Chapter 142: Chapter [142]
In Riser's private mansion in the underworld
In Riser's room, the atmosphere was calm despite the significance of the upcoming event. Akeno, with her skillful hands, was carefully adjusting Riser's tie, ensuring every detail was perfect. The soft light of the room reflected a subtle glow on her dark hair as she focused on the task.
"I think it's perfect now," Akeno said with a gentle smile, stepping back to admire her work. She couldn't hide a certain melancholy for not accompanying Riser to the young devils' event.
"Riser, I want to thank you again for allowing me to stay here in the mansion. I really appreciate your generosity."
Riser, observing his image in the mirror, slightly adjusted the collar of his shirt before turning to face Akeno directly. "You don't need to thank me, Akeno. This is as much your home as it is mine," he responded with comforting sincerity.
Akeno lowered her gaze, clearly touched by Riser's words. "Even so, I'm very sorry I can't go to the event today. I know it's important for you and for the family's image," she admitted, feeling a bit guilty for her absence.
Riser shrugged, a carefree smile forming on his lips. "Actually, the event is just a formality for me. I agreed to participate more to keep up appearances than anything else," he explained, dispelling any concern Akeno might have. "Your presence here, taking care of the mansion while I'm away, is as important as attending."
Akeno looked at Riser, a relieved smile appearing on her lips. "Thank you for understanding, Riser. I will do my best here."
"I know you will," Riser replied confidently. He gave one last look in the mirror, adjusting the tie that Akeno had perfectly arranged. "I'm ready. Let's keep everything under control until I return."
With a nod and a smile, Akeno watched Riser leave the room.
As Riser descended the wide and elegant marble stairs of the mansion, he was greeted by a stunning scene. The subtle glow of the lighting enhanced the elegant dresses of his peerage, each dressed impeccably, reflecting the importance of the upcoming event.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Riser was greeted with respect and admiration. Yubelluna, stepping forward with elegance and poise, her eyes meeting Riser's with an unbreakable loyalty gleam.
"Riser-sama, we are all ready to accompany you to the event."
Riser looked around, his gaze passing over each member of his peerage. He could feel their strength and commitment, and it filled him with pride.
"Thank you, Yubelluna."
The women in front of him nodded, their faces lit with smiles.
"Then, let's go. We have an event to attend," Riser concluded with a confident smile, leading the way as his peerage followed, each step resonating with the power and elegance that the Phenex family exuded.
Palace of Concord
At the Palace of Concord, an iconic structure in the underworld known for its magnificent architecture and a history filled with significant political negotiations and grand celebrations, the atmosphere was one of pure elegance and anticipation.
Rias was accompanied by Issei, Sirzechs, Grayfia, Zeoticus, and Venelana, each dressed formally for the occasion. While the group initially stayed together, Rias soon separated to walk alongside Issei, distancing themselves slightly from the others.
The presence of important underworld figures lent the event an air of gravity that Issei was still learning to navigate. "Rias, is it always like this? Full of important figures?"
"No, today is special," Rias replied, her eyes sweeping the crowded room. "Usually, it's important, but the presence of so many leaders and key figures today indicates something more... Something I have yet to discover."
Issei, whose discomfort had grown in recent days, especially due to the imminent announcement everyone was waiting for, couldn't help but show signs of distaste. "Is it because of the marriage announcement, isn't it?" His voice was low, laden with resentment.
Rias frowned, the mention of the marriage contract weighing on her heart. "No, there should be something else. This marriage contract is still a secret to most of the devils present here."
In the crowd, Rias spotted her cousin Sairaorg and signaled for Issei to follow her. Both approached him. "Sairaorg, it's good to see you here," said Rias, a genuine smile gracing her face.
Sairaorg responded with equal enthusiasm. "Rias, always a pleasure. And Issei, how are you?" He extended his hand to Issei, who accepted it with a firm grip, despite the obvious discomfort he felt due to the circumstances of the event.
Meanwhile, Sirzechs and Grayfia moved away from Venelana and Zeoticus, beginning their round through the hall. Sirzechs greeted each participant with a welcoming smile, his presence commanding respect and admiration among those present. Grayfia followed his steps serenely, always attentive to the surroundings and the nuances of underworld politics.
During a brief moment of respite, Sirzechs commented to Grayfia, still with a smile on his face: "Serafall told me that Riser is going to announce his promotion to Supreme Class Devil today."
Grayfia, surprised, looked at Sirzechs. "I didn't know you were so interested in Riser's movements."
"I wasn't, but with Riser's announcement of his promotion, perhaps it will divert some of the attention from Rias's wedding."
Grayfia frowned, her dissatisfaction evident. "Are you planning to interfere again, Sirzechs?"
Sirzechs shrugged, maintaining the lightness in his expression. "As a Maou, my ability to interfere is limited, even if it's for my own family," he replied, skillfully dodging the question.
Grayfia noticed Sirzechs's evasion and understood that he wasn't being completely honest. She knew her husband well and was aware that his obsession with protecting Rias sometimes led him to act in ways that contradicted his position as Maou. This discrepancy between his official responsibilities and his personal actions often left her frustrated, as she valued integrity and commitment to duty above all.
Feeling the tension rise, Grayfia chose not to comment further on the matter. She understood the complexity of Sirzechs's feelings towards his sister, but his lack of commitment to his position as Maou and his tendency to let personal emotions influence his decisions deeply concerned her. This duality in Sirzechs's behavior made her uneasy, causing her to wonder if the stability of the underworld could eventually be compromised by these internal conflicts.
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