Highschool DxD Cosmos

Cosmos Vs Phenix

In a secluded area within the Phoenix territory, Sirzechs and Ryu materialized, carefully choosing a hidden location to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. Sirzechs knew that having the Champion of Rias suddenly appear behind her brother could lead to rumors and misunderstandings that neither of them wanted to fuel.

Sirzechs turned to Ryu with a gentle but serious expression, sensing the determination radiating from him. "This is where I'll leave you, Ryu. From here on, you'll need to find your own way into the Phoenix household. A sudden appearance by me, with you by my side, might spark more... speculation than we'd prefer."

Ryu nodded, understanding the weight of discretion in the world of noble devils. "I appreciate the guidance, Lord Sirzechs. I won't let you or Rias down."

Sirzech smiled and disappeared again as Ryu turned to the Phenix estate as he cracked his knuckles "Time to make and entrance"

Inside the estate Rias was escorted into a grand chamber within the Phoenix estate, her heart was weighed down with frustration and anger. The maids had whisked her away to prepare for what Riser had boasted as an "engagement party," but as she looked in the mirror, it was clear this was more than that. She was wearing a wedding dress. A stunningly intricate, white gown embroidered with shimmering jewels, but it wasn't a symbol of joy for her—it was a prison.

Rias clenched her fists as the maids busied themselves adjusting the dress and fussing over her. The room was bathed in golden light from crystal chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the luxurious fabrics and tapestries adorning the walls. But to Rias, it felt like a cage. The maids, loyal to the Phoenix family, seemed oblivious to her inner turmoil, treating her as though she were already Riser's bride.

One of the maids smiled at Rias, smoothing the fabric of her dress. "It's an engagement party, but this is a wedding dress, right?" Rias asked, her voice tight with tension as she glanced at herself in the mirror.

"That's correct, Lady Rias," one of the maids replied cheerfully, oblivious to the storm brewing inside Rias. "It's what Lord Riser wanted."

Before Rias could respond, the door to the chamber creaked open, and Riser Phenex strolled in without hesitation, his usual arrogance written all over his face. The maids instantly tensed, bowing deeply.

"Lord Riser, you mustn't," one of the maids stammered. "This is off-limits to men!"

Riser waved a hand dismissively, a cocky grin plastered across his face. "Don't be so strict. I am the star today, after all," he said with a casual laugh, striding toward Rias.

Rias, her eyes narrowing with fury, folded her arms across her chest. "The star is the bride, isn't it?" she countered, her tone biting.

Riser chuckled, seemingly unbothered by her attitude. "Pardon me, pardon me," he said mockingly, flashing a charming smile. "But let's not get hung up on the details, Rias. After all, you will be my bride soon enough."

Rias's jaw tightened as she met his gaze, the weight of the wedding dress pressing down on her. "I am not your bride yet, Riser," she said coldly, her voice laced with defiance.

Riser's grin only widened as he looked her up and down, his eyes lingering on the wedding dress. "What's wrong with the dress? It's the way I like it," he said, stepping closer. "We can call even more of the Underworld's attention to the fact that the House of Gremory and the House of Phenex are being joined."

Rias glared at him, anger flashing in her sapphire eyes. "And by wearing this dress, you think it reinforces my resignation, right?" she shot back, her voice sharp.

Riser shrugged casually, his confidence unshaken. "Take it easy, Rias," he said with a dismissive wave. "I'll have a dress ready for the actual wedding that makes this one pale by comparison. The most gorgeous clothing in the whole Underworld, adorned with the traditional Phoenix family's flaming feathers."