AlmightySkyDxddy
patreon
DxD Chapter 12: The Phenex Family, Devitube, and Yamamoto's Challenge
🕑 Added 2025-03-23 20:47:00 +0000 UTCNoon.
It was as Sirzechs predicted.
The Phoenix Family arrived grandly.
The entire House of Gremory was bustling in a show of respect.
The gates of the Gremory Mansion were wide open as they entered riding a luxurious carriage with the sigil of the Phoenix Clan.
The Main Characters of this visit consisted of a pair of men and women.
The first to step off was Lord Phenex.
He wore a maroon-dyed suit which accentuated his blonde hair and blue eyes. His beard was well-trimmed and he gave off a charismatic aura.
The Second was Lady Phenex.
She looked almost the same as Lord Phenex with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Her hair was done up very high with ornate hair decorations. She had a mature and curvaceous appearance. She wore a long red dress that seemed to drag along her feet. Her noble features look incredibly beautiful due to her soft smile.
The third to get off was Riser Phenex.
He was a tall and handsome young man in his early 20s with short blond hair and dark blue eyes.
His outfit consisted of a burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on the right with matching pants and black dress shoes. Underneath his open blazer was a white dress shirt that was not fully buttoned (just one button short), giving a slight view of his chest.
The fourth and last visitor of the Phenex family was Ravel Phenex.
She was a beautiful young girl with dark blue eyes. She had long blonde hair tied into twin tails with large, drill-like curls and blue ribbons keeping them in place. The front of her hair had several bangs hanging over her forehead, with a V-shaped fringe hanging over the bridge of her nose.
Her outfit consisted of a light purple dress with dark purple accents and a blue bow at the front. At the back, three feather-like extensions mimicking a bird's tail protruded from the dress.
“I, Zeoticus Gremory, welcome the Phenex Family.”
At the entrance of the Mansion stood The Lord and Lady of the Gremory Family to receive the visitors.
“Zeoticus!” Lord Phenex smiled brightly as he enveloped him in a bear hug, “It's been a long time! Glad to see you.”
On the side, the Ladies of the family engaged in pleasant chatter.
“Oh my, Ravel you've become cuter since the last time I met you!” Venelana smiled enthusiastically, “You too Riser, congratulations on winning your recent Rating Game. A performance worthy of someone from the Phenex Family.”
Ravel shook her head in a slight fluster at the praise. She was an arrogant and snobby girl but only in front of those around her age.
Riser too bowed with a hand on his chest politely, though his smile was questionable, “Riser thanks Mother-in-law for the praise.”
Venelana paused after hearing that for a very brief moment as the corner of her lips curled up in amusement.
She chuckled while hiding her lips with her fingers.
The four adults led the way as Riser and Ravel followed behind.
Soon they reached the main hall of the Gremory Mansion.
Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex tensed slightly, spotting Sirzechs standing at the centre of the Hall with Grayfia behind him.
“The Phenex Family greets the Satan Lucifer.”
The adults nodded while Ravel and Riser bowed slightly. Appropriate respect was demanded with the Lord Lucifer in presence.
“Please be at ease. I'm only here to act as an observer and guarantor of the following discussion. However, I also wish to participate as the older brother of Rias in an important decision of her life.”
“That is of no problem Lucifer-sama.” Lord Phenex smiled politely, “It is admirable that even in such troubled times the busy Lord Lucifer has come to attend an important event for his younger sister.”
The mood in the hall tensed slightly.
Grayfia narrowed her eyes at the slight jab.
The Lord Phenex was implicitly saying that instead of focusing on matters that require immediate concern, like the Soul Reaper, Sirzechs was wasting time here.
Sirzechs did not change his expression as he nodded, “Rias is on her way, please wait.”
He didn't mind the slight insult. After all, years ago when they had proposed marriage he had indirectly threatened them into postponing it. That incident had never come to light but it must've always stung the proud Head of the Phenex Family.
But helping Rias had its limits.
Once was enough.
He could not just use his status and power to keep threatening them.
Thankfully the perfect tool had arrived.
A tool that would help Rias escape this marriage.
Speaking of the tool…
“Heiress of the Gremory Family has come along with her peerage.”
An announcement echoed as the doors were opened.
Rias with confidence entered the main hall.
All eyes were instantly focused on her and her peerage.
Following behind her were—the slightly lost Akeno, the calm Kiba, the expressionless Koneko, the nervous Ichika and…
All eyes instantly narrowed on the one peerage member who walked not behind his Master, but beside her.
He had a tall frame, extremely tall. Nearly everyone, even the tall Lord Phenex and Riser, were short in front of his 188cm build.
The contours of his handsome face were extremely sharp and there seemed to not be a hint of fat present. His long hair fell loosely onto his shoulders and his black gym-compression was tightly stuck to his muscular frame. (A/N: Yes he's wearing Toji's drip.)
He looked quite indifferent as he walked into the hall standing side by side with Rias.
The Phenex Family slowly felt the atmosphere in the room shift. A faint sense of trouble lingered in the air.
Riser in particular was incredibly annoyed seeing the close proximity of Tatsuya and Rias.
Ravel was the only one who openly showed her disgusted frown trying to hide the faint blush on her face.
How dare a Reincarnated Devil not know his place? So what if he's so handsome, much more handsome than Onii-sama!
She complained inwardly.
The Phenex Family received a message from Sirzechs yesterday. The letter was quite vague but faintly mentioned the existence of an extremely strong addition to Rias’s peerage.
Rias couldn't be allowed to grow too freely otherwise the marriage alliance would surely be challenged with a Rating Game and the longer it was delayed the greater the chance of Rias winning.
Neither the Gremory nor the Phenex wished to see this happen.
But now seeing this addition in person the Phenex Family felt disappointed. The Demonic Energy he was exuding barely touched the peak of Low-Class.
While the Phenex Clan weren't naive enough to use solely Demonic Power as a judge, those with a lack of it would find it excruciatingly hard to harm an Immortal Phenex.
But Lord Phenex knew that things weren't as simple as they seemed.
Sirzechs was an extremely crafty bastard and he wouldn't make a move that would benefit them, the Phenex Family.
“It's been a long time since we've met Rias-chan, how was your trip to the Human World?” Lady Phenex quipped leisurely, her eyes faintly fixing on Tatsuya.
“Pleasure to meet you, Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex. It was certainly enjoyable but unfortunately, it was cut short due to a certain individual.”
Everyone knew who this ‘Certain Individual’ was and their faces darkened.
“Nice to see you again Rias. You've become much more beautiful in the short while we were unable to meet each other.” Riser walked forward, intending to shake her hand.
He wouldn't do anything lecherous in front of both the Gremory and Phenex Families but it shouldn't matter if he pro-actively greeted his future wife who seemed inclined to ignore him.
Not to mention the presence of Tatsuya was increasingly irritating him.
Rias looked at his hand before glancing at Tatsuya. She wasn't even trying to hide her actions from anyone. She took a faint step backwards, not shaking his hand.
The tension in the hall began to foster further.
“What's the meaning of this?” Riser frowned, was she refusing a simple handshake?
Why was she even glancing at the man beside her?
Rias's peerage was confused as well as worried. They had no idea of the politics taking place at the moment nor were they aware of the promise between Rias and Tatsuya.
“Is this how the Heiress of the Gremory intends to humiliate her fiance and future husband?” Riser lowered his hand as he accused Rias of unsightly behaviour.
Reflecting his emotions the faces of the Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex had also grown slightly cold. Zeoticus and Venelana remained indifferent to whatever was happening.
The stage had been set between the children and the adults could only watch the proceedings silently before commenting.
“I'm sorry, Riser.” Rias said calmly, “But I don't acknowledge you as my fiance, nor do I plan to become your future wife.”
She took a bold step forward as she looked at the gathered adults.
“I know this is unbecoming of me but I'd like to declare something.” Rias forcefully calmed her raging heart as she looked her Sirzechs in the eyes, “I do not want to give my life to someone I do not respect nor love.”
“What is it that you're meaning to say Rias?” Sirzechs asked calmly, not letting Lord Phenex or Lady Phenex speak.
A subtle frown lingered on their faces.
“I… I love Yamamoto Tatsuya!” She declared with a raised voice that echoed in the main hall.
Everyone besides those who were already in the know were immediately shocked.
Koneko's monotonous expression broke, Kiba's eyes widened, and Akeno was so shocked that her dazed expression vanished as she processed the words Rias, her Master, just said.
Ichika was beyond flabbergasted; she was not acting at all!
Ravel was stunned, not expecting Rias, the Heiress of Gremory, to act like this.
A warm smile appeared on Tatsuya's lips as he looked at Rias.
Immediately after Rias blazingly declared her love a sharp but mocking voice interjected.
“It seems like you're quite mistaken, Rias.”
Riser sneered.
“Our feelings are simply irrelevant at the moment. As the sole Heiress of Gremory, you have no choice but to take a husband. A husband of noble background and a prestigious bloodline.” He shot Tatsuya a short disdainful glance, “I presume you won't be willing to sully the arrangement between the two families over petty feelings.” Riser's smile widened, “Alternatively, you can also challenge me to a Rating Game.”
A subtle smile played on Sirzechs as he watched the show unfold.
Rias was not at all flustered by his words.
“I can't beat you in a Rating Game, Riser.”
The proud Heiress of Gremory immediately declared her defeat stunning the arrogant Riser.
A frown returned to his face.
“Then what is it that you're trying to do? You can't honestly be willing to disgrace the Gremory Family by breaking the arrangement. That too over a Low-Class Devil like him. Do you wish to turn your household into a laughing stock?”
Rias shook her head.
“My current peerage can't beat you but I wonder if you're willing to listen to a suggestion of mine.”
“Do say.” Riser raised a brow in interest.
“Are you willing to fight for my hand with this Low-Class Devil?”
The entire farce of this situation was slowly fading away as the main objective became clear.
“...What?” Riser's eyes widened, for a second he thought he was hallucinating, “You want me to fight a Low-Class Devil like him?”
Rias frowned, seeing the blatant disregard in his voice.
But before she could say a word more a faint footstep echoed behind her.
By the time she realised the source of the footstep, there was a large muscular back covering her from Riser.
“I would like to challenge the Third Son of the Phenex Family for Rias’s hand in marriage.”
Tatsuya had come in between them, shielding Rias from Riser's view.
His calm yet imposing voice echoed in the hall as he bowed slightly to the adults in the front.
“Mind your place, servant. Do not interrupt this Noble’s conversation with his fiance.” Riser harrumphed.
“I believe the Third Son of the Phenex Family has some trouble comprehending the situation.” Tatsuya tore the mask of politeness off as he glanced at Riser from the corner of his eyes, “As an involved party I believe it is my right to speak. Now, I will repeat myself. Are you willing to fight me over the hand of Rias in marriage?”
Riser felt his lips twitch with anger.
He looked at Tatsuya coldly, “It seems like the servants are as delusional as their Master. Filthy human, do you really believe you stand a chance against me?”
“We can find that out in the Arena.” Tatsuya openly showed his disdain, “I wonder if my proposal is acceptable to the esteemed Lord Phenex, Lady Phenex and Lord Lucifer.”
Tatsuya slyly added Sirzechs into the mix causing the Lord and Lady of Phenex to curse him inwardly.
“I do have much to say but I'd like to hear the opinion of Lord Lucifer first.” Lord Phenex could only concede and hand the ball to Sirzechs who smiled in hidden delight.
He looked at Rias with a grave expression, “Do you really wish to hand the final decision of your marriage to the result of a duel between your servant Yamamoto Tatsuya and Riser Phenex? Do think carefully before answering.”
Rias smiled brightly.
She did not know whether Tatsuya would win.
But at this point she was willing to trust him, not to mention seeing Tatsuya humiliate Riser she felt incredibly delighted.
She could tell Riser was getting incredibly annoyed by being referred to as the Third Son of the Phenex Family again and again.
“I do!” She declared without hesitation and Sirzechs nodded.
He turned to Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex with an apologetic smile.
“I have no particular opinion as long as Rias is fine with it. I believe the matter of accepting the duel is up to the Phenex Family. I believe this is just a simplified version of a Rating Game which the Phenex Family should not be averse to unless…” He glanced towards Riser and spoke faintly, “...You worry Riser would lose to Rias’s servant.”
Lord Phenex had a calm expression. Such matters weren't enough to shake him. He pondered over it and looked at Riser.
“I also have no particular opinion on the matter. As long as Riser is willing to accept the duel it can be arranged immediately otherwise we will give Rias some time to prepare for a Rating Game.”
The decision was already made the moment Yamamoto Tatsuya challenged Riser.
With two of three parties agreeing to a simple exchange of strength for making the decision...
Riser simply could not refuse!
Not only would it be seen as Riser being scared of Rias’s servant but it would besmirch the name of the Phenex Family.
But the reason he was calm was that he did not really think Yamamoto Tatsuya could win. Lord Phenex suspected that they might have prepared some method to force out a draw to demand more time for Rias so she could develop her peerage.
That would make this entire matter more reasonable.
He looked at Riser, gesturing for him to make a decision.
Riser felt his heart burn with humiliation.
He looked at Tatsuya mockingly before turning to Sirzechs.
“I do not care if this is how Rias wishes to forward our marriage but since I am willing to agree to their demands I hope one of my requests will be granted as well.” He glanced at the concerned Rias.
“I would like this match to be conducted publicly and streamed on the main page of the Rating Game on Devitube (Hell’s version of Youtube).”
A few eyes widened and Lord Phenex sighed inwardly, knowing well this was the exact reason Riser was not the Heir of the Phenex Family.
He would have to reprimand him for this decision once they return.
“I accept your condition.” Sirzechs looked at Riser affectionately. He did not think this fool would make such a move despite how suspicious Tatsuya seemed.
He had been wondering how to include the Devitube in the matter to create more publicity for Tatsuya.
The more popular Tatsuya the better for him.
To explain better, if Tatsuya was a debuting singer or actor then Sirzechs was his manager.
Sirzechs wanted to make Tatsuya as famous as possible, he even hoped for Tatsuya to become the beacon of Reincarnated Devils that were human before.
“Then I believe this matter is settled. We shall conduct this duel at midnight when most of the Devils are free from duty.” Lord Phenex concluded.
Zeoticus smiled, “Then please let me arrange a temporary residence for you and host you and the Phenex Family, after all, there is much to catch up on.”
“We'll be in your care.” Lord Phenex smiled and Sirzechs clapped his hands with a smile.
“I'm glad that we were able to come to a resolution in an amicable manner. I too shall take my leave for further notice. I will meet you all directly at the Gremory Arena for this duel as a judge.” Sirzechs smiled as he was the first to leave.
He truly was pressed for time and every second counted.
The actions of the Soul Reaper would leave long-lasting scars for not only Japan but the entire Supernatural World with Grigori now gone.
Riser and Ravel followed behind Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex as they were escorted out by Zeoticus and Venelana.
Only, Ravel shot Rias a dirty glare before leaving.
The tension-filled hall was now much more peaceful as Grayfia walked towards Rias and her peerage.
She saw Akeno, Koneko, Kiba and Ichika look at the couple with extreme confusion and questions.
As Rias tried to explain, Grayfia interrupted.
“That was a great performance, Rias-sama, Yamamoto-kun.”
“Performance?” Akeno immediately asked.
“Yes,” Grayfia smiled mischievously, a rare occurrence for her, “Perhaps, did you think Rias-sama and Yamamoto-kun have actually fallen in love with each other?”
