"Mother, Father—I'm sorry for making you worry."
At the Phoenix estate, Riser scratched his head awkwardly, his gaze averted.
He no longer looked broken or defeated. The old confidence had returned to his eyes, but now there was something new—a quiet steadiness that hadn't been there before. Gone was the shallow arrogance of the young master; in its place stood a young man who'd tasted failure and grown from it.
"Thank goodness, Riser. I knew you'd find your way back," Lady Phoenix said, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Lord Phoenix, ever the stoic patriarch, said nothing, but the pride on his face was unmistakable.
He was their son. Seeing him stand tall again filled them both with joy.
"All that sulking just because you lost to Onii-chan… Nii-sama, you really are hopeless! If you get yourself into trouble again, don't expect anyone to bail you out." Ravel's teasing was sharp as ever.
"Ravel, what nonsense are you spouting? Who asked for your help?"
"Still as stubborn as ever. Ah, Nii-sama, you really haven't changed a bit."
"RAVEL!"
"Ahahaha…"
Riser's face turned crimson as he roared at his little sister, drawing laughter from everyone in the room.
He'd never admit it, but this kind of family bickering—something he'd never really experienced before—felt oddly… comforting.
But then his gaze caught Tenra, arms folded, watching quietly from the side. Riser's expression soured; he snorted and looked away.
"Mother, Father—I've decided. I'm leaving the Underworld for a while. I want to train in the human world."
He exhaled, as if steeling himself for the decision.
"Why the human world? You've only just recovered. You should rest first," Lady Phoenix said, concern creasing her brow.
But Riser shook his head. "I've made up my mind. I'm leaving soon."
"The old me was a frog in a well, never realizing how vast the world truly is. I want to see it for myself. Besides—"
His eyes flashed with determination as he glanced at Tenra.
"If he can do it, then so can I."
Tenra only shrugged, feigning innocence. The rest of the family looked on, stunned. Lady Phoenix even covered her mouth in surprise.
Yes—Riser had changed.
"If you've decided, then go. But don't forget—you're a descendant of the immortal bird. You're a man of the Phoenix family." Lord Phoenix's voice was steady, his gaze deep.
"Yes, Father!" Riser's fists clenched tight, his reply ringing with conviction.
Such simple words, but they set his blood aflame. That's right—he was the proud heir of the immortal bird. A Phoenix. He would never forget it again.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Riser strode over to Tenra.
"I still can't accept you, Kamiyo Tenra!"
"I'll walk the same path you did. I'll find my own servants and companions. Wait for me—when I return, we'll settle things once and for all!"
His declaration was clear, ringing with challenge.
Tenra met his glare, smiling that infuriating, carefree smile. "Work hard, Riser. But at your current level, you'll never beat me."
Their auras clashed—neither willing to back down.
Riser's eye twitched. He really did hate this guy!
With a final snort, he turned and strode away, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. For the first time in a long while, he felt… good. Like a phoenix spreading its wings, he raised a hand in farewell, leaving behind a proud, solitary silhouette.
"Onii-chan and Nii-sama are both so cool…" Ravel clasped her hands, eyes sparkling with little stars.
"So, who's cooler?" Tenra ruffled her hair, grinning.
"Onii-chan, of course!" Ravel answered without hesitation.
Tenra's grin widened. Ravel really was the cutest.
Watching the siblings' easy affection, Lady Phoenix shook her head in resignation.
As both a mother and a woman with experience, she understood all too well that Ravel's feelings for Tenra went far beyond simple sibling love. It was rare, but not forbidden in the Underworld. Devils had far stronger bloodlines than humans, so even close relatives marrying wasn't a problem. Human customs had made such things uncommon, but they weren't taboo—which was why she and her husband had always chosen to turn a blind eye.
Neither encouraging nor opposing—she'd let things unfold as they would.
"This is an invitation from the Demon Lords—a gathering for the Underworld's most promising young devils. With Riser gone, you and Ravel will represent the Phoenix family." Lord Phoenix handed Tenra a formal invitation.
Such gatherings, hosted by the Demon Lords, were a long tradition. The Phoenix family's older sons were already adults; Riser, as the pure-blooded third son, would have been the natural choice. But with Tenra's current strength and reputation, he was more than qualified.
"Yes, Father." Tenra nodded. He'd already arranged to meet Rias and the others at the gathering—there was no reason to refuse.
Lord Phoenix nodded, but added, "Many of those young devils are troublemakers. Some of the old guard are obsessed with bloodlines. Be careful."
Tenra only laughed. "Sorry for not being a pure-blood devil, but that's all your doing, Father."
Lady Phoenix and Ravel both burst out laughing. Even Lord Phoenix's stern face showed a rare hint of embarrassment.
—
Night fell on the Phoenix estate. In Tenra's room—
Shredded clothes lay scattered across the floor. Wicked, wanton cries echoed through the room. Li, the red-haired nekomata, drooled as she stared up at the ceiling, completely undone.
"B-broken, nya… Tenra-sama, Ni's going to break too, nya…"
Relentlessly claimed and possessed, Ni, the blue-haired nekomata, whimpered deliriously.
"Ni, do you like your reward?" Tenra whispered, lips brushing her ear.
"L-love it, nya…"
Her voice grew more intoxicated, her eyes glazed.
Tenra stroked her soft cheek, licking his lips.
"Then let's keep going…"
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