Chapter 204: Strange flame

Chapter 204: Strange flame

The conflict between Riser and Tannin wasn't something new.

After all, everything started from how Tannin became Riser's opponent during Riser's return Rating Game match.

However, this conflict began due to the conflict between Sirzech and Riser.

If Tannin was smart, he would have rejected Sirzech's request so as not to be involved in their conflict, but he was greedy as he wished to gain a favor from Sirzech, yet he lost and didn't gain a favor. Moreover, the continuation of their race was in danger due to his conflict with Riser.

Especially after Tannin got heated up by saying that he would kill Riser in public.

Moreover, everyone was clear that Tannin would try to hurt Riser's peerage members badly.

To be honest, everyone felt that it was Tannin, who didn't know how high the sky was. It was all his fault for overestimating himself, as being a Dragon King meant nothing in front of Riser.

Nevertheless, if Tannin was stronger, then there was room for maneuver.

However, Tannin was weaker, so he lost everything.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

The world was an unfair place.

The weak could only be beaten by the strong.

Nevertheless, those who weren't strong chose to survive, leaning on the big tree known as Riser, Zekram Bael, or the other Maous. It was also due to this they knew the background and supporting characters were their roles, but it didn't matter since they were satisfied with the status quo.

However, Diehauser was different.

Diehauser was strong, yet in the eyes of everyone, this guy was stupid for trying to get involved in the problem between Riser and Tannin like a hero.

Was this guy really a devil?

While Serafall got nervous as she knew about Riser's personality, she would be lying if she didn't get angry at Diehauser.

Who the hell do you think you are?!

What right do you think you can ask Riser to forgive Tannin with just a few words?

Just because you are the champion of the "Rating Game"?

Nevertheless, while Diehauser didn't have an influence on the government, he had a lot of fans, giving him support from the public.

'Well, that doesn't seem to be a problem.'

Compared to Riser, whose family owned the biggest media company, the influence of Diehauser seemed nothing.

Everyone shook their heads at Diehauser, thinking that this guy was over. Nevertheless, many were looking at Lord Bellial, who stood by Diehauser's side, hoping for no conflict between Diehauser and Riser, especially with the current situation within their society.

Still, Serafall knew that she needed to say something since the power of Diehauser was necessary, or else, she was afraid of Riser's personality; he would attack Diehauser, but—

Riser raised his hand and still maintained his smile as he faced Diehauser.

"I guess I need to change my impression of the dragon due to your words, Diehauser-dono."

"What do you mean, Riser-dono?" Diehauser was confused.

Riser ignored Diehauser and then looked at Lord Bellial. "Lord Bellial, does the Bellial House have the ability to read minds?"

"Ah?" Lord Bellial was startled and confused, but he answered. "No, we don't have such an ability. Our ability is "worthless," an ability to invalidate things, such as special abilities, properties, or effects."

"Then, Diehauser-dono, how could you tell that Tannin was innocent if you can't read a mind?"

So, at this moment, they thought that the Bellial House was going to be over as they grimaced, thinking that even the champion wasn't immune to Riser.

Yet Diahauser, who was being plotted and slandered, looked at Riser in disbelief as he had never thought their previous warm conversation would suddenly turn into something like this.

However, Lord Bellial didn't let his son talk and forcefully grabbed Diehauser's head, making him bow.

"I am sorry, Riser Phenex-sama. My son has been kind, so he is worried about his friend. Nevertheless, while our family might have chosen the old government during the Devil Civil War, our paths have separated, and we don't even have a single connection with the old government. Our loyalty has always been to the Great King and the Four Great Maou now. Please believe us!"

"...."

Diehauser was silent, yet a strange flame was born in his heart.

His heart was complex as it was filled with anger and, at the same time, a realization of powerlessness. He was angry that his father and himself had to bow down toward Riser, apologizing even though he didn't feel he was wrong, but he also realized that the position of champion was nothing in front of Riser as it was unable to do anything in front of Riser's power.

While Diehauser didn't want to, he didn't want to cause trouble to his family, so he just bowed his head silently under his father's forceful action as he quickly realized what kind of trouble he might cause by antagonizing Riser.

"It's okay." Riser still appeared as kind as ever. "I can tell that your son is kind, but you need to tell him that we need to see the big picture for everyone's future instead of one's selfishness."

"It's as you say; I am a failure as a father, and please forgive our insolence."

As Lord Bellial apologized, he could feel the pressure on his body disappear.

However, Diehauser was different as he could feel an intense pressure that was enough to strangle his neck to die, yet no one said anything as if they didn't want to get involved.

"Riser-kun, what's wrong?"

Zekram and Lord Bael entered the venue as they watched the commotion that happened.

"Nothing, Zekram-sama. We just talk to each other since it seems that the champion wishes to have a "Rating Game" with me."

Riser smiled at Diehauser and asked, "Right, Champion-kun?"

Diehauser didn't say anything and just endured all the feelings inside his heart.

"Oh? Really? That seems interesting, but we're about to have a meeting, so how about we talk about that matter later?"

"That's true."

As if losing his interest, Riser left with Zekram, Lord Bael, and everyone, leaving Diehauser and Lord Bellial alone.

"Cough! Cough!"

Diehauser coughed hard, trying to inhale air into his lungs when Riser let him go.

"Diehauser, are you okay? You idiot! Why did you have to provoke him?!"

Lord Bellial cried as he scolded Diehauser, feeling so scared that the entire domain of Bellial might be destroyed due to Riser's revenge.

"...I'm sorry, Father."

There was nothing Diehauser could say except apologize, as he might bring the destruction of his family due to his selfishness.

"Forget about Tannin. That guy is dead. Don't provoke him any longer, and just keep quiet!" Lord Belial sighed. "You are already old. Be an adult, okay?"

Diehauser didn't say anything and just stared at the back of Riser without one knowing what he was thinking.

---

Sorry for being late.