"Just watch me."
His firm yet determined expression was captured by everyone.
With those words, even if some had a doubt, they couldn't say anything and could only wait until his match with Tannin started.
Meanwhile, after those words, the double MC that was prepared by Riser beforehand also took over, ending the press conference smoothly.
As for the reporter, who caused trouble, he was dragged by his family's people without attracting the camera.
As for what was happening to him?
Besides death, were there even any options?
The devils had always upheld the hierocracy among their races.
For a low-class devil to be so rude in front of a high-class devil and not even use an honorific when he called Riser, there was no option except for death, especially with how much trouble he had caused at the press conference.
After all, not everyone could be protected by Sirzech like Issei.
Nevertheless, once again, everyone was surprised by Riser's wit.
After all, there was no doubt due to Riser's words, not only did he gain the favor of everyone, but the territory of the Phenex Domain and the Sitri Domain would also receive a considerable amount of population.
Having a population was definitely a great thing for the devils, especially when they lacked them.
With the Underworld being as massive as the Earth, the number of creatures that lived in this place was limited.
Those reincarnated devils and pure-blood devils who were deceived by his sweet words would definitely come to the domain of the Sitri House and the Phenex House, adding more vitality to their territory.
As for whether they would be treated well or not, it was a different matter.
After all, it was the fault who was being deceived, right?
"Watch your neck; I will definitely beat you up."
When the press conference ended and the camera had been turned off, Bova couldn't control his emotion and provoked Riser. As a dragon, his personality was quite simple and straightforward. He disdained those who used an underhanded approach like Riser.
"Bova, be quiet."
Tannin was still wary, especially when he noticed a camera was aimed in their direction. While he was as annoyed as his son, he didn't want to make unneeded trouble. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that he felt quite annoyed by Sirzech. He knew the one who had caused him trouble was Riser, but if Sirzech didn't ask him, would he be involved in this troublesome opponent?
While Tannin didn't think Riser was that strong, this guy's method to take down his opponent was so disgusting!
Others still showed respect toward him and had a warrior-like attitude, but Riser?
Frankly, he had an urge to blast Riser with his fire breath, but—
Tannin took a deep breath, calming his nerves, but nevertheless, he agreed with his son's words. "Let's wait till the match."
When their match started, there was no way he was going to let go of Riser easily.
Bova wanted to talk more, especially when he saw Riser's indifferent attitude, who had completely ignored him. He ground his teeth in hatred and then followed his father to leave, but he kept glaring at Riser when he walked until his head was slapped by Tannin.
Still, there was no doubt Bova's face would become hot news tomorrow.
Nevertheless, Riser was still at ease, but he had to say, he felt quite tired, especially after he encountered such unexpected trouble. Frankly, he had never thought that his plan would be perfect as he was sure that his enemy wouldn't let him go. Still, he didn't expect the counterattack to be so ruthless.
Yet, when he thought he had almost killed Sirzech that day, he somehow didn't feel surprised and felt better.
'Next time, don't let your wife or your little sister meet me.'
The little sister aside, if he met Sirzech's wife, he wasn't going to let her go.
Nevertheless, the press conference ended with a perfect ending.
Everything thought that even if Riser lost, there was no doubt that he was a respectable devil.
However, Riser had never intended to lose, and he had always aimed for a victory. Still, like Tannin and others, he also left the hall where the press conference was held. He needed to think about the strategy and talked with his peerage members, wondering what type of "Rating Game" they were going to face when they faced Tannin.
Still, his thoughts suddenly stopped when he met his wife in the hallway.
"...Sona?"
Frankly, after that fight at the Kuoh Academy, he never contacted his wife, so he wasn't sure about her condition, but when he thought about his mother's words, he understood his mother's concern.
Sona was extremely thin, her complexion was pale, her black hair lacked luster, and she appeared frail.
While he was angry by how she didn't believe in him previously, watching her current condition, it was hard for him not to show concern.
Only one figure, who stood behind him, was extremely gloomy as she saw Sona had appeared.
Riser and Sona stared at each other for a while until Sona suddenly apologized, "I am sorry."
"........"
Riser let out a helpless sigh and then looked at his peerage members. "Leave first. I need to talk with her."
While hesitating, Ravel said, "Then, we'll wait for you in the car, Onii-sama." She then bowed her head to Sona and brought the rest with her without showing much of a change in her expression.
Riser hesitated, but in the end, he didn't say anything to Ravel. He looked at his wife again, feeling a bit awkward, then sighed. "Sorry, I guess that I am also the childish one."
"No, you have a right to get angry at me. I... I didn't believe you at the time, but... if the same situation might appear, I... I might not be able to be indifferent in telling you to continue to fight."
Sona approached him and wanted to touch him since it had been a while, but she hesitated as she was afraid for him to reject her again.
"You... you are my husband, and I don't want to see you hurt..."
As she tried to find the appropriate words to express her feelings, he hugged her.
"Okay, enough. I know. You don't need to explain anymore."
At the same time, he also knew their situation was quite different.
His trust in her was nothing but a method to make her fall for him, and she also didn't face a situation where her life was threatened. Meanwhile, his situation was different as anyone who saw him would think that he might die anytime when, in truth, he was as lively as ever.
Yet, he also didn't blame them as he had never told them that he could become stronger by dying. Nevertheless, even if he explained, would they be able to indifferently watch him hurt?
If Sona was in the same situation as him, then he was afraid that he might not be able to say so.
"But..."
Sona thought that he was still angry, but he put his finger on her pale, moist lips.
"I am the one who should apologize. I know you are worried about me, but at that time, I just can't manage my emotions well and become immature."
"No, I am the one who was at fault!"
"Okay, okay. We two at fault, but now, are we good now?"
"......."
Watching his helpless smile, Sona pursed her lips and hugged him tightly.
"...you are so thin."
He was in distress, gently caressing her hair and holding her waist.
She didn't say anything and just hugged him since this was what she longed for.
Still, as they hugged each other, he noticed a familiar twin-tail stuck out in the corner of the corridor.
"Serafall-aneki."
"—?!"
The twin-tails shook slightly, and she wished to escape as she was noticed, but—
"Come here."
"......."
Hesitating for a while, Serafall walked out from her hiding place while lowering her head. She thought that she could greet him cheerfully like before, but it seemed she couldn't do that.
She knew how much trouble that had been caused by Sirzech to Riser, but how could he watch Riser kill Sirzech that day?
"I won't blame you as he is your friend, and I won't ask for your support, but next time, don't stop me."
"....are you still going to kill Sirzech-chan?"
"If there is a chance, probably, but I don't think such a chance will appear in the future."
"......."
Serafall stared at Riser for a moment, then shook her head. "You are not his opponent, Riser-chan. He is different from us. He is like an entirely another being." While it was downright rude, she knew that Sirzech was different from any of them.
"I know, but I will get even stronger."
"....."
Serafall struggled to find words on how to make Riser change his mind, but in the end, she made up her mind.
"I am not like others. I am not your woman, after all. I am your sister-in-law, so I will do my best to stop you!"
"Then, try to stop me."
Riser had made up his mind, and it was impossible to stop, especially with how many troubles that Sirzech had caused for him.
Still, when his relationship with his wife warmed up, Ravel suddenly returned with an anxious expression.
"Ravel, what's wrong?"
"Onii-sama, the setting of the game has been decided!"
Riser was surprised at how fast the setting of the game had been decided, but he asked, "What is it?"
Ravel hesitated before she let out a helpless sigh. "...it's Lightning Fast Game."
"......"