chapter [119]

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

In a luxurious bathroom, Yubelluna rests serenely on one side of the bathtub, while Riser relaxes on the other side. Between them, Akeno is positioned in the middle of Riser's legs, holding a cellphone.

Riser observed silently, his mind divided between the comfort of the bath and the growing curiosity about Akeno's conversation.

"How did Issei fall into a coma?" Akeno asked, her concern palpable even through the phone line.

The question hung in the air, causing Riser and Yubelluna to turn to Akeno, curious to hear Rias's response on the other end of the line.

"The heart exchange," Rias finally responded, her voice heavy with sadness. "Issei sacrificed his human heart for that of a dragon to protect us."

Riser frowned, processing the information.

As Riser pondered what he had just heard, an idea began to form in his mind. He considered the possibility that fate was playing an important role in Issei's situation, as if orchestrating events to strengthen the boy and bring him closer to Rias.

"Fate has strange ways of acting," Riser murmured to himself, his suspicions intensifying. He looked at Akeno, his expression concealing the turbulent emotions boiling within him.

Meanwhile, Akeno continued the conversation with Rias, expressing her solidarity and support for her friend in her moment of difficulty.

Yubelluna, on the other hand, remained oblivious to the conversation, indulging in the pure pleasure of relaxing in the bathtub. Her thoughts wandered afar as she allowed herself to sink even deeper into the tranquility of the present moment.

Meanwhile, in Rias's room, Venelana gently knocked on the door, interrupting the young woman's thoughts. "Rias, dear, do you have a moment?" Venelana called, her gentle voice echoing through the room.

Rias closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as she tried to gather her strength to face the conversation that would come. She looked at her cellphone, knowing she would have to end the call with Akeno to speak with her mother.

"Akeno, I need to hang up now," Rias said with a heavy sigh, her voice reflecting the emotional turmoil she was facing.

Returning to Akeno, who heard the entire conversation between mother and daughter over the cellphone. "It's okay, Rias. I'll be here when you need me," she replied gently.

With the call ended, the bathroom was filled with silence, broken only by the gentle sound of the bathwater.

"Akeno, why did you have to answer the phone now? We're trying to relax here," Yubelluna complained, her voice laden with irritation.

Akeno, feeling guilty for the interruption, lowered her eyes, sinking even further into the bathwater. "I'm sorry, Yubelluna. I didn't mean to spoil our moment of relaxation. But I thought it might be something important."

Yubelluna huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "If you hadn't brought the cellphone into the bathroom, you wouldn't have to worry about that."

Akeno sighed, understanding Yubelluna's frustration but also feeling justified in her decision. "You know that something urgent could happen at any moment, Yubelluna. I was just being cautious."

"You were talking about the worm?" Yubelluna asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

Akeno furrowed her brow, confused by Yubelluna's sudden hostility. "What worm are you referring to, Yubelluna?"

"I'm talking about the worm who's in a coma," Yubelluna replied casually.

Akeno raised an eyebrow, trying to understand the implication behind Yubelluna's words. "Are you referring to Issei?"

Yubelluna nodded, a satisfied smile curling her lips. "Exactly. The worm who dared to challenge Riser-sama and suffered the consequences."

Akeno, though genuinely concerned for Issei, felt a malicious smile creep onto Yubelluna's lips when she mentioned his name. She realized Yubelluna's game and chose not to defend Issei, avoiding feeding into the possible discord Yubelluna wanted to cause.

"Don't you have anything to say in defense of your... friend?" Yubelluna taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She hoped Akeno would fall into the trap and confront Riser, thus creating a rift in their relationship.

Akeno swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of Yubelluna's gaze on her. She knew that any words she said could be misconstrued and could further fuel Yubelluna's game.

Riser, oblivious to the tension between Yubelluna and Akeno, relaxed in the bathtub, making slow, tranquil movements. He was immersed in his own thoughts, distant from the concerns involving the girls.

"All I wanted was for Issei to wake up so he could help Rias," Akeno murmured, her voice heavy with sorrow. She looked to Riser, seeking any sign of compassion or understanding on his face.

Riser remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, his mind immersed in distant thoughts. He showed no interest in the conversation between Akeno and Yubelluna, his attention focused on issues that seemed more pressing in his mind.

Yubelluna, meanwhile, watched the interaction between Akeno and Riser with a satisfied smile, her eyes gleaming with a malicious glint.

"Enough," Riser said, his voice firm and authoritative, without any hint of irritation. He wasn't interested in the argument between the two women; he just wanted peace restored.

Akeno nodded with a grateful smile, relieved by Riser's intervention. She knew there were still unresolved issues between her and Yubelluna, but for now, she was content to set that aside and enjoy the moment of tranquility with Riser.

Yubelluna cast one last suspicious glance at Riser and Akeno before finally relaxing into her position in the bathtub. She knew she had lost this battle but was determined to find another opportunity to cause trouble between them.

Meanwhile, Riser closed his eyes once more, allowing himself to sink even deeper into the warm water of the bathtub. He knew that tensions between Yubelluna and Akeno wouldn't disappear so easily, but for now, he was determined to enjoy the moment of peace with those dear to him.

Phenex Mansion

Ravel's Room

Victorius remained silent, listening attentively to Ravel's words. His face was an impenetrable mask of seriousness as he absorbed every detail of the story she told about the incident with Diodora and Riser's intervention to protect her.

When Ravel finally finished speaking, silence hung in the air for a moment as Victorius processed the information he had just received.

Finally, Victorius broke the silence with a single question, his voice calm and controlled. "Who is Asia?"

Ravel smiled radiantly as she spoke about her friend, her expression illuminated by the memory of shared moments. "Asia is a dear friend. She was part of the Peerage Riser gave me as a gift. She's kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others. She's like a sister to me."

A malicious smile curved Victorius's lips when he heard that Asia was a gift from Riser to Ravel. It was as if another piece of the puzzle was fitting into place in his mind, revealing a clearer picture of what was happening behind the scenes.

"So, Diodora wanted Asia for himself," Victorius murmured to himself, his mind calculating the possibilities.

Before Ravel could continue talking about Asia, Victorius raised a hand to interrupt her, his authoritative gesture immediately silencing any words she might have had.

"Enough, Ravel," Victorius ordered, his voice firm and unwavering. He was satisfied with the information he had received, but he also knew he needed to ponder what to do next.

Ravel obediently nodded, her expression containing a mixture of relief and apprehension at her father's reaction.

Victorius turned to leave the room, his steps steady and determined echoing through the room. He left Ravel alone, immersed in her own thoughts and concerns, as he headed toward his next destination with a clear mission in mind.

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