84Hello, everybody. Sorry for the time between chapters. It's nice to know that people are enjoying my stories, but the situation remains the same. It seems as if the cycle of coursework is endless - the price of no exams is a very burden indeed. Regardless, you came to see the aftermath, not listen to me ramble. Anyway, let's go!
Super hero time!
Ren: Let's kill a lover! Riser, say goodbye to my little friend!
Izuku: That's all nice and good, but I think my teacher's trying to kill me...
Ren: Sitting around doing nothing won't get you anywhere though, right?
Izuku: Ah, can't argue with \ultraman references. Let's do this!
R + I: Break the chains! Plus Ultra!
As the demon of flame faded, all that remained was a pitiful man flailing for his life. Gone were the delusions of grandeur, replaced by a desperate desire to survive. Ren barely took a step forward and the Shadow was already scrambling backwards. Without strength or fire, however, the phoenix was but a chick. In the state he was in, the Shadow of Riser couldn't hope to fight back a child.
Joker almost felt bad. With every taunting step, what little pride the shadow had fled even more. Even the simplest of twitches made the spluttering mess upon the ground worse. Had there been anyone around, Riser's reputation would be left in shreds. Perhaps it was a mercy that a Palace was not so easily intruded upon. His sympathy could only be drawn so far, however. For a man so grotesquely self-indulgent, there could no regrets. Such a fate was one Riser called upon himself the moment those horrific thoughts entered his mind.
"C-come now, I'm beaten! I c-can not fight, there's no need to draw it out!" the statement brought silence to the chamber. Though Joker tried his best to school his features, such a ridiculous remark was truly a test of his patience. The Shadow must have taken it for consideration, however, as it quickly scurried forth with a simpering expression. "Y-you're after the treasure, right? Killing me won't solve anything! My worth is incredible, I have h-hundreds of people who owe me favours! I could m-make you a personal army if you wanted to! K-killing me would mean losing all that strength!"
It wasn't often that Joker indulged himself in a sneer. Such a disdainful expression, it was to be reserved for the worthiest of occasions. With the sickly tone that pierced his ears though, it came as naturally as breathing. A sharp kick had the disgusting man reeling back, the leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts dusting off his shoes with a sigh.
"You seem to have us mistaken. We do not need to kill you. For a man of corruption like you, there is a fate far worse in store." Joker stated. He didn't want to look down so condescendingly upon the Shadow, but it was rather difficult not to when he was sprawled across the ground like a drunkard. "You, who view people as nothing more than pawns, are a parasite. You claim the strength of others as your own. In bearing the power of the Phenex Family, you see yourself as invincible. The beautiful are but trophies – the weak are but insects. The moment that your weaknesses are revealed, however, you attempt to curry favour in hopes of changing the situation to your advantage in future. What was a steadfast belief in one moment is an innocent reckless remark the next."
"T-that… That was for the sake of my family! For everyone!" for how brutally beaten he was, the volume of Shadow Riser's determination was far greater than expected. It was enough to bring the shadow to his feet, albeit shakily. "Don't you understand? Devil society is one where strength means everything! If you don't have connections, powerful connections, then you are nothing! In purity, we become greater! Our children would become legends! Our marriage would be a benefit for everyone!"
"Everyone except for most people." Noir couldn't help but intrude. Fortunately, she needed not dirty herself as Joker had. The sheer deadly aura emanating from the brunette's figure was more than enough to deter the Shadow. "To be locked in a loveless marriage, there can be no greater torture. Years spent treated like a doll, as a baby factory. For devils as yourself and Rias, that torture could last far longer than I could even imagine. As for everyone else, the prestige of such a marriage will fade in time. A man who depends on the name of his wife will not last long. Children born only for the purity of their blood will not grow well. A wife who knows nothing but of being a slave to her husband will not bring honour. For the sake of momentary gains, you sacrifice your reputation and multiple futures. Such an abominable world… I will not let it come to be."
Riser didn't attempt to restrain Noir as she dashed forward, the naked Rias held in a tender grasp. There was no point. To fight any longer would be courting death. Even as beaten as he was, Mona and Butterfly kept their weapons aimed true. A single errant movement and the shadow would be a smear across his fortress' floor. With a fallen visage, the shadow of Riser Phenex could only wilt as his Palace crumbled around him.
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts were no strangers to odd treasures. Though the items they procured within Palaces were always of extreme value, the same could not be said of the treasures' true forms. For every Olympic medal and beautiful painting came a model spaceship kit and a newsletter. As the source of the Palace host's distorted desire, monetary value bore little influence. That was why, as he tenderly traced an elegantly forged blade of inhumane origin, Ren couldn't hide his surprise.
"…Doubt we're going to find someone who can take this off our hands." He muttered as he gazed helplessly upon the weapon. Despite the ornate nature of its construction, the sword was clearly a weapon designed to slay. The ominous energy released in a single swing would decimate anyone caught in its path. "Something like this isn't just casually sold. We're talking about a custom-made weapon. It's going to look suspicious if we try and get someone to sell it in the underworld."
"But it's not something we can sell normally either," Mona concluded with a sigh. "Guess we're not going to have a celebratory meal after this. Get the girl to hide it away. It's only going to attract trouble if you keep it in your home. If nothing else, it could be a nice bargaining chip in the future. Our biggest issue is getting back and watching the fireworks."
"I hope everything ends well for Rias. She said the ceremony for the marriage would be coming soon, didn't she?" Haru muttered. Though they had always attempted to complete the offered mission as rapidly as possible, preparation took time. They had burned through a good portion of the given time ensuring that the skills were up to snuff. "Wait, that's going to be in the underworld as well, correct? Then we're not going to be able to see the results at all."
"That is of little issue." Lavenza was quick to assure, her grimoire snapping shut as it was placed… well, Ren wasn't entirely sure where it went. She seemingly put it behind her back, but there was no sign of the book at all. In a brief second, it had completely disappeared to some unseen location. "You have successfully received the treasure and the location has been deleted from the Metaverse Navigator. Your mission has been a success."
"Our mission, right? You took part as well." Ren prompted. Rather than the uncertain visage she would express before, however, the smile that blossomed on the attendant's face was more precious than any treasure.
"Indeed. Our mission was a success."
"Then let's make our own feast! I can even prepare some special dishes I've been learning about!" Haru chirped in anticipation, her hands clasped together excitedly. "We can't just let a successful heist go unrewarded! I'm not too sure where the best places to eat around Kuoh are yet, so we'll just have to make our reward!"
"I'm not going to argue. We should have everything we need. These things always make me hungry." Replied Ren good-heartedly before the magic circle gifted by Rias flared to life.
In a matter of seconds, the foreign environments of the underworld melted away, soft colours surrounding them as familiar scenery fell into place. Unprepared for when the ground rose beneath them, Haru and Ren could only fall back in surprise. Fortunately, their fall was cushioned by the mattress that rapidly formed, the bed just as perfectly made as when they left it. Morgana, however, was not so lucky. Stood upon the edge of a desk, there was the cat could keep his balance as the furniture formed beneath him. As soon as the light of the magic circle faded, a screech could be heard as he fell to the ground. Only Lavenza remained undisturbed, stood serenely in the centre of the room.
"…Hardly the cleanest of entrances, but I can't complain." Was all Ren could remark with a small chuckle, rising from the bed. Oh, how he would've loved to remain sequestered with Haru, but there was a time and place for everything. Perhaps they would be able to better enjoy themselves once Morgana and Lavenza weren't in the room. "Come on then. If we want to have this feast, we need to start cooking soon."
Though it was far from the most appropriate storage, the sword they received would be relatively safe within the bedroom. It wasn't as if they had any other place to put it, after all. Their cupboards were far too small for such an impressive weapon and it would be an insult to have it sitting in a bathroom. With the entire lower floor out of the question, the sword would just have to make do on the ground for now.
Ren was quickly pulled out of his musings by the knock on the door, a confused glance to those surrounding before he moved towards the entrance. Greeted by a blonde-haired maid with the brightest expression imaginable, Ren could only blink owlishly. Though it was hardly the first time Ren had found a maid upon his doorstep, it was usually after he had made a call for one.
"Might I… help you?" he could only helplessly voice, the maid's enthusiasm waning slightly as it made way for confusion. "I'm afraid we didn't call for any delivery health services. Maybe try next door."
"W-wait!" ten seconds away from closing the door on her, Ren relented when she suddenly grabbed hold of his hand. It wasn't a strong grasp by any means; a slight shudder would be enough to shake the blonde off. The only thing stopping Ren was the small gasp of recognition from behind. "You must be the other owner Miss Haru was speaking of! My name is Mercedes, recently hired to work here. I was hoping I could receive approval for my uniform!"
"She's correct Ren. I figured with what she showed me before, you would be pretty happy having her work here." Haru interjected. The pleasant smile on her face, though, was tempered by the unreadable expression in her eyes. She tried her best, but Haru simply couldn't pull them away from the odd sight within the doorway. "I must admit, I never expected… attire like that. Sister Mercy, what on earth are you wearing?"
"Ah… it was a suggestion from a dear friend of mine. They heard about my new job and told me such clothes were appropriate. I never expected such a strange reaction." Though it required a small cough, the elegance Mercy had expressed on that first meeting was quickly returned. Despite that, it was tempered by no small measure of embarrassment, her cheeks alit. "As I said, I came for approval to make sure it was suitable, but it appears I have been misled. I can almost hear her laughing at my expense…"
No words came to Ren's mouth. Unsure of how to respond, he settled with an exasperated shake of his head. He should've expected as much, really, but Ren had been too distracted at the time to care. Their motley crew were simply the kind of people who couldn't attract ordinary personalities. They were doomed from the moment they put up the 'help wanted' sign. Still, he could do far worse than naïve and sheltered… Haru seemed to get along with her well, at least.
"Well, no point debating it. Honestly, we're fine as long as you don't look too casual. we're a business, but a friendly and welcoming atmosphere is more important than some specific uniform." Ren spoke, receiving a quick nod of acknowledgement from Mercy. "Still, might as well give you my test if you're here. We were planning on making a meal; care to join?"
"Oh, are you certain? I wouldn't dare intrude." Mercy was quick to return. "From what Miss Haru spoke of, you have been working strenuously this week, correct? If this is your first time relaxing, it would be rude of me to partake."
"Didn't you hear me? This is part of my test." The insistence caused Mercy to tilt her head in confusion, eliciting a small chuckle from Ren. "What? Did you think impressing Haru alone would be enough? This is a joint effort. You help me make the food and I get to see how good your skills are. If you just so happen to be around once we're done, there's no harm in eating food you made. Doesn't that sound fair? Give me a chance to better know you at the same time."
"…Well, when put like that, I have no room to deny." Replied the blonde, her hands held together in thankful prayer. "I have yet to demonstrate my tea-making ability to you. Once you try them, I'm certain you'll be just as enthralled as Miss Haru!"
"I'm not the only judge here. If Lavenza isn't satisfied as well, I'll need to put you through some special training." At the warning, Mercy turned to the girl, barely noticeable as she stood in the corner. With such an innocent smile and minute size, it was only natural that Mercy's heart melted in a second.
"I promise not to be too harsh with my judgements. It will be a pleasure to sample your creations." If Ren wanted to draw her into this little game of his, then Lavenza was more than happy to play her part. From the new energy in the blonde's movements, it could not be denied that the motivation was effective.
"I really can't afford to fail now, can I? Lead the way. I shall show you the generosity of my Lord!"
It took all of Rias' strength to keep her straight face. While she was rather proud of her mental composure, Riser seemed to get a kick out of pushing Rias to her limits. From the excessive 'affection' to the venomous praises dripping from his lips, nearly every action the man made in the past few days served to irk her. Not even her peerage was spared, not if the thinly veiled insults Riser spat to his colleagues meant anything.
It wasn't as if they could do anything, however. Not as they were right now. No matter how disgusting a man Riser might've been, attacking him so blatantly in such a densely populated area would only serve to damage her family's reputation. As for her peerage? Well, they were merely low-level reincarnated devils. Attacking a pureblooded King would be akin to suicide. Even if the false smiles were painful to hold, they had no alternative.
"How idiotic. He has me in a dress like this for an engagement party?" Rias muttered to herself as she tugged at an elaborate collar.
If Riser's claims were to be believed, the best tailor's money could afford had painstakingly put the entire outfit together. How dearly Rias wished to rip the blasted thing from her body. The damn thing made it look as if Rias was already married – exactly as the Phenex had intended. If everything went without issue, it wasn't as if he was completely wrong. Once the engagement was settled, it would be… difficult to break the contract, to say the least. Rias didn't need to be a genius to understand that Riser wouldn't let her go so easily.
Her only hope lay with the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group from which she had heard woefully little. Sure, they had briefly gotten Souna to contact her regarding gun models of all things, but there had been radio silence since. If Rias had known they were going to be so lax in their mission, she never would've approached them. Better to have poached Issei and utilised his power than place her trust in a bunch of rumour and hearsay. Surely there would've been some change had their job been a success? Yet for the entire period since the meeting with Rias at Kuoh Academy, Riser had remained the same bastard he always was.
"Lady Rias. You asked me to inform you should your device activate."
Fortunately, the gentle remark from one of many maids drew the redhead out of her musings before they could grow too vitriolic. In less than a second, every ounce of bitterness Rias felt was swallowed, giving way to a pleasant geniality that brought a smile to her face as she accepted the phone. After all, there was no reason to unload such dark emotions upon them. What blame could mere maids hold?
Seeing Ren's image quickly made that geniality disappear, replaced by panicked anxiety as Rias rushed to open his message. Far from her typical calm and collected self, her fingers nearly struggled with reaching the appropriate app, eagerly clicking her latest message and finding…
"A winking face?" she couldn't help but mutter in disbelief. It was hardly the most professional correspondence Rias had ever received. Admittedly, it wasn't so unprecedented. After having seen those shoddily formed calling cards delivered to a huge portion of devil families, she should've expected that their communications would bear the same irreverence. "Seriously, how childish of them…"
Yet Rias couldn't find it in her to feel upset with them. If she was reading their succinct text correctly, the outcome was one of the best she could've wished for. It had come later than expected, for sure, but Rias' delight meant she cared little. If it weren't for the rows of maids attending to her at the moment, the redhead would've surely begun dancing out of sheer delight. As it was, it took all of Rias' effort to keep her tone steady as she called out.
"Has there been any news of Riser?"
"Unfortunately, we have yet to hear of him, Lady Rias. From what we are aware, he has not left his room as of this moment." The maid's answer finally brought a nod of acknowledgement to the redhead as she gazed once more towards the mirror. While the dress was no less tacky than it was a minute ago, it suddenly felt far more bearable. If it meant seeing what the rumours spoke of, then Rias was more than happy to don it for a short period. "Shall we escort you without him?"
"Yes, I believe that would be best. I'm sure Riser will make his appearance soon enough." Rias sighed. Perhaps a little melodramatic, but the maids weren't paid enough to comment on it. "There are people I must meet anyway. This will provide me with a good opportunity. Please alter the teleportation so that I appear just outside the room. Without Riser, such a dramatic entrance is unnecessary."
As soon as her statement was finished, the maids set to work with mechanical precision. As a pair carefully combed over Rias' appearance to ensure no mistakes were made, the rest combined their strength in a manner most would find unnecessary. With a power level as low as theirs, however, it was a necessity, especially with the entrance Riser had initially planned. Though they would never voice it, changing to a more discrete transportation circle was a blessing concerning the energy required. It meant that once Rias carefully stepped into the magic and was whisked away, the maids weren't left sprawled across the ground.
Not that the redhead paid much attention to that. After all, the wave of interjecting voices was more than enough to draw her attention, and that was with the doors still closed. As soon as Rias stepped forth into the ballroom, it was a cacophony of men, women and children alike, all mingling with one another. So distracted by their small talk, none seemed to notice her entrance, a fact that had Rias sighing in relief. Trying to find her peerage was made all the easier.
"My, President! We had lost any hope of seeing you alone tonight." Akeno's greeting drew the rest of the peerage's attention, Rias' smile matching the others in their exuberance. "Is there a reason why you have escaped Riser's side? Considering the point of this party, I would've thought he'd never let you slip away."
"It seems Riser has met with some obstruction. He hasn't left his room and the maids hadn't heard of his situation. Better to take the chance while I still can." Rias replied. Her relief was as palpable as it was infective, passing over Rias' peerage. The hands holding their drinks found themselves losing the nervous strength in their grip. "I also received a lovely little message from our latest acquaintances. Something tells me the two aren't so disconnected. Hopefully, I'll get to watch the fireworks alongside my cute peerage rather than stuck on display."
"Well, it should certainly be intriguing if the tales I heard were correct. Teachers outing themselves in front of the entire school, artists outing themselves on public broadcasts… they're all apparently connected to the Phantom Thieves of Hearts." Yuuto spoke out, his face pensive as he took a sip of his wine. While he may have been considered too young for drinking in Japan, such qualms were less of an issue in the underworld. A party without wine, after all, was barely a party. "There is even talk of those who died thanks to their influence. It leaves the question of just what we may be about to witness."
"I hope he dies. He deserves it." Koneko's blunt statement may have caused more than a few awkward chuckles from her peers, but they didn't last long. Such brutal honesty was a trademark of the Rook. They had long since gotten used to her mindset. Besides, they were very much of similar minds. "He's a Phenex. He would just revive."
"Now-now, such harsh words shouldn't come from my sweet little Rook at a time like this." Rias gently warned, drawing Koneko closer so she could properly pet her head. Though her face was masked with indifference, the fact that Koneko didn't fight back in the first place was more than sign enough for Rias to continue. Had it been anyone else, they would've already received a fist to the stomach. "How he chooses to express his revelation matters not, so long as he does so. Right now, we should focus on enjoying the – he's arriving."
Her peerage may not have been trained enough to detect the teleportation circle activating, but Rias had more than enough experience. If it was recognising the Phenexes' signature circle, then it was even simpler. That was why she nor many of the others gathered showed much surprise when the main star of the event made his appearance in a burst of crimson flame. No, it was his dejected stance that drew the crowd into murmurs of confusion. The tears that fell only added fuel to the fire.
"I-I… I thank you all for being here…" Riser struggled to splutter through his tears. Though his parents attempted to rush forward, the blonde throwing out his hand quickly froze them in place. "There is an announcement I must make. An a-announcement regarding my e-engagement to Rias Gremory… I'm cancelling it…"
The pitiful noise of Riser's tears was easily drowned out by the resulting uproar. With how proudly the Phenexes had boasted of their coming engagement to the Gremory family, having it broken on such short notice was bound to cause chaos. That the revelation was given in such an uncharacteristic manner only stirred the mess further. It was only natural that none of the gathered devils was quite sure how to respond, least of all Riser's parents as they rushed forward.
"What are you talking about Riser? Pull yourself together!" roared his father, powerful hands upon his Riser's shoulders shaking him as if he were possessed. Following such an unprompted and nonpermitted inversion of Riser's prior opinion, it wasn't the strangest of possibilities. "You of all people should know the importance of this marriage and you're spitting nonsense like this? You'd throw away the future of devils in a fit of insanity?"
"This was never about the future of devils, Father!" Riser's impassioned cry sent his father reeling back into his wife's hands. Though trembling fingers wiped away the tears in his eyes, the strength once lost had returned to the blonde's body. "This sham of a marriage was for the prestige and you know it! We've always known it. You wanted the fame that would come with combining two powerful bloodlines. I wanted to have such a beautiful girl call herself my wife… We treated Rias as if she was a pawn, a means to an end!"
"Come now Riser, you've deluded yourself. You should show this kind of unsightly face in public." Riser's mother rushed to announce, standing before her son with an apologetic bow. Whether the gathered men and women were convinced was another thing entirely, but that didn't stop Lady Phenex from attempting the charade. "We were aware that Riser was getting ill, but we never realised it was to this extent. Please, enjoy yourselves while we tend to him. Rest assured, the marriage will be go-!"
"No, Mother, Father! There's no point!" struggling out of his parents' restraint, Riser's eyes desperately searched through the crowd for any sign of red. Though she had tried her best to hide, it would've been impossible to evade Riser's sight forever. "Rias! Rias, I'm s-sorry! I wanted to make that strength and beauty mine, w-without thinking of your feelings! I put you through so much suffering! Please f-f-forgive me!"
It was as if Moses had parted the red seas. Rias was left staring stoically as the entire ballroom split in a manner of seconds as an ocean of eyes turned onto her. There were several ways she could potentially take this opportunity, each just as personally entertaining as the last. Whether Rias would survive the repercussions of such displays in public, however, forced her to take the tamest of her options.
The echo of her heels rang like thunder, or perhaps that was the small amount of her demonic energy leaking out. It wasn't necessary per se, not at all. She had no delusions of attacking anyone so blatantly, least of all someone protected by parents with regeneration and years of battle experience. Did it help make Rias appear all the more imposing as she stepped forth? Of course it did. If there was ever a chance to completely destroy the image of an innocent inexperienced heiress, that moment was it.
"…Seeing as there's no need to mince words any longer, I shall be blunt. You have caused me incredible annoyance." The redhead's words cut through the tense atmosphere, her pleasant smile remaining even in the face of the darkening expressions of Lord and Lady Phenex. "You had made it obvious from the beginning that you cared little for me as a sentient being. Whether it be obstructing my education, forcing your peerage to whore themselves to demonstrate my future or speaking with nothing but condescension, you have sought to put me in my place from the start. Had I not naively assumed that at least your thoughts of keeping devils pureblooded were genuine, perhaps I would've shown even greater opposition to this engagement."
Well, maybe that wasn't entirely true. Rias had certainly never held back in attempting to weasel her way out of the marriage. By phrasing it as she had though, it framed the audience to view her actions as restrained. Unless they purposefully asked her family of the extents she went to (and none would dare be so foolish), then Rias was a victim who only went along as much as she had for the sake of society. Any attempts by the Phenexes to imply otherwise? Clearly a desperate attempt to save face.
"Regardless, I cannot lay all the blame upon yourself, Riser. After all, is it not the job of the parent to guide their child?" Rias mused aloud, a pointed sigh as she played with the tip of her hair. Anyone would have to be blind to miss the unbridled outrage painted across their features. Stood on a stage of their creation, they wouldn't dare act out. Rias was free to make as many veiled remarks as she wished. "If we are to trust in your words, Riser, then your parents hold just as much guilt as you do. To treat you as the sole offender would be needlessly biased. Therefore, if you're willing to call off this engagement, I can only ask for minor reparations."
"You speak out of turn!" Lord Phenex growled, his arm already alight as he stepped forward. The sharp claps from the crowd prevented him from proceeding too far, however. With the audience parting to reveal the culprit, those burgeoning flames died without a sound. Well, there was a choking noise, but that came from Lady Phenex.
"Brother Sirzechs?"
"How intriguing, don't you agree? I expected some entertainment, but nothing to this extent." The man mused with no small amount of amusement in his voice. What a contrast it made to the terrifying aura surrounding him. Those devils unfortunate to be close found themselves struggling to stand upright, some even falling to the ground in his wake. "Apologies for my late arrival, Lord and Lady Phenex. Had I known such revelations had been planned, I would've sought to leave my duties somewhat earlier."
"Entertainment? Maou Lucifer, I mean no offence when I say your sister has decided to speak out of turn!" Lord Phenex was the first recover, a delightful wave of spittle flying from his lips as he cried out. It was a mercy that the latest arrival hadn't stepped too close, lest he face the indignity of being sprayed. "As it is, her insults cannot stand!"
"Hm… Insults, you say?" was the rather casual response. "The way I see it, your son has just admitted to committing several acts unbefitting of a scion of the Phenex family to the Heiress Apparent of the Gremory Family. These acts were committed with intentions not only shared, but encouraged by his parents. Intentions for which I have yet to hear any repentance or apology. Even if I ignore our familial connection, such blatant mistreatment of one party by another is worthy of some sort of compensation."
If Lord Phenex had any retort, he failed to voice it. From the way he clutched at his throat, he physically wasn't capable. The same could be said for several others in the immediate vicinity, the serene expression upon the man's face growing more oppressive by the breath. Only Rias dared speak in his presence and even then, her lips remained firmly shut. What point was there to voicing any opposition when one of the strongest warriors in the underworld was fighting for her cause?
"Under normal circumstances, I would consider the cancellation of the engagement compensation enough. In contracts between families of prestige, the loss of a bride price is no insignificant cost. In a contract such as the one between the Gremory and Phenex families, where no such additions were included, neither side has much to lose in that alone though." Sirzechs stated. it may have seemed effortless on his end, but it captured the room regardless. The sheer power permeating his words could silence even the rowdiest of men. "…Very well, let it be so. For seeking to take advantage of the Heiress Apparent of the Gremory Family, the Phenex family will be required to provide their tears free of charge for a period to be determined. Contact between Riser Phenex and Rias Gremory will be restricted during this time, as well as between their peerages for all save for essential communications."
It was an extreme punishment, but one few would argue. If their children had been found in a similar situation, many would demand the same scale of consequence. To ask for anything lesser would be to place a low price upon their name – needless to say, none were so idiotic as to give the impression that demeaning their own was worth so little. That didn't mean those gathered couldn't wince at hearing said punishment be forced upon the Phenex family. Considering how much they charged for their tears, it was essentially asking for a small fortune to be given for free.
"I…I understand, Maou Lucifer. We shall begin making preparations immediately." Lord Phenex muttered, any sign of his previous anger replaced by a nearly palpable dejection. With all present to see, the entire family hung their heads as they were forced to leave their own event. It was hardly sportsman-like of her, but it was rather difficult for Rias to hide her amusement at such a sight.
"Well then, dear Rias. It seems as if we have another reason to celebrate tonight. To justice being served." When her brother held out a wine glass, it would've been rude for Rias not to return the favour. That he was being as restrained as he was in the first place was already miracle enough. "I always knew of your unfortunate circumstances, but never would I have expected so ripe an opportunity to reveal itself. It's a shame, really. I had more than a few surprises in place for tonight."
"Please don't tell me you planned some sort of convoluted scheme, Sirzechs. At least this way we managed to keep our family's pride." Rias sighed half-heartedly. Honestly, for someone who was meant to remain neutral, Sirzechs had an astounding penchant for utilising his strength for such relatively petty matters. "Knowing you, I would be reduced to little more than a damsel in distress while the brave knight Sirzechs and his party came to save the day. I'd like to think my reputation has improved following tonight."
"How can I disagree? My precious little sister standing up for herself in front of so many people!" Sirzech's cooed in return, his restraint finally breaking. It wasn't as if the hug that he drew Rias into wasn't welcome, but it was dreadfully embarrassing. It seemed only her brother could turn Rias' face the same shade as her hair. "You've grown up so fast!"
"Public! We're in public!"
"Ah, yes." To his credit, Sirzechs at least had the courtesy to look somewhat contrite. The goofy smile that remained spoke volumes though. Fortunately, a cough returned the intimidating Maou Lucifer. "Then allow me to keep the conversation formal then. Rias, did you have any influence over Riser's… uncharacteristic outburst tonight?"
"And what do you think I could have done? You know full well that he wouldn't listen to me. I'm as surprised as you are that he reacted like that." Rias easily replied, a long draw from her glass bringing a sigh of satisfaction. As she saw her brother's raised eyebrow, however, she could only sigh. "I'm serious, Brother. It's not as if I could forcibly change his mind or anything. If I could, this whole mess would've been over so much faster."
"Of course, of course. I suppose my mind has yet to relax after the stress of work. I'll take the opportunity to get a few more drinks down me without Mother or Father shouting down my ear." His statement came with a chuckle, but the glint in his eyes remained strong. Such a response wasn't normal, especially from one like Riser. "It seems as if there'll be even more investigating to be done tomorrow."
And cut. I hope I'm portraying the devils in an interesting manner. I must admit, no matter how flowery I make my language, I prefer direct speaking. Trying to write a more cunning character can be difficult unless it's someone like the Doctor of Doctor Who. Please look forward to the next chapter, where I then proceed to write two particularly cunning characters... this will be fun for me.
Super hero time! See you next time!
