Being gripped by Blake, Riser felt as though his hand were caught in an iron vise, causing immense pain and rendering him unable to move. Enraged and shocked, Riser could only glare at Blake in disbelief.
He couldn't comprehend how a mere human could possess such immense strength.
Ignoring Riser's furious outburst, Blake simply gazed at him coldly with his piercing, crystal-blue eyes.
Under Blake's unyielding gaze, Riser felt a strange unease well up within him, infuriating him further. Unable to tolerate the sensation, he released a surge of energy, his body faintly emitting sparks of flame.
From Riser's group of peerage members nearby, many drew their weapons, ready for confrontation. Among them, however, a stunningly beautiful girl simply observed quietly, her expression filled with curiosity about Blake.
"Stop this, Lord Riser. I have an announcement to make regarding recent orders,"
At that moment, Grayfia suddenly spoke, releasing an oppressive aura that left everyone struggling to breathe. Even the crimson aura emanating from Rias dissipated as she turned her attention toward Grayfia.
"Oh? And what might that be?" Riser asked, his displeasure evident.
"Just now, Lord Gremory and Lord Sirzechs sent word that if Rias is strongly opposed to the marriage, then the matter will be resolved through a Rating Game," Grayfia stated calmly.
"If Lord Riser wins, he will marry Miss Rias as planned. If he loses, then the engagement will be handled according to Miss Rias' wishes."
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the news.
Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko all wore expressions of anger and frustration. Though it sounded like a fair opportunity, the reality was anything but favorable. This "game" was merely a different way to force Rias into compliance.
First, Rias' peerage was incomplete, whereas Riser had 14 peerage members.
Second, while Riser's character might leave much to be desired, he was a top-tier Rating Game player ranked among the top ten. He had only lost once, and that loss was intentional due to noble political machinations.
Third, Riser possessed the Phenex clan's unique ability of immortality. Defeating him was nearly impossible—at best, one might achieve a draw.
Thus, although it was framed as an opportunity, for Rias, the path ahead remained a deep abyss.
"Well, Rias, didn't you say you didn't want to marry a weak man? If that's the case, let's settle this with a Rating Game. I'll show you my strength and prove that I am the man worthy of the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess,"
Riser declared, exuding confidence. His peerage members mirrored his smug expressions, brimming with confidence in their master's abilities.
"But Lady Grayfia... Buchou hasn't even participated in a single game before..."
Unable to endure the oppressive atmosphere, Akeno spoke up, her tone filled with frustration.
"This is the final opportunity granted by Lord Gremory and Lord Sirzechs. If you refuse, then you must obediently accept the marriage,"
Grayfia interrupted sternly before Akeno could finish, her expression radiating authority that demanded compliance.
At that moment, Blake released Riser's hand and, ignoring the latter's furious glare, calmly sat beside Rias. Taking her delicate hand in his own, he spoke softly.
Feeling his reassuring grasp, Rias' previously unsettled heart found solace. Her emerald eyes regained their usual confidence and regal demeanor.
After glancing at the furious Riser, then at her loyal and trusting peerage, Rias finally turned her gaze toward Grayfia.
"I will accept this Rating Game. If I lose, I will accept my fate and marry Riser. However, I have one condition,"
Grayfia asked, furrowing her brows slightly.
"I want Blake to participate."
"Blake? But Miss Rias, he is not one of your peerage members. Allowing him to join would break the rules,"
Grayfia replied, her expression stern.
"Though I am not one of Rias' peerage, I am her boyfriend and directly involved in this situation. Rules can be adjusted. Besides, Rias' peerage is incomplete, making this game grossly unfair to her,"
Blake countered calmly, meeting Grayfia's gaze without backing down.
Grayfia's eyes flickered with emotion as she considered his words. After a moment of contemplation, she fell silent, lost in thought.
"Heh, if you want to join, that's fine by me. But don't expect me to go easy on you. Be ready to be beaten half to death. The punishment for trying to steal my fiancée won't be light,"
Riser interjected with a cold sneer, glaring at Blake with open hostility.
Though allowing Blake to join might increase the challenge slightly, Riser, with his immortality, felt confident in his victory. What mattered most to him was crushing the human who dared to humiliate him publicly.
However, Blake merely cast a curious glance at Riser, his expression amused. He had been preparing to argue further with Grayfia, but to his surprise, Riser had agreed so readily.
"Since Lord Riser has no objections, I have no reason to refuse either. As such, Blake is permitted to join this Rating Game as a special exception,"
Grayfia finally announced. Her decision brought relief to Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba, who all felt a glimmer of hope.
With Blake, who could easily defeat Kiba in battle, joining their team, their chances of victory, though still slim, had undoubtedly increased.
Unbeknownst to them, however, they had gravely underestimated Blake's true strength.
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