The Phenex estate was magnificent even by noble standards, flames dancing elegantly along the carved obsidian walls, casting the great hall in a golden-red glow. Sona walked at Riser's side, her posture as composed as ever, though her heart pounded beneath her calm exterior.
She had met devils of power before—Maou, nobles, lords of houses. But this… stepping into the nest of her fiancé's family, knowing the weight of his decision and the rumors swirling through the Underworld… felt different.
"Don't worry," Riser murmured as they approached the main chamber. His hand brushed hers briefly—too bold, but reassuring nonetheless. "They'll see what I see."
Sona gave him a sidelong glance. "…You speak as though that should comfort me."
He only grinned. "It should."
The great doors opened, and they entered.
Inside sat Lord and Lady Phenex upon high-backed chairs, regal in flame-lined attire. To one side stood Ruval, Riser's elder brother—calm, dignified, his sharp eyes studying Sona immediately. To the other side, perched elegantly, was Ravel, Riser's youngest sister, her expression curious and cautious, eyes flicking between her brother and the guest he had brought.
"Riser," Lord Phenex began, voice stern, "we have heard disturbing rumors. That you stormed into the Gremory estate, canceled your engagement, and left their daughter humiliated. That you now flaunt a new fiancée before the Underworld can even adjust. Explain yourself."
Riser stepped forward boldly, pulling Sona gently along with him. He bowed only slightly—enough for respect, but not submission.
"The rumors," he said, "are true."
Lady Phenex's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as a blade. "Then you confirm this folly in front of us?"
"Yes," Riser answered smoothly. He glanced at Sona, then back at his parents. "I ended my engagement with Rias Gremory because she is unworthy. She had nothing to offer me, our family, or the Underworld. She lives in a dream, shielded by her brother's name, with no victories, no achievements, no vision for our people. An empty vase with nothing but face and figure."
Sona stiffened beside him, shocked at his bluntness even now.
He pressed on. "But Sona Sitri…" His voice deepened, carrying a rare sincerity. He looked directly at his parents. "She is everything Rias is not. A woman with vision, intelligence, discipline. A leader with dreams that will serve the Underworld. Independent, unyielding, the kind of noblewoman who can stand as my equal. That is why I chose her. Because she is worthy. Because she is ideal."
The silence that followed was heavy.
Ravel blinked, covering her lips with delicate fingers. "Onii-sama…" Her voice trembled between disbelief and awe. She had never heard her brother speak this way about anyone.
Ruval's eyes softened slightly, though his expression remained stern. "You surprise me, little brother. For once, you sound less like a spoiled flame and more like a man."
Lady Phenex's gaze flickered to Sona, sharp and measuring. "And you, Sona Sitri. Do you accept the weight of what he has done for you? He has insulted a Maou's sister, risked political war, staked the reputation of our house—all for you."
Sona hesitated, then met Lady Phenex's gaze squarely, her mask firmly in place despite the thunder in her chest. "…I did not ask him to take such steps. But he did. And because he did, I will not dishonor his resolve. If Riser Phenex stands by me, I will stand by him."
Lady Phenex studied her a moment longer, then leaned back, lips curling faintly. "Strong words."
Finally, Riser broke the tension. He turned to his family, placing a hand over his chest, his other hand gently catching Sona's. His voice, for once, carried no arrogance—only conviction.
"I love her." His eyes turned to Sona's, molten gold burning with sincerity. "She is worth it. Worth the risks, worth the wrath, worth everything. That is my decision, and nothing will change it."
Sona's composure cracked at last—her cheeks flushed crimson, her lips parting slightly. For the first time, she did not hide her reaction from the Phenex family.
Lord Phenex exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "…Reckless, as always." Yet in his tone lingered a reluctant respect.
Ruval chuckled softly. "Well then, little brother. It seems you've finally found your fire."
And Ravel, her eyes sparkling, leaned forward with an excited grin. "So-tan… welcome to the family."
Sona's face turned scarlet at the nickname, but as she glanced at Riser—who only smirked at her with that unshakable confidence—she realized her heart had already accepted this madness.