The day dawned sunny in Kyoto, with a blue sky and a few clouds. The cherry blossoms in the garden of the youkai residence were in full bloom, spreading pink petals in the air. Millicas and Kunou, still excited after rescuing the little fox, were playing in the vast garden. Running from side to side, they explored every corner, laughing and shouting as they enjoyed the flowers and small ponds.
Meanwhile, in a more private room within the residence, Grayfia, Yasaka, and Riser were seated in a quiet and comfortable setting. The wooden sliding windows were open, allowing the soft morning breeze to enter, bringing with it the scent of cherry blossoms. The atmosphere was serene, but there was also a weight in the words that were about to be spoken.
"I'm happy that our children get along so well," said Yasaka, her tone calm, but with genuine joy in her voice. "Kunou seems very comfortable around Millicas, and I believe this is a good sign for their future."
"I agree, Yasaka," replied Grayfia, a slight smile appearing on her lips. "Millicas has also spoken fondly of Kunou. He seems genuinely interested in getting to know her better, and I think that's essential for any future union."
Riser observed the two, his gaze attentive and satisfied. "It's good to see that both are willing to take this step. It's not just a political alliance, but also an opportunity to unite our people through the affection and respect these children are already showing."
Yasaka smiled and looked out at the garden, where Kunou and Millicas were still playing carefree. "Yes, Riser. And as a mother, the most important thing to me is that Kunou is happy. I believe that with Millicas, she will have someone who genuinely cares for her."
"I share that sentiment," said Grayfia, giving a slight nod. "I wish for Millicas to grow up alongside someone who values and understands him. It seems our children have a promising path ahead."
Yasaka turned to Grayfia, her expression becoming slightly curious. "Grayfia, have you ever considered… taking a path similar to mine? I mean, with Riser. I know it's sudden, but I couldn't help but think of it, especially after everything that's happened."
Grayfia was visibly surprised by Yasaka's question. She looked away for a moment, her smile fading as she tried to find the right words.
"I… I don't know what to say, Yasaka. Sirzechs has just passed. Thinking about something like that now… it feels too soon."
Yasaka nodded, understanding. "I understand. I didn't mean to pressure you. I just thought it might be something to consider in the future."
"Grayfia, there's no rush. I am interested in you, but I will wait until you're ready. I just want to make it clear that, apart from me, you won't belong to anyone else," Riser said.
Grayfia looked at Riser and, to her surprise, found herself liking the firmness with which he spoke.
"Thank you for waiting, Riser-sama. I will need time, but I'm grateful to know I have you both by my side."
Suddenly, Millicas and Kunou entered the room, their laughter filling the space with joy. They paused for a moment upon seeing the adults gathered, their expressions becoming slightly more formal.
"You may continue playing, children. I have my duties as the King of the Underworld to fulfill," Riser said, rising from his cushion.
Millicas and Kunou nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Riser-sama," they said in unison before bowing slightly and returning to the garden.
Grayfia stood up, giving Riser a formal bow. "Riser-sama, take care."
Yasaka approached Riser, smiling softly before leaning in and kissing him on the lips. "See you soon, Riser. I'll be waiting for you."
Riser smiled and nodded, activating the magic circle beneath his feet.
FWOOOSH!
Riser disappeared in a golden glow, leaving the youkai residence in peaceful silence as the cherry blossoms continued to spread their petals through the air.
...
Rias was in the middle of the Grand Hall of the Gremory Mansion, her eyes fixed on the floor as her father, Zeoticus Gremory, spoke. The atmosphere was tense, and Rias's face reflected the discomfort she felt with every word her father said.
"Rias, you need to understand the importance of this mission. We need to know more about Riser, about his plans for the Underworld. And there's no better way to get this information than by being close to him," said Zeoticus, his voice firm and authoritative.
Rias clenched her fists, feeling a mix of shame and anger. "Father… this isn't right. I don't want to submit to this, I don't want to spy on someone, much less try to seduce Riser."
Zeoticus shook his head, unmoved. "It's not a matter of want, Rias. It's a necessity. Our family's position is at stake, and we must do whatever it takes to maintain our influence."
Rias raised her gaze, her eyes showing a mixture of frustration and sadness. "So that's it? Am I just a tool to maintain the Gremory family's influence?"
Zeoticus sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Rias, you're my daughter, and I love you. But I am also the head of this family. And as the head, I have to make difficult decisions. I hope you understand."
Rias took a deep breath, trying to hold back her tears. She knew that arguing wouldn't change her father's opinion. "I will do what you ask, father. But know that it's not easy for me."
Zeoticus nodded, satisfied with his daughter's response. "Thank you for your understanding, Rias. Remember that we're counting on you."
Rias turned away, leaving the hall without looking back. As soon as she reached her room, she activated the magic circle under her feet, determined to go to Riser's mansion. She felt the weight of the mission imposed on her, but also a deep sense of shame for having to submit to her father's will.
FWOOOSH!
Rias teleported, reappearing at the entrance of Riser's mansion in the Underworld. The large doors were guarded by Erza and Xenovia, both standing on guard, carefully observing the surroundings.
Erza approached Rias, her eyes showing a look of surprise. "Lady Gremory, we were not notified of your arrival."
Rias tried to maintain her composure, smiling slightly. "I came unannounced. I'm here to visit Akeno and Sona."
Erza analyzed Rias for a moment before nodding, allowing her to enter. "Very well. I will accompany you to where they are."
Rias took a deep breath, following Erza into the mansion. Each step she took seemed to weigh more heavily, but she knew there was no turning back. She had to fulfill the mission, even if it meant going against her own principles.
...
Sona was sitting on the living room sofa of the mansion, discussing the details of her wedding with Seekvaira to Riser. Tsubaki stood beside her, listening intently. Sona was overseeing the wedding preparations, ensuring that everything went as planned, as Seekvaira would officially become Riser's second wife.
"Seekvaira, I'm sure everything will be perfect," said Sona, her voice calm and full of confidence.
Seekvaira nodded, a serene smile on her face. "I trust you, Sona. I know you'll handle all the details. I'm ready for this step."
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps caught the attention of the three women. Erza appeared at the doorway, bringing Rias with her. Sona's surprise was evident on her face upon seeing Rias with Erza. Her eyes widened briefly before she regained her composure.
"Rias… I didn't expect to see you here so soon," said Sona, her tone trying to sound friendly, though there was a hint of curiosity and suspicion in her words.
Rias smiled slightly, trying to appear at ease. "I felt the need to come. I thought I could see Akeno and… talk a bit with you, Sona."
Sona nodded slowly, observing Rias for a moment before motioning for her to sit. "Of course. Make yourself comfortable. We were discussing some details of Seekvaira's wedding, but we can take a break to talk."
Rias's eyes widened in surprise. "Seek-chan is going to marry Riser?!"
Seekvaira smiled slightly, confirming. "Yes, Rias. I'm ready to take that step."
Rias blinked a few times, trying to process the information. "That's… somewhat unexpected. I hope you're sure about this, Seek-chan."
Sona looked at Rias with a slight smile of confidence.
"Any issues with being married to the King of the Underworld?"
Rias shook her head, smiling timidly. "No… it would be incredible to marry someone like Riser."
Erza, Seekvaira, and Sona exchanged looks, clearly incredulous at Rias's hypocrisy. Everyone there knew that Rias was once engaged to Riser and did everything to end the engagement, rejecting him without hesitation. Rias's words now sounded empty and contradictory, considering her past actions.
Erza decided to leave, saying she needed to return to the entrance of the mansion. Tsubaki took the opportunity to say she would get more tea, leaving Sona, Seekvaira, and Rias alone in the room.
Sona sighed and leaned back on the sofa, looking at Rias with a firm gaze. "Funny how some people only appreciate what they had after they lose it. You had the chance to be by Riser's side, and you rejected him. Now, seeing him as King of the Underworld, you change your mind?"
Rias lowered her gaze, unable to respond to Sona's words. She knew she couldn't deny the facts, and the truth was laid bare for all to see. The weight of the choices she made in the past now rested upon her, and there was no escaping the consequences.
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