Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows.
Hikaru and Koneko walked and talked casually.
But as they neared the Occult Research Club, both of them noticed an unusual leak of magic in the air.
Koneko paused slightly, then widened her eyes as if she had realized something.
"That disgusting magic… It has to be that guy!"
Her tone carried rare emotional fluctuation.
"Who?"
Hikaru asked.
"…He's a descendant of the Phoenix family and also the President's fiancé."
Even as Koneko explained, Hikaru already understood.
This was a plotline he was very familiar with.
He just hadn't expected to stumble upon it today.
Koneko kept an eye on Hikaru's expression, then added:
"But the President hates him."
"Well, since we're already here, let's go in and take a look."
Hikaru smiled slightly, then opened the door. Koneko followed right behind him.
…
Inside the Occult Research Club
The antique-style study was filled with a tense atmosphere.
Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima had dropped their usual smiles, their gazes cold as they stared at the blond-haired man seated on the sofa.
He was dressed in a red suit, but his jacket was left open, revealing his chiseled chest and abs. A thick gold chain hung around his neck, making him look like one of those arrogant rich kids you'd see in short videos online.
Behind him stood a group of female devils, all different in appearance—his personal servants.
"My dear Rias, your fiancé rarely visits the human world. Shouldn't you at least smile for me?"
At these words, Rias's expression grew even colder.
"I have no obligation to smile at you. And don't call me that—I have nothing to do with you."
"Heh, still as fiery as ever."
Riser Phoenix was completely unfazed.
"Alright, Rias, I won't waste time. My family has been urging me—since the date has already been set, when are you returning to the Underworld? We need to finalize the wedding location and send out the invitations."
Hearing this, Rias's expression darkened even further.
"Riser, don't push your luck! I already told my family that I have my freedom until I graduate from university in the human world!"
"And as the heir of the Gremory family, it should be my decision who I marry!"
At these words, Riser's playful smirk vanished, his face turning cold.
"You're the one being unreasonable, Rias. This marriage is tied to the future of the pure-blood devil families."
"If you refuse to accept it, then let's settle it the Underworld's way—a Rating Game. If I win, you return to the Underworld with me immediately."
Hearing that, Rias's heart clenched, but her anger flared as well.
"And what if I win?"
At her defiance, Riser burst into laughter, unable to contain himself.
"Win? You think you can beat me in a match? Do you take the honor of the Phoenix family as a joke?"
"I've played ten Rating Games—ten wins, zero losses. And you? You don't even have a full set of servants. How do you expect to fight me?"
"Or do you just want to humiliate yourself in front of all the elders?"
Rias's face grew even darker.
She couldn't refute his words—right now, her chances of winning were only 10% at best. And that was in theory.
She had trained diligently, and she believed in her servants, but the difference in numbers was overwhelming.
Seeing her fall silent, Riser smirked, about to continue.
Just then—the clubroom door swung open.
Everyone turned their gazes toward the entrance.
Their eyes landed on Hikaru and Koneko.
"Ohhh~~~"
Upon seeing Hikaru, the female devils behind Riser let out soft gasps.
"Who is that? He's so young… and so handsome!"
"I thought Lord Lucifer and Lord Beelzebub were already the peak of male beauty, but is there really someone this handsome in the human world?!"
"Who is he? And why is he here?"
Among the excited chatter, one girl stood out—a blonde with a twin-tail hairstyle and a slightly cold expression.
She had originally been indifferent to Rias's resistance, but upon seeing Hikaru, her eyes suddenly froze.
"Hikaru, what are you doing here?"
Both Rias and Akeno were surprised.
Then they noticed Koneko beside him.
Did she bring him here?
But… what could an outsider do in this situation?
"I need your help with something,"
Hikaru said simply.
"Sorry, but I'm dealing with something right now. Can you wait a little? I'll be done soon."
Rias spoke gently.
But before Hikaru could reply, Riser turned to him with hostility, his expression unfriendly.
Why does Rias treat him so differently?
She had been nothing but cold toward him, but now she was acting polite to this guy?!
"Who the hell are you?"
"Riser, Hikaru is my—"
"I'm her boyfriend."
Hikaru cut her off, his face utterly calm.
A moment of silence fell over the room.
Three seconds later, Riser's expression twisted into something truly spectacular.
At the same time, Hikaru stepped forward, standing in front of Rias, blocking her astonished expression from view.
~~~
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