Ten exquisite crystal vials were quietly presented, each containing a single drop of liquid.
Under the vials' sheen, the liquid sparkled like gemstones.
"Phoenix Tears?" Rias recognized the vials.
"That's a generous gift."
The Phenex clan produced Phoenix Tears, their secret treasure—an elixir said to instantly heal any injury.
Not mere tears, the creation process was intricate.
A phenex member had to stand in a ritually prepared magic circle, filling a consecrated cup with tears.
These tears required emotional neutrality; tears shed for oneself or others carried too much sentiment to become the universal healing elixir.
Nearly every devil coveted such a medicine, but Phoenix Tears were scarce.
Rias, aware Roy might not know their significance, explained their power.
"Too precious," Roy said politely.
In the anime, Issei survived a near-fatal attack from Fenrir thanks to Phoenix Tears.
They healed most injuries instantly, barring certain curses or spells, acting like a resurrection coin.
Even with Roy's hell fire granting partial immortality, the tears remained valuable.
Ravel's ten vials underscored her sincerity.
"They're rare to outsiders, but we have a stockpile," Ravel giggled.
"Roy, Father insists you accept these. Please don't refuse."
"Take them, Roy," Rias urged.
"As the red dragon emperor, you'll face countless battles like your predecessors. Phoenix Tears are a trump card."
"Lady Rias is right," Ravel nodded.
"You'll face powerful foes, including your fated rival."
"Thank you," Roy said, accepting the vials.
"Please thank your father. If I visit the Underworld, I'll pay my respects."
"Um…" Ravel hesitated, fidgeting with her skirt, her lips parting as if to speak but faltering in embarrassment.
"Just say it," Roy added, his smile buoyed by the gift.
"Well… do you have any spare rooms? Could I… stay here?" Ravel blurted, her face flaming as she rushed the words under everyone's gaze.
"You want to live with me?"
"Not that I want to!" Ravel said, her blush deepening, her eyes darting nervously, casting doubt on her denial.
"I have vacant rooms, but is it appropriate for you to stay here?" Roy said, shaking his head.
"Won't the Phenex clan object to you living in a boy's house in the human world?"
"It's… Father's idea, not mine!" Ravel replied, her voice dropping low.
"Your father?" Roy's face grew stranger.
"Lord Phenex isn't trying to reinstate your engagement, is he?" Rias asked, her expression complex.
"What's going on?" Roy said, caught off guard.
"I heard the Phenex clan made a statement," Rias sighed.
Ravel's father publicly claimed ignorance of Riser and Ravel's actions in dissolving Roy's engagement, stating he was at a suburban villa, detached from clan affairs.
Only after the Gremory fallout did he return to the Phenex Clan and learn of the broken promise.
He declared that, had the clan known, they'd never have allowed such dishonor.
Riser and Ravel's unilateral decision was invalid, rendering Roy and Ravel's engagement still active.
"And your engagement with Riser?" Roy asked.
"Fully dissolved," Rias raised an eyebrow, before giggling slightly.
"Everyone in the Underworld knows you're my fiancé now."
"But after I graduate, I'll face Riser in a Rating Game. Win or lose, it'll settle things."
A Rating Game to save face for both clans, giving the public closure.
"That's it," Ravel said, stealing glances at Roy to gauge his reaction.
"Father said we never truly got to know each other. Ending the engagement so hastily was rash.
"He wants me to live here, to see if we're truly incompatible before deciding."
Seeing Roy's silence, Ravel forced a smile to mask her embarrassment, grumbling,
"Father's overdoing it. You're clearly happy with Lady Rias. Why should I intrude?"
"I'm fine with it, but Roy's consent is needed," Rias chimmed in, her smile looked unbothered.
If the Phenex clan genuinely offered Ravel as Roy's fiancée, Rias wouldn't object.
It could secure Roy a steady supply of Phoenix Tears, invaluable for what he might face in the future.
"No issue here," Roy nodded.
"One more person adds liveliness."
Having accepted ten vials of Phoenix Tears, refusing felt ungracious.
He suspected Lord Phenex's generosity was calculated to ensure this outcome.
Old devils like him were adept at such games.
Roy instructed Raynare and Mittelt to prepare a room.
"Have you brought clothes and essentials, or should we shop for them?" Roy asked.
"Can I return to the Underworld to pack? I'll be quick," Ravel said.
Ravel bid everyone a polite farewell, stepped onto a teleportation circle, and vanished from the villa.
"Oh, two fiancées under one roof? Quite the blessing, Roy," Akeno teased, grinning mischievously.
"Pity I didn't get the drama I hoped for. Rias, your fight's too tame."
"Someone's stealing your fiancé, and you're unbothered?"
Rias rolled her eyes.
"What, should I act like a jealous child?"
"If I make a move, that's fine, right?" Akeno said, smirking.
"Try it, and I'll break your legs," Rias shot back.
"That's unfair," Akeno said, pouting.
"But now I'm even more curious about Roy. I'll leave my door open tonight."
Koneko cast Roy a scornful look, mouthing silently, "Pervert."
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200 Stones = 1 chapter
400 Stones = 2 chapter