done.