Chapter 5 – Turning Point

Iselia Paimon was positively seething, dripping with anger, unlike anything anyone had ever seen. There was a heavy invisible pressure around her, pushing people as far away as possible in a bid of trying to avoid whatever inner storm that was going inside her mind. It didn't help that the closer to her one was, the colder the temperature. It was rather ominous, everyone decided as they waited for the rating game to begin.

None of them had foreseen the sudden temporary addition of the enigmatic silver-haired beauty to Rias Gremory's peerage for the rating game's duration against Riser Phenex. Lord Ajuka Beelzebub had made it clear that his Queen was not a permanent addition but an extra help, face set carefully in a neutrally bland countenance coupled with a hard glint in his eyes that signaled both Rias and Akeno just how displeased the Satan was. A state which was mirrored by his beloved Queen, to a more extreme level.

The Gremory Heiress was certain that there was an underlying political move going right under their collective noses, which would only mean that the prime culprit was her silly Onii-sama. Rias automatically ruled out Luka Onii-sama because she was certain that man was only coerced into agreeing with whatever her Onii-sama wanted to do. And if she wanted a definite answer right now, the only one who could provide it was someone who looked like she was ready to commit mass homicide as soon as someone started breathing in her direction- Or perhaps making a collection of new ice sculptures.

It was to the point where even the fearless baby devils dared not ask anything about her presence.

They still functioned normally, valiantly ignoring the furious girl leaning against the wall far away from everyone. Not even Sona's concerned glances elicited any responses. That was until a silver teleportation circle bearing the Gremory crest appeared right in front of where she stood, bringing with it the famed Silver Queen of Annihilation, dressed in her usual French maid uniform.

"Everyone, are you prepared?"

Unknowingly breaking the invisible tension in the dimly lit room, Grayfia Lucifuge stepped slightly to her right, closer to her seething junior Queen as Rias answered in affirmative.

"When it's about to start, you will be teleported to the battlefield."

And as always, after delivering her piece, Grayfia seemingly melted into the background despite her monstrous presence. Instead, the Queen cum maid turned her full attention to the Paimon Heiress now that the others were occupied with their conversations, assessing the quietly suppressed violence in the now-glowing magenta orbs. Not even the calm revelation of who Sirzechs to Rias was, or him to the Devil Society overall managed to capture the young Queen's attention. It would seem like her husband had gone too far this time. Sadly, there was nothing she could do to help other than mitigating the incoming damage.

"It's about time."

Grayfia announced calmly just as the teleportation circle changed to one of Ajuka's designs, which would bring everyone to the game field. She briefly brushed the back of her hand against Iselia's side, making the younger Queen paused slightly.

Iselia took a deep fortifying breath, reigning in her volatile aura, nodding firmly in the older Queen's directions before following the rest of the Gremory peerage into the circle, straight-backed and glacier in her gaze.

…

As the last of the teleportation light faded, Lia settled herself against the wall closest to the door, leaving Rias to her planning as she tried to wrestle her temper.

"Everyone… I am Grayfia, servant of the Gremory family. Appointed judge between the Gremory and Phenex Clans." Grayfia-nee's clear light voice cut into the red haze of her rage. Regardless of what she was feeling right now, she had orders to fulfill.

Just a few hours before, she was suddenly informed that she would be joining the game as a representative of the Dantalion Clan, a house which her Papa was unofficially heading in addition to his official title. Logically, there was absolutely no reason for her to be here because Dantalion was not a name she bore. However, if she was reading it right, she was there to make a statement, or rather, stake a claim on the Gremory's Clan heiress on behalf of Lukrezius Dantalion or the Dantalion Clan itself.

"There was an unfulfilled contract between the Gremory and Dantalion Clans centuries ago," Mama told her quietly after Papa and the others left, aware that she needed more time to digest her newest set of orders or rather, giving her enough space to nurse her rage.

"Your Papa was supposed to marry Rhia Gremory, Sirzechs-chan's late younger twin sister as part of an agreement between both clans." It was a name she was familiar with, and judging by Mama's suddenly somber countenance, Lia could pretty much guess what happened. Her lovely and sometimes -or maybe most of the time- childish mother settled herself on the couch beside her, combing her slender fingers down Lia's hair soothingly like she always did with a far-away look in her eyes.

"She was such a bright star, and I wondered sometimes what would happen if she was still around. Perhaps Lu-tan would have been happier, but then we wouldn't have you. Maybe you would have been theirs?" She froze when she spotted something she had never seen before within her mother's identical eyes, deep coagulating darkness that hid a hint of something she couldn't name. Was that madness?

The soft caress turned into an unforgiving grip.

"You don't think that Mama is selfish, do you? After all, it's because she's gone that you are here."

Iselia Paimon was rarely reminded that her own family wasn't perfect. There were times when she heard hushed arguments between her parents, a clashing of huge disharmonized energy that prompted both Sairaorg and Vali to squirrel her away into the deeper part of the castle, limbs tangled as they waited in absolute stillness and quiet for the storm to end, like traumatized wounded animals.

And then there was that. Times when she was reminded that her parents and their associates have their problems for all their rather easy-going personalities. They weren't fine, they were never fine. They were just very good at hiding the darkness lurking within themselves, much like what she was doing, to a lesser degree.

Being born when the old Satans reigned, or at the tail end of it, being involved in a civil war where you have to kill your own and watched as your family died around you. She wondered, how they could remain so easy-going.

And finally, there was Rhia Gremory. Practically the root of her family problem. Someone her mother seemed to hold dear, but loath at the same time. It was also a name that made Sirzechs-nii smiled that sad smile of his, sometimes accompanied by a razor-sharp glare in Papa's direction.

But as for Papa, that name was practically a forbidden word.

He would always turn quiet, withdrawn, as he directed a gaze Lia half interpreted as guilt towards her suddenly subdued mother if she was present.

Gremory Clan. The Paimon heiress lifted her eyes from the floor towards Rias as she briefed her pieces to her plan, with Lia finally inserting her transceiver to her right ear. Her anger had yet to be abated, something that had never before happened. It was a childish reason in her opinion, something that she was supposedly able to reign in but couldn't.

Pride.

An excessive overwhelming Pride that had been trampled to smithereens.

For what reason did a proud member of Imperial Household obey the order of those lower than they? To fight under someone lower, weaker than they? What would this show to those old sharks in the political fields circling her as if they held any rights to her anything? That she was weak, easy to fool, to lead along?

Lia let out a noise akin to a frustrated animal, startling the members of the Gremory peerage as they stared concernedly at her unraveling sanity. Since when was she so prideful to that ridiculous degree? She certainly wasn't prideful enough to not help her friends, was she? So where did all those thoughts come from?

"Lia-chan, are you alright?" Rias stood in front of her, a worried look etched on her formerly confident mien as the crimson-haired devil directed her full attention to her.

"No. No, I am not okay." She whispered, desperately, hoping that the live broadcast wouldn't catch her trying to hold onto her fraying thread of reasons. Rias led her to the gilded sofa, rubbing her back softly.

"It's alright." Her sister figure started, equally soft. "I know that Ajuka-sama and Onii-sama said that you are now temporarily considered part of my peerage, but you don't have to do anything, Lia-chan. Just sit here and defend the base with me, alright?"

No. No. You don't understand! I can't-

Why did you listen to these low-lives?

Why? Because they're my friends, my family.

Family? You, in whose veins run the most sacred blood of our kind, can you compare to these low-breeds?

Shut up.

Iselia frowned, ignoring the soft murmurs between Rias and Issei as she contemplated what was wrong with her. It started when she received that twice bedamned order from Sirzechs-nii, with Papa not uttering a single agreement or an objection. Ajuka had looked a tad bit disapproving, which was everything in her opinion, considering his penchant for wearing the blandest expression he could muster.

But then this random voice suddenly sprouted out of nowhere as soon as she registered the feeling of overwhelming rage like nothing she'd ever felt before. There was something wrong not only with her entire family but with her as well.

Oh, not so, little one. I would say it goes entirely right with you in the end.

Lia snapped her head up at the sudden surge of power from Hyoudou, blinking at the scene where the boy was resting his head upon Rias' lap with a comical expression of tears streaming down his cheeks as Miss Argento looked on tearfully, with an almost pout.

"You removed one of his seals?"

Rias laughed softly, beautiful turquoise eyes looked up and a ready smile on her lips.

"He can handle that much now." The Gremory patted Hyoudou's head fondly.

"Listen up, Issei. You have to beat your opponent even if they are girls, okay? You can't hold back. They won't hold back against you."

"Y-Yes, I understand!"

Sighing softly, Lia leaned back and rested her entire weight on the arm of the sofa, a conflicted look on her usually impassive face.

"Lia, can you hear me? Make a single noise if you do." Out of nowhere, a voice she recognized belonging to her King came from her transceiver, almost startling her to jump out of her seat, but she did bid as was told with an aggravated huff.

"Good. I know Sirzechs told you that you are limited to acting under Rias' order, but regardless, I will be removing your restrictions from now on. Do as you will and don't hold back anymore."

Because that did make sense. Or rather, not at all. What did that even mean? She was still angry enough to not be able to think properly. So many conflicting emotions, too little time to process all of them. There was no choice but to forcibly compartmentalize and unpack everything later while she concentrated on the current going-on. Taking note when the rest barred Rias and the new blonde bishop left the room, Iselia held her palm up as a medium-size icy-blue colored magic circle formed on top. It caught the other room's occupant's attention as they blinked curiously at her.

The demonic magic took form, forming multiple ice mirror screens that broadcasted several key locations LIVE to the Gremory heiress' shock. It amusingly included Riser's main base. Ignoring the incredulous looks she was subjected to, Iselia Paimon started taking stocks of the current situations and analyzing both sides' moves. To her whose demonic energy reserve was on high enough level, spreading them around the entire area to monitor everything was ridiculously easy that it wasn't even worth mentioning. The only drawback to this brute force method was that any opponent who wasn't an idiot could of course sense what she was doing. However, with how arrogant Riser was coupled with the fact that she was severely underestimated, it wouldn't matter.

As she and Vali had both discussed several nights ago, the match could go either way. She had considered that Rias would have a better chance with a drawn-out battle, but Vali had ruthlessly quashed her down by pointing out the laughable amount of demonic power and stamina Rias' side lack to consider doing such a thing. On the other hand, the stupid flaming chicken whose only notable strength was his endless regeneration had the upper hand in a drawn-out battle.

"But his regeneration depends on his stamina, energy, and mental state, am I correct?" Lia tilted her head inquiringly as Vali flicked her nose with a soft tsk.

"You are correct. Which is also why he has the upper hand. The reason is that he has been continuously using the regeneration aspect of his power ever since it manifested." A proverbial lightbulb lit right above her head as soon as she caught onto what Vali was implying.

Regardless of how much Lia herself dismissed the Phenex Clan's power, it was a fact that they were a bunch of rather troublesome opponents. Many children of nobility might not train themselves as hardcore as some did simply because they took for granted the power they were born with. But for the Phenex Clan people, simply had no choice but to train on their regenerative ability simply because it was a passive ability. This in turn exercised their demonic energy and stamina, raising it to a terrifying level especially when they need to consider making Phoenix Tears in a bid of trying to fulfill the market's demand.

Which mean the only option I have left to take down Riser is-

A curious scene from the gym drew her out of her musing, slightly glowing magenta eyes blinking blankly at the situation.

"Issei…" An exasperated sigh escaped from Rias, drowning out the funny noises coming out from teary-looking Asia as she stared intensely at the screen showing Issei who seemed to be celebrating his 'victory' with a rather vulgar smile.

"That is a rather creative use of his limited magic talent." She muttered dryly, eyeing the three pawns Hyoudou had downed with a flash of pity. To be exposed so vulnerably in a LIVE broadcast… It's decided, never let Hyoudou Issei touch her at all. Seeing and touching is a different matter altogether. However, to be exposed entirely without consent to the entire world? Yeah, no thank you.

However, she must note that it was still a viable strategy on Issei's part despite how vulgar it was. If any female can be disabled just by stripping them in any kind of battle, wasn't it just unfair? Then what could she do to counter such an obvious disadvantage?

That was, assuming either Vali or Sairaorg didn't go on a rampage after if they were in the vicinity. Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. However, judging from what she had just witnessed, a certain time frame was needed to activate that magic after Issei had 'marked' his target. Which meant, there was room for a counter. Shaking her head, Iselia dismissed her spiraling thoughts. No point in dwelling on it unless she encountered it. She had faith in herself and her mastery over magic to pull through should she be subjected to such an embarrassing situation.

"Koneko, Issei. How are your situations?" Happily, Rias questioned into their transceiver while staring at the screen she enlarged for their viewing.

It didn't take too long for Issei to answer, and Lia didn't know whether to laugh or sigh at his answer.

"President! We're both fine." There was a slight pause as a rather vulgar expression crossed his face. "It's pretty nice here."

"I'm glad to hear that. Akeno is ready to make her move now. Please continue as planned."

Flicking her gaze over to one of the numerous screens around, her magenta gaze paused at the built-up magic right above the gymnasium and the ominous forming dark clouds. Withholding a sigh, she pursed her lips at how long it took for Akeno to use her inborn ability. Didn't they train up in the mountain resort? What were they doing then?

"Riser-sama's three pawns and a rook knocked out and unable to continue the battle."

Swiping her fingers over some screens with a soft hum, Iselia contemplated whether Rias had taken into consideration what she and Vali did. If she did, it would be great. If not, her eyes narrowed dangerously. It would be up to her to pick up the slack, order, or no.

"We're still outnumbered," Rias commented calmly with an incline of her head. "It'll take some time for Akeno to be ready to fire another shot."

Indeed, the raven-haired queen's demonic energy was laughably drained too much for such a minuscule attack. The Paimon Heiress withhold a twitch, mentally trying not to think up dozens of tortu- she meant tutoring sessions for the whole Gremory peerage dedicated to raising their collective demonic power. Instead, she let her attention be captured by Yuuto, who was managing his assigned field quite well.

Amongst the Gremory peerage, it was the sole knight that she appreciated the most. While he wasn't the strongest, he was the most dedicated and chased after his limit relentlessly. It was as if he was chasing after something he couldn't reach no matter how hard he tried, like a hidden demon deep within his heart. There was no hesitation in his eyes as he danced around his opponents, outnumbered as he was. There was no mercy, no matter of the easy smile he wore as a mask.

Silver hair shifted as her gaze snapped up to the screen where Issei and Koneko were, a belated warning upon her lips just as an explosion of energy blurred the screen temporarily.

"Koneko! Issei, what happened to Koneko? Answer me quickly!" The crimson-haired Princess called out anxiously.

Trouble is coming.

Ignoring Riser's taunt and Issei's seemingly lost composure, Iselia rose from her seat and head towards the open window. The current situation has forced Akeno to confront Riser's Queen, Yubelluna, while her energy reservoir was still not in peak condition. Had anyone asked, she would say Akeno clearly has an obvious advantage over most people present, however... Vali would have said otherwise. If she considered the technicalities, then Vali was the one who considered the practicalities. And he would tell her why exactly he thought that Rias had little to no chance of victory.

There was not enough training, time, and the most important of all. Experience.

[You've spoiled them too much, Princess.] The distinctive echoing voice belonging to Albion startled her slightly, causing her to flinch. Not that anyone paid her any attention.

"So I did, according to both you and Vali." Her fingers curled into her palm, marking deep crescent grooves onto the soft flesh.

[Dragons grow differently. Much like how your Sire raised you. There are no better teachers than experience.] The dragon continued with a low growl. With how many times the three of them had almost lost their lives during their training disguised as missions, and just as many deliberate close calls they had to make, she wasn't even surprised. It was harsh but severely effective. This was life at its most primitive. The strong survived while the weak perished.

"Asia and I will launch a surprise attack on their main base, so distract as many enemies as possible to buy us some time." Lia promptly forgot what she was about to say to Albion, raising her hand to touch the cold steel framing her left ear. Rias was as cool as a cucumber as she explained her reasoning to her remaining piece with eyes closed and arms crossed.

"Rias-!"

"I'm sorry to ask you of this even though I already said that you don't have to do anything. But please provide some assistance to Yuuto and Issei." Rias didn't even bother to look at her, gesturing at her bishop instead.

"Rias, taking a piece with no battle capability right into the heart of enemy's territory is too-"

"It's safer for Asia to come with me. Besides, I have confidence that I can protect her."

"I do not question your capability to protect your own piece! But she's more useful if-"

"That's enough. My decision is final, Iselia. Please do as I say."

Iselia Paimon gritted her teeth as Rias left the room, a much more hesitant Asia gazing back in worry and slight apprehension as she followed her King. She was nothing but a lent piece with no authority. She was just an extra body and extra power with no right to speak. There was nothing she could do but obey.

[Limitation means nothing to a dragon. Who needs to use words when strength is everything? Go. Make yourself known.]

With no other choice but to comply, Lia disappeared in place, transporting herself right into the school field where Yuuto was already confronting one of Riser's knights, a young woman with short brown hair, dressed in a short white tunic with armor over them. Conveniently, she also seemed to have cut a conversation mid-way when she popped up right behind Issei with a stony expression.

Shooting a cold glance at the surrounding, her eyes narrowed pointedly at a girl with blonde curly hair in twin tails.

"Good. All of you are here, which saves me the time to hunt you down separately." Gathering her energy in preparation for battle, she felt more than saw her eyes glowed blue with the residue of her energy as she fixed her opponents with a frosty glare. She finished preparation to prevent friendly fire quite some time ago despite her preoccupation with her spiraling mind. Going all out shouldn't be a problem.

"I will give you two choices. Either you resign by yourself, or I will make you resign. You have exactly ten seconds to make your choice." Two remaining pawns, a pair of twin catgirls who seemed to specialize in close hand-to-hand combat; a rook who seemed to favor asymmetry so much that she only wore half a pants and a phantom of opera mask of all things; a knight wielding a zweihander with hair tied in strange style; a bishop who literally stepped out of feudal japan with the way she was dressed; and finally... Ravel Phenex, the youngest and only daughter of the main Phenex Clan.

"Iselia Paimon." Arrogant dark blue eyes instantly turned wary as they regarded her with apprehension. "We were told that you would be joining this game."

Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six.

"Mother told me to be careful of you, but honestly, no one has ever seen you fight. But I'm not here to fight, so-"

Five. Four. Three.

As Ravel continued with her words, heedless of the oncoming storm that was Lia's rallied power, the rest of Riser's peerage members shifted minutely closer towards their King's sister, wary and perturbed by the prior warning.

Two.

They should have remembered how Vali decimated them by his lonesome, and she was someone who grew up alongside that kind of monster. In one way or another, aren't they all monsters? Some perhaps more than the others...

One.

Tyrannical aura exploded outward with her as the center, spreading a field of blues several miles outward.

Blue fields and charming flowers in various shades of blue were scattered around the entire place, each in different stages of bloom.

This was her world, her paradise.

She smiled callously while examining the state of her opponents, each encased in her blue blooms, expressions stuck in a painful struggle with bodies almost destroyed to a miserable state. It was a difficult experience to describe unless experienced first hand. Her ice was a mutation of sorts from her parents, after all. While the two held [Absolute Zero], her ice was something below that threshold. They called it [Cold Fire], it looked like ice, has an ice-like structure, but with temperature hotter than any flames.

"Riser-sama's two pawns, one rook, two knights, one bishop, retire." Grayfia's announcement came in just as the mentioned pieces disappeared in motes of light soundlessly.

Swiveling her head at the remaining 'living' enemy, Lia huffed a soft laugh. "What do I expect? Vali is rarely wrong. Phenex does have an annoying ability."

Flickering orange flame glowed feebly inside her ice flower, like a futile struggle of waning life. A delighted giggle inadvertently left her lips. Not here to fight? What did that even mean? The moment they stepped to the stage prepared for the rating game, it meant you were prepared for battle and its consequences.

"Rias! Call off that mad dog now!" Riser's panicked call snapped everyone out of their daze as they gaped disbelievingly at what Ajuka's 'spoiled' Queen had just done. This was the first time they saw her in a fight, and the result was frankly terrifying. Some of them wondered if they had underestimated her too much, or perhaps overestimated themselves.

"Lia-chan! That's enough for now!" Rias Gremory shouted from up above the roof of the main building. Lia stiffened in place, uncomprehending even as she released a half-dead-looking Ravel from her flower prison. Riser Phenex spent little time to his sister's side, anxiety in his body language as he fished out a small vial with a pinkish-red liquid within.

"It's better to let her retire. Phoenix's Tears can't heal-"

"Shut up!" The frazzled male hissed through gritted teeth as he fed Ravel the miracle liquid. Coupled with Phenex Clan's regeneration, the effect was even more miraculous. Visible wounds healed and missing limbs regrowing in less than ten seconds. However, as Lia had warned him earlier, there was a gray tinge to Ravel's entire skin, as if the limbs were dead.

"What. Did. You. Do?!" The blond rose from his crouch, a very still Ravel cradled carefully in his arms as he faced Satan Beelzebub's treasured Queen. There were no other fluctuations in her expression other than calm.

"I have warned them. Retire, or I will force them. We are all aware of the consequences that can occur through a rating game." There were many reasons she didn't like to fight, preferring to remove herself from troublesome situations. One being she loved her leisure time. But another reason was that she tended to go off-rails during one. Unless her opponent was someone on similar or above her level, the consequences were more often than not dire. Knowing this, she didn't understand why Sirzechs-nii and Ajuka allowed her to join in this game.

She was told that this was something she inherited from her Papa. To them, an enemy was an enemy with no ifs buts or whys. Enemies are meant to eliminate without holding back. Knowing this, the other Satan might have already prepared necessary arrangements with her in mind, which was why Ravel Phenex was better off retiring. Just as she finished her thoughts, she was surrounded by motes of light, along with an announcement.

"Riser-sama's bishop, retire. Due to circumstances, Iselia-sama is forcibly retired."

...

A familiar scent of sandalwood mixed in with bergamot and warmth surrounded her as soon as the motes of light dispersed, no doubt depositing her to someone's arms directly. No other words were exchanged, and the only sound accompanying them was the hum of machinery and shuffling of papers.

"Did I cause you trouble?"

A slight pause in movement, followed by a slight shift in position.

"No. Everything went according to plan."

A soft caress coupled with a head pat from the person as if reassuring her.

"You did better than expected. Be at ease, and leave the rest to me." The silverette fisted the green material under her in a slight show of vulnerability. "She won't win this, will she?"

Her King sighed and leaned back against his recliner chair, calm blue eyes examining her from head to toe without any ripples.

"No. Not without you." There was a question in his tone. Why ask when you already know the answer?

Almost petulantly, the young Queen turned her head with a small pout.

"They should have been able to." Fine-boned fingers free of calluses pinched the back of her neck like a soft reprimand to a misbehaving kitten.

"Technically, they do stand a higher chance of winning. Technically, if we don't consider each peerage's experience. Technically, if they have more time to train. Technically, if-" Hastily raising a hand to cover her fiance's mouth, she gave him what she might pass as the most pitiful look she could muster.

"Okay, okay! I got it! Technically doesn't mean anything in this case!" She felt the soft chuff of amusement from his breath on her skin rather than hearing it, the grown male bringing his free hand to circle the wrist of her hand she was using to clamp his mouth shut. A soft kiss was laid on her palm.

"Letting go when you are accustomed to taking care of them is hard. But you need to trust them. Trust yourself." For a few years now, she'd been the one to groom and trained them indirectly. If she didn't trust them, then who will?

"Mn..."

Then the man was back to his work, occasionally passing some documents for her to read. Being a Queen to a Satan meant you have to be on top of everything your Satan has jurisdiction over. Ever since the fall of the Old Satan Faction, a huge change in the political arena occurred. Fearing the old tragedy would repeat itself, the council limited the authority Satan was supposed to have in the political arena. Whether this move was for the benefit of many or otherwise, she had yet to decide.

"There has been a lot of noise regarding your promotion to Ultimate Class." The green-haired Satan started idly, clear blue eyes glancing at her briefly. "After today, I doubt there will be any more objections."

As she had expected, even in a mere game alone, there was still a lot of political machinations going on behind their backs. But this was also something involving the future of Devil Clans, mainly the future Head of Households. She'd heard of Rias' recklessness from Grayfia and bear witness to the budding feelings Rias had towards a former human. She'd guessed what Sirzechs-nii had in store regarding this engagement.

The Dantalion had a pre-existing contract with the Gremory, long before the engagement to the Phenex. And while her Papa was no longer the heir of Dantalion Household, he was still the de-facto Head of House. It meant Rias' engagement could be shifted to either her cousin or Papa. She twitched minutely, earning her the attention of the green Satan on her no doubt strange expression.

"What is it? Are you not happy that you finally catch up with two of those nuisances?" Huh? Since when did Ajuka call her two childhood friends nuisances?

"It's not that! Just... What's Sirzechs-nii thinking? If Rias and Papa become... like that. How can I even look at Rias-nee?"

Ajuka raised a brow, a rare smile filled with amusement decorating his otherwise stoic face.

"Your thoughts strayed to the unlikeliest place, my little one." He laid his palm over her head in a gesture of comfort regardless. "There's nary a need to worry too much. It's just a temporary measure to buy more time for Rias Gremory." Yes, she understood that, but the official paper would say otherwise! That would be ridiculously awkward. "You have to understand, the consequences of the Gremory Heiress taking on a former human as her intended would be nothing sort of chaos in the council." Luminescent magenta eyes snapped up towards clear blue. The normally placid blue eyes were distant and ancient, indirectly showing her some insight into this man's true self. She mustn't forget that he was one of the strongest beings in this world and that very little could escape his notice. Iselia might have forgotten that they were all still under the surveillance of their elders.

"Lukrezius holds the reins to the traditionalist faction in the council. He has to show that he is truly on their side to maintain our currently fragile balance." She felt Ajuka shifting beneath her to get more comfortable, barely minding her weight as he moved with ease. "While his friendship with us causes his faction to question some of his decisions, no one dares to go against him because of Lord Zekram." Ah yes, the ancestor of the Bael Clan who was overly too respectful to her Papa and deferred to all of his decisions without much protest, if at all.

"It will be a different story if he actually uses his true name, but we didn't need that kind of chaos back then." Iselia tilted her head curiously at the low murmur, guessing that it wasn't something he intended for her to hear at all, but hey enhanced hearing and all that! Her Satan sighed, leaning his head against the backrest. "Between you and Vali, handling the traditionalist will be a walk in the park in the future." He was talking as if he wouldn't be there handling the council with them.

Lia frowned, daring herself to circle her arms around his neck. "But you, Mama, Papa, and everyone else will be there to help us when we need it, right?"

She didn't like the way he looked so far away, so distant as if he was about to disappear on her despite the hold she had on him.

"Is that so? Perhaps, perhaps not. We never know what the future has in store for us, little one. That is why we want you all to grow well. Grow strong enough so you can protect all that you hold dear with your own strength." His calm blue eyes refocused on hers as he leaned his forehead on hers, eyes half-lidded. "But I can promise you this. As long as I am still able to, as long as I still draw breath, you are mine to protect."

...

"Riser-sama's bishop, retire. Due to circumstances, Iselia-sama is forcibly retired." There was a sudden oppressive silence, followed by the sound of a glass shattering in someone's grip. The culprit paid no attention to the shattered fragments that failed to dig into pale skin, opting to further ground the fragments into dust with the sudden rising of his demonic energy.

His comrades dared not utter any sound lest they drew his ire over as he seethed at the match broadcast they've been watching in various levels of interests.

"She's improved a lot." A bespectacled man with braided blond hair commented lightly, jade green eyes flickering from the screen to the frozen form of their leader fearlessly. "She was not as fast back then."

The clenched fist on the counter relaxed, glowing blue gaze peeking out from under shadowed face. "I didn't mean anything by that. It's just so rare that I meet someone close to my age who shares a similar state as I am." Slowly, the blue faded back into gold as the owner blinked back into calmness.

"I should hope so." The usual smooth tenor was replaced with a deeper tone that screamed danger. "After the scare that scum gave her a few years ago... I believe there won't be any more problems on your side?"

The bespectacled gentleman merely inclined his head politely in agreement. "I will apologize to her about that."

Their leader finally straightened from his slight slouch, shaking his head with an irritated sigh. "There is no need to do that. We understand that it's under different circumstances. It's not you that she has a problem with, but that man."

Vali Lucifer glanced back at the television broadcasting the continuation of the rating game that he had lost half interest with, scowling at how weak his rival was. Riser wasn't even a difficult opponent for a dragon. Why were they so useless without his Lia around? He didn't appreciate the way Riser was using his fated rival as a stress ball. The one who caused harm to his sister was Lia, so why did he take out the result of his incompetence on someone else? But then again, he wouldn't allow the fool to lay a single hand on Iselia at all.

After all that mess, he has little doubt that she would want to stay any longer in Underworld. His eyes strayed back to the screen declaring Riser's victory against Rias. The fool didn't look too happy, instead sporting a severe frown. No doubt worrying about the result of Iselia's short, albeit devastating performance. He'd always been able to remember her every expression during any kind of fight. The more difficult a fight was, the more solemn she became. On the contrary, the easier it was, the more callous she became. But the most common was always the subtle frown she sported as if she was suffering in every single conflict she participated in.

He'd always wondered about it, that contrarian side to her that was such an anti-thesis of their very being with no answer forthcoming.

[Your Princess is with her Satan.]

Ah, is that so now...

He supposed he might as well prepare for the so-called engagement party invitation. It's worth making the trip to make to keep an eye on things.

Golden gaze glinted with a flash of blue for a single second.

Might as well, to remind that roasted chicken of his place, lest he remembered incorrectly.

...

...

Sairaorg Bael tapped away at the arm of his chair as he rewatched the rating game replay between Rias and Riser for the nth time, a severe frown etched across his brow. A massive golden lion laid on the floor behind his seat, purring up a storm as its master hummed in thought. It was as he and Vali had both expected, which wasn't surprising. But he supposed it would be a different matter for the remaining member of their trio. Their Iselia might not be as bloodthirsty or battle-hungry as they were, but still, she was confident in her ability against most adversaries. To have one of her charges defeated so soundly at the end without much resistance must have been a blow to her pride.

"For her one to two-year handling of this particular group, she's done very well. Discounting her taking out half of Riser's peerage by herself, I am certain Rias' peerage can do so as well if with more casualties on hand. But the problem laid with Rias' lack of certain pieces to counter Yubelluna." Sairaorg's hand laid atop of Regulus, the golden lion's head, making the beast squinted its eyes in comfort.

"Riser is certainly not a fool despite acting like a jerk with an inflated ego." A man with silver eyes and long blond hair commented idly. Riser tilted his head in acknowledgment.

"Be that as it may, he had fought in multiple rating games, more than what we can say for ourselves." The one thing he despised was that they weren't allowed to join in any rating games until the Youth Tournament. It would have been a nice change to fight without putting oneself in too much do-or-die situation. Lord Paimon had been merciless even when it involved his dearest daughter. His favored method was giving them nigh impossible tasks to fighting for one's own life. While he and Vali thrived in the challenges, they both knew it had left Iselia with a bit of a trauma. While that was fine and possible to be resolved within their power, the one involving her particular self was a bit harder to tackle.

For example, fearing a certain ability too much that one essentially crippled oneself. Or developed a fear towards a side of themselves that surfaced only during difficult situations. Those weren't things that anyone could help resolve unless the person him/herself wanted to do so. He could only be thankful that their predecessors paid enough attention to each of them, pushing them out of their comfort zones to confront their most inner self.

"Lord Sairaorg, an invitation with your name written on it bearing a Phenex's seal had just arrived." Blinking out of his inner musing at the call, violet eyes stared in bewilderment.

"Oh? That rascal actually extend an invite to me?" Across from him, a woman with blonde hair done in a ponytail bowed briefly, handing over a letter tray on which sat the innocuous invitation.

"The servant delivering the letter said it is only appropriate, considering Sairaorg-sama is Rias-sama's cousin."

Heh... He would only believe that if that arrogant peacock wasn't one of those who used to look down on him for being a Bael without [Power of Destruction]. And now that he was the heir to one of the most prestigious Clans, many started acting differently. He admitted it was amusing. He might be inclined to like them more if they were like his spoiled Empress. Not that he hated them, he understood the concept of respecting power in the Devil Society. Regardless of how they used to act around him, they were his peers now. And peers protected each other during a time of need regardless of how much they disliked each other.

"If the messenger is still here, inform them that I will-"

"Sairaorg."

"-attend, ah Vali?"

Small communication magic with the distinctive emblem similar to Lord Lucifer's own save for the coloring hovered on his right. It was exceedingly rare for the arrogant dragon to call him for anything. Sairaorg barely noticed when his Queen left the room to give him some privacy, focused as he was on what Vali was about to say.

"Have you seen the match?" He huffed in mock offense.

"Do you think I live under a rock? Of course, I have. Your point?"

On the other side of the communication magic, the Bael heir heard a long sigh.

"She doesn't look right." There was no need for elaboration when they understood what the other was talking about.

"I know," Violet-colored eyes shifted towards the floor-to-ceiling window on his right side with an unhappy frown. "but there's nothing we can do about that."

The damning silence on the other side was answer enough.

...

...

"Your Highness, we are finished." One of the many handmaidens attending to her uttered softly, stepping back along with the others with their head tilted down in a submissive gesture. She hummed softly while examining herself in the mirror, running over her form clad in her usual sheath-style dress. It was midnight blue in color, sewn on some parts with shimmering fabric that gave off the illusion of starry night sky. The hems were embroidered beautifully with silver threads, matching with her accessories. Most jewelry or clothes accessory she possessed have different shades of gray to silver with different colored gems designed with them. The most predominant being blue as it's the color representative of her Papa. Well, one of them other than the black and silver anyway.

Regardless, she wasn't pleased about attending the pompous chicken's engagement party dressed up as she was as if she gave a damn about it. She might attend the party in her everyday formal wear if not for Ajuka's raised brow and reminder, which considering the type of formal wear her Clan used... It might give off a wrong impression. How Papa got away with wearing his formal wear on every single occasion baffled Sairaorg, Vali, and her whenever they were strictly taught about the dress code by a very exasperated Lady Misla. It might be because Papa looked really dashing in it? Eh, who knows.

Nodding in satisfaction at her reflection, she raised both of her hands for another handmaiden to help her put on her gloves, black with silver threads.

Today, she would be representing Satan Beelzebub in her full capacity as his Queen. Lia had a feeling that she would absolutely hate socializing despite it being necessary. Her only reprieve would be the confirmed attendance of both Sairaorg and Vali. It's been a while since she last saw the former, not since his battle for heirship, and she missed him dearly.

"Lia-chan~" The door to her dressing room was pushed open unceremoniously, followed by a young-looking girl with long raven hair in twin tails bowling over her form.

She didn't yelp -it was undignified!- but it was a near thing. "Mama!"

"You look so cute!~" She was squealing, much like her usual self, which made her glad because at least the woman felt better.

"At least you don't try to dress up like an overgrown bat like your Papa! All solemn and formal e~ve~ry~ single time." Iselia averted her eyes almost guiltily.

"But you have to admit Papa looks good like that, Mama. You said so yourself."

"I did, didn't I~?" The Leviathan clapped her hands in excitement, twirling around her daughter's form like a magical girl ballerina. The younger was so used to her Mama's antics that she barely batted an eye at how their roles could switch any time.

"Now, now Lady Serafall... I know you will not be attending the party publicly, but you will still be meeting with the rest of the Satans. So why pray to tell have you not changed?" The meek 'eep' was rather new to Iselia but no less amusing as a graceful woman with chocolate brown hair and beautiful purple eyes stepped into the room, a gentle motherly smile on her face. It would have been comforting had it not been the terrifying visage of a roaring lion right behind the lady despite the way she clasped her hands on her front daintily.

As expected of the woman who had held the title of the 'Great Queen' of her generation. To be able to cow Mama with just a single smile.

"M-Mi-chan~" Oh, she was definitely whining now.

"Come on, Lady Serafall, we have so little time as it is." The youngest of the three aristocrats stifled a giggle at the sight of her own mother being dragged to the exit like a misbehaving puppy, pausing slightly when Lady Misla Bael turned to her with a softer smile.

"Oh, Iselia. You look so beautiful in that dress. I am sure you will make my son speechless. It's not every day you dressed up after all, much less to your first reunion in years." The two women shared a conspiring look, which mortified her slightly. For some reason, Mama and Lady Misla really liked to tease her and the boys to varying degrees.

"Also, Mama hasn't told you this but, we are so proud of you, no matter what you do, Mama and Papa will always be proud of you, okay?" Just like a flip of the switch, the cheery hyper Satan switched to her motherly side instantly. For a moment, there was silence as the servants had retreated to give them privacy. Her vision went blurry until she blinked, only to notice that her lashes were wet.

"Ah, that was unfair of you, Mama," She chuckled with a half-hearted exasperated huff. "but thank you for clarifying and the reminder." The twin smiles on the two women's faces were enough of encouragement.

"Now, that's my proud baby! Go fry those old sharks~!"

"Lady Serafall!"

The usual reprimands, practically background music in the Leviathan estate, Lia thought with a fond smile.

...

...

Twinkling lights, waves of laughter, soft music, colorful clothes, the clinking of wine glasses, practically the norm of every aristocratic gathering, no matter the era. After no one must forget words of mockery, derision, and insults sheathed in honeyed words of compliments. One which Vali was currently dealing with much to Sairaorg's sympathetic amusement. While his presence caused a stir amongst the upper echelons, the other in his company practically stirred the hornet's nest. How could he not, bearing his name as it was?

The acknowledged, much-beloved Crown Prince of Underworld was swarmed by parents hoping to introduce their children to the heir of the most prominent legacy, hoping to gain his favors. The silver-haired teen was hard enough to catch, given his tendency to no-show in almost every gathering. Who wouldn't want to have a semblance of a relationship with someone who had the potential to be the strongest of their world? Especially since he awakened the coveted power of his bloodline, presumably the first after his feared ancestor.

The charade came to an end when a wave of energy that felt colder than arctic winter with a contrasting feeling of heat in the deepest part of the yawning abyss swept through the ensemble, making those present whipped their heads to the direction of the entrance. Unlike humans, they'd never felt the need to announce the arriving guests' names when all they need to do was to pulse their demonic energy as their signature. Some like him, with their own signature traits, for example, the hulking presence of Regulus somewhere in the room.

But he digressed. Everyone of significance was familiar with this demonic signature, even if it was a teeny tiny bit different. And who else had a similar flavor to it than a close relative, or rather a direct descendant?

The great polished wooden door creaked open with the two guards bowing low on each side as the honored guest made her way in.

Had it not been for their frequent chats and video calls made over their DevilCom, Sairaorg would have been struck dumb. As it was, he was still rendered speechless as he laid his gaze on his childhood sweetheart for the first time in two years. Everyone who had met Iselia Paimon knew that she would grow to be an unparalleled beauty, much like her set of parents. Lord Lukrezius had been an outlier among Devils, a presence that shed light upon the Underworld despite his tendency to hide behind the light of others. And while Lady Serafall looked young, there was no denying her graceful beauty. It was one of the most successful pairings made by the Council, truly a match made in the underworld in all aspects, and Iselia herself was the result.

The silver-haired girl had grown well, face resembling her bewitching father, softened by the graceful lines of her mother's features. Her coloring was a perfect mix of her parents, but Sairaorg could never be sure as all three of them switched their eye color between shades of blues and purples depending on their power usage. Even set in an impassive facade, she was so beautiful.

A forceful tap on his back startled Sairaorg out of his reverie.

"Take a picture. It will last longer." Came the unmistakable annoyingly smug voice belonging to his other childhood friend. He responded with a brief side turn, elbow poised to strike if the person behind him hadn't managed to dodge with ease.

"I see you managed to escape from your admirers." The Bael heir sniped back by sheer habit, eyes trained to their mutual crush, who was making her way to their corner, unhindered. Understandable, as she was giving off a watered-down version of Lord Paimon's infamous 'stay away or I will make you into a new decoration' aura. There was no shortage of events where an idiot or two had to be towed away and put into the Phenex Clan's care for weeks after a particularly overzealous approach towards the Icy King.

"What can I say? I can choose to be quite intimidating when I want to." The cocky reply was so typical of Vali that he didn't even bother batting an eye.

"Heh, that's not quite the whole reason." As he finished the last of his words, Iselia arrived right in front of them.

For a while, the three of them stood in a loose triangle, drinking each other's form quietly as their energy caressed, tugged, and meshed with each other's own in greeting.

This was their moment, their shared world.

In the eyes of others, what they saw was the three most promising young generations of Devils, coveted for their ancestry, appearance, power, and prestige each possessed. Who would dare to stand in their midst? Many certainly tried, and despite their confidence, still found themselves wanting. Two had proven their might while the last finally bared her fangs and claws, climbing up towards the throne where her companions waited, undisputed, unchallenged.

"It's good to see you again, Vali," magenta-colored eyes shifted towards the hulking form of their darker-haired trio. "and it's been quite a while, Sai."

"Aah, truly, it's been a while. I've missed you greatly." Sairaorg smiled gently to the first light of his life, the first person other than his mother who showed him kindness.

They were three companions who made promises and swore an oath to each other, but to the others, what they saw was the new generation of Unholy Trinity.