Instinct is a terrifying thing.
In a situation like this… what man could possibly hold himself back?
Ryuichi could feel it — the heat in his blood rising uncontrollably.
Under Rias's determined guidance, his "battle spirit" had already locked onto its "target," and the front lines were seconds away from being breached.
Damn it… if this keeps up, there's no stopping it.
"W–wait, stop—" he said quickly, pulling himself together.
Rias froze, breathing lightly as she looked at him with faint irritation.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me… you think I'm not worthy to touch you?"
"…That's not it at all. It would be my honor."
"Then lie back and stay still," she said, her tone firm but trembling ever so slightly. "Leave it to me."
And yet, she continued trying to help him "advance," moving in rhythm with him as though determined to make the final push herself.
"…"
Ryuichi could only stare blankly.
This girl… seriously?
In the next instant, he flipped their positions, pressing her beneath him. His expression turned serious.
"Rias… stop. I don't care what happens to me, but I won't let your reputation be ruined because of me."
If not for that damn arranged marriage hanging over her head, Ryuichi would never have hesitated.
But as things stood, he couldn't let Rias throw everything away on impulse.
Even if what she said was true — that once they crossed that line, her family would have no choice but to stay silent — it would come at the cost of her honor.
And once that spread, it would be a disaster.
The entire Underworld would mock House Gremory for it.
Ryuichi didn't care how others saw him. He'd never been one to live by other people's standards anyway.
He only acted "normal" because drawing attention was a hassle.
But when it came to Rias and the others — he couldn't bear to see them suffer that kind of humiliation.
Rias let out a quiet sigh. "Reputation… even now, you're still worrying about that? If we don't do this, I'll have to marry someone else."
"Who else would I worry about if not you?" Ryuichi smiled faintly. "But this method of yours… it's way too reckless, you know?"
He leaned down and brushed his lips lightly against hers. "Don't worry. I'll handle it."
"…You?"
Rias blinked in surprise. She couldn't understand how Ryuichi could possibly resolve something this deep.
He could see the doubt and confusion in her eyes, but only smiled gently.
"You don't believe me, huh? But tell me — have I ever let you down before?"
"That…" Rias hesitated.
She gazed into his eyes — calm, steady, full of quiet confidence.
"You really think you can fix this?"
"Yeah." Ryuichi grinned. "All that training wasn't for nothing."
"…Really? Then that's… wonderful."
Unable to hold back, Rias threw her arms around him, her soft, hot body pressing close. The heat between them was electric.
"Hey, d-don't rub against me like that," he muttered, his voice tight. "I'm not made of stone, you know…"
"…"
Rias blinked, then seemed to understand.
After a moment of thought, she whispered shyly, "Then… should I help you the way I did last time?"
Ryuichi winced, uncertain. "Maybe not… you're not exactly skilled, and your teeth are still kinda sharp—"
"Ugh…! I'll be careful this time!" Rias puffed her cheeks, though a teasing glint flashed in her eyes. "But… you'll help me too, won't you?"
"…Help you how?"
"Like me," she said softly. "It's the only thing we can both do right now…"
Ryuichi blinked — then realized what she meant.
"…Sixty-nine, huh?"
Rias's cheeks flushed, but she nodded slightly.
Ryuichi let out a low chuckle. "Fine. If we're helping each other… then I'm in."
When it was over, the two of them lay together, catching their breath — Rias curled in his arms, her crimson hair cascading across his chest.
Ryuichi stared toward a corner of the room and sighed.
"Seems like someone's been waiting impatiently."
Rias followed his gaze, her expression tightening slightly.
"…Come out."
A magic circle flared to life, and a woman stepped out from the crimson glow.
She had long, shimmering silver hair tied neatly behind her head, and wore a pristine maid's uniform. Her beauty was striking — but what stood out even more was her aura of strict composure, an almost overwhelming sense of authority.
Just by looking at her, you could feel how powerful she was.
"Lady Rias," the woman said coolly. "To think you would do something so disgraceful with a lowly man like this… Your brother would be heartbroken."
Rias stood immediately, facing her without flinching.
"My body is my own. Who I choose to share it with is my decision — no one else's."
Her voice was cold and sharp, matching the maid's intensity blow for blow.
"And another thing," Rias continued, glaring fiercely. "I won't forgive anyone who insults my servant. Not even you — Gurefia, my brother's Queen. As far as I'm concerned, Ryuichi is far purer than those filthy-minded nobles who call themselves Devils."
Her anger burned openly now, her words laced with emotion.
For a moment, Gurefia was silent. Then she sighed quietly, bent down, and picked up Rias's discarded clothes. With graceful movements, she draped them over her mistress's shoulders.
"Be that as it may," she said softly, "you are still the next head of House Gremory. Please conduct yourself accordingly."
Then her silver eyes shifted to Ryuichi.
He sat calmly on the bed, not the least bit cowed by her oppressive aura — though every instinct screamed that she was dangerous.
"So this is the boy," Gurefia murmured. "You've caused such discord between Lady Rias and her family… all because of you?"
Her voice was even, but the disdain was unmistakable.
Rias opened her mouth to protest, but Ryuichi spoke first.
"You've misunderstood something," he said quietly. "Rias didn't do this for me."
He stood, and in a flash of light, clothes materialized across his body — neat and complete. His golden eyes met Gurefia's without hesitation.
"She's rebelling for herself."
The room fell silent.
Gurefia's gaze sharpened. The pressure that radiated from her grew heavier, almost tangible — as if her mere presence could crush the air around them.
But Ryuichi didn't yield.
If there was one thing he refused to bow to, it was intimidation.
Sacred Gear energy flickered faintly around him, matching her aura head-on.
Their gazes clashed, neither side backing down.
"Enough!" Rias's voice rang out. "Gurefia, even if you're the strongest Queen in the entire Underworld, what happens here is none of your business!"
For the first time, Rias's tone carried the full authority of a true noble heiress.
"If you want to talk, we'll do it at my family's castle — and I'll bring Akeno with me. Any objections?"
Gurefia's expression softened slightly, her eyes lowering. "As you wish, Lady Rias. It is only right that a high-class Devil bring her Queen."
"Good. Then let's end this," Rias said coldly, taking Ryuichi's hand. "I've had enough."
Crimson light flared around them, and the two vanished together into teleportation.
Gurefia followed close behind.
Within moments, everyone gathered again at the Gremory castle — Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, and the others.
And thus began the confrontation that would shake even the Underworld itself.