122 chapter [122]

Sitri family mansion

The impeccably dressed butler stood at the entrance of the Sitri family mansion, his posture erect and his expression impassive, displaying impeccable professionalism. Spotting Riser approaching, he inclined his head slightly in a sign of respect.

"Master Riser, please, come in," he said, his voice smooth and controlled.

Riser casually nodded in response to the butler's gesture, following him through the adorned corridors of the mansion. The muffled sounds of their footsteps echoed through the majestic space as he made his way to the living room, where he knew he would find his wife and mother-in-law.

As he entered the living room, Riser was greeted with a warm smile from Sona, who was elegantly seated on a velvet sofa. Beside her, Lady Octavia observed the scene with a serene expression.

"Hello, darling," Riser greeted Sona, addressing her with a gentle smile. "It's good to see you well, Lady Octavia."

Sona returned Riser's smile, while Lady Octavia watched with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Riser, you never visit us," complained Lady Octavia with a cute pout, her eyes shining with a hint of playfulness.

Riser sighed lightly, acknowledging the accusation with a resigned smile. "I know, Lady Octavia. I promise I'll make more time for visits."

As they conversed, Riser noticed that something was missing in the living room.

"By the way, is Sera-chan home?" he asked, looking around for his wife's sister.

Sona nodded with a smile. "Yes, she's in her room. Do you want me to call her?"

Riser thanked his wife but shook his head. "Don't worry, I'll go there myself. I need to talk to her alone."

Understandingly, Sona nodded, rising gracefully from the sofa. "Of course, dear. I'll accompany you to Serafall's door."

As they headed to the hallway, Sona stayed by Riser's side, her comforting presence next to him.

Upon reaching Serafall's room door, Sona stopped, preparing to momentarily bid farewell.

"Good luck, dear. I'm here if you need me," Sona said with a reassuring smile.

Riser nodded, grateful for his wife's comforting presence. "Thank you, Sona. I'll call you if I need anything."

With a final nod, Sona stepped back, allowing Riser to approach the door. He raised his hand to knock on the polished wood, a sharp sound echoing through the hallway.

Knock, knock, knock.

"You may come in!" Serafall's voice sounded from the other side of the door, her tone childish and excited.

Riser carefully opened the door, revealing Serafall's room interior, which was decorated in soft and cozy tones. Serafall was sitting on her bed, her eyes shining with excitement as she saw her brother-in-law.

"Riser-chan!" she exclaimed, jumping from the bed with enthusiasm and running to hug him.

Riser chuckled softly, welcoming Serafall's warm hug. "Hello, Sera-chan. How are you?"

Serafall pulled back, her eyes gleaming with joy as she looked at Riser. "I'm great, Riser-chan! What are you doing here?"

"Sera-chan, I need your help with something important," Riser began, his voice assuming a seriousness that made Serafall lose some of her usual childish demeanor.

She nodded, silently indicating for Riser to stay quiet while she used magic. With a graceful gesture, she invoked a sound barrier around the room, ensuring that no one outside could hear their conversation.

With the barrier in place, Serafall turned her attention to Riser, her eyes expressing caution and interest. "So, Riser-chan, what's this about? Does it have something to do with Ophis?"

"Actually, it has nothing to do with Ophis this time, Sera-chan," he began, leading her to the bed and inviting her to sit beside him. "It's about a small favor I'd like to ask of you."

Serafall tilted her head curiously, her eyes shining with interest as she settled on the bed next to Riser.

"A favor? Of course, Riser-chan. I'm here to help with whatever you need," she replied sincerely, her expression showing her genuine desire to be of assistance.

"I want you to help Merlin get promoted to High-Class Devil," Riser explained, watching Serafall's reaction closely.

Serafall raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised by the request. "Merlin? The mage from your Peerage?"

Riser nodded, confirming Merlin's identity. "Yes, exactly."

Serafall seemed contemplative for a moment, her eyes assessing Riser with interest as he made his unusual request.

"Well, considering the frightening amount of mana she possesses, I think she really deserves to be promoted," she pondered, her voice reflecting her admiration for Merlin's ability.

Riser smiled, grateful for Serafall's approval. "She is indeed a talented mage, no doubt."

Serafall raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued. "Where did you find someone so powerful?"

Riser scratched his neck, trying to evade the question. "Ah, she came recommended by a friend. You know how it is."

Serafall gave him a sharp look, her questioning expression revealing that she wasn't willing to let the subject drop so easily. "Are you trying to change the subject, Riser-chan?"

Riser sighed, knowing he couldn't escape his sister-in-law's shrewdness. "Well, maybe a little. But what matters is whether you'll help or not."

Serafall gave a mischievous smile, her expression softening as she agreed. "Of course, I'll help, Riser-chan. But I hope in the future you'll have more trust in me."

Riser nodded in agreement. "Understood, Sera-chan. I'll work on that."

Serafall nodded, satisfied with Riser's response. "Then, I promise to promote her on the same day you promote yourself after the next Rating Game."

Riser smiled, acknowledging Serafall's generosity. "That would be perfect. Thank you, Sera-chan."

Riser smiled at Serafall, appreciating her willingness to help. Before he could say anything else, Serafall quickly stepped forward, interrupting him with an unexpected suggestion.

"Riser-chan, why don't you stay a little longer and talk to Mom? While I talk to Sona-chan," she suggested, with a smile full of expectations.

Riser was surprised by Serafall's initiative but couldn't help but smile at her consideration. "Sure, Sera-chan. I'll take the opportunity."

With a farewell wave, Serafall headed to the living room, leaving Riser alone in the room. He followed closely, admiring how she took care of her sister.

Entering the living room, Riser found Lady Octavia sitting in a comfortable armchair, her imposing presence filling the space with an aura of dignity. She looked at Riser with interest, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Hello, Lady Octavia. I hope I'm not intruding," greeted Riser, his voice polished and respectful.

Lady Octavia smiled gently at him, her keen gaze carefully assessing him. "Don't worry, my son. You're never an intrusion. Please, sit down."

Riser nodded and settled into a nearby chair, preparing for the conversation to come.

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