"" - Speech

'' - Thought

[] - Ddraig/ Dragons

{} - Sparda

"" - Isa

{} - Masayuki

[] - Communication

...

"The [Juggernaut Drive] which I haven't used for a while burned me as well as being dangerous. If I can, I want to lower the times I have to use it. At this rate I won't last. So, what happened on your side, Arthur?" Vali spoke as they stood in their base, Arthur adjusting his glasses before he replied "It seems like I can do something about it by using the power of this Excalibur which controls 'ruling'. To Fenrir that is. It has restrictions so Fenrir's power will decrease quite a lot though... But even if you had your eyes on its fangs, you sure have weird taste for taking in such a dangerous monster to our team."

"Vali, we received a call from Cao Cao." Bikou spoke up, Vali looking interested as he asked "Bikou, what did he say?"

"To make it short 'We will act on our own. Just don't get in our way'. That's what he said." Bikou answered.

"Cao Cao. Let's hope that nothing happens to both of us. Though we won't hold back if you were to come at us."

"But, I never thought he would be able to use a replica Mjolnir as a Devil and even could combine his [Devil Trigger] with his [Scale Mail]. Hosokawa Yukio, he sure is someone I can't predict and he sure does make things interesting. His growth rate is going in high-speed in a totally different direction. Fufu, Spirit Dragon, huh." Vali spoke impressed.

...

[I'm sorry I can only say it to you by communication, but it seems like my family was saved by you again. Azazel] Sirzechs spoke from the magic circle in front of Azazel, who smirked as he replied "Yeah. But you know Sirzechs this was also a tough one."

[But it seems like the 'Spirit Dragon' saved the day again.] Sirzechs spoke with a smile, Azazel chuckling as he replied "Man, he is filled with many mysterious powers, that guy Yukio. To combine [Devil Trigger] with the [Scale Mail] and fuse a replica Mjolnir with the Devil Arms: Nevan."

His expression sobered as he recalled the other thing that had came up as he asked "What about Barakiel's report?"

[It's hard to believe he went through such a thing from his father's family after losing his parents.] Sirzechs spoke with a look of suppressed rage, Azazel nodding before the crimson haired Maou added [Oh, don't forget that you can't tell Yukio-kun about that yet.]

"Of course. The discussion about promotion is rising for Yukio, Kiba and Akeno?" Azazel replied with a nod, Sirzechs doing the same as he counted them off on his fingers [Yes. Kokabiel's attack, the terrorist attack during the Three Great powers negotiation meeting, the terror that occurred at the party sponsored by us, the Demons re-emergence, the terror by the Old-Maou faction and Bound. Rias and her group prevented all of them. It's enough achievements for a promotion. And also preventing Loki's attack this time is also a big achievement. You can say that the promotion for the three of them is guaranteed.]

"Well, their achievements are top rank among the devils who have been living in peace for a while. Especially Yukio, who is the Sekiryuutei, Shinigami and Sparda's descendant and also a popular guy in the Underworld. I'm surprised they didn't offer him it sooner. Akeno is Barakiel's daughter. Kiba has the irregular Holy-demonic sword. They are all excellent and promising devils. In terms of powers they already have that of a high-class devil. But..."

[Some of the Elders are still angry at Sparda-sama's defection. And yes, you're right that its too early. Regarding Yukio-kun, he has only been working on devil duties for about half a year. If he receives a promotion he will become talked about, and he will become the target of the enemy. In terms of gaining more strength, another five years... no, I want him to wait at least another three years. But the public opinion and the craze of the Underworld are pushing forward for their promotion.]

"Hahahahahaha, looks like the Maou is going through a rough time. So what is your personal feeling to this then?" Azazel asked amused, Sirzechs smiling as he replied [I would want him to get a promotion. He would bear a certain 'title' so he can carry on the house together with my sister and her servants. The old devils are stubborn about those kind of things. But not only is he young but it is also too early. I still want Yukio-kun to remain as an [Spirit Dragon] for a while longer.]

"Well, you are right about that. It's probably necessary to look over him for a bit longer... but I think that time period will be very short, you know?"

[Yeah, I know that.]

"Yukio. He will be trying to make more achievements so he can go on the railway to become a High Class Devil. But even if he does get a promotion..."

[Yes, what he will do from there. Now that is the place where the real thing of being a devil starts.]

"Also, it's about the Hero Faction."

[Did you find something?] Sirzechs asked curiously, Azazel nodding as he answered "The Sacred Gear possessors who were captured alive and have been under my investigation... had an unnatural death."

[All of them!?] Sirzechs spoke surprised, the Governor of the Fallen Angels nodding as he replied "Yeah. The cause of it was Ophis's snakes."

[So they drank it like we thought.] Sirzechs spoke thoughtfully, Azazel shaking his head as he explained "No, that's not it. The possessors themselves didn't drink it. It's a new type of snake which you wrap around the Sacred Gears. It seems like it stimulates the Sacred Gears strongly using those new snakes. Most likely, instead of the possessors it forcefully drags out the hidden potential power of the Sacred Gear. Instead of its attack power, it was equipped to stimulate the unknown factors of the [Balance Breaker] which still has many hidden factors about it. It's the most delicate and dangerous part of it. If it goes wrong the Sacred Gears will break. They keep on repeating such forceful experiments. I checked the remaining left overs of the snakes, but it is made to stop working if either the possessor dies or if the possessor reaches [Balance Breaker]. Something like increasing the number of those who can use [Balance Breaker], including us it is a feat we cannot copy right now even if we want to."

[... So those are the methods to increase the number of those who can use [Balance Breaker], huh. If the Sacred Gears goes into a 'burst' mode and breaks, then the possessors will die. Either way it is a method which they don't mind if the possessors die if they can't reach [Balance Breaker].] Sirzechs spoke with a frown, Azazel nodding as he retorted "Bargain sales of [Balance Breakers] are scary, but the thing we have to be the most cautious about is the birth of a new Longinus."

[...It seems like it will become messy. Counter measures against Sacred Gears. If I think about it the enemy which will become the most nuisance are Sacred Gears with variant types of special abilities.] Sirzechs spoke with a sigh, Azazel agreeing as he added "If it is a simple power-type then it will be easy to solve the problem. But it's a pain since there are many abilities which can seal off and kill power-types. Sacred Gears are interesting, but they are scary because of it."

[The parting gift left by God. Something which had been supporting us from the shadow till now and which was only something with a special ability to come and become an obstacle to us...] Sirzechs muttered to himself.

...

Yukio shifted nervously as he sat in the living room of his home with the rest of the peerage, the Sitri group, Georgia, Irina, Kotake, Kotume, Arisu and Kiyome around the room in various seats as Rias asked concerned "Why didn't you tell us about what your Otou-san's family did to you?"

"I... It didn't seem important to bring up. I mean, I forgot most of it had happened since I've been living with Onee-san and there wasn't really a reason to bring it up around you all either." Yukio explained, Rias taking hold of his hand from where she sat next to him look at him with glistening eyes. Asia was hugging onto his other side tearfully and Koneko had planted herself on his lap to avoid him escaping.

"B-But no child should go through that! If I ever see that family of yours I'll..." Rias started enraged, letting out a sound of frustration as Asia spoke up teary eyed "You didn't deserve being treated like that Yukio-san."

"How often would they train you like that?" Irina asked sadly, Yukio shrugging as he replied "I think it was three or four times a day between how often they healed and woke me back up."

"That's barbaric." Akeno spoke angrily, her hands crackling with lightning.

"Our family is rather focused on the concept of being pure..." Keiko started as she entered with a tray of drinks, setting it down on the coffee table as she continued, "To them we aren't much more then tolerated foot soldiers, Yukio more then myself as he took after our mother in appearance. I think they only allowed our Tou-san to marry our Kaa-san because he wasn't the heir and he was a powerful Shinigami."

{That sounds about right for them.} Masayuki spoke as he appeared, a solemn look on his face as he continued {The heir was a rather cocky man who believed being part of the clan meant he was better then everyone else.}

"Tou-san..." Keiko started, Masayuki holding his hand up as he explained {They need to know about the Four Noble Houses, Keiko-chan.}

"Four Noble Houses?" Rias asked confused, Yukio looking to his father as the man nodded, {They are the main influential voices among the governmental institutions, the school and some cultural and social aspects although I never paid too much attention as I wasn't the heir and it wasn't drilled into me but I wouldn't be surprised if they matched up with the Pillar Clans of the Underworld.}

{The four houses are Shihoin, Kuchiki, Shiba and, my family, the Kamizakura.} Masayuki finished, getting shocked looks from the others aside from Keiko as Saji spoke up surprised "That means that Yu is technically a noble in regards to Shinigami."

"That's true." Keiko spoke up with a nod, amused at the shocked looks from the girls as she continued "Although from what I heard about them since we've been in the human world, the only person who could be the heir now is Nii-kun due to others being killed off on missions. That's the reason Reika-san came to check up on Nii-kun."

Keiko shook her head deciding to continue with explaining what had happened as she spoke "Anyway, after I found out about what they were doing to Nii-kun I took him away to the human world and had someone Yoruichi-sensei trusted put a mild memory block on him to avoid him being traumatised by the incident and after that settled in Karakura Town where I had been studying to be a nurse."

"That's when I, Shin and Dai all met with Yu." Saji spoke up in thought, "I suppose it make sense now why you were so withdrawn and unsure back then, they didn't let you hand around with other children, did they?"

"No, they didn't." Yukio answered with a shake of his head sadly. Rias, Asia and Koneko all tightened their hold onto the silvernet as Keiko added "A few relatives came to try and take us back to Soul Society at times back then as well but I was easily able to kick their asses and send them packing till they stopped coming due to how damaged they would end up."

The others in the room looked at the brother and sister with myriad of looks before Rias voiced the common opinion amongst them "If those monsters come back for my Yukio again I'll happily help you dissuade them from trying again."

The nods that accompanied her words showed the others agreement and making both Yukio and Keiko smile.

...

"Your orders from now on also extend to your family, Kamizakura-san. You are all to leave Keiko and Yukio Hosokawa alone lest you infer the wrath of the Devils for the deeds you have done on the latter." Reika Kamizakura frowned at Head Captain Yamamoto's stern words, glancing to Byakuya who had a barely noticeable smile on his lips as Yamamoto added "Is that clear?"

"But what about House Kamizakura... We have no heir at the moment." Reika asked, gulping nervously at Yamamoto's glare as he countered "That may be true but your actions against him work counter to your words. Ensure your family removes any foolish ideas of getting authority and status from his actions as if there is anyone who deserves such it is Hosokawa-san himself along with his sister and the Gremory. Do you understand?"

"Y-Yes Captain-Commander." Reika answered with a formal bow before leaving as she had been dismissed.

"It's impressive that he was able to fight off a Evil-God with his Soul Chain damaged still..." Yamamoto mused aloud, thinking over what Byakuya had reported of the battle.

...

"Oh, the school trip is coming up soon, right?" Yukio asked lazily, his eyes half lidded as he found himself with his head lying on Akeno's lap as she carded her fingers through his hair with a bright smile although it was odd to Yukio that Rias was accepting of the current situation. It had only been a day or two since he and Keiko had revealed their past and Odin had finished his conference safely and returned to his homeland with the replica Mjolnir that Yukio had managed to separate from Nevan.

Vali had disappeared while taking the adult Fenrir with him which could potentially cause trouble in the future even though Loki had been caught and countermeasures were prepared for when its location was discovered. Yukio felt a bit annoyed that Vali had been aiming for Fenrir all the while and worried slightly what he could be planning with the God killing wolf with him.

Azazel wasn't in the club room as he had gone with Barakiel to send him off as he had finished his role.

"Yukio-san, we have been busy lately, so we have to go shopping for the school trip next time." Asia spoke up, looking at the guidebook for the school trip before Xenovia spoke up "Asia, I hear that we have to wear underwear which is popular right now."

"R-Really?" Asia asked surprised with a red face, Xenovia nodding as she continued to explain "Yup. It seems like when we go inside the bath where we bath together with everyone else, others will laugh at us afterwards if we don't wear proper underwear. I also don't have cut looking underwear. Maybe it would be better for us to shop together."

"Sc...School trips are very deep." Asia spoke to herself.

'Please tell me you've not been talking to them while I was asleep' Yukio thought, his cheeks reddening as Ddraig responded [Kukukukuku. I think you have that Kiryuu to thank for this, partner.]

"White is the best! I think that is the actual underwear that the Lord and Michael-sama would say 'Yes!' for!" Irina exclaimed as she entered the room.

"No. I will be wearing victory panties together with Asia." Xenovia countered, Asia looking surprised as she asked "Eh! M-Me too?"

"No, no! The colour for faith is white! Or the ones with an emblem of a cross!" Irina countered, the church trio continuing to argue before Kotake grinned as she stepped into it with a call of "We prefer lacy thongs!"

The church trio stared at the fallen angel in shock before Kotume blushed as she retorted embarrassed "Nee-san! Don't draw me into this!"

Akeno giggled into her hand as she and Yukio watched the argument grow with the Fallen Angel twins being drawn into it.

Yukio had a feeling that the more strong foes would start appearing as the group became stronger and wondered if he should ask Keiko about getting some more training or to find someone else to check on his recovering Soul Chain. He knew that his [Demon Mail] was a good step to becoming stronger while being in his weakened state but felt he would have to convince Ddraig's past hosts to help him sooner rather then later.

"I'm doomed!" Rossweisse cried loudly, "Uuuuu~! Horrible! Odin-sama is so horrible! To leave me behind!"

'Oh yeah. I wonder if Odin knows he's left her behind or not.' Yukio thought with small frown as he wondered if the Norse God and done it on purpose or not.

"Fired! This must mean I'm fired, doesn't it? I worked so hard for Odin-sama and he left me in Japan! Just like he thinks, I can't do my job properly! I'm a virgin! I'm a woman where my age equals the number of years I didn't have a boyfriend!" Rossweisse ranted on, Yukio shooting her an annoyed look as he thought 'I'm still a virgin too. No need to complain about that.'

Ddraig let out a snort which was soon cut off by Masayuki and Sparda before he could comment about starting to corrupt his host to the pleasures of the flesh.

"Mou, don't cry Rossweisse. I made sure that you could work in this academy." Rias comforted her by putting a hand on Rossweisse's shoulder, making her look surprised as she asked between sobs "R-Really?"

"Yes, just like you wished for. You want to be a teacher, correct? And not a student?" Rias asked for clarification, Rossweisse nodding as she answered "Of course... Despite my appearance, I have already graduated from school in my homeland by skipping grades. Even though I'm still young in age. I am qualified to teach students."

Yukio blinked in surprise at hearing that as he hadn't expected that Rossweisse was older then them as Rossweisse continued to fret "But will I be able to live in this country...? But if I returned home, others would get mad and say 'You must be brave to show your face when you returned after Odin-sama's arrival' to me. And I probably would have my position removed...! Uuu... and I was finally able to find a job where I could have a stable life!"

"Ufufu, so that's where this plan would come in." Rias spoke with a smile, producing a document to show the Valkyrie as she continued "If you come to the Underworld now, you can get privileges like this and privileges like that."

Rossweisse looked shocked as she looked through the documents as she asked "Really!? There is this much insurance... And there are tax refunds!"

"That's exactly it. Also don't you think that a service like this and a system like this is wonderful too?" Rias spoke with smile, Rossweisse nodding as she answered "It's amazing! So d-devils get paid this much...! The base salary is totally different from us! Even if you compare them to Valhalla, these have better requirements!"

"By the way, if you come under me then you will also get these benefits." Rias added, signalling to another part of the document as Rossweisse replied "... I heard that Gremory is the household who had their family promoted to a Maou and that the special made item within the Gremory territory are very popular and are receiving high sales for it."

"That's true. You can even do that job for your career. The Gremory's are looking for very talented people." Rias continued, retrieving a crimson chess piece from her pocket.

{Looks like the last member of the peerage is decided.} Sparda spoke in amusement at Rossweisse's reaction, Yukio shocked that Rias was bribing Rossweisse with insurance and salary of all things.

"That's how it is, so won't you become my servant so you can start a business in the Underworld? I think you will be able to become a magic cannon member by attaining the [Rook] piece and with that magic of yours. I just hope that it would be possible with just one chess piece." Rias continued, shocking everyone at Rias' offer but it made sense that they would need another [Wizard-type] to the group as only Akeno and Rias could be classed as that amongst the group.

"...I feel like this is destiny. It might be my selfish imagination, but ever since I met you all at the hospital in the Underworld, it may have been decided that it will turn out like this." Rossweisse spoke as she accepted the crimson piece, a bright glow lightening the room before devil wings appeared from her back and the piece was missing.

"It was recently announced that the unused [Evil Pieces] changes reflecting on the growth rate of the master who possesses them. The Maou Ajuka Beelzebub who was part of creating them is famous for including secret factors for the technical programmes." Kiba explained from nearby, Yukio frowning in thought as he wondered what sort of factors were involved.

Rossweisse turned to everyone and bowed low as she spoke with an expression like she might have been a bit brainwashed, "Everyone, I have reincarnated into a devil. I'm Rossweisse, a former Valkyrie. It seems like the annual salary of the Underworld and their financial state of the Gremory household and my future will be very stable so I have become a devil. So please take good care of me from now."

Yukio had sat up during Rossweisse's speech, looking conflicted as Rias spoke with a smile "And so, everyone, my - Rias Gremory's last [Rook] wil be her, Rossweisse."

"Well, I think it's fine. Even I joined in a mess." Xenovia spoke casually while drinking green tea before everyone spoke "Let's get along!"

"Ufufufufufufu. Odin-sama? The next time we meet, I won't forgive you, okay?" Rossweisse spoke with a creepy smile, making Yukio nervous at what she would do to Odin.

"Yukio-kun, I should have given these to you earlier but you were so peaceful on my lap. These are leftovers, but please accept it." Akeno spoke with a bright smile, making Yukio blush as she held out a bento box for him. Opening it, Yukio looked inside to see Nikujaga before picking some out and eating it.

"This is really delicious, Akeno-san. It's different from the one Nee-san makes, but it has a motherly taste to it." Yukio spoke, turning see Akeno to receive chopsticks from her before he dug into the food.

"I'm glad that Yukio-kun is enjoying it. -Oh, your lips." Akeno spoke with a bright smile, stopping Yukio before he could move his hand to wipe whatever it was off only for Akeno to kiss him.

"Ufufufu. Delicious." Akeno commented with red cheeks before she hugged him and added "Yukio, I love you. Ufufu."

"Yukio-san?"

"Yukio-sempai?"

The other girls, minus Rossweisse, shouted, Yukio looked surprised at hearing Akeno's confession before he found himself grabbed by the other girls as Rias spoke angrily "Mou! Akeno! Today, I won't forgive you!"

...

Azazel sat on a bench inside a department stores, Barakiel returning with many bags in his hands as he spoke "Hmm. Looks like i have everything they asked for."

"Good job." Azazel replied as Barakiel sat down next to him, looking exhausted. Azazel pulled out a bento-box from his bag and handed it to Barakiel as he spoke "Barakiel. Here, take it."

"What is this wrapping?" Barakiel questioned, Azazel rolling his eyes as he retorted "Just open it."

Barakiel did as he was told, looking surprised as he spoke "...Bento?"

Azazel smirked, Akeno had given it to him without saying a word but he had knew that it was for Barakiel.

"This is..." Barakiel started, looking at the magnificent food inside of the box. He turned to Azazel only to get signalled to eat it by his boss with a smile.

"... Nikujaga... It has the taste of Shuri." Barakiel spoke, a single tear dripping down from his eyes before he started to eat with gusto as more tears came.

"Leave Akeno to me, Rias and the others. There isn't a problem. The guy who she fell for is kind and honourable despite all the stuff he's went through." Azazel spoke, Barakiel stopping before covering his eyes with one hand as he spoke with a voice that was mied with a cry, "He... I can't believe a child could go through that... He'll take care of Akeno?"

"Yeah, it's going to be okay." Azazel reassured his friend, Barakiel resuming to eat while looking relieved. Azazel's smile grew at seeing his friend finally at peace after the years of worry for his daughter.

...

"I would like for Rossweisse to move in, Keiko-san, as the new and last member of my peerage it would be safer if she lived with the rest of us. If that's fine with you?" Rias asked as she bowed in front of Keiko, who had her arms crossed under her chest sighed as she replied "I suppose I'll allow it as long as Rossweisse apologises for what she's said to Nii-kun."

"Thank you, Keiko-san." Rias spoke with a smile, turning to leave and share the deal with Rossweisse before a fierce aura enveloped the room. Rias turning back to see Keiko staring at her hard with her aura around her as she asked "I hope finding out about Nii-kun's past hasn't changed your view on him? I'd hate to find out he was dealing with a liar once again."

"I will never lie or hurt him and hearing his past hasn't changed how I think of him." Rias replied instantly, enraged at the accusation as her eyes glowed with power as she continued "I want to teach those vile people the error of hurting someone as kind as Yukio when he was young. He didn't deserve to be treated like that. Also I don't care that he's from a noble house, Keiko-san, he could be a pauper and I'd still love him for him."

"What about him do you like, seeing as you wanted him for his Sacred Gear before?" Keiko asked, Rias looking down as she answered "You're right I wanted him for his Sacred Gear in the beginning but now, after everything he's done to help me and the others since then just showed me that he's so kind and caring despite what happened to him."

"You know..." Keiko started, smiling relaxed as her reiatsu disappeared, "Originally, I thought it was too quick for you both to have fallen in love with each other but if you can say something like that to me without hesitation and facing my power, well... You obviously proved me wrong about how deep your feelings are for him."

Rias blushed as she realised that it was a test for her feelings about Yukio, smiling happily at passing Keiko's test as she left to return to the club room and pass on the good news.

"I suppose that proves to both of us how she feels about Nii-kun. I didn't want him to get heartbroken again." Keiko sighed as she glanced to the side, watching as Venelana appeared as the spell concealing her dropped. The brunette smiled brightly at her daughter's confession, pleased to see that Rias was looking for Keiko's approval.

"Yes. I hope that satisfied your worries." Venelana spoke, Keiko nodding as she asked "So, what is this tradition?"

"The 'Ruins of Connection' is a rite of passage for each Gremory when they hit a certain age with their loved one before things get too serious." Venelana started to explain, "In a way its an approval or unofficial engagement between them after testing to see if they work well as a couple and will be good for the future of the Gremory Clan."

"Oh?" Keiko asked with a raised eyebrow, Venelana smiling slyly as she added "The number of trials contained are never stated so we can always add a trial you want to see Rias do as well when we do it next weekend."

"I'll think about it and contact you when I decide on one." Keiko spoke with a slight smirk.

...

"Yukio..." Rossweisse started, drawing Yukio attention from tuning with his guitar as he asked "Yes Rossweisse-san?"

"I'd like to apologise to you for jumping to conclusions about you before. I'd heard that the Sekiryuutei was a pervert and assumed that also reflected onto yourself." Rossweisse explained embarrassed, Yukio shifting slightly as he nodded as he replied "I suppose it makes sense. Ddraig is a big pervert and can be annoying to listen to when he's commenting on the women around me."

[HEY! I'm only showing you the joys of the flesh.] Ddraig shouted aloud, making Rossweisse jump in surprise as she looked at the green circle on the back of Yukio's left hand. Rossweisse chuckled after a moment at how Ddraig sounded like Odin and realised that Yukio must had to deal with a similar situation to herself.

"I... I suppose we are similar in one way then as I had to often listen to Odin-dono being a pervert." Rossweisse spoke thoughtfully, Yukio nodding in agreement as he continued working on his guitar as a pleased looking Rias watched them as she thought with a smile 'I didn't have to even suggest Rossweisse do that.'

"Nice to see you two are getting along." Rias spoke as she approached the pair, Yukio shrugging as Rossweisse replied "I wanted to apologise for my words and jumping to conclusions about him."

"Good. I was hoping that Rossweisse could stay with us from now on." Rias started, Yukio looking shocked at her as she added "If that's alright with you?"

"Why?" Yukio asked surprised, Rias glad that he hadn't rejected the idea immediately as she explained "Well, I thought it would be better for her to adjust to Kuoh with allies nearby. Plus as we'll be working together it would make sense to get to know each other better."

"I suppose so." Yukio spoke with a sigh, not really able to think of a counter to Rias' logic.

...

Yukio frowned as he looked to a stern looking Rias, wondering what was going on as she spoke "This is terrible."

Rias was panicking as she walked out of Yukio's room to the first floor and back again.

"Rias-oneesama is acting very weird." Asia commented as she sat next to Yukio, who agreed as Rias had been suddenly cleaning the house and fixing her appearance every ten minutes. He would have thought that everything would have calmed down after the defeat of Loki and Rossweisse moving into the house and also knew that he and the second years would soon be going onto a field trip to Kyoto.

"Rias-sama. Is everything alright? Did something happen?" Yukio asked concerned, Rias looking to him seriously as she answered "Onee-sama is coming."

Georgia stifled a chuckle as Yukio realised who Rias was talking about as he asked "What's wrong with Grayfia-san coming here?"

Normally Rias referred to Grayfia by just her name but today was calling her 'Onee-sama' as if something had changed from the normal.

"Today Grayfia-san has a day off." Akeno answered with an amused look, Yukio looking in understanding as he spoke "So she has a day off as a maid and Rias-sama refers her differently when on those days off."

"That's right." Georgia spoke with a nod, "Usually she is a maid who serves the house of Gremory so she has a relationship of servant and master with Rias, who is the daughter from the house of Gremory. But its a different story when Onee-san has a day off as then she becomes Rias' sister-in-law."

"…Buchou is scared of Grayfia-san who becomes her sister-in-law… It seems like she is really strict." Koneko spoke up, Yukio nodding in understanding as Xenovia spoke thoughtfully as she mused "So Buchou also has someone she is weak against."

"So she decided to visit my house when she got a day off?" Yukio asked curiously, wondering what seeing Rias and Grayfia act like sisters would be like as Akeno gave a small laugh as she answered him "Yes. It seems like there is something she wants to talk to Rias about as her sister."

A glance to Georgia had her shaking her head as she answered "I don't know about what Nee-sama is coming for."

"I….I also need to prepare tea as well. Yukio. I want you to dress nicely as well. She will probably check you as well." Rias spoke as she checked over the room, Yukio looking concerned as she fixed his collar and checked his hair once more.

Yukio sneaked in a kiss, surprising Rias as he pulled her onto his lap and replied "Relax. Everything will be alright."

"I... I am just worried because you are special... and Nee-sama..." Rias replied embarrassed, trailing off as she enjoyed his arms around her for the moment before the sound of the door bell rang.

Rias jumped quickly to her feet and made her way down to the main entrance, nearly knowing a confused looking Arisu down as Yukio and the others slowly followed her down. Standing at the entrance was Grayfia who with the expensive clothes and her hair up looked more like a celebrity then the maid of the Gremory Clan.

Looking past her, Yukio saw the gorgeous limousine that was parted outside and thought that Grayfia wanted to enjoy the trip instead of just transporting in the house as he looked back to her to see her smile elegantly as she greeted "How are you doing everyone?"

"How do you do, Rias?" Grayfia asked as she looked to Rias with a cheerful smile, Rias returning it a hidden nervousness as she replied "Hello Onee-sama."

"It has been a while Hime-sama." Another voice spoke up, drawing their attention to the Kirin who had red scales throughout its body and stood at about two metres tall with a torso of a horse or deer with a face of a Asian-dragon. Yukio blushed as he realised he was staring as it bowed its head at him and greeted "Oh if it isn't Sekiryuutei-dono. This is our first meeting. I'm a [Pawn] that serves Sirzechs-sama, and my name is Enku. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Nice to meet you as well, Enku-san." Yukio replied with a bow of his head, the Kirin smiling as Rias spoke up "Yukio. He is Enku. He is a Kirin, which is a legendary creature and is Onii-sama's servant. It's been a while Enku. I'm glad that you look healthy."

"Hello, Enku-san." Georgia spoke up as she stepped up to pat his neck alongside Rias, Enku chuckling as he replied "Hello Georgia-chan. I was surprised to hear that Grayfia-sama let you live in the human world with the Sekiryuutei-dono."

Grayfia's cheeks pinked at hearing that, Enku turning to her as he spoke "Then Grayfia-sama. I will be returning to my station."

"Yes. Thank you for escorting me till here, Enku. It would have been fine by myself though…" Grayfia replied with a knowing look Enky shaking his head as he countered "What are you saying? Our great [Queen] who is also the wife of our master. For you to go and visit someone officially without an escort… Well even though I say that, I don't even have a slight thought of Grayfia-sama being in danger even without my escort. I thought I should bring "fortune" to Sekiryuutei-dono's residence by coming along with you. More than that I'm glad to see the face of Hime-sama, Georgia-chan and Sekiryuutei-dono who is the Waka."

'Waka?' Yukio thought surprised, recalling that the staff at the Gremory Manor had started to refer to him as such and wondered what was so special about him unless it had to do with his relationship with Rias, 'But we're not engaged or anything so its not serious enough to be so formal about me, is it?'

"Kirin is said to bring great fortune. It's said that if it visits a house, something good will happen to that house." Akeno whispered the explanation into the silvernet's ear, getting a nod from him before adding "By the way, Sirzechs-sama is the only person among the devils who was able to make a sacred creature into his servant. Originally the two sides have relationships that are mutually exclusive. Making that possible makes Sirzechs-sama belong to a different league compared to others."

"Enku. You could stay even for a while." Rias spoke with a sad look, Enku chuckling as he replied "Hahaha. Those words alone are enough for this Enku. Even I have lots of duties as a servant of Sirzechs-sama. I must accomplish that when I return to the Underworld. But Hime-sama, I would like to run at the mountain with you again while carrying you on my back like before. Now, I shall leave. I'm hoping to meet all of you again."

With that Enku turned into red mist and disappeared.

"When I was living in the Underworld, Enku became the one I could talk to. He carried me on his back often." Rias explained to Yukio with a smile, Yukio smiling at the image it brought up and how Rias was immersed in her memory before Grayfia did a single cough.

"Now, let's make the greetings short. May I come into the house then?" Grayfia asked after Rias and Yukio both turned their attention back to her. The pair and Georgia moving aside so that Grayfia could enter the house.

...

"I see. I'm relieved that Rias isn't causing trouble."

"I'm here like this thanks to Rias-oneesama." Asia replied to Grayfia's words, the pair having a friendly chat with some of the members staying in the Hosokawa household as they sat in the living room. Amongst the group was Asia, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Irina, Georgia and Arisu. Keiko was asleep upstairs after a busy night shift at the hospital.

"Rias is a bit selfish so I was worried that she was troubling everyone in the group." Grayfia commented, Akeno smiling as she replied "That definitely isn't the case. Rias is acting as our leader staying here as a home stay, and is looking after us very well."

"Rias is a fortunate person to be blessed with good friends and kouhai." Grayfia spoke with a happy smile, soon turning to a slightly stern look as she focused on Rias and Yukio.

"What's left is…the gentleman." Grayfia spoke, feeling slightly conflicted over what she now knew about the silver haired teen and his past.

"I…Is it perhaps… Is that what this is about…?" Asia asked with a nervous face.

"…That must be it. Since Grayfia-san came here officially, it must be part of it." Akeno commented with a slightly forced smile as Koneko added with a stern look "…I did think that this day would come."

"I knew such a day was coming... but this soon." Georgia commented with a conflicted look.

Xenovia and Irina looked confused as did Arisu and Yukio at the sudden change in atmosphere in the room. Kiba and Gasper hadn't come over and Rossweisse was out buying furniture and such for her room while Kotake and Kotume were out at Grigori and Kiyome was back at her home caring for the monsters she'd tamed.

"O-Onee-sama! Did you come here for that matter? I thought that you left it to me so I could make it go naturally!" Rias spoke with a red face to Grayfia.

"Ara, Rias. Did Okaa-sama and I ever say that even once? You broke it off before, so isn't it your duty as the next heir to make us feel relieved?" Grayfia replied with a slight smirk. Rias not responding as she didn't want to anger Grayfia as she remembered what had been said after Yukio had ended the engagement with Riser.

"The selfish princess from the Gremory broke off the engagement."

Yukio both knew that for the pure blooded devils of the Pillar Clans, the engagement was important but Rias' freedom to pick her own love was something priceless to her and Yukio didn't like the idea of an arranged marriages. Yukio was slightly surprised that Rias' parents had forgave him for breaking off the engagement.

"The devils are said to have a dangerous birth rate. We especially can't cut off the bloods of the noble family. One day we would like you to be the parent of children of the next generation. That is what Otou-sama, Okaa-sama, I and that person wish for." Grayfia spoke with a serious face to Rias which softened into a bitter smile as she continued "Though I say that, I was also involved in that incident. I helped you. Even before that… That person and I also had our own share of free romance. That time, we were in a situation that was more complicated than you are."

"The love romance between you two is like a legend to female devils." Akeno spoke with red cheeks, Yukio raising an eyebrow in surprise at the thought of Grayfia and Sirzechs' romance being amazing only to be surprised as Koneko added "…It's also turned into a play."

"I'm very interested in it!" Asia added interested as well, Grayfia making a single cough while looking embarrassed.

"Since there was the incident with us, I ended up siding with you. I want you to become a splendid high-class devil lady. I want you to have a strong self-consciousness as the next heir. For that there are lots of things we need to fix. The part where you think you can solve your selfishness with money. The part where you act immediately once you think about it. I think the part of you focused on having it all to yourself has softened a bit. Even so it's miserable that you can't act when you have to. When it was me and that person, we went through it straight away. There are girls your age who are already married, so keep that in mind. Once you graduate from High school, you will be invited to high-class society's parties even more. If you are thought to be as a selfish girl even in the future, it will become an embarrassment to the house of Gremory. Thanks to the influence of that TV programme, you are getting good support from the typical devils… Anyway, we need to further the learning of your partner from now. Once you become a University student, we need to prepare for the wedding quickly, you know? You need to take in a husband right away when you become the heir after graduating from University. Until then we need you to take over from Otou-sama smoothly. You understand don't you? I personally think that it's okay to make you stable from now. The Rating Game is important, but only having that in mind might make you become dim as a woman. And you are…" Grayfia started to preach like a machine gun at a red-faced Rias who seemed to be acting her age more then the elegance Yukio normally saw in public.

"Now, now Grayfia. Rias is doing quite well." A familiar voice spoke up, everyone turning to the end of the table to see Sirzechs standing there. Rias stood up in shock at seeing her older brother as she spoke "Onii-sama!"

"Hey Rias. How are you doing? I'm glad that you are doing well. Looks like everyone in the group is the same as well." Sirzechs replied with a charming smile, "I've brought some gifts. It's a collection of Rias' photos that I produced. The title is "The girl called Spirit Princess – The growing of Ria-tan compilation". It's a record of her growth from when she was a child until she got into High school in Japan."

Sirzechs took out a photo compilation and started to hand them out to the others, Yukio smirking pleased at finally seeing some of Rias' embarrassing photos of her past. He blinked in surprise at seeing that Rias was big chested even back in junior school.

[Hehehe. Looks like she was an early bloomer back then.] Ddriag chuckled perversely, Rias turning red as she confiscated the book and spoke embarrassed "Don't look! You can't look!"

"Sirzechs. You were supposed to have an important meeting today with only the Yondai-Maou weren't you? Don't tell me you didn't go to it?" Grayfia spoke wiht her eyes glowing sharply, Sirzechs not looking bothered as he answered normally "Hahaha! I thought I would join the meeting from here. If I can send my image from here, then the meeting will be…. Ouch, ouch, ouch. It hurts Grayfia."

Grayfia pulled on Sirzechs' cheek very hard, Sirzechs smiling with a few tears in his eyes.

"…Why are you always like this when I have a day off… Maybe it wasn't good that I got today off. Maybe I should revert back to a maid now." Grayfia scolded Sirzechs with an unpleasant face, Yukio silently gulping at feeling the intense demonic power coming off of her.

Nothing else was said as three small magic circles appeared on the table, each emitting light as a 3D image started to from from each of them. The image mixed with noise as it started to become normal bit by bit, revealing three faces as one spoke up [Sir…zec…hs…Sirzechs-chan… Can you hear me…? Heeeeey. Sirzechs…chan…]

Yukio blinked in surprise as he recognised the voice who spoke clear [Sirzechs-chan! Geez, you just went to the human world by yourself! I also wanted to go to the human world as well!]

"Hey Serafall. I'm sorry. I'm at Hosokawa Yukio-kun's house." Sirzechs spoke with a grin, Serafall looking put out as she looked to Yukio. [Ara ara. This is so unfair! I could have done this from Yu-tan's house if i'd thought of it! Is Rias-chan there as well?]

"How do you do Serafall-sama." Rias greeted her, Serafall looking mad at Sirzechs as she replied [Yes. How do you do Rias-chan. Geez Sirzechs-chan. If you were going there, tell me before hand. Ajuka-chan and Falibi-chan were also curious because Sirzechs-chan who is always on time wasn't here!]

'Ajuka-chan... Falbi-chan...?' Yukio thought wondering how Serafall got away with nicknaming everyone as he looked at the two other people that had appeared beside Serafall's image.

[Sirzechs. For you to leave the meeting and go to the human's world. Either an incident occurred or something interesting is about to happen. It's the latter right?] A super handsome young man with a fascinating face spoke with a mysterious smile.

[…Ehh… I don't want anything bothersome. I don't want to work…] The other man with a sleepy face and resting his cheek on his hand spoke up.

"Aaah, I still haven't introduced you to them, Yukio-kun. The man with the mysterious atmosphere is Ajuka Beelzebub. He is the chief adviser for the technology department including the Technical Equation Program." Sirzechs spoke, Ajuka shifting his attention onto Yukio as he spoke [It's good having a mysterious atmosphere because it seems devilish. Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you, Seishinryuutei-dono. I have heard rumours about you and some interesting stories from Arisu.]

"Ah…. Nice to meet you too, Beelzebub-sama! As you know, my name is Hosokawa Yukio!" Yukio introduced himself with a bow of the head, noticing that Arisu was blushing nearby, before Sirzechs introduced him to the last Maou, "And the one over there who seems like he can't be bothered to do things is Falbium Asmodeus. He is mainly in control of military affairs."

[…Hello. I'm Falbium.] Falbium lazily greeted, Yukio nodding as the others around

" " " " " "How do you do Beelzebub-sama, Asmodeus-sama." " " " " " The other members of the peerage there greeted them.

[Hey Falbi! You have to give them proper greetings because they are Rias-chan's servant and Yu-tan!] Serafall yelled to Falbium, making him sigh as he replied […Serafall and Sirzechs work too hard. I live by the thought that "working means losing". Apart from important jobs, I just leave it to my servants you know? For times like these you need to gather good servants and make them do the work… Aaah I'm tired…]

{Falbium Asmodeus was originally from the Glasya-Labolas Clan remember. It's surprising to see how different he was with the vulgar child.} Sparda spoke up curiously.

"…Asmodeus-sama used up most of his lifetime's will to do things when he gathered his servants, and gathered talented people. And after, I heard that he orders his servants and passes the majority of his work to others. In other words he's the type who does all the homework in the first day and use the rest of the days for taking a break. He is said to be the person with the Underworld's best tactics and the best strategist…." Rias told Yukio quietly, getting an understanding nod from him as Rias added "By the way Serafall is in charge of foreign affairs."

"V! Leave the negotiations with other nations to me." Serafall spoke with a wink, Yukio blushing slightly embarrassed as Ajuka asked interested [So Sirzechs. What is going to happen?]

Sirzechs looked to Rias and then Yukio before he spoke up "To tell you the truth I was going to make Rias take "that" ceremony at the ruins of "connection"."

[[[Oou]]] The other three Maous replied with smiles, Yukio frowning in thought as he wondered what he had been roped into while Rias had her eyebrows raised in surprise as she asked "Onii-sama. No. Lucifer-sama. What is the meaning of this? Are you referring to that place that is an important ruin that has been passed down from our ancestors?

Sirzechs nodded at Rias' question as he answered "Yes. Those from the Gremory perform a rite of passage at that ruin when they hit a certain age. With the one they hold "dear" that is. You know what I mean, right Rias?"

Rias blushed at hearing that, Yukio's face soon following as he realised that it was some sort of rite for couples of the Gremory family.

[That's interesting. It's more important than the meeting.]

[It hasn't been done since Sirzechs-chan's one back then!]

[Ah, congratulations. I will congratulate you two before hand.]

Ajuka, Serafall and Falbium replied in each turn while looking to having fun about whatever would be happening. Grayfia stood up and told Rias, "That's how it is, Rias. That's the instruction of Otou-sama and Okaa-sama. What we mean by making us relieved is by performing the ritual. We won't allow you to refuse. You have to give at least that much relief to us, even with the news you have both confessed to each other. Though my husband ended up bringing unnecessary people into it. Sirzechs, you understand right? It's re-education for you once we get home."

Grayfia gave Sirzechs a cold look while pulling his cheeks hard as he replied with a teary smile "Hahaha. So that's how it is Ria-tan. Do your best with Yukio-kun… It hurts. It hurts Grayfia."

"Hauuuuu. Yukio… Wh…what should I do…?" Rias asked with a cute and troubled face and sounding more like Asia then Yukio was use to. Yukio shifting slightly as he shrugged unsure as he had no idea what the tradition entailed either.

"Look at this! I bought each of the basic living ware for about 100 yen! There are shops selling things for 100 yen so it's wonderful! Cheap is the best isn't it!?" Rossweisse spoke enthusiastically as she came back from shopping after Sirzechs and Grayfia had left.

...

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter, the end of the Loki arc and the start of the Ruins of Connection. Also there's some more backstory about Yukio and the reveal that he's a noble of Shinigamis and had grew up in Karakura Town with Keiko.