Chapter 1

Underworld, Phenex Mansion

"Hey, Yubelluna, how long has Master Riser been in the bath?" Karlamine asked.

Yubelluna shrugged. "It's been two hours already. It's odd that he didn't invite any of us in."

"Do you think everything is alright?"

"I hope so," she replied.

Inside the bathroom, Riser lay with his head resting on the side of the bathtub, eyes closed.

(Riser Phenex POV)

FUCK!

Riser Phenex, the third son of the Phenex family. Absurdly rich, with a harem of 14 women and a wealthy fiancée from a powerful family.

So why am I groaning in the bathtub? Well, because I am also a third-rate villain. Despite my strong start, I lost to the 'protagonists' who came from perverted yet humble beginnings. He swooped in like a dragon, saved Rias, and made her a member of their harem. Maybe Rias accepted that considering their relationship, she would always be in control.

Snorting at the thought, I re-evaluated the plot. I came to the conclusion that the person I hate most in the world is the FUCKING Sirzech Lucifer. That fucker could have gotten his sister out of the marriage, but instead hid behind the excuse, "I am Satan; I can't affect family politics." But what did he do? He allowed the rating game, then let Grayfia bring issues to the Underworld. He disrespected the Phenex family, damaged our image, and manipulated the gullible Riser into agreeing to the "Dragon vs. Phenex" fight. He even casually allowed Issei to get away with the "I will take Buchou's virginity" comment. From my memories, I know that if I or any other devil tried that, we would be punished. Hell, even online comments could get us in trouble, where Serfall wouldn't even bat an eye if someone made a lewd comment about her.

Fuck. I just wanted to tie that FUCKER and bang his frigid wife in front of him and then piss in his decapitated head.

Fucking Hypocrite.

*Ssssss*

Noticing the steam rising, I took a deep breath, pulling back my flames which I had unconsciously released in anger, causing the water to boil.

I can't even beg my father to annul the engagement. From Riser's memory, I understand why he was so insistent on this marriage. My elder brother is the heir and a top-ten rating game champion. And my second brother runs a large entertainment company, which leaves me as the spare. What have I contributed to the house? Nothing. Thus, my marriage to Rias is meant to be my contribution to the family.

In canon, when Riser lost, Ravel was sent to Issei as my replacement. She became a part of Issei's harem and developed a sisterly bond with Rias, which strengthened the relationship between the two houses even in the future, which might have resulted in the birth of a child who might be half phoenix and dragon.

So, what's my next move?

To gain enough strength and influence that my father relents. The solution? Become the rating game champion by dethroning the current champion, Diehauser.

My rating is currently 7-2, and those two losses were orchestrated by my father to show respect to our allied families. Most of the underworld knows this, so in their eyes, I might as well be 7-0— the Money Riser Phenex. (kek)

"I am pretty sure most of my peerage is pathetic, except for maybe Yubelluna. Even she is just a strong middle-class devil."

"Even if I start training them, it will take years for them to become strong. And I know the canon event is only three or four months away.

So, all I can do is trade my peerage members with my sister and get stronger members. But who do I choose? All the good ones who can think are already part of organizations or teams, or they're even old enough to think rationally and won't join me. So, who should I pick?"

HMMM

DXD, DXD. DXD DXD.

Shit, then it hit me, "Hahaha."

Issie.

"I started cackling madly. Issei is the only one who could be added to my peerage. He's naive enough, but I'm not a woman. Would he agree?

It would be a win-win for me. My Phenex house would gain prestige. I would have a protagonist at my beck and call who can fight and grow at an impressive rate, ready to combat threats like Trihexa, Rizevim Livan Lucifer, Loki, Hero Faction, and most importantly, those guys from the other world who once defeated Great Red.

But, sigh

Do I want to become friends with someone whom all women fall for? Especially the attractive ones who would find his naive, self-sacrificing personality endearing?

Nah, man!

I'd easily get jealous and try to sabotage him, which would ruin my relationship with him.

Fuck my deep shallow, and selfish personality that only prioritizes my happiness above others. I should be in hell, nevermind I am in hell.

I mused, wishing he was a female. Red Dragon Empress.

Can I change his gender?

Wait, didn't Azazel have a gender-bending gun? Jumping from the bath, I quickly got ready to meet my father.

Making my way to where my father sits, I prepare what to say to him, ensuring it aligns with how the usual Riser acts when he desires something he can't obtain. But did I really need to go to my father for this matter?

Well, yes. How else am I going to trade something with Azazel? With Phoenix tears? Haha, my father would have my head if I ever did something that jeopardized the family's interests. Most of all, the regulation of Phoenix tears is strictly enforced. Every transaction goes through with the approval of the family head.

I can't just whimsically take my teardrops and sell them. It's a ritual done that uses our family magic to impart our immortality onto our tears. It's a lengthy process that only the family head knows. If it was as simple as forcing oneself to cry to produce Phoenix tears, anyone could kidnap a member of the Phoenix family and start their own illegal business. Even now, the tears that appear on the market are ones that people buy from us and attempt to resell.

More importantly, I don't want to deal with Azazel. He might even become curious about why I'm asking for the gun and then try to secretly spy on me. This could lead him to discover my plan since he already has fallen angels keeping an eye on Issei.

Moreover, the guy is as old as heaven itself. Who knows what goes on in his mind? Heck, I don't even trust my new father or mother. They're at least 1500 years old. I can't outsmart them; they have far too much experience over me. It's best to come clean and just say I need the ray gun because I want a guy in my harem, but I want that guy to be a girl.

Hell, even my dad has an effeminate-looking guy in his harem, so hopefully, he won't delve too deeply into this.