Rias, her family, and her peerage arrived at the mansion via teleportation. The ballroom was vast, filled with the elegant presence of devil nobility. As expected at such gatherings, the usual greetings and political evasions took place among the assembled aristocrats.
After exchanging pleasantries, Rias quickly scanned the room. She immediately noticed that the Phenex family had not yet arrived. Akeno and the rest of her peerage gathered around her, and together they took their seats at a table, sampling some of the exquisite dishes.
Despite the festivities, Rias kept glancing around the ballroom. Noticing this, Akeno leaned in. “Say, Rias. You seem to be looking for someone. Is everything alright?”
Rias blinked, caught off guard. “Huh? Oh. Well, you see, I was hoping to talk to Raza-kun tonight.”
Akeno tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Raza-kun? You don’t mean—”
Koneko interjected, her tone flat. “The Black Phenex.”
Kiba hesitated. “President, are you sure about this? His reputation—”
Rias nodded, meeting their eyes. “I understand your concern. Honestly, I can’t fully explain it myself. But I want to meet him in person and form my own opinion.”
Akeno’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Ara, ara. It seems our President has a secret crush.”
Rias sputtered, nearly spilling her drink. “C-Crush? What are you saying, Akeno?”
Akeno giggled. “And you’re engaged to his older brother, too. My, my. What a homewrecker you’ve become.”
At her words, a comically large sweat drop appeared on the backs of Koneko and Kiba’s heads.
Rias flushed scarlet. “Akeno! S-stop saying such nonsense, you idiot!”
Akeno laughed softly. “Fufufu. I’m only joking, President.”
Her expression then turned serious. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be present as well. I trust your judgment, of course, but we know so little about this Raza. I’d feel more at ease by your side, President.”
Rias looked at her friend and Queen for a moment before sighing. “Alright. You can join me.”
At her words, the rest of the peerage visibly relaxed.
Just then, an announcer stepped forward to proclaim the arrival of the Phenex family. A magical circle of fire materialized in the center of the room.
From its flames, the Phenex family made their grand entrance.