Riser's Mansion in the Underworld - Living Room
Two days had passed since Diodora's death and the situation in Tokyo. Riser's mansion in the underworld was immersed in an atmosphere of apparent tranquility. In the living room, Riser was comfortably seated in a leather armchair, while Sona sat beside him, reading a book. Sona's presence brought a touch of calm and serenity to the environment.
Riser was calm, enjoying the moment of peace. He knew that the political storm he had caused was just beginning, but he felt ready to handle any challenge that might arise. As he pondered the next steps, a teleportation magic circle appeared in the middle of the room, glowing intensely.
Serafall emerged from the magic circle, dressed in her characteristic mahou shoujo outfit, but her expression was serious and resolute. Upon seeing Riser and Sona, she gave a sweet smile, but there was an underlying tension in her gaze.
"Riser-chan, Sona-chan," Serafall began, her voice sweet but with an underlying firmness. "I come here with a special invitation to an important meeting."
Riser raised an eyebrow, noticing Serafall's tone. "An invitation, Serafall? It sounds more like an order."
Serafall maintained her smile, but her eyes grew more serious. "Yes, Riser-chan, it's a meeting called by the Maous, including myself, Sirzechs, and Ajuka. Dimitri Astaroth will also be present. Considering recent events, your presence is mandatory."
Sona, realizing the gravity of the situation, closed the book and looked at Serafall. "Onee-sama, what is the purpose of this meeting?"
Serafall looked at her sister, her expression softening slightly. "We need to discuss the repercussions of Diodora's death and find a way to maintain stability in the underworld. Everyone involved needs to be present to ensure that this situation doesn't spiral further out of control."
Riser stood up from the armchair, calmly adjusting his suit. "Very well, Serafall. I will attend this meeting. When and where will it be?"
"Tomorrow," Serafall said, her voice firm but with a touch of concern. "The meeting will be held in the Great Hall of the Maous, at the heart of the underworld. It's a place where crucial decisions are made. Riser, you can count on my support. I'll be there to ensure things are handled fairly."
Serafall approached Sona, placing a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "Sona, you're strong and intelligent. I know this situation is difficult, but I trust that you and Riser will overcome it together."
Sona smiled slightly, feeling her sister's support. "Thank you, Onee-sama. I'll do my best."
Serafall stepped back, tracing a magic circle in the air. "I need to prepare for the meeting. We'll see each other tomorrow."
With a flash of light, Serafall disappeared, leaving Riser and Sona in the room. Silence lingered for a few moments before Sona turned to Riser, her expression resolute.
"Riser, I'm thinking about abandoning Kuoh and leaving everything to Rias," Sona said, her voice firm but with a tone of concern.
Riser looked at her, his expression serious. "Sona, you are free to do whatever you want. You don't need to abandon the school because of me."
Sona frowned, clearly irritated. "Riser, I will fulfill my role as your wife and stay close to you, helping in whatever is necessary. I won't run away from responsibilities."
Riser sighed.
"Very well, Sona. If that's what you want, I accept your decision."
Sona approached Riser, holding his hand. "Thank you, Riser. We'll overcome this together."
With the decision made, Riser and Sona sat back down in the room, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Sirzechs' Office
Sirzechs was seated in his leather chair, with a thoughtful and serious expression. In front of him, Grayfia stood, her posture impeccable and her gaze attentive to her husband. She always knew when Sirzechs was worried, and today was no exception.
Sirzechs drummed his fingers on the desk, his mind absorbed in the complexities of the situation with Riser. He knew that the meeting in the Great Hall of the Maous the next day would be crucial. There was a lot at stake, and each decision needed to be carefully considered.
"Grayfia," Sirzechs began, his soft voice breaking the silence. "I've been reflecting on how I should handle Riser during tomorrow's meeting. The presence of Ajuka, Serafall, and Dimitri will make everything even more delicate."
Grayfia, always the faithful confidante and adviser, approached the desk, her eyes observing Sirzechs with a mix of concern and determination. "Sirzechs, I understand the complexity of the situation. Riser acted impulsively, but we need to find a way to maintain peace and order in the underworld."
Sirzechs nodded, his eyes meeting Grayfia's. "Yes, Grayfia. But it's hard to know the right approach. Dimitri is furious, and Ajuka has always been an enigma. Serafall will be there to moderate, but to what extent will that help?"
Grayfia placed a comforting hand on Sirzechs' shoulder, her expression soft but firm. "Sirzechs, I believe a moderate attitude will be the best approach. Riser needs to be held accountable for his actions, but we also need to avoid this situation turning into a bigger conflict."
Sirzechs sighed, appreciating Grayfia's comforting touch. "You're right, Grayfia. A firm but fair stance will be essential. We need to show that justice will be done, but without inciting more conflicts."
Grayfia smiled slightly, satisfied with Sirzechs' response. "I trust you'll find the right words, Sirzechs. Your leadership has always been guided by wisdom and justice. If you maintain that stance, we can get through this."
Sirzechs stood up from the chair, feeling a bit more confident with Grayfia's words. He walked around the desk and approached her, holding her hands. "Grayfia, your support is invaluable to me. Let's face this meeting with our heads held high and clear minds."
Grayfia made a slight bow, keeping her serene expression. "I'll be by your side, Sirzechs. Together, we'll ensure justice prevails and the underworld remains stable."
As they discussed the details of the approach, a dark thought crossed Sirzechs' mind. He hesitated for a moment before expressing his suspicions. "Grayfia, there's something else that worries me. Issei's death. I can't shake the possibility that Riser is somehow involved. Everything seems to fit."
Grayfia frowned, clearly concerned about the direction of Sirzechs' thoughts. "Sirzechs, we can't make accusations without proof. Riser was fighting with Diodora, and there are many witnesses who can confirm this. We need concrete evidence before accusing him of something so serious."
Sirzechs knew Grayfia was right. "You're right, Grayfia. It's a dangerous thought that needs to be thoroughly investigated before anything else. We can't let unfounded suspicions damage our position."
Grayfia nodded, relieved to see Sirzechs reconsidering his stance. "We need to stay calm and objective. We'll investigate all possibilities, but without rushing to judgments. Our priority is to maintain stability and justice."
Sirzechs agreed, feeling strengthened by Grayfia's wisdom. "Thank you, Grayfia. Your clarity is always a beacon in moments of uncertainty. Let's prepare for tomorrow's meeting and ensure everything is handled with the seriousness and justice the situation demands."
With this decision, Sirzechs and Grayfia continued discussing the details of the meeting, ready to face the upcoming challenges with resolve and moderation.
Gremory Mansion - Zeoticus and Venelana's Room
Zeoticus was seated in a comfortable armchair by the fireplace, his tired expression reflecting recent events and the pressure of two failed marriage contracts for Rias. He held a glass of red wine, slowly swirling the liquid as he thought deeply. Venelana, seated in a nearby chair, watched her husband with a look of concern mixed with happiness.
"Zeoticus," Venelana began, her soft voice breaking the silence of the room. "You seem exhausted. The past few days have been difficult for all of us."
Zeoticus sighed, lifting his eyes to meet Venelana's. "Yes, Venelana. I am tired. Two failed marriage contracts... It's made me rethink many things."
Venelana stood up from her chair and walked to Zeoticus, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Dear, you did what you thought was best for our daughter. But maybe it's time to stop these schemes. Our family is powerful enough not to need these contracts."
Zeoticus looked at Venelana's face, finding comforting solace in her gaze. "You're right, Venelana. Rias should choose her own path. I'm tired of trying to control her fate. I won't make any more marriage contracts."
Venelana smiled, joy evident in her eyes. "That makes me very happy, Zeoticus. Rias deserves to be happy and find her own way. She's strong and capable. I'm sure she'll make wise choices."
Zeoticus nodded, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. He stood up from the armchair and pulled Venelana into a hug, feeling the warmth and comfort of her closeness. "Thank you for making me see this, Venelana. Your wisdom and support have always been invaluable."
Venelana returned the hug, feeling happiness fill her heart. "We're in this together, Zeoticus. We'll support our daughter in whatever decision she makes. That's the most important thing."
They remained embraced for a moment, appreciating the feeling of unity and understanding. Zeoticus then pulled back slightly, looking at Venelana with a serene smile.
They sat down again, this time side by side, and continued to talk about Rias' future and the importance of supporting her choices. The conversation flowed naturally, with occasional laughter and sincere smiles, reflecting Venelana's happiness with Zeoticus' new decision and the relief of knowing their daughter could now follow her own path without external pressures.
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