A Deal and A Reprimand

Issei Hyoudo

Seekvaira took me to the Phenex estate with a single magic circle. The perks of being a heiress.

It was huge, spanning over several hundred acres. And there was a giant gold statue of the Phenex bird in front. 

We went up to the entrance and she told the guards, "Tell Lord Phenex that Seekvaira Agares is here, along with a guest."

We were guided to a waiting room while we waited for the 'family' to prepare to meet us.

"So, are you going to tell me something, Issei-sama?"

Hmm, how much should I tell her? Right now, she just an acquaintance who I'm trying to take advantage of.

"Well, long story short, there's actually another reason besides the bet for why I'm fighting Riser. And I don't want this fight to ruin my relationship with the Phenex Clan. After all, the magic of their tears is impossible to imitate."

 "I see. I understand. As the Red Dragon Emperor, you will be dragged into numerous conflicts. So having Phenex tears to rely on would be reassuring." She's smart, to not ask me about the reason. "By the way, I would appreciate if you could repay this favor by showing me your armor sometime."

"Don't worry, we both have each other's contact information now, so we'll stay in touch."

As I finished, Lord Phenex walked into the room, along with his daughter. Coincidentally, it was the little girl from Riser's peerage, so I guess she's his sister.

Upon seeing me, she flinched but held back her outburst. 

From there, I can't really describe what happened. Once I convinced Lord Phenex to have a private talk and told him that I was the leader of the Dragon faction, he quickly came around. 

He assured me that as long as I didn't humiliate Riser, my relationship with the Phenex Clan would stay amicable. In fact, he was very eager to do business with my faction. Perhaps there are some underlying factors like the relationship with the current Lucifer, who is very vocal about rejecting Riser as a partner for his sister. 

Naturally, the Gremory can't expect those factors to not influence his decision. Issei and the Phenex clan were now in cohorts, almost against the Gremory Clan. Neither of us liked the favoritism shown by the most influential Satan. 

Actually, one thing worth mentioning did indeed happen...

"What do you think about marrying my daughter?"

It was really difficult to reject his proposal without being flat out rude. I had no desire for Ravel Phenex, despite the political advantages it would bring. 

I'm a Dragon. 

A Dragon does what he wants, not what he needs.

The final deal we settled on was an initial payment of five Phenex tears, with the ability to request more. Ravel was going to be the ambassador for the clan, accompanying me back to Kuoh after the duel. Of course, in return I had to support them should a political situation arise, and leave the door open for a future marriage with either a member of my faction, or my children.

No one tell him that the future is uncertain, and I could easily decide to null our agreement. (lol)

...

Okay, I should have expected this.

But still, I was underestimating the power of a simple maid.

(A/N: A saying in my home country :- 'Never underestimate the power of a common man'.)

Grayfia was staring at me with a slight glare at the entrance of my now luxurious house.

"Where were you, Issei-sama?"

"Eh? Well, I had some business to attend to..." I turned my eyes away, because I knew I should've told her beforehand. 

"Business? Would this business be by chance related to your faction? Because as it stands, I am here only to overlook your actions. So if you attended faction business without me, that would mean violating your agreement with my Master."

I don't like that she's calling Lucifer as Master. 

With a growl, I replied. "I just went to visit my first wife. Do you have a problem with that?" It came out as a lot more hostile than I had intended, and made her trace her steps.

"N-No...I'm sorry." She bowed with her apology.

Haa...what am I doing? I ruined a chance to tease her because I got mad at her choice of words. 

"But, Issei-sama. Your fight with Riser Phenex is in 3 days. Shouldn't you start preparing?"

"Preparing? Oh dear Grayfia." I leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear. "Why would a Dragon need to prepare to step on an ant?"

Seemingly immune to my tactics, the Devil Queen took a step back and glossed over that part of the conversation.

"I have prepared some food for you, if you're hungry." I guess she's my live-in maid for now huh..."Issei-sama's mother tried to keep me from doing my duties, but I was able to persuade her."

"Oi."

Well, I guess Okaa-san feels that her role is being taken. 

After that, I went to say hello to everyone, except I couldn't find Raynare. 

Ah, whatever, I want to eat. I'll deal with the fallen angel tomorrow.

...

Updated Harem:

Valerie Lucifer (Female Vali)

Tiamat

Grayfia Lucifuge

Akeno Himejima (might remove)

Ingvild Leviathan

Lavinia Reni

Le Fay Pendragon

Kuroka

Raynare

Sona Sitri

Gabriel

Freyja (Norse)

Hephaestus (Greek)

Serafall Leviathan

Rossweise (Norse)

Latia Astaroth

Roygun Belphegor

Penemue (might remove)

Irini Shidou

Brynhildr (Norse)

...

Ophis is removed.

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