"… What is the Chaos Brigade?" The Knight asked, as both duo returned to the apartment, the sun setting down in the distance.
"Why ask now, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… I didn't want to interrupt your reunion, but I want to know what that faction is planning and what is their goal," It replied.
"I see, nya. Alright, although, will you tell anyone I am a part of them, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… Don't intend to, but if you participate in the attack, I won't hold back," It replied.
"Scary, nya!" Kuroka exclaimed. "So, Chaos Brigade is… well, Ophis property."
"… Ophis? The dragon of infinity?" It asked, while Kuroka nodded.
"You met her, didn't you, nya? The tiny girl with black hair and eyes, nya," She replied.
"… I did, according to Ophis, they want to give her back her silence, why are they attacking other factions?" The Knight asked.
"It depends on the faction, the Chaos Brigade is a collective of many of them, nya. The Old Satan faction wants nothing more but to restart the Great War and take over the world, they also hate the current system of evil pieces, nya," She replied.
"… What other factions are there?" The Knight asked.
"Nilrem, Qlippoth, Vali and Hero factions, nya," She replied. "Nilrem, they are stray magicians, expelled by the Magician's Council, they support Chaos Brigade and desire power above everything else, nya."
"… What about others?" It inquired.
"I don't know much about Qlippoth, except that is led by Rivezim Livan Lucifer, nya," She replied. "Vali faction is the faction I am a part of, nya. We only fight stronger foes and Vali wants to defeat Rivezim, nya. There is me, Vali, Bikou, Arthur Pendragon, Le Fay Pendragon and Gogmagog."
"… What about the Hero faction?" It asked.
"Well, nya, it was created to fight against supernatural existences and protect humanity from them, nya," She replied. "All members are humans, nya, but they don't strike me as good, as they often treat many supernatural beings as evil just for their race, nya."
"… So, Chaos Brigade is a threat that should be destroyed, correct?" It summarized.
"Nyahaha, I guess…? You're not going to kill me, are you, nya?" She asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… Don't have a reason yet," It replied.
"I hope it stays that way too, nya," She said, while the Knight nodded.
"… I think I have an idea," The Knight said.
"What kind of idea, nya?" She asked.
"… I am going to warn fallen angel Azazel, but nobody else, that way, I don't have to worry about you being found out or me being involved. If he asks more, I will simply refuse," It replied.
"Just don't tell about the Vali team, nya," She asked.
"… Why not?" It asked.
"Well, it would be dangerous for me as well, nya. I don't want to be a traitor just yet, nya," She replied.
"… I see. I won't in that case," It said.
"Okay, I hope you know what you're doing, nya," Kuroka muttered, before they returned to apartment. There, the duo took a quick shower, before Kuroka jumped into Knight's bed, while the boy sat at the table.
As the Knight was sitting at the table, it received a message, Kuroka stirring in her sleep, but not waking up. It brought up it's phone and began reading. It was from Azazel, the man wanted to meet up before the school, which was fine with it. It then stood up, before walking out of the apartment, making sure it didn't wake up it's guest by accident. It only took a moment, before it noticed the man standing in a designated spot, no waitresses for him to flirt with.
"Hello there, didn't expect you would come so soon," He said.
"… You wrote a message," It replied.
"Well, yes, but still, are you suffering from insomnia by any chance?" He asked, while the Knight shrugged in response. "Regardless, I am here for the second part of our deal."
"… What did you find out about the Chaos Brigade?" It asked.
"Not much, to be perfectly honest. It was originally founded with the purpose of creating an opposing force to the growing alliances of mythologies. It was built as a cooperation between the fallen angel Satanael and the Wizards of Oz," He replied. "As for their current status… it seems like they went into hiding of some sorts, I don't know what they are doing now either."
"… I see," It replied.
"Unfortunately that's all I could find," He said. "Now, I believe it's your turn."
With that the man brought a notepad and put on glasses. "… The name of energy is Soul. It is an energy that every living being possesses."
"So, it's something like a life force, not literal souls of others, correct?" He asked, while the Knight nodded, the man scribbling in the notes. "Alright, what is its origin?"
"… I don't know," It responded truthfully.
"Hmm… I suppose that's a question as old as time, isn't it? Oh well, now, what can it do?" The man asked.
"… Depends on the user," The Knight replied.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Azazel asked.
"… Not everybody can utilize the soul, but everyone possesses it. There are multiple uses, including magic," The Knight replied.
"So… it's a bit like chakra, similar to what yokai use? Hmm… that's different," He said. "So, you used this soul to do something to Mittelt, didn't you?"
"… I did, restored her wings, after they were destroyed," It said, while Azazel stopped.
"You… restored wings that were destroyed?" He asked, while the Knight nodded. "That's… incredible, only the likes of Longinus can do that… How?"
"… I don't know," It replied. It could use its soul to heal others and recover its shell, but it wasn't sure how it was able to heal entire limbs.
"Alright, how do you get more of this soul?" He asked.
"… You whack stuff?" The Knight said, while Azazel looked at him questioningly.
"Excuse me? That's all?" He asked, while the Knight nodded. "Okay… huh, that's… huh. So, going by that logic, would it be a fair assessment to say that only the likes of you can actually gather and use this soul?"
"… I think so, other beings are capable, but they are rare. Artificial soul manipulation is dangerous for the user," It replied, while Azazel sighed.
"Who are these other beings?" He asked.
"… Powerful individuals, don't know much about them or if they are still alive," It replied.
"So, a dead on my side with a dead end on your side," He said. "Don't suppose you will let me do a couple of experiments or take some samples?"
"… I won't," The Knight replied.
"That's what I thought. In any event, thank you for your time. If you ever feel like joining fallen angels, you know where to find me," He said and extended his hand. "It was a pleasure working with you, Knight."
"… Likewise," The Knight replied and returned the handshake. "… But, before you leave, you must know about something."
"Does it relate to soul by any chance?" He asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… No, but Chaos Brigade," It replied, while the Fallen Angel raised an eyebrow. "… They will attack the peace treaty between three factions."
"And how do you know about that?" He asked.
"… I have got sources," It replied, while Azazel judged it. "… Can't say exactly who they are, but if I were to warn other factions, it would bring attention to them and me, something I would like to avoid."
"So, you're telling me this, because I can actually use this information and help secure the peace treaty?" He asked, while the Knight nodded in response. "… How much do you know about them anyway?"
"… A bit," It replied.
"Well, I am curious, my search led to nothing, but you found something by yourself? That can't be right," He replied. "Okay, better question, what is their main goal?"
"… Don't know, many factions inside, many goals, but I can name some of them," It replied.
"Well, don't keep me waiting," Azazel said.
"… Old Satan Faction, Nilrem, Qlippoth and Hero faction," It replied.
"Nilrem are exiled magicians, while Old Satan Factions is part of the former ruling cadre of devils, interesting. As for the Hero factions, I think they were supposed to protect humanity," He muttered. "Okay, I will deal with that, thank you for telling me, Knight. I will be leaving for now, take care."
"… Take care, Azazel," It said back.
"Oh, I will. I am going to look for this soul and Chaos Brigade in archives and see if I can find anything, we will be in contact, I am sure," He said.
"… Okay," The Knight said.
"Good we have got that figured out, take care, Knight," He replied, took a step back and disappeared.
"… It's time to go home," The Knight muttered and began making it's way back home.
At the same, two individuals met up in a dark room, hidden behind countless wards. The first one was Sirzechs Lucifer, the other one, Zekram Bael. Zekram was a middle-aged looking man with black hair and peaceful violet eyes wearing a noble attire.
"So, Gremory, why did you want to meet up, just between two of us?" Zekram asked.
"It's due to a certain individual, called Arthur Knight," He replied.
"Arthur Knight? I can't say I have heard about him, why is he important?" Zekram asked.
"That boy… he can revert evil pieces, turning others back into races they formerly were," He explained, while Zekram's eyes spread wide open.
"Are you certain of that?" He asked, while Sirzechs nodded.
"I and the other three Satans have seen it with our very own eyes. In fact, we made some simple tests on a stray devil he reverted. The result? Pure human," He replied.
"… Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Zekram demanded.
"We were hoping to put the boy under our full control, but he refused and we had to compromise," He replied and briefly explained the entire situation. "And that's when we signed the contract."
"This is incredibly dangerous for us. If the news spread, other mythologies could come and use this opportunity to tear all we worked for in a moment, a civil war between us," He said.
"It's as you said, at the peace treaty, it will ensure the boy stays a neutral party, probably under protection of both fallen angels and angels, meaning, getting rid of him will become even harder," Sirzechs replied.
"The peace treaty… we still have some time left and I found out some really good news that should help us with our little problem," Zekram began.
"What kind of news?" Sirzechs asked.
"Excalibur swords were stolen around the world, from what I gathered there is something big coming up, probably with one of the Cadre, like Kokabiel," He said.
"What exactly?" Sirzechs asked.
"I don't know, at least, not yet, it's just some rumors and unconfirmed info," He replied. "However, let's assume Kokabiel came to Kuoh and killed the Knight, wouldn't it solve our problem?"
"I don't think so," Sirzechs replied. "The boy… he is strong, strong enough to keep up with me at roughly half power, an Ultimate-Class devil, even without magic."
"Excuse me…? How come we didn't know about somebody this strong in our territory?" He asked.
"It's simple, the boy… he feels… empty, for the lack of better term. Like an ordinary human, without magic," He explained.
"Are there more like him?" Zekram asked.
"We are looking into that, but so far, he seems to be the only one we found, but considering how easy it is for him to blend in, there might be more," He replied.
"He must be eliminated," Zekram ordered. "Him and others like him."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Sirzechs asked.
"Simple, invitation to a hot spring in Kyoto, he will be the only member, underneath we will place a powerful magical seal, which will result in an explosion capable of wiping out even somebody like you," He explained.
"Won't that draw attention to us?" Sirzechs asked.
"Not if we hire some other faction and provide it with incentive, besides, we can always blame it on yokai in the area," He replied. "Unless… you have got a better idea, that is?"
"I believe that we should wait with that, at least for now. If what you say is true about Kokabiel, it all depends how he can handle Knight. I doubt Kokabiel would be stupid enough to attack Kuoh without some Ace in the hole."
"With you and Serafall caring about your family, it would border on pure idiocy to attack Kuoh without proper preparation," Zekram explained.
"That's what I think. We can start making slow steps towards your plan, but for the time being, let's see how it turns out. In fact, if both Knight and Kokabiel were to fight, we would get a good look at his capabilities, allowing us to adjust the seal," Sirzechs said.
"I suppose, that's one way to do it. Alright, we shall do that. That reminds me, isn't the wedding of Gremory and Phenex coming soon?" Zekram asked.
"It is, at least for now," Sirzechs replied.
"For now? Something wrong?" Zekram asked.
"Rias' doesn't want to marry Phenex heir, which doesn't surprise me. However, I am hoping that she can either win a rating game or the red dragon emperor wielder can beat Riser," He replied.
"I see, intervening directly would not look great on you, would it?" Zekram asked.
"It didn't look well, when I spared that nekomata, so Rias could get a new peerage member, I would rather not be scrutinized for favoring my sister too much," He replied.
"I suppose, alright, we will do that, but for now, let's leave, there are plenty of things to attend to," Zekram said and stood up.
"I agree," Sirzech said, the two devils leaving the room.
"Unya!" Kuroka stretched herself and noticed Knight sitting at the table, just where she last saw him. "Good morning, nya."
"… Good morning," It said back.
"So, what's for breakfast today, nya?" Kuroka asked and got up from the bed.
"… Nothing for you, too expensive," The Knight repeated itself.
"Don't be like that, nya!" Kuroka protested.
"… Then pay for food you eat," It said, while Kuroka giggled.
"Can I pay with my body, nya?" She asked and stretched her body to illustrate the point.
"… No, you can't," It replied, while Kuroka's smile dropped.
"I knew what to expect, but it still sucks, nya," She complained. "Now, shall we meet Shirone, nya?"
"… She should be here soon," The Knight said and as if on the cue, the doorbell rang. "… Here she is."
The Knight then stood up and opened the door, where Koneko was already standing, a rather hefty bag in her hands. "Good morning, Knight, Kuroka."
"… Good morning," The Knight said and let her inside.
Just as if on cue Koneko put her bag on the floor, before she and Kuroka hugged each other tightly, while the Knight closed the door behind them. It seemed like the two sisters were trying to make up for years of distance in this way, not that it blamed them. So, seeing no other option, it began making some tea, they still had plenty of time before they went to school.
"So, Shirone, how was your sleep, nya?" She asked.
"It could have been better," Koneko replied, enjoying being this close to her sister.
"I know, right, nya," She said.
"… Don't take too long, there is school today," The Knight said.
"I know, Knight, just a few more moments," Koneko said and deepened the hug.
"… Okay, I will wait," The Knight said and sat down, as it began waiting for the two to finish.
"So, Shirone, are you ready for a sleepover with your older sister, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"I am, dummy," She replied. "But, no lewd comments towards Knight."
"Don't be like that, Shirone, nya," Kuroka pleaded, only to receive a glare from her sister. "So, want to play some games or something Shirone, nya?"
"I would like to, but we need to go to school," She replied, while glancing towards the Knight. "Knight… could we play on your console?"
"… I don't mind that, at least it's used," It replied.
"I am playing it first, nya!" Kuroka announced, while Koneko sighed before breaking the embrace.
"We can go now, I will be back after school," Koneko said, while the Knight nodded.
"Have a safe trip, you too, nya," Kuroka said as she bid them farewell.
"… Take care, Kuroka," It said and locked the door behind them. "… Let's go."
"Let's," Koneko agreed, the two walking next to each other, but this time without holding hands.
"So, any ideas what was the ability Knight used during yesterday's spar?" Sona asked, members of both Student Council and Occult Research Club around her, bar Knight, Asia and Koneko.
"I have never seen anything like it before," Rias admitted. "In fact, for a moment I thought it was related to the power of destruction."
"It is not, is it?" Sona asked, while Rias nodded.
"I don't think so, it reminds me of an ability of one of the longinus that I heard of before," Rias admitted.
"Dimension Lost?" Sona asked, while Rias nodded. "I thought the same thing, but it doesn't seem to be related. Besides, if Knight really had a sacred gear, we would have felt it, which means it's an inherent ability."
"What kind of inherent ability allows one to change into a shadow and become invincible to attacks?" Kiba asked.
"I don't know, Kiba," Rias replied. "I feel like, the more we find out about Knight, the deeper this hole goes."
"Preaching to the choir, Rias," Sona said. "Let's not forget that whirlwind like attack."
"Indeed, we already knew of one, but here is another, just what can he do anyway?" Rias asked and bit his lip.
"I am afraid we won't figure out this easily, Knight is rather secretive after all," Sona replied. "Although, that reminds, Tomoe, do you think you could replicate that attack?"
"I am not sure," The girl admitted. "I have tried replicating it after coming back home, but wasn't able to do so."
"Same here," Kiba added. "I tried to do the same with Knight's other technique and couldn't do it."
"Ara Ara, maybe we should ask Knight to teach our knights his moves?" Akeno suggested.
"I doubt it would work," Tsubaki replied. "He held back during his fight with Lord Lucifer and still hides a lot of things. Knight hasn't shared anything substantial about himself."
"How is this even possible?" Sona asked suddenly.
"What do you mean, Sona?" Rias inquired.
"Knight was born from human parents, neither of them aware of the supernatural world, but he possesses incredible abilities and even calls himself a vessel, not a human, or a hybrid, anything really," She began. "This doesn't make sense, not in the slightest."
"Do you think he was cursed or something, Sona?" Rias asked.
"I doubt it, the better question is, is he the only vessel? If not, what happened to others?" Sona asked.
"That's a good question," Rias replied. "We haven't heard of species like that, which doesn't help."
"That's what has been bothering me. We have checked his background, the events he told us about, how he thinks he can take on the Underworld, his combat experience, it is like he lived another life before," She summarized.
"Do you think he was reincarnated with his memories intact?" Rias asked seriously.
"Truth to be told, I don't know, but nothing would surprise me at this point," She replied. "It is a valid theory, after all some mythologies do that, don't they?"
"They do," Rias confirmed. "Assuming that is correct, it seems like Knight might have soul and memories of a mighty hero or some other powerful being, doesn't he?"
"It is possible, definitely," Sona confirmed. "In fact, it would explain a lot of things, though, the number of heroes that challenge entire countries, gods and more is plentiful in all mythologies, so we might not be able to find anything. It's still a valid option to research, I suppose."
"It still doesn't explain his species, does it?" Tsubaki pointed out.
"You're correct, Tsubaki. As it is, we simply don't know a lot about Knight and I doubt he will share his past with us," She replied.
"What if Koneko, you, Momo or Asia asked him?" Rias suggested, while Sona shook her head.
"I don't think it would work, Knight is careful, as evidenced by his fight with Lord Lucifer," Sona replied. "Regardless, we should see if we can find anything in myths and such, but let's leave it be for now. That reminds me, when is Riser coming, Rias?"
"… Today during break," She replied with a scowl.
"So soon?" Sona asked.
"Riser is pushing to accelerate the marriage," Rias replied. "He even already booked the date of the wedding, which will happen next month."
"So that's why…," Sona muttered. "You know, I have been thinking about this, but this only confirms my suspicions."
"What do you mean, Sona?" Rias asked.
"Think about it, Rias. When Riser comes today, do you truly think he will accept either a rating game or a challenge from you?" Sona pointed out.
"If he didn't then…," Rias began.
"Nothing would happen," Sona finished, while Rias frowned. "He has got no reason to accept your rating game or any other challenge, in fact, it's in his best interest to simply wait for marriage."
"Wouldn't his honour be ruined…?" Rias tried, while Sona shook her head.
"It's not an official rating game and unless both sides accept, you can't force him to accept either of your challenges," She replied. "In fact, that's what I would do, if I were him."
"Please, tell me, you're not serious, Sona," Rias pleaded, truly horrified.
"I am, that's what makes it even worse," Sona replied with a sigh. "And if Riser doesn't accept the challenge, Knight or anyone attacking him would be treated as assault and ended poorly for anyone that tried."
"That… can't be," Rias muttered, as she realized she hadn't taken that into account. "I… oh no, I can't stop the marriage, not by myself, not anymore."
"That's what I thought about as well," Sona replied, the room lapsing into silence.
"I don't care who that guy is, I will punch him, if he hurts Rias!" Issei exclaimed.
"Issei…," Rias began.
"After all, her virginity belongs to me!" He added and the good atmosphere was gone in an instant.
"I should have expected that," Sona sighed, while Rias scratched her neck awkwardly. "Well, you still have to try, do you want me to mail Knight to come to your club during break, perhaps it will work?"
"If you could," Rias asked, not looking forward to what was about to come.
As soon as the bell rang, the Knight stood up and slowly made its way towards Occult Research club, Koneko joining it on their way there. It received a message from Sona and knew it was going to meet Riser Phenex soon. It wondered if the plan to challenge the devil would work, but if not, it would have to figure something else, just as it did before. Just like the last time, it found itself in the room, but this time, only Rias, her peerage and Grayfia Lucifuge were there. It greeted both of them with a quick nod, before it looked around as it tried to find the source of the problems for Shirone.
"… Where is Riser?" The Knight asked.
"He should be here soon," Rias replied and as if on cue, a magical circle made of flames formed beneath one of the walls, blazing inferno reaching the ceiling but not burning it.
From it stepped a group of sixteen total. Leading them was a pompous looking, muscular guy, that looked like a typical bad boy, the Knight heard about. Following him was what looked like a massive harem, all members of it female. Hairs of different colours, some blonde, some blue, some gray, just to name a few. In fact, the Knight could even see two cat girls joining the fray. Among the girls, one of them stood out in particular. She looked oddly similar to the man, with long blonde hair, tied into twintails with large, drill-like curls and red ribbons keeping them in place and dark blue eyes. Her outfit consisted of a light pink dress. At the back, there were three feather-like extensions mimicking a bird's tail.
"So, hope I didn't keep you waiting, Rias, my dear," The man said, as he took slow controlled steps towards the girl.
"Riser…," Rias muttered with a scowl. "You do realize our wedding is a month later, do you? Don't call me dear."
"But, Rias, my dear, it's all but imminent in the future," He said and looked around the room. "Miss Lucifuge, it's a pleasure to meet you today."
"It's my pleasure, Mr Phenex," Grayfia replied with a courtly bow.
"So, this is your peerage, huh, Rias? Not bad," The man said as he ogled all the female members of the club, Koneko hiding a bit behind the Knight, before his eyes stopped at the Knight, Issei and Kiba. "And these must be your male members, aren't they?"
"You're partially correct, Mr Phenex," Kiba replied. "I am a member of Rias peerage, same as Issei here, but Knight is not."
"He is not? Then, what is a human doing here?" Riser asked.
"... Not a human, a vessel," It replied.
"What the hell is a vessel?" Riser asked.
"... It's what I am," The Knight replied.
"Okay, Mr Vessel, what are you doing here?" Riser asked.
"... Participating in the meeting, personal reasons for that, I was invited here," It said.
"It's true, I invited Knight here," Rias confirmed.
"Is that so, shall we get back to marriage, Rias?" Riser asked.
"… Can I kill him now?" The Knight suddenly asked, the room going silent instantly.
"Mr Knight, I hope that was an ill timed joke," Grayfia warned.
"… It wasn't," It replied, before turning towards Riser.
"What a barbarian, a ruffian, might I add," The blonde girl said, while the Knight turned towards her.
"… And who are you supposed to be?" It asked.
"Ravel Phenex, member of the Phenex clan and sister of Riser Phenex," She introduced herself with a courtly bow. "Although, I suppose expecting someone to introduce themselves first is too much for a ruffian like you."
"… Arthur Knight," It said, not caring what the girl had to say.
"Hey, Rias, what is the deal with your friend here, threatening a member of the Phenex clan just like that?" Riser asked, as he judged the Knight and snorted, the boy seeming like nobody important. "I don't know who you are, but I would behave if I were you."
"… Behave for somebody like you? You don't deserve it," It replied, while Riser scowled.
"How dare you act like this towards, Lord Riser?" One of the girls with blue hair and a wooden staff asked.
"… Because I can?" It replied, while the girl scowled and readied her weapon.
"Perhaps I can teach you a lesson then?" She asked.
"No fighting here," Grayfia ordered, the temperature dropping by a few degrees.
"… Why not?" It asked.
"If you want to act like this, there is an area where you can fight, but behave yourself and that goes to both of you, Mr Phenex and Knight," Grayfia replied. Riser tsked, before he sat on one of the couches, next to Rias, while his harem took the other one.
"Of course, Lady Grayfia, I have got no intention of stirring trouble before the wedding," He said. "Now, Rias, my dear, is there anything you would like to say to your future husband."
"Yes, I do, I challenge you to a rating game. If I win, you will break off the marriage," She ordered, while Riser blinked before laughing heartily.
"Rias, my dear, you are quite vivid today, aren't you?" He asked.
"Stop playing around and just accept the challenge," She ordered.
"And why would I do that? Risk a marriage with my beautiful Rias?" He asked and touched her red hair, without her consent.
"As a pure-blooded devil and member of Phenex Clan it's the basic etiquette, isn't it?" She replied.
"Truly, Rias, you would resort to something like this? I am so hurt, my dear," He said. "As for your challenge, I refuse."
Rias' eyes spread wide open, before she bit her lip. "Even if I were to challenge you to one on one fight between you and Knight?"
"I still would have refused of course, why risk marriage over pride, I am better than that, my dear," He replied, Rias looking positively horrified.
"… What if I challenged you instead?" The Knight asked, Riser turning towards it.
"Let me guess, so I would break off the marriage?" He asked, while Knight nodded. "I would still refuse, besides, you're nobody important. Not a pure-blooded devil, not someone well known in the supernatural world, just some random schmuck."
"And you're Kentucky Fried Chicken, you perverted bastard!" Issei yelled, while Riser scowled.
"Lady Grayfia, this young man is insulting me, may I ask for a retribution of one of my pawns?" Riser asked.
"Due to current circumstances, I shall allow it," Grayfia replied.
"Mira, if you could my dear," Riser said, while the girl with the staff nodded.
"Take this!" Issei yelled and rushed forward with his sacred gear, only to be hit right in the stomach, followed by a hit to the chin and finishing at the kick to the balls, the boy falling over, clutching his family jewels.
"That will teach you to not mess with Lord Phenex," The girl said.
"You really don't know how to use your sacred gear, do you, boy? Pathetic," Riser commented upon Issei's performance.
"Can I hit him too?" The girl asked as she gestured to the Knight.
"… Feel free to try," The Knight said, the man's first impression rather negative.
"Lady Grayfia?" Riser asked, while the woman nodded. The man then smiled and took a step back. "Mira, dear, have at him."
"With pleasure!" The girl yelled and tried to do the same to Knight, who simply moved slightly to avoid it, before it punched the girl in the face, who yelped in response. "Owww…."
"… Are you done?" It asked, while the girl scowled and seemed like she was ready for the second round, but the look Grayfia gave her made her rethink that position. "… So, I can't fight you, because I am not important?"
"Precisely," Riser replied and grinned. "Now, Rias, my dear, I hope you're happy for our marriage next month."
"Go to hell," Rias spat out, while Riser laughed heartily.
"Are you sure you want to marry such a vulgar woman, brother?" Ravel asked.
"Ravel, please, Rias is just playing hard to get," Riser said and turned towards the Knight. "Now, do me a favour, little knighty, go and leave adult stuff to adults."
"… I don't see any adults here, except for Grayfia," It replied, while the woman sighed.
"Are you calling me a child by any chance?" Riser asked, his eyebrow asked.
"… No, I am not calling you a child," The Knight began, while Riser smiled. "I think more appropriate terms are Casanova wanna be, pervert, ego the size of the planet."
"Why you…," Riser growled, his peerage looking like they were ready to murder the Knight on the spot. "Do you think you can insult me and get away with it?"
"… Yes," The Knight replied, while Riser scowled, the room glancing between the two males.
"Well, I appreciate the honesty," Riser said, as he gathered his composure. "Let it be known, that I am a forgiving devil and I will let this insult go unnoticed."
"… Can I kill him?" The Knight repeated itself, Grayfia looking like she was suffering from a massive headache.
"Mr Knight, please refrain from making such a statement, it's your last warning," Grayfia said.
"Thank you, Lady Grayfia. Now then, I believe I deserve an apology for your rude demeanor," Riser.
"I am afraid that expecting a proper apology from a ruffian like him is not something we will receive, brother," Ravel said.
"… Not exactly sorry, but I apologize," It replied.
"Regardless," Riser said, ignoring the Knight acting rude towards him. "I have got a question for you myself, knighty. Why do you even care about the marriage?"
"… I don't for the most part, I don't care what happens to Rias, don't care if you do anything to her, like abusing her," It replied, while Riser's eyes narrowed. "… However, I do not wish to see my friend hurt because of someone like you, it's the only reason."
"So that's your problem? Look at my peerage, do you think I abuse them?" Riser asked and gestured to his harem.
"Lord Phenex is a great man, he traits us all fairly," One of the girls said.
"It's true, we can all vouch for him," Other girl added, while the Knight raised it's eyebrow.
"See?" Riser asked with a smile.
"… How brainwashed are they?" The Knight asked.
"Okay, now I am actually kind of ticked off right now," Riser admitted. "There is no abuse here, no brainwashing, just pure undiluted love."
"… So love potion? Drugs?" It asked, the room going silent once again.
"I had enough of this man," Riser admitted. "Lady Grayfia, I request that he is forcefully removed from the premise."
"Mr Knight, are you going to stop insulting the Phenex Clan or should I make you do so?" Grayfia asked.
"…I will stop, for now. Question," It said. "Is Phenex Clan related to a famous Phoenix?"
"If you must know, ruffian, Phenex Clan is well known for their control over flames, high regeneration and Phoenix Tears," Ravel explained. "I don't suppose a ruffian like you would know anything about the power our clan wields."
"… What do Phoenix Tears do?" The Knight asked, ignoring most of what she said.
"Phoenix Tears is a medicine that instantly heals injuries when applied," Grayfia explained.
"… But you don't come back from the dead?" It asked.
"What kind of question is that? Of course we don't, nothing in the world can do that," Riser replied and scoffed.
"… I see," The Knight said. "… But I just thought of something."
Rias and others painted Riser as the ultimate evil and it came here expecting one, but so far? The devil acted better than Issei did. Sure, he got a bit more intimate with his Rias and with his peerage, but was it really a bad thing? In fact, there were many other things that didn't make sense, especially the way his peerage acted towards him.
"Really, does it somehow relate to marriage?" Riser asked.
"… No, something doesn't add up," The Knight began. "… You are not allowed to abuse Rias or her peerage, not according to the laws set by the devils."
"Well, it's a good thing that you figured that one at least," Riser replied, his eyebrow raised. "But what does it have to do with anything?"
"… Hang on, I am thinking," The Knight said as it began walking around the room. "… I was told that you are a pervert and a dick."
"I believe that is not correct, is it?" Riser asked, while the Knight shrugged.
"Knight, what are you doing?" Rias hissed.
"… This doesn't make sense. You are arrogant, correct, perverted? Possibly, same with being a bit of a dick," The Knight replied, while Riser raised an eyebrow. "However, if you were to do anything to Rias, you would be dead, after all, your family is powerful, isn't it, Gremory?"
"Yes, it is, what about it?" Rias asked.
"… Then that leads to the conclusion that your unwillingness stems from you and your personal issues with him," He replied.
"You can't be serious, he is…," Rias began.
"Not different from most human males," The Knight finished. "Men love women, they want to make love to women they love, that's a nature of most men, they want to have sex, have babies, it's natural thing to do." Some girls blushed at the blunt way it was put, even Ravel was a bit red by the idea of it. "In fact, arranged marriages are still quite common around the globe, to preserve bloodlines and such."
"But that's…," Rias tried.
"... Is perfectly normal, in fact, let's look at Issei," The Knight said, the pervert looking a bit worried. "Issei… should be in jail, he should have been thrown out of the school long ago for sexual abuse."
"Hey!" The pervert protested. "I didn't do anything! He probably sexually abuses his peerage!"
"… And you peek on the whole school and never learn," The Knight pointed out. "Are there any confirmed cases of Riser sexually abusing anyone?"
"There aren't," Grayfia confirmed.
"... In that case, doesn't that imply that Riser is actually better than Issei as he treats his peerage well judging by their reactions to my comments thus far and his peerage vouching for him?" It asked.
"Ara Ara, that's quite a brave theory, don't you think, Knight?" Akeno asked.
"… It is a theory, but not a baseless one," It replied. "In fact, the way I see it, unless Riser's peerage is lying, it seems like Riser is not a bad guy, as you told me he was."
"That's… not what I expected to hear from you after all that," Riser admitted. "Didn't you want to kill me just moments ago?"
"… I did, but because my impression of you was skewed by somebody else and my judgment was clouded," It replied, while glancing towards Rias. "...Currently, I see no reason why would marriage be detrimental to you, Rias."
"But he treats me like another trophy for his harem!" She protested.
"I do not," Riser protested.
"… How do you know that? What about his peerage? Do you think he has got sex with his own sister?" It asked.
"Eww…," Ravel said and shivered, same with Riser.
"...See?" The Knight asked. "... Besides, if you truly want to break the marriage, do it yourself, do not rely on others to do it for you, including me."
"And how am I supposed to do that?" She asked, not caring in the slightest if Riser heard her or not.
"...Talk to your parents, talk to his parents, maybe figure it out," It replied, as it realized something, it's meeting with Sirzechs coming back to it. "...In fact, it might be more beneficial for both sides to break off the marriage."
"What do you mean by that, Mr Knight?" Ravel asked, paying close attention to what it said.
"… Rias hates Riser, marriage with a person that hates you can only lead to a tragedy," It replied.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Rias demanded.
"… I know you quite well, Miss Gremory," The Knight began. "I know how stubborn you can be, how obnoxious you can be, after all, I am a perfect example of you not being able to give up, judging by the amount of times you tried to invite me to your peerage."
"You…," Rias said, but wasn't sure how to respond.
"...In fact, I would be worried about Riser Phenex's well being with you around," It said, while Rias scowled.
"Don't you think that's a bit extreme, Knight?" Riser asked.
"...Perhaps, but it's just my personal opinion. Although for your own personal health and health of Rias Gremory, I believe you should break off the marriage out of your own volition," The Knight said.
"And why is that?" Riser asked. "I love Rias, why would I want to break off the marriage?"
"...Think about this. Do you want a wife that hates you? That refuses to have sex with you? That won't hesitate to snitch on you should you do anything she doesn't approve off, like wanting to have sex with her?" It asked, while Riser frowned.
"Well, she would be my wife at that point, wouldn't she?" Riser asked. "Don't I have a right to have sex with my wife?"
"... I am not saying you're not allowed to, but unless you force her into it, she has to be willing herself, something she hasn't exhibited thus far. Besides, I don't think, you know Rias that well," It replied.
"And what is that supposed to mean? Do you not think Rias is good wife material?" He asked.
"...I don't think so, but it's my humble opinion," It replied, based on what it experienced to Rias thus far. "... To top it off, imagine if she framed you into raping her, if she tried to make your life into living hell, what do you think would happen?" Riser turned pale, as he realized just how badly it would end for him, if Sirzechs Lucifer were to get involved. "... You would be stuck in a marriage with a woman that hates you, that does everything in her power to run away from you, to sabotage you, do you truly want that?"
"That's… a valid point," Riser began, before he turned towards the Knight. "But, why are you telling me this?"
"… Personal reasons for the most part," It replied. "You're free to make your own opinion based on what I said."
With that, the Knight stood next to Koneko, while the room turned silent. Riser bit his lip as he glanced between what Knight said and what he knew of Rias. Rias looked like she was betrayed, Kiba was smiling weakly, Issei was confused, while Akeno was just enjoying the things that transpired.
"Brother… I believe what he said is true," Ravel began.
"Even you, Ravel?" He asked.
"I want the best for you, you're my brother, but even I know that marriage like this could end badly for you," She replied. "How well do you know Rias, brother?"
"Not well enough it seems," He replied. "… I can't make this decision today."
"... What?" Rias asked, not able to believe her own ears.
Riser then stood up and walked up to his peerage. "Lady Grayfia, may I request another meeting next week, the same time?"
"If this is your desire, Mr Phenex," Grayfia replied.
"Rias, Knight, everyone, I would like to apologize for wasting your time today," Riser said.
"Indeed, our behavior was uncouth for devils like us," Ravel added as she glanced towards the Knight. "Thank you for your insight, Mr Knight."
"… You're welcome, Miss Ravel," It replied, while the girl nodded.
"Everyone, we shall be taking our leave, thank you for your time," Riser said and with that, the circle once again appeared, before the group was gone.
"What… just happened?" Issei asked.
"I think Knight just broke off the marriage," Kiba said with a chuckle.
"Ara Ara, that was quite clever of you, Knight," Akeno said.
"You didn't have to be this harsh," Rias complained, a mix of both relief and anger in her veins.
"...Don't care about your opinion, I helped you out, at least for now, how it turns out, is anybody's guess. Shall we go eat some sweets, Koneko, while we still have got time?" The Knight asked.
"Let's," Koneko agreed, the duo leaving for the rooftop, the rest of the club left behind.
This chapter was brought to you by GrumpyGrue, who inspired me as I was struggling how to resort this fiction without going canon. The beautiful rant he left can be found at chapter 20 reviews.