The sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway before the door opened. Sona and Tsubaki entered with their usual composure, eyes alert. Inside the clubroom, Rias and Akeno were already waiting.
Rias lifted her gaze and smiled.
"Sona, I'm glad you came."
The Student Council president nodded, returning the gesture. "I received your message. Something important must have happened."
Akeno approached with a gentle smile, setting a tray on the table. "Before anything else, tea for everyone."
The cups were distributed in silence. Steam drifted lazily upward, and for a few moments the atmosphere felt far too calm.
Rias held her cup, but didn't drink. An excited glint crossed her eyes.
"You should've seen it, Sona. Gasper was simply unbelievable."
Sona raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised by Rias's unusual enthusiasm.
"Oh, so this is about him. That dhampir is progressing that fast?"
Rias placed her cup on the table, leaning forward a little.
"Progressing? He practically wiped out the fallen angels on his own. I didn't even need to step in. It was like watching a living force devour the entire field."
Akeno chuckled softly, serving tea to Tsubaki before taking a seat beside Rias.
"To think the president was ready to fight too. Gasper didn't leave anything for us."
Sona set her cup on its saucer, her gaze curious. "So his flame's power is real. No longer unstable like before?"
"Not at all," Rias answered with a smile. "He controlled everything precisely. And the best part is that he acted on his own, without hesitation."
Akeno crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand. "It was beautiful to watch. I even felt bad for the fallen angels… for about two seconds."
Light laughter filled the room.
Tsubaki stayed silent, bringing her cup to her lips. Her movements were calm, methodical, as if absorbing the conversation without intending to join it.
Sona observed her behavior for a moment, then focused on Rias again.
"You look relieved. I haven't seen you like this in a long time."
"Because I am." Rias placed her hands on the table, fingers interlaced. "After everything, seeing someone from my group surpass himself like that… it's comforting. He's becoming the trump card I needed."
Sona smiled faintly. "The same Gasper you once said was too timid to act?"
Rias let out a brief laugh. "That exact one. You'd be impressed."
"Perhaps I should evaluate him myself one of these days."
Akeno leaned forward, amused. "Oh, I want to see that. President Sitri evaluating our little monster. I bet he'd stay quiet and analyze you head to toe."
Sona shook her head, trying not to laugh. "I hope not. I don't have as much patience as you, Akeno."
The answer made Rias laugh openly. Her animation contrasted with the usual diplomatic tone of their meetings.
Tsubaki placed her cup down carefully, eyes lowered. "So the church incident is over."
"Yes," Rias confirmed. "All the fallen angels were eliminated. Nothing was left behind."
Sona studied her friend closely. "And how is Gasper after that?"
Rias paused for a moment before answering. "Calm. Too cold, maybe. He didn't show guilt or pleasure. He just did what needed to be done."
Sona rested her elbows on the table. "That kind of coldness can be useful in battle… but it's dangerous too."
"I know." Rias looked toward the window for a moment. "Even so, I trust him."
The brief silence that followed was broken by Akeno, who refilled everyone's tea. "Let's leave the risks for later. For now, a toast to victory."
"I agree," said Sona, lifting her cup gracefully. "To your trump card, Rias. And to your leadership."
Rias smiled, touching her cup to Sona's. "And to the friendship that survives even rivalry."
The two drank. Akeno followed, satisfied with the light atmosphere.
Tsubaki simply gave a discreet nod, drinking quietly.
The moment, brief and calm, held a rare feeling of normalcy among four devils accustomed to chaos.
The air shifted in an instant. A white light crossed the center of the room, forming a magic circle that opened silently on the carpet.
Fwoooosh
Grayfia emerged from the glow, her posture flawless and gaze serene. The temperature seemed to drop a few degrees with her presence.
Rias stood immediately.
"Grayfia? What are you doing here?"
The maid inclined her head slightly. "Forgive the intrusion, Rias-sama. I came to deliver a direct message from Lord Zeoticus and the Phenex Clan."
Rias's smile faded. "What message?"
Grayfia's tone remained neutral. "The wedding has been officially moved up. Lord Riser Phenex will come visit you personally soon."
Akeno's cup clinked against its saucer. Sona turned her gaze toward Rias, noticing the instant her friend's expression changed.
"No."
The dry word cracked through the air.
"I'm not marrying someone I don't love."
Grayfia drew a quiet breath before responding, her tone unchanged. "I understand your feelings, but my role is only to deliver the decision. The date and preparations are already underway."
Rias stepped forward. "This is ridiculous! They think they can decide for me?"
Sona placed her cup on the table without speaking. Her gaze stayed sharp, analyzing Rias's reactions.
Grayfia continued. "Political agreements do not change easily. Your father believes this marriage will strengthen the family's position."
"My father can believe whatever he wants." Rias's voice rose. "But I won't be anyone's bargaining chip."
Akeno tried to intervene, her voice gentle. "President…"
Rias cut her off, firm. "No. Enough. I choose who I marry."
The silence that followed was heavy, dense like an unseen wall.
Grayfia remained unmoved, unshaken by the outburst. "I'm sorry, Rias-sama. My task is not to agree or disagree. Only to inform."
Rias exhaled sharply, fighting her anger. "Then inform them that I refuse."
Grayfia dipped her head. "I will say exactly what you asked."
She paused briefly. "And regarding Gasper. Tell him I wish to see him today to continue his training."
Rias blinked. "You're going to train him again?"
"Yes." Grayfia shifted her gaze to the redhead. "Maou Sirzechs requested that I monitor his growth more closely."
Akeno let out a light laugh. "So even the Maou wants to know what our Gasper's been up to."
Grayfia did not react. The magic circle beneath her began to glow again. "Good afternoon to all."
Fwoooosh
The light faded, and she vanished as swiftly as she came.
Silence returned—but the atmosphere was no longer the same.
Rias sank back into her chair, her gaze distant. "They really intend to force this to the end."
Sona leaned slightly forward, her voice calm. "Rias, breathe. You told me yourself how much you trust your group… and Gasper. He might be the key to this."
Rias stayed silent for several seconds. Her breathing remained heavy, but Sona's words pierced through the anger. Slowly, her empty gaze sharpened into focus.
"Maybe you're right."
Akeno placed her cup down, watching her friend's expression shift. "Of course she is. You've seen how far Gasper has grown. If Grayfia's training him again, it's because she sees potential."
Rias straightened in her chair. The air around her, once heavy with frustration, now held a thread of hope.
"Grayfia never acts without reason. If she's calm, it means she believes we have a chance."
Sona smiled softly. "And you know what that chance is. If you defeat Riser in the Rating Game, the marriage contract is annulled. Simple—difficult, but possible."
"That's enough for me." Rias crossed her legs and brushed her hair to the side. "Riser may have regeneration and arrogance, but I have something he doesn't."
Akeno raised a brow. "Courage?"
Rias laughed, short and confident. "Something better. A group that believes in me."
Sona leaned back slightly. "Exactly. No point in panicking now. Just prepare."
"I will." Rias stared ahead for a moment. "And Gasper… he needs to know how much I trust him."
Akeno leaned forward, curious. "What are you planning to do?"
Rias answered with a mysterious smile. "Let's just say I want to give him a little gift."
"A gift?" Sona watched her, interested. "Something symbolic?"
"Maybe more than that." Rias's voice lowered, steady. "Something that reminds him he isn't a tool—he's part of my team. Part of me."
Akeno smiled playfully. "You always had a talent for inspiring people. Even our little vampire will melt."
Rias shrugged lightly, still smiling. "He surprised me once. I think it's only fair I return the favor."
Sona finished her tea and set her cup down. "Then it's decided. You'll fight. And when that Rating Game begins, Riser will learn what it means to challenge a Gremory."
"He will." Rias stood, her tone firmer. "And I'll do it my way."
Akeno rose as well, the same amused spark in her eyes. "Suddenly I'm excited for this fight."
Sona stood last, adjusting her glasses calmly. "It seems the conversation served its purpose."
Rias breathed deeply and allowed herself a quiet smile. "It did. I needed to remember who I am."
Sona stepped closer, briefly placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Then remember it to the end. It isn't fate that decides, Rias. It's your choices."
Rias nodded. "And I've already made mine."
Akeno tilted her head, her voice light. "And what would that be?"
Rias looked toward the window, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "To win."
Silence followed—comfortable, steady. There was no uncertainty anymore, only the sense that something new had awakened inside her.
Sona picked up her bag, giving Rias one last look. "Then, until the Rating Game."
"Until then."
Akeno smiled. "And about Gasper's gift?"
Rias turned to her, that mysterious smile returning. "You'll see."
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