XIII - Riser Phoenix

13

Akeno leaves and shortly after a magic circle appeared. It was revealed to be Grayfia. Rias' eyes widened while Kazuki and Asia were left confused. Grayfia also noticed the two, "Hello, you must be Kazuki," she says. "How do you know my name?" Kazuki questioned. "Well, you're currently the hot topic of the underworld. You can thank Rias for that." She now had her attention on Asia, "And who might you be?"

"My name is Asia, Asia Argento."

"Nice to meet you," she says. "You said that I was a 'hot topic' in the underworld, is that a bad thing? Am I like a celebrity down there?" He asked. "That is certainly one way to put it. You also may have some eyes on you now. I wouldn't worry about it now though," she assured.

Her attention was now back on Rias, "We need to talk," she started.

"Talk about what?" She asked. "Riser, he will be coming here tomorrow..." Kazuki was no longer interested in the conversation, only half listening. He instead used his 'Observe' skill to learn more about the person in front of him.

╔.★. .═════════════╗

Name: Grayfia Lucifuge

Race: Pure-Blooded Devil

Affiliations: The Gremory Clan, Sirzechs Lucifer's Peerage

Level: 104

Strength: 2320

HP: 70,000/70,000

╚ ═════════════. .★.╝

Grayfia said her goodbyes and left via a magic circle. "So from what I gathered, this Riser guy will be coming here tomorrow?" Kazuki questioned. "Yes, if you're going to come just don't cause trouble," Rias says. "I won't, you have my word. Although, if he were to try anything like threaten me, I will be forced to take immediate action."

Rias sighs, "I wouldn't suggest it. You don't want to be his enemy, trust me," Rias says. Kazuki grinned, "We'll just have to see how it goes."

"I guess we will," Rias then left using her magic circle. "Was she in a rush or something? She didn't even say bye." Kazuki shrugged it off.

The Next Day

Kazuki and Asia entered the Occult Research Club, they see Rias and her peerage but no Akeno. as well as Grayfia. In the middle of the room was Rias, sitting in her chair. She stood up once she noticed Asia and Kazuki. She began to speak, "Now that everyone is here, good."

"My lady, if you don't mind, may I have your permission to speak openly?" Grayfia started. "Let's hear her out," Rias says. But before anything else could be said, a red light began to cover the room.

A red magic circle appeared, and fire engulfed the area. Kazuki and the others see someone, his body was turned away from them. "Ah, and Riser has arrived in the human realm," he says.

"Oh great, this guy talks in the third person," Kazuki rolled his eyes. Riser turned around, making eye contact with Kazuki. "A human? What is a human doing here?" He questioned. "My name is Kazuki, you may have heard about me."

"Ah, the human with a strange power. Move along, this is a strict devil business," Riser says. "No, he is very welcomed here," Rias states. "My beloved Rias, why are you involving third parties in this matter? This does not concern him."

"I am here to stay, and there is nothing you can do about it," Kazuki says. "Hm, sounds like you are disrespecting Riser. Do me a favor and quit talking," Riser says. "I don't think I will," Kazuki quips back.

"Okay, who's this douche? And why did he call Rias his beloved?" Issei questioned. "This gentleman is Lord Riser Phoenix. He is a pure-blooded devil of noble birth. The third heir of the House of Phoenix," Grayfia explained.

"And that means...what?" Issei questioned. Grayfia further explained by saying, "He is also fiance to the next head of the House of Gremory."

"Fiance to what? You're joking right?" Issei said in disbelief. "I am not," Grayfia calmly says. "Lady Rias has been engaged to Riser for quite some time now," Grayfia continued. "They're getting married?!" Issei was shocked.

A couple of minutes later Akeno appeared with some hot tea. She served the tea to Riser. "The tea prepared by my Rias' queen is most delicious," he says. "Thank you for the compliment, sir," Akeno says while bowing.

Riser was sitting next to Rias on the couch, they were very close to each other. The devil then started to rub Rias' thigh, the action caused her to get up. "Why won't you learn, Riser? I have no intention of marrying you," she says. "But, my darling, Riser believes your family's circumstances are still such that cannot afford to be selfish."

Rias responds by stating, "I will not bring my family to ruin. I have no intention of denying you your right to our name. However, let me be clear, my husband will be my choice."

"Remember, it's imperative for devils to remain pureblood. We're still recovering our numbers from the last war. Both your father and Sirzechs decided on this arrangement with the future devils in mind," Riser says.

While Riser was talking Kazuki took the chance to use 'Observe' on him.

╔.★. .═════════════╗

Name: Riser Phoenix

Race: Pure-Blooded Devil

Affiliations: Riser Phoenix's Peerage, Phoenix Clan

Level: 78

Strength: 1270

HP: 54,000/54,000

╚ ═════════════. .★.╝

'Holy shit, I really don't have a chance with these devils,' Kazuki thought to himself. "My father, my brother, and my whole clan made this decision because they are in too great a rush. For the last time, Riser, I will not be marrying you," Rias stated.

Riser stood up and lightly grabbed Rias' face. "For the final time Rias, Riser bears the reputation of the house of Phoenix. Besmirching our good name is unacceptable," Riser says. Everyone was taken aback by the action. "Hey!" Issei shouted.

The Phoenix turned to the rest of the group. "Riser doesn't care if he has to incinerate everyone in this room."

"There is no need for incineration-" Grayfia started. She was cut off by Kazuki, "Riser, was that a threat?"

"Enough there will be fighting. My lady Rias, Lord Riser. As you know, I am here by order of Sirzechs. Which means, there will be disruption of peace," stated Grayfia. Riser back off, "When told such an ominous thing by one that is known as the ultimate queen, even Riser can become somewhat fearful."

"My master had anticipated there would be a conflict of some sort. As such, he has assigned me a last resort, should communication break down," Grayfia says. "Of course he did, would you care to be a little more specific?" Rias asked.

"If my lady persists in putting her personal preference above those of her family. She is to settle this via a rating game with Lord Riser."

"What's a rating game? Didn't Sona talk about a rating game?" Issei questioned. "A rating game is a game noble devils play with each other. Long story short, they and their servants compete in a battle to determine who wins," Kiba explained. "Like the chess thing?" Issei questioned.

"Exactly, it's the reason we have individual powers that are inspired by what we call evil pieces," Akeno explained. "Riser has played through numerous rating games and has scored several wins for himself," Riser says. "unfortunately, my inexperienced bride has never even qualified for an official game," he continued.

"He knows only mature devils are allowed to participate so it's not as if she had many opportunities," Akeno stated. "So...you're saying we're at a disadvantage?" Issei questioned. "We've got more to worry about than that," Koneko says.

"Rias, I have to ask. Is this adorable group the extent of your servants?" Riser questioned. "And so what if they are?" Rias says. Riser laughs and snaps his fingers. A magic circle appeared, followed by 15 female figures.

"Riser has 15 pieces. In other words, I have a complete set," he says. "Fifteen, and they're all hot as hell," Issei says. Kazuki walks over to Issei and smacks the back of his head. "You never learn, do you?" Kazuki says. He turned his attention to Riser, "Impressive, I can tell they are all pretty strong. But you only have 15," Kazuki says.

"Why does that matter to you, human?" Riser says. He then looked at Asia and licked his lips. "Is that your friend? She would fit right in with my peerage, it's a shame that my set is complete."

Kazuki released Balak, Igris, Viser, and Freed. "You will not disrespect her," Kazuki says. His eyes flashed blue. "What is this?" Riser says confused. "You could say this is my 'peerage', shadow soldiers are a better term though. I have 30 of them, double the amount of yours."

Grayfia cleared her throat, "Refrain from using force, or I will have to intervene."

"You don't have to worry, just giving him a warning."