Chapter 25.

Opportunity is everywhere, and luck is many things.

Kuroka is nothing but amusement at my current situation. As is Jeanne and Conner. The three are laughing in a circle at the sight of me. That was me with Raynare holding onto my right arm like a lifeline. Raynare was just beaming brightly despite hurting. While Kalawarna and Mittelt clutch their heads in pain because Raynare had said his name again twice more coming upstairs. That led to the rule number one. No sneaking and saying his name. Raynare however was so much like Issari it's like they are twins. Raynare had also declared loudly and proudly to them she was mine alone.

I want to die. I have two of them now in Rias and Raynare. Mittelt feeds off my despair being my mood kindred. Kuroka finally takes pity on me. Coming over and getting Raynare off me. Mittelt apologized.

"I'm sorry mood kindred! I just had a heart! Please don't hate me!"

I can't hate her. I have one too. I sighed and replied with a small voice of depresso espresso.

"I forgive you. Just please be there for ultra comfort and support sessions."

Mittelt understands immediately what I mean. She nodded her head in acceptance of my request. Jeanne, however, smiled at my hurting self.

"I like this better than Grigori already. Your cool boss but mechs dude! I want one! Then I can be better than my ancestor! She rode a regular ass horse I get a mech! How far were they for those in Grigori?"

Mittelt answered glumly.

"Three decades. Devils were thanks to one of their nobles starting work on a very basic prototype. It won't go far. The Agares are not scientifically strong. The heiress is trying to change that. It will be four decades there."

Poor Seekvaria. Jeanne beams and Conner grunted out in amusement.

"What else can you make?"

I answered in depression.

"Guns, armor, power generation equipment, melee weapons, medical equipment, terraforming equipment, eventually starships…."

I had been rambling at the end and that slipped out. The new people dropped their mouths to the floor except for Raynare who just squealed in delight while Kuroka shot at me.

"The first one is named after my Shirone! Cats will finally outshine that Russian dog nya!"

Im too depressed to fight that right now. Raynare, however, barks out at Kuroka in anger.

"No! The first ship is named after me! The Raynare will be the sneakiest ship! Like me the sneakiest pawn!"

I glumly ask Conner who had picked his mouth up off the floor while Kuroka and Raynare fight over a ship name.

"How did she get away from you three up here?"

Conner thought before he frowned. As did Jeanne.

"I…. I actually don't know. Was talking to kitty about stuff we'd be expected to do. I had my eye on her the whole time. I never took it off her because she scared me earlier today by jumping me near the toilet. What would you want us to do anyway?"

Damn anime logic. I actually get an answer from Raynare that's horrific.

"I served under Metatron! Learning the ways of the sneak! My great hero will have the best angel sneaker!"

Oh, Machine God she's a devil angel ninja. That's one of the scariest things I have encountered yet. Mittelt is just sad with me and horrified because of our connection. I answered Conner while Kalawarna is laughing.

"Keep spying on Kokabiel for as long as possible. Groundwork will be done by me and the members of the peerage who volunteer for it. Once you're kicked out of the system then perhaps you can do recruiting?"

Conner seems a bit relieved there.

"I can run the spying for you. Appreciate that you're doing the groundwork. I told Azazel I wanted off the frontline. Why I was slowly being moved that way. We will gather more data on him. As for after and recruiting I think Kala would be better at that. She is after all the more extroverted of the two of us."

Jeanne immediately offered.

"I can do groundwork. I am eager to help out. You really think you can make spaceships?"

That was said with pure hope. Kalawarna looked eager there too. As did Mittelt and Conner.

"I believe so. I have not found a limit yet for my gear and I have no idea what my balance break will be. I believe it's based off imagination. But it will take a while for ships like mechs. However, I will have Raynare deliver things to you soon. To increase efficiency and eventually we can begin forming a computer network that's unhackable."

The new members looked like Christmas had come earlier than ever. Raynare immediately stopped her fighting with Kuroka and bounced to me saying with eagerness.

"I will do as my king asks! Oh, thank you Big G! I now know why I fell! To meet the best hero ever!"

I acknowledged the support.

"I will take the help Raynare. If I give you an order that you feel violates your dignity you're allowed to disobey. Same with you Mittelt. Explain to me why and we can find something else that accomplishes the goal. Let's go home."

Raynare proudly proclaimed again as we are leaving the building.

"I am winning! I have the best hero ever! Thank you God!"

The action makes Mittelt, Kuroka along with Raynare hold their heads in pain. I get a look now realizing why I'm suffering from Kuroka, and I don't gloat. Mittelt makes a very keen suggestion.

"Shock collar. That's how we fix this."

I snicker because I have one already in Akeno.

Mittelt looks at the power armor at the station in amazement. Touching the wings with a very small hand. Raynare just bounced seeing the suit. Babbling about the sisters of battle she saw from me. Kuroka now is suffering along with me.

"How did she become your pawn nya?"

I answered with a bland tone.

"Sneaking. She's a female Corvus Corax. What will be our story for them?"

Kuroka shrugged.

"Truth to the redhead and her peerage and a lie for the others. You can say you seduced the sneaker, and she brought her friend nya. More prestige there because of the fallen status. That plan sound good to you shorty nya?"

Mittelt got a tic mark for the name. Raynare, however, immediately bounced saying without hesitation.

"Yes! My great king seduced me! What's seduced?"

She really is innocent. Mittelt sighed. Kuroka is torn between laughter and being in shock. I entered the depression again. I glumly moved towards the teleportation pad. Kuroka follows with a happy but still ignorant Raynare. Mittelt brings up the rear and she looks at the pad suspiciously.

On the other side of the teleportation pad Raynare bounced towards the door while Mittelt looks at the pad in pure curiosity. She asked with a very interested look.

"Instant teleportation through technology? We were beginning to test to see if that was possible. Portals are still more efficient at mobility, but this can help decrease traffic there. That's still revolutionary. I'm eager to begin work!"

That was pure enjoyment and greed for knowledge. I like her so much as i beam. Before picking her up by surprise.

"Mood Kindred! Oh, how I have needed you!"

I cry in ultra comfort and support. Mittelt understands immediately and weeps in happiness too.

"Finally, someone who isn't researching and prioritizing pervert science! I had two attempt to make me do that! Mood Kindred!"

The two scientists we are hugging each other in this moment that defined our relationship despite being strangers less than two hours ago. Raynare looks jealous. Kuroka pouts. Saying with a teasing smile.

"I'm mood kindred too nya! I like computers!"

Raynare not to be outdone by Kuroka barks out.

"I shall be greatest mood kindred! My king seduced me!"

That doesn't break the moment. I set my mood kindred down and enthusiastically began showing her spare rooms here in the basement. None seemed to be what Mittelt was looking for. Raynare when we passed the medical ward saw something again because she hugged me deeply. Mittelt frowned there and I answered.

"I upgraded my body. I have significantly faster reaction times. Eventually I will be enhancing my muscles and bones. Raynare probably saw how painful the process was."

Kuroka wrapped her tails around my waist while Raynare shook her head. Mittelt was about to ask what it was, but Raynare said sadly.

"Nerves on fire times a million. Begging for it to end. Invoking names of family and friends. Never getting up regardless by force and choice. Thinking of the world."

That's all very specific. Mittelt winced.

"You went through that willingly? Jeeez. I wouldn't do that. Why do that? You're a high class half devil with a Longinus. Most would stop there. Yet you plan to do more."

Raynare shivered and that implies something she knows now. I however answered.

"The human in me says there is always something stronger than you. Better safe than sorry. Considering everything."

Mittelt takes that answer.

"That's fair. Just is extreme. I'd be interested in testing things there too. I managed to grab a few things from my old lab and if you can build me more stuff I might be able to tinker with that."

Oh, I love my mood kindred. Less pain is good. I smiled and then led the two upstairs. As we entered the first floor I ran into Kiryuu. My bishop dressed in a short sleeve shirt and shorts. She was reading a book on the island, and she heard us coming up the stairs. She turned around and blinked twice. Before she could ask Raynare opening her mouth.

"Hello four eyes! I'm Raynare, the sneakiest pawn ever! My king seduced me!"

Kiryuu looked at Raynare then me. Before a wide smile crossed her face. It promised corruption. I immediately put myself in front of Raynare. Before saying to my bishop.

"No. Like the nun."

That immediately made Kiryuu stop the corruption idea. Her face instead took on a smile of kindness. She did eye Mittelt but shrugged.

"Hi Raynare. Hello new person, I'm Kiryuu. Gregor Astaroth's bishop. Welcome to the club. I hope we can be friends."

Raynare beams while Mittelt immediately knew what Kiryuu was. A pervert scientist/magician. I ask Kiryuu.

"Where is everyone else? The new person is my mutation pawn Mittelt."

Kiryuu got up off the chair she was on making her way to us. Raynare poked her head out from behind me and looked at Kiryuu who replied.

"They are upstairs getting ready for the party. Katase-chan is here. Your cousin and Red are on their side of the house. I was just reading a quick book on ice magic. I already have mine on underneath."

Ah. I did ask Kiryuu.

"The guest houses are close to the pool yes and minimal sunlight? Mittelt is our new tinkering person. She needs an expansive workplace."

Kiryuu immediately nodded and gestures to Mittelt to follow her. Mittelt does while Raynare looked lost. Kuroka takes pity on the new member.

"Come on Ray. I'll show you to my old room nya. It's close to your king's room and you can decorate it however you want. I moved my stuff out and you can do anything you want there nya."

I immediately corrected that.

"Except rule number one. Otherwise yes. No sun for you or you will feel tired. You're always welcome to bring any problems you have to me, Raynare. Despite how you joined us you are part of the team."

Raynare beams and bounced. Her long black hair flapping about along with her now extended wings. Kuroka despite everything before smiles at the pawn. Before she dragged Raynare upstairs. Given how Kuroka has been sleeping in my room yeah this was bound to happen. I followed them upstairs.

Five minutes later I was in a comfortable black swimming trunks and was heading to the pool. Kuroka had not yet returned, and I slowly made my way downstairs to the kitchen and then through an expensive looking dining room before hitting the back door entrance. I slowly opened the door peeking out. I widened my eyes at how big the pool was along with the back yard. It was damn big. Almost a full pool like at Kuoh Academy.

There were four guest houses surrounding the pool, in even spaces with trees between them giving privacy. Surrounding the pool were multiple pool chairs and tables along with a few pool friendly couches. At the far end of the pools was a barbecue grill and a fire pit. I saw Mittelt and Kiryuu under the porch of the nearest guest discussing something. Kiryuu saw me out of the corner of her eyes, and she didn't say anything yet. I opened the door fully and made my way over to them. Mittelt upon seeing me beams and she said when I was in range.

"This place is perfect for my lab. Plenty of room and a bedroom that is comfy. Can you quickly make me three generators? One for power and two for testing?"

I smile smirk which gets a humph from Mittelt but a giggle from Kiryuu. Summoning the anvil making three generators. Mittelt beams and I instructed her how to link them to an existing power box. Kiryuu helped float the other two generators into the house and I let the anvil disappear. I was about to enter the guest house to discuss more things with Mittelt when I heard the door opening behind me from the main house. I turned and looked before I froze.

It was Rias. In a beautiful red checkered bikini. She was also clearly very nervous about her appearance by hiding behind the door slightly. Akeno shoved her king out of the door towards me. Getting an eep. I still can't believe that Rias doesn't think she's beautiful. Akeno followed behind Rias in a purple bikini. Then Shirone in a white yellow one. Finally, Kiba brought up the rear in a regular pair of black swim pants. Shirone immediately got hearts in her eyes as did Rias. Akeno shrugged before moving to one of the chairs and summoned sunscreen out of a pocket spell. I stood frozen with my eyes on Rias. She seems to take extreme courage from whatever my face is showing because she glides to me and asked in a tiny voice.

"How do I look?"

I am still in shock and replied unconsciously.

"Beautiful beyond measure."

That makes Rias smile her supernova smile before she takes my hand and leads me to a pool chair. I didn't take my eyes off Rias. The entire time. I heard a small hiss from Shirone before she swore to win her prince. Akeno laughed at me so speechless from her chair. Kiba jumped into the pool with a very audible splash. Rias finally chooses a seat before sitting and she smiles at me. I can really love this beautiful woman. Rias said with our smile.

"You look extremely handsome Gregor-kun. I'd ask you to put sunscreen on me but with how that could be breaking the contract."

I want to say fuck it.

"I wish I could. Your beautiful Rias. I want the day when I break it. Because you are worth everything I have done and will do. My Crimson Princess of Ruin."

No one but me is allowed to call her that. Rias knows that by the way my voice sounds for her. She blushed a beautiful red. Before she began to put sunscreen on herself. I turn my eyes away for her to do that. Upon turning away I am confronted by an angry Shirone. She brightened seeing my eyes on her and her smile was trying to be seductive.

"I picked this out especially for you nya. Don't I look good too nya?"

Damn cat. I answer with a smile smirk.

"You look beautiful Koneko-san."

Shirone beams.

"Please call me Shirone-chan nya! Koneko-chan publicly nya. Can you teach me to swim Gregor-sama nya?"

Before I can say something to that Rias throws me under the bus.

"It will be a bit before I can join you Gregor-kun. Koneko has never been a fan of water. You're making her be brave."

I internally sighed before moving with an extreme star struck Shirone to the pool. That's when Issari, Murayama and Katase showed up. In a white, black and pink bikinis. Issari immediately went horn dog seeing Akeno and Kiba. She seems to float the way towards Akeno. Murayama and Katase smiled at me and moved towards the pool. No hint of the supernatural was here. Katase focused on Kiba for a minute. Then back on me. Shirone pulled my arm and I sighed again. Before entering the water. It was decently warm. I take a few steps in and then turned to Shirone. I extended my hand to her, and she slowly entered the pool.

While that happens, I catch a glimpse of Maéva bringing out food on a tolly while dressed in a white one piece. She was humming something cheerful. Shirone immediately began to have trouble with the water by her head going under almost instantly and I immediately help steady her. Shirone blushed. I began instructions on swimming. Shirone was a fast learner and was starting to kitty paddle ten minutes later. By that time the party was in full swing. With a radio playing on a nearby table a nice Caribbean song.

It was relaxing. Very relaxing despite the trinity of Rias, Shirone and the pair of Katase and Murayama all competing for my attention. I don't try to fan this scene. Equally engaging them all like a good host should. Kuroka joined us a bit later in a black, red bikini that was very conservative for her. When she entered the pool she sighed in relief at the warmth. Shirone immediately swam fast that way incredibly well, before she began to talk excitedly to her sister about how she learned to swim. Kuroka gave me that look of promising a good time for me. Rias was not as jealous there. That's progress. The swimming was good as was Issari.

She was completely with Akeno. Both talking to each other in hushed tones. There were apparently good things being discussed because Issari has a slight nosebleed. Akeno continued having a real smile the whole time. The two were in a private part of the pool floating lazily. Kiba was enjoying his time here by doing laps. Getting the attention of Kiryuu when she came back out of the guesthouse with her book in a blue bikini. She nosebleeds seeing Kiba. Maéva relaxing under the sun before she fell asleep.

Rias asked me in a soft voice.

"How far are you on the money?"

We had floated a bit down the pool. I answered with an equally soft voice.

"Almost half. Today and tomorrow should put me over half. If I can get that far then I will consider asking my grandfather for the rest. I also have some money coming in from my old place. Along with my stipend this week. How likely is Riser to attempt anything this week?"

Rias looked extremely happy that I was halfway. She answered while floating near me.

"He usually tries to send a scroll that is flowery threats. Then show up. He hasn't done that yet. You really think your grandfather will give you the rest?"

She is pure hope there. I answered.

"According to Geros yes he will eagerly. I am meeting him tomorrow. I hope that I will be close enough that I will be comfortable to ask. Read any good books yet?"

That sent Rias off talking about her newest book. It wasn't manga. It was Dune. She was enjoying it. The idea of other planets and places had captured Rias's imagination in a way that she was enthusiastic to share. I smile there and asked her to share her favorite book tomorrow with me so I could keep up with our bet. She nodded immediately and promised that. The party continued with a great atmosphere for everyone. I saw Murayama relaxing halfway through it with Katase in the sun on inflatable rafts. A glance at Issari showed that she continued to spend time with Akeno while gazing at Kiba. That action started a glare off between the perverts. Issari got ready to growl at Kiryuu but Akeno just head pats her pervert. No purrs but a goofy grin.

I spent longer on the party than I wanted too. The atmosphere was something I enjoyed the entire time with everyone. When I did get out of the water to go do hunts Rias understood and let's go of my arm that she had been holding onto. Kuroka disengages herself from her conversation with Shirone and moved to join me. Shirone looked ready to follow us. As did Issari but a whisper in her ear from a smirking Akeno makes the nosebleed increase in volume. Kuroka stopped her sister with a look and that makes the white cat glum. Before Kiryuu moved there and engaged her in a discussion about myths allowing Kiryuu to probe for information on Youkai magic.

I wave to Murayama and Katase. Katase swam fast to me and called out from the pool.

"Thank you for hosting this Gregor-kun. It's been fun. Maybe we can host more parties like this one more this summer."

I smile answering with a real one.

"We can. Hopefully I will be free more. My dad has me slowly learning the business side of our company and that is why I'm dipping. He is in the states where it's based."

Katase just nodded her head understanding. Her eyes had mini yen signs in them. She was about to say something when Murayama called her friend back over with a big smile. That sends Katase swimming back and I say goodbye to everyone. Before I entered the house with Kuroka following me.

I find a surprise inside. Raynare was watching the party out of the window in the dining room. While looking a bit sad she couldn't join. She brightened seeing me and she bounced over to me. I looked at her in question, but she said falling into step with us.

"I am coming to help! Kitty said I could!"

I just raised my eyebrow at Kuroka. She shrugged.

"It was that or Ray would come barreling out with wings spread nya. She could be really good to have as a pawn and with the war mask she will be fine nya."

That's a good reason. Raynare followed us down the stairs, and I get an idea. A funny idea. That gets a snort of amusement out of me. Kuroka raised her eyebrows. Raynare was just happy to be coming along. I explained to Kuroka.

"She will be even more sneaky with something I'll make her. I'll tell you of a place called Tanith. They were kinda like future Scotland. They were sneaky thanks to something I'll make."

Raynare got stars in her eyes hearing she will be even more sneaky. Kuroka eyes me in question while I make a new rule.

"Rule two. The items I make you are only for missions or ratings games. Understand."

Raynare nodded her head furiously.

"Yes! I will show my king the sneak!"

I snicker at the next thing I'll make for her. Lightning claws.

That idea and the camo cloak immediately proved itself as a very scared group of pawns ran from Raynare at our first engagement. She was having the time of her life with the cloak. Popping in and out of stealth quickly making the pawns freak more. She had been told this was enemy territory. Promoting to a knight to continue the chase through this old casino. The rook and knight would have helped their comrades, but they were busy with Kuroka and I. Kuroka the knight and she was using a powersword on his claymore. I was fighting the rook who was a very angry dog youkai who punched me over and over.

I took the blows easily because I was in power armor I made before we started. I punched back at the rook and despite him powering up I broke his arm. Punching it clean off making him howl in agony. I then chopped with my axe and claimed his head. The body dropped to the floor. I picked up the head throwing it in the pocket. Before moving to help Raynare with the pawns. My footsteps towards them loud and my cog of Mars makes a pawn shit herself. She backed away from me to try and get distance. She threw a chair at me while screaming.

"They are unstoppable! Run for your lives!"

She ran faster as did her comrades. Raynare was not killing them. Just chasing them while enjoying the sneaking. She does help me corner two then I claim them with my plasma gun. I blast off legs and then make my mechadendrites extend. Along with a new addition. A servo-skull. It rushed off and made a chant in binary that was a prayer. That stunned the next two pawns who clutched their heads in pain. Before they die to me. The last two pawns shiver in a corner as they saw me approach them. They were extremely lucky. Being two good strays. I let my servo skull move towards them and I let it float near them. It spoke for me.

"You're both free to leave. The Gorgan knows you are innocent. Run."

They did. Fast and harder than either had ever run before. Raynare was about to chase them again. But she was stopped by me with a command over the vox.

"They are good strays Ray. Just stuck here because of circumstances."

Raynare stopped. But obeyed. She, however, asked me curiously.

"There are good strays? But don't they all run to hurt humans?"

I answered her while Kuroka approached us with her head.

"There are. It's fifty fifty on why they run Raynare. We go after the bad ones. The good ones are allowed to go free."

Kuroka throws her head into my pocket and then she put her chainsword on her hip. Raynare let's her claws lightning dance more before she turns them off. She seems like she didn't want to kill. Which is good and bad. I tell her while getting the next portal prepared.

"You don't have to worry about killing Raynare. Just show them your sneak talents."

My pawn perks up and bounces towards me. She probably didn't do much groundwork for heaven considering how innocent she is. We just moved towards our next fight.

The next strays were a group of twelve. Raynare learned for us thanks to her sneaking that two groups of strays had merged for safety. The tales of me had freaked out the leaders of both groups so much that they had willingly put aside their small feud to have the safety. They just made me laugh because they made this day a bit better.

Two bishops and a knight were fighting me throwing magic and or javelins at my slowly advancing form coming down the apartment hallway to them. I fired my boltgun and the round slammed into a bishop who was a nymph. She exploded. Her comrades were not as shocked but backed up for more cover. Three pawns charged towards me with two having blade blacksmith. They throw blades down the hall at me, and I take each blade thrown. The final pawn a very mad human swung a spiked mace at my chest. The mace smashed into my chest and dented the armor slightly. But one of my mechadendrites extended and the chainsword on it roars on full power.

It swiped towards the pawn. It got a hunk of meat on his right arm. Making the pawn shriek. I fired my bolt gun at one of the blade blacksmiths and claimed him. His body slumped to the floor. The bishop immediately threw more magic and conjures barriers for his comrades. The knight brought out a whaling harpoon and then threw it as hard as she could. The harpoon slammed into my left shoulder and the end poke through the armor. Barely. The fact I didn't slow down made the knight gulp. Kuroka finally arrived from her fight on the last floor, and she gathered up a poison ball before throwing it at the knight. The knight dodged but a newly arrived rook took the ball head on. He choked and died on his own blood.

The other two newcomers were now more intimidated as we moved forward. They as a group lasted ten more minutes.

Raynare was not just sneaky it turned out. She was a good treasure finder too. The strays had amassed a huge chunk of money. I tell Raynare that she gets a big chunk of it because she found it. Getting a big smile there. The black haired woman says that she will buy many stuffed animals with her share. Getting an amused look from Kuroka. I take my share as does Kuroka with the whole operation being extremely successful. That brightened up our day.

When we hit the third nest it was actually pretty easy. My servo skull intimidated the strays. Because I had made it a new weapon. A small plasma gun that left horrible burns on said strays. It was quickly cleaned up making the hunt fast. Raynare again found loot. This time in a very rough set of books. They were magic books and I got those for Kiryuu.

The next three nests were each cleaned up fast. The strays were now openly running upon seeing me. Raynare herded them towards me and Kuroka. Where we ended the fight fast. The payout will be good tonight and with the extra money I believe I'm over my hoped target. When we arrived at the station it was near eleven. Kuroka yawned wide and she placed her armor and weapon on the armory wall. Raynare once out of the helm shakes her head violently. Her hair was somehow still incredibly well done. She then yawned cutely. Kuroka smiled at our pawn and takes Raynare's hand. My queen waved at me as she and Raynare walked towards the teleportation pad.

I waved back and then quickly went to the Sinful via portal to cash in. The person in charge was an unknown African woman in a hostess uniform. She was intimidated and interested by the power armor. The heads moved and the Lilith and yen was paid out. The woman looked more and more impressed with each head. It revealed her sin. Lust. She eyes me each time a head is shown. It promises a good time for a to her strong unknown hunter. When the last is paid out the woman who was a rook smiles wide and offered something.

"I'm free in a half hour Gorgan. You seem like you're tired. I can make your night one you won't forget easily."

She was very pretty, and her voice was enchanting to listen to. I feel weird there before I think of Rias and her smile. I don't encourage that with a simple reply.

"The one this money is for has me totally. I appreciate the offer. But no."

That didn't dishearten the woman. She smiled more and leaned forward to show her chest and her long black hair fell over her right eye. She smiles seductively and replied with the weird feeling returning at a higher frequency and strength.

"One night won't hurt her. I'm extremely open minded and I promise you a very good night.

I ignored the feeling by taking the money from the bar and stuffing it in my pocket spell. When the feeling increases yet again I extended a mechadendrite with a chainsword. It growls coming on. That doesn't intimidate the woman. Instead, she grew more hot and bothered by that. She panted openly. She was stopped from pushing this further by a voice.

"He's not interested Gina. Don't push it."

That was said with authority and grace. Gina stopped panting and she instead looked to her right. Replying with a sigh.

"You have to ruin my fun. But considering everything you're the best at that. Apologies good sir. Am I released for the night Heniya?"

I heard the name and turned my helm that way. Standing before me is a much older Rias. Oh, fuck I get why Rias is insecure. Her sister is damn hot. But I rather have my Rias than this.

Heniya has long red hair done up in a wave like Kalawarna. She was wearing a long red dress that helps show off her emerald, green eyes, and her face was smooth with no blemishes. Heniya looked at me up and down. Before she gestured to me to follow her. She told her rook.

"You are free to go. Just let the next person know they are not to bother us. Gorgan. I am finally happy to have gotten to meet you. Your shaking up my city."

Heniya had her full presence out and it's not the greatest feeling. I reluctantly followed her while Gina left her station behind the bar. Heniya took me towards a booth, and she leaned against the table. She studied me for five minutes. I studied her.

Finally, Heniya said with a very keen voice while her green eyes focused on my red helm eyes.

"I understand you deny my offers of reincarnation."

I don't back down to her despite the pressure of hers increasing.

"It doesn't work on me. I don't want that."

Heniya smiled slightly.

"It works on everyone but gods. But considering everything and how you dropped the number of problems I have; I am keen on you in my peerage. You should accept my offer. You say you're trying to get money for people close to you. Join me and I'll give you the money needed. I promise you that you will have a good king."

I felt the pressure increase. However, this isn't Sirzches. I stay steady and said to my future sister in law.

"I respectfully decline. I can't reincarnate. I believe that you're a good king. Your people say your name in respect rather than fear or hate like the strays I hunt. The money I need for them is earned not given."

Instead of being angry as I thought she would be Heniya instead smiled bigger than ever before. She replied with that smile.

"A man of willpower and integrity. Gina usually gets hunters she has an interest in with a single interaction. She has gear that helps with that. You refused her. I'm now very interested in you Gorgan. This person you are helping must be something for you to resist that."

The third in the ratings games looked me up and down again before she shrugged. Saying with pure certainty.

"I will convince you to join. Your my ticket to getting to the next rank. But your dedication to your goal is commendable. I have a special job for you if you wish Gorgan. It pays extremely well if you're interested."

I'm curious about that. I ask.

"Depends on what it is and what the price will be."

Heniya gets the unspoken question from me.

"A large group of strays has formed in my city. I want them gone. Get rid of them and I will pay you for it generously."

I am suspicious.

"What have they done to piss off the Crimson Lady of Ruin?"

Heniya grew worried now.

"I don't know what they are planning. But it's not good. My street watcher has only learned about them recently. I would do it myself, but we will be extremely busy with something in the underworld soon and I don't trust the hunter's guild because last time I got a group of them to do a job they fumbled the job so badly we had to spend five hours rewriting memories of the mundanes. Clean them up and I promise a huge payout."

This could be it. The end. I immediately said.

"I will take the job. Is there a timetable and where are they located?"

Heniya looked a bit relieved. This must have been somewhat stress inducing.

"They supposedly are in an old industrial district on the east of the city near the city center. As for time, I want it done as soon as possible. I rather not have the veil break down because of them. Do this and you will be good with me. I will also hand more jobs your way if they come up and this is taken care of well. Don't disappoint me, Gorgan."

I replied back to her.

"I will keep it silent and get to it tomorrow."

That was the end of the conversation because Heniya got up and walked towards the back rooms. She stopped at the door to them. Looking at me again. Before disappearing.

At home I went up the stairs towards the first floor with giddy hope. This might be what ends this. I can hold off asking for as much money from my grandfather if this payout was good. I could finally operate more openly. This could be the best thing that happened to me. But knowing this universe is grim dark tempered that hope slightly. Because Riser is still out there.

I expect him to try something this week. I really do. I will prepare for that and see if I can do my plan. I was moving towards my room when I found a message pinned to my door. It was from Maéva telling me that my grandfather was due here at five pm tomorrow for dinner.

I take the note and I am convinced that something bad will happen. That's plenty of time. I hope that I can do this fast enough.

Kuroka was snoring when I got in the room, and I slowly got into bed with her. I was not surprised when she cuddled into me with her tails wrapping around my waist. She mumbled out in her dream that our kittens would be strong. I lay my head down and try to sleep for the night.

Again, the eye returned to my dream. It continues its quest to find whatever it was searching for here. I am creeped out by this because it is extremely persistent. I feel my patron watching too. He doesn't do anything which I don't get. The eye was about to focus on me when I woke to a loud scream.

That scream was extremely loud. I jumped awake as did Kuroka who had all her hair standing up. We moved towards the source of the noise and in the hallway was Maéva. Hiding behind her maid truck of sheets. Standing in front of the truck there with a bashful smile was Raynare. Kiryuu was out here in the hallway too and she was snickering. I turned my eyes on Raynare. Asking with a small smile.

"What is rule number one Ray?"

That got finger poking together from her. She looked more bashful than ever now.

"No sneaking and no saying the Big G."

I raised my eyebrows there and Raynare blushed. Maéva finally stopped shaking from the scare. She looked at Raynare more closely and she frowned. Then widened her eyes.

"Young master she is a fallen! I will protect us all!"

Maéva extended her mechadendrites and two hands have frying pans. Raynare is not paying attention there and I stop Maéva before she clubbed an innocent devil angel pawn.

"She's my pawn. Raynare what do you say."

My word's stopped Maéva. Raynare poked her fingers together rapidly and said with a red face.

"I'm sorry for scaring you pretty maid. You seemed very nice, and I wanted to meet you."

Maéva looked at Raynare. She saw the apology was real. Then she looked at me asking.

"How did you get a fallen angel in your peerage young master? They are extremely dangerous creatures."

Before Raynare could say anything Kiryuu threw me under the bus with a smile.

"He seduced her. Isn't that right Raynare."

Raynare played right into Kiryuu's hands. Before I could stop her. Raynare announced.

"My great kind king seduced me with his heart of silver! He is the greatest hero ever!"

Maéva was taken aback by that enthusiastic response. Kiryuu smiled wider Kuroka was torn between helping me and laughing. I tell the real reason.

"It's because she and my other new pawn were seeking asylum. They had a bad cadre head. I'm sure you know of Kokabiel."

Maéva shivered at the name.

"I see. You are forgiven this time young lady. However, should you scare me again the pans are not stopping."

That got vigorous nodding from Raynare, and I tell Maéva.

"We will make a plaque with all the rules we make. Kiryuu we have a big hunt today. You are coming along. Raynare is a very new fallen."

Kiryuu grew extremely excited. As did Raynare. Maéva took a kinder face learning from me that Raynare was a new fallen. She said to the fallen devil.

"I see. I will make a plaque for her. Hopefully this hunt will be fast young master. Now if you will excuse me I need to finish cleaning sheets."

I let Maéva do her work and inform Maéva before she's out of range that we have someone living in the first guest house on the left. As I entered my bedroom again Kuroka asked me.

"What is this big hunt nya?"

I answered with a big smile.

"A big job that was given to me by Heniya Gremory. It could pay for the majority of the remaining money I need. We need this done fast."

Kuroka nodded immediately getting my eagerness. She zoomed out of the room to get ready for this. I take a quick look at the clock and see it's 10. We have a lot of work to do.

By the time I was in the basement ten minutes later Raynare was with Kuroka and Kiryuu. I ask Kiryuu something fast as we four prepared to leave.

"Where's Murayama-chan?"

Kiryuu smiled before replying to me.

"She's currently out with Katase-chan. The pinky begged her after you left yesterday to go shopping with her today early."

Ok then. We can hopefully get this done before they and my grandfather with Geros arrive.

After we all had our armor and weapons I quickly made Raynare three servo skulls. Telling her to use them to find the stray nest. Kuroka put illusions on them to look like birds. Making me claim that birds aren't real. They are just drones made by the government! That got a snort from Kiryuu while Kuroka slapped me upside the head. Raynare, however, immediately believed.

"I will hunt all the drones! What are drones?"

Kiryuu snorted again and I smiled but don't tease our naïve pawn. Kuroka slapped me again for the confusion on Raynare's face. She gently explained to Raynare that I was being a sarcastic ass. Birds are real and not drones. I don't push my luck there by continuing the bit.

We deployed at an old, abandoned car making plant near the center of the city at around 12 pm. Raynare was shown by me how to use the servo skulls. The three little ones flew off and their sensors were calibrated to sense magic usage. We waited for them to find something, and I showed Kiryuu the books from yesterday. Crediting Raynare for the find. Kiryuu feeds her sin and thanks Raynare for her discovery. Raynare beams and she immediately begins bonding with our team more. I did ask Kiryuu for her helm.

I got the helm, and the war mask is applied. I give it back to Kiryuu. She takes the helm, and we chat about her gear progress and her magic. Kuroka jumps in with very interesting thoughts on some of the magic theories Kiryuu has made. Debunking most of them.

Raynare finally called out to me fifteen minutes later when she got a beeb. I disengaged from the conversation and asked her.

"What did you find?"

Raynare showed me the tablet used to control the skulls. I looked and frowned upon seeing the sight the skull was showing me. It's an old canning plant. I called Kuroka over and she too frowned seeing the readings. Kiryuu asked.

"Why the frowns?"

Kuroka answered.

"Wards nya. Decent ones too. It might be a bit nya."

I don't like that. I looked at the skull again and read the scans.

"How long and how quietly can you break them? I want more jobs after this from her."

Kuroka studies the readings before she says.

"Won't know till I get close nya."

I opened the portal to the building next door. It was an equally abandoned television making plant. We were in the lobby of it thanks to skull being in here giving me a visual picture. I ask Kiryuu why this district is so abandoned.

"The financial crisis hit Kuoh extremely hard. This area was where a vast majority of the businesses failed in the first half of it. The city council could never get people interested in buying these properties."

Kuroka had poked the wards and she said in a better tone.

"They are decent wards nya. But the maker is a newbie. I'm a rare maker/breaker and can make a hole large enough for us nya."

I was curious at that and will ask her or Rias later. Mission first.

"Make it large enough for the skulls first then us. That way we have more intel. I'll call the others back."

Kuroka immediately nodded her head sending the red fringe over her eyes. She immediately began the work. Kiryuu watched in fascination as did Raynare. The process took ten minutes as I saw a new side of my queen. She was incredible at her magic. Making runes that I can't even get a hint of. Damn is this hot. Raynare saw my admiration there and she pouted. That got Kiryuu's attention and she teased the other.

"He likes smart women Ray. You're the smartest sneaker so you will get there."

That brightened up Raynare. I rolled my eyes and I complimented my pawn.

"You are incredibly sneaky. You could train all of us in stealth. You have a lot of people to get past though."

Raynare frowned but grew determined. I sighed but continued watching Kuroka work. Finally, a minute later Kuroka stopped her rune drawing. She looked a bit winded, but she said with a pleased look.

"The hole is made nya. For us and the skulls. Those are creepy nya."

I shrugged. Moving it in to where Kuroka pointed to with her armored tails.

"Would you believe me if I said it was often considered a reward for the people made into them."

Kiryuu frowned at that. Raynare was just thinking how to show me she is smart too. Kuroka snorted. Before she paled.

"Those would be people!"

I shrugged again moving the skull into the range needed.

"Yes, they were. The far future had trillions of people. Technology followed down paths where we shunned advanced AI programs. For extremely good reasons."

Kuroka looked sick. While Kiryuu asked.

"What was the reason. For avoiding that path?"

I explained while Kuroka looked on curiously.

"Because of this thing called the cybernetic revolt. It was one of multiple reasons why our golden age fell. There was AI called the Men of Iron who slaughtered whole planets during the revolt. Unleashing weapons that make everything we have now look like sticks. The strongest titan ever made by us, and their progenitor was called the Castigator. It was a fully sentient Ai in a God Machine. Kuroka. AI was extremely bad. So, they got around that by using the human brain in most advanced things that needed advanced cognitive functions. My skulls are not true ones. More like the drones we have now."

Kiryuu frowned As did Kuroka. Before their faces went pale thinking of a hostile titan. That was fully self-aware. The two magicians shivered together. I frowned seeing the amount of life signs in the cannery. Around fifty of them. Forty-five of them were strays. Five were something else. I don't get that. Because the five unknowns were not bound. They were moving around and two were even next to several strays. So, no prisoners. I asked Kuroka if she knew what the five unknowns were. She studied it and frowns too.

"I think they might be magicians nya? Or something else."

Magicians? Why would there be magicians here and working with strays? That's not a good sign. I made the call.

"Form up behind me in a pincer. Ray stay in the back. I don't want you hurt."

Raynare frowned but she did as asked. Kuroka took the right. Kiryuu the left. Both prepared magi as we put our helmets on. Before we four approached the doors.

I entered first. I only took two steps into the lobby carefully putting my most heavily armored part forward. That proved good because almost at once I was attacked. By three strays with swords. They had come from a different room next to the entrance. Having heard my armor. They didn't get to see me fully at first. The two men and woman slashed and hacked at me. The blades clang off the armor. I extended mechadendrites and my prayer skull. The little guy barked out a battle prayer that sent the three strays back clutching their heads. I shot the first stray making him explode. That makes the other two sweat and back up because they know who I was now. The woman was close enough to an alarm and she prepared to pull it. Before an ice bolt flew over my shoulder and impaled the woman through the stomach. She gurgled then died. The last stray sweats from that but ran deeper into the plant shouting out.

"The Gorgan is here! With friends!"

That call rang down the hallway. I aimed my bolter and fired. The shot flew down the hall and made the man explode. Right in front of ten more strays running toward us. They all froze seeing their comrade die horribly. They lost their fear and began throwing magic at me down the hall. This started the fire fight that broke out. Kiryuu moved quickly with a good pace to a wall on the left and began to power up her gear and magic. Kuroka moved to the right doing the same. I take the middle while Raynare covers the door we entered in.

Kiryuu began a spell that made the room and the hallway begin to form icicles. And freeze the floor. The strays begin to slip and slide a bit slowing their fire and making it worse. Kuroka summoned three clones who all began to make more magic balls. Her being a queen now rather than a bishop showed when a fire ball of immense heat was thrown taking a woman out with a scream. That foe thrashed and curled up into a ball. That scene gave me an opportunity to fire twice as I tank shots from the strays. The rounds slammed into two more strays making them explode. The others fought harder and were reinforced. By five more people. Four were regular bishops. One, however, was not demonic. They were instead something that shocked us.

A fallen angel. The woman was wearing a blue sinful dress that left little to the imagination and her wings were out. All four of them. She shot dozens of black feathers at me, and the feathers were razor sharp. Hitting my armor with many sticking across my body. When that didn't kill me, she grew pissed.

"Kill him and his comrades! Or I'll throw a light spear through you!"

That made the strays gulp badly. Why they are this scared of her and working with fallen is beyond strange. I asked Raynare this while six strays began a push with swords towards us.

"Ray do you know who that fallen is?"

Raynare looked over my shoulder. We were firing magic and shells at the slowly advancing strays. Raynare said with a frown audible.

"No. But she is from his cadre. You can tell by the patch."

I shot a round and that blew a hole in a female stray. She collapsed to the ground. The others were zigzagging their way towards us. I focused on the fallen and saw the patch in question. It was over her heart, and it was a sword with a star above it. I clicked a pic of that patch for future use for the Legio. Kiryuu powered up fully and threw her now ready spell. A blizzard flew down the hallway and froze three strays solid in the push. I and Kuroka popped the frozen strays. Before I made a shot at the fallen with a bolt pistol from one of my mechadendrites. The bark didn't kill her. She was a heartless bitch and pushed a stray into the path of the bolt. The human exploding into pieces. The woman just threw a light spear in retaliation for my shot. The spear hit my pauldron and bounced off. Hitting the ceiling and sticking there before disappearing.

I take the first step forward. Firing one round every step for cover fire. That decreases the magic sent our way. As the strays are forced into cover. I was about to shoot a man who had popped up from the remaining three sword strays when he froze. Claws extended from his stomach and the lightning makes him scream as he is electrocuted to death. The attacker was Raynare. Kiryuu, Kuroka and stopped in shock too. The strays were the same as was the fallen. How did Raynare get there so fast? Raynare answered that question I didn't ask. To the foes.

"I serve the greatest hero of our planet. The defender of the second children in ignorance. Promotion knight!"

Raynare went berserk on the strays. Ripping apart the two remaining horrified sword strays. Even the fallen woman backed up with the rest of the strays. The blue eyes of the fallen were now visibly scared. Raynare once done ripping the last sword stray apart she disappeared from sight. Before she came back into sight, landing on the fallen angel from the ceiling. The lightning claws went through the horrified fallen's wings slicing them off. That sudden loss of limbs made the fallen scream before a claw went through her head. Out the back. The screaming died with the fallen. The strays and us watched that in amazement and or horror. Kiryuu quickly killed two strays on the left side while Kuroka killed the last two. I stare as Raynare pulls the claws out of the dead fallen.

Holy shit. Raynare is scary. She is a female Corvus. Or I correct myself she might be a female Konrad. She was so innocent though. Or was that all an act? I don't know why but I also feel something more there. Kiryuu was silent in shock. Kuroka asked aloud.

"Why?"

Raynare turned back to us. Her helm eyes were fixed on me.

"To be like my great king. He who truly cares for the second children. Even though he sundered himself from them. Many angels have forgotten them. I never did. My greed was for him that would make them remember. My king will be proud of me that follows his example."

I smiled under the helm. Telling Raynare as we moved up after burning bodies.

"I think you will be better than me Ray. I'm sorry for my behavior with you yesterday. I am lucky to have you as my sneakiest pawn."

That made Raynare return to her peppy self. She bounced more despite the fallen body near her. The atmosphere for the four of us got brighter. Before we burned the fallen and moved forward again. I checked my HUD and the skulls around the building reported that the next room had two of the now likely fallen and more strays.

That room was a large open canning floor. The two fallen were up on the walkways with more strays. They upon seeing us egged the strays on the floor forward. Raynare immediately disappeared to do her bloody work. I along with Kiryuu and Kuroka engaged the strays on the ground floor. The first kill was an icicle that formed on the ceiling suddenly slamming straight down onto a stray through the skull. The man toppled to the floor. That pissed off his comrades who charged with swords that seem higher quality than the first group. The floor strays were all pawns. The walkway ones were bishops.

They and the fallen were throwing spells at us and a now reappearing Raynare. Her claws kill the first bishop in a Chinese man. He gurgles out a few words before he is kicked off the claws. Feathers flew towards Raynare from a fallen who also summoned a light pick. He swung it at her and was supremely surprised when she was instantly gone. I fired a shot from a bolt pistol that claimed his wing. One of two he and his partner had. That made the fallen scream as his body lost weight and he toppled to the floor of the walkway. Before claws go through him. That made the other fallen along with the bishops now focusing completely on Raynare.

The ground floor was where the strays were having more success. Three had cornered Kiryuu who was backed up into a corner by them. I made my servo skull say a prayer invoking the machine god and that gave Kiryuu time to impale a stray. The woman went flying and was pinned to a wall still alive. But with bad ice burns and violently shivering. The opening in the stray line was enough to get to new cover. I shot the first one. While Kuroka threw a big poison ball at the last stray who choked on her organs.

Five sword strays had finally got to me despite the cover fire I had put on them. The first swung the sword downwards onto my helm going for a clean kill. The sword clanged but left a scratch mark that was long. My bolt pistol claimed him. He exploded making the remaining four charge all at once bringing swords across my body leaving many scratches and cutting the still sticking out feathers from the first fallen. My swords from my pack all extended before roaring and I immediately started dueling with all four of the strays. Thank the machine god I upgrade my body for the reaction time. Because I would have died from the assault with my normal times.

I get a bit of help when an ice bolt slammed into the arm of a woman that was swinging towards my legs. The bolt turned the arm useless, and it was her sword arm. I slashed her in half with a chainsword and then parried another blow less than two seconds later from her comrades. I hear Kiryuu preparing another spell. She was behind a caning line, and she was ready to fire another ice bolt from her right hand.

That bolt hit a bishop that was powering up to slam a spell into Raynare. The bolt cleaved through the bishop's head and the body tumbles. Helping Raynare who was fighting the other fallen. He was pissed and swung a light claymore at her. He was good too because Raynare was on the defensive. Her claws holding him back. The last two bishops were throwing barriers on the pawns fighting Kuroka. Having been begged by the pawn leader a tall American to help them. The barriers were slowing down Kuroka. But not by much. She was throwing fire like it was going out of style.

The flames had claimed more of the strays who were curled into balls from the intensity of the heat. I finally claimed another kill on the sword pawns when one made a mistake and I cut his head clean off. That made the two others who are remaining go fully berserker with fast swings and hacks and one who is a Vietnamese man snarled out his frustration.

"What the fuck type of armor is this! Our swords should be going through!"

I didn't give a response to the pawn. Just cutting his arm deep with a sword. He whined from the wound and fell back. I killed the pawn near me by thrusting another sword into his chest before I revved it. The sword carved his chest open, and the man died with blood gurgling out of his mouth. Before I swiftly kicked him off and swung decapitating the last sword stray who had watched the scene in horror. I take a few short breaths before I shot another stray with my bolter and that takes a bit of pressure off Kuroka who was starting to be getting pinned down. The clean up continued with the strays. They were attempting to begin a retreat, but Kiryuu showed her potential again with a ice spell that made the strays still alive and the last fallen start shivering badly. And slow down as they fought to not slip on ice. Slowing them down further was a very well fired ice spell that had icicles form and drop from the ceiling onto the strays making them dodge. Why the cleaning up was getting faster. Raynare had I noticed gotten another bishop with her claws. The fallen man was not as big of a threat now because he was slowing down more as his wings began to freeze and the weight is what got him killed. Raynare quickly cut him in half with her claws. The last bishop up there a Middle Eastern man ran as fast as he could.

Raynare went after him, and our fight ended with the last stray on the ground floor dying to Kuroka. The stray was turning to ash from the heat of the fire ball that hit him. I hear a death cough from the bishop above us and that was the end of this all. I looked at the team and we were all mostly good. After burning bodies including a now dead impaled stray on the wall we advanced to the next cluster of foes. I immediately noticed that the two fallen angels left in the building had fled. It was just the strays left. Only ten remaining.

That fight started in a hallway near the management section of the plant with a punch that sent me back three steps. That was done to my head and my helm dented badly. I was concussed by the punch. The attacker who threw the punch was also a surprise. An ogre. Well, a half ogre because they were human sized looking like a very tanned Greek. His face was where you could see the hybrid status. He was ugly with ridges above his black eyes and eyebrows. He was dressed in extremely shabby clothes with lots of holes. But had all that strength showing with massive muscles. The remaining strays charged around the ogre and towards the others. While the ogre spat on the floor next to me. He didn't talk and threw four equally strong punches that made horrible dents on my armor. Breaking an arm and several ribs. I feel two ribs slowly start healing. But that put me on the back foot immediately. The ogre was not as pissed as I thought he'd be. Just a bit disappointed that he hadn't killed me with the five punches. Those punches had muffled the noise of the others fighting behind me.

I fired a shot with my boltgun when my arm healed. The concussion was still here however screwed up the shot and the round hit the wall to the ogre's left rather than his chest where it was aimed. The wall exploded sending shrapnel towards my foe. The ogre just punched again and rebroke my just barely healed arm. I hurt so much, and my eyes are not picking up where the ogre is really. I began to fall back as the ogre advanced. I do see a grin on his face. My servo skull became the best little guy ever because it became controlled by Tsuda. She floated forward and shouted a prayer that made the ogre back up. Clutching his head. Before a shot from the small plasma gun leaves a burn and forced the ogre back further.

That gave me enough to for the concussion to be mostly gone. Allowing my arm to heal again. I fired at the bastard ogre. I'll pop you through your layers you fuck. The shot, however, again didn't hit him. Rather it hit a door and the steel door exploded sending shrapnel into the ogre. A long steel beam was sticking out of his right arm. He didn't scream but broke the top half of the beam and the bottom of it fell out of his arm clanging to the floor. Damn ogre smirked as he now had a weapon for me in the top half of the beam. Tsuda shot her plasma gun again and made another burn on the ogre. I'll upgrade her gun on the next skull. The ogre grunted at the burn before he moved fast. Extremely fast and he stabbed with the beam. Right into a dented armor plate. It pierced through the armor and into my left lung. I coughed blood. But smiled under the helm. Because he was in range of my boltgun. With some of my strength I pulled the trigger. The ogre lost his arm that held the beam from the shot. Exposing the bone and a few bits of gore hanging loosely from it. Making him grunt and pull back.

He looks at the remains of his arm. Shrugging his shoulders slightly. Before he punched with his remaining arm. It was aimed for the beam to get it through me completely. Instead, it broke the arm I threw into the path of the blow. Clean off. I howled in agony dropping my gun. My former limb flew behind me and to the floor with a clanging noise. The ogre smiled at that. Saying in a very thick accent.

"Fair play Gorgan. You have my respect for lasting this long. Now die."

That was another punch, but Tsuda flew her skull into the path of the punch. The skull exploded into pieces and gave me time to backtrack. I pulled the beam out of my lung getting a horrible wave of pain that made me shiver. Before I stab at the ogre with it. It missed him. He responded in kind with a headbutt that threw me to the floor. Concussed again. I extended my mechadendrites to hold him off. My new arm forming suddenly pissed off the ogre. He charged towards me breaking several of my mechadendrites at that sudden speed. He almost reached me. But was thrown back by an ice bolt thrown over my head.

The bolt hit his exposed nerves on his blown off arm making him scream for the first time. Before two more bolts hit his legs making him stumble more. I finally moved my last mechadendrites and together with a fourth ice bolt thrown into the ogre and my bolt pistol we claimed the beast. His stomach exploded and the ice bolt slammed into his head popping it. The ogre fell. Crashing to the floor. I winced as the pain kicked into high gear from everything despite healing.

Kuroka comes to me from behind along with an equally worried Raynare. I know it's them by their helms being off. Raynare was extremely worried because her face was scared. Kuroka slowly helped me up. I saw my bishop.

"Thanks. He was horrible. Ray I'm ok but I appreciate the concern."

Raynare had grabbed my new arm and squeezed it tightly. Kiryuu replied to me while Kuroka began cleaning up bodies.

"We would have helped you faster but there were wards. They triggered as soon as you entered the hallway. It was a one way for us but two ways for them. We cleaned them up and then tried to get to you."

I fell into a trap and barely got out of it alive. Raynare kept squeezing me and I understand now. She helped me get up and I picked up my boltgun. Willing away the mechadendrites. I frowned at the ogre's body. He had been a mutation queen. Raynare stays glued to me while Kiryuu joins us with Kuroka. We four moved and I burned the body of my almost killer.

The office he had been guarding was a mess. Papers were thrown everywhere, and many were burned making them illegible. There had been a computer, but it was gone. I give a quick order to check the room for a hint of why strays would gather in that big of numbers and work with fallen from Kokabiel's cadre. We checked the room and we did find something.

Raynare found in the very bottom of a trash can of burned papers a document that was just barely readable. She handed me the paper and I read the first few sentences at the end. It made my blood froze and my heart stopped for a second.

Because it was a description of Rias. The words at the end were haunting.

Grab the next time she works out.

I warn everyone something.

"Get out of the room."

Kuroka heard how deadly serious I was. Raynare was confused but Kiryuu immediately pulled the document out of my hands before bolting. Kuroka dragged Raynare out. That was done at the right time.

Because I went ape shit. Smashing the desk into the floor with my armored hand. I ripped the chair from the floor and threw it against the wall in pure rage and wrath. I blasted a shelf to pieces with my boltgun making my new arm hurt badly and having splinters hit it increasing the pain. I roar rage because I had almost gotten my Rias hurt. I was lost in wrath. Koriel was shaking inside me from the moment the rage started trying to calm me. Saying it's not my fault that this happened. I roared at her that it is. I gave Kokabiel an opportunity to try and take her. Because I wanted to help her.

I rage for ten minutes. Breaking every single piece of furniture in that office. It only ends when Tsuda holds me ghostly telling me that I need to calm down. What if Rias was here and saw me. What if Kuroka was in here? Would I turn this black rage on them? That stopped it finally. I hate myself so very bitterly now because that was such a good feeling. Letting it all out feeding my sin. I am ashamed so badly of that. Black rage. That's what I have. I understand the Blood Angels now more than ever. The bottomless pit of rage that was all consuming. I finally looked around the room in more horror seeing the destruction I made. I am the one who did this. Because they threatened my Ria. The shame grew again.

My hands are shaking and the silence lasted for five minutes. Before the door opens and three heads peek in out of the corner of my eyes. Kiryuu now has no helm, and she is looking wide eyed at the office destruction. Raynare launched herself towards me with her wings extended not being in armor anymore and she slammed into me wrapping me in the wings. I feel the feathers touching me and they are soft. Incredibly so. Kuroka was now inside the room, and she asked.

"Are you ok nya?"

Raynare opened her wings a bit to allow me to answer. I say with a very small voice.

"I'm better now. I'm so very sorry. I'm a horrible king."

That last part has all the shame I feel in this moment. I need to never do this again. I can't ever hurt them. Raynare softly says with her head on my shoulder.

"Good king. You can release wrath. You thought of us first. Was not the angels of Baal. You are stronger than wrath and black rage."

Kiryuu spoke up from her position now closer to me.

"I like Red too. I understand why you did that. You're not a bad king. A bad king would have immediately started the rage. You held it in for us."

I still feel so much shame. Kuroka entered the wings and held me too. Purring for me and that with the wings made the shame slowly leave. When it is gone Raynare lets go and retracts her wings. I tell her while still feeling shame.

"All loot from here is split evenly across everyone but me. Go look and see what is here. What time is it?"

Kiryuu tells me while Raynare goes to carry out the order.

"It's one thirty. You should be good to get the reward. You are right about the war mask. I don't remember much with it on. That's a very nice change."

That gets a small smile out of me. Kuroka puts her head on my shoulder. Her purrs are good. I tell Kiryuu with that same smile.

"I will buy us all food for lunch. I'll turn this in and come back. Thank you for putting up with me."

That got a bump from Kiryuu who was on my left now.

"Your too hard on yourself. But I'll take food. Roka, can you teach me wards and portals? I'd also like to learn how to use a servo skull. I learned that when I make icicles, I can form them with a line of sight. A skull could help with flushing out foes."

That's good for her. Kuroka gets off my shoulders she said to Kiryuu.

"Can do portals easy nya. Wards are harder."

I help out there.

"Rias is good at them. I need that paper back. For our big scary employer."

I willed away the power armor before making a new set that is heavier. That ogre was good. Koriel immediately started work on a new version of the armor. She said it's fine for her to do this because she was on a break from the reader.

I entered the Sinful directly. Inside are four devils and Wu. The four devils in the front of the bar looked over their shoulders at me while Wu smiled at me. The lead devil was a woman with gray hair and she along with her comrades wore basic clothes that are Japanese. I slowly moved towards them, and Wu smiled bigger. Saying to me from behind the bar.

"It's good to see you again. I'll be with you in a couple of minutes."

I tilted my head in acceptance. The gray haired woman went back to discussing what she had been saying with Wu before I arrived. One of the other devils turned towards me fully and I spotted his emblem. These devils are from the hunter's guild. The hunter was a young man my age and he looked me up and down. Before scoffing at me.

"A dog that uses guns. Must be a filth reincarnated."

That put a frown for a second on Wu's face. Before it disappeared just as fast. A second devil this time a woman a bit older looking supports her comrade.

"It probably hasn't seen action. The worms often need to have their hands held by us to actually do anything."

The last member of the four stays silent. He was older than either of the two hunters before. It's the grey haired woman that spoke.

"You pups have not fought guns. They aren't the weapons of the past. Shut up and don't insult a hunter who has actually done action."

The young obviously pure bloods got pissed. But the gray haired woman turned her face fully to me and I see that her left eye was blind. A bullet wound was there with a scar going across her eye. The second older devil spoke now watching me more carefully. Before he widened his teal eyes. Slapping the young man.

"That's the Gorgan you shits. Shut your mouths."

That made the youths go pale. The grey haired woman turned to Wu and collected her money that was on the bar. Putting the money in a pocket before she wacked the youngest hunter. He ooffed before hiding behind her. The other youth was a bit better. The grey haired woman observed me fully. Before saying in a tone that was grim.

"You're welcome to join the hunter's guild Gorgan. You are deadly. Far more proficient than the average recruits we get now a days."

I answered her.

"I'm a loner. You honor me with the invitation, but I am good."

The woman shrugged. The young woman was about to spit something at me. I just started extending a mechadendrite on my new pack to the young woman with them and scared her by activating a chainsword. The roar scared the newb making her and the other newb jump. While getting a chuckle from the older two. The gray haired woman smiled a cruel grin.

"I am eager to hear more of your deeds Gorgan. You have what I like in plenty with a weapon like that. Come on Serec. I want more money before the day is over."

The older man smiled cruel too.

"You got it boss. Get moving pups."

The four made their way out of my way and opened their own portal leaving the bar. Wu smiled less. Before he spat at the ground. Saying as I approached him.

"Stay out of the Guild. They are a horrible bunch of shits. I like you Gorgan because you are a decent person. I assume that you are here to collect money for heads?"

I don't like the Guild already, so I won't join anyway. I shook my head at Wu's question and asked him.

"Is your king available? I finished the job she gave me last night. I found something she will want to see."

Wu frowns before he pushes a button under the bar. Three minutes later Heniya Gremory entered the bar front from the back. She was in a very pretty sun dress of yellow and she, upon seeing me, got a bit happier. She gestured at me to follow her, and I do. She led me to her office and then shut the door. Before sitting behind an expensive looking wood desk. She asked.

"It's done already? I figured it would take a bit longer than this to finish but I will take it. What do you have for me?"

I pulled the paper out of my pocket spell. Heniya frowned seeing it. I handed it to her. Henyia took it and slowly looked at the paper. Before she settles into reading the last bits. The blood went out of her face. I tell her with an angry face under my helm.

"They were getting ready to kidnap someone. I don't know who but the strangest thing about this group was that they had good wards and fallen support. I don't know which cadre however."

Heniya answered with a still pale face.

"I know who this was for. You just saved someone important Gorgan. I will double the amount of money I was going to pay you and give you a favor to you from me. I will inform my peerage to modify our ward scheme to identify fallen entering the city. We have been using the fact they are kill on sight to focus more on the stray problems. Obviously, that was a mistake."

Heniya grew pissed at the end. Her face was as red as her hair. Three balls of destruction suddenly appeared floating around her head. They zapped in unison together. Heniya threw the paper into a sudden pocket spell. Then she drew two cards. Handing them to me across the desk. I take the cards. Heniya says trying to calm down.

"Present the first card to Wu and tell him it's double. He will pay you. The second will be your favor card. Thank you for your service. I will have more jobs for you in the future."

I understand the dismissal. As I made my way to the door as I heard the balls continue zapping their displeasure. I don't want to piss her off any more by staying.

At the bar I presented the card to Wu. His black eyes widened seeing the card and more when I said that it's double. He immediately began paying out money for me. My eyes are saucer plates seeing the growing pile of money. I do ask for a tiny amount of money to be paid in yen. Wu does as asked and I'm in shock about how much this is. Oh, I want to oil my robes. It keeps growing and growing the money pile. This continues for fifteen minutes of growing shock. Before Wu said with an equally shocked face.

"Your set for a very long time Gorgan. I don't know what you did but you made me use all our money for the week."

I want to weep because this might be enough for me to buy out the contract. I opened my money pocket and began with Wu to get the money into it. That takes another fifteen minutes and I pocket the rest of money in the yen in a different pocket. I thank Wu.

"This is wonderful. You can tell Freya that I will not be bothering her for a while."

That got a snort from Wu, but he smiled.

"I'll let her know that. Enjoy your day Gorgan. You certainly earned that."

I give a slight bow before I opened my portal to the others. Stepping through with a big smile.

The lunch everyone wanted was burgers. Well, more Raynare had bounced so much wanting them that we all agreed to that. We were in extremely high spirits because Raynare had, while I was gone found money. Lots of money. Yen that was split up between everyone and there was enough yen left over for Murayama too.

Raynare pulled us on the way back to the house to a stuffed animal store and she bought three big bags of them. The clerk was expecting us to not be able to pay for them. But Raynare used her share to get them all. She beamed brightly holding her bags and I teased her.

"Soon you will have an army of them Ray."

Raynare proudly proclaimed with stars in her eyes.

"I shall have three armies of them!"

Kiryuu smiles before boasting.

"I'll get me some new clothes! Now I get to look good!"

Kuroka was just hanging on my right arm and her hand was in mine. She said with love in her voice.

"I have him so I'm happy."

I squeeze her hand. The good mood continues as we head back to the house. Raynare was a little sluggish but not as much as Kiryuu had been. Once on the grounds of the house I opened the door for everyone, and I said to them.

"I'd like you guys to help me count money. We might be set if not we are close. Thank you for helping me."

That got massive smiles from everyone. We entered the front hall. It was quite and I pulled the group upstairs heading to the library while Raynare bounced towards her room with the stuffed animals. The rest of us entered the library and it was empty of people. I began to set out the Lilith and the three of us started counting.

Raynare arrived here ten minutes after we started. Then Murayama came in and immediately started helping too. Murayama met Raynare properly and the two bonded over a new thing I learned. Murayama likes stuffed animals too. The discussion was entertaining between the two before I asked Murayama how her day with Katase was.

"She and I went shopping together with Issari-chan. Issari-chan split halfway through to go do something else. Wouldn't say what but she was extremely excited about it."

Probably being with Akeno. I was not touching that. I continued the conversation with Murayama and that got me through the boring counting. It took us two hours to count it all. By the end we all were amazed or like me smiling like a loon. I was only three hundred Lilith off from the price. That's more than I could have hoped for with the payment. Three hundred Lilith is chump change. I can ask for that without feeling guilty or embarrassed for asking. Kuroka puts her tails on me knowing I'm relieved that this was close to over. I stood up from the table in joy with that smile. With a thought I got the anvil out. Saying to Raynare.

"I got a sneaky mission for you. Can you get the stuff I'm about to make to Conner and the others?"

Raynare immediately nodded.

"Yes!"

I quickly make for Raynare my first Noosphere point. Along with cogitators, MIUs and mechadendrites. I make one last thing which is an instruction manual for everything. Kuroka kindly explains to Raynare how to make portals but said to do them in the way station for now. Raynare listens intently as does Murayama. Kiryuu pulls out her new books and begins to read. I begin to pack the money up. By the time I was done with that Raynare was gone. That done I went to take a shower to get ready for my grandfather. Thirty minutes of hot water relaxes me to a new point that made me not feel the existential dread that's always there. It was twenty minutes later after dressing in my best clothes that I finally left the room. I was met by Murayama at the stairs. She double takes at me before blushing badly. I don't comment on that. Murayama takes the out and we began going to the kitchen.

Murayama asked me as we went down the stairs towards when I would reincarnate her.

"Probably after dinner tonight. I'm having it with my grandfather, and I will have two others to add to the peerage too. I'm sorry you couldn't come with us today for work."

Murayama wasn't upset.

"I understand. You have been busy with this. I don't know however what sort of weapons I want to use."

That got us talking about future swords. Murayama was very interested in power swords and approaching the kitchen, I heard Maéva talking with someone in a friendly tone. I poked my head in as did Murayama and there was my maid with Mittelt. The two were talking about food. Specifically, about what types of food Maeva could make. Mittelt caught my eye and she smiled brightly. Saying as I fully entered the room.

"Those generators are beyond anything I have ever seen. They are incredibly easy to put together when you learn how and the way they are idiocy proof is wonderful. I believe that I can with enough time and patience be able to make them on my own."

I smiled wolf like there and Mittelt did too. I said with that grin being that wide.

"You will get a cut of the money from each one you make when we start selling them. I'll get that in writing when we start the underworld business and again when we get topside going too. I plan to eventually use my gear to make us rich. Richer than Bill Gates."

Mittelt got dollar signs in her eyes. I smiled feeding off her smile. Mittelt said with those eyes of greed.

"With those we could revolutionize our energy consumption. We could do so much more with the excess power. I want to sit down with you sometime this week and discuss a few other things I want to test. This could if done right make the beginning of a possible golden age."

I smile there and I set a date for that.

"I should be free Friday totally. Tomorrow, I have lessons and a book to read. I have extremely good news. I will be around more because my recent goal has been all but accomplished today. I'm eager to get with you because I need to upgrade my bones and my muscles in a few weeks."

Murayama looked at me like I was crazy. Maéva sighs but asked as Mittelt looked sick.

"Do I need to strap you down again young master?"

Murayama went into shock at that while I replied.

"For one yes the other no. The process is optional Murayama-chan. Hopefully with Mittelt helping we can get it to a point where we don't have to strap people down."

Maéva looks a bit better not having to strap me down as much. Murayama looked relieved that this was optional. I asked Maéva if she has dinner ready for tonight. That gets the maid saying that she was given by Geros the favorite foods of my grandfather. The clock said it was nearing four, so an hour left before this dinner. My attention was drawn to the front hall when a portal opens.

Rias came through the portal, and she was wearing her school uniform. She was levitating five boxes behind her with three suitcases floating behind those. I immediately moved to help with the boxes. That got a big smile on her face. I snicker when I see the next person coming through the portal. Issari has been made into a mule by Akeno. Carrying suitcases with an ease that she didn't have a few weeks ago. Akeno was hungrily watching her dragon while carrying a box filled with something. Murayama had seen me move and immediately offered to help too. Shirone and Kiba were moving there stuff in when I started climbing the stairs with Rias and her train. She comments to me when we were midway up.

"You seem extremely happy today Gregor-kun."

I am happy.

"I finished it."

Those words made Rias stop completely. Her blue green eyes caught mine and she was immediately at that moment the happiest I have ever seen her in the time I have known her. She almost dropped her box in the desire to hug me. I gently get us going up the stairs again. Saying as we turned right.

"I'm three hundred off. I can ask for that. I did a big job today for your sister. She gave me a favor card and double the original pay. You're almost free Ria."

Those last four words are said by me with love. Rias tears up. Before they started to fall. My Ria was free from him in less than an hour. She could have the galaxy with me. Not be a toy for Riser's amusement. My weeb with a desire to learn. Rias said to me as we get to her room still crying.

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I promise to never forget this. My Omnissiah."

I correct her.

"Call me Greg. That's better than that title."

Rias opens the door. Before running to the bed here and setting her box down. I set mine down with the two other boxes and suitcases landing orderly next to the bed. Before I was immediately tackled to the ground by Rias. She dove in for a kiss and I don't protest. Because this was acceptable for me now. We only broke apart for air. My heart hammered like it once did for Kate. Rias wants to do that again. She and I instead gazed at one another in comfortable silence. I say it finally.

"I love you, Ria."

That makes her beam at me. I was about to be kissed again when I heard a snicker. Rias looked past me to the door. Kuroka's voice entered my ear.

"Be happy you sour puss nya. I miss my fun mate too. We can all three of us get to know one another better nya. I want a halo game with you sexy."

I snorted. Rias tilted her head curiously. I smiled there before answering.

"You might be MLG but I'm better than that. As for a game, Rias can play too. Just don't expect me to be nice to your sister there. Only Ria gets noob protection."

Kuroka's voice was happy.

"Oh no nya. If Red gets it so does my Shirone. She's keen to play because she knows you like it nya. Was even willing to play our favorite game. Wants to earn her prince's love nya. Like how he earned mine. I'm here with him Red nya. Package deal."

Rias humph saying to my queen.

"I accept you, but I get cuddling sessions first!"

That gets a twinkle of laughter from Kuroka and a snicker from me because that was incredibly cute. Rias blushed but was certain. I say with a smile.

"After tonight we can do that. I need to catch up with you anyway. I'm eager to relax fully for a bit. Before other problems start."

That confirmation of snuggles makes Rias happy. I, however, need to get up and get this dinner done. With a gentleman's prod I get Rias off me. Kuroka gets me up and then the two begin to discuss something. Let me get going.

The dinner was to be held in the Lord's office on the second floor. I nervously waited in the main hall for my grandfather. Rias had made everyone move and get the hall cleared. Maéva promised everyone else pizza after she was done with the dinner. It was at five minutes before five that a portal opened up near the front door with the Astaroth symbol emblazoned on it. From it steps Geros in his butler uniform and a blank face. Then my grandfather. He was like a slightly older version of Ajuka with the hair in the same style and color I share. My grandfather takes a look at me while I take a further look at him. He was wearing a very modernish businessman suit that was a deep black. He and I looked at each other cautiously. Before a small smile hits his face. He moved towards me, and he was taller than me by four inches.

Once in front of me he looked down at me. Saying his first words to me.

"He is my grandson indeed. He has Juka's face and hair and her eyes. It's good to meet you properly and at last. I wish it was under better circumstances."

I keep a neutral face and introduce myself properly.

"It's an honor to meet you Lord Astaroth. The house is yours for the duration of the visit."

That got me a small smile. My grandfather was still studying me. Before accepting my statement.

"I accept your hospitality. Now lad you can drop the rest. I might be uptight with the outside but with family I'm not. Geros has told me that you have taken the name Gregor. Not a name I would have chosen but given everything I can't blame you for the fact. I'm Ajarkan."

That was said with both warmth and a bit of relief in his voice. I match his smile and answer.

"As you wish. I just wanted to make a good impression. I know I'm not the normal type for our family."

Ajarkan smiled there slightly. Before it went away. To a blank face that answered my statement.

"You're not. But I don't hold that against you. Your father and mother were very protective of you, and I only ever saw photos and videos. They made my day when I got them. I want to get to know my grandson properly."

I said to him while we both moved towards the stairs.

"As am I to know my grandfather. I hope that you won't be disappointed too much with me."

That got a frown that went away quickly. We moved at an equal pace and we're near the top of the stairs when Ajarkan speaks again.

"I don't think I will. Geros has told me extensively about you. You are incredibly like us already. Having a good work ethic that has seen our house prosper for a long time. A young man that has a good sense of obligation to his servants. Those things and more tell me much about you. I have also heard that you have done things that make me proud of you already."

That makes me a bit hopeful that this goes well. We moved to the office and thankfully no one was out and about on the floor. Upon entering I see that the desk has been replaced with a table and chairs for two. Maéva has a truck of table utensils along with glasses, a bottle of wine then the food plates. Ajarkan takes a seat at the far end of the table. While I take mine facing him. Maéva lays out plates and napkins. Ajarkan asked me while that was happening.

"I have heard that you have sacred gear and that it is extremely powerful. Is that correct?"

I hear eagerness in his voice. I nodded my head and answered as a glass was set on my right.

"I do. Lady Lucifer has confirmed that it is a Longinus. A new one."

That makes my grandfather look extremely pleased. That look also was very clear. Ajarkan said to me as the first food was being placed.

"This will shake up the underworld. I have seen what Geros has said you made for him with it. These he called them mechadendrites? They could help out with everything."

I see the unasked question that he has. I smiled after taking a bite of pasta that's incredibly good and answered the question.

"I'd be happy to make you a pack grandfather. My gear is going to help our house achieve new things. I can make things that will baffle you. I also have many ideas that might seem radical when you first hear them, but I believe they are ways to increase our wealth and power."

Ajarkan revealed his sin by the tell at the end. Greed for power and wealth. That makes him consider things. He eagerly asked with a very keen voice.

"Such as?"

The wine is good and where I start.

"I believe that I can make agricultural equipment along with my mechadendrites that will with new ideas decrease the amount of time harvests will take. Then further machinery will help with taking those grapes and making more wine. I also have plans to set up a business that will eventually go top side. Making us more money there."

Ajarkan was interested in my ideas. He had an even more relieved face too because I was being serious. He takes a few bites of food and then a drink of wine before he speaks with a happy tone.

"I will want to see the machines before they are used. As for this company topside you will be given the chance to prove its worth. I don't know much about humans so perhaps your other half can help us greatly up here."

The human part was said with a slightly dismissive voice. But it's not racist just not being informed. He does ask me something else.

"You have properly heard from Geros that we have an obligation to our vassals. Will the promise that I made to them be honored?"

That was said with a hard voice. Probably because of Diodora and his ignorance.

"The promise will be honored. It's stupid to piss off the houses below us. We are nobles and nobles should be that. Honoring promises made to the ones who are below us."

That makes Ajarkan extremely happy hearing the commitment in my voice. Clear approval entered his eyes at my statement.

"Good. They have been extremely insistent that the promise I made will be kept. They threatened to swear to a new pillar if this was not kept. That you understand the obligations that we must uphold is extremely good. Unlike my son."

That was said with frustration clear in his voice and eyes. There was love there but not as much as I would have expected for him. But given I'm here and Diodora has been working to weaken the house while I'm a clean slate that my prior stuff he was told is helping. That makes us eat in comfortable silence for five minutes before I broached my hope.

"I would like to ask for help with something grandfather. I know it's a large favor for me to ask given we have just met but I promise that you won't be disappointed in the way I have worked to make this possible."

Ajarkan smiled big and forlorn upon seeing my face after he looked up from his food.

"Geros has told me that you intend to buy out a marriage contract. A dangerous thing to do but given you have been doing dangerous things for it I am inclined to help. How much?"

I smiled wide and say with a happy face.

"Three hundred Lilith. Everything else has been earned by me with hard work. I will pay back the money when I get it."

Ajarkan blinked owlishly. He clearly expected me to ask for more. Maéva, who had been silent the whole time, gets a very happy look on her face. Ajarkan finally answered.

"That's all? That's next to nothing. I was told that you were only halfway there. You got more in just a single day?"

I answered with that big smile.

"I believe utterly in hard work. I will do anything and work any amount of time to get to the goal. This was worth it for me."

Ajarkan smiles a small smile seeing on my face something.

"I can see that. I will grant you the money. Geros would not tell me who the young woman in question was, but you care for them greatly to do this. Who is it?"

I answered without hesitation.

"Rias Gremory."

Ajarkan frowned there. He said what he thinks of that immediately.

"The weak third child? Why would you want her?"

I don't like that he said that without hesitation and without knowing Rias. I answered my grandfather.

"She's not weak. As for why, it's because I am beginning to love her. I would do anything for her."

That sudden and angry response made my grandfather study me. Before his face that was filled with dismissal for her turned to a face that was deep in remembrance. He said while in that remembering.

"You sound like me when I met my wife. It was the greatest time of my life with her. I'm sorry for the hesitation. I have heard very little about this Gremory that was not dismissive, and or scorn filled, but she will not be bringing anything much to our house."

I say without hesitation.

"She will bring the thing she has long been told that she didn't have. I have seen it. I want her as my wife. I understand that I'm expected to have three of them at least. But Rias is worth everything I have done. Will be worth everything I do."

Ajarkan looked surprised at my claim. He is intrigued by the claim but very much does not believe it, but the certainty on my face makes him agree at last.

"I will begin talks with Lord Gremory. The fact you will have the money ready immediately will help speed that up significantly and we are further along because I will use the same contract that I had drawn up for you with another."

That stopped me in my tracks. What! I have another contract already set up! What the fuck! My face was pure shock. As was Maéva. My grandfather was very amused at the shock, and he said with no small amount of greed in his eyes showing me he is a very cunning rat.

"I had it drawn up because I thought that you wouldn't be that proactive. This way we are connected further, and our position will be stronger. After all this will get us more business connections with the Gremory and medical connections with the Phenex. It's funny that you will be getting third daughters."

Oh, Machine God. What the fuck! Ravel! I was betrothed to Ravel! I get ready to faint. Because that's not what I was expecting. What the fuck kind of luck is this! Saving my Ria and then learning this! Machine God why! My grandfather is smiling and says with a good laugh.

"You are definitely a good improvement over my second son. He has never considered the importance of the pillar yet you do. I will confirm you as Heir. Because you have definitely made us stronger with your actions even unknowingly."

I didn't know this! Why is Lady Luck pissed at me! First my arm at that fight now this! I'm going to piss off my brother-in-law! I will have Riser as my brother-in-law! I should have just died in that fight then come back.

An. Wall of text incoming. Apologies for that as it was this or things dragging on. This will be the last chapter for a while as i do massive rewrites of future stuff.