*37

Riser Phenex sat like royalty, proudly displaying his peerage: Queen Yubelluna beside him, followed by Bishop Mihae, Knights Karlamine and Siris, Rooks Isabela and Xuelan, the twin Pawns Ile and Nel, twin Pawns Ni and Li, and more—Marion, Bülent, Shuriya, and Mira. His harem could fill a castle wing.

Damn, that’s too many girls.
(5th Future Mat: Help! My harem is too big!)
Even my lower back ached just watching him.

At least I had fast regeneration. I’d need it.

Riser lounged with Yubelluna curled up beside him, while Rias and Akeno occupied the opposite couch. Grayfia and I took our places behind Rias—servants where we belonged, at least for now.

Honestly, our group looked kind of pitiful in comparison.


---

I regrouped with Kiba and Koneko, waiting for Grayfia to return with food and drinks. The armchairs near the buffet made for a cozy corner away from the drama. Comfortable, in a low-key anxiety kind of way.

I kept an eye on Rias—she had a tendency to act impulsively when things got tense. When Grayfia returned, she handed me a tray of nonalcoholic drinks and some snacks. We were both starving, considering the only thing we’d shared all day was each other.

Servants like us stayed out of the political theatrics unless called. We were welcome to mingle with other servants, but honestly? No thanks. Some of Riser’s peerage were cool in the anime, but in reality? Drama magnets.


---

Kiba gave me a look, and I nodded toward the main seating area.
“So, anything happen while I was recovering?”

Still adjusting to seeing the normally untouchable Grayfia beside me, he replied, “Nothing out of the ordinary. Rias is mad about the engagement, and Riser’s doing his usual—groping his Queen to provoke her. Oh, and praising the greatness of House Phenex. Again.”

Kiba was calm about it. As a guy, he probably wouldn’t be targeted by Riser... hopefully.

It wasn’t uncommon for men like Riser to absorb their wives’ peerage girls into their harems post-marriage. Just the thought of him going after Akeno or Koneko made my jaw clench.

My Sacred Gear picked up something subtle—behavioral tells, slight glances, minute changes. I leaned in to my group.

“Riser’s eyes avoid Rias almost entirely. He keeps sneaking glances at Akeno. His throat tightens every time she crosses her legs. He’s not interested in Rias—he wants Akeno. Fascinating.”

Apparently, my Sacred Gear could detect more than just lies. Human lie detector mode: activated.

Koneko, without blinking, said, “He’s a pervert. He stares at me.”

Kiba smirked. “But doesn’t Matsuda look at you like that?”

Koneko turned her golden stare on me.
“Really?”

That look pierced my soul.

Hello, 911? There’s a misunderstanding in progress!

I backed away slowly. “I-I’ll be right back. Just gonna update Akeno, haha~!”


---

I made my way over to the main couches and leaned over Akeno, whispering what my Sacred Gear had detected. She smiled with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

As I turned to leave, Akeno raised her voice, clearly for Riser to hear:
“Ara! Me and Grayfia? Now that would be something~.”

Trip!
Almost face-planted on the carpet.

Riser’s expression twisted—annoyed, disturbed, jealous? Akeno was good at this.


---

Back at our corner, I whispered to Grayfia, “I didn’t say that.”

She chuckled, along with Kiba and Koneko. They loved watching me squirm.

Honestly, without Issei here to stir up chaos, this whole party felt dry. Akeno, however, seemed to have entered “dangerously flirtatious” mode. She licked her lips and sent a wink my way.

Rias noticed—and glared. She wasn’t in on the plan.

But as Akeno turned up the heat, I saw it. Riser was unraveling. His grip on Yubelluna loosened. His eyes darted back and forth. Rias finally caught on and told Akeno to go “talk to me.”

Akeno glided over, took my right arm, and leaned in with a smile.
“Matsuda, you’ve uncovered Riser’s weak spot. I never thought he hid his feelings that well.”

Grayfia clung to my left arm.
Now Riser looked like he was about to explode.

He stopped talking. Just sat there. Silent. Seething.
Rias smiled to herself.

I leaned to Grayfia. “He’s close to boiling over. Watch him.”

My Sacred Gear vibrated faintly—a warning.


---

Yubelluna left for refreshments, leaving Riser alone with Rias.

“Rias,” he said, voice strained, “your new Pawn seems to be crossing lines. Perhaps rein him in before your household is shamed.”

Rias answered sweetly, “Not just me. He even left a mark on Sona’s Queen. Poor Tsubaki hasn’t recovered.”

Wait—why do I sound like the villain here?!

She added, “You’re right, Riser. Maybe you could teach him some manners. Wouldn’t want your great House tarnished.”

I tightened my grip on the ladies beside me, resting my hands gently on their waists. Riser’s face turned a deeper red. The air around him shimmered with heat.

Grayfia stepped forward.
“Lord Riser. I suggest we end the evening here. Your power is... fluctuating.”

He blinked—he’d forgotten she was still watching.

Standing up stiffly, Riser nodded.
“Riser thanks you for your hospitality. Until next time, my beloved Rias. Let’s go.”

He portaled out with his peerage, but his eyes burned into me with clear, focused hatred.

Mission complete.


---

I winced as a sharp pinch hit my side.
“Ah—what was that for, dear?”

I looked down. Still had an arm around Akeno. Oops?

But it wasn’t Akeno.

Grayfia raised an eyebrow. “You made it too obvious. Now Riser might act early. The agreement was four years—until Rias finishes university.”

Rias bounced over, beaming.

“That’s perfect! Good job, Akeno and Matsuda! He was fuming! How’d you notice what we missed?”

I shrugged. “My Sacred Gear evolved. I can analyze behavioral cues now. Didn’t know until today.”

Rias leaned in, suddenly suspicious.

“Wait... this whole ‘fake marriage’ plan—was that your idea?”

She looked between us.

“Why are you both looking away...?”

Akeno smiled innocently.
“Who, us~?”