11 Consequences

Rias, who was attentively listening to Riser's words, was stunned when he announced his withdrawal. Ignoring everything happening around her, Rias looked directly into Riser's eyes and, with a mix of surprise and disbelief, asked, "What are you saying, Riser?"

Riser, maintaining a serious and determined expression, replied firmly, "I, Riser Phenex, officially withdraw from the Rating Game."

Shock spread through the atmosphere as everyone on the scene processed the unexpected turn of events. Riser's announcement left both allies and adversaries perplexed, creating a tense silence that hung in the air. Rias, unable to hide her surprise, continued to stare at Riser, searching for any sign of hesitation or deceit in his words.

**Rating Game Observation Room**

Lord Phenex, surprised by Riser's words, sighed deeply before addressing Zeoticus, admitting, "I suppose this concludes the marriage contract between our children."

Zeoticus, maintaining a serious expression, agreed, "Yes, Riser's withdrawal effectively puts an end to the contract. Lord Phenex, I sincerely apologize for all this turmoil. Know that we had no intention of tarnishing the reputation of your family."

Zeoticus, looking at Lord Phenex with respect, said, "The House of Phenex and the House of Gremory have always been allies, and I would like that alliance to persist."

Lord Phenex, despite his surprise, responded with resigned understanding, "I understand, Lord Gremory. I know that Rias's actions do not reflect the intentions of your house. I accept your apologies."

The words "Lord Gremory" echoed in the room, signaling a shift in relations between the two powerful families. The friendship between the Gremorys and the Phenexs, once solid, was now stained by unexpected events.

Lord Phenex prepared to leave the room with his family when approached by Lord Sitri. With a respectful proposal, Lord Sitri requested, "Lord Phenex, may I visit your home to discuss something in private?"

Lord Phenex, aware of the political importance, replied, "Yes, Lord Sitri. Let's go to my house, where we can talk more privately."

While the Phenexs and Sitris withdrew, the observation room fell silent, leaving only the Gremorys present.

Sirzechs, looking at Grayfia, stated, "Grayfia, it's time for you to announce Rias's victory."

Grayfia, agreeing with a nod, responded, "Yes, Sirzechs-sama."

Then, Grayfia proclaimed firmly, "Rias Gremory is the winner of the Rating Game."

______

**Roof of the Occult Research Club Room**

As soon as Grayfia's words were heard by Riser, he promptly left the roof, accompanied by Yubelluna. Rias, who was left alone, displayed a broad smile of relief and satisfaction. In a swift move, she headed to the observation room, eager to celebrate the end of the Rating Game and the termination of the tumultuous marriage contract.

When Rias arrived at the observation room, her expectations of a cheerful atmosphere were abruptly thwarted. Noticing the absence of her Peerage and Sona, she expressed curiosity and concern, "Where are my Peerage and Sona?"

Grayfia, with her usual serenity, replied, "Your Peerage has been sent to the Gremory mansion to recover, while Sona left with Lord Sitri."

Rias felt a pang of sadness for not having her friends around to share her joy. However, determined not to let it spoil her moment of victory, she stated, "Well, let's go home and celebrate."

Zeoticus, adopting a serious expression, intervened: "Rias, we need to have a serious talk with you."

Venelana, agreeing with her husband, added, "Yes, dear, but not here. Let's all go back home first."

Confusion hung in the air as Rias, perplexed, couldn't understand why everyone was so serious. However, without further questions, she followed along with them toward the Gremory mansion, preparing for the conversation that awaited her.

**Phenex Mansion**

Mansion's Living Room

While maids served tea in the elegantly decorated room, Lady Phenex addressed Lord Sitri with a curious expression: "What would you like to talk to us about, Lord Sitri?"

Lord Sitri, maintaining composure, replied: "I want to propose a marriage contract between my daughter and Riser."

Surprise lit up the faces of Lady Phenex and Lord Phenex. Lord Phenex, intrigued, asked, "Why this proposal, Lord Sitri?"

Lord Sitri explained: "It is an individual wish of my daughter, and I also believe it would be beneficial for both families."

Serafall, with her lively personality, commented: "I think Riser-chan can be a good husband for Sona-chan."

The mention of Riser-chan by Serafall caused surprise in both Lady Phenex and Lord Phenex, but they chose to keep discretion about this unexpected detail.

Lord Phenex, considering the proposal, stated: "I accept the proposal, but I want the marriage to happen soon, preferably tomorrow."

Lord Sitri looked at Sona, who nodded in agreement. Lord Sitri continued: "Yes, since everyone agrees, let's start preparations for the marriage to take place tomorrow."

Serafall, showing her enthusiasm, said: "By the way, where's Riser-chan?"

Lady Phenex replied: "He must be in his private mansion."

Serafall, determined, declared: "Well, I'm going to have a little chat with my future brother-in-law."

Sona, sighing, said: "I'll talk to Riser too."

While the sisters went out to talk to Riser, Lady Sitri, who had remained quiet until then, smiled infectiously and suggested, "How about we start organizing the wedding? I already have the perfect venue in mind."

Lady Phenex agreed, and everyone went about their tasks, surprised at how quickly fate was charting new paths after the breakup of the marriage contract between Riser and the Gremory family. The underworld was about to witness an event that would change the course of many lives.