Thanks for the F&F guys and special thanks for the reviews. This chapter might be a bit filler-ish but I felt it necessary to give you a small glimpse of the Imperium as well as flesh out its history as well as build up our dear OC a bit.
Raginbull: Well, politics should be rated M, IMO. Too much politicking can be bad for the health, after all. And to answer your question, the twin-headed eagle has been used by a lot of people throughout history, not just Russia. The earliest example would be the Hittites.
darknessfalls865: It is intended. The Imperium in this story takes inspiration from 40k's Imperium of Man. I won't have them acting like supremacist Space Catholics though.
spartan 053: Thanks. I really like the Roman Empire. You'll see more Roman themes as I reveal more elements of the Imperium.
As for the others, thanks for the reviews, guys. Enjoy Chapter two.
Disclaimer: I do not own High School DXD. If I did, I wouldn't be writing a fanfiction.
Innocence
A state oft desired, longed, and sought by many while scoffed, scorned, and reviled by few
For children though, innocence is something they embody. Etched deep within their beings as they, the blank pure-white canvasses that they are, are unsullied by the chaos that adults have to go face day-by-day.
They smile, laugh, sing, and speak happily as if to play a broken but beautiful melody, reveling in the safety and shelter of their family. Savoring that state of blissful innocence before life casts them out to witness reality in all its colors.
But not him. Not a smile graced his handsome face. Not a hint of laughter left his lips. Not a song played from his voice. Not a word left his mouth. All that was left was a stoic shell of a boy, staring lifelessly at the world around him, watching silently as time passes.
He had lost his innocence. Perhaps, he had even lost his life.
However, a spark ignited within his mind as he stood in front a girl with crimson hair. Her blue orbs examining him with pure curiosity. He similarly looked at the girl with his ever stoic expression, his mind buzzed from its usual idleness as he curiously observed her in turn.
"What's your name?"
"Why don't you talk?"
"Helloo~ are even listening?"
"Well, if you don't have a name, I'll give you one then."
"Hmmm… since your hair is white and pretty like snow… how about…"
"Shiro…" Rias blurted out as she stood frozen upon seeing the hunter's face. The field of crimson that dyed the confines of the warehouse, the deadly dance between monster and man, the might that radiated from the two combatants all paled in comparison to shock that she received from seeing his face.
"Shiro… you're Shiro… You're him…" her attention was then turned to Akeno who shakily stepped forward while affirming her assumption. The rest of the group only watched in silence. A dozen questions popped into their heads yet none of them were able to voice them out due to their King and Queen acting way too out of the ordinary.
"As I have said, I am Dovrei Vincere. And on the contrary, I should be here. The Four Satans have given me license to do so. Ask them if my words aren't enough. It is your group who shouldn't be here. You are outclassed against a foe of this caliber. " The hunter in black replied coolly while tapping the creature's corpse with his foot. He seemingly ignored the state of turmoil the group of devils was in, especially evident with the redhead and the ravenette. Without another word he turned and walked toward one of the bodies that lay on the floor.
"No… I know it's you… You're Shiro! You're him!" Akeno nearly screamed out and continued to walk forward. Rias on the other hand was snapped out of her daze and immediately grabbed hold of her wrist to stop her. She then turned Akeno to face her and shook her head, signaling her Queen to stop.
Regardless if he was the Shiro that they spoke of or not, the fact remains that he was a dangerous and unknown factor.
"Buchou… do you know him?" Issei voiced out what seemed to be the rest of the groups thoughts. They had never seen Rias or Akeno acting this way. They had always worn calm, composed, and carefree expressions. Especially Akeno. Her body was trembling, her voice shook and cracked, and her eyes were misty.
"I…"
BANG!
Rias' thoughts were interrupted as another gunshot rang out. They followed the source of the sound only to find the hunter kneeling over one of the bodies with a gun pointed at the victim's head. He stood and walked towards another body, gun in hand.
"…Some of them are still alive." Koneko pointed out, reminding the group of the monster's victims.
"Hey! What are you doing?! They're still alive!" Issei screamed at the hunter, preparing to rush forward to stop him. However, Kiba quickly grabbed his shoulder to stop him.
"He's conducting a mercy killing."
"But why?! They're still alive! Maybe they can still be-"
"No, Issei. They may be alive now but… there's no way for them to survive those injuries. They're dying."
Six more gunshots rang out. With the final victim released, the hunter reloaded his revolver and stowed it away inside his coat. He then held his hand out and summoned a blood-red flame at the palm of his hand. He spoke towards the victims' corpses as he prepared to unleash it.
"Aeternum Vale."
"Wait!" He stopped and turned his attention toward the crimson-haired devil.
"What is it?" he gazed at her with furrowed brows.
"I'll dispose of the bodies. It's the least I can do as ruler of this town." Rias met his gaze with hers, her eyes unwavering.
"Alright." He replied before slipping on his mask and pulling his hood up over his head as he started walking towards the exit.
Rias and Akeno could only watch as the cold glare of his mask once again covered his face. Their expressions were as complicated as the emotions they felt. The familiarity that he had brought from showing his face once again had brought the same amount of unfamiliarity. As he neared them, Rias closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. Akeno on the other hand, continued to watch him unblinkingly.
"Will we see you again?" Rias opened her eyes and asked as he walked past her, her voice low so that only she, Akeno, and Dovrei could hear.
The hunter in black stopped 2 steps behind her. The two devils breaths halted as his footsteps did. However, his footsteps resumed as quickly as he had stopped leaving the two standing with complicated expressions. The rest of the group silently watched as he made his way to the exit before tendrils of red smoke and black shadow enveloped him before disappearing. Rias sighed as an orb of red and black energy appeared in her hand.
"Let's clean the scene up and go home. I think we all need some rest."
And so, Rias and her peerage cleaned up the scene and left to retire for the night. However, rest would not come so easily to them – especially for Rias and Akeno in particular. The appearance of the man they had once called "Shiro" had left their minds astir.
Elsewhere, Two hours later…
Dovrei walked with steady, dignified steps along a majestic hallway. On the left side of the hall, the elegant eggshell-shaded walls featured magnificent paintings that would make one question whether they were made from the hands of men. On the right side were various busts and other sculptures that stood atop marble stands shaped like small Ionian columns. It was daytime and as such, beautiful chandeliers that hung above were unlit; instead, light permeated through the large arch windows on the right, allowing one a majestic view out the palace. Yes, he was inside the grand palace of the Imperium.
He walked, his steps muffled by the crimson carpet that lay beneath his feet, their fine threads covered the fine white marble floor. He reached the end of the hallway and stopped right in front of a grand set of double doors carved from the finest Purpleheart, adorned with exquisite carvings. One would say that it was quite excessive– maybe so, considering the price of its material – but given where he was and his rank, it was well-deserved.
He opened the door and was welcomed by a room that made the word extravagant seem like a grave understatement. The main hall was large; it was brightly illuminated not by the large chandelier but by the windows that reached from the floor up to the ceiling. The large gold-trimmed, crimson drapes were tied back allowing the sun to shine through and add to the hall's splendor.
At the center, sat a grand three-sided ebony desk with a beautiful gold-trimmed carpet leading to it, behind it was a grand chair – or rather, throne, judging with how it looked – also carved out of ebony and had red cushions, its back rest stood high, towering over anyone who sat upon it, carved atop the backrest was a two-headed eagle, similar to the one emblazoned on his breastplate. However the eagle's wings were spread diagonally upwards and two lupine eyes could be seen within the eagle's body, the tail ended in jagged spikes facing downward resembling teeth and beneath the tail was an inverted triangle with its bottom side ending up in similar teeth-like jagged edges, completing the image of a snarling wolf.
To the left, while facing the desk was a marble fireplace that had golden eagles perched on each side above. In front of the fireplace was a living room set; a couch, a coffee table, and chairs – all styled with clear Roman designs. The sofa set lay atop a large fur rug; its entire body was covered with golden fur from its mane down to its tail. Even for citizens of the Imperium such a rug was a sight to behold for it did not belong to just any beast – the hide and head on the rug was of a rare and fearsome beast – it was a Nemean Lion. At the left side of the fireplace was a grand bookshelf that housed tomes and books of various ages from ancient to recent – all undoubtedly valuable. To the right were glass trophy shelves of various sizes. They housed a myriad of objects; vases, sculptures, hunting trophies, weapons, and other trinkets which only Dovrei knew of their specific value and worth.
Opposite of the fireplace, on the right side of the hall, was a dining table large enough to seat 12 people, the furniture, once again, of clear Roman design. On the wall were various paintings he had collected over the years and at the very center – much to his chagrin – was a portrait of himself, dressed in golden ceremonial armor while his face held a calm yet dominant expression. His medium length, snow-white hair which was usually unfettered as it reached near the base of his neck was brushed back into a spiky mane with a spiky lock at the center of his forehead rebelliously pointing downward. He stood while facing slightly to the side. His left hand was at the hilt of the sword fastened to his hip while the other held a helmet to his side.
This extravagant hall was but a mere part of his quarters; the quarters of the Imperium's Lord Protector.
"I hope you don't mind, My Lord. Her majesty had instructed that this be placed at the center. She was rather… adamant on it despite my mention of your disapproval." A voice with a heavy English accent rang out from the door. Upon looking; the speaker was a man in his early fifties. His blue-black hair was tied in a loose ponytail and had streaks of white brought by age. He was quite tall, standing at 6"2 – a good two inches taller than Dovrei. A monocle covered his left eye which gave an air of wisdom to his periwinkle orbs. He was dressed in a dark blue high-collar vest and trousers, white dress shirt, cravat, and gloves, and fine black leather dress shoes. He was Dovrei's former aide-de-camp and current personal butler, Randall Truman
Dovrei sighed as he stood still, hands behind his back as he remained looking at the paintings. "No doubt she wants me to show off her work. As if the paintings in the hall aren't already enough. I just hope whoever meets or dines with me won't think of me as a narcissist."
"I highly doubt they would, My Lord. Well, even if they do so, I doubt they'd voice such thoughts overtly given your status and reputation." It was true. Dovrei's reputation in the Imperium was widely spread from the highest ranks of nobility down to the lowest commoners. He was regarded with either deep respect, fear, hate, or all three at once.
"I would prefer that they state it overtly. I'm rather tired of always having to play games whenever conversing with nobility. "His eyebrows furrowed as he took off his boots before sitting down on the couch, and slowly running his feet on the fur rug. He sighed with satisfaction as he felt the fur against his feet. He always enjoyed the sensation of the soft golden fur against his bare feet. Randall on the other hand stepped out for a moment before coming back in pushing a small cart containing tea and scones.
"So, why did Her Majesty summon me? Has there been a change in my current mission?"
"Of that, I cannot say for certain, My Lord. Though as of this moment Her Majesty is entertaining some guests at the gardens. Would you like more cream and sugar, My Lord?"
"As usual, Randall."
The butler couldn't help but sigh heavily as he mixed in the cream and sugar. "I must say, My Lord, though you have grown to be quite a connoisseur, your taste in tea is still that of a child."
"I was never one for tea; 'never quite understood it. Cream and sugar is the only way for me to not deny the courtesy I'm offered." Dovrei sighed as he took the cup of tea and took practiced sips. He stretched a bit while sitting lazily on the couch, his right leg crossed atop his left knee; he effortlessly looked refined despite his casual and relaxed mood.
"Well, I do suggest brushing up your palette on tea; considering that you'll be staying awhile in Japan. They do love their tea; and it would be undoubtedly served differently from how you are accustomed."
"Please don't remind me of that. I don't even know what type of tea they use and they've been looking at me like as if I was an abomination when I asked for cream and sugar." Dovrei spoke with half-lidded eyes as he recalled the awkward moments he had at the restaurants in Japan. He only knew how to drink tea one way – black tea with double helpings of cream and sugar. "Why did it have to be Japan? Why couldn't Lucifer and Leviathan send their little sisters to Italy or Germany, maybe even Cuba?"
"I presume you would prefer those places due to the wine, beer, and cigars respectively?" his faithful butler asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Precisely."
"Just do take care that your partaking in such things doesn't turn into a vice. Back on point, sir, as soon as you're ready, please report to Her Majesty at the gardens. I've already run a bath and have placed a change of clothes atop your bed. Dashing as you may appear in your current attire, I doubt the guests would appreciate the scent of gunpowder and blood."
"Worry not; I always keep Greene's 5th law in mind." Dovrei stated with a confident smirk.
At the Gardens…
It was quite simplistic, at least compared to all the other structures of the Imperial Palace. The Empress' personal garden was simplistic in its design. It was shaped as a square, Its edges were walled with 3-meter high hedges while the central area had . The walkways at the sideand the four paths leading to the center were line with ceramic steps. The inner square was instead walled with half-meter hedges and beside the pathways were rare flower; some were even already considered extinct. At the center lie a large gazebo crafted out of fine marble and had featured a round table that could seat five people. As of this moment, however, in three of the five chairs sat a graceful and dignified woman, a relaxed but equally dignified young man, and a… girl with a very bubbly disposition.
The woman was clad in a majestic roman-style dress and had a sash draped from her right shoulder and going around from the left side of her waist. Her snow-white, wavy hair was tied back in a loose braid and had the ends curled and draped over her right shoulder. Her ethereal beauty was further accentuated by the Corona Civica that she wore, complimenting her emerald eyes. She was the Empress of the Imperium and one of the most powerful magicians in existence, Fortuna the Grey Empress.
Across her sat a handsome young man who looked to be in his early twenties. He wore a set of white suit, trousers, and shoes. On his shoulder was a pair of golden epaulets and a black cape that was secured in place by oval ruby pin. He had long crimson hair that side bangs reaching to his chest. His cool blue eyes ran in contrast with his fiery red mane. He was one of the Four Great Satans who ruled over the Underworld, Sirzechs Lucifer.
Beside him was a beautiful girl that emitted an almost childlike aura that went hand-in-hand with her childlike body (albeit with large breasts). She was dressed in a long-sleeved, dark green blouse that was buttoned up all the way and finished with a jabot, a black skirt, and a pair of ankle-fold boots. Her long black hair was tied up into twin tails with pink ribbons that complimented her violet eyes. Despite her child-like aura, she was one that people would not easily cross for she was also one of the Four Great Satans, Serafall Leviathan.
They sat while casually chatting while enjoying mulsum which was served by the pair of maids that stood in wait behind the empress. The maids were all similarly dressed in Roman fashion, their training and discipline evident as they stood still and patiently. Though, it had to be noted that they sometimes subtly stole glances at Sirzechs and one even at Serafall.
"I must say, Your Majesty, I like this mulsum of yours. I've only read about it before; 'never thought that I'd have the opportunity to taste it." Sirzechs mirthfully stated as he held the cup.
"Yeeaaahhh! It's so good~" Serafall jovially concurred in a sing-song voice as she downed her third cup. "Another one!" she raised her cup to signal the maids to refill it.
"Please don't drink too much. I'd rather not have a repeat of what happened during the last wedding at the Stolas clan."
"Oh, you worry too much, Sirzechs-chan. I'm sure Empress-chan wouldn't mind~"
Sirzechs could only smile wryly and offer the Empress an apologetic look. Though he usually carried a carefree attitude, he couldn't afford to have anything untoward happen during a diplomatic visit. He feared what his wife may do were he to return home. Not to mention the possible consequences of angering one of the most powerful magicians in existence.
The Empress, on the other hand took no offense whatsoever and merely giggled at the exchange of the young devils. Yes, to her they were young despite their true age; for she was an ancient existence. How old exactly, no one really knows and no one dares to ask.
"I am glad that you enjoy it. It's a traditional beverage that we have maintained and perfected through ages. I shall have my servants prepare a few barrels so that you may share them with your family when you get home."
"Yaaahoooo! Empress-chan is the best!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Perhaps after the other families get a taste of this they'd change their minds about the Imperium." Sirzechs jested before sighing. He knew that such was not so simple given the circumstance of the Imperium's return.
The Imperium that had once faded into the annals of the three factions' history reappeared in the 17th century. One upstart devil clan who had risen high enough to leave their master's clan and rise on their own had the mind to kill the envoy they sent to make contact with the devils. The Imperium, thinking that there was some mistake sent two more envoys. The clan responded by killing the second and sending back the third with dismembered arms.
Feeling that their name was besmirched, the Imperium's response was swift and decisive; the said upstart clan was killed down to the last man, woman, child, and dog and their estate was razed to the ground where not even the slightest trinket was salvageable – all this was done within 2 hours. Though the clan was but a new one, its strength was nothing to scoff at. And the ease at which they were eradicated showed that military might the Imperium had. Their mastery over technology, magic, and martial might had brought inspired fear and awe for the Devils.
Immediately, after learning of this, the Four Great Satans stepped forward and called for negotiations to prevent the situation from escalating to war; they had suffered much from the Great War and antagonizing themselves towards a new and powerful faction could spell disaster. Fortunately the peace talks had gone well; the devils acknowledged their fault in the matter (the upstart clan's territory had unfortunately been the only place the Imperium could open the portal to at the time without raising suspicion towards their intent) and the Imperium, having regained their honor demonstrating their might, pressed no further.
However, such a display did not do well in easing the tension for the rest of the devils. Some called for war, saying that the humans needed to be put in their place; others adopted a more neutral stance, preferring to observe what the Imperium truly wants; and only a few had wanted to at least form a non-aggression pact with them, if not at least an alliance.
It wasn't until Civil War erupted in the Underworld where the Anti-Satan faction clashed with the Old Satan Faction that the Imperium was able to get in the good graces of devilkind; though they did not participate in the war, their assistance in funding the war effort of the Anti-Satan faction by means of supplies and weapons proved to be a great factor in tipping the balance of the battle. And thus the Imperium had solidified their reputation among the devil clans. Well, for those who supported the Anti-Satan Faction at least; remnants of the Old Satan Faction still bear a grudge towards them to this day.
The two other factions also signed a non-aggression pact with the Imperium. The Fallen Angels, in particular, were quicker to agree after hearing of the Imperium's purpose to return: They merely wished to ensure the safety of mankind, to stand as guardians in the shadows and protect their brothers and sisters whom they have lost touch with for so long. The Angels however, were quite uneasy for a time. The Imperium was a massive secular force; and their impassioned desire to protect mankind from all that they deem was endangering or hindering it meant that they might soon turn their attention towards the Church (which, they themselves could not necessarily control fully) and the Imperium also knew a dangerous truth about god; one which could spell disaster for them. Fortunately, they were able to negotiate for the safety of the Church and the continued secrecy of their knowledge in exchange for a halt of the Church's crusades and inquisitorial activities; though the Church had been hit constantly by a barrage of criticisms by the secular schools of thought since then.
And so a new power has taken its seat as the fourth faction in an uneasy stalemate. They had become Mankind's hidden but ever-vigilant watcher; The Empire within Shadows.
"If only a simple beverage could make it so. Unfortunately, there is still much work to be done for all of us. After all, there are still those that didn't take too kindly with our actions before and during the Civil War." The Empress sighed as well. There were some decisions she made that she sometimes thought could have gone better but such is the burden assumed by those in power. Her thoughts were cut short when a guard approached her to notify her of a new arrival.
"Send the Lord Protector in."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard saluted and marched back toward the garden's entrance.
Moments later Dovrei walked in attired in a very dignified-looking officer's uniform. He wore a black double-breasted military jacket with a red lining that had a turnover collar that stood up to the side of his jaw. Underneath his jacket was a white-button up shirt and a white cravat. He wore black trousers that were tucked into a pair of black leather boots that reached halfway to his knees. On his chest was a golden insignia shaped similarly to the one found atop the chair in his quarters; a twin-headed eagle that was shaped to form the head of a snarling wolf. The golden insignia held in place a crimson cape that hung from his right shoulder down his back. His hair was arranged similarly to his portrait; brushed up into a spiky mane with one spiky lock persistently going the opposite direction down his forehead. For the life of him, he couldn't fix that single stubborn lock of hair no matter how hard he tried.
He approached the gazebo with firm and steady steps as he scanned the area. His brows furrowed as his eyes spotted the guests but only for a moment; he soon regained his calm and stoic expression. He stopped 2 feet away beside the Empress before sweeping his cape back with his right hand and performing the customary greeting.
"Lord Protector Vincere, reporting. Ave Imperium! Ave Imperatrix!"
"Rise, Lord Protector." the Empress's acknowledge his greeting. Her expression this time – though gentle – was firm. It was an unwritten rule for her and her children that their relationship of mother and child was limited only when they were in private. "I assume you already know our guests?"
"Yes." He then turned to the two devils and greeted them. He didn't kneel this time; instead, he stood straight and bowed his head while holding a fist to the left side of his chest. "I greet Lord Lucifer and Lady Lev-"
"Woooooow~ You're all grown up now, Shiro-chan! You've grown so tall and so charming~" before he could finish his greeting Serafall popped up right in front of him with her hands clasped. She looked up at him with starry eyes. Standing at 6"0, he towered over the female Satan; couple that with Serafall's childish demeanor, the scene proved to be a comical one. "And don't call me 'Lady Leviathan'. I want you to call me 'Onee-chan' or 'Levia-tan'!"
"Now, now. Don't tease him, Serafall. Good to see you again, Shiro – or rather, Lord Protector Vincere." Much as he didn't like to admit it, Dovrei was thankful for Sirzechs stepping in.
"It is my pleasure, Lord Lucifer."
"Mu... You're all so boring~" Serafall puffed up her cheeks childishly as she pouted. She folded her arms to emphasize her displeasure although all it did was push up her abundant chest.
"I think the Lord Protector can indulge Lady Leviathan in her request." The Empress quipped. "Consider it a standing order, Lord Vincere."
"As you wish." Dovrei took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His stoic expression remained unchanged when he reopened his eyes. However his gaze was red-hot and piercing almost as if they could peer into the depths of one's soul. He bore his gaze into Serafall and spoke, his voice huskier than usual as he gently took her right hand and brought it near his face, allowing his lips to brush her knuckles. "Would it satisfy you if I called you… Levia-tan then?" His emphasis on 'Levia-tan' echoed within the ravenette.
The female Satan was momentarily stunned at his sudden shift. She unconsciously withdrew her right hand and clasped it with her left. "Ehehehehe~ Th-that's better, Shiro-chan!" she childishly giggled while a visible tinge of pink colored her face.
The Empress inwardly giggled as while silently watching their exchange. This boy… he took his lessons on courtship too well. Thankfully, he isn't normally like this else, there wouldn't be a pure woman left in the Imperium. She inwardly thought. Fortunately, he wasn't one to go carousing shamelessly like the other young masters of noble birth.
Sirzechs too watched the exchanged with an amused expression. It wasn't everyday that the great Serafall Leviathan would act bashful. Good luck, Ria-tan, you're gonna have some fierce competition with this one.
"Back on point, how did the hunt fare, Lord Protector?" The Empress pulled the atmosphere back into business.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the demon has been slain. Unfortunately, I have been unable to prevent 9 more casualties before successfully putting down the beast. Also, Miss Gremory and her peerage arrived in the middle of the fight; Fortunately, I was able to prevent any harm from coming to them. I left after agreeing with her suggestion to clean up the scene." He shot a glance toward Sirzechs when he came to report the appearance of Rias and her peerage mid-fight. This was not missed by either The Empress or Sirzechs. The Empress however pretended to not have noticed as she simply nodded in satisfaction.
Sirzechs laughed awkwardly while putting on an apologetic smile. "I apologize. I thought you could use some help so I had a subjugation order sent; though it seems it was quite needless."
"Lord Lucifer, I apologize if I may offend you but I shall be blunt, Miss Gremory's peerage is outclassed. I was not hunting a stray devil but far worse." Dovrei firmly stated as he gazed into redhead's eyes.
"I apologize." Sizechs sighed before letting out another awkward laugh. "I admit, I did it in part because I wanted to reunite you with Ria-tan earlier. And don't worry, no offense taken. But I am glad you were able to make sure Ria-tan was alright. You're truly the perfect man for the job." Dovrei nodded and spoke no more. The tension was high for a moment before the Empress interjected.
"Lord Protector, I have summoned you here not only to hear your report about the hunt but also to notify you that a secondary objective is to be added to your current mission. There have been reports that there have been stirrings of rogue magicians attempting to make contact with our age-old enemies and one of their groups is in Kuoh. Though we have secured a decisive victory at the Battle of Avernus, we have yet to completely deal with them. As such, your secondary objective is to investigate and report your findings."
"We also have suspicions that members of the Old Satan Faction may have some involvement with this. They may be targeting Kuoh due to Rias and Sona being there. That's why we have asked that you watch over them." Sirzechs added with a grim expression.
"So watch over Rias-chan and So-tan okay?" Serafall spoke childishly though her expression too was uncharacteristically grim.
"To aid your mission, we will have you join them at the Kuoh Academy." The Empress continued before Dovrei could voice his protest about his admittance into the academy. "We've already prepared the necessities for your transfer. Your residence has already been arranged courtesy of the Gremory clan. I have also told your butler, Randall to prepare any and all necessary luggage; he will be coming along with you to assist you so that you perform efficiently and effectively. Your dossier and missives will be delivered to your quarters shortly."
His desire to protest was swiftly cut down by the Empress' decisive tone. He knew that once she had asserted her orders in this manner that all room for negotiation was gone. He suddenly felt exhausted as he resigned himself to the situation that befell him.
"If there is nothing else, Your Majesty, may I take my leave?"
"You may, Lord Protector. Get some rest. You leave in the morning." With that, he saluted and retired for his quarters."
The three leaders sighed as he left. They all knew his displeasure towards his current mission. However, the Empress was firm in her recommendation. She knew that though her stoic child had changed over the past six years, his displeasure towards devils had to be addressed if he were to one day ascend.
"He must undo this knot in his heart if he is to one day rule." The Empress muttered as she stared at the direction where her Lord Protector departed.
"Your Majesty, are you saying you've named him as your successor?" Sirzechs couldn't help but be surprised at this.
"Not necessarily. My daughter is still next in line for the throne; though I must also nurture him if in case circumstances ask that he ascends to the throne instead."
"Well, hopefully, he can guide Ria-tan in governance as well. I'm afraid that my sister is still a bit… immature in those terms."
"It's a good thing So-tan isn't. I have such an awesome little sister~" Serafall quipped; her sister complex being evident in her words.
Kuoh Academy, the next day…
A young man arrived in front of the academy's main entrance. His medium length, snow-white hair which was unfettered as it reached near the base of his neck. He wore a black suit with a white dress shirt with the two buttons at the top undone. The suit was perfectly tailored to match his sleek but well-built physique. Not a single detail was out of place from the jacket's shoulders, the length of its sleeves, the symmetry of his trousers, and the shine on his black leather shoes.
Though his clothing was prepared for him in advance by his butler, he did most certainly agree with the choice in clothing. He didn't like the abominable atrocities done by others people such as pulling back their blazer sleeves or wearing pants with a size clearly too small for them (which he could only conclude that they wore them for reasons of either they were either inept or too poorto buy decently sized clothes). For him, those were idiotic attempts at peacocking. "Class", he recalled his tutor's words, "is a necessary weapon for a gentleman to have in his arsenal".
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to adjust himself. If he had to be honest, his day did not start well. He had to wake up earlier than usual to ensure that all the necessary preparations were done before leaving for Kuoh. He didn't even get the chance to inspect the residence provided for him as he had to report to the academy early. Not to mention that despite racking his brains the previous evening, he couldn't think of appropriate way to face Rias and Akeno; not to mention the daughter of the Sitri clan. He pushed those thoughts aside as he remembered his espionage training and adjusted to his new persona. Allowing last night's freshly imprinted information to surface to the forefront of his mind.
"Um…" Just as he finished adjusting, a voice came from his right. He opened his eyes and found a familiar brunette.
"Mr. Hyoudou, correct?" he spoke amiably, a stark contrast to his cold and stoic demeanor from the previous night.
"Yeah. Issei Hyoudou. You're…?" Issei asked, feeling a sense of familiarity brought about not by their meeting from the previous night but rather, somewhere before that.
"In Vino Veritas." Dovrei spoke cryptically.
"What does…" Issei's question faded as a sense of epiphany hit him. "You're Rei-san?!"
"In the flesh." Dovrei nodded with a small smirk.
"But, what are you doing here?" Issei scratched his head in confusion.
"Well, I apparently, will be joining this academy." Dovrei once again cryptically spoke as he casually held his hands behind his back while looking at the academy.
"You're going to study here? Like… a college student?" Issei asked with his eyebrows arched. 'Rei-san' as he knew seemed a bit too mature to be a highschooler.
"Study… Well, I suppose I'm going to be doing some form of studying here. By the way, I need to report to the headmaster. Mind guiding me there?" The young man gestured towards the academy.
"Sure! Leave it to me!" Issei pumped his fist enthusiastically. His previous contract with the mysterious gentleman had left him with a good impression. Whatever happened last night was something he would have to keep to the back of his mind to ask at a better time.
At a classroom inside the Academy…
Rias sat listlessly, her chin resting lazily atop her palm while she blankly watched the skies outside the classroom's window. She sighed for the nth time this morning; her efforts at pushing last night's events to the back of her mind had been futile. She glanced at the Akeno whose desk was beside hers. The ravenette wore a downcast expression since last night. It was evident that neither of them was able to calm down and get much rest. Again, Rias sighed.
"Alright class, please settle down and return to your seats." The class was brought in order when a teacher entered the classroom and reigned in the rest of the class' attention. She was a pretty and bubbly young woman (albeit short) who was in her mid-twenties. Strangely enough, her face was colored with a tinge of pink. "I'd like to announce that your homeroom teacher will be absent for the time being due to her taking a maternity leave. For the moment, a new teacher would take over." She then turned towards the door and called out. "Please come in, Mr…?"
Rias and Akeno immediately froze when they saw a familiar figure walk in as the door opened. He strode with steady steps and scanned the room while making his way to the teacher's desk. He flashed a small smile before opening his mouth to speak, making the teacher's face turn a deeper shade of red.
"It's Mr. Vincere, Dovrei Vincere." He then turned to face the rest of the class. "Buongiorno, my dear students. As of today, I will be your new Homeroom and History teacher."
Yep. Our dear OC will be joining Kuoh Academy as a teacher.
A question for my readers: I was thinking of introducing a crossover character (in tribute to my unwritten fanfics that I have buried in manuscript hell) that would have some relation with our Lord Protector. Would you prefer Moka Akashiya (from Rosario+Vampire) or Lilliane Von Phoenix (from Princess Resurrection)? Or would you rather that I stick to the DXD Universe and develop Kiyome Abe instead? Feel free to write your choices and reasons in your reviews.
Cheers!