After Riser left, a tense silence hung over the room as Rias and Akeno processed the words they had just heard. Koneko looked at the two, her serious expression revealing her concern about the situation.
"Senpai, everyone has already left, it's better if we leave the castle," suggested Koneko, her calm voice breaking the tense silence that lingered in the room.
Rias remained silent for a moment, her thoughts swirling as she processed Riser's last words.
Akeno felt a tightening in her heart at seeing Rias's worried expression. She knew her friend was going through a difficult time and couldn't just stay silent.
"No matter what Riser said, I will never abandon you," asserted Akeno, her voice firm and determined. "My feelings for him won't override years of friendship I have with you."
Rias looked at Akeno, her eyes conveying gratitude for her friend's loyalty. However, a shadow of doubt crossed her face as she considered Riser's words.
"But what if Riser is right?" questioned Rias, her voice reflecting the uncertainty she felt. "Not just about you, but also about Koneko."
Akeno and Koneko exchanged confused looks, unable to fully comprehend what Rias was suggesting.
"What do you mean, Rias?" asked Akeno, her voice full of confusion.
Rias sighed, trying to find the right words to explain her line of thinking.
"Upon further thought, with you in Riser's Peerage, I could fight against the marriage contract without worrying about losing you to some stranger," explained Rias, her gaze fixed on Akeno. "And you could decide if you really like Riser."
"But how will you go against the marriage contract without an agent?" questioned Akeno, her voice laden with concern.
"And Issei and Kiba, what will happen to them?" she added, her expression reflecting her concern for her friends' fate.
Rias took a deep breath, her mind working as she considered her options.
"Kiba can stay with my brother," replied Rias, her voice calm and controlled. "And Issei... Issei will be my trump card."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, her expression reflecting her surprise at Rias's revelation.
"Trump card? Issei!" exclaimed she, unable to believe what she was hearing.
Rias smiled, her confidence returning as she explained her plan for the future.
"My brother took Issei to train and promised that he would surpass his limits," explained Rias, her smile widening. "All I need is strength, and having the Red Dragon Emperor at his peak is better than Diodora."
Akeno nodded slowly, beginning to understand Rias's plan.
"So you're counting on Issei to help you face Diodora?" she asked, her voice reflecting her admiration for Rias's determination.
Rias nodded, her determination shining in her eyes.
"But are you really sure, Rias?" questioned Akeno, her voice laden with concern. "Issei has failed many times before. What guarantees that he won't fail again?"
"Now it's different, my brother took him to train personally," explained Rias, her smile demonstrating her conviction. "So I can only hope for the best from Issei."
Akeno nodded slowly, starting to see the situation in a new light.
"I understand, Rias," replied she, her voice reflecting her understanding. "If Sirzechs believes in Issei's potential, then so do I."
"Great, Akeno," said Rias. "So are you going to Riser's Peerage?"
Akeno pondered for a moment, her mind spinning as she considered her options. She knew that this decision could completely change the course of her life, and she needed to choose carefully.
"Although I suggested it, I'll leave the final decision to you," explained Rias, her voice calm. "Akeno, if you decide to go to Riser's Peerage, I'll respect your choice. But, of course, if something goes wrong, you'll always have a place in my Peerage."
Akeno nodded, feeling grateful for Rias's understanding. She knew she could trust her friend to support her, regardless of the decision she made.
"I accept, Rias," replied Akeno, her voice firm. "But on the condition that, if something goes wrong with Riser, I can return to your Peerage."
"Of course, Akeno," agreed Rias. "You'll always be welcome back."
Meanwhile, Koneko watched the interaction between Rias and Akeno, her expression serious as she considered her own options.
"I'm not going to Riser's Peerage," stated Koneko, her voice calm and determined.
Rias nodded, accepting Koneko's decision with serenity.
"I have a suggestion," offered Rias. "How about Sona's Peerage?"
Koneko pondered for a moment, her mind working as she considered Rias's suggestion.
"I think it's a good idea," agreed Koneko. "I accept."
This conversation, unbeknownst to them, marked a crucial decision for the future of each of them.
Without Rias realizing, the threads of destiny were being woven around her, charting a path that would change her life forever. And at the center of this destiny was the protagonist, Hyoudou Issei.
Riser's Private Mansion
Room
Meanwhile, Riser was in his room, reflecting on the earlier conversation with Sona. Upon hearing a knock on the door, he got up to answer it.
"I'm sorry, Riser. I didn't expect this matter to still affect you so much," said Sona, her expression concerned.
Riser smiled, appreciating his beloved's concern.
"Don't worry, dear. I'm not angry, just can't pretend everything's fine and nothing happened," he replied, embracing Sona affectionately.
"Ding"
"+200 luck points for the protagonist," announced the System, bringing confusion to Riser's mind.
"What the hell is this, what happened?" Riser asked, frowning as he held Sona in his arms.
Sona looked at Riser, perplexed by the sudden change in atmosphere.
"What does this mean, Riser?" she asked, worried.
"Nothing, dear, just remembered that I still have a lot to do," said Riser, his cold gaze revealing the turmoil of thoughts that consumed him.
Sona nodded, accepting Riser's explanation, but still worried about the somber expression on his face.
Astaroth Mansion
Diodora was alone in his room, immersed in his dark and resentful thoughts.
"Damn Phenex, you'll pay for this, who do you think you are, I'm the legitimate heir of the Astaroth family, my brother is a Maou I'm going to marry Rias who is also a Maou's sister I'm not only going to end you but also demand Asia as compensation."
"Don't make that ugly expression, Nya," she teased, casting a sharp look at Diodora.
"Kuroka!" exclaimed Diodora, irritated by the Nekoshou's intrusion. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Nothing, I came to visit a place until I saw some news on the DevilNet involving you and Riser, Nya," explained Kuroka, her expression serious contrasting with her casual voice. "So I decided to come here to warn you: stay away from Riser, Ophis is interested in him, Nya."
Diodora raised an eyebrow, surprised by the warning.
"What do you mean by that, Kuroka?" he asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of Ophis.
"That's none of your concern, just obey, Nya," replied Kuroka, her serious expression making it clear that she wouldn't elaborate further on the matter.
Diodora frowned, discontent with the lack of response. He watched perplexed as Kuroka left through the window of his room, leaving him with more questions than answers.
"Wait, Kuroka! Aren't you going to tell me what's going on?" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty room.
However, Kuroka had already disappeared, leaving him alone with his dark thoughts and the enigmatic warning about Riser and Ophis.
"It seems Rizevim was right," murmured Diodora to himself, his somber gaze reflecting the turmoil of his thoughts.
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