The news of Raizer Phoenix's unprecedented trade agreement with the Marid Jinn spread through the underworld like wildfire. The deal, which had eluded the Devil Council and every prominent devil family for centuries, had been secured by a young devil who was once dismissed as merely ambitious.
While the general populace of the underworld marveled at Raizer's accomplishment, the noble devil families reacted with shock, jealousy, and varying degrees of frustration. Among them, the Bael and Beelzebub families—houses that had long prided themselves on their influence and power—were particularly incensed.
The Bael Manor: Zekrom's Boiling Anger
In the vast and imposing Bael manor, Lord Zekrom Bael sat in his study, surrounded by the weight of his family's long-standing legacy. His silver hair glinted in the dim light as he read the report detailing Raizer's agreement with the Marid Jinn. The room was silent, save for the occasional crackle of the enchanted fire burning in the hearth.
"So," Zekrom muttered, his voice low but simmering with anger, "Raizer Phoenix thinks he can outshine the Bael family."
Lady Erya Bael, his poised and sharp-eyed wife, entered the room, her flowing gown shimmering with magic. She arched an eyebrow as she took in her husband's expression. "Still stewing over the Phoenix boy's success, I see."
"Stewing? No," Zekrom said, setting the report down with a sharp motion. "I am appalled. The Marid Jinn have ignored our overtures for centuries. Even the council failed to gain their favor. Yet Raizer, with his unrefined tactics, achieves what we could not? It's an insult to everything the Bael name represents."
Erya chuckled softly, taking a seat across from him. "Or perhaps it's a wake-up call. Raizer's methods may be unorthodox, but they're effective. The underworld isn't the same as it was centuries ago, Zekrom. Maybe it's time the Bael family adapted."
Zekrom's fist clenched, his eyes narrowing. "Adapt? The Bael family sets the standard. We do not follow trends set by upstarts."
"And yet," Erya said, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, "the council is already buzzing about how Raizer's growing influence could challenge the status quo. Ignoring him won't make him go away."
Zekrom's glare darkened. "Let the council talk. Raizer's success is a flicker—a flame that will burn out before it truly threatens us. If he thinks he can rival the Bael family, he will learn the cost of ambition."
The Beelzebub Estate: Mathion's Calculated Disdain
In the grand halls of the Beelzebub estate, Lord Mathion Beelzebub convened a private meeting with his advisors and close family members. The air was thick with tension as they discussed the implications of Raizer's growing influence.
"This boy," Mathion said, his sharp green eyes scanning the room, "has overstepped his bounds."
Lady Vestra Beelzebub, his elegant and calculating wife, leaned forward slightly, her dark hair framing her sharp features. "Overstepped? Or proven himself more capable than most of us expected?"
Mathion's jaw tightened. "His methods are reckless. The Marid Jinn may have agreed to trade with him, but their loyalty is fleeting at best. One wrong move, and the entire deal could collapse. Raizer is playing a dangerous game."
"But he's winning," Vestra pointed out. "The underworld is already taking notice. If Raizer continues to expand his trade network, his influence could rival that of the council itself."
Mathion's advisors murmured in agreement, their expressions a mix of concern and frustration.
"We cannot allow him to grow unchecked," Mathion said firmly. "The Beelzebub family has maintained its power through careful strategy and calculated alliances. Raizer's rise threatens that balance."
"And what do you propose we do?" Vestra asked, her tone calm but challenging.
Mathion's gaze darkened. "We remind the underworld why the Beelzebub name still carries weight. Raizer may have won a battle, but the war for influence is far from over."
The Sitri Manor: A Quiet Observation
At the serene Sitri estate, Lady Sona Sitri, the sole heir of the Sitri family, sat in her study, reading a report about Raizer Phoenix's recent accomplishments. The soft glow of magical lanterns illuminated the room, highlighting her thoughtful expression.
"It's impressive," Sona murmured to herself, setting the report aside. "He's managed to achieve what even the council couldn't."
Tsubaki Shinra, her ever-reliable queen and closest confidante, entered the room, carrying a tray of tea. "Are you referring to Raizer Phoenix?"
Sona nodded, accepting a cup of tea. "He's secured a trade agreement with the Marid Jinn. That alone is enough to make waves, but the implications are even more significant. Raizer isn't just expanding his influence—he's challenging the way we approach diplomacy."
Tsubaki tilted her head, her dark eyes curious. "Do you think he's a threat to the Sitri family?"
Sona took a sip of her tea before answering. "Not directly. Raizer's focus seems to be on building alliances and creating something new, rather than undermining existing power structures. But his success could inspire others to follow his example. If that happens, the balance of power could shift in unpredictable ways."
"And do you see that as a bad thing?" Tsubaki asked.
Sona's lips curved into a faint smile. "Not necessarily. The underworld has grown stagnant in many ways. Change can be disruptive, but it can also bring growth. I'm curious to see where Raizer's ambitions will lead him—and what it will mean for the rest of us."
Across the Devil Families
The reactions from the other noble devil families varied in tone, but they all shared a common thread: envy.
• The Agares Family: Known for their stoicism, the Agares dismissed Raizer's success as a fleeting anomaly, though whispers of jealousy echoed in their private halls.
• The Astaroth Family: Ever calculating, the Astaroth chose to watch Raizer from a distance, viewing him as both a potential ally and a possible threat.
• The Gremory Family: While outwardly supportive, the Gremory couldn't ignore the fact that Raizer's accomplishments were beginning to overshadow even Rias's potential.
Back at the Shadowed Cliffs
As the noble families debated and whispered, Raizer Phoenix remained focused on his goals. Seated in his study at the Shadowed Cliffs, he reviewed reports on the reactions to his deal with the Marid Jinn.
Yubelluna stood nearby, her expression calm but slightly amused. "The noble families are all talking about you. Zekrom Bael is furious, and Mathion Beelzebub has called your success a 'reckless gamble.'"
Raizer smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Good. Let them talk. The more they focus on me, the less they focus on their own plans."
"And the council?" Yubelluna asked.
Raizer's golden eyes glinted. "They'll watch, but they won't act—not yet. They know that interfering with the Marid Jinn deal would damage their credibility. For now, we keep building, keep moving forward."
"And if the noble families decide to interfere?"
Raizer shrugged. "Then we deal with them when the time comes. For now, their jealousy is a distraction we can use to our advantage."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Raizer turned his attention back to his plans. The whispers of envy and resentment were just noise in the background, nothing that could stop the momentum he had built.
For Raizer Phoenix, the path to power was clear, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
This updated chapter focuses on Zekrom Bael, Mathion Beelzebub, and Sona Sitri's perspectives, emphasizing their reactions to Raizer's success while grounding their responses in their established character traits. Let me know if any further adjustments are needed!