Student Council Room – Kuoh Academy

  Sona meticulously adjusted documents regarding school events. The routine brought her focus—until the door opened softly, revealing Rias and Akeno. Both wore calm expressions, but there was something unspoken in Rias’s eyes.

  “Hello, Sona. I hope you’re well,” Rias said with a sincere smile.

  “We just stopped by to talk.”

  Sona returned the gesture warmly.

  “What a pleasant surprise. Please, have a seat.”

  After initial pleasantries, a silent tension settled in the air. Rias, however, chose to address the issue with maturity.

  “Sona, I want to apologize. For my behavior toward Riser… I know he’s your husband, and I haven’t been fair.”

  Sona remained composed but gentle.

  “Thank you, Rias. He deserves respect—just as your position demands diplomacy.”

  “I’ve also taken steps with Issei. He’s been disciplined. From now on, he’ll respect Riser and those around him.”

  Sona nodded.

  “That’s important. I won’t tolerate disrespect—not as a wife, nor as a King.”

  “I understand,” Rias said with a sigh. “It took me a while, but I’ve learned. And our friendship… I don’t want to lose it over pride.”

  “Neither do I,” Sona replied. “Let’s start anew, then.”

  The conversation shifted to lighter topics. But before parting, Rias couldn’t resist her curiosity:

  “Sona… are you happy with Riser?”

  Sona paused for a moment, then gave a discreet smile.

  “We’re building something together. And yes… I’m happy.”

  Rias, relieved, thanked her for the moment. Their friendship was restored.

  ---

  Hotel in Tokyo – Private Room

  Yubelluna sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes wandering to the window. When Riser entered, he noticed the unease on her face.

  “Something troubling you, Yubelluna?”

  “Riser-sama… sometimes I feel… ordinary. My explosive powers seem limited compared to the rest of the Peerage.”

  Riser approached, gently caressing her face.

  “You are invaluable. Your abilities have their own strength—and they can still grow. Remember, I kept you by my side even after passing my Peerage to Ravel. That should tell you something.”

  He kissed her tenderly.

  “Forget comparisons. Let’s enjoy our time here. That’s why we came, isn’t it?”

  Yubelluna nodded, smiling with gratitude.

  “Yes, Riser-sama. Thank you.”

  ---

  Kuoh – Phenex-Sitri Mansion

  Meanwhile, Sona returned from school with her Peerage. The atmosphere was light, almost familial.

  Nana greeted her at the entrance:

  “Sona, how was your day?”

  “Calm. Everything went as pnned.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. Riser-sama went on a short trip. He said he’d be back in two days.”

  Sona raised an eyebrow.

  “A trip? Well… if he’s confident about the Rating Game, I’ll trust him too.”

  “He left everything under control.”

  Sona ascended the stairs, pondering how much Riser trusted her—and his own power.

  ---

  Hotel in Tokyo – Night

  With Yubelluna asleep, Riser slipped out to an isoted hotel garden. He carried the gold-level summoning card.

  With a firm gesture, he cast it to the ground. A magical circle appeared, illuminating the darkness with a mystical glow.

  From the light emerged an imposing figure—purple hair, enigmatic gaze, and an intelligent smile.

  “Merlin.”

  The archmage of the sin of knowledge greeted him with elegance.

  “Riser-sama… it’s an honor to be summoned.”

  Riser smiled.

  “Welcome to my cause.”

  Without hesitation, he pced a Bishop piece on her chest. The magical aura expanded. Merlin was reborn as a demon under Riser’s command—her intellect intact, now reinforced with loyalty.

  “I am at your service, my king.”

  ---

  Hotel – Room

  Yubelluna awoke minutes before Riser’s return. Seeing him accompanied, she rose from the bed, surprised by the new presence.

  “Riser-sama, who is…?”

  “Yubelluna, this is Merlin. The newest Bishop of our Peerage.”

  Merlin, with her usual grace, greeted:

  “A pleasure to meet you. I hope to be of use.”

  Yubelluna, still surprised, didn’t protest.

  “Welcome, Merlin. I trust Riser-sama… so I’ll trust you too.”

  Riser approached and, with a sincere smile, added:

  “Thank you for understanding, Yubelluna. Now, let’s enjoy our st night here. Tomorrow we return to Kuoh. And then… war.”

  ---

  [Vilin System]

  Name: Riser Phenex

  Strength: 25

  Speed: 23

  Magic: 40

  Luck Points: 500

  Abilities: Chess Master Level // Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix // Mera Mera no Mi // Haoshoku Haki // Vermillion Magic // Rokushiki

  Acquired Items:

  1. Bdes of Chaos

  2. Duel Card

  3. Summoning Card (Used – Merlin)

  Protagonist’s Luck:

  Issei Hyoudou (2500)