Under Roy's gaze, Riser face cycled through shades of different color, as if he'd swallowed something vile.
His discomfort was palpable.
Just because he rarely visited the human world and was unaware of its customs, he was labeled a bumpkin?
Riser's chest tightened, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm him.
He sensed Roy was toying with him, but he couldn't pinpoint any falsehood.
Roy's words sounded infuriatingly reasonable, leaving him no ground to counter.
"As a devil who wields wind and fire, the human world's air is too foul," Riser said stiffly. "I don't come here unless it's critical, so I'm not versed in its developments."
"No worries, I don't hold it against you," Roy said magnanimously.
Riser's face soured further.
Who was apologizing? He was explaining his ignorance of human ways, not seeking forgiveness.
What was Roy playing at?
Suspicion gnawed at Riser—Roy was deliberately rattling him. Yet, neither his clan's influence nor his personal strength could force Roy to yield.
How had an ordinary human become the Sekiryuutei? If Riser had known Roy wielded the Boosted Gear, he'd never have rashly confronted him to dissolve Ravel's engagement.
Now, he was trapped in an awkward stalemate, unable to advance or retreat.
"Rias, I said those things," Riser admitted, addressing her earnestly. "But my clan's situation differs from yours. Ravel isn't burdened with Phenex responsibilities."
"The clan head has no grand expectations for her, only that she lives happily. That's why she enjoys freedoms others don't."
"Riser, when did you get so eloquent?" Rias said, her half-smile unshaken by his words.
She was surprised to see him so rattled, a testament to Roy's knack for getting under his skin.
"I'm stating facts," Riser said, his tone heavy with frustration. "Your Gremory clan—"
"Enough with your speeches," Rias cut in flatly. "I don't need your commentary."
Riser's prepared tirade lodged in his throat, his expression a mix of indignation and disbelief.
"Koneko," Roy called, waving her over.
Puzzled but obedient, Koneko stepped to Roy's side.
"Go to my bedroom, second drawer of the bedside table, and grab a card," Roy instructed.
"Got it," Koneko nodded.
She moved to the room's central magic circle, activated it, and vanished.
"Roy, what card is Koneko fetching?" Rias asked.
"One Riser gave me last time, promising to fulfill a request," Roy said. "Honestly, I'd nearly forgotten about it until today."
He resumed the paused video on his phone, displaying the moment Riser made the promise during their engagement dissolution.
In the footage, Riser said, "If you have any requests, we'll compensate you. It's our fault, after all."
Roy replied, "No need. Your clan honoring such an old promise shows integrity. Making demands now would feel petty."
Riser insisted, "Don't play coy, human. My offer stands—name your price, and I'll deliver. It's the Phenex way."
Roy said, "Fine. Since you're so insistent, I'll hold onto the favor. I'll call it in when I need something."
Riser declared, "Very well. I, Riser Phenex, grant you one request, to be fulfilled in the name of my clan's honor."
"I thought Riser was just some eccentric noble with odd speech, so I didn't take it seriously," Roy said, feigning a sigh. "Turns out, he meant it!"
Riser's face darkened to a storm cloud.
His first time making such a vow, only to be dismissed as a quirky poser—and now doubted as insincere.
"Luckily, I kept the card because its pattern caught my eye," Roy said, as if relieved.
"Didn't think I'd need it today."
Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Yuuto, and Asia eyed Riser with peculiar expressions.
The video showed Roy uninterested in exploiting the situation, while Riser practically begged him to accept the favor.
They sensed Riser's regret was visceral.
"Roy, are you really using that promise to end my engagement with Rias?" Riser asked, his face grim, using Roy's name for the first time.
"What else would I use it for?" Roy asked, smiling faintly.
"You could ask for something else—wealth, women, power, longevity," Riser said. "I can deliver, and you'd earn the Phenex clan's friendship."
"Riser should get your head checked," Roy said, shaking his head. "Do you think the Sekiryuutei lacks any of that?"
A wielder of a Longinus like the Boosted Gear wouldn't want for such things. He'd hoped to tempt Roy, but it was a futile grasp.
"Besides, if I have wishes to fulfill," Roy said, gesturing to Rias, "I'd ask Rias. She's a devil, a Gremory heiress—she'd handle it better than you."
"Exactly," Rias said, nodding. "Money, power? Easy. As for beauties…" She paused, glancing at Akeno, who smiled coyly.
"I'm not short on those either."
Riser's heart sank further.
Rias resisted marrying him with every fiber, yet bent over backward for Roy's every whim.
"I'm back," Koneko announced, reappearing in the teleportation circle with a card etched with a phenex pattern.
"Here," she handed it to Roy.
"Thanks," Roy said, taking it. "Rias, how do I use this?"
"Think about a wish and the devil would be summoned," Rias explained.
"Hand it over! I'll honor your request!" Riser said, his face black as he lunged for the card.
"No need for formalities," Roy said, grinning.
"I've never summoned a devil before."
Riser snatched the card, fuming.
He was now certain Roy was toying with him.
"I'll agree to end the engagement, but I won't deal with the Gremory and Phenex Head' objections. That's your problem," Riser said, snorting coldly.
"And you," he added, glaring at Roy as a Phenex-patterned magic circle flared beneath him, flames rising to light the dim room.
With a final look, Riser vanished through the teleportation circle.
"Finally done," Rias said, exhaling in relief, a relaxed smile breaking across her face.
"Satisfied?" Grayfia's cool voice cut through the moment.
Rias's smile stiffened, a flicker of apprehension crossing her face.
Grayfia's tone shifted from maid to family, stirring a rare unease in Rias.
"Grayfia…" Rias said, offering a sheepish smile.
She sat up straight, bracing for a reprimand, like a child awaiting discipline.
"I hope this is your last whim as the Gremory heiress," Grayfia said with a sigh.
Seeing Rias so subdued, Grayfia softened.
It was hard to stay harsh with her in such a contrite state.
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200 Stones = 1 chapter
400 Stones = 2 chapter