DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 126: Riser misunderstanding! ] (Patreon)

The weight of Issei's threat caused many of the devils present to flinch, sensing the genuine danger behind his words. Riser immediately nodded, understanding the severity of the situation. "I would never dare to harm anyone you consider family," he affirmed, his voice filled with a mixture of respect and caution.

Ravel, her apprehension palpable, added to the conversation. "Earlier today, the Maou held a meeting regarding you. Lucifer-sama ordered all devils in the Underworld to leave you be. If any devil dares to defy this order, rest assured, they do not stand with us," she revealed, her voice tinged with fear.

Issei, his arms crossed, acknowledged their words with stoicism. "Ah, you're referring to the Old Satan Faction, right?" he questioned, his voice steady.

"Yes...what do you know about them?" Ravel inquired, hoping to gather any information Issei might possess.

"I know they're a group of despicable individuals, and I'm well aware that they might believe I'm foolish enough to target your faction instead of theirs. Trust me, I can differentiate between the two. I won't fall for their manipulations," Issei stated firmly, his resolve unwavering.

Ravel couldn't help but release a sigh of relief, grateful for Issei's unwavering determination. Riser, looking down for a moment, voiced his thoughts. "I suppose the fact that your parents are human might explain why you extend your friendship and protection to beings weaker than yourself," he mused, a trace of understanding in his voice.

Issei's words resonated through the room, his voice filled with conviction and a genuine belief in the value of relationships. "I consider myself friends with a diverse group of individuals—angels, devils, dragons, and humans alike. Faction, fame, or irrelevance holds no sway over my connections. Living life confined by labels and titles is a futile endeavor. Those who place excessive importance on such superficialities are nothing but pretentious impostors. None of that matters to me. I choose to respect and stand by those who genuinely care for me, irrespective of their status. I lead a modest life so that people can appreciate me for who I am, not for my strength. If everyone knew the extent of my power, they would be flocking to me, their intentions clouded by ulterior motives. It would become impossible to discern genuine allies from sycophants. Riser, put yourself in my shoes for a moment. How many people truly supported you after I defeated you and shattered your pride?"

Riser's eyes widened as he grappled with the weight of Issei's question. He looked away, his expression filled with shame. "Not many... In fact, I became a laughingstock. Even my own peerage holds me in diminished regard now. When I watched the battle again in the hospital, I heard what you said to Yubelluna. You were right... Ever since that humiliating defeat, nobody has looked at me the same way. I can no longer take pride in my own strength because I am a failure."

Riser's self-deprecating words prompted Yubelluna to try and reassure him. However, he cut her off, his voice filled with resignation. "It is true, Yubelluna. None of you respect me anymore because I am weak."

Issei observed as other girls in the room attempted to voice their opinions, their words filled with sincerity.

"Riser-sama, we never once thought less of you because of the outcome of that battle!" Siris exclaimed, her emotions evident.

"Issei Hyoudou fought against a Maou! Losing to him does not make you weak, Riser-sama!" Xuelan asserted firmly.

"Onii-sama, please stop wallowing in self-pity... It's embarrassing," Ravel interjected, a cringe evident in her voice.

Issei patiently allowed several others to speak their minds before he finally contributed his own thoughts. "It is during our lowest moments that we discover who our true friends are. Those devils who mocked you for losing to me, they don't genuinely care about you. However, your peerage does... Forget their social standing or their lineage as high-class or pure-blooded devils. They remain by your side, and they genuinely care. Perhaps it is time for you to see people for who they are rather than what they are."

'Unbelievable... Here I am, playing the role of a therapist to Riser Phenex,' Issei mused internally.

'It is indeed rare for a high-class devil to humble himself like this. I believe he has truly learned his lesson,' Ddraig responded, acknowledging the unexpected growth in Riser.

Riser absorbed Issei's words, his understanding gradually dawning. "Until recently, I would never have thought such a perspective was possible. However, humiliation has taught me valuable lessons about myself and my peers. I believe you are right, Issei Hyoudou," Riser conceded, his voice laced with newfound comprehension.

Issei seized the opportunity to delve deeper into Riser's mindset. "I have a question for you, Riser... What exactly is your life's goal?" he asked, genuinely curious about Riser's aspirations.

Riser's attention was immediately captured by Issei's question, pulling him out of his distant thoughts. He paused for a moment, contemplating his response, before letting out a weak laugh. "Prepare to laugh, but my lifelong aspiration has always been to become a Maou."

"Why?" Ddraig probed, curiosity evident in his voice.

Riser shook his head, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "Well, you see, I am the youngest of three sons in the Phenex Family. Ravel and I are the youngest children, and as such, I will never inherit the family estate like my older brother, Ruval. I lack the fame and recognition that he possesses. In all honesty, I was practically invisible until my undefeated streak in the Rating Games," Riser began, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his words.

Issei couldn't resist injecting a touch of sarcasm. "Ah, the classic middle child syndrome. Is that why you resorted to acting like a tool?”