Chapter 31: The Tumultuous Gremory Family

In a second-floor bedroom at the school dormitory, the red-haired girl seated by her desk glanced at the silver-haired maid emerging from the teleportation circle. Her previously calm expression immediately stiffened.

"I apologize for disturbing you at this hour, Lady Rias," Grayfia said as she stepped out of the magic circle, which faded into nothingness behind her.

Rias bit her lower lip lightly.

"Grayfia... sister, why have you come here suddenly?"

Though her words were phrased as a question, her expression betrayed the fact that she already knew why Grayfia was here.

With the magic circle gone, the desk lamp once again became the sole light source in the room. The warm, diffused glow illuminated the cozy space, subtly highlighting the silver-haired maid's striking curves beneath her otherwise modest attire.

"Although it's a bit late, Lord Sirzechs Lucifer still wanted me to deliver this year's birthday greetings to you," Grayfia began, her tone as calm and poised as ever.

"Birthday…? That was at the beginning of the month. It's nearly the end of April now," Rias replied, attempting to sound indifferent.

"My apologies, but there were extenuating circumstances. As you know, Lord Sirzechs has not long assumed the position of Lucifer, and many matters still require his direct oversight," Grayfia explained with measured precision.

"In fact, Lord Sirzechs initially hoped to celebrate your birthday in person. He had been trying to finish his duties early for that purpose but ultimately could not manage it. Thus, he entrusted me with conveying his message on his behalf."

"Ah, it's fine~"

Hearing Grayfia's sincere apologies, Rias, who had been critical moments before, felt a twinge of guilt.

"I know how busy my brother is. Besides, I'm not a child anymore. Surely my image in his eyes isn't so childish that I'd cry over a missed birthday greeting... Anyway, thank you, Grayfia, for bringing his wishes."

"So, is that all? There isn't anything more important to discuss, right?"

Her voice carried a hint of hopeful anticipation. If this was truly the only reason for Grayfia's visit, it would have been a relief.

Unfortunately, life seldom goes as one wishes.

"There is one other matter," Grayfia said, her words quashing Rias's last glimmer of hope.

"It's regarding your betrothal. Now that you've turned eighteen, the Phenex family hopes that you can return to the Underworld soon to proceed with the wedding."

"..."

The room fell silent.

Rias remained frozen in her seat, half-turned toward Grayfia, unmoving. The desk lamp cast a warm glow over her cascading crimson hair, the shadows on her face obscuring her expression.

"My engagement...?"

"Yes. That is the message the Phenex family asked me to deliver to you before I departed from the Underworld," Grayfia confirmed.

The Phenex family, like the Gremory family, was one of the 72 noble houses of the Underworld and among the few remaining pureblood devil clans after the Great War.

This engagement had no foundation in romance. It was, in essence, a political alliance aimed at revitalizing the pureblood devil bloodlines.

Initially, the marriage arrangement had nothing to do with Rias. After all, her elder brother, Sirzechs, was the head of the family. Moreover, the Phenex family had multiple heirs, including three sons and a daughter.

However, with Sirzechs Gremory ascending to the position of Lucifer, Rias was automatically designated as the next head of the Gremory family.

As the saying goes, to wear the crown, one must bear its weight.

The difference lies in whether the crown is worn willingly or forced upon one.

Rias belonged to the latter.

She could choose to firmly reject the arrangement, but doing so would undoubtedly bring immense disputes and criticism upon the Gremory family. As a pure-blooded devil noble unwilling to contribute to the revival of the underworld, such a stigma would not only tarnish the Gremory name but also implicate her brother, Sirzechs, despite his current status as a Maou.

This was something Rias could not accept.

With her father, Zeoticus Gremory, having passed away, the Gremory household now consisted only of Rias and her mother, Venelana Gremory. From an objective standpoint, describing the family's situation as precarious would not be an exaggeration. Any further turmoil could even lead to their expulsion from the 72 Pillars—a possibility that loomed dangerously close.

In such circumstances...

Heh—

The red-haired girl let out a faint sigh, her voice trembling slightly.

"I... I understand. Thank you, Grayfia, for going out of your way to deliver this message."

Her words lingered in the air, yet Grayfia did not immediately respond. After a brief pause, she spoke again with her usual composure.

"In truth, Lady Rias, if you truly cannot accept this engagement, there is another way..."

"I know. All I need is for my brother to step in and resolve it, right?"

Before the silver-haired maid could finish her sentence, Rias interrupted with a bitter yet helpless smile.

Indeed, with Sirzechs' current position as a Maou, nullifying an engagement like this would take no more than a single word. However, the nature of this engagement was too politically sensitive. If Sirzechs were to forcibly annul it using his authority as a Maou, it would inevitably lead to doubts and dissatisfaction among the other noble families of the 72 Pillars. Such repercussions would deal a significant blow to his credibility.

Rias could never bring herself to burden her brother, who had worked tirelessly to attain his current standing, all because of her momentary defiance.

"Anyway... I understand now. Thank you, Grayfia, for making this trip. Please send my regards to my brother. I'll... think things over myself."

There was no need to say anything more. Grayfia nodded, signaling her understanding.

Her gaze briefly flickered to the notebook on the desk behind Rias. She then stepped back, bowed slightly, and the red teleportation magic circle bearing the Gremory crest lit up beneath her feet. In a flash of crimson light, she vanished from sight.

The ripples of demonic power quickly dissipated into the air, leaving no trace that might disturb anyone else in the old school building.

In the room, Rias sat motionless in her chair, her figure bathed in the dim glow of the desk lamp. Once the magic circle fully disappeared, she leaned back into her seat, tilted her head upward to gaze at the ceiling, and softly touched her lips with her fingertips.

"You said... you'd come save me... didn't you?"

--------

Meanwhile, at the Keikain residence.

"Come on, Fuki~ We've already had dinner, so now it's time to eat me instead! Plus, we have no plans for tomorrow or the day after, so why not go at it for two whole days and nights?!"

"Are you trying to get yourself wrecked...?"