8 Chapter 8

A few minutes passed and the rest of the ORC arrived in the meantime. Rias and Grayfia had their conversation still going on, and if he had to be honest, he disliked Rias's attitude.

Grayfia may look and speak in a manner that made her sound cold or indifferent, but in reality, she was a very caring individual, especially to her family. She would often shield herself saying it's her duty as a head maid or that it was Sirzechs who told her to do so, but in reality, she often did things on her own initiative.

That's why, if that was obvious to him who knows her for roughly 4 or 5 years, he couldn't understand Sirzechs's sister's attitude. Rias was genuinely behaving rudely, some could even say it was disrespectful. Her eyes were rolling at Grayfia's questions or statements, often interrupting her mid-sentence.

Akeno was standing behind Rias, along with Koneko, Asia, and Issei, who was oogling at Grayfia's chest. The only one who for some reason stood next to him was Kiba Yuuto, The Prince of Kuoh Highschool.

"Is she always like that?" Michikatsu inquired tapping off the ashes from the end of his cigarette.

Kiba was momentarily surprised that he opened up the conversation first. "Lately yes." He smiled bitterly, "But in past, she wouldn't be like that. I think it's because of the pressure put by her surrounding." The young devil said.

"I see..." Michikatsu sighed and scratched his mark. "By the way, I heard you practice with the sword." A small chit-chat began between the two.

"Yes, I do." A short reply came from Kiba. Michikatsu asked how good he is. "It's hard to say. I don't have any rank and those at Kendo club are not counting because as a devil my physic is much better than the rest. But I'm sure I should be at the top of the younger generation, though I still have much to learn." A sigh came from the teenager, followed by a kind smile.

Michikatsu observed the young man for a moment before saying, "If you want to we can have sparring from time to time. Or how they say it in China, 'Exchange some pointers'." He said trying to mimic a Chinese old man.

Kiba laughed at his teacher's expression and terrible Chinese accent. "I would be honored to, Sensei." He bowed in ninety degrees joining Michikatsu's small play. "But should it be all right? I hear from Akeno-san that you are only human."

Michikatsu smiled kindly at Kiba's words. "Well, I know how to not cut myself so it should be fine. Just in case, go easy on me." He winked and chuckled.

Finding out that they had similar interests, Kiba wanted to ask what kind of style of swordsmanship did he practice, but the attention of the two was taken back to the rest. The Magic Circle shined in the orange light, in the pattern few people in the room recognized. Including Michikatsu.

"Phenex family?" Mumbled Michikatsu putting off his cigarette. A small frown appeared on his face. 'I have a bad feeling about it...' "Were they invited?" He asked Kiba reaching for his holster.

"Yes, they were scheduled to arrive but later. President won't be pleased." He made a worried expression and headed to stand behind Rias like the rest of her servants.

"...trouble coming?..." Mumbled Michikatsu, walking towards the wall next to where the rest were talking. He even took a chair with him to sit there.

From the orange light, a dozen of people came out, all were women but one blond-haired man standing in the middle. His hands were inside his pockets as the arrogant grin was placed on his face.

"Young Lord Phenex," Grayfia said courtly with a doze of politeness, standing up and placing herself opposite Michikatsu.

The man just smirked and ignored her, but not before throwing his eyes at some of her places. Michikatsu just couldn't understand how could she put up with all those stares, nasty smiles, and whatsoever. Heck, he couldn't understand how Sirzechs could withstand it when his woman was treated like that. Fortunately, he knew that in case, Grayfia could handle herself very well.

Raiser throws himself on the sofa Grayfia occupied a moment before. His eyes fell on the Issei and he snorted. "What's with that look? I see you found yourself a new dog to the collection, Rias." He then laughed at his own joke and the angry expression Issei made.

"I believe we were scheduled for later," Rias said in an indifferent, business-like voice.

"I know, and I decided I come by now. Any problem? You ain't happy your fiance is here?" Raiser crossed his legs and stared at her with a smile.

"I'm not in the mood right now. You were persistent about this meeting. Please, state your business and let me go back to my job." Rias said politely, elegantly sipping a tea.

Raiser was amused at her behavior. "Yes, yes I know. But when our marriage is done all would be managed by me so you don't have to sweat yourself."

Rias didn't budge and continued to stare at him emotionlessly while drinking her tea with small sips.

He sighed and brushed his blonde hair. "You are no fun. I heard you ran into some troubles recently so I came to check on you. To see if nothing was damaged." He leads his eyes onto the Rias's legs, driving his stare from her feet up to the thigh and trying to see what was under her skirt. Everyone else could see it, not like he tried to hide with it, and while some took it calmly, Issei was angry. He was gnashing his teeth.

Seeing his intention Rias fixed her legs, putting a lower profile. Her words sounded harsher. "As you can see, I'm fine so you can leave immediately."

Michikatsu started to understand the situation. His target of protection, Rias the heiress of the Gremory household, was engaged with Raiser Phenex, an heir of the influential and wealthy house of Phenex. And while one side seemed fine with it, the other not so much. Michikatsu crossed his arms and silently sit on the chair under the wall. If it's just a meeting between a future married couple, there shouldn't be anything causing him to intervene. He was there just to ensure her safety and the danger seemed to be not present.

"Can I at least have a cup of coffee or tea, or do manners not apply in this place? Oi, my fiancee's Queen, give me something to drink." Raiser ordered Akeno and didn't bother with anything else, continuing to check on his nails.

"Yes." Giving a short replay, Akeno mustered her elegant smile and began to prepare the tea.

It looked like Rias didn't like having her servants ordered around as a frown deepened on her face. But she wasn't the only one, a certain man with black and red hair wasn't pleased either.

"So, how's your preparation going? The game is coming closer and closer." Raiser inquired glancing at her servants.

"That's not your problem. We are fine and ready to win even here and now." Ross said confidently and snorted at his remark.

"Puahahahaha!" Raiser laughed loudly at her words. He looked at the group behind her. "With that? The only people I could think of an obstacle with are either you or your Queen. You don't even have a full set." He shook his head in mockery. "Look at my servants and compare them. I have the whole set. You wanted to prove yourself in this Rating Game you begged so much for and this is how far you could get? Hahaha hahaha! If you just wanted to put on a show you could just say. We would make a great performance!"

Rias clenched her fists in anger as she glared with uncovered anger.

"Hey! You can't talk like to the Presi-" Issei wanted to walk up to Riser but Yuuto hold him by his arm and shook his head, saying to leave it. He quietly explained to him the status of Riser and that he was stronger than any of Rias's servants, including her.

Riser smirked at the sudden outburst. "You can't even train your dogs properly. Tsk! Tsk! But don't worry my love, don't worry!" At that moment Akeno came from his right, in her hands was a tray with a cup of tea on it. She gently placed it on the low table. "In the end, your things will belong to me. And I will take good care of them~." Staring at Akeno's butt, his hand touched her smooth and soft leg, making her flinch as she quickly stepped aside.

Issei once again couldn't hold it. Summoning his Sacred Gear, he rushed at Raiser with a shout. "You dare to touch- Bah!" But before he could say what he wanted, he was punched in the guts and pinned down by the two twin girls seemingly attending the middle school.

"That's what I'm talking ab-" Raiser shook his head with mockery, but the sound of something flying interrupted him. From his left, he could see something coming at his head. But before it could hit him, another girl this time wielding a staff shattered the object sending wooden splinters across the room. Raiser's eyes widened in surprise. It was a wooden chair!

Everyone looked from where the chair came from. They saw a man in his twenties with black and red hair tied in a high ponytail. His face was marked by the flame pattern and in his left hand was a sheathed katana.

"Sorry, my hand slipped."