Life.20: Unforeseen Complications
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Danhauser could only stare at the gift in his grasp. The canvas was incomplete, but it was halfway done to realize that it was him posing in the painting.
From what they explained to him, this was supposed to be a surprise after Danhauser made his pact with Lavinia. Made by her own hands.
But unforeseen complications got in the way.
Danhauser was taken back when a magic circle materialized out of the blue, his surprise reached tenfold once he heard the Chairman of Grauzauberer greet him with a bittersweet tone.
He imagined it was the end of surprises, but how naïve he was to think that.
The show was just getting started.
Danhauser didn't recall much but he could remember how his brain shut down for a brief second. The fire burning in his chest. How shock turned to fury.
And it didn't dissipate—the incessant throb of his head was all the proof he needed. The knot on his stomach and the blood boiling in his veins made it hard to think with a clean mind.
[I didn't want to meet you again under these regrettable circumstances,] a familiar voice solemnly said. Danhauser forgot he wasn't sulking alone, [but life has this fucking kink to kick someone in the nuts when they least expect it.]
It was Mephisto Pheles himself. He wasn't in the room in blood and flesh, but a hologram that was active thanks to the crest of his Clan underneath him.
[We searched everywhere in her house for any clues that could lead us to her whereabouts,] the Older Devil continued, [we even turned stones around, but not a damn thing we found. Everything seemed to be on its spot when we stepped inside. The cabin had some damage, but they weren't caused by human hands.]
Danhauser finally faced him, "Who?"
He knew exactly who—he absolutely did.
Mephisto Pheles met his stare with his mixed ones, [There's only one piece of shit capable of sneaking into a girl's locker room and disappearing without getting caught red-handed,] he snarled, [Georg motherfucking Faust.]
Danhauser could hear the pound on his chest as he tried to master a relaxed look. He scoffed, "Keeping that place tidy for the day that Glinda knocks on her door, and for what? She just painted a target on her back!"
If Mephisto had a desk in front of him, he would've split it in half, [For years, Lavinia never let go of that dream of seeing her again, just look where her ambition took her!]
"God damn it, Lavinia…"
Mephisto winced at the short migraine, taking note of how the gray Devil was unfazed mentioning His name. [… I offered her time again different spots to settle, many times safer than a rotting cabin lying in the middle of the woods… but she insisted to stay. That fucking donut…]
Danhauser passed a last look at the unfinished canvas before teleporting it to a safer place, "Alright, alright. We… we can mope another day. Let's focus up—for her," he nodded at the fellow Devil, "You got a plan?"
[As we speak, I'm trying to get in touch with Glinda,] Danhauser just noticed the magic circle beside Mephisto's ear, [Maybe this will be a wake-up call for Glinda to show her face.]
Danhauser dug his fingers into his knees, "Not even crumbs. We're off to a terrible start."
Mephisto raised an eyebrow as the heir suddenly stood up and walked away, [Where are you going?]
"Wherever Lavinia is," Danhauser immediately answered, "I won't stick around for someone that could be swimming with the fishes to answer your call," his hand rested on the knob, "If I find something, I'll let you know."
[… Likewise,] as he was left alone, Mephisto focused on his task, [Are you going to pick up any time of the week or what?]
…
Mephisto turned red from anger, [The girl that sees you as her mother got shanghaied—perhaps getting experimented like a lab rat as we speak. Got anything to say?]
…
[Stupid bitch,] Mephisto dropped the call to drag a hand across his face, followed by disappearing from the room.
.
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Eventually, Danhauser had to leave Kyoto. The whole reason they extended their days was merely to locate and capture Freed. They were also able to squeeze as much information as they could from his potty mouth.
Any hints of the Hero Faction's presence over Kyoto were fictional at best.
And besides, Cao Cao had shifted his attention elsewhere.
Yet, Yasaka assured him that she will keep an eye out. She promised to share anything suspicious that happens in her territory and expects Danhauser to return the gesture around Kuoh.
Now back to Kuoh Town, and making sure Asia safely returned to the abandoned church as the blonde kept gushing about how unique her first school trip was, Danhauser decided to throw a call at Vali.
Prior to what was happening with the Old Satan Faction, Danhauser knew the silver-haired was avoiding everyone—Azazel and Lavinia weren't excused. It was a stroke of luck that the Lucifer descendant answered his call after the nth time.
After mentioning Lavinia's status, Vali demanded a place to meet.
Tobio's bar was the best spot.
"Damn, kid! Trouble sure likes to follow you!"
"Yeah! If trouble was a girl, I'd swear you'd have tons of babies with her!"
Danhauser ignored Bikou and Kuroka's remark, his eyes locked on his last hope—Arthur Pendragon.
"We worked for that group," Arthur revealed, "I was one of their swordsmen, perhaps the only one active."
Danhauser wanted to interrogate the swordsman and magician of Vali's group. Somewhere in the Light Novel, it was stated that they were part of the Hero Faction before joining Vali.
Some points you mentioned certainly fit with our previous experience with the Hero Faction," the Holy Sword user continued, "There are a few things that stray from our encounter, though."
"Go on," Danhauser urged him. "Tell me everything."
"While we fought together from time to time, Heracles never recruited us," Arthur recalled, "from a purple mist born of thin air, a mysterious voice came out from it."
"That mist belongs to Lord Georg, isn't it?" Le Fay looked at Danhauser for any confirmation, "Everyone knew about his Sacred Gear. In Golden Dawn, there were rumors originating from Grauzauberer. They were saying that he was unfairly expelled by the Chairman."
"Almost hit the mark," Danhauser said, "Georg indeed has Dimension Lost. The narrative is different, Georg wasn't expelled, he stabbed Mephisto Pheles on the back and ditched out."
"What?!" Le Fay seemed shocked, "But… but Lord Georg had a promising future! Why would he throw his career just like that…?"
Just as the young magician girl muttered to herself, Danhauser kept the conversation alive with the swordsman, "Why did you join?"
"It had promising goals and philosophies," Arthur admitted, "A group whose members consists only of humans piqued my curiosity. I accepted his proposal but left soon after."
"Why tho?" Bikou wiggled his eyebrows at him, "No pretty skirts to look at?"
"I expected to find worthy opponents for Caliburn within their ranks," Arthur patted the sword sheathed on his hip, "that was not the case."
"Is that all?"
"Lack of information," the blond added, "we are all curious creatures and the only way to sate our thirst is by getting answers. I wanted to know the identity of the person leading the Hero Faction from the background, but found nothing."
"Sheeesh!" Bikou whistled, "this fella is tiptoeing to the paranoid route!"
"Tiptoeing? More like diving!" Kuroka exclaimed.
"A man who leads a group but keeps everything about himself confidential to even his subjects," Vali scoffed, "what a coward."
Kuroka held back a chuckle, "No, wait! I got a better one!" her lips quivered, "O-or maybe he's afraid of getting caught by his mom!"
And suddenly, Bikou and Kuroka had a duet with their horrendous laugh.
"How is that funny?" Arthur wondered.
"Umm," Le Fay gave an awkward smile, before beaming at Danhauser. "After we left, we joined Lord Vali shortly after!"
"I never expected we were going to become companion-in-arms with the arch-rival of the Dragon of Wales," Arthur couldn't help but let a chuckle, "If news of this reaches father's ears, he will no doubt be displeased by my decisions."
"Do you remember any names of the leader of the Hero Faction?" Danhauser kept the conversation on track as the laughter of the Youkai echoed in the background.
Le Fay clung to the hem of her skirt, reminiscing, "Um… I'm not sure. I subtly remember the veteran members addressing him as 'Leader', but nothing else."
Danhauser pursed his lips, "Just like Freed… again," he noted grimly, "this just confirms my superstitions. Cao Cao is keeping his identity under wraps. Why?"
He knew why, but what didn't dawn upon him is the cause of the Longinus User taking the 'incognito' approach.
Danhauser imagined it was mostly because Jeanne and Siegfried were taken from him by a certain Devil. Cao Cao needed potential substitutes to fill in those spots.
And Lavinia Reni perfectly ticked all the boxes.
Danhauser was confused that Cao Cao didn't gamble for Arthur and Le Fay once again or at least the former. Arthur's a formidable swordsman carrying Caliburn—the strongest Holy Sword. Unless Cao Cao saw more potential in Lavinia given her Longinus.
"That doesn't answer my question," Danhauser put the gears on his head to work, "Why Cao Cao is playing as the man tugging the strings from the shadows?"
…
"Ya-hooo! Danny to earth, can you copy~?" Danhauser was pulled back to the living world as he came face to face with the familiar black-haired Nekoshou.
Inches apart, she didn't pull her face back but offered a grin, "Geez, it's no time for inner monologues! We gotta rescue your fifth girlfriend, silly goose!"
Booping his nose, she finally stepped back and returned to the background beside the Half-Devil, "Kuroka."
Kuroka stopped halfway to look over her shoulder, "Nyaa~?"
"Say that again."
Kuroka blinked a few times and turned to face him properly. "Uh, we gotta rescue your—!"
"Not that," Danhauser interrupted him, "Way before I spaced out."
The black-haired brought a finger under her chin, her twin tails gently wagging behind her, "maybe he's afraid of getting caught by his mom?"
...
"Thank you," while fighting a smile, Danhauser returned his attention to the Pendragon siblings, "I'll shoot in the dark and pray that you know the locations of their hideouts?" silence was his only answer. He pursed his lips, "I guess that's it," he shook his head in disbelief, "end of the line."
"I'm afraid so," Arthur adjusted his glasses, "I'm aware these were not the answers you were expecting, but hopefully you found anything useful from this conversation to wield as leverage."
"I may have," Danhauser replied cryptically before nodding at the silver-haired, "You're sticking around?"
"We'll be on our way and see what we can find," Vali replied. "If you have something about her whereabouts, call us. Don't leave us behind."
"Yes!" Le Fay had that sparkle of determination on her big blues, "I'd love to help in any form! If it's to rescue Lady Lavinia, I will give my best!"
"D'aaaw," Kuroka cooed, "Look at you playing as miss heroine now! You're even wearing your cute little security blanket as a cape to look the part~!"
Le Fay blushed as the Nekoshou wrapped the end of her cloak on her own neck, "I-It's a cloak! All magicians wear one!" she tried to snatch it back, but Kuroka triumphed in strength, "Stop it, Lady Kuroka! You'll tear it apart!"
"Nyahahaha!" Kuroka let go with a smirk, "Geez… if you're so selfish for a piece of silk, imagine with our future husband!"
"W-W-What?!"
"Kuroka," a dangerous light reflected the glasses of Arthur, "Careful."
The Stray Devil stuck her tongue at him, "Let the girls have some fun, will ya?" eventually, she offered the gray-haired Devil a cat-like smile, "I'll give ya a hand, nya. I just can't refuse when you keep melting me with that stare~."
"I'm under your care then, Kuroka."
"Yeah! Your big sis is gonna take care of you alright!" Kuroka winked at him, "We're partners-in-crime now! No, wait! Nya! I take it all back! You got two Bishops left, amirite?"
"Maybe."
"And guess who has two thumbs and was reincarnated by two Bishops pieces?" the Nekoshou pointed herself with two thumbs up, "This sexy kitty, nyahahaha!"
"That laugh can't be any less ugly," he cringed inwardly, "adopting Stray Devils from the streets isn't on my to-do list."
"We will have a wonderful time together~!" His words seemingly flew above her head as she gushed, "This pulls me back in time when 'little ol' me was part of a peerage. Now I finally got the chance to start a new chapter in your strong arms, Danny! Or should I call you Master instead, nya~?"
Danhauser only needed his last three brain cells to realize Kuroka was acting off than usual—nothing strange given by the unfazed reactions of her teammates.
But not for him.
…
Her peppering him could be because he defeated Issei, her first target to produce strong children after Vali rejected her approach?
Or because he defeated Vali back then? Or maybe because he defeated both Heavenly Dragons?
Or because he one-shotted Koneko during his Rating Game against Rias? Was that her subtle way of heralding an imminent private talk between them?
He watched her bat her eyelashes in his way. "Yup, that's it," Danhauser let out a sigh before focusing on the silent Lucifer, "I'll give you a call if I get a clue."
"We must rescue her," Vali narrowed his eyes, "I refuse to accept failure as an option."
"I'm not planning to miss any shots," Danhauser boasted, "I'll do everything in my power to bring back Lavinia with us. I swear it on my name."
"… Good," with a nod, Vali pushed himself off the walk and retreated as his teammates followed in his footsteps.
Once Bikou closed the door with his tail, the shoulders of Danhauser slumped, "Same shit, different day."
He still found it hard to swallow that she was kidnapped, even though it made sense.
The things that Cao Cao could be doing to Lavinia made the hairs on his nape stand out. He could sense the heat on his heart grow as hot as any dragon has ever flamed.
How much Danhauser wished to break his jaw.
Danhauser took a deep breath to cool down, somewhat successful. He had to get his act together.
What was he supposed to do now? Rescue Lavinia, obviously.
How?
And that's when Danhauser hits the wall. He had no idea where to start. He could try his luck by getting more information from Freed's mouth, but the latter appeared to be in the dark just like the Pendragon siblings.
Maybe he remembers where he was captured? That seems like the best place to start.
"… This seems so unreal," Danhauser laughed humorlessly, "like a fever dream where you can't escape from a drowning ship because of some curtains that are in the way. Insane."
[You look to be in a tight spot.]
Danhauser straightened up at the booming voice. He scanned his surroundings only to realize that he was by himself.
But that unfamiliar, draconic aura lingered in the air.
Danhauser felt a shuffle on his pants. For a second, he believed it was his cellphone vibrating until the voice spoke up again, [Over here.]
Danhauser's eyes widened in realization, "Could it be…?" He pulled Azazel's gift and brought it to eye level.
The purple gem attached to the dagger gleamed gently, [Hey.]
The heir blinked twice, "Uh, hi?"
[I'm Fafnir.]
"I'm Danhauser."
[Ok.]
…
Taking note of the growing awkward silence, Danhauser harrumphed, "I thought you were on a slumber."
[I was,] the Gigantis Dragon yawned, [I've been pretty much awake a while ago.]
"Since when?"
[Since I sensed Tannin and Sigurd many times—that stirred me up,] Fafnir answered, [I never expected to indirectly meet Albion, though. That did catch me off-guard.]
"… Tannin?" Danhauser furrowed his brow a bit, "No, wait. You got it all wrong. That wasn't Tannin, that's Bova."
[Who?]
"Bova…" Danhauser repeated slowly, "Tannin's youngest son."
[Oh.] There was a long pause, [Tannin became a begetter, then. That's supposed to be good sign, right?]
"Ask him once you get the chance to meet him," Danhauser spun the Sacred Gear around his thumb, "For now, you're stuck with me until I find her."
[By her, you mean this 'Viviana?'] Fafnir asked, [one of your mates that got abducted?]
Danhauser ignored how completely wrong he got Lavinia's name to raise an eyebrow at his comment, "one of my mates?"
[I know about the halfling vampire,] Fafnir paused, likely to remember, [and the halfling Devil. That's three in total.]
"Valerie and Ingvild," Danhauser grunted, "Let's go with that."
There was no use in correcting a Dragon, even less when that precious time could be used elsewhere.
"She's in hell right now," Danhauser squared his jaw, "I'm going to walk her out."
[Hmm,] Fafnir hummed, [from what Archer told you—]
"It's Arthur."
[—This Hero Faction seems keen on humans with great potential,] the Dragon King continued, [anyone that comes to your mind?]
"Dulio," Danhauser instantly pictured the blond Exorcist on his mind, "wielder of a high-tier Longinus, there's Vasco too."
[Start from there, then.]
"But they're on a different level altogether," the heir retorted, "None of the Hero Faction can't hold a candle against these two—they'll get trashed right away."
[Ok.]
"Yeah, ok," Danhauser said back, thrumming his fingers on the desk in deep thought, "Unless…"
[Got a clue?]
"I think I..." Danhauser bolted out from his seat, "I need to call either Azazel or Baraqiel to—!"
[On it.]
The gray-haired blinked owlishly, "Right. Why are you suddenly helping me?" Danhauser ogled the Sacred Gear cautiously, "it's not unwanted, but we just met."
[I have nothing else to do.]
"I doubt that's all there's to it."
[Because Tannin trusts you.] Fafnir revealed, [He entrusted you with one of his most valuable objects—an offspring. A Dragon's respect is a priceless gift. Never forget that.]
"Good to have another dragon on the team," Danhauser leaned back on his seat as Fafnir focused on his work.
...
"You made this personal, Cao Cao," Danhauser growled, "I'll fucking hunt you down."
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After being guided by the Strongest Queen through the labyrinth of the tower, Matanbuchus Belial stepped into the chamber.
It would be hollow and large if it wasn't for the long table and many seats occupying the center of the room. One of those seats was occupied by the strongest Devil in the World.
Matanbuchus noted that underneath there was a small platform that carried a menacing-looking throne with the statue of a beautiful woman standing slightly behind it.
He knew right away that the sculpture was supposed to represent Mother Lilith.
Not far away, Matanbuchus spotted six banners that held the crests of the Great Six Houses that acted as business conglomerates in Ars Goetia.
He could easily recognize the House of Bael, Agares, Vassago, and Gamigin but the rest were alien to him.
Grayfia bowed at him in salute and retreated behind her husband, leaving Matanbuchus alone before the Super Devil.
"Please, join me," Sirzechs indicated to an empty seat beside him.
"My lord," Matanbuchus kneeled and obeyed.
"Would you like some tea, Lord Matanbuchus?" Grayfia asked.
"No, thank you."
"Matanbuchus Belial, father of the Rating Game Champion and the rumored Heir of the Rating Games," Sirzechs began, "It's a long journey from the City of Dis. I take this is not a social visit."
"That's correct," Matanbuchus replied.
"A shame, but an obvious outcome," Sirzechs kneaded his eyes, "You must forgive my enthusiasm, Matanbuchus. I've spent all my energy on keeping my eyes peeled around Lilith State for safety reasons. I forgot to take a break throughout my watch," he released an exhausted breath, "At this pace, it's just a matter of time that my hair greys down due to stress," his eyes flickered momentarily to Matanbuchus' hair, "No offense."
"None taken," Matanbuchus responded, "I've heard several rumors on my way here, but not enough to connect the dots."
"Your eldest son has shocked Ars Goetia by annulling the tournament," the redhead flashed him a tired smile, "Why is it when something happens, it is always any of your two children involved in it?"
The father laughed embarrassingly, "I'm not sure how to answer that…"
"Some things are left untold, I believe," Sirzechs slipped a joke before settling back to business, "You come bearing the name of Rofocale Lucifuge, correct? To speak for his name."
Sirzechs was surprised when his guest shook his guest, "No, Satan Lucifer. I came all the way here to speak for myself."
"… I see," Sirzechs cleared his throat, "tell me, then. What can the Crimson Satan of Domestic Affairs do for you?"
"I want to annex Clan Belial part of the Great House Program," Matanbuchus bluntly stated, "Is it possible?"
…
Sirzechs blinked comically a few times, "… Absolutely," he recovered, albeit slow, "Lesser Houses like Belial and Noble Houses such as Phenex are granted permission to become another Great House if they follow the requirements, of course."
Matanbuchus released a long sigh, "That's a relief."
"I must warn you that this course of actions has its share of consequences," Sirzechs clasped both of his hands, "By accepting to become another superpower in the Remaining Pillars, Clan Belial must severe its ties with the Great King Faction as well as drop out from their territory, meaning that your family will have to abandon the Belial Estate."
"And the bad news?"
"I won't comment on that. What I'm doing is simply standard procedure," Sirzechs quickly brought a finger up, "Also, it's of utter importance that you already have the necessary number of Households following your faction. Without that, your request will be declined."
"Done," Matanbuchus placed a folder on the table, "You will find inside signatures of Clan Heads that have sworn loyalty toward the future Great Emperor."
"Great Emperor Belial?" Sirzechs curved a playful eyebrow, "Fitting," he complimented. "I must say, you have my curiosity, Matanbuchus. I'm pretty sure none of the Clans within Ars Goetia has renounced their allegiance to their superiors yet, perhaps you've been scheming behind the scenes all along?"
The Satan didn't want to say it aloud so as to not offend his guest, but by being a Lesser House it was hard to convince people to join your cause. Unless they have an immense level of charisma.
Matanbuchus couldn't contain his smirk anymore, "Who said they were from Ars Goetia?"
"… Now you have my attention," Sirzechs opened the file and drank its content.
"Clan Malebranche, naturally," It'd be foolish if Matanbuchus didn't take any advantage of his relationship between Calcabrina and Malacoda.
However, if Sirzechs was drinking his wife's tea, he would've spilled it after he saw the other names, "Nebiros, Satanachia, Agaliarept, Fleurety, Sargatanas…!" he did a whiplash as he met the grey orbs of Matanbuchus, "this is the Lucifer Six minus Lucifuge!"
Behind Sirzechs, Grayfia narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Not even worth the headache," Matanbuchus grumbled, "Rofocale Lucifuge is a stubborn mule."
"Speaking from experience, I bet," Sirzechs empathized with him, "The heavens drag on endlessly much like a discussion with him. Even so, if you were to somehow convince the Original Lucifuge as well, I'd immediately create a new Satan seat only for you."
Matanbuchus bowed his head, "You honor me, Satan Lucifer."
"Not trying to diminish your triumphs, mind you! Cutting a deal with any of the Lucifer Six is an astonishing feat itself—especially when casualties weren't involved. They're not Devils easy to negotiate with, particularly after past experiences," as he lent the file to Grayfia, a smile crept on Sirzech's face, "What's your secret?"
Matanbuchus slowly shrugged a single shoulder, "I waved a magic wand."
Satan Lucifer chuckled. "I suppose you already have everything sorted out. You know which houses will be ranked as your Emperors and Lesser Emperors, correct?"
"I do have things in mind," Matanbuchus kept his cards hidden.
"Then I won't be wasting your time any longer—you must be excited to share the news with your family," Sirzechs summoned a single document, flattening it on the table. "This is a resignation letter. I need you to steal for me the autographs of the currents Lord and Lady Belial as well as the heir and deliver this to Lord Bael's office when you think you're ready," Sirzechs tapped the spot where the signatures, "Can you do this for me?"
"It won't be an issue."
"Wonderful!" Sirzechs turned to his wife, "Grayfia?"
With a snap of her fingers, a pile of papers fell in front of Matanbuchus. "And all these is to confirm your involvement in the program. Also signed by your wife and children."
Matanbuchus felt a shiver at the stack of papers towering him, "thank Maou I'm not Clan Head anymore…"
The redhaired slipped another chuckled, "Get these for me and Clan Belial will reign not as a Lesser House or a Noble House," he paused for dramatic effect, "but as the seventh Great House. It will be known in the Underworld as the Great Empire of Belial."
"Thank you," Matanbuchus left his seat to bend the knee, "Thank you for this opportunity."
"On your feet, Matanbuchus," Sirzechs ordered. "I'll imagine you haven't visited your wife yet?"
"She doesn't even know I'm here," Matanbuchus laughed as he pulled his necktie nervously, "she will cut me into pieces and feed them to the nearest Cerberus if she finds out."
"Buy her some flowers. Whenever my wife is unjustifiably furious at me—" the Super Devil shuddered a little at the cold glare digging on the back of his skull, "—I always bring her a bouquet. Even her coldest heart melts by the sight of colorful flowers."
Matanbuchus hummed, "I'll keep that in mind. If that doesn't seem to work out, then the good news should suffice."
"Absolutely! My two cents, while you are starting with a good number of Households by your side, all of them are outsiders," Sirzechs pointed out, "except Clan Malebranche, your other subjects worship the Satan Houses as gods. Are you aware of what the common citizen thinks of the Satan Bloodline in the present time, yes?"
Matanbuchus clicked his tongue, "Seems so."
"I don't approve of their blatant attitude either. It is of utter importance you find a way to lessen the damage," Sirzechs advised, "I suggest starting by recruiting a house from the Remaining Pillars as soon as possible to win some of their trust."
Matanbuchus nodded, "Noted."
"It was a pleasure to have you here, Matanbuchus," Sirzechs stood up to offer a hand, "say hello to your family for me."
Matanbuchus accepted his handshake, "A few more questions before I go… what if the Great King Faction refuses to let Clan Belial go?"
"If they don't want me to get involved, they'll have to let you go grudgingly," Sirzechs assured him, "As the Satan that handles the Domestic Affairs, I am the one that bestowed the original six Great Houses their rank, I also have the power to strip them from it."
"Will my children lose their servants?"
Sirzechs frowned, "Is Clan Belial planning to end relationships with Ars Goetia in the future?"
"No."
"Then erase those thoughts," the Crimson Satan broke the handshake, "leaving the Great King Faction doesn't put any servants at risk of being separated from their respective masters. None of the Great Houses, not even the soon-to-be Great Emperor, manages the Evil Pieces System—only the Four Great Satans."
"Those are some good news," Matanbuchus teleported away all the documents in his possession and kneeled for the last time, "I'll be getting off your hair now Satan Lucifer."
After Matanbuchus disappeared through the twin doors, Grayfia spoke, "You shouldn't have done that."
Sirzechs curved an eyebrow, "Mm? Are you opposing my final decision?"
The maid shook her head as she placed an empty cup in front of him, "It's fine," she poured him tea, "what I don't approve of is how easily you let him off the hook. You didn't press him any further on the topic. Any of this doesn't raise suspicion to you at all?"
"It does," Sirzechs brought a hand up to stop her and Grayfia pulled the teapot away in return, "Lucifer Five doesn't like Rofocale at all."
"They despise him."
"And Matanbuchus worked under Rofocale for years," Sirzechs blew the steam of his hot drink, "They also have resentment toward Ars Goetia after what happened in the Civil War. Curious…"
…
"Matanbuchus must be feeling proud after this," Sirzechs noted, "I would. Not only did he find a way to become a superpower, but he also defeated Zekram in his own game when the latter isn't aware of what will hit him in the future. I can't help but envy him a little."
"That's a big claim, Satan Lucifer," Grayfia commented idly, "Even if Clan Belial becomes Great Emperor, it will be the smallest Great House compared to others who have been active for years. The Great King will take advantage of their weak state and wipe them out of the picture."
"Then they better have a way to respond. I can't play favorites with the Great Houses after all."
…
"I'm sorry, but I still believe you handled this poorly."
Sirzechs batted a hand in the air, mildly annoyed, "Oh, please, drop it already," he, at last, took a sip of his tea, "I was indebted to his youngest son, remember? It was because of Danhauser that we found the hideout of the Old Satan Faction and defuncted them. After this, it's safe to assume that we are even now."
"I see."
"… You're not convinced, are you?"
"It's nothing."
"I can feel your stare, Grayfia."
"..."
"..."
"There's more to it."
"Well…" Sirzechs glanced inside his cup, spotting his reflection and smirking back at him, "We could say that this meeting with Matanbuchus was the perfect stepping stone for me. It's a win-win for both of us."
"… Are you aware this will cause another ruckus, yes?" Grayfia scowled, "Not only will the Great King Faction react negatively to this pronouncement, but my ancestor will snap after being betrayed by Lord Matanbuchus as well. Lord Bael and Lord Lucifuge won't stay silent about this series of events."
"Hm," Sirzechs closed his eyes, enjoying the peaceful silence, "I see."
…
Her words finally hit him like a wrecking ball. He cringed, "this… this will only spark another wildfire, isn't it?"
Grayfia facepalmed.
.
.
fan: Valerie shits on this Ise that it's not even worth the debate.
Guest: Yes, Kuisha could potentially marry Dan, same for Rias, since they're Pure Devils. But that won't happen. I am not taking suggestions nor will I make the harem too big.
Randomguy: Thank you for your words, but you should have read the author notes of chapter 1 before reading my fic. Now I feel fucking bad.
Guest: It was not soon, I failed you there :(
Guest: Glad you're enjoying the fic :)!
guest: You know what? I'm gonna start stealing/poaching Ise's harem even harder.
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This chapter heralds the hunt after Cao Cao, and great news for Clan Belial! Let's see if they become equal or superior to the Great King Bael.
Most likely the upcoming chapters on this "arc" will be around 5kish words at most, maybe even less. This will hopefully drop chapters quicker. Hopefully. Yeah.
The reason behind my sabbatical was because of a game that got released around February, I think we all know what game we're talking about.
That's right. The one and only: Lost Ark.
Nah, not Elden Ring. Too poor to play that.
A Korean MMO. As a f2p player, the progress is slow as fuck unless you throw some cash to help you climb quicker. Yeah, hard P2W. There are bots too which can be discouraging for new players. Gender class lock. The story is as generic as this fic. The publisher is Amazon.
But the combat, aesthetics, armors, and thighs are enough to keep me entertained. Plus, I have experience with grindy MMO. I will make it to the end game, eventually.
I'm enjoying the game, despite its flaws.
If you play the game in NAE region and u are on the Danube server, let's be friends.
I love you.
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Next Life: A Little Bird Told Me
