Chapter 25: Riser and Yubelluna
Student Council Club Room
In the quiet student council room, Sona was absorbed in her responsibilities, reviewing documents, and organizing events. The tranquility was interrupted when the door opened, revealing Rias and Akeno.
Rias, with a friendly smile, greeted Sona: "Hello, Sona. I hope you're doing well. Akeno and I decided to drop by."
Akeno, accompanying the gesture with a friendly wave, added: "Yes, we wanted to check in on how you're doing."
Sona, looking up, smiled in response: "Rias, Akeno, what a pleasant surprise. Feel free to take a seat."
The three settled into the student council room, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. However, Sona noticed an underlying tension in Rias' eyes. Before she could address the issue, Rias decided to initiate the conversation.
Rias: "Sona, we need to talk. I understand that things got complicated between us, especially with the marriage and recent changes."
Sona, sensing sincerity in Rias' words, nodded: "You're right, Rias. A lot has happened, and we need to clarify things."
Rias, looking directly into Sona's eyes, began: "First and foremost, I want to apologize for any discomfort my attitude towards Riser may have caused. I understand he is your husband and deserves respect."
Sona, appreciating Rias' honesty, responded: "Thank you, Rias. Riser deserves respect, and I'm glad you recognize that."
Rias, expressing sincerity, continued: "Furthermore, I want you to know that I've taken measures regarding Issei. He has been disciplined and will be instructed to respect Riser and anyone associated with you."
Sona, showing a serious look, affirmed: "That is important. I won't tolerate disrespect, especially when it comes to Riser."
Rias, humbly, added: "I understand, Sona. I made a mistake in not addressing this earlier, and I am committed to ensuring an environment of respect."
Sona, recognizing Rias' sincerity, decided to address their friendship: "Rias, despite everything, our friendship is precious to me. I don't want anything to jeopardize it."
Rias, agreeing, said: "I feel the same, Sona. Our friendship is valuable, and I want us to overcome any obstacles together."
Sona, softening her expression, concluded: "So, let's make amends, Rias. Let's move forward and preserve our friendship."
Rias, relieved, smiled: "Yes, Sona. I'm grateful we had this conversation."
After a few minutes of light conversation, Rias decided to address a more personal topic.
Rias, with genuine curiosity, asked: "Sona, I've always cared about you. How is your marriage with Riser? Are you happy?"
Sona, reflecting for a moment, replied honestly: "My marriage has its complexities, but I am happy, Rias. We've found ways to overcome challenges and build something that works for both of us."
Exiting the student council room, Rias felt a sense of relief and gratitude. She was glad to be able to start anew in terms of her relationship with Sona and thanked Akeno for being by her side during this process.
Time Skip
Hotel in Tokyo
In the quiet hotel room, Yubelluna sat on the edge of the bed, expressing her concern. Riser, attentive to her emotions, approached gently.
Riser: Yubelluna, I sense something is bothering you. Can you share it with me?
Yubelluna, with a worried look, began to open up about her feelings of weakness and inadequacy compared to other members of the Peerage.
Yubelluna: Riser-sama, I feel like I don't contribute enough. My explosive powers seem so simple compared to the incredible abilities of others.
Riser, gently stroking Yubelluna's face, responded with kindness:
Riser: Yubelluna, you are valuable to me. Your explosive powers have their own strength. Don't compare your gifts to others. Besides, there are always ways to enhance your skills and make you even stronger.
Listening to Riser's comforting words, Yubelluna felt a reassuring warmth. He continued:
Riser: Remember that I let you stay by my side even after passing my Peerage to Ravel. There's no need to worry about replacement. You are irreplaceable.
With a tender gesture, Riser gently kissed Yubelluna's lips. Then, he suggested:
Riser: Don't worry about these comparisons, Yubelluna. Let's enjoy our time here in the hotel. We're together, and that's what matters.
Yubelluna, feeling grateful, replied:
Yubelluna: Thank you, Riser-sama. Your words mean a lot to me.
With this exchange of affection, Riser and Yubelluna decided to make the most of their time in the hotel.
Time Skip
Riser's Mansion in Kuoh
Upon returning to the luxurious mansion after a day at school, Sona walked accompanied by her Peerage. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed as they entered the mansion together. Nana, with a welcoming smile, called out to Sona:
Nana: "Sona, how was your day at school?"
Sona, returning the smile, replied: "It was good, Nana. Things are going as planned. And how was your day?"
Nana: "Great as well, Sona. Everyone here was looking forward to your arrival."
While exchanging some words, Nana mentioned something unexpected:
Nana: "Oh, before I forget, Riser-sama went on a quick trip. He said he'll be away for two days."
Sona, somewhat surprised, inquired: "A trip? That's unexpected. Won't it disrupt the training schedule for the Rating Game?"
Nana, reassuring Sona, replied: "Don't worry, Sona. Riser-sama mentioned that we've trained enough for the Rating Game."
Sona, relieved, thanked Nana: "Good to know. If he's confident in the training they've had, then I'll trust his decision."
Nana: "Certainly, Sona. Now, go rest a bit. You deserve it."
Sona, agreeing, ascended the stairs toward her room. As she walked through the silent corridors, she pondered about the trust Riser had in his Peerage.
Time Skip (3 days to the Rating Game)
Hotel in Tokyo
While Yubelluna peacefully rested in the hotel room, Riser Phenex decided to explore a secluded part of the location. Carrying the summoning card with him, he headed to a more private spot, ensuring his objectives remained private.
With a firm gesture, Riser tossed the card to the ground. A bright white light enveloped the card, and from it emerged Merlin, the mage of the Seven Deadly Sins. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and recognition.
Merlin, bowing slightly, greeted Riser: "Riser-sama, it is an honor to be summoned by you."
Riser, smiling, thanked her and introduced himself. The conversation flowed naturally, and Merlin expressed her willingness to serve Riser as an ally.
Then, Riser, with determination, took a Bishop Evil Piece and applied it to Merlin's chest, and a magical aura enveloped the mage. The transformation was swift but significant.
Now reincarnated as a devil, Merlin looked at Riser with a new gleam in her eyes. She expressed gratitude for this opportunity for rebirth and pledged loyalty to her new master.
Meanwhile, Yubelluna awakened in the hotel room, noticing Riser's absence.
Some time passed, and Riser returned with Merlin by his side. Yubelluna, surprised by Merlin's presence, welcomed them with a curious smile.
Yubelluna: Riser-sama, who is this?
Riser, with a satisfied smile, introduced Merlin: Yubelluna, this is Merlin. She has joined our Peerage as a Bishop.
Yubelluna, expressing curiosity, greeted Merlin: Nice to meet you, Merlin. Welcome.
Merlin, with an air of elegance, replied: The pleasure is mine, Yubelluna. I look forward to contributing in the best way possible.
While the three settled into the room, Riser, noticing Yubelluna's curiosity, decided to address the topic.
Riser: Yubelluna, I know it might be surprising how I find new members for my Peerage.
Yubelluna, recalling the joyful night she had with Riser, decided not to touch on the subject, responding with understanding: You don't need to tell me, Riser-sama. I trust you completely, and I am here only to serve you.
Riser, thanking Yubelluna for her understanding, shifted the conversation's focus: Let's enjoy the rest of the day here at the hotel. Tomorrow, we'll return to Kuoh. I want everyone ready for the Rating Game.
Merlin, adding a touch of enthusiasm, suggested: How about we explore more of the hotel? It seems like an interesting place.
Yubelluna, excited about the idea, agreed: Sounds great! Let's make the most of our time here.
Riser, finding himself alone, decided to check the status of the system.
Riser: System.
[Villain System]
- Name: Riser Phenex
- Strength: 25
- Speed: 23
- Magic: 40
- Luck Points: 500
Abilities: Chess Master // Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix // Mera Mera No Mi // Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) // Red House Magic // Rokushiki.
Lucky Draw:
- Copper (100 luck points)
- Silver (200 luck points)
- Gold (300 luck points)
Acquired Items:
1. Blades of Chaos.
2. Duel Card.
Protagonist's Luck:
- Issei Hyoudou (2500)
Note:
I was experimenting with different writing styles on Patreon, so in some chapters, you'll notice variations in how I write. However, this experimentation will be temporary, and approximately in three chapters, I'll return to the standard style.
pat reon.com/22Mirko22