162 It's too late

When the name of this person fell, all of a sudden, everything came to a standstill. 

No one dared to say anything as they thought Azazel was crazy. 

From how Riser praised Raynare, it was easy to tell that he loathed and disgusted the existence known as Issei Hyoudo, yet Azazel still dared to say it.

If this wasn't idiocy, what was it?

Azazel was also nervous, but the choice had been made, and it was impossible to change it. Moreover, everyone also agreed that Issei Hyoudo was the best tool. 

While it might be possible for them to defeat the Khaos Brigade by themselves, it would have a different meaning if it was either a certain famous individual among the fallen angels, angels, or devils who would move as it would give either faction a bigger dominance within the alliance. 

This alliance needs to be in the same position. 

Everyone was equal. 

Frankly, Azazel knew that they were betting, especially when Issei had lost several times. Moreover, Issei's conduct, personality, and words during the attack of Kokabiel and Vali had disappointed him so much, but as Sirzech had recommended Issei, he decided to believe in Issei. 

Yet, there was no way for him to say that, especially when Azazel knew how horrible the relationship between Riser and Sizerch was. 

However, at the same time, Azazel knew there was no other suitable person than Issei. 

No, there were many, especially whether within the angels or fallen angels, there was a Longinus holder. 

Still, Issei was the main candidate as he was part of the Gremory house, the initiator of this peace alliance. 

This time, Azazel didn't hide anything and told Riser everything. After all, sooner or later, everything would be known by Riser. Even if they tried to hide it, Riser would quickly grasp everything. Instead of hiding it, he felt it was better to tell everything so he might get a good impression from Riser. 

"For this decision, what do you think?" Riser asked Azazel. 

Azazel was stunned by this question, but then he saw Riser was really asking his opinion. Nevertheless, due to this, his opinion about Riser kept changing, which made an individual known as Riser Phenex extremely complex, yet also simple. 

"If I have to say, this decision is too hasty. We, the three factions, have our own Longinus holders. The devils, angels, and fallen angels have someone who can become the representative, so I can't say that it is good to rely on the devil's side all the time, but whether the Red Dragon Emperor or the White Dragon Emperor, there is something special about them." 

Azazel talked fluently, but Riser suddenly said, "So, you won't kill Vali?" 

"...." 

Azazel fell in silence and could feel all the gazes on him, waiting for his answer, but could he answer this question? 

"Cough! Cough! How about I tell you about something special about the dragon?" 

"What's so special about the dragon?" 

"They have the power to attract trouble." 

"....."

Riser fell in silence, then asked, "So, you use this power to attract the Khaos Brigade?" 

"Yes." Azazel shamelessly said so. 

"..." 

Riser fell into silence again and suddenly realized their difficulty. Unlike him, who had a "Location" ability that could locate anything or anyone he wished to be, there was no such a convenient ability among the three factions. Even God in the bible didn't have such a power. 

If they wanted to locate the Khaos Brigade, they could only wait until this organization attacked. 

In other words, they lacked the initiative, but they might as well have waited until the crisis happened as they wished for peace, so a powerful enemy was needed to become a lubricant to smooth their relationship. 

Nevertheless, the reason why Azazel recommended Issei instead of Vali was obvious, right?

However, Riser felt that this was good. 

He could feel many things happening in the future, but the bigger the trouble was, the bigger his chance was. 

"Okay, I will go back now." 

"Eh? Are you going back?" 

"You don't want me to leave?" 

"No, no, if you wish to leave, then I won't stop you." 

"You don't want me to stay?" 

"...can you not tease me?" Azazel was helpless. 

Riser only rolled his eyes. "Who is going to tease a greasy uncle like you? I might as well tease the three of them instead of you." 

"....." Azazel. 

Nevertheless, Riser's words caused them to chuckle and eased the atmosphere. 

"By the way, I will take home the three Vritra Sacred Gears and Twice Critical with me." 

As Grigori had researched many Sacred Gears and even obsessed with them, they had collected many Sacred Gears. 

Not only did Riser get all the important data, but he also got four Sacred Gears, which made this trip worth it. 

However, Azazel was surprised. 

"Eh? Only those things?" 

Grigori had many collections of Sacred Gears, yet Riser only took a few of them, which surprised Azazel. 

While it might be surprising due to Riser's ruthless appearance, Azazel knew that Riser also loved to do research. 

Frankly, Azazel wished to do some research on Riser's spear that Riser used to kill Sirzech previously, but he knew he had worked so long to test him, and if he pressed him even further, testing him, then even he was able to bear the consequences. 

"You want me to take all of those Sacred Gears?" 

"Ah, um..." Azazel became awkward, but when he saw Riser's smile, he knew that this guy teased him again. His lips twitched, and he thought that this guy really had a bad hobby. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Say, are you going to the meeting of the three factions in Kuoh Town?" 

"No." 

There was no trace of hesitation in Riser's voice. 

"Oh? Why?" Azazel was surprised since he thought with Riser's character, Riser was going to participate even if Riser wasn't invited. Still, if that was the case, there was something that he needed to change. 

"I am afraid that I might kill all of you there." 

"..." Azazel. 

"...you-you are joking, right?" 

Riser didn't say anything, ignored Azazel, and was prepared to go back. He patted the buttocks of the three women. "It's a bit hard for me to stand up like this."

"You are not going to stay, Riser-sama?" Raynare asked sadly. Frankly, she knew with her current identity, she could only live in hiding, but she knew if Riser took a fancy to her, she would gain freedom, which was something she looked forward to. 

"Probably in the future. I have someone waiting for me." 

If they had slept, then whether it was Raynare, Mittelt, or Kalawarna, they might have been able to sigh in relief, but it seemed they were unable to do it, which made them slightly disappointed and also jealous, wondering who could make such a cold, and ruthless man to show such a warm and gentle expression. 

This was the case with everyone, as it might be the genuine emotion Riser showed everyone as he always appeared cold and calm. 

Azazel thought that person was Riser's wife as he knew the reason why Riser took Vritra Sacred Gears was due to his wife's peerage member being the holder of Vritra Sacred Gear. Nevertheless, he knew that Riser wasn't a bad guy, and it was also due to this that he couldn't help but say, "Say, Riser, can you just forgive everyone?" 

"...." Everyone. 

"Whether it is Sirzech, Issei Hyoudou, Tannin, and all the others, can you just forgive them like how we, the fallen angels, have decided to embark on peace even though we hate the devils and the angels so much?

"I know that this is unacceptable, and even many of my races will hate me due to this decision to have peace with the races that we have been fighting. 

"Yet, unlike us and everyone who has lost many, including our loved ones. 

"There is still room for redemption among you. 

"Even I can't bear to watch you keep this meaningless fight.

"Instead of spending your time in hatred, fighting, and crappy animosity, isn't it better to live in peace?

"Peace is nice, you know? You can love anyone and be with anyone you wish to be. You can even create a harem with fallen angels, angels, and many other races from the other pantheons, so—" 

"It's too late." 

Riser cut Azazel's words. 

If Riser had a "Good Guy System," then he might have thought about it, but what did he get "Villain System," then his path was already doomed. 

No, if he wanted to, he could take a different path. 

Yet, he knew in this world, the only way for him to have a comfortable life was either to become the follower of the protagonist or the villain in front of the protagonist. 

Still, if he became the follower, he would lose everything, including the woman he loved, so everything was too late. 

"Moreover, you shouldn't tell me those things. Instead of me, you should ask the others as it isn't me who provokes the others." 

Leaving those words, Riser transformed into the phoenix and left the Grigori without looking back.

"...." 

Azazel fell into silence again, realizing how hypocritical he was. He could say all of those things to Riser, yet could he say those words to the others who had provoked him?

Yet, he knew, for peace, he had to try since knowing the price of messing up with Riser wasn't something that anyone could pay, but then he realized something!

"Wa-Wait! Wait a moment, Riser-sama! Take the curse on my body away!" 

After all, with a grain-like size, what could he do?

Peace aside, Azazel wanted his average size to return! 

At the same time, he ordered all of his subordinates to kill all the spies as this news wouldn't be known to anyone.