Chapter [157]

Gremory Mansion - Living Room

Grayfia took a step forward, her posture impeccable and her gaze fixed on Riser with a neutral yet authoritative expression. Her maid uniform, perfectly aligned, contrasted with the tension in the air, and she seemed to radiate controlled calm. The formality in her voice was unmistakable as she maintained a serious and direct look.

"Lord Phenex," Grayfia began, her voice firm and respectful, "could you please explain why you decided to attack Mr. Hyoudou on Gremory property?"

Riser maintained his confident posture, looking at Grayfia with a slight smile of superiority. His tone was calm but filled with arrogance as he responded to Grayfia's question.

"Grayfia," Riser began. "Issei Hyoudou showed an unacceptable lack of respect. He needs to learn that, as Lord Phenex, I do not tolerate insolence. I simply gave him a lesson in humility."

He paused, observing the reactions of those present before continuing. "Koneko was present and can confirm everything I'm saying."

Koneko, still in shock from Riser's sudden action, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's true. Issei... he was disrespectful to Riser-sama. He deserved the reprimand." Her voice was low and a bit shaky, but her words confirmed Riser's version.

Issei, still kneeling and trying to catch his breath, felt a wave of anger and disappointment upon hearing Koneko's words. Negative thoughts began to invade his mind.

Thoughts: 'How can Koneko defend Riser after everything he's done? After everything we've been through together? Has she always been on his side? No... that doesn't make sense. This is all Riser's fault. He manipulated Koneko, made her turn against me. Damn you, Riser!'

Rias, who was watching the scene with a serious expression, listened attentively to every word. She understood the gravity of the situation and the delicacy needed to handle it. While Grayfia maintained her composure and questioned Riser, Rias pondered the next step, her mind working to find a solution that could ease the growing tension.

Grayfia, maintaining her gaze fixed on Riser, took a step forward, her tone still firm. "Lord Phenex, I understand your position, but I would like to remind you that any conflict must be resolved in an appropriate and respectful manner, especially within the property of the Gremory family."

Riser slightly inclined his head, still smiling. "Of course, Grayfia. I accept your observation. However, it is important that everyone understands their position and the consequences of disrespecting someone of my stature."

Rias, realizing the need to intervene before the situation escalated further, stepped forward, positioning herself between Riser and Issei. "Riser, thank you for bringing Koneko back, but please do not cause any more problems here. We already have a lot to deal with."

Riser looked at Rias, his expression softening a bit. "As you wish, Rias. I will take my leave now. Koneko, take care."

With that, he took a step back, a magic circle appearing beneath his feet. In an instant, he teleported away, leaving the tension in the air as Rias and Grayfia tried to calm Issei and deal with the aftermath of the encounter.

Issei, still hurt and resentful, looked at Koneko, his thoughts still tumultuous. But he knew that, above all, Riser was the true culprit. He swore to himself that one day he would get his revenge and protect those he loved from Riser's pernicious influence.

Rias watched Riser disappear into the magic circle, her face reflecting a mix of surprise and disbelief. She hadn't expected him to leave so quickly, without further discussion or provocation. Her gaze remained fixed on the spot where he had been, trying to process the swift change in the situation.

Grayfia, sensing the need to restore order, stepped forward, addressing Rias with a firm and serious expression. "Rias-sama, you must better educate your servant. Behaviors like Issei's are unacceptable, especially in situations involving noble families."

Rias nodded, still looking at Issei with concern in her eyes. "You're right, Grayfia. I'll handle it."

Issei, still breathless but determined, slowly stood up, ignoring the pain from the blow. "I'll continue training, Rias. I won't let this bring me down."

Rias looked at Issei with a mixed expression of concern and understanding. "Issei, we'll talk about this later. Now, I need to speak with Koneko."

She turned to Koneko, who was visibly tense from the situation. "Koneko, come with me. We need to talk."

Grayfia also approached, ready to accompany Rias and Koneko inside the mansion. "I will join as well. We need to ensure everything is clarified."

As Rias, Koneko, and Grayfia headed inside the mansion, Issei remained in the training area, his expression determined as he prepared to resume his training.

Phenex Family Mansion

Riser appeared in a magic circle in the center of the main hall of the mansion. His elegant attire was impeccable, and his posture exuded confidence and authority. He looked around, taking in the familiar opulence of the mansion, before heading towards Ravel's room.

Entering the room, Riser found Ravel sitting in a large armchair, with a tablet in her hands. She was engrossed in her reading, but upon noticing her brother's presence, her face lit up with a radiant smile.

"Onii-sama!" exclaimed Ravel, quickly standing up and running to hug him.

Riser smiled slightly, returning his sister's embrace. "Ravel, I want to talk to you about something more interesting. We are ready for our trip to Tokyo, to the family business."

Ravel's eyes sparkled with excitement at Riser's words. "Really, Onii-sama? We're going to Tokyo? I can't wait! I'm so excited to see the city and visit the company!"

Riser nodded, observing his sister's genuine joy. "Yes, Ravel. We leave tomorrow. I want you to be ready and excited, as it will be a unique opportunity to learn more about the family business and have fun at the same time."

Ravel jumped with joy, her enthusiasm contagious. "I'll start preparing right now! I want everything to be perfect for our trip. Thank you, Onii-sama! You always know how to make me happy."

Riser laughed, satisfied with Ravel's reaction. "I'm glad you're so excited, Ravel. Take the time to rest and prepare. Tomorrow will be full of adventures."

Ravel nodded vigorously, already thinking about all the details of the trip. "Leave it to me, Onii-sama! I'll be ready and excited for our adventure in Tokyo."

As Ravel returned to her tablet to research the places she wanted to visit in Tokyo, Riser watched her excitement with a smile.

As Ravel returned to her focus on her tablet, Riser remained silent, watching his sister with a thoughtful look.

'Perfect. With this trip to Tokyo, I'll have the perfect alibi. While I'm away, Merlin can execute the plan without raising any suspicion. If everything goes as planned, Issei will be eliminated and the blame will fall on Diodora. It will be a brilliant and flawless move. No one will suspect me while I'm engaged in business and family activities.'

Riser allowed himself a slight smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction at the thought of the precision and effectiveness of the plan. He knew that everything needed to be executed perfectly, with no room for errors.

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