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Chapter 12 - A Tense Reunion: The Gremory and Phoenix Families

The Gremory and Phoenix families have gathered in the grand guest hall of the Phoenix estate. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken tension as the families exchange pleasantries. The Gremory family—Lord Zeoticus, Lady Venelana, and Sirzechs—sit on one side, while the Phoenix family—Lord Robert, Lady Rachel, Riser, and Ravel—sit opposite them.

Lord Robert Phoenix: (warmly) It's been too long, Zeoticus. It's always a pleasure to welcome old friends.

Lord Zeoticus Gremory: (smiling) Indeed, Robert. Venelana and I were just saying how much we missed our old gatherings.

Lady Rachel Phoenix: (to Venelana) And how have you been, Venelana? It's always wonderful to see you.

Lady Venelana Gremory: (with a gentle smile) Quite well, Rachel. Time has flown by, hasn't it?

As the two families engage in light conversation, Riser Phoenix sits quietly, his expression a mixture of pride and unease. The topic soon shifts to the broken engagement between Riser and Rias.

Zeoticus: (sighing) It was unfortunate how the engagement was broken off like that.

Lord Robert: (nodding) Yes, Riser's actions were rather... rash. But what's done is done.

Riser: (interjecting, solemnly) I must apologize, Lord Gremory. My actions have brought unnecessary scrutiny to the Gremory family's reputation.

Zeoticus: (calmly) Riser, we can't force the heart to do another's bidding. You did what you believed was right.

Sirzechs: (curious) And now, Riser, how do you feel about your choice? Any regrets?

Riser: (firmly) I believe the choice I made was best for me.

Sirzechs: (reflectively) It wouldn't have come to this if I hadn't arranged that match on a whim. For that, I owe you an apology, Lord Phoenix.

Lord Robert: (with a slight smile) I'm not the one you placed in a difficult situation, Sirzechs. You should apologize to Riser.

Riser feels a sense of satisfaction, silently admiring his father's tact.

Sirzechs: (turning to Riser) Well, Riser, you've already made your decision, but I still ask for your forgiveness for putting you in such a tough spot.

Riser: (coldly) I can't forgive you for that, Sirzechs-san.

The room falls silent, the Gremory family exchanging uneasy glances, unsure of Riser's intentions.

Sirzechs: (raising an eyebrow) But Riser, you were the one who forfeited. It was your own choice. So, what grievance do you have now?

Riser: (leaning forward) Don't be coy, Sirzechs-san. If I hadn't wanted to go through with the engagement, I would have simply lost the Rating Game.

Venelana: (interested) What compelled you to forfeit, Riser?

Riser: (bitterly) I thought that since this concerned your heir, Lady Gremory, you would have investigated everything that happened that night.

Venelana: (apologetically) I regret my oversight. But I'd like to hear your version of events.

Riser: (recounting) As the engagement was proceeding, Rias's pawn, Issei, burst through the door and issued a challenge—without his King's permission. And Rias just stood there, not scolding him, giving her silent consent. Then Sirzechs-san arrived, suggesting a duel between me and Issei, and even offered him a blank check to ask for anything from a Satan. It was the most ridiculous thing I heard that night, and it only got worse from there.issei then ask for rias hand. Rias didn't object, so I, as the host, had no choice but to accept the challenge. I won the fight, but when Rias begged for Issei's life, I chose to forfeit. So no, Sirzechs-san, I will not accept your apology.

Zeoticus: (calmly) Riser, are you telling me you regret your choice? We are devils—we take what we want. And now you want to lay the blame for your choice at someone else's feet? What about the reputation you tarnished by backing out of the engagement?

Riser: (with a sharp tone) Zeoticus-san...

Robert: (warning) Riser...

Riser: (continuing) We all know nothing would have happened without your and my dad permission. He's not part of the Gremory clan, and under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have been present.

Sirzechs: (defensive) I'm Rias's older brother. I had every right to be there.

Riser: (icy) Being present is one thing. Trying to force people to do your bidding is another. And Zeoticus-san, what about the face I lost when Rias, in front of all of devil society, stood up for her pawn instead of supporting her would-be husband? She should have berated Issei, but she didn't. If that's all, I'll take my leave.

Riser stands, preparing to leave, but Sirzechs speaks up, halting him in his tracks.

Sirzechs: (sincerely) Riser, wait. I'm sorry for interfering in your engagement. What would it take for you to accept my apology?

Everyone in the room sits wide-eyed, stunned by Sirzechs' unexpected offer.

Riser: (smirking) You have a big heart, Sirzechs-san, giving me a blank check to ask the Satan Lucifer for anything I want. You really love your sister.

Sirzechs: (nodding) The same offer I gave Issei is now yours.

Riser: (calculating) I want you to save me from any trouble I cause, just once.

Zeoticus: (outraged) You're going too far, Riser! And what about the compensation for the damage you've caused to our reputation?

Robert looks at his friend Zeoticus, remaining silent, waiting for Riser's response.

Riser: (coldly) The goodwill of leaving your heir love , who is also the current Red Dragon Emperor, is all the compensation you'll get from me.

Robert: (calmly) Let's all settle down. Zeoticus, Riser, you're asking for too much. Remember, this marriage was meant to unite our families. You're destroying any chance of that.

Riser: (firmly) You arranged the marriage on your own and decided to cancel it without consulting me. You've only ever made decisions for your own convenience. So don't talk to me about what's far-fetched, Father.

Rachel: (sternly) That's no way to talk to your father, Riser.

Riser: (sighing) Mother, don't try to berate me when you know everything I've said is true.

Riser stands up, looking directly at Sirzechs.

Riser: (decisively) Get me a spell or technique to bind or form a contract with a spirit. You can give it to my secretary, Miwa.

Without waiting for a response, Riser storms out of the hall. Robert and Rachel exchange glances with the Gremory family.

Robert: (apologetically) Give us a minute, my friend. It seems Riser has something on his mind.

Robert and Rachel quickly follow Riser out of the hall, catching up to him as he walks through the corridor.

Rachel: (calling out) Riser, stop!

Riser stops and turns to face his parents.

Robert: (gently) What happened, son? Why were you so angry with us?

Riser: (calmly) What I said was true, Mother and Father. I've thought hard about this over the past few days. You didn't discuss anything with me. I'm not the heir—that would be Brother. So what is my standing in this family? And now, when I want to get something for myself, Father, you think about your friendship and family and get between me and the prize I won. I've decided to move out of the family and make my own identity.

Rachel: (tearfully) We could have discussed things, my baby.

Robert: (sighing) Riser, your mother is right. Don't make any hasty decisions.

Riser hugs his father and mother tightly, his voice full of resolve.

Riser: (softly) Farewell, Father and Mother. I'll remain in contact.

Riser turns and walks away, leaving his parents standing in the corridor, watching as their son walks toward a future he's determined to carve out for himself.

Rachel :- ross what have we done .