The Player is a Part-Timer

Chapter 12: Deserved Rest/Disturbing Guests

"As Sona said. And the other was the youngest son of the family, his brother, Dominus Paimon."

"You mean that fat prick?"

Everyone around gave a look to Issei. Some chuckled, but most just glared at him. For a low-ranked reincarnated devil like him to call a member of the Paimon family like that — above all, out loud? It was unheard of — no matter how true it was.

"Yes. But don't underestimate him, Ise. He may look like that. His brother may throw him away like a ragdoll. But it is not accidental their family bears the rank "King" amongst devils."

"In fact, Lord Numbra had the chance to take the mantle of Maou — just like his father and grandmother. But they always refused..."

"Ah! Ravel! You're here?" Rias and the group turned to the small girl who was silently listening to their conversation — until now.

"Yeah, yeah... I came. Father and mother are also here to discuss the compensation with your parents." Ravel huffed, slightly indignant, waving away the surprised looks.

"Compensation?" Issei asked, confused. The political dealings of devils were really beyond his understanding.

"When Rias beat Onii-sama in that Rating Game, his engagement was called off according to their deal. Of course, this was not in the original betrothal contract the Gremory and Phenex family made. Thus, our family is entitled to some compensation."

"Oh, I see."

"Is Riser alright? The way Gillian dealt with him..."

"Haah... Physically, he is. Mentally, it is questionable. After the Rating Game, Onii-sama holed up in his room, refusing to come out or even eat ever since. Muttering about that "monster," fearing "she" will come down to the underworld to take his soul... I don't know why he calls "him" a "she" though... that armored figure was clearly a guy."

Issei suffocated his snicker, knowing the reason behind it.

"Ah, that..." Kiba muttered, chuckling nervously.

"I will explain it later." Rias shook her head, grimacing.

"A-Anyway. You still didn't explain, why didn't the Paimon family take the Maou title? If they are that strong, they could, no? Then why?" This topic seemingly really interested Issei.

"Ah? I don't know. Maybe family tradition? Maybe something else? We only know the power of the Paimon family worthy of a Maou. There are even many Legends about Lord Numbra's grandmother who was the hero of the Great War and the Devil Civil War..."

"Oh! What legends?"

"Some ridiculous tales that are suspecting she is not from this world. Stories about her voice that carried a power that can rewrite the very reality around her, stories about her beauty and charisma that even made many angels fall, gods beg and do everything she requested. Facing both the Biblical God and the two heavenly dragons in single combat and surviving, and many more. I say they are all exaggerations made up to entertain children and increase the family's influence. There is no way such ridiculous things are true..." And Ravel was convinced about that, even crossing her arms in denial. "But what did you expect? She was a fantasy writer and poet, according to history books. Of course, she comes up with such nonsense..."

"Wait!? Another world!? Her voice rewriting reality?! Dammit! That's cool!"

"I told you, there is no way such rumors are true. They are just folktales to entertain children..." Ravel scoffed. What is with this boy asking about such fantasy tales? "Don't say he believes them!" Ravel turned to Rias, doubtful, pointing at Issei with her index.