DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Zeoticus Gremory stood in the middle of the hall, observing the ceremony in silence, his eyes following every movement in the room. He knew this was a historic moment for the Underworld, but something disturbed him deeply. His eyes narrowed when he saw Grayfia approaching Riser, holding little Millicas' hand, and uttering words of support:

"Long live the King."

Grayfia... thought Zeoticus, his expression hardening as he watched the scene unfold before his eyes. You are bowing to him... without even consulting the Gremory family. You're making decisions that affect Millicas, that affect all of us. This is not the way things should be done.

He observed the interaction closely, noting how Riser stood confidently and authoritatively, as if he had already secured Grayfia and little Millicas' support. Zeoticus could feel a bitter taste in his mouth. To him, this was a betrayal of what it meant to be a Gremory. It was a betrayal of Sirzechs' legacy.

That young Phenex may be powerful, but he does not know our family. He has no right to decide Millicas' fate, and you, Grayfia... how could you accept this?* Zeoticus shook his head slightly, trying to contain the growing frustration in his chest. *You were Sirzechs' Queen. Your place was beside him and, after his death, beside the family he left behind, not beside Riser.

Zeoticus clenched his fists, his thoughts boiling. *But now it's too late to confront her here. The Gremory family's image cannot be tarnished, not in a moment like this. We must maintain our composure, but don't think I will accept this easily, Grayfia. Don't think I will allow Riser to make all the decisions alone.*

He glanced at Rias, who was beside him, visibly uncomfortable. *We need to be careful now, daughter. We cannot oppose him directly, not while he holds control, but we cannot let our voice be silenced either.*

Zeoticus took a deep breath, keeping his gaze fixed on Riser. *This is not over, Riser Phenex. The Underworld may be under your command for now, but the Gremory family will not be subdued so easily. I will ensure that.*

...

The ceremony ended, and the devils began leaving the grand hall in silence, with solemn expressions. Riser walked toward the exit, alongside Sona, as his gaze swept across the room. His steps were firm and determined, and he knew this moment marked the beginning of his new era of leadership.

Grayfia approached Riser, holding Millicas' hand firmly. Millicas looked around, still processing the entire ceremony and the words spoken in honor of his father. Grayfia remained close to Riser, clearly indicating that she and Millicas were leaving with him.

"Riser-sama, we are ready to depart," Grayfia said, her voice soft but firm. Millicas looked up at Riser, his eyes still reflecting the sadness of mourning, but also a touch of curiosity.

Riser nodded, looking at Grayfia and Millicas before turning to Sona, who stood close by. "Let's go, Sona. It's time to move forward."

Sona nodded, maintaining a serene expression as she walked alongside Riser. She briefly glanced at Grayfia and Millicas, recognizing the importance of that moment. Grayfia, who had always been Sirzechs' Queen, was now by Riser's side, further solidifying the new King of the Underworld's power.

Riser's Peerage members also approached, following their leader toward the exit of the hall. Everyone remained silent, aware of the impact of that historic moment. Serafall, who had stayed near the altar until the end of the ceremony, approached Sona, offering a light but meaningful smile.

"Sona-chan, are you alright?" Serafall asked, her voice soft but filled with concern.

"I'm fine, Onee-sama," Sona replied, her voice calm. "Now we need to support Riser and ensure the Underworld stays united."

Riser glanced back, observing Serafall and Sona interacting, before turning back to Grayfia. "Let's go to my mansion."

Grayfia nodded, gently squeezing Millicas' hand. "Yes, Riser-sama. We are ready."

With a gesture from Riser, a golden magic circle appeared beneath their feet, illuminating the surrounding area. Grayfia, Millicas, Sona, and Riser's Peerage gathered around him, all ready to leave the hall and head to Riser's mansion in the Underworld.

FWOOOSH!

In an instant, they all disappeared from the grand hall, leaving behind the solemn atmosphere that was now empty, except for those still processing the words and promises made during the ceremony. The Underworld had changed, and everyone knew that nothing would ever be the same.

Rias watched the scene in surprise; she hadn't expected her sister-in-law to take her nephew along with Riser. She wanted to ask her parents about it, but before she could speak, Zeoticus placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Let's leave certain conversations for the privacy of our home," Zeoticus said, his voice low but filled with authority, as he cast one last look toward where Grayfia and Millicas had disappeared. Rias simply nodded, still looking perplexed, and followed her father in silence.

The tension within the Gremory family was evident, and everyone knew that difficult discussions were coming. The family was being forced to make decisions they had never imagined, and the changes in the Underworld were only beginning.

.....

Riser's mansion in the Underworld

Riser materialized smoothly in the living room of his mansion, his golden flames dissipating around his feet as he surveyed the surroundings. Grayfia, Millicas, Sona, and the Peerage members were beside him, all settling in after the teleportation.

Merlin, who had been ordered to prepare the rooms, approached, making a slight bow to Riser. "Riser-sama, the rooms are ready for Grayfia and Millicas. Everything has been prepared as requested."

Riser nodded, satisfied. "Good, Merlin. Take Grayfia and Millicas to their rooms. I want them to have everything they need."

Merlin bowed again and turned to Grayfia, gesturing for her to follow. "Please follow me, Grayfia. I'll show you to your rooms."

Grayfia glanced at Riser for a brief moment before nodding and following Merlin, holding Millicas' hand firmly. The boy looked around, still processing everything, but followed his mother silently.

As Merlin, Grayfia, and Millicas walked away, Sona approached Riser, her expression serious. "We need to talk about Seekvaira Agares. She's agreed to the marriage, and there are a few details we need to discuss."

Riser looked at Sona, nodding slightly. "I see. Let's go to my office, we can discuss it more calmly there."

The two made their way to Riser's office, leaving the rest of the Peerage to settle into the mansion.

Riser opened the office door, allowing Sona to enter first. He closed the door behind him and indicated a chair for her, while he sat in his leather armchair behind the desk.

Sona sat down, keeping her eyes fixed on Riser, her expression firm. "How did you get Grayfia to agree to this?" Sona asked, her voice carrying curiosity and a touch of doubt.

Riser leaned back in his chair, a calm smile appearing on his lips.

"I imagine the same way you got Seekvaira to agree to the marriage," he replied. "Because it's beneficial for both sides."

Sona narrowed her eyes, clearly pondering Riser's words. "You offered security for Millicas, didn't you? And some form of power or influence for Grayfia... Is that it?"

"You're perceptive, Sona." Riser smiled, his eyes meeting his wife's. "That's exactly what I did. I offered Grayfia something no one else could offer at this moment: absolute security for Millicas and a prominent position in the new regime of the Underworld. She knew that by my side, she would have the opportunity to protect Sirzechs' son and ensure that he grows up in a safe environment."

Sona nodded slowly, absorbing Riser's words. She knew Grayfia and knew that the former Queen's loyalty to Sirzechs was unquestionable, but she also knew that a mother would do anything for her child. "So, you used her motherly love as leverage..." she murmured, mostly to herself.

"I don't see it as manipulation, Sona," Riser continued, his voice becoming a little more serious. "I offered her a future where Millicas won't just be a pawn, but someone who can grow strong without the political interference of the Gremory family. And at the same time, I ensured that Grayfia would have a position of respect."

"I'm not criticizing you, Riser," Sona said, her voice soft and thoughtful. "In fact, I admire your ability to plan and think strategically. Grayfia is an important piece, and ensuring Millicas' safety was a smart move."

Sona then shifted the topic, her expression becoming more practical.

"Now, about Seekvaira. She accepted the marriage, but there are details that need to be adjusted. We need to define how this will be done and what her role will be in the new system you're creating."

"The Agares name and the fact that she's one of the King's wives will be enough for her. I don't need more than that from Seekvaira."

Sona nodded, understanding Riser's point.

"Understood. I'll handle the wedding preparations and make sure everything goes as we desire."

Riser smiled, satisfied. "Great. I trust you completely, Sona. I know you'll do your best to ensure everything goes according to plan."

Sona smiled back, a determined gleam in her eyes.

"Always, dear. We're in this together."

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