Chapter 26

Preparing for the future is always needed.

The dinner continued with my grandfather, and I am still in shock. Ravel is my potential second noble wife. That is still beyond crazy. My grandfather was just amused at me. I didn't have a rain cloud over my head, but it was close. Ajarkan says with a happy smile.

"The girl is intellectually gifted. That always seemed to be something you were interested in. I made the contract earlier this year after your father and mother's agreement. They both believed that she would be a wonderful match for you. She is extremely curious about her betrothed and has been trying to find information about you since she was told four months ago. I will arrange a meeting with her parents so that you and she can start the bridge right."

I do like brains in a partner. Ravel is damn smart. Alex said to me he to would have loved that. Yes, he wanted cat girls and he would have filled his peerage with a large number of them but they would have to be smart too. I swat him away because I don't want to know that. Horny kid. I say to my grandfather while getting into a spiritual fistfight with Alex.

"May I see the contract?"

Ajarkan smiled and summoned a pocket spell. He then pulled out a scroll from it. Before handing it to me. I take the scroll and then open it up. It was long so I immediately started looking through it. It was very ironclad on things. Very few outs existed showing that the Phenex were like us hard committed here but the contract itself was very well balanced on nearly everything that we and the Phenex get. It's a very good deal for both sides. Both families got significant concessions from the other party. We got a significantly reduced price on Phenex tears. The Phenex got significantly reduced prices on our wine. There was also a very strong clause that tied the Phenex to the NKF. That was made by my dad I'm told. As I read on I was more and more shocked by how much my grandfather had agreed to give to the Phenex's for Ravel. He actually did care about me. This was if I broke it a very big insult towards him. I now get why Riser would probably get extremely pissed and go after me for Rias.

Finally after reading the whole contract thirty minutes later, I rolled it back up and handed it to Ajarkan.

"I won't fight it. Doing so would be an insult to you and the work you put into it on my behalf."

Ajarkan was pleased. Understanding more that I was a good member of the family. I will accept this. Because it showed that despite the power-hungry nature of Ajarkan he did care for family and me.

I am drawn into more conversations with my grandfather as dinner continued and I learned more things about him. He is a smart political rat trying to jockey us into stronger positions of power within the underworld. Why he and Diodora were not getting along well because the younger had risked our house losing power and prestige by being a dumb rat and denying our vassals their expectation. Making a fool of Ajarkan and that had started the divide earlier this year. That had compounded by Diodora's increasing insistence that I didn't exist and with him trying to out rat the big rat by causing more problems for him with public statements that were very anti NKF. My grandfather is a diehard NKF member, and this was upsetting the party. That had led to Diodora being put in a section of the main manor by himself and isolated heavily to counter that. Which is stupid because that just encourages him to do more rat things.

I will have a servo skull follow him. I refuse to believe that he isn't torturing people like Asia and or not helping the OSF more deeply now with the schism in the house. Ajarkan turns the uncomfortable mood to a better on by asking about my peerage and what pieces I have filled. I answered him with the current people. He frowned at Kuroka but didn't say anything there after learning that I weakened the GKF with her. He was intrigued that I had a bishop with a sacred gear. More interested in learning about my pawns. His eyes were greedy because I have two fallen. He was also interested in the fact I have a potential knight joining today. He finally said after I was done with explaining.

"Your queen is a calculated risk. Her prior actions will be judged harshly by our opponents but given she has helped deal a crippling future blow against them too I will say nothing further on her. The fallen are the ones that will make many people jealous. There have only ever been five of them ever reincarnated. None of them remain alive. I would like to meet the whole peerage at some point."

I nod my head.

"I'll introduce you to them. I will warn you that one of them is extremely sneaky. She is a very good ninja."

That got a snort from Maéva and a smile from Ajarkan at the maid's action. Raynare will be fun at parties. That gets a smile smirk from me. Making Ajarkan show the same smile smirk. He said with it on full display.

"I will double my awareness for her. I would like this to be a regular thing every few weeks. You are indeed what Geros has told me about."

This has been good other than learning about Ravel. I kept my smile smirk.

"I'd be happy to do that. I don't plan to do much work with the peerage for a bit but will start it again later. Thank you for helping me with the money."

Ajarkan kept his smile and said back to me before he opened his pocket spell to get me the Lilith.

"That is not a problem. I would have helped you out with it at the halfway point, but this is vastly preferable. I want to meet the girl and get a proper introduction. Sadly, not today. I have business with two of our vassal houses over a disputed property. I will have Geros get in contact with you again for another dinner."

Ajarkan pulled out the stack of Lilith and handed it to me. Before the pocket closed and he prepared to get up from the table. He complimented Maéva.

"Your work on dinner tonight was very good. I had doubts about you, but this settled them. You are as of right now officially the head maid of my grandson. Geros has told me your record here and it is spotless. Congratulations."

That makes Maéva have stars in her eyes. I'm happy for her. Ajarkan sets his napkin on the table and then gets up off his chair. I got up too and escorted my grandfather down to the main hall. At the hall I see Geros blank faced standing with two new people.

A young woman and a young man of the same age of sixteen. The girl has a very nervous look and was wearing glasses covering her blue eyes. Her hair was a medium length blue that was done in a ponytail. Her clothes were a noble shade of yellow with a skirt and short shirt of black. She was finger poking in her nervousness upon seeing me fully.

The young man was stony faced. His eyes were an orange color that was unusual. His hair was a short blond that was well groomed, he was dressed in a white shirt and black pants that looked like they were from the states. He was watching me intently and I did the same. That makes him get a slight twitch of his lips before it's gone again. I bid my grandfather goodbye.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Astaroth. Thank you for your time."

That smile smirk of our family doesn't go away.

"It was the same for me Heir Astaroth. Enjoy the rest of your evening. I'll be in touch."

With that said a portal was made and my grandfather exited the house. Geros stayed behind who was obviously Hetvia and Thoron. The four of us were silent before I introduced myself to my two new pieces.

"Good evening. I am Gregor Astaroth. Welcome to my home."

My friendly voice seemed to help Hetvia. She smiled nervously while Thoron observed me again. Before he said to me with a blank voice.

"Thank you for the welcome Heir Astaroth. I am Thoron Melek. You're not what I expected."

Hetvia pokes her fingers together incredibly fast before introducing herself.

"I am... Hetvia Baalam milord."

Hetvia was clearly extremely nervous. I get the first expression out of Thoron. He gave Hetvia a small smile of support. I speak to her kindly.

"You don't have to use that with me Hetvia. I'm not much for formality."

Hetvia slowed her finger pokes. Thoron spoke for the two of them.

"We were told that we would be in your peerage by Lord Astaroth. Is this still true?"

I nod.

"Absolutely. Your families have served mine loyally and we will not forget that. I am not my uncle and will honor the promise made."

That made the finger pokes stop for Hetvia. Thoron was also relieved letting out a sigh of relief.

"We were gravely insulted by your uncle. Said we were not good enough for him. To our and our parents' faces. My father and mother were ready to leave immediately. As was Hetvia's parents. It was only when Lord Astaroth promised our parents that we would be included and several other things that they were calmed."

Diodora just wants nuns to torture and break. I again say for the two.

"I stand by the promise and will personally apologize to your parents on his behalf. I can do the ceremony tonight. I have another person who is entering the peerage. Are you moving into the house or are you staying with your parents?"

Geros answered for them.

"They have been moved into the house milord. As would be expected of them upon joining. I did the deed myself while you were with your grandfather."

Thoron spoke up after.

"We have been enrolled at the school you plan to attend. We have never been up top before today. So, we will be in a bit of."

Hetvia spoke softly finishing that.

"Cultural shock."

I smile sympathetically.

"That makes three of us. I'm going through that too. I will be upfront and honest with you. I am a half devil. Will that be a problem for either of you?"

Thoron looked at me closer now. He said with a bit of confusion.

"You feel like a pureblood. Yet you're a half?"

Hetvia immediately proved something I had suspected she is observant.

"He is close enough Thor. He has gear. I wouldn't have noticed the difference myself if I wasn't looking closely."

Thoron frowned but didn't say anything. I say with a small smile.

"You must be good at sensing things. I'm impressed."

Hetvia blushed and looked down at the floor. Thoron lost the frown because he smiled wide now. He and Hetvia must be close.

"You have always been good at that Via. Far better than me. I'm sorry if I seem rude Heir Astaroth. I haven't met any half devils before."

He was nervous thinking he offended me. He nor Hetvia seem like racists.

"You haven't. It's an honest reaction. You're welcome to speak openly with me. I just ask that there be no racism in my peerage. That is the cardinal rule for everyone."

Hetvia poked her fingers together again while Thoron thinks on that. Hetvia spoke with her soft voice.

"I'm not that. Neither is Thor. Our families have close work relationships with humans. I don't judge people."

That was said with a sad voice and Thoron grew protective of Hetvia. Putting an arm around her shoulders. I smile softly at the interaction.

"I believe you both. You seem close."

Thoron smiled there and answered.

"Via and I were playmates as kids. She's my little sister."

Hetvia smiled for the first time here looking up at Thoron who has a three-inch difference to her.

"He's my protective older brother."

That's cute and calms the atmosphere. Geros gave a second small smile before it was schooled again. He takes that moment to leave. Saying as he opens a portal.

"We will have our lessons again at ten milord. Your former home has been sold along with the furniture. We will give you the money after."

I smile smirk at him.

"I will be ready for it. Thank you Geros."

Geros nods once before exiting the house through the portal. It closed and I turned to the two pure bloods.

"I will get our third new person and then start the ceremony. We will be doing it in the library. I believe in knowledge seeking. I have heard your both smart."

Thoron blushed this time. Hetvia smiled wide. Thoron said with a nervous laugh.

"I'm not. Via has always been the brains of the two of us. I'm just ok at things with my spear."

I shake my head at the bashful man.

"Not from what I heard. You gave my dad an interesting idea. I'm open to hearing anything you and Hetvia have. Perhaps Hetvia can sit and talk with my bishop. She's always eager to learn about magic. Have either of you had dinner yet?"

Hetvia gets a look of talking about magic with someone and beams. She's a cute nerd. Thoron shook his head.

"We haven't."

I see Maéva coming down the stairs with a list and I say to her.

"Please take the orders of these two Maéva. They are here to stay."

Maéva beams with the promise of more work.

It was inside the library ten minutes later with Thoron, Hetvia and a now collected Murayama who I had found talking with Kiryuu in the library before we arrived. Kiryuu leaves the library letting me do the ceremony and Murayama was nervous as were the two purebloods. We were near the fireplace near the back right of the room. I start with Hetvia. Asking her to come forward. She does and I let her look at the board. I asked her preference, and she softly said pawn. I picked up a pawn. Before I speak the Oath of Moment with her.

Thoron frowned at the word choice. Hetvia seems to be thinking over the entire phrasing. Before at the end she said yes. She seemed very keen on knowing no fear. I inserted the pawn into her, and it went in. Hetvia froze like everyone else did. Her wings didn't extend, and I will let that be a surprise for them. I called Thoron forward and he moved towards me. He chooses rook. I repeated the oath again. He said yes, focusing on the odds. Hinting he's a potential battle fanatic. The rook went into him, and he froze. When it's Murayama's turn, I ask her one last time.

"You are sure?"

Murayama doubted for only a second. Before saying with the strength and certainty of steel.

"I am. For my brave King and friend. I will be your Red Knight of Mars. I will never let my King who gave me, and my family certainty be harmed. For you that gives me the desire to be better than them we come from. So, I swear."

Her counter oath made I inserted my first knight into Murayama. Thoron and Hetvia were both looking at Murayama like she was weird. Murayama once the piece was in froze. Before extending her wings of silver. That makes the two purebloods look in shock at them and I say to them as Murayama continues to be still.

"Extend your own. Welcome to the club."

Thoron is suspicious but does. He and Hetvia go saucer plate wide when they see both their new wings. Murayama shows her sin to me. It's what I expected after this weekend. Lust It's not just me though thankfully. She and Issari are now the same. She whispered.

"Cat girls are life."

I snort as the evil horny returns. But I say to her with a little smile.

"Equally with redheads yes. Really?"

Murayama blushed.

"Issari-chan shared more books. The look ruined me."

I know what she's talking about. Kuroka had given me that look twice. I just replied with a shake of my head.

"Good luck with that. Who knows maybe you will get a cat boy."

Murayama vigorously shook her head.

"No. Your better. I'm not backing down! I will win this!"

I sighed. Telling my now horny knight.

"You have more to overcome. Ray is trying too. As will someone else unexpected."

Murayama grew even more determined. Thoron finally got out of his stupor. Hetvia was still looking at the wings in awe. I smile at my three new pieces. Murayama said with a very happy expression.

"I would like power armor and a power sword along with a storm shield. Kiryuu-chan told me you are our current tank. I will help there. That way you can, along with the others, do more range combat. It will also be good practice for our potential games."

I snark to Murayama.

"You're going to be Leroy Jenkins aren't you."

Murayama blushed while the two purebloods don't get the reference. Murayama shot back.

"I will never be him! You doubt me too much!"

I smile before saying in tease.

"I don't doubt you. Just don't say I'm chicken. Fair?"

Murayama smiled and nodded.

"Fair. It's nice to meet you two. I'm Murayama!"

Hetvia hid behind Thoron shocked by the enthusiasm there. Thoron blinked but replied.

"I'm Thoron. Behind me is Hetvia. It's nice to meet you. What were you talking about? I have not heard of that stuff before."

I smiled there before saying to my two new people.

"It's stuff that will be what Murayama-chan will be using for games and when we hunt strays. You use a spear Thoron?"

Thoron looked deeply intrigued by the unknown. As was Hetvia. Thoron replied with curiosity.

"I do."

I smile thinking of two different spears. Hetvia asked worried now poking her fingers together behind Thoron.

"Will we be expected to fight often?"

I smile kindly at my new pawn.

"You won't be if you're uncomfortable with that. I have another pawn who is a scientist, and she doesn't want to do anything frontline based. The only exception would be ratings games where we are all there."

Hetvia looked relieved. Before she said softly poking her head out from behind Thoron.

"That's good. Thor has been helping me with being brave, but I don't know if I can do that. I don't want to be a burden."

That was said while so down for my pawn. I smile gently at her, and she seems to take a bit of bravery there. I say to her with that smile.

"You can join us when you want to Hetvia. You're not a burden and bravery takes many different forms. There was a man who didn't believe he was brave he had sold himself that idea, yet everyone else who ever met him knew right away that he was braver than he gave himself credit for. He was braver than them. Did deeds that were crazy but triumphant bouts of courage. You could be like him."

Hetvia took more courage from that. She was out from behind Thoron fully now. Murayama says with a smile of her own.

"Gregor-kun will never force you to do something that you don't want to do. I want to do frontline stuff."

That reassures Hetvia. She smiled more and Thoron put his arm around his adoptive little sister.

"Your brave Via. I believe in you. What sort of spears can you get me? I trained on nearly every type of them."

I replied with a smile.

"I have two you probably haven't seen. Both are very different. Guardian spear or a power spear?"

Thoron frowned.

"Power spear?"

I replied with a smile.

"Good choice. You should like it. Hetvia I'll have stuff ready for you if you do want to eventually do that. Until then you're welcome to pursue your ideas of helping."

That made Hetvia extremely happy. It was at that moment that the door to the library opened and in came Kiryuu and Kuroka with pizza boxes. Thoron and Hetvia looked towards the door while Murayama focused hard on Kuroka's tails and ears. She was now in the devil high because she woofed. Getting a sigh from me. Kuroka just fed our new horny knight with a quick sexy wink and smile getting pants from Murayama. I clicked my fingers in front of my knight getting her to stop.

I say to Kuroka with a small smile on my face.

"Don't rile up my knight."

That got a snort of amusement from Kiryuu. Kuroka was mock offended.

"Can't help I'm sexy nya. I brought food. I have a feeling that you will like the idea that I have for you nya."

That was said seductively. Thoron blushed as did Hetvia. Murayama got a nosebleed while Kiryuu got the first pizza box and set it on the table. She brought out plastic plates from a pocket spell. Along with soda and cups. I replied to my queen.

"Your reaching and will have to try harder."

Kuroka didn't lose her near now permanently on display smile. She comes over to me before she whispered something into my left ear. I went wide eyed. Looking at her in shock. She had retracted from me with a seductive smirk. Saying with a pleased voice.

"I like that too nya. You and I will have fun soon. My Red King nya."

I get a small nosebleed thinking of that. Getting Kiryuu smirking. Murayama looked intensely at Kuroka and was ready to beg for knowledge of what I like. I ask her while the nosebleed continues.

"How did you?"

Kuroka smirked and said with a very pleased face.

"You talk in your sleep. Heard it and I knew I was going to get you back nya. I have kindly shared with Red, and she has started working on that. You're welcome nya."

Rias doing that makes the nosebleed worse. Oh, why did I have to spill that? Kiryuu dragged the attention of Thoron and Hetvia towards the table and away from me by saying with a smirk.

"You will like this stuff. It's called pizza. I'm Kiryuu. I heard that one of you is a potential magic person. I'd be eager to talk things over with you."

That makes Hetvia grow wide eyed and beaming. Before she hyper focused and began asking hundreds of questions from Kiryuu. Thoron turned to the food and got a box that had his order on it. Murayama was about to pounce on Kuroka for information when her stomach growled. That diverted her away. I look at Kuroka in her yellow eyes directly. She didn't back down and kept her smug superior grin. I get close to her with my nosebleed done now and say to her.

"You win. Just don't rat me out. That is… sensitive information. What do you want?"

She smiled and whispered into my ear again. That's new for her. I give a nod of my head for her demand, and she fist pumps in her victory. I stay the competent one and don't dwell much on the promise. Instead focusing on Thoron and Hetvia. The two were either digging into food or discussing magic like it was going out of style. Thoron widened his eyes with each bite of pizza. Hetvia did the same upon her first bite. I tell Kuroka about Raynare's mission while asking where Rias is.

"Red is having her own party with her people and Issari nya. She and your cousin are practically glued together. Red figured you and she could celebrate later alone nya. I keyed her into the room. She's eager to be with her and my hero."

I want to spend time with both alone too. It will be marred by having to tell them of Ravel's inclusion in this. That still stings me because I was that close to her a few weeks ago. The question that's been bothering me is why was Riser sabotaging his family? Was he like Diodora in being an idiot or is there something I'm not getting. With how my luck is he's a fucking spy for the NKF. I was thinking about that more when I was attacked again.

Raynare landed straight on me from the ceiling. Slamming me into the floor. Her sudden appearance spooked everyone, but Kuroka who must have felt her with senjutsu. Hetvia jumped like a cat into Thoron's arms. I hurt and Murayama shrieked not knowing how stealthy Raynare is. Raynare beams into my chest having landed perfectly. I introduced Raynare to the others while hurting.

"This is Raynare. Ray what is rule number one."

Raynare was still smiling into my chest.

"No sneaking but you were down my great king! You should be happy! Like me!"

Kuroka supports Raynare.

"You should nya. We are good for a bit. No grumpy for you nya."

They are right. Thoron asked incredulously.

"How did she get in here? I was watching the door. That's a reincarnated fallen! Even I can sense that!"

I answered again, still on the floor with a bland voice.

"She's the sneakiest pawn and yes, she's a reincarnated fallen. She's very scary when she fights. Did you deliver the stuff to them Ray?"

Raynare nodded vigorously and finally got up off me. She at once sat on my left and took a slice of Kuroka's pizza getting a wack with said cat's tails. That didn't upset Raynare who started eating. Thoron looked at her in some amazement and wary caution. Hetvia had gotten out of Thoron's arms and just looked at Raynare with wide eyes. I got up and retook my seat. Sighing again as I need to develop or make a way to detect Raynare.

Kiryuu had with her smile said in a very happy voice enjoying the show or Raynare scaring everyone.

"Ray is the best. She's harmless outside the battlefield. She has a vast stuffed animal collection now."

That got Raynare excitedly talking about her stuffed animals including her new favorite one named Mr. Tobi. A very large rabbit one. That pulled in Murayama and the two eagerly discussed the apparent collection that the rabbit was from. Kiryuu restarted her conversation with Hetvia and Thoron was lost. So, I started a conversation with him asking what he does for fun. That was the night saved as Kuroka just smiled at me seeing I'm not worrying.

When I got back to my room two hours later, I found Rias there. She was on my bed wearing a night shirt and pants of red. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she smiled when she looked up from her book.

"I plan to be here with you more. Is that all right?"

I smiled at her and sat next to her on the bed. Taking her hand.

"It will be fine. Just please don't try anything. I want that perfect for both of us. I have something to tell you and Kuroka that I learned today at dinner. Is Issari still here or is she gone?"

Rias saw the worry on my face, and she at once set her book down. It was a manga book. Replying to my question.

"She's staying with Akeno tonight. What did you learn?"

Kuroka entered the room and shut the door behind her knowing prior that I had something to share with her. She sat on the left. I start with the good news first.

"My grandfather has agreed to meet with your parents for the contract. He has confirmed me as Heir Astaroth properly. We will hopefully have it ironed out fast thanks to this next part. I have a prior betrothal contract. It will be used as the basis for ours."

Rias and Kuroka went wide eyed there. Rias was extremely worried now.

"With whom?"

That was said with a reluctant acceptance of the news. She had been raised in this expectation. I say to her the name of our likely third.

"Luck hates me. As for who it's a horrible surprise. It is Ravel Phenex."

That made Rias fall off the bed. Kuroka hissed because that is a bird and given her brother being a bird rat. I say trying to be positive.

"I have been told she is smart and that she is extremely curious about me. Having searched for information about me. What do you know about her Ria?"

Rias was in a slight daze still from the revelation.

"I don't know much about her because she would only be in the room with Riser and I for only so long as was socially acceptable. She was friendly with me but that's more I think in pity for being Riser's betrothed."

Given that Rias said that a spare bishop was kept to control her that probably means that Ravel is not in the peerage. Kuroka was silent but extended her tails to Rias and that made Rias a little less dazed and stopped her from being totally sad knowing this. I squeezed Rias's hand and that makes her smile a small smile. I say with a positive grin.

"She might not hate me for possibly hurting Riser then."

That was said as a joke and got a snort from Kuroka who wacks me upside the head. Rias smiled knowing immediately I was trying to make this a bit better. She leaned on my right shoulder and wasn't as down now. I put my arm around her and that made Rias happier. Because she said with a lighter tone.

"She couldn't stand him either. He always called her his next triumph after me when his parents weren't there."

A look of pure disgust crossed my face. That's vile. Like Euclid and his crap. I don't know what Ravel is like at all, but I'd kill him just for saying that. Rias seems to take comfort in being free from Riser and his pig ways. She gave me the manga book which I took. Rias finally said with a very small voice.

"I will talk with her when she gets here. I'm guessing you won't break it because it would insult your grandfather."

I tell her with a frown.

"Exactly. I won't break it because my grandfather put so much work into it on my behalf and to reject it would be spitting on that. We are getting Phenex tears at a very cheap price. He gave up a lot for me and I am having to fix messes that my uncle keeps making. He's an idiot or something else because he's trying to make the pillar weaker with his antics. He doesn't seem to understand that you have obligations as a noble yet does everything he can to not do them."

Rias shakes her head in sympathy for me.

"Diodora has always been a problem. He has more ego than sense. He boasts almost as much as Riser. He's not the best at lots of things. He wears a creepy smile that only Sona and I saw. Everyone else believes it's a real one. Even our friend Seekvaria didn't see it at first. Now she's like us and doesn't want to be near him. His peerage is creepy too. Blank faced and I swore I caught sight of a bruise on one of their faces."

I grew angry, but Kuroka instead just pulled me into a hug that also included Rias getting a surprised gasp from her. The purrs started and that calmed me. The hug was nice. Rias enjoyed it too because she closed her eyes in relaxation. That one thing made the night turn from surprise to one of happiness. After it ended, we three spent the rest of the night together. Laying on the bed talking to one another. While I began to read my bet book. I finally fell asleep near two. Long after the others had entered the sea.

The alarm went off at nine and I silenced it as quickly as possible. Not fast enough to save me from getting smacked in the face by a pillow sending me tumbling out of the bed and to the floor seeing stars. I did hear the words said from a mostly asleep Kuroka.

"Will destroy that clock nya."

I shake my head vigorously to prepare a response but didn't do the action and will get revenge for that. I checked the bed and Kuroka was burrowing into the bed on the left. With a still snoring Rias clutching onto where I had been on the right side with her having been in the middle. I was at the door to the bathroom when I heard the whine from a still sleeping Rias who started to notice I'm not there.

The shower was fast, and I made my way past the two sleepers towards the door and gently let them enjoy the sleep.

The house was silent and that's a surprise given who's living here now. The kitchen is where I finally see life in Maéva cooking for Murayama and Kiba who were talking about swords. I took a seat next to Kiba and that prompted a smile of greetings from him. Murayama smiled too and asked me.

"When can I get my armor and sword Gregor-kun? I would like to spar a bit with Kiba-kun to get some practice in."

Maéva set a plate of eggs and ham on the island for me, and I smiled in thanks to her. Before replying to Murayama.

"I can after my lessons. We have a few dueling swords in an armory that is downstairs you can use in the meantime. I don't plan to do much today now that I'm done with hunts. I will eventually be reworking wargear and I have plans to build stuff for future use. It will make a new thing that will help out."

That got curious looks from both teens and Maéva. I want to eventually make Kastalan robots. To help with the labor issues I will eventually run into. I went back to eating. There was sound behind me as two people walked into the kitchen sitting down at the table. It was Thoron and Hetvia who were both talking to each other in soft whispers. Hetvia was gazing at Kiba with a wishful look.

More people entered the room after them this time, Mittelt in her normal clothes from the dining room entrance and Shirone in a white shirt and short black shorts from the regular hall entrance. Mittelt took a seat on the far side of the kitchen table facing the two purebloods and Shirone.

"May I please get more generators? I would like to run several more experiments on them before I try building one from scratch. Then I'd like to see if I can improve on it."

I finished my bite and said with a smile.

"Today is build many things day so yes you can. I would also like your clothes size for your armor when we do a ratings game. Because we might have one soon. Same with you Thoron and Hetvia."

That got a frown from Mittelt nervous finger pokes from Hetvia and confirmation on Thoron. He's a battle fanatic, he asked with a very big smile.

"Who would it be against?"

I answered with a frown.

"Riser Phenex."

That got an even bigger smile from Thoron.

"Oh, that's good to know. He's a pig. He tried hitting on Via even after I told him to piss off."

Hetvia blushed at how protective Thoron was. Shirone let her ears out and hissed her anger at Riser.

"Beat Riser-baka badly nya. He's the biggest pig nya. I'm only for my brave prince nya!"

Not the point Shirone but I will. Mittelt spoke with a sigh.

"I will be ready for that possibility. I have heard things about him through the grapevine and they are only bad."

I answered her while finishing the food.

"Same with me but it's enough to not like him. Would you prefer range or melee weapons?"

Mittelt at once answered.

"Ranged. I don't do blood and guts. If you got something that's extreme range, I'll take that."

I have an idea.

"I have several. You should have a melee weapon as a backup just in case you need it."

That got a reluctant nod from Mittelt. Hetvia poked her fingers together. I told her with a smile.

"You can be in the back too Hetvia. I'm a mix of both and you can be near me and Thoron."

That reassured Hetvia as she stopped finger poking. Murayama smiled and I told my people.

"We will have a team meeting on Friday. Just so we can all be on the same page. Murayama you tell Kiryuu and Mittelt you tell Raynare when you see her. I have a project Mittelt that I would like to have your help on. You should like it."

The reader will be shared finally. It will be fun seeing Mittelt's face. She was extremely interested.

"I'll hold you to that boss."

It was then I heard the clacking of heels and good shoes. Meaning it's lesson time. I got up and turned to the noise and it was them. The three of us quickly went up the stairs.

The lesson today was the lower nobility and the commoners. The underworld was with each of the territories the pillars controlled set up as a typical feudal state, not unlike the medieval world. Explaining a bit how ideas were not shared easily for the commoners and with how the internet was controlled by the nobility it's not a surprise that not much has changed in devil society. A very small number of commoners are lucky enough to go to another place and you usually live and die in your home village. The place where travel is extremely common is Gremory territory and the four kings' territory.

The Astaroths controlled a state the size of what was Germany in the underworld. In some of the best land for wine growing. Our commoners were decently treated. Decently just meant they didn't have to worry about the first moon and being forcibly moved to suit the nobles. Our state did have vast uncharted areas that had never been explored before.

Geros taught well and he knows his stuff. Especially when it comes to the main city of Aphorni. Where the majority of our manufacturing takes place. The city was extremely close to where we grow most of the wine grapes. Why the wine makers guild was in the city and most of the population of the nearby villages work in the fields surrounding the city. I plan to visit every single village in our territory eventually. Funneling money into them via my own company to improve their lives in the future because happier workers are more productive workers.

The lesson wasn't boring and Geros kept me invested in the learning. When it was finally over three hours later, he and Grayfia were pleased. It was a very informative lesson, and I will be quizzed on everything from the prior lessons on Tuesday. I was dismissed from lessons by a serious Grayfia and Geros after they handed me my money from the house sale. Geros did tell me that Ajarkan would like dinners with him and I to be every other Wednesday if his schedule was open. Which I agreed to. Geros did ask for more mechadendrites. Because the pack had already proven itself so well with him that he wanted to make it a standard issue thing for his peerage. I told him I'll make more packs and MIUs today and have Maéva deliver them to him.

That got a nod along with a professional smile. Before he said to me that he wanted to talk with Maéva about a thing he saw in house.

I was met outside the office door by Rias who was in a blue shirt and jeans. She was having a good time it seemed because she had a silly grin. I raised an eyebrow at her in question and she told me while we moved towards the main hall.

"I want to practice swords with you. I was watching Murayama-san and Kiba in the basement dueling and I picked up a few tricks."

I smile there and say with that smile.

"I'll happily duel with you today after I'm done with building things. I do want to finish your book at some point too. I'll also introduce you to my peerage fully. Just don't be surprised by two people I have. Don't believe what the black haired one says I didn't do that."

That got a confused look from Rias and that was when Kuroka met us at the top of the stairs. Having heard me she teased Rias.

"He is lying nya. He totally did that. He has many evil plans for everyone nya."

I pulled a tail in retaliation and that got an eep from my queen and a giggle from Rias. I get into professional mode and say to Kuroka.

"Gather everyone up in the peerage. I will be reworking wargear today in the basement and making things for the new people. Then I'm free for relaxing."

Kuroka immediately took the order, and she started the people hunt. Rias smiled at me, and we continued down the stairs.

In the basement I find Murayama practicing her sword work and getting used to the macabian sword. When she caught sight of me, she bounced and woofed.

Her eagerness for her wargear is infectious. I get her sizes and then let the anvil appear. Before I make the sword. Murayama picked up the power sword and I showed her how to activate the weapon. The snap crack makes her jump, but she quickly jumps in excitement upon getting her shield. Murayama asked for a dummy to practice her sword on, and I made one in the form of her most hated alien.

A Tau. She hated that they didn't do melee. Rias was interested in the Tau's appearance. The dummy was moved by magic over to a corner by Murayama before she began to eagerly wack on the dummy and she gets extremely happy with the force of the blows and the cracks. I tell Murayama while wincing as she slapped the tau's face.

"I'll make your armor at the station and your outer layer of robes."

Murayama slammed the sword into the guts of the Tau which was a Fire warrior and she said over her shoulder.

"We all going to wear these robes?"

Rias was confused but that's normal.

"We all should. Given where I want to go. The robes are extremely comfortable and have proven their worth already. The only one who doesn't wear them right now is Raynare but that's because of her stealth and her fighting style being extremely up close and personal. She might eventually once good enough switch to a robe."

Murayama nods and then made a killing blow on the dummy with a head chop. The blow shakes the dummy and Murayama must have a big smile. I was prepared for my next person. Which was Mittelt. She was being carried into the basement by a smiling Raynare. Mittelt isn't fighting this and just sighed before being set down in-front of me. I look at Raynare in amusement while Rias gasps at the two fallen devils. I asked Mittelt.

"Ballistic or laser?"

Mittelt frowned.

"Laser? Your telling me that you can make laser things?"

I smiled and nodded.

"I can."

Mittelt frowned before answering.

"Laser."

I pictured a hot shot long las and swing. The light went off and then I picked up the gun. It's ratling sized and I hand it to Mittelt. She looks at it in disbelief. Raynare bounced happy and Rias finally asked.

"How do you have two fallen?"

Raynare does her thing.

"My great king seduced me! I'm Raynare!"

Rias was in shock until she remembered what I said before we came downstairs. She must have seen the naïve face of Raynare too because she doesn't get mad at me or Raynare. Mittelt sighed. Murayama spoke up in support of Raynare.

"He did it to me too Ray. I'm in this permanently Red so don't try to think your top dog here."

Rias got a tic mark and got ready to shoot back at her rival. Raynare says something.

"Knight of Mars thinks the red lady is extremely pretty and understands the great king's love of red."

Finally, it's not me! Rias gets extremely smug and likes Raynare immensely now. That's a fucking oxymoron there. Murayama blushed profusely. Raynare beams and Mittelt just looks at the gun and armor along with the robes. That was when Thoron and Hetvia arrived with Kuroka and Kiryuu.

Thoron and Hetvia froze seeing the anvil. Kiryuu shrugged and she requested a servo skull. Another swing and then a new little guy is made. She took it and placed it in a pocket spell. Mittelt was off put by the skull. Rias surprisingly was not. Getting the Cult Mechcanicum. I gestured to Thoron and Hetvia and the two approached. I picture a power spear and swing. The spear is on the anvil and Thoron takes it.

I showed him the activation button and the spear cracks. Thoron embraced his battle fanatic self fully and beams as I tell him what a power weapon does. Then comes his armor and robes. He frowns with the robes but looks in interest at the carapace. Especially the red eyes.

Hetvia pokes her fingers together and I make her armor and robes. Before I ask her.

"You know swords or anything Hetvia?"

Hetvia shakes her head no. Thoron had put his armor and weapon in a pocket spell and says.

"She doesn't. I have tried to help her with that."

I smile reassuringly to Hetvia who looks down in shame. Mittelt says to her fellow pawn seeing the shame and trying to build something here.

"I don't know melee either. If you want, I could use a lab assistant for my experiments. I'm new to devil magic and would like an experienced teacher."

That makes Hetvia happy, and she nodded her agreement to help that way. I do tell them.

"I can make something to help you both with swords. It was what helped me learn them too. Ria, it can help you get stronger too."

Rias and the others looked at that in curiosity. I tell my peerage.

"Everyone enjoy yourselves. Murayama I will make you your armor. Ray try not to scare anyone."

I quickly made six generators for Mittelt and the little fallen was pleased before she invited Hetvia to help her. That got Thoron helping as well. Raynare disappeared shocking Rias as it was sudden and while in her eyesight. Murayama bounced towards me with Kiryuu following along with Hetvia. Kuroka surprisingly prepared to go upstairs. Saying to me with a Cheshire grin.

"Shirone wants to go to a sweet shop. I want fish nya. Have fun Red."

With that Kuroka goes off. Followed by the science duo and Thoron. With that done I lead Rias along with Murayama to the teleportation room and Rias is wide eyed seeing it. Murayama goes through without hesitation and disappears. I extend my hand to Rias. She looks at the teleporter again before she takes my hand without any hesitation either. And together we stepped through.

Murayama enjoys using her new power armor and Rias just watches it in shock. The two other suits are resting in a line with Issari's in the middle and mine on the right. Murayama swiped with her sword several times and her shield was prepared to take blows. The icon of the cog of Mars was prominent on the central point of the red shield. I quickly made two dueling swords for Rias and myself. Before getting Rias's attention with a tap on her shoulder. That shocked Rias out of her gaze. I handed her the sword.

She takes it before she and I face each other. Rias asked.

"What type of armor is that? What are you going to make to help me learn swords faster?"

I reply with the first question.

"Power armor. It is armor powered by two small plasma reactors. It's extremely good armor. As for what I will make to help you, it will teach you sword styles. After two or three sessions you should know more of them that will give you an advantage."

Rias was interested. I extended my sword and let Rias prepare herself. Then we duel. Rias had indeed picked up tricks from earlier. Because she gave good fights. She was good with a sword, and I want her to be able to defend herself against Kokabiel's people. I will find bases of his and show them true war. Because kidnapping and torturing a person isn't war. Neither is gassing civilians. My anger must be clear for Rias to see because she says softly.

"You don't have to worry Gregor-kun. You're so serious most of the time. I don't get why now that I'm all but free from Riser."

I worry for our planet Ria. I will never not do that.

"I can't help it. I'll keep worrying till that contract is signed. I am sorry."

Rias dodged a jab and she poked at me which I blocked. That gave Rias time to respond.

"I just want my potential husband to be happy. Like last night and on Tuesday."

I will be happy when we are strong Ria.

"I will try. I don't plan to be doing much for a few weeks. Maybe a hunt every so often but I will have more down time. I'm enjoying the book, Ria. You might win."

Rias blushed in pleasure before she admitted to me.

"I am too. I like Dune. I want to read more stuff like it."

I smile before saying.

"There are more books in the series. I can recommend another one called Foundation. I have a fun plan for us should I win. You will love it."

The plan was to go to an anime convention being hosted here in Kuoh. Rias blushed and responded to that with the duel starting again.

"I do too. Issari-chan told me you like certain things. I have never done them before. But they sound like they could be fun."

I'm intrigued. Rias smiles our smile and then jabs at me while I'm distracted. Clever girl. I easily blocked it but punished her for that with a quick series of strikes. She caught three of the six strikes. Dodged two and then got poked on the final strike on her right leg. The blades were blunted. I praise her.

"Good try but you won't pass me easily Ria. Can you show me more about wards? I want to know how they work."

Rias smiled there at her defense and my question.

"I can. I can teach you tonight."

I smiled there.

"I would love that."

Rias grew happier and then we dueled again. Murayama had finished playing with her armor and weapons before she watched and started giving tips. To Rias. I watched my knight and she shrugged.

"We are stuck together so I'm not going to be too petty. Red needs to be stronger for my king. He deserves to have that. Now spill Red what does he like! I need to know!"

Rias doesn't answer right away. Blocking a hit from me before she replies.

"I won't say. After all he knows what I want and said yes to it. I will try it. Find it out yourself."

Rias doing that makes me nosebleed. Getting a triumphant smile from her and that led to me getting poked. It caught my left hand and I want to hate Kuroka and kiss her. Murayama just rolled her eyes there.

"Kitty will tell me. I want to know!"

Damn horny. I sighed and just poked towards Rias. She caught it and we continued to spar. Murayama gave tips to Rias along with asking questions about my styles and asking about damage I have taken from battles. I answered her and she began to make mental notes. Rias frowns hearing several things, but she turned tender knowing I took those wounds for her. This continued till Rias finally got tired. Her stamina is better, and I will jog with her more to watch out for Kokabiel's people. Because two of them got away. They will try again. I say to Murayama as I take Rias's sword and let her lean on me.

"I will be doing jogging for the people in the peerage who need to do that. I plan to do it at least once or twice a day. Your peerage is welcome to do that with me Rias."

Rias smiled and nodded her head vigorously wanting that. Murayama gets her now increasingly common nosebleed. Probably because of seeing something more. Damn horny. But lust was eventually going to show up in the peerage. I let Rias lean on me and Murayama continued her getting used to her armor. Thirty minutes later getting out of it and asking for a storage unit for her gear. Which I make quickly. When the gear was put away and Murayama prepared to leave. Saying as she walked towards the teleporter.

"I will probably be out with Katase tonight and late tomorrow Gregor-kun. We need to find a new place to practice and Katase wants to prepare our club for next season."

I smiled and let her know.

"I will make something for everyone so that way we can assemble quickly. Enjoy the day Murayama-chan. Good luck with that and I will let you and Katase know if I will join. I think I'll get my acceptance letter tomorrow or sometime next week."

That will hopefully be done soon. I will need to start making things to help with my limited time. Perhaps a few servo skulls. I could turn one of Kokabiel's people into a servitor. That could help and actually make a wasteful dog into being useful. Koriel tells me that she can teach me the process easily. Murayama says hopefully.

"You will get in. Red is right you do worry about things a lot. But I understand too. I hope when we are all on the same page tomorrow, we can start helping out more."

I hope so. Especially if Mittelt can help on the technical side. With a way to make the generators we might be able to go public with them and then my company can jump forward. Hell, she might be able to bullshit papers together to help us. Rias squeezed my hand and that helps. It will get better slowly. Hopefully.

Murayama left and I was silent with Rias for a bit. We enjoyed the silence and that was how we were for a bit. Before we started dueling again.

When we returned home, I was met by Maéva asking for the mechadendrites for Geros. Which I quickly made for her to send to him. Maéva thanked me before going off to do things. It was at the top of the stairs that Rias and I departed to take showers because of the work out. Hot water and a small smile were enjoyed before I exited the shower and got ready for my wards session.

Rias entered with a huge amount books, and I gaped at the number. I know wards are difficult but damn. Rias went into a very serious look and began the lecture by explaining the importance of clear rune application on a ward stone. She brought several unused ones, and the first lesson was to power the stone with magic. Then carve the right rune and it must be perfect.

I carve carefully into the stone, and we continue the lesson till Maéva arrives with dinner consisting of rice and chicken. Following her was Issari and Akeno. Issari focused on the rune stones while Akeno tells me that she and Issari have been enjoying doing stuff together. I don't ask because that's not my business, but Issari has her waifu all but guaranteed by the look Akeno sent the chestnut. I after forty minutes of carving showed Rias my stone. The verdict was not the worst.

"You made three errors. In saying that they are extremely small ones, but you should not make any. That's how holes are left. You did ok for a first try."

It became clear fast that I get wards in terms of breaking them. I'm not a maker but a breaker. Kuroka being both shocked Rias because that was incredibly rare. Rias smiled and said it's 99 percent of the time either or for people. Breakers are also rare because you need to understand the basics to begin with and very few can even begin to understand that. That makes the blow less stinging. I and the others learn something new here.

Issari, who had been watching in pure curiosity since the beginning, now asked to see a stone. Rias gave her one. The pervert immediately got a chisel and at a speed that shocked Rias and I, Issari carved a stone quickly and then presented it to Rias. Rias blinked and she looked over the stone. Before saying in a very shocked voice.

"This is perfect. No hint of a crack. How did you?"

Issari shrugged but was extremely smug.

"Gecko shared stuff. He said I earned it. I'm smart too without that and I'm a maker. I call dibs on base wards when I am good enough."

Akeno's smile is lusty, and she pets her dragon getting big purrs. Considering everything that is good. I break Issari makes. Two sides of the same coin on the opposite ends again. Still, this can work. The lesson split with Rias making stones for me to break with Issari getting stones to make. That continued on with an extreme amount of learning and this will be useful, and I'll test my breaking stones on the next raid. Because I still need to find the last two fallen from that cell. A problem for another day. Today was relaxing. I need more of these.