Chapter 29: Cast Down Your Kings (Part 2)

"Welcome to the Gremory estate, Xavier. You and your companions are invited to my hospitality for the duration of your stay, as well as that of the Sitri and Phenex families."

"The offer is both heard and appreciated, Lord Gremory. And it's a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances."

Serafall quietly took her leave as everyone exchanged pleasantries, pulling aside Sirzechs as her redheaded friend quietly asked, "Has Harris or his cohorts done anything suspicious or unnatural over the course of the past few days?"

A tired sigh slipped past the Devil's lips, wryly retorting, "What isn't suspicious or unnatural about them? Strange powers that I can't fathom, odd personalities seemingly at odds with what they have accomplished and unknowable schemes that I could not hazard a guess at even if you gave me a year. It's like trying to divine the motives of a flighty child, except in this case the child has more power and guile than I feel comfortable with."

"It sounds as if you've had a fun time of it."

Glaring at her friend's teasing comment Serafall watched Harris easily interact with Zeoticus, Venelana, Halachia, Gardazon, Castelan and Simonia as if the combination of Gremory, Sitri and Phenex clans were old friends rather than people who held enough influence and power to count as some of the most formidable and influential families in existence.

"Did you hear that he wants an audience with Lucifer himself? Ordinarily I would begin composing a eulogy for the fool, but…"

Sirzechs nodded, quietly mumbling, "Charlemagne's death should have been a simple matter yet he managed to turn it into a mess, causing us no shortage of loss and chaos yet - as the saying goes - he came out of it smelling like roses."

"And likely saved our lives. I honestly can't figure out what he wants or desires, Sirzechs."

"Well that makes two of us, at least."

The dark-haired Devil huffed out a wry breath, whispering, "Am I the only one who's remembering the last time he went on a private meeting with a figure of great renown?"

"No, I'm sure our families are perfectly aware that he's a wild card just waiting to surprise all of us again for one reason or another. The question is whether we'll be able to benefit from that surprise and survive what comes after. For all of our complaints the Lucifer faction did gain a fair amount of influence once all was said and done."

"I don't like it when you say things that make sense."

Chuckling at her complaint they trailed after their families in respectful silence as they freely conversed, using their status as 'children' to stealthily converse without appearing rude.

"What of your rumored marriage to Leraje? How are you handling that?"

Shrugging at the inquiry she murmured back, "For the moment it hasn't seen much progress on my parent's part and I haven't exactly pursued it in my free time, Harris' arrival took precedence over other issues."

"Well, that's one positive I suppose."

Nodding in agreement Serafall allowed her cool and icy demeanor to slip for a moment, petulantly complaining, "I was supposed to be on vacation! Instead I was dragged into my family's latest scheme and now this!"

Patting her shoulder in consolation the redhead cheerfully asked, "You can think of it this way. If you were on leave and had no hand in any of these events you wouldn't have been present for Xavier's arrival, returning to our society proper after he had already carried out whatever his plan is."

Serafall shuddered, imagining what that chaos would look like and mumbled, "On second thought, maybe it was for the best that I'm here right now…"

"Your disappearing act was quite the unusual choice after Charlemagne's death, I confess that it made little sense from our perspective since all we had left to do was take credit for your actions."

Harris spied Sirzechs and Serafall return from their brief conversation and take a seat with their respective families as they sat in the Gremory family meeting room, filled to the brim with expensive furniture, ornate paintings and other incredibly expensive signs of wealth or affluence. He was used to such things but it was still novel to see how signs of money and power translated to supernatural beings several centuries in the past rather than normal humans hundreds of years in the future.

Some things were consistent - rare or precious metals and gemstones being inlaid across anything and everything - while others naturally tended to the exotic. Animal skins or hides of clearly dangerous predators of myth while in place of high-end electronics there were magical projections or recreations of great events that no doubt held extreme importance to the family that called the estate home.

"Well I had things that I needed to do and I couldn't do them from the relative confines of the center of attention."

Venelana raised an eyebrow, curiously asking, "And just what was of such great importance that you could not wait to so much as describe what your actions and intents were to be? There was no shortage of questions in the wake of your departure."

Reclining in his sinfully comfortable chair and sipping on a glass of chilled wine Harris explained, "I'd held a fondness and interest in Japan even as I carried out my actions against Charlemagne, this was merely the perfect opportunity to go and visit while my ambitions in your theater of war were achieved."

"It also just so happened to be where he and I met, a fortuitous crossing of paths that led to us traveling with each other."

Robin's comment was the cherry on top of the nothing cake they had just baked and delivered, the woman sitting to his right while Merlin and Est were on his left, the Sword Spirit resigning herself to the Magi's lap as she was cheerfully fed all sorts of treats ranging from bread drizzled in butter and herbs to sweet nuts or chocolate fruits.

It was a bit of politics on their part. Robin seated closer and adding her own views and takes on events without reservation while Merlin and Est sat off to the side, acting as mere decorations and occasional comic relief as the Magus of Flowers all but crooned as she got to pet Est's head, the smaller girl putting up with the closeness only because she got no shortage of treats in kind.

Outside observers would think of Merlin and Est as the lesser of the trio while Robin was the one to approach if Harris wasn't available, his assumed leading woman. Not even close to the truth - Harris didn't doubt Zeoticus suspected that Merlin was merely acting, seeing as he'd interacted with them before - but a division of labor was needed moving forward. He had plans for this next leg of their journey and someone with Robin's tactical and political acumen was a must.

"Were you perhaps present during the death of Amoghasiddhi? That was quite the bit of news, especially when you consider the Yokai Empress' death in a similar manner not more than a few years prior."

Gardazon rolled a grape between his fingers, the Sitri male remarking, "Rumor suggests that an assassin looking to incite both the Shinto and the various faiths of China carried out the killings. Although considering the current state where both sides are reaching an accord of their own will - one that looks to leave the Shinto as true sovereigns of their land - you could say their plan, if it was indeed that, failed rather spectacularly."

Simonia gracefully made a show of drinking from her glass, the Phenex languidly stating, "Although if you visited the island beasts at such a time, well…I would confidently take the wager that you may have had something to do with those events."

Merely smiling at the suggestion he cheerfully popped an almond into his mouth, replying, "I was indeed present for the negotiations, the Yokai were kind enough to allow me to sight see after they realized who I was and what I had done. No doubt because they were already busy with Amoghasiddhi and didn't feel like having to fight a two front war, so to speak."

"An oddly intelligent decision for those so closely descended from simple animals."

Halachia's dismissive words merely had Harris grinning, remembering his night spent with Yasaka as the little fox had proclaimed her ambitions for the sake of her people, a people that would almost certainly take many decades to see the value in her decision. To see that boldness and self-sacrifice described as mere acts of wild behavior from some high-end socialite that defined her existence by how many people would listen to her commands and nothing else?

"Ahh, home sweet home."

Alas, he had a role to play and could think of how best to humble the Devil at a later date, letting the sweet sounds and warmth of his wife's cries as she did a positively wondrous job of bringing them both to the edge of ecstasy lure a smile to his lips.

"The Yokai are certainly feral about certain matters, that much I can say with complete and utter honesty. Regardless, the whole deal between the two factions was getting a little too heated for my liking and I decided to clear out before things had the chance to get truly nasty. Not without crafting a rather amicable relationship with the Kitsune royalty though, that was a nice bonus."

This time it was Venelana who raised an eyebrow as his passing comment about Akito and Yasaka went without mention, archly asking, "You fled when there was a chance for bloodshed and mayhem? Forgive me for saying this, but considering your previous actions that seems like an unlikely decision to make."

Her husband nodded in agreement, saying, "You held no compunctions about engaging in extremely dangerous actions against both Charlemagne and Beelzebub. What stayed your hand in this particular instance?"

Robin waved a hand, bluntly explaining, "Well we already have what I imagine is a notorious reputation among a great many Devils with proper knowledge of events that occurred during Charlemagne's death, never mind a rather abysmal relationship with Heaven after our deposing of their Earthly king. It seemed prudent to not aggravate yet another faction when there was little reason to."

"And there's the first bold-faced lie we've told thus far. Pfft, the best of my life consisted of pissing off as many people possible."

The group before him didn't entirely buy the response - he wouldn't have either - but it was only Sirzechs and Serafall that sent him supremely doubtful looks as they quietly sat a bit behind their families. Which was ultimately fine, he had big ideas for those two and while the circumstances that gave rise to their assuming the seats of Satan ideally wouldn't happen he was sure they held the natural charisma and power to nonetheless make fine examples for Devil kind. All that remained to be seen was what their current personalities would be like, so early in their lives.

"While we have danced around the issue somewhat we can only do so for so long…why have you returned to these lands, Harris Xavier?"

Venelana's calm and collected inquiry did away with the affable atmosphere, Zeoticus lacing his fingers together as he leaned forward, commenting, "While it's certainly true that your actions and allowance of us to take the credit for ourselves did much to raise our reputation and stock among our species the fact remains that you deliberately kept information and your true intentions from us during the height of the battle."

He continued on as Harris politely listened.

"A fair number of those under my rule died as a result of your aims. Yet you also returned to save my son and the daughter of close allies before disappearing as if you never existed to begin with. All of this taken together paints a very strange image with no clear goal to divine and yet another case of a lack of trust."

Harris had to fight back the urge to smile in amusement, that despite the claims of him being unfathomable no one ever stopped to consider that he'd carried out the goal of saving innocent lives and engineered a scenario that would put to death people that would almost certainly pursue such aims in the future.

"Well, perhaps that's not entirely fair. Deposing Charlemagne would lead to chaos and further fighting, causing all manner of destruction that involves those that have no stake in the war. But I'm here to fix that."

Indifferently waving his hand Harris replied, "Well you're quite right not to trust me. But what you can trust are my motives."

Rejoining the conversation Merlin chirped, "And his motives are to create a scenario in which he benefits the most. Much like any other individual making their way through life."

"And how does that proposed benefit extend to us? Or perhaps I should be asking how we don't end up like your previous Angel allies, deceived into a position that leaves us in a far worse state than the one we began in?"

Dismissively shrugging as if such a valid concern was beneath his attention Harris replied, "That's for me and Lucifer to discuss, naturally."

The mood among those gathered took an understandable turn for the cold and frustrated at the shapeshifter's response, Zeoticus diplomatically stating, "While your secrets are your own that will make gaining an audience with Lord Lucifer that much more difficult. The time and attention of a Satan is finite, never mind that a great many seek his attention on a daily basis."

"While I don't doubt that's true I'm fairly certain a decent amount of the man's time and attention is focused on ensuring his unfortunate wife continues to provide the Devils with a steady supply of soldiers."

Lilith - the former wife of Adam in DxD canon - apparently had a unique ability to overcome the natural inability of most supernatural to conceive children at any kind of steady rate, which was something of a massive game changer. While the strongest of Devils may be able to redraw the map within twenty-four hours as a species they were something of an evolutionary dead end. Decades - if not centuries - to make a single baby while hundreds or maybe thousands of others died in the interim was a failed people if ever he saw one.

From what he understood - his knowledge of later events in DxD canon was admittedly fuzzy even with Monad's aid in making memories of his past clear and crisp - Lilith was able to consistently create and give birth to Devils despite the infertility issues, a state of affairs that Lucifer abused to ensure his power and fuel the war against Heaven, leading to the woman slipping into a coma due to gods only knew what kind of exhaustion.

Last he checked of events it was Hades who had gotten his skeletal hands on Lilith and made use of her ability to create a disposable army, a bit of circumstance he was going to have to put an end to.

"I doubt it's going to be that difficult. After all, Lucifer is just the first step, I aim to get the attention of all four Satans…I think your candidate of choice would be interested in a scheme of mine that has his name rising above the rest, now wouldn't he?"

The attention of the assembled families was once again held firmly within his grasp, Castelan cautiously stating, "The last time you proposed a deal that was to our benefit it was upheld, albeit in the most convoluted and dangerous way possible. And this time is meant to be any different how? Especially now that the leaders of our race are becoming involved, their temperament and power is no small hurdle to overcome and account for."

"Agreed. But bear in mind this conversation of ours is mostly for our convenience, not a necessity."

Robin's sudden comment caused all eyes to turn her way, the tactician smiling and simply remarking, "We don't strictly need your assistance in gaining the attention of Lucifer and the other Satans, it's merely an expedited process that could also benefit you if you so agreed."

Harris stroked his chin, casually stating, "I could engineer another event like Gastofield, ensure that my presence is both noted and paid attention to."

There was a tense silence as the eight Devils obviously tried to decide if he was joking, bluffing or being serious until Robin brought the conversation back to non-aggressive levels of communication, explaining, "That's the least preferred option though, for a number of reasons I'm sure you can think of. But by electing to sponsor a meeting between us and Lucifer you once again hold the chance for recognition and advancement over your peers, a chance to hold sway over such unconventional individuals. If you wish to decline we'll get into Lucifer's good graces regardless and I'm sure we're all on the same page that such a course of events would be inconvenient for just about everyone."

"Or, by associating our houses with you, we get dragged along and made part and parcel of whatever madness you unleash upon our society."

Harris merely grinned, remarking, "And doesn't that sound like fun? You get to be a part of history."

There was a glum silence within the room that would have fooled and made nervous less confidant men, the male knowing that he had them right where he wanted them. Either take a gamble and reap the rewards of whatever he intended for their species…or sit on the sidelines and be a passenger to what they knew from firsthand experience was someone who could make things happen.

And if there was one thing he could count on supposed creatures of sin to have in spades, it was a fear of missing out.

"Very well…if that is what you're willing to share for the moment then I suppose an audience can be arranged. The rewards - as well as the consequences - will be your own."

He smirked at Zeoticus' words, cheerfully replying, "I think you mean the rewards will be shared and the consequences hoarded, right?"

A blunt smile graced the redhead's lips.

"Precisely."

The flash of black and silver energy filling the halls of Lucifer's private audience chamber was a familiar one, Grayfia keeping her expression stoic due to long practice as the Devil that had been prostrated before her Lord's throne toppled over, trachea giving a low, quiet whistle as the absence of a head caused the rest of the body to shut down.

"Clean up the mess. Banish what kin he had from Lucifaad."

Grayfia and Euclid bowed low, the swish of their master's robes and quiet clank of armor seeming amplified to deafening levels in the stillness of the hall.

"I will see to his line's expulsion, sister."

Nodding in acceptance of her brother assuming the more difficult of the two tasks he departed without another word, Grayfia approaching the cooling body and unable to keep the slight tightening of her lips from public view.

It was not a Lucifuge's place to question the decision of a Lucifer, especially not over a matter so…trivial. But loyalty could only ward off practicality for so long, the silver-haired woman divesting the body of armor and weapons - those could be reused - and simply froze the rest, levitating it out of the hall to the disposal wing of the palace where it could be properly destroyed as her thoughts wandered.

The corpse she now handled had belonged to a low-ranking Devil whose only error had been to be in charge of a patrol that ran afoul of a raiding party of Fallen Angels close to Lucifaad's border, losing several of their number and not capturing or killing so much as a single one of their attackers.

His death had been a result of her master's temper more than it had been any real failing and the analytical part of Grayfia's mind was wondering if these kinds of actions weren't bringing more harm than good. They were losing soldiers and members of the Pillars faster than they could replace them and while she wasn't privy to all of her master's designs the few times she had been allowed to visit or aid Lady Lilith the woman had looked more and more withdrawn, gaunt and unresponsive as her Lord simply rebuffed her attempts to help with the reassurance that Lady Lilith was fine, just tired from her replenishment of their numbers.

She didn't know if Lady Lilith was going to be around for as long as her master seemed to believe she would.

"Oh? Thinking about the loss of one of the insects? How charitable and noble of you, Lucifuge."

Grayfia tensed as the singsong words of her master's son grated across her ears, the woman hiding her discomfort a moment later as she turned and bowed to Rizevim, the smirking Devil having just appeared around the corner.

"A good day to you, my lord. My apologies, I was just considering various scenarios for the war effort."

Briefly wondering why and when she became so good at lying to her supposed owner's Grayfia made sure to keep her expression serene, Rizevim thankfully not noticing her inner thoughts as he smiled in a fashion that caused her skin to crawl, the Devil cheerfully remarking, "Well aren't you just the loyal little soldier? But alas, I'm not here to make simple chatter with you but to relay a bit of work we have for the jewel of the Lucifuge family."

The smile turned predatory.

"While it pains me to saddle you with more work so soon after you and your dutiful brother's sires have left us behind the war rages on. If your thoughts are so consumed with it perhaps action will be a productive means of coping?"

Briefly riled at the callous mention of her mother and father's death no more than four months ago due to what was a strongly suspected ploy by Beelzebub to kill her master Grayfia once again mastered herself, calmly asking, "What is asked of me?"

This time Rizevim's grin turned openly sinister, thankfully not directed at her.

"Rumor has it the killer of Charlemagne has returned, seeking an audience with my father. Your orders are to ingratiate yourself to him and discover what ploy he no doubt believes is secret. Can't have a repeat of what happened to the Christian King in our house, now can we?"

Genuinely surprised at this development the woman nonetheless kept her expression placid, bowing low and replying, "It shall be done."

"Oh, I'll take care of the squished bug, no need to concern yourself over it."

Grayfia felt her control over the body usurped by Rizevim's own, the man smirking as he continued with, "Mother dearest will have him replaced before you know it. Until next time, dutiful little Grayfia~!"

Left alone with her thoughts once more the silver-haired Devil couldn't help but wonder if that was truly the case, if their species was as secure in their power as they all seemed to believe.

…And the arrival of the killer of kings during such uncertain times seemed almost too coincidental to not be significant, the woman sighing as she departed to come up with a suitable plan for being made privy to the man's inner workings.

She knew she was in for a difficult time one way or another.