Chapter 27: New home & summer trip to the Underworld.
*Early in the morning*
It was an early morning in the Summer, I woke up to see Rias and Asia sleeping peacefully beside me, as usual. For some reason, I can't move. I then notice something move under the blanket, something was on my chest.
"Ufufu. Good morning, Vergil-san"
It was Akeno, she was on top of me, wearing a yukata with thin fabric, and her black hair was unbound. She then moved her face close to my neck.
"I've arrived.", she said in a sweet voice, embracing me. She then kissed my neck. She tangled her legs with mine. What is she trying to accomplish?
Wait… why am I feeling heat in my body right now?
"Vergil-san's body is very sturdy, as expected from Sparda-sama's son. Ufufu, a man's skin feels better than I imagined. Or is it because it's Vergil-san's body? "
She then asked.
"Hey, Vergil-san. Does my body feel good?"
I replied while moving my gaze up to not look at Akeno.
"It… feels very pleasant"
"Ufufu, I'm happy. You can enjoy this body even more if you want to, you know? I also want to know more about Vergil-san's body… Though I say that, since there is a scary onee-san sleeping next to us, there may be a limit to it. But whether or not we get caught, this critical moment is also fun."
Her face then approached mine, as our lips were about to elapse…
"Akeno. What are you doing? When did you get into this room?"
As I look to my right, Rias was glaring at me and Akeno, looking extremely displeased. This can't be good.
Akeno then turned to Rias to show her hand intertwined with mine.
"This is skinship. I thought I would have a nice morning with my handsome Vergil-san, so I came in. After all, being in bed alone is lonely."
Rias' eyebrows rose up at that single word used by Akeno.
"[My]? Since when did you become Vergil's caretaker?"
She spoke as her whole body trembled. Her mouth twitched
"Even if I'm not his caretaker, I'm his kouhai. It's a senpai's duty to be affectionate with their kouhai, right, Vergil-san?"
Why are you asking me? Should you be worrying?
Rias slowly brought her face close to Akeno.
Once her face was closer, she spoke in a voice filled with anger.
"Kouhai… I see, so that's your reasoning. This room is close to being a sanctuary for me. My only absolute healing place. Asia aside, I can't have others intrude here! This is my and Vergil's room."
Once again, Rias displays an attitude of me being her possessions.
"Ara-ara. The ojou-sama has a strong desire to monopolise, doesn't she? Are you perhaps afraid of having it stolen by me?"
"…Looks like I need to discuss this with you once more."
Rias then enveloped in crimson demonic aura.
"Ara, you're releasing quite an aggressive aura for a discussion, aren't you?"
Smiling, Akeno-san also began to envelop herself in a pale-gold lightning aura.
"It's a discussion. To the bitter end."
They glare at each other while sparks flying back and forth between their eyes.
*Sigh*… Here we go again…
"…Unyuu, is it morning already…? Fuaaaaa…"
Asia suddenly rose up while rubbing her sleepy eyes. I gently patted her head to keep her sleeping, she does not have to see this.
"Asia, you can go back to sleep…"
"Ah, Vergil-shan…Then I'll accept your offer and sleep while being hugged by Vergil-shan…"
Fuuuu…
BOFU! BOFU! BOFUN!
When I looked in the direction of the sounds, a pillow fight between Rias and Akeno had started.
"To begin with, I hate how Akeno tries to immediately touch my important thing!"
Rias said as she threw a pillow to Akeno's face. The latter still has her smiling face until her eyes opened wide.
"Ara, it should be fine if it is just for a bit! You really are stingy, Rias!"
She picked up the fallen pillow and nailed Rias in the face with a direct hit.
Rias brushed the pillow away from her face. Her eyes were a bit watery
"This house was just renovated, so I won't let you do as you please, Akeno!"
Finally, she threw away all of her appearance and words which had brimmed with elegance, and threw the pillow again with the voice and face of a girl her age. Akeno dodged it and threw my own pillow back at Rias.
"Sirzechs-sama said that we should live together and get along with each other!"
"This is my and Vergil's house! Both you and onii-sama are in the way of Vergil and me! I can't stand it anymore!"
"You intend to ignore Sirzechs-sama's wishes!? So you value Vergil-san more than Maou-sama then! —Lend me Vergil-san for a bit as well!"
"No! Absolutely not!"
The two quarreled like little girls fighting over a doll…
Hold on a sec… Did Rias say that the house was renovated?
I then noticed that my bed has become extra huge, since there's plenty of space left, even though Rias and Akeno were having a pillow fight.
No, just isn't the original size…
I then took a careful look… my room has become much more spacious than before, which was 8 tatami-mats wide.
There's a huge flat-screen television like the one in the living room on the wall near my desk. As well as game consoles on the bottom shelf.
…
Huh!?
I quickly left the room! As I got outside, the corridors, which were moderate, became twice as spacious as before!
There were stares that leads both up and down! No no no, this house only has 2 floors, why is there a stair to go up!?
As I look up the staircase, I can approximate at least… 3 extra floors!?
When I ran down the stairs, a spacious, ridiculously extravagant entry hall appeared before me!
Finally, as I took a look at my house from the outside…
"What the heeeeellllllll !?"
My scream echoed throughout the neighbourhood.
The house that I personally picked, a normal, thrifty house…. Became a 6-stories mansion!
RIAAAASSS!
*Breakfast*
Breakfast set. At the table that had become five times wider than before, all residents who is living in this "house" (more of a mansion), including me, Rias, Asia, Akeno, Raynare, Mittelt, and Xenovia.
I asked Rias a simple question. "What's going on?"
She said that the house was renovated over night while we were asleep. All the work was done by those of the Gremory household. Upon seeing that our land plot had expanded beyond the original scale, I noticed that the neighbors were also gone. Rias said that she provided them with favourable plots of land and they immediately accepted to move away.
"It's all right. It was a peaceful settlement. So that everyone could be happy."
Next to me, Rias smiled widely while whispering. I facepalmed by her actions.
Even though I've given my consent so that everyone can live here, does she know how much this house stands out, now that it is literally THE biggest building in the whole area?
Without noticing my worries, she took out one of the mansion's blueprints, which is the room assignment chart.
"On the first floor are the guest rooms, living room, kitchen, and Japanese-style rooms. On the second floor are the rooms of Vergil, Me and Asia. The arrangement has ours' adjacent to Vergil's room. It seems to be structured so that it's possible to go between the rooms next to each other from inside."
Basically, the whole 2nd floor is solely for her selfishness. This girl…
"On the third floor are the study and the storeroom. On the fourth floor are Akeno's and Xenovia's rooms. There's also the room for Koneko, who will be coming later."
When my eyes met with Akeno's, she gave me a full-blown smile. For some reason, that smiling face looked more genuine than the smiles she usually wore…
It was different than her smiling face from before. It was difficult to explain, but could I call it her true smiling face?
Rias lightly pulls my cheek. You know that can't hurt me, right?
She then continued her explanation.
"The fifth and sixth floors are entirely made of just vacant rooms. For the time being we intend to use them as guest rooms. This is the house of Vergil, after all. In the end, I and the others are just home-staying here."
That's rich, since earlier, you said "This is my and Vergil's house!".
I'm not even going to argue, since they are gonna do it anyway, even if I told them over and over. At least it's not life-threatening, for now.
"There're also underground floors apparently."
Xenovia said that while she was having a hard time with her chopsticks.
"Underground floors!?"
"Yeah, there are up to three underground floors."
"The first underground floor is a huge spacious room. Not only can it be used as a training room, it can also be used as a movie theatre. It's also equipped with a large indoor bath. The second underground floor is used entirely for an indoor pool. It can also use warm water. In the third underground floor are a library and a storehouse."
Rias explained this while taking out additional blueprints.
…So my house even has an indoor pool…
"Since there's also an elevator, you can smoothly get on and off from the sixth ground floor to the third underground floor."
…
An elevator…
I feel like this is no longer the house I bought… it's hers now…
*Later*
"You're returning to the Underworld?"
Breakfast had ended, and Rias nodded at me as I sat in my room. All the members of the ORC were gathered in my room.
All the members who were living together had rough appearances.
Kiba, Koneko and Gasper had arrived at my house just a little while ago as well.
The first two were wearing casual clothes. Koneko in a simple one-piece dress.
Even with this many people here, there was plenty of extra space in my room. Everyone sat on expensive-looking sofas.
Only Gasper got into a cardboard box he brought along, but…He was dressed in girl clothes. I can only facepalm at the ridiculous sight.
"I'm returning home now that the summer holidays have started. I do this every year."
"So family visit huh, well, have fun", I said, but Rias gives me a surprised face.
"What are you talking about, Vergil? We all going together", she said.
?
Together?
Seeing my suspicious face, she makes a bitter smile.
"That's right. Since you're all servant devils in my family minus Raynare and Mittelt, it's only natural for you to accompany your master. You're coming to my home together with me. Now that I think of it, this is also the first time for Asia and Xenovia, right?"
Asia nooded to Rias' question.
"Y-Yes! I'm nervous about going to hell while alive! I-I thought I'd like to go there with the intention of dying!", said Asia. I could only facepalm at that answer.
Now that you mention it, I barely ever go to the Underworld, even back then…
The place I went… Inferno… is far more fitting to be called "Hell"
"Yes. I've been interested in the underworld-in hell for a long time. However, for the sake of going to heaven, I had to serve the Lord...But now that I'm a Devil, there shouldn't be any possibility of me going to heaven...I feel irony in setting foot in the same world as those who have been sent to hell as divine punishment. Hell, huh. It suits a former believer who became a Devil.", said Xenovia. You're a Devil now, you're just worrying too much.
"We will spend the remainder of the summer holidays there until after the 20th of August. It seems like we'll be returning here at the end of the month. The plan is to train and attend various events at the underworld.", said Rias as she told us our schedule.
"Summer trip to the Underworld, aye? Sounds fun."
As we all turn to the door, it was Alex.
"Yo, Vergil"
"Alex"
We said as we greeted each other with a hug.
"What are you doing here? What about Michael's work?"
"Oh, about that, he ordered me to go with you guys. Sirzechs-sama already consented"
"Onii-sama did? Well in that case, you're welcome to join us, Alex", said Rias with a smile.
"Thank you", he bowed.
I then turned to Kiba and Gasper.
"So what are you two planning for this summer? Knowing you, Kiba, you really need to get a girlfriend", I said.
"No, I have training.", said Kiba.
"I'm fine... I'm a hikikomori, so I'm fine if I stay indoors and put cute clothes while surfing the net at my house..."
And this kid still has some issues.
"Ara, setting people up on dates, Vergil? It's so unlike you", said Rias.
"I'm just saying facts, Kiba really needs to get a girlfriend"
At least… he's more worthy of one than I am…
"How about you have a date with me instead?", said Rias.
…
"Ara-ara. In that case, I'll spend time with Vergil-san in the bedroom. While doing ecchi things that Buchou can't seem to do.", said Akeno as she lewdly traced her finger around her chest. And she had to put oil in the fire, wonderful.
"I forbid it."
"I refuse."
I could only facepalm at this.
"Oi, crow governor, isn't this the time you say something?", I asked as everyone wondered who I was talking to.
"Wow, you caught me. I wonder how you did it though. Even though I came in normally, I'm sure no one would have known my presence here. I'm also going to the Underworld though."
Azazel was sitting on a seat in a corner of the room.
"Two ways how. One, your essence isn't the generic kind for me to simply ignore. And two, I became annoyed the moment I recognized it"
"Oh come on. How come you were annoyed when I came in?"
"Who's the goddamn idiot that made me miss a whole final week of lab work with Tomiya-hakase by having me stuck in my 8 years old body? You better feel lucky that I was quick in dealing with that work load"
Or else, it could've taken days.
"But Rias, Asia and Raynare-chan were happy about it", he said.
You little…
I then saw that the girls were blushing
…
Urgh!
Fine, I'll let it slide. For them only.
With that, I calmed down.
"...I didn't even feel your presense.", said Kiba honestly.
So even after achieving Balance Breaker, he still couldn't detect Azazel's presence. Obviously, you need training, skills like those don't just come in free packages.
"That's just due to your lack of training. I just came in normally as I said. More importantly, you're returning to the underworld, right? Then, I'll go too. I'm your [teacher], after all.", said Azazel. He then pulled out a notepad from his pocket.
"The schedule for the Underworld is...first, a visit to Rias' parents, and the introduction of the servant Devils to the current head of the family. After that, there's the annual meeting of new young Devils. And then there's your training over there. I'm mainly going along with you for your training. While you're all at the Gremory house, I'll be meeting with Sirzechs. Geez, so troublesome.", he sighed. Good, work more seriously, you dumbass.
Once in a while, his subordinates would come in saying things like "Please decide on a secretary!", "Look after your personal appearance while in the human world!", or "You absolutely need to have personal bodyguards!" when they visit. They seem very worried, even top officials come to visit. He would, of course, say "It's fine, so go back. That's an order.", though the only ones from his organization who are here are Raynare and Mittelt.
Putting the trivial past aside, his knowledge and experience with Sacred Gears will be vital for me. With his assistance, I'll know more of the Boosted Gear and with our newfound strength, I'll beat Vali and find the answers that I need.
"Then, Azazel...Sensei, you'll be accompanying us, right? Shall we make the travel reservations for you as well? We already made one for Alex and one for the Fallen Angel sisters", asked Rias.
"Yes, please do. It's my first time entering the Underworld through the Devils' route. I'm looking forward to it. Since, I usually use the route of the Fallen Angels' side.", said Azazel, nodding. I recall that the Underworld is divided between the Devils' country and the Fallen Angels' country. With the peace treaty, the borders dividing them vanished and cultural interaction and trade started.
*Next day*
This is the day we set off, the place we headed for was the nearest station. Other than me, Alex and Azazel wearing our respective attires, with me especially wearing my concealing glasses, the others, which all are from Kuoh Academy, were wearing their uniforms.
This was the station where people of this town usually took the train…Why were we going to the underworld from here? Wouldn't it be easier to use the teleportation magic circle?
Rias and Akeno eterminedly headed towards the elevator installed within the station, it was a small elevator that could only hold five people at most.
They entered it first, and then spoke.
"Then, please come in first, Vergil, Asia and Xenovia. We'll be going down from here."
A question mark appeared above my head. Rias urged us while smiling wryly.
"Come on, just come in. Yuuto and the rest of you who are used to it, please come together with Alex, Azazel, Raynare and Mittelt afterwards."
"Yes, Buchou.", Kiba answered, and then the elevator doors closed.
Since we had some big luggage with us, the inside was quite small as a result.
As I thought, the floor display only had floors "1" and "2", but…Rias took out a card from her skirt pocket and turned it towards an electronic panel.
PI.
The card got scanned, and then…
GAKUN
The elevator suddenly descended, even though it has already reached the lowest floor before. Xenovia just tilted her head as a small reaction. Rias and Akeno giggled a little at us, upon seeing my slight surprised face and Asia's shocked face.
"Beneath this station, there is a secret level."
"That's new", I said.
"That's only natural. It's a route that is exclusively for devils. Ordinary humans can't arrive here even if they struggle their whole lives. Areas for the exclusive-use of devils are hidden within the town in this way, you know?"
Not sure if I care enough to listen to all those secret businesses.
We kept descending for another minute. At last, the elevator stopped.
As the doors opened, Rias urged us to go on out. All I could see was a vast amount of artificial space. It has a structure of an elegant train station platform, differ in design from those of the Human World.
After we waited a little, we were also joined by Kiba and the others from the elevator.
"Now that all of us are here, we'll walk to platform three.", said Rias as she and Akeno led the way.
There was no one else here but us. The wall lamps of this place gave off a magic-like mysterious glow.
Before I realised it, Akeno came to my side—and suddenly grasped my hand. Does she intend to walk while holding hands?
Suddenly, for some reason, I grasped back gently. Her face turned red and seemed happy.
"…"
"…*sob*"
Rias and Asia's gazes were sharp…Asia even had teary eyes. Sorry, Asia.
After taking a few turns, we came out into open space again to see a train in front of us. It was accented with devil characters in acute angles. I noticed the Gremory family pattern and Sirzechs' pattern.
Is this the Gremory's train?
"It's a train owned by the Gremory family.", said Rias. Jackpot.
The doors opened automatically and we all went in with Rias in the lead. As the whisle sounded for departure, the train began to move. Rias was in the car ahead of us while we were in in the central car behind it. Asia and I sat together facing away from the train's motion, with Akeno and Xenovia taking the seats in front of us. Koneko, Kiba, Gasper, Raynare and Mittelt took the seats next to us. Azazel was at the end of the car already sleeping. Alex was sitting somewhere else, reading a book about robotics that he borrowed from me.
It's only been a few minutes since we left. I was told that the train was powered by a unique fuel that existed in the Underworld, whatever it is, it must have been a potent fuel to be able to power a large-scale interdimensional travel engine. It's a trip from the Human World to the Underworld after all.
"What's our E.T.A?", I asked.
"We'll arrive in about an hour. Since it seems that this train passes through the dimensional barrier using official means before it eventually arrives at the Underworld."
"How strange, consider that teleportation magic circles are much faster and easier to use.", I said.
"Yes. But if Vergil-san and the other new household devils don't enter at least once by the official route, you'll be punished for illegally entering. That's why Vergil-san and the others have to properly finish the official entry procedure."
"What about that time I ruined the engagement party?"
"It seems that was a special case because you were transported with Sirzechs-sama's back-door magic circle, you know? Of course, doing it twice is impossible."
"Since it was a special case, the matter of the back-door magic circle is fine. However, you may be punished for sexual contact with your master.", said Akeno as she touched her cheek with her hand and giggled.
More like I been put into those situations by Rias. Though… It's not like that I dislike them…
"There's no problem with skinship between servants. Like this-"
She was guiding my hand on her thighs. It was then going under her skirt. This is going too far. As I was about to retract my hand, I was tugged by a teary-eyed Asia and she grabbed my other hand.
"Akeno-san's influence is too strong, Vergil-san will become a pervert..."
"Ara-ara. Asia-chan, isn't it healthy for young men to be a bit perverted?"
I continued to look at them with a stone face. What kind of reasoning is that?
Suddenly, the sight of Koneko looking out the window caught my sight. She looks distant, and Gasper was having some trouble speaking out. What is she thinking so deeply?
And then—.
"Look who's talking, Asia. Generally, skinship between master and servant is quite natural."
When I turn around, I see an angry Rias with her crimson aura leaking out.
This is bad, Akeno is on my lap with a lewd face and my hand almost up her skirt. I tried to free my hand, but she then moves it up to her mouth! When she pulled my finger out of my mouth, there was a trail of saliva that was connected to my finger.
"Stealing from the master gets me fired.", said Akeno smiling as she gave a defiant gaze to Rias.
"A-Akeno, that's en-"
"Princess Rias. Communication with your servants is fine, but isn't an example of procedure also good?"
Rias' angry voice was interrupted by an elderly man with a dandy white beard, and was wearing a train conductor's uniform.
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Ho-ho-ho. For the little princess to be concerned with the topic of men and women. I've lived a long life.", said the conductor as Rias' face turned red. He then took his hat off and bowed to us.
"Nice to meet you, all of the princess' new servant devils. I am Reynaldo, the conductor of the Gremory private train. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Everyone started introduce themselves.
"I'm Takeru Silver, current [Pawn]"
"I'm Asia Argento! Her [Bishop]! Please treat me well!"
"I'm Xenovia. [Knight]. Please treat me well from now on."
Akeno had to return to her seat disappointed. That was too close. After our introductions, Reynaldo pulled out a machine. That shape… I know what it is.
"Is that a scanner?", I asked.
"Oh yes, I'm surprised you knew. This is a machine from the Devil world that checks and compares you. The fact that this train is formally entering the Underworld is important and therefore all modes of transport require inspection. It would be a serious matter in the case that there is some fabrication. In the current time, it would be quite serious if someone occupied the train."
"Your records give your piece designations, and when transmitted it is registered as data in the Underworld. That's why they check it with this machine. There's no problem. Since everyone here is who they say they are.", said Rias with a smile. Reynaldo then scanned us with the scanner. Our checking was passed after that.
"Princess, with this both the checking and the formalities for the entry of the new faces here are finished. Now you can all rest and relax until we arrive at the scheduled station. There are also beds to sleep in and places where you can have a meal, so please use them until we reach our destination.", said Reynaldo as he smiled pleasantly.
"Thank you, Reynaldo. Is Azazel next?"
Rias turned to the lazy governor to find him asleep.
"...What nerve that guy has, sleeping in the train of a race that were his enemies till just the other day."
She had a face of amazement, but there was a smile.
"Ho-ho-ho. The Governor of the Fallen Angels really is peaceful."
Reynaldo also laughed pleasantly.
"Azazel-sama sure likes to take it easy.", said Raynare as Mittelt nodded.
"No surprise, he's a top fighter who can fight adequately against the current Vanish Dragon, who he trained after all", said Alex.
The check was finished while Azazel kept sleeping, and the safe entry process of all club members was completed.
*40 minutes after departure*
I heard an announcement go off while I was talking with Alex about Robotics.
[We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall. We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall.]
"Try looking outside."
Rias said this to me, Asia, Xenovia, and Alex. Rias seemed lonely having to sit in the front car for high-class devils. I look outside to see the scenery. The darkness changed into landscape and the purple sky.
"It's fine if you open the window now.", said Rias as we opened the window. As wind came in, I breathed in the air. I look back to see the train coming out of a black hole, a stable one. I look around to see trees, mountains, rivers. Even towns and cities. I saw some houses with peculiar shape, but that's for the devils to live in.
"This area is already within Gremory territory."
Rias spoke proudly.
Huh, sounds familiar…
"Yes, Vergil, this is the place where the battle between you, Mundus and Argosax occurred the most.", said Rias, having sensed my thoughts.
How nostalgic… that battle…
*Flashback*
(Mundus flying in the purple skies, accompanied by Argosax)
"WHERE ARE YOU, YOU DISGUSTING HALF-BREED!?"
(The tyrants start hurling massive meteors and lightning bolts, scenes fade in bright light)
*Flashback ends*
I do remember of my victory, but everything after that… was just a pitch-black screen of darkness…
"Many of those who survived were heavily in debt with you. There's even a monument built for you, you know?", said Rias.
A monument… Why?... I'm not as great as father…
"Vergil?", asked Rias.
"No, it's nothing", I answered.
Now isn't the time. Let's move on for now.
"I was focusing on the battle at the time so I didn't notice much. How big is the whole territory, consider that all will belong to you soon?"
Kiba then came up and answered my question.
"It is big. If I remember correctly, it's about the size of Honshu in Japan."
That big huh… This is basically a whole country.
Rias nodded to Kiba's words.
"The Underworld has the same amount of surface area as the human world, but the population here isn't the same as the human world. Even with Devils, Fallen Angels, and other races, it isn't that high. And since there are no oceans, the land is also spacious.", she explained.
"Even if you say it's the size of Honshu, isn't it mostly unused space? It's mostly just forest and mountains.", said Rias. Mostly forest and mountains, yet this is a lot of room. Asia was confused, Xenovia just went to Kiba to talk about swords from the Underworld, Alex was amazed.
Rias then clapped her hands as she remembered something.
"That's right. Vergil, Asia, Xenovia. Since part of my territory will be given to you all later, please tell me what places you want."
"Are you sure?", I asked, but Rias shook her head.
"You're all the servant devils of the next family head. Living in my territory as part of the Gremory group is permitted. Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, and even Gasper possess land within my territory.", she said as she pulled out a map of the Gremory territory.
"The red areas are places that have already been taken, so they're no good, but anywhere else is okay. Now then, please point at the land you like. I'll give it to you.", she said with a smile.
I look at the open territories and the guides on them.
"Then in that case, I'll chose this", I said as I pointed at the area of a tall mountain with rich floral life, vegetation, lakes and a huge river that connects to a equivalently huge waterfall.
"That's… a rather remote place, Vergil", said Alex as Rias nodded.
"I don't need unnecessary noises of crowded places. This terrain is natural, perfect to build a personal mountain sanctuary on the cliffs", I replied.
"Wow, you really want to go on full solitude, bro", said Alex.
"Solitude, silence, and peace… that's all I need", I replied.
Suddenly, the girls looked sad upon my decision.
*Sigh*
What are they thinking really…
"Oh come on, it's not like I'm leaving the house anytime soon. And I only need it at necessary times, so just cheer up", I told them as they brightened up.
Seriously, think before you act. Geez.
*Gremory Main Residence*
After some ten-odd minutes, we were closing into the station and our stop as the announcement came on.
[We will soon be arriving at the Gremory main residence. We will soon be arriving at the Gremory main residence. Everyone, thank you for riding this train.]
End of the line for us. I look outside to see a huge crowd of people. I even saw what was probably the Gremory family's troops. The train then started to slow down and stopped. We exit the open door and followed Rias' lead
However, only Azazel was the one did not get off.
"Not coming?", I asked Azazel.
"Yeah, I plan to keep going through Gremory territory like this and go to the Maou's territory. I have a meeting with Sirzechs and the others there. A so-called "invitation". Since it faces the main residence of the Gremorys, I'll come after I go see them and finish my greetings."
"I see", I said as I closed my eyes.
"Say hi to my brother for me, Azazel."
He waved his hand as he left.
The instant that I once again came down to the station's home with the other club members minus Azazel—.
[Welcome home, Rias-ojou-sama!]
PANPANPANPAN!
Fireworks were set off, soldiers aimed their guns at the sky and fired, and people that looked as if they were from an orchestra band began to play simultaneously. A soldier who rode on top of a mysterious creature flew in the sky above, and waved a flag.
Both Xenovia and I blinked a few times and Asia just huddled with me.
"A little excessive, don't you think?", said Alex.
"No shit", I replied.
"Hiiii...So many people...", said Gasper as he hid behind me.
I then noticed lots of butlers and maids among the people. When Rias approached them, they simultaneously bowed their heads and then welcomed her.
[Welcome back, Rias-ojou-sama.]
"Thank you, everyone. I'm home. I've returned.", said Rias as she smiled. I then saw a familiar face. It's Grayfia.
"Welcome back, ojou-sama. You arrived early. Above all, it's good that you were safe while traveling. Now then, all family members and guests, please board the carriage. We'll be going to the main residence with this."
Grayfia then led us to a gorgeous-looking carriage. It is carried by an underworld horse, which its' eyes had a glint and its' large frame was sharper than normal horses.
Our baggage was still in the train, but—. When I turned my eyes back to the train, maids were carrying our baggage out. Hmmm, thorough.
"Now then, I will go with the servants. Since Asia seems anxious, as this is her first time."
"Understood. I've prepared a few vehicles, so please board whichever pleases you."
Me, Rias, Asia, Akeno, Xenovia, and Grayfia boarded the first carriage in front of us. The others rode on the other carriages. We looked around as we went by. Paved roads, pruned trees, and a castle?
"Is that castle your home?", I asked.
"That's the main residences of one of my homes.", said Rias with a pleasant smile.
The area we're currently in is filled with colorful flowers, water coming out from a delicately modeled fountain, and birds of various colors flying about. I guess this is the garden.
"We have arrived.", said Rias as the carriage door opened. A butler made a slight bow.
Rias embarked first, followed by us and those from the other carriage.
The maids and butlers stood in line on both sides of us and made a path. A red carpet stretched out towards the massive castle.
GIGIGI
The gates make heavy sounds as they slowly opened.
"So this is the Gremory home. It's larger than I expected.", said Raynare.
"Ojou-sama, and all the members of her group and guests. Please, advance forward.", said Grayfia as she made a slight bow and urged us forward.
"Come on, let's go.", said Rias as she walked on the carpet. I then saw a small silhouette come out of the line of maids and ran to Rias.
"Rias-nee-sama! Welcome back!", said the boy.
He has red hair like Rias. Is that…
"Millicas! I'm back. You've gotten big, haven't you?", said Rias hugging him back.
They both turned to us as she introduced him.
"This child is Millicas Gremory. The son of my brother...Sirzechs Lucifer-sama. He's my nephew.", said Rias.
Sirzechs' son huh, a harsh future is awaiting him.
"Come on, Millicas. Greet them. This man is a new member of my group."
"Yes. I am Millicas Gremory, nice to meet you."
"Sirzechs' son… as well as Rias' nephew. In that case, is he…"
Rias confirms it before I even finish.
"Yes, you're correct, Vergil. Milicas, this is Vergil Sparda, the Son of Sparda, the new legendary hero. As well as the person who save us that night"
Said Rias as Milicas looks at me with surprise.
Hmmm… Oh… the glasses.
I took them off, revealing my silvery white hair and red eyes.
"Vergil-sama…", said Milicas. He suddenly jumped and hugged me.
I can hear him whispering "Thank you, thank you" repeatedly
I was surprise by his actions, and Rias has a lightly bitter smile.
Akeno then comes in for the explanation.
"Millicas-kun has been admired you ever since after you save the whole Gremory territory, Vergil-san. He wanted to thank you, but as you disappeared, well…"
"It's ok, I know", I replied. I then patted his head to ease him.
As he let go of me, he bowed and went back to Rias' side, smiling with his head high again.
Rias then spoke with an amused smile.
"Because only the person himself who succeeded the title of Maou can retain the name, this child is a Gremory even though he's my brother's son. He's also next in line for family head after me."
"Come on, let's go into the residence."
She then held Millicas' hand and headed towards the gate.
We all followed her in with Gasper stuck to my back. Passing the big outer gate, the inner gates opened one by one.
Having arrived at the entry hall, we witnessed the vast space within that big enough to house an Athletic Meet, with stairs going to the second floor and a huge chandelier on the ceiling.
"This place is big, as expected of the Gremory's.", said Mittelt who still has her eyes go around the place.
"*Whistle*, this place can fit in a lot of people", said Alex making a whistling sound.
"Ojou-sama, I'd like to show everyone to their rooms at once.", said Grayfia as the maids gathered.
"You're right, I have to go greet mother and father after coming home as well.", said Rias.
"The master is out at present. He's expected to return by this evening. He said that he would meet together with you while dining with everyone together at supper."
"I see., I understand, Grayfia. Then, I suppose we'll let everyone rest in their respective rooms for now. Has the baggage been carried in already?"
"Yes. There should be no problem with using your room right now."
Hmmm, compare to the massive castle like this, the mansion back in Japan looks like a normal residential house in comparison.
Did Rias also notice this and only rebuilt the house by this standard? Maybe I was too quick to judge. Still, she could have just made most of the renovations underground.
"Ara, Rias. So you've returned."
At that moment, a woman's voice was heard from above.
It was that of a beautiful young woman on the stairs wearing an elegant dress.
Huh… she's very similar to Rias, but her hair is Flaxen-colored and her eyes are a bit narrower.
"Mother. I've returned home.", said Rias with a smile.
…
Mother? Isn't she too… Oh…*Facepalm*… of course, why did I forget? Magic.
"Huh, she looks so young that I thought she was your sister for a moment", I said.
"Ara, to say such a happy thing, that I'm a young woman."
Rias' mother touched her cheek with her hand and smiled.
"As years go by, devils can freely change their appearances with magic. My mother always has the appearance of the same age as the current me.", said Rias.
As her mother moved her gaze towards me, she observed me for a while.
"Is that him?", she asked Rias as the latter nodded.
She then moves in front of me. She grabbed her dress and bowed with elegance.
"My name is Venelana Gremory, I'm Rias' mother. It's an honor to finally meet you, Son of Sparda, Vergil Sparda-sama"
*Dinner*
A few hours after meeting in the entrance hall, we were in the dinning room. An extravagant meal with expensive-looking plates and lots of food.
The Gremory peerage, along with Rias, as well as Alex, Raynare and Mittelt took a seat at the table. And then, we were followed by Rias' father, mother, and then Millicas.
Dinnertime—I suppose it could be called that. Apparently, there seemed to be "night" in the originally sunless and moonless Underworld as well. There was a false moon floating up there, in which I was told that it was replicated with magic. The flow of time is also matched to the human world. Good, I don't want to spend 3 hours here, only for it to be 300 years later in the Human world. The reverse is also applied as well.
"Please enjoy yourselves without holding back.", said Lord Zeoticus Gremory.
A huge oblong table, an extravagent chandelier on the ceiling, and chairs with expensive looking ornaments. Why are there so many chandeliers in here? There's even one in each of the guest rooms, as if it was prepared for us.
The canopy bed was also huge. It was too big for just me to sleep in.
The insides of the rooms were many tatami-mats wide…Each of the rooms also seemed to have all the necessities needed to live in; a bath, toilet, refrigerator, television, and kitchen. I think there were also a bedroom, living room, and other rooms in them…Asia and Xenovia were also impressed when they came to my place at almost the same time immediately after we had been shown to our rooms.
"Hauuu, t-this room is way too big for just one person!"
"…I can't settle down. Sorry, but can I stay in Vergil's room? Asia can come too."
For these two who had lived simple lives at the church, the size of the rooms seemed to have been a serious shock, and because they couldn't calm down about it, they had taken their entire luggage to my room and asked to move in.
After that, it was organised so that Asia and Xenovia would stay in my room through Grayfia's arrangements, but…well, even though I prefer solitude, it still felt like there was extra space in the room even then, so I gave my consent.
I turned my thoughts back to my seat at dinner, Kiba and Akeno are eating gracefully, as expected from the [Knight] and the [Queen]. Asia and Xenovia were having a hard time. Raynare and Mittelt seem fine, so did Alex, well he is Michael's attendant, so having diner etiquette is a must.
I noticed that Koneko wasn't eating a thing and just look distant. Is she thinking about what that was in her mind during the train ride again? She then looked at me, although she rarely displays emotion, I can see her eyes, the eyes of someone crying for help.
When I casually turned my gaze to Gasper in front of me, he was eating with watery eyes that were squeezed shut. Well, let's not talk about the kid for now.
It seems that Azazel was held up at the meeting and unable to make it for dinner, since he isn't here.
As for me, I'm handling the meal perfectly fine, like Rias. It seems that mother's teachings still remain…
"*Clears throat*. Members of Rias' group and special guests, please think of this place as your home. Having just come to the Underworld, you're in an environment you don't understand. If there's something you want, please say so to the housemaids without reserve. They'll prepare it right away.", said Zeoticus cheerfully.
"I guess this is the first time you had angels and fallen angels joining for dinner, right?", I asked as he nodded.
"Yes. This is a first for me. A good sign of the peace treaty at work. By the way, Vergil-sama, how is the food? Does it fit your taste?"
"Hmmm, there are some of the cuisines I haven't tasted before, so it was a bit strange. But overall, all the food are very delicious", I replied.
"We thank you for your kind words", he said as he and his wife, Rias' mother, bowed.
"Also, just… skip the formalities, I not in any high position like you… never has been anyway…", I said as I brushed my hand.
"But…", Rias' mother, Venelana Gremory tried to say something.
"Father, Mother worrying about it that much will just trouble him, Vergil don't possess strong worldly desires anyway. He was raised with humility so unnecessary formalities is a nuisance for him.", Rias interjected to support me.
"I see.", said the current Lord Gremory, Zeoticus Gremory as he nodded deeply.
"But still, can we at least call you Vergil-sama? To call the son of the Legendary Dark Knight with normality just doesn't fit", said Venalana.
Hmm, I guess that's fine.
"Hmph, just call what you see fit", I said while closing my eyes.
"Then, Vergil-sama", said Zeoticus.
"Hmmm?"
"You may call me "father-in-law" from today on."
…
What the hell is he talking about?
"Dear, you're being too fast. There's such a thing as order first.", said Venelana.
"Y-Yeah. However, it's even crimson and metallic red. Doesn't it make you happy?"
"Dear, I said that it's still too early to celebrate."
"That's true. It seems I just tend to be too hasty.", said Zeoticus as he sighed.
"Oh come on, Vergil, just go for it", said Alex.
Go for what, exactly? A question mark appeared on my head as he sighed.
"Vergil-sama, will you be staying here for a while?", asked Venelana.
"Well, since Rias is here, I guess I'll be here too, what about it?"
"I see. That's perfect. While you're here, you can study to acquire gentlemanly behavior as well. You'll study manners a little while here.", she said.
Suddenly, Rias violently hits the table.
"Father! Mother! I've been listening quietly until now, but what kind of thing are you trying to advance while leaving me out of it!?", said Rias as her mother narrowed her eyes.
"Be silent, Rias. You already canceled your engagement with Raiser, remember? The fact that we just permitted it should be thought of as special treatment. How much effort do you think your father and Sirzechs had to put in in order to take care of things with the other high-class devils? Do you know that he told one noble that "my selfish daughter canceled her engagement using the savage legendary dragon"? You may be the younger sister of the Maou, but there is still a limit."
It's natural for me to gather such attention with my intrusion at the party. Although the current Lord and Lady of the Gremory seem to have learned their mistakes, they still value their standing in the aristocratic society.
"Onii-sama has nothing to-"
Rias' face was clouded by anger as she tried to speak out, but her mother would have none of it.
"You mean Sirzechs is unrelated to what you do? Officially, that is true. However, everyone sees you as the Maou's younger sister. Right now, when the three great powers have formed an alliance, your position is known even by the lower classes of the other powers. You can't behave selfishly as you have in the past. And, above all else, everyone will pay attention to you from now on. Rias, you have been placed into that kind of position, you know? There will be no second instance of that kind of selfishness. Do not carry any spoiled thoughts. Understood?", said Venelana as Rias was mortified and couldn't talk back.
"What Lady Gremory says is true, Rias-hime. Even some of my friends back in Grigori know you as well.", said Raynare as Mittelt nodded.
"I've shown something ugly to Rias' group members and guests, haven't I? Getting back to the topic, you will go through special training during your stay here, Vergil-sama. Since, you have to experience the upper society and nobility even if only a little."
How troublesome.
"Vergil-sama, you...are the last bit of selfishness of my daughter, the next family head. As parents we bear the responsibility right until the end.", said Venelana as she spoke seriously at the end."
When I turned to look at Rias, her gaze met with mine and then she turned her face away, which had become red.
To be honest, I still don't understand about nearly 40% the conversation. But somehow, in my heart, I agreed… Somehow, in my heart, I… wanted this?
Author's note: I know that the short stories recently might not as good as some of you readers expected. Please feel free to review and leave behind constructive criticism. I'll read, consider, and perhaps, reply in the appropriate times that I can find. Also, after this volume, which is volume 5, I'll be making an official Bio update, as well as taking a 2-month break, to deal with some personal life things. Now please, enjoy.