The next day arrived. The devil nobility had gathered in the grand ballroom of the Phenex estate. Every important and lesser house was present to witness the engagement of the two families.
Rias sat at her desk in her room, silent and distant, while Grayfia worked on her hair.
“You look beautiful,” Grayfia said, but Rias didn’t reply. She refused to acknowledge it. She didn’t want to be here. When Grayfia finished,
she informed Rias she would be joining Sirzechs and left the room. Alone, Rias stared at her reflection. The exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable. She let out a defeated sigh, having already lost all hope. She was beginning to accept the reality forced upon her.
Meanwhile, in the ballroom, the noble devils mingled, the sound of pouring drinks and laughter echoing through the hall. In one corner sat Rias’s peerage, all dressed elegantly, though their expressions betrayed their lack of enjoyment.
Koneko sighed. “I hate this.”
“Yeah,” Kiba agreed.
“I hate how we can’t do anything about it,” Koneko added, voice low.
“Yeah.”
Asia sat with her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her sad expression threatening tears at any moment. Just being present seemed to pain her.
Akeno sat quietly, her eyes distant. She felt she had failed her best friend and, despite her best efforts, could do nothing more for Rias. She was, after all, just a servant within this system. Thoughts of Rias filled her with guilt, her eyes growing wet as she tried to steady herself. She had promised herself she wouldn’t cry today.
Then, Sona and her pawn, Saji Genshirou, approached. Sona greeted them, her gaze lingering on Akeno. She admitted she, too, felt guilty for not being able to help Rias—as her rival and friend, she should have managed something. Akeno looked down and assured her it was enough; Sona had done all she could.
Saji glanced around. “The Phenex family sure knows how to throw a party,” he commented, though the occasion hardly felt celebratory. “Feels just wrong.”
“Politics rarely care about individual feelings,” Sona replied.
“Yeah, I know,” Saji muttered, crossing his arms.
Akeno glanced around and spotted Sairaorg standing near the front, watching the platform where both families had gathered. She, too, looked up at the elevated platform. The families of Phenex and Gremory stood together. Riser and Ravel chatted with other High-Class devils, Riser in especially high spirits. Zeoticus, Venelana, and Rhea were engaged in conversation, looking comfortable and at ease. Regulus lingered near the edge of the platform, surveying the ballroom.
A voice interrupted his observation. “This has become a fine event, Lord Regulus.”
Regulus turned to see Sirzechs and Grayfia. He bowed formally.
“Lord Sirzechs, you honor us with your presence.”
Sirzechs chuckled. “Oh, please, none of that. Tonight is for celebration and forging connections. Let’s simply enjoy the atmosphere.”
“Indeed, my Lord.”
Sirzechs scanned the room. “It seems Riser is doing well. He must be thrilled at the chance to take a leading role in your family.”
“Riser has many talents, despite his showmanship. As both his father and teacher, I can vouch for his potential. I trust his results will be impressive.”
Sirzechs smiled. “No doubt.”
Regulus bowed again. “If you’ll excuse me, I should join my wife.”
“Of course. We’ll be along shortly.”
Regulus moved to join the other parents. Sirzechs and Grayfia exchanged glances.
In a quiet tone, Sirzechs murmured, “It seems Lord Regulus is expecting someone.”
Grayfia replied, “The same someone we’re waiting for as well?”
Sirzechs only chuckled.
An announcer stepped forward, and the room fell silent. “Ladies and Lords, I present to you Rias Gremory.”
The curtains parted at the back of the room. Gasps and cheers erupted as Rias appeared on the platform, bathed in light. She was, as many whispered, beautiful. Venelana sighed, offering a bittersweet smile. Rias’s peerage couldn’t bear to look at her, their gazes dropping. Sona and Saji watched, recognizing the hopelessness in Rias’s eyes, while the rest of the ballroom cheered in twisted celebration. Riser clapped for his bride-to-be, his smugness undisturbed by Rias’s silence. Ravel, standing beside her parents, looked radiant and joyful.
The vows were announced. An old nobleman stood before the couple, reciting the traditional words he had repeated countless times. The ballroom grew quiet, all eyes on Rias and Riser.
There would be no going back now.
Akeno clenched her fists and forced herself to open her eyes. She told herself she had to look, even if she was afraid. But what she saw made her freeze—someone was moving through the crowd towards the front.
Her mouth fell open in disbelief as she recognized who it was.
“B-but… that can’t be,” Akeno breathed. The rest of the peerage followed her gaze.
“Ain’t. No. Way,” Koneko muttered.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing… that’s—” Kiba stammered.
Asia looked confused. She saw the person everyone was looking at, but she didn’t recognize them.
Sona adjusted her glasses, watching intently, while Saji’s anticipation grew.
The old nobleman was about to complete the vows. “And if there are no objections, then by my right and authority, I hereby—”
“I OBJECT!” a voice rang out from below the platform.
Shocked murmurs spread through the guests as they turned to see who had spoken. Rias’s head snapped down, disbelief flooding her face.
Riser’s eyes narrowed in anger. He stepped forward, voice dripping with venom. “YOU. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?”
At the foot of the platform stood a figure, one foot planted on the stairs, gaze cold and focused. “What do you think I’m doing, brother? I’m here to crash your wedding, you shithead.”
That person was Raza.