Highschool DxD: I'm The Conqueror of Girls!

Chapter 5 - Phenex Clan's Favor 

As soon as Yukio spoke, both Riser and Ravel couldn't help but change their expressions.

The label of ungrateful was far too heavy.

Especially for devil nobles like them, it was like a crushing blow.

Devils may have a bad reputation.

However, whether in the human world or elsewhere, they are renowned for their credibility.

In a way, devils are even more trustworthy than some angels.

After all, devils have historically been feared beings, known for their terrifying presence. 

Trustworthiness was essential to make people believe in them.

Moreover, over the past few centuries, the devil regime had undergone significant changes.

The Old Satan Faction was overthrown, and the New Satan Faction ascended to power.

With the rise of the new regime, policies were reformed, and many unhealthy customs that had previously prevailed were abolished.

The Phenex Clan, in particular, was a loyal supporter of the New Satan Faction.

If a scandal of being ungrateful were to arise now, it would provide their political enemies with the perfect opportunity.

Such a scandal could lead to significant losses for the Phenex Clan—not only in terms of reputation but also in the status they had worked so hard to build over the years.

"Boy, what do you want? Power or Longevity? I can grant you either," Riser sneered disdainfully as he offered his terms, looking down on Yukio.

Humans are greedy, after all.

In Riser's view, as long as the right conditions were offered, Yukio could be subdued.

In truth, without his System, Yukio might have agreed.

After all, the terms Riser proposed were indeed tempting.

Power and Longevity are pursuits that ordinary people spend their entire lives chasing yet rarely attain.

However, with the System, weren't these things already within reach?

"Idiot, if you're sick, you should take medicines. Or maybe have your head examined."

"It's so big—surely you've outgrown this chunibyo phase? Yukio shook his head, pretending to sigh.

He deliberately played dumb.

Since Riser and Ravel wanted to keep things under wraps, Yukio saw no need to expose the truth.

After all, revealing it could end up putting him at a disadvantage.

"Who are you calling idiot!?" 

Riser gritted his teeth in fury, his lungs about to burst.

If it weren't for the need to resolve the marriage contract quietly to avoid unnecessary complications, he would have already spread his wings before this human to scare him into submission.

And now this guy had the audacity to insult him, accusing him of having a brain problem and calling him an idiot!

It was intolerable!

"Brother-sama, can you please stop making things worse?"

"If you can't control your temper, just leave and let me handle this myself," Ravel snapped.

Ravel couldn't find fault with Yukio. 

After all, coming to cancel their marriage contract was already impolite, and Yukio was being exceedingly courteous given the circumstances.

Yet her brother kept adding fuel to the fire, complicating matters further.

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll endure this brat a little longer," Riser grumbled, finally reining in his temper.

"I'm terribly sorry," Ravel said apologetically.

"It's fine. I have no complaints against you. But this is the second time today you've apologized for your brother's behavior."

"If your Brother-sama truly cares for his sister, he should apologize himself instead of hiding behind you," Yukio's words cut like a knife into Riser's pride.

What the hell!?

Riser's face turned pale, at Yukio's remark.

If not for the need to maintain the decorum of an aristocrat, Riser would have started cursing.

"Surely saying sorry isn't too hard for you, right?" Yukio taunted with a mischievous tone.

"You want me to apologize to you!?" Riser's anger flared up again.

"No way, no way. Is this really how a brother acts?"

"Making trouble for his sister at every turn and not even being able to say sorry?" Yukio widened his eyes in mock surprise.

Ravel looked away, clearly embarrassed, while casting a hopeful glance at her brother, silently urging him to make a choice.

Meeting Ravel's pleading eyes, Riser's resolve faltered.

"Sorry!" Riser spat the word out reluctantly, as if saying it would kill him. 

He then turned his head away, sulking in silence.

There was no alternative.

Yukio was the descendant of their father's savior and even Ravel's nominal fiancé.

No matter what, they couldn't harm him.

If it had been anyone else, Riser would have burned them to ashes long ago.

Yukio knew this, and it was precisely why he kept pushing Riser's buttons.

"Alright, I'll accept it—though the apology lacked sincerity," Yukio remarked, his tone light. Then, turning to Ravel, he added, "Now, let's continue discussing our issue."

"Alright," Ravel agreed with a sigh of relief.

"I agree to cancel the marriage contract," Yukio declared bluntly.

"What?" Ravel looked at him in shock.

"Is that so surprising?" Yukio smiled.

"No, not really," Ravel replied, blushing slightly as she realized her reaction was a bit excessive.

"Honestly, I've never been interested in this kind of arranged marriage," Yukio admitted. 

"In this day and age, why are elders still using these methods to dictate our marriages without considering our wishes?

"If we're going to marry, there should at least be mutual feelings. Only then can there be happiness, don't you think so?"

"Hmph, you're somewhat knowledgeable. I do agree with you on that point," Riser muttered begrudgingly.

Having heard Yukio's agreement to the cancellation, Riser's opinion of him improved—albeit slightly.

"Your family's sense of duty is admirable," Yukio continued, smiling. "After all these years, you've honored this agreement. I, on the other hand, had completely forgotten about it and didn't even know it existed."

"If you hadn't come to cancel it, I'd have remained oblivious."

"Do you have any requests? We'll do our best to make amends since this is our fault," Ravel offered softly. 

She felt Yukio deserved some compensation, given they were the ones breaking the agreement.

"No need. The fact that your family remembered this long-standing promise is already admirable," Yukio replied, shaking his head.

"Asking for compensation over something like this would feel petty."

Ravel felt even more embarrassed. 

She and Riser had initially planned to use incentives to sway Yukio if he refused the cancellation.

Who would've thought he'd be so considerate?

"Boy, stop pretending," Riser interjected. "The conditions I mentioned still stand. If you ever want something, let me know, and I'll fulfill it. This is the policy of our family."

"Fine, fine," Yukio replied with a shrug. 

"Since you insist, I'll hold onto this favor. If I ever need something, I'll let you know."