Chapter 40: Negotiations and awkward encounter

Raizer Phoenix stood at the gates of Kuoh Academy, adjusting his tie as he glanced around the campus. The place was pleasant enough, if unremarkable, but the thought of setting foot in a high school again filled him with a strange mix of nostalgia and exasperation.

"I still don't understand why this couldn't be done in a neutral location," Raizer muttered to Yubelluna, who stood beside him in her ever-composed manner.

"Because Lady Rias requested it," she replied, her voice calm. "She probably wants to keep the meeting on her home turf."

Raizer rolled his eyes. "Of course she does. Can't let go of even an ounce of control, can she?"

Yubelluna gave a faint smile but said nothing.

With a sigh, Raizer strode toward the Occult Research Club room, tucked away in the old school building. The thought of sitting through another round of Rias's dramatics wasn't exactly appealing, but he was here to finalize the details of their peerage game.

A Warm Welcome

The door to the club room swung open before Raizer could knock. He stepped inside to find Rias Gremory seated on a plush couch, her queen, Akeno Himejima, standing nearby with her usual serene smile. The rest of her peerage was scattered around the room—Kiba leaning casually against a wall, Koneko munching on a cookie, Asia perched nervously on a chair, and…

Raizer's eyes narrowed slightly as he spotted Issei Hyoudou, who was staring at Rias with the kind of devotion that bordered on worship.

"Well, if it isn't the infamous Raizer Phoenix," Rias said, her tone cool but tinged with annoyance. "To what do we owe the honor?"

Raizer ignored her sarcasm, stepping into the room with Yubelluna following close behind. "I'm here to discuss the terms of our peerage game. I assume you're ready to finalize the details?"

Rias crossed her arms. "I'm ready, but I'm not exactly thrilled about it. This whole situation is ridiculous."

Raizer smirked. "And whose fault is that?"

Issei's Interruption

Before Rias could respond, Issei jumped to his feet, pointing dramatically at Raizer.

"Hey! I don't care if you're some big-shot devil or whatever," Issei said, his voice loud and grating. "Rias is my president, and no one's going to take her away from me!"

Raizer raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "Take her away from you? Is that what you think this is about?"

"Yeah!" Issei declared, puffing out his chest. "Rias belongs with us, not some stuck-up noble like you. And for the record, I've already claimed her boobs!"

The room fell silent for a moment, save for the sound of Koneko crunching on another cookie.

Raizer stared at Issei, his expression a mixture of disbelief and disgust. "You've… claimed her boobs?" he repeated, his tone dripping with incredulity.

"That's right!" Issei said proudly.

Raizer pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "You're a pawn, correct? A reincarnated devil?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"And the current wielder of the Boosted Gear, one of the most powerful sacred gears in existence?"

"Damn right!"

Raizer fixed him with a cold stare. "And this… is how you choose to conduct yourself? By making ridiculous claims about your king's anatomy?"

Issei faltered under Raizer's glare, scratching the back of his head. "Uh, well… when you put it like that…"

Raizer shook his head, turning to Rias. "This is the Red Dragon Emperor? The one who's supposed to bring balance to the supernatural world?"

Rias flushed, avoiding his gaze. "He has potential," she muttered.

"Potential?" Raizer repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "If this is your definition of potential, then the bar must be underground."

The Discussion Turns Personal

Rias scowled, clearly irritated by Raizer's remarks. "Are you here to finalize the match or insult my peerage?"

"Can't I do both?" Raizer quipped, earning a soft chuckle from Yubelluna.

Rias glared at him. "If you're so perfect, then why don't you enlighten us on how your peerage is any better?"

Raizer smirked. "I don't need to enlighten anyone. The results will speak for themselves."

Rias's eyes narrowed. "You're insufferable."

"And you're an exhibitionist," Raizer shot back.

The room went silent again, all eyes turning to Raizer.

"Excuse me?" Rias said, her voice icy.

Raizer gestured vaguely toward her outfit. "I'm just saying, you're not exactly dressed like someone who's concerned about modesty. Between the short skirts, the exposed cleavage, and the constant posing, you're practically advertising yourself."

Rias's face turned bright red. "That's completely uncalled for!"

"Is it?" Raizer said innocently. "Because from where I'm standing, it seems pretty accurate."

The Terms of the Match

Akeno stepped in before the argument could escalate further, her tone calm but firm. "Perhaps we should return to the matter at hand—the terms of the peerage game."

Raizer nodded, regaining his composure. "Agreed. Let's settle this."

Rias took a deep breath, clearly trying to calm herself. "Fine. I assume you want a standard match—king versus king, with the rest of the peerage supporting as usual?"

"That works for me," Raizer said. "As for the location, I propose we use a neutral battlefield. The council can decide the specifics."

"Fair enough," Rias said grudgingly.

"And as for the stakes," Raizer continued, "if I win, you'll honor the council's decision regarding the engagement."

"And if I win," Rias said, her tone defiant, "this engagement is off for good."

Raizer smirked. "Then we have an agreement."

The Aftermath

As Raizer and Yubelluna left the club room, he couldn't help but shake his head. "Claiming her boobs," he muttered. "That's what passes for a warrior these days? No wonder the supernatural world is in such a state."

Yubelluna chuckled softly. "You handled that better than I expected, my lord."

"Better than you expected?" Raizer echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"I expected you to incinerate him on the spot," she said with a faint smile.

Raizer sighed. "It was tempting, believe me. But I'll save it for the battlefield. If Rias thinks her pawn can back up that ridiculous ego of his, she's in for a rude awakening."

As they walked away, Raizer's thoughts turned to the upcoming match. It wasn't just about proving his strength or settling a petty grudge—it was about making a statement.

The Gremory peerage might have their quirks, but Raizer and his team would show them the true meaning of power.

This chapter balances humor, tension, and character interactions while setting the stage for the peerage game. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or expansions!