chapter [121]

Riser's Mansion in Kuoh

Riser rose from the armchair and crossed the hallway until he reached the staircase leading downstairs. As he descended the polished marble steps, he could hear the distant sound of the living room, where Merlin, his loyal bishop, was probably waiting for him.

Entering the spacious living room, Riser saw Merlin immediately rise from her seat on one of the sofas. The mage bowed slightly in respect as Riser entered.

"Riser-sama, it's good to see you," said Merlin with a cordial smile.

Riser returned Merlin's greeting with a nod of his head and a friendly smile. "It's good to see you too, Merlin. Where is Kuroka?"

Merlin sighed lightly, her tired gaze revealing a trace of irritation. "She's in her room, Riser-sama. Seems like she's bored again."

Riser nodded understandingly as they headed towards the sofas. "Ah, I see. I hope she hasn't been a bother to you, Merlin."

Merlin shook her head, a resigned expression crossing her face. "Well, to be honest, she can be a bit... unbearable at times, but I deal with it."

A soft laugh escaped Riser's lips as he settled comfortably on the sofa. "The dynamic between you two always amuses me, Merlin."

Merlin smiled faintly, despite her underlying irritation. "It's a challenging task, but I'm here to serve you, Riser-sama, regardless of the circumstances."

As they conversed, the sound of light footsteps echoed through the corridor, announcing Kuroka's arrival. She entered the room with a mischievous smile on her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"What are you two talking about, nya?" teased Kuroka, her voice dripping with amusement.

Riser cast a playful glance in Kuroka's direction. "We were just discussing how you've been misbehaving lately, my little naughty kitty."

"I haven't done anything wrong, nya," replied Kuroka with an innocent smile, as she approached Riser, throwing herself onto him and rubbing provocatively.

Merlin watched the scene with a disapproving expression, her eyes sparking with irritation. With a snap of her fingers, she used her magic to teleport Kuroka away from Riser.

"Merlin, you're no fun at all, nya," complained Kuroka as she appeared in another corner of the room, her mischievous smile still intact.

"Perhaps someone wants to go back to the Cube," suggested Merlin, addressing Kuroka with a suggestive look.

Kuroka's eyes lit up with excitement, and she ran towards Riser, clinging to his arm with a charming expression. "Why go to the Cube when I can have much more fun here, nya?"

Riser smiled at Kuroka, appreciating her infectious energy. However, he knew it was time to set boundaries.

"Kuroka, dear, I think it would be best if you went back to your room. You seem to be bored, and maybe it's better to rest for a bit," suggested Riser gently.

Kuroka pouted disappointedly but reluctantly nodded. "Alright, Riser-sama. I'll do that for you, nya."

With a theatrical sigh, Kuroka pulled away from Riser and began to make her way towards the exit of the room. Before she left completely, she turned to Riser and Merlin, gratitude shining in her eyes.

"Thank you, Riser. See you later, nya."

As Kuroka left the room, Riser exchanged a meaningful glance with Merlin, indicating that they were now alone. Merlin, in turn, turned her gaze to Riser with a more serious expression, ready to discuss more important matters.

"Merlin," began Riser, his voice taking on a tone of authority, "we need to discuss something important."

Merlin nodded, her posture demonstrating readiness to listen. "I'm at your disposal, Riser-sama. What is it about?"

Riser took a deep breath before continuing. "I've been thinking of petitioning for you the title of High-Class Devil."

A flicker of surprise passed through Merlin's eyes, but she silently agreed, her mind already working on the possibilities.

"If all goes well, you will receive the title on the same day I am promoted to Ultimate-Class Devil," explained Riser, his voice filled with confidence. "But for that, I'll need you to have a good individual performance during the next Rating Game."

Merlin nodded determinedly. "Understood, Riser-sama. You can count on me; I will dedicate myself completely to ensure that my performance is flawless."

Riser gracefully rose from the leather sofa, his movements fluid and elegant as he prepared to leave.

"For now, that's all, Merlin," he said firmly as he walked towards the center of the room.

Merlin, always calm and composed, bowed in a gesture of respect. "Understood, Riser-sama. I'll be prepared for when you need me again."

Without further words, Riser focused his magic and disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving behind only a faint breeze where he had been before.

The Phenex Family Mansion

Victorius sat in his luxurious office, a malicious smile playing on his lips as he dialed Diodora's number. Each digit pressed was one step closer to his final revenge plan against Riser.

Diodora answered the call, confusion evident in his voice as he tried to understand the reason for Victorius's unexpected contact.

"Victorius, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Diodora asked cautiously.

Victorius's smile widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes as he spoke with calculated malice. "Diodora, I've decided to apologize on behalf of Riser's behavior."

Diodora's expression darkened at the mention of Riser, his resentment bubbling just below the surface. The memory of Riser's humiliating slap on his face was still fresh in his mind.

"Apologies won't erase the humiliation I suffered at Riser's hands," Diodora retorted sharply.

Victorius's smile grew even more sinister, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Of course, Diodora. I understand your anger. That's why I've decided to offer you a gift as compensation."

Diodora hesitated, his pride warring with his desire for revenge. "I don't want anything from you, Victorius."

Victorius laughed darkly, knowing exactly how to push Diodora's buttons. "Not even Asia, hmm?"

Diodora fell silent, his emotions swirling tumultuously within him. The mere mention of Asia, a member of the Ravel nobility and Diodora's obsession, was enough to leave him speechless.

Ignoring Diodora's stunned silence, Victorius continued, his tone provocative. "That's what you wanted, isn't it? Well, I'm willing to hand her over to you."

Diodora's excitement was palpable as he demanded, "When will you hand her over to me?"

Victorius's smile turned predatory as he revealed his plan. "During Riser's next Rating Game."

Diodora's excitement was palpable as he demanded, "When will you hand her over to me?"

Victorius's smile turned predatory as he revealed his plan. "During Riser's next Rating Game."

Diodora's excitement was palpable as he demanded, "Promise me that you'll hand her over, and I'll accept your apologies."

"Consider it done," Victorius replied with satisfaction, his tone final as he bid farewell to Diodora and ended the call.

As he hung up the phone, Victorius's thoughts swirled with anticipation and triumph. "This is for you to learn to respect me, Riser."

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