The grand International Supernatural Community Convention had entered its third day, and the Gremory family, along with Rias's peerage, made their highly anticipated arrival. The event, hosted on the spectacular Floating Sky Island, had drawn representatives from every major supernatural faction, from the Marid Jinn to the Dragon Clans. Among the devil houses, Raizer Phoenix's name was already being whispered with a mixture of awe and envy, and it was clear to everyone that this convention was not just a diplomatic event—it was a statement of Raizer's growing influence.
For Rias, however, this was more personal.
The Arrival
As the Gremory family stepped off their teleportation platform, they were greeted by a breathtaking view. The sprawling floating island was unlike anything Rias had ever seen. The meticulously designed districts, each reflecting the cultures of Raizer's trade partners, gleamed under an enchanted sun. Holographic displays welcomed the guests by name, while attendants guided them toward their luxury suites.
"This is… impressive," Zeoticus Gremory, Rias's father, remarked, his tone laced with reluctant admiration.
Venelana Gremory, Rias's mother, smiled gracefully. "It's more than impressive. This is a masterpiece."
Rias, however, barely heard her parents. Her gaze was fixed on the distant central plaza, where she knew Raizer Phoenix was likely overseeing the event. Her feelings were a chaotic mix of irritation, fascination, and something she didn't want to name.
A Familiar Presence
The Gremory delegation was escorted to their accommodations, a suite that overlooked the sprawling expanse of the convention. Rias's peerage followed close behind, their reactions mirroring her own.
"This place is incredible," Akeno murmured, her violet eyes sweeping across the view.
Kiba nodded, his usual calm demeanor tinged with awe. "It's hard to believe one devil orchestrated all of this."
Koneko, as usual, was blunt. "He's stronger, smarter, and more organized than us. Of course, he could do it."
Rias scowled at the remark but said nothing. The truth stung too much to refute.
The First Encounter
Their paths inevitably crossed in the central plaza later that day. Rias, accompanied by her family and peerage, saw Raizer speaking with a group of Marid Jinn delegates, his confident demeanor commanding their attention.
He was dressed in an elegant yet understated suit, a perfect balance of modern sophistication and traditional devil fashion. His golden eyes briefly flicked toward Rias as she approached, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Rias," he said smoothly, inclining his head. "Welcome to the convention."
"Raizer," Rias replied, her tone sharp. "Quite the spectacle you've put on here."
"Spectacle?" Raizer echoed, his smirk deepening. "It's called diplomacy. But I can understand how that might be a foreign concept to you."
Rias's face burned with frustration, but before she could respond, Venelana intervened with a polite smile. "Raizer, you've done an excellent job. This is a remarkable achievement."
"Thank you, Lady Venelana," Raizer said, his tone respectful. "I trust your accommodations are to your liking?"
"Very much so," she replied.
Rias's frustration simmered as her mother and Raizer exchanged pleasantries. She hated how effortlessly he charmed everyone, how easily he commanded attention. But even as she fumed, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.
A Private Conversation with Sona
Later that evening, Rias sought out her best friend, Sona Sitri, who was staying in a neighboring suite with her own family. The Sitri heir greeted her with her usual composed demeanor, adjusting her glasses as she ushered Rias into her study.
"You look agitated," Sona observed, closing the door behind them.
"I can't stand him," Rias said immediately, pacing the room.
"Raizer?" Sona asked, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Still?"
Rias stopped, turning to face her friend. "It's not just that he's insufferable. It's… everything about him. He's so confident, so untouchable. It's like nothing ever phases him."
"Is that a bad thing?" Sona asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes!" Rias exclaimed, throwing up her hands. "It's infuriating! He walks around like he owns the world, and everyone just falls at his feet."
"Maybe because he's earned it," Sona said simply, sitting down at her desk.
Rias scowled. "Not you too."
"I'm just being honest," Sona replied, her tone calm. "Raizer has accomplished more in a few years than most devils do in a lifetime. You can hate him all you want, but that doesn't change the fact that he's… extraordinary."
Rias sank into the chair opposite Sona, her irritation giving way to resignation. "Do you think he's right? About me being lazy? About me not understanding the real world?"
Sona leaned back, her sharp eyes studying Rias thoughtfully. "I think Raizer has a way of hitting where it hurts. But if his words bother you this much, maybe there's some truth to them."
Rias bit her lip, her fingers twisting the hem of her skirt. "I thought I knew what it meant to be a leader. But compared to him… I feel like a child playing pretend."
Sona's expression softened. "Then maybe it's time to change that. Use this as motivation to grow stronger. Raizer might be ahead now, but that doesn't mean you can't catch up."
The Marriage Question
The conversation shifted as Rias hesitated, a new question forming in her mind. "Sona," she began slowly, "what do you think about the idea of… marriage to Raizer?"
Sona blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Marriage?"
"It's just a hypothetical," Rias said quickly, her cheeks reddening. "I'm not saying I want to, but… what do you think of him as a match?"
Sona adjusted her glasses, her expression thoughtful. "Raizer is a logical choice for a political marriage. He's powerful, well-connected, and respected across multiple factions. Any family would benefit from an alliance with him."
"That's not what I meant," Rias muttered.
Sona raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you mean?"
"I mean… do you think he's the kind of person you could actually marry? Personally, not just politically."
Sona considered the question for a moment. "It depends. He's intense, pragmatic, and not exactly warm. But he's also fair, driven, and surprisingly principled. For the right person, he could be a good partner. But it would take someone strong enough to match him."
Rias's mind raced as Sona's words sank in. Was she strong enough to match him? Did she even want to?
Rias's Internal Conflict
That night, as Rias lay in her suite, staring up at the intricately carved ceiling, her thoughts returned to Raizer. His voice, his presence, his sheer audacity—it all lingered in her mind like an unshakable shadow.
"I hate him," she whispered to herself, though the words felt hollow.
Did she hate him? Or did she hate what he made her feel—small, inexperienced, and inadequate?
For the first time, Rias began to wonder if her obsession with Raizer wasn't entirely rooted in anger.
This chapter delves into Rias's growing obsession with Raizer, her conversation with Sona about her feelings, and the complexities of her emotions, blending frustration, admiration, and self-reflection. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!