Riser bid farewell to his family and made his way to his side of the mansion, his peerage following closely behind him. As he was about to enter his room, Yubelluna stopped him, her expression serious.
"Riser-sama, your old peerage would like to talk to you about their future."
Riser paused, then nodded. "Alright, let's all sit in the resting room."
They walked together to the resting room, where each member took a seat in a circular arrangement, all facing Riser. Arrow stood silently behind him, a calm presence at his back. The atmosphere was tense, as everyone knew this conversation would determine the paths they would all take from now on.
Yubelluna was the first to speak. "Riser-sama, over the past week, we've observed your new behavior and the goals you've set for yourself. We've come to the decision not to stand in your way, so we've each decided on our futures and chosen our own paths, which we'd like to share with you."
Marion and Burent, the twin maids, were the first to stand. "Riser-sama, we've decided to become the official maids of the Phoenix family and serve under you in that capacity."
Riser smiled warmly at them. "So I'll continue to see you around. Good."
Shuriya stood up next, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "I've decided to follow my passion and become a belly dancer. I want to pursue my dreams in the world."
Riser was surprised but supportive. "That's wonderful, Shuriya. It's important to follow your passion and become what you truly want to be."
Mihwa, always composed, spoke next. "I've decided to work under you as your secretary, Riser-sama. I know you'll need someone smart and trustworthy to handle your affairs."
Riser nodded, grateful. "You're welcome in my service, Mihwa. I'll need your help."
Ni and Li, the cat-girl sisters, stood up together. "We've come to see Ravel as our little sister, so we've decided to join her peerage. We'll protect her and punch her enemies away."
Riser chuckled softly. "Take good care of my sister. She'll need your strength."
Ille and Nel, the mischievous duo, stood up hesitantly. "We've also decided to join Ravel-neechan's peerage."
Riser smiled at them, his voice gentle. "Now, don't always bother her with your pranks. She's becoming a King, so help her become a splendid one."
"Yes, Riser-sama," they replied in unison.
Karlamine, the loyal swordswoman, stood next. "I'd also like to join Ravel to protect her."
Sirius, the knight, immediately followed. "And I'll join Ravel as well. If Karlamine's thick head rushes into danger, someone needs to be there to save her."
"Hey!" Karlamine protested, but there was a smile on her face.
Riser laughed lightly. "I'm sure she'll be happy to have both of you in her service."
Isabella, Riser's steadfast shield, spoke with determination. "I will continue to serve you, Riser-sama, as I swore to be your shield."
Riser's expression softened. "Of course, Isabella. Who else would protect me if my shield gone?"
Yubelluna, with her usual confidence, winked at Riser. "There's no doubt I'll remain under your command, Riser-sama."
Riser coughed lightly, trying to maintain his composure.
He then turned to Chun-Li, the last to speak. "Chun-Li, I haven't forgotten our promise for that trip."
Chun-Li smirked. "You'd better not, Riser. We're going on that trip, no matter what."
Yubelluna, curious, raised an eyebrow. "What trip, Riser?"
Riser glanced at the group, then sighed, knowing he'd have to explain. But before he could, he looked at the members who would soon be leaving his group.
His voice carried a note of sadness. "It's something I'll talk about after you've gone."
They all lowered their heads, feeling the weight of the moment. It was hard for them to leave, but they knew it was necessary for them to not get in riser way .
Riser, sensing their sorrow, spoke softly. "Don't worry. We may be apart, but we'll still be close. Our bonds won't break just because our paths diverge."
The room was filled with a bittersweet silence as everyone absorbed his words. They knew that, despite the changes, the connection they shared would endure, no matter where life took them.