When the light faded, a familiar figure appeared hopping out of the circle on one leg, desperately trying to force her other boot on. It looked like she had gotten dressed in a hurry since her outfit looked hastily put on. Serafall looked adorably annoyed…
Oh wait. She really IS annoyed. She just happens to look adorable while annoyed in such a way.
But perhaps you should've waited until you were perfectly dressed before making an appearance, Serafall. Is what I thought with a sigh. It doesn't look like you even bothered to brush your hair. A Maou should look more respectable when in front of other official parties…
Hm? When did I start sounding so responsible?
Once Serafall finally got her remaining shoe on, she childishly stomped over to me who was still being gripped by the collar by the yakitori-douchebag.
She paused upon noticing me and Riser. She looked between the two of us. "Haru-tan, what is going on between you and Riser-chan?"
I smirked when Riser's confidence suddenly faded. "Ah, Riser, I don't think you've been properly introduced to my adorable master, Serafall Leviathan."
"L-L-L-Leviathan-sama!" Riser wheezed out, all arrogance gone as he realized that what he had been about to do could be considered a capital crime by one of the four great Satans.
"So back to Serafall's previous question, Riser, what IS going on right now?" I smiled as innocently as possible.
"Hehehehe…" Riser laughed nervously, removing his hand from my collar and making it look as if he was just straightening it out. "N-Nothing. I-I was just introducing myself to your servant just now, L-Leviathan-sama." He bowed before her reverently for added measure.
Yeah, I think everybody but Grayfia-san and Riser was smiling from how all of Riser's previous confidence got cut down like nothing before Serafall's presence.
Serafall smiled adorably, seemingly believing we were all getting along. "Oh! That's okay then!" Then she turned to me and pouted. "Haru-taaaan! I can't believe you went and got all into this mess without me! You're a representative of me so you really shouldn't get involved in such serious things without me present~!"
Wait… is she… SCOLDING ME?! She was talking with her usual tone so it was hard to tell whether or not she was serious.
I rubbed the back of my neck, smiling apologetically. "Hehe… Sorry, Sera-tan."
Serafall maintained her previous scolding expression for a moment longer before her usual normal smile reappeared.
She glomped on me and nuzzled her face against mine. "Awwww! I can't stay mad at my most adorable Queen!" Now the killing intent was beginning to be directed towards me. Koneko-chan was staring sharply at me as if I had just evolved from pond scum, Issei was glaring at me with his usual envy, Yuuki maintained a polite smile, but I saw the corners of her mouth twitch, Asia's eyes became wide and watery, and even Akeno-san let out a strangely mischievous laugh that gave me a bad feeling.
"Ahem." Grayfia-san had coughed once in order to get back to the subject at hand. Sera-tan smiled brightly after she noticed Grayfia-san's presence.
"Oh! Hiiiii, Fia-chan! Didn't see ya there!" Sera-tan waved cheerfully despite that clearly not being the reason Grayfia-san drew her attention. She hugged me more tightly. "Have you met Haru-tan yet? He's my most adorable Queen!"
"Leviathan-sama."
"He's just starting out, but he's still really really strong!"
"Leviathan-sama."
"He's also really strong and kind and brave and Haru-tan loves to hug me whenever I want!"
"Leviathan-sama." I noticed Grayfia's eye was starting to twitch.
"I mean he's just so adorable and my most adorable servant! Behemoth-chan is also amazing, but Haru-tan is definitely my most huggable! Behemoth-chan doesn't really like hugging me as much, but~-"
"Serafall!" Grayfia-san called out, raising her voice for the first time. Sera-tan pouted. However, she could tell that Grayfia-san was growing weary of the constant interruptions and continuing on with her rant would not be productive towards anything but annoying the maid. Grayfia-san took a small breath as she collected her thoughts. "If everyone has calmed down, then we can get back to business."
Then the atmosphere started to become heavy once more. The same atmosphere I had felt crushing down on me when I first entered.
I stood next to Issei, one arm wrapped around Sera-tan who continued hugging me affectionately while my other hand was in my pocket.
"I've said it countless times, Grayfia. I will not marry Riser!" Rias-senpai declared.
"Ojou-sama, it was something your father and Lord Phoenix agreed upon."
Rias-senpai crossed her arms stubbornly, shooting a hate-filled glare at Riser who returned with a cocky smile. "I don't care if it's what they decided. I refuse to marry him."
Grayfia-san released a sigh. "It seems I have no choice" This led to Buchou giving her a silent questioning look. "Sirzechs-sama said to give you a chance to get out of the engagement, should you still be against it."
"Nii-sama?" Rias-senpai questioned. I didn't know who Sirzechs was, but I already saw him as an okay guy if he was willing to give his sister a way out.
Grayfia nodded. "Yes. In the event you're still against the wedding, you'd be permitted to play a Rating Game against Riser-sama." This caused Rias's eyes to widen. "Should you win, you'd be able to go on without the wedding, no more pushing from either family. However, if you lose, the wedding will continue regardless."
Rather than the look of relief or determination I expected, Rias-senpai had an angry look. "In other words Otou-sama and the others decided to have a game as a last resort if I was to decline, right? … Just how far are they intending to interfere with my life to feel satisfied…!" Her angry killing intent was kind of hot.
"Then Ojou-sama, you are saying you would also decline to participate in the game?"
Rias-senpai shook her head. "No, I won't, since this is a chance. Alright then. Let's settle this with a game, Riser."
Riser smirked. "Hee, so you're accepting it. I don't mind." My dislike for the bastard only increased more. "But I'm already a matured Devil and I have already participated in the official game. Right now I have won most of the games. Even so, you still want to play, Rias?"
"I will. I will blow you away, Riser!" Rias-senpai declared determinedly.
"Fine. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately."
The two High-class Devils glared at one another. I was mentally rooting for Buchou's glare to burn the stupid yakitori to ashes.
"Understood. I, Grayfia, have confirmed both sides' opinions. I will be in charge of the game between the two households. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Yeah."
Both Kings agreed.
Grayfia-san bowed her head. "Understood. I will inform the two households then."
I glanced between the two participants of the now-declared Rating Game. Between Rias and Riser, the difference in experience was clear. I'm still learning about Devils and the clans and their abilities, but if the name "Phenex" is anything to go by, then this guy probably has a sort of regeneration factor. Against an ordinary opponent, Rias would certainly be able to blow them away. Her Power of Destruction was almost always an assured one-hit KO. But against a guy like Riser who could probably regenerate indefinitely, there would be a bit of a problem in that match-up. As much as I hate to admit it, Riser would probably come out on top unless there was outside interference such as a two or more-on-one fight with the advantage being in Rias's favor.
"Hey, Rias. Would the ones here be your servants?" Riser eyed all of my friends with that contemptible smirk of his. He was underestimating them. While Rias on her own probably couldn't win, with someone strong like Issei, I think her chances improve drastically.
"And so what if the others are my servants?"
Riser burst into laughter, returning the mocking I gave him earlier. "Then this match will be a laugh. Only your Queen, the 'Priestess of Thunder' can fight on par with my adorable servants." He shot me a glare. "Even if he is the servant of Leviathan-sama, that weakling over there wouldn't be of any use to you either. None of the Low-Class servants here are anywhere near my level."
Serafall shot Riser a sharp glare and she clearly would've said something about it if Grayfia-san hadn't shot her a strange look. Almost warning her not to step out of line. Serafall reluctantly complied. I felt a shiver go down my spine, an unpleasant one at that. If Grayfia-san was the kind of person who could make a Devil King like Serafall hesitate, then she's probably not someone I should cross.
Riser then snapped his fingers, causing the magic-circle on the ground to glow. An emblem that I assumed to be that of the house of Phenex appeared. Then figures began to rise from the circle which emitted magical, red flames. On a side note, I had to admit that the Phenex clan had cooler-looking teleportation spells.
"Well, these are my cute servants."
I counted at least fifteen women, each and every one dressed in rather fetishistic outfits.
I sighed. It didn't take a genius to figure out that SOMETHING was going on in their free time with their master. How disgusting. And no, I was not judging him for doing ecchi things with his servants. I doubt he's the only Devil who does such things. No, the reason I am disgusted is for a different reason entirely.
"Gross."
"Riser-sama, this person is freaking me out."
I blinked. For a moment, I thought they had been directing their words towards me. Then I realized they had, in fact, been directed towards my dear friend Issei who was staring enviously at Riser's harem.
"Don't say that, my cute girls. Looking up to upper stream folks is what a lowly one does. Let's show them how passionate we are."
Saying that, Raiser starts to have a tongue kiss with one of the girls.
Issei's envy became even stronger…Then I smacked him upside the head.
"Idiots." I said like a swear, face-palming and shaking my head.
""What'd you say?!""
Not just Issei, but Riser reacted with outrage as well at my insult.
"Tch." I clicked my tongue. "I cannot believe you are getting worked up over such a pathetic display, Issei."
Issei stared at me, wide-eyed due to confusion. "Eh?"
I gestured in the general area of Riser and his Peerage. "As you can see, he has his Peerage tailored to include just about every fetish." Issei nodded, uncertain where I was going. Riser gained a cocky smirk, having some sort of pride in his Peerage/harem. "But, if you'll also notice… He is not a TRUE Harem King! There is no reason to envy him!"
"""What?"""
That was the general reaction of everyone to my statement. I released Serafall from my arms and stood away from her.
I smirked. "Well, that is not a true harem, Issei, my bro. He's been forced to abuse his one-time use Evil Pieces to turn suitable women into his Peerage, declaring them as his harem. However, there is no soul! A TRUE harem is made up of a man and the women he's formed genuine romantic attachments with! Simply turning fifteen women into toys for your pleasure, how pathetic! Take my harem-in-progress for example! Ruruko, Yuuki, Karlamine, Tsubasa, Momo, Serafall, and possibly even Jack if I feel that a 'little sister' type would be appropriate. Compare my relations to them with the relations Riser has with his 'harem', Issei. Do you see the difference? I pour my heart and soul into forming each and every one of the romantic bonds I've formed. My feelings are true and pure! I will love them equally and with all of my heart! I will sacrifice both life and limb if only to secure their happiness! I will indulge in every one of their desires regardless of personal feelings and protect them with everything I have! Even if they hurt me, I will love them! Even if they hate me, I will love them! It's not truly a woman's size that determines their worth in a harem, it's the bonds between lovers! That is where the passion and eroticism in harems truly originates from! The romantic bonds a King forges with their girls must be powerful enough that no sword, no matter how sharp or strong, can cut it! That is what it means to be a TRUE Harem King!"
"…"
"…"
"…"
The long pause afterward told me I may or may not have gotten a lil bit carried away.
Clap clap clap.
Eh? Who's clapping?
I looked to my friends to see mixed reactions: Yuuki and Serafall were clapping approvingly. Asia seemed equally impressed yet unhappy about something. Koneko and Rias were staring deadpan (it looked like they were between being amused/impressed and scolding me for my speech). Akeno-san had an amused (and… maybe aroused?) smile on her face.
I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned and was shocked to see Issei with tears in his eyes and an expression on his face that revealed new-found understanding.
"So that is what a true Harem King is…I finally understand the differences between our similar goals." Issei clenched his fists, a powerful determination overcoming him. "Yes! I'll definitely follow your example!" My heart became filled with hope, believing for a moment that Issei finally understands on how to better himself in the pursuit of his goal. "First I'll get my servants with huge boobs, definitely romance all of them and THEN do ecchi things with them!"
I stared blankly. Well…I could at least say I'm making progress with this perverted idiot…
I sighed before smiling politely. "But truly, Riser, I almost feel embarrassed for your subpar harem-building skills."
Clearly I had hit a sensitive point with Riser, coz, while his expression remained civil, he began radiating a bit more malice towards me than he had been before.
"Oh really?" the yakitori asked. "Well what low level of self-esteem did your girls have then?"
"Excuse me?" I paused, slowly comprehending the insult he just shot at me. The silence this time was much harsher.
"Well, forgive me for pointing it out," Riser said sarcastically, "But a mongrel such as you could never have gathered QUALITY girls. It's miracle enough how you earned the attention of the great Leviathan-sama." While a small part of me wanted to make a reference to the fact that I had a powerful, blonde, arrogant, douche in front of me calling me a "mongrel", that side was overruled by the swelling anger that began to appear as I fully processed his words.
"Oi—!" Issei tried to intervene before I held out my arm in front of him to stop him.
"No, Issei." I turned back to Riser with a deceivingly pleasant smile. "And what, exactly, are you implying, Riser?"
Riser waved off my question as if it had been nothing. "Just how many men your 'harem girls' had been with before they eventually decided to settle for you."
Remember before how I said that there had been the straw that broke the camel's back?... I stand corrected.
"Shitty bastaaaaard!" Issei was fairly angry. He summoned his Boosted Gear immediately. True, he had not been the one involved in the insult, but considering the fact Riser had just essentially called girls he thought of as friends what would easily be taken to mean "sluts", it was only natural that Issei would be enraged. The foolish idiot tried to lung at Riser, but—
SWEEP
I swept Issei's legs from underneath him with a well-placed kick.
"Eh?" was all Issei could say before he landed disgracefully on his hindquarters.
"Don't be an idiot, Issei." I chided him. "No matter how angry you are, you aren't anywhere near Riser's level yet. I'm physically stronger than you and even I don't think I can beat him at my current level. I don't think you could even beat his weakest servant due to your lack of training." Issei stared up at me with a look of betrayal.
"Ha. At least the filthy mongrel recognizes his place." Riser said with a smirk. I shot him a glare filled with killing intent.
"Don't get me wrong, Riser. Come Rating Game time, Issei will definitely kick your ass, you shitty yakitori. And I will be filming every. Single. Minute." I stuck my tongue out at him. "Ya dumbass."
"You wreeeeeetch!" Riser's fist filled with flames again. This time I was certain we would end up in a fight. I clenched my fists, ready to exchange blows. I would rip this fucking bastard's face off for insulting the women I love! Then I'd let it regrow and rip it off again! Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Even if Grayfia-san would intervene, I wanted to get one clear blow off this unforgivable person.
Riser and I were about to lunge at one another until—
"No fighting!"
A girl who was a little bit shorter than myself stepped between Riser and I, intervening by holding out her hands to both of us, acting as a barrier between us.