The young crimson-haired woman stepped gracefully onto the stage, her presence commanding attention.
"Good morning, dear guests. I am Rias Gremory."
A murmur spread through the grand hall.
"She's the genius girl."
"I heard she could walk and talk when she was only one."
"They say she awakened a new bloodline."
The whispers were inevitable—after all, it wasn't every day that a demon of such talent appeared.
Rias arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms with a smug smile.
"Do you really think I can't hear you? Well, I suppose that's to be expected from me. Hmph."
Her gaze gleamed with pride—the very sin that defined her.
Her father's voice echoed from the stage, breaking the tension.
"Well then, once again, welcome! Please, enjoy the party!" announced Zeoticus Gremory cheerfully.
After stepping down from the stage, Rias made her way toward her only friend, Sona. She found her surrounded by her family—Lord and Lady Sitri—and a short woman with voluptuous curves, wearing a green suit and matching skirt.
It was Serafall Leviathan, formerly known as Serafall Sitri. After taking on the title of one of the Four Maou, she had formally "separated" from the Sitri family.
"Good morning, Lady Sitri, Lord Sitri, and Miss Leviathan. I hope you're enjoying my birthday party," greeted Rias politely.
"Mou, mou, Ria-tan! I told you to just call me Serafall!" pouted the Leviathan.
"That wouldn't be appropriate here, Miss Leviathan."
"Mou!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks.
"Good morning, Rias-chan," Lady Sitri said kindly. "The party has been wonderful so far, don't worry."
"I'm glad to hear that. If you don't mind, may I borrow Sona for a moment?"
"No problem," replied Lady Sitri.
"But come back soon!" shouted Serafall as they walked away.
Rias led her friend to a quieter corner of the hall.
"What's wrong, Rias?" Sona asked curiously.
"You entered with the other guests. Did you happen to see the Phoenix family?"
"No… why do you ask?"
"Just a bad feeling."
The party still hadn't reached its peak. Soon, Rias would have to greet all the guests—and she suspected that her engagement would be announced at that moment.
Grayfia's calm voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Rias-sama, it's time to greet the guests. Your mother, Venelana, is calling for you regarding an important matter."
Rias sighed.
"So it's time… the engagement announcement. But why tell me only now? Why not earlier?"
She followed Grayfia to a room behind the stage.
"Rias, come quickly, we have something to tell you," her mother urged.
Sigh. "What is it, Mother?"
"There's someone we'd like you to meet."
Venelana guided her to a family whose golden hair seemed to shimmer like flames. The Phoenix family: Lord and Lady Phoenix, and their children—Ruval, Reival, Raiser, and Ravel.
A family of chickens, Rias thought sarcastically. A powerful lineage, yes, blessed with instant regeneration through fire—but still, chickens.
"Rias, greet the Phoenix family," Venelana said warmly.
"Good morning, and welcome to my birthday party, Phoenix family."
Lord Phoenix's gaze was sharp and calculating; Lady Phoenix looked pleased. The older brothers seemed content, Ravel appeared curious, and Raiser looked positively thrilled.
Rias narrowed her eyes.
"Judging by everyone's reactions, it seems I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on."
"This is an important announcement," Venelana explained with a radiant smile. "The Phoenix and Gremory families have decided to preserve their demon bloodlines. Therefore, we have arranged an engagement between you and Raiser Phoenix."
Rias fell silent, her expression unreadable.
"I see…" she finally muttered. "I suppose this will be announced before I greet the guests?"
"Yes! It will be announced right now," her mother replied, beaming.
Moments later, Zeoticus returned to the stage.
"Before we proceed with the greetings, we have an important announcement," he declared solemnly.
The Phoenix family and Rias joined him.
"It is my pleasure to inform you that the Phoenix and Gremory families will soon be closer than ever. We have signed a marriage contract between my beloved daughter and Raiser Phoenix, in order to preserve our noble demon bloodlines."
"To our future—cheers!"
"Cheers!" the crowd echoed in unison.
Zeoticus was about to continue when Rias suddenly stepped forward.
"Wait! I have something to announce!"
"Rias, what are you doing?" her father whispered sharply.
"What must be done."
Her voice rose confidently above the murmurs.
"Thank you all for your support and for celebrating the bond between our noble houses… but I must say—I refuse!"
Gasps filled the hall. The nobles looked bewildered. The Phoenix family seemed shocked. Zeoticus frowned, Venelana sighed, and Sirzechs… well, Sirzechs looked like he wanted to shout, 'That's my girl!'
"Rias! What are you thinking?!" her father demanded.
"Nothing special, Father. I just have something to say—Raiser Phoenix is not worthy of me!"
"What?!" Raiser shouted.
"This is outrageous! A complete insult!" barked Lord Phoenix.
"Calm down, Lord Phoenix, it's just a tantrum," Zeoticus muttered.
"It's not a tantrum!" Rias snapped. "Raiser, what are you? A pure-blooded demon who inherited the Phoenix line and has… decent talent.
But I— I am all that and more! I inherited the power of both the Bael and Gremory families, and I awakened two completely new bloodlines. I'm a genius from birth, with unmatched precision and control over my magic!"
Her crimson eyes burned with pride.
"That's why I, Rias Gremory, challenge you, Raiser Phoenix, to a one-on-one duel! The winner may demand anything from the loser—and they must obey."
"Rias, stop this!" her father warned.
"Silence!" began Lord Phoenix—
"I accept!" interrupted Raiser, grinning confidently. "But be ready for the consequences."
"Of course. I won't back down."
Then Rias smiled slyly.
"Oh, and one more announcement…"
The room fell silent again.
"I like women."
...
Silence.
Sona blushed furiously.
Serafall's eye twitched.
Zeoticus was speechless.
Venelana sighed softly. "Ara, ara…"
And Sirzechs looked as if he were fighting the urge to laugh.
And thus, the engagement party came to a chaotic end.
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Next Episode: Rias Gremory vs. Raiser Phoenix — The Duel Begins!
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Author's Note:
Rias is obviously very immature and unable to control her pride, which led to a disaster between two noble houses. But that same pride will push her to grow stronger, learning from the dangers and lessons life throws her way.
You can watch advance episodes here ---> [email protected]/Gatoferoz