Castle in the Underworld
Ophis exited the room with light steps, her expression as unchanged as ever. She looked at Merlin, who was waiting anxiously outside.
"It's all taken care of," Ophis said calmly, her serene voice contrasting with the gravity of what had just happened.
Merlin nodded, feeling an immediate relief. She then looked into the room, expecting to see the remains of Falbium and the women he had with him.
However, what she found was surprising. The room was completely empty. There was no sign of Falbium, the women, or even the furniture. It was as if the room had never been occupied.
"Impressive," Merlin murmured to herself, feeling the extent of Ophis' power.
Concentrating, Merlin traced runes in the air with precision, undoing the spell she had placed on the room. The glowing runes slowly dissipated, erasing any magical signatures that could be traced.
"Let's go back," Ophis said, manifesting a slight touch of impatience in her neutral voice. Merlin noticed that, despite Ophis' calm expression, there was a latent irritation in her.
Merlin traced a magic circle in the air, and in a flash of light, the two disappeared, teleporting back to Kuoh.
Riser's Mansion in Kuoh - Library
Merlin and Ophis reappeared in the library of Riser's mansion in Kuoh. The welcoming atmosphere of the library strongly contrasted with the tension and violence they had just left behind. Merlin felt an internal satisfaction knowing that everything had gone according to Riser's plans. She looked at Ophis, who was already beginning to retreat to her room.
"Thank you, Ophis," Merlin said, watching her leave.
Ophis just nodded, saying nothing more as she headed for her silent refuge. Merlin could see that, even with the task accomplished, there was a slight irritation in the dragon's eyes.
Merlin felt a wave of relief and contentment. 'Everything went as planned. Riser will be pleased,' she thought as she settled into one of the library's armchairs, taking a moment to relax.
Great Hall of the Maous - Underworld
"Sirzechs, thank you for conducting the meeting fairly," Riser said, his voice firm but courteous.
Sirzechs, still observing Riser with a mixture of curiosity and concern, nodded.
"I was just doing my job as the mediator of the meeting, Riser." He frowned slightly, trying to hide the unease he felt. "Your power increase is remarkable. How did you achieve it so suddenly?"
Riser smiled playfully, his eyes gleaming with feigned curiosity. "Suddenly, Sirzechs? Perhaps you just didn't notice before. I've always had this power, I just didn't see the need to show it."
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes, clearly unsatisfied with the evasive answer. "And what changed for you to decide to show this power now?"
Riser made a thoughtful expression, bringing his hand to his chin as if reflecting deeply.
Sona, Serafall, and Sirzechs watched while he thought, each with a different expression of expectation.
After a moment, Riser changed his expression to one of resolution and excitement.
He looked at Sona, his eyes shining.
"Well, I am now a married man and the head of the Phenex family. I have responsibilities to fulfill."
Sona gave a slight smile, appreciating Riser's support.
Serafall, on the other hand, reacted more expressively and comically, placing her hands on her cheeks and making an exaggerated expression of surprise. "Riser-chan, so responsible and mature! What an inspiration!"
Despite the serene smile on his face, Sirzechs realized that his questions were futile and that Riser was just playing with him.
He sighed internally, recognizing the futility of insisting.
"I understand, Riser. It's good to see you taking your responsibilities seriously."
"Thank you, Sirzechs. Your words are appreciated. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading back home," Riser said.
Sona, by his side, nodded with a slight smile. "Let's go, Riser. It's best we return."
As they said their goodbyes, Sirzechs observed Riser with a mixture of distrust and concern, but maintained his formal posture.
Serafall, still animated, waved energetically.
"Have a safe trip back, Riser-chan! Sona-chan, we'll talk later!"
Riser and Sona walked towards the exit of the hall, Riser's presence still imposing and radiating confidence. Sirzechs and Serafall watched as the couple moved away, each lost in their own thoughts.
Sirzechs, watching Riser leave, couldn't avoid dark thoughts about him and everything that was happening.
'Riser is hiding something. His power has increased drastically and his attitude is more arrogant than ever. But with Serafall by his side and the strength he shows, confronting him now would be useless and risky.'
He knew there were many questions he wanted to ask, but he recognized the futility of insisting at that moment. 'Grayfia is right, a direct confrontation with Riser now wouldn't be good. I have other priorities to worry about.'
As Riser and Sona walked away from the Great Hall of the Maous, Riser felt a growing satisfaction. The outcome of the meeting had been better than he expected. He knew he had managed to maintain his position and divert attention from his true intentions.
'Merlin just sent a telepathic message. The plan was a success,' Riser thought, feeling an internal triumph. 'Falbium is out of the way, and now nothing can stop me from achieving my goals.'
Sona, noticing Riser's satisfied expression, asked curiously. "Did something happen, Riser?"
Riser looked at her with a confident smile. "Yes, everything is going according to plan, Sona. We have nothing to worry about."
Sona smiled, feeling relieved by Riser's confidence. "That's good. I'm here to support you in everything."
They traced a magic circle on the floor, and in an instant, disappeared in a flash of light, teleporting back to their mansion.
Time Skip - One Day Later
A day had passed since the Maous' meeting and the disappearance of Falbium Asmodeus. However, no news or report about Falbium's disappearance had surfaced.
Astaroth Mansion
At the Astaroth mansion, many changes were underway. Latia, now officially the heir of the family, was quickly adapting to her new responsibilities. The atmosphere in the mansion was one of adaptation and reorganization, with servants and members of Diodora's Peerage adjusting to new orders and directions.
Lara, who had been the Queen of Diodora's Peerage, was now part of Latia's Peerage. She showed dedication and determination to support the new leader, using her experience to help with the transition. Additionally, Mirai Hoshizora, the Queen of Latia's Peerage, was actively involved in all decisions, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Dimitri's Office
Dimitri, on the other hand, was reclusive in his office. Since the Maous' meeting, he hadn't contacted anyone in the mansion.
His isolation was evident to everyone, and the servants whispered about his change in behavior, fearing the repercussions of his contained anger.
He spent hours in silence, lost in dark thoughts and plans of revenge. The office walls were covered with maps and documents, evidence that he was planning something grand and dangerous.
His hatred for Riser and Ajuka only grew, fueling his determination to seek retribution.
---
Today, Latia, Lara, and Mirai were preparing to visit Riser's mansion. The goal of the visit was to establish terms of peace between the new head of the Phenex family and the future head of the Astaroth family, as well as to collect the Phoenix Tears that Riser was to deliver as part of his punishment.
Latia, dressed in an elegant formal attire, looked confident and serene. She knew the importance of this meeting and was determined to ensure the relations between the two families were strengthened. Lara and Mirai, by her side, were equally prepared and focused.
"Let's make sure this meeting is productive," Latia said, her voice firm as she adjusted the final details of her outfit.
"We need to show that the Astaroth family is united and strong."
Lara nodded, her expression serious. "We are with you, Latia. We'll do this in the best possible way."
Mirai, always observant and analytical, smiled slightly. "Yes, we'll be by your side every step of the way."
Riser's Private Mansion in the Underworld - Office
Riser was sitting in his office, a spacious and luxurious room with dark wood furniture and golden details.
Beside Riser, Yubelluna and Shizuku stood, both with serene and professional expressions. Yubelluna, with her confident and graceful posture, kept attentive to Riser's needs. Shizuku, with her calm appearance and observant gaze, was ready for any eventuality.
On Riser's desk, an elegant wooden box rested, containing the Phoenix Tears that were to be delivered to the Astaroth family as part of Riser's imposed punishment.
"Yubelluna, ensure that all the Phoenix Tears are present in the box," Riser ordered, his voice firm and authoritative.
Yubelluna carefully opened the box, revealing the bright, crystalline vials containing the precious Phoenix Tears. She checked each one with precision, ensuring the quantity was correct.
"They are all here, Riser-sama," Yubelluna said, closing the box with a delicate gesture. "The delivery is ready."
Riser nodded, satisfied.
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