Chapter 39: Cast Down Your Kings (Part 12)

"While I'm sure we've all enjoyed our years long vacation guarding a bunch of farms it's high time we begin the next step in our little plot now that harvest season is underway and we can no longer kick up our heels and take things at our own pace."

Harris eyed his motley collection of allies, Barka, Sirzechs, Serafall, Grayfia, Robin, Merlin and Est all gathered in a comfortably shaded hut near the center of just one such plantation, casually discussing their endgame over glasses of minted water.

"Well? I take it this is the part where you unveil some kind of strategy which gives us the edge over Heaven and the Leraje? Not sure why else you'd spend so much time on just growing a bunch of freakin' plants."

Barka gave Merlin a sidelong glance,spotting her offended pout before resignedly adding, "Very delicious and nutritious plants."

"I suppose I can avoid putting a rather permanent contraceptive herb in your afternoon drink."

Moving past the not entirely faked threat the shapeshifter informed, "In a manner of speaking, although they aren't going to be our targets for much more than a few diversionary and conciliatory tactics. We have bigger fish to fry."

Unfurling a map of Lombard Robin pointed out a few locations of interest, mostly locations they confirmed had Heaven or Leraje troops stationed or were routinely patrolled, comparing them to the numerous sites they were going to be delivering the initial shipments of fruits, vegetables and other goods.

"Allow me to be blunt, we simply don't have the forces to protect our investment any longer. The minute these caravans leave the plantations we won't be able to protect them and the fields where they've been grown. We've only been able to do so thus far thanks to their relatively passive actions and that we've been able to concentrate our defenses, that's no longer an option. Both factions will be able to devote more resources and troops to whatever merchant line they deem worth raiding than we can."

A languid shrug left the tactician, draconic tail lazily waving in a clear lack of concern.

"Or they wouldn't even need to attack at all. After all, the fruits of our labor - no pun intended - have been legally bought and paid for. They could simply receive the items they purchased without having to fight at all, at which point they'll be able to figure out precisely what we've been growing and how, assuming they don't already have the exact method from other areas in the world. Much of this produce is only new to Lombard, not the planet in general."

Barka frowned as Serafall and Sirzechs exchanged brief glances, the pair no doubt having already come to that conclusion during regular communication with their families as the Extra Legion leader scowled, grumbling, "Well what was the point of all this guarding and sitting around, then? If all that hard work is going to waste the second it leaves here then you must have some kind of alternate plan in the works, that much I feel comfortable calling you out on."

"Your faith in us is inspiring, Barka~."

Ignoring Merlin's playful words the Devil kept his attention on Harris, Sirzechs tactfully adding, "Unless there is some kind of unknown or secret army you have yet to inform us then it seems we are in a bind, unable to attack or turn the tables on our foes as we're still in a disadvantageous situation."

Harris simply nodded, elaborating, "Exactly so. Which is why we're not going to fight at all and instead employ other means of persuasion."

Robin once more took up the thread of the conversation, explaining, "Myself, Sirzechs and Serafall will approach the Leraje under the banner of truce, taking with us half the Latifundiums to offer as gifts, prompting them to accept in exchange for signing a peace treaty between us and Heaven that will put the fighting on hold, at least for a short time."

Serafall let loose a quiet sigh, giving the tactician a wry expression as she commented, "So we're just going to march into the territory of the people we spent the last few years thoroughly embarrassing and occasionally killing, just to tell them to accept a few pieces of paper and call off all the fighting because they might not be able to accomplish what we're offering in a few years?"

She threw her hands up in the air, proclaiming, "Sure, what could go wrong?"

"No need to be all that negative about it, we have a few advantages the Leraje don't. Mainly that while we know that what we're offering is something that they would be able to obtain with little time and investment they themselves are uncertain of that fact, seeing as they have yet to properly examine all the crops we've grown. And it's not as if a truce is to their detriment, time to organize and reinforce their troops will be beneficial as they also spread their influence through the areas where they now have 'legal' access in order to smooth things over."

Harris let a smug grin appear on his lips.

"We're just going to forget to tell them that Eae is getting the other half and not Lucifer."

Grayfia's eyes flicked back and forth but she made no comment at the clearly alarming bit of news, Serafall merely sighing as she morosely asked, "Dare I even ask what it is you all plan on doing?"

"Simple. Merlin, Est, Grayfia and myself will all go to meet with Eae once more and have her accept the same terms we offered to the Leraje."

Now the silver-haired woman's expression became outright sour, although yet again no comment was made as Barka raised an eyebrow, stating, "While it's nice to hear that we won't have to fight and die for another stupid reason do you really think this peace is going to last for that long? I give it a year, at best."

"Thankfully it won't take a year before Lucifer brings things to a head and tries to settle the matter with me once and for all. Oh, on that note I want you to start working on marching formations and flashy poses, stuff like that. After all, we're going to be having one Hell of a triumphant return to Lucifaad and I want us to be making a spectacle of it."

"A spectacle of our execution? Because that's what sounds like is going to happen."

"Hey, I've been trying to keep you and yours alive all this time, seems a waste just to have you all dangling from a noose at this point."

"Inspiring."

Tone suggesting the complete opposite Barka nonetheless let things end at that, the rest of the meeting covering a few more topics before it was called to an end, Grayfia staring at Harris' retreating back with a conflicted expression as she sensed that her stalling attempts were coming to a head, one way or another. And the result wasn't going to be pretty, no matter how it ended. Either her master would question how she missed such obvious attempts at subversion or - even worse - he would be brought low by it, forever tarnishing the Lucifuge name.

…Yet she couldn't bring herself to choose one side over the other, uncertain of the consequences a wrong or hasty decision could lead to as rationality and logic warred with intrinsic duty, the former having grown in her master's absence.

"And how traitorous it had become as of late."

She had spent years watching how Harris acted and led, seen how he brought forth strategies and miracles from seemingly insane decisions. More to the point, she had seen how people responded to that. The Extra Legion - for all their complaining - had essentially thrown in their lot with his leadership, not pretending in the slightest that they held any love for Lucifer or the rest. And Sirzechs and Serafall - despite his actions that had put them in such a difficult position in the first place - had also begun treating him with respect and even a bit of camaraderie, going along with his schemes with nothing more than a resigned air and sarcastic comment.

…

And it was the most traitorous voice of all that whispered Harris, Merlin and Robin would make for far better leaders than Lucifer would. Her current master ruled through brutality and fear and while some might point out that he'd held his position through such methods for many centuries Grayfia knew the reality far better than any other.

Lucier only ruled a quarter of Devilkind through brutality and fear, a method of rulership that had been replicated by the other three Satans and had resulted in almost as much infighting as had been directed towards Heaven or the Grigori. It worked, but on a scale that no one was willing to point out was flawed and limited.

A method like the one Harris and his cohorts employed, that exhibited apprehension and fear only slightly but mostly retained its strength through unwavering belief that he would pull off an unbelievable victory despite the odds?

There was a key difference between following someone through fear and wondering if they would one day order your execution and there was nothing you could do about it and following someone through fear and the unbending conviction they would lead you to glory without question or possibility of failure.

…

For the first time in a long time Grayfia honestly didn't know what to do.

"Something on your mind, Lucifuge?"

She started as Sirzechs and Serafall drew close, surprised that they would bother engaging with her at such a contentious time. While it was true that things between them had mellowed out slightly over the years she was still the ultimate arbitrator of the family's fortunes and that had made things more than slightly strained.

"I'm impressed that you would speak to me after that little reveal."

"Yes, well, to our enormous shock you're not quite the emotionless and blindly loyal doll we originally thought you would be."

Serafall arched an eyebrow, adding to the redhead's observation with, "In fact we'd go so far as to say you seem rather relaxed for a servant of Lucifer. Years of perfectly justifiable opportunity to give your master the go ahead to ruin us and our family and yet things carry on as normal. It seems rather suspicious, in a good sort of way."

Sirzechs nodded in agreement, concluding with, "Seeing as how we will likely be going our separate ways soon it seemed fitting that we at least ask why."

"Can it not just be enough that I was doing my duty properly, observing and learning for my lord's sake?"

Feeling the slightest traces of foreign playfulness Grayfia shot back, "See to it that you also carry out your tasks without undue failure. After all, you have done little but laze about on a farm for a number of years, you should be well rested."

"Because you've been oh so busy yourself, right? Can't imagine there's much for you to do when you're supposedly watching Harris and his companions."

Sirzechs stroked his chin, demeaningly musing, "Or was it a different Grayfia that often complained to us that her target of observation was constantly eluding her gaze?"

"I am always at complete and total liberty to alter the content of my reports."

It was the Sitri's turn to roll her eyes, blandly stating, "Some thanks we receive for looking after you."

To the pair's astonishment Grayfia bowed her head, quietly stating, "And it is appreciated. And you are not nearly as subversive and unpleasant to be around as I expected. Now if you will excuse me I believe I have a chaotic schemer to observe."

Offering a final nod the woman departed to find the most frustrating and aggravating soul she could recall meeting in recent memory.

"Ordinarily this is the part where I say 'I hope you know what you are doing' but in this case I will merely ask that you not do anything that would result in my place of business being destroyed."

"I promise only to try, Levi."

"And that is the most I believe we can hope for."

Leaving things at that the banker briefly inclined his head, vacating the room as Harris glanced around the room, Grayfia primly sitting in her chair and adorned in her armored dress while Merlin and Est lounged nearby, the Sword Spirit seeming resigned to Merlin's enthusiastic embrace…but her half-lidded expression as the Magus of Flowers braided and styled a Wisteria into her pale locks spoke of how much she enjoyed the more affectionate attention as opposed to the groping kind.

Not that there was much time to lazily stare about, barely a few seconds passing before Levi's voice could be heard greeting a couple of new arrivals, Eae gracefully striding through the entryway a moment later as two of her guards took up position outside the room, the Angel's gaze briefly passing over them before she seated herself, wings folding inwards as what might have been described as an uneasy silence descended.

Personally Harris found it rather calming.

"It seems almost farcical that we meet now under much more amicable and peaceful circumstances than when we first crossed paths, despite the way it ended and the years of intervening conflict."

"I chalk it up to Levi's reassuring and soothing presence, the man is talented that way."

She elected not to comment on his remark, instead turning towards Grayfia and briefly inclining her head, stating, "While the circumstances could be better it is nonetheless a pleasure to meet one of the stewards of Satan Lucifer."

Eae's tone turned mildly inquisitive as she observed, "That you are here and have not yet sprung an ambush speaks well to your reputation of being rather level-headed."

"I feel much the same. Meeting one of Heaven's greatest minds is an uncertain pleasure, but one I would not pass up."

Merlin sent Harris an exasperated look, the man amused by her irritation with all the social and political niceties on display when such a thing had been the basis of much of her legend and lead to the formation of the Round Table.

"Oh well. If anyone is to blame for her wanting to enjoy retirement then it's me."

"Not to be too much of a brute and low brow hoodlum-"

"She means to be."

"-but are such unnecessary frivolities and niceties needed when we're behind closed doors? I was all too happy to leave these trappings behind upon my reincarnation and would happily avoid them unless there exists no other choice."

Est's bland comment didn't halt Merlin in the slightest, the Magus of Flowers offering a falsely cheery smile as both Eae and Grayfia gave her unreadable looks.

"Or are you going to tell me there's fun to be had in verbal sparring when trapped beneath the suffocating layers of social hierarchy and station?"

"If you enjoy playing on hard mode there's fun to be had."

Harris' final addition to the interruption had the Devil and Angel once more sharing a glance that seemed almost comraderly in its understanding of the shit they had to put up with when dealing with him, Eae no doubt deciding she wanted to leave as soon as possible as she asked, "You requested my presence here on short notice and for admittedly vague reasons, despite our supposed hostility. Why?"

"No guessing games this time, Eae?"

"After their remarkable success last time? I will refrain, thank you."

"Your loss. But jumping to the heart of the matter, then, myself and the rest of my forces are going to be leaving Lombard soon and I'd like to ask of you a favor before we do."

"...A favor."

Giving voice to the word as if it was a rabid animal Harris cheerfully nodded, responding, "A favor."

"I wasn't aware we were on polite enough terms to be bandying them about."

"It's a favor that'll save all of us a great deal of headache so I imagine you'll be keen to follow up on it. Strange times call for strange allies."

"Seeing as how the strange happenings tend to follow you like carrion birds follow an army that statement loses some of its import."

Merely smiling at Eae's sass the Angel released a small huff, replying, "Very well, state your terms. I imagine it has something to do with those gardens of yours? It took quite a while to identify all the varieties of produce you were crafting and even longer to realize what you were planning to leverage them for."

"You'd like for me to think that, wouldn't you?"

Harris met the Angel's stoic gaze…and beneath the veil she wore the woman's mouth crinkled into what might have been a smile.

"The Latifundiums you obtained from Levi were a clever stroke, not many from Heaven or Hell would hold the contracts in any kind of relevance and subsequently lose out on the chance to make their ownership of said areas that much smoother. And the crops are going to make the populace that much healthier and wealthier as an influx of varied foodstuffs becomes available. You knew of my predisposition towards looking to Humanity as valuable allies and I wager you knew the Leraje had more to gain from Lombard's prosperity than they did attempting your destruction."

Harris merely grinned at the Angel's deduction as she helplessly spread her hands, stating, "Be that as it may I freely and truthfully admit that the contents of this favor elude me."

With little fanfare Harris tossed half of the Latifundiums in his possession the Angel's way, one elegant eyebrow raising in clear uncertainty.

"The Leraje will be getting the other half of these as the rest of my group negotiate with them. In return I want you to call for a cease fire between your soldiers and theirs, the mutual prosperity you'll both receive as a result of the diversified harvests should tide you over in the short term."

The Angel began flipping through the papers, idly remarking, "Short term, hmm?"

"I know it's too much to ask that peace return to Lombard for too long but a year or three of calm should do just nicely."

"Nicely for what, might I ask?"

"Long enough for Lucifer to get pissed at my clear snubbing of his orders, summon me back to Lucifaad and then we settle the score."

Grayfia stiffened in her seat, Eae not missing such an obvious sign as her eyes flicked between the pair, eventually asking, "And why should I agree to this? I have my own superiors to answer to, after all."

Merlin smirked, languidly stating, "And if they have any level of competency among them they will agree that this is a splendid deal. A ceasefire will allow you time to consolidate your position while the truce does not demand that you move your gaze away from the Leraje if you fear being caught off guard."

"The reverse is true of the Devils."

"Oh? And you - the pretty little strategist - can not come up with another solution during the downtime? I find that difficult to believe."

Eae didn't bother replying, setting the papers down and steepling her hands, cooly announcing, "I have only two observations. The first is that it seems interesting that you would so openly proclaim your desire to rebel against Lucifer in front of his right hand, a hand that seems quite upset to learn of this development."

"I'd be unhappy if I were in her shoes, admittedly."

Grayfia sent him a withering glare that he merely winked at, Eae continuing with, "And for my second inquiry…why trust me to carry this agreement out? Especially after our initial meeting. What makes you so confident that I will not simply use this trust to my advantage irrespective of your desires?"

The shapeshifter offered a genuine smile that seemed to catch the Angel off guard with its sincerity, replying, "Because just like then I trust you to do the right thing."

The pair stared each other down, not wavering in their convictions…and Eae sighed, tucking the papers away before saying, "This agreement will be in place for two months, extended onwards upon receiving news of your settling with Lucifer. Should the Leraje either not agree or break it, we will consider the deal null and void."

"Terms accepted, a pleasure doing business with you."

Shaking her head in resignation Eae rose to her feet, nodding in polite dismissal…and paused, staring at Harris with a slight tilt to her head.

"Should you still be alive once matters are put to rest with Lucifer I imagine a superior of mine would like to arrange a meeting at the earliest convenience…the two of you share a rather interesting number of characteristics and desires."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

"He looks to be in a good mood."

"The meeting went smoothly and Lombard looks like it's going to be in about as capable hands as it can be for the next couple years. Also his office is intact."

Watching a cheerful Levi enter the bank after bidding them farewell Harris rolled his neck, eagerly waiting for the next step of his plan to get underway as he turned to Est, the Elemental Waffe staring up at him with a muted but nonetheless present eagerness.

"Ready for your big debut, Est?"

"Mmm. I'll be ready to be wielded, Harris."

Merlin chuckled, musing, "Now this is going to be quite the intriguing showdown…unfortunately it means a great deal of work for Robin and I but that comes with the territory, now doesn't it?"

"Do you have any idea what you have asked of me, intentional or not?"

Grayfia's sudden question prompted the trio to turn her way, the Devil openly agitated as she elaborated with, "You have openly admitted to plotting against my lord with a foreign and sworn enemy, directly in front of me. Do you realize that I cannot simply look the other way, that you have doomed your allies to summary punishment? I have no choice but to inform Lord Lucifer!"

Harris and Merlin traded amused looks, the shapeshifter glibly replying, "Well that sounds like a real pickle we've put you in, Grayfia. You should definitely go ahead and let Lucifer know what's happening, I wouldn't want you to get into trouble."

The woman looked ready to scream at him for his lack of reaction-

-and paled, eyes going wide as she whispered, "You…you want him to challenge you. That's what you've wanted all along."

"Who can say?"

She rapidly shook her head back and forth, hastily stating, "Well, then I merely need hold my tongue, that will foil your plot, will it not?!"

"Oh Grayfia…"

The Devil felt her skin prickle at the soft, dangerous words that came from the eternally jovial man.

"Doing so would call into question both your loyalty and that of your brother. I don't want you to go through all that trouble and heartache just because of me."

He strode past her, the shapeshifter casually remarking with a cadence that had her blood run colder than any ice she could summon.

"Especially since you're the last of the Lucifuge line. It'd be a shame if that came to an end out of misguided loyalty to an imminent corpse."

Merlin and Est followed after the man without further comment, Grayfia coming to a slow, abrupt realization that she had - for the first time in almost three years - met the man who had caused the death of the kin of a Satan and walked away unscathed.

…She couldn't shake the terrifying feeling that history was about to repeat itself and he'd maneuvered her to a spot where she could only play into his plans and nothing else.