Two months after the Valvas–Phenex incident
The Devil world had not yet recovered from the shock of the Yaksha of Valvas — the child prodigy who humiliated Riser Phenex in a one-sided battle and carved an unhealable scar upon the proud Phoenix. The Valvas name had risen higher than ever; many noble houses now whispered of Darius Valvas's grandson as a future pillar of the Underworld.
But among the noble factions, the Phenex Clan was reeling. Their humiliation had cost them powerful allies — the Agares, Bael, and Valvas families had all cut ties.To recover their lost standing, Lord Phenex sought a new alliance.And that opportunity came cloaked in crimson silk.
At Gremory Castle
Zeoticus Gremory, ever the politician, arrived with a charming smile and the cunning of an old devil. He extended his hand toward Lord Phenex.
"Let us bind our Houses through blood and flame," he said smoothly."My daughter Rias will be betrothed to your son, Riser Phenex. In turn, your Clan's tears will serve our future heirs."
The deal was simple — the Gremory wanted access to the Phoenix Tears, the world's most powerful healing elixir. The Phenex, desperate to regain influence and hide their shame, eagerly accepted.To outsiders, it appeared a grand noble alliance. But to those with keen eyes — it was a transaction of necessity.
Meanwhile — In the Valvas Mansion
News of the alliance reached Roy as he sparred with Scáthach and Lavania Reni in the training hall. His crimson aura flickered with restrained fury.
Roy (coldly): "So that fool rises again through marriage… typical of noble politics."Scáthach (smirking): "Do you plan to intervene, Yaksha?"Roy: "Not yet. But if that marriage harms Rias… I will not remain silent."
Nearby, Darius and Clara Valvas watched with silent pride. They could sense their grandson's rising power — now nearly brushing Satan Class, though still masked from the world.
Darius: "He reminds me of his father… but sharper. The Underworld will tremble when he decides to move."Clara: "Let them play their political games. When our Yaksha spreads his wings, no Phoenix or Gremory can cage him."
At the Phenex Estate
Riser Phenex, though less arrogant since his defeat, still bristled with pride. Yet when Rias Gremory entered the hall — fiery hair cascading like living flame — his arrogance flared once more.
Riser (smirking): "So the Crimson Princess herself will become my bride. Perhaps my luck burns brighter than I thought."Ravel (quietly, beside her mother Elena): "He hasn't learned anything…"Elena (sighing): "Some lessons require more than scars."
Lord and Lady Phenex exchanged formal words with Zeoticus, unaware that their actions had caught the attention of the one name they feared to speak aloud — Roy Valvas.
Foreshadowing
In the shadows of the ballroom, whispers spread:
"Didn't that boy destroy Riser?""If Valvas gets involved, the alliance won't last a week.""Yaksha doesn't forgive insults."
And somewhere, unseen, Roy's golden eyes glowed faintly.
"Let them celebrate," he murmured. "When the time comes, I'll remind them what happens when they forget their scars."