the peerage

Riser Phoenix awoke slowly, the familiar warmth of his bed comforting him as he gradually became aware of his surroundings. As his eyes adjusted to the morning light filtering through the curtains, he noticed his peerage gathered around him, sleeping .

He mentally counted them, his gaze briefly lingering on each face as their images flashed through his mind. They're all here, he thought, feeling a sense of relief that was quickly followed by the weight of responsibility.

yubellena (ex-queen)

mihae (ex-bishop)

karlamine(ex-knight)

siris(ex-knight)

Isabela(ex-rook)

chun-li (ex-rook)

ille and nel (ex-pawn)

ni and li(ex-pawn/ex-pawn)

marion (ex-pawn)

burent (ex-pawn)

shuriya (ex-pawn)

mihwa(ex-pawn)

How much will the plot diverge because of my interference? he mused. It's not like I know too much about what's coming, just up to the Kokabiel incident. The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside. He would have to take things as they came and adapt , a major change already happend as he has only 1 older brother instead of 2.

His thoughts shifted to the day ahead. Today, Ajuka Beelzebub will arrive to examine my Evil Pieces and investigate what happened to my peerage. The situation with his peerage and the strange changes in their Evil Pieces weighed heavily on his mind. There was a lot to explain, and even more to understand.

With a deep breath, Riser pushed the covers aside and got out of bed, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He made his way to the bathroom, the cool tiles under his feet grounding him as he prepared for the day.

As the hot water cascaded over his body in the shower, he began to clear his mind, focusing on the tasks ahead. But his thoughts were soon interrupted when he felt the presence of someone joining him. He turned to see Mihwa, his loyal pawn, stepping into the shower with him.

Without a word, their eyes met, and the tension between them quickly escalated into a passionate embrace. The water streamed around them as they engaged in an intense and intimate moment, the heat of the shower matched by the fire of their connection.

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Ajuka Beelzebub had finished his examination of Riser and his peerage, his expression thoughtful as he delivered his analysis. 

"The Rebirth ability has somehow altered the souls of you and your peerage,"

Ajuka began, his tone clinical but laced with a hint of curiosity. "Your peerage souls now resemble your only in outer appearance and due to rule in the Evil Piece system where one cant use their own piece on themself as that would be stupid.Rebirth not only seem to affect you but also your peerage As a result, your peerage members remain devils, but they are no longer reincarnated devils; it's as if they were born devils. This means that your current peerage remains intact in spirit, but technically, they no longer hold the titles of riser peerage."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing. "What this also means, Riser, is that your Evil Pieces have been restored. You can use them to form a new peerage. In essence, you have to start again."

Ajuka gave Riser a nod, then turned to address Lord and Lady Phoenix. "I will report this to the other Satans and devil council. We will decide how to proceed from here." With that, he took his leave, exiting the Phoenix mansion with the same calm, assured demeanor with which he had arrived.

As the door closed behind him, Riser, his parents, and the entirety of his peerage gathered in the grand hall. The atmosphere was heavy with a mixture of emotions—uncertainty, sadness, and a resolute determination.

Riser stepped forward, facing his peerage with a calm yet resolute expression. "Satan Beelzebub has confirmed that my peerage cannot return to what it was. I will have to start anew."

His words hung in the air, and he could see the tears welling up in the eyes of his peerage members. These were devils who had sworn their loyalty to him, who had fought by his side, and who, despite everything, loved him dearly.

"But," Riser continued, his voice steady and strong, "that does not mean our journey has ended. We will continue to grow, to strive for our goals. This is just a new chapter in our story."

A faint smile spread across the faces of his peerage as they heard his words, their loyalty reaffirmed.

Ravel, his younger sister, spoke up, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "What about me, Oni-chan? What should I do?"

Riser turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "You can become a King, Ravel. You could open your own peerage, or if you prefer, you could join another's peerage and continue your path that way."

Ravel's eyes sparkled with determination as she asked, "So if I become a King, can I ask your peerage to join mine?"

Riser smiled warmly at her. "If they wish to join you, they are free to do so."

Yubelluna, his loyal Queen, stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. "But I want to remain your Queen, Riser."

Isabella, the fierce rook, spoke next, her tone filled with resolve. "I swore to protect you, Riser. I can't imagine serving anyone else."

Riser's gaze softened as he looked at his peerage, the bond they shared clear in every word they spoke. "Where is it written that if you join my sister's peerage, you would be separated from me? I have no intention of letting any of you go. You are always welcome in my service, no matter where you stand."

Chun-Li, his steadfast Rook, stepped forward. "Young master, I chose to follow you, and I will continue to do so, no matter what."

Riser nodded, his heart swelling with pride for his peerage. "Take your time and decide what you wish to do. Whether you choose to stay by my side or walk your own path, know that I will always support you."

The room fell silent as his words resonated deeply with those present. The future was uncertain, but the bonds they had forged were stronger than any title or role. Whatever decisions they made, they would face the future together, as comrades, as family.