Chapter [149]

The eternal night of the underworld continued, shrouded in its mysterious and tranquil atmosphere. In Riser's mansion, the environment was as luxurious as ever, with the soft lighting from lamps and candles creating a sense of comfort and opulence.

Riser and Sona were in the sumptuous dining room, where a varied and luxurious breakfast had been prepared. The table was filled with fresh fruits, breads, cheeses, and other delicacies, despite the constant darkness of the underworld.

Riser, always confident, was reading some updates on his tablet while savoring a glass of morning wine. Sona, on the other hand, was focused on a document, planning the day's activities.

"Did you read about the public's reaction to the duel?" Riser asked casually, without taking his eyes off the tablet.

Sona looked up, noticing Riser's interest in the subject. "Yes, I saw. It seems the news spread like wildfire. Everyone is eager to see what will happen."

Riser smiled. "Of course they are. Drama and conflict always attract attention. And we're here, watching it all from the front row."

Sona looked at Riser with a slightly exasperated expression. "You're enjoying all this, aren't you?"

Riser gave an ironic smile. "Of course I am. This whole drama reminds me of what I went through with Rias. Or have you forgotten?"

Sona sighed and responded in a calm but firm voice. "Sorry, Riser. But you are the head of the Phenex family and a Supreme Class Devil. You should have gotten over all that by now."

Riser gave an ironic smile. "I have gotten over it, Sona. But that doesn't stop me from finding all this drama amusing."

Sona shook her head, though a slight smile formed on her lips. "I guess there's no changing that about you. Just try not to provoke too much, alright?"

Riser raised his glass of wine in a toast. "I promise to behave... to a certain extent."

Meanwhile, the soft sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, announcing the arrival of Ravel, who entered the room with an excited smile. "Good morning, Onii-sama, Sona-nee. I have more interesting updates for you."

Riser looked at his sister with curiosity. "What's it now, Ravel?"

She handed the tablet to Riser, highlighting some recent headlines and comments. "It seems the speculations about the duel are getting more intense. Some think Issei will win, while others are betting on Diodora. And there are even some theories about possible external interference."

Riser laughed, shaking his head. "People's imagination knows no bounds. Let's see how this unfolds."

Time Skip

Riser's Mansion in Kuoh

In the spacious living room, Riser was sitting on a sofa. Kuroka was in a nearby armchair, her feline eyes gleaming with expectation. Merlin was standing.

"Kuroka, I understand your desire to join my Peerage," Riser said, his voice firm but gentle. "However, my Peerage is complete. Merlin is an exceptional mage, and adding you to her Peerage will be extremely valuable for all of us."

Kuroka, with a pleading look, began to beg. "Please, Riser-sama, I really want to be in your Peerage, nya. I can be very useful to you, nya."

Riser sighed.

"Kuroka, as I said, my Peerage is already complete. Merlin, however, can include you in her Peerage, and you will be a powerful addition to us."

Merlin, observing the scene, crossed her arms and let out an impatient sigh. "Kuroka, let's get on with this. I have other matters to attend to."

Kuroka, though disappointed, nodded. "Alright, Riser-sama. I'll join Merlin-sama's Peerage, nya."

Merlin stepped forward, relieved that the decision had finally been made. "Great, Kuroka. Let's start the ritual immediately."

Merlin took out a crystal box and placed it on the table. Then, she removed an Evil Piece, the Rook, intended for Kuroka. She began chanting ancient words in a mystical language, and the living room was filled with an ethereal light and a palpable sense of power.

Kuroka stood up and positioned herself in front of Merlin, closing her eyes and focusing on the energy around her. Merlin raised the Evil Piece and placed it gently on Kuroka's chest, who felt the magic flowing through her body.

The crystal's light intensified, enveloping Kuroka in a brilliant aura. The magical energy seemed to pulse, connecting Kuroka to Merlin's Peerage in a deep and irrevocable way. The sensation of power growing within her was unmistakable.

After a few moments, the light began to fade, and Kuroka opened her eyes, now officially part of Merlin's Peerage.

After the ritual, Kuroka took a deep breath, feeling the new connection with Merlin and the sense of renewed power in her body. Merlin, satisfied with the success of the ritual, nodded at Kuroka.

"Welcome to my Peerage, Kuroka. I'm sure you will be a valuable addition," Merlin said with a tone of authority, but also with a slight smile of acceptance.

Kuroka smiled back, pleased to finally be part of a powerful Peerage. "Thank you, Merlin-sama. I'll do my best to be useful."

Riser watched the interaction with interest, a satisfied smile on his face. "That was well handled, Merlin. Kuroka, enjoy this new phase and show your worth."

"I will, Riser-sama, nya."

Merlin put away the crystal box and the remaining Evil Pieces, turning her attention back to Riser. "Now that this is settled, what's the next step, Riser-sama?"

"Yes, Merlin. We have to eliminate a certain someone who has been a thorn in my side for far too long."

Kuroka, now officially part of Merlin's Peerage, frowned, interested. "Who are we talking about, nya?"

Riser stood up from the sofa, his expression becoming more serious. "We're talking about Issei Hyoudou. He has been a thorn in my side since the incident with Rias. And now, with the imminent duel, we have the perfect opportunity to resolve this once and for all."

Kuroka tilted her head, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You want us to interfere in the duel, nya?"

"No, I will eliminate him personally, but the question is who will take the blame."

Merlin smiled, understanding Riser's intention. "So, we're talking about a plan to make it seem like someone else is behind this."

Riser nodded. "Exactly. We can't leave any traces linking us to the incident. We need a scapegoat."

Kuroka, with a mischievous smile, added: "This is going to be fun, nya. Who do you have in mind to take the blame, Riser-sama?"

Riser smiled darkly. "Diodora Astaroth. He is the perfect choice for our plan."

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