The Second Son, Risvel Phenex

"What the hell..."

I was shocked, if you couldn't tell.

Well, anyone would be in my situation, wouldn't they?

After all, being reincarnated is not something that happens everyday.

F*ck...

You know, it's cool when you think about getting reincarnated, but it's actually not when you get f*cked over like this...

How did I get f*cked over? Being born in DXD.

Trihexa, Old Satan Faction, Hero Faction, and basically Khaos Brigade in general.

There's just too many ways to die.

Especially if you are the second son of the Phenex family.

Even more if you hold a power unique to you and you alone.

At least I died peacefully in my sleep, did I not?

(Flashback)

I went to sleep, and died.

(End flashback)

I hope my previous family's doing fine without me. Especially my mother, who just lost a parent recently.

She's probably going to die of heartbreak.

I made a self-decrepitating smile for not being able to help me mother through her grief, and instead adding to it.

I was snapped out of my downward spiral of negativity when a maid interrupted me.

"Young master, the Lord called for you and your siblings to gather."

"I'll be there."

I dressed myself in the clothes prepared for me by the maids, and washed my face before heading to the study.

I met up with Ruval Phenex, my older brother, on the way to the study.

I decided to start a conversation with him because after all, he is my brother, even if our relationship wasn't the best prior to my reincarnation.

"What do you think father called us for, brother?"

He had a short pause before answering, "I believe that it is something related to our future sibling. I overheard mother talking with father about a new addition to the family."

"I see..."

This is when Riser Phenex will be born.

The rest of our walk to the study was in silence.

As we arrived, Ruval knocked on the door, awaiting permission to enter.

"Come in."

A deep, majestic voice sounded out from the study, and we followed its instructions.

"Good morning, Father."

Ruval and I greeted our father and similarly, he nodded at us, then beckoned us to take a seat.

We sat down next to each other, and Lord Phenex started the conversation.

"Ruval, Risvel. You know why I called you today, don't you?"

We shook our heads.

"I see.", he closed his eyes, "I called you to tell you news regarding our family."

I sat up a little bit straighter, understanding that this will be serious news.

"First, we will start the production of the 'Phoenix Tears' that Risvel suggested 2 decades earlier, and second, we will talk about the newest addition to our family, your younger brother."

Finally. Phoenix Tears will finally be produced.

"Considering the fact that Risvel suggested the idea, it is only right that he has 20% of the profit involved in this."

20% was a lot. In the original story, Phoenix Tears were a major source of income for the Marquis-ranked family.

Ruval accepted the fact fairly easily, but he was more curious about the second topic that we were summoned for.

"You said something about a new addition to our family, father?"

"That's correct. You will have a younger brother."

I was excited. In my previous life, I was the younger sibling.

Ruval was also excited, perhaps he want to have a better relationship with his newest sibling than with I? Our relationship is borderline that of indifference after all. Never addressing each other unless talked to directly.

To be honest, the only one that I have a good relationship with in this house would have to be Lady Phenex, my mother.

Lord Phenex gave us a moment to digest the news before dismissing us.

As I was walking out the door, Lord Phenex called for me.

"Risvel, stay with me. I have something to tell you."

I turned around and walked back to my seat.

'Why didn't you just dismiss Ruval only...'

"Yes, father?"

"The news regarding your powers are spreading. I cannot hold it back for much longer. Those hounds from the other families are trying to expose us."

I kept my silence for a while before replying, "Let them."

He rose an eyebrow at my words.

"You know what would happen if the news get out, don't you? You are essentially invincible, even more than us, with your mutated power. And you know how desirable mutations are throughout the 72 families."

"I'm aware, father."

"Then why?"

"I'm tired of being kept inside the castle and only going out at official events."

That was my excuse. Children want freedom after all.

Well, I'm not really a child, but you know, I'm one in devil age.

The real reason why I wanted to go out was to recruit notable people into my peerage.

I desire the strongests for my peerage.

Diehauser Belial, Seekvaira Agares, Arthur Pendragon, Le Fay Pendragon, Sun Wukong.

They are just a few people who I want in my peerage.

I'm most interested in Diehauser's 'Worthless' ability. After all, it nullified the Phenex's immortality back in the original material.

I need to study it.

My thoughts were torn away from me when Lord Phenex asked me a question.

"Did you hear my question?"

"I'm sorry. I was lost in my thoughts."

He smiled and asked the question again, "Do you have any plans regarding your peerage?"

Perfect. That was exactly what I'm thinking about.

"I do. I plan for my queen to be Diehauser Belial."

My father rose an eyebrow.

I was confused for a moment before realizing how my words sounded to others.

"No, I'm not interested in men. I just believe that the piece will fit him extremely well."

Homosexuality was not yet widely accepted in the Underworld, especially for pure-blood devils.

The reason for this is because devils already have a low fertility rate, even more so for pureblood devils. If you are born as a pure-blood, you are expected to continue your clan.

"Have you even met him yet?"

"I've met him a few times at the official gatherings. I've held a conversation with him at the gathering for Youth Devil Gathering."

"So? How do you feel about him?"

"I believe that we can get along well with each other."

Father sighed, "I'll trust in your judgement. Don't disappoint me, Risvel."

Of course, Father.

'Don't disappoint me either.' went unsaid in the room.

"May I go now?"

"You're dismissed. You can go out now, the news will be out sooner or later."

I nodded and left the study in a hurry, excited to go out.

I headed straight for the gates of the castle, standing before it.

With a loud creak, I pushed open the doors.