"Talking"

'Thinking'

Issei, accompanied by Sirzechs, arrived at his old study. He went to pour them a drink before they sat in front of the fireplace.

"I'm sure you're dying to know what's happened in the past hundred years." Sirzechs said.

"That's an understatement." Issei replied while swishing his glass. He downed his drink before retreating into his seat. "Lord Lucifer, really?"

Sirzechs chuckled. "The Elders insisted the names of the original Devil Kings be used as titles as a sign of respect. It gives our reign more legitimacy."

"I'm sure it does. However, I'm not too thrilled that my fathers name was appropriated by a Glasya-Labolas."

"It was my fathers idea. He always held hope that you'd return one day and wanted us to rule side by side. We couldn't do that if I were Asmodeus and you reclaimed your throne."

The reasoning made sense to Issei. Zeoticus always took their family oath to serve the Asmodeus clan to heart. To his view, there was no better way to serve an Asmodeus, than when you're by his side.

Issei held up his glass. "To Lord Lucifer," The two tapped their glasses together before finishing their drinks. "Now, tell me more about the Civil War."

"After the Devil Kings died, Zekram Bael took temporary control of our faction. Bidleid and Tsufaame attempted to seize control for themselves. They wanted to attack Heaven in revenge for what happened to Beelzebub and Leviathan. We couldn't allow that."

"In due time the Civil War had begun. Bidleid, Tsufaame and four of the six Houses of Satan formed the Old Satan faction. My father convinced Grayfia to join him in refusing their call."

Another example of Gremory loyalty. Issei nor his father would have wanted them to restart the Great War. Zeoticus must have known they'd be against more needless chaos.

"What about Rizevim and Euclid?"

"Rizevim nor his son participated in the war. Ruling didn't seem to interest either of them. Euclid joined them and they haven't been seen since."

Not much of a surprise there. Issei remembered how much the two Lucifers enjoyed inflicting pain on those who served them. While being Devil Kings may have allowed them to extend their victim pool, it would have also constricted them with a great amount of responsibility and scrutiny the thrones held.

"Myself and the other current Devil Kings formed a coalition known as the Anti-Satan faction" Sirzechs continued. "After years of fighting, I was finally able to locate and kill Bidleid, ending the war."

"Who killed Tsufaame?" Issei asked, swishing his new glass.

"Serafall Sitri, now Serafall Leviathan,"

Issei tightened his lips while nodding his head. "That's too bad. I had some unfinished business with her."

"And what business would that be?" Sirzechs asked, raising an eyebrow. "Last I recall, you threatened to kill her yourself if she continued to degrade Grayfia."

"It's all history now,"

The dismissal did not go unnoticed to Sirzechs. He served Issei just as his father served Asmodeus. He led his armies to battle, gave him counsel when asked and kept his secrets when not. After spending centuries by his friend's side he was easily able to learn all his tells. As they exchanged a knowing look, Sirzechs knew Issei was grappling with something deeper.

"Speaking of, I don't remember the last time I've seen her that angry; at you no less."

Issei lightly grazed his cheek where Grayfia had slapped him not too long ago. The pain had subsided but he could still feel her cold touch.

"She still wears her ring, you know. Not a day went by that I didn't catch her gazing longingly at it."

Issei waved his hand, signaling Sirzechs to cease. "I have an early morning tomorrow, my friend. Needless to say, I'll be quite busy the next few days."

Sirzechs breathed a long sigh. He got up from his seat and bowed to Issei before making his way to the door. He stopped at the threshold and turned his head toward his friend. "I won't pretend to understand the situation. You'll share when you're ready, if you choose to. What I do know is that your mutual love has lasted for centuries. Despite how she might behave, her affection for you remains strong."

As his last words hung in the air, Sirzechs left the room, leaving Issei alone with his thoughts.

[800 years ago]

"Father, I will not sit back any longer!" Issei Asmodeus yelled as he stormed into his fathers study.

Zeoticus Gremory soon followed behind the prince and bowed to his king. "Forgive me, my Lord. I told him you wished to be alone but he demanded to speak with you"

Lord Asmodeus stood from his seat and walked closer to the pair. He signaled Zeoticus to leave and motioned Issei to sit in the chair across from him. "Is this about that Lucifuge girl again?" He asked with annoyance.

"Father, things are getting out of hand." Issei replied. The worry in his voice was noticeable. For months he had been voicing his concerns to his father about the treatment of Rizevims servant, Grayfia Lucifuge. "The way he and Euclid are treating her is barbaric. It's not right!"

"How he treats his servant isn't our concern. She and her family are the wards of Lucifer. I will not allow you to meddle in the affairs of another royal family. Especially when you should be focused on expanding your own."

Issei groaned at his father. Both he and his mother had been urging him to settle down for a few centuries. His father had been pushing this responsibility onto him ever since he learned that he would not be able to produce another child with Ukina. Meanwhile his mother just wanted a grandchild to spoil rotten. "If it's a grandchild you want, I can go make one right now"

Asmodeus' face filled with rage and he shot torrents of lightning at his son. It wasn't enough to injure him, but it had enough force to launch him across the room. "You will not disgrace our lineage by conceiving a bastard with one of those power-seeking whores!" He yelled. Asmodeus knew his son was joking but the thought still angered him.

Issei kept a company of women in his chambers every night. It was well known throughout all the factions that the young prince was quite the playboy. Many lords of the pillar families used their daughters to get close with him. Of course, he was well aware of their intentions, but he could not refuse a beautiful woman.

With his anger now faded, Asmodeus fidgeted with an amethyst necklace dangling from his neck. "I'll tell you what. I'll convince Lucifer to give you the girl. I'll even allow her to live with us as our head-maid. But it will cost you" Issei cocked an eyebrow, awaiting his fathers demands. "It's time you've grown up and settled down. Set your concubines aside and find love as I have."

Issei sighed. As much as he enjoyed his frequent lovers, he knew that one day he would have to commit to a woman he loved just as his father had. It wouldn't be all bad. A part of him always dreamed of starting a family of his own. It would be quite the scandal if he had a bastard with one of his many mistresses. "How will you convince Lord Lucifer?" He asked.

Asmodeus took his question as a yes.

"Who do you think introduced him to Lilith?"

[Modern Day]

Issei teleported himself in front of the Gremory estate in a flash of blue light. He looked upon the grounds and took in the marvelous sight. It was as beautiful as when he last visited. Behind him was a luscious garden surrounding a fountain adorned with a graceful mermaid statue.

"Lord Asmodeus, I welcome you to the Gremory estate,"

Issei's heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath before turning to stare into a pair of cold silver eyes. "Grayfia, I-"

"Please follow me, my Lord. Lord and Lady Gremory are expecting you." She interrupted.

Denied once more. Issei wasn't sure which hurt more; the slap or her dismissal. The road for redemption would be long and arduous. For now, he relented and followed behind her.

Grayfia led him inside towards one of the many lounges of the Gremory estate. Issei took in the decor as they passed through the halls. Times may have changed but the estate certainly had not.

The estate was always like a second home to Issei. He spent countless nights in one of the spare bedrooms as a child. Whenever the princeling got into arguments with his parents he always ran to the Gremorys. Zeoticus and Venelana made it a point to make sure he knew he was always welcome to stay with them however long he needed to. They adored and spoiled the boy as if he were their own. Unfortunately, as time passed and the prince grew older, his constant visits dwindled. The Lord and Lady quickly missed having a child breathe new life into their home. It would take another two centuries for them to have a son of their own to dote on.

The duo arrived at a set of large double doors at the end of the hall. He could hear the two elder Gremory's inside speaking clearly. Grayfia opened the double doors and gestured Issei inside. He stepped forth but stopped beside her. He once again turned to meet her eyes and was met with the same hardened stare. Defeated, he carried on into the room while she shut the doors behind him.

"Issei my boy," Zeoticus spoke, walking towards him with both arms extended. "I was starting to think you'd be lost for another hundred years."

Issei chuckled. The two men embraced tightly while patting each other on the back. "As relaxing as it was, I don't plan on sleeping that long ever again."

"Nor should you." Venelana approached. Warmly embracing Issei before kissing his cheek. "I've missed you nephew. Sit, there's much to discuss."

"Of course there is. I've been considered dead for the past century, so I can imagine there's many questions that need to be answered."

"Many indeed," Zeoticus replied. "The circumstances of your disappearance were unknown to everyone. You will no doubt be questioned by the council about what led to your containment."

"Unfortunately, it's not much of a tale. Father and I were discussing the planned assault on Heaven. He slipped something in my drink and moments later I was out cold. Next thing I know I'm woken up by your daughter and the rest is history."

The Lord and Lady glanced at one another for a moment.

"It's rather odd" Venelana spoke

Issei raised an eyebrow. "How's that?"

Venelana continued. "You were hidden in a room that no one, not even my husband knew existed. From how Rias described, the room suddenly appeared before her by way of a magic circle. There was a force that made her feel drawn inside. She didn't even realize she used her Power of Destruction until your capsule began to disintegrate."

Issei was taken aback by this. He would have never guessed that Rias was influenced to release him by an unknown power. Though, being that this all took place in the Estate of Asmodeus, there was truly only one answer.

"Seeing that the Bael clan's Power of Destruction was essential for my return, I can only assume that my fathers intention was for Sirzechs to be the one to release me, and Rias just happened to find me first."

"While that theory makes sense, it is worth noting that Sirzechs had made numerous visits to the estate over the past century, and curiously, he had never been drawn to that particular room." Zeoticus replied.

Now Issei was stumped. Asmodeus was always known for his elaborate planning. Battle strategies, political maneuvers, even his overly posh birthday parties. Some theorized he even influenced Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. This however, seemed outside of the realm of possibility. 'How could he have accounted for someone who wasn't even born yet?' He wondered.

"This will require some investigation. What else is there?"

"You can expect to be questioned about what your plans for the future will be. The council will no doubt be interested in knowing if you plan to retake your father's throne."

"Not just yet," Issei spoke without a moment of hesitation. "I'll allow Falbium to continue bearing my family name, for now at least."

Needless to say, Zeoticus was stunned. His face turned to confusion. "Are you sure Issei? This is what you've been preparing for all your life."

"The Hell I knew is not the Hell that is today. If I am to be a part of leading our people I must familiarize myself with the new Lords, Ladies, and heirs. I also wouldn't mind participating in a few Rating Games."

"Which reminds me, there's something Sirzechs asked us to give you," Venelana spoke. She stood from her seat and left the room.

"I understand my decision may not be what you had hoped for, Zeoticus. I hope you'll support it nonetheless."

"I will always support your decisions, Issei. Your reasoning is admirable. Shalba and Katerea could learn a lot from you."

"And who are they?"

"Descendants of Beelzebub and Leviathan respectively. They've been in hiding with the rest of the Old Satan faction."

'Tsufaame had a daughter?' Issei thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by Venelana reentering the room with a box in her hands.

She approached the table between them and set the box down. "A gift from Ajuka Beelzebub." She opened it to reveal a set of 15 black marble chess pieces.

"So Ajuka was able to complete his passion project afterall. At least this Beelzebub has a brain." Issei reached for the Queen piece which proceeded to glow a blue aura in his fingers.

"There's only one woman deserving to be your Queen. Say the word and Sirzechs would be more than willing to trade her to you." Zeoticus spoke.

Issei sighed. "There's nothing I wouldn't give to once more have her by my side. She is ...was the only one who I loved with all my heart. But I will not force her to stand beside me. That is for her to decide"

A red magic circle appeared next to his left ear. "Issei, I'm down the hall in my old study." The voice of Sirzechs spoke. "There's some people I'd like you to meet."

"I'm afraid we will have to continue this later. I shouldn't keep Lord Lucifer waiting."

The two Gremorys chuckled as Issei made his way toward the closed doors. He exited the room, shut the doors behind him and was startled to see Grayfia standing guard outside the room. Her face was still stoic, but her eyes softened.

"Please, follow me Issei." Her back now facing him, she led him towards Sirzech's study.

His heart skipped a beat. It was the first time she had called him by his name since his return. A light smile grew on his face and he followed her closely.

He was still able to hear Zeoticus and Venelana speaking in their lounge.

[A/N] Apologies for the delay, this chapter was harder to write than I originally anticipated. Lots of backstory in this one.

Very different chapter 3 compared Prince of Asmodeus. For new readers I wouldn't recommend reading it since I do plan to incorporate some of it's ideas.

While I admit I never read the light novels, I did incorporate some of it's ideas into this story; examples being the characters of Bidleid and Tsufaame. I transformed the light novels "Lucifers Six" to "Satans Six". While in LN canon these six houses only served Lucifer, in my canon they each serve one Devil King. I also made the Gremory clan a member of this group.

The timeline of the Great War/Civil War are very different. I made both wars way more recent than they are in the proper story.

A couple people dmed me about the old discord server. It died out a long while ago. I might start one up for this story or join another. Feel free to dm me your thoughts.

I'll try to release the next chapter sooner but no promises.