Riser Phenex's Private Mansion
The main hall was an organized chaos. Fine fabrics, luxurious boxes, and enchanted mannequins filled every corner as seamstresses from Dark Beauty adjusted dresses under the discerning eyes of noble demons. Lady Romina Phenex oversaw everything with regal poise, guiding Vespera, the renowned underworld stylist.
Riser watched the invasion with a restrained expression. His mansion, his sanctuary, now resembled a fashion runway.
"My home's been overrun by an army of excited women," he muttered.
Ravel appeared with her full Peerage—more chaos. There were over twenty women in the mansion. Even Shizuku, usually aloof, had been swept up in the festive mood. The sole exception was Erza, who stood steadfast by her master's side.
"Not picking a dress?" Riser asked casually.
Erza responded with a faint smile: "I already have the perfect dress, Riser-sama. Have you forgotten my abilities?"
"True… a lot has happened."
Erza then grew serious. "May I make a request?"
"Of course."
"Allow me to fight in the next battle."
Riser nodded, pleased. "You'll have your chance. Soon."
"Thank you."
Before silence could settle, Ravel rushed in with Asia, both brimming with excitement.
"Onii-sama! Look at the video Rias posted on DevilNet."
Riser took the phone. In the video, Rias issued an apology to the Phenex family. But Riser's gaze remained cold—he recognized empty words when he saw them.
'Does she already know about my marriage to Sona?' he thought.
Ravel huffed. "At least that. She should be kneeling too."
Ignoring the comment, Riser looked at Asia. "How are you feeling here?"
"It's wonderful! I have friends, a cozy room… I just miss seeing you, Riser-san."
He gently ruffled her hair. "We'll make time for that. Just the two of us."
Ravel crossed her arms. "Nothing perverted with Asia-chan!"
"I was going to take her for ice cream."
"Really?" Asia asked, surprised.
"If Ravel allows it…"
Asia looked at the queen, who resisted for a second… then relented.
"Fine. But I'm coming too."
"Of course, sister."
After more conversation, Riser retreated to his room. He needed silence. And focus.
---
Sitri Territory
Lady Octavia organized everything with infectious energy. While she debated the arrangement of floral dispys in the modern-styled castle, Lord Sazar merely sighed.
"It's Sona's wedding, not yours."
On the other side of the mansion, Serafall handled the invitations. Every noble family would receive one—it was the event of the year. A political marriage. And an emotional one.
In the fitting suite, Sona stared at her reflection in the mirror. She thought of Rias.
"Should I invite her?" she murmured.
Serafall replied: "It'd be a smart political move. And human, too. It shows the Gremory-Phenex conflict is over."
Sona hesitated. "She's my best friend… but she was also Riser's fiancée."
"Then ask him," Serafall suggested.
Sona took a deep breath and called.
---
Riser's Room
"Hello, Sona."
"Riser… I wanted to know if… it'd be okay to invite Rias to the wedding."
He noticed her nervousness.
"I see no issue. As long as she behaves."
"Thank you, darling. She will."
The word lingered. Darling.
Riser brushed it off. "Picked a dress yet?"
"You'll find out tomorrow. Now I need to try on ten more. Bye."
"Good luck."
After ending the call, Riser sighed.
"Nothing's easy for the vilin."
He closed his eyes.
"System."
---
[Vilin System]
Name: Riser Phenex
Strength: 10
Speed: 8
Magic: 15
Luck Points: 1650
Abilities:
? Chess Master Level
? Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix
? Mera Mera no Mi
? Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki)
Luck Lottery:
? Copper (100 points)
? Silver (200 points)
? Gold (300 points)
Acquired Items:
? None
Protagonist's Luck:
? Issei Hyoudou (3250)
---
Riser reflected for a moment.
"Purchase four golden tickets."
[Confirmed: -1200 luck points.]
Remaining: 450
