Roy's words made both Riser and Ravel visibly tense.
The accusation of being ungrateful carried immense weight.
For aristocrats like them, it was a crushing blow.
Devils, despite their infamous reputation, were renowned for their honor.
In both the human world and beyond, their credibility was a cornerstone of their influence.
In some ways, devils were more credible than certain angels.
Historically, their fearsome image meant credibility was their only currency for trust.
Moreover, in recent centuries, the devil regime had undergone upheaval.
The Old Satan faction was ousted, and New Satan faction rose to power.
The new leadership reformed underworld policies, dismantling outdated customs that once plagued their society.
The Phenex Clan staunchly supported New Satan faction.
An ungrateful scandal now would be catastrophic.
Their political rivals in the Underworld would seize the opportunity.
They could lose not just reputation but their hard-earned status.
"What do you want? Wealth, beauty, power? Name it, and it's yours," Riser growled, his disdainful snort betraying his arrogance as he listed terms.
Humans were greedy, he thought.
Offer the right bait, and Roy would fold.
Without the system, Roy might have bitten.
Riser's terms were tantalizing—goals most people chased their entire lives.
But with the system, those were within Roy's grasp.
"Idiot, if you're sick, see a doctor."
"That head of yours should've outgrown chuunibyou by now?" Roy shook his head, feigning a sigh.
Roy played dumb, pretending ignorance of their nature.
Since they were hiding it, he saw no need to call them out.
Exposing their secret could backfire.
"Who're you calling idiot?!"
Riser's teeth ground, his anger simmering close to eruption.
If not for wanting to resolve the engagement quietly, he'd have sprouted his wings to terrify this brat.
Calling him idiot and chuunibyou? Unbearable!
"Onii-chan, can you stop making things worse?"
"If you can't control your temper, go home. I'll handle this alone," Ravel snapped.
She found no fault with Roy.
Showing up to break off an engagement wasn't polite, and Roy had been remarkably civil.
Yet Riser kept fanning the flames, complicating everything.
"Fine, fine, I get it. I'll tolerate this brat a bit longer," Riser muttered, flustered.
He forced himself to calm down, vowing not to escalate further.
"I'm so sorry," Ravel said to Roy, her tone apologetic.
"No worries. I've got no issue with you. But this is the second time you've apologized for your brother," Roy replied coolly.
"If he's truly responsible—or really cares about his sister—he'd apologize himself instead of hiding behind you."
Riser's face cycled from blue to pale, Roy's words stabbing at his pride.
What the hell am I?!
If not for his aristocratic restraint, Riser would've cursed outright.
"Saying sorry isn't that hard, is it?"
"You brat, you expect me to apologize?!" Riser roared, his temper flaring again.
"No way, is this how a brother acts?"
"Causing trouble for his sister and too proud to say sorry?" Roy gasped.
Ravel, embarrassed, glanced at Riser, silently hoping he'd make the right choice.
Meeting her expectant gaze, Riser's heart twisted.
"Sorry!"
He spat the word through gritted teeth, each syllable painful, as if it cost him his life.
Turning away, he sulked, refusing to speak further.
No choice.
Roy was a descendant of their father's savior and Ravel's nominal fiancé.
Attacking him was out of the question.
Any other human would've been incinerated by now.
Roy had masterfully exploited this, repeatedly putting Riser in his place.
"Alright, I accept. Though that apology had zero sincerity," Roy said, nodding.
Turning to Ravel, he continued, "Let's get back to our engagement."
"Very well," Ravel said, exhaling in relief.
"I'll agree to break off the engagement," Roy stated bluntly.
"What?"
Ravel blinked, caught off guard by his straightforwardness.
"Surprised?" Roy asked, smiling.
"No, it's just…" Ravel's cheeks flushed as she realized her reaction was excessive.
She shook her head.
"Honestly, I'm not into this kind of arranged engagement," Roy said generously.
"It's the modern era."
"Elders forcing marriages on their descendants without their input is outdated."
"Marriage should come from mutual feelings. Only then can it bring happiness."
"Don't you agree?"
"Hmph. Just a brat, yet you've got some sense. I'll give you that," Riser grudgingly nodded.
Roy's agreement to end the engagement earned him a sliver of respect.
While Riser didn't fully buy Roy's ideals, he wasn't in the mood to argue.
Stabilizing the situation took priority.
"I actually admire your family's honor. Keeping a century-old promise is impressive," Roy said with a smile.
"My family forgot all about it. I had no clue this existed."
"Even if you hadn't shown up, it wouldn't have mattered."
"Of course. Our integrity far surpasses a minor family's," Riser boasted, puffing up with pride.
"If you have any requests, we'll do our best to compensate you."
"After all, we're the ones breaking the contract," Ravel said softly, feeling Roy deserved something for their breach.
"Nah, your family honoring such an old agreement is more than enough," Roy replied, shaking his head.
"Making demands now would feel petty."
Ravel felt a pang of embarrassment.
She and Riser had come prepared to tempt Roy with rewards if he resisted.
They hadn't expected him to be so...
"Brat, don't play coy," Riser said, his tone lighter now that the engagement was settled.
"My offer stands. Name your price, and I'll make it happen. That's the my way."
"Whatever," Roy shrugged.
"If you insist, I'll hold onto that. When I need something, I'll ask you."