The return to the Gremory Estate was somber, weighted with the knowledge and experiences Rias Gremory and her peerage had gained during their grueling time at the Shadowed Cliff Castle. Gone were the usual overconfidence and lighthearted banter that often accompanied their group. Instead, a heavy silence enveloped them, broken only by the occasional nervous glance they exchanged.
As they crossed the grand gates of their home, the sprawling estate felt suffocating rather than comforting. Rias, in particular, couldn't shake the unease tightening in her chest. She had learned truths that were difficult to accept—not only about Raizer Phoenix and his peerage but also about herself and her shortcomings.
Waiting for them in the estate's lavish study were Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory, her parents. Also present were her elder brother, Sirzechs Lucifer, and his wife, Grayfia Lucifuge. Their faces were expectant but calm, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within Rias.
The Gremory Family's Curiosity
"So," Zeoticus began, his voice measured but tinged with curiosity. "What news do you bring about Raizer Phoenix? We've been hearing all sorts of rumors about his peerage and their strength."
Rias hesitated, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. Her team stood behind her, none of them willing to speak. Finally, Rias took a deep breath and met her father's gaze.
"It's… worse than the rumors," she admitted, her voice tight. "Or better, depending on how you look at it."
"What do you mean?" Sirzechs asked, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly.
Rias swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on her. "Raizer Phoenix has built the strongest peerage in the history of the devil world."
The Strength of Raizer's Peerage
Zeoticus leaned forward, his brows furrowing. "The strongest? That's quite a claim, Rias. What makes you say that?"
Rias's voice was steady, though disbelief still lingered in her tone. "Because he has four Super Devils in his peerage."
Her words landed like a thunderclap, and the room fell deathly silent.
"Four… Super Devils?" Venelana repeated, her usually poised demeanor cracking.
"Yes," Rias confirmed. "Garp, Whitebeard, Mihawk, and Gol D. Roger. They're all Super Devil Class. Their power is… unimaginable."
Sirzechs, ever the composed leader, found his calm slipping as his crimson eyes widened. "Four Super Devils… in one peerage?" His voice held a sharp edge of incredulity. "When did Super Devils become as common as cabbages?"
Grayfia, who had been standing silently beside him, frowned deeply. "Even among the strongest devils, a single Super Devil is a rarity. To have four in a single peerage is… unthinkable."
"And that's not all," Rias continued grimly. "The rest of his peerage are all Peak to Mid-Satan Class. Every single one of them."
Breaking It Down
Kiba, stepping forward hesitantly, added, "We saw them ourselves. Sengoku, Shiki, Akainu, Kuzan, Greenbull, Fujitora, and Ben Beckman—they're all at Mid to Peak Satan Rank. Even his secretary, Yuballuna, is a High Ultimate-Class Devil."
The mention of Yuballuna drew Grayfia's attention. "A High Ultimate-Class Devil… as a secretary?" she repeated, her voice laced with disbelief.
"And Raizer himself?" Sirzechs asked, his tone clipped.
"Raizer is Mid Satan Class," Rias said quietly. "And he's only 24 years old."
Zeoticus leaned back in his chair, his expression one of utter disbelief. "This… this doesn't seem real. Four Super Devils, a peerage filled with Satan Class devils, and a young devil at Mid Satan Rank leading them all? How does such a thing even happen?"
Grayfia's Concerns
Grayfia's frown deepened, her normally composed face betraying a flicker of worry. "This changes the balance of power in the devil world. If Raizer Phoenix's peerage is truly as strong as you say, it places him in a league of his own. And if he continues to grow, he could reshape the underworld entirely."
"Not just the underworld," Kiba muttered. "The entire supernatural world."
Venelana's sharp gaze turned to her daughter. "And to think, Rias, you could have been his wife."
Rias flinched, her face burning with embarrassment. "Mother, I—"
Venelana and Zeoticus's Frustration
Venelana's tone was cutting, her words like daggers. "You squandered the chance of a lifetime, Rias. Raizer Phoenix isn't just a powerful devil—he's a visionary. His discipline, ambition, and strength are unmatched. He's the kind of partner every devil family dreams of. And you dismissed him because you were too lazy and shortsighted to see his potential."
Zeoticus nodded, his expression stern. "Your mother is right. This wasn't just a personal loss; it was a loss for our entire family. Do you have any idea how much stronger the Gremory name would have become with Raizer as an ally? His influence could have secured our position for generations."
Rias's shoulders slumped under the weight of their disappointment.
Raizer's Business Achievements
"And it's not just his strength," Rias added, her voice quieter now. "His business achievements are just as impressive. He's built a trade network that spans the entire supernatural world. His partners include the Marid Jinn and other Jinn factions, the Garuda, the Naga, and countless other races."
She paused, her thoughts racing. "In Japan, he's allied with both factions of yokai. In China, he's formed connections with the Dragon Clans, including the Black Tortoise, Phoenix, White Tiger, and Qilin. He's even established relationships with supernatural communities in Thailand, Korea, and the Philippines. His reach is… staggering."
Grayfia folded her arms, her expression thoughtful. "This goes beyond strength and influence. If Raizer Phoenix has established these kinds of alliances, he's operating on a level most devils can't even comprehend."
Sirzechs's Growing Dread
Sirzechs leaned back, his hand running through his crimson hair. "Four Super Devils… an entire peerage of Satan Class devils… and now these alliances." He sighed deeply, his usual calm demeanor cracking. "If this continues, Raizer Phoenix won't just be a rising star. He'll become one of the most powerful figures in the history of the devil race."
He glanced at Rias, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And you dismissed him because you believed the rumors about him?"
Rias looked down, shame coloring her features. "I… didn't know," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I thought he was arrogant and lazy, but I was wrong. He's… incredible. Disciplined, relentless, and so much stronger than I ever imagined."
Reflections and Regret
Venelana's voice softened slightly, though the edge of disappointment remained. "If nothing else, I hope you've learned from this, Rias. Raizer Phoenix is the kind of devil who changes the world. If you can't stand beside someone like that, you'll be left behind."
Rias nodded, her face burning with humiliation. "I understand."
Her mind raced with thoughts of Raizer—the man she had once dismissed as unworthy. Now, she realized how blind she had been. He wasn't just powerful; he was a force of nature, reshaping the devil world with every step he took.
A Missed Opportunity
As the conversation came to an end, the weight of what had been lost hung heavy in the air. Rias left the study feeling the sting of her family's disappointment and the ache of her own regret.
But beneath the shame, a flicker of determination burned. She had failed to see Raizer's worth before, but she wouldn't make the same mistake again.
The question was: could she ever earn his respect after dismissing him so completely?
This chapter provides a detailed exploration of the Gremory family's reactions to Raizer's accomplishments, blending political intrigue with personal disappointment and setting the stage for future developments. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to adjust or expand!