S.R: I don't really have anything to say other than please enjoy…..
Issei and his peerage spent the rest of the day exploring the Gremory mansion, once he calmed down from seeing his family. After they finished their tour, Issei and his peerage decided to enjoy the nice weather by spending some time in the garden. Millicas wanting to spend time with Issei and Koneko since he hadn't seen the two in a while followed them excitedly telling them about how things had been for him.
When Sirzechs finally arrived, he had to take a picture as he smiled to himself. Issei and Millicas had coaxed Grayfia into taking the rest of the day off and just spending time with them. After finding them in the garden Sirzechs was extremely happy with the sight.
Grayfia was leaning against a large oak tree with Millicas in her lap. He had fallen asleep so his head was on her shoulder, but facing Issei who was sprawled out on the grass next to the two also napping. Grayfia had one arm wrapped around her youngest holding him close, as her other carded through her oldest son's hair, a smile gracing her lips. Less than a foot away, and laying in the sunlight was Koneko. She had curled up into a ball just like a cat, but even from the doorway Sirzechs could hear her contented purring as she sunbathed.
A short distance off from the tree was a pergola, under which Issei's bishops Zoephiel and Garran were sitting and drinking tea, talking softly so as not to wake their king. Then around 50 feet off from there in the large open space Issei's last two peerage members were running laps, both seemingly eager to burn their energy.
Softly walking towards his family with a comfortable smile on his face Sirzechs gently sat down beside his wife, quickly giving her a peck on the check in greeting. She rolled her eyes, but smiled non the less. Even though he did have something to talk about with Issei, he decided it could wait as he wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders and pulled her towards him.
An hour later Rias, who was asked to find everyone and inform them of dinner being ready was the one to reluctantly intrude on the scene. Everyone gathered as she led them to the dinning room and a pleasant dinner was had. Only once it had finished did Sirzechs decide to have a chat with his oldest son.
"Issei, before you go I need to have a talk with you."
He spoke, Issei nodding in response. Zeoticus just told the two to use his study for their chat, already having an idea of what they would be discussing. The moment the door was shut Sirzechs asked his son.
"Sona and Rias have told you about the youth meeting right?"
"Yeah, it's in a few days. The three of us and some other high class devils our age will be special guests… From the way they explained it seems like it's the devils equivalent of a graduation ceremony."
"For the most part. But there's a bit more to it… You could also say it's a gathering of the young nobles of devil society."
"Why nobles? I mean yeah Sona told me about how hard it is for the devils to repopulate, but surely there are more high class devils around our age."
Despite expecting the question Sirzechs still flinched at it. Sighing he gave the simple explanation.
"It's not that they don't exist… You see, not all clans are open and build relationships like the Gremory and the Sitri clans. This meeting is more for the benefit of the heirs of the clans. It allows them to meet the other heirs and start making their own opinions and thoughts about things."
"I see… But then why would I be attending? I'm not the heir for the Gremory, that's Rias."
Issei spoke confusion clear on his face.
"There are quite a few reasons for you to attend. 1. so when I announce the return of my oldest son, you are there as proof. 2. So when your engagement with Sona is announced, you are once again there as proof. And 3. Azazel has been invited as a guest and he's bringing Vali. If someone irks him, we'll need you to help calm him down."
Sirzechs tried to explain.
"No, I figured that out already… Let me rephrase. How am I attending the meeting then? Am I someone's guest?"
"Ah… About that…. Outside of the other Satans and myself no one can bring a guest outside of their peerage."
"Okay then, So I'm attending as Sona's Rook."
Issei responded though he had a feeling his father was going to correct him.
"Not quite… You see, because of your power it'd be strange for you to attend as part of her peerage. Especially when the others would be sure to look down on you for it… I know we talked about it back when we first found you but… In order for the youth meeting to go smoothly You'll have to attend as the head to the Lucifuge family."
"Um…. How would that work? Mama is the last living member of the Lucifuge clan right?"
"The current clan heads and the Devil Council already know about your return. It's the rest of the devils that don't, and the council wants us to make it a flashy announcement. So tomorrow they will be announcing the return of the Lucifuge clan with you as the head. But you'll still need to be on an even playing field with the other youth devils so after that we're going to try to make the Lucifuge clan part of the pillars."
Hearing Sirzechs answer, Issei's mind raced, though it didn't take him long to realize why they Devil Council wanted to do things this way. With a sigh Issei just responded to his father.
"Politics are stupid."
Privately agreeing with his son Sirzechs gave a small smile at the words.
"The old fools just don't seem to understand that greatness came come from anyone."
Their conversation now concluded the two devils exited the study they'd been using to talk and returned to the others, choosing to enjoy the night.
When everything finally settled down and it was time to turn in Issei made sure to call his human parents back in Kuoh. They asked about how his day had been and he told them about how much everyone enjoyed themselves. Though he glossed over his talk with Sirzechs, giving them a simplified version.
"Basically the Devil Council are too prideful and feel that 'the clans are superior'. Because of that they want to rub my bloodline in the face of all the non noble blooded devils."
"That's ridiculous!"
"I know... But since they're the ones in charge that's what's happening. It's politics."
"Oh my! It's almost midnight. You should probably go to bed already Ise. We're going to turn in too."
"Okay. Night mom, night dad."
"Goodnight son"
With the phone call over, Issei followed his parents lead and went to bed.
The next day
After waking up and doing his normal morning routine Issei was met by his father and Ajuka. on his way to breakfast.
"Good morning Issei."
"Hello again Issei. I hope this morning has been good so far."
"Hi papa, hi uncle Ajuka."
Sirzechs and Ajuka smiled at Issei's happy attitude, both hoping he'd still be in a good mood later in the day after all the attention he'd be getting.
"Since we're going to announce the return of the Lucifuge clan, we figured it'd be a better idea to do the actual inheritance ceremony now when there's less eyes on you."
Ajuka spoke getting right to the point. Issei nodded his head saying that sounded like a great idea. So the two Satans directed Issei to kneel. As he did Ajuka used his magic to summon a ceremonial blade.
Tapping it on Issei's shoulders as if he were knighting him Ajuka spoke.
"I Ajuka Beelzebub, with the power granted to me by the title of Satan hereby grant you Issei Takumi Lucifuge Gremory Hyoudou the land, wealth, and possessions of the former Lucifuge clan. You may rise."
Standing once Ajuka finished speaking Issei felt a weird swirl of magic centering on his left hand. Glancing at it, he saw a golden streak of light expanding around his pinkie. The light dimmed after a moment and revealed a golden ring. Etched into the ring was a symbol Issei didn't instantly know.
"That signet ring, is a ring worn by Lucifuge Rofocale the original head of the Lucifuge family and one of the most fanatical servants of the original Lucifer…. With this you are now the head of the Lucifuge family. When you're ready just ask Lord Gremory to show you to the lands you now own. When you've finished exploring there he'll take you to the Devil Councils meeting hall. Since you'll have the backing of the Gremory and the Sitri you should be able to convince them to make the Lucifuge family into a pillar family rather than one of the extra demon families."
Ajuka explained before he and Sirzechs took their leave. Sighing Issei continued on into the dinning hall to get breakfast. Thanks to the delay from the two Satans he was the last person to arrive. Luckily his grandfather knew about things so he didn't have to say anything about why he was late. Though his peerage was eager to explore so he quickly ate his meal and had Zeoticus guide him to their new territory.
Once they got close enough Zeoticus began to speak.
"The clan hasn't had a head since the Devil Civil War so the territory was sealed. Now that you've been acknowledged as the new head you can dispel the barrier. After that we'll be free to teleport in an out rather than just to the edge of the land."
"Thanks grandpa. If you want you can go back and relax until we finish looking around."
"Nope. After you unseal the place I plan to have a few servants teleport in to be your new staff. You'll always be welcome in Gremory territory but this is your land so you might as well live here while in the Underworld."
Nodding at Zeoticus's words Issei stepped forward. Now that he was in front of the group he raised his signet ring to the barrier.
"I am the new Lord Lucifuge. I command this barrier to open!"
He chanted letting his power flare just a bit. As his power touched the barrier it trembled before dissipating. Since he was in front Issei was the first person to set foot in his new territory. After walking through the gate he was treated to an awe inspiring sight. Even though the land had been sealed off, everything was still in amazing condition, and the greenery that was the front lawn was still vibrant and full of life.
The hedges that lined the road were still smooth and even. In the center of the front lawn was a massive water fountain. Standing on a pedestal in the center of the fountain was a statue carved from ever frozen ice. The statue being a man with 12 wings surrounding him. His hands where in clasped over the pommel of a very beautiful sword. Said sword seemed to exude magic.
"Ajuka did mention that the original head of the Lucifuge clan was a fanatical servant to the original Lucifer..."
Issei mumbled after seeing the statue, his peerage hearing his words with shock outside of Kalawarner who vaguely remembered the man from her time as a soldier for the fallen-angels in the Great War. Not long after that the servants that Zeoticus was going to have staff the home for Issei arrived and introduced themselves.
"Well it's nice to meet you all. I don't really have much to say at the moment since this is as far as I've gotten in looking around."
"That is alright sir. If you do have anything you desire to change, please just ask."
The head butler responded as he bowed. Nodding his head, Issei said he would let the man know if something came to mind.
"Well why don't we go inside now?"
Garran spoke, eager so see what other magnificent displays of magic he could find besides the statue in the fountain. Agreeing with his bishop Issei and the others entered the mansion. The foyer was different to what everyone expected. Rather than having two curved staircases leading up to the upper floors there was one massive set of stairs set across from the entryway. One the first floor alone there were 4 doors. Because they wanted to see every room Issei's peerage stuck with him as they went to the left most door first.
It lead to a rather large hallway that housed three different rooms. The first of which seemed to be set up for an alchemist or an enchanter to use as a work shop. Garran smiled as he claimed the room to be his work space. The next room they came across was a library. Thanks to the dust covering the books due to the long time spent unoccupied they couldn't see any titles, though they were at least able to tell how many books there were inside the room. The final room they came to in what they realized to be the western wing was a smithy. The smithy also had access to the front lawn, a walkway leading to a storage shed, which was home to the fuel for the forge and the materials that could be forged.
Returning to the entry the group moved to the eastern wing. Once again there were three rooms, one was a massive pantry. The next was the actual kitchen, and the last room was… Well it was a dinning room, but it was set up with a bar so Issei figured it was supposed to be a room for entertaining guests.
Back tracking to the entry Issei led his peerage through the closest of the last two doors. The room they had entered was a massive ballroom. The back half of the room was lined with windows and a few doors. On both sides of the room were two atrium's that the doors lead to. While the back wall housed one set of doors leading to a balcony that overlooked the back half of the property. As they looked around the massive room the teens noticed that the last door from the entry way also lead to the ballroom. They took note of a two small staircases in the front corners of the room. Taking the closer set of stairs they discovered that the second floor was a walkway with rails so you could look down on the party while taking a break from dancing, with several tables and chairs scattered about. There was also a massive set of doors that lead back to the front hall's staircase.
The second floor of the front hall housed several bathrooms, two sets of stairs leading up to a third floor, and doors that lead back into the wings. Exploring the second floor of the west wing they learned that it was home to what the plaque above the door labeled as the 'servants quarters'. The second floor for the east wing was home to a sitting room, the study, and a private library that was connected to the study. Moving up to the third floor they found two dozen bedrooms including the master bedroom and another 6 bathrooms.
Since Zeoticus told Issei that this was his home so he might as well use it, Issei called for the head butler, who's name was Sebastian.
"Sebastian. My peerage and I will be living here while we are in the Underworld. Would you have someone bring our things? Of course as the head of the clan the master bedroom is mine, but I believe my peerage have already selected their rooms."
"Right away sir. I'll just go make the rounds to label the rooms so the others know where to put everyone's belongings."
"Thank you Sebastian."
With a nod the butler was off. Using his magic to create a communication circle Issei contacted his peerage.
"Alright guys, I'm going to step out for a bit. There's a few more things I need to do as the head of the clan. I should be back shortly."
Since his grandfather was still standing beside him after he let his peerage know, all he had to do was turn to the red headed man and nod. Smiling at his grandson Zeoticus activated his magic and teleported the two to the Devil Council's meeting chamber.
Because Sirzechs wanted Issei to convince the council to make the Lucifuge clan a pillar family, all of the current pillar family heads had to attend the meeting, which meant Issei had to wait outside while his grandfather entered the meeting hall. After around half an hour of waiting he was allowed to enter.
"We thank you for appearing before us, Issei. The council has acknowledged you as the head of the Lucifuge family, and we look forward to working with you."
A man spoke up, giving a speech that he would give to everyone who claims the title of family head. Issei bowed as thanks for the welcome. He went to open his mouth but another person spoke up.
"As we are all well aware of the fact that you are Sirzechs lost son returned, I'd like to ask that you skip the introduction you were likely about to give us."
This time it was a woman that spoke, at least if he could tell by the voice. Other than the 4 Satans that were presiding over the meeting Issei couldn't accurately see anyone well enough to figure out who was speaking.
"If that is what you wish… Then I'll be blunt. I didn't really want to do any of this, I'm just going along with it since this is politics. You all probably already know that I'm here to ask for the Lucifuge family to be made into a pillar clan."
"While it is true we knew this, I would like to remind you that manners are still important."
Another devil spoke up. Issei just nodded his head at the words.
"Since this is a matter of status, the pillar clans must put your request to a vote. Should it pass we the Devil council are allowed to agree or veto the pillar's decision. But I'll say this right now. If the clans agree, the council has already decided to allow it."
With that said the heads of the pillar clans began speaking and debating it. Of course the Gremory and Sitri clans instantly agreed to it. But many more had to agree still. Despite the fact a little less than half of the original 72 pillars remain, two yeses was not enough to mean a guarantee.
Back and forth the debate went, several others pitching their votes. Withing the first two minutes of discussion Issei had the Gremory, Sitri, Bael, Belial, and Agares clans had all voted yes. On the other hand the Piamon, Barbatos, and Sallos clans voted no.
"Really, what reason do we have to add the Lucifuge family to the pillar clans. I mean there must be a reason they weren't one of the original 72."
One of the clan heads spoke, which caused another to sigh.
"You really are an idiot Uvall. The Lucifuge family isn't a pillar family because their head wasn't a general in the army, instead being the head of Lucifer's personal guard. Their family duty was to protect Lucifer after all."
"But why wouldn't he have the family do that now too?"
"Because the Lucifuge family died out after Lord Lucifer's wife married him. Issei is going to revive the family. It's a rebirth for that line. Why should they have to stick with that job?"
With that last statement made a few more clan heads saw fit to vote, bringing the total vote from 8 to 15. Of which nine were for allowing Issei to make the Lucifuge family into a pillar clan. The room started to echo as the debate got louder and louder. At least until someone coughed.
"I say let them be a clan family. The kids got the power to make it happen."
"Beleth's right. The boy is indeed strong enough."
"Sure, let's make the Lucifuge family a pillar clan, then when things are put to a vote between the pillar clans Gremory has a second vote in his pocket!"
"Nonsense!"
finally after ten minutes had passed another group of clan heads voted. Out of the thirty three clan heads, twenty two had voted. Eleven saying yes and eleven saying no.
"You know what? I'm for it. I owe the kid for knocking some sense into my son."
A voice spoke out.
"Are you sure Lord Phenex? Normally you'd be vehemently against something like this?"
"I owe the boy. The least I can do is put in a good word."
Several others voted with Lord Phenex at that point.
"I must remind you all that this issue cannot be considered settled until all votes have been cast. The rule has always been 'even if the remaining votes cannot change the result they must be cast.' So speak up."
A council member spoke up trying to hurry things along. After that the last few votes spoke up. In the end Issei had 21 of the 33 clans agreeing to allow the Lucifuge clan to be a pillar clan.
"Now then. With the votes cast, the majority agreed to the request. As I have said earlier the council has already decided that we would grant this request if it made it this far… That means another congratulations is in order for Lord Lucifuge. The Devil Council welcomes you to the pillars."
Hours later
Issei tiredly activated his magic circle to teleport home. After the vote to make the Lucifuge family a pillar clan Issei was forced to attend the public announcement and then sit through several interviews. After those were done he was dragged off to a welcoming 'party', which was really just his grandfather Lord Gremory introducing him to the other pillar clans head members. It was a whirlwind of events that left the teen longing for bed.
As he arrived in his new bedroom he was greeted with a hug. Apparently Sona's father had been in on the plan and had informed his daughter so he didn't have to explain anything to her. Sona could tell that Issei just wanted to sleep, so she led him to the bed and started to removed his shoes for him.
"Please don't make me do anything like that again."
Issei spoke out loud, half praying that he and Sona wouldn't have to endure interviews about their relationship after it was publicly announced.
"I'll try not to."
Sona responded as she got herself ready for bed. Issei summoned the last dregs of his energy to at least take his shirt and socks off, before flopping back down onto the bed. A couple minutes later Sona was beside him and he wrapped his arms around her as she snuggled into him. It didn't take much more than five minutes for the two to begin drifting off to sleep.
S.R: How's that for a plot twist?
