The announcement that the Peerage Game had reached its conclusion reverberated across the arena. The audience, still buzzing with speculation and disbelief over the events that had unfolded, fell silent as the official decision was declared.
"The winner of this Peerage Game is Raizer Phoenix!"
The magical screens broadcasting the match displayed a glowing emblem of the Phoenix family, solidifying Raizer's victory. Inside the student council room, Rias Gremory and her peerage sat in stunned silence, the weight of the loss crashing down on them.
Rias's Despair
Rias sat slumped on the floor, her crimson hair falling around her face as she stared blankly ahead. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions—anger, frustration, humiliation.
"This… can't be happening," she whispered, her voice shaky. "I can't lose to him. I can't…"
Akeno knelt beside her, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare expression of concern. "Rias… it's over. The council's decision is final."
"No," Rias said sharply, her voice rising. "It's not fair! He didn't even take us seriously! His peerage barely lifted a finger, and we still lost!"
Kiba, leaning against the wall with a grim expression, didn't argue. "Their strength was… overwhelming. There was nothing we could do."
Koneko, still munching on a cookie despite the tension, added bluntly, "We weren't ready. That's why we lost."
Issei, clutching his arm where the Boosted Gear had once been, looked down at the floor, his face pale. "This is all my fault… I wasn't strong enough…"
Rias clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "It's not just about strength. It's about everything! He humiliated us, in front of everyone!"
Raizer's Calm Victory
Raizer, standing at the center of the room with his hands still casually in his pockets, regarded Rias with a faint smile. His peerage surrounded him, their expressions ranging from amused to indifferent.
"Well," Raizer said, his tone light, "a deal's a deal. The council's ruling was clear—if I win, the engagement stands."
Rias flinched at his words, her head snapping up to glare at him. "You think this is funny? You've ruined everything!"
Raizer raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Ruined? I'd say I've simply done what I set out to do."
"Why?" Rias demanded, her voice breaking. "Why are you doing this? Is it just to humiliate me?"
Raizer sighed, his golden eyes glinting. "You're giving me far too much credit. This wasn't personal, Rias. It was business."
The Audience's Reaction
Outside the arena, the audience erupted into chaos.
In the noble stands, conversations broke out in hushed but urgent tones.
"I can't believe it," one noble muttered. "Rias Gremory, the younger sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, humiliated in front of the entire devil world."
"It's not just her," another replied. "The Gremory family's reputation has taken a hit, too. Raizer Phoenix has completely changed the game."
Meanwhile, in the Demon Lords' balcony, the reactions were more measured.
Sirzechs Lucifer leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "It seems Raizer has exceeded expectations."
Grayfia, standing beside him, nodded slightly. "His victory was decisive. But what comes next will determine the true impact of this match."
Serafall Leviathan pouted, crossing her arms. "Poor Rias! I hate seeing her like this!"
Ajuka Beelzebub adjusted his glasses, his gaze thoughtful. "Raizer's next move will be critical. He's already disrupted the balance—how he handles this victory will shape his future."
The Press Conference
As the arena began to clear, a surprising announcement was made: Raizer Phoenix would hold a press conference to address the conclusion of the match.
The room reserved for the conference quickly filled with reporters, nobles, and members of the Devil Council. Raizer's peerage stood behind him, their presence alone commanding respect, while he took the podium with his usual calm confidence.
The room buzzed with anticipation as the cameras focused on Raizer. He let the silence hang for a moment before speaking.
"Today," Raizer began, his voice carrying easily over the crowd, "marks the conclusion of a match that has captured the attention of the underworld. A match that, for better or worse, has left its mark on all of us."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"As the victor, I have secured the council's ruling regarding my engagement to Rias Gremory. An engagement that many of you have followed with great interest—and great speculation."
In the audience, Rias, who had been forced to attend the conference as per protocol, gritted her teeth, her frustration evident.
Raizer's golden eyes scanned the room, his smirk faint but visible. "But after careful consideration, I have come to a decision."
The room fell silent, every ear straining to hear his next words.
"I will not be marrying Rias Gremory."
Cliffhanger
The room erupted into chaos, reporters shouting over one another as they scrambled to ask questions.
"What does this mean for the council's ruling?"
"Why reject the engagement after winning the match?"
"What are your intentions moving forward, Lord Phoenix?"
Rias, still seated in the audience, froze. Her frustration turned to shock as her mind struggled to process what she had just heard.
Raizer, unfazed by the uproar, stepped back from the podium, his faint smirk lingering as he turned and walked away.
The screen cut to black, leaving the underworld in suspense.
This chapter delivers a decisive conclusion to the peerage game while setting up new questions and tensions with Raizer's unexpected announcement. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!