The Underworld had moved on from the Valvas–Phenex duel, but the ripples of that battle still shaped the fates of noble houses.
Two months after the alliance, the marriage contract between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex was finalized.The agreement stated that when Rias reached eighteen years of age, the wedding would be held under the Gremory banner — binding two noble houses through "eternal flame and crimson blood."
But for Rias, it was nothing less than a gilded cage.
At Gremory Manor
Rias sat in her room, a silver contract sigil burning faintly on the table before her.She clenched her fists, her crimson hair flowing like liquid fire over her shoulders.
Rias (bitterly): "A marriage of convenience… for the clan's status.""Father didn't even ask me."
She had pleaded with her father, Zeoticus Gremory, to reconsider.Even Sirzech, her older brother, and Venelana Bael, her divorced mother, had tried to intervene — but Zeoticus' word stood firm.
"The future of the clan requires sacrifice," he had said coldly."You will obey."
Even Zeckram Bael, her mother's father, refused to interfere. The Bael patriarch had no claim over Rias anymore — her guardianship had legally remained under Zeoticus after the divorce.
Rias was alone.
Rias and Riser
Whenever she met Riser at noble gatherings, his golden eyes roamed across her body with unrestrained desire.He spoke of her beauty, not her will; of her body, not her soul.
Riser (smirking): "My future wife should not frown so much. You'll wrinkle that pretty face before the wedding."Rias (coldly): "Better wrinkles than chains."
She turned away each time, disgust curling inside her. She wanted to scream, but devils of noble birth had little room to defy ancient contracts.
At the Sitri Mansion
One afternoon, Rias sought solace with her closest friend — Sona Sitri.
Sona's calm gaze softened when she saw Rias's distress. But that day, another presence waited with her.
In the training courtyard stood Roy Valvas, sparring bare-handed with Kuroka and Scáthach, his aura calm yet impossibly heavy.The faint crackle of dragonic energy shimmered beneath his movements.
When Rias arrived, Roy simply turned — his golden eyes reflecting quiet strength.
Roy: "You look like someone who's ready to burn her own cage."Rias (frowning): "If only I had the strength to do so."
He stepped closer, the air humming faintly with controlled power.
Roy: "Then gain it. If you want freedom — earn it with your own hands.No one will hand you liberation. You have to fight for it."
His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried a deep conviction that made Rias's heart tremble.For the first time, someone wasn't pitying her — they were challenging her.
The Training Begins
That evening, Venelana Bael visited the Sitri estate to meet her daughter — and found her training under Roy's watch.The scene stunned her: Rias, hair wild, hands crackling with crimson destruction energy, facing off against Roy's illusion clone.
Roy turned when he sensed Venelana's presence.
Roy: "Lady Venelana. She's chosen to fight. I'll make sure she's ready."Venelana (softly, with pride): "Then I'll help you."
Together, the Yaksha of Valvas and the Crimson Rose of Bael began to train Rias in the art of Destruction Magic.Day by day, her control sharpened; her will hardened.
Roy guided her not as a noble — but as a warrior.
Roy: "Destruction isn't about rage, Rias. It's clarity. The power to end… and the courage to begin again."
Rias felt her crimson aura flare brighter than ever before — fierce, alive, and unyielding.
Foreshadowing
In the darkness of his chamber, Riser Phenex watched a magical projection of Rias's growing strength.
Riser (gritting his teeth): "She trains with him… the Yaksha.""No matter. In the end, she'll still be mine."
But far away, Roy looked toward the same crimson moon, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
Roy: "Let him dream. When the time comes, the fire he worships will burn him instead."