A Gift for Rias
"Arthur, this is my sister-in-law, who also serves as a maid in the Gremory family and is currently the queen of the Demon King Lucifer — Grayfia Lucy." Rias casually introduced the woman dressed in a maid outfit to Arthur.
That single sentence of introduction contains a wealth of information.
The maid in front of her was her sister-in-law, who was also a maid in the Gremory Ducal House, and the queen of the current Demon King Lucifer —meaning her brother was the current Demon King, who inherited Lucifer's title.
This maid was not only her brother's wife, but also his relative.
"Hello, it's an honor to meet you, descendant of King Arthur!" Grayfia bowed slightly to Arthur, but her beautiful face remained serious.
Even the way he looked at Arthur subtly revealed a hint of scrutiny.
If it were anyone else, being scrutinized like this for no reason would definitely make them feel uncomfortable.
But Arthur wasn't among them!
Let's not even mention the various eccentric and capricious humans and gods I've encountered in the world of the Sea of War and God Slayer.
From Grayfia's arrival, combined with the events in his memory, Arthur vaguely guessed what was going on.
"See? This is my love!"
Before Arthur could respond, Rias had just finished introducing Grayfia, suddenly sat down next to Arthur and casually put her arm around his right arm. Her large breasts, through a layer of fabric, nestled between Arthur cleavage.
"..."
Her words surprised Arthur slightly.
Just as he was about to cast a questioning glance at Rias, his gaze suddenly fell upon Koneko Toujou standing behind Grayfia, shaking her head slightly.
As he nestled his arm in the soft fabric, feeling the rapid heartbeat and the hand gripping his arm tightly, Arthur instantly understood.
So Arthur didn't struggle and just sat on the sofa.
Sensing Arthur's change, Rias appeared casual on the surface but was actually extremely nervous inside, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Luckily, he didn't expose him!
They also admired Arthur's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Keep in mind, she did something that would make any man lose his composure without prior notice.
"Lady Rias, although Lord Arthur is a descendant of heroes, he is still human. The bloodline he shares with you cannot produce pure-blooded offspring." Although Grayfia used honorifics to address Rias and Arthur, her attitude was very direct.
This statement is practically saying that Arthur's human identity is completely unworthy of Rias's Gremory identity.
"I will not agree to a marriage I do not wish for." Rias held Arthur's arm tightly, her expression displeased as she said to Grayfia, "And don't talk to me like I'm some kind of tool born only for mating!"
"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant!" Grayfia bowed apologetically, but her expression remained unchanged as she said, "But you should understand that our current situation isn't as rosy as it seems on the surface!"
The "we" that Grayfia refers to may not be the Gremory Family, but it may include the Gremory Family.
But it actually refers to the pure-blooded demon race!
In the three-way battle between demons, angels, and Fallen Angels, each side suffered enormous losses!
Even after the great war, many families among the original 72 pillars of the demon faction lost their pure-blooded lineage, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of pure-blooded demons.
To this end, the Demon King Ajuka developed a tool called "Evil Pieces," which can regenerate humans and other races into the demon race.
Only those who become High-Class Devil can possess "Evil Pieces".
Those who are reborn as demons by the "Evil Pieces" will become servants with the rank of "King".
Each "King" can have 15 followers!
The characters are: 1 "Queen", 2 "Rook", 2 "Knights", 2 "Bishops", and 8 "Soldiers".
But these are ultimately either dependents or creatures of other races.
The demon faction is currently facing a severe shortage of pure-blooded demon descendants!
Moreover, as the number of reincarnated demons increases, some pure-blooded demons are worried that their ancient status might be gradually replaced by reincarnated demons from outside!
Therefore, some ancient pure-blooded demons do not want pure-blooded demons to become extinct.
Thus began the marriage alliance between pure-blooded demons.
Whether it was due to following the mainstream or for other reasons, Rias was forced into an arranged marriage.
Furthermore, Rias has come to the real world.
The Gremory family was also worried that something might happen to her!
After all, Rias's brother has already inherited the title of Lucifer and no longer belongs to Gremory.
If something were to happen to her before she could leave any offspring, the Gremory Family might end.
Although her brother has a son who is expected to become the next Duke of Gremory Ducal House.
However, many within the demonic camp also favored her brother's son as the next Lucifer.
In short, Grayfia is there to represent Rias's parents, to pressure her into marriage or persuade her to retract her decision to break off the engagement.
"No matter what you say, I will not agree to marry someone I don't like." Rias's mind remained firm. She stared at Grayfia with displeasure and said in a deep voice, "I've told you before, if you want to force me to agree, you'll have to make Riesel Phoenix play a 'Rating Game' with me and defeat me in the game!"
"I've already sent the message back, and I believe Lady Riesel will receive it soon! But..." Grayfia said, but a strange look finally appeared on her face. "Lady Rias, are you sure you really want to do this?"
"You should know that, given Lord Raiser's exceptional abilities, you cannot defeat him..."
Chapter 403 A Gift for Rias
(I'm not feeling well today. I haven't had air conditioning for months, and it was too hot last night, so I turned it on and started sneezing and getting a runny nose. My head feels a bit heavy, and my inspiration isn't great, so updates will be inconsistent today! There might be one or two more chapters, but if it's not by midnight, that's it! I'll make it up tomorrow if things improve!)
In the demon faction, the surname Phoenix represents the Phoenix.
The Phoenix, as the name suggests, is a creature that possesses an immortal body!
Of course, there is no true immortality in this world.
However, the Phoenix, which can be described as immortal, is naturally not to be underestimated.
The Phoenix's characteristic is that it can regenerate immediately no matter what kind of attack it receives, a property similar to Elemental Transformation physical Immunity.
With this ability, those who specialize in physical combat are clearly in a situation of absolute suppression.
Therefore, Rias's fiancé, Riesel Phoenix, possesses this immortality, making him virtually invincible in the "Rating Game," never truly losing.
Although Rias also possesses the strength of High-Class Devil, it's not that Grayfia looks down on her.
Given Rias's strength, she would have absolutely no chance of winning if she were to engage in a "Rating Game" with Riesel Phoenix.
If it weren't for Rias's undisguised disgust for this marriage...
Grayfia even thought that Rias didn't actually not want to get married, but was just being tsundere.
Regardless, as long as Rias doesn't resolutely call off the engagement, that's fine.
As for her request to play a "Rating Game" with Riesel Phoenix, it was quickly relayed by Grayfia and received the consent of Rias's parents, brother, and even her fiancé, Riesel Phoenix.
The "Rating Game" will take place in three days in the alternate dimension of the Kuoh Academy!
Riesel Phoenix's team, including himself, the "King," had a total of 16 players participating.
Rias's side consisted of five participants: "Queen," "Knight," "Rook," "Bishop," and herself, the "King."
These few days are preparation time for both sides before the "Rating Game" begins.
During this time, Arthur, who was used as a shield, took on the role of coach, responsible for short-term training of Rias and the other girls.
This was naturally Rias's own request.
After their heart-to-heart talk that night, Rias put aside her prejudices against Arthur and began to consider him a friend!
Otherwise, she wouldn't have succumbed to his persuasion and chosen to rebel against the arranged marriage by her family.
I certainly wouldn't use him as a shield!
Arthur agreed to Rias's request.
Having already accepted the role of a shield, Arthur wouldn't mind granting such a small request.
The next morning, the golden sun shone brightly on the earth.
--Reality Marble, "The Victory's Golden World"--
The starry sky is breathtakingly beautiful.
The land, entirely of gold, is imbued with the atmosphere of a long and rich history.
Endless radiance spread out like fireflies, painting a dreamlike backdrop.
This is a golden battlefield, a paradise on earth, yet also filled with fierce energy and glory.
"An alternate dimension? You must be kidding me!"
"An alternate dimension? You must be kidding me!"
Rias, who was visiting this place for the first time, couldn't help but widen her beautiful eyes and utter a sound of uncontrollable shock.
The existence of alternate dimensions is not particularly impressive, since all three factions possess the tools and technology to create them. In fact, the "Rating Game" against Riesel Phoenix three days later will also be held in an alternate dimension.
However, no one could create such a vast and spectacular alternate dimension as easily as Arthur.
The solid sensation beneath her feet and the immense Mana fluctuations around her clearly told Rias was happening.
This is not an illusion, but the real world!
"Minister, this isn't an illusion! Arthur's strength is probably no less than the Demon King's," Akeno Himejima said gently, standing beside him.
Despite having seen it many times, she was still deeply moved.
"Your strength is far from over," said Koneko Toujou, who seemed unfazed.
In her heart, Arthur's position was no less than Rias's.
In addition to the attraction between opposite sexes, her attachment to Arthur was even greater than that to Rias.
Despite being trained by Arthur for three months, she has yet to make Arthur back down an inch.
Having experienced the power of "Authority," Koneko Toujou deeply understands that her predecessor (her master) also harbors a terrifying power.
"Akeno, could it be that you were also trained by Arthur?" Akeno Himejima's words contained a grammatical error, which Rias overheard. Akeno Himejima a strange look before suddenly realizing, "I see. So, you offered to observe Arthur back then so that he could train you?"
"Akeno- senpai..." Rias's words instantly drew a disapproving look from Koneko Toujou Akeno Himejima, who was standing nearby.
"Oh my... Arthur is my customer too! It's all for sales!" Despite being exposed, Akeno Himejima wasn't embarrassed. Instead, she rested her chin on her hand and smiled gently, saying, "After all, everyone wants to treat a customer as handsome and of such high character as Arthur as a 'VIP,' isn't that right, Koneko too?"
"Hmph..." The Koneko Toujou remained silent, then let out a rare soft hum.
"Then, let's train separately!"
Arthur was unaware of the three women's discussion.
After opening his own Reality Marble, Arthur didn't intend to train all three girls at the same time. Instead, he suggested teaching them separately, saying, "Akeno, you can use this time to practice the methods I teach you elsewhere. Koneko, you too... Rias, come with me!"
After saying that, Arthur walked off in one direction.
Upon hearing this, Rias took a step and followed.
"Akeno- senpai, cunning..." After the two figures disappeared and were hidden by the rocks, Koneko Toujou withdrew her gaze, looked up and said coldly to Akeno Himejima.
Then, he took a step and walked in another direction.
(Li Zhao's) Only Akeno Himejima remained, standing there with her smile unchanged.
I have no idea what they're thinking!
Meanwhile, five kilometers away from Koneko Toujou and Akeno Himejima.
Beneath a rather tall rock, Arthur gazed at Rias before him and said with a faint smile, "I know nothing about your power, but according to that maid, it seems that with your strength, you shouldn't be a match for your fiancé."
"I'm no weaker than him in strength, but that guy's characteristics are very disadvantageous to me," Rias Suzuki said angrily.
"So, if that's the case, then instruction in techniques won't be of much help to you! In that case... I'll give you a gift!" Arthur took a step forward, looked down at Rias who was looking back at him with a puzzled expression, and reached behind her to press down on the back of her head.
Rias stared wide-eyed, forgetting to react, while Arthur lowered his head.
A warm sensation was applied, and then a golden light shield spread out!