Bab 172: Chapter [172]

Riser's Mansion in Kuoh - Library

Riser was in his mansion, seated in a leather armchair, watching the dancing flames in the fireplace. After assimilating the Commandment of Love, he exuded an aura of unparalleled power. Even without using any of his techniques or abilities, his presence was overwhelming, placing him on par with the strongest Devil in the underworld.

Riser stood up, feeling the energy pulsing through his veins. He communicated mentally with Merlin, knowing she had somewhere to go and that this would be the last time they saw each other for a while.

"Merlin, I'm ready to leave. Take care," said Riser mentally.

Merlin, who was in her laboratory preparing the final spells, responded with a satisfied smile. "Understood, Riser-sama. Good luck with your plans."

Gremory Mansion - Main Entrance

Riser materialized in front of the Gremory mansion, his powerful presence making the guards at the entrance tremble. They felt the force emanating from him, and just the act of speaking made their hearts quake.

"I request entry," said Riser, his deep voice echoing through the entrance.

The guards, visibly nervous, quickly cast a communication spell with someone inside the mansion.

Venelana, upon receiving the message, allowed Riser entry without hesitation. "Let him in," she ordered.

One of the guards, still nervous, approached Riser. "You may enter, Lord Phenex."

Riser nodded and entered the mansion with calm steps, his imposing presence making an impact on everyone around him.

Gremory Mansion - Living Room

Inside the mansion, in the living room, Venelana awaited, curious about what her ex-future son-in-law wanted. She pondered for a moment whether to call Rias but decided to talk to Riser first.

Rias, meanwhile, was in her room with Akeno, chatting and distracting themselves as good friends do.

Riser entered the living room, finding Venelana. He greeted her formally, inclining his head slightly. "Hello, Lady Gremory."

Venelana returned the formal greeting but with a warm smile. "Hello, Lord Phenex. Please, call me Venelana."

Riser smiled, appreciating the informality. "Then, you can call me Riser."

Venelana gestured to the sofa. "Please, have a seat, Riser."

Riser accepted the invitation, sitting on the sofa across from Venelana.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Riser?" Venelana asked, her voice gentle and welcoming.

Riser adjusted himself in the armchair, looking at Venelana. "I wanted to see how Rias is, and also to have a conversation with Zeoticus. A matter between the head of the Gremory family and the head of the Phenex family."

Venelana sighed slightly. "Zeoticus is out and will take a while to return. As for Rias, she is in her room with Akeno. They are spending time together, trying to distract themselves from recent events."

Riser regretted Zeoticus' absence but was mentally glad to have a chance to talk to Venelana. "How is Rias?" he asked, genuinely interested.

Venelana replied, "She is fine, despite everything. She just hasn't returned to Kuoh due to the disappearances and Issei's death."

Riser lamented Issei's death, his expression softening. "I am sorry for Issei's death," he said.

Venelana smiled slightly at Riser's words. "Riser, do you really regret Issei's death?" she asked, skeptical.

Riser noticed Venelana's smile and asked what was wrong. "What is it?"

"I don't believe you really regret Issei's death, given your past," Venelana said, her tone amused.

Riser kept his calm. "I don't care much about it, but it's polite to say these words."

Venelana nodded, understanding Riser's diplomacy. "I see. A Devil in your position needs to be political when necessary."

"How are you handling your new position?" Venelana asked, curious.

Riser gave a confident smile. "It's going well. I'm adapting and moving forward."

Venelana commented with a smile, "Sona is very lucky to have a husband like you. I wish my daughter wasn't so foolish to have done everything she did and ended the marriage contract with you."

Riser shrugged, accepting Venelana's words. "Some things just happen and can't be changed. Sona is an incredible woman."

Venelana smiled. "Few Devils give due value to their wives. I commend you for that."

Riser thanked her for the compliment, his expression sincere. "Thank you, Venelana. I appreciate your words."

Venelana remembered something and quickly stood up. "How rude of me. I haven't offered you anything to drink."

She called a maid, who promptly brought a tray with tea. Riser accepted the offer, taking a cup of tea and sipping it. The taste was refined and comforting, making him appreciate the Gremory hospitality even more.

"The tea is delicious, Venelana," Riser said, his expression softening as he took another sip. "Your cooks have incredible talent."

Venelana smiled, pleased with the compliment. "They are truly talented. I'm glad you liked it."

Riser finished drinking the tea, placing the cup back on the tray. "It was a great way to relax after recent events."

At that moment, Rias and Akeno began descending the stairs. Upon seeing Riser, Rias frowned in surprise, while Akeno smiled broadly.

"Riser? What are you doing here?" Rias asked, clearly surprised by the unexpected visit.

Akeno, visibly happy, approached Riser with a bright smile. "Dear, did you come to pick me up?" She blushed slightly as she called him that, the familiarity evident in her tone.

Venelana raised an eyebrow.

"Dear?"

Riser smiled calmly, maintaining his confident posture. "Yes, Akeno is my lover."

"Your lover is the best friend of your ex-fiancée?" Venelana questioned, her voice full of curiosity and perhaps a bit of admiration.

Riser confirmed arrogantly, inclining his head slightly. "Exactly. Things happen in unexpected ways."

Venelana observed Riser for a moment before smiling. "You are quite bold, Riser. I admire your audacity."

Rias and Akeno sat on the sofa across from Riser, still processing the situation. Venelana stood gracefully, her elegant dress flowing around her. "I'll leave the younger generation to talk," she said, smiling.

Riser looked at Venelana with a playful smile. "Venelana, you are also young."

Akeno couldn't contain a laugh, while Rias frowned, clearly irritated.

"I'm a married woman, Riser. You shouldn't be complimenting me like this," Venelana said, laughing softly.

"But if I were single and younger, I would never let a Devil like Riser escape." She gave a meaningful look to her daughter, her message clear.

Rias huffed, clearly frustrated. "Mother, weren't you just leaving?" The question came out of her lips impatiently.

Venelana smiled, sticking her tongue out at her daughter playfully, which made Rias huff even more. The sight of the two together made Riser think they could easily be mistaken for sisters.

Venelana approached Riser and said goodbye with elegance. "It was a pleasure talking to you, Riser. I hope you have a pleasant stay." She smiled warmly before leaving for another part of the mansion, leaving the living room with lightness.

After Venelana left, Rias looked at Riser with an irritated expression. "Did you come here to hit on my mother?"

Riser remained calm, smiling slightly. "No, Rias. I came here to talk to you and see how you are."

Crossing her arms, Rias cast a skeptical look at Riser. "And I should believe that?"

"You can believe whatever you want, Rias. It doesn't change the truth." Riser said, maintaining his composure.

Akeno, noticing the growing tension, intervened. "Rias, you should thank Riser."

Rias turned to Akeno, her expression indignant. "Thank him? For what?"

Riser looked at Akeno with curiosity, waiting for her explanation.

Akeno kept a gentle smile, explaining calmly. "Riser killed Diodora, which ended your marriage contract."

Riser mentally thanked Akeno for the help, even though he hadn't killed Diodora with the intention of helping Rias, but now he could use that to his advantage.

Rias, processing the information, sighed and finally said, a bit reluctantly. "Thank you, Riser. For ending that marriage contract."

Riser responded humbly, "I only did what I did to help Tokyo and prevent deities from other mythologies from intervening and causing a war."

Rias sighed, crossing her arms again. "Even so, you helped me, so just accept the thanks that won't happen again."

Riser, observing Rias' attitude, thought she seemed to have gotten over Issei's loss more quickly than he expected.

[When you killed Issei and became the protagonist, Rias now became part of your destiny as a heroine, and the main one should not think about other men, even if that man was the previous protagonist.]

'The system is really useful,' Riser thought, having his thoughts answered.

Riser decided it was time to leave. "I'm leaving now."

Akeno, visibly disappointed, asked, "Why so soon, Riser?"

Riser explained calmly. "I have a meeting with the Maous tomorrow. I need to prepare."

Akeno nodded, understanding Riser's reasons. "I understand. Good luck at the meeting."

Riser and Akeno said goodbye with a long and passionate kiss, leaving Rias blushing and a bit irritated by the scene in front of her.

Riser then traced a magic circle in the air and teleported, disappearing in a flash of light.

Rias looked at Akeno, who was red and biting her lips. "Did you forget we weren't alone in the room?"

Akeno laughed softly, her expression teasing. "Are you jealous, Rias?"

Rias was indignant at Akeno's provocation. "Me? Jealous? Don't be ridiculous!"

Akeno started climbing the stairs, casting a playful look over her shoulder. "Jealous!"

Rias ran after her, her voice full of irritation. "Akeno, come back here! I'm not jealous!"

The two friends climbed the stairs, Akeno's teasing making Rias chase after her, while their laughter echoed through the Gremory mansion, bringing some lightness after the tense days.

To read 15 chapters ahead, go to

pat reon.com/22Mirko22