Riser's Mansion in Kuoh - Living Room
Riser watched Koneko and Kuroka converse, sitting comfortably in an armchair, appreciating the moment of reconciliation between the sisters. He knew that emotional conversations between Kuroka and Koneko were important, but he couldn't let time drag on too long. After all, they had an urgent commitment at the Gremory mansion.
Riser stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked over to where the sisters were. "Koneko, Kuroka, it's time to go," he said firmly but with a soft tone that showed understanding of the moment's importance.
Kuroka, with her feline ears perked up, looked at Riser and then turned to Koneko. "Koneko, I can't believe you're leaving, nya! How will I survive without you, my beloved sister?" Kuroka said, making a dramatic scene. She placed her hands over her heart and let herself fall onto the sofa, as if fainting from sadness.
Koneko, accustomed to Kuroka's exaggerated displays of affection, sighed deeply, her expression a mix of exasperation and a slight smile. "Kuroka, you don't need to exaggerate so much. I can visit you anytime."
Kuroka continued her performance, shedding fake tears and clinging to Koneko's arm. "But it won't be the same, Koneko-chan! I'll miss you so much, nya!"
Riser, watching the scene with a slight smile, patiently waited for Kuroka to finish her drama. Finally, he intervened. "Kuroka, you know Koneko can visit you whenever she wants. There's no need for so much melodrama."
Realizing her performance had gone too far, Kuroka let go of Koneko's arm and stood up, wiping the imaginary tears from her face. "Alright, Riser-sama. I just wanted to make sure Koneko knows how much I love her, nya."
Koneko rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "I know, Kuroka. I'll visit, I promise."
Riser nodded, satisfied with how the scene unfolded. "Very well then. Koneko, let's go."
He took Koneko's hand, and in an instant, a magic circle appeared under their feet, enveloping them in a bright light. In the blink of an eye, the two teleported to the Gremory mansion.
Gremory Mansion - Outside
Riser and Koneko appeared outside the imposing Gremory mansion, the elegant and grand structure dominating the surrounding landscape.
As they walked towards the main entrance, the sounds of intense training caught Riser and Koneko's attention. Approaching the training area, they spotted Issei, sweaty and determined, executing a series of fast and powerful movements.
When Riser and Koneko drew closer, Issei noticed their presence and abruptly stopped, his gaze narrowing as he recognized Riser. The irritation was evident on his face, and he made no effort to hide his displeasure.
"Riser," Issei said coldly, his body still tense from the intense training. "What are you doing here?"
Riser maintained his relaxed posture, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Issei Hyoudou, always so impulsive. I brought Koneko back. She decided to return to Rias' Peerage."
Issei huffed, clearly irritated. "I don't need you around for that. Koneko can very well return on her own."
Sensing the growing tension, Koneko stepped forward and placed herself between Riser and Issei. "Issei, Riser-sama is just bringing me back. There's no need to treat him like this."
Issei looked at Koneko, surprised and a bit hurt. "Koneko, why are you defending him? After everything he's done?"
Riser observed Issei with a curious look, raising an eyebrow at the young devil's hostile reaction. He remained calm and composed but couldn't help questioning Issei's aggressive attitude.
"Issei," Riser began, his voice calm and controlled but with a slight tone of curiosity. "Why are you so angry with me? What exactly have I done to deserve all this hostility?"
Issei clenched his fists, his body still tense from the training. "You know very well what you did, Riser. You tried to force Rias into a marriage she didn't want, humiliated several people in the process, and to top it off, you always act like you're better than everyone else."
Hearing Issei's words, Riser couldn't help but laugh. His laughter was loud and sarcastic, echoing through the training area.
"HAHAHAHA!"
Riser looked at Issei with disdain. "You're pathetic, Issei. Always playing the hero, but you're just an insignificant pawn."
Issei tried to respond, his anger evident in his eyes. But before he could say anything, Riser moved quickly towards him. In a swift and precise motion, Riser delivered a powerful punch to Issei's stomach. The impact was so strong that it left Issei breathless, making him double over in pain and fall to his knees.
As Issei struggled to catch his breath, a mechanical and cold sound resonated in his mind:
[+200 luck points for humiliating the protagonist]
[500 luck points in total]
Issei, still gasping for air, looked at Riser with a mix of anger and surprise, trying to understand what had just happened. Riser, on the other hand, simply watched with a satisfied smile, aware that his action had destabilized Issei.
Koneko was surprised by Riser's sudden action. Her eyes widened as she saw the powerful punch he delivered to Issei. She took a step back, unable to believe what had just happened, her hands trembling slightly.
Rias and Grayfia, hearing the noise and commotion, quickly ran outside the mansion. The wind blew through Rias' red hair as she ran, her expression full of concern.
Upon arriving at the training area, Rias saw Riser standing, looking at Issei, who was kneeling on the ground, gasping and visibly in pain. Koneko stood nearby, a look of shock on her face. Rias ran to them, her eyes alternating between Riser, Koneko, and Issei.
"What happened here?" Rias asked, her voice filled with concern and contained anger.
Issei, still trying to catch his breath, struggled to speak. "Riser... attacked me!"
Huff, huff, huff.
Rias turned her attention to Riser, her expression hardening. "Riser, how could you do this? Issei didn't deserve to be attacked like this!"
Riser, with a sardonic smile, raised an eyebrow. "Rias, it's Lord Phenex now. Something you should teach your servant. A little respect wouldn't hurt anyone."
Grayfia, observing the scene, remained calm but was ready to intervene if necessary. Rias, though still furious, realized the gravity of the situation and the need to maintain composure. She knew that Riser's position as Lord Phenex required more formal and careful treatment.
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