The world of demons is a tangle of intrigue, wrapped in ostentatious politeness and seasoned with a thirst for power. I figured that out pretty quickly. In the Underworld, as in any other den of vipers, rumors spread faster than the plague, and weakness is blood in the water, attracting sharks. And the primary target for these sharks, unexpectedly, had become Rias Gremory.
...
The school days continued to drag on. Exams were approaching, and even the most hopeless slackers like Issei pretended to be hitting the books (though Issei was more likely gnawing his nails while staring at the teacher's cleavage). Asia was slowly settling into the club, her fear of demons giving way to a timid attachment to her new, albeit strange, protectors. She diligently helped around the club and healed the minor cuts and bruises Issei managed to acquire with enviable regularity.
As for me, I continued to live at my own rhythm: school as a backdrop, training to control my power as a way to keep from going mad with idleness, and an empty apartment as a reminder of my solitude. Kokabiel's surveillance, if it even existed, had become less noticeable. Maybe he'd switched to other targets or was just biding his time, gathering more data before trying me again. This lull was suspicious, but I wasn't about to waste time on paranoia. If he attacks, I'll respond. Simple as that.
But it was in this deceptive quiet that things began to change. First subtly, then more and more obviously. I started to notice that Rias wasn't herself. Her usual confidence and regal posture hadn't vanished, but a shadow of anxiety had settled deep in her blue-green eyes. She began locking herself in her office more often, speaking with someone via magical communication for long periods, and her voice would occasionally break with notes of irritation.
Akeno was acting differently, too. Her playful smile became more strained, and the gaze with which she sometimes watched Rias held not just sympathy, but a kind of hidden alarm. Kiba grew even quieter and gloomier than usual, and Koneko seemed to retreat even deeper into her cocoon of impassivity.
Even Issei, normally impenetrable in his optimism and perversion, noticed the change.
"Buchou hasn't been herself these last few days," he shared with me during a break, lowering his voice. "Always frowning, taking these weird calls… What do you think happened? Kokabiel again?"
"Who knows," I shrugged. "Maybe just problems with the family business. It's always like that with aristocrats."
But I had a feeling it wasn't that. Something was brewing. Something related to Rias's position, to her name, to her territory.
...
The answer came a few days later, during another club gathering. Rias was sitting in her chair, staring out the window with an unseeing gaze. Akeno silently refilled her tea. The atmosphere was oppressive.
"What's going on, Buchou?" Issei finally broke. "You've been like a thundercloud for days."
Rias sighed heavily and turned to us. Her eyes were filled with weariness and poorly concealed anger.
"I've been hearing rumors… from the Underworld," she began slowly, choosing her words. "Rumors about me. About my territory."
She paused, gathering her thoughts.
"They're saying… they're saying I can't handle it. That Kuoh Town has become a revolving door. That fallen angels are operating here with impunity, attacking my servants. That some unknown monster has appeared,"—she glanced at me briefly—"who does whatever he wants, and I can't control him."
She gave a bitter smirk.
"In short, gossip is spreading through the Underworld that Rias Gremory is a weak heiress, incapable of holding her territory or maintaining order. That my name no longer commands the respect it once did."
Issei shot to his feet, his face red with indignation.
"But that's a lie! Buchou, you… we… we repelled the fallen's attack! We stopped... that... darkness thing! We held a tournament without bloodshed! And that monster…"—he faltered, glancing at me—"well… he's kinda on our side… sometimes…"
"Rumors are rarely true, Issei," Akeno said quietly. "But they hold immense power. Especially in the world of demons, where reputation and status are everything. If the upper echelons believe Rias is weak, it could have very serious consequences."
"What consequences?" Kiba frowned.
Rias rubbed her temples, looking incredibly tired.
"Political consequences. A weakening of the Gremory clan's position. A loss of influence. And…"—she hesitated, her voice trembling—"…and pressure from other clans. Those who believe a young and 'weak' heiress is in need of a strong shoulder. A reliable alliance. An arranged marriage."
A heavy silence fell in the room. Everyone understood what she was getting at. An arranged marriage. An ancient tradition of the demonic aristocracy, a way to strengthen clans, forge alliances, preserve the purity of bloodlines. And often, a way to get rid of "inconvenient" heiresses or to take control of another's territory under the guise of "help."
"Marriage?.." Issei looked like he'd been punched. "Buchou, you… you're getting married?! To who?!"
Rias looked away.
"It's not finalized yet. But… the pressure is mounting. Especially from one family. The House of Phoenix."
"Phoenix?" I repeated. The name sounded vaguely familiar. I think I'd read about them in that other life. A clan famous for its regeneration, immortal birds…
"Yes," Rias confirmed, her voice devoid of emotion. "Riser Phoenix. Third son of Lord Phoenix. Our engagement was arranged by our parents many years ago, before I had even gathered my peerage. I had hoped that, in time, I could dissolve it by proving my own strength and independence. But now… these rumors of my 'weakness' have given the Phoenix clan an excuse to raise the issue again. They claim that a marriage to Riser will strengthen my position, restore respect to my name, help bring order to my territory…"
She clenched her fists.
"Hypocrites! They just want to use my name and the influence of my brother, Sirzechs, for their own ends! And Riser… he's an arrogant, cruel peacock who sees me as nothing more than a pretty toy and a trophy!"
Her voice rang with anger and despair. For the first time, I saw Rias Gremory looking so… vulnerable. Not as an all-powerful Queen, but as a girl, cornered by political intrigue and family pressure.
Issei was silent, his face pale, his fists clenched. He was looking at Rias as if his world had collapsed. His adored Buchou… marrying someone else? Some dandy from the Phoenix clan?
Akeno walked over to Rias, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Rias… we'll figure something out. We won't let them force you…"
"What can you do, Akeno?" Rias laughed bitterly. "This decision is being made at the level of Clan Lords. My father and Lord Phoenix have nearly reached an agreement. The wedding is set for… in ten days."
Ten days. The timeframe was minuscule.
"But… that's not fair!" Issei exclaimed. "You don't even love him! You can't…"
"I can, Issei," Rias answered quietly, looking at him with a sad tenderness. "Sometimes, duty to the clan is more important than personal feelings. That is the world of demons."
Asia, who had been listening in horror, began to cry quietly in the corner. Koneko sat motionless, but her small fists were clenched white. Kiba stared grimly at the floor.
As for me… I felt irritation. This whole demonic aristocracy, their arranged marriages, their games of thrones… What petty, disgusting squabbling this all was. They were willing to ruin a girl's life for political gain and to preserve "blood purity." Tch.
But I wasn't going to interfere. This was their world, their rules. Rias was a strong demoness; let her solve her own problems. It had nothing to do with me.
"So, in ten days, you'll be Phoenix's wife?" I asked evenly, breaking the oppressive silence.
Rias flinched at my voice but nodded.
"It seems so. Unless… unless a miracle happens."
"Miracles don't happen," I stated. "Especially in the Underworld. Which means you either have to accept it or fight."
"Fight? How?" A faint hope flickered in her voice.
"I don't know," I shrugged. "Figure something out. You're the Queen. Throw a tantrum. Run away. Challenge this Riser to a duel. Though, from what I've heard about the Phoenixes, with their regeneration, that won't be easy."
I saw a spark ignite in Rias's eyes at my words. The idea of a duel? Possible. But she immediately shook her head.
"A Rating Game… Yes, that could be a way out. But Riser… he's an experienced player, he has a strong, coordinated peerage. And my team…"—she glanced around at us—"…we're not ready for that level. Issei has only just begun to master his Sacred Gear, Asia is afraid of her own shadow, Kiba is traumatized by his past, Koneko… she's strong, but inexperienced. Akeno can't carry it alone. And you… you're not part of my peerage."
She looked at me again. And in her gaze, I once again saw that same mix of hope and calculation. She still hadn't given up on acquiring me. My power. Which could be the deciding factor in any Rating Game.
I smirked to myself. Sly fox. Even in a situation like this, she's trying to use me.
"That's right, I'm not part of your peerage," I confirmed coldly. "And I have no intention of getting involved in your family squabbles over fiancés. You sort it out."
I stood up, preparing to leave. This atmosphere of gloom and political intrigue was tiring me out.
"Izayoi, wait!" Rias called out. Her voice was almost pleading.
I stopped at the door, without turning.
"What now?"
"I… I know I'm asking a lot… But if… if it comes to a Rating Game… could I… count on your help? Not as a peerage member, but as… an ally? As someone who also doesn't want to see this city plunged into chaos because of the ambitions of the Phoenixes or Kokabiel?"
I paused for a second, looking at the dusty road outside the window. Help her? Interfere in their game? On the one hand, it would violate my principle of non-intervention. On the other… Riser Phoenix. An arrogant aristocrat who viewed women as trophies. Types like that had always pissed me off. And the opportunity to smash his arrogant peacock face in… that could be… interesting.
"We'll see," I tossed over my shoulder. "If it actually interests me."
And I left the room, leaving them alone with their fears, their hopes, and the looming threat of a wedding that could change everything. Night was falling on Kuoh, and the whispers from the Underworld were growing louder. The price of the Gremory name was high. And soon, someone was going to have to pay it.