Chapter 8: Eye of the Storm

(Personal Study Of Prince Araxian Bael, Bael Clan Castle, Bael Territory, Underworld, Earth, DxD Universe)

Though by no means an easy decision I'd selected my Last Rook, while it wouldn't be Xenovia, Tobio, Kunou, Meredith, or the Dragon King's it would, at least hopefully be Katerea. The Rewards for her acquisition as well as my own personal feelings for her simply outweighed any and all risks, and if nothing else, I could use her and Ravel's natural opportunity to acquire those overlooked in their favour.

I sent word to Katerea through the channels we'd set up, asking for her to join me, so that we need not hide anymore. Katerea was portrayed as a bitch, but in truth she was a vulnerable, stubborn, and tsundere woman. She was slightly arrogant, but that's to be expected. It was my hope that in taking my offer. she and I might unite the Old and New Satan Factions, with me at it's head. Just because I'm hormone driven much of the time didn't mean I lacked a number of secrete ambitions. For instance, Cannon Issei wanted to be a Harem King, yet he's a Red Dragon Emperor? Am I the only one who see's that as a demotion? In any event I was monologuing something I don't do...Well, not much in any even...

Currently however I sat in my Study, which was adjacent to my Room itself. I was looking over the fallout from Diadora's exposure at my hands, Though it was troublesome that the Bael Heir so brutally killed the Astaroth Heir, the fact that Diadora's actions caused the Angels to reconsider their attendance to the Summit was only stopped because I'd killed him, and had made plans with Ravel to have the maidens shipped to a fully funded psychiatric care facility. Thus I was simply awaiting confirmation of my thoughts.

A Knock on my door interrupts my thoughts as it opens, revealing my Mother.

"Yes, Mother? Do you need help with something?" I ask.

"I've been asked to tell you that the Astaroth Head wishes to have you help remove the stain against his family, through marriage. Your father, has agreed, or rather, Lord Zekram has." Says Mother.

"Am I correct in assuming I am to be wed to Latia then?" I ask her, and when I receive a short nod, I sigh. "What about Ravel? I won't be setting her aside, If Father wants that then he can die, because it won't be happening." I say, my Demonic Power Flaring.

"No, you need not worry about that, however, in order to maintain the balance of power, Archduke Agares has requested that either you or Magdaran wed Seekvaira in order to maintain the remaining families of the 72 Pillars." Says Misla.

"I see, let me discuss this with Ravel before I decide on anything." I say, and as my mother nods, she departs. ''Fuck.'' I say, clearly not needing this so soon. I throw my glass at the wall in frustration.

Ravel and I certainly weren't pleased with the development, because Kuroka had found out, then word spread and like Kuroka, Lavinia expressed her own Marital wishes. Calling me a Dog didn't do this justice. This was causing problems that I didn't need right now. But...it was not necessarily a bad problem. I was presently having Kuisha draw up several contracts that ensured the wishes of the girls were met, but the future of the Bael Clan was not in jeopardy. In truth it was simply a means to ensure father didn't get involved too much.

I wait until the Contracts are finished, and notice there's an extra one. I don't require much to guess who the additional one is for. I had Kuisha create multiple copies, one for each target; Katerea Leviathan, Kunou, Yasaka, Latia Astaroth, Imogen Asmodeus, Lucrezia Lucifuge, Cora Beelzebub, Canna Leviathan, Seekvaira Agares, Xenovia Quarta, Asia Argento, Akeno Himejima, Jeanne, Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri, Tsubaki Shinra, Serafall Leviathan, Momo Hanaki, Tsubasa Yura, Irina Shidou, Rossweisse, Koneko Toujou, Kuroka, Lavinia Reni, Le Fay Pendragon, Ingvild Leviathan, Reya Kusaka, Tomoe Meguri, Ruruko Nimura, Lint Selzan, Valerie Tepes, Elmenhide Karnstein, Lilitifa Vepar, Aika Kiryuu, and Kiyome Abe. Kuisha was amongst them, but I purposefully didn't let Kuisha know. What can I say? I needed the amusement!

I smirk at Kuisha, as my finger taps the extra file, before I take the files concerning Katerea, Latia, Seekvaira, Imogen, Canna, Cora, Lucrezia, Kuroka, and Lavinia. I give Kuisha a knowing wink, before I depart.

(Secondary Kuoh Residence of Araxian Bael, Kuoh Town, Japan, Earth)

I was at my secondary Kuoh Residence, Kuroka, Latia, Seekvaira, Imogen, Canna, Cora, Lucrezia, and Lavinia were reviewing the contracts before them, or more accurately Seekvaira, Latia, Lucrezia, and Canna were, Kuroka, Imogen, and Cora had signed them on the spot. I was sipping the Tea that Ravel had made for me, she was currently speaking with her parents regarding the new situation and position we had. I couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my lips when Lucrezia, Canna, and Latia signed. Only Seekvaira hesitated, but the reassuring smile I gave her seemed to enable her to sign it. ''Now that this has been settled, I need to make additional copies, send them to your families or acting legal guardians, more to Serafall and Sirzechs, and so on an so on.'' I tell them, before A Magic Circle appears.

The Clan Symbol is Gremory, but the Lucifer Clan Symbol is there as well. The Color is Silver, meaning Grayfia just showed up.

''Prince Araxian, I have been instructed to inform you that have been Promoted from Prince to Archduke, furthermore Lady Ravel is being granted the Rank of Princess to equalize the marriage between you. I am also instructed to tell you that Lord Sirzechs, myself, Lord Zeoticus, and Lady Serafall will be attending the Open House, your Mother and brother will be attending as well as Lady Phenex and Lord Zekram.'' Says Grayfia formally and coldly, as per usual.

''I see, I'm going to guess your husband hopes for Kuoh to be the Peace Summits location?'' I ask.

Grayfia narrows her eyes, but says nothing.

''Yes, that's right.'' Says Grayfia carefully, and I can't hide the smugness of my smirk.

''Don't be so surprised, I know things.'' I say vaguely.

Grayfia offers a nod and I nod to Imogen to hand the contracts to her.

''Please make copies and send those to Sirzechs, Serafall, related Clan Heads, and/or legal guardians.'' I say, and Grayfia offers one last nod before departing. ''Now then, is there anything else?'' I ask my new brides, and when Kuroka goes to speak I beat her to it. ''Anything not of the child birthing variety?'' I ask.

''I recall you offering me place with the Birds Peerage, is it still open?'' Asks Imogen.

''Probably, would either of you care to join?'' I ask the others.

''Cora and I would welcome each other as Rooks. I am certain that Seekvaira and Latia would happily be Bishops.'' Says Canna.

''Father won't appreciate it in the short term, but in the long term he'd appreciate it.'' Says Seekvaira.

''Same with Lord Astaroth.'' Says Latia.

''What of you Imogen? Will you be Ravel's sword, and of you Lucrezia, which Role do you fulfill? Queen, Knight, or Pawn?'' I ask.

''I will serve her as Grayfia does Sirzechs, as her Queen.'' Says a Resolute Lucrezia.

''And I will be her Sword against those foolish enough to threaten her.'' Imogen promises.

''Then you ought to speak with Her, For now I must execute the first few moves on the board before this summit.'' I say, as I close the meeting.

As all but Kuroka leave, I nod to her, and she Seals the room.

''Alright, speak on the matters we brought out?'' I ask.

''Lady Vepar has agreed to it, provided that you get Forneus to back off.'' Says Kuroka.

''Forneus has no use to the future, his very nature is offensive, his personality is problematic, and his actions reprehensible. Release the material we've got on him to all supernatural media.'' I say, turning to face the Painting on the wall.

''What of the Exorcist girl? She requires an answer?'' Asks Kuroka.

''Send for her, ask her to join us here, so that we might discuss her wish to become a Devil privately. I may have a solution to the problem.'' I instruct.

''What about Lady Yasaka? Or Princess Kunou? They've both marked you as their mates. A Fox Princess and her Mother, a verifiable MILF. You will need to accept them if your endgame is to succeed.'' Kuroka questions.

''I'm aware, but for now Xenovia is the priority.'' I state firmly.

''Of course Nya.'' Says Kuroka, as she unseals the room and goes to fetch Xenovia. I turn towards the adjacent Steam Shower and shrug as I disrobe and enter it.

(Xenovia Quarta's POV)

Xenovia had been eagerly awaiting the response from Araxian Bael. Upon her Excommunication, she sought out the strongest person she could find, and hoped to serve God's legacy by birthing strong Children, and Araxian Bael was the Strongest there was. This Devil was the Strongest Youth among Young Devils, he beat Kokabiel, could hold an Excalibur with only minor discomfort, and was able to recruit multiple Longinus users to his side as well as Hero Descendants. But more than that there was something mysterious about him, some sense of self-assured knowledge that she found alluring.

Besides, if the Church didn't want her, perhaps Araxian Bael would. If nothing else her bust size should attract him easily enough, though admittedly Kuroka, Lavinia, Latia, Lucrezia, Imogen, Canna, and Cora had her beat in that so she couldn't be completely certain. Xenovia herself found the Devil's Aura seductive, alluring, and arousing. That kind of pressure spoke highly of his skill and prodigious talent.

She followed Kuroka into the Personal Study of Araxian. As she entered, she noticed that Araxian had a towel around his waist, revealing his chiseled yet scarred chest. It brought a heat to her chest and cheeks, and a moist tingling in between her legs. She noticed that Kuroka shared her feelings because she was actively pressing herself against him. He managed to separate them long enough in order to magically conjure up clothes on his lower body, but made no effort to cover his upper half beyond a small vest and singlet.

''Alright, so I've run the numbers, had statistics drawn up and evaluated and contested. Unfortunately your style doesn't fit mine.'' Araxian says, and a sadness overtakes Xenovia. ''However, I can offer an alternative, in order to satisfy yourself and us. Ravel Phenex is my Primary Bride, she lacks a Knight and all but Three of her Pawns. Kuroka and Le Fay are currently on loan to her. I believe that my Ravel Reincarnating you as her next Knight will help make up for any deficiencies in your Combat Style. As Ravel's knight, you'd be her sworn defender, as well as my own should Jeanne or Siegfried he unavailable. We would also be able to better facilitate your training and you'd be permitted to stay at the Various Bael and Phenex Estates here or in the Underworld.'' Araxian tells her.

''You'd also receive training in basic Senjutsu, Youjutsu, and Elemental Magic from myself, Le Fay, Ravel, Lavinia, and Lucrezia Nyan.'' Kuroka chimes in.

''Correct, with any luck you will someday get your own Peerage someday.'' Araxian adds.

''Then if Lady Phenex agrees I see no reason while I shouldn't.'' Says Xenovia, privately hoping to be able to become closer with Araxian Bael.

''Kuroka, you know what to do.'' Says Araxian.

''Of course Nya.'' Says Kuroka as she sneakily pats Araxian's crotch before kissing his check and departing.

(Back to standard Araxian POV)

(Bael-Phenex Castle, Bael Mountains, Bael Territory, Underworld, Earth)

Myself and Ravel watched the construction of the Grand new Bael-Phenex Castle. It was simply too easy to mass order the materials and workers to build the brand new Bael-Phenex Castle that I'd ordered constructed in the Bael Mountains, The Hills were rich in Ore, so I was having mines dug beneath the Castle, which doubled as secret escape routes. The ore was particularly resistant to Holy things, and resonant to Demonic Power. I personally designed the secret passage ways and secret rooms, I made sure that the workers had a curse placed upon them that prevented them from spilling their secrets, if they ever tried their very souls would be obliterated. Ravel had accepted my Peerage

candidates for her, after a thorough and deep testing.

This was our last and final matter before the Shit hit the fan, we were within the Storm's Eye...

Chapter End

Sorry folks, times up, Poll gets closed and Ravel gets a single Poll for her Pawns, much of the Poll for this will be listed as a consolation prize, enjoy you Horny Devils, Chaste Angels, and Hormonal Fallen Angels!!