Life.11: Welcome to Ars Goetia

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Calcabrina almost dropped out of her seat, "Labor?! Isn't a Lord and Lady supposed to only collect tithes and taxes from its state…?"

Lord Bael remained unfazed by her outburst, "That was in the past, Lady Belial," he said, "It was decided that the hierarchy system must be adjusted since the King Piece Riot. The people voted for six Houses to promote into a Great House, the Four Great Maous agreed with their demands. Now, only Noble Houses can live by collecting taxes from their citizen. Meanwhile, Les… Vassal Houses are expected to collect tithes, taxes… and labor. Look forward to more changes in the future."

"I have a job now," the Emperor, Diehauser Belial, objected, "Isn't that enough to cover that point in question?"

"It was discussed by my Clan," Lord Bael spun the pen between his fingers, "You are now the President of the Rating Game Committee, correct? I applaud that you found a job that had connections with your hobby, but that is a side job that you personally took along with the remaining Top Ten. It doesn't benefit the Great King Faction in the slightest. Clan Belial is still unemployed."

Diehauser stayed silent.

"… There's no way out, isn't it?" Calcabrina hung her head low, fists clenched, "… Fine. We will work on the field," she whispered, mostly to herself, "Belial Estate has prosperous and bountiful lands for crops…"

"You don't get to choose," his blunt words made her jerk up, wide-eyed, "Great Houses are the ones in charge to pick the grunt work of the Vassal Houses."

Lacking words to counterattack, Calcabrina resisted throwing a fit, "Fine. What will it be then?"

Lord Bael left them in suspense, letting his eyes settle over the heir of Clan Belial who hadn't shared his thoughts on the matter at hand. Lord Bael doubted the brat was paying any attention at all.

A better look and he noticed the sixteen-year-old boy was entranced on the table, gazing at nothing but space. Those grey orbs lacked spark.

"Clan Belial is full of monsters," Lord Bael finally spoke, turning back to the grown people, "It'd be a fool's gambit to waste that immense strength by yielding food, fuel, wool, or any other resources that can be easily handled by Vassal Households that lack muscle. It has been decided by Clan Bael that your House will be the Great King's personal knight, and will be summoned into battle once war—!"

Calcabrina silenced him by slamming a fist on the table, her eyes shadowed by her jet-black hair, "No."

"You are not in a position to disobey," Lord Bael reminded her.

She slowly dragged her nails on the table, the piercing sound it made brought a chill to his spine, "My children are not your personal weapons."

"… Do not argue against orders," Lord Bael sneered back, "do not ask for explanations. Just follow them. That's what a vassal does."

At this point, it didn't matter how much they negotiated to change their future for a decent one—Lord Bael was headstrong to manipulate their fate.

They were pushed to a corner. Diehauser didn't want to do this, but they needed to resort to the alternative way to escape from their grip.

"Then we're leaving," he'd withdrawn all the attention of the room, "we refuse to be part of the Great King Faction."

Lord Bael stared at him, incredulously, "You are bluffing."

"Give us a date, Lord Bael," but the Emperor wasn't joking, family matters were not jokes, "A date. Tell us the day and we'll get off your backs."

The door suddenly opened, "Now, we can't have that," a familiar voice said, "I believe we can all come with an arrangement that suits and solves all of our issues."

"G-Great King!" Lord Bael left his seat to face his ancestor, "I thought you were waiting…!"

"Apologies, Lord Bael," Zekram crooked a smile, "The silence in the main room was growing suffocating, loneliness has never been my forte," he turned to both Lady and Lord Belial, "we meet again, Clan Belial."

The only response he received from Calcabrina was the piercing daggers from her red eyes.

Diehauser's mouth fell into a grim line, "Great King."

Zekram turned briefly to the heir, "Prince Danhauser?"

"…" The words didn't register. The heir still kept looking on the table. Looking at nothing. Lost on his mind.

He then patted the shoulder of his descendant, "You did a wonderful job, Lord Bael," the Great King offered praise, "but it seems we will walk in circles if we keep headbutting one another. Allow me to try my hand. Please, let us take a sit."

Reluctantly, both Lord Bael and Belial returned to their chairs, with the new addition of Zekram.

"Now," everyone tensed when the keen-eyed and unblinking elder studied the room, "Clan Belial is more than qualified for the job. By accepting, the household will have to serve as a soldier of the Bael State in the event of an emergency, but at the same time, you will all receive various special privileges, and promotion to Noble House will become possible. Knowing this, are you still adamant about your retirement?"

"We're not changing our minds," Diehauser wasn't easily persuaded, "We understand that we can get expelled from the Great King Faction for resisting orders of our superior. And we are willing to pay for it."

"And there's nothing wrong with that. You are allowed to resign if you can't adapt to your unfortunate circumstances," Zekram pointed out, "However if you choose this path… then I hope you understand the consequences of your actions."

At those last words, Danhauser missed a beat.

Diehauser slowly nodded, "The Great King Faction will take the liberty of relieving us from our belongings which include the whole Belial Estate with its territories."

"That's a way to surmise it, yes," Zekram signaled Lord Bael with a finger's snap, "Give the Emperor the resignation papers."

Lord Bael stared, wide-eyed, "But Great—!"

"Do it, Lord Bael."

Lord Bael squared his jaw, picking up his suitcase that was left leaning on his chair and opening it.

"Humor me, Emperor. After severing ties with us, what follows?" Zekram inquired as his descendant rummaged through a thousand important paper sheets, "What is your strategy? You and your family are painted as the black sheep of Ars Goetia along with us. The Diehauser Belial Intrusion which hijacked television broadcasts isn't old news yet and the other new Great Houses won't take you under their wings," elbows atop the table, Zekram intertwined his fingers, "a House, whether a vassal or not, must serve under a Great House. That's a new law."

"Then we're leaving Ars Goetia as well."

The room had become very still. Even Lord Bael ceased the incessant rummage of his suitcase.

Danhauser's face drained of color and stared at his brother and mother in horror. This was a turn he had not been privy to, and his mind reeled at its implications.

"I see," said Zekram, finally. Danhauser couldn't figure if the elder hid his shock on that mask of stoicism or the man simply was unimpressed, "that's a bold declaration—bigger than abandoning the faction of a Great House."

Lord Bael recovered with a smirk, "By renouncing the Remaining Pillars is also abandoning your title as the Rating Game Champion and being unable to play any matches," he brought forth a specific sheet of paper that came from his suitcase, "Do you accept this?"

Calcabrina looked over her eldest son, concerned.

Diehauser already made up his mind, "So be it."

The smirk of Lord Bael soured as he placed the document on the table with a pen.

The Emperor, lady, and heir leaned forward to look upon the letter. It had the purpure-crest of Bael. They spotted a space where the signature goes if they accepted the terms.

"Then you have nowhere else to go other than the City of Dis," the Belial family heard Zekram swinging his sharp tongue while they continue reading, "that is where your father Matanbuchus is living, isn't it? On that citadel is governed by the Six Houses that served Clan Lucifer. That place is a gang war, Emperor. Lucifer Six has been fighting control for over a decade now—with Lucifuge Clan five steps ahead of the competition. That place is where the Original Lucifer kept all his treasures… with all the riches in the Underworld, and has the weakest military. Are you still willing to proceed in this path?"

Diehauser looked up from the document, "Yes."

"Very well. Maybe with your presence there, City of Dis would change its morals and laws for the greater good," Zekram fired an honest smile, "It almost slipped my mind. Aside from what Lord Bael had said, quitting Ars Goetia comes with other great costs."

The Belial family said nothing, waiting.

"Emperor Belial. Your strength equals the actual Four Great Satans. But politically speaking, you hold the rank of a High-Class Devil in Ars Goetia," Zekram rubbed salt on the wound, "Your rank has been stripped a while ago."

Diehauser glowered at him, "And…?"

A dangerous glint flashed from the violet orbs of Zekram, "If you insist on taking this route, you will lose your status as a High-Class Devil. None of you won't demote to Middle nor Low-Class Devil. You'll automatically drop to rank-less."

"Rank-less…?" Danhauser for the first time, spoke quietly, eyes wide in realization, "then that means…!"

Zekram glared at the heir, "If a Middle-Class Devil isn't permitted to own Evil Pieces, then why should a Devil with no rank whatsoever have a set of their own?"

"…"

Zekram glanced at the clock on the wall, "Dear oh dear, would you look at the time? I believe we overstayed our welcome," both ancestor and descendant rose from the chairs, "We appreciate the time you spent to hear us out. Keep the document and the penconsider the latter as a gift. Take the time to reflect on this conversation, we will pay another visit in a few days to hear your choice. Whichever outcome you may see fit, Clan Bael will do its best to support your goals and save you from the paperwork. Please, think wisely of your decisions."

As they locked the door behind them, the Belial family listened in deep silence the footsteps slowly growing faint as time passed.

Danhauser left his seat and chased after them—ignoring the calls of his mother.

"Great King, wait!" The heir shouted as he pushed the door open, rushing downstairs.

Luckily, he managed to stop them with his yell, "Prince Danhauser," Zekram greeted as the gray-haired stood a meter away from them, "What's the matter? You have any doubts?"

"… Arrest me."

"Pardon me?"

"Arrest me," Danhauser repeated, a bit loudly, "put me in behind the bars. Weeks, months, or even years. I don't care for how long. I am the one who screwed up everything, I should be the one getting punished … not all my household."

"Grasping straws today aren't we?" Zekram muttered while adjusting the lapels of his noble attire, "Don't be ridiculous. House Bael gets nothing by taking you into custody. It would only increase the wrath of your Clan."

"… My family wasn't part of this game, Great King. We both know this," Danhauser clenched his fists, "This is between you and me. Let them go. Please."

Finally, the merest hint of an icy smile turned the corner of Zekram's mouth, "Very well."

Danhauser kept his excitement in check. He knew that Zekram wouldn't do this for free. This wasn't charity, he was a man who negotiated. A Devil.

He was plotting something—to the point that not even Lord Bael didn't bicker at the generosity and empathy of his ancestor.

"This is what I propose: Clan Belial will be a King, your brother gets promoted and no one will lose their peerage," Zekram offered a handshake, "In exchange, you will bring Cleria Belial to get executed immediately. Do you accept?"

A knot tied in Danhauser's throat. He didn't move an inch.

"Depending on your answer here, it would've changed the future drastically," the elder retracted his hand, "But, we both know what your answer would be. You lack courage."

The words felt like a slap to the face that stung.

"You can't have everything and face no consequences whatsoever, that's not how the world works," Zekram leaned forward to the younger devil, whispering as if sharing a secret. "A penalty was inevitable the moment you sacrificed the 'many' for the 'few', when it should've been the other way aroundthe 'few', for the 'many'."

"…"

"Why did you save her?"

"Because she's family," the heir croaked out.

"Duty to your household must always overshadow love to the family," Zekram straight up his posture, "the only connections you are allowed to develop are engagements that can benefit your ascension to power. The rest will only blind your growth."

"… I'll not betray my family. That is all."

"Hmm. Regardless of your ideals that you so cherish… a choice must be made," Zekram pressured him, "the clock is in your grasp and is ticking, Prince Danhauser. What will it be? Will you escape from your blunders and abandon the peerage that fought alongside you? Or will you amend your mistakes like a man?"

"…"

"Danhauser Belial. It's up to you to decide whether or not you will do it. Yes, you will decide for yourself. I'm offering you the possibility to fix everything or to run away. Will you end your days in despair and cowardice? Or will you seek the possibilities and bow to the Great King? If the possibility is there, you should move forward in order to win back what you've lost… even if the way ahead is through a river of mud. The world does not offer second chances often either, Prince Danhauser. Make the right decision."

Falling to his knees, the heir could only hopelessly watch the two adults walked away.

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A haunting memory of vivid hue flashed before his eyes. An exchange that signaled the beginning of a new chapter. When faint cinders ignited his chest that made Danhauser and his servants go to separate ways to train for four years straight.

Diehauser wanted to leave. To disappear. At the same time, he didn't want to abandon the peerage that bowed loyalty to him. The same people that helped him on his climb to become the Rating Game Champion.

But still, the spark of optimism that was within the Emperor believed that they could fool and escape the Remaining Pillars while still keeping their servants.

Danhauser didn't want to risk it. They've lost so much in the aftermath of the King Piece Scandal that he refused to gamble it.

Who'd wanted to escape the most was their mother. With or without peerage. She was desperate. While she was grateful that the servants of her children remained loyal to the end… the safety and future of her only babies would always be her priority.

But the Belial brothers formed a bond with each peerage member. To them, they were more than servants.

In the end, they kneeled before the golden law of Clan Bael—which in turn the surname 'Belial' became an honorific given to the family charged with protecting the Great King.

With Danhauser mostly doing the dirty work—answering the calls of their superior when they wanted to summon him in the Underworld.

"It's the least I could do after humiliating his Clan," at first, it all started with working as a bodyguard for the Great King Faction while members of Bael tried to desperately protect their rank and reputation from the opposition.

But years passed, and, since then, things went downhill—when Danhauser accepted the arts of deception and infiltration by acting as a double agent with the sole purpose of spying over the Old Satan Faction.

That only earned him the disapproving and horrified reactions of his brother and mother.

He was a pro at making everyone disappointed—he thought.

The plan turned out to be great though, Danhauser succeeded in capturing Diodora and Bael took credit from it—which gave the Great House a few pats on the back by the public eye of Ars Goetia. They were even on broadcast media. They were the center of attention. The shining stars of the Remaining Pillars.

But then, the Vatican Invasion happened and the rest was history.

To him, these rules had so many holes than a block of swiss cheese. Danhauser knew a Devil that had his own set of pieces and wasn't even a citizen of the Remaining Pillars—Mephisto Pheles.

He doubted Zekram forgot about Mephisto, most likely he preferred to not engross himself on that trivia.

But for the safety and respect he had on Mephisto and his Queen, Danhauser kept his lips sealed. He wouldn't gain anything other than a pat on the back from Clan Bael and the disappointment and betrayal look of Lavinia, Mephisto, and Tannin.

But, he could at least ask the Grauzauberer Chairman about it.

Danhauser blinked away any remnants that remained orbiting around his head and looked over the sheet of paper that slept in his grasp. The invitation to participate in the upcoming party of the Bael Castle.

A knock on his door stole his attention, "not wasting any second, are you?"

It was Cleria and she's hugging two dresses.

Mission accomplished—he thought, "I'm just double-checking. My suitcase was done since yesterday," he pocketed his invitation as Cleria invited herself to his bedroom. He smiled knowingly at her occupied hands, "It wasn't that hard, was it?"

"Like fish in a barrel," Cleria boasted as she gave him the merchandise, "didn't break a sweat even!"

If she successfully recovered Roygun's famous dress, he had faith Cleria's keen eye could find something suitable for Jeanne and Valerie.

"So?" Cleria rubbed her hands enthusiastically, waiting for his reaction, "What do you think? Am I a lifesaver now?"

He thoroughly inspected both dresses by spreading them on the bed, and replied, "Credit where credit is due. You have a fine taste of fashion. Thanks, they're going to love it."

"It's nothing~!" She puffed her chest in pride, "Anything for my future cousins-in-law~!"

He rolled his eyes as he folded the dress and laid it on his suitcase. As Danhauser took off his luggage from the bed, he heard Cleria clearing her throat.

She was leaning on her hip, tapping an impatient foot on the floor.

"What?" he asked and she pouted.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked expectantly, "I dunno, something important…?"

It took a split second to catch on, "So impatient," he dropped his suitcase and pulled her in a hug, "Take care. We'll stay in touch."

A groan escaped from her lips, "Ugh, you suck at this. At least put emotions behind your words," she embraced him back, "So stiff. I wanna see you sobbing on my shoulder."

"I'll do my best next time, but no promises!" He pulled back, gripping her shoulders, "between us? I never liked saying goodbye."

"Whatever," she gave him a playful push. "I didn't mind the hug, but that's not what I was talking about."

His brow bumped together in a scowl, "No? Then what is it?"

Cleria managed a deadpan expression, "Stop playing dumb. You know who I'm talking about." she then faced the entrance of his room, her hands cupping her mouth, "Roy! Get your ass moving!" her shouting tugged some of his heartstrings, but she failed to notice, "Danny's ditching you out!"

He looked the other away, acting as if he was still stuffing his suitcase. He spent days readying his travel back to the Underworld and made sure his peerage had everything ready that he totally forgot to share with Cleria the unfortunate news. Maybe his subconscious hoped that Roygun would tell her instead—but he was wrong.

"No way! Roy got eaten by the sheets again!" His cousin was watching the entrance unbelievingly, "ugh. Gimme a sec, Danny. I'll save her before Roy gives in to the bed's temptation!"

His cousin didn't even ask how it went—envisaging that he succeeded, "Cleria…" he touched her arm, gently drawing her closer, "Roygun isn't coming."

Instead of turning downcast or shocked, Cleria expressed her emotions with a frown, "Huh? Whatddya mean she isn't coming?" as always failing to read the room—he thought, "she was packing her bag this morning."

Or maybe Danhauser was in the dark instead, "Wait, packing? This morning?"

"Yup. You know how much of a lazybones Roy is—leaving everything on the last minute for Maou-knows-why," she then jabbed his stomach, "keep tabs on her for me. Despite her attitude, she's sensitive. You better rain hell to anyone who picks on her!"

He didn't register her words—his mind overworking to connect everything. "But she…"

"Who's ditching who?" Hearing footfalls stopping at the entrance, they both turned to the source. His heart skimmed a beat after capturing the unusual—yet jaw-dropping—sight.

It was Roygun who was standing on the corridor, a suitcase on her firmly in her grasp.

Everyone who looked at her knew she had the body a model would die for, a terrific voluptuous with a curvy and slender hourglass figure. Her famous attire never failed to accentuate her beauty. Her tall stature was further upgraded by her stilettos.

Her ensemble consisted of a red sequined strapless dress that revealed a lot of cleavage with a low back, sweetheart neckline, and high thigh slit that exposed one of her supplied legs.

He'd seen her on multiple occasions on the screen and once in person when she'd confessed utilizing a King Piece. But because of the drastic situation, he never had the favorable circumstances to gawk at her.

But—just for this occasion—the world bent to his favor this time. Nothing was there to stop him from enjoying the view.

"… It still fits me," Roygun was the first to break the silence, tucking a few pink locks behind her ear. He noticed the opera gloves that reached her elbows. "Well, Danhauser? Is it everything you dreamed?"

His gaze traveled over her visible, single eye—the other covered by the side-bangs of her long and wavy pink hair. He tried to respond to her, but no words fled from his mouth.

He knew he shouldn't keep a lady waiting—especially when the latter was fishing out for a compliment—but he was way too stunned to speak properly.

Thankfully, she didn't interpret his silence as an insult. Her growing smirk was all the assurance he needed, "Yes, that would be the usual reaction."

"Can't blame him though," Cleria circled her friend, scanning her from head to toes, "You actually look hot!"

Roygun jutted out her hip with a smile, "Tell me something I don't know."

"Yeah well… normally I'd be on board with that, but you two got a train to catch," Cleria pulled both of them in a bear hug, "I'll miss you lots, idiots! Punch a noble in the face for me, pretty please~!"

Danhauser rubbed her back, "You call that a goodbye?" he scoffed.

"Shut up."

Just as Cleria released them Roygun spoke, "Where's our first stop, Danhauser?"

"Tobio's bar," Danhauser replied while keeping a wary eye on her, "My peerage is waiting there. After that, straight to the Underworld."

Roygun felt a shiver across her spine but still beamed, "Back to our roots," she breathed out, "it's been so long… I can't shrug off these feelings that—look! My hands are even shaking!"

She showed him the back of her hands to prove her point and he chuckled, "I feel you. We're about to swim with the sharks."

Roygun's nervousness was infectious. For now, Danhauser was cool-headed. But sooner or later, he was fated to share her symptoms the moment he was around high-ranking lords.

"Mm-hmm. And whose fault would that be?" Roygun brushed a few strands of grey hair from Danhauser's temple, "You roped me into this, you know? So, take responsibility, okay?"

His stare remained fixed on her visible eye, "Why the sudden change?"

Roygun still kept that smile firm to her face, but her orbs answered instead.

Later.

Danhauser sighed, "Get closer, we're leaving," just as he said that, Danhauser invoked a magic circle underneath them. "We're getting off your backs now, Cleria. Take care"

"Don't do anything stupid!" Cleria kept waving until they disappeared in a flash of lights.

Humming one of her favorites songs, she casually strolled out of the room in search of any possible signs of Danhauser or Roygun. Who knows? Maybe they'd forgotten something.

"Coast is clear!" once Cleria confirmed she was the only soul sailing on the house, she made her final stop on the main room and stretched out with a cheer, "Finally~!"

Cleria collapsed on the sofa with a content sigh, "All this fortress mine and mine only."

Bu just as Cleria reached out for the controller, her devil instincts acted up—stopping her dead in her tracks.

A strange light came outside her window, forcing her to take cover on the floor.

Crouching close to the wall, she peeked through the window to find the culprit. A magic circle far different from Danhauser appeared on the streets and close to her house's entrance. It made her wonder if it caught the attention of any neighbors.

Aside from the divine color, it had strange symbols that she couldn't place a finger on it. She didn't recall any Clan of Ars Goetia that shared those exotic sigils.

The aura radiated… even behind walls, she could feel it kissing her skin. It felt almost poisonous. It had that same effect whenever that Asia girl walked nearby with her small holy cross hanging on her neck… but ten times worse.

This… this was neither Danhauser nor Roygun—not even a Pure Devil.

Thankfully the light stopped once an extremely beautiful woman with blonde hair stepped out of her teleportation circle. She wore white robes that accentuated her flabbergasting figure and a golden belt that kept her dress secured. With that dressing code and inhuman beauty, she could be a goddess from the Greco-Roman pantheon.

Cleria could feel her body sweating uncontrollably once the golden halo above the woman's head released a faint aura.

That's when realization dawned on her. An Angel was in her front yard.

And Cleria was on the newcomer's field of vision, waving enthusiastically at her.

Cleria quickly ducked down and leaned against the wall. She sneaked a hand to her chest, trying to cease the rapid beating of her heart through trembling breaths.

She couldn't do this alone, she needed help.

A gentle knock came from the door, startling her. So fast! "Do not be afraid," the blonde seemed to read her emotional state—even if the door stood between them, "I am not here to cause any harm."

Her voice was like a lullaby—it brought her peace. But she still couldn't move her numbed legs, "W-Who are you?" she stuttered, "What do you want…?"

"I am Gabriel," Cleria's eyes almost rocketed out of her sockets, "a messenger of Heaven. You must be Cleria Belial, correct?"

Taking the time to recover from her visible shock, Cleria gulped loudly. "… M-maybe."

Cleria could hear the enthusiast clapping behind the door. "I'm happy we finally meet!"

"Same…?" Cleria drawled, unsure what to reply. The gears on her brain were trying to put two and two together. Why someone of a high-status in Heaven would unexpectedly appear out of nowhere to surprise a Pure Devil?

Call her stupid, but Cleria doubted Gabriel was here to kill her.

If so, why introduce yourself? The Angel could just pour down a dozen of light-spears from the sky and turn the house in ashes and call it a day.

That's when she remembered that Gabriel and Archangel Michael had a private session with her cousin minutes before the meeting between the Biblical Leaders started. The gathering that supposedly was to bring the Three Factions in harmony.

Maybe Gabriel wasn't here for her—but Danny.

Danny told her that they ended on a positive note and left it like that. But—as of right now—there's more to their previous talk than meets the eye. Maybe Danny left a good impression on them, hence the Seraph paying a visit.

Or he was being vague about it so she wouldn't pester him.

Hmph! Asshole.

"Um. Can I come in, please?" The quiet cough of the Seraph knocked her back to the present, "I'd love to continue our conversation face-to-face. Or are you not decent?"

Cleria weighed her options and rubbed her face, "… Okay," she stood once her legs were operating properly, "gimme a second…"

Cleria grumbled as she searched for the keys in her pats. The keys jangled in her trembling fingers and she dropped them twice, before jiggling the right one into the lock and twisted the door open.

How much Cleria regretted her actions.

She was directly facing the Messenger of Heaven now.

They didn't exchange words, nor did they moved a muscle. Gabriel just looked at her with genuine curiosity.

Cleria didn't know what to do. She was out of her safe zone—like a fish out of her fishpond. Talking with the enemy of her species wasn't Cleria's forte! If she was in Danny's or Diehauser's shoes, what would apply in this situation?

"Wait, but stay wary," Easier said than done, Cleria didn't share the ridiculous strength as the Belial brothers to rely upon self-defense. And even if she tagged along with Danny and his pain-in-the-ass training routine, it wouldn't be sufficient to be Gabriel's equal.

She was just the headmaster of a former all-girl school, fuck's sake!

Cleria changed her plans and stuck on studying the woman before her. Gabriel looked a bit pale, and her cheeks rosy—as if the climate's temperature was getting under her skin. The bags under her pure, green eyes were also easy to spot.

Despite looking like she caught an allergy, Gabriel somehow remained breathtaking.

Her bazongas were huge by the way—she could easily unthrone Roygun. And she'd been carrying those since what? Since the first man breathed life? Her lack of back pain was just a testament to her power.

In rapture because of her Satan-Class breasts, Cleria didn't even notice when Gabriel edged closer. She inhaled a sharp breath once the Angel held one of her hands to squeeze it gently.

"So soft—like holding wool."

"Thank you for receiving me," Someone didn't taught Gabriel about personal space, "Forgive me for arriving with no prior warning beforehand… but it was for the best..."

Cleria laughed awkwardly, "All good!" she tried to excel confidence through her trembling voice, "r-really! You only caught me with my pants down! That's all!"

Gabriel tilted her head to the side, "Hmm? Your pants look fine to me."

"I-It means that you caught me by surprise."

"Oh!" Cleria could picture a light bulb above Gabriel's head, "I understand now!"

"Yeah…"

A sad smile surfaced on Gabriel's lips, "You're scared," she gently let go of Cleria's hand, "what occurred four years ago… it's engraved in your memories, isn't it?"

Cleria fixated on an item of furniture, "I've… never seen the main act. I was hiding that time. All I know is that Danny got in the way them before they could… could…" she swallowed her words, "I'm indebted to him."

"I don't think so," that smile of hers now flourished, "your cousin doesn't expect any kind of repayment from you. In fact, seeing you alive is more than enough to him."

"Don't care. I'm still gonna pay that idiot back."

Gabriel coughed a giggle, "You and Daniel are close."

Cleria blinked owlishly. Daniel? Danny was being subtle when he'd confirmed they buried the hatchet—they even had affectionate nicknames for each other! So Cute!

Cleria hoped Danny referred to Gabriel as 'Gabby'. If she was in his shoes, she would gladly do so.

But as much as she loved making up nicknames in her mind, they were straying from the matter at hand. Cleria doubted Gabriel was here to talk about the weather, "If you're here to see Danny, then you've missed the boat, Seraph Gabriel," she thumbed at the staircase, "Danny literally left minutes ago."

Gabriel pursed her lips, "I wanted to speak with both of you personally but after the outcome of our last exchange… I think it's better with you only."

What? Did the Seraph want to avoid her cousin?

But Danny assured her that everything went well…?

Gabriel looked down—seriously worried for a second—before staring at Cleria right in the eyes. "In these circumstances that we are living right now, we can't speak face-to-face," she lamented, "we are yet enemies according to our antecedents. The peace treaty was canceled and it continues to be postponed until further notice. When all that is needed is a single decree for each leader to end this animosity."

"Y-You're not gonna kill me, right?"

"No!" The Angel shook her head and the Devil released a relieving sigh. "I'm here for a different reason, Cleria," the resolve deep in Gabriel's tone didn't go unnoticed, "despite the glaring flaws that our factions have, I have faith that we can still coexist together. If Satanael, a Fallen Angel, and the Old Satan Faction could work together, why can't we?"

The gray-haired rubbed the back of her head. "… Because it's more complicated than it looks?"

Cleria didn't know if she hit the mark. She just uttered the first thing that crashed into her brain. She lacked knowledge of that department to give a plausible response.

"The Vatican Invasion also happened too, which only made things worse between us," Cleria quickly elaborated her lackluster answer, "… maybe we shouldn't stir up the hornet's nest for now?"

"Part of being a member of the Four Great Seraphs is the willingness to take some risks," Gabriel stated, "Think well about the situation, Cleria. Heaven bickered long against the Underworld, and for what? Now Khaos Brigade is upon us, we finally have a chance to change that. There is one objective that unites us all—to take down Khaos Brigade. Plain and Simple.

"I'd normally agreed with you, but…"

"If we don't put our ignorance aside… then it's a matter of time before the Khaos Brigade does something again to poison Heaven-Underworld relations…"

Cleria understood what Gabriel expected from her. Aside from Danny, she was the only Pure Devil that lived in the Human World that Gabriel interacted with—hence why the latter seek her out. But Kuoh had other Pure Devils, and they were open-minded. Sure, they would be caught off guard, but they would understand once they see the full picture.

Cleria jumped when Gabriel coughed roughly behind a fist—a hand on her chest to control her breathing. Before Cleria could help, Gabriel brought a hand up, "D-Don't worry about it!"

"You sure?" Cleria asked, worried, "That sounded ugly."

"Y-Yes," Gabriel's response came out strained as she cleared her throat, "I…I just keep forgetting about my condition. Thank you for your concern."

A tense silence soon enveloped them and Cleria knew it was her turn to talk. Gabriel was waiting for her decision.

"What about the Vatican?" Cleria returned to matters at hand.

Gabriel gave a reassuring smile, "Michael and the Pope are working on it—please have faith in them," her response was vague, but maybe she couldn't share it because of orders, "Cleria… will you help me?"

This was something that Danny wanted, right?

Peace.

Cleria rubbed the sides of her head and breathed heavily. "… I guess a change of pace could be good for once."

.


.

The Heir of Belial stared at the snoring, pink-haired Devil. Her head hung low and hidden by her long hair and sleep mask. Danhauser couldn't deduce how Roygun's sleep wasn't disturbed by the harsh movements of the train.

Roygun was nodding off. All she needed was a magnificent, large bubble expanding and shrinking for each snore and she was golden.

He truly wanted to know just what was transpiring in Roygun's dreams.

Letting Roygun enjoy her napping, he turned over his peerage members. Valerie was distracted on her new phone and given by the scowl adorning her features, she was struggling on something. while Siegfried sat beside her, admiring and polishing his demonic sword—Gram.

Bova oddly enough was moving in circles, muttering something under his breath. He probably was bored of sitting and doing nothing.

Jeanne was on her seat, sitting on her knees and sightseeing through the window, her eyes sparkling for each wonder that caught her interest.

He found her excitement cute. The Bible described the Underworld differently than it actually looked like. That alone piqued her curiosity tenfold.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to explore the Underworld never surged. The moment she was recruited on his peerage, she was sent off immediately to improve under the tutelage of Apex of Humanity—Vasco Strada.

But even after four years, that spark of inquiry hadn't disappeared at all. It only expanded.

"Boss! Got a second?"

"Yeah, I do. What's up, Tobio?"

"Not much, boss. Just wanted to be the first to congratulate you on your upcoming magician pact," he felt his mutated knight bump him on the shoulder, "you know how to adopt them!"

The cat was out of the bag now. "You got it wrong. Lavi adopted me."

"Sounds like her!" Tobio agreed, "But for real, though. You'd just made her day."

Danhauser curved an eyebrow, "Wait, really?"

"Yeah. All that happiness on the phone call we had wasn't an act," Tobio retorted, "I can tell when someone is faking emotions, and sure as hell, she wasn't."

"I know she wasn't faking," In fact, when he cut the deal, Danhauser was pulled in a tight embrace, "I witness it. I just expected her excitement to subdue after an hour or two."

"Getting a pact with a big shot Household is the dream of any magician," Tobio pointed out, "Lavi isn't an exception. It gives them freedom and access to more stuff."

Freedom.

Danhauser gave a lackluster smile, "My house isn't a big shot—not anymore."

"Oh, you will be," Tobio patted his shoulder, "You can count on it. Our return is gonna be a jaw-dropping Rating Game winning streak!"

"That's a promise. You better not back out on me."

"You just wait, boss," Slash Dog said confidently. "… With Vali suddenly acting distant and still lacking clues of her guardian and if—and only if—you had refused her contract would be like a damn losing streak… but I was worrying over nothing on the last part."

His brows dropped as Danhauser glanced at the window. The train was going at immense speed, but since the scenery was all about mountains, green lands, and robust trees—Danhauser wasn't missing much.

But still, it was like a paradise. If the Underworld looked like this, Danhauser wondered how the Garden of Eden would be like.

"Her legal guardian…" Danhauser repeated, "How long she's been looking under rocks? Since our first contact with the Wizards of Oz?"

"Way before we'd met her," the brunet responded, "not a single hint according to her. We're talking about years of searching and Lavi's still on square one."

With so much investment in that dream of hers, Danhauser pondered what would follow if she achieved it. He did recall that Lavi wanted to return her magician hat at Glinda—it was the latter's property after all.

But mostly, like a shred of evidence that Lavi became a great magician.

However, would it go as how Lavi envisioned? What if Glinda was evil all along? The world around Lavi would crumble if such news reached her ears, that's for sure.

It was stated by his Diehauser's Bishop—Aleister Crowley—that the possibility of Glinda's loyalty and connection to the Stray Magicians was a possibility.

Glinda was technically still part of Wizards of Oz after all. A small group of magicians from another world that invaded earth and sided with Satanael and the Utsusemi Agency.

Danhauser hoped he was wrong about Glinda's alignment and she was just like a double agent working alongside Mephisto Pheles.

"You have to respect that determination," Tobio sighed, "I'm still trying to figure out any whereabouts of Mount Huaguo, only to end up."

"Not even with Grigori's toys?"

"Nope. Not even with their high-tech. But it's fine, I'll just take some notes from Lavi and stay on the lookout. It's too early to throw in the towel now. Finding that place… It's the least I can do for my granny who is somewhere resting in Heaven."

Danhauser leaned back on his seat, "Guess the three of us are searching for something or someone."

It took a split second until his words sank in. Tobio faced the gray-haired, "Who are you looking for?"

"Look! Look!"

They postponed their talk to join Jeanne on her spot—followed by the rest.

Gradually, what remained of landscape soon was swapped by the skyscrapers, luxurious buildings, and lights that could steal anyone's breath in any magical way possible. Deep inside the city, were thousands of souls whose lights burned just as brightly as the large billboards. Danhauser could spot the gigantic citadel in the center of the capital—serving as the official residence and workplace of the Four Great Satans.

"This is it," the gray-haired looked to his side, where an awakened Roygun stood next to him. A hand of hers rose to pull the sleep mask away from her eyes, "we're back home, Danhauser."

"Sweet dreams?"

"Pretty decent," Roygun stretched and moaned when her arm snapped in such a satisfying way, "nothing to write home about, I'm afraid."

The only thing that remained from nature were the small, floating isles suspended in the sky and spread above the city—few of them holding private buildings.

One of them stood out compared to others, mostly because of its design and ridiculous size.

It was a floating landmass carrying a fortress with floating islands of different sizes surrounding the latter.

It was when their train passed underneath it, and a shadow was cast over them, was when he realized how big it actually was.

The place was the size of the capital of Ars Goetia—Lilith. Perhaps even bigger.

"Holy fuck," Tobio's grey eyes grew to the size of dinner plates, "Are we getting invaded?"

"Don't think so," Danhauser replied, "If we were facing an 'alien' invasion, then all public transport—like the train station—would've been suspended until the issue was fixed."

"The city would've been destroyed and drowned in flames as well," Valerie added, "and we would listen to the screams of terror on the streets as everyone tries to flee from the massa—!"

"I get the fucking picture!" Tobio cut her off.

"Ehehehe…"

Danhauser felt Jeanne tugging on his sleeve. "Then it's that famous floating-place? Agreas?"

"No. Agreas is in Agares State," Roygun answered instead, eyes narrowed, "How weird… it wasn't there before."

"It's been years since you visited the Underworld, isn't it?" Siegfried pointed out, "Changes were destined to happen across the city."

Siegfried brought a good point, but there was still something off.

"I agree. But that's not the case here," the pink-haired woman placed a finger under her lips, "It's just that… I've been in many areas around the Underworld, and this has to be the first time I've seen a floating island bigger than Agreas."

"That wasn't constructed by the hands of a Devil," Danhauser finally shared his thoughts, "doesn't resemble anything to devil architecture at all—let alone Angels and Fallen Angels structures."

"It still looks so cool…" Jeanne gushed out, "I've never seen a flying island in my entire life."

"We got visits then," Bova commented.

Valerie slowly nodded in agreement, "This has to be owned from another Pantheon."

The sightseeing finished the moment their ride entered the station.

"Well," Roygun muttered once the transport came to a stop, "end of the line."

"About time," Bova blew smoke from his nostrils.

A hissing sound and the doors automatically opened with everyone grabbing their belongings and exiting the vehicle.

Just as the doors closed behind him, Danhauser's eyes roamed the whole place. Dozens of trains arriving and departing from the facility with people appearing and disappearing every second.

The billboards were easy to spot from above, announcing different types of products and services to any observers. One of them caught his attention—the famous Phoenix Tears produced and sold by the Phenex Clan.

He wondered how Ravel was doing.

"So much noise," Valerie hissed out, covering her ears. The building raged with a destructive silence, bursting her delicate eardrums. "Are we in the Belial Estate yet? This isn't what I was expecting."

She wasn't wrong. Footfalls. The chattering. The cries of the trains. Employees managing a crowd through megaphones. The sound came from everywhere and it didn't look like it would stop any second now.

"We're at the center of Ars Goetia," Danhauser corrected her, "the Capital of Ars Goetia—Lilith."

The place was a metropolis and an economic powerhouse. Outside of the train station, any visitor would be greeted by a legion of restaurants and department stores.

One of the few places that none of the Great Houses had control over it. Lilith—like the Familiar Forest, Rating Games, and Malebolge—were under the vigilant eye of the Four Great Satans. It was Satan Territory.

Of course, any Great House could expand one of their business empires in Lilith—but they had to get an approval of one of the Four Maous first.

Overall, it was neutral ground.

"Can we explore the city? Please?" Jeanne clasped her hands, "after we'd separated to grow strong, I never had the chance to fully enjoy the Underworld."

"Not today," Danhauser ignored her whine, "after our first Rating Game, we'll take a look over the city. Deal?"

Begrudgingly, she accepted the arraignment with a pout.

"Danhauser," he turned over Roygun, who was concentrated on a computer that was available for the public, "take a look at this."

"What are you doing?" he asked once he stood next to her.

"Rating the trip," Roygun replied without averting away from the monitor.

He watched her leave the lowest score and as a review, she left a winky face before pressing the 'send' button.

Danhauser stared flatly, his lips containing a smile, "Really?"

She winked at him, "For Cleria."

The heir snorted, "Oh yeah, you taught these nobles a lesson."

Roygun whacked his chest in response, "Now to where Danhauser?"

"We should find the train that circles the Great King Faction," Danhauser explained, rubbing the spot where she slapped him, "and after that, stop on the Belial Estate."

"Fuck no!" Another voice in the distance answered, "fuck those trains! We're taking the faster route this time!"

How could he forget that voice? Before Danhauser could say anything, Roygun won him over, "Coda? Is that you?"

Malacoda froze for a second, "You bitch!" he exclaimed with a goofy smile, "about time you decided to show your ass up! It's good to see you, Roy."

Roygun laughed, "Likewise, Coda," she replied, "my bad for not messaging you… I needed a breather from Ars Goetia I guess."

"Hey, it's all good—better late than later. We got to up where we left off!" the grinning Malacoda then ruffled the hair of his youngest nephew, "What's up, fuckstick! Been working out?"

Danhauser smiled and opened his arms widely, "Be the judge, uncle."

Malacoda whistled, "Not bad! At first, I thought sis was talking out of her ass, but you really grew some muscle! Those are some Malebranche genes right there! I bet you're packing a six in those abs, Little D!"

"Little D?" Roygun curved an amused eyebrow at the heir, "I hope that nickname isn't because you're lacking in that department."

"It's not about the size of the boat," Danhauser rebutted, "it's—!"

"—about the motion in the ocean," she finished with a stifled chuckle, "Yes, I was also a victim of Coda's stolen quotes."

"Your mom was stolen."

Roygun gave an exasperated sigh, "Real mature, Coda."

"You forced me to do it. Man, you just got here and you're already throwing shit at my work! Just blow everything wide open, why don't you?" he turned to the small group, "Yo, kids! I hope Little D hasn't been causing any scenes with you around."

"He acted as if nothing happened…" Jeanne muttered.

"He loves getting in any kind of trouble," Tobio spoke up for everyone, "for once, boss ought to just settle down a while."

"I disagree," Valerie smiled, "He's better off this way. Men that sit around doing nothing are irrelevant."

"Shaahahaha! Cool answers you two! Both opinions are surprisingly simple and pure." Malacoda snickered before checking out his surroundings. He then leaned forward, as if someone were listening, "Let's continue our conversation back in the house."

"Why?"

"I don't wanna get spotted," Malacoda thumbed behind his shoulder—to the oblivious crowd, "being in the Top Ten had its few pros and big cons nowadays."

Roygun pursed her lips, "… Is it really that bad?"

"Eh. Don't worry about it," Malacoda signaled himself with his barbed tail, "all ya need to know is that this absolute unit known as Malacoda Malebranche is now second-ranked, baby!"

Roygun's shoulders became less rigid, "At least something good came out of it," she sighed out, feeling a weight leave out her chest.

"From fourth-ranked to second-ranked," Bova was impressed, "not bad. Anything can happen in four years."

"Damn straight!" Malacoda nonchalantly flexed his right bicep, "Can't say the same thing for your gramps, though. Four years and only managed to roast an already overcooked chicken? He's kinda rusting off, Bova."

Bova flashed out a toothy grin that brought a shark in shame, "Heh! Tough words for someone talking with his tail tucked between his legs!"

Malacoda pulled out a wide smirk as he shook his head, "I keep telling you. That old fossil should hang up the gloves from the Rating Games and sign up to a museum instead!"

"Congratulations, Malacoda. I wish I was on the first row of the match that decided your promotion," Roygun said, "As long as either you, Ruval, or Danhauser holds my former spot—then I have nothing to worry about."

Danhauser looked at her, incredulously. "Me?"

She genuinely smiled, "Especially you."

He was moved by her words. But he didn't understand why him of all people.

Because of his strength, or because he's a Belial?

"Yo! Let's make like a priest and get the hell out of here!" From Malacoda's palm appeared a magic circle that quickly summoned a bigger one beneath them, "I can't stay too much here!"

"Wait, hold on!" Danhauser squinted his eyes by the intense lights, "we can't use teleportation magic in Ars Goetia!"

"Little D, mellow your melons. No one will find out… unless someone here blows the whistle."

Jeanne gasped, "No one will talk! Snitches get stitches!"

"And wind up in ditches," Danhauser met her smile with one of his own.

"Buckle up, everyone!"

And after that, they disappeared.

.


.

Once Danhauser made sure his feet landed on a surface, he slowly opened his eyes and they darted back and forth as if absorbing each corner of his surroundings.

They were welcomed by the cozy atmosphere of the main room.

Home.

They lived now in a mountain hut, larger than a house—but smaller than the typical manor found in the Underworld. It was owned by his father, Matanbuchus.

The home was a kaleidoscope of memories of photographs adorning the walls, each of them conjuring the emotions of those sweet, eternal moments. The chimney kept the temperature warm. Its tall glass windows gave a peripheral view of the mountains and the distant Capital City Lilith, a chance to relax and take in the changing of the seasons from the comfort of the sofa.

You could see the floating palace from here as well.

It was relatively small compared to the mansion-like place his family had lived before getting kicked out by Lord Bael. But unlike the manor, the house was attached to a mountain—making the residents feel as if they were kings of the world.

Actually, this was more of a luxury cave than a mountain hut.

But lacked the ambiance that a manor or a castle would deliver.

"I always liked your house's design," Tobio sauntered around the place, "whoever designed the blueprints really was thinking outside the box."

"Yeah. The place is great," Bova agreed, "But you're missing out. The cream of the crop is outside—the mountain peak."

"Brina! Sis! I'm back!" Malacoda separated from the group by standing in the center of the room, "I brought your ugly rat from the sewers!"

Silence.

Malacoda clicked his tongue. "Where the hell is she?"

"Lady Belial is absent, I'm afraid," they all looked to the hallway right in time to spot a tall man with slicked, blue hair and dark armor. "She left with my master to buy groceries on a humble town working under the Belial Estate a while ago. I offered myself to go but Lady Belial wanted fresh air. My master kept her company."

Jeanne stared.

"Huh, Gilles," Malacoda greeted.

That's when comprehension dawned onto the heir. Danhauser turned to his uncle, "Didn't mom sent you to pick us up?"

"Nah, not really," Malacoda cleared his ear with his pinky, "At that time I was just leaving the Rating Game HQ to call it another day. It was dumb luck that I sensed yours and Roy's demonic power coming through the train station."

"No one imagined young master and his peerage would return days before the party on the Bael State," The Queen of the Emperor smiled and bowed to Danhauser, "Young Master, it appears that you have drastically changed. All that demonic power... it was the right choice to leave you under the tutelage of your brother and mother."

"You haven't seen nothing yet, Gilles. Look forward to the upcoming matches," Danhauser boasted, "It's good to see you, Gilles. Thanks for sticking with my brother in these difficult years."

"It's my honor to serve under my Master," Gilles faced the silver-haired knight, "Has young master seen your polished abilities yet, Siegfried?"

"I never had the chance to reveal my full potential," Siegfried explained to his mentor, "but when the time comes, I won't disappoint."

"You better not. My wisdom is your wisdom after all," Gilles felt the intense gaze of a certain rook and made the mistake of meeting her eyes.

Quickly improvising, he offered a half-baked greeting, "Joan it's—!"

"It's Jeanne." And with the wrong foot, he successfully made her eyebrow twitch, "My name is Jeanne. Not Joan."

His jaw tightened, "Ah. Yes, Of course. Apologies… Jeanne."

"Well, since it's gonna take a while for sis and Big D to come back…" Malacoda drawled, indicating over the corridor with his tail, "how about we take a look at your rooms?"

"Way ahead of you, uncle," Danhauser didn't waste time to move toward the hallway.

While he missed the manor they lived in back then, Danhauser couldn't deny the similar sentiment that Bova and Tobio had.

Living inside a mountain was phenomenal. It's a unique experience.

"Hey, slow down, brat," his uncle called out, "You don't even know which room it is!"

Danhauser rolled his eyes, "Whatever, uncle," he stopped on the first door, knocking his knuckles over the wood, "Is it this one?"

"Yeah, this is right here," Malacoda nudged him, "Well, what are you waiting for? Do us the honors!"

Danhauser complied by twisting the knob open, just to be met by darkness.

Thankfully, his night vision acted quickly and gave a clear view of his inside.

But it wasn't the same, "It's so dark in there," he reached out for the light switcher and summoned the lights by a flick of his finger.

No picture nor posters on the walls, just a plasma television. At one corner of the room, Danhauser spotted two doors which one probably led to a private bathroom while the other to the closet room. The bedroom lacked windows—as expected. Since at this certain point, they were still inside the mountain—there's no need on installing any windows.

"That's a huge mattress," Danhauser's eyes ended over the large rounded bed that contained multiple pillows and was surrounded by an elegant curtain. It was pushed up against the wall.

"You idiots heard about Queen sized and King sized beds!" Malacoda exclaimed, "Now behold the improved version of these two! The Harem King size bed! It's soft and flexible and it cradles your pressure points when you lay down! It's capable of holding up to six or more people! This is Devil's science at its finest!" he paused, "Not an ad by the way!"

Roygun whistled, drinking each detail of the room carefully, "I'm impressed, Coda. Are all the rooms like this?"

"Yes, they are," Bluebeard replied, "in terms of size they are the same. They all lack windows and have their own private bathroom. All furniture is equal for each room except for the mattress. This type of bed is exclusive only to this bedroom."

Roygun clicked her tongue, "What a pity. The bed looks so comfortable."

"Then I got great news for you!" Danhauser felt his uncle ruffling his hair, "you gals and Little D are sharing this room!"

Jeanne paled.

"Oh my," Roygun said.

Danhauser's eyes dilated, "Wait, really?"

"Well, yeah. That's the plan," Evil Tail pointed out, "that's why I worked my ass off to search for this bed. They ain't cheap nor easy to find, you know?"

Roygun pressed her hands on her hips, "So, your idea was for us four to sleep on the same bed?"

"Yep."

"I don't mind sleeping on the same bed as Danhauser," Valerie smiled faintly, "It's just like that time when we slept together four years ago, remember?"

How could Danhauser forget that moment? That along the first kiss he had with Valerie was carved in his skull since then.

"It'll never leave my mind," his answer seemed to make her smile widen a bit more.

"Hmm," The pink-haired tapped a finger on her cheek, thinking profoundly. Her eyes unintentionally stopped over the fortunate grey-haired and a smile dangled on the corner of her lips, "What do you think, Danhauser? I'd like to hear your thoughts out on this. Do you wish to sleep with the three of us?"

Jeanne made a quiet sound of surprise.

He was surprised at the lack of Valerie's word on this. From the childish quarrel between her and Lavinia, he imagined she would express her disagreements. Unless she considered this to be something normal—normal between aristocratic Devils anyway.

Then again, she told him she did the same thing with Gasper to make the latter feel safe.

Danhauser side-glanced the other males standing behind Roygun.

Malacoda and Tobio flashed him a thumbs-up.

Bova and Gilles nodded.

Siegfried's eyes rolled skyward.

Gathering enough courage, Danhauser faced the grin of Roygun that gleamed of deviltry. "Do you?"

A knowing chuckle slipped from Roygun, "It's settled, then. I'll make sure that you sleep like a baby each night."

"Umm…" Jeanne shyly thumb-twiddled, "n-not trying to be mean or anything… but why we have to share a room?"

Danhauser could feel half of his pride crumbling.

"This is a house now," Malacoda replied, "not a manor. We only got a total of seven bedrooms now. Four of them is for you, brats."

Roygun frowned, "Where do you sleep, Coda?"

"Confidential," Malacoda cryptically answered. "I don't sleep here if that's what you're wondering."

"Is there really no spare room remaining?" Jeanne insisted, "O-or maybe any other room has a bunk bed?"

Malacoda stared, "You prude?"

"S-shut up! I-I just never shared a bed with a boy before!" Jeanne confessed a bit loudly, refusing to meet everyone's out of embarrassment, "neither with multiple girls!"

"Aw, poor thing. There's always a first time for everything," Roygun wiggled her eyebrows at the rook, "deep your toes in the water, you'll love it. And who knows? You may see Danhauser shirtless if you're holding aces~!"

"Roygun…" Danhauser facepalmed.

Jeanne's cheeks were suddenly kissed pink like a spring rose, "W-w-what are you saying?!" the former saint sputtered a stuttering fit, "don't say something like that so casually y-you idiot!"

"Just take my room," Bova said gruffly, "I never wanted a room for myself anyways."

Siegfried looked at the dragon, "And where will you sleep then?"

Bova then nodded to the roof, "I'll go outside and sleep atop the mountain. Like I always did."

"I own you one Bobo!" A yellow blur ran past them and rushed straight to one of the empty rooms.

The door slung open once more, and the crimson face of Jeanne poked out, "S-See y'all later!"

As the door shut closed, Gilles turned to the two Knights, "You two must be tired after a dull ride on the train. Follow me, I'll lead you to your rooms."

"I can't wait," Tobio flashed a quick salute to his master, "Later, boss."

Just as Siegfried and Tobio followed Gilles, Bova separated from the group by walking out of the house.

Making sure they were alone, Roygun turned to Danhauser, "That girl… Jeanne, isn't it? She carries potential, Danhauser."

"Agreed," Malacoda never looked away from where the blonde hid, "You got a fine catch, Little D."

Danhauser eyed them cautiously, "… what kind of potential are we talking about?"

"We mean in terms of quality. People of faith have been a trend between nobles Devils for eons," Malacoda explained, "they're always a big demand when someone starts building a harem."

Valerie furrowed her eyebrows, "Exactly why? People attached to a doctrine doesn't seem very collaborative with demons. It's against their teachings."

"Pretty much you already answered your question," Roygun licked her lips, "Something is arousing in tainting sweet, innocent girls and boys. You should try your hand on her, Danhauser."

The heir narrowed his eyes precariously, "… Are you telling me to go full Diodora on Jeanne?"

No. Fucking. Way.

"She said corrupt her, not break her mind and soul," Malacoda scoffed. "That's a huge difference. What Roygun meant was to slowly bring her out of her shell by adding a bit of spice."

"To force pleasure on a man or woman of abstinence until they willingly accept and embraces a new life of lust is corruption," Roygun added sagely.

"That sounds messed up," Danhauser muttered. Then again, didn't this technically happened to Asia in the Light Novels? A cute nun that slowly became daring in her relationship with Issei by sleeping with him and even getting naked to make her love interest drool?

For this, to pass over Jeanne…

"We are Pure Devils, Danhauser. When we stumble upon someone pure or religious, it's in our selfish nature to drag them down in the path of sin."

Danhauser stared at both adults for a long minute before shaking his head, "I'm not like that. And like hell I'll be like that."

Roygun cocked her head backward with laughter, "Famous last words!"

The heir was prepared to counterattack, but his tongue froze halfway once he detected a familiar scent of demonic energy coming from the main door.

"About time these two show up," Malacoda muttered.

Valerie saw how Roygun rushed inside and locked the door.

At the entrance stood Diehauser, carrying the groceries with both of his powerful arms and his mother whose brain appeared to reset momentarily at the sight of her younger son.

"Hey mom, I'm back," Danhauser spread his arms wide open and he was immediately wrapped in a tight hug and then lifted, spinning him around before setting him down in a bit of a daze.

"Welcome back, sweetie!" his mother, Calcabrina had a broad smile blessing her lips, "I'm so happy you've returned."

"It was imminent I'd drop by, but I'm glad I'm back," Danhauser felt a hand falling on his shoulder—it belonged to his brother.

"Has someone threatened your throne yet, Emperor?"

"Fuck no," Malacoda rubbed his nose, "Big D has been kicking ass and taking names these four years!"

"Uncle is exaggerating," Diehauser chuckled, "Rudiger multiple times has pushed me back on a wall—but I've found my way out of it. Welcome home, by the way."

Danhauser flashed his brother a smile and started searching around, "Are we the only ones here? What happened to our housekeepers?"

Calcabrina rubbed her wrist, "… They'd been quitting to offer their services to high-ranking houses. Since we are facing financial difficulties nowadays, our former cleaning staff had to search somewhere else to get handsomely paid. Only Gilles remained with us."

"It was a matter of time," Diehauser pocketed his hands in his coat, "We're no longer a Noble House. Vassal Houses are commonly known for their lack of domestic service… among other things."

The heir could feel his mood dropping off significantly, "I… understand."

"Don't make that face!" Calcabrina reached out to gently pull Danhauser's cheeks upwards. She giggled at the forced smile, "I've been learning thanks to Gilles! I even know how to cook! Look forward to my dishes from here on sweetie!"

Danhauser carefully curled up an eyebrow, "And you are fine with it, mom?"

"It was tough at the beginning, but I got used to it!" Calcabrina puffed her chest out, "but now that you and your peerage are here, I expect each one of you to take care of your respective rooms!"

"They'll be tidy and clean, mom," Danhauser swore as he kept an eye over the Emperor whose hand stopped over the knob. "It's not locked, you know? You can go inside."

"She's in there, isn't she?"

Danhauser jerked in surprise at the sudden intensity of Diehauser's tone. He still offered an answer, "She just wanted to visit some friends."

"She's your responsibility," Danhauser knew it was foolish to try to continue a conversation that his brother considered finished. "You returned way too soon."

"Nothing wrong with that, of course!" their mother chirped.

"Of course not. But still… a bit too soon, don't you think?" the Emperor persisted, "You could've returned a day before the party in the capital of the Great King Faction. It's not like you're staying only to play the Rating Games."

"I wanted to explore Ars Goetia with no rush too, to see if anything changed during my absence," every time Danhauser visited the Remaining Pillars, he went straight up to the Bael Castle to start a business—never did he had the chance to see anything new happening to his hometown. "I can tell I missed a lot."

Calcabrina tilted her head, curious, "Hmm?"

"I think he's speaking about the what's above on Lilith State," everyone's eyes trailed over the Dhampir, "… during our long-last ride on the train, we briefly discovered a floating landmass above the capital of Ars Goetia."

"Ah!" Diehauser snapped his fingers, finally catching on, "that 'floating landmass' was here two days ago, actually. It's not part of any Devil Faction in any shape or form."

"No kidding," Danhauser muttered.

"It isn't a landmass, by the way," his mother said before confusion could arise, "It's a city—Vimanas I believed they are called."

Danhauser felt his mouth hang half-open by the revelation. "Shit… a floating city? That explains why it's size."

"I'm lost. What exactly is a 'Vimana'?" Valerie wondered.

"They're practically the vehicles used in Mount Meru—a world that exists in the Dimensional Gap." Diehauser explained, "As far as I can tell, they come in various shapes and sizes, although the general construction of a Vimana is a floating palace and a flying chariot."

Wait, did he heard right? Or his mind was playing tricks with him?

"Mount Meru," Danhauser repeated, swallowing hard, "As if… the Hindu World?"

"The one and only."

That's all that Danhauser needed to hear. Regardless of how little information he gathered in this conversation alone, it was enough to identify the owner of the floating palace.

Living inside the Vimana was a God that possibly held vast power which earned him a seat at the Top Five Strongest Beings in the World.

The King of Devas himself—Indra.

It was obvious why Indra decided to appear on the picture now—no use for Danhauser to beat his head against the wall.

And even after receiving an invisible slap by the news, Danhauser wasn't trembling like a leaf.

It was only a matter of time, really.

Not implying that Danhauser wasn't immune to fear. He could still feel the chills crawling down his spine whenever he envisioned how his unavoidable meeting with Śakra would turn out.

But not to the point where he was going to hyperventilate and faint from the sheer pressure.

What worried him wasn't Indra's clairvoyance, but his mind-reading ability.

What were the possibilities of Indra finding out he's a fictional character? Was there any chance to counter his mind-reading? Was enveloping himself in Worthlessness enough to not have him invade his thoughts?

If Danhauser overwhelmed Indra with too many thoughts, especially the ones which could be considered complicated, was sufficient?

Or maybe Indra wouldn't do it.

There wasn't escape, unfortunately. Indra could've appeared whenever he wanted to. He could've appeared before canon started if the God of War desired to do so.

In fact, he could've appeared the moment Danhauser opened his eyes in this world.

But Indra decided to visit him now.

"What's wrong, dear?" his shoulders jumped at the gentle voice. He met the owner's red orbs—his mother's eyes, "Something in your mind?"

"Not really," he lied.

"… You're worried about them, isn't it?" Calcabrina read him like an open book. Her knowing smile at least made him feel safe—motherly power, "You don't have to lie. It's the first time you heard about a divine being visiting Ars Goetia, isn't it?"

"Now that you mention it, mom, it is," She brought an interesting fact. This had to be the first deity that had appeared so far. "First time I heard deity coming to our hometown."

"Yeah, well, don't get too excited," it had to be the first time his uncle looked dead serious, "A lifesaver tip for you Little D, and anyone in this house. Keep your distance from them. Hindu Gods are the ultimate apex predators and for a good reason. Their brutal methods and weaponry, unfulfilled agendas, and mentality of privileged spoiled brats are what booked them a spot at the top of the food chain."

"Too late, uncle. Too late. Your warning came far too late."

.


.

"Are you sure you want to be at the party Roygun? We're walking on a minefield."

"It's too late for regrets don't you think? We're already here."

"You can always turn around, I won't hold anything against you."

"I would accept your offer, but I rather keep my distance from your brother," she shivered at the thought, "And besides… he's going to participate in this party as well, isn't it?"

Danhauser knew who she was talking about, "I mean, he has to," he responded, "with that big title he holds… it'd be insulting if he didn't show up."

Jeanne, Roygun, and Valerie were breathtaking in many different aspects that made them unique from one another. For Valerie, that strapless black and red dress, with those black frills and the garland of roses around her hips was just ever more proof that Valerie had a great deal to admire. It just presented so much that was lovely about her in such magnificent ways.

Jeanne was wearing a primarily white dress that flowed elegantly down to just under her knees. He said it's primarily white because it has maroon frills around the end of the skirt. It had no sleeves; instead, it sported extremely thin straps which took the attention away from her chest towards her silk-soft shoulders.

Roygun stuck with the same garments she had since her first day in the Underworld. A shame, he wanted to see how she would look like on a different set of clothes.

They looked amazing.

On the other hand, Danhauser and the only males of his peerage were gowned in suits. Bova's suit lacked sleeves and he wasn't wearing any pants either—staying loyal to his loincloth. He also had to lower his size to a two-meter tall.

On a positive note, Bova was wearing at least a tie.

Unfortunately, they weren't still inside the castle yet. They've been waiting on perhaps the largest line Danhauser had the "honors" to participate. All the participants were also dressed formally for the occasion, some of them even brought their peerage members as he did.

Being a Devil came up with its share of benefits, one of them being their upgraded vision. At the end of the line, Danhauser could spot guards acting as bouncers. Only allowing entrance if their names were somewhere on the list.

"How far?" Tobio asked.

Danhauser pursed his lips, "Pretty far."

Slash Dog groaned, "It was a waste of time to return earlier to the underworld."

"I don't know about you, but I've spent my free days just the way I wanted," Danhauser winked, "I don't regret coming earlier."

"I mean, I guess…"

Jeanne puffed her cheeks, "We could've explored Lilith."

"And I said we will didn't I?" Danhauser saw movement on the sidelines and spotted a pair of guards walking on the perimeter, "Cool your heels."

"Danhauser," his single Pawn spoke up, "do you know if this girl… Princess Rias Gremory came to the celebration?"

"You want to know about Gasper, don't you?" He cut to the chase.

"Do you think he participated as well?" Valerie asked with a hopeful tone, "he isn't really fond of leaving his room—let alone participating in social gatherings."

"He is here, totally," he assured the Dhampir, "most likely he knows you'll be here as well."

"I hope so," Valerie smiled faintly, "it's not the same while chatting on the phone—I'm still having difficulty in adapting through this method."

A curvaceous woman suddenly walked past them. Surrounded by multiple men of different shapes and sizes… and a unique set of clothes. They were all guided by the same guards Danhauser saw minutes ago.

"Hey! That's not fair!" Jeanne watched the escorted lady with envy, "We were here first before her!"

Valerie scowled, "I don't get it. Why is she receiving special treatment?"

And the murmurs and whispers started growing from the waiting line—followed by the flash of a camera.

"That answers it," Roygun brought a hand to shield her eyes from the dazzle coming from the paparazzi. "She's a celebrity."

"The Head of Clan Vassago," Danhauser identified her, "Great Princess Vassago. Leader of the Great Prince Faction."

As such, the superior of Clan Sitri.

"Her Household is the ultimate Auction Servant House," he continued, "where servants without a King are sent to get bought by another master."

Where his peerage could've ended up if Danhauser ended ties with Ars Goetia.

"A slave market then?" Jeanne's nose wrinkled, "How could they legalize this?"

"Welcome to the Underworld," Valerie said dryly.

"Yeah… I share Jeanne's sentiment," Slash Dog muttered, "shouldn't Maou Beelzebub look into the servants' situation thingy? He created the Evil Pieces after all."

"Maou Beelzebub is an inventor, not a babysitter," Danhauser countered grimly. "Now, if my whole family and I committed suicide by shooting ourselves in the back of our heads… this is where all of you will end. Become Stray Devils is another viable option too."

"Stray Devil it is, then," Jeanne said firmly.

"There's a third option too: Become an Ultimate-Class Devil," Danhauser clicked his tongue, "But they don't give those titles so easily."

Ruval still was a High-Class Devil despite being in the Top Ten.

But if any of his servants promoted Ultimate-Class Devil, they'd be protected by the Four Great Maou. Rudiger and Tannin were prime examples of this.

His brother worded it better—they were part of the "Satan Faction". Only Reincarnated Devils were welcomed with arms open.

It was a good sign that the Great Houses didn't have so much power over Ars Goetia—Danhauser was thankfully wrong on that observation. Ajuka and the Maous now had some control over the politics as well.

"If Clan Vassago had become a Great Pillar quicker, maybe the lives of Shirone and Kuroka would've taken a twist…" Danhauser suddenly realized. He couldn't establish if the fate of the Nekoshou would've ended up in good care or a bad one, "The King Scandal benefited other Clans while others fell."

Slash Dog kept watching the Great Princess carefully. "Who are the guys around her? Her bodyguards?"

"Must be her peerage," Siegfried suggested.

"Or her harem," Roygun added.

"You three are right, actually," Danhauser said, getting the complete attention of his peerage and Roygun, "she's well-known for her all-male peerage."

Tobio just whistled.

Jeanne looked the other way, "I just don't get how they can casually accept this type of practice. But I guess that's how Devil's manage things," she rubbed her arm, "I… I hope that there's at least love and acceptance between them."

"I hate to burst your bubble," the pink-haired drawled, "but a harem where there's 'equal love' doesn't exist nowadays. It's mostly for personal or political reasons."

"That sounds horrible," bit by bit, Jeanne's eyebrows furrowed, "Then why stick with it?"

"The profits are higher than the downsides," Roygun signaled behind them. The cameras hadn't stopped aiming at the Great Princess, nor the susurration about her hadn't faded, "such as free advertisement, respect, attention, and many other things."

"Overall, public image," Siegfried muttered.

"There's SOMEONE I know who could obtain political benefits from having a harem," Danhauser could feel Roygun's gaze lingering on the back of his head, "but he's being stubborn…"

"…" Danhauser ignored her.

But Valerie noticed felt as if someone stabbed and twisted a knife to her chest.

"You are very well-versed about this," Siegfried noted, "you had one before?"

"Oh dear no! I couldn't be bothered by controlling multiple men and women. I just lived long enough to see its functions," she shook her head with a snicker, "if by being former Head of Clan Belphegor was a burnout to me… I don't want to imagine what would be to own a harem."

"Danhauser Belial?" everyone quieted down at the uninvited voice interrupting the conversation.

It was one of the full armored guards.

Danhauser eyed him warily, "That's me."

The guard examined him. "Grey hair and matching eyes… It's you," he glanced at Danhauser's servants, "Is this your peerage?"

"They are."

"Very well," he then walked away, "Follow me. Elder Bael requested your presence immediately."

Danhauser's lips became a thin line but obeyed.

Jeanne made sure no one was looking at her and did a quick fist-pumped.

But everyone saw it.

"Finally," Valerie breathed out.

"Now that's more like it!" Tobio cheered, "VIP privileges!"

Of course, special treatment couldn't be ignored by the people still stuck in the endless limbo.

"Who are they?"

"They don't even look like a member of a Great House."

"What are you talking about? He should be! To have the First Generation of Clan Bael invoke his name… he must be an influential person."

"That woman… is that the former second-ranked? Roygun?"

"One of the cheaters?! No way!"

"What the hell is going on!"

"How could she get invited to a party like this?!"

As their voices intensified, Danhauser heard Roygun sigh heavily, "I take it they don't want my autographs, then…"

"It's that fucking brat from Clan Belial!"

"Once a legend, now a shell of a man."

Danhauser expression darkened very slightly at those words. Even so, the Heir of Belial held his tongue.

"Isn't he a member of a Lesser Clan?"

"Was his family promoted already?"

Roygun flashed him a soothing smile, "It's alright if they don't like us. We can't all have good taste."

"Everything's gonna change, boss," Tobio assured him, "you'll see."

"They'll regret their words," Siegfried agreed.

He suppressed his anger behind a smile, "Let's show them what we're made of, right?"

"Yeah! Let's go!" Jeanne fist-pumped the air.

They now stood at the entrance. The troops that'd led here quickly returning to their positions to control the small commotion growing on the line.

Just as Danhauser pushed the large doors open, they were engulfed by the new ambiance and appearance of the castle. The hallway had as much personality as the rest of the castle—befitting of a Great House.

They couldn't take any further steps as a nearby guard stopped them. "Reincarnated Devils cannot trespass this part of the castle—only Pure-blooded ones."

Danhauser narrowed his eyes, "And where the 'Reincarnated Devil' section would be?"

"If you follow my lead, I'll take you there," the guard nodded at Danhauser and Roygun, "You two can proceed."

"This is where we part ways then," Tobio threw his King a playful salute, "Watch yourself, boss."

"Later, Danhauser!" Jeanne waved at him.

"Master," Siegfried bid his farewell.

"I'll stop by if I can," Danhauser told them before staring at the Dhampir and Dragon. He folded his arms, "Will you two behave?"

"Why yes. I'll be a good girl," Valerie rolled her eyes and walked away.

"We'll see," Bova shot him a shark-like smile and followed suit.

He chuckled, and noticed Roygun barged ahead behind the peerage, "Now you're leaving me?"

"That's hell you're walking into," Roygun winked at him, not halting her steps, "I'll take your offer and turn around instead. I'll keep an eye out over your peerage. Try not to die while I'm gone~!"

Watching them leave, Danhauser quickly maneuvered his way through the corridor and reached the segment where only Pure Devils were permitted to enter.

He didn't know why the organizers decided to separate the Reincarnated Devils and the Pure Devils from each other. Actually, he had an idea why, but he didn't want to be pessimistic about it.

"Happy Anti-Satan Faction Day, Danhauser," a powerful voice full of dignity greeted him, "I hope you haven't forgotten about me, have you?"

The gray-haired knew who it was right off the bat.

Zekram Bael.

"Great King," Danhauser met his peaceful, violet eyes, "I was just wondering what took you so long."

"Please, don't misunderstand. Don't think that I've been avoiding you," Zekram said, "A great many matters required my attention in these… troublesome times. I do hope you understand. These are trying times—for all of us."

"…"

"Let me start by applauding your feats," the Great King stole two glasses of wine from a hurried waiter carrying a stray. He lent one to the gray-haired youth who accepted it begrudgingly, "you managed something that most Devils wouldn't ever afford, that is dispatching the Old Satan Faction from the map. This event is all thanks to yours and Sirzechs' vigorous deeds in the first place."

"I doubt you called me here to whisper on my ear sweet nothings," Danhauser said with a drip of sarcasm, "What's my next mission, Great King?"

"When we want you, we'll find you," Zekram responded eloquently before sipping on his fine wine. As he pulled back with a refreshed sigh, he noticed Danhauser studying intently inside his full wine. "You are missing out the gates of Heaven, Danhauser. This product is one of the many points of pride of my descendants. A beverage made by the cider of a unique apple only found in the territory of Bael."

"Only made with apple juice I hope."

Zekram shook his head with a snicker, "Of the many methods to dispose of someone… you think I'll rely on the oldest trick in the book? Don't insult me. I know poisoning wouldn't work in someone who has been practicing Senjutsu for years. Such a useful technique, isn't it?"

"…"

"I have no intentions to… snuff you out," Zekram continued, "All Households under the banner of the Great King are equal treasures. You are more beneficial alive than dead."

"I want my next job."

Zekram intently contemplated the younger devil while taking pleasure in his glass. "Next job?" he repeated with a smack of his lips, "Now, now. Take some time off. Enjoy yourself," an idea then popped on the elder as he swirled his half-empty drink, "Someone of your age must be interested in a partner… or various. Has anybody caught your eye yet? I can make it happen if they are from the Archduke and Great King… even if they are heiress."

"I want my next job."

"… Such a stubborn young man!" A laugh erupted from Zekram, "straight to the point I see. No need for tedious, idle chatter. Perfect. Just perfect," he then cleared his throat, "I presume you're familiar with the Great Marquis and acquaintances?"

"Clan Gamigin," Diehauser told him anything he could about the Great Marquis. Lead by the personality of a popular talk show—Neud Gamigin.

Famously known by their radio. Television. Newspaper. Music. Filmmaking as well as the abundance of shows, tourism, and amusement attractions in their land was what earned Clan Gamigin the nickname of the "Entertainment Capital of the Underworld" and they wore that medal with obvious pride.

"The people that keep adding fuel to the fire. Yes, I heard a few things."

"And they don't intend on slowing down," Zekram massaged his face, "their endeavors will double now that you are back. The other Great Houses are aware of the potential that you and Sairaorg carry. They fear it. But make no mistake: they have the power and tools at their disposal to keep both of you under the line."

"They'll mercilessly beat that dead horse, aren't they?"

"Indeed they will. The media will smear you. They will lie about you. They will exaggerate everything you do. They will dig through, nearly of victories over nearly all your life to try and smear you. They will highlight things that you'd done in the past and say no forgiveness."

"… It's too much asking for a break in Ars Goetia, isn't it?" a half-hearted laugh escaped from Danhauser, "oh dear…"

"Your next mission is simple, you must participate in the Rating Games and win the tournament. Especially if you were to fight someone from the Great Marquis Faction. Do not hold back against any opponent. You will be representing the Great King Faction after all."

"You even get to choose how I play my games…?"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Great King."

"Hmm," Zekram took another sip of his brew to not dry his throat out, "Lord Bael conversated with the Four Great Satans with the main topic being about your authorization of using your Malebranche True Form in the Rating Games. Imagine his surprise when they placed a better offer. They granted you permanent permission to use your Malebranche Form in the Rating Games and the Underworld except for Hades' Realm for palpable reasons."

Danhauser was taken back by the news, "Wait. Are you serious?"

Back then, Danhauser could only trigger his True Form in any part of the world if his life was threatened and he was out of tricks. The government would back him up if Danhauser's actions were justified.

Now? He had the green lights to activate it whenever he pleased as long as he was in the Underworld—that included Grigori as well.

"Thanks for the birthday gift," Of course, the Four Great Maou would be grateful if Danhauser used it responsibly. They were practically placing their trust in him after all. If carelessly, they could take out his permission.

"I am. However, you are still prohibited to use your Belial True Form unless it is extremely necessary to do so. In the Rating Games, on the other hand, you cannot rely on it—even if you've lost your advantage."

Unlucky, but understandable. Chances are that he could nullify the Rating Game System and would be a pain in the ass to fix it, "I understand. Now, what's the not-great news?"

"Nothing. It's all great."

"Great!" Danhauser exclaimed with a bit of excitement slipping out, "Great…"

"I encourage you to walk on eggshells during your stay, Danhauser. Measure your words and actions accordingly to not put the Great King Faction in a bad spotlight. Clan Gamigin shouldn't be trifled-with either."

"Duly noted."

"Very well, This is where we part ways, I'm afraid," Zekram prepared his farewell, "my name is needed somewhere else… and I doubt you'd love to hear an old man rambling the whole night."

Danhauser followed the nod of Zekram that signaled a different location, "Off you go then. I believe I saw Sairaorg in the banquet room along with his cousin and the Heiress of the Sitri Clan. If you hurry, you may catch them before they disappear elsewhere. In the meantime, enjoy the festive."

A parting pat on the shoulder and Zekram headed off. He watched Elder Bael perfectly blend in the crowd of noblesse. Just as he lost any sight of his superior, Danhauser realized was all by himself now.

He spared a look over his full wine and threw its content on a nearby flowerpot.

He turned around in time to see a new wave scrambling into the party, they must have just come off the waiting line. Everyone's walking everywhere and blending in the atmosphere by interacting with other people of equal or higher rank.

Too many nobles for his tastes—he noted. It was for the best to move on.

"Leave and find Sairaorg," his gaze wandered what would be the banquet room. As expected, the room was gigantic. On the center stood an uncountable amount of ridiculously wide long tables and placed atop them were feasts made up of all kinds of weird—yet familiar—foods for anyone with an empty stomach.

No way was he going to locate Sairaorg with so many people meandering around. If he was up for the challenge though, it'd take quite the time.

Unless he decided to play smart.

Danhauser closed his eyes and channeled Senjutsu—immediately feeling an array of demonic energy across the area. Some were deserved for the high-class ranking while others were slightly below that.

All bark and no bite—he thought.

Sairaorg was distinguished compared to other Devils. He lacked on the demonic power department, but his spirit was heavy and entrenched after being improved by Touki.

In this room, how many Devils manipulated Touki? Only two. Danhauser was one of them.

And the second user—according to his Senjutsu—was on a straight line.

Proud of his search, Danhauser disabled his Sage Arts and moved from his spot toward his new destination.

He'd said it once and he'll say it again. The crowd was massive, he heard chatting, laughter, and classical music playing in the background. Danhauser was invisible to them. They were way too distracted on the topic that didn't react when he accidentally bumped into them.

A bullet he gladly dodged.

A thought was carved into his skull. Was he the only Lesser Heir to partake in this party? While Danhauser was slightly behind on which Housecarls became vessels and whatnot—he was confident he could detect one by a simple glance alone.

They would feel out of place for instance. Like a black sheep surrounded by a flock of white sheep.

But none of them followed that criteria. Not a single Devil was drinking alone or leaning on a wall with arms folded while casting their judgmental glare to the party. As for now, Danhauser may be the only Lesser House to participate in the festive.

Honestly, he didn't know how to take the news. On one hand, he understood why the lack of motivation. On the other, their image further crumbled by letting the Nobles get in their heads with their affronts.

Swimming out from the sea of unknown faces, it was easier to identify the tall and muscular man that was Sairaorg. Like Elder Bael had said, he was accompanied by Rias and Sona.

They were wearing adequate clothes for the occasion—the exact ones they had in the anime in fact.

Weight fell off his shoulders. To see friendly faces that didn't follow the same dogma as all the upper echelon. It made him feel thrilled.

Rias was the first one to notice his approach and nudged her cousin to capture his attention.

Sairaorg faced Rias before following her gaze and smiled, "Look who decided to show up!" The Strongest Youth exclaimed before moving forth to greet Danhauser, "I was expecting you. Rias and Sona confirmed to me that you were on your way back to Ars Goetia. You just arrived, didn't you?"

"I arrived a few days earlier, I needed my brother to fill me in the details before stepping into the unknown ground," Ars Goetia was in constant change—anything can happen in one day, "I had to spend time with my family as well. Mom has been dying to see me since the last time we've been together. I wanted to spoil her."

"A justified explanation," once Sairaorg was close enough, he presented his fist to Danhauser, "I have high hopes that your journey back to the Underworld?."

The Heir of Belial fist-bumped him in return, "Sure it was, saw new stuff on my way here… like a floating city in the middle of Ars Goetia."

"Ah, you saw it as well."

"All Ars Goetia saw it," Danhauser retorted, "perhaps the whole Underworld. It's hard to miss it when it's even blocking the sun."

It's up there as we talk," Rias muttered.

Sairaorg nodded, "I expected paranormal things to happen in the Underworld… but I never imagined one of them would be the deities of the Hindu Pantheon paying us a visit."

"Grayfia told me about my big brother inviting leaders of each faction to the Underworld," Rias commented, "knowing him, it's to renegotiate a peace treaty... but with more members on the list."

"Sounds like him," Danhauser agreed, "but… I doubt it'll go as Maou Lucifer wants."

Danhauser only saw Azazel maybe the Archangel accepting their truce, and if Azazel gets on their good side, the Norse Pantheon as well.

"At least we know the purpose behind their visit," Sairaorg placed a hand under his chin, "even Satan Lucifer is using this event to arrange his personal goals. For the greater good, I bet."

"If the heads of each pantheon only answered Maou Lucifer's invitation…" Sona trailed off, a troubled expression marring her face, "then does that mean…!"

"Indeed Sona," Sairaorg interrupted her with that fearless smile, "inside that palace lies either Śakra or one of the Trimurti."

Rias paled at the revelation, "I…I don't know how to feel about this now…"

Danhauser could relate to her worries. He still hadn't figure out how to fix his issue.

"You look like you've seen a ghost!" Sairaorg teased his cousin, "there's nothing to worry about. They're not here to cause harm."

"I know, but doesn't it frighten you?" she asked despite knowing the answer.

"Not in the slightest. I only have respect for all of them. If tales of them are a reliable source, then they certainly deserve that fearsome reputation they'd build up." Sairaorg paused to look over a window, "This is nothing but a selfish dream of mine, but I hope that one day, I may have the privilege to fight any of them."

Rias almost lost her balance, "W-what are you even saying, Sairaorg?!" she looked at him wide-eyed, "I get you love fighting strong opponents but this is too much…!"

Sairaorg chuckled, "Why so upset, Rias? I thought I was like an open book. My desires are plain and simple."

"… Sometimes, it worries me that you're getting ahead of yourself. That's all."

"Your concern is noted, but this is the only path I can walk. To fight until my last breath has given out—until I can crawl. And even then, I will continue fighting, even then, I will retaliate with my fist!"

"With all due respect, Lord Sairaorg. It's fine to keep your head on the clouds, but it's important to keep firm your feet on the ground as well."

"Not you as well, Sona!" the Strongest Youth boomed a laugh, "what about you, Danhauser? Will you lecture me as well?"

"You do you. Make sure to make it out in one piece, though," the gray-haired advised, "It'd be a damn shame that my gift goes to waste because you wanted a warrior's death."

The girls perked up at that.

"Huh. A surprise gift?" he repeated, hands on his hips, "That came out of nowhere. Would it be pointless if I asked what it is?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

"Thought so. Mhmm." Sairaorg narrowed his eyes, trying to mind read the gray-haired. He sighed once he theorized what he may receive, "If it's anything related to these Japanese cartoons that Rias constantly gushes about, then I'll humbly decline. I will never understand people's fascination over that art style."

Rias' blush surpassed her hair color, but had enough courage to retort under her breath, "… I-It's called anime."

"Not really," Danhauser nodded encouragingly at Sairaorg, "try again."

Sairaorg bit the hook and caressed his jawline, "Let's see… a good sparring match?"

"No."

"A shirt?"

"No."

"High-quality coffee beans?"

"Can you stop pretending and guess already?"

Sairaorg pondered for another minute before shrugging, "Nothing else enters my mind I'm afraid. Whatever it is, I have faith that you'll knock my socks off."

"What, giving up fast?" Danhauser clicked his tongue, "Tsk, tsk. I expected more from the rumored 'Strongest Youth'."

"Haha! A good attempt! But I'm not taking the bait that easily," smirking, Sairaorg tapped the side of his head, twice, "I know your kind. Playing guessing games with you wouldn't lead us anywhere. I'll save my breath and await what you have in store."

"Your loss then. Just don't regret it later."

"I'll gladly take full responsibility for my actions," The Heir of Bael then looked to the sidelines. "Hmm. Looks like nothing of this will do. I need a cup of coffee."

"Coffee? At this hour?" Sona asked incredulously, "isn't it a bit late to luxuriate in coffee?"

"This gathering will last until morning," Sairaorg explained, "It would be careless if I, the next head of Clan Bael, were to show sign of drowsiness in front of our guests. Interested in sharing a coffee with me?"

"I'm fine, thank you Lord Sairaorg," Sona politely declined.

"I think I can endure the whole night without caffeine. Thank you, Sairaorg," Rias said.

Sairaorg nodded back before looking at Danhauser, "What about you? You wouldn't leave me drinking alone, won't you?"

"I'm not planning on staying too much, but sure—make it two."

"Great. I'll be right back then," Sairaorg spun before walking away—muttering. "Now. This room is large, there has to be a coffee maker somewhere."

Once Sairaorg disappeared, Sona started a new conversation, "Is the party treating you well, Vice-Principal?"

"Danhauser," he corrected her, "we're not at school anymore, Sona. Call me by my name. Answering your question…" drawled, his eyes roaming the gigantic room before settling over her once more, "I'm not seeing any pitchforks and torches yet. So, everything appears to be in order."

"Let's long for the ambiance to hang that way," Sona hoped, "our first social gathering shouldn't turn into chaos and controversy."

"Fingers crossed," Danhauser muttered and shook his head, "Anyways, how's your peerage doing? Any recruits?"

"… I shouldn't tell you that," Sona eyed him cautiously behind her rim glasses, "Collecting data of your opponent is perhaps one of the greatest keys to winning against them. I'm willing to exchange information if only… you…"

He noticed her words trailing off and spoke, "Something wrong?"

"…" She became silent all of sudden, her attention was stolen by something he wasn't aware of.

He pursued her gaze to spot a certain redhead peered into his face.

"Don't stare too much," Danhauser snapped his fingers between her eyes. "Rumors will spread."

Then like a slow falling hammer, reality struck her. Rias laughed sheepishly, "I'm sorry for acting like that. I was just wondering about that gift you have planned for Sairaorg… I can't get it off my head," she bashfully played with strands of her crimson hair, "Maybe you can tell me what is it…?"

He smiled knowingly, "Ooh. You'd love to know, don't you?"

"Absolutely!" Rias enthusiastically said, "maybe give you a hand as well! I could offer any advice and throw some suggestions!"

Danhauser didn't need any help in that department. He already knew what Sairaorg truly wanted.

To feel his mother's embrace.

And Valerie was all the help he needed.

The second option was through Senjutsu. But it was a hit-or-miss situation. While he believed he had great control over his own life-force, he couldn't know if that was enough to intrude into someone else's chi. He wasn't the Monkey King, where the latter easily cured Vali of Samael's lethal poison with a tap of his staff.

For Danhauser, it would be as if he was operating a brain surgery—where he had to carefully maneuver his way to make sure the patient made it out alive.

Meanwhile, the Sephiroth Graal acted like an antibody—it cleansed the body from any illness no matter its nature. It was quicker and efficient.

But despite the Holy Chalice's strong points, he wasn't willing to gamble it on Sairaorg's mother either. First, he wanted Valerie to test it on Ingvild.

If the results were positive, then Misla was next on the list.

Trust, but verify.

It left a bad taste in his mouth to use Ingvild as a guinea pig, but it is what it is.

"Sorry, but I'm keeping my lips sealed."

"Aw. Not even a hint?" Rias tried to make her persuasion effective by pulling her trump card: the puppy stare, "I'm good at keeping secrets."

But Danhauser was neither Sirzechs nor Zeoticus to bite the hook. "I'm not risking it."

Rias remained fixated in his grey gaze. A few seconds passed and she shot a slow and sexy smile, "You have powerful eyes."

Danhauser held back a snort—already figuring out her intentions. But still, he played along. "Really?"

The redhead hummed in return, "They scream 'danger'…. I like that," she bit her lower lip subtly, "I like your hair too. So greyish."

Sona cringed.

"I don't know what to say. I'm flattered, Rias."

"I always found boys with swept-back hair attractive," Rias twirled with her bangs, "but they are no match to you. Your hair emphasizes that fierce, yet stoic expression on your—!"

"Rias," a facepalming Sona had to pause to collect her breath, "that was horrible. Please never do that again."

Rias sharply faced her childhood friend, "H-horrible?!" she stuttered, "w-what do you mean it was horrible?! You're lying! I almost had him!"

"Not really," Danhauser chuckled when she turned back at him, "I lived with Cleria and Roygun for years. I'm immune to those."

Older women, on the other hand…

"It was a good try, though," he quickly added. "You got the smile. But I found the rest adorable."

Rias glared at the sidelines while nibbling at her thumb, "I don't get it… how Akeno makes it look so easy….?"

"Ah, you three, it's good to see you again," said a feminine voice.

The three simultaneously looked where the voice came from in time to see a beautiful bespectacled woman whose hair was green with a shade of blonde. Her blue robe also left a lot to the imagination.

Seekvaira Agares. The heiress of the Archduke Agares.

She wasn't alone though, she was accompanied by a face that Danhauser had never seen or heard before.

Was she Seekvaira's escort? A servant?—he doubted. Impossible for her to be a reincarnated devil when only pureblooded were allowed on this section of the castle.

The second young woman was as beautiful as the three heiresses that stole the spotlight of the banquet room. She was holding a folded fan as her almond eyes watched around carefully like a hawk. She was holding a folding fan. Her long hair that reached her lower back gradually transitioned from blonde to a gentle blue at the ends. He found her small hat tied on a ribbon-bow incredibly cute.

The regal dress highlighted her well-developed body and height—which was a mirror of Rias.

After a taste of her demonic aura, one of his eyebrows shot up instinctively. He even had to double-check to make sure Danhauser wasn't hallucinating. She was above the norm. It was impressive power even for a High-Class Devil.

It's only when the examination had finished, that Danhauser realized the newcomer was looking directly at him. She must have as well been curious who he was.

"Lady Seekvaira, it's good to see you," Rias greeted, "you too, Latia!"

"So that's her name," Oddly enough, something about her rubbed him in the wrong way. He didn't know what or why. This had to be the first time he had seen her.

Latia smiled to the redhead, "It's good to see you as well, Rias. You too, Sona."

Sona offered a nod.

"Rias," Seekvaira however, appeared ticked for a weird reason, "What was that greeting? You don't have to act so polite around me. Keep that image only when we are on earshot of people we don't trust," a small smile tugged her lips, "In fact, I'd love if you called me "Seeky" instead, as you did in our childhood."

"Hrmmph!" Rias had to keep herself from choking on the air alone, "d-don't say that so loudly! They will think we're weird!"

"Then ignore them, they're not worthy of our time," that's when Seekvaira regarded the gray-haired with her analytical gaze, "Danhauser Belial in the flesh. So the gossips were true. You came back."

"Gossips?" he resisted the urge to roll his eyes skyward, already expecting this outcome, "people are already talking about me, huh?"

"We could hear the agitation from our spot in the line," Seekvaira stated, "We may have obtained a bit more of information if it wasn't by the fact that some guards patrolling the area spared us from waiting."

"Yeah, I was there for a short time," Danhauser admitted, "they also quickly took me out of the line before everything turned into a shitstorm."

He saw Latia quickly covering her mouth with her unfolded fan, but caught a glimpse of a weak smile.

"Language," Seekvaira released a sigh, "but yes… that was a quick reaction from Elder Bael. Your family's name is a controversial topic here around Ars Goetia." She then turned to Latia, "see? I told you wouldn't be the only Vassal House to participate in this party."

Vassal?

It took her a while, but Rias noted something was off, "I almost forgot! This is the first time you two have met, right?"

"Well…" Danhauser rubbed the back of his head, trying to build memory, "I've never seen her during my school days."

"She's homeschooled," Sona replied, "there's no point to enroll in a school when you have a relative with a keen intellect."

Rias nodded at Sona's answer, "Yes. Sona and I have always seen her thanks to the meeting at high-class parties organized like this one. We were only kids back then."

Unsatisfied by Sona's cryptic answer, Danhauser decided to dig out the answers for himself, "Then introductions are in order," he offered a proper short bow to Latia, "Danhauser Belial. Heir of Clan Belial."

There was a quiet, tense moment which thankfully lasted for an uncomfortably short time—and in the end, Latia gave a curtsy, and spoke up. "Latia Astaroth. The next head of Clan Astaroth… rank Lesser Duke."

His heart fell into his stomach and his blood turned cold. This was the Household that was stripped from its rank after Danhauser captured Diodora and news of the latter's schemes were brought out to the open and exploited by the media.

Sona's comment started to make sense once he finished piecing everything together. It was obvious that Latia was a close relative of Ajuka—they were members of the same Clan after all—but where they siblings like Rias and Sirzechs?

It took all his willpower to not curse out loud, "Why you had to appear…?" he looked away from Latia as the guilt throbbing in his chest intensified, "Of all the remaining households… why yours had to be relevant…? Why not just stay permanently insignificant in the background like in the Light Novels?"

That's when Danhauser felt an intrusion clawing his mind. Was it worth it? To shackle a family in the same position as he was? A Clan that did him no wrong?

He did it intending to stop Diodora and the Old Satan Faction sooner, not to shame the Astaroth Clan as a whole.

Ajuka said that it was fine—the few for the many. That it was impossible to save both parties from an outcome. That progress was honed on necessary sacrifices. Even Zekram seemed to find wisdom in that point of view.

"But it's still so damn unfair," he could feel his face contort and quickly hid it behind his hand, "It's so fucking bullshit when they blame all family members."

The Heir should be the only one to be punished, not everyone else.

"Latia, Ajuka, and all the other members of Clan Astaroth… they weren't part of the game."

But here she was, Latia embodying the monument of his sins.

In haste, Danhauser harrumphed to break the abundant silence drowning them, "It's… good to know you," he inwardly facepalmed.

"… Likewise."

"Please don't feel discouraged by her lack of enthusiasm," Seekvaira wore an apological expression, "due to my father's… irrational decisions, Clan Astaroth appointed Latia to become the next heiress on a whim. Give her some time to adapt to her new position."

"She's the only one suitable for the task," Sona adjusted her glasses, "she follows the criteria that Lord Astaroth needed to restore their reputation. If I were in his shoes, I'd pick her as well. In fact, even if Diodora was still the heir—I'd replace him for her."

It didn't go unnoticed to Danhauser how Latia shifted uncomfortably on her spot. Either because she now became the center of attention or Sona's comment dampened her mood.

"If it counts, you will be a better heiress than Diodora ever was," Rias tried to spark optimism on the conversation, "you can always count on me—Dukes should always stick together!"

Seekvaira placed a comforting hand on Latia's shoulder, "I agree. As the future head of the Agares Clan, it's my responsibility that all houses serving the Archduke are not stressed out. You can talk to me as well, Latia."

Latia smiled faintly, "Thank you—to both of you. I will do my best to not turn into a heavyweight."

Seekvaira nodded and retracted her hand back, "As an advice, you should follow Danhauser's example, too."

Danhauser wished the earth could swallow him, "… you really think that's a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be? Both of you are facing similar circumstances," Seekvaira pointed out, "and fighting for the same goal. But compared to Latia, you have accumulated more experience and knowledge as an heir and as a Vassal House. She could learn a few things from you."

"Yes! You can even help each other's out!" Rias dug the idea, "work together as a team, become best friends… become lovers."

Danhauser deadpanned.

"Rias!" Latia cried out.

The redhead giggled mischievously in return, "Aha ha, just kidding~!" she suddenly covered her lips with the tip of her fingers, "Unless…?"

Latia only huffed a little at the teasing. "Your jokes, as bad as ever," she fanned herself.

"Or maybe your sense of humor is bad."

Seekvaira massaged her temple, "Literal children."

"Is this normal?" Danhauser asked with a hint of amusement.

"Yes," Sona sighed, "mostly when the opportunity presents itself… which is almost every time."

"Never mind that," Seekvaira faced both of them, her arms folded, "Have any of you seen Sairaorg somewhere in this castle? My father ordered me to stay at his side until the end of the party."

"I'm right here, Seekvaira," they heard the deep voice of Sairaorg approaching, "finding a coffee machine here can be complicated, but the deed was accomplished."

Seekvaira released a sigh that expressed her irritation. She calmly spun to face him, "You are hopeless, Sairaorg. You know that we—Th-That man…! What is he doing here?!"

That alarmed everyone, even the people outside their circle.

"Look over there! It's him!" A noble exclaimed.

"One of the Top Ten is here!"

"The Blue Phoenix showed up!"

Comment after comment surged up from the crowd in different levels of excitement and surprise, enough to pique Danhauser's curiosity, "Top Ten? Blue Phoenix? About time the soul of the party showed up," he slowly gazed to the character that stole the show.

A slim—yet muscular—long-legged man with blond hair and dark blue eyes that reminded him of Raiser and Ravel kept Sairaorg company.

It was him. The Strongest Heir—Ruval Phenex. The Trump Card of the Great Marquis Faction.

The second reason why Roygun attended the party, to begin with.

Their eyes met and Ruval grinned, "Hey, clown-faced bastard. Why haven't you messaged my little Hummingbird?"

.


.

"… So!" Gasper began, "Everyone except me was defeated! But, I defeated the Phenex Peerage with my abilities… The Powerful Eye that Stops the World! My enemies were defeated after I activated my powers! Because my eyes have been enchanted by my Sacred Gear since the day I… Y-You are still listening, right…?"

Gasper nervously peeked to the side only to be met with an attentive Valerie, hanging on every word. "Of course, I'm listening. It sure is interesting."

After separating from Danhauser, they were directed to a beautiful ballroom, where most servants of each pure-blooded Devil were spending time by interacting with other reincarnated devils of different houses or by looking around and figuring out how to kill time.

Valerie of course kept Gasper company by sitting on an empty table away from the crowd. Thankfully, none of the unrecognized characters approached to ruin their reunion with their small talk.

The location of the other teammates was an enigma to her. She vaguely remembered that Jeanne wanted to taste the dishes with the pink-haired woman following after her. Roygun her name was she believed.

The Bishop of Gremory beamed with relief as he continued, "After defeating all his servants I was then against President's fiancée! His regenerations powers were troublesome, but I defeated him by stopping time and using my Darkness!"

"And then what happened?"

"T-Then we won!" Gasper puffed his chest awkwardly, "everyone was happy! President was happy! And everyone congratulated me!"

"So, you defeated everyone by yourself?"

"Y-yes!"

Valerie's cheeks rested on her palms as she grinned at the younger hybrid, "Are you suuure?"

A red tint spread over Gasper's face, "W-well…!" he played with the corner of his pinkish dress, shifting on his seat nervously, "E-everyone actually helped, too…"

"Ehehehe… that's no good," Valerie reached out to tap at the tip of his nose, "you shouldn't tell tall tales."

"B-But I actually did something!" Gasper insisted with a hand to his heart, "I-I took down the Queen without any help!"

"Don't get mad at me. I'm not denying you didn't play a big part of the game," Valerie giggled at his reaction, "I'm happy you are slowly growing powerful."

The cross-dresser nodded happily, "I-I'm this strong thanks to your Master! Mr. Danhauser! I-I was scared about him at first, but I recall how you always spoke fondly of him and you were right! He's amazing!"

A smile that Gasper had never seen on Valerie's face before bloomed like a butterfly, "Yes. Yes, he is."

"H-hey, Valerie," clearly trying to speak around a lump in his throat, Gasper called out his childhood friend, "D-Do you miss living in the Tepes Faction?"

Valerie narrowed her eyes, "Why are you asking that?"

"J-just wondering!" Gasper locked his ankles, avoiding her dark-red irises, "I-It's fine! Y-you don't have to answer if you don't want to!"

"… No. I don't miss my Clan," she answered grimly, "I didn't mind living on a dungeon if that's what you were wondering. The moment I've adapted, I found the ambiance pleasant," it was better than getting scorned by all Vampires living on the surface, "but... I despise the reason why we were thrown behind cell bars."

"W-We're not monsters," Gasper tried to comfort both of them.

Valerie stared into the table for a second that lasted an eternity. "I know," she said, albeit quietly.

"They were scared of our potential," The male Dhampir nodded to himself, "T-That's why they caged us…! They knew we could be stronger than all of them combined with our Sacred Gears! Sometimes, I feel we were lucky being born with—!"

"Don't too speak fondly about the Sacred Gears," Valerie interrupted him with a cold hiss, making Gasper squeal in surprise, "they are not as what people interpret them to be."

"S-Should I stop using my Sacred Gear then…?" Gasper asked with a mixture of uneasiness and disappointment.

"No. You can't afford to ignore any weapon given," Valerie advised him, "just… don't place the Sacred Gears on a pedestal."

They played a big reason of why they were constantly shunned and abused by the Tepes Faction.

Of why she was downgraded into a lab rat by her own relatives.

Sacred Gears—especially Longinus—were a curse.

Out of blue, someone joined their table. Luckily, it was a familiar face, "Tobio?"

"Hey," Tobio gave her a brief nod before looking past her. "Don't mind me. Act as if I wasn't here."

Her eyebrow slowly arched up and followed his gaze, determined to feed her curiosity.

It stopped over a beautiful woman with black hair tied into a ponytail and dressed in a set of black traditional robes, similar to a Japanese kimono with unique floral designs.

She was talking with a brown-haired boy wearing elegant clothing and had a sheepish smile.

Of course, her breasts were ridiculously big.

"Have a care where your eyes linger, Tobio," Valerie teased him.

"Yeah, well don't worry. It's not what you think," he shot back, still not averting away from the raven-haired beauty.

"I see."

He finally spared her a tired glance, "She's my cousin. My second cousin. Happy?"

"Are you ogling your cousin then? I didn't picture you as the type of man who is into taboo."

"I don't even know why I'm talking to you."

"Ehehehe…"

"They are my seniors!" Gasper piped up, "Akeno and Ise! Queen and Pawn respectively!"

"Issei Hyoudou?" Tobio asked for verification, getting a nod from Gasper, "Then that's Vali's rival— the Sekiryuutei."

"Sekiryuutei? As if the Red Dragon Emperor?" Valerie's eyes became wide, "Another Longinus…?"

"I know right?" Tobio whistled once it struck him, "It's almost farfetched to imagine, but three Longinus are under the same roof right now."

[Four.]

The Holy Grail User glanced at Tobio's shadow, watching it morph into a werewolf with glowing, red eyes.

She could feel Gasper whimper at the presence of the lycanthrope. Her hand immediately reaching his and squeezed.

His fear was justified, they were the natural enemy of Vampire. Dhampirs weren't an exception.

"Four?" Tobio repeated with a frown, growing accustomed to the creepy voice of his Longinus.

[The Lion King,] Lycaon responded, surprising everyone, [I can smell his scent somewhere in this room.]

"If you could track him with your nose, then chances are that Regulus Nemea did so as well."

[Definitely.]

"The King of Wolves and the King of Lions," Tobio thought aloud and laughed, "and both connected to the Greek Pantheon! You can go and talk to him if you want. Who knows? Maybe you two share a lot in common and become best friends!"

[I want to kill him.]

"Oh."

[It's golden fur… impervious to attacks,] A dark chuckle escaped from Lycaon, further frightening the cross-dressing Bishop, [… or our ominous blade, which cut all things?]

"Governor-General once babbled that Regulus Nemea could only deflect projectiles," Slash Dog recalled, "he didn't say anything about direct attacks."

[An easier prey then,] nothing else to comment, Tobio's shadow slowly morphed back to normal.

"It's gone," Gasper's lungs started to function afresh.

"Now with that out of the way," Tobio drawled as his gaze rebounded back to the distanced Akeno and Issei.

Valerie heaved a sigh, "Just approach her."

"Easier said than done," Tobio huffed, "I can't just casually walk up to her and say I'm her second cousin. We've never met before. Who knows if she'll take the news lightly."

[Pussy.]

"Whatever man," Tobio rolled his eyes and cut the mental link with Lycaon.

"What I offered was an alternative," she retorted. "you are free to refuse it if you didn't find tempting my suggestion."

Tobio thrummed his fingers on the table, lost in his inner world, "… What would you do?"

"Hmm?"

"Yeah. What would you do in my shoes?"

"You came to the wrong person, Tobio," Valerie gently started brushing Gasper's hair, much to the latter's enjoyment, "that question should be marked to Danhauser instead. Me and my family have a… complicated relationship."

"I know. That's why I'm asking you."

Valerie paused halfway enough for her childhood friend to look up to her. She quickly recovered by resuming her previous activity, "It'd be easier to answer if ample context was provided."

Tobio shrugged a single shoulder, "Sounds fair," he cleared his throat, "Picture this: You are on a party like this one. High-ranking people are participating. You are all by yourself. But suddenly, you see a family member you hadn't seen in ages… or met at all. They approach you. What would you do?"

"… would we be in public or in private?"

Slash Dog tried to get a good reading of the Dhampir's facial features, but found it impossible with her blonde hair getting on the way, "… In public?"

He swore to hear a click of her tongue, "Then I would ignore his existence altogether."

"His?" He waited for Valerie to further elaborate her answer, but got nothing instead, "Um. Is that it?" he asked, feeling somewhat scammed.

"I suppose I'd leave immediately."

Tobio leaned back on his seat, digging his hands under his pockets, "Huh. Not the answer I expected coming from you," he muttered, "actually, I can see you doing exactly that, but not after exchanging some—whether positive or negative—parting words."

The brunet couldn't see it from his seat, but Valerie's eye twitched momentarily, "As I said, you came to the wrong person."

His brain was telling him to not push it, but his big mouth preferred to bite off more than he could chew, "What if you two were in private?"

His shoulders jumped when she sharply glared in his direction, "You really want to know what I'd do If I was alone with Marius?!"

The brunet brought his hands up in defense, watching carefully Valerie take her shallow breaths.

Her jaw tightened shut and broke stares, "Forget it," she coldly said, "Just forget it. This conversation is over."

"I... I messed up. I'm so sorry, Valerie."

"Just… leave me be."

Gasper watched them both, his pink eyes manifesting his evident worry.

.


.

"Lord Bova Tannin, correct?"

Bova looked up, spotting two figures approaching him.

A black-haired man with a handsome face wearing a butler uniform.

The second character was a tall and lanky man with dark, green hair and red eyes. The suit he wore looked a bit big for his shape.

They were dragons—despite wearing their human disguises, Bova could easily identify their true race with a single sniff in the air.

"That's me," Bova eyed them carefully, "And you are?"

"It's always a pleasure to the eyes to meet someone like us," the black-haired dragon bowed, "I am Lady Seekvaira Agares' Queen and personal butler, Alivian. Formerly an Eastern Dragon of Clan Zmei."

"Formerly?" Bova shook his head in disagreement, "Wrong. Your aura is the proof that you're still a dragon."

Alivian felt his lips shape into a smile, "Interesting. I never saw it that way."

"But a butler?" Bova clicked his tongue disdainfully, "Good grief. We reached this level now?"

Alivian almost lost his balance. He certainly didn't foresee this sudden shift in their conversation, "Excuse me?"

"We are dragons, a proud and fierce race," Bova dragged his eyes over Alivian's clothes, his cheek muscles wrinkling, "Now we're just houseboys that pour tea and do house chores? Are we forgetting our roots?"

"Do not be mistaken," the Slavic dragon warned him, "I haven't forgotten the ways of our species."

"We'll see."

"You like sharing your opinion without regard for what other people think? Be careful!" The lanky man laughed before thumbing himself, "I'm Ladora Buné, by the way. A Rook."

"I have to say, Lord Bova," Alivian drawled, checking the fellow dragon's outfit, "You have an…"

"I have a 'what'? Speak up. If you have something to say, just say it."

"Very well. You have an intriguing way of dressing."

"Heh! You think so?" Grinning, Bova glanced down over his attire, "I think it looks fine. It suits me too. What about you?"

"What about me? I've made it clear. I'm Lady Seekvaira's personal butler—hence my appearance."

Ugh. He could hear the pride coming out of his voice whenever he conveyed his profession. It made his stomach ache.

"I wasn't talking about your clothes. What's with hiding behind human flesh?" Bova demanded, "scared of getting your scales a bit damaged?"

"I'm not allowed," Alivian declined, "I can't shapeshift into my dragon form unless I get permission from Lady Seekvaira."

Bova rolled his eyes, "Whatever," he then nodded at Ladora, "And you?"

Ladora displayed a sheepish smile, "I just like the suit."

"There you are," Bova heard a familiar voice that dampened his mood, "don't go too far away, moron."

"Great. Now this idiot," Bova turned to face the approaching figure of a silver-haired Knight, "What do you want?"

Siegfried folded his arms, "You have to stay with me. I don't want you to cause trouble."

"Huh? Who do you think you're talking to, Siegtard? And why should I listen to you?"

Siegfried's eyebrow twitched, "Do you think I'm staying with you because I want to?! You are stuck with me until master returns!"

"Fuck off."

"Lord Bova," suddenly Alivian called out while sniffing the air, "Who is this?"

Bova thumbed dismissively at his teammate, "He's the weakest link on the team."

"W-Weakest link?!" Siegfried almost growled but cooled down. He refused to fall on the same level as this meathead.

Danhauser always chose him to be his right-hand. He should give an example!

Siegfried turned to the dragons, "Ignore him. He always throws these types of stunts. I am Siegfried, a Knight Piece serving under the House of Belial."

Surprisingly, Alivian was glaring daggers, "… Siegfried?" he repeated carefully.

"That's correct," Siegfried offered a handshake, "A pleasure. I like your clothes, by the way. Where did you find them if I may ask?"

"We'll take our leave," Alivian never looking away from the intruder, "Lord Bova, you are free to join us if you wish to do so."

Ladora gave an idly nod to Bova before tagging after Alivian.

Siegfried blinked owlishly in return, watching them go, "What just happened? Did I say something wrong?"

"You scared them off, Siegtard!" Bova threw his head back with laughter, "Look at them go. I bet they will go cry on a corner now."

Siegfried sighed, lowering his arm, "They heard that."

"Good. I wanted them to hear it," Bova flashed a smirk at their location, "Only a coward talks behind one's back."

"Try not to start a fight. Master already has problems by coming back to the Underworld," Siegfried sighed faintly, "I genuinely still wonder why these two left…"

"You smell like you bathed in dragon blood," Bova responded, "that's the scent of a Dragon Slayer."

Well, that explained why the cold shoulder, they jumped to the conclusion that he was descendant of Siegfried… which they were right, "I haven't slain any dragon. Not yet at least."

"But you always carry that stupid sword," Bova countered, "It was forged with the blood of a Dragon King."

"Huh," he rubbed his chin, "Good point."

"Good to see dragons are roaming around," Bova felt the inquiring stare of the silver-haired, "Pure Devils are not the only ones facing population loss. Dragons took a big hit on their numbers too."

"And your race hasn't figured out methods recover? They could take inspiration from the Evil Pieces."

"We are warriors, not men of science," the Dragon grunted, "We dragons follow a custom: fight with honor, die with glory."

"My point still stands. There must be someone trying to recover your endangered race. Even if it doesn't involve relying on science."

"If you put it that way, then I know someone is trying to patch up the wounds."

"Of course there's someone out there taking the initiative. Who?"

"My old man," Bova replied with a lack of proudness, "he became an Ultimate-Class Reincarnated Devil to own a piece of land to create a haven for dragons."

"That's noble of him."

"It's pointless," the rook bluntly said albeit didn't disagree with the sentiment, "Even Granny Tiamat believes so. Our extinction is inevitable."

After the pessimist comment, both of them were surrounded by silence.

"You also smell like a dragon."

Siegfried snorted, "If you are hinting that I'm a dragon then you are mistaken," he rebuked Bova's statement, "nor I hold any ancestry whatsoever. I was formerly a human that voluntarily become a Reincarnated Devil."

"What are you on about?" the dark-purple dragon said, half-curious half-irritated, "Doesn't matter if you're a Reincarnated Devil, or whatever. You're a dragon just as those two."

"… Did you jump to that conclusion because of my Sacred Gear? Twice Critical?"

"Yeah. But you are a unique type of dragon."

"How so?"

"You're a Dragon-Dragon Slayer," Bova tilted his head to the side, "No… A Dragon Descendant of a Dragon Slayer that wishes to become the Strongest Swordsman... as weird as that sounds."

Siegfried slowly scowled, "Bobo. Is there actually any difference between a Swordsman and a Dragon Slayer?"

"Dragon Slayers are scum. Always relying on dirty and nasty tactics. They lack honor," Bova turned his attention over Siegfried, "Swordsman and Knights don't. If you want to slay a dragon so badly then drop the chivalric code."

"… I can be both."

"No, you can't," Bova scoffed, "Dumbass."

.


.

Roygun knew that the real star of the party was the food. Tables laden with delicacies line the walls. Everything she could think of, and things she had never dreamed of, lie in wait.

Whole roasted cows and pigs and goats still turning on spits. Huge platters of fowl stuffed with savory fruit and nuts. Ocean creatures drizzled in sauces or begging to be dipped in spicy concoctions. Countless cheeses, loaves of bread, vegetables, sweets, waterfalls of wine, and streams of spirits that flicker with flames.

Everything was on her reach.

And from all these dishes that could only be prepared in restaurants with exceptional cuisine, Jeanne opted for the junk food.

Roygun had to chuckle at the gleaming coming from the amethyst-colored eyes of Jeanne. She was salivating at the sight of the burger in her grasp. She took a bite and squirmed out of happiness.

The pink-haired watched how Jeanne took another bite whilst her other hand reached for a handful of French fries before stuffing them into her already full mouth.

If Jeanne could symbolize a sin, then she wore gluttony as a medal.

"Slow down," Roygun chided at the enthusiastic blonde, "you could choke."

Jeanne was occupied by stuffing her face. She could barely mumble a reply, "Muh?"

"You're too cute for your own good," Roygun released a hefty sigh, "Don't talk with your mouth full."

The Rook cocked her head back and swallowed all the food in one go. "Sorry, sorry!" Jeanne apologized once her mouth was empty, "It's just so tasty!"

"I don't doubt that. But it's not going away."

Jeanne rubbed the back of her head, "I got carried away," she admitted, sticking her tongue out of embarrassment. "You know what they say: eat a burger, don't do a murder!"

"No one says that."

"Well, I do!" Jeanne giggled, "It's been a long time since I've eaten a cheeseburger."

"But you are no longer part of the Church, you can eat to your heart's content," Danhauser had told Roygun about Jeanne's case being a former saint on the Vatican. An important figure that supposedly had to inspire orphan children to become exorcists and the such.

As such she was treated more harshly under the law as she was meant to serve as a shining example of how should they conduct themselves, publicly and privately.

A saint devouring junk food like a vacuum cleaner didn't leave a good image.

"But Vasco forbade me to eat fast food for four years!" Jeanne lifted four fingers. "That's too much!"

Vasco? As if the Apex of Humanity of this era?!

Who's this girl? A granddaughter of Vasco Strada himself?

"Because 'hurr durr you'll grow some love handles if you don't put much thought into your diet, Little Lamb!'" Jeanne did her best impression of an elderly man reproaching a teenager. She then raised her large soda, looking at it intently. "He thought he could change me. But I am inevitable."

Jeanne took a long sip which made the woman giggle in return.

"I see you two are enjoying the night."

Roygun and Jeanne shared a look. It was a male voice, but none of Danhauser's peerage. The voice didn't ring any bells to neither of them.

They decided to finally face the newcomer and Jeanne almost spat her drink all over the table, "I-Isaiah?!"

"Isaiah?" Roygun parroted, expressing her confusion. She knew who it was the moment she took a look. The blond hair, charming smile, and the mole under his left eye was a takeaway.

The most controversial figure in Kuoh Academy. Adored by the girls, despised by the boys. The Knight of Rias Gremory.

"Isn't your name Yuuto?" Roygun inquired, "Kiba Yuuto? Second-Year student?"

"Please keep calling me Yuuto instead, teacher," Yuuto bowed at the woman before turning to look at Jeanne right in the eye, "We meet again, Joan…"

"Don't call me that."

Roygun may not know Jeanne like the back of her hand, but she could assume that the latter rarely wore a straight expression.

And when she did, something was off.

"I know it's so sudden. But… can we talk?" Yuuto asked after an awkward silence.

"Talk?" Jeanne repeated, unsure of what Isaiah was plotting. The first time they'd met, both blondes didn't leave a very good first impression of one another.

She failed to comprehend why he would even approach her—let alone communicate with her. After sticking her nose and impeding him to destroy the Excalibur Fragments, she anticipated him to fire glares that could melt ice in her direction.

But lo and behold, Isaiah hadn't shown any kind of grudge against her. He had that polite and kind smile that could make school girls blush.

And his eyes were gentle, and deep inside was begging her to accept his request.

Maybe… maybe he changed? Maybe Isaiah wanted to start anew?

"I don't… think that's a good idea, Yuuto," Roygun spoke after noticing Jeanne's delay, "maybe you two could—!"

"No, it's fine," Jeanne cut her off, "I'll talk with him."

"… Very well," Roygun ceded while leaving her seat, "I'll give you two time alone then."

Isaiah's smile grew a bit more, "Thank you," he gestured to one of the empty seats, "May I?"

Jeanne gave a short nod as Isaiah quickly joined her.

A heavy silence settled over them, thicker than the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. Jeanne shuffled her feet against the floor, awkwardly tracing circles while Isaiah shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Thankfully, Isaiah quickly acted, "How are you?"

"I'm doing great," Jeanne paused for a bit, "And you?"

"Same here.

Not so far away, Roygun's unsettled eyes glanced unceremoniously over the two blondes while drinking from her new glass.

They were only interested in keeping the conversation alive—Maou forbids there be a pause.

Jeanne said something—followed by Yuuto's pretendedly interesting response.

Yuuto said something—and Jeanne politely smiled.

Neither of them talking about the thing that really mattered—whatever that was. Neither of them was bold enough to address the elephant in the room. Only wasting precious time.

There they were: completely aware of how superficial their conversation really was.

Roygun felt someone's glance and looked at their way.

She briefly felt her heartbeat echoing in her throat. The observer was a beautiful girl with blonde hair tied in a ponytail her green, eyes wide were locked over her.

She recognized those features and demonic power elsewhere. They were similar to an old friend—Bedeze.

This had to be Kuisha. Kuisha Abaddon.

Roygun was halfway to wave at her until she spotted Kuisha's expression altering from surprise to resentment.

The woman cringed as Kuisha right away stormed to an opposite direction, "A warning from the upcoming storm," she heaved a sigh before turning back to the blondes.

By the looks of it, Isaiah gathered the courage to tackle the subject, "Do you… remember how we met?"

Jeanne looked over her half-bitten hamburger before pushing it aside—her appetite gone, "… I do."

"So do I," Isaiah murmured, his eyes flashing previous past events, "We clashed blades and you dominated our fight. In my lifetime, I never imagined someone who had been reincarnated by a Rook Piece would catch on the speed of a Knight Piece—let alone match my technique. You proved me wrong."

"My teacher made sure to cover up as many flaws as he could."

"I believe you," Isaiah accepted her answer with a nod, "he taught you well."

"I wanted to thank you," at Isaiah's words, every muscle of Jeanne froze, "I was disappointed that I lost on my field of expertise, but I have learned a lot during our match."

Jeanne's mouth remained a bit open, her eyes looking at him in a new light, "Is that true?"

"Yes," Isaiah nodded, "You made me vaguely understand my placement in this world. That realization helped me to train with effort and passion to become stronger and united with my Sacred Gear. I've skipped class to not ruin my training schedule."

Oddly enough, a smile lightened Jeanne's expression, "If it's true what you're saying, then I believe your prowess has indeed grown."

"Thank you for your compliment," Isaiah bowed his head before continuing, "but I can't tell if I really became strong by praises alone. I need to put my technique to test. I need to fight you once again. I need to defeat you first to know if I'm ready for the next stage."

"Next stage?" she repeated, slowly, "you mean to protect your King and comrades?"

To her dismay, Isaiah shook his head. "I need to first defeat your Sacred Gear before going after the Excalibur Fragment."

A missed heartbeat. Jeanne felt a wave of multiple emotions slam into her with the force of a cannonball. The faith that was reflected into her eyes was gone, "What?"

"Something that I noted during our duel was that when our swords made contact, mine would shatter almost instantly," the blond recalled, unaware of Jeanne's shadowed eyes, "Every time I attacked and you parried, my blade broke. Likewise, when I blocked and you charged, similar results happened. If I couldn't even leave a single scratch to one of your many beautiful blades, then what would I expect if I fought against a Fragment of Excalibur? Let alone the True Excalibur?"

Jeanne's hands twitched and she could feel a vein pulsing in her forehead, "Why…?"

"Because all the holy swords your Sacred Gears creates are naturally inferior to the Excalibur Fragments," Isaiah responded, "I'm not saying this as means to offend you. It's how it is. But with your growth, I wouldn't be surprised if in the future you could hold your ground against them."

"Not that you idiot!" Her eyes instantly bore straight into his and spat out, "why are you still so headstrong to go after the Excalibur?! Can't you see what's at the end of the tunnel?! Even if you succeed, do you expect to only receive a slap on the wrist…?"

She now realized how much his facial features had changed. That prince charming smile was wiped away, and his eyes looked confident and yet dull. He was adamant to do this—consequences be damned.

The thought of punching him square in the jaw became tempting.

"I can't. This is the path I've traveled. If I back away, if I turn away… then all the cries of my friends will grow restless. They won't have peace. As someone who didn't deserve to survive on that nefarious experiment, it's my duty to avenge my friends who had a brighter future. I must answer their call."

Jeanne slammed her fist on the table, "… Answer their call you say, huh? Thank you. Now, this makes even more sense. Let me start that I admire you displaying assurances and tenacity… even if your goal is terrible."

"Thank you."

"But this is worse than I thought," she snarled out, "Open your eyes already, Isaiah. You never heard a call, you cannot talk to the death. That's all made up by you. You should never speak on behalf of someone deceased as if you knew them from the inside and out."

"…"

"You need to own up. Speak for by your own volition and not from others. You're not doing this because you realized that the Church was wrong, you are just motivated to sate your hunger of vengeance against the Excalibur."

"…"

"You haven't changed," Her voice lowered, almost to a dangerous whisper. "There's so much pain and hatred in your eyes. Nothing has changed. Nothing at all."

"Joan of Arc."

"Don't you fucking call me that."

"That's enough!" Jeanne could hear hurried steps coming behind them—It was Roygun, "you two settle this on another—!"

"Hear out my request," Isaiah continued, unfazed by her fiery glare, "You are the only one who can help me. Please, help me seek revenge, Joan of Arc."

Jeanne snapped.

.


.

"Hah! I don't even know why you all are still here. I was trained by professionals and I'm at the top in the entire Glasya-Labolas household! You all are nothing to me but just another target practice. I will wipe you all the fuck out with precision and skill the likes of which has never been seen on the Underworld. Mark my fucking words, you reeking virgins fucks!"

"Oh, hi Zephyrdor. When did you get here?"

"I've been here the whole time, you flat-faced fuck!" Zephyrdor stabbed Danhauser with a finger, "What are you even doing here? Huh?! All I know is that this party is only for the top dogs of Ars Goetia! The hell a lesser has a business with us?!"

Latia winced at his words.

"For once, can't you just behave like an educated person?" Seekvaira sneered at the blue-haired Devil, "or you always have to be a loud-mouthed buffoon?"

"Hah! Don't act superior on me, bitch! You may be the next head of the Archduke Faction, but I ain't any lame Duke to lick your shoes clean!"

"Idiot. I'm not bossing you around, I'm offering you advice," Seekvaira retorted, "You are an heir now. The face of your Clan. Each action you take will affect either negatively or positively to your household."

"Cool. I didn't ask."

Seekvaira huffed, "I know your kind, Zephyrdor. The kind of man who is compensating for something."

"Why you bitch—!"

"U-um, anyway!" Rias interrupted with a nervous chuckle, "have you guys tried the apple pie of Clan Bael? It's remarkably tasty!"

"Is that so?" Sairaorg looked at her dessert with intrigue, "Can I get some?"

"W-what?" Rias quickly moved her plate away from him, "But you live here! You can eat it whenever you want!"

"Is that a no?"

"Exactly!"

"Lord Sairaorg, you do know that the pastry station is serving them right now, right?" Sona told him, "there is no need to take them off Rias' plate."

"Thank you!"

"But the line is crazy long," Danhauser countered, "no way I would line up with so many people."

Rias turned to the gray-haired, "Don't be a lazybones. You have to only wait around ten minutes to get your portion. If Sairaorg is eager to… hey—Sairaorg! What are you doing?!"

"I'm sorry, Rias. But I couldn't help it," Sairaorg returned the dish to its owner, "Hm. What an unhealthy taste. It's supersaturated with sugar. You can keep the rest, Rias."

"Keep what?! You ate all of it!"

Latia hid her cat-smile behind a fan, "Go grab another one, lazybones."

"Hush you!"

Sairaorg nodded at Danhauser.

Danhauser nodded back.

Their brief exchange didn't go unnoticed by the slack-jawed Gremory. She started fuming on her seat, "Arrrgghh… I'll get you two for this!"

"I'm telling you, you can get your own at the pastry station…" Sona sighed.

Ruval laughed joyfully, "Have to say, this pulls me back to the past. The good old days when I was with Bedeze and Roygun… I sort of wish she was here."

"Your dream came true, Roygun is here."

"Ask and you shall receive!" The blond searched everywhere without abandoning his seat, but no sight of pink-hair whatsoever, "where is she though? Can't see her."

"She's on the right-wing of the castle," Danhauser replied, "she decided to stay there to not stir things up around here."

"Good thinking. It's for the best for her to stay far away from the nobles, this is a lion's dens after all," Ruval pursed his lips, "Still… I don't think it was the best move to crash the party. Should've stayed In your house with a bottle to keep her company."

"Really? She's risking her neck to come here just to see you, and you're gatekeeping her?" Danhauser bluffed disappointment, "Who needs enemies when you have friends like these."

"Keep pulling my heartstrings now, will you?" Ruval rubbed the side of his head, "Damn… I'm getting tricked. If I keep expressing how much I oppose Roygun participating, I'd be the senseless one here... What the hell, fine. I'll talk to her when we're done here. Now I'm regretting not bringing Bedeze to revive our little group."

"I can understand why Bedeze or Raiser didn't want to participate. But what about Ravel? I wanted to see her."

"Too bad," Ruval grabbed his drink and took a long sip, "That's what you get for not talking with her for four years."

"I didn't want to distract her," Danhauser explained, "I wanted Ravel to take her training seriously."

"Usually, I wouldn't buy that cheap excuse, but your brother told me how zealously you take your training montages. For now, I'll give you the benefit of doubt," Ruval placed his drink back on the table with a content sigh, "You look pretty fit. You gained some muscle and I bet you can pack a punch—but that's Sairaorg's forte. What about your demonic power?"

Danhauser flashed an enigmatic smile, "I can give you a run for your money."

"Ha! Talk is cheap, Dan," the Heir of Phenex shot back, "Prove it. Release a bit of your demonic energy."

"And then do what?"

"I don't know, surprise me!" the tall blond exclaimed, "Break our cups with it or shake the ceremony party… or if you feel ballsy, shake the whole Bael Castle."

"Do not shake the Bael Castle," Seekvaira interfered.

An idea popped into Sairaorg's mind, "How about activating your True Form?"

Surprisingly, Latia perked up at that.

"Do not activate your True Form," Seekvaira quickly added.

"Only if you show us your Balance Breaker," Danhauser challenged him.

"Do not use your Balance Breaker!"

"Of course not Seekvaira, it's all just good fun!" Sairaorg erupted with laughter at her reaction, "but gathering information about our trump cards wouldn't become beneficial to all of you?"

Seekvaira opened her mouth to quarrel, but found no counterargument, "if you put it that way… your offer appears appealing," she admitted in a calmer voice, mulling over the offer, "but, from your perspective, is this the smartest thing to do?"

"I don't mind at all, I won't be using it on any matches," Sairaorg brought up one of his teeth-breaking fists, "I've made a vow to fight on my Balance Breaker only when the Underworld is in peril. It's when I'll push this body of mine past its limits to protect the people of Ars Goetia."

"I decline your offer," Rias firmly spoke, "I'm flattered, Sairaorg. But I cannot accept this. My pride as a Devil and Heiress of Gremory cannot accept any handicaps. I want to beat all of you fair and square. I will show you what the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess can really do!"

"I must refuse the offer as well," Sona adjusted her glasses, "Your strength is absurd, Sairaorg. But it's not always about who punches harder. Sometimes, all it takes is a sharp mind to turn the tables during a rating game match."

Seekvaira nodded, "I couldn't have said it any better."

"Meh," Zephyrdor shrugged, "Balance Breaker, True Form, or whatever. Imma still beat the shit out of you."

"…" Sairaorg studied each one of them, recognizing the fighting spirits. Satisfied, a pleasant smile captured his lips, "Very well. I will be honored to fight each one of you."

"Don't regret it later on," Danhauser dropped a warning.

Latia's head dropped slightly, crestfallen.

"That's a shame," Ruval leaned back on his seat, placing his hands behind his head, "I was actually looking forward to seeing what type of Sacred Gear you are hiding under your sleeve, Sairaorg," he fired a sly smirk to Danhauser, "A little bird told me that you have two True Forms."

"… Is that little bird by any chance my uncle?"

"You know the old fart. He loves showing off when the opportunity arises."

That's when Latia finally leaned forward, sitting on the edge of her seat, "You own two True Forms?"

Danhauser hesitated but gave up. Everyone knew already, why keep it under wraps? "I do."

The Heiress of Astaroth almost climbed on the table, "No way…! You have to tell me everything!"

"H-Hold on!" Rias placed a hand on her back, making sure Latia wouldn't trip over, "be careful, Latia!"

The warning fell on deaf ears, "How did you unlock it? While in True Form does your power equals to Ultimate-Class or Satan-Class? Do you gain new abilities while in True Form?"

"Latia, calm down," Sona said.

"Can your Belial Form counter Satan Lucifer's True Form?!"

"Latia!" Seekvaira snapped, like a mother catching their child with a hand on the cookie jar.

The blonde looked over her shoulder, "What? This is important! Only three Devils have been confirmed to be capable of using True Form, Danhauser is one of them," she returned to the gray-haired, "Come on! You have the power of the highest High-Class Devil, maybe even reaching Ultimate-Class tier! How are you able to use such a powerful technique if in your base form you aren't even a Satan-Class or a Super-Devil like Evil Tail Malebranche and Satan Lucifer respectively?"

No matter how alluring her almond eyes were, it was difficult to maintain eye contact when Latia was accidentally showing off the cleavage of her voluptuous body. That dress only accentuated everything. It forced his gaze to briefly dip to her décolletage.

The male residents of the table also reacted in different ways.

Sairaorg raised an eyebrow.

Ruval acted as if he was being a good example of a gentleman, but the blond had mastered the secret arts to peer through the corner of his eyes without getting caught.

Zephyrdor wasn't being subtle at all. His eyes were openly drinking her perfect figure with a dumb smile.

Unfortunately for him, his spectacle was brought to an end the moment Seekvaira whacked him the back of his head. He snarled while rubbing the sore spot, "The hell is wrong with you stuck-up bitch?!"

The Future Head of Agares refused to waste her breath on a delinquent like him, "Latia, dear. Nothing wrong with being enthusiastic about your hobbies… I was told I also behave like this when the conversation arises. But you're in the middle of the table."

Seekvaira was right. Latia was in a position that a baby took before crawling back to their parents.

"You are also showing a lot of your cleavage," Sairaorg added.

"O-Oh," an embarrassed Latia returned to her seat, unfolding her fan to hide her profuse blush, "sorry…"

"Tch," Zephyrdor folded his arms, slumping to one side with the spine bent, "You guys suck. Always ruining the fun for who-the-fuck-knows-why. What gives?"

"Don't make that face, Zephyrdor," Ruval nudged at the blue-haired Devil, "Chin up! You'll get your fun when the Rating Game starts!"

Rias felt goosebumps at the thought of competing against someone from the Top Ten, "… I hope there's no bad blood between us after how my match against Raiser ended?"

"Don't think too much about it," Ruval waved off her worries, "I knew he was going to lose anyway. He hasn't been interested in training since the day he lost against Dan. You were his first match after four years, actually. You're off the list."

Rias expelled her breath in a whose.

"And besides," Ruval drawled until his gaze landed over the gray-haired, "I've got bone to pick with a certain someone."

Danhauser arched a sly eyebrow and pointed to himself innocently, "Me? What did I do?"

"Stop messing around. Don't think I had forgotten how you thrashed my brother, Dan," Ruval reminded him, but with a lack of resentment and more of a quip, "How you literally sent my brother crashing into the VIP window to under my feet… I think a taste of your own medicine is what you need right now."

A smile slowly crept out of Danhauser's face, "My match against Raiser… those were the good days."

"Match? Nothing against my brother, I love him dearly, but that wasn't a match," the Blue Phoenix winced, "far from it. That was a massacre."

"It will still be a memory that I'll always be fond of," even if Danhauser somehow had lost that match, the feelings of enjoyment wouldn't fade out.

"Wait for the next rating games and you'll change your mind real quick," Ruval then pointed in his direction. "Read my lips, Dan—you'll end up under Diehauser's feet."

"You said it before—talk is cheap." Danhauser plucked a piece of lint from his suit, "Anyway. I'll have to call it a night now. It was great, but I have to go now."

"What? No way! You can't leave yet!" Ruval said, "the night is just getting started!"

"I'd love to stay, but I can't," Danhauser insisted and jerked his thumb toward the exit, "Want to see Roygun before I leave?"

"Hmm. That won't do it," the Strongest Heir rested a hand on the table, "You're forcing my hand, Dan. It's time to change my approach and bring out the heavy artillery then."

Danhauser tilted his head slightly, "What are you on about?"

"I know how our kin works, Dan. I've got to knock down a price on the table to make you stay."

His forehead puckered, "Are you really offering me cash to stay?"

"Who said anything about money?" with a toothy grin, Ruval cracked his neck, "This is the deal. Stick a bit longer and I'll be your wingman. I'm the only one who knows my sister through and through."

A smile dangled on the corner of his lips, "Tempting offer."

"Naturally," Ruval gave a subtle smirk, "It's a one-time offer only for tonight! So what, did I win you over?"

"Maybe."

A magic circle appeared beside Rias' ear and she took the call with a giggle—infected by the good atmosphere of the table, "Yes~?" she chirped.

The gray-haired's brows knitted into a frown when the redhead's honest smile completely fell off, "Akeno? What's wrong? What happened?" that's what he heard from the worried Gremory.

Everyone seemed unaware, mostly building relationships with other heir and heiress. But he saw her congealed face melting into horror as the conversation developed.

"… I see," After Rias hung the call, she inhaled a deep breath and blew out slowly.

Danhauser's lips set into a grim line when their eyes met, "What happened?"

.


.

Jeanne didn't know what happened. One moment she was happily devouring the hamburger that winked her suggestively, the next Siegfried had to pull her off of Yuuto and his nose was a bloody mess and a brush right into his face. One thing led to another.

A group of people was shouting, but the buzzing sound vibrating on her ears made it impossible to translate—as if a grenade exploded right under Jeanne's feet. Her eyes swiveled towards the back of her head in a distressing sense of a headache. As her eyesight slowly recovered, she was met with an angry mob—possibly allies and friends of Isaiah.

Thankfully, Roygun and Tobio were standing between them.

"Hm," that gruff voice belonged to Bova, she could tell. "Bosshauser got me dressed up like this, and Jeanne gets to do the punching? No fair."

In the background, the curious crowd just stood there in silence looking at her as if she did something wrong. They started to whisper in each other's ears—spreading rumors.

Crap. She was the center of attention now.

Even after the short-lived fury she'd channeled dissipated, Siegfried kept his firm grip on her.

She didn't even shove the silver-haired, Jeanne simply hung her head in shame.

"Let's all take it easy and count to ten," Tobio tried to soothe the multitude by acting as the voice of reason, "trust me. I'm just as confused as you all are."

"That won't do, mister," a female voice made her way out of the crowd, followed by a white-haired girl who rushed to help Isaiah, "That young man right there is my junior. As the Queen of Rias Gremory and senior to her peerage, it's my duty to watch over them in her stead. Please tell me why your ally attacked Yuuto."

Jeanne was surprised at what transpired next. It's as if the young woman said a command that made Tobio's brain suddenly shut down. He opened and closed his mouth multiple times, failing to shape words. He was like a fish out of water.

The violet-eyed frowned at his constant stuttering, "Yes?" she urged him to continue, folding her arms under her big breasts, "you were going to say something?"

"Yeah… well…"

"Pull yourself together, Tobio," Valerie hissed on the sidelines. She was hugging from behind a small girl that somewhat resembled her, "this isn't the time to fluff your lines."

The brunet glared behind his shoulder, "Wanna give a hand?"

"I'd be delighted to share my thoughts with our new friends, but I'd probably twist the knife in the wound."

"Great…"

Luckily for Slash Dog, the cavalry was here in the shape of Roygun, "We won't be getting anywhere if we keep behaving this way," she spoke with authority, "as I can see, everyone is thrown off balance after what happened. Rather than pointing fingers, we should work together to get to the bottom of this."

Shockingly, no one raised any objections albeit begrudgingly.

"No need to overwork yourselves. I am the culprit."

The raven-haired's eyes widened with a sense of disbelief, "Yuuto?!"

"I'm sorry Akeno," the blond shakily stood up with the support of the petite girl, "but it's the truth. I provoked her."

"… Yuuto," a stern pitch grew on Akeno's voice, "Are you aware of what you have done?"

"I am."

"Are you?" a brown-haired teenager growled, invading Isaiah's space, "do you really understand what you've done?! Huh?! You idiot! You just betrayed President's trust! You lied to her face! You… you were even smiling the whole damn time…"

"It's one of the many things that I regret, Issei," Isaiah admitted, wiping his bloody lip with the back of his hand, "but this was the only way. I'll find a way to compensate her. I swear."

Issei gritted his teeth, "'The only way' to what?! Snap out of it already goldilocks!" he cried out, taking a handful of Yuuto's silk tie, "what's gotten to your head lately?! You keep making President and everyone worried with your shitty attitude! You're making me worried too! Why?! What's the point?! Tell me what's wrong dammit! You may not like me, and sure as hell I don't like you, but we're teammates, this is what teammates do, right? To help each other's out!"

"What happened here?!" A beautiful young woman with crimson hair cried out. She wasn't alone. If Jeanne had to make a guess, the others were Pure Devils representing a Clan—which included Danhauser.

The blonde's breath hitched at the presence of her master.

"P-President!" Issei winced as the redhead stomped her way toward the rebellious Knight.

"… Is this what you wanted, Yuuto?" Rias folded her arms, paying no heed to his fresh injuries, "To cause a ruckus on the party? To steal everyone's fun away? Are you proud of yourself now?"

"I'll accept any punishment you give me."

Enraged, Rias brought a hand up, ready to deliver a wake-up call that would echo across the room, but faltered. She let out a trembling breath as her arm dropped lifelessly, "Let's… let's just leave, everyone. We caused enough trouble."

A tall and muscular man joined her, "I can call a transport to take you to the train station, Rias."

"No, Sairaorg. Thank you. But… I don't want to… I don't want to be a thorn in your side."

"You never have, and you never will. I'll call you a transport," Sairaorg took the initiative and faced the silent room, "Nothing to look here. Go back to your previous activities."

It took seconds, but slowly everyone began minding their own business.

Just as her servants followed Sairaorg, Rias rubbed her face, "I'm so sorry, Danhauser," she refused to meet his eyes, "If I wasn't so naïve, this wouldn't happen. I should've left him in my parents' manor…"

"Don't think about it. Go back to your home. You need a rest."

She chuckled emptily, massaging her eyes, "I suppose I need one," she gave a light wave, "Take care, Danhauser."

As Rias reached the other heirs and heiress to give her parting words, Danhauser turned to Jeanne who still was in Siegfried's grasp.

Jeanne might imagine it, but she thought she saw Danhauser's expression shaken at the view. "You can let her go."

The blonde rook felt how Siegfried released her. She rolled her shoulders for a bit.

"Follow me," Danhauser signaled to the halls, already sailing forth, "let's have a walk."

"Okay…" Jeanne hunched over to look shorter and minced her way to him.

The pink-haired woman watched them disappear on the hallway, "I hope he doesn't go hard on her."

"I wouldn't sweat about it," Roygun's eyes went wide at that recognizable accent, "Maybe he'll give her some spanking, but nothing too harsh."

She gasped at the sight, "Ruval!"

"The only one. Welcome back to the Underworld, Roygun," Ruval smirked, "Quick question, why you'd never message me or Bedeze these years? You Pink Titty Cow."

"I'm guilty as charged!" Roygun laughed heartily, "I'm out of excuses, I've thrown them all to Malacoda you see. But, I'm here to redeem myself."

"Seeking redemption? We can work on that," Ruval lifted two fingers, "Pick up two glasses and pour the strongest stuff you can find! We have a lot to talk about."

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.

Neither of them exchanged any words. They only kept walking far away from the public eye. Jeanne would occasionally look up at the back of her King—wondering what he had in mind for her.

She was like a high schooler being led by a teacher to the headmaster's office to receive a fitting punishment.

"I'm sorry," Jeanne apologized while lagging, "I shouldn't have lashed out on Isaiah. It just brought unnecessary attention."

"…"

"I-I understand if you're mad at me," the small rook continued, "I promise I'll find a way to fix it."

"Bova or Valerie."

Jeanne looked up, confusion printed on her face, "Huh?"

Without halting his steps, Danhauser glanced over his shoulder, enough for her to spot his smile, "Bova or Valerie. My bet was on either of them to ruin the good vibes of the party. You know how these two are. They love to express their opinions without a care of what others think of them."

Jeanne relaxed for a bit, "If you thought they'd be causing trouble… then why bring them here?"

"Technically, they didn't do nothing wrong—so I played my cards right. My 'homie' was who did us the honors."

She felt her cheeks glow at the innuendo.

"But if you must know…" The heir turned his attention back to the corridor, "I knew Valerie's childhood friend would come over, keeping her docile. Siegfried would keep an eye out on Bova," he rubbed the back of his neck, "Now that I think about it... Roygun was a risky move thanks to her former connection with the King Piece. You'd seen firsthand how they reacted while we escaped the waiting line."

"Yeah…"

"You—on the other hand—get aggressive when someone pulls you by the horns," Danhauser stated, "when someone gets on your nerves, you snap back… usually verbally."

Jeanne massaged her wrist, "My emotions get the best out of me…" she meekly said, "I… think?"

Danhauser hummed after freezing, Jeanne slowed down as well, "Let's stop here. This seems like a good spot."

He swung around to face her, "So... storytime?"

The blonde swallowed hard before nodding, "Okay…" she patted her cheeks encouragingly, "Isaiah has an unhealthy obsession with the Excalibur…"

Danhauser folded his arms and let his ears do their work—not giving any of his input to not interrupt the former saint. He observed how Jeanne at first started to narrate her tale nervously before leisurely growing confident and mad as the story progressed.

He did know about Yuuto's case and his agenda against the Holy Swords in general. It was supposed to end when Kokabiel was defeated in Kuoh, but the butterfly effect flapped its wings and soared to the skies.

He had a conversation with Akeno about this before Danhauser met the Archangel and Seraph in the abandoned shrine. While Akeno didn't dwell too much about the situation, it was enough to comprehend that Yuuto still had the drive to pursue his goals that only led to a bad ending.

"Ugh. You should've seen him!" Jeanne furiously swung her balled hands in the air, "I even fell for it because he was all calm and smiling most of the time!" It took all her willpower to not yank off her hair, "but I took the bait! I was being stupid!"

Danhauser watched how the girl resisted yanking out her golden locks. He waited a minute for her to vent out her emotions before saying, "To sum it up. You are mad because Yuuto hasn't dropped his quest to seek revenge?"

"And because he wanted me to be part of this!" Jeanne sounded disgusted by the thought, "Vengeance is cold. I do not need it on my hands."

"You have to give it to him, he's persistent."

"I know right?! His tenacity is amazing! It's a shame it's being wasted in the silliest way possible…"

"That little show was on purpose then," Danhauser remarked. "To make you see red whenever you think of your last drama with him."

Jeanne had to frown at that, "But why?" just as she uttered those words, her eyes grew wide in realization, "the Rating Games!"

"Pretty much," The gray-haired grimaced, "Sooner or later, we would be fighting against Rias and her Peerage. He wants you to fight him alone without any intervention. To see if his demonic swords are on par with your holy ones."

She grit her teeth, "That idiot…"

"It is what it is," Danhauser blew a long sigh, "Alright. Now with that left behind, let's head back."

"T-That's it?" a wide-eyed Jeanne hesitantly asked, "are you letting me go?"

"For now? You're off the hook, but next time…" he hung his warning into the air, eliciting a shiver on her. "Is there something else you want to talk about or we can go home now?"

"Jeanne?"

"I…!" Jeanne lost her ability to speak for a split second. She recovered by running her hands through her hair, "Dammit! Okay, okay! You and me. Me and you. Let's have a chat here. Let's have some real talk here!"

"I'll take it as a yes then," Danhauser folded his arms to prepare himself, "I'm all ears."

"I…I know that one of your favorite historical figures is Joan of Arc," he could barely hear her, "… the Maiden of Orleans that lies within me."

"I've always been fond of her history. But what about her? You hate her now?"

"What? No! Of course not!"

"Then… what is it?"

She was fidgeting—whispering something under her breath. He started to believe she was having second thoughts, "Let's play a scenario in our heads! Imagine if you still had your rook piece!"

"Huh-huh."

"… And Joan of Arc was still alive in this era."

"Huh-huh."

"A-And she was standing there! Right there!" She jumped to his side, fixating her gaze onto his, "right here."

He almost half-smiled, but fought it down, "Right here."

"Right…" Jeanne returned to her former spot, she fought back the invisible lump in her throat, "Who would you—!"

"You." He finally cut her off, "I'd still pick you."

A missed heartbeat, "L-Let me finish!"

"Why?" Danhauser ruffled her hair with a laugh, "I already knew where this is going."

"Because it's not fair!" she pushed his petting hand away, "You have to listen first and then answer!"

Danhauser stared flatly, "Alright, my bad I guess," he jammed his hands in his pockets, "Go on. Make me buy your idea."

The gears in her brain started flaring in attempts to build anything useful to make the gray-haired skepticize. But it was harder than she expected it to be, "She's, uh… the famous Maiden of Orleans!"

"I'd still pick you."

"T-That was fast," she nibbled her nails before firing her next shot, "She's more experienced into combat than I am!"

"You."

"She's cool!"

"You."

"She's badass!"

"You're a bad saleswoman."

"She has a thigh gap!"

"So you do."

"Eep!" Jeanne immediately used her hands to cover the space between her inner thighs. After a while, she regained her posture but with collapsed shoulders, "… but why?" she murmured, shuffling her feet across the floor, "I don't get it. Why go for the third-rate version when you can pick the better version?"

"Ah, we're playing that game then? I see," Danhauser stroked his fictional beard with a hum, "Okay then. Let me fire that question back at you. Who would you prefer as a King, Diehauser or me?"

"You, of course!"

"But why? I'm just a Diehauser knock-off," he shrugged, "He's above me in all aspects."

"Because I know you better and I like you," Jeanne replied, quickly adding, "n-no offense to your brother!"

He snapped his fingers in her direction, "Hit it right on the nose, Jeanne. The sentiment is mutual here, I know you better than Joan and I like you. I admit it'd be fangirling over Joan of Arc if she stood right in front of me… but that's as far as I would go. I never cared how strong she was, but the footprint she left on the pages of history. It's amazing how much a farmgirl changed the world."

"The right man—or in this case woman—in the wrong place."

The blonde was about to argue until Danhauser raised his hand, "I'm not done," he said whilst lowering his arm, "Some things are better left untouched—reincarnating her would take the charm away. No longer would she be the character that she was famous and admired for. Chances are that she'd be difficult to controlshe was a catholic with extreme personal piety after all. It could also bring out unwanted attention."

It's what happened when he recruited Tobio and Valerie. Satanael. Wizards of Oz. Qlippoth. They were the perfect examples.

If recruiting them taught him anything was that Longinus Users tend to carry a growing storm with them.

He didn't regret recruiting Slash Dog and the Dhampir in the slightest though. If he was upset by that action, it'd be like throwing in the trashcan the bonds he formed with each one of them.

As she finished analyzing his words, Jeanne clasped her hands behind her back, "W-Would you really pick me over the heroine of France…?"

"Joan of Arc may be the heroine of France—but not mine. You are," the slack-jawed rook instantly focused over him, "Jeanne. Four years ago you tossed away the fame and devotion the Church had on you by risking your life to save a dumbass, gray-haired devil and his cousin. Do you remember that? Because I do and it won't never ever get off my head. I'm aware Masaomi helped as well, but you made the choice, he followed your lead."

Danhauser still wanted to thank himface to face. But the former exorcist did a wonderful job hiding his name from the world.

Jeanne looked down and away, "I…I failed, Danhauser."

"You've tried," he rectified her, "You've tried your damn best even when the odds were against you. That's what makes it matterwhat matters to me anyway," he paused for a brief second, "Thank you. That's what I'm trying to say. You're an amazing girl—in mind and soul. I'm glad you're part of my crew."

Jeanne exhaled. Then she took in another breath. Even when faced by her master, Jeanne's breathing remained calm and regular. Yet—it was now frantic—like a small animal that had run into a predator.

"I'm gonna get emotional~!" her tone was light-hearted, but there was a strange crack in her voice, "I'm gonna get emotional~! I-I'm…dammit," feeling her vision getting blurry, Jeanne balled-up her fists to knead her wet eyes, "Hold on. L-lemme do something real quick."

Curiosity grew like a cat on Danhauser as the blonde parted away from him. She stopped in front of the wall with eyes slammed shut.

She then opened them again. A hard luster filled Jeanne's eyes. They gleamed like polished steel.

Jeanne's hand formed into a clenched fist and then cocked it back.

That's when he'd figured out her intentions. He tried to stop her from finishing, "Jeanne! Don't you—!"

But it was too late. She'd struck the wall swiftly, easily bypassing through its defenses like a hot knife through butter. He was impressed how the wall managed to stand after enduring the blow of a rook and apprentice of Vasco Strada. Then again, she may be holding back.

Nonetheless, whoever built and designed the blueprints of this castle deserved a raise.

Wide-eyed, Danhauser watched as Jeanne nonchalantly removed her fist from the hole. She shook her hand a few times to remove any remains of the wall that clung to her fingers—clouds of dust emerging in the process.

"Alright! I feel like I could take the whole world now!" Jeanne laid a hand to her chest as a content sigh escaped from her lungs, "man, I needed that…"

He collected his wits as quick as possible, "What was the point of all that…?"

"I was growing emotional."

"Jeanne. We are in the Great King castle. You can't just casually punch holes into the walls!"

"Pfff!" Jeanne dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand, "Relax! You worry too much!"

"Oh yeah? You should worry, too. Remember I gave you a second chance minutes ago. I never promised the third one."

All it took was a second and the blonde was already sweating bullets, "H-Hold up!" she quickly shook her hands frantically, "hear me out! I've done this on the Vatican before and I always got away with it! I swear!"

"Oh, really?" he watched Jeanne bobbing her head desperately, "enlighten me then."

"Easy! We run!" Jeanne paled when no reaction came from him and continued, "W-We make a run for our lives before someone sees us! Brilliant, am I right?"

"Really? That's what you call a brilliant plan?"

"U-Um yeah."

He found himself smiling, "My future is in your hands. It better work like a charm."

Relieved, Jeanne gave him a thumbs-up, "You bet! You just wait!" she traced circles on the floor with the tip of her toes, "Hey… what you said was sweet. Thank you so much."

"I aim to please," he winked at her, "It's my role as a King to keep an eye out on my servants."

"Then as your servant, it's my job to watch over you too!" as Jeanne reached for his wrist, he'd felt her fingers brushing the back of his hand, "Now let's hurry up! We're dipping out of the crime scene!"

Without putting any resistance, Danhauser let the blonde take the lead before any soul could pinpoint them in the center of their felony.

.


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Sup sup. Hope you liked the chapter, if not, well, I'll try to do better next time.

Moving onward, we need to have a few words.

Apologies if the scenes of the Gremory Peerage looked like bashing, it wasn't my intention.

To keep it blunt: for an odd reason, I feel like my interest in writing is slowly getting sucked out of my soul. Don't get me wrong, I do love my fanfic and everything I've done with it and what I have saved for the upcoming chapters... but yeah, I don't like writing, or at least I'm not as motivated as I was since 2017.

I don't know why I feel this way either. A part of me think it's because of the pandemic and being at home and doing nothing but write and write... that's all I do tbh. My activities are not so diverse as you can see. I sometimes try to play videogames to add more variety to my life, but I lose interest quickly in those games.

Or maybe my passion completely shifted to Ren'py (cringe I know, but fucking fun) after I played the VN of fate stay night. And yes, "Defenseless Anus" Route.

Or maybe I hate fanfiction now. I dunno tbh.

Is this fic getting abandoned? No. I will finish this fanfic, I made a promise that I will finish this fanfic no matter what. Even if it takes me years. I'm not giving up. However, this will be my first and last fic. After this fic is over, we shake hands and move on. You guys go and find something more interesting and intriguing and I continue with my life goals. Thanks for sticking with me. Love you guys.

With that out of the way, the next chapter is the beginning of the RG. Ingvild's debut is slowly getting nearer, too.

I'd like to repeat my warning once again. Gods will appear, mostly from the Hindu Pantheon and you may not like it. I'm saying this because people usually get offended when you do not characterize their deities as they are mentioned in their original source.

No. Karna won't appear. If Ishibumi brings him, which I doubt, then yes.

Nothing else to say.

Take care and adiós.

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Life.12: A Poem of Endless Green Sea