The House of Phenex, one of the upper noble families among the 72 Pillars.
From ancient times, myths of the Phoenix circulated in both the human world and the Underworld—they were said to command the flames of healing.
No matter how grievous the injury, they could be reborn from fire.
Female devils who inherited Phoenix bloodline could, when moved by deep emotion, produce a sacred treasure that could heal any wound: "Phoenix Tears."
Thus, even though the Phenex household didn't rank particularly high in the 72 Pillars, their status was still quite unique.
This was also why Sirzechs and the Devil Council arranged the engagement between Rias and the Phenex heir.
After all, the Phoenix bloodline had undeniable value and utility.
In a grand and extravagantly luxurious parlor, the current Patriarch of House Phenex looked calmly at the silver-haired beauty sitting across from him.
"Then it's settled. This is the compensation Asmodeus House offers to the Phenex family. If you have any other requests, feel free to ask. As long as they're not too excessive, I can agree to them on Vitan's behalf."
Even during negotiations like this, her face showed no trace of a smile.
It was precisely because of this demeanor that the Underworld entrusted military affairs to her—leaving social dealings to the always-smiling Serafall instead.
"No issues. After all, this whole arrangement was just a joke between two houses in the first place. As for that brat Riser, I'll find another fiancée for him. As for compensation, there's no need. I'll speak to my son myself shortly."
The head of the Phoenix family said with a warm and kindly smile on his face, showing not the slightest hint of discomfort or offense at this situation, which was essentially the humiliation of a broken engagement.
Grayfia gave a deep look to the smiling middle-aged man.
"No, the Phenex family should still accept these gifts. Otherwise, rumors might spread in the Underworld that could damage Vitan's reputation. But the understanding and righteousness shown by you and your son will not be forgotten by me or Vitan."
After offering what could barely be considered a smile, Grayfia then inscribed a teleportation magic circle and returned to her duties at the Demon King's castle.
As for the head of the Phenex family, once Grayfia left, he casually tossed the stack of mineral contracts and land deeds from Vitan onto the coffee table.
Was the compensation Vitan offered substantial?
Honestly, yes—it was quite a lot. If it had been given to the head of a poorer noble family, they would likely be overjoyed.
But in the Phenex household, it was a different story.
What the Phenex family is best known for in the eyes of the world is their ability to produce phoenix tears, a sacred healing elixir.
In truth, this family is also incredibly wealthy.
And that wealth is directly tied to the phoenix tears. With its extremely low yield and extraordinary effects, every single drop is unimaginably expensive.
Ask yourself—what Satan wouldn't want a single drop of such a healing miracle for their precious heir?
Yet despite being filthy rich, the Phenex family has one notable flaw—they have never produced a Maou-level powerhouse.
"To be able to earn the friendship of both Lucifer and Asmodeus this time… I suppose we made a profit," the Phenex patriarch thought to himself as he stepped toward the room of his third son, who had just been unceremoniously dumped from his engagement.
Unaware of all this, Riser was still in the middle of some "leisure and bonding activity" with his queen...
...
Wrapped in nothing but a towel, Riser sat on the couch, his expression full of resentment.
He had been happily doing push-ups just moments ago when his father barged in and startled him, making him shiver mid-exercise.
"Dad, you always do this. If this keeps up, your son might not be able to produce any heirs in the future. What if the Gremory family decides to cancel the engagement because of that?"
The Phenex patriarch crossed his legs indifferently and replied nonchalantly, "No worries. Your elder brothers have already given me proper heirs."
The most pressing concern for many pureblood devils—the issue of having children—seemed not to exist in the Phenex family.
In just his generation alone, the patriarch had already sired four little phoenixes.
His eldest and second sons had also produced great-grandchildren within the last hundred years. That's why he felt no qualms about offering his third son as a political marriage pawn to the Gremory family.
"Same old story. I'm always the expendable one," Riser said. "Soon I'll be married off, out of your sight for good."
Despite his words, Riser actually looked forward to living away from his family, having been treated like this since childhood.
"Yeah, I thought I'd finally be rid of my useless son too," the patriarch said. "But unfortunately, your engagement was just canceled. Looks like you'll have to keep living here at the Phenex estate."
The Phenex patriarch looked playfully at his now-stunned son.
"What? Wait—what do you mean?" Riser cried. "Why was the engagement suddenly canceled?"
He was on the verge of tears. He'd just been dreaming of his post-marriage freedom, only to find out during a brief fling that his perfectly arranged marriage had evaporated.
But he also knew—no matter the outside reasons—there was no way the engagement would be canceled without his father nodding in agreement first.
Riser deflated instantly, his shoulders slumping.
"I get it... but can you at least tell me the reason why it was suddenly called off?"
"You don't need to ask—I was going to tell you anyway," said the patriarch, rubbing his chin. "So you don't go and cause some huge scandal later."
"The girl from the Gremory family found her true love. And it just so happens that her 'true love' is the new head of the Asmodeus family."
At that, the patriarch got up and sat beside his son, patting him on the shoulder.
"Don't feel too bad. The Asmodeus family did send quite a lot of compensation. I'll hand it all over to you later as your breakup settlement."
"Riser? Riser—"
Seeing his son zoning out, the patriarch gave his shoulder a few more firm pats.
"Ow! Dad, don't interrupt me—I was thinking just now!" Riser reflexively shrank back from the sudden blows.
"Thinking? What could you possibly be thinking about? Feeling sorry over the canceled engagement? Relax. Your old man's got your back. I'll find you a devil lady just as pretty."
"No, it's not that! I just thought the name Asmodeus sounded really familiar... Like I've been hearing it a lot lately."
Pushing away his father's hand, Riser said with visible impatience,
"Oh, right—Ravel! Ever since she went to that woman's banquet, she's been constantly talking about that name."
The Phenex patriarch had nearly slapped his son again, but at Riser's words, he stopped mid-swing.
His eyes lit up as he stared at his son.
"Good boy, tell your father all the details about that."