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The morning's little drama came to a close without further incident, much like the sisters' "heart-to-heart" from the previous night—there was no immediate follow-up.
Thus, time passed quickly, bringing them swiftly to mid-morning.
According to the visitation letter Grayfia received the previous evening, the Phenex family would be sending someone today. This was why Bokue hadn't immediately rushed back to the human world right after breakfast.
Moreover, none of the spiritual markers he'd placed upon Asagi Aiba, Yukina Himeragi, and Nagisa Akatsuki on Itogami Island had shown any abnormalities. The entire area seemed peaceful enough.
That made sense—Itogami Island was simply a Demon Special Zone, after all, not some war-torn battlefield where trouble brewed daily. If it constantly fell into crisis like a certain artistic starfish, there'd be no residents left; anyone capable would've run away long ago.
As the sun steadily climbed higher, a luxurious carriage bearing the Phenex family crest finally arrived at the Gremory estate's main gates.
The Gremory household, having anticipated this visit, had already gathered at the entrance.
The carriage stopped gently, and its ornate door swung open. A pair of slender, porcelain-white legs emerged, stepping gracefully down. Wearing delicate leather heeled boots, the young woman descended along the carriage's polished steps, revealing familiar indigo eyes, dazzling Phenex family golden hair, and a pair of iconic drill-styled twin tails.
"Ravel…"
Rias's brows knitted subtly. If last night she had only about sixty percent certainty upon hearing Grayfia's report concerning Riser's condition, then seeing this golden-haired young woman now elevated that certainty to one hundred percent.
This youngest daughter of the Phenex household had undoubtedly come here due to her brother's circumstances.
Everyone within the Underworld's seventy-two noble families knew well how incredibly doting the Phenex family's third son was towards his little sister. And despite Ravel's habit of constantly complaining about her flamboyant elder brother, in truth, she cared deeply for him.
Taking a calming breath, Ravel quickly adjusted her expression, performing an elegant curtsey before addressing the gathered members of House Gremory.
"My sincere apologies for the sudden intrusion. I am Ravel Phenex from the Phenex family."
"Welcome, Lady Ravel."
Venelana stepped forward gracefully, greeting her guest with impeccable poise. Despite past family conflicts, she maintained her gentle, diplomatic smile.
In preparation for today's meeting, Venelana once again wore an exquisite formal dress. Its tailored design accentuated her gracefully slender waist, while the mature charm emanating from her elegant figure gave her an air of timeless beauty. Even the gorgeous crimson-haired Rias standing beside her seemed slightly overshadowed.
"We received your family's visitation letter yesterday, and the dining room has been prepared in advance. Please, come inside; we can speak more comfortably."
"Thank you."
Formal pleasantries concluded swiftly. However, just as Ravel was about to follow Venelana inside, her casual glance forward caused a slight pause.
Compared to their previous encounter two months ago at Phenex Manor, House Gremory seemed to have gained a few unfamiliar faces. Especially noticeable were two young women—one with orange twin tails, and another with short blue hair. Strangely enough, neither appeared to emit any demonic presence.
Moreover, Rias Gremory's behavior was peculiar. Despite supposedly being Bokue's fiancée, she walked with her peerage members, allowing Bokue to remain intimately close to another woman.
Just what was going on here?
Utterly perplexing.
Soon enough, everyone relocated to the formal dining room. As Venelana previously mentioned, refreshments and seating arrangements were already neatly prepared.
Seated at the grand table's head was Venelana herself, followed along her right side by Rias, Bokue, Kuroka, and Akeno respectively.
Ravel, as the visitor, took a solitary seat on the left side closest to Venelana.
Venelana took a delicate sip of her tea, quietly observing her daughter's troubled and silent expression. Shaking her head internally, she decided to cut straight to the heart of the matter herself.
"The last meeting between House Phenex and House Gremory occurred two months ago, primarily concerning Rias's marriage arrangement. Lady Ravel, may I ask the reason behind your visit today?"
The lovely woman's question appeared casual, but it cleverly concealed an underlying warning. By casually reminding Ravel of the marriage duel from two months prior—one ending disastrously for House Phenex—Venelana subtly suggested Ravel reconsider carefully before speaking further.
This tactic proved immensely effective.
Ravel, clearly understanding Venelana's implication, nodded apologetically.
"Yes… I sincerely apologize again for that unpleasantness two months ago. However, my visit today indeed concerns that very matter."
"Since that last battle, my brother—Riser Phenex—has become completely withdrawn. For the past two months, he's locked himself away and refuses to emerge. Our family has tried every method we can think of, but nothing seems to work…"
"So?"
At this point, Bokue had already figured out Ravel's intentions, so he decisively interrupted her lengthy preamble, urging her to speak plainly.
"Therefore…"
Ravel hesitated slightly, turning instinctively towards Venelana seated at the head of the table. In her understanding, the current acting head of House Gremory should still be Venelana Gremory of the Bael lineage. Bokue wasn't even in line for succession, yet here he was, casually interrupting the acting head's conversation. Was that really acceptable?
Surprisingly, Venelana showed no displeasure or reprimand. Instead, she merely smiled gently, nodding for Ravel to continue and directly answer Bokue's question.
Ravel was genuinely surprised.
So, Lady Venelana of House Gremory was this accommodating and lenient?
While internally marveling at this unexpected revelation, the golden-haired young woman took a deep breath, carefully choosing her next words.
"Thus, if at all possible, I would like to humbly request Lord Bokue's assistance in speaking with my brother."
…Eh?
Bokue stared blankly.
Did this firebird girl seriously just suggest… that he go and counsel Riser?
If Riser had truly confined himself for two months due to having his ego thoroughly shattered by Bokue, wouldn't Bokue showing up at his door only further traumatize him? Wouldn't that just drive him straight into insanity the moment they locked eyes?
But before Bokue could voice his incredulity, Ravel bowed deeply, pressing her forehead respectfully against the tabletop.
"If Lord Bokue would graciously agree to help, I, Ravel Phenex, pledge three vials of [Phoenix Tears] from my personal collection as compensation."
An intense silence immediately filled the room.
The renowned Phoenix Tears, known to all supernatural beings as a supremely precious, near-miraculous healing remedy. Such treasures could even regenerate limbs, erase fatal wounds, and effectively resurrect the dying—making them among the most coveted substances in the Underworld.
To offer three such precious treasures as a personal reward clearly demonstrated the seriousness and desperation behind Ravel's request.
Everyone in the room instantly understood the gravity of this offer.
Bokue's expression shifted subtly as he considered the situation carefully. He then met Ravel's pleading gaze directly, his voice calm and measured.
"Are you truly sure about this? Three Phoenix Tears is not a trivial offer."
Ravel kept her head respectfully bowed, determination filling her voice.
"Yes, I fully understand their value. But to save my brother from his current despair, no price is too great."
Bokue was momentarily silent. Finally, he gave a slight sigh, leaning back in his chair.
This wasn't part of his original plans for the day… yet turning her down so callously felt wrong somehow.
He finally nodded.
"Fine. I'll speak with Riser once. However, whether he recovers is ultimately up to him."
Ravel raised her head immediately, relief and gratitude evident in her sparkling eyes.
"Thank you, Lord Bokue. Thank you so very much."
Watching from the head seat, Venelana wore a quiet, satisfied smile. Her gaze shifted subtly toward her daughter, whose troubled expression had grown even more complicated.
Gently, she placed one hand atop Rias's shoulder, whispering softly so only her daughter could hear:
"Keep your wits about you, my dear. Otherwise, you'll lose far more than your engagement status."
Rias's eyes widened slightly as Venelana's cryptic words echoed in her ears.
She instinctively glanced toward Bokue, who was calmly sipping tea, seemingly oblivious to their whispered exchange.
Yet deep inside, Rias suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
Her mother's gentle warning felt strangely prophetic, lingering ominously in the back of her mind.
A vague sense of anxiety quietly tightened within her chest—an instinctual awareness that her position in Bokue's heart might not be as stable as she had always assumed.
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