Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Speaking on My Own Behalf!
Grayfia's expression changed slightly. She glanced at Haru's face and, seeing his eyes narrowing, hurriedly reprimanded:
"Mind your words, Phenex."
Riser spread his hands, a slight smirk forming at the corner of his mouth, revealing an expression of "just as I expected."
"Indeed, even someone as famously impartial and just as you are in the Underworld can't help but show bias when it involves family matters."
He flicked his hair nonchalantly, ignoring the growing darkness on Grayfia's face, and continued loudly:
"I understand you. After all, Sirzechs' well-known sister complex is quite famous in the Underworld. As his wife, you'd side with Rias."
Grayfia's face turned exceedingly grim. She'd heard more than enough rumors suggesting Sirzechs' greatest love was his sister.
Although she knew his true feelings, being confronted with it directly still made her extremely angry. She took a step back, standing silently to the side, deciding not to interfere with Haru's actions.
Seeing Grayfia retreat without a word, Riser displayed a hint of smugness. Turning his head proudly toward Rias, he said:
"Rias, you should know that our marriage is blessed by all devils!"
He adopted an expression of feigned humility, spreading his arms wide as if embracing the collective blessings of all devils. Performing what resembled ballet movements, he proclaimed loudly:
"Among pure-blooded devils, only thirty-five families remain today, and half of them have only a single heir."
"Therefore... maintaining pure-blood dominance over mixed bloods is the wish of all devils. And I, as a pure-blooded Phenex, together with you, also a pure-blood..."
"Our union represents the hope for the continuation of pure-blooded devils!!"
Riser strode up to Rias, gazing into her eyes with what he believed to be a sincere expression.
"So, how do you feel about this, Rias?"
Rias looked calmly at Riser, noticing the unabashed lewdness in his eyes. A glint of disdain flashed in her gaze as she softly replied:
"Don't look at me with such disgusting eyes, Riser."
Riser's expression froze...
Rias slightly raised her head, glancing at Grayfia who stood silently nearby. After a moment's contemplation, she said softly:
"I won't let the Gremory family end here, and I do have plans to marry. But I'll be choosing my own husband."
Riser's expression relaxed, showing a relieved look. He glanced around, his pupils narrowing slightly.
"Oh, Rias, it's good that you understand. The wedding is the day after tomorrow. Also, although your number of servants is a bit small, their 'quality' is quite impressive!"
"Thank you for the compliment."
Akeno Himejima slightly narrowed her eyes, looking at Riser with a face full of greed. She wore a smile but didn't utter her usual "Oh my."
Asia leaned closer to Akeno, shrinking back slightly.
Koneko Toujou paused her snacking for a moment, then resumed eating.
Rias sighed helplessly at the self-satisfied Riser, then gently leaned on Haru's shoulder and announced loudly:
"That's why I've chosen Haru to be my husband."
Riser was stunned. Moments later, his face flushed red with anger.
The temperature in the classroom skyrocketed, reaching the boiling point of water in an instant. In just three seconds, the air temperature soared to 400 degrees Celsius.
"Rias. I bear the honor of the Phenex family and cannot tarnish our name. Having my fiancée taken by a lowly devil... it's utterly intolerable!"
Riser's face darkened, and intense flames erupted from his body. Sparks flew in all directions, with some embers landing near Rias.
"Even if I have to burn all your servants to ashes, I will take you back to the Underworld."
Haru looked at Riser with a gaze reserved for someone mentally challenged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Suddenly, his left hand emitted a brilliant red light, and the Boosted Gear of the Red Dragon Emperor materialized on his arm.
"Hey, turkey, you can give it a try. Let's see if your flames can burn through my dragon scales."
Riser's pupils contracted slightly; it was clear he recognized the significance of the gauntlet.
Even as the Phenex family's third son, groomed for political marriages, he'd undergone rigorous elite devil education from a young age, which naturally included knowledge about the Sacred Gears.
The Red Dragon Emperor and White Dragon Emperor, who sporadically appeared in the world and were locked in eternal combat, were, of course, subjects of keen interest.
However, after recognizing the Boosted Gear, Riser was only momentarily surprised. He then looked at Haru with contempt, his words dripping with mockery.
"So that's why Rias is so confident, because of the Red Dragon Emperor~~~"
"Indeed, I'll admit that if used properly, this Sacred Gear can challenge gods and Maou. But! Why do gods and Maou still reign supreme?"
At this point, Riser's gaze toward Haru was filled with ridicule.
"A Sacred Gear's power depends on its wielder. According to our information, you've only been reincarnated for less than a week, haven't you?"
Riser tore open his white shirt, revealing a toned physique with eight-pack abs. Pointing to his heart, he taunted:
"Come on, I'll give you one minute to 'Boost' as much as you like. Hit me right here. Do you think you can penetrate my body's defenses?"
Just as Haru was about to make a move, Rias raised her right hand, pressing his down. She then slightly turned her head, her expression extremely serious, and said to Riser:
"Since we can't reach an agreement, let's settle this with a pact, the traditional devil way: through battle."
As soon as she finished speaking, the flames on Riser's body surged, transforming into a Phenex spreading its wings. He aggressively flapped his fiery wings, sending sparks flying toward Rias.
Rias displayed a resolute expression, remaining seated on the sofa.
Dark destruction energy slowly emanated from her body, continuously annihilating the sparks drifting toward her from Riser.
At that moment, Grayfia instantly appeared between Riser and Rias. With a stern face, she said coldly:
"The modern devil society prohibits ancient rituals. If both parties remain adamant, why not settle this with a 'Rating Game'?"
She then turned her head, giving Haru a deep glance, and said softly:
"Given that the Red Dragon Emperor's power exceeds the standard scope of the Rating Game, I suggest we sign a contract to restrict, "
Before she could finish, Riser interrupted her.
He looked arrogantly at Grayfia, cast a disdainful glance at Haru, and sneered:
"There's no need for that. Tomorrow... at this same time, we'll have our game. I'll make you all taste true despair!"
With that, he strode toward the magic circle. In a dazzling red light, his figure gradually vanished.
Grayfia helplessly covered her face, letting out a slight sigh. She bowed to Rias and said softly, "In that case, I'll go prepare the venue."
Rias released her arm from around Haru's waist, turned her head to reveal a dark and profound expression, and gently said to Haru:
"Could I trouble you to take that turkey down with you tomorrow?"
"..." Haru felt utterly speechless, his mind nearly collapsing.
...
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