"Y-You… who are you really?" Riser's tone changed. He looked frightened and wary as he stared at Issei.
"My name is Hyoudou Issei. Rias Gremory's pawn, her lover, and the owner of the Boosted Gear."
"Boosted Gear?!" Riser turned to stare straight at Rias.
Rias nodded with a calm expression.
"Now do you understand? Issei is better than you."
Riser stood up straight, scolding Rias in irritation.
"As a member of the 72 Pillars, you shouldn't fall in love with a low-class devil, especially a reincarnated devil like this man!"
"So what? Issei is better than you. You won't be able to change that fact."
"Hoo, then I challenge him to a duel! If I win, we'll get married. But if I lose, I will give up on our engagement!"
Rias wanted to answer, but Issei spoke first.
"I accept your challenge. When and where our duel is held is up to you."
"You arrogant brat! The duel will be held in the Underworld. I will invite the Devil King as a witness to the duel!"
Riser turned around with Yubelluna, returning to the Underworld through a teleportation magic circle.
After Riser's group left, everyone's gaze shifted to Issei.
"There's no need to worry. He's not an opponent worth paying attention to."
Almost everyone smiled, but there was one person who couldn't smile right now—who else but Rias?
Issei moved closer until his body pressed against Rias.
"Senpai, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry for getting you involved this far."
"I volunteered, Senpai. You don't need to feel guilty."
"You're right, but—"
"In that case, instead of feeling guilty, why not give me a reward after I defeat Riser?"
"A reward? What do you want?"
Issei stared at Rias's perfect curves.
Rias understood immediately. She leaned in and whispered near Issei's ear.
"If you can defeat Riser, I'll give you my heart and my body."
Thump! Thump!
Rias's whisper successfully ignited Issei's fighting spirit.
"Promise?"
Rias nodded, her cheeks flushed.
"Alright. Now I feel even more energized."
If you ask me, seven days isn't a short amount of time, but it's not long either.
During the past seven days, Issei went about his life as usual—going to school, fulfilling client requests as a devil, playing with his three slaves, and interacting with the members of Rias's Peerage.
Issei also chatted with Kiba often, not because Issei particularly liked it, but because he felt like he needed a sane male friend like Kiba.
Matsuda and Motohama were far from sane, so it was a bit difficult to keep spending time with them.
Because of that, Issei chose to be friends with Kiba. Oh right, Issei also had plans to befriend Saji, but not now.
"The time has come. Are you okay?" Rias asked.
Issei nodded gently in response.
"So we're going to the Underworld using teleportation magic?"
"No, there will be an exclusive pickup for us," Rias replied.
"Hm." Issei already knew what that was, so he wasn't too interested.
"Ara~ ara~ it's been a long time since I last visited the Underworld." Akeno smiled faintly, her eyes narrowing, making her look mysterious and dangerous.
Koneko nodded in agreement, but her expression didn't look excited at all.
Kiba stood in front of the clubroom window, his back looking lonely, like someone carrying a mountain of burden all by himself.
'Kiba's story was quite tragic in the original story. If there's a chance, I'll help him get his revenge.'
After waiting a while, the train that would take them to the Underworld arrived.
They immediately boarded and departed for the Underworld at high speed.
…
The Gremory Family residence.
Sirzechs Lucifer sat facing his father, Zeoticus Gremory.
"What do you think about this duel, Father?" Sirzechs asked, staring directly at Zeoticus Gremory.
"Hah, I only hope the best for Rias. It seems she strongly opposes her engagement to Riser. It's my fault for deciding it on my own without asking for her opinion."
"... Father is indeed at fault, but it's too late to regret it now."
"You're right. I only hope that the one representing Rias can defeat Riser."
"As for that... he might truly be able to," Sirzechs Lucifer explained.
"Hoo?" Zeoticus Gremory showed an intrigued expression, looking straight at Sirzechs Lucifer.
"Don't be surprised. That person is the owner of the Boosted Gear in this era. Not only that, he managed to reach Balance Breaker before being reincarnated into a devil."
"What did you say? That's incredible. But why would he be willing to join Rias's Peerage?"
"As for that... it seems he has been in love with Rias for a long time. That's why he joined Rias's Peerage of his own will."
A wide smile appeared on Zeoticus Gremory's face.
"I'm even more curious about him now. I hope he won't disappoint in the upcoming duel."
… .. .
To be continued...