Chapter 26: The Forbidden Piece
"Are you alright?"
Cleria Belial could glue her eyes on the desk and not find anything useful to tone down her anxiousness. It had been hours since she'd received a personal call from her cousin, Diehauser Belial about the chaos that built up in Ars Goetia.
"Claire…?"
Diehauser assured her to remain calm and not let the dark news get the better of her. While she believed she had her emotions controlled, the way she'd shakily signed her paperwork and how much she crashes with anything that could leave a scratch on her beautiful face proved how perturbed she truly was.
"Earth to Claire? Don't space out on me now!"
Chances of the stray devil finding shelter here in Kuoh Town are high. What made her throat dry as a desert was her youngest cousin, Danhauser Belial. Sure, the boy's a training maniac and has shown improvements in terms of combat these past months, but the fact that a mere stray devil has occasionally caused a turmoil on one of the most populated factions in the underworld speaks highly of the strength of the murderer.
"Claire!"
Having her alias screamed jolted her out of her daydream. Her heart jumped into her throat as her brain registered the situation at hand. If it wasn't for the enhanced reflexes of a devil, her whole body would be splattered right on the floor. An embarrassing display.
She found herself clashing stares with her coworker's half-lidded eyes. Her mouth opened and closed constantly. But stuck with a shy, apologetic smile. She was a headmistress, excuses aren't someone of her prestige should do. "I'm so sorry, Masaomi," she said with a hint of shame.
And she was ashamed. With Japan considering Kuoh Academy as one of the recommended schools people would assume that the headmistress is someone professional, dutiful and has her mind clear. People would die to be on her shoes, sitting and letting their ego reach the skies from the multiples of praises.
Long black hair, distracting brown eyes, and to top it off a great stature. Oh yes, for Masaomi Yaegaki to be just a mere human, his appearance could match to those of the supernatural world, in her own world anyway.
She knew it would be a bad move to go on the next phase in their relationship. They were good friends, but because of their status as headmistress and teacher respectively, she wasn't looking forward to building a romantic affair with one of her workers. Even if her female students and some other teachers shipped them behind their backs.
Masaomi is one of her trustworthy friends she has on her list, almost turning into her best friend. He was there for her when Danhauser had died, trying to cheer her up by taking her to beautiful places or inviting her to eat something, money spent from his wallet.
She'd developed a crush on him after hanging out whenever they finished work, and maybe they would be dating if it wasn't for Danhauser suddenly coming back to life, since then she spent more time with her cousin than her friend. Heck, when Diehauser had called her that occasion via magic circle, she had to excuse herself and abruptly end her date with him.
And because of that, her feelings for Masaomi slowly withered away, but she still cherishes their friendship.
Sometimes she wondered what would happen if Danhauser never came back to life and was buried. Would their relationship continue and develop? Would her first kiss be stolen by a mere human? What would her Clan think if her lover was just a handsome mortal trying to make a living?
Masaomi shook his head with a sigh, tapping constantly on the desk as he fished words from the pond. "It's all good. I just wanted to know how you were holding up…" he trailed off, massaging his neck in deep thought. "You were acting all weird and people were noticing… want to talk about it?"
She laughed and clumsily scratched her cheek. "It's… personal." There's no way she could reveal issues that involved the supernatural world. Even less to a mere human with a normal life who is working hard to make a living and pay his rent.
Masaomi's lips turned thin. He had an idea what made the gray-haired woman tensed. Either business on the underworld or her Clan, Belial if Touji Shidou was well informed of the Devils prospering in Kuoh Town. Back then, he understood Touji's distrust of devils and the man had ordered him since then to act as a civilian who's seeking for a job, or briefly, a spy.
Unfortunately, for Touji at least, he slowly warmed up to Cleria and her contagious personality whenever he'd spent time with the pure devil… and rather than keeping an eye on any suspicious move, he enjoyed the coffee and interacting with her.
He looked up just as the bell rang and an idea popped into his head. He found himself grinning. "Hey, tell you what the break has started, how about going for a warm coffee, eh?"
She slowly rose an eyebrow. "Whoa, calm those horses, Mr. Yaegaki! Are you trying to bribe me with coffee?" She smirked, wagging her finger. "Ah, ah, ah! You aren't bamboozling the cutest woman in the world so easily, cowboy!"
Masaomi raised his hands in defense. "Hey now, are you accusing me of something false?" He shot back. "I'm just trying to ease your nerves! I swear! If you don't want to talk about it then fine. You still look like you need a rest, though."
Cleria played with her hair, weighing her options. After minutes of silence, she stood up and placed a finger on his chest, pushing him into a wall. "You. Will. Pay."
Leaving no room for argument, the headmistress strolled out of her office, leaving the frozen teacher behind.
Masaomi all but whistled, glancing the empty chair with mixed emotions. "What a woman!" He laughed and locked the door before chasing after her.
It only took his whole, flying body to pass through three lined trees and had to hold back a scream of agony that threatened to escape from his throat as his back finally met his landing spot, which was obviously a gigantic stone.
As much as he wanted to sit properly and complain about the pain, his opponent would downright refuse to call it a day. Grasping his spear tightly, Danhauser Belial rolled out of the way just in time for the blurred figure to stab her trident in the rock and pierce it.
The heir landed on the grass and rushed at his foe with spear glimmering on the front, but the older woman ungripped her stuck weapon and dodged Danhauser's thrust. "C'mon! That's all you got?!" Taking a firm hold of her son's weapon, she whirled him around and tossed him aside with ease.
Unfurling his wings, he built some distance and charged at her, spear ready for a stab.
The black-red-haired devil was quick to pull her stuck weapon out and block Danhauser's lance, she hopped back to build momentum and rushed after her son.
He had narrowly stalled his mother's strike but watched a wretched, stained grin split the devil's lips as his spear shivered under the brutality of her compelling strength. "You fight like old people fuck!" She taunted, pressing closer to his face and whipping around to smack his weapon away from his swollen fingers.
He never had the time to locate his spear's final location, he just reacted fast, cocked his fist back and punched just as she imitated his moves. Their punches collided and cancel one another as a shockwave shook the branches and leaves of all the trees around them.
The gray-haired boy never wasted a beat. He swung his clenched hand and aimed after her cheek. Amazingly enough, he landed the punch. Her face shifted forcibly to the side, but no blood and drool spilled from her mouth. Her body didn't even recoil. She glared at him, her red eyes burning glee, as her lips twisted into a slasher smirk.
"Nice try!" She tossed her trident aside, easily catching Danhauser's next attack. "You can pack quite the punch!"
With jaw-dropping speed, Danhauser felt the knuckles of Calcabrina Belial damaging his nose, almost thrown away if it wasn't for his mother's kindness who grabbed him by the hair and crashed her knee into his gut.
It led him to one conclusion: that fucking hurt.
The young devil keeled over as blood spilled from his throat, but he never straightened as a roundhouse kick hurled him away. Even with a blurred sight, Danhauser maneuvered his way to avoid crashing into several trees. In the end, sooner or later, he had to put a halt to this. He dug his fingers on the dirt, leaving a trail and successfully slowing down his speed.
Searching from left to right, he spotted his spear resting in the grass. He kicked the weapon up and caught it, quickly taking a stance as the sound of wings flapping became louder.
Looking forward, Calcabrina raced after him, not done pummeling him. She'd invoked her wings and launched herself like a cannonball with her hands grasping her trident.
To his chagrin, the woman closed in and encircled him, leaving behind afterimages to confuse her son. She finally took the opportunity and lunged Danhauser with her weapon, her copies following her movements.
Danhauser's expression hardened as he fought back, miraculously defending against the older devil. He either dodged or parried his mother's thrusts before giving one of his own. He could feel his heart racing as his endurance slowly began to wear out.
"Stop," she ordered strongly, freezing him with mere words. Calcabrina building some space. "That's enough for today. Your form has improved considerably. The pace of your progress is remarkable and you have a better understanding of your spear. However, there's still room for improvement, during a fight hold your spear motionless, and concentrate as a heron hunting a fish. The tip cannot waver. Understood?"
His knees were losing their strength, but Danhauser nonetheless he tiredly nodded. "D-did you have to almost kill me during our spar?"
"This training is the one that we, the Malebranche used back when Lucifer governed. Throwing children into harsh conditions will ultimately make them strong." She explained, resting a hand on her curved hip. "This harshness is for you to achieve speed, muscle control, and the flow of power for you to protect yourself from the dangers of this world."
Training with Diehauser Belial and Malacoda Malebranche was a horrible experience, Danhauser didn't last too much and his body would be bruised, and his clothes tattered, meanwhile his uncle and brother would be as clean as a polished car. But slowly he began to see immense progress, regardless of his obvious defeats against the ultimate class devils, such as defeating Vali Lucifer.
However, those two at least knew when to end a sparring session.
Calcabrina is a different story, she was strict.
As the Queen of the House of Belial, her demeanor could swap from that of a proper, young noble lady of the Belial Family to that of the vulgar, quarrelsome and warrior-like attitude that the Malebranche Clan is infamous of. Her real personality was mostly to do thanks to her former household were made of males with her being the only woman and third strongest, falling short to the likes of her older brother, Barbariccia Malebranche and her eldest brother, Evil Tail Malacoda.
Unfortunately, Diehauser had a job that involved his full attention and time as Lord of Belial and Head Senator, thus unable to have moments to train with Danhauser in terms of hand-to-hand combat and Worthlessness. His mother only filled the part of spear and Pitch Resin. Senjutsu is where he had to do it by himself.
Steadily, Danhauser dropped on the grass, letting his back enjoy the tree acting as a support. "Mom, were the Malebranche Clan involved in the Great War and Civil War?"
"What an unexpected question," she commented, dusting her full-body outfit that highlighted her curvaceous body. "The Malebranche were not involved during the Great War, in the Civil War, on the other hand…"
"You participated."
"… Forcefully participated," she corrected with a sigh. "As the Old Satan Faction and Anti-Satan Faction kept attacking one another, we, the Malebranche, assaulted their settlements for resources and take them back to Malebolge." She brushed a hand across her long red-black hair. "We were not affiliated to any of them. Even if they tried to sign a truce with us, we downright refused… that was until the Old Satan Faction surrounded us by surprise and forced us to join their ranks."
"Wait…" Danhauser drawled, repeating her words in his head. "…You fought with the Old Satans?"
"Oh yes," Calcabrina laughed a little. "Malacoda knew we have screwed anyway, that sooner or later any of them would come for revenge after stealing their stuff. We became infamous and feared between the army of Ars Goetia and ours. Unfortunately, our fate had to come to an end when your uncle in his True Form alongside the son of Beelzebub fought against Sirzechs himself... defeat was inevitable."
He pondered a bit, paying no mind as his mother sat beside him. "How did Ars Goetia even accept you?" He wondered aloud. "You were their enemies, shouldn't they have executed all of you. I'm glad you're still alive, but you get what I mean."
"When the war concluded, they imprisoned your uncle," she responded stiffly. "They were scheduling an execution for him and we were terrified, w-we'd begged the Old Satans to rescue my brother, but they just retreated to the depths of the Underworld. Malacoda told us to stay away from this, that he'll find a way to escape, we'd never trusted his words. I-I was scared of losing my dumbass brother..."
He carefully held her hand, squeezing it."… What did you do then?"
"I acted on instinct, I offered myself to any one of the remaining Pillars in exchange of Malacoda's freedom." She replied. "Few were against it, but Zekram was not and that alone changed their opinions." She smiled a little, toying with her hair. "So, I was married to Matanbuchus, your father, and we didn't go well for a while, your uncle wanted your father's head on a spike, but… well…"
"You fell in love with him."
"Yes. And one of the greatest things happened in my life." She sighed contently. "Diehauser was born and years later, you were. To be honest, I never expected to be a mother, I was born from a Clan that was only seeking fighting opponents. I always thought I'd carry only my trident, but later on, I'd found myself holding my pride and joy." She wrapped an arm around him, edging him closer. "I know I don't say this often. But I love both of you, regardless of how much I want my babies to stay away from the Rating Games… I just wish I could do something to help you against the terrorists you're facing."
"You are. You're training me." He snuggled in. "Thanks, mom, er, I mean, Calcabrina."
"We finished our training, sweetie," his mother poked his nose. "You don't have to call me like that."
Danhauser just hummed. "Huh, this has to be one of the few times we hugged, it's mostly Cleria that does that."
His mom snickered. "Well, sweetie, as your mother, I can't fall behind your cousin, right?" At that moment her arms squeezed a fraction tighter.
A part of him wanted to go to Kuoh Town and look over his cousin. Fortunately, there was only Kuroka.
She wouldn't hurt Cleria, she has no reason to. She's not a murderer. The sole reason why the Nekoshou even killed her master was to protect her little sister, Shirone. Even if he disliked her character and ranked her rather low, he has to admit that was an admirable decision from her. Unfortunately, even if the Belial Clan has an immense power in politics, it'd be impossible for them to erase the charges aimed after Kuroka. All in all, there's no way for him to recruit her in his Peerage and give her shelter.
If she, however, stayed in Ryuukou Town, then he wouldn't mind. It'll be difficult to convince the others to not treat her differently, though. Since news of Lord Zagan being killed by the hands of his only bishop, reached across the Underworld, it was unlikely most of them would accept Kuroka with arms wide open.
After a few peaceful minutes, they broke the embrace when a teleportation circle appeared in front of them.
They were Gilles de Rais and Valerie Tepes.
"Ah! Milady, young master!" The French butler gave a respectful bow. "I apologize for appearing without a warning! But I came here to give my report."
Clashing stares with Valerie, Danhauser smiled at her and waved.
The girl returned the gesture.
Calcabrina sighed, passing her arm over her sweaty forehead. "I'm all ears, Gilles."
"Excellent," the blue-haired man coughed into his fist. "I have completed my patrol of the Belial territory, milady. All appears to be in order. I found no sign of the stray devil nearby. I believe we are safe for the night."
"That's good to hear, Gilles, thank you." She nodded. "But I still want guards to keep an eye out just for safe measure."
"Absolutely, if we spot the Stray Devil, it shall be executed right away." He nodded. "While on my rounds, I took it upon myself to inspect the army's weaponry as well. I have placed any items that showed exceptional usage outside your chamber or those of our troopers if any upcoming battle arises. Be your choice to sell or repair them with a nearby blacksmith, madam, I encourage an immediate decision."
"Oh my, Gilles," she whistled, hand on her cheek. "You were really busy today, huh? I'm sorry, I shouldn't put so much weight on your shoulders. You must be stressed."
"None of that. I have done nothing more than my duty as a Queen of Emperor Belial." His eyes suddenly strayed over Danhauser. "Oh! Beg pardon, young master, but I noticed you often cause a ruckus when training. With that in mind, I reinforced the walls of any large rooms you're likely to use to enhance your skills and senses."
Danhauser winced a little. "Um, yeah. Good job. Sorry about the mess, by the way."
"Do not worry, young master." He returned his attention to Calcabrina. "I almost forgot. The nights are increasing in terms of coldness. I procured blankets from a nearby village and brought them here. I've arranged to order a variety of colors so you might pick that which best suits you in appearance or personality."
"Gilles," Calcabrina called out.
Unfortunately, Bluebeard was in his own world already. "If I may, Madam, a pink tint would seem to best capture your unmatched beauty. But perhaps black just like your hair. Or maybe a thought for the gray color to represent the House of Belial? Or red like your eyes? Just to be safe? Yes, that's best. Red shall be! Whatever your choice is, they are safely secured with the maids."
"Do you even take a well-earned rest?"
"Nonsense milady!" Gilles denied. "As the Queen's Emperor I have to keep an eye from time to time around here. Something drastic could happen while I was slacking off."
"Why are you here, Valerie?" Danhauser greeted after looking away from the adults. "Don't tell me you were helping out Gilles?"
She scoffed dismissively. "Of course not." She denied, standing beside him. "My reason for coming here is just to commence my sessions now."
"Wait, you were serious?" Danhauser asked, surprised. "Woah, I thought you were just sarcastic."
She huffed indignantly. "I'm not sarcastic."
Danhauser curved an eyebrow.
"… Not most of the time, either way." She cleared her throat. "I pray I'm not late for my training."
"I fear you missed the session, Valerie," Calcabrina said whilst approaching them with Gilles at her side. "We finished minutes ago."
"Oh ...Damn."
"We did look for you, but it's essential that we keep to schedule." Lady Belial chided her. "In the end, I had to train with Danhauser without you. But seeing as you're here, I suppose I can work in a private session. Only if you're up for it, of course."
"Let's do it then," Valerie nodded with determination. "What are we working out today?"
"I want to take a look on your endurance," Calcabrina explained. "Let's see if you can last an hour before falling exhausted."
"Understood."
Danhauser laid a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. "Are you seriously going to train with your dress on?" He asked, looking at her from head to shoes.
"What of it?" she scowled. "I don't care what happens to my dress. It's just mere clothing. Nothing more."
"Regardless of that, you need something suitable to train," Calcabrina sided with her son. "Your attire is just going to stand in your way and make things more troublesome for you. Gilles, bring some water and something for her to wear."
"As you wish, milady."
"You want me to change here, in a forest?" Valerie asked incredulously. "Surely, this has to be a horrible joke."
"We're surrounded by bushes," Calcabrina gestured around them. "You'll be fine. Just be careful of the squirrels."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful," Valerie rolled her eyes. "All my problems were solved because of this."
"Are you sure you want to do this, Missus?" Danhauser asked, getting a slight glare out from her. "The last thing I want to see is you dying on me. I'll be sad if that happens."
"It's Valerie and nice try. But you're not going to scare me that easily," the dhampir dryly stated. "It's just training my endurance. What could possibly go wrong?"
"Heh," Gilles chuckled darkly. "Famous last words."
"…" Calcabrina Belial, Danhauser Belial, and Gilles de Rais circled the heavily exhausted girl spread face first on the grass.
"Well," the heir began. "I expected her to fall unconscious halfway through. I was proven wrong apparently."
"Indeed," the French butler nodded in agreement.
Valerie Tepes groaned, muffled by the grass and dirt.
"You appear to be unwell," Calcabrina noted, sighing. "You're just a little out of shape is all, that's easy to solve. Let's pick this up again tomorrow in the morning. Get a night's rest and eat some warm beans."
"I shall cook those beans then, milady!" Gilles bowed at them, teleportation circle beneath him. "By your leave!"
Calcabrina sighed again. "I'll take my leave… I have a job as Lady of Belial anyway..." she brought up a finger, a signal of warning. "Remember! Do not use your Sacred Gear, no pain no gain."
As Gilles and Calcabrina left the scene, Valerie shakily stood up. "W-wait!" She huffed, face flushed and sweat glistening. "Wh-what's... just happened...? My Vision... was fading with... darkness...everywhere... training shouldn't be so…draining…! I think I'm going to… die…"
"Ha!" Danhauser dropped to one knee and patted her back softly. "You're just being melodramatic, Valerie… I hope so."
"I… I anticipated sweat." She exhaustingly said. "I-I just never expected to feel my muscles aching… and my sight to blur! But you. You make it look so painless." She met his intense grey eyes from her spot. "What's your secret? Do you nullify tiredness with your Clan Trait?"
He winked down at her. "Just patience and persistence," He curtly responded. "Believe it or not, on my first days I was in your shoes, heck, maybe even worse. But I just kept going and got used to it."
Having a body that's way enhanced to that of a human is really a huge advantage, but Danhauser knows that physical training isn't the most essential thing. It's actually sleeping after a good exercise. Demonic Power and Senjutsu are a different story.
But apparently, being a human doesn't seem to hold them back to reach their peak as Apex humans. After all, Cao Cao, Ewald Cristaldi, Vasco Strada and Arthur Pendragon are top notch in combat skills that could keep up with mythical creatures.
"Very unlikely I'll get used to this torture," Valerie crankily said, invoking her arachnid legs from her back and pulling herself up.
"With that attitude, you won't," Danhauser scolded lightly while moving to a nearby tree. "Don't tell me you're planning on giving up on your first day?"
"No," she bluntly replied, stretching out her spidery limbs. "I can't. Not anymore. The sole reason why I'm doing this is to be better in close quarters, properly use my arachnid form and…" she abruptly stopped, her mouth slightly open.
"And?" Danhauser dragged the question. "What's wrong, Valerie?"
She looked away. "I'm… I'm sorry, but I can't say it. I promise I'll share it with you later on. Just give me some time, please."
"Sure," Danhauser shrugged nonchalantly. "I won't force you but remember I'm here if you want to talk."
"I know," she succeeded in smiling faintly regardless of her tired eyes begging for a nap. "Say, what happened to Gasper? He left so suddenly without a proper farewell."
"The Satan Lucifer happened," explained Danhauser. "There's a Stray Devil on the loose so for his protection, Lucifer asked for Gasper to go back to the Gremory mansion."
"But will he come back?"
"Wait until everything comes back to normal and your wish will come true."
"What a waste of time," she snorted, brows knitted. "One of the things I dislike the most is politics. I can't understand how come someone would wish to become the leader of their respective faction. I would never accept the role of a King."
"I couldn't have said it better, former Fifth King of Tepes."
She blushed a little. "I-I was forced by my brother!" she defended herself. "Besides, I wasn't the one giving orders across the Tepes Faction, it was Marius. I was just a figure, like the Four Great Satans."
"Relax, I was just kidding."
She softly grunted, her body slowly relaxing. "Either way, I'm honestly surprised that your mother didn't take us with her." The light-blonde looked at their surroundings pointedly. "After all, we're in the middle of the forest. We could get ambushed by this Stray Devil..."
"We're literally fighting terrorists," the heir pointed out. "A Stray Devil is nothing compared to what we're passing through, her Malebranche side believes in our strength."
Plus this is Kuroka. She's not evil.
"If you say so…" she cleared her dry throat. "Moving on. Anything you have in mind to properly train Gasper?"
The gray-haired devil hesitated. "… Honestly? I'm thinking of asking Azazel to take a look over Gasper's Sacred Gear and see if he can make something to stabilize it."
…
"I know you don't like the idea," Danhauser continued after a brief and tensed silence. "But if there's someone well informed about Sacred Gears and has a lot of swag, it's Azazel. I just need you to put some faith in me."
"And I will," she said with conviction. "I decided to stay with you because I trust you now, you know? From now on, I'll follow your lead, master."
"Was the purr at the end really necessary?" Danhauser couldn't shrug it off. The purr-like effect felt like a massage to his ears. It was a dangerous, yet oddly satisfying sensation. Plus add the fact that she's wearing training clothes that exposed more sweaty skin than her usual dress would ever offer, it definitely affected him.
"I, however, would love if you were present when that happens…" she rubbed her arm, her quiet voice barely audible. "Your company would be really appreciated…"
The heir winked, followed by a two finger salute. "I was going to tag along anyways."
Valerie gave him a little smile - a surprisingly shy one – and reached to play with a pigtail. "Hey, maybe after Azazel is done studying Gasper's Sacred Gear we can go somewhere else together… alone, I mean…" she fidgeted like a school girl. "Just the two of us and spend the day or night. It could be a walk around Kuoh or Ryuukou or even sit somewhere and watch the clouds, just two friends enjoying their time. W-we're friends, right? I know that we have a master and servant relationship, I mean, but when someone does everything to find your childhood friend you…sorry. I'm probably behaving very foolishly, but whenever Gasper isn't here, I… what I'm trying to say I'm lonely and I like you."
"…Holy fuck looks like Valerie wants to spend more time with me. That's a first time." He said to himself, half shocked and half excited. "I could shoot her down, but why would I? She's a good girl, funny and I like her sense of humor. Could be fun to hang out with… plus I wouldn't deny if I feel attracted by her… maybe it could work?"
"Sure Valerie," Danhauser gave a cheeky grin. "It's a date then."
The dhampir frowned while tilting her head. "Date?" She repeated, confused. "What's that?"
"Not the reaction I expected… I wanted to see her blush like Rias' hair and act all tsundere…feelsbadman." He swallowed a disappointed sigh. "… But I can understand her reply… she was locked in a cell for a long time, thus missing what life has to offer her."
A part of him was surprised that he wasn't acting awkward around her, he did the last thing he ever thought he would, try and tease her. Maybe he's getting used to her presence.
"A date when you go out with someone to know each other, their likes and dislikes, ideology, ambitions and so on," Danhauser answered, this time not teasing her.
She brought a finger to her lips in thought. "Then yes… I guess this could be categorized as a date." She nodded fervently. "Whenever you're free, let's go out to our date, Danhauser."
"It's cute how she says it with a determined face." He chuckled at her behavior. "That's a promise."
He just hoped he doesn't screw his first date.
Shouts and cries broke out, rising in volume, filling the air like thunder in the capital of Ars Goetia, Lilith. Devils outside the building, roaring their demands, a trickle of anger inside them- they'd grasped it, clung onto it, urged it to grow. The guards all lined up, blocking the only entrance, pushing them away with their long shields.
Thankfully, the Council of Seven were safely guarded in the last floor, a cold silence filled the room. Diehauser Belial gulped as he finally closed the curtain. "… What a horrifying view."
"They sure are persistent," Sirzechs Lucifer commented beside the Emperor. " They were here since the morning, but I can understand their anger… Because of this, the Clan Zagan is steps closer to extinction. Only Lady Zagan remains."
"He was one of the senators," Diehauser muttered. "Most of the time he was absent and rarely showed up, his wife had to do his role as a senator."
"Had he told you why he'd frequently skipped work?" Crimson Satan inquired.
"He'd kept us in the dark, his wife too." Emperor Belial responded. "… from the small hints we'd gotten, he said it was for the sake of our race."
"So, a devil purge?" Ajuka Beelzebub attempted to guess from his seat. "Finally, someone with initiative."
"Hilarious, Satan Beelzebub," Lord Bael growled. "Is that all you do in your job? Look down at your own race and cockily see yourself as the second coming?"
"To clear things up, just because I hold myself in high regard and have a low opinion of everyone else does not mean I'm arrogant."
Falbium Asmodeus lazily jerked a single eye open. "Huh, what?"
With a mutual sigh, Diehauser and Sirzechs joined the rest on the table. The Emperor spoke. "… Satan Leviathan was sent immediately to Kyoto to discuss with High Priestess Yasaka in case they'd seen the missing servants in her territory."
"Now that Falbium's servants are looking across Zagan's territory. That could be another great place for further investigation," Ajuka agreed. "Most of Lord Zagan's Peerage members are Youkais."
Lord Bael glared at the former heir of Gremory. "Isn't it dangerous to send her alone to Kyoto?" He asked. "What if the High Priestess is actually behind this and attacks Leviathan from the back?"
"Half of my Peerage alongside hers are acting as her bodyguards. Everything should be fine."
"This reminds me a lot of the meeting we had with Lord Pheles and those Stray Magicians," Falbium yawned out. "Perhaps there's a connection between this and the Utsusemi thing?"
Sirzechs laid both hands on the table. "I also started to theorize that this has to do with Lord Pheles' case." He pointed out, frowning. "But, if I'm allowed to put my two cents on this… I don't believe so. This has to be your typical reincarnated devil case."
Diehauser faced Sairaorg Bael's father. "Any idea where First Great King Bael is?"
"Interrogating Lady Zagan with the Archduke of Agares." He answered briefly. "The murderer known as Shirone is with them, locked on her cage."
His comment earned the narrowed eyes of Sirzechs. "Murderer?" He repeated, somewhat vexed. "It's hard to believe that a young girl could kill someone older than her."
"Plus from what we could barely see inside her cage, there was not a single drop of blood stained in her," Falbium added. "Nor the smell of it."
"Don't let her puppy-dog eyes blind you two from the truth." Lord Bael warned sternly. "It'll bite you in the ass later on."
"As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree with Lord Bael," Ajuka looked rather displeased, but not regretful. "A cute face can hurt just as much as a rough one. Perhaps more."
Lord Bael found himself smirking. "Ha! In just mere seconds, you've become my favorite Satan! Good job!"
Ajuka visibly cringed. "… Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
The Champion instantly stood up, getting everyone's attention. "For the time being, we shouldn't jump to conclusions before we are fully informed on the case. Let's stay calm everyone." Diehauser said, trying to put an end to the upcoming brawl.
"Yes, I couldn't agree more." Sirzechs shot a hard stare at his childhood friend. "Isn't that right, Satan Beelzebub?"
Ajuka just shrugged, looking unbothered by this.
After minutes of silence, a magical circle appeared, the sight of three figures slowly approaching them. They stood up in respect after identifying them.
Zekram Bael, Lord Agares and Elder Naberius.
A pissed looking Naberius, carrying Shirone's cage.
"We apologize for using a teleportation spell," Zekram said, calmly dusting his attire. "We know it's illegal using teleportation techniques in Lilith, but there's a horde outside that wants the girl executed. We were left with no choice."
Just as the three reached the table, Naberius slammed the cage on it, the prisoner yipping in fear. "Why is she still alive?!" He shook the box for emphasis. "Because of her, someone from my Clan was murdered!"
"Finally, someone who agrees with me." Lord Bael muttered. "The girl will just become a problem in the future…"
"He wasn't from your Clan anymore, Elder Naberius." Lord Agares countered, adjusting his glasses. "He became the husband for Lady Zagan to keep her household away from facing extinction by conceiving a child… unfortunately, we're back to square one."
"He's still my descendant!" Elder Naberius barked but stopped when a hand attached on his shoulder.
It was Zekram. "We don't know if the girl is still the guilty party here. Let us solve this first and later point fingers."
The fellow elder gritted his teeth and silently took his seat.
"Found anything to in our favor?" Diehauser asked, sitting on the edge of his seat.
Zekram grunted. "The woman kept repeating 'cat' as a mantra. She's suffering a mental breakdown." He unconsciously took a seat, fists clenched. "We had interrogated her butler. Apparently, the girl locked in the cage has an older sister called Kuroka."
"Do we know about her whereabouts?" Sirzechs asked. "How's her appearance?"
The first Bael shook his head. "Absolutely nothing." He interlocked his fingers. "She's a Nekoshou, black hair, tails, golden eyes and well developed in terms of the body if the butler speaks the truth." He chuckled bitterly. "He believes she's the one who murdered Lord Zagan."
Falbium frowned. "Any reason why?"
"She was a valuable piece in Lord's Zagan Peerage, she consumed two bishops," Lord Agares stated. "In terms of magical prowess, she'd surpassed the Queen and even her King."
"Aren't those just speculations?" Ajuka massaged his eyes. "Was he even there when Lord Zagan was murdered?"
"No," Lord Agares bluntly replied, eliciting a snort from the Maou. "He was cleaning a room when he heard his scream. When he reached the main room, on the floor was splattered the fresh corpse of Lord Zagan and a window broken…" his pink, sharp eyes shifted over the cage. "…and the girl identified as Shirone was spotted in the very same room."
"That's one of the few reasons the butler believes this Kuroka killed him," Zekram continued. "Kuroka wasn't only known because of her magic usage, but her Senjutsu abilities as well."
Diehauser looked up at that, worried. "Senjutsu? What does it have to do with this?"
"Senjutsu allows the user to read and handle spirit energy," the first Naberius replied. "But it also takes in the malice and ill will that surrounds the world, the malice will corrupt the user if the latter is a mere amateur."
"More reasons to execute the girl before it's too late." Lord Bael said, frustrated.
The Champion paled a little. "… I see."
Sirzechs looked at him, concerned. "Is something worrying you, Emperor Belial?" He asked, gesturing at the exit. "If this meeting is making you dizzy then you can go outside and—!"
"I'm fine," Diehauser heaved a sigh. "Just thinking about something else. Thanks for the gesture, though."
"Something that wasn't addressed yet…" Falbium drawled, pointing a lazy finger at the cage. "That girl, I don't sense any demonic power coming from her body. I guess it's safe to say she wasn't even part of Lord Zagan's Peerage."
"You stand correct," Lord Agares responded. "… Interesting enough, from what Elder Naberius told us is that Kuroka and Shirone don't come from Kyoto or even the small tribes spread across the Underworld, they're from the City of Dis."
"My descendant bought them from Lord Nebiros." Elder Naberius explained, clenching and unclenching his fists desperately. "Similar to the Belial Clan and the Malebranche Clan. My Clan and the Nebiros Clan have been negotiating together for ages. We're one of the greatest buyers in his district."
Ajuka shaped a pyramid with his fingers. "Perfect. Then we have our first suspect on the list." His eyes surveyed each present figure. "I suggest that we get a personal talk with Lord Nebiros."
"A dangerous request," Zekram warned him, eyes darkening. "… He's well-known and respected in the City of Dis and Extra Demon Faction because of his hard work and production of good quality products… and the second strongest house just behind the Lucifuge Clan."
"I'll make it easier for you," Elder Naberius fought a cocky smirk. "His name is Nebuchad Nezzar Nebiros."
"…" Lord Agares frowned knowingly but remained quiet.
Lord Bael clicked his tongue.
Emperor Belial groaned. "A name and a middle name."
"Then it means he's the firstborn of elder Nebiros." Sirzechs' mouth pursed. "That's not a good sign."
"Someone you don't want to mess with," Ajuka added, humming. "… Even so, we have no other option left. We have to figure something out before the Ars Goetia panics."
"If you want Lord Nebiros to come here then we can still try," Zekram assured him. "What I am implying is to tread lightly around him… we don't want trouble with the Extra Demons."
All eyes landed on Elder Naberius who snorted whilst shaping a magic sigil close his ear. "Fine, I'll make the call." He stood up and walked away. "I'll be absent throughout the meeting. Justice better prevail."
"We'll do our best, Naberius," Zekram said.
"While you're at it, I think I'll call someone who could help us in choosing the girl's fate," Diehauser stood up from his seat, eyeing the cage. "A risky idea, but it's to clean her name."
Lord Bael scoffed. "I'm still against it, but go on, whatever lets you sleep tight, Emperor Belial."
Everyone spun their necks to the twin doors slowly cracking open. A middle-aged looking man with heterochromia, for both his eyes and hair. One side of his hair is white, while the other half is black. It reminded Diehauser Belial of a zebra.
It took hours for him to make his way to Lilith, half an hour for him to get inside the building safely. Ars Goetia was kind enough to lend a few guards to shield him from any danger. Even if the savage devils weren't actually throwing him whatever they had in their grasp. On the contrary, all that unfair anger was aimed at the caged girl, Shirone.
They couldn't care less for Lord Nebiros.
"First of all," Nebuchad Nezzar Nebiros stated as he closened distance. "I have nothing to do with the murder of Lord Zagan himself." His eyes landed on the short figure lying on the table. He scowled as his heart missed a beat. "Second of all… why is Shirone unconscious on the table?"
Zekram Bael gave a sardonic smile. "Why, it's nice seeing you too! How have you been? I'm so glad your father showed you how to greet people like a true gentleman."
"Wasn't he the one who told us to tread lightly around Lord Nebiros?" Falbium Asmodeus said under his breath. "He's trying to push his buttons already."
"What did you expect from a hypocrite?" Ajuka Beelzebub whispered back. "Listen to his own words?"
Sirzechs Lucifer jabbed him with his elbow, prompting to stay quiet.
Lord Nebiros grunted, finally dropping in his seat. "I don't have any words to speak with you." He folded his arms, jostling closer to his chair. "The sole reason I accepted coming here is just to speak with Elder Naberius after finishing this waste of time. Now, all of you are familiar with the motto of the City of Dis: time is money. So, just get straight to the point."
"I don't like him already," Lord Bael grumbled to Lord Agares who just adjusted his glasses.
"Answering your previous questions…" Diehauser sighed. "We arranged a meeting with you to speak about the case of Lord Zagan, I hope you're informed already?" He just received a nod from the honored guest. "Great, that saves us a lot of time. Now, for your next question…"
Diehauser invoked a crystal ball, where an image was being projected. "…We'd used a sleeping spell on her to make the job of my bishop easier and faster. He made a copy of some of her memories and placed them on this crystal ball."
"… So you used black magic on her?" Nebuchad growled out. "… You could've damaged her mind. Badly."
"My bishop made sure to clean her from any remains of black magic," Sirzechs eased his worries. "She's safe now, only tired because of the process."
Nebuchad pointedly stared at the strongest devil before facing the unconscious nekoshou. His gaze softening. "… I guess that was the better choice." He softly said. "The kitty must've been traumatized."
Lord Agares coughed behind a fist. "Thanks to the Emperor's bishop, we found out who the murderer. It's Kuroka, your oldest daughter."
Lord Nebiros grunted. "They're not my daughters." He sharply pointed out, continuing. "Because of the unfortunate departure of Lord Zagan and the dark fate of the Clan, I'm willing to give some of my fortunes to pay any debts the housecarl is facing as well as organize the burial of Lady Zagan's husband. That should aid her a little to cover any issues the Clan is financially facing."
"We appreciate your gestures, Nebuchad," Zekram thanked, tapping constantly a finger on the table. "… Notwithstanding acts coming from the heart won't turn a blind eye when someone's life has been taken." He bored holes at Nebiros' mixed eyes. "We're in a hurry now, so I'll keep it brief. Are you involved in any of this?"
Lord Nebiros laughed by the remark. "What? Of course, I'm not." Nebuchad shook his head in denial. "You're accusing the wrong man, Zekram. I just did my usual job as a seller of the City of Dis, Lord Zagan bought them. He was just unlucky."
"Oh dear, would you be heartbroken if I said I don't believe any of your words?" Lord Bael spoke dryly. "Sorry, I can't say I buy it. You'll have to do better than that."
"Then, by any means, send anyone to inspect the Nebiros District, be my guest." Lord Nebiros gestured nonchalantly at the exit. "You can ask my workers about the archived papers I'd saved on my cabinets if you want, everything you need is over there."
Lord Bael's eyes narrowed his leery eyes. "… You're fine with us inspecting every corner of your territory?"
"Are you deaf or what?" His voice screamed annoyance. "I said yes, I don't have anything to hide."
Trying his best to swallow his anger, Lord Bael turned to Falbium. "I want your Peerage to take a look over Nebiros District. Stay alert if there any traps hidden inside his facilities."
Lord Nebiros almost blew air from his nose but stuck with glaring back at the first Bael. "Is something wrong, Zekram?"
"…" The black-haired elder refused to speak for long minutes. Finally, he shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing wrong I'm afraid."
Nebuchad fought a wince, while those carefree words didn't sound so threatening, they had a meaning that the whole room caught on.
I'm watching you.
Just as Satan Asmodeus stretched up and shaped a demonic circle beside his ear, Diehauser took this chance to speak with the child of Nebiros. "If you're clean from this case, then you're free to go, however, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here until we collected enough proof to prove your innocence."
The white-black haired devil obnoxiously rolled his eyes. The answer, unfortunately, had to be yes. Refusing to cooperate in front of a two Satan-Class and two Super Devils was a fool's gambit. Questions would rise, doubt would show and imprisonment would eventually happen. Plus the risk of them finding of his collaboration with Qlippoth from the shadows.
Honestly, Euclid Lucifuge sent him on a suicidal mission, he just hoped the second traitor of Lucifuge truly had anything planned to convince the Emperor and to an extent the house of Belial and Malebranche. Even without the full set of Evil Dragons, with Crom Cruach, Níðhöggr, those two Clans, and his Super Devil Project, chances of grasping victory increased.
As much as he wanted to leave Ars Goetia, he had a meeting with Elder Naberius in Lilith, orders of Euclid.
"Fine. I'll tag along," he frustratingly raised his hands, reluctantly slumping on his uncomfortable seat. "I hope this doesn't take most of my time, I'm a busy person."
"You could let the Emperor's bishop to roam inside your memories," Lord Bael chuckled daringly. "That way we can make this easier and faster for all of us."
Nebuchad folded his arms. "From what I was told, you can only use black magic over me if allow it. Seeing how many health risks I could face by accepting your terms, it would end up pretty bad from my perspective. So, I' m afraid I'll have to pass." He gestured with his chin at the unconscious girl. "What will happen to Shirone?"
"Since she wasn't a member of Lord Zagan's Peerage and Lady Zagan doesn't want anything involving Youkais from here on…" Ajuka drawled. "… You can take her back to the City of Dis since you were her last proprietor, thus having one again ownership over her. Unless you know who their parents were."
"They're dead."
"Hm. I thought so."
Sirzechs joined the conversation. "I have an offer that could pique your interest, Lord Nebiros, The City of Dis is well known for doing exchanges, right? Then I would love to make one with you. Right here, right now."
"…Hah?" Lord Nebiros found himself grinning goofily. "Such declaration coming from the strongest devil… are you really suggesting what I'm thinking?"
Zekram frowned, catching on. "… Be careful what you're doing, Satan Lucifer, you may regret it later on."
"Even if the girl isn't guilty of homicide, her Senjutsu could corrupt her." Lord Agares added. "And history will repeat itself."
"So you think she has a chance of killing me, Lord Agares?"
"It's not that," he said defensively. "There's not even the slightest chance that she could leave a scratch on you, let alone in your sleep. Your sister and your son on the other hand..."
"I appreciate your concern, Archduke of Agares," Sirzechs interrupted him. "But I know what I'm doing, please put some faith on me."
"As you wish."
The strongest Satan focused on Lord Nebiros once more. "How much would it be?" He asked, professionally clasping his hands on the table. "I'm willing to give any amount you ask for in return of the child."
"Humor me, Lucifer," Nebuchad snickered. "Why the sudden request? You'd just met her hours ago and you're already feeling pity for the kitten? I know the Gremory Clan is known because of their big hearts… but this is too much. Where's the problem?"
"The City of Dis is the problem," Sirzechs retorted. "Each Lord of Dis has been in constant war for domination over the city, a child shouldn't live in a horrible environment like that. Besides, you were already planning on selling Shirone in the future, why not do it now?"
Minutes passed and the white-black eyed Devil just chuckled. "True, true… As much as I would love seeing the fake Lucifer on his knees and beg, I stand in agreement." He laid an arm on the table, pointing nonchalantly at the Nekoshou. "From now on, she's under your care."
"… That's it? Without something in exchange?"
"Yes." The look that Lucifer kept firing made him sigh. "I also don't agree someone of her age should wander on the streets of Dis, plus I don't have the time for playing as the babysitter, she's just going to slow me down. She's all yours, you better take care of her from now on. However…" He suddenly stood up, curling a hand around Shirone's hair and practically purring at his touch. "I'll take this."
He carefully snatched her two cat-shaped hair clips, catching them in midair before reclaiming his seat. "A memory."
The remaining Satans and Diehauser shared looks but raised no controversy.
"Everything went from bad to worse, Nebuchad!" The first Naberius snapped, serving himself a glass of his strongest liquor. "Lord Zagan is dead! Zekram has his eyes on you! The Super-Devil Project is incomplete! Our great work became shit in a matter of minutes!"
"At least I'm proven to be innocent," Nebuchad Nezzar Nebiros mumbled from the comfortable sofa, his distinct pupils enjoying the fireplace. "… Do they take so long to prove someone's innocence? It's nighttime already."
"Does that matters now?" Naberius growled, taking a large chunk and going for the second shot, almost finishing the bottle. "We lost everything! It's impossible to provide you with funds now that Zekram is tracking each move you make! Years of progress long gone forever by a fucking cat!"
Letting his mixed eyes roam from painting to painting, he calmly spoke. "There's actually another way."
Naberius immediately engrossed in his presence. "What?"
"…"
"Nebuchad, I've asked you something, you better answer me or else…!" It took him a while to finally catch up, but when he did, his eyes almost left his sockets. "Forget it! I will not be part of that, even less when Rudiger is around the castle!"
"There's no option left, Naberius!" Lord Nebiros shot back. "I have hours before Zekram does something. This is the easiest way, if you let me take a look over the piece, I could find a way to hasten the project!"
The elder slammed his empty glass. "Have you been listening to my rants, you fucking brat?" He throatily slurred. "The project is as good as dead."
"Are you sure about that?" The black-white haired devil challenged, pulling something out from his pocket. "Then take a look."
Naberius watched with a tight jaw on what's on the palm of his fellow devil. "… Hair clips? This is your ingenious plan?" He said flatly, meeting his gaze. "Are you retarded?"
"No." He said, tossing Shirone's hair clips in the air and catching them. "One of these clips houses the data to artificially make new Super Devils."
The elder stared as if Nebuchad invoked Lucifer. "Bullshit." He weakly said.
"I swear in the name of my father that I bring the truth and only the truth." He vowed, pocketing his treasure once more. "You don't have to send me a single cent from now on, I can handle the rest from here. I only need two favors from you, one of them is lending me your strongest piece."
Naberius stood and stared at his hands, or at least the now balled fists. He felt lost and confused, but excited and certain. He constantly ran his fingers over his hair and finally glared at Nebuchad. "Turn around." He ordered, no room for arguments.
Fighting a triumphant smirk, Lord Nebiros mockingly saluted and obeyed. The noises of locks getting solved made his eyes slowly peek behind his shoulder, but quickly regained his posture and scolded himself, followed by a painless slap on his cheek.
"Here," Lord Nebiros hastily faced his partner-in-crime once more, his heterochromia eyes indulged over the black case. "Go on, you know what to do."
Calming his beating heart, he nervously reached for the key and twisted it open. What laid inside drained a short gasp from him.
An item known as a myth and legend to this and the previous generations, its existence has the strength to shake the very foundations of hell and the power to turn a Low-Class devil straight to an Ultimate-Class devil, perhaps even more.
"The forbidden piece," Nebuchad said breathlessly, wrapping his fingers around it. "The king piece."
"The piece is deactivated," Naberius explained, eyeing his most valuable possession with slight hunger. "…Do not leak any of your demonic power whenever you carry it. If you do, you'll be connected with it and receive an immense boost of demonic power to the point that you'll explode. Literally."
"That's why you're supporting my project." Lord Nebiros bobbed his head clumsily, even if his attention wasn't torn away from the object, he was still listening. "To find a faster and safer way of becoming a Super Devil. Alright, got it."
Snapping his fingers across his guest's face, Naberius succeeded in shattering his trance. "I think it's time for you to go, Nebuchad. Keep that hidden from Rudiger as you leave."
"Of course!" Lord Nebiros rapidly nodded while locking the piece back inside the container. "I'll take my leave, then. Farewell."
Just as the child of Nebiros neared the exit, the elder called out. "What's your second favor?"
Without hesitating on his steps, he responded. "You'll have to wait."
Danhauser Belial placed his hand over the floor, concentrating as he molded a demonic circle. "That should do it." He nodded as he stood up, looking around as he appreciated his work. "… I've covered all the routes that Cleria would use to reach her house or Kuoh Academy. I should start now on the mall, the park and that coffee shop she loves a lot."
"Um," the blonde scratched her cheek. "You're talking to yourself again…"
"Yeah, I know. Just pay me no mind."
"Tee hee!" Jeanne tittered. "If you want, we could talk while we approach our next destination!" she offered with an approachable smile.
Danhauser pursed his lips and looked at the clouds. He knew why the saint was doing this, even a blind could see her moves. She wanted to deepen their relationship, not one of a romantic pair, but one where they can trust one another. He somewhat trusted her judgment, after all, the girl promised that no one from the Exorcists is near his cousin.
He could firmly say no and leave it there, but Jeanne is a stubborn saint and whenever she's adamant about something, she'll do whatever it takes to obtain it. To keep it brief, it could end in a discussion that could bring a lot of unpleasant attention and drama.
He wasn't in the mood for drama, he already is taking his doses on the issues he has with Satanael, Rizevim Livan Lucifer, and Cleria Belial's fate.
"Alright, let's play your game," he accepted as he placed another demonic circle on a nearby trashcan. "I do have a question that has kept bothering me since I've heard of you."
"What's your name, by the way? I never heard it back when we negotiated weeks ago."
"Danhauser, a pleasure," he replied shortly. "But everyone calls me Dan. Now, my turn. Are you the real Jeanne d'Arc?"
An awkward silence stretched at the thought of angering the fellow saint. "Look, if you don't want to answer then it's fine."
"No, no, no!" She rapidly shook her hands. "Everything's totally fine! It's just that you caught me off-guard by your bluntness…" She coughed quietly on her fist. "Answering your question… not I am not. I just carry her spirit."
"Carry her spirit?" Danhauser parroted. "What does that even mean?"
"It means that my body has the spirit of the Maiden of Orléans!" She playfully stuck her tongue out. "And since she's dwelling within me, I have access to her Sacred Gear."
"Just like Issei and Ddraig?" He pondered a bit. "Does that mean back in the days of the original Jeanne… Did she carry Blade Blacksmith? Did the original Heracles wield Variant Detonation?"
"There's no way someone like me could be like the real holy saint," Jeanne gushed out. "… It would be amazing, but still…"
Taking a brief stop to plant a demonic circle on the log of a tree, he frowned. "Then why is the Vatican insisting you're the real deal?" He questioned. "… Unless the Vatican and you are lying, of course."
"…"
Her silence was enough. "Why?" He couldn't help but ask. "Why are you lying to those who look up to you?"
"Because I didn't understand the mess everyone threw me in!" She defended herself. "Everything commenced when I was five years old, I was just a naïve girl back then… everyone saw me as someone who I wasn't in the first place." She hugged herself. "… Since then, it was too late to spread the truth. People would be saddened and enraged if they find out."
"Don't you hate her or at least hold a grudge at her?" He asked. "Because of her, no one sees you of who you really are, just as the Holy Saint. Not Jeanne, the mere girl."
She smiled weakly. "Of course I don't. I love her." Her response carried no hesitation in her voice. "Did you know the purpose of the saints is presented to believers as role models whose lives are worthy to be imitated? Since no one can be like the Lord, the Church encouraged us to follow in their steps. In my case, my idol is Jeanne d'Arc herself."
"That's practically your role in the Vatican, right?" Danhauser guessed. "For children and adults to see you as a good example to follow."
"… Oui, that would be, moderately, correct." She sighed shakily. "They see me as Jeanne d'Arc, as their heroine… not myself."
"…"
"Dan?" Jeanne shook his arm slightly, concerned. "Are you alright? You became quiet for a while."
He shook his trance. "Sorry, I distracted myself for a second there." He harrumphed. "Say, why did you tell me all of this? We're not enemies… but not allies either. I could use this information to my advantage."
To his surprise, she just smiled warmly at him. "Because you won't." She confidently said. "I can tell you're a good person."
It was her turn to be surprised when Danhauser laughed at her statement. "Devil and good don't match one another, you know?"
Even then, it's very unlikely that the followers of God would even listen to the words of creatures categorized as evil, wicked, brutal, bad, scum, wrong, brute, vicious and liars by all Church installations. Heck, chances of barely stepping a foot inside their territory safely are almost null.
"Hmph. That's what Touji once said." The saint recalled stopping just as Danhauser did. "Not the same words, but the same ideology. I believe he's wrong. To me, regardless of your race, you can be a kind soul… or in your case spirit."
"We barely met and yet you are praising me like that?" He asked incredulously. "Don't take it wrong. I appreciate your words, but… I don't agree too much with you. I'm an ass from time to time."
"I was an asshole too back then!" Jeanne declared enthusiastically. She flushed under the devil's blank gaze. "Er, ahem, I mean, I had a… different personality years ago. But that doesn't matter, your actions are enough proof."
"Such as?"
"The negotiation we had not so long ago," the blonde reminded him. "You did it for your cousin and what we're doing right now is also for your cousin. Patrol and fill the place with traps to make sure no outside forces could harm this town!"
Pressing a palm on a passing bench, he sighed. "I'm not doing this for Kuoh Town," he replied as he retrieved his hand back, making sure a magic circle was left in there. "I'm doing this for my cousin. The town is just a bonus."
"And I'm grateful for that," she clasped both hands, bowing her head. "Really."
His lips curled up. "Yeah, no problem." He said as silence slowly expanded between them. "… If it makes you feel better, I see you as Jeanne. Not as Joan of Arc."
Words never left her mouth, but just by gazing at her tiny hops and her humming a happy song, he sure bet Danhauser made her day.
He looked away from her and frowned. In a way, her and his problems are quite the same, he believes that either way.
Everyone loves her because they think she's the Orléans Saint, not her.
His family loves him because they believe he's the real Danhauser, not him.
Gritting his teeth he violently shook his head. "Not gonna think of that ever again." He said to himself, massaging his temple. "I need to be concentrated from now on… I can't screw up. I can feel it, we're getting closer."
Guest reviews:
Guest: lol, sorry for making you wait, but here it is!
Guest: Gracias por tu comentario! Lavinia es una de mis personajes favoritos tambien por la misma razon, rara vez encuntras a Vali actuar timidamente frente a alguien. No te preocupes, ella seguira apareciendo más adelante. Saludos!
Lurker: Incorrecto :).
Danhauser x Cleria fans: That name tho, lol. I have everything planned already, just like everyone you'll have to wait. Just two chapters, hang in there!
Since I know people is going to address this subject I'll explain it here and now. The reason of why Shirone and Kuroka aren't in the Peerage it's because we are 2 chapters close to canon. There's no way I could develop them in two chapters and make them join his Peerage and trust him. Well, actually I can, but in a rushed, lazy way. Something that would make me cringe.
Now, taking a look over the reviews of people trying to guess who's octopus and bighorn sheep was a sight to behold. I won't say if someone guessed it or not, but I'd promised I'll give more hints. So, I'll just give a few and LASTS hints for the octopus.
Before I get started, his appearance (yes, he's male) is purely made on my head, since he never makes an appearance in the LN'S yet, at the same time, he did. Don't let the that disrupt you, just focus on the hints.
Hints:
...
He was killed by someone from the Top Ten Strongest Beings in the World.
A portion of his consciousness resides on someone's Sacred Gear.
...
Maybe my hints are difficult or I suck making them. Then again, I shouldn't be doing this in the first place, but there you go.
Again, these are the lasts hints. If no one guessed it, then you'll have to wait until he makes his debut. If someone does it or you find out who's octopus, then pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself.
And yes, Bighorn Sheep and Octopus are going to appear. Back then only one of them would make it to my fanfic, but I loved what I have planned for them in the future that I decided to use both of them. Weak from my part.
A final comment, the upcoming two chapters are going to be difficult to write, so don't be too shocked if it takes me some time to upload them, chapter 28 will have A LOT of POV'S and it's going to be large for reasons that you'll see later on.
Only two chapters left, honestly, I'm getting hyped.
Slash 27: Dog of the Blade/ Chaos-Edge Sieg
