Author's Note: Didn't mention this before, but it should be evident that I don't own Highschool DxD.
"Enku faster!" I cheered loudly as the wind whipped past my face.
"As you wish princess." A deep gravely voice answered me. I tightened my grip on his antlers as the landscape passed us by at a more rapid pace.
Enku was one of Sirzechs' pawns. He was also a Qilin. What a Qilin was, I couldn't tell you.
His body was something like that of a horse yet he was covered in scales and possessed a dragon-like face with branched antlers. If one saw him at a distance they might be frightened by his monstrous proportions, claws and draconic head. But if they were to approach, they would be entranced by his shining vermillion scales and golden whiskers. His spirit was generous and kind, warm like the heat that bled through his scales and powerful like the fire I knew he could breathe.
He was also the best babysitter bar none.
Six years since I had been reborn as Rias Gremory. Six years full of magical memories with my friends and family.
Most importantly, six years since I came into possession of a prodigious amount of demonic power along with the innate ability to use the Power of Destruction.
It was finally time to learn how to use proper Devil magic. While my own demonic power would always be stronger than anything I could do with magic it was essential for me to learn.
Given the Devil race's rapid mental maturation, even seven or eight wasn't too young to begin a magical education. Of course, I have to overachieve at six years old. That, and I knew Sona was going to start soon as well given her bragging last weekend. No way was I going to let that wet blanket get ahead of me in magic.
And Big Bro Sirzechs had come through like he always did. Macgregor Mathers was my older brother's one and only Bishop. From what I heard, during his life he was a bigshot magician and his talent was so profound it earned him both of Sirzech's bishop pieces.
I hoped that he was a good teacher. Despite my efforts I was not able to make anything work besides my Power of Destruction. Well, there was that time I set the carpet on fire but that was definitely Dad's fault.
"Rias, we have arrived." Enku announced in bemusement as he slowed to a halt. I blinked away my ruminations and patted his scales in gratitude. "Oh! Sorry Enku, I got lost in thought for a minute." I looked around in curiosity and not a small amount of bewilderment.
As a member of Sirzechs Lucifer's peerage, Macgregor was not a small figure in Devil society. In fact, all of the members of that peerage were considered celebrities. While most didn't participate in rating games, everyone knew that each one of them were titans that stood at the upper echelons of High-Class at the very least. They were the medium through which Lucifer exerted his will over the Underworld. Whenever a Pillar started to grow a bit too arrogant, throwing their weight around and causing disputes, thinking that their guns were bigger, those figures were the literal bomb hanging over their heads until they stepped back in line.
I knew for a fact that they had to rewrite maps every time that Surtr left his volcano.
My point was, each of them possessed a status comparable to a high ranking member of any of the most prestigious Devil clans by sheer power alone.
So why did Macgregor live in this... hut?
Okay, maybe I was letting my newfound privilege show a little, it's not that bad. The large breadth of open space and the rolling hills lent a very peaceful feeling to the air. And it was more of a cabin then a hut, formed from cobbled stone and dark woods that gave rise to a chimney. It was the very picture of a stereotypical comfortable but dated cabin.
I waved goodbye to Enku and approached the cabin, feeling more than a little silly. I lived in an anime, a rich Devil that lived a humble lifestyle was the kind of eccentricity I could live with.
I raised my hand to knock and was immediately aware of a sensation tingling up my spine.
"You may enter Miss Gremory."
A breath was sucked in on instinct as I felt out the presence of Macgregor. My sensor ability usually came in handy. It wasn't anything as intrusive as mind reading but it wasn't as simple as just a radar either.
When I was not focused it's something like vague sensations that I could just push to the back of my head and ignore. Kind of like how you weren't aware of all the touch and pressure against your feet unless you focused on it. But when I did focus, it was helpful for things like determining where my unseen bodyguards were and if they're strong enough to withstand a scolding from Mom when they inevitably lost me.
Macgregor's entirely different. His spiritual presence was not particularly heavy or brutal, not when compared to Sirzechs, Surtr or even Souji. No, his presence was subtle, disquieting and just downright creepy.
It was like the wind at my back was his breath on my neck and the space around me were his eyes. They watched me from every angle and direction and refused to blink.
And as I forced my shivering hand to open the door and entered the cabin, the sensation waned until I merely felt unsettled instead of like every aspect of me was being dissected. "My apologies Rias. Sensors are rare enough that I hardly ever bother to cast that spell."
I let out a breath and smiled weakly as I padded across the warm, wooden floor towards him. "It's alright, the first time is always the worst. It can be... overwhelming."
"Please, sit." Macgregor Mathers lounged by his small fireplace in his meager home like a king. His thin frame was clothed with rich vermillion robes and his spindly fingers that tapped around a teacup were adorned with gems of various colors. His amber eyes were oddly slit like a snake's, placidly following me as I sat across from him.
"Tea?"
I nodded in affirmation and tried to make myself comfortable in the chair, large as it was for me. Devils really liked their tea. I knew Sirzechs worshipped his coffee but the majority of the Devils I'd seen around me drank tea like it was some kind of ritual.
Blonde hair entwined with black strands waved as he poured me a cup.
And then there was dead silence as we drank our tea.
And I couldn't stand it. Maybe I was ADHD in this life or maybe there was something about being a Devil that still excited me every time I woke up but I just couldn't sit still. I had to be doing something, to move before something combusted.
"So you're going to teach me magic?" I blurted out, looking up at him with a grin. Macgregor gave an approximation of a smile, small and shallow. "Yes."
I swung my feet back and forth in impatience. "Can we start? I really want to learn magic." I explained eagerly, waving my hands about. "My demonic power is easy, but every time I try magic I don't get any results!" I pouted and crossed my arms. "It's frustrating."
Macgregor just turned to me and chuckled lightly. "Of course Rias. Let's start with what you know. Show me your demonic power." I blanched, immediately looking around at his very small and very fragile cabin.
It was not that I couldn't control the Power of Destruction. It was just that I could tend to become... enthusiastic when I held an energy that could erase matter from existence in the palm of my hand.
He waved his hand in approval. "Go ahead."
My grin came back and I fed my excitement into my demonic power. My small, pale hand was raised in the air and glee rose up in me as the Power flickered into existence, sheathed around my hand. With careful concentration the blood red energy condensed, transforming from a flickering light into something more solid and contained.
That small scrap of my demonic power peeled away from my hand and shaped into a perfect sphere. My eyebrows furrowed and the sphere spun into a pointed length that imitated a diminutive spear.
This went on for a few more moments as I twisted and turned my power into different shapes. This was my limit. I had so much more demonic power but if I were to bring any of that out, I would not be able to direct it.
While I was sure I would be able to brute force some modicum of control if I were to unleash large amounts of the Power. It wouldn't be controlled or safe or even very powerful. I did not just want to be able to roughly shape my Power into inaccurate and unstable spheres or lasers. I aspired to be able to use my demonic power like a scalpel.
As my control was stretched to the limit I slowly pulled the demonic power back, not letting even a speck of it unravel away from me.
Macgregor didn't look impressed. Which was fair. He regularly had bouts with Sirzechs. Anyone else that wielded the same Power most likely paled in comparison.
"That was well done." It was clear that he stated it as a fact and not a compliment. I frowned. "Well, there is one other thing that I've figured out. I'm not good at it yet though."
The Bishop gestured for me to go on and I cupped my hands.
The only limitation to demonic power was your imagination.
With measured breaths I focused in on the demonic power that ran beneath my skin. It sizzled and bubbled and roiled in constant movement. I likened it to a liquid or gas and much like the Power of Destruction I couldn't just brute force my will onto it. I had to guide it, to let it seep free lest it escape my control.
My Power was the fuel and I only needed to light the match.
Heat rose from my palms, coalescing into sparks of light. I kept my hands perfectly still as dark, crimson fire licked up my digits and greeted the air. I didn't dare to move as Macgregor shifted to move closer.
"Oh dear." He muttered with wide eyes. The Bishop actually sounded impressed this time. The fact surprised me enough that my control faltered, flames spitting up into the air wildly. Quickly, I clamped down on my intent, choking out the fire.
His look of bewilderment made me grimace. Alright, maybe he wasn't impressed.
I frowned up at him. "I know it's not much but that's all I've managed so far with demonic power."
And then Macgregor laughed at me.
Frustration clenched my hands into fists and I scowled.
Ouch. I know it's not great but this shit takes time. It took me months to get this far when I started trying to come up with something other than the Power of Destruction.
Finally, Macgregor got ahold of himself, folding his hands as he leaned towards me, amusement dancing in his eyes. "My apologies, Rias. I'm didn't mean to offend you."
I crossed my arms and bit the inside of my cheek. "It's alright."
He sighed at my expression before smirking. "Rias, you haven't shown that to anyone else have you?"
My head shook in denial. What was he getting at?
"Has anyone ever properly explained demonic power or our magic to you?" He questioned me again.
And again I shook my head. "Not really."
His smile grew. "Why don't you explain it to me." The Bishop stated, infuriatingly drawing this out. I stamped on that annoyance I felt. This was important, he was clearly trying to point something out to me. "It's the magic Devils have. When we unlock it we use our imagination to control it. But not all Devils can use it like the Pillar clans can because they aren't descended from Demons."
Macgregor shook his head in bemusement. "This makes all too much sense now."
I pouted. "What do you mean? What are you trying to say?"
"Excuse me for being so roundabout Rias, but you will understand when I am done. Let me be the one to properly teach you about demonic power and 'magic' as you call it."
He stood, striding leisurely to stand directly in front of me.
"What you call demonic power is the appellation given to the energy all Devils are born with. That much, you were correct in. But whether or not it can be considered as magic is something else entirely. I'd love to share with you the treatises on spiritual theory that the Orobas Clan published but I suppose that topic can wait. When Devils are born, that demonic power is infused and laced with every inch of their physical form. This results in the flesh naturally growing stronger than even most supernatural races can claim. It's also the reason why Devils of every class that have awakened their demonic power find it relatively easy to reinforce their capabilities."
I raised my hand, feeling like I was once more in school. "Yes?"
"So any Devil can be as physically strong as they want? So long as they have enough demonic power?"
Macgregor smiled down at me. "Without explaining the intricacies of advanced reinforcement, yes. If you were to successfully reinforce your body with all of your demonic power, my humble abode would be in quite some danger."
"Now, let me take you back to the Great War."
A crimson glowing sigil lit up the cabin as it grew above his outstretched hand. An unnatural feeling of dread welled up in me. As a member of Sirzechs' peerage, naturally, the Bishop wielded the demonic crest of the Sin of Pride, Lucifer. I imagined that there weren't many who saw the sigil in its full glory and lived to tell the tale.
But as the crest faded and the world around me shifted suddenly without warning, my fear was replaced by awe.
Earth.
We were on Earth.
I don't think I realized how much I missed it. The sun was high in the sky, its rays beating down on us with merciless heat and light. We stood above the heavens bathing in the clouds. My wings flapped out in instinct but I quickly realized it wasn't necessary when Macgregor chuckled at my reaction.
Oh. This was an illusion. Naturally. At least I thought so since I wasn't feeling anything from the sun.
And then Macgregor waved his hand, the clouds parted and I definitely knew this was some kind of illusion.
Below us, above and on the ground were Devils.
A horde of Devils, the full strength of the forces of Hell were arrayed below us, their obsidian armor gleaming, their clawed hands gripping immense battleaxes and claymores unsuitable for any but a Devil with demonic power. Their features radiated malice and their bodies exuded auras of venomous hate and unyielding arrogance.
And then there were the Demons.
Demons of ludicrous and ridiculous proportions, bestial, monstrous and hellish in demeanor. They growled and snarled and slavered over the dirt, their very passing displacing legions of Devils as their aides flapped like insects around their frames. A Devil brushed up against a great horned blazing figure and disintegrated like ash from a campfire in a demented, joyful screech.
Demons of smaller stature that walked among devils, their presence only denoted by their sheer presence and the trail of supernatural phenomena that followed them absently. Gravity bowed to their whims and the earth trembled to pave the way for its masters. Many even displayed a casual loathing for that, preferring to be carted like idols as they lounged in decorated palanquins or tread on the backs of prostrating Devils.
And they were just marching.
The storied legends of Hell that even today were glorified by Devils.
It was awe-inspiring.
"What is this?" I asked, whispering in reverence.
Becoming a Devil didn't seem to have an impact on me when I was reborn. I assumed that I was the same person and left it at that.
But now, seeing this, there's no denying that something inside of me is gleefully cackling and basking in this sight. I wanted to plummet to the dirt, spread my wings and join them in unleashing Hell on Earth.
And that made me take a step back.
"The Great War, the Demons that lead our race. These have to do with what I'm trying to teach you." He raised his hands in presentation. "And I have to admit, despite their monstrous deeds, this is a magnificent sight."
Somehow, I managed to tear my attention away from the literal army from Hell and focus on my teacher.
"To say that the Demons who governed us during the Great War were powerful is an egregious understatement. Seventy-two Demons that ranged from High-Class to Ultimate-Class and even Satan-Class. They were each able to wield demonic power to create phenomena of all types against their foes. Their only limit was their imagination."
Macgregor looked at me deliberately. "Eventually, each Demon became known for a certain signature aspect of their demonic power. Those specific abilities were passed down to their descendants, the example here being your Power of Destruction."
I nodded in understanding. I had kind of assumed that. It was hard to imagine that there was anything those Demons couldn't do.
"Yet at the time, Devils had no way of manipulating their own demonic power save for the ability to reinforce their bodies. And Demons weren't conveniently lining up to teach them of course. The extent of Demon and Devil fraternization in those days was simplistic at best. Demons either killed Devils or used them for procreation."
Ah. I unwillingly blushed. I suppose that made some sense. They didn't create Devils to have tea parties after all.
The Bishop smiled in amusement. "It was during this time that demonic magic, or Arcana was born. Arcana was the attempt of Devils to ape the processes that Demons facilitated with their demonic power. I would love to discuss with you the evolution of Arcana and the origin of demonic crests but there is a point I'm trying to make here."
Anticipation welled up in me.
"What you did, converting your demonic power directly into the mold of fire, is something that Devils have failed to do for centuries and long since given up on. There are a number of factors and theories that go into it but understand that what you have done is something unique that even I cannot do."
My eyes widened. "W-What? It's hard but it isn't that difficult. You just-"
Macgregor laughed at my expression. "Rias, it's not a matter of difficulty. If you'd like I could write you an entire thesis on the subject but just know that it is entirely safe to say that you are unique among Devils to wield your demonic power in such a manner. I look forward to seeing how you develop such a gift and am truly eager to see how this prospect will affect your education in Arcana."
And there wasn't much I could say to that.
Ten.
Ten years since I had been reborn as Rias Gremory.
Four since I started my education into Arcana and my own self-study with my demonic power.
I had become used to having such a large family, to all the riches the Gremory Clan possessed, to being able to use 'magic'.
And it was only now that the largest change fully hit me.
I was a girl.
Crimson tresses of undulating hair that glimmered from my head down to my lower back with a richness that even the world's most expensive hair dye couldn't match.
Deep, placid pools of cerulean that practically glowed with an unnatural allure, enfolded by eyelashes that supermodels would give up their firstborn for.
The smoothest, silkiest skin that was the very vision of health in all its full glory. The perfect blend of shades, neither too dark or too pale that resisted bruising yet eagerly blushed giving rise to rosy features.
And then there was the problem. Or rather, two swiftly growing problems and one terribly inconvenient problem as of today.
I was a girl.
My figure, breasts and beauty were obscene for my young age.
But I was also a Devil.
My strange, twisted pride for knowing I was gorgeous didn't help when I was struggling to come to terms with all of this at once.
You might wonder why I would be just now realizing this. But as it happens, my priorities have not been on resolving this particular issue.
At first, it was just a hassle because I had to sit down to pee.
Then it was an annoyance as I started to rapidly outgrow my clothing at a pace I couldn't get used to.
And then it became disturbingly uncomfortable as my mother gave me 'the Talk'. And no, 'the Talk' wasn't about what sex is. I became a Devil, sex comes hand in hand with violence in our culture. Mother's talk was about being a female Devil. My mother gave me her approval 'to find a nice boy to bed, just to keep it quiet' and instructed me on how I could literally turn my fertility on and off like a damn switch.
But finally, it had now become an active threat to my future and my precious, precious freedom.
Today was my debut to High-Class Devil society. And today was the day my father was going to announce my engagement to Riser Phenex, the third son of the Marquis, Lord Rasor Phenex.
Oh they hadn't told me outright.
But it wasn't exactly hard to realize what was going on from snippets of gossip between servants and the demeanor of guilt my father had carried for a few weeks now.
Don't get me wrong, at the moment I did not hold any resentment towards Riser, the Lord Phenex or my father. Okay maybe I was feeling a bit of anger towards Father for not explaining what he was doing or why. As far as I knew, my family only held my best interests at heart. They were kind and loved me more than anything, and their guilt made it clear to me that they didn't enjoy doing this to me.
Yes, we lived in a society of nobles with certain traditions mired in sexism and harmful gender roles but as far as I knew, that didn't dictate the Gremory. We were known as strange to other Devil clans because of our tendencies towards servants and treatment of each other. But that had never mattered. The Gremory were strong both personally and in the field of politics. We held more influence than all but a handful of other clans. And yet now we were bending to their expectations.
I was angry but I wanted to know why.
At least before I tore this engagement to shreds.
It wouldn't be now, maybe I would even wait for canon to come around, I wasn't sure. I was confident in my strength sure, maybe I could defeat Riser with a combination of the Power of Destruction and my demonic power. But that wouldn't solve my issue.
I would be revealing my capabilities with demonic power, my ability to manifest my will purely through intent as opposed through Arcana. I would become the subject of every clan looking for more power, which is all of them.
I would change my status from heiress engaged to the third son of a marquis to a beautiful prize that held secrets to demonic power. And there's nothing Devils like more than a challenge and a prize that invokes power.
What I mean is that Riser was just the beginning. Until I amassed enough power to change from 'prize' to 'don't fuck with me if you value your life' I couldn't just disintegrate Riser, else I be subjected to suitors more influential and powerful than him. For my family to protect me in such a position would be untenable. Each refusal could burn relationships and deals with other clans.
So I would play along for now. Sound out Riser, maybe kick him in the ass a couple of times and see if he can change. Otherwise I would bottle up my annoyance at this situation until such a day comes when I can show just what I think about this to everyone.
Oh, and hopefully wring answers out of my dear father.
"Young mistress, it's time." A maid of my mother's was attending to me during this time. I had hoped and expected Grayfia but now I could only assume that she was making an appearance as Grayfia Gremory, the Queen and wife of Lucifer, not the maid.
I wrangled that damn dress I was forced to wear and willed my spite to craft the fakest smile I possessed. "I suppose so. Lead me to Father please."
"You look beautiful princess, what a wonderful vision you are in that dress." My father simpered painfully as I 'accidentally' dug a heeled foot into his loafers. Fucking heels. They put me in heels. I was patently not a fan.
"Oops!" I giggled demurely. "Sorry Papa, I'm so clumsy in these." A less than subtle dig at the fact that he had never forced me to wear formal dress a day in my life before this.
"I'm just so excited to make new friends!" I smiled up at him venomously. The wince of pain and surge of guilt he felt warred deliciously on his face. "I-I'm happy you're happy Rias. I'm sure this will open up wonderful new opportunities for you."
I stumbled and dug razor sharp fingernails in his hand to catch myself, no doubt inflicting even more agony in the process. "Sorry! But yes, I'm sure there's only good things in store for me."
Zeoticus dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief as his grimace was forcefully hidden by a pinched smile. "I do believe it is time Rias, the herald will announce us at any moment."
His pained smile was replaced by a careful frown as he seriously gazed down at me. "Remember, we'll make the rounds with the other nobles first and then you can go join Sona and her friends. And please Rias, remember."
My plastic smile melted from my face as I more carefully held his hand.
"I will always love you."
As my fucking hormones betrayed me and incited my tear ducts into rebellion I dropped his gaze.
"That's not fair. I'm trying to be angry at you."
He leaned down, an indecipherable smile of melancholy on his face. "You can be as angry as you want dear." He wiped away my tears with gentle hands. "You will always be my daughter."
I shifted, enjoying the warmth of this makeshift embrace. "I love you too Papa."
And that was true. I had come to love this family as much as my own from my previous life no matter their eccentricities, strange morals and lack of humanity. That didn't make my anger or annoyance less justified, it only put it into perspective. Devils live for thousands of years if not more. Differences of opinion like this were guaranteed to happen but I wouldn't let it dictate our relationship.
"Lords and Ladies, it is my great honor today to present to you the heiress of the Gremory Clan, daughter of the Duke, Lord Zeoticus Gremory. She who wields the lovely beauty of the Demon Gremory and the Power of Destruction of the Demon Bael, Rias Gremory!" The herald announced ostentatiously.
And into the fold we tread.
While any High-Class Devil could tell you there were thirty-something different Devil Clans, that wasn't quite the whole truth. Those Devil Clans consisted of Devils descended from the 72 Pillars, Demons that administrated our race in times past. But those positions didn't account for every High-Class Devil Clan. While the fertility among Devils was indeed poor, it wasn't out of the lens of possibility for some of those clans to have branch houses that supported their parent clan. But even outside of that there were other clans.
Clans formed from Devils that had reached High-Class in the past by their own merits and strength. These clans were known officially as the Auxiliary Clans, though that didn't stop others from demeaning them as 'Extra'. Most of these Clans lived and died by their personal strength alone so it wasn't rare for Auxillary Clans to form contracts with other more influential clans to stay relevant. In this position they helped the remainder of the 72 with the administration of our government.
And finally, there were the Satan Clans. The direct descendants of the Seven Deadly Sins from the time of the Great War. There were seven distinct grandiose and vast territories within the Underworld which could each individually match the size and scope of any of the most influential and powerful High-Class Devil Clans. And only four of them were inhabited. From what I knew, each Satan Clan's land, prestige and wealth was tied to the title of a Satan. This meant, that while the descendants of the Satans claimed they held the authority and power of their predecessors, they weren't recognized as such without going through the process to become a Sin. That was when Sirzechs, Ajuka, Serafall and Falbium came in, usurping the authority of those descendants and becoming four of the Sins. If I had to guess, it was that action that gave their faction enough support and power to win the Civil War. But that was only four out of seven Sins.
There were three different thrones, feared, revered and desired by all Devilkind. And they had been left empty ever since the Great War.
Greed, Lust and Wrath.
And that wasn't for lack of trying. History was somewhat vague but to say bad things happened to those who attempted to claim any of those vacant thrones was an understatement.
My point in saying all of this was to say that while in theory thirty-something Devil clans coming to a debut didn't sound like a lot, in practice there were a lot of fucking Devils here.
The Gremory palace's ballroom was immense to say the least. From my limited perspective it seemed like you could fit an entire neighborhood in its domain. It displayed the pinnacle of medieval wealth and decorated royalty. Crystal chandeliers lit by haunting flames of purple majesty. The arched ceiling engraved with sinful murals and decorated with flowing banners of unnaturally glowing sigils. You could quite literally see the passing of time as you walked the length of the chamber, each addition bearing a different style of architecture even as it seamlessly connected with the whole of the room. Trophies of all kinds hung and pinned to pillars and walls each possessing an outlandish story. Furred and scaled empty carcasses spread out to display their fearsome might even as their still forms attested to the strength of the Gremory that felled such a creature.
Such a sight was present mere meters from me, a sinuous frame of a bejeweled drake of unknown origin that spiraled around a pristine marble pillar. What might seem obscene or ludicrous to a mortal was given not even a glance or thought by these Devils. They lived in luxury and preened with their might as a matter of course.
And the entire ballroom was chock full of these Devils. Faking polite conversation, arranging deals, indulging in food, drink and their lust as they found secluded corners to find out just what was underneath all that finery.
At least there were the duels to be entertained by. It wasn't even a rare occurrence. A Devil would take offense at something real or imagined, use their peerage to clear some space and then they would beat each other's faces in.
It was anathema to me that there weren't more than a handful of Devils that looked interested in the disputes. If I had a choice, I'd be over there with them, egging on the competitors and trying to draw inspiration for my own demonic power.
But instead, I was plunged headfirst into the filthy, plastic and convoluted world of High-Class Devil politics.
In case you haven't noticed, I'm not the kind of person who could even pretend to be part of this strange realm. I did not have the desire nor the social prowess to determine if Lady Uvall was being sincere when she remarked an oddly-worded compliment on the ruffles of my dress. Fact was, I didn't care about any of these people or the 'opportunities' they presented.
So I just played the excited, oblivious and optimistic heiress who played at being an adult and was eager to please.
"You have my congratulations on your debut, Miss Gremory." Lord Forneus appeared to be a disgusting Devil. And not because his head greatly resembled an anglerfish with pale, moist skin, monstrous teeth and scales.
No, that was due to the fact that his dead, lidless fish eyes laid their filthy gaze on my mother's breasts and then mine as if he was wondering which would be better to lay his webbed hands upon.
"Thanks! Do you eat fish or is it like cannibalism?" I wondered aloud quite whimsically.
"Rias!" Venelana hissed at me even as her eyes danced in mirth. My father quite speedily smoothed things over and lead us away so sadly, I never got my answer.
My father just sighed. "It is quite impressive how quickly you're able kill a conversation Rias. I remember the rounds taking much longer when it was Sirzechs' day. I do believe that is all of them."
I shrugged. It wasn't my fault they were all so easily offended.
"Not all of them Father, I still haven't had my turn."
"Brother!" I gleefully launched myself into Sirzechs' form even as he chuckled.
As mother giggled behind her hand Zeoticus rolled his eyes. "Rias, let me introduce the Great Lord Lucifer, the Sin of Pride. Sirzechs, she's your problem now."
Sirzechs ruffled my hair and smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way." I stuck my tongue out at my father childishly before stepping back.
"This is so boring Big Bro, they all talk so much but never actually say anything." I complained, crossing my arms. Sirzechs smiled in response. "Unfortunately, that is what most of tonight comes to. They've acknowledged you and paid respect to the Gremory name. I'd like to say that it is because you are so young but that would be a lie. The majority of them are vapid bootlickers that don't have any real power but like to pretend otherwise."
"Sirzechs." My brother flinched as his bane approached. "I'd thank you to not fill Rias' head with your biased notions."
Grayfia Gremory the Queen and wife to Sirzechs Lucifer had shown up in place of Grayfia Gremory the maid and woe to those that mistook differently.
The actual Devil who kept the Underworld running was dressed in a shimmering ruby-red gown with obsidian accents that acted to highlight the cloud silver of her ringlets.
Money was no object for a Devil such as she and her fingers and neckline gleamed with opulence. But that all took a backseat for the authority and recrimination that she exuded as she daintily hooked her arm with Sirzechs'.
"Ah, Grayfia darling, I was just explaining to Rias that while our Devil compatriots can be quite troublesome, they-"
A manicured nail rested over Sirzechs mouth. "Shut your fool mouth husband." I rolled my eyes as Sirzech's expression grew lustful as he spied the rosy cheeks of his wife.
It was quite horrifying that I instinctually recognized the Devil's line of thought at that point.
"Rias." Thankfully, Grayfia having had a few cups of wine did not deter the Queen from her efforts to educate me.
I 'accidentally' elbowed Sirzechs as I moved to embrace Grayfia. His gasp of betrayal fueled my amusement and I stepped back from my sister-in-law. "You look beautiful Sis, I'm glad you came." I complimented. For however much Sirzechs seemed to detest High-Class Devil society, I knew that Grayfia loathed it even more.
Yes, she was often seen interacting with them on Sirzechs' behalf and even pushing him to do the same. But that didn't mean she enjoyed doing so. In spite of my young age, I was well aware of the murmurs and gossip that followed her because of her heritage.
The Lucifuge Clan. A Branch Clan whose moniker and ascent to prestige was attributed to the Lucifer Clan itself. And the family that Grayfia had betrayed during the Civil War.
Despite the centuries that had passed since that time, it was clear that the Devil race did not forget. Never mind the fact that her strength and merits had helped bring the war to a close. Never mind how Grayfia had worked her ass off for centuries to help build the Underworld into what it was today, all while petty lords clung to the past and glorified all the traits of the Devils they had usurped Hell from.
I had a lot of respect for Grayfia.
"Thank you Rias, you look wonderful as well. Despite your distaste for dresses it really does become you." She remarked back and brushed a lock of crimson out of my face.
"But while Sirzechs is correct in that some of the lords can be... grating, they do have their uses beyond what you see here."
She leaned down to me, curling an arm around my frame as we looked over the gathering together. She pointed, highlighting a Devil with a fitted blue suede suit and gray hair. "Lord Paimon is a businessman through and through. He's opposed us several times on certain taxes or bills we've tried to push through. He's the kind of Devil who could sit on a mountain of gold and still get up to grab a passing coin."
I frowned as I tried to see her point.
"But Lord Paimon also employs nearly a quarter of the population of Low-Class Devils in the Underworld. And he values them just as much if not more than every portion of his wealth. He pays for their education, their medical expenses and even their living expenses in some cases. I believe the human phrase would be that he invests in people, not businesses."
Before I could think or even comment, she moved on to point again. This time at a woman with a... scandalously short skirt, sheer black fishnets and an honest to Satan unicorn horn. "Lady Amdusias. She regularly visits other realms to recruit rare and powerful peerage members that she auctions off for various favors and deals."
Well that sounds horrifying. There's always little moments like these, where I'm reminded that Devils tend not to think much of other races.
Grayfia holds me tighter as she continues. "And yet she uses what she gains not for herself but for her girls. Lady Amdusias runs the largest legal escort business in the Underworld. All of her employees are required to be Middle-Class in power if not status and the transactions are done under one of the most stringent magical contracts I've ever laid an eye on. It's quite the statement when some of her sex workers are better off than their clients."
As I nod in acknowledgement, Grayfia goes on, telling me about more of these lords and ladies I'd thought so little of.
Finally, she turns to me, a hint of expectation in her eyes. "Do not misunderstand Rias. Most, if not all of these Devils possess outdated notions on society, terrible morals and misguided priorities. Theoretically, with four Sins with the same political and practical opinions, it should've been the work of a chore to mold the Underworld into whatever we'd wish it to be. Instead, the advance of our faction has been an endless march with one step forward and two back at every juncture. To say that these High-Class Devils are annoying would be a gross understatement. And yet, they are hypocrites." She ended with a sardonic smile.
I raised an eyebrow.
"These same Devils who espouse many of the values and views of our forefathers who almost killed our race instead act contrary to that. Their grandparents would have been inciting rebellions to reignite the Great War, instead they go out of their way as to not offend Heaven or the Grigori. Their fathers would have been enslaving Low-Class Devils to amass power just because they can. Instead, they provide employment and stability, keeping our economy afloat. Their mothers would have sat on their gold, content to waste away in luxury and privilege. But instead they pursue their dreams and achieve things that their ancestors couldn't fathom."
Grayfia was passionate as she ranted and I thought I could see why.
"What I am trying to say, is that though they may be detestable individuals and horrid role models for our society to look up to, we are all Devils of a changed Underworld. We are all walking towards the future. Just on different paths."
Well I wasn't expecting this when I complained about Devil nobility. Still, I could see her point. While to me these Devils might be faceless nobodies who crowed about their superiority and committed sins as easily as breathing. For Grayfia they were a sign.
A sign of change that the Demons of immemorial would truly stay in the past.
If you were to insult a High-Class lord to their face these days, you might be challenged to a duel, get a few bones broken and be the target of a few insults or jokes for the next couple of decades.
But if you were to insult one of the original 72? If they didn't outright kill you or sentence you to some equally cruel punishment at that instant, they would ruin you.
Your family might be massacred or tortured and everything you stood for would be crushed into dust.
And when you finally died they might carry your bleached skull around for a few weeks as a paperweight.
And it wouldn't even be a significant event for the Demon. They would forget about you and go on with their lives, your fate being a matter of course, dealt out less because of malice and more because that was just what Demons did.
So while the High-Class nobility of Devil society wasn't great or even good, they weren't the absolute evil that Demons were either.
"Uh, Darling? You might have lost her there, that was a bit much." Sirzechs smirked.
Grayfia immediately blushed heavily. "I-It was a teaching moment. I was practicing for Millicas when you inevitably try to corrupt him."
Before they could get too carried away I nudged into Grayfia lightly, capturing her attention. "I understand. Kind of. A lot of them are really bad but they're not evil. So it's fine."
The Queen nodded. "Quite."
Sirzechs rolled his eyes. "Well if we're all done with High-Class Devil Society 101 then why don't we let Rias join the young crowd. If Sona pouts any harder, then Serafall will castrate me and we'll have to redraw a few maps tomorrow."
Grayfia frowned. "She will do no such thing. That part of you belongs solely to me and I do not share."
I mock-vomited. "Ew. I did not need to know that and I don't wanna know more." I announced and stalked away from them to the sound of their laughter.
"Miss Gremory, congratulations on your debut." Sona attempted to curtesy as I swept her in my arms. Despite Sona being a bit older than me, it was nice to be taller than the adorable genius.
"Sona, don't even start. I've had my fill of polite pleasantry." I grouched my dismay even as I held her close.
The raven-haired heiress hugged me back. "Oh. I'm sorry Rias, I just thought it seemed proper, it is your debut after all."
I stepped back and looked over Sona. Like me, the young Devil wasn't a fan of needlessly extravagant dresses or jewelry. Unlike me, she had merely escaped with a nice blue skirt and blouse and only wore flats instead of the dreadful heels I had.
I smothered my petty jealously and pouted at Sona. "Why didn't you tell me it was going to be this boring?"
Sona smirked before she buried it in an expression of innocence. "I am not quite sure what you mean Rias. It is of the utmost importance to pay our proper respects to the other lords and ladies."
I pinned my hands on my hips in disapproval. "Is this because I still haven't returned that book you lent me?" Sona arched a delicate eyebrow in disbelief. "I can hardly believe that you would think I could be so petty."
Rolling my eyes, I stepped beside her looking at the others she had been with. Like what Sona had told me in the past, the younger generation of Devils tended to congregate at these events, passing the time until they could leave. "If you say so, Sona. Why don't you introduce me to your friends?"
She squeaked cutely in surprise. "Oh!" Sona cleared her throat and began leading me around the table. "My apologies. Rias this is Seekvaira Agares, the heiress of the Agares Clan."
I didn't know much about Seekvaira except for the fact that her name was familiar. That said, I wouldn't doubt if she had an arc for herself at some point. She was stunning and graceful as she curtseyed in her dress, green tinged blonde hair that revealed lovely coral red eyes. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Rias. Sona has spoken much about you." Her eyes held warmth and mirth as she looked to Sona.
Oh, that was adorable.
In a fit of childishness and whim I seized her hands while looking deep into her eyes. "Sona, I'm going to steal your role model."
"Rias!" Sona protested in embarrassment even as Seekvaira's eyes widened in some surprise. "Seek, can I call you Seek? Let's be friends." I demanded, holding her hands hostage.
I'm gonna be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about Seekvaira besides the fact that she existed. But being friends with the older girl couldn't hurt. I really only had Sona around my age anyways and that was kind of depressing.
Seekvaira laughed, freeing one of her hands to cover her mouth demurely. "It seems Sona wasn't exaggerating."
While I was interested to hear what my best friend had been saying about me, I was more interested in Seekvaira's response at the moment.
She grinned kindly down at me. "You can call me Seek if you'd like, I don't mind. And that sounds wonderful, I'd be happy to be your friend. Let's get along."
I smiled victoriously. "Yes!" Seek giggled at my reaction and I couldn't help but blush a little. She really was beautiful.
Sona continued to pull me around the table, muttering under her breath about a red-haired minx. "And I'm sure you've already met but Rias this is Magdaran Bael, the heir to the Bael Clan."
Magdaran was one of two cousins on my mother's side. He was the younger brother of Sairaorg and completely the opposite of the lovable idiot in every way.
I had met both of them a few years before this, back when Sai was still the official heir for the Bael Clan. Before I met them, my canon knowledge was all I had to go off of. I knew Sairaorg was really strong and that he beat out Magdaran for the title of heir but that was it.
But like I had been assuming, the 'story' my life was based on wasn't enough for me to possess a full grasp on the boys. Sai was a lovable idiot, with zero tact or social skills but with a heart of gold and a very strong sense of empathy. He was also very much a troublemaker with his habit of being loud and starting brawls for fun. It was a bit hard to imagine him as some kind of Devil powerhouse when he wore his shirts backwards and was fatally ticklish.
Magdaran on the other hand was the opposite and not exactly in a good way. His moods were mercurial at times, either scathingly sarcastic and mocking or sullen and contemplative. But this was a recent development. Before his ass of a father practically disowned Sairaorg, he was a sweetheart.
I'm not kidding, he was the kind of kid who couldn't hurt a fly. He loved learning about plants and animals, regularly collecting demonic butterflies and beetles to show off when I visited. Magdaran hated violence of any kind and was more of a tagalong when Sai and I eventually ran off to find ourselves some fun. That said, my relationship with Magdaran was stronger than my friendship with Sai. I might act childishly at times but I had actually been an adult in my previous life. And Magdaran possessed a maturity beyond his age with an intellect that hid itself behind shy smiles and self-depreciating comments.
At least until the Lord Bael made Magdaran his sole heir. From what I had seen, that kind of expectation and pressure along with the neglect his parents showed him broke something in him. Where he used to look up to Sai and treasured the affection he received from him and Misla, Sai's mother, he now espoused to despise both of them. To this Magdaran, Sai and Misla might as well not exist.
I wanted to help him.
But that was something that would take time.
"Congrats Rias." Magdaran gave me a weak smile, his eyes haunted by exhaustion. Well that wouldn't do.
"Maggie!" I cried out, smothering him in a tight hug. Magdaran's sedentary lifestyle did not lend itself to conflict no matter that he held the Power of Destruction. And Sai's penchant for tussling caused me to be intimately acquainted with how to hug someone who doesn't want to be hugged.
"Rias, I told you not to call me that." He whined even as he relaxed in my hold. I rolled my eyes and threaded my fingers through his long, raven-black hair.
"And I recall that I said I didn't care. How are you Maggie?" I asked with concern. He really did look terrible. In as much as such a groomed and composed High-Class Devil could be anyways.
Magdaran sighed in exasperation even as he reluctantly embraced me back. However reticent he seemed, I knew the boy appreciated my affection and worry.
"I'm fine, promise. Just had a late night in the library. You know me." He cajoled in a low tone.
His deception was pitiful but circumstances as they were, I couldn't hold my assumptions against him. "You and your books Maggie. You're incorrigible." I teased. Not that I didn't know how one could get lost in books to the point of exhaustion. But in this life? With magic and fantasy everywhere you stepped, there was too much excitement to get lost in to read books.
"Aww, did poor little Maggie not get enough sleep? Too precious." A mocking, venomous tone cut through the air. "Man, if I knew all I had to do to get a bitch like that was to act tired, I'd be sleeping."
Magdaran's expression shifted, growing cold and black. "If I wanted the opinion of filth, Zephrydor, all I would have to do is talk to Lord Forneus." Magdaran's grin was all sharp edges and harsh bluffs. "In fact, if you need a bitch I recall that they have a daughter your age. You'd make a wonderful pair with those dead eyes and your pea-sized brains."
I stepped back from Magdaran eyeing the interloper.
Zephrydor Glaysa-Labolas. He wasn't technically the heir of his clan but he might as well have been. I didn't actually know anything about this guy before, but I'm glad I can confidently put him in my mental folder labeled 'asshole' now. Well, that wasn't quite true. I knew that the heir to the clan had died recently and it was that fact that made Zephrydor relevant. The Glaysa-Labolas had announced that they were conducting an investigation but that didn't stop Zephrydor from claiming the heir's position whenever he opened his mouth.
Sona had mentioned a time or two the uncouth behavior of the unofficial heir and I had to agree.
Zephrydor sat forward from his slouch as the sole occupant of the sofa he lied on. "Eh?" His dark, elfin features scrunched up as he regarded Magdaran like a bug. A tattooed hand swept through his navy blue hair in an absent motion. "You tryna say something little shit? I didn't know you had a spine."
Instantly, I knew why Magdaran looked down with grinding teeth and even Seekvaira looked away and stayed quiet.
Zephrydor's immense demonic power hung from his frame like a glitch in reality. The pressure I felt was an afterthought to the strange sensation electrifying its way through my spirit. Like a a computer with corroded software I felt my brain ping between two thoughts like they were absolute truth despite their opposing nature.
Zephrydor Glaysa-Labolas was here.
Zephrydor Glaysa-Labolas isn't here.
Bubbling acidic frustration pulsed within me and I opened my mouth, absent of thought or intent.
"My name is Rias. I'm glad you could make it to my debut."
And instantly I felt the odd sensation inexplicably fade away. Magdaran took a measured, deep breath as he continued to look down and clench his fists. Seekvaira blinked rapidly before glancing my way.
"Tch." Zephrydor looked at me for but a second before dismissing me with a roll of his eyes. "Whatever."
I'm really not sure what just happened or why I said that but at this moment, the statement is completely true. Because now I could question Sirzechs later on what the fuck just happened.
I smiled tightly before hooking my arm in Sona's. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Zephrydor was the nephew of the Great Lord Belphegor.
My father held my hand like it was a lifeline, all but crushing my fingers. "Papa." I winced.
Zeoticus blinked before relaxing his grip and smiling down apologetically at me. "Sorry princess. I was distracted."
I just nodded in acknowledgement. It wasn't exactly a surprise what was going to happen. I hadn't seen any of the Phenex Clan for the entire time we were here. Meaning there was only one thing my father would have to collect me for.
We stopped abruptly, my father snatching a goblet of wine with a heady scent. His thumb caressed a path over the back of my hand.
I will always love you.
A demonic crest lit up on his index finger, bright as the likeness of the sun that was projected over the Underworld and as crimson as the features we shared.
His Arcana spell broke the cacophony of the ballroom. Masses of devils pausing their activity and composing themselves as they turned their attention to my father. Despite the solid gold and bejeweled surface of the goblet my father's finger tapped against, it was the clear and sonorous voice of a glass chalice that captured the room.
"My lords and ladies. Devils of the highest class of society. I am proud to announce the engagement of my daughter and heiress Rias Gremory with the third son of the Lord Rasor Phenex, Riser Phenex." His dignified voice echoed through the chamber with aplomb, ensnaring every ear.
As if on a cue, the fiery demonic crest of the Phenex Clan blazed to life on the ballroom floor. In an instant that fire shaped into three figures as if giving birth to a force of nature.
Lord and Lady Phenex. And Riser Phenex.
All three of them shared the same features with blindingly bright blonde hair and deep blue eyes. For a moment, I couldn't help but think I was seeing three caricatures of the same person.
"Lord Gremory, it is my joy as the Marquis and Lord of the Phenex Clan to accept this engagement, may our houses intertwine and bear us unwaveringly towards the future for all High-Class Devils." Lord Phenex announced with a grandiose gesture.
I properly curtseyed toward the noble family even as Riser approached. The blonde was tall and wiry, his hair mussed in an attempt to seem carefree that just made me bite my tongue. His eyes were intense and stringently focused, imitating his father most likely.
"It is my pleasure to be your fiancee Rias, your beauty stills my heart." Riser remarked as he grasped my hand, placing a kiss on the back of it.
While I itched to wipe my hand on something, I couldn't help but think somewhat favorably for the boy. This wasn't his fault.
He was the dutiful third son who accepted his place in the Phenex Clan. It could have been the fact that he was engaged to me but the boy didn't show any sign of reticence towards doing the will of his father and marrying someone he didn't even know.
I didn't possess any animosity towards Riser. At least at the moment. He was just a boy now, not a womanizer who couldn't think for himself or was just glad for another pretty member for his harem.
Maybe I was underestimating how different the young of Devils were but he just seemed like a normal boy to me. "It's a pleasure to meet you Riser. I hope we can get to know each other." I said, smiling prettily at him.
Riser's answering grin was innocent and sincere.
Author's Note: Holy crap guys this chapter ended up taking longer and being bigger than I intended. I would write, realize that something wasn't grounded in the world or explained, do research, take notes and then try to include that into the story in a relevant manner. So much damn worldbuilding. I usually like research but I gotta say for this fic? Not so much. Every time I read a wikipedia page on demonology it makes me want to take a shower. That said, the update to the first chapter and this chapter is the first part in a large overhaul of what we know about the story and its world. It'll be quite a trip but I hope you stick around. My intention in this chapter was to speed along through Rias' childhood, I don't want this story to be bogged down in the earlier years before canon. That said, if all goes to plan, next chapter will be the start of the only pre-canon arc I have planned. Beyond that, the plot is still a work in progress. I don't think it would be a surprise for me to go off script but in case you didn't have any idea... surprise! Alright, well here's all the important information I didn't want to cram in exposition. Hopefully this answers any of your questions, please review any additional questions you have or any holes you can poke in my world. I'm not afraid to retcon. Oh yeah and review if you liked the story and what parts you enjoyed. It means a lot that you guys like this, especially since this story wasn't even really on my radar.
STORY RELEVANT INFORMATION
Satans- The original leaders of the Underworld were the Seven Deadly Sins or the Seven Great Satans. Either title applies to them. The moniker of Satan, Satan-Class and Seven Great Satans is a tribute the first original demon, Satan. Pre-Lucifer the Seven Deadly Sins were Satan(Pride), Beelzebub (Gluttony), Leviathan(Envy), Mammon(Greed), Belphegor(Sloth), Mephistopheles (Lust), and Dagon(Wrath). Post Lucifer's takeover, Lucifer became Pride and Dagon (Wrath) took the name Satan so that there would always be a Satan in the Seven Deadly Sins.
Demonic Power as it concerns Demons and Devils- The 72 Demons of Hell and each of the Seven Great Satans possessed the ability to mold and convert their demonic power into basically any kind of phenomena. The only limit for these denizens of Hell were their imagination and their store of demonic power. And like was mentioned in this chapter, Devils did not possess the same intuitive ability. It was possible for their descendants to learn or gain it but none of them did. This is because of a few different factors such as the amount of demonic power at their beck and call, their mindsets when attempting it and the pre-conceived notion that it was a Demon ability, not a Devil ability. There's a bit more that goes into it, such as the fact that you can't really just brute force your demonic power into forms or molds that it's not accustomed to. The first generation of Devils were created fully formed, not as legions of babes that Demons had to take care of. Because of this, none of them had any idea on how they were to control their demonic power, the ability to reinforce their bodies came naturally because the demonic power was already in place at the time of their creation. (This is a shit metaphor but think of it like hiking, reinforcing their bodies with demonic power is like walking a worn and traveled path because Devils are born unconsciously doing this. Creating a new path to travel is much harder in comparison) There's a lot there but this is all to say that it's an alternative to Arcana, the Devil's version of magic. While Arcana uses demonic power to manipulate and control existing processes, raw demonic power just wills those phenomena into existence. Practically, you could say that demonic power is something like a shotgun while Arcana is a rifle. Precision isn't something that comes naturally to demonic power. Also, please remember that Rias' thoughts can be biased or wrong. You'll see for yourself if this ability has as much of an impact as she thinks it might.
Reddit makes me want to scream sometimes. You post your edited thoughts and theories about something looking for other people's thoughts or opinions and then people reply only to tell you that you're putting too much thought into something, quote you incorrectly and then conclude that 'your' opinion is wrong by regurgitating facts that you've already gone over and addressed.
That said, it highlighted an idea that some you might have about
Devil Society- The first unspoken law of Devil society is that Might makes Right. But there are actual written laws based on mortal civilizations and whatnot.
I say this to address Rias' slightly hypocritical thoughts. She thinks of her marriage to Riser as being unnecessary while expressing the opinion that her family wouldn't be able to say no to other suitors without damaging their political power. This is true, if you don't consider Sirzechs. Sirzechs is Lucifer, the Sin of Pride and the most powerful Devil their society boasts. If this guy decides that he doesn't want his baby sister to get married yet, then who the fuck is going to tell him no? Besides, given the lifespan of Devils, it wouldn't be odd for sons or daughters of nobles to wait decades if not centuries to marry. Yes, it's possible you could offend impatient or greedy Devils and damage your relationships for a few years. But what is that compared to the benefit of waiting, letting your heir gain power and experience to select the best possible candidate to continue your line? Especially when it comes to your heir, you want the best possible match. For someone like Riser, who is a third son and not likely to be heir? Those kinds of premature political marriages are more common. It's doubtful that he would be able to marry too far above his station given his status so it's an accepted idea to marry off these types of High-Class Devils for deals and benefits for your clan rather than just to continue the bloodline.
Nobility and Titles- Each of the 72 Demon Pillars were given titles to denote their place in hierarchy and power. These are King, Duke, Prince, Marquis, Count, President and Knight. Now let me explain, this might be a bit confusing. The title of Prince for us means the son of a king, That isn't so for Demons. They weren't born, they were created. It just means a person of power and authority above a Marquis but below a King and Duke. I've given the 72 an overhaul because 1. they aren't separated into titles equally, there's 72 Demons but only 1 that holds the rank of knight. Obviously, that doesn't make much sense. And 2. it let me create this cool chart that separates the Demons according to which Sin they served under. In total, there are 8 groups of 9 titles. 1 king, 2 dukes, 1 prince, 2 marquis, 1 Count, 1 President and 1 knight for every group. And of course, since Lucifer is the Sin of Pride, he gets two groups. Now, let me go ahead and tell you that these titles don't mean much anymore. To Devil society as it is now, it just denotes that a Clan head is descended from a Demon with that title. While it does serve to give that head a certain amount of authority in the government, the title doesn't have anything to do with personal power, the amount of influence, wealth or land your clan holds. An example would be Herodotus Bael vs Diehauser Belial. Each lord holds the title of King because their Demon ancestor held that position in the 72. Yet the Bael clan is known as a powerhouse in politics and holds more influence than any other Devil clan. And the Belial clan is struggling financially compared to them and doesn't have anywhere near the influence or political power. I'll have to craft some kind of government structure to make these titles worth anything but beyond that they don't mean much.
Current Satans/Deadly Sins- Obviously Sirzechs Lucifer(Pride), Ajuka Beelzebub(Gluttony), Serafall Leviathan (Envy) and the big change here is Falbium Belphegor(Sloth). Not Asmodeus(Lust). The name for (Lust) is actually now Mephistopheles. Also, make of this what you will but there are no clans with the same name as the Seven Deadly Sins within the 72 Pillars. The Pillars do not include the Satan Clans. In addition, each Satan possesses the title Great Lord when they are addressed as opposed to just lord.
The Satan Clans- These clans function differently than the other clans among Devils. Each clan was started by a member of the Seven Deadly Sins. While on paper the members of these clans don't possess any authority or influence beyond their lands, at the time of the Great War, they were venerated. They were direct family members of the Sins and as such given respect and fear even beyond that of the kings. I haven't constructed a history for each Sin yet, so it's possible that each title was only held the once except for Pride, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth. While the direct descendants of the other three Sins have all died out this isn't the case for the four I've mentioned. Legally, when Sirzechs and gang usurped those titles they had all the authority to cease the Great War and sue for peace. In practice, this resulted in the Civil War. When those titles were taken, the individual lands, wealth, servants and even involved Branch and Auxillary Clans in some cases became beholden to the new Sin.
Basically, if Sirzechs were to be challenged for the title of Lucifer and the Devil won and was successful in claiming the title, then that Devil would rightfully be given all the authority and power of the position including becoming the head of the Lucifer Clan. Sirzechs would lose the title of Lucifer and just become Sirzechs Gremory. Notice that this wouldn't change anything for Millicas or Grayfia. Even though they were direct members of Sirzechs Lucifer's family, they don't have any claim to the title or blood of Lucifer. This is done because it is possible for the head of a Satan clan to change. In this case, Sirzechs could decide to take the position of head of the Gremory or even start a branch family and let Rias ascend. This is all theoretical though, I just wanted to explain how the Satan Clans functioned and that even though someone like Shalba Beelzebub can use that last name, he doesn't have any right to the title, power or even clan. (The descendants can still use the demonic crest when using Arcana though, that is unrelated to the supernatural nature of the title and the legality of the clan ownership if that makes sense.)
Branch Clans- Now inadvertently when I built upon the heritage of unique demonic powers, I kind of wrote myself into a corner. If those demonic powers were passed down by a Demon, how do Auxillary Clans/Extra Demon Clans that aren't descended from a Demon or Sin possess unique demonic powers? Well in most cases they don't. Those clans with unique demonic powers but not apart of the 72 Pillars are Branch clans founded by the children of Demons not in line to succeed their main clan. I say most because 1. I might decide to have a clan that actually has come up with their own demonic power and just claims that they're descended from a Demon. And 2. it's possible that someone from a clan with a unique demonic power to marry into an Auxillary Clan. That's all. In practice, Branch Clans don't have any power in the government and exist only to support their main clan. Much like the Auxillary clans, they live and die by their own merits and the connections they make with Pillar Clans.
Finally, Titles of the Seven Deadly Sins- This might be expounded upon more in the future, but there is a spiritual ritual that a Devil can undergo in order to lay claim to a Sin's title. This ritual forms a connection to Hell and gives the new Sin more spiritual significance, power and maybe even a new form(not sure ab this one yet, we'll see). But, this ritual isn't public knowledge because it's extremely dangerous and suicidal to try. You're basically being judged by Hell to see if you have what it takes to govern that Sin and facilitate the duties that Hell performs. Failure results in a fate worse than death. Go read Do Me A Wrong and you'll know what I'm talking about.
Once again, your reward is a handful of
New Demonic Powers-
Forneus- Seaking
Paimon- Prepotent Blare
Amdusias- Lord of Cacophony
Agares- Temporal Destruction
Glaysa-Labolas- Obscurity
Phenex- Firebird