Chapter 28: Priorities Shifted

Raizer Phoenix leaned back in his chair, staring at the letter on his desk with a neutral expression. Yubelluna stood nearby, her clipboard at the ready as usual, waiting for his response. The letter, sealed with the insignia of the Gremory family, was short and to the point: Rias Gremory had formally requested a postponement of their marriage until after her graduation from Kuoh Academy.

"So, she wants to stall," Raizer said, folding the letter neatly and setting it aside. "I can't say I'm surprised."

"You don't seem bothered, my lord," Yubelluna said, raising an eyebrow.

Raizer shrugged, rubbing his temples. "What's the point? The council's decision still stands, and postponing it doesn't change anything. If she thinks delaying the inevitable will give her more control, let her. I've got more important things to deal with right now."

The Bigger Picture

Raizer's focus wasn't on Rias or her schemes—it was on the expansion of his influence into the Middle Eastern supernatural communities. These groups were some of the most reclusive and xenophobic factions in the supernatural world, with traditions that went back millennia. Gaining their trust would be no small feat, but the potential rewards were worth it.

"They're isolated and cautious, but they're also self-sufficient," Raizer explained during a meeting with his advisors. "If we can tap into their resources and knowledge, it would open up entirely new opportunities—not just for us, but for our allies."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement. Yubelluna, standing to his right, adjusted her notes. "Their distrust of outsiders is well-documented. Even approaching them could be seen as a provocation."

Raizer nodded. "That's why we're taking this slowly. No grand speeches, no overt displays of power. We send envoys to observe, listen, and show respect. If we can identify their priorities and concerns, we can find a way to fit into their world instead of forcing them to fit into ours."

Building a Plan

The next several weeks were spent meticulously planning how to approach the Middle Eastern communities.

Step One: Information Gathering

Raizer's first priority was gathering intelligence. His peerage was dispatched to collect information on the history, culture, and leadership structures of these isolated groups. The key was to understand their values and customs before making any moves.

"We can't afford to make assumptions," Raizer said during one meeting. "The Garudas were cautious, but these communities take isolation to another level. We need to know exactly who we're dealing with before we even think about reaching out."

Yubelluna coordinated the effort, working tirelessly to compile everything they learned into actionable insights. "They value independence above all else," she reported one day. "Any attempt to impose our will on them will backfire. They're more likely to respond to mutually beneficial arrangements—if we can identify what those might be."

Step Two: Strategic Introductions

Once they had a clearer understanding of the landscape, Raizer began sending carefully chosen representatives to make initial contact. The goal wasn't to negotiate—it was to build trust.

Shiki, always the smooth talker, was one of the first to volunteer. "I'll charm them with my winning personality," he joked. "Or at least keep them entertained enough to hear me out."

Garp, on the other hand, had a different approach. "I'll keep it simple. Show them I'm strong but not looking for a fight. If they respect strength, they'll respect me."

Raizer smirked. "Just try not to start a war, Garp."

Step Three: Quiet Strength

While diplomacy was the focus, Raizer knew that strength still mattered. His peerage continued their rigorous training, not because they wanted to show off but because being prepared for any situation was simply practical.

"Strength isn't about intimidating people," Whitebeard said during one of their sparring sessions. "It's about being able to back up your words when the time comes."

Raizer agreed. "And we'll back them up, but only if we have to."

Six Months of Work

As the months passed, Raizer's efforts began to pay off. His envoys reported small but significant breakthroughs—meetings with influential leaders, quiet agreements to exchange information, and, most importantly, a growing sense of curiosity among the communities.

"They're not ready to embrace us yet," Yubelluna reported one evening, "but they're no longer ignoring us. That's progress."

"It's a start," Raizer replied. "And with groups like these, that's all we need."

The work wasn't glamorous, and it wasn't quick, but Raizer didn't care about instant results. He cared about building something that would last.

The Marriage? Still Not Important

Throughout all of this, the matter of his marriage to Rias Gremory remained a distant concern. Whenever the topic came up, Raizer would brush it aside with a wave of his hand.

"She's stalling, and I'm working," he said during one casual conversation with Yubelluna. "If she wants to play high school student for a little while longer, that's fine by me."

His peerage, however, found endless humor in the situation.

"Maybe she's training for her big debut," Shiki said with a laugh. "The High School Drama Queen Championship."

"BAHAHAHA!" Garp boomed. "She probably thinks stalling will annoy you, but you haven't even noticed, have you?"

Roger grinned. "Honestly, I'd let her keep stalling forever. It gives us more time to focus on the real work."

Even Mihawk, who rarely commented on such matters, offered a faint smirk. "She's playing a game she doesn't understand. By the time she realizes that, it will be too late."

Looking Ahead

As Raizer stood on the balcony of the Shadowed Cliffs fortress, overlooking the bustling activity below, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. The six months had been exhausting but rewarding. His efforts in the Middle East were beginning to bear fruit, and his team was stronger and more unified than ever.

"This is just the beginning," Raizer said softly, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. "There's so much more to do."

Yubelluna joined him, her clipboard in hand as always. "The next steps are ready whenever you are, my lord."

Raizer nodded. "Good. Let's keep moving forward."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Raizer turned back to his work, his mind already racing with plans. The postponed marriage, the council's schemes, and the opinions of others—they were all just noise in the background.

For Raizer Phoenix, the only thing that mattered was the future he was building.

This version maintains a more practical tone, focusing on Raizer's work and his realistic, unbothered reaction to the marriage postponement while adding moments of humor and camaraderie with his peerage. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to adjust or expand!