"HELL YEA- Ahem, I mean... Yeah, they won, very cool." Ryu shouted before he realized who he was sitting with, and tried to save the situation.
Sirzechs stifled a laugh, before he got up and walked towards Ryu, with a gentle smile on his face. "Thank you, for helping my sister with her predicament." Sirzechs placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I-It's not a big deal, we are close friends, I'll obviously do my all when it comes to helping them."
"I see... my sister is blessed to have a friend like you. If there comes a time when you need my help, contact me, I won't be able to help you as 'Sirzechs Lucifer', but I'll help as just 'Sirzechs', Rias's older brother." Sirzechs said seriously.
"T-Thank you, I guess..." Ryu muttered avoiding eye contact, while looking at the door.
In Ryu's mind, the image of Sirzechs changed, he wasn't some arrogant asshole who'd kill you just for breathing wrong, he wasn't condescending, he didn't look down on anyone, from what Ryu gathered from today, was that the Lucifer was a kind person, cared deeply for his family, but still... there was one question he just had to ask, even if it could be taken as an insult.
"I apologize, Lord Lucifer, but I... can't help but wonder, why didn't you help Rias cancel the marriage? You're her older brother... and the leader of the entire devil race, couldn't you have... stopped this from happening?" Ryu asked.
"I couldn't as much as I wanted to. You see, when you take on the position of a 'Satan' you cut all ties with your family, of course I can still visit and such, but I can't involve in similar affairs, some would consider that as me favoring the Gremory household, and misusing the power granted to me. The population and other influential households would demand that I vacate the position of 'Lucifer'. But, let's say that I helped Rias, and I cancelled the engagement, the Phoenix household would take that as an insult, and given how prideful noble devils are they'd make the situation difficult for the Gremory household."
Ryu was left speechless, hearing just how complex and difficult being a 'Satan' is.
"But... what about the Gremory head?"
"Hmmm... father himself had an arranged marriage with my mother, however it worked well for them and they love each other very much, because of that, he thought that maybe the same could happen with Rias and Riser. To simplify it, marriage first, love later."
"I see, thank you for explaining it to me, Lord Lucifer. Admittedly, I'm not that smart when it comes to that kind of stuff." Ryu chuckled.
"I used to be like that as well, but I guess it comes with age?" Sirzechs laughed, smacking Ryu on the shoulder lightly.
"Anyways, drop the whole 'Lord Lucifer', call me Sirzechs, a precious friend of Rias is a precious friend of mine."
"Bu-"
"But nothing, I insist."
"A-Alright, S-Sirzechs."
"There we go, wasn't so hard was it?"
Sirzechs smiled once more, "Now, let's go visit the winners shall we?"
.
.
.
.
After the Gremory group got transported into the infirmary, Rias took a deep breath and sat down on the bed.
Issei and Kiba were getting healed by Asia, Koneko didn't really need any because when she first got there, a phoenix tear was used to heal her severe burns.
The Phoenix Tear is quite a powerful item, the burns were gone as if they were never there in the first place. When it comes to healing, if we don't count The Sacred gear which is in Asia Argento's hands, the Phoenix Tear has no equal.
"Akeno... this isn't a dream, right?" She asked, still in disbelief that she actually won and regained her freedom.
"No, Rias it isn't. You've won, no one will dare doubt your capabilities again." Akeno answered, and took a seat next to her dearest friend.
"I guess... but it feels too good to be true I don't know why... I feel like I'm dreaming."
Akeno listened wholeheartedly, and chuckled.
"What is it?"
"I've been thinking, ever since Ryu came into our lives, everything seems to be going great."
"Ryu? Akeno, here I am opening my heart to you, and you're over here thinking about your boyfriend? Some friend you are."
"H-He's not my boyfriend..."
"What a hopeless girl, but... you're right, he definitely has had an impact on us, mostly Issei and you. Speaking of that, are you gonna make bigger moves on him soon? Or what?"
"Possibly, but I don't think you should talk about anyone else, tell me how's it going with Issei?" Akeno turned the tables swiftly.
"W-Wha-" Rias stuttered.
"Oh, I guess the situation's looking pretty bad then..."
"Y-Yeah… he just doesn't seem to take the VERY OBVIOUS hints."
"My my... Rias...Let me give you some advice, drop those 'Strategic books' you were reading if you want to win his heart... try being yourself I guess."
Before the two could continue to bicker, the door to the infirmary opened.
"Hello everyone."
It was Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias' older brother, he walked in and immediately all eyes turned towards him.
Kiba, Akeno and Koneko bowed immediately to show their respect, Issei just stood there dumbly for a second before he bowed as well.
Ryu walked in, right after Sirzechs and silently waved. "Hey guys, it was a great fight, I'm proud of you all." He spoke, looking at everyone, but his gaze lingered on Akeno and Issei for a second longer.
Sirzechs clapped, regaining everyone's attention. "I have a couple things to say. Firstly, congratulations everyone, you've fought splendidly and scored a victory against Riser, that is no small feat. Be proud of it. Secondly, tomorrow The Gremory house will hold a private banquet to congratulate your win, I won't bother you guys anymore, get some rest you all deserve it."
"Brother, why would mom and dad… hold a banquet for us? I broke the engagement…"
Sirzechs understood what her precious sister was asking.
"Dear Rias, we can talk in private right now, if you want to."
"Yes, that would be great." Rias immediately got up and followed
Rias and Sirzechs walked out, leaving the room in silence.
"Wonder what that's about." Issei asked, shattering the silence.
"Best we leave that subject, it's not our business." Ryu responded.
"R-Ryu, how was your meeting with Sirzechs?" Surprisingly it was Asia who asked.
The thing is, the two didn't really interact much, mostly because Asia was still intimidated by Ryu, but was slowly getting over it. So it was a bit surprising when she took the initiative.
"Well… he is not what I was expecting, he's friendly, kind, polite and humble, not what you'd expect from The Lucifer, my assumptions were proven wrong."
"Careful there, someone might think you're crushing on him." Issei smirked.
"I very clearly am into women, if that wasn't obvious already."
Issei put his finger to his chin and his face scrunched up, "Could've fooled me."
"Anyways, once again you've all done well, great job on executing the plan. Akeno, I'm very proud… you know why."
Ryu said, while wrapping his arms around his beloved.
"Hehe, my cute hubby is proud of his wifey?" a mischievous smile climbed on her face.
"Yeah, you did well." Ryu said with a smile, bringing her into a hug which Akeno gladly returned.
Seeing their interaction, Asia became slightly envious, as she glanced at Issei.
"Go get a room and leave us single folk be, we don't need to watch your lovey-dovey couple acts." Issei spoke angrily.
Ryu and Akeno both blushed and separated.
"U-Uhm, what should we do now?" Asia questioned.
"We can teleport home, I believe Rias will be here for much longer." Kiba said
"Sounds good." Koneko agreed.
"Yeah, that would be fantastic I want nothing more than to lay in bed and sleep right now… and this infirmary bed just doesn't do it."
"I agree, nothing is better than your own bed." Ryu agreed.
Akeno quickly nodded as well.
"Alright then, I'll take care of Asia and Issei, see you all tomorrow." Kiba said and waved.
And with that, the devils and Ryu split up, each going home with Akeno following Ryu. Cause well... Ryu was officialy hired as a pillow by Akeno.
Not that he was complaining of course.