"Tenra, we're heading back to the Gremory estate first. We'll meet again at Onii-sama's territory when the young devils' gathering starts."
Rias stood at the platform for the Underworld-bound train, suitcase in hand, her posture regal but her eyes soft. Akeno, Koneko, and Asia clustered around her, with Xenovia and Irina now part of the group as well.
Rias had always admired Xenovia and Irina's strength, hoping to recruit them as her servants. After months together, their bond had deepened; with Tenra's blessing, both girls had signed contracts with Rias, officially becoming her knights.
Tenra nodded, voice gentle. "Got it. Travel safe, all of you. Look out for each other."
With hugs and farewells, the girls stepped onto the train, vanishing into the shimmering portal.
Sona and her peerage had already returned to the Sitri estate. Gasper was off with Azazel to Grigori, the fallen angel headquarters. Tenra's own departure was next.
"Let's head out," he said.
"Yes, Tenra-sama."
The Underworld – Phoenix Main Estate
A pulse of light from the teleportation circle, and Tenra arrived—Yubelluna and his girls at his side.
The castle gates swung open, and a small army of maids and attendants lined the path, bowing as he passed.
"Welcome home, Tenra-sama."
Tenra nodded, leading his group inside. Waiting just beyond the entrance was a girl with golden twin-drill curls and an unmistakable princess aura—Ravel.
"Welcome home, Onii-sama." She curtsied, lips curved in a graceful smile.
It hadn't been long since they'd last met, but Ravel had shot up in height, her noble bearing growing stronger—she was starting to resemble their mother.
"Ravel, looks like your etiquette lessons paid off. But…" Tenra tapped her forehead lightly. "Try being a little more honest."
The perfect composure shattered. "Onii-chan!" Ravel squealed, launching herself into Tenra's arms. Yubelluna and the others stifled giggles behind their hands.
"Ravel, all that training—completely wasted."
She pouted, cheeks flushed. "It's your fault, Onii-chan!"
Tenra tousled her hair, grinning. Ravel released him, still blushing, and slipped her arm through his.
"Father and Mother are waiting. Come on, let's go in."
"Lead the way."
Ravel guided them into the grand hall, where the Phoenix Duke and Duchess awaited.
"Ara ara, our little Tenra has come home," Lady Phoenix said, her smile radiant.
"Father, Mother," Tenra greeted, bowing with Yubelluna and the rest.
"Stay as long as you like," the Duke said, his stern face softening. "We've prepared rooms for you."
"Thank you, Father."
Tenra had planned to stay awhile—he was grateful for the welcome.
The conversation turned to his exploits in the human world. He answered every question, recounting battles and triumphs.
Ravel stood quietly beside him, eyes bright, watching her brother with open admiration. She'd heard all the stories—how he'd stopped Kokabiel's rampage, how he'd fought both the Red and White Dragon Emperors and emerged as the champion. Whenever she overheard servants gushing about "Onii-chan," her heart swelled with pride.
Her brother really was the best.
"Onii-chan, where's my present?" she asked, tugging his arm and blinking up at him, playful as ever.
Tenra laughed. "Of course I didn't forget." He produced a carefully wrapped gift.
It wasn't expensive, but every present he gave Ravel was chosen with care, sometimes even handmade. Just like when they were kids, Ravel's face lit up—she hugged him tight, basking in the affection.
"Ravel, how's Riser been?"
At the question, Ravel's smile faltered. She hesitated, biting her lip.
"Onii-chan… Riser-nii… He's…"
They stopped before a heavy door carved with soaring phoenixes—Riser's room.
It had been half a year since Tenra's return and his decisive duel with Riser. So much had happened since, but according to Ravel, Riser had never recovered.
He locked himself away day after day. The Phoenix family's former prodigy was a shadow of his old self.
No—Riser was already a wreck.
"Onii-chan, if Riser-nii sees you, he'll definitely freak out. Maybe we should come back later?"
Ravel's voice was anxious; she could picture the scene all too well.
Tenra shook his head. "Riser's like this partly because of me. Don't worry, Ravel. I'll handle it."
He stroked her forehead, reassuring. Riser's collapse weighed on the whole family, especially Ravel and their mother. Tenra was determined to settle things once and for all.
Seeing his resolve, Ravel fell silent, then knocked gently.
"Nii-sama, please open up. Someone wants to see you."
Smart girl—she hadn't mentioned Tenra's name. If she had, Riser would never open the door.
Silence. Then, after a long pause, a muffled, weary voice:
"Ravel… I don't want to see anyone today. Had some bad dreams. Not in the mood for visitors."
Ravel looked helpless. Tenra's brow furrowed, and he spoke up.
"Riser. It's me."
A crash echoed inside—something had hit the floor. Riser's voice, incredulous and trembling, rang out:
"Tenra Kamiyo?! What the hell are you doing here?!"
Shock. Fury. Fear. Even without seeing him, Tenra could picture Riser's face.
"Open the door. Let's talk."
"No! Never! I won't open it—you can't come in!"
Riser's shout was shrill, desperate. Tenra sighed, then—
—kicked the door open.
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