Warning: This chapter may have some grammatical issues. I'll fix them later on. Enjoy.


Life. 10: Happy Anti-Satan Faction Day!

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Yasaka patiently waited for the shrine maiden to finish pouring the in her teacup, her golden eyes watching the waterfall reach its destination. She thanked her before sipping in her drink, just as the miko bowed before returning to her spot.

She was accompanied by other Daiyoukais that matched her strength: the High Priests of Moon and Storm.

Nurarihyon and Yasaka kneeled with their buttocks sitting over the heels of their feet. Kuzenbo merely sat leg-crossed arms lying on his knees.

The High Priest of the Storm resembled a reptilian, blue-colored sea turtle, with powerful arms capable of break a person in two. He had rocky structures encrusted on his face, back, and the sides of his chest forming an armor and a helmet. His shell marked by scratches and covered with spikes. He was a Kappa.

"The meeting," Kuzenbo's voice shattered her trance, "how did the meeting with our resident Buddha go?"

"… It could've been better," she admitted, her attention trailing over the open window, the sight of a silvery moon greeting her. Throughout the exchange, she was the one keeping the conversation alive while their guardian listened and replied with nods.

Sometimes, Yasaka felt like she was speaking to a wall.

Climbing the largest mountain for a silent treatment, definitely not one of her wisest choices throughout her career.

"On a good note, we can rely on her strength if Japan is endangered by chaotic forces."

"Even so, I don't trust her," Kuzenbo grunted, "looks like she's plotting something in our backs. Why we couldn't get the Monkey King instead? I could breathe safely if a former Daiyoukai was helping us instead."

Nurarihyon frowned, "never look at a gift horse in the mouth, Kuzenbo," he scolded the priest of the storms, "nor judge a book by its cover. She has received nothing but praises from multiple Buddhas because of her skills. Sun Wukong among them."

"Besides that, Sun Wukong is already in charge of protecting his hometown, Mount Huaguo," Yasaka supplied.

"Don't jump into conclusions you two. I'm not someone who will turn down a helping hand," the large turtle retorted, "I just prefer avoiding outsiders middling their noses in Youkai lands, it only invites trouble."

While Yasaka kept it to herself, she couldn't help but somewhat agree with his statement.

"Speaking of outsiders," Kuzenbo trailed off, "that private school in Kuoh Town has this custom to go on a trip in Kyoto each year, hasn't it? Will they be authorized to enter this year as well or we're gonna do something about it?"

Yasaka nodded in realization, "Thank you for bringing this up, High Priest. I spoke to Prince Belial about it. We agreed to leave their established practice untouched with the condition that he will make sure to send me all the documented information of all participants."

"This includes if they're a reincarnated devil, the Housecarl they are affiliated with and whether or not they hold a Sacred Gear," the priest of the moon added.

If Kuzenbo had any eyebrows, he would furrow them, "You were there?"

"Yes… it's a long story," Nurarihyon chuckled.

Yasaka just sighed.

"And a good one I bet. Shame I missed it somehow," after laughing shortly, Kuzenbo faced his superior, "High Priestess. When the data reaches your hand, I'd like to have a copy as well. Those who have Sacred Gears may or may not get a special treatment… maybe the reincarnated devils as well…"

Nurarihyon looked away from his empty cup, eyebrow raised, "Are you being suspicious?"

"We're on that year where we have to watch our steps," the King of Kappas reminded him, "I refuse to drop my guard so easily. The army will be ready to answer any turmoil."

There were few groups that voiced their concern at the sight of military marching on the peaceful streets of Kyoto Youkai, it brought bad vibes for the future that slowly loomed on the horizon. A few even dared to call it a martial law, which wasn't the case.

Yasaka couldn't blame them. In some way, their fears wend side-by-side with hers. But while they didn't suffer any consequences expressing them, she couldn't. She had to keep a strong face for everyone. The minute her façade crumbles, all the optimism falls apart.

Did she believe Kyoto Youkai was destined for a lost cause? No, not at all. She had faith in the militant power of the Youkai Faction, they were backed by the Shinto Pantheon and a Buddha as well. Kyoto Youkai was not something to be looked down upon.

But she acknowledged that there were bigger fishes swimming across the ocean.

"Mom?"

Her ears perked up at the familiar, hushed voice of a young child. Yasaka scanned the private room like a hawk, in search of her only source of happiness, stopping once she saw a smaller version of her peeking behind a wall, trying to grab her attention.

The High Priestess could listen to the soft steps of the shrine maidens advancing, but she stopped them with a raised hand. "It's way past your bedtime, Kunou. Why are you still awake?"

"I just wanted to see you…" she whispered, "you were gone the whole day…"

Her gaze softened, "That's a rough day of work for you," she brought her arms up invitingly, "come here, honey."

She could see the confidence growing on Kunou as she moved out from her hiding spot. Curiously enough, she was carrying something with her.

She recoiled slightly at the impact of a golden ball crashing into her. The mother giggled, returning the embrace.

But pulled back as a thought struck her, "Kunou…" she frowned expectantly at her daughter, "are you not missing something?"

The young Youkai squinted her eyes, thinking, "Oh!" once the realization bonked her head, she wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, pulling her close enough to plant a chaste kiss to the cheek, "Mwah!"

"Hmm. Are you not missing anything else?" Yasaka asked, "I didn't raise you to be an ill-mannered child. We have visitors. Greet them properly."

Once she noticed the guests her mother was referring to, her manners did a complete shift to the character that Nurarihyon and Kuzenbo were accustomed to. "High Priests of the Storm. High Priest of the Moon. It's an honor."

She did a curtsy.

Kuzenbo just offered a short but respectful nod.

"Princess Kunou," Nurarihyon returned the bow.

"How was your day, Kunou?" The mother fondly ran a hand through her daughter's, precious hair, "Anything new or same old stuff?"

Kunou's face lit up, a toothy grin finding its way to her youthful face, "New stuff! Class today was fun!"

The older Kitsune tilted her head, "Oh?"

Kunou nodded fervently, "Y-Yes! Look! This… This is for you, mom!"

Yasaka carefully grabbed Kunou's craft with both hands, it was a captivating, red scroll. She stretched it open with both hands and was met by black ink. Her name was perfectly calligraphed in Kanji characters.

How her daughter managed to capture something simple, and yet, so beautiful…

"Your room always looks empty," she heard her daughter shuffling in the spot, "so I figured, you know. Do you like it…?"

"Honey this is…" Yasaka froze midway, eyes narrowing after spotting something off.

Kunou grew concerned once she saw her mother examining the gift keenly, "W-what?"

"It's beautiful but I…" she finally turned to her daughter, a pained expression running in her features, "My name… you got it wrong."

"What?! No, no, no, no!" Kunou immediately moved forward to take a look. She pouted and glared up, only to be met by the satisfied grin of her mother, "not funny!"

Yasaka laughed as Kunou tried to wrestle her to the floor, only to fail. Her small size came up with weak strength, but she believed that would change in years.

"Not bad at all," Kuzenbo praised her.

Nurarihyon chuckled, "Indeed. So young and carrying great potential. I cannot fathom what you will achieve in the future."

Yasaka giggled when her daughter brought her tails forward to hide her face, "Now, honey. What do we say when someone compliments us?"

Kunou reluctantly peeking through her fluffy tails, "T-thank you…"

"Much better," Yasaka pecked the top of her head, "Thank you for your gift, honey. I believe this would look wonderful on a frame and hung on a wall. What do you think?"

"Yes! Yes!"

Yasaka hummed contently, "Now, how about you head back to your room and continue practicing? That way you can impress everyone on the next class."

"O-okay! But you're coming later, right?" Kunou asked, tugging her mother's sleeve, "I wanna show you everything I've learned today!"

"I'm sorry honey, but I can't," she apologized, smiling sadly, "Your mother will be occupied for this whole day, and the next one, I'm afraid…"

Yasaka immediately wished she could travel back in time. How the pure joy of her daughter was wiped out of existence tightened her throat, "B-but you…"

"Honey, please not right now," Yasaka whispered, in a somewhat exasperated way, "we talked about this."

"B-but you promised…"

The High Priestess inwardly cursed. She failed to recall promising anything to Kunou in the past, only the thousands of tasks that kept bombarding her from left to right flooded her mind.

"Mom?" She snapped back to reality to face her daughter, immediately regretting it. The puppy eyes just made everything challenging, "please come?"

Placing the gift near her, she lifted the chin of her child, looking straight into the yellow orbs that brimmed with hope, "Next week, I promise."

She could listen her heart shattering like glass after Kunou took a step back in response, escaping from her tender grasp, "You always say that…" her large ears dropped, "but that's not true…"

The small princess retreated, walking down the hall with her head lowered, away from everyone's sights.

"Kuno—!" Yasaka shut her eyes, stopping herself from speaking. No use arguing at this point, it would only make things worse.

She had an important role in Youkai Kyoto. As a leader and as a Head Priestess, she needed to fulfill the duties that the Kami of the Sun placed upon her.

The Vatican Invasion had the whole world shaking on their shoes. Other Pantheons were taking drastic measures to keep their people and territories safe and sound from terrorism. They were not an exception.

She wished she could play with her daughter. Go to the lake. Sightsee the clouds. Push her while she sat on a swing or the other way around…

But Kyoto Youkai was relying on her. In times of crisis like this, she couldn't turn her back on them.

She popped an eye open to stare at the quiet shrine maidens standing in the background. She signaled with a nod to the direction that Kunou went, "Please, keep an eye on her."

No raising any argument, they bowed before heading off.

"I…I apologize you had to see this little show," she started, massaging the bridge of her nose, "I didn't expect our conversation would take an unfortunate turn..."

"Don't blame yourself, High Priestess," Nurarihyon assured her, "it must be difficult to raise a child all by yourself."

She just nodded weakly.

"About the Kusanagi," Kuzenbo changed the subject, much to the priestess' delight, "any news about its whereabouts?"

"No new developments," Yasaka released a sigh, "it's still on the hands of the Fallen Angel Satanael."

Growling, the gigantic turtle slammed a fist to the floor, rattling the small table with the tea utensils, "That sneaky bastard. Once I get my hands on his neck, I swear I will…!"

Nurarihyon rolled his eyes as the Kappa threw punches to the air, "On a brighter note," he drawled, "we hired someone adept enough to restore the Imperial Regalia. All we have to do is wait and hope for the best."

"Really? Who?" the King of Kappas questioned, once he saw the blonde woman burying her face in a hand with a groan, he already got his answer, "the Devil? For real now?"

"I'm not fond of my decision," Yasaka admitted, still running a hand at her face, "… but he's the best choice we had."

"You claim to not like him," Kuzenbo pointed out, "and yet, you entrust him to retrieve an important relic of the Kami."

"Lady Amaterasu is desperate to have the Kusanagi back, so much that she's willing to turn a blind eye of the methods we use," she said quietly, "Prince Belial is the only one we have available for this."

"Ha! I understand the circumstances, just playing the Youkai's advocate," The High Priest of the Storm then turned serious, "but… is he qualified for a task like this, though?"

Nurarihyon nodded without hesitation, "Prince Belial has had clashed against Satanael on multiple occasions. Thanks to their efforts, they'd managed to disband the Utsusemi Agency before they could grow big enough to become a threat to Japan. This year, they stopped the Cadre Kokabiel from restarting the Great War."

"Damn these fallen ones, all they can do is cause trouble," Kuzenbo snarled, "Nurarihyon. You forgot who'd lead the Vatican Invasion and left victorious? The Third Generation Apex of Humanity was present as well, and yet, the exorcists couldn't hold a candle against them. The Fallen one has the Strongest Evil Dragon ready to answer his call. He's way more dangerous than he looks."

Yasaka grew concerned the more she heard their different perspectives. Kuzenbo was right, Crom Cruach may not be the only one allied with Satanael, she recalled a descendant of Asmodeus was somewhere in between as well. They forgot to mention the Witch of Purple Flames was involved as well.

Satanael had many cards hidden under his sleeve, and he knew how to play his game as well. Only revealing half of his hand when the time was right.

This was a suicidal mission.

"Maybe… maybe it wasn't a good idea," she brought a thumb to her mouth, biting on it worriedly, "This is too much for Prince Belial and his peerage to bear. They could get hurt... or much worse."

"Even if you changed your mind, High Priestess, Danhauser will still go after Satanael," Nurarihyon commented, "he's working with Grigori and Grauzauberer to stop him. They have an unpleasant history, especially one of his knights if I'm not wrong."

"A bone to pick with the fallen," Kuzenbo grunted.

Yasaka stayed quiet, looking somewhere else.

"Ah. You are looking unsure, it certainly doesn't suit you," Nurarihyon took his time to finish his tea before continuing, "if words are not enough to convince you, then maybe you should see his power and abilities up close, High Priestess."

She glanced at him, eyebrow raised, "Do you have something in mind?"

He never replied, just creating a magic circle with Youjutsu. She saw a letter materializing in his fingers, "Lady Magari received a letter not so long ago from a… well-known faction. It had Lady Amaterasu's name on it. Take it."

She obliged, taking the envelope from his grasp, studying it intently, "I encourage you to read its content when you have time," she heard Nurarihyon's suggestion while she analyzed it, "… it's astonishing."

Yasaka froze once her eyes spotted something that stood out, "This is from Ars Goetia," she noted after discovering the stamp in the middle of it. She looked at the Daiyoukai for an explanation, "this is Lucifer's signature. Nurarihyon… what's inside?"

"An invitation," Nurarihyon replied, "if Lady Magari's assumptions are on point, then other faction leaders received an identical message as us."

"Is Lady Amaterasu aware of this?"

"She is," Nurarihyon confirmed, "It first reached to her, but she told Lady Magari to deliver it to you instead, stating that you're fitting for this than she is. After what happened years ago… she now refuses to show in person."

The Priest of the Storms looked away.

Reaching down to the invitation she was given; she steeled herself and then open up the letter. To her surprise, she did not find an invitation or secret message on the card.

Instead, waiting for her was an onyx bracelet obviously meant to be put around her wrist. Because of its large size, it was obviously meant to be worn by Lady Amaterasu.

"Happy Anti-Satan Faction Day, High Priestess."

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The Black Dog BAR was full in the mornings. All the tables were busy. An old couple eating side by side studiously bent over their breakfast. A group of young women in their thirties collapsing with helpless giggles as a stern woman breakfasting alone nearby looked on and frowned. Businessmen in their grey suits attached to their laptops. Tourists trying to decipher the menu. A family and their teenage children.

The noise level was high. But it wasn't a bother to the ears.

The following days after the disbandment of the Old Satan Faction by the hands of the Crimson Satan, all the Belial Peerage were settled down to normal. Spared of anything that revolved around terrorism and such, for the time being, at least.

That didn't save the servants from obeying direct orders of their King, unfortunately. Danhauser had something planned since the day they'd finally reunited, and, by the looks of it, Tobio had something to do with this.

"I can't believe you're making me do this."

Of course, some of them had the audacity to voice their disaccords.

Honorable mention: Valerie Tepes.

Today, while Danhauser drank on the sight of this ocean of unrecognizable faces, Valerie sat by his side wearing a different set of clothes that she would never add in her wardrobe. Not in this lifetime.

It was her uniform given to her by Sae: a waitress outfit. It was accentuated by its darker colors that suited her character and likes.

And yet, she always had to whine about practically everything. Even when the garments were designed to her liking.

He finally shifted his attention back to the only pawn of his peerage, tiredly, "You're not going to drop this, aren't you?"

"No, no. I don't think I will," Valerie replied curtly, clearly intending to keep the argument rolling, "why would I bat an eye to something that gravely affects my daily routine?"

He snorted shamelessly. Given by the cold stare of the Dhampir, she didn't seem to approve of his reaction. "Daily routine?" he echoed, unvexed by her, "really?"

She folded her arms beneath her bosom, "you think I'm being dishonest?"

"Not at all!" He held his hands up in self-defense, trying his hardest not to grin, "I'm just wondering about Little Missus's routine."

How insulting. Did he really believe she would easily buy a flat excuse? At this point, he was toying with her, "You do not believe me," she scoffed indignantly, shaking her head, "Incredible."

"I'm telling you, I do believe!"

"Wipe that expression face and sound more genuine."

"Words can hurt too, you know?" he told her amusedly, "I just want to know more about my pawn's hobbies. No harm here."

She pierced him with a cold gaze, almost with betrayal, "If you must know, spending time with you is one of my customs."

"Now you're trying to make me feel bad!" he laughed, "I enjoy chatting with you too, but I doubt you're with me for a whole day. I got stuff to do, unfortunately."

Valerie wasn't hesitant to share the second point of her list, "I talk with Gasper with this instrument called 'cellphone'."

The technology was a complex concept. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but she was far behind in understanding its uses and benefits. The many disadvantages of being captive in a dungeon cell — she thought. Was there any advantage of being locked down, to begin with?

Whatever. She wasn't enthusiastic in that field of science. She only started relying on it since it made life easier in terms of distant communication. All credit goes to Gasper, though. Without him, she wouldn't understand the basic functions of a phone.

"I never imagined you'd be the social butterfly of the group," he reached out to playfully pinch her cheek, "trying to dethrone Jeanne?"

A shudder ran across her spine, scaring her. She waited until he released her cheek, "Do not do that. Ever again."

For an odd reason, she felt a slight wave disappointment when he pulled back.

"Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed," he noted, "Alright. What else you do?"

One of her hands moved to play with one of her blonde pigtails, eyes narrowed in ponder, "What else you ask…?"

She drowned the silence with a 'humph', shutting her eyes, "This discussion is utter nonsense. Rather than reaching a certain point, we are just dancing in circles around the subject. It's rather upsetting, wouldn't you agree?"

"So, I won."

"No, you didn't," she suddenly found the background entertaining to peek at, "all I'm saying is that we have to call it a draw."

He gave her a flat look as the smile slipped off his face, "You have a big ego."

"Says you," she side glanced at his direction, "I am still trying to figure out how I ended up accepting such a ridiculous request."

"Simple. Orders of your King."

Ah. Now, she remembered the details, so there's that. However, what still remained fogged was her agreeing to play a part of this so-called 'new experience' as Tobio had called it, surely she would at least give some fight before reluctantly tagging along.

Fun fact: she swore to oppose this idea with someone else.

"Bova," she recalled quietly, "What's the point of working on a restaurant anyway?"

"Here's your answer," Danhauser replied while digging his hand deep in his pocket. Afterward, he placed something on the surface of the table.

She reached out for it, tasting its texture with her thumb. It had the same color as her master's hair, and in the middle, it wore the sigil of Belial.

"Paper?" She arched an eyebrow quizzically, "What is this exactly?"

"A flier," he answered cryptically, not intending to give more than that.

She shot him a tired look in return, "I'm not playing your games, Danhauser," All she knew was that it had a certain connection with the Underworld, "What a flier has to do with Tobio's bar?"

"Most likely you weren't with us yet, it's been a long time," Danhauser shifted comfortably on his seat, "To keep it nice and short, this is what allows Devils to make contracts with Humans. A safer and really slow process to climb in rank. Unfortunately, we had to stop it."

"Why?"

"We were fighting against Satanael and the Utsusemi Agency back then, remember?" Danhauser reminded her, "just imagine that you were taken in a room full of enemies. All by yourself."

She understood his concerns. It would've made the situation more complicated than it was. It seemed that these fliers didn't have any expiration date either, meaning that the enemy could keep them for weeks or even months, all the time they needed to build an efficient plan and defeat anyone from the peerage swiftly. She doubted even Tobio would be ready to counterattack.

"This is the safest way, Valerie," Danhauser continued, she just listened, "You don't have to teleport to the middle of who-knows-where to gamble your life. All you have to do is get these fliers signed up by clients after they're done eating. Nice and easy."

If these fliers ended in the wrong hands…

"Can I count on you? Little Missus?"

"Frankly, I still find this to be a foolish idea," she started.

"But?" he waited with a knowing smile.

"But…" her gaze stopped over his hypnotic face and something pounded in her chest, "I guess I could… do it."

She shuddered when he placed his hand on her back, rubbing it tenderly, "I knew I could count on you. Lookout for Tobio or Sae to know where the fliers are at. They'll give you your share once you're ready."

Why?

Why her skin tingled whenever he touched her? Her stomach felt heavy as her breathing became labored. Her heart thrashed erratically in her chest so hard that she speculated it might blow up, threatening to break out of her ribs. She couldn't tell what's happening to her.

While it didn't feel bad, it didn't feel good either.

She had an idea of who was behind her condition, but she couldn't place a finger on how he did it. Some sort of magic that surrounded him and had certain effects on different people? She couldn't tell. Maybe his Senjutsu?

If that were the case, then she believed this was all unintentional and Danhauser was unaware of his actions. He wouldn't hurt her, just as how she wouldn't hurt him.

"Surely, this can be fixed by my Longinus?" she gathered all her strength to back away from his eyes, fixated on her palms. "Indeed… this is no challenge for the Holy Grail…"

Why she was doubting? Of course, this was no issue for Sephiroth Graal! An instrument capable of healing and removing weaknesses of any creature in the blink of an eye!

"Yes, indeed," She didn't even need to materialize it to fix her disease, making this task less suspicious, "for the better. If Danhauser were to see me summon it… he would ask questions."

She took cautious breaths before jumping to the next step.

She closed her eyes. She was ready.

"Any second now…"

"All I have to do is search for its origin, focus, and be done with it," she evoked, "I got this."

Only a moron would ignore the ticking bomb inside their chest and do nothing about it.

Nothing was stopping her.

"Then what I'm not doing it?" she popped her eyes open, fuming inwardly, "why am I hesitating? Nothing is getting on my way and it is not that complicated to achieve! As long as I don't overdo it, I canmy hands… why are they…?"

This was worse than she expected.

She couldn't let this evolve into something worse.

Was Tobio's stupidity finally affecting her?

No.

She had to stop it.

Stupid. Fucking. Body.

The curse of being a hybrid.

Why couldn't it be normal?

She wanted to scream.

[Of course, you continue to struggle,] that guttural and malevolent growl that slumbered in the Secluded World of her Longinus awakened, [how could we have known?]

Even if her breath hitched by its unwanted trespassing, a brief wave of relief washed onto her. "It's not Danhauser… I'm glad," at least bright news came with its arrival, but unfortunate bad ones arrived as well.

Its cackle was all the proof she needed. Her fists clenched, "I do not recall telling you a joke," even if its spirit was jailed in another dimension, she tried firing daggers at it, "even less ask for your opinion. This is your doing, is it not? You… are you the one tormenting me, abomination?"

[Grail carved by flesh and nerve, can't you see? Open your eyes, and observe,] she almost grabbed her head in pain, its booming voice rattling her bones, [Your body burns and yearns… but you fight and averse.]

"…This is neither Danhauser or you," she swallowed the lump stuck in her throat, "but me…?"

[Your brother robbed a part of your existence,] it explained, [We know this, and so you, if you decided to look. An act of betrayal. An intrusion to your heart and soul. You were, after all, just a grail of miracles and wonders.]

She didn't have time to follow up with a response, [No more, what you were. Think about your past, and forget.]

All of sudden, the headaches disappeared and her respiration became stable. A signal of its retreat. Her ribcage didn't felt like it was ready to explode the next second. Good.

"Hey, you alright?"

"Huh?" Valerie said stupidly. Reality rushed back to her and noticed she'd been staring at her King the whole time. Not even studying, just blankly staring like a moron.

At least someone was having fun, given how Danhauser was holding a chuckle, "Something funny? Please do share."

This time, Danhauser didn't try to hide his laugh, "You were looking at me like something's wrong."

"I didn't want to say it, but you've been acting weird," he said, "I can lend an ear."

Clearing her throat and taking a deep breath, she looked at him dead in the eye, "I-I do not know what has gotten into me but I'm perfectly fine now," she waved an assuring hand to his direction, "do not concern yourself about me."

She kept her face straight as Danhauser studied her.

He didn't look like he was buying it, "You can be honest with me."

"No! Yes! I…! Look. You are mistaken," oddly enough, she felt a sting where her heart thrummed, "I am telling you, for the second time, that I am completely fine. I was simply daydreaming."

She snapped her head away as he refused to drop his gaze. His gray eyes drilling on her skull furtherly worsened the situation.

Ugh. Why couldn't he just read the room and move on? He just adored sticking his nose where it didn't belong, didn't he?

Maybe if she told him to stop, he would comply.

But what if he gets mad at her in return? She didn't want that.

Whatever it is, something must be done. The pregnant silence was suffocating.

But maybe this was her only chance to clear some doubts. Since the eldritch was being vague and refused to even offer an answer, maybe Danhauser could help her out? He had done so plenty of times in the past and it actually worked out.

But at the same time, she didn't want to be a burden to him.

"… May I be honest with you?" she drummed her fingers over the table, "Whenever I spend time with you… I feel different."

"Different in what way? Good or bad?"

"Truth is… I don't know," she answered before she became speechless, "Listen, Danhauser… do you think we could do this again sometime? I have many things to share with you and only you… that I need to get off my chest. Preferably somewhere private, where we can't be disturbed."

"So I was right. Something is troubling you."

"Do you have any idea what could it be?"

"I… may have a clue," he regarded her softly, feeling guilty, "… I guess this is partly my fault. Rather than solving this fast, I let the storm grow further and affect you."

He bobbed his head a few times before smiling at her, "I'm in if you are."

She couldn't stop smiling, and one of her hands found her blonde hair and started fidgeting with it, "I'm relieved to hear that. Please feel free to talk to me whenever you feel like it. Is that okay with you? I don't usually talk this openly, do I?"

"As long as I can be the only one to see these side of yours, then everything is good."

"You would love that, don't you?"

"… Maybe."

"Ehehehe…"

Ending their conversation on a good note, they explored the restaurant until they spotted a familiar face. In his small form, Bova was forced to wear a low budget disguise of Tobio's Longinus, Canis Lykaon. The eyes were only buttons that were sewed at the sides of the head. The mouth was wide enough for Bova's head to easily fit in there. It's like he was ready to go to bed.

His work was by far the most different from the others, it simply consisted of taking pictures with anyone passing by. It was less demanding but at the cost of your dignity.

He was entertaining a married couple. The woman held him close as if she was hugging her favorite blanket back when she was a toddler. The husband was aiming the camera at them.

Just by studying his contorted expression, they knew Bova wanted the earth to swallow him whole.

But he endured it, most liable by planting excuses in his head that this was a trial, an embarrassing moment that even the greatest warriors had ever faced a certain point of their timeline.

It was dumb, and Bova was aware of it. But if it impeded the rook from exploding in a fit of rage, then no one would raise any objections.

Once the wife placed Bova back and was about to leave, the Dragon quickly stopped them, "Wait."

They both watched curiously as the Rook held a small piece of paper between its teeth. The woman took it, "Sign it," he ordered.

"Oh my," the wife said, impressed, "these robots are slowly pulling something new each year."

"It's animatronics, dear," the husband corrected her.

"Oh, who cares," she said, pulling a pen from her bag, "A robot is a robot."

"… and some Miso Shiru!"

"I'll have the Tamago Kake Gohan!"

Attending a nearby table was Jeanne who wore the same outfit as Valerie but in blue colors. She was writing down the orders of the customers.

"Sure thing!" Jeanne looked up from her notepad, "Would you like a drink with that as well?"

"Y-Yes please!"

"I-I'd like to take an order, please!" Someone from a different spot called.

Jeanne beamed in his way, "Yes, of course!"

Tobio was nowhere to be seen, but his location well-known. He was in the kitchen cooking the dishes all by himself. How he managed to keep up with the multitude of people waiting for their orders without getting any complaints was a mystery. Then again, being reincarnated as a Knight had its benefit.

"Can I take your orders now?" a familiar feminine voice asked them, "or you need a few more minutes?"

They turned where the source came from, right in time to see Sae and Siegfried, wearing the male version of the uniform, approaching them. Both of them holding trays.

"No thanks," Danhauser declined, "Little Missus rarely eats."

"You sure? We got a discount in desserts if you bring someone to our restaurant," she winked to them encouragingly, "free for couples."

"I thought you worked on the second floor," Danhauser disregarded her teasing, "unless there was a change of plans."

"We decided to come downstairs," Sae said, "make sure Tobi doesn't need another extra hand down here."

Valerie furrowed her brows, "The second floor is available for the public?"

She had little information about how Tobio handled his restaurant. But by eavesdropping a conversation between him and Sae, she learned that during daytime the second floor was prohibited trespassing to anyone who wasn't an employee. Upstairs was located the bar, where the brunet works as a bartender during his night-shift.

Today they decided to ignore that rule, apparently. For the sake to make a profit — she believed.

Ugh. It only meant an exhausting day.

"Yep. The restaurant unexpectedly had so much clientele today that we needed to use the second floor," Sae explained, "we were caught off-guard by some many people outside our doors…"

"Don't worry, though. This is a one-time thing," Danhauser tried to ease some pressure, "Everyone is supposed to be working on the first floor — Tobio just wanted to test the waters."

"So he's treating us as lab rats for his restaurant?" of course, Missus being Missus, she had to always refer the negative side of anything, "first day of labor and we're getting exploited already? Fascinating."

"Hey, the next day will be different. You'll like it. I promise."

"Ah, yes. I'm so relieved."

He rolled his eyes. A waste trading headbutts with the Dhampir at this point, it would only call for an unpleasant long-winded verbal brawl, and knowing Valerie wasn't the type to admit defeat, he preferred to ignore it and let her cool off. One of her many charms.

That's when he finally nodded at his first servant, "Everything under control?"

"For now? Yes. Everything in order, master. We hope it stays that way until noon," Siegfried faced the pawn, "It's a good sign that you decided to enter here wearing your uniform, Valerie," he complimented her, "It proves that you are here strictly for business. I respect that. When your shift starts?"

"Right now, I'm afraid."

"Don't be like that," Sae chided her, "You're just nervous. Don't worry! I'll teach you the ropes!"

"It's not as complex as you think," Siegfried added, "with practice, you will eventually master it."

Valerie decided to drink her surroundings. So many unfamiliar people in one setting, and she had to hold a conversation with them, regardless of how short-lived their interaction would be, forced smiles, expressing your gratitude with a bow for no reason whatsoever, and maintain their stares.

She hated this already.

"I cannot fathom how you paint this building as a haven of relaxation and tranquility," the dhampir grumbled, "it's complicated to breathe within with all that self-righteousness crowding the air."

Siegfried looked at her strangely, as if she had lost half of her brain cells, "What a bizarre question. I'm relaxing by working."

She didn't buy it, "Relaxing. Working. Pick one."

"Salut~! Good morning, everyone~!" unfortunately for the silver-haired Knight, he was unable to reply once a certain French girl crashed into the fray. She wasn't alone, the owner of the building and a Chibi Bova cradled in her arms kept her company in the journey. "I love it when my teammates are together!"

"Speaking of teammates," Tobio nodded at his boss, "next peerage member when?"

"They don't fall from trees," Danhauser retorted, "time will only tell."

"Fair enough," Tobio said, "We're not short in staff, but having new faces around wouldn't hurt nobody."

Jeanne nodded in agreement, "Yes, no pressure! But I'd like to see someone join already… I'm not digging being the newbie of the group…"

"You're not a new member, Sai… Lady Jeanne," Siegfried stated. "Not anymore. You've been in the peerage for four years now."

"Same years as us, technically," Tobio added.

Jeanne chuckled, fidgeting, "I know! But I'm the latest member of the peerage… it rubs me the wrong way—like I'm the baby of the group."

"Don't worry, you'll pass the torch one day," Danhauser said, "once you become a full senior, you better give a good example to the newbies."

"You bet I will!" the blonde rook smiled broadly, "I'll leave the recruitment to you, boss!"

"It's great when someone releases good vibes around here," Danhauser pointed out, "unlike Little Missus, who hasn't stop sucking her thumb just because."

Valerie narrowed her eyes at him, "You have some nerve to mock me, especially after I granted plausible explanations."

"I wouldn't count 'I hate this' as a plausible explanation."

"Make space," Bova jumped out of Jeanne's arms to land atop the table, "damn… what a crap day."

Danhauser watched his scuffed Jin walking circles in the spot before lying down, "Rough day at job?"

Chibi Bova popped an eye open, "Like shit," he grunted, shutting his eyes once again to resume his nap, "I look stupid."

"That makes two of us then," the Dhampir supplied.

"Get used to it then," he said to both grumpy members of his peerage, "You'll wear them until Tobio closes his business. Everyone, the contracts. Any of you struggling or…?"

"Sae helps me out on that," Tobio passed a thumb over his brow, "since I'm on the kitchen and away from the clients… you get the drill."

"Hey, if it gets the job done, then I don't care how you do it," Danhauser said.

"Everything is going great from my part!" Jeanne gave a thumbs up.

"So far so good, Master," Siegfried said.

"You know my situation," Valerie muttered.

Danhauser accepted their answers with a nod, "What about you Bova?"

"Working on it," the Dragon replied, "getting contracts signed are not as hard as I thought."

"You're getting contracts, that's all I need to hear," Danhauser said.

"At my own pace," Bova added, "not the same big amount as Jeanne and Sae though, but that's because I don't have tits."

Sae stopped working, "Wha—! Wha—! Wha—!"

"Man, what the fuck?!" A flushed Jeanne instinctively brought an arm up to cover her already concealed chest, "You got it all wrong fool! They ain't comin' for our curves! But our services!"

"T-That's right, Jeanne!" Sae supported her, "you show him!"

"People keep comin' back 'cause we loyal to 'em!" Jeanne chest bumped, "we keep it real here! You gotta love your clients like you love your homies. It's always been that way, and ain't nothing ever gonna change."

Bova stared, "Bullshit."

Sae grumbled something incoherent under her breath but chose to not add fuel to the fire. Never tickle a sleeping dragon as they say.

Jeanne couldn't care less, "I thought you was changed for good! But you the same Bobo of ol' times! A busta! A straight-up busta!"

Bova saw the fire burning in her eyes and smirked, "and what are you gonna do about it?"

"Imma ninja-style your ass! That's what I'm gonna do!"

"Alright, chill out you two!" Tobio intervened while comforting Sae, "don't turn my establishment into a fighting pit!"

This time Jeanne pulled back, shutting her eyes, "My heart got messy… sorry. Ah…" she took a deep breath, "don't Jeanne… stay calm…"

"This brief squabble could've been avoided if we weren't dressed like this," Valerie gestured over her clothes exaggeratedly, "I still deserve a well-justified explanation."

"I already gave you one," Danhauser told her.

"I don't accept it. I feel there's more to it."

"Because that's the dressing code of the Black Dog BAR?" Tobio replied with a matter-of-factly tone, "I mean, it's not rocket science, is it?"

"I look ridiculous."

Danhauser gave her attire a checkup. "I think you look great. The gothic-style has always suited you."

She eyed the gray-haired suspiciously, "… This has nothing to do with the fliers. You just wanted to see me on this outfit, is it not?"

"And that's how you kill two birds with one stone, Little Missus."

"You don't even deny it," Valerie shook her head, scoffing in disbelief, "You're unbelievable."

"Hey, master! What do you think about mine?" A now relaxed Jeanne did a quick swirl to give him a complete view, "Yay or Nay?"

"Obviously a yay."

"Heehee~!" Jeanne smiled, sweeter than sugar, "I like it too! It's super comfy!"

"Speak for yourself," Bova scoffed.

Danhauser smirked, "If you don't like your uniform, we can swap them with a skirt to show off those thighs."

"Hard pass," Bova's reply was swift.

Valerie deadpanned, "outside of work, you wear a loincloth."

"What about it?"

"Just pointing that out."

She didn't understand what's the issue between the male population and their refusal to wear skirts. What's wrong with them? There wasn't any rule that prohibited them to wear one. Gasper wore them and he, without a doubt, looked perfect.

She would gamble her Holy Grails that neither of them had even try wearing one. Valerie found them extremely useful and comfortable, unlike these 'pants' and 'jeans' that they were extremely tight.

In fact, she believed Danhauser would look excellent in one. He should try it.

Jeanne giggled, "As I said, I love it! It's better than the one the Church told me to wear. That one was… um… kinda exposing…"

"The black leotard?" Siegfried received a shy nod from her, "Yes, I remember those battle suits. My former teacher explained to me that they were designed to give the wearer an amazing boost of speed and a great high output and dexterity, but at the cost of a low defense. There was a leak of a male version coming right up, but it was canceled due to many protests from the male population… myself included."

"No one asked," Bova said.

Siegfried felt his eye twitch as he furiously adjusted his tie, "Did I ask if anyone asked?"

"Oh, oh, my turn!" Jeanne cleared her throat before following up with, "Did I ask if I asked if anyone asked?"

"Okay. This is getting too far," Tobio gazed over the dragon, "something you wanna tell us, Bobo? You've been trying to pick up fights left and right."

"Fighting strong people was the plan," Bova grunted, "not look like a shitty bag of fleas."

"I heard you fought the Durandal User," everyone missed the wince of Jeanne after Tobio called out, "wasn't she enough to keep your blood pumping?"

"That blue girl and her toothpick?" Bova scoffed, "Hardly a challenge… but I like her fighting style. Nothing compared to fighting a Cadre recorded in the Bible though."

"You want to feel your heart race, I get it," Tobio said, "the time will come, trust me."

"What if it doesn't?" Bova played the Devil's advocate.

"Maybe this is going to sound a little immature, but I have a… gut feeling about it, call it gut instinct if you want," Tobio commented, "We're about to see bigger threats out there… worse than Kokabiel. All you got to do is wait."

Sae shuddered, "I hope your gut feeling is just a stomach ache…"

Bova and Tobio stare one another. The dragon could see the honesty radiating from his gaze alone, his words were not even covered by lies.

But he didn't give a fuck, "Just fire me already."

Valerie raised her hand, "Make it two."

Danhauser heaved a sigh, "There's no way to keep you satisfied, isn't it?"

Valerie spared him a look, her eyes drinking his physique. She then bit her lower lip, "Well, there is one way to keep me satisfied…"

Danhauser opened his mouth, ready to retort, but stopped — her words sinking in. He slowly facepalmed, "I…I walked into that one, didn't I?"

"Ehehehe…"

Tobio regained his voice, nose wrinkled, "Hey, you two. Keep it family-friendly in my restaurant, alright?"

Danhauser distracted himself from the group, his gaze darting at the entrance to encounter a young woman with long overflowing blonde hair and sapphire eyes.

She looked so beautiful that he bet that a few other guys and girls might be glancing in her direction as well.

He knew right off the bat who was after recognizing her garments and pointed witch hat.

It was Lavinia, a Magician, and possessor of a Longinus.

Right before he could call her over, he saw that Lavinia had noticed him looking at her.

She broke into that breathtaking smile of hers, immediately walking in their direction. "I'm glad I found you. Hello! I hope everyone is doing great today."

"And here I thought this day could not turn worse," Valerie rolled her eyes, "Marvelous, really."

"Lavi?" Tobio greeted back, albeit startled by her presence, "not trying to be mean, but what are you doing here? I thought you were in Grauzauberer taking classes."

To both Danhauser's and Tobio's surprise, she smiled bashfully, "I… skipped them," she scratched her cheek with an awkward chuckle, "I couldn't concentrate with all these worries fogging my mind."

"Worries?" Tobio repeated.

"Yes. I really wish I could stay here and spend time with all of you, but that's not the reason why I'm here for," Lavinia finally turned over the gray-haired, "Da… can I steal you for a moment?"

"Ah yes. Of course. The usual."

Danhauser narrowed his eyes, "Something wrong?"

"It's just…" she rubbed her arm, "would it be a hassle if we talked privately? Please?"

"But why him?" Valerie scrunched her fingers into angry cannonballs, "so ridiculous. Surely she could request help from Tobio or the White Dragon Emperor? But she searched out to bother Danhauser instead. So desperate for attention are we not?"

"… Alright then," it took all of her willpower for Valerie to not snort right on the spot, "to where?"

"Follow me," Danhauser was caught by surprise when Lavinia grasped his wrist, dragging him away from the group, but he didn't fight back.

"I wonder what happened," Tobio watched them go, "Lavi never ditches classes—especially when the headmaster is Mephisto Pheles… you don't want to piss off that old geezer."

"Must be crucial then," Siegfried stated.

"Indeed," Slash Dog massaged his chin, "so interesting…"

"To you, perhaps," the Dhampir retorted, "You would find a dog chasing its own tail interesting."

The brunet frowned, "Um, okay? Something you wanna tell us?"

"I do not understand the fascination over her," she casually traced circles over the table, "what makes her so special?"

"She has a Longinus."

"Little girl with a Longinus. Take that off, what is left?"

"Well… she's a magician," Sae hesitated, whether or not she should've answered, "a talented one as well."

"I stand in awe. Really."

Tobio cautiously studied the Dhampir, "What's gotten between you and Lavi recently?" he bluntly asked, "I know you have poor expectations when meeting a new face, but she's been with us for a long time and proved to be someone worth having around both as a friend and ally. Is this because the beef you two had during the M.F.F.R?"

"M.F.F.R?" Sae asked.

"Manhauser's Fantastic Fitness Routine."

"Oh."

"I am simply curious," Valerie responded.

"Huh-huh. And not jealous in the slightest."

"I fail to see why Danhauser spends time with her."

"Maybe because boss feels comfortable around an approachable and caring person."

"I am approachable as well!"

Tobio was about to come up with wit, until he saw someone walking inside his business, "Prove it."

"Prove it how? You make no sense."

He nodded at the client taking a seat, "take his order."

Following his gaze, she sharply met his pale, gray eyes, "Absolutely not."

"Why not? If it's true you're easy to talk with then show it."

"There are different ways to prove how wrong you are, and you chose this one? Grasping straws, are we not?"

"You're joking, right? All you have to do is ask his order and you're golden. What would boss think when he finds out his Pawn is nothing but a chicken?"

She stood up and glared daggers, "Fine, I'll play your stupid game. If this will keep you quiet then so be it!"

Nothing else to exchange, she separated from the group.

"Just be yourself!" Sae encouraged her, watching the dhampir stomp her way to the distracted client.

"You got this girl!" Jeanne joined the cheer, "remember to flash a smile!"

"If you excuse me," Siegfried cleared his throat, "I'll just head back to my post—I overstayed my welcome. Are you coming?"

"I'll stay a little longer," Sae said, "catch you in a sec."

"We shouldn't keep our clientele waiting," Siegfried said before heading for the second floor.

Meanwhile, Bova grunted and jumped off the table—taking his leave as well.

Once Valerie reached her destination, the client, who was on his phone, looked up and immediately flashed her a greeting smile.

She didn't return it, "What do you want?"

He flinched at the tone of her voice and coughed nervously in his fist, "G-Good morning to you too. Are you perhaps Jeanne?"

Valerie's eye twitched briefly, "I'm not."

"O-Oh! Maybe you're Sae then!"

"Neither her," she hissed between clenched teeth, "will that be a problem?"

"I-I see," the potential customer shakily stood up, "I-I think I have the wrong restaurant. Sorry."

"…" Valerie could only stare daggers as he bowed before rushing for the exit, losing income for the restaurant.

Even if her hearing caught the multiple footsteps approaching from behind, she refused to meet the eyes of the owner, "That was faster than I thought. On the other hand, congrats on the speedrun."

"Hey, Valerie, don't pay him any attention," Valerie heard Sae's advice, "you just need some guidance."

"That's right! If you need any help, just hit me up and I'll come right away! We'll be sisters-in-arms from now on!" Jeanne then fist-pumped the air, "Giiiirl powaaaah~!"

"Lunatics."

.


.

"How was your day, Da?"

Their eyes met as they carefully went downstairs. Lavinia was looking at him over her shoulder as she took the lead.

"Oh… I mean… nothing much," he replied, "just your boring and typical morning."

"Better than being surrounded by members of the Old Satan Faction," he could feel the worry projecting in her expression, "it must have been a traumatic experience. You and Va were knocking on Heaven's door at the time. I wish neither of you had to pass through something like that ever again."

"Yeah, same," he lied. "You should keep your attention on the road, Lavi. We don't want you to accidentally trip during the journey."

"Oh, Da. You worry over nothing. I'm not going to lose my footing so suddenly."

"You can't blame me, I always see you floating inches away from the floor. Sometimes I feel like you forgot how to walk."

"Old habits die hard!" Lavinia shot back, "I just prefer to stay afloat!"

"Alright if you say so," he saw how close they were getting to their destination, "we already made it? Huh. Time sure flies."

"And no one got hurt!" Once she hopped from the last step, she quickly turned to face him, blocking his path, "And besides, you wouldn't let that happen. You would catch me first before I hit the floor, right?"

"I don't know, Lavi… pain is one of the greatest teachers out there."

She gasped before gently whacking his chest, "Meanie!"

Danhauser laughed and moved onwards, regardless of Lavinia's antics to impede entrance by pushing him back to the stairs.

Winning the mock-wrestle, he stopped to analyze his new surroundings. The place needed some renovation—he noted. While worthy of a horror scene movie, he doubted Tobio was into these types of decorations.

Valerie would like it here.

"I know you are someone occupied so I'll make this quick," she started, snapping him back to reality, "It's about Va."

Danhauser curved an eyebrow, "Vali? What about him?"

"Did… Did you two had some sort of heated argument?" Lavinia asked though not earnestly since she quickly offered up something more, "I-I know he can come up as rebellious and arrogant to anyone who approaches him. But despite being cold outside, Va is actually warm and soft on the inside. He's still young, please don't be mad at him. He's in that phase where—!"

He placed his hands on her shoulders to stop her, it worked. He swam in her blue orbs, "Nothing bad happened between us."

She didn't sing victory yet, holding back to study his eyes and spot anything that betrayed his words. After a full minute, she released a breath, "I'm glad to hear that. For a second I thought you two had a brawl and…"

"And what made you think that?" he interrupted her, genuinely curious, "What's wrong with Vali?"

"… It all started when you all came back from the Underworld—at the party in Tobi's bar," she took off her hat, fixing its corners, "while you were upstairs, Vali was sitting all by himself… not even with his teammates…"

"Vali prefers to keep his distance from everyone," he pointed out.

"This time was different," she insisted, "he had this brooding and gross aura around him, different than the prideful one he always has. The way he'd glare at his food too… it was disturbing. H-He wasn't being himself."

Danhauser kept quiet, just lending her an ear.

"I tried to reach out to him, but he left without bidding goodbye to anyone. He didn't answer any of my calls either and Tobi told me he rarely stops by Grigori," she finally looked up, pleadingly, "throughout your mission, you were by his side the whole time, right? I…I'm aware that I'm starting to sound obnoxious at this point, but I need to understand what Va saw or heard to make him act so… aloof."

One of her hands gripped his arm, gently squeezing, "I-I could've asked one of his teammates… but I would rather hear this from a source I trust and known for years. Danhauser, please..."

"Shalba mentioned Vali's grandfather while he was within earshot," he revealed, "just by hearing his name alone… it triggered traumatic memories."

He decided to let the cat out of the bag. It's better if Lavinia knew who this man was beforehand. One of the greatest struggles of all Longinus Users was facing off against an opponent who had a power that turned them useless by touch. Not even Tobio, who was proficient with Canis Lykaon, stood a chance against him.

Was sharing Rizevim's existence to Lavinia enough to turn the tables? Honestly, he couldn't tell. She was praised as a genius in the field of magic by Mephisto Pheles, maybe she could come up with a spell capable of countering Rizevim's trademark ability? He didn't remember too much of it, but Rossweisse managed to paralyze Trihexa with her proficient sealing magic.

If so, how fast would Lavinia be able to cast it before the Super Devil appeared behind her without her noticing?

"I know the reputation that precedes the Original Satans and their Houses is far from good," Danhauser could sense a but come right up, "b-but they surely care for their family members, right?"

His silence was the answer she needed to make her react, "I-I need to see him," she decided, "he needs s-someone to hear to his pain. To vent off."

"Vali prefers to blow some steam by trading blows than exchanging words, Lavi," he tried to reason with her, "he just needs to be alone. Let him cool down for a bit."

"I understand Va can get mad if I try to reach out to him," she wore her hat again, "I've known him for years. It's just… it doesn't feel right to do anything once you found the problem. I can't stand seeing him like this. Even if I have to transfer that anger he has on himself to myself… then I will be relieved."

"Need a hand?"

Lavinia smiled weakly, "Thank you. I appreciate your help but you've done enough," she said, "you're already carrying a lot of responsibilities in your shoulders, I don't want to add more."

"The offer still stands."

"Hm… Now that I think about it, it's been so long since we last talked, right?" the magician shifted the conversation elsewhere, "years if I'm not wrong. I've missed our conversations."

He awkwardly rubbed his neck, "Yeah, well… a lot of stuff happened back then."

Lavinia puffed her cheeks, "You could've at least messaged me!" she jabbed a sharp finger at his chest, "I was growing worried when Pops and his Queen had to depart from Grauzauberer immediately. When I heard you had trouble with the Great King I almost had a panic attack…"

"They didn't have to barge in the politics of the Remaining Pillars and they still did," he said, "I'm in their debt."

The Longinus User shook her head, "You're not in their debt, Da," she assured him, "Pops may be rude to a lot of people, but deep inside, he's extremely compassionate and empathic."

"Yeah. He has the tongue of a sailor, but his heart is in the—!"

"I'm still mad that you didn't message me!" she cut him off, violently wagging a finger at him, "not a single letter from you in four years! I was looking forward to share with you many things and hear of you! Why…? W-were you trying to avoid me…?"

A sharp pang of guilt crashed into him like a truck, "W-What do you mean I was avoiding you? I wasn't! I—!" he tried to pick the right words, but it was way too complicated to think when those baby sapphire orbs were pressuring him. He took a deep breath, "Okay, listen. Let's start again. Lavin—!"

"Lavi."

"Lavi," he sighed at her approving nod, "… I wasn't avoiding you at all."

"… Then what stopped you?"

He was about to come up with an explanation to cheer up the blonde but awareness struck first. His eyes slowly narrowed, "Hold your horses. If you wanted to talk with me so badly, then why you didn't contact me first instead?"

She blinked owlishly at his unexpected accusation, "Ah?"

"Don't you 'ah' me, you hear?" he folded his arms, "You had the time of the world to message me and I would reply back in return, you know? What stopped you?"

"Umm…" she tipped her huge hat low enough to shadow her flushed cheeks, "I-I can explain."

"Let's hear it then, Lavi."

She twitted her thumbs, accompanied by a meek response, "I-I don't know what so say…"

"I thought so," he had to fight back the victorious smirk playing in his lips, "I say we are even."

"I-I guess we're both awful on keeping in touch to one and another," she managed to giggle despite her embarrassment, "good news is that I figured a remedy to amend this problem."

The smug he had on his face was swapped by interest, "What now?"

"I didn't only come here to share you my worries, you know?" Lavinia's eyes sauntered all across the area before eventually settling back to his own, "Da… are you interested in forming a pact with me?"

He never imagined his expressions could switch from snobbish to curiosity and to shock in seconds. It took him a full minute to recover from his amazement, "You're not joking."

The Ice Princess shook her head, "I'm not. I'd like to make a contract with you."

"For real?"

"For real!"

"For real-for real?"

She pouted, "I'm starting to think that you don't want me."

"I do want you, I really do!" He brought his hands up defensively, "I'm just surprised that you'd chose me... and that this is happening. A lot of influential and high-ranked Devils than me had their eyes locked on you for a longer time."

"It was different back then. While I had a good reputation in Grauzauberer, it wasn't enough for the Pure Devils," she recalled, "but now that I rose to the highest spot these four years, the proposals have escalated into big volumes now."

"They didn't care about you back then?" he asked, incredulously, "Lavi. You have a Longinus."

"Confidential. Aside from your peerage, Grigori and Headmasters of other Magician Organizations, no one knows about my Sacred Gear," she puffed her cheeks at him, "unless you began spreading my secret to everyone!"

He could taste the playfulness of her words, "My lips were sealed the whole time, Lavi."

She beamed in return, "Good!" she chirped, "before me, we had a top-class magician capable of a diverse array of spells. My knowledge and technique pale in comparison to his."

"And what happened?" he blurted out.

"Georg Faust betrayed Pops—that happened," Danhauser took note of how her voice slowly drifted to a stream of cold, "even after Pops did everything for him he backstabbed him… he…"

He was about to reply but froze once a chill ran across his spine. Were they being watched? His mind seemed to ask. But no one aside of them was here—he had faith in his Senjutsu.

Was he hallucinating or the temperature lowered significantly?

He realized his mind wasn't playing tricks once he saw his breath crawling out of his mouth. The new climate kissed his face and tingled his skin. If he didn't do anything about it, the cellar room would become a large fridge and him a walking popsicle.

Thankfully, the calefaction went back to normal once Lavinia reacted to the abrupt change. She awkwardly covered her face with the tilt of her hat, "… I just trailed off quite a bit, didn't I?"

He eyed her, warily, "… You did."

"Y-Yes… I apologize for that," she uncomfortably rubbed her wrist before speaking, "A-Anyways. You're correct. Nowadays, I'm getting a lot of proposals to make contracts with them, but Pops declined them all."

"…" He continued staring despite her forced methods to shift the conversation. She may be highly praised for being a skilled Magician, but does that counted her usage of her Longinus as well?

He forgot that emotions were a big deal in this world—especially for Sacred Gear Users.

Danhauser decided to drop his judgmental stare and roll with it, "Is he even allowed to answer for you? No offense to Mephisto, but it's your choice who you want to be with."

Inwardly thankful, she tapped her chin, "Hmm... no I don't think so. While it is true that I get to decide on whether or not I want to make a pact with a Devil, you have to remember that I'm a special case amongst magicians. Like you'd said, I'm the owner of a Longinus—Absolute Demise."

"Besides that, it never bothered me Pops doing the work. I wasn't interested in forming a contract with a Devil anyway… until now," she added, "He never prohibited me forming a compact with a Devil either, it's just that my requirements are… demanding than any other magician."

"Same rule could be applied for Georg and Walburga," he theorized, "unless Mephisto isn't telling her the whole story. If I was him, I would never let Lavinia fall in the wrong hands—not even the good ones."

"But enough stalling!" she bent forward, arms behind her back, "What will your answer be, Da? Yes or yes?"

How could he decline when Lavinia had that big and contagious smile plastered all over her face, "I think we both know the answer."

Lavinia squealed out of joy before wrapping him in a tender hug.

He had to write a mental note for later on to ask either Tobio or Vali about what made the girl in his arms frightening. Then again, the brief show of her Longinus seconds ago had his answer somewhat covered, "So, what follows up?" he asked once she separated from him, "we both alternate lines while reading a cool chant or I take your soul right away?"

"Of course not! That is so 15th century, Da!" the blonde laughed in return, "jokes aside, I'm clueless as well. This is my first time signing a contract with a Devil. I'll have a word with Pops and learn the do's and don'ts."

He did remember that in the Light Novels Issei and Le Fay made something similar later on—but he didn't recall the process. Maybe it's different.

"Hit me with a call if you need anything, " he thumbed to the staircase, "I need to head back to Kuoh and help my cousin on the school."

Lavinia nodded in understanding, "I must go before Pops finds out I'm gone. See you later, Da. This time, let's make sure we keep in touch, okay?"

"With our pact coming right up, I'm pretty sure we'll be spending more time together," Danhauser said, watching as a magic circle-shaped beneath her feet, "Take care, Lavi. Tell Mephisto I miss his honeyed words."

As she warped away, he climbed the stairs. He could easily follow Lavinia's steps and teleport straight to his office, but he wanted to bid a farewell to his peerage first.

After that, he had to make a quick stop to pick up the newest student at Kuoh Academy.

By now, she should be ready.

.


.

Danhauser casually stood outside the classroom while the new student kept walking back and forth while rehearsing her introduction. Whenever she stuttered or became speechless, she would chide herself with a bonk to the top of her head. This happened pretty often.

And while he found it adorable, this had to stop, "Asia," his voice made the aforementioned girl stop dead on her tracks, "take deep breaths."

"I'm trying Mr. Vice-Principal!" Asia exclaimed, "but everyone is going to look at me when I enter the classroom… what if I stutter? What if I forget my introduction? What if they poke fun of me for the rest of the semester?"

"Then I'll invite them to my office for a long talk," He firmly said, "Asia. You've been practicing in the mirror many times, and your Japanese is getting good as well. You should e ready."

"H-How did you know I've been practicing in front of a mirror?!" Asia stuttered, eyes wide in panic.

"Because you invited me to drink some tea?"

"But I never let you in my room…"

"You can be a bit too loud sometimes. I grew worried and decided to take a peek," he paused, "I liked what you did with your room by the way."

"A-Ahaaa," a pale Asia placed her hands atop her head, wishing the earth could swallow her at this point, "M-Mr. Vice-Principal saw me talking to my own reflection… h-he must be thinking I lost my sanity…"

"The point is," Danhauser drawled, "you're ready for this."

"I'm not ready!" Asia toyed with the cross hanging in her neck, "C-Can we maybe postpone this for next week…? Or maybe the next week after the last one?"

"Nope, can't do," he saw the distraught in her eyes, "You worry too much for nothing. Even if you screw up halfway, they'll adore you."

The nun looked up, hopeful, "You think so?"

"Trust me. This school always has a special spot for cuties like you."

Asia gasped, "Mr. Vice-Principal…! P-please don't say something like that so casually…!"

Danhauser chuckled at her, "Oh, Asia. If calling you cute gets you easily flustered, then be ready for the storm you're about to brew."

She did nothing but gulp at his warning.

"There you are!" Danhauser heard the familiar, sing-song voice of his cousin on the distance. He glanced at her direction as she approached them, a bag in her grasp, "you sure took your sweet time, huh? I've been searching for you everywhere! I have so many things to share with you!"

"Should've messaged me."

"I couldn't because someone blocked me! Again!"

"My fingers slipped, Cleria. I'm so sorry."

"Jerk," that's when she felt the nervous green eyes studying in her way. She inwardly winced at the presence of her necklace, but fought it off, "H-Huh… you look familiar, but I've never seen your face in the school grounds before. Perhaps we met on the streets or something?"

Asia shyly shook her head.

"The Student Council made sure to leave her files in your desk a few days ago. No way you already forgot?"

"Ah! Now I remember!" Cleria snapped her fingers in realization, "then you must be Asia Argento! The newest second-year student, isn't it?"

"Yes…"

"Welcome then!" she slightly took a step away from Asia, "In case Danny here hasn't mentioned me yet my name is Cleria! I'm the one who manages Kuoh Academy! Any questions and worries you want to be resolved then please don't hesitate to visit the Student Council. The staff here will also help in any way they can!"

"T-Thank you very much, Miss Principal!" Asia's green orbs now wondered with a slight boost of confidence, always making a stop on their hairs for multiple occasions.

She decided to ask, "Are you two…?"

"Dating? Nah," Cleria waved off the freshwoman, "I don't date cardboards."

"…"

"T-That's not what I wanted to ask!" Asia said embarrassingly, "I-I wanted to know if you two are siblings…"

"Cousins," Danhauser cleared her thoughts, "unfortunately."

Asia smiled a bit before gazing at the locked door, picturing how her classroom would look like, "I-I wonder what's the first class… I-I hope it's not math," she then muttered quietly to herself, "I hate math."

"Your first class is math," Danhauser heard her loud and clear.

"U-Uwaa…"

"Aw, don't make that face, you're in good hands!" Cleria tried to cheer her up, "the teacher is top-tier!"

Somewhat unconvinced, she looked ready to plead for help, but shook her head—steeling her resolve, "no, I can't act like this! You already helped me a lot Mr. Vice-Principal! I can't ask for more favors from you!"

That sparkled Cleria's curiosity, "Really now?"

The former nun nodded vigorously, "Y-Yes! Since my first days in Kuoh, Mr. Vice-Principal has been helping me a lot. He was willing to guide me in this town! He speaks Italian fluently too!"

"I've been taking classes," he cockily rubbed his knuckles over his shirt.

His cousin scoffed.

"He helped me remodel the Abandoned Church on two occasions," the blonde continued, "Enroll me to this beautiful school and buy me the uniform and notebooks for my classes. It would be selfish for me to keep asking for help even for the easiest task! Mr. Vice-Principal! I'm not carrying anything of valor with me, but I'll find a part-time job and repay your kindness even if it takes me years!"

"It's fine Asia. You own me nothing."

Her eyes grew wide, "N-Nothing…?"

"Nothing," he repeated, "this is something that you wanted, isn't it? It wasn't hard to put two and two together. I saw how you never looked away from the school gates the first time we met."

"B-But…"

"No buts. This as a gift from me to you," he patted the top of her head, "stop thinking about how to repay me and enjoy your stay."

"… T-This can't be real," Asia whispered, "this has to be a dream! I-It has to be…!"

"Dreams can come true… sometimes," It's only when she began shaking that he looked up at her, hands over her mouth, and silently crying, "hey… you'll worry your future classmates if they see you in tears, you know? This isn't the first impression you want to leave, right?"

"I'm sorry, I-I'm sorry!" Asia hiccupped, trying to calm herself, "It-it's just… I didn't mean to act like this. All these things… you didn't have to, Mr. Vice-Principal. I am incredibly grateful that you would watch over this orphan girl and give her so much. I-I will do everything I can to be worthy of that gift."

"How?" Cleria blurted out, getting a deadpan look from her cousin, "What? I'm just curious—that's all!"

Asia looked down, toying with the hem of her skirt, "I know I've said that I can't get along with math… but I'll do my best to get good grades!" The glint of determination shined on her vivid, green orbs, "I-I'll be at the top of the class! I'll make you proud of me, Mr. Vice-Principal!"

"An idea I can get behind," he encouraged her amusedly, "Do your best then. I'll keep track of your record."

"That's right!" Cleria exclaimed, "We will watch your career with great interest!"

The door finally opened, and his cousin instinctively hid the bag she carried behind her.

It was Roygun, "Look what the tide brought to my class," she leaned against the door frame, a smile growing on her lips, "what brings you two here? Visiting your favorite pink-haired Devil?"

"Keeping Asia company," Danhauser replied, "help her relax."

"Just passing by," Cleria shrugged a single shoulder, albeit awkwardly, "saw Danny here and chose to tangle me in."

He eyed his cousin suspiciously, slowly trailing down to the bag still hidden neatly on her back.

"Is that so…" the pink-haired teacher bent forward, hands on her knees, "Asia, was it? Are you ready, sweetheart?"

Asia held close her holy necklace, taking a deep breath, "Y-Yes… I think so."

"Want to make a quick stop to the bathroom first?" Danhauser suggested, "to wash your face before introducing yourself?"

To his surprise, Asia smiled—her eyes and cheeks still a little wet but drying fast, "I'm okay now. I don't want to keep anyone waiting."

"Let's hurry then," Roygun arched back, thumbing to the entrance, "they'd been endlessly talking about you now."

"Y-Yes!" Asia turned to Danhauser, "I have to go, Mr. Vice-Principal. I'm happy we could talk once again… please visit me anytime you want!"

"As long as I get the chance to taste your tea, you'll see me stop by often," he assured her, "better keep going, Asia."

Asia mouthed something silently, and he thought he read the words 'thank you', before she retreated inside the classroom.

Stopping by placing a hand on the knob, Roygun winked at them before locking the door.

"… Never pictured a former nun of the Vatican would end up here in Kuoh," Cleria's voice nulled the silence, "a shame I have to distance myself from her, though. Nothing personal, but her necklace almost boiled my brain cells."

"Your last three brain cells?"

"And still smarter than you!" She stuck her tongue out in return, "so… future peerage member confirmed? She screams Bishop to me."

"I'd rather let her live a normal life," he replied, "she also believes in you-know-who… I don't want to steal that from her."

"… Does she know that He is…?"

"Ignorance is bliss."

She brought no objections, "Does she have a place to stay?"

Without looking away from the window, he replied, "The abandoned Church, the one located deep in the forest."

"… Oh," realization dawned her, "that place…"

"Cleria?"

"I'm fine, just an ugly headache," she kneaded her temple, "I hope she can make some friends around here—being from a foreign and all..."

He watched Roygun instructing Asia to an empty seat beside a familiar brunet, "She will be fine." His eyes fell down on his cousin's lower-half, "You hid that bag the moment Roygun appeared. Want to explain?"

She tossed him the bag in return, "Just doing my part."

Once he caught it, he grew surprised by its weight—it was nonexistent, "So light… what's inside?"

"The key to make her heart flutter," his cousin replied eloquently. "It wasn't easy, you know? Had to look all over the house to find any clues! She knows how to hide her stuff—I'm telling ya. She could disappear a corpse and no one would notice!"

Once Danhauser caught-up, he snorted, "I'm worried to ask where it was hidden, but how long has it been since…?"

"Trust me, it's been in the dark for a looong time," Cleria whistled, "… it's seen better days, too."

He peeked inside to satisfy his curiosity, brows furrowed, "Looks fine to me."

"Thank Maou whoever invented the washing machine then," Cleria placed her hand on his shoulder, "I almost got stuck, step-cousin."

"This is one of those times where I wish I didn't get the joke."

"But you absolutely get the joke!" While laughing, she patted him encouragingly on the back, "I did all the harsh work for you! But I can't keep doing all these by myself… you know where this goes, Danny!"

"Yeah, yeah. I know the dance, and I don't mind lending you a hand, but do you really need me?" he asked carefully, "You found it. You say you can't do this alone but… you seem to do great by going solo."

"Hey, I'm not the one building a harem!" she puffed her chest as if proud of her accomplishments, "That's right! I'm also paving your way to success and riches! If that doesn't make me the best cousin in the universe, then I don't know what the hell will."

He held her gaze for the longest time, "It's impossible for you to be serious for once."

"I'm serious."

"..."

Cleria's face dropped slightly, "Why are you looking at me like that? You think I'm gonna try and pull your leg or something?"

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Oh, ye of little faith," she wrapped an arm around his shoulder, drawing him close to whisper on his ear, "this is between us, but all that hype about strength and stuff? It's all bullcrap. Wanna know what Ars Goetia venerate the most?"

"Bloodline," She had a point—sort of. While someone's immense strength wasn't mocked, especially if it talent over demonic power, it wasn't enough to rule Ars Goetia. It saved you a seat as a candidate to become a future Maou, but that's just implied to get closer to Zekram… something that he didn't fancy about, "what matters is how pure your blood is…"

"Yeah, that too," she gave an uninterested wave, still not separating from him, "but you know what's the most important thing? A harem."

"You just made that up."

"What! Does my face look like someone who would make things up at the last minute?" there was an awkward silence, "Okay, I kinda did."

"Right. I'll be on my way."

"Wait!" just before he could push her arm off his neck, she tightened her headlock, "you can't go yet! Not before we talk about good candidates! You know which girls I'm talking about, right?"

"… you really expect me to start a harem?"

The she-Devil stared at him strangely, "Um, duh? Your ears are working? I've been saying it over and over again, Danny! This will give you a good reputation! I think you will be good at this! I mean, you and that Valerie girl are a couple!"

"About that…"

"Please don't tell me you two are not a thing yet."

"…"

"Man… If uncle Coda heard this, he's gonna beat the crap out of you," Cleria exhaled through her nose. "Why."

That's when his brain automatically began playing previous events. He heaved a sigh, "I just have too much on my plate since our Clan's demotion."

"… Oh," she rubbed her arm, "at least you get a chance to talk with her?"

"I always do."

"I meant only the two of you. Face-to-face."

"Today... sort of. The first one since her return from Romania as well…" he rubbed his neck, "and another one coming right up."

"Well, that's that, I guess," hands resting on her hip, Cleria released a sigh, "it looks as we got a lot of work in our hands then."

"I don't remember agreeing to this."

"You seriously gonna reject the love of beautiful girls?"

He could come up with a response to counter hers, but his mind had different plans.

He remembered sleeping once on the same bed as Valerie—after defeating Tobio and Jin in their berserk-like state. He would be a liar if he didn't enjoy the company of a girl—even if nothing sexual happened between them.

Without a doubt, one of the greatest nights he ever had.

He slept like a baby.

"You're seeing it aren't ya?" His daydreaming ended with the playful tone of his cousin, "Attaboy!"

Danhauser regained his composure once more, "this… this still smells fishy," he insisted, "even if you're not doing this for the sake of teasing me, I doubt you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart. You expect something in exchange, don't you?"

His surprise reached a new length after Cleria shook her head, "Nope. Nothing."

"Nothing," he didn't even make the effort to hide the suspiciousness slipping from his voice, "really."

"Yup! No money, no favors, no nothing!"

Though he felt shocked, he found his mind wandering. He couldn't say he didn't find the idea unappealing. He was a guy, not like he wasn't tempted by Cleria and Roygun who teased him on these four years.

But to actually follow through…

While flustered by her acts, he refused to cross that line with Cleria. Roygun, on the other hand…

The weird part of this? Cleria trying to hook him with multiple women.

Honestly, that's a man's dream right there.

And yet, he couldn't believe he was having an inward debate on a world where no one batted an eye about harems and the powers of tits could change the tides of a fight. If the majority of people were in his shoes, they would immediately jump in and accept Cleria's proposal without a hitch of hesitation.

But Valerie…

Did he really deserve this? His family was still among the poor aristocracy and no much progress has been made as far as he was aware. Everything he did might not be enough, and so distracting himself with pleasure could blind him from his—!

"But why?" he decided to ask her before straying in his thoughts, "why are you so adamant about this?"

Cleria's tongue suddenly tied-up into a ribbon, it was the first time he'd seen her mold silly faces. "Uh, umm. Cuz I can?"

"Not buying it. I deserve a better answer since I'm a big part of your plan."

"Oh, c'mon! Some things are better left unsaid!" she averted her eyes from his, "can't you just accept it and, like, tag along?"

"No, I really can't—this could be another of your pranks."

"Why whenever I do something nice for you, you gotta be suspicious of me?"

"You're really asking me that?"

"Gosh, Danny!" she huffed, "you're so fucking cringe."

"Thanks. You're going to answer now?"

Putting the gears in her brain to work, an idea popped at last. She gave a light shrug, "I mean I could do that… or I could share you news coming from Ars Goetia."

"… News?"

Now that's a small window if she'd ever seen one. Cleria slowly broke into a triumphant smirk, pulling an elegant wrapping from one of her pockets, "Someone forgot to check the mail this morning~!"

He snatched it from her fingers with a speed that Cleria couldn't even react, "Getting excited, eh?"

He spotted the Bael insignia like the wax seal, "You're right… this comes straight from the House of Bael."

"Of course I'm right!" she crossed her arms under her bust, "methinks I deserve a proper apology."

He ignored her, carefully peeling the envelope and fishing the letter, he could feel a chill crawling on his spine. Danhauser cleared his throat and began, "Prince Belial," his face wrinkled, "I'm not liking this…"

"Less whining and more reading!"

He rolled his eyes, but obeyed, "It is with immense pleasure that I write to inform you that the Archduke Faction and Great King Faction are organizing a holiday "Anti-Satan Faction Day" to commemorate the downfall of the Old Satan Faction as well as the freedom of the Remaining Pillars who are no longer subjects to the attacks of the descendants of the Satan Housecarls. We would like to invite you, and all heirs of each Clan, regardless of hierarchy and faction, to attend the opening ceremony which will be located at the capital of the Great King Faction—the Bael State."

Cleria felt her jaw drop slightly, "Wait, it's happening?" a grin slowly curling on her lips, "It's happening, isn't it?"

She didn't wait for his confirmation, she just jumped in joy on her spot.

While his cousin was having a blast, Danhauser kept riding the words quietly, measuring them.

"We hope for your presence on that day. We are looking forward to your attendance. Sincerely yours, Lord Bael," his eyes narrowed as he reached the end of the letter. He spun the sheet over to see if there was anything else that he accidentally missed—only to be met by a blank space.

"Really. That's all? A celebration party?"

"I don't like this."

"Eh?" Cleria suspended her celebration, "Whatddya mean by 'I don't like this?' Isn't this what you wanted? What you've trained for? Or is it the holiday's name that turned you off? Because I sorta agree with you then… maybe they could come up with something more catchy like…"

"I don't care about the name. Making fun of it would be a bit much, coming from me," he shook the piece of paper, "this is what worries me."

His cousin tilted her head, "How so?"

"Only Agares and Bael are running this event," he explained, "the other Great Houses, aren't mentioned in any form on this letter."

"But if Lesser Houses are invited… then the Great Ones too, right?"

"Yeah. They wrote, right here, that all heirs can enter regardless of your status," he jabbed the center of his invitation, "call me arrogant if you want—but they're nudging me to participate in their festival."

Cleria shuffled as Danhauser roughly passed a hand over his slicked hair, "Diehauser warned me about this, how the other Great Houses were, behind the scenes, pushing the Great King on a corner."

They think they can do whatever they want because they have the money—he thought.

"This is so dumb! All of them could work together to fix the issues Remaining Pillars has… but they opted to throw money at each other," he wanted to shred the invitation right away, "Forgive my French, but Ars Goetia is a shithole."

"Huh. Took you four years to realize it," Cleria tried to lighten the mood, "slowpoke."

"Makes you think how far will they go to complete their personal agendas," Danhauser kneaded his eyes, "Whatever. I'll have to get ready this week then."

She blinked owlishly, "Wait, really? After everything you've said, you're still gonna help them?"

"I have to, Cleria," he muttered begrudgingly, "If the Great King Faction keeps losing power, the Kings and Lesser Kings will be getting the short end of the stick as well. We need them as much as they need us."

"Or, ya know… you could secretly work with Bael's enemies…" she made a whining sound, "Don't look at me like that! It was just a suggestion! They wouldn't decline you lending them a hand!"

"I'm not denying that they'd make a truce with us, but Gamigin and the other Great Houses aren't saints either," he pocketed the invitation away, "One hand an open palm, the other grasping a knife behind their back. You get what I'm saying?"

Her shoulders dropped in defeat as she groaned, "This sucks."

"It is what it is," Danhauser said back, "And like you'd said, I've trained years to compete on the Youth Tournament, now this is my chance to show what I'm made of… what's with the face? I thought you were happy for me."

"I'm happy if you're happy," she folded her arms as her anticipation built up, "are you happy?"

Danhauser pursed his lips, thinking. He shrugged weakly, "It has its ups and downs. Not going to tear off my shirt out of joy or anything, but… yeah."

"Fair enough," she accepted his response with a hug, "I'm glad you made it. You deserve this and more."

"More," he parroted, absentmindedly rubbing her back, "Like what?"

"Well…" she pulled back to think her next words carefully, "whatever you want—emphasis on what you want."

"…"

She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Danny. It's totally OK to request a reward only for you and not for us once in a while." She pulled her arm back after squeezing gently, "Hey, clean some space in your calendar, cuz you're gonna spend it with moi. I wanna have a blast before you two leave me."

Danhauser frowned, "What do you mean by…?" he stopped once his brain cognized, "are you sure?"

"Yep," he didn't detect any hesitation in her voice, "And besides, it's too late to turn back now. We've made so much progress to drop the towel now."

His gaze softened, "I'll call you whenever I'm free."

"You got to whitelist me from your contact list first, asshole," she playfully punched his shoulder and turned around, "smell you later!"

He watched her go before walking in the opposite way. So much happened on this day that he didn't know where to start.

Something he was sure about was that he had many questions than answers.

.


.

Mentally, he was extremely confused about what happened days ago.

It had occurred to him that it must be a dream, perhaps he ought just to play along. Or maybe if he'd refused to the world would right itself. He had thought hard of the sky falling but nothing came. Then he rolled his sleeve pinched himself on the arm, leaving a sore spot in the process.

Lavinia's pact, Cleria's proposition, where his mind had stopped to a standstill, and Lord Bael's invitation. They weren't unfortunate news—on the contrary—even the letter of the Great King had positive vibes regardless of his reaction. The point was, that all of this happened in a single day. It was supposedly real, right?

Danhauser wanted to make something clear, he wasn't scared in the slightest… but weren't all these events looked a bit… odd? Was it wrong that he had so many questions? All these things that a Devil could wish for… appearing out of the blue. If he accepted to take part in any of these, how badly would it bite him in the ass later on? What if this was another pandora box begging to be cracked open?

It sounded so surreal to be true. There had to be a trick somewhere. He had to see the bigger picture.

Lord Bael was as obvious, no use on dwelling on that subject too much.

But why would Lavinia trick him? She wasn't the type to fool someone, and if she did, it would all be a misunderstanding. She wasn't a teaser either, she's almost oblivious to how her beauty and body proportions could affect the opposite sex.

Overall, she was serious about making a pact with him.

However, by accepting her request, wouldn't that impact Lavinia negatively? If a Magician made a pact with a high-ranking Devil, it would bring great fortune and success to them.

But he was a Lesser King, and that would not change for a while. People would mock her for making a contract with an Heir of a Lesser Housecarl.

Maybe it would be for the best if they didn't do the pact—to keep her reputation safe.

Then there was Cleria and her unrequested help. Unlike Lavinia, she wouldn't waste a chance to embarrass him if the opportunity presented itself. These four years were the proof he needed to support his statement.

There's always a 'but', though. What if it's true? What if her words were authentic?

What were her motives then? Aside from wasting her time, what she gets from doing all of this? Or she was setting her heart on this by doing charity?

Why he was overthinking?

Because he was interested?

"Everyone's on their seats already?!" Cleria's sudden outburst dragged him to reality, "cuz we're about to play my favorite game…! Truth or Drink!"

"Wait, what?" He spotted Cleria leaving the kitchen with a tray, on top of it rested a chilled bottle and three shot glasses.

Just as she joined them, he muttered, "I don't like this."

"Hush while I say the rules!" She poured each of them a drink and one for herself, "it's a very simple game. Each player starts with a shot. We start with one player then rotate, the challenging player has a question to ask. The chosen player can either answer the question, with truth, or drink a shot."

"What happens if someone lies?" he heard Roygun talk from his side.

A dangerous gleam glowed in Cleria's eyes, "Telling a lie will be faced with a penalty. The liar must drink everyone's shots! That's all the rules, easy-peasy lemon squeezy, am I right?"

"The only thing I don't understand is why I'm playing this type of game with you," Danhauser said.

Cleria pouted, "To bond with your favorite cousin, you jerk!" she turned to the mature woman for support, "You trust me right, right Roy?"

"Is that even a question?"

"That's what I wanted to hear! At least one of you has a spine."

Danhauser scoffed at her words before ogling his poison, "Can I at least now what I'm about to drink? Whiskey?"

"Vodka," Roygun replied after taking a small sip of her glass, humming contently, "you have good taste, Cleria."

"Hey, I know what to bring on the table."

The gray-haired heir said nothing, merely inspecting his surroundings. They weren't sitting on the sofa but on the floor, an easier way to reach out for the beverage without stretching too much. He was in the middle, while Cleria and Roygun flanked his left and right. They were close enough for his nose to smell their scent around their hairs.

He had to admit, he never imagined sitting side-by-side with beautiful women while pouring out shots of vodka. The closest thing was with Kuroka, who only brought a single glass with her, not the whole bottle.

But maybe it was for the best.

"Be careful not to spill any!" Cleria warned them, "Now, who goes first?"

Danhauser had to fight back a groan when their stares tried digging his skull.

"Ladies first?" he said hopefully.

"I don't think so," Cleria grinned from ear to ear, "I think we should gang up on him, Roy."

"Great minds think alike," Roygun rubbed her hands mischievously, "this game is shaping up nicely… Fufu…"

Danhauser grumbled, "At least you two are having fun…"

"Cleria lead us off."

"Hmmm."

His cousin studied his face for a moment as she considered what question to bring on the table. While he was worried what kind of words may come from her mouth, he was also curious as well. They had been living under the same roof for a long time. He wouldn't be surprised if she had listed his likes and dislikes.

Overall, he was looking and not looking forward to her question.

"You want a harem?"

He almost dropped his glass by her bluntness, "w-what?!"

"You heard me loud and clear mister!"

"Again with this?" he muttered, not looking forward to the upcoming questions, "can't we just start with a simple question?"

"Hurry up and answer."

"You could've asked me if I have a crush or something else."

"Stallhauser."

"Oh my. What did I miss now?" curiosity took the better of Roygun, "any of you sweethearts want to fill me the details?"

"Me trying to beat some sense in that stubborn head of his," Cleria huffed.

Danhauser rolled his eyes, "To keep it short, she wants to be my 'harem advisor'."

"Oh?" Roygun blinked, "Why is that?"

"Because I refuse to let my cousin become The Strongest Virgin."

"You're a virgin too."

"I'm waiting for the right man to hold me in his strong arms!" Cleria jabbed a finger to his chest, "unlike you who already had potentials waiting in line!"

"What are you even saying…?" he laughed incredulously, "I can buy Valerie but neither Lavinia nor Jeanne have seen me that way."

"They can if you let me help ya!" Cleria insisted, "You gonna score good points in the Underworld if only you listened to me!"

"Well, that is true," Roygun stated, "harems can perform important political, as well as social, roles. They are used as a means to cement political alliances."

"I called it!" Cleria exclaimed before flashing Roygun a cautious side glance, "for real?"

"Yes. A harem is seen as another symbol to represent a Devil's power," she explained, "a sign of wealth, power, and… sexual prowess—hence why many Lords and Ladies of wealthy Housecarls are stocked with concubines. Lord Bael has one for instance, and one of his parents had one I believe."

"I always knew Lord Bael has his share of women because of Sairaorg and Magdaran," Danhauser trailed off, "but his parents… it never crossed my mind honestly."

"Does it shock you?"

"Not really," like father, like son—he thought, "I'm just surprised how knowledgeable you are to Lord's Bael family."

"Well, Malacoda told me long ago that Lord Bael and Lady Venelana were half-siblings," Roygun offered a lazy shrug, "it was destined to tackle that conclusion afterward."

"How the hell uncle knows that?"

"He wanted to bone her," Roygun spotted their deadpan reactions and laughed, "his exact words, not mine!"

Cleria chuckled awkwardly, "Knowing Uncle Coda, he's still on that impossible quest."

"Then I bid him good luck on his Odyssey, but enough of him," Roygun flashed a small grin to the only male in the room, "So… you want to build a harem?"

"I never said that," Danhauser said, "and this is only practiced by Noble and Great Houses, not…"

"Well, you have to start somewhere, isn't it?" Roygun said, "Danhauser, you have in your reach two girls interested in you and which conveniently come with political benefits... you know who I'm talking about, right?"

"Valerie and… Ravel?"

Roygun nodded, "You have as a servant the only daughter of the Fourth King of Tepes. You are only a step away to have the whole Tepes Faction as a potential ally."

"And in return give the Great King power," Danhauser grunted, "and only if Vampires have any influence in politics of Ars Goetia, to begin with…"

"That is correct, I'm afraid. But it's still not something that should not be discounted for," she retorted, "then there's Ruval's younger sister. The Phenex Clan is one of the richest houses in Ars Goetia, perhaps even on par with a Great House… but they're from the Great Marquis Faction…"

"I've seen her," Cleria commented, "she's a cutie."

"On occasions that I talk with Ruval, he always asks me about you to keep his little hummingbird updated," Roygun said, "but unless the Great King and Great Marquis set their differences aside, your chances for you two to become an item is low. Which leaves you only your pawn… and your rook."

"… If I were to do this, I don't want them to think it's because they're political tools."

"But that's what this is all about, and you know this," Roygun pointed out, Cleria knowing the answer wouldn't lighten the situation, "real life doesn't play out like some romance story. Do not let unnecessary feelings hinder your goals."

Cleria worried as Danhauser looked down at his vodka, staring as if was going to solve his problems, like a wishing well or something.

"You're only using them if you keep it to yourself!" Cleria quickly intervened, "tell them! Ask for their help!"

"That may work," Roygun somewhat agreed.

"…"

"I can't get you. Why wouldn't ask for their help when you did it with that silver-haired kid," Cleria wanted to pull her hair, "maybe out of pride or scared of rejection! Ugh! I dunno! But you got to do something!"

"I… need to think about it."

Not oblivious of the unwanted atmosphere, Roygun decided to cheer things up, "Think quick then! It's not right for a young man to be single for so long, especially when there just might be eligible bachelorettes sleeping under the same roof…"

"I can't imagine who you mean."

"Are you suuuure?" Roygun wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "You can't think of anyone at all~?"

"Can we just go back to the game?" it sucked a lot when you were the one getting teased, he kind of understood now Asia.

Maybe he owned the former nun a proper apology.

Nah.

"Hmph! As you wish. If you don't want to answer Cleria's question, all you have to do is drink," Roygun repeated the rules, but the twinkle in her eyes hoped otherwise.

Unfortunately for them, he wasn't going to please them. He took the glass and shot the drink back. The icy liquor traveled down his throat and instantly blazed a very unique burn in its wake and near the entrance of his stomach.

After emptying his glass, he quickly brought a fist to his mouth, holding back a cough.

"Boo," Roygun stuck her tongue out playfully.

Cleria, on the other hand, smirked mysteriously, "Alright, then. Keep your secrets."

He ignored her, pouring his next glass.

"Oh, right. I'm next," Roygun tapped a finger under her chin, "what to ask I wonder…"

He didn't know if she did it intentionally, but the tension was suffocating. Then again, Roygun always loved doing things at her own pace, no matter how much time she took, building up questions wasn't an exception it seems. Her eyes pierced his soul. It was as if she was reading him like an open book. Each gentle breath had her breasts rise and fall in her nice suit.

Her finger casually stroked along the rim of the glass in her grasp as she spoke, "Have you ever fantasized about… older ladies?"

Danhauser didn't break his stare from hers, trying to keep his reaction as minimal as possible, "Yes."

"Ooh," Roygun eyed him with a sly smirk, "how saucy. Any chance you will tell us?"

Cleria wiggled her eyebrows, nudging him encouragingly.

Danhauser whacked her arm away, "I already answered."

Roygun puffed a cheek, "Aw. Well. I guess that's true."

"Okay. Since Danny went first, I'll go next since I made this up," Cleria dramatically took deep breaths, "Alright! Hit me with all you got, Danny!"

"Don't be afraid to be bold, Danhauser. That's what makes this game so exciting," he could picture the malicious grin of the pink-haired in his mind, "we don't judge here. Ask your cousin anything~!"

"Ack! Don't give him ideas!"

He never looked away from his cousin, who was trying to look tough, but Roygun's betraying words made her courage falter a bit, "Anything…"

Since the day he had their first encounter she always had to tease him one way or another. Most of the time pairing him with other girls, sometimes even herself. Don't get him started when she used her sex appeal on multiple occasions.

Roygun wasn't an exception, but for now, Cleria was his target. He had a bone to pick with her for years.

"Before I throw in my question, is there anything that's too much?" he wanted to be sure, "like a: you-don't-want-to-go-there zone?"

Roygun grinned, "You can cross as many lines as you want."

"Cool then. What would it take for you two to have sex?"

He could feel the corner of his lips stretch up at the sight of his cousin. Her jaw slacked with eyes so wide that they resembled like dishes, her brain rebooting after the verbal slap. Roygun was already laughing.

"Not much," Roygun's laugher subsided into snickers, "just look at her."

"Roygun!" Cleria could not believe what she was hearing.

"Thanks for letting us know," Danhauser said slowly, "but the question was aimed at Cleria."

The pink-haired woman just shrugged.

"Pulling the big guns, huh…" Cleria drew a sharp breath and picked her drink from the ground. "'Ight Imma drink this one out, cheers!"

"Here goes nothing!" Cleria cheered before depositing the sharp-tasing alcohol down her throat.

Nearby, Roygun slipped out a simple chuckle.

"Aaaarg… alright," Cleria's body reacted to the alcohol invading her system by shuddering, "There. You had your fun, you perv."

"It's my turn now," Roygun intertwined her fingers together, "Do you ever play around in school?"

Danhauser frowned and exchanged looks with his cousin, who seemed to share his confusion as well.

"…Uhm, I remember playing tennis with the other students a week ago," Cleria recalled, eyeing suspiciously her interviewer, "I tried the Kendo Club once too. The school facilities provided by Kuoh Academy are top-notch, you know? It'd suck if I didn't use them to keep myself entertained now and then."

"Nice ad," Danhauser said.

"Shut up."

Roygun giggled, "I'm not talking about that type of playing," the strange flicker in her eyes brought a strange feeling across his body, and she wasn't even focused on him, "have you ever locked your office, kicked off your shoes, laid down on your seat, and take care of your needs?"

Cleria soon understood what Roygun was insinuating. Her eyes became wide and the blush invading her face could put a Gremory's hair in shame, "W-What the hell?!" she exploded in a stuttering fit, "O-Of course not! That would be entirely inappropriate, Roygun! I'm the headmistress of Kuoh Academy! Not some horny—!"

"Ok. That's a lie," Danhauser cut her off.

"Let me finish!" Cleria snapped.

"After you drank all of our glasses."

"I'm not drinking shit!" she folded her arms, "You know why? Because I'm spitting the truth!"

She suddenly stood up from the floor with a firm fist to her chest, "I have an announcement to make!" she looked up to the ceiling with pride, as if ready to sing the national anthem of her people.

She then shamelessly spoke, "I'm a pervert."

"We know," Danhauser flat out said, "nothing new here."

Cleria ignored his remark, "But I would never, ever, EVER, do that in MY school!" she vowed, "only in my bedroom! Professionals have standards!"

"That explains the weird smell creeping out of your room."

She choked with the air alone and flushed, "S-Shithauser!"

"Coomeria."

That was her breaking point. She lunged forward to pin him on the floor, but everyone in the room knew who was stronger and experienced in close quarters, Danhauser ensnaring his attacker in a headlock should answer that.

"In what universe you thought this would work?" he rapidly grinded his knuckles over her greyish hair, "I respect you for trying, though."

"L-Let me go, you dick!" she tried to flee by pushing his arm off, but her efforts were fruitless, "… y-you're gonna snap my neck!"

"Apologize first."

"I'm sorry! N-now let me off!"

"Apologize harder."

"Oh my. Remember that you two are family." Roygun patted his shoulder, trying to minimize the problem, "don't wound your relationship over a petty game."

After a few seconds, he released Cleria from his technique, "I'm just pulling your leg. I had to cash in my payback someday, you know?"

"W-wow! Abusing your cousin…!" Cleria coiled her hand around her neck, breathing heavily, "you're so cool...!"

"You're such a drama queen. I didn't squeeze you hard."

"I'm glad you two reconciled," Roygun clapped her hands together, "Isn't this fun?"

Danhauser found himself smiling, "Actually, yeah."

"No," Cleria replied, "All I am getting are shit questions."

"Don't pout. You were the one that came up with this idea, after all," Roygun berated her.

Cleria stared daggers, "Alright then…! How about you sit on the hot-seat, Roy?"

"Oh. It's my turn already?" the pink-haired hummed, "time sure flies fast. Very well. You can start, Danhauser."

He felt Cleria's breath brushing against his ear, as a little Devil latched on his shoulder, "Look at her, the one that played with our emotions like a fiddle…!" she whispered, the smell of alcohol reeking from her words, "The one that almost damaged our precious relationship!"

It was obvious the pink-haired was listening, Cleria's whispers were intentional. But unlike his cousin, Roygun wasn't shaking like a leaf. She wore that captivating stare while lazily swirling her glass. Waiting.

She had that aloof and smug aura surrounding her. As if she was challenging him to make her posture waver. To make her feel embarrassed. To make her drink glass after glass until she started seeing double.

"Do it!" Cleria hissed, "Seize this moment, Danny! Give her a taste of her own medicine!"

"Roygun," his eyes traveled over the round-curled horns of Roygun, "does it turn you on when someone pulls your horns?"

She cocked an eyebrow, "Ooh. Is that your question?"

He hesitated. It wasn't the reaction he expected, a part of him proposed to backpaddle and think this through. But he decided to keep his feet firm on the ground. "Answer or drink."

"Fufu. What a commanding voice… as you wish," she gave them a lecherous smile before picking up her glass. Right as the rim brushed her lips, the bewitching Devil captured their eyes before leaning back a bit to finish the alcohol.

"Are they really that sensitive?" he murmured softly before he could stop himself.

"Why don't you pull one and find out?" Danhauser blinked in surprise at her suggestion. There was no shame behind her grin at all, no shyness or embarrassment—this woman was confident. "You're next, Cleria."

To his surprise, all the vengeance that emitted from Cleria was gone, replaced by a serene aura. placed

Her fist remained under her chin as she pondered her next words, "Roy, you always wanted to be a teacher?"

"…"

"Why couldn't you just ask me that instead?" Danhauser muttered.

After a long minute of silence, Roygun smiled, "So that's your question."

"Huh-huh. You know the rules, Roy. Truth or—!"

Cleria stopped halfway to gawk at her friend quickly downing the vodka. He could feel the burn at the back of his throat and he wasn't the one drinking.

Roygun harrumphed after swallowing the last drop, "that… that really hit a spot..."

"… Drink," Cleria recovered, "…Yep. At this rhythm, we'll empty-out the whole bottle in minutes."

"Why don't you tell us what you wanted to do, Roygun?" he asked.

"Because that's none of your business, Danhauser," Roygun responded.

"…"

"Don't pout yet," Roygun smiled, but it came out different, "It's your turn after all."

"That's right! It's Danny's turn~!" Cleria said rather loudly.

He sighed and mentally readied himself with whatever his cousin was about to drop. The night's young might as well be at peace with her.

.


.

"She fell asleep, huh?" Danhauser heard a yawn coming from his right, "Look at her. She's dead-drunk… Cleria sure is careless~!"

He never tore his eyes off his cousin, she was still sitting on the ground like them, but her upper half fell on the couch. She was in peace.

"Should've man up and answered our questions then," he replied whilst stretching for a soft cushion, "she got what she deserved."

"We'd asked Cleria so many embarrassing questions though," Roygun groaned out a little, holding the side of her head, "she would rather knock herself out than give us teasing material."

He's aware of Roygun's half-dazed stare and flushed cheeks, but she was still stable enough to hold a conversation. "Hangovers are temporary, teasing is eternal."

He carefully lifted his cousin's head. He hushed Cleria when began to stir, but stopped halfway. Once she went back to her nap, he swiftly placed a cushion underneath her, softening her landing.

"I'm impressed. You drank the must, but you don't show any signs of intoxication," Roygun studied him carefully, "I was expecting you to be on Cleria's shoes as well. High tolerant?"

He snapped his fingers as light-blue flames began dancing at the tip of his digits, "Senjutsu."

"Ooh. You cheated."

"All's fair in love and war."

"That's no good. You shouldn't do that," she poked his cheek, "this was a silly game between us, so you'll only get a slap on the wrist. But play dirty on something big and competitive and you'll get in deep trouble. You'd be stripped from your rank, lose the respect of your audience, get shunned by your family, and…"

As her voice trailed off, her eyes were looking right at him, but not really, "And you'd lose… everything."

"…"

"Congratulations for making it through," the pink-haired recovered, "I'd do a toast to commemorate the moment… but our last source of alcohol is gone. I'll make sure to give you a gift when you return, though."

That was his cue, "We can exchange gifts then," just as he said that he summoned a pink box wrapped in a ribbon. He shook it encouragingly, "I'll go first."

Roygun cocked her head to the side, but absentmindedly accepted the gesture, "What's this?"

"A box."

She shot him an exhausted glare, "Don't play smarty pants on me. What's inside?"

"Open it and you'll see."

Roygun grabbed the gift and moved it near her ear. She shook it gently a few times, rattling whatever was inside. Empty-handed, she met his eyes with a dubious smile, "Okay, what are you plotting?"

"Nothing," he replied.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Be more genuine."

"Can you stop being suspicious and just open it?"

"I'm scared," she admitted.

"There's nothing inside!"

"So it's empty?"

"Now who's the smartass?" He almost facepalmed, "what I mean is that there's nothing alarming inside. It's a genuine gift, not a prank. I promise."

"Fine—I'll open it. But I'll get mad if a bug crawls out!" with a final warning, she placed the gift atop her thighs, mentally readying herself.

Once she gathered enough courage, Roygun gradually tugged off the pink ribbon—as if she was treating a homemade bomb than a present.

With the ribbon out of the way, she wasted no time in lifting it open. Once her sights adjusted to its insides, she gasped.

"T-This…" she laced her hands around it, relishing its texture. The current of nostalgia felt like a slap to the face—her mind automatically envisioning all the fond memories she created in the past.

The golden age—that's how she would call it.

"Danhauser," Roygun recovered slightly, holding up the fabric, "this is…"

"Your dress," he finished for her, "the very same dress you wore back when you were in the Top Ten. You always stole glances on that, you know?"

"How… how did you find it?"

Danhauser patted his snoring cousin and Roygun scoffed lightly, "Of course—she had to be somehow involved on this."

"Cleria takes the credit of meddling around the house and scavenging everywhere," he snitched out, "It was also a bit dirty—but the washing machine made it as new as you bought."

"You're wrong about that," Roygun brought the fabric close to her nose and inhaled it, "I made it myself."

He stared at her in awe, "That's actually amazing," he complimented her, "you have natural talent."

"Dresses are not my only specialty, my dear," she said innocently, fanning herself, "From corsets, and negligees to cover the upper body, to panties, garters, and all manner of stockings to cover the lower body... maybe we could head upstairs and I would model for you, how does that sound?"

He couldn't help it. After hearing her suggestion, his brain automatically created scenarios of the woman in front of him posing in lingerie.

And with a body like that…

Damn hormones.

The offer was tempting, but he knew what she was plotting, "Throughout their careers, all the Top Ten had built fearsome reputations across Ars Goetia—even outside its walls. The Blue Phoenix. The Devil Dragon Saint. The Upsetting Sorcerer. The Lord of the Bottomless Pit. The Evil Tail…. The Emperor." He met her gaze, "but you? You took the cake. The Worldbreaker. The Devil Who Shakes the World…"

"And none of them were cute," Roygun sighed dramatically, "is it really complicated to come up with a nickname that does any justice to my good looks?"

"Maybe because there are no words to describe your beauty?"

Roygun cringed, "We need to work with your flattery. They are awful."

"My conquests says otherwise."

"Oh? Your 'conquests'?" she invoked the air quotes, "Is the High Priestess already wrapped around your little finger?"

"She loves playing as the hard-to-get. But her act is losing credibility."

She rolled her eyes, but the smile never faded, "Huh-huh."

"Your dress. Why hide it?"

Her mood dwindled down to a trickle. Her own answer was hesitant on the tip of her tongue. "Because Roygun Belphegor, the Second-Ranker of the Rating Games, is gone," It's been too long since she'd said her name with shame, "she no longer exists. There's no point in exposing it in broad daylight. It's for the best for everyone to let her legacy slowly rot away."

"But you brought it all the way here from the Underworld," he said, "with that mentality, why not just get rid of it instead of keeping it? There's something you're not telling me."

She cocked her head to laugh, thankfully not loud enough to not disturb Cleria's peace.

A moment later, she released a long sigh, "It's difficult to move on."

He felt a tug on his heartstrings as his gaze softened, "You have to."

"I know but… I can't help but continue looking back," a thought popped in the shape of a light bulb. Roygun faced him with a wide smile, "Hey, wouldn't it be amazing to travel back in time?"

"Just to repeat the same mistake?"

"Obviously with foreknowledge."

"Foreknowledge means nothing without the abilities to back it up."

"You have to build new memories."

Roygun curved an eyebrow, "Build new memories?"

"We are Devils. Our lifespan is huge—just look at Zekram," he explained, "The most engaging thing you've ever done in Kuoh was playing a game of Truth or Drink," he watched Roygun tilt her head back and hid her face with a cushion, "that happened today."

Her moan was muffled by the small pillow.

"… A dumb black cat once told me to let go and live the moment… I believe, just for this occasion, she has a good point."

"Then this 'dumb cat' no doubt must be living in paradise."

Danhauser snorted, "I doubt that," he disagreed, "but that's how it is. We have to replace unpleasant memories with new pleasant ones."

She tossed the pillow away from her face as a weak groan fled from her lips, "Let's say I follow your advice. Where should I start then? I'm all ears."

"Glad you asked. You can start in the Underworld," this could be the first time he saw her eyes widen like dishes, "I want you to come with me."

Her mouth remained open until she forced her jaw shut, "Danhauser… you can't be serious."

"I am," he said, "don't you think it's about time you take a breather from this town and enjoy the beauty of Ars Goetia?"

"You don't seem particularly excited."

"No way, I'm actually excited!"

Roygun deadpanned, "You're lying."

"Okay, it's a half-truth," he corrected her, "I wouldn't mind going to Ars Goetia if it's to visit my family and Sairaorg."

She smiled, "That's nice of you, but I still don't understand why I should go as well."

"Because it's written all over your face," Danhauser called her out, "you want to go back."

"… Even if I returned, I'd end up on the streets," Roygun said, "I don't have a place to call home. Not anymore."

"You like worrying over petty things, don't you?" he said, "you're obviously living with us."

"Danhauser, your brother hates me. He will not accept me."

"Even if you're in his blacklist, he will not kick you out," he assured her, "you have my word."

She bit her lower lip. How it all fell on silence afterward was an indirect nudge to make a decision.

Maybe this was it. The slight, glimmer of hope that was sprouting in this place surrounded by darkness.

"I'm really grateful for what you two are doing," Roygun started with a smile, "I really am… but I can't. It's over for me."

It was all nothing but naivete thinking from her—she should've known better. From all the years of experience, she gathered as once a resident of the Extra Demons to one of the Remaining Pillars, was that dreams of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, all these noble ideals and promises of a brighter future—they were never meant for her.

She heard the long sign coming from Danhauser, "You're free to make your choice, but didn't you'd just say that you miss it?"

She replied with a sluggish shrug, putting the nonchalant act on show, "Who cares what I say. No one wants me there anyway."

"That's not true. I'd love to have you with us, Uncle Coda and Ruval too," standing up, Danhauser dusted his pants, "It'd be a lie if I say that this is your one and only chance. Unlike Cleria, you're not banned from Ars Goetia and can return and leave as much as you want. But if it counts for anything, I wouldn't be able to keep you company."

Afterward, he carefully picked up the unconscious form of his cousin, "These are my two cents, but you should give it a shot," he encouraged. "Not trying to be mean, but you said it yourself—you lost everything. You have nothing to lose by trying."

"…"

"Goodnight, Roygun," After wishing her sweet dreams, he reached for the stairs while keeping his cousin secured in his grasp.

Once he arrived at her room, he pushed the door open with her shoe before gently laying her on the bed.

As he covered her on the sheets, he began to think.

Danhauser was adamant that nothing wrong would happen throughout the holiday, no outside forces hijacking their defenses throughout the event.

Diodora was behind the bars and the Old Satan Faction dissolved. These two main forces were responsible for drilling through Ars Goetia's walls and launching a large-scale attack afterward, only for their goals to be thwarted when a particular Pawn succumbed to the Juggernaut Overdrive.

That's how it was written in the Light Novels, in this universe they were not even close to scratch Ars Goetia.

For a decent amount of time, the future of the Remaining Pillars was saved from harm.

Unless Loki decided to become a headache sooner, but Azazel seemed confident about pushing the Nordic God back into a wall.

But this was the God of Mischief—who knows how many tricks he had on his sleeve.

And yet—for an odd reason—a part of him wished Azazel somehow failed.

It sickened him to have such thoughts.

But absentmindedly, he wanted to pursue this experience.

The party Tobio had dropped at his restaurant a week ago? He wanted to let go. To scream and act crazy, and maybe he would if Kuroka didn't interrupt his private session.

When they were surrounded by troops of the Old Maou along with Shalba and Katerea, he didn't feel the same emotions he had when he had his first clash against the Wizards of Oz. When he escaped from Walburga who wielded a Longinus that spitted holy fire—the kryptonite of all Devils.

Or when the Witch of the East almost stole his life. He felt fear back then.

But this time, it was different. Where he went for a fully committed "hail Mary pass" against the Old Maou and pull it off…

Thinking of it made him glow from the inside out.

The rush from winning with a small chance of surviving…

The question was when? In the Anti-Satan Faction day?

The smile that cracked his face remained there as he exited Cleria's room. He stood in the corridor right in time to locate Roygun entering her room to call it a night—clutching her gift in one hand.

Cleria may be disappointed by the news after doing her best to do her part—she was looking forward to bid them both a bon voyage.

He didn't know if he had to try a bit hard in his persuasion or leave it there—but it is what it is.

"No point in dwelling on it anymore," Danhauser muttered as he moved to where his room was located, "I need to get ready."

This was it. Unlike his previous visits, this was his official debut to Ars Goetia. Where his face would finally be exposed to the public and recognized… probably in a bad spotlight.

He knew the constant change that the Remaining Pillars was going from the gossips he gathered within the Bael Castle during his stopovers and thanks to Diehauser keeping him updated once in a while, but he still felt that something was missing—as if all this information he gathered was only the tip of the iceberg.

He needed to be present to feel the change of his homeplace.

But no matter what skeleton was found in the closet, it won't stop him from what he had been fighting for. He was given a role to fight, not as a hero but as an heir walking a path that was preordained by the stars.

But was this the fate of Clan Belial? To once again rise and return to their previous title, gowned on a crown and sitting on a throne? Or to succumb to their actions and become nothing but a stain splattered on the pages of history?

… Or to become something greater and superior, and more difficult than what they were before?

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If you reached the end of the chapter, chances are that the electricity commission took out the lights of the whole city. Hurricane Delta is going to the city I live and its gonna leave some damage. So, I decided to quickly tweak this chapter, apologies if you find any grammatical errors. I'll reupload the chapter once it's fixed.

Are you guys looking forward to Sairaorg? No? Ok.

How about Malacoda? No? Ok.

Clan Belial? Ingvild? A new character?

I dunno who hyped the return to Ars Goetia, I didn't... I think. You all are excited because of Danhauser vs Sairaorg. I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda hyped as well, but not because of that fight.

If I didn't say it before, I'll say it now. I hate writing fights so much. For real.

Then again, that's what I get for writing fanfic whose genre is Harem and Shonen.

But I'll promise, I'll do my best to make this fight and future fight epic as well. However, keep in mind that some fights are meant to be short or end ASAP. Just throwing this here.

My excitement comes mostly from what I'm about to do with Clan Belial, Danhauser, and the whole Underworld.

Just thinking about it makes me happy.

As usual, thank you for your support everyone. Makes me happy to see that everyone is safe. I send you all a virtual hug.

Also, since there's a big chance that I will once again update so late, I wish you all a happy Halloween, a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year...! Let's hope 2021 becomes nicer...

Let's hope we reach 2021, to begin with.

Cheers!

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Life.11: Welcome to Ars Goetia.