Azazel was fuming silently as he arrived in the Devil's section of the Underworld. Placing the phone in his pocket, he was happy that one of his Fallen was coming home to where she once belonged. Fucking Toge- he paused, knowing that going in angry would not reflect well on him.
With that out of his mind for the moment, he focused on the city of Lilith, where Sirzechs Lucifer allowed him permission to enter, secretly, since he technically was an enemy of the Devils but he hoped to change that soon. He was tired of fighting. Sacred Gears were so much cooler than war, death, and destruction. After all, he's got access to one of the thirteen, well, two…but he doesn't hold them close, allowing them the freedom of the Grigori.
Finding Sirzechs' office was easy, just finding the most powerful Devil in the Underworld like it's an afternoon walk. Once the Governor latched onto his magic 'essence', he teleported.
In a flash, his surroundings changed. The twelve-winged Fallen now stood in the office of the Crimson Devil Lucifer. The office was Old Victorian, a preference it seemed to them, as the large desk was about as long as the Oval Office desk in North America. Azazel has been around and snuck into places, so he knows these things. The curtains were closed as Sirzechs often had a view of the city of Lilith. Soundproofing spells surrounded the room, so no one would know.
Once he arrived, he greeted the Maou with a smile, "Sirzechs."
The man behind the desk was someone who looked like an elder Rias if she was a man. The same red hair, and the same blue-green eyes but he held an aura of a calm, patient man. Those eyes also held deep wounds, most likely from the Great War and the Devil Civil War. "Azazel. As much as I would love to have a casual chat, you said this was important."
"Yeah! Come on, Zaz-tan!" A person said with a cutesy childish voice.
The goateed Fallen glanced to a chair across from Sirzechs, seeing a pink-eyed girl with twin tails in a magical outfit. "Serafall, lovely to see you as well."
"This concerns her too, and Grayfia-san," Sirzechs glanced at the silver-haired woman who wore a French-maid outfit, looked to be in her younger twenties—whom Azazel knew to be about as old as he was, a little younger by a few centuries or so—with back-length silver hair that features a long braid on each side with small blue bows at the ends, while the rest is let down which ends in twin braids and silver eyes. Her outfit also had a black bow just under the small of her back.
The Fallen scratched his goatee, "Right. Well, I'll get to the point. It's about Hiroki Kuno and Faith Senastra."
With that, the mood was set, "What about them?"
"Do you have the full details about what she did to him? What the kid went through before he could figure it out?" Azazel pressed. He normally would be all jokes, laughs, and smirks but seeing him stone-faced serious was cause for major concern.
"But the trial-"
"Only covered the physical side of things, you're all smart to see the other side of things," Azazel gently cut off the Leviathan. "The charges in that trial were numerous but there are a few that crossed many lines. You were there but did you ever read the official press release? It outlined all of the charges and his misdeeds that crossed moral boundaries that even you would find disturbing. I know you want to keep the Pillars alive but in my opinion, Ivan Valac should have been executed for allowing that to happen, even his [Rook] was killed for speaking out against him, despite it being the right thing to do."
The two Satans and [Queen] shared a look, one that told Azazel that he was out of the loop. Instead of pressing, like he normally would, he sighed and leaned against the window sill. "The counts for abuse were more than present with Hiroki. Except they took it a step too far. Zechs, did you keep track of their finances?"
Sirzechs nodded, "Yes, we often noted that they had a fifteen percent increase in the last four months just before the time of the case. They said they knew a dragon that offered them their scales."
"Pffft, 'offer' is a funny word for saying 'plucked off the kid's skin' you know," Azazel said with a humorless smile. Seeing the looks, "You mean you didn't find it weird that a dragon 'offered' it to a Pillar Family ranked Count at the time? Dragons often deal with higher families along the lines of yours or Sera's; even the Lucifuge family was included because of their loyalty to the previous Satans. That woman used her Tamer abilities combined with magic to force his features forward, allowing them to harvest scales. His testimony showed that he did have those ripped off and left to bleed and be healed over or did you forget that sight? You and I know that his punishment was light in comparison to what it could have been. His peerage member was killed, and he would have gotten off scot-free if she wasn't a Dragon Tamer. In fact, the judge and jury would have put him to death," Azazel was not mincing his words. Dragon Tamers are rare, even rarer to have a high affinity for that level of magic. So, to the Supernatural World, hearing a Dragon Tamer be killed by a Dragon was amounting to social suicide…but once the case was released to the world…everyone found sympathy for the kid affected. Well, some did, and others still believe that he should be put down.
"Not with who was there with him," Sirzechs said tiredly.
"Yasaka, right?" Azazel inquired, already knowing he was right.
The Super Devil nodded, "Yes, and since our relations with Youkai are tense since the Massacre…it would not have been wise to kill someone under her direct protection."
Grayfia clenched her hands together, remembering how at the trial, how he held his hands over his arms, afraid that if he moved them, something would happen. Even when she had hugged him, he only leaned into it, not moving his arms.
"She's the kid's Guardian, in both human and supernatural terms, alongside my Fallen. Let me add to this and say that if anything had changed, Hiroki wouldn't be alive and I wouldn't have another Missing Fallen coming back to me. We all owe Yasaka and her specialists for saving his life."
Serafall sat ramrod straight, "I shall thank her once I see her again."
Grayfia looked at the Governor's face, "It was worse, wasn't it?"
"He wanted to die, claw his own heart out because of this. It was why during their operation, approved by your siblings by the way," he said to the two Satans, "that the nun my rogue team was after happens to be a Dragon Tamer." He leaned off the window sill and made eye contact with the redhead. "It set him off and then your sister, Sera, started looking into the case. I imagine that Hiroki and Kasane are going to have to tell them to keep their trust and wonder why their elder siblings didn't tell them. I, for one, believe that not telling them was the better idea, it means more coming from them," the man shrugged his shoulders, putting his hands back into his jacket pockets, seeing the potential implication he was implying but placated them before they could reply.
Grayfia was trying to keep herself composed but was slowly failing, since someone so young would have to go through such horror. The Great War and Civil War were horrors in their own right but…
Sirzechs was unsurprised when ice flashed froze the room, the silver eyes of his [Queen] swirling with something that he would never approach with the hottest flame or in his True Form. It made absolute zero look like a tropical vacation. "Why didn't he say anything?"
"His pride," Sirzechs answered, doing marginally better at controlling his power. This affected the Crimson Devil more because he was in charge of the domestic affairs of the Underworld. This happened under his watch, five years ago, and being reminded didn't sit well, even if he expected this. The former Valac Hier realistically should have received harsher punishments, everyone knew that, but Devils had to worry about the number of Purebloods since the aforementioned Wars. "As a dragon, even half-dragons, never admit that their pride was affected, so he kept silent…thinking it would make him look weak. Him admitting it to his mate is a large step, and he knows that."
"Hiro-kun…" Serafall whispered, recalling the image of the young boy clinging to Yasaka, terrified out of his mind. Then, she asked another question, "Wait, your Fallen? Why the emphasis?"
Azazel bit his lip, considering answering. "Same reaction as Kasane, I can't reveal that fully just yet. Anyway, according to Yasaka's account from the case she used magic during the trial to show those scars until he was ready to reveal them. This case was a serial case, being the tenth one, right? The other nine victims…they aren't around, are they?"
"In order. Yes, it was. No, Hiroki-kun is the only link between them all. We did separate trials for those cases after Hiroki-kun's, so the sentences kept piling on." Sirzechs said, standing from his desk and closing his eyes. "He has one too, doesn't he? Right hip?"
Grayfia and Serafall turned to the Maou Lucifer, confused before recalling that detail from the case accounts, a patch of ice slowly forming around Grayfia, despite the blank look she currently held. "He does, Roman numeral ten. I didn't see it but from my accidental eavesdrop, but that's presumably what he showed her." The same place as all the other ones.
"You were eavesdropping on them, Zaz-tan?" Serafall questioned cutely but her growing aura showed that she was asking for a different reason.
"Peace, Sera, I didn't even approach the Academy, just wanted to check in on them and thank them for helping me but they were so engrossed in comforting each other that they didn't notice me. I do feel a little regret but they are the reason I even wanted to talk, more so to update you."
Grayfia breathed in deeply, "Sirzechs-sama, please allow me to visit him." She wanted to see him so that she could apologize for not helping more and to thank his mate.
"I think we'll all visit them as soon as possible. No doubt he is appealing to them now," Sirzechs said. Serafall agreed. Grayfia felt her heart warm as she heard this. The ice cage she surrounded herself with only had one flaw, and she found it in a little dragon boy.
Azazel chimed in after that, "Also, in a couple of days, I've invited Kasane to the Grigori not only to reintroduce her but to reunite her with someone she hasn't seen since she was three. He'll be coming too so this visit will be beneficial. By the way, did you know that she has a kid?"
"She?"
"You're telling me that you never felt his aura?"
"During the trial, he was so traumatized and injured that no one could read his aura. He was able to answer the questions, after some encouragement from his Guardian, but he answered them nonetheless," Sirzechs said. "Why do you ask?"
Azazel asked a very simple question. He had already figured it out, of course, when he was outside the home. It caused him to hesitate to knock, and if he did, then he wouldn't be telling the trio of Devils about this. He had that aura pinged faster than Shazam could identify a song.
It took Grayfia a second before she gasped softly, her eyes shining with determination. She was acting odd but that was because this boy was harmed by Devils and a Dragon Tamer and despite her normal stoic looks, Grayfia has strong unused motherly instincts. "Sirzech-sama I-"
"Granted," he said. "After we visit. Azazel, what else don't we know?" Much to the Maou's dismay, the trial was short, because the evidence was already stacked against them. Not Hiroki, the former Valac Pillar Family Heir, and his Peerage.
There was one thing that they still have to fulfill when he was ready.
"Not much, as I don't even know the whole thing. Yasaka might but I don't believe she's willing to share that so easily out of consideration for him. We should be thankful that he's not an Evil Dragon, because of Kasane. His answer to Kasane even tugged on my old and stupid heart. Smooth little shit," Azazel sighed. "I know I'm not supposed to be on your sister's territory but this time, I'm asking for official permission. Let me-"
"It's not needed, you can go to see him at any time, I give you my permission on the condition you don't stir up trouble, intentionally or not."
"You take all the fun out of it," he grumbled. "Deal. Now, I have to tell Penemue to get her sister ready. This reveal will be a surprise to both."
"You've gotten soft, Zaz-tan," Serafall commented.
"I'm tired of fighting, why do you think I've been pushing for peace?" He asked as he teleported out, masking his energy so that no one thinks that the Fallen are attacking.
With that being said, the three pure-bloods all teleported to the small little town called Kuoh.
The three appeared in a muted magic circle just outside the Old School Building, and none made a peep as they crept toward the club room. Sirzechs and Serafall wanted to go inside as soon as they arrived but Grayfia convinced them to stay outside and listen. Once they heard the Welsh Dragon's voice did they underestimate how much pain he has gone through. If a Heavenly Dragon was speaking cordially to one, not their host, then it must have had more of an effect than they thought.
A question for later.
"They are going to notice us," Serafall whispered.
"No they won't," Sirzechs rebutted. Grayfia silently agreed with the former Sitri, knowing that at least one of them would sense them. That proved to be true when an unfamiliar voice to the Gremory maid spoke up, calling them out. Good instincts? We were concealed perfectly. Not even Riasouju-sama and Sonaouju-sama noticed. Curious.
"I told you she would notice!"
The Heiresses' eyes bulged out of their sockets, metaphorically of course, with synchronized shouts of "Onii-sama?!/Onee-sama?!"
The ORC club room seemed to be a hotspot tonight. Not only did the peerages get an info dump on one of their visitors, but they also get a visit from two of the four Maou of the Underworld. This was easily the most stressful situation that Kasane has dealt with.
Hiroki was not faring much better. He hasn't seen Sirzechs in a little under five years. Serafall was the opposite, having seen her during her visits to Kyoto. Hiroki smelled something unfamiliar to him and was taking deep breaths in and out, trying to find the source.
Grayfia figured the one called Kasane, who was next to the boy in question, looked between him and herself before it clicked in her mind. She gained quite a devious smile.
Everyone in the room, notably Sona and Rias, noticed the change in Hiroki. "Uhm…Kasane-san, what's going on now?"
"Can't say but I have a strong idea. I want to see if you figure it out, Hirochi," Kasane said with mirth, her small smile on display.
Grayfia stole a glance at Sirzechs, her [King], and she stepped forward. Hiroki's eyes were dazed as he was taking in the luxurious scent before realizing that he was losing control of his senses. He put a hand over his nose and breathed heavily through his mouth. "What the hell…who…mmmhmmm…"
"Hiroki-san?"
"…I don't know…" the halfling didn't have a clue why he was suddenly so antsy. He chalked it up to explaining everything up to this point.
Rias, while curious about Hiroki's odd reaction, had other questions, "What are you doing here unannounced? Usually, Grayfia-nee gives me a warning."
"Apologies, ojou-sama," Grayfia tore her eyes away from Hiroki to look her [King's] younger sister in the eye. "This was an unprecedented visit after learning some information from one of our sources. We wished to come see him after such a long time."
While looking displeased with the answer, Rias accepted it. Sona was more wondering why her sister was so well-behaved. "Onee-sama, please tell me you're not here to cause trouble."
"Waaahhh, even my precious Imoto thinks I'm nothing but trouble! For the record, So-tan, I wanted to see Hiro-kun and Kas-Chan too!"
Never mind, Sona thought while pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Hello, Levia-tan," Kasane greeted. "Lucifer-sama and…who are you?" The half-Fallen didn't get the name of the dashing woman in the maid outfit. He was currently backed up against the window, still breathing through his mouth, eyes full of questions.
"Apologies, Kasane-sama, my name is Grayfia Lucifuge, Sirzechs-sama's [Queen]," the maid bowed. "I am also the head maid of the Gremory Household."
Hiroki, who finally got himself under control. "I'm sorry for…my poor composure, you've caught me at a bad time." The navy-haired boy stood straight. "If I may be so blunt, I was seconds away from going through with my instincts of whatever that was…I swear I had better control than this."
"You do," Kasane said cryptically. He locked eyes with her and she only smirked at him.
"This for all the shit I pulled before, isn't it?" He asked her. He was less than amused.
"Maybe~" she giggled with her tongue in between her teeth.
"Okay…not to interrupt this whole thing but…I'm lost!" Issei exclaimed to the ceiling. Saji wasn't as much but was still processing.
Serafall took over, "That's easy, Sekiryuutei-chan! I and Zechs-tan are two of the four Yondai Maōu of the Underworld. I hold the title of Leviathan while he holds the title of Lucifer. Fia-chan is known as the strongest [Queen] of the Underworld, making her the second strongest woman in all of Devilkind currently living."
Hiroki growled abruptly at that information, making him grasp onto Kasane and started making out with her passionately. He was instinctively more than pleased at that information which he was sure that Serafall added to embolden him. Which was confusing. Why the hell was he caring about this information now instead of before? Kasane, while surprised, rolled with the affection, somehow ending up in his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist.
They pulled apart with heavy breaths, "Not that I'm unhappy but that was for…?"
"…fuck if I know," he said with great confusion in his posture, putting Kasane back on her feet. He turned to look at the trio, getting straight to business, "So you came because your 'source' told you? Did it happen to be an annoying, eccentric man about Sacred Gears?"
They all shared a sheepish look, well, except Grayfia who just nodded minutely, her stare burning into him…in a nice way.
Momo had to mentally compartmentalize the scene she just witnessed. First, the Maou arrive. Next, he made out with his first mate—in a way that Momo admits made her squirm—to stop himself from attempting to do something. Finally, they were talking to the Governor General of the Grigori?! Weren't they supposed to be enemies?!
Sona and Tsubaki just blinked at the whole thing. Kiba just watched with an uneasy smile and closed his eyes. Ruruko, Yura, and Tomoe just had open mouths. "Yes, Hiroki-sama," Grayfia said, watching how he shivered pleasantly, only adding to his confusion. Did she really affect him this much? They've only met twice now!
"You were about to explain the trial?" Sirzechs moved along, going to stand behind the desk with his sister. Rias vacated the seat and offered it to him, and her brother shook his head, letting her keep it. This was her territory, and while he was a Maou, this was not official Maou business.
Once Hiroki pushed away most of his unnecessary feelings, he nodded. He grabbed Kasane again and held her close. "I was…yes…"
"Then let us help tell the story. We were told that we were missing some information," Sirzechs said. "Help us fill in the gaps."
"Before you start, I gotta know!~" Sera chimed in, going right up to Kasane and Hiroki. "Who made the first move? Was it you? Was it him? Did you both do it~?!"
"Onee-sama!" Sona shouted with red cheeks. That was a little forward. Everyone's cheeks turned red. Koneko would have called out Serafall for being a pervert but she was the Leviathan.
The girl's pale cheeks dusted red, "We both decided to stop holding them in and yes…for two days straight…" She was a Fallen Angel, most of whom fell from Lust, so these details did not deter her. The devil known as Serafall Leviathan squealed in giddy joy congratulating them. They were sheepish at this.
"Good good, because I would have to ask Yasaka-chan for details on my next visit!"
"TMI…" Tsubaki muttered, much to the agreement of many in the room, except Momo, who was imagining such lewd scenes that her thighs were rubbing together.
"Well, now that our sex lives have been discussed, the trial about me killing Faith Senastra…well…" Hiroki began before looking lost in his mind.
Flashback Resume
Hiroki was catatonic for the longest time. The healers were some of Yasaka's best. The entire time he was confined in the palace, being healed. He wasn't allowed to leave because he needed constant and consistent healing. He vaguely heard something his pathways were so damaged that he could pass off as a human.
Around twenty different healers were on a schedule to heal him using the power of Senjutsu. That was in Yasaka's palace where he was safe. Now though? He wished to be anywhere by here.
The walls of the room, Hiroki noted, were a mix of red and yellow. He grimaced, rather wanting the blue colors he was used to. The colors did not set him at ease as much as he wanted to.
The courtroom was not as large as he thought it would be. Well, it actually was enormous compared to the orphanage. It easily dwarfed the sheer size, as the ceiling was five times as tall and six times as wide. The building was filled to the brim with Devils. The whole reason he was even here was that someone had tracked him down, someone he didn't even know but his…caretaker did.
The resounding argument was one that Hiroki chose not to intervene in.
Which was where we were now. The middle of a courtroom. Hiroki barely paid any attention unless he was directly spoken to. That didn't mean that he was deaf. The fact that people—these Devils—thought that he should die for what he did, and to accept his place as a 'benevolent' scale harvester. People also thought that he should have been grateful that someone from an Heir Pillar Peerage took an interest in him.
His caretaker, one of the many who were often with him as required, tensed against him. He lazily looked over to see her looking at him. It was the same Burqa that he had seen in the orphanage all those years ago. Recognition filled his eyes for a brief moment before the gavel wielded by the judge struck the podium.
"Order!" He shouted. Truthfully, Hiroki didn't care for the judge, the jury, or anything else. Off to the side, multiple transcribers and cameras could be seen moving their fingers and hands to capture every moment, the magic coating the air in a potent scent that made Hiroki nauseous.
The calm feeling that was rushing over Hiroki took care of his rising emotions. He tuned out the noise to only focus his eyes directly on the judge. "I am Judge Sirocco Shax, a Marquise of the 72 Pillars. We are here to discuss Case number AE5539, Kuno Hiroki versus the Valac Pillar. I want to take this moment for everyone to realize that this is a minor in the court by all standards so if any charges are levied against him, they will be under a children's court sentencing, am I clear?" Judge Shax was an intimidating man whose features could be considered undeniably handsome but the presence he emitted in the courtroom showed that he demanded respect. The tan-skinned Devil had a curly beard and eyes that emitted his presence.
All the Devils in the room nodded vigorously, "Continuing on, the cause of this case and the reason we are gathered here today is due to Faith Senastra's death. Since she was a part of an Heir's Peerage, this is cause for concern. While most do not care for Reincarnated Devils, Miss Senastra was a confirmed Dragon Tamer. Not many of them are seen nor called upon nowadays. The charges levied against the young boy are first-degree murder of a Dragon Tamer, even being a halfling himself. Destruction of Pillar-owned property, and various minor charges that wouldn't affect the outcome. All this information is provided to the jury, and a copy will be saved for the archives."
Ivan Valac could be seen on another stand, smiling like he won the lottery. He had full confidence that he was going to come out of this with a fine and perhaps a new Peerage member to replace his…acceptable loss. After all, the servants have to obey the Master. The three-piece suit had no imperfections. The man had the backing of several Pillar Families. There was no way that this disgusting Dragon was going to ruin that. He was useful… as a scale harvester. Nothing more, nothing less.
Hiroki's caretaker gently used Senjutsu to ease his growing fear upon hearing her name. He started shivering in her grasp, causing her to hug him closer.
Judge Sirocco continued without care, "What do you say in your defense?"
"N-Not Guilty," he whispered but the room was silent. Hiroki felt all eyes turn towards him, "She hurt me…forced my s-scales out a-and she h-harvested them under h-his watch." He said with a soft voice that in the event of this happening, he was given an amplification rune that acted as a pseudo microphone. Everyone in the room had heard him and how destroyed he was. "T-That continued for three months…as I b-begged her to k-kill me, knock me out…anything t-to m-make it stop."
"Did that justify you killing her?" Sirocco asked plainly, no hints of emotion in his voice.
His guardian leaned down to his ear, "Don't answer that. You didn't kill her out of maliciousness but in self-preservation."
Hiroki's tiny voice echoed those previous words. He explained how he was trapped in that basement, the routine was the same, and he thought she regretted ever adopting him. Hiroki didn't ask for it.
"May I indulge my curiosity for a second?" Sirocco asked. "Do you, Hiroki Kuno, despise Devils for this?"
"…ttle bit," he said softly, scared of the reaction, which came swiftly. The murmurs from before came back… "B-but…I c-can't judge…the actions of the few to the many…"
Sirocco's eyes widened in complete surprise, matching the expressions of the jury. His eyes shot to the upper stands, where he knew some of the glances were coming from.
Some of those glances belonged to the Four Satans of the Underworld. Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Ajuka Beelzebub, and Falbium Asmodeus all watched the trial with rapt attention. Well, except for the latter, he was currently asleep. "What a fascinating boy, and he's telling the truth to boot," Sirzechs whispered, fuming. He had the foresight to cast a barrier that allowed the Satans to loosen up their auras so they do not scare anyone else in the courtroom with their overwhelming might and power.
Behind him, Grayfia Lucifuge was standing with her hands in front of her, her ice magic sporadically flaring and lowering with the mood of the room. They were thinking that a child who was tortured for three months without fail was guilty. In her opinion, he shouldn't have dirtied his hands but nothing could be done. His avenue of self-defense was his best bet.
A Dragon. A halfling, he claimed. "If someone did this to my So-tan…they wouldn't see the light of day."
Ajuka was analyzing the situation, "Calm down. We all know who did it…and he knows that he can get away with it…" Truthfully, Ajuka was as upset as his fellow Satans.
"Grayfia, when you get a moment, I know you wish to comfort him. You don't need my permission," the red-headed Satan said to his [Queen]. Her shoulders loosened ever-so-slightly, much to his relief.
"But who is the one with him?"
"I have a theory," Ajuka murmured as he brought up a few magic circles that allowed him to scan the room. After a few minutes, he paused, "I need some time to discern my findings but I believe this trial will be interesting."
"I do apologize," Sirocco said, but his apology did not sound sincere, "But for the sake of the record, who are you?"
"The legal Guardian of this child," the Guardian responded. "Since he is a minor, he needed an adult he could trust and he doesn't trust anyone in this room other than me." Even then, it took a few weeks of genuine work. Even my daughter tried to help with some positive effects.
"My mistake, what is your name?" Sirocco's eyes softened slightly, not enough to break his tough mannerisms but enough for the Burqa-clad woman to know that he understood.
"I respectfully don't have to answer as this trial is not about me," the guardian said with a smug but respectful undertone. The jury, who had been silent this entire time, watched with intrigue. "However, the reason for my closeness with Hiroki-kun is that I am still in the process of healing him, even now. This does have relevance in this case."
"Would either of you care to explain?"
"What I am doing is repairing his pathways as they have been nearly irreversibly damaged to the point where Hiro-kun could pass off as a normal human in the Living World. What the Tamer did to him was nothing short of an abuse of her power, and the fact that the Pillar Heir did nothing to stop her, perhaps even encouraging her-"
"Objection, hearsay. There has been no evidence that this is the case."
"Accepted. Please continue."
"B-But it's true…" Hiroki whimpered. "He was there! He told her that 'their buyers were waiting, that their patience would be rewarded'. I know that because that was right before a Dragon-slaying knife was embedded in my side…" Hiroki said clearly, looking at the judge with pleading eyes. The sheer fire in his words must have resonated with the judge and jury. They are Devils, creatures of desire and greed who live off lies and deceit, but even they value truth in matters such as these.
Ivan's smile tensed, not expecting him to remember that. So, he tried something else, "Objection, he clearly must be delirious if he managed to remember that from the torture he 'claims' to have been through. That could be a falsehood."
Sirocco shot his eyes over to Ivan Valac, "Overruled. Be silent."
"You used me…all for what? Profit? Power?" Hiroki shuddered in his guardian's grasp. "I j-just wanted to know what it was like to have a kaa-chan…she cared…a-and I…I finally f-felt l-like I belonged…"
Judge Sirocco has seen many things over his long life. He's seen the best liars and knows most of the signs of a liar. This boy was not one of them. However, getting the truth and knowing the truth were two different matters entirely. Sirocco had internal reluctance once he asked this question, "Do you have proof of these injuries that you mentioned earlier, young Hiroki?" His voice was soft when speaking to the child, knowing that he had to keep some level of professionalism.
Navy blue eyes shot up to Sirocco, a glimmer of hope swelling in his eyes. "…aka-sama…undo it."
The guardian looked at the child she held in her arm, "Are you sure? This will be documented for all eternity, are you prepared for that?"
"…I have to be," he said with firm conviction. The guardian smiled, knowing that he was only putting on a brave front. He was lying to her but attempting to show that he was ready. She chose not to call him out on it because she would do the same thing.
"Okay," she said, waving a hand, and the magic that covered his body—at his request before the trial—was undone. Hiroki gently slipped off his shirt, stood from the chair, and stood before Sirocco. His movements were slow, even with his guardian's aid. His pants were hiked up to his thighs, letting the whole Underworld show the welts and scars that refused to heal. The Dragon-slaying properties in the knife left scars that not even Senjutsu could heal. Phenex tears were out of the question since the wounds have 'healed' completely.
Hiroki's guardian explained, "This is not an illusion. The magic I took away was. So before accusations arise from the Valac Pillar, understand that even after these wounds healed, nothing I nor my assistants did heal them. He will forever live with this, all because of your actions and petty greed. You exploited an innocent boy all for money. These will live with him for the rest of his life and you're not even apologetic."
Sirocco, alongside the jury, all subtly clenched their fists. The gavel in his hands creaked even under the reinforcement magic it had since Sirocco had broken a few before. Various specific sections of Hiroki's body had abnormalities on them, showing that he had severe injuries, further proving his claim. His arms, legs, chest, and back all had it. The most damning scar was on his right hip, the 'X' shaped scar from the blade, the skin a mangled mess, meaning the knife was serrated or dual-serrated. It was meant to mangle his flesh, "You may put your clothes back on, young one. I believe we have a firm picture."
Hiroki then tuned out a bit for the next part but the Satans did not. "Grayfia, stay here. I know that you want to hold him but I am hoping you stay rational. I do not want to unnecessarily order you to stay here. If anything, I am more upset with myself that I allowed this to happen under my watch."
Serafall could only look bug-eyed at Hiroki's wounds. Some of those were the result of aggravating and using magic that accelerated the growth of the body. However, that magic was classified as illegal because of the damage it can leave. "Ajuka…?"
"I am already on it," the green-haired Satan replied, having already noticed. "The magic, aptly named, Acceleration, causes the growth of specific things to the caster's wishes. In this case, the use of magic on his scales with so much frequency…" Ajuka muttered off many theories before finally landing on one, "In combination with the former Tamer's abilities, she manipulated his growth, which resulted in his damaged pathways."
"In other words?" Sirzechs asked. His best friend was a Devil who could be a little long-winded. The former Gremory knew how to cut to the chase.
"If she had kept that magic up for another few days, his body would have given out. He was fortunate to escape when he did," Ajuka said, "I don't see a reason to convict him, much less him being here." Falbium had stopped snoring, indicating he was paying attention before going back to sleep again. He already knew what the outcome should be. "As for his Guardian, well, it's obvious. Not many know Senjutsu and for the subtle use of it shows it, and for the sheer fact she's managed to be here for this long without the lines being unstable…"
Sirzechs and Serafall turned to Ajuka with different expressions, "You mean…?"
"I do believe we have another Faction Leader within the courtroom."
Sirocco then turned his impassive gaze to Ivan Valac, who still had the same strained smile on his face. The nice suit he wore showed the increase in wealth. Too much wealth for a Pillar family at the rank of Count. "Do you, Mister Valac, have anything to refute?"
"Indeed I do," he said, clearly sweating but keeping his composure, "I would like to call a witness to the stand. My [Rook], Midnight."
Sirocco glanced at the jury, discerning if they would allow it. A nod from the head juror, "Accepted. Midnight, please step forward and repeat after me." A masked person stood from behind Ivan and walked toward the stand. "You are, to tell the truth, the full truth, and nothing but the truth."
Midnight repeated it verbatim after having settled in the witness' seat, "May I inquire about something, Judge Shax?"
"Go ahead," Sirocco nodded, his grizzled features remaining neutral. He, admittedly, was curious about the request from the Valac [Rook].
"Will anything I say be held against me?" The tone was curious but Sirocco knew that this was just standard. Whether someone was reincarnated or not, the courtroom does not discriminate, even if that's what Sirocco Shax likes to tell himself.
"No, please give us honest answers so that we may find the culprit."
"Even with that, I highly doubt it but I did just say to tell the truth," Midnight's tone turned scornful, "My [King] has committed horrible acts. He forced Faith to go through with this plan. He had threatened her family who was unaware of our side of the world. At first, it was a simple scouting mission, and he wanted a way to make a quick buck. He had received multiple payments from an anonymous source looking for Dragon Scales." Midnight turned to Hiroki, his voice losing its malicious edge, "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I…can try to find it in me to forgive you, Hiroki-kun but Faith was one of my greatest friends…you know, she would talk to us, the Peerage, about how she loved having you around. She always wanted a child to care for since her reincarnation took away the last bits of her fertility, meaning she was never going to be able to conceive, and you made it better by being a Dragon. Those instincts that she had only amplified with you…just…I know you won't believe me now but one day you will see that it wasn't your fault, or hers, but this sham of a [King]. The last thing I would like to say is I have some information that I am willing to give up as evidence of his misdeeds. Permission to use magic to bring forth my evidence, Lord Shax?"
"Granted," said Sirocco, the man's hands covering his mouth but his voice still echoed within the silence of the courtroom.
Within moments, a small flash drive was in his hands. He reached up and placed it down on Sirocco's table. "That is all I have to say, now…I await my judgment, since down-talking a [King], especially in one's own Peerage is grounds for marking me as a Stray and since spitefulness runs in his blood, I would not be surprised to be marked as one as soon as this is over. Even the clause of the court cannot protect me but I will not let an innocent suffer the consequences of the wicked."
"I c-can't help how you f-feel…even now…but…I'm not ready to accept that she…was as nice as you claim," Hiroki whispered, looking the [Rook] in the eye.
Midnight seemed to have smiled, "I don't expect you to but don't hold onto that negative emotion. That will eat you from the inside out. For now, enjoy your life."
Sirocco Shax initially was surprised but understood the sacrifice this [Rook] was making. "You already know the consequences, yet you still did this?"
"With all due respect, at first, Lord Ivan was a great person, someone dependable but over time, he indulged in his Greed like a drug addict experiencing a relapse. Each time, it got worse and worse and if this is where we don't make a definitive line in the sand, then—pardon my French—where the fuck is that line going to be, hmm? I ask you, the Underworld, where the fuck is the line? Exploiting an innocent and semi-ignorant child all for money? To the Four Satans, whom I know are here, understand that this will only get worse unless something is done. Do you want Devilkind to evolve? Then open their eyes and show them that if this continues, you will have another Civil War on your hands."
Ivan's face turned bright red with rage, his power leaking out at his [Rook], who had zero regrets for what he did. Faith did not deserve to die for someone else's greed. She deserved a fulfilling life with that little dragon kid by her side. Not whatever the hell this was.
Sirocco reluctantly but firmly, banged the gavel on the podium, "I believe you have said enough. And with that…we shall take a recess for the jury to bring out the sentence."
When that happened, the noise reached levels that made Hiroki bury himself in his guardian, hands over his ears. His guardian easily gave him the comfort and affection he was looking for, "Would you like to step outside?" He nodded in her chest.
With ease, the Burqa-clad woman picked him up and carried him like one would a toddler. Hiroki was far from embarrassed. He was traumatized so this did not phase him.
Within minutes of them exiting the courtroom, they were approached by the Four Maou. Instead of a greeting, Ajuka spoke first, "You shouldn't be here. The line will be destabilized."
His guardian turned to the R&D Satan, "Ama-chan has covered my absence, Ajuka-dono." Sirzechs, Serafall, and Falbium—surprisingly awake—looked back and forth at the two. The casual mention of Amaterasu did catch them off-guard.
Ajuka recovered quickly and came out with it, "What are you really doing here, Yasaka?"
"Did I not express it in the trial? I am Hiroki-kun's legal Guardian. While I have not adopted him, I am his caretaker for the time being. So, if you wish to sour our relations, you know what has to be done." The Kyuubi did not react at being ousted, nor did Hiroki, who was trying to make himself smaller than he actually was. He understood the basics of politics, due to having heard a few conversations here or there.
Sirzechs spoke, "I am sure that the jury will come to the right decision. Normally, cases like this never make it to court, due to it being about a Reincarnated Devil."
Yasaka, hidden beneath the Burqa, narrowed her already slit eyes, "Her being a Tamer was the only reason it made it, I am fully aware but I would then have to ban any Devil activity within the limits of Kyoto, and even if they get permission, they will be under strict watch, do you understand? Hiroki-kun is a Dragon, yes, but my claim to him marks him as one of my faction…and if he is put to any extreme charges, then I will be leaving with him tout suite and you will never see him."
Serafall chimed in since this was shifting to her forte, "And I understand that. I don't want an innocent child to be harmed for something outside his control. He's the same age as my So-tan and Rias-chan, right? Would introducing him to them be a bad idea?"
"Most likely…" Yasaka replied. "Nothing against either of them but Hiroki-kun already has someone waiting for him."
The Four Maou nodded at that before Sirzechs turned to Grayfia, who was silently standing off to the side. "Only if she allows it, Grayfia."
Yasaka turned to the strongest [Queen] of the Underworld, the second strongest woman behind Serafall, "If he allows it. Step closer but slowly." She gently set him down, not registering that he was standing again. His hand easily reached for Yasaka's on instinct.
Hiroki continued to tune everything out, only paying attention when Yasaka's Senjutsu gently coaxed him to pay attention. His eyes went straight to the silver-haired woman with matching eyes. His navy ones blinked but said nothing. Yaskaka herself was confused by the behavior. It wasn't like him to be silent when prompted with a question.
Grayfia took that as permission to approach. She stepped slowly, hands folded in front of her waist. Sirzechs only smiled at his [Queen], knowing that she needed this. His smile betrayed nothing of his internal thoughts. Hiroki only stared up at the maid, wondering why he didn't react negatively.
That was when Grayfia couldn't take it anymore. She gently scooped the boy into a hug. "Forgot to mention this," Sirzechs continued, "Grayfia here has pent-up maternal instincts. Just let her have this one."
"Lucifer-sama, I will be making sure you finish your paperwork," she said softly, taking great pleasure in watching him pale. Hiroki remained wide-eyed, not expecting to be hugged by a beautiful woman like her. In fact, shouldn't he be panicking?
His body knew that she would not harm him but his mind was struggling to comprehend the previous fact. So, as a result, he short-circuited. Just as he was about to return the very loving hug, Grayfia let him go and then bowed to him, "You have my deepest sympathies, Hiroki-sama. I have full confidence that you will recover."
With that, she returned to her position behind her [King], eyes closed. Hiroki didn't have time to process this as everyone was shuffling back into the courtroom. This had his full attention as the jury was looking…mixed on their reactions.
Sirocco hit the gavel on the podium, "Court is resuming. Now, we have thoroughly gone over the evidence and looked through it with multiple magic tracers to ensure that the contents were legitimate. Thank you, Lord Beelzebub, for your assistance in this matter. He had ensured that anything we found was legitimate and all there. Now, I turn to the jury to read the verdict."
One of the Devils on the jury was the most level-headed there, despite being from an Extra Devil clan. "After further and extensive view of the evidence, charges against Hiroki Kuno will be dropped in all capacity. We have ruled that he has acted in self-defense. As for Heir Ivan Valac, on multiple charges of black market deals, murder in the First and Second Degree, Voluntary Manslaughter, grooming of minors, exploitation, and use of illegal magic. All of these would be on Faith Senastra but since he was her [King] and the servants represent the [King], these charges transfer to him. As a result, will be stripped of his rights as an Heir, his younger sister gaining the title of Heiress, his peerage to be released as [Free Pieces] or the discretion of the newly named Heiress, and the Valac Pillar Family to be demoted from Count to President—being an order from the Four Satans themselves. The Council agreed as they do not wish to have the Youkai Faction be an enemy."
And this relationship only strained further with the Nekoshou Massacre.
All eyes turned to the woman holding onto Hiroki. She was still covered but there was a smug satisfaction, while Ivan was absolutely livid but held his tongue. All because of this kid, his plans were ruined.
Sirocco banged the gavel, "With this, I pass judgment. Confinement to your home for the rest of your days. To any co-conspirators, this is only step one." The man's impassive tone slowly faded to his real thoughts on the matter. He was a Devil, yes but as Midnight had asked just a scant few minutes prior, the line must be clearly drawn. "Is there anything else, fellow jurors?"
The man shifted a note, "Only one thing, Lord Shax, a note from an anonymous source detailing that if anyone attempts to coax the young Hiroki Kuno into their Peerage, harm him, or involve him in any schemes, then their lives are forfeit."
Sirocco leaned back in his chair, having to keep his reaction under wraps. He was given this by Ajuka when they were detailing the evidence from Midnight. Ajuka had gotten it from Tanin, the Blaze Meteor Dragon, who wouldn't reveal who the mysterious messenger was.
Little did Hiroki know that the origin of this message would become clear soon.
Flashback Over.
Everyone within the ORC was silent. The two Satans were watching with closed eyes, yet Grayfia was looking directly at Hiroki. He was looking back at her with tears beginning to form all over again. How he didn't perfectly recall those details evades him.
His first mate could only look down and think to herself about how she missed this. How Yasaka hid this from her. She was worried about him for goodness sake! "You…"
Hiroki broke his stare with the maid to look at the Maou's younger sister, "Went through ordeals I would have liked to keep under wraps but you need a trampoline to compensate for how much you like jumping to conclusions."
Sirzechs let out a chuckle, despite everyone looking worried that he just insulted the Maou's younger sister, who by the way, he loves a lot. "You know he's right, Ria-tan."
"Mou, don't use that name, Onii-sama!" Rias exclaimed, face matching her hair.
Sona, Tsubaki, and Momo all glanced at the two who were the cause of this, all of their stares had different intentions. Yura, Ruruko, and Saji just gaped at them and as for Tomoe…well, she was silently balling her eyes out.
The red-headed [Knight] was distraught because of the previous story and this one was pushing her to an emotional shutdown. Kiba, being the gentleman he was, gently caught her and had her lay back on the couch while he went to get her water.
"So…how is that bastard?" Hiroki eventually asked, wanting to truthfully ask something else but the smell was getting to him.
Serafall's voice easily cut through the metaphorical red tape, "Still contained in his home, and not a single peep has been unheard by us. His Peerage has stayed together under one of his sisters, due to her kindness to them. You have nothing to worry about, Hiro-kun."
"…what about…"
"Unfortunately…that did happen as he predicted," Serafall's tone was somber but her plastered smile said 'don't ask' and all was well.
Kasane exhaled before going to Hiroki and hugging him, crying into his neck, "I should've been there."
Hiroki felt the bond twist and he easily returned her affection, "You're here now, and that's what matters."
"So, what now?" Issei asked softly.
Hiroki actually had an answer to this one, "Well, I was hoping we could get along and not have your master try to persecute my mate anymore." Okay, maybe he was just really angry and was taking it out on Rias. "And I still wish that the bastard was executed for what he allowed to happen."
Sirzechs nodded, acknowledging his words, "Fortunately, there is something that we did need to come here for. There was…something we did hide from you."
Draconic eyes greeted the Super Devil, "Explain."
"This is a letter…from her, in the event of her death. This was given to us by Sirocco-san a few months after the trial ended, and since Yasaka-san didn't want us to contact you in case you still held resentment, we elected not to drudge up anything with you."
His eyes widened before a burning rage overtook him, and he was about to make the foolish mistake of attacking a Maou—the literal strongest Devil they have—as ice washed over his form, not freezing him solid but giving him pause as the aura from the strongest [Queen] came out.
"While I understand your anger, Hiroki-sama, I cannot allow you to harm my [King]," Grayfia declared. The Dragon's rage only grew as [Endless Candor] appeared on his body. The maid did not wish to hurt the boy but if it meant keeping Sirzechs' honor, she would, as a [Queen] should.
His Sacred Gear pulsed out a soundwave to eject the ice off him, the aura of his origin coming out to play. The turn of events was enough to make everyone who was sitting or relaxing morph into an on-guard stance.
However, in a split second, the fight drained out of him, Hiroki's Sacred Gear dissipated, and he sighed, "Do I really want to know?"
"The only thing that the letter says is to 'Open it when you've accepted it' and as to what that means…only you could know," Grayfia continued, slowly approaching him, lowering her aura.
Hiroki's nostrils picked up the smell again, and this time looked directly into her eyes. "W-What is this?"
Kasane accepted tissues from Akeno, who smiled at her fellow halfling, and cleared her nose, "You haven't noticed?"
"Noticed what?" He asked, panicking.
"Remember when I said dragons can have multiple mates?" Kasane said, "Or did you not pay attention to that? I am going to need some help in the future since your stamina far outstrips mine."
Hiroki did pay attention to that but that meant…"Holy shit…G-Grayfia-sama is…"
"Your second mate," she finished, prompting everyone to look at her in shock at admitting that so casually. She turned to Kasane, "I have no intention of usurping that position from you. After all, you are his emotional pillar, Kasane-Hime~" the woman teased, sending a pleasurable tingle down Kasane's spine.
"…mmhm," she twitched, feeling a spike in her arousal.
Rias quickly raised a concern, "Wouldn't that be a problem, which I mean no offense, Hiroki-san, but Grayfia-nee is one of the most sought-after women in the Underworld and Pureblood to boot."
Grayfia softly said, "And it's my decision who I wish to be with. Unlike most, I am not required to have a spouse since I am Lucifer-sama's [Queen]. The notion of keeping a bloodline pure can not last forever, which the Old Satan Faction wished to preserve but for us, it was either evolve or die. During the trial, my maternal instincts screamed at me to protect you at all costs, and the cost of that was to leave you to your own devices. Tell me that your instincts are lying to you."
The last statement was for Hiroki to discern her words. Grayfia was a tad bit ashamed for harboring such feelings for a pre-teen—during the first time they met—so she held them off. Now, he was older, allowing Grayfia to embrace her feelings.
What she saw was someone who needed love and she was a person who held off on giving anybody of it. While it probably wouldn't make sense to some, she understood herself and she made her intentions clear. She was willing to be the second woman in his slowly building harem.
Since it was such a common practice in Devil, and even Fallen society, no one batted an eye.
All except one.
"But I'm easily hundreds of times weaker than you! I know when I'm out of my league!" He shouted, baffled that she was so certain of this. His instincts, his dragon side, were screaming at him to markand claim this woman who had all but literally offered herself to him. His skin visibly bristled at his claim.
"Not necessarily, as the Welsh Dragon said, you have the potential. I do believe a visit to the Familiar Forest will answer your questions, but please stop fighting your instincts, it will only hurt you." the maid explained.
Serafall added in her own cheer, "Yup yup! Now that your pathways have been repaired, you have the aura of a lower Ultimate Class Devil…maybe even bordering pinnacle Ultimate Class and that's right now, Hiro-kun! You may not feel it but with some training, you can bring it out. Kas-chan almost has eight wings, and for a Fallen Angel, that's good for someone so young! If you two were to fight, Hiro-kun has a higher chance of coming out on top because of his scales give him extra defense." The magical girl had her fists under her chin, eyes sparkling as she swayed back and forth. "If it wasn't for that message, I would have asked you to be my [Queen]!" Serafall pouted as the idea was shot down before it could ever be a reality.
Sona facepalmed in embarrassment. Issei was a little jealous that such a beautiful woman claimed to be his mate but Ddraig told him mentally ['Do not attempt to steal another's mate unless you wish for me to pass on to my next host. Devil traits or not, he will completely obliterate you as you are now, which is why I want him to train you.']
'I see…still, a bishoujo and a hot maid!' Issei thought, which promptly brought many fantasies to his mind. He then felt chills as Hiroki, Kasane, and Grayfia were blankly staring at him. Rias could be seen sweat dropping.
Sirzechs interjected, "With that being said, Hiroki-kun, what are your plans now?" He was asking as a Satan and as an older brother to Rias.
Kasane opted to answer, "Well, since Asia is safe, I was going to head to the Grigori and get my answers from Azazel…since he most likely said that I was one of the Missing Fallen."
"So, no, we do not intend any conflict between Rias-senpai and Sona-senpai. Speaking of, Kaichou?" Hiroki asked, deliberately calling her by her title, "Kasane and I will need tomorrow…" he checked his phone, "…today off while we prep ourselves…and sleep because this is just reigniting the emotional exhaustion."
"I can allow it," Sona said, "but be prepared to pick up your schoolwork after classes."
"Look at my So-tan being so responsible, come here and embrace your sister in a yuri way~!" Serafall exclaimed whilst launching herself at her younger sister.
Sona deftly avoided the Leviathan and started a new game of cat and mouse. "As for your…proposal, Grayfia-sama, I can accept it but I would like to at least chat with you first. Unlike some people, I can think with my head and not my dick."
The crass language did not bother the silver-haired woman. She instead smiled and approached him fully before locking him in a hug, similar to the one in the courtroom. Only this time, he could feel her large bust pressing into his chest, and his instincts were thrilled to have the feeling of another powerful woman pressed against him. "Then it's a date."
Kasane would normally feel threatened that her position as the Alpha of the harem was being undermined but Grayfia did say that she was willing to be the second woman. So, that feeling of when Yasaka mentioned that Hiroki could be a potential mate was not present. "You would then have to take me on one too, Grayfia-san."
"We can discuss this later, in private," Grayfia said, before leaving a long kiss on his cheek, making the boy flush hotly. His pants certainly didn't complain.
His hands snaked around her perfect waist, the maid outfit hiding all of it, "You're playing with fire," he whispered gruffly into her neck, his breath making her minutely tremble in anticipation. Those navy blue eyes turned to slits again. He was exuding his aura and Grayfia found the sensation euphoric. Of course, she didn't outwardly show it but she was pleased.
Grayfia very reluctantly released the hug, then turned to Kasane before hugging the girl as well, "I may just take you up on that~," she whispered, sending another electrical chill down Kasane's spine.
Rias and Akeno couldn't believe the woman they knew as the Ice Queen was being so open. Kiba and Koneko had nothing to add to the conversation but were just as stupefied. Sona and her Peerage also had nothing to add, still trying to process what they just witnessed.
"That does take care of our business here," Sirzechs said. The Devil King ushered Serafall away, Grayfia slowly following, as she somehow had both of the children—in their eyes—in a hug. The former Gremory saw the look of light in his [Queen]'s and that was when he knew that she was in safe hands. "Hiroki-kun," he waved his hand and a magic circle appeared.
Hiroki opened his hands as a letter fell into his hands. True to their previous words, it said 'Open it when you've accepted it' on the outside, in handwriting that he hasn't seen in five years. "I…"
"My only request is that you don't throw it away, in the hopes that one day, you might want to hear her true last words."
They left in a magic circle. Kasane gently reached for the letter, "I can hold onto this if you want me to?"
"No…I will but I'm scared to see what she said…she tortured me…said things that hurt me deeply."
Kasane gently coaxed him out the door before turning around, "If any of you use this against him in the future, my light spears will be meeting with your torsos. I still need to forgive you for the baseless accusations. Kaichou, we shall see you in two days."
Everyone gaped at Kasane's declaration, more like her threat, "Hime…"
"I'm defending you, now hush," she said before shutting the door of the club room.
Saji, who had remained silent up until this point, said, "Did that really just happen?"
"Yep."
Momo merely looked at the door with longing in her eyes, the white-haired [Bishop] felt a pang of jealousy when she watched Grayfia—the second strongest woman—admit her feelings in such a roundabout way. The notion that she wished that she did those things got to her.
But then she realized that she was falling for him. But how? I've barely had more than a few words with him. The aura again?
Tsubaki noticed the mood in her kouhai shift and set a hand on her shoulder, "You'll know when you need to confront your emotions."
No one else felt like doing anything else that night.
Even though Sirzechs and Serafall returned to their respective residential areas, Grayfia requested that she go and take care of other businesses.
Which was why she was currently in the Familiar Forest.
The whole reason was that that aura was familiar to her and from Azazel's words earlier in the evening, he still had a living relative. She was curious about her potential suitor. She had all but accepted him and she never thought she would feel this way about anyone.
Thankfully, she still had some sanity to realize that they were going to indeed move too fast. His suggestion will do us some good, but I am quite surprised at Kasane-Hime's acceptance. I was expecting far more pushback.
The maid casually walked through the forest, the familiars within scared of her because of the aura she gave off. In fact, the reason she was giving off such an aura was to attract the strongest one in the forest.
Grayfia's eyes narrowed as the aura she was looking for flared in response. She extended her wings and flew to the location. The time to travel was minimal. So, when she landed outside of a cave, she spoke, "I have not come to fight you but to merely ask you for something."
The eyes of the cave flowed bright blue. The silence was telling Grayfia to continue.
When she opened her mouth, the eyes of the creature across from Grayfia widened in disbelief and awe.
He certainly had gotten busy.
…
I'm no law student, so I apologize if that whole scene just didn't fit with what you thought it would be. Would this have actually happened in Canon should a situation like this ever happen? Not likely. It's a story.
Just wanted to mess around with the idea of a Trial since Dragon Tamers aren't mentioned much aside from Asia's apparent affinity—didn't she get Fafnir when it came to dealing with the Vamps? Let me know if that's accurate—and I'm not well-versed in the later volumes of DxD. But a Dragon Tamer would be an important person, even if their affinity wasn't as high. Faith's was noticeable and only grew with time. Being a Devil helped.
Ah, so many crumbs.
Grayfia just straight up saying she will be Hiroki's second mate. Yup, she a bold one. After Chapter Six was posted, I had a informative conversation. I think it went well. Development was the main topic. We'll see if I can speed it along.
Next chapter, we delve into more of the crossover elements and a nice introduction to someone.
Harem: Kasane Randall, Grayfia Lucifuge, Rossweisse, Alfia (DanMachi)
Not confirmed: Momo and Yasaka.
Yes, I'm considering Yasaka. Will it happen sooner? I dunno. The development is there, so it's a matter of me acting on it. We shall see. I'm more than expecting some form of message. I'm also breaking the rule I had for his Harem. The white or silver hair. Vali is going to remain a dude, so sorry for the fem!Vali fans.
Until the next update.