Riser Phenex's Private Mansion – Sitting Room
Riser scanned the comments on DevilNet with a neutral expression. While Rias was the primary target of the criticism, his own image had also suffered—his withdrawal from the Rating Game was seen by many as weakness.
"If I defeat a Top 5 in the next Rating Game…"
The words hung in the air. He needed something grand.
Then he heard a knock at the door.
"Enter."
Yubelluna appeared with her usual respectful posture.
"Riser-sama. Sona Sitri and Lady Serafall Leviathan are here to see you."
Riser raised an eyebrow. "Let them in. Sitting room."
Soon, he was settled on the sofa, flanked by Shizuku, Erza, and Yubelluna. Tea and biscuits were served. The atmosphere was calm but charged with curiosity.
Sona entered with firm steps. Serafall floated behind, as eccentric as she'd always been on the anime screens.
"Please, sit."
The two accepted the invitation with grace.
Serafall, casting a playful glance at Erza, commented:
"You've got yourself a powerful knight, Riser-chan."
"Thank you," he replied, straightforward. "But… to what do I owe this visit, Lady Leviathan?"
Serafall shrugged, informal.
"I'm here to chat with my brother-in-law."
"Brother-in-law?"
Sona adjusted her glasses.
"I defeated my best friend, Rias, with a simple criterion: I'd only marry someone smarter than me. You beat me at chess. That's enough."
Riser stared at her, surprised.
"You're okay with this?"
Sona, casually:
"Actually, I made up that criterion just to avoid an arranged marriage."
Riser chuckled lightly, teasing:
"So you're challenging me to a Rating Game too?"
"No. I genuinely want to marry you."
Sona leaned forward, her eyes direct. "But what about you, Riser? Do I please you?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Yes, Sona. I like you a lot."
Serafall clapped with a radiant smile:
"Aww, how cute! Get ready, Riser-chan. The wedding's tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow?"
Sona, serious yet provocative:
"Thinking of backing out?"
"Maybe I should challenge you again… just to be sure."
Both laughed. The ice broken. A connection formed.
Sona blushed slightly and looked away, grabbing a biscuit.
Serafall eyed Riser with curiosity:
"And the human world? What do you think of it?"
"Chaotic, but intriguing. I'm considering enrolling in a school, just to see if the animes exaggerate or not."
Serafall, delighted:
"Like me with my magical girl movies!"
She spun on her axis and winked at him.
Sona buried her face in her hands.
"Serafall…"
"Okay, okay! I'll leave you two alone."
(...)
When the door closed behind the Maou, Riser looked at his allies.
"Ladies, give us a moment. Me and the future… Lady Phenex? Sitri Phenex? Phenex Sitri?"
The three smiled and left silently.
Only the two remained.
Sona adjusted her glasses, serious.
"Regardless of the marriage, my name remains Sona Sitri."
"Fair," Riser said, scooting closer on the sofa.
"Oh, and a warning," she added.
"You can't touch my Peerage without consent. Not mine, nor theirs."
Riser responded calmly, but with firmness in his eyes:
"I'd never do such a thing."
Sona stared at him for long seconds. There was sincerity there. And it disarmed her.
Riser leaned in slightly.
"Tomorrow's our wedding. How about… we practice the kisses?"
Sona blushed.
"…Alright."
Riser gently held her chin and kissed her.
First briefly. Then… deeper.
Sona's eyes closed. Her defenses followed.
And, deep within, a single thought echoed:
'Rias, you idiot.'
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A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.