Riser Phenex isn't a villain

Chapter 242: Why?

Watching his master being bullied by so many people, how could Issei stay calm?

But—

"HOW DARE YOU TALK TO US LIKE THAT, YOU LOWLY SLAVE!?"

"WATCH YOUR MOUTH!"

"RIAS GREMORY-DONO, CAN YOU NOT EVEN DISCIPLINE YOUR SERVANTS?"

"KILL HIM!"

There was no trace of mercy in the mouths of all the nobles who participated in this gathering. Sirzech was no longer living, and the Gremory was nothing but a noble family with a so-so status.

Even though the status of the Gremory had risen due to Sirzech becoming Lucifer, all of those heritages had almost disappeared, being taken by everyone as the Gremory family didn't have the power to protect those heritages.

More importantly, previously, the relationship between Riser and Sirzech was as good as an enemy, so as long as there was a chance, they would bully Rias and the Gremory house to please their new Lucifer, Riser.

Even worse, Grayfia Lucifage also couldn't be found anywhere.

Still, watching the anger of the nobles, Sona wanted to do something, stopping them as she also wished to have a battle against Rias, but Issei's outburst changed everything, causing the situation to turn worse, which made her frown.

"Idiot..."

Sona thought so when she watched Issei.

Not only Sona but everyone thought so as they thought that Issei had never changed.

Issei's brain was as small as his genital, so it was easy for him to forget the consequences he received for doing this disrespectful act.

As expected, Issei didn't understand his situation and was about to provoke everyone again, but—

*Slap!*

He felt a burning pain in his cheek.

Issei grimaced in pain as he looked at the person who had slapped him with disbelief and annoyance, but when he saw Rias' expression, he was stunned still.

"How long are you going to shame me?"

Rias knew that the situation could be solved easily and those clowns would shut up soon, especially when she knew that Riser definitely wouldn't let her be bullied. She knew that Riser would do something for her, yet Issei's reaction changed everything.

Like before, nothing had changed.

Issei was as stupid as before.

Rias cried as she regretted bringing Issei and asked Riser permission to bring Issei as she knew everything was messed up because of this pervert.

"...."

Issei couldn't say anything.

Watching his beloved master cry in front of him, Issei didn't know what to do and was confused. He also felt that his heart was crushed, but at the same time, he was angry.

Was it because of everyone?

Buchou, you don't need to worry!

Issei was about to face everyone again, telling them that he was going to make everyone feel regret for making his Buchou, but suddenly, his entire body was frozen still.

"Huft... Huft... Huft..."

Gasper used his Sacred Gear to stop around Issei as he gasped for air, feeling extremely nervous being stared at by so many, but he endured it as he knew the stupid thing that Issei had done. He might be a shut-in, but he wasn't an idiot. Moreover, Kiba and Asia also started to move by dragging Issei behind them as they held his mouth.

Lastly, Rias also quickly entered her act and apologized. "I apologize for the rudeness of my servant, Lucifer-sama." As for the others? She didn't care.

Those nobles who were being invited were angry by Rias' ignorance toward them, but—

A similar pressure came once again, bringing despair to everyone.

"Don't be noisy."

Riser's voice was at ease and relaxed, but it brought so much impact to everyone. "It's nothing but healthy competition among the youngsters. There is no need for us to get involved, okay?"

Riser knew that they were angry with him, but there was still a limit. Nevertheless, he had to say that even if they might seem like they had done something too much, they were quite useful, especially against those fools who thought they were better than anyone, without realizing that they were just ants that could be crushed anytime, like the stupid current generation of "Boosted Gear."

"Yes."

All of them answered at the same time, showing their greatest respect toward Riser.

"Rias, bring your servant out."

"Yes, Lucifer-sama." Rias bowed her head. "Thank you for your mercy. I will discipline him so he won't show disrespect again." She then looked at Asia, Kiba, and Gasper, telling them to bring Issei out, to which they agreed, and they quickly left.

Riser didn't take Rias' words to his heart as he knew how stupid Issei was. Even if Rias had disciplined Issei, it would mean nothing.

"Sona, are you okay with it?"

Still, Riser didn't reject Rias' initiative to challenge Sona as this was something he wished to do, especially when it was also his chance to shame this woman.

"Yes, let me fight him, Dear."

Sona answered without hesitation as she also wished to compete against Riser, who was also her rival. Unlike others who treated Rias differently after the death of Sirzech, she wasn't such a person. Nevertheless, she was glad that her husband could help Rias, and at the same time, she loved him so much and would show that she was someone who was fit to become his wife.

"Do your best then." Riser smiled as he encouraged his wife.

Seekvaria looked at Riser, then looked at Sona.

Somehow, she felt quite jealous.

Still, compared to Seekvaria, Rias' reaction was even more intense.

Watching this exchange and watching how Riser ignored her, focusing all of his attention on Sona, Rias' jealousy became even stronger, and her regret became heavier as if something stuck within her chest that it made her unable to breathe, so on her Rating Game, she was determined, and she was going to show who was better between her and Sona.

Akeno and Koneko, who had been standing behind Rias, watched their master worriedly. To be honest, even if there was so much conflict before, they knew that they would be alright, but Rias?

They didn't have confidence, especially when they knew how Riser's temper, but with the time they spent with Rias, even if what she did was nothing but just an order from her older brother and everything was probably just a drama set by her older brother, they still cared about Rias.

Moreover, Sirzech had died.

That's it.

Fortunately, nothing had happened.

Everything ended well as the first match of the six youths had been decided.

Seekvaria would face Diodora.

Sairaorg would face Zephyrdor.

Sona would face Rias.

Those matches would be held a month later, and everyone would be given time to prepare themselves to bring their best state. Moreover, there would be important guests from different myths that would come to watch their match. Lastly, before the match, 20 days later, there would be another gathering.

With all of that, everything ended, and this gathering finished.

Riser also decided to leave as he prepared to train his wife and her peerage members.

However, Rias was praying.

She was praying for him to say something, encouraging her, supporting her, at this moment when she needed someone the most.

Still, even if he just glanced and smiled in her direction, she would be satisfied, but she had to leave in disappointment.

Watching him leave without even saying a single word to her, she was on the verge of crying, wondering why he wouldn't look in her direction.