Despite Raizer Phoenix's masterful handling of the smear campaign orchestrated by Houses Bael, Astaroth, and Glasya-Labolas, the rumors persisted like a faint but stubborn shadow. The grand event at the Phoenix estate had silenced many detractors, yet the devil society's penchant for gossip ensured that some seeds of doubt remained.
In the sprawling underworld, where pride and perception often held as much power as strength and influence, whispers rarely died easily.
For Raizer, though, the aftermath of the rumors had become little more than background noise—a nuisance he no longer cared to address.
Lingering Whispers
The Phoenix estate was once again a hub of activity, with Raizer and his peerage immersed in the daily operations of Phoenix Star Enterprises. Deals were struck, partnerships solidified, and new ventures planned. The company's rapid expansion into supernatural territories left little time for idle chatter.
But outside the estate, the devil society continued to buzz.
In exclusive lounges and high-end gatherings, the rumors about Raizer's character still found an audience.
"I heard he paid off the naga queen to secure that trade deal. No way someone like him could pull that off otherwise."
"Did you see how lavish that event was? Typical playboy behavior—throwing money around to distract people from the truth."
"They say he's got a harem of supernatural women working for him. His secretary, Yubelluna, is probably his favorite."
For every voice that defended Raizer's accomplishments, there was another that repeated the lies.
"Even if he's competent, you can't deny he's arrogant. Have you seen how he flaunts his power?"
"Why would someone so young have such a powerful peerage? There's something suspicious about it."
The whispers spread far and wide, creating a lingering atmosphere of skepticism around Raizer's meteoric rise.
Raizer's Response
In his private study, Raizer sat at his desk, going through reports from his business ventures. Yubelluna stood nearby, organizing a stack of documents with her usual efficiency.
"Lord Raizer," she began, her tone cautious, "I've been monitoring the situation regarding the rumors. While the major accusations have lost traction, some devils still believe fragments of them. Their doubts haven't fully disappeared."
Raizer didn't look up from his work. "Let them believe what they want."
Yubelluna hesitated, unaccustomed to such indifference from her meticulous and disciplined master. "You're certain? These whispers could undermine your future endeavors. Perception is crucial in devil society."
Raizer finally glanced at her, his golden eyes calm but resolute. "We've addressed the important matters. The houses behind the rumors have been exposed, and those who matter know the truth. The rest? They're low-level whispers, Yubelluna. They have no bearing on my plans."
Yubelluna studied him for a moment before nodding. "Understood. But if it becomes more serious—"
"It won't," Raizer interrupted gently. "Let them talk. Actions speak louder than words. We'll continue building, and the results will drown out the noise."
Discussions Within the Peerage
Later that evening, Raizer gathered his peerage in the estate's strategy room. The atmosphere was lighter than usual, with Garp, Roger, and Whitebeard engaged in a spirited debate about who could drink the most without passing out.
"BAHAHAHA!" Garp roared, slamming a massive mug onto the table. "You're all talk, Whitebeard! Everyone knows I could outdrink the lot of you!"
Whitebeard leaned back with a hearty laugh. "Old man, your stomach couldn't handle my brew. And Roger here would be under the table after one tankard."
Roger grinned, raising a glass. "Careful, or I'll make this a contest right now!"
Raizer smiled faintly, enjoying the camaraderie, but Mihawk's quiet observation brought the conversation back to focus.
"Raizer," Mihawk said, his sharp eyes fixed on his master, "I've noticed the rumors haven't entirely disappeared. Are you truly unconcerned?"
Raizer leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "Concerned? No. Acknowledging them? Yes. The rumors are a distraction, but they don't threaten the foundation of what we're building. The truth always finds its way to those who matter."
Ben Beckman, who had been watching the exchange with his usual composed demeanor, nodded. "It's a fair approach. The devil society thrives on gossip, but they'll grow bored if they see it doesn't faze you. Ignoring it is often the best response."
Yubelluna added, "Still, it may be wise to monitor the situation. If the whispers evolve into something more damaging, we'll need to act swiftly."
Raizer nodded. "Agreed. For now, we stay focused on the bigger picture. Let them waste their time on idle talk while we move forward."
The Influence of Perception
While Raizer's indifference helped him maintain focus, the lingering rumors did create occasional complications.
At a high-profile business meeting in the Japanese supernatural territories, Raizer noticed subtle hesitations from potential partners. Though no one outright mentioned the rumors, the way certain devils avoided direct eye contact or hesitated before agreeing to terms hinted at their influence.
Yubelluna, ever perceptive, noted this as well. "The rumors still cast a shadow," she said after the meeting, as they reviewed their notes.
Raizer shrugged. "Then we'll shine brighter. The results of our work will speak louder than their doubts."
True to his word, Raizer doubled down on ensuring that every project under Phoenix Star Enterprises exceeded expectations. His team delivered on every promise, and the quality of their goods and services silenced many skeptics.
An Encounter with a Rival
One evening, at an exclusive gathering of devil nobles, Raizer came face-to-face with Lord Cyrus Bael, one of the architects of the initial smear campaign. The two stood on opposite sides of a grand ballroom, their gazes locking briefly before Cyrus approached with a calculated smile.
"Lord Raizer," Cyrus said smoothly, raising a glass in greeting. "I must say, your recent ventures have been… impressive."
Raizer returned the smile, though his golden eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "Coming from you, Lord Cyrus, I'll take that as high praise."
Cyrus chuckled, his tone feigning innocence. "Oh, I've heard many things about you recently. The rumors flying around have been quite… colorful."
Raizer's expression didn't waver. "Rumors are like smoke, Lord Cyrus—fleeting and meaningless. Only the fire beneath them matters. And I assure you, my fire burns brighter than ever."
The subtle challenge in Raizer's words wasn't lost on Cyrus, whose smile tightened slightly. "Of course. It's always fascinating to see how one handles such scrutiny."
Raizer inclined his head, his tone calm but firm. "Scrutiny is a privilege of the successful. Let me know when you reach that point."
With that, Raizer walked away, leaving Cyrus standing in the middle of the room, his facade cracking slightly.
Turning the Focus Forward
Despite the occasional encounters and lingering whispers, Raizer's decision to focus on progress rather than pettiness paid off. Phoenix Star Enterprises continued to expand, its reputation for excellence outweighing the shadows of the rumors.
His peerage remained steadfast, their loyalty unshaken by the noise. Garp, Whitebeard, Mihawk, Beckman, Roger, and Yubelluna worked tirelessly alongside Raizer to ensure their vision became a reality.
In quiet moments, Raizer reflected on the challenges he had faced. The rumors had been an annoyance, yes, but they had also served as a reminder of the cutthroat nature of the devil society.
But for Raizer Phoenix, those challenges were merely stepping stones on the path to greatness.
This concludes Chapter 14, focusing on the lingering impact of the rumors and Raizer's refusal to let them distract him from his goals. Let me know if you'd like further expansions or adjustments!