Chapter 14.
The Omnissiah knows no limits.
The beatdown started immediately after Geros left. I made Issari cry after I was done with her. Rias didn't support the pervert and Akeno didn't either. Kiba looked at me like I was the coolest thing since sliced bread. Daphne was thankfully not there in the kitchen where the beatdown occurred. Issari wept her apologies to me, and I didn't take them.
"You tried to strangle me! For something I didn't do wrong! You are getting what you want, but your going to suffer for worrying Rias you troglodyte!"
Issari wept in fear of me now and the promised future pain. Rias blushed and looked at me dreamy while Akeno snickers at that. Kiba is not feeling sympathetic to the one who terrified him. Issari cried in the corner of the kitchen next to the fridge after our first session. Akeno smiled broadly and hugged my right arm.
"You're the best cousin ever Lex. I have not had as much fun as I have had since meeting you and her! You both will make the school fun!"
I don't think being strangled is fun Akeno, but you're a sadistic fuck so that is bad. I smile evil to my cousin. I will get my revenge. Be prepared rat queen. Akeno takes the look and smiles her own smile. Rias was about to ask something, before a portal opened and Geros comes back with pizza. He took note of Issari in the corner, and he simply commented in a bored voice.
"Again, like Master Ajuka. You both enjoy putting your best friend in the corner for bad behavior."
Oh, shit that says a lot about Sirzches. Rias blushed badly mumbling that her brother is good. Geros just raised an eyebrow in disbelief there and sets the pizza on the counter. Everyone takes their box including a still weeping Issari. I take Daphne's upstairs along with napkins and plates. The nymph was resting well, and she enjoyed her pizza. It was vegetarian so that is not weird. I don't judge.
She tells me that she will be up and about in a day thanks to my butler. That's good because she seems like a nice person. Just suspicious for the right reasons. She does say now that it's the two of us alone.
"I'm sorry for ever doubting you truly. The situation I described to you happened to my sister and she was forced into that. I just didn't want that to happen to me. You seem to be a stray hunter. Please don't kill my sister. She ran because her king was extremely abusive to her and another she ran with. I know I have nothing to offer you for that, but I'm choosing now to trust the good man you are."
I pat her right hand.
"I know strays run for multiple reasons. It's half and half. I'm only going after strays that harm people. I'm not blind to their abuse but I'm half human and it's wrong of me to not defend them too. Despite what they do to the planet."
Daphne was relieved hearing that. Her face on humans needing defense too wasn't the one I'd thought she'd take.
"I know that they try for Gaia. Many don't see that, but I know they do. My former lover was in a big movement that you humans are trying. It cleaned up so much land. That was her proudest moment. It saved twenty groves of nymphs and dryads in Vancouver. The others deny that humans try, but to those of us from the area and the forests next door we know you do. It's just slow and they are fighting against the system that doesn't want change."
Sounds right. I will do what I can with money to help our world. Not enough people do that. The rich stopped playing pretend in my world and just embraced being the dogs they were, and the corporations just made the environment a regular person problem while continuing to be the actual problem. I will try for Gaia too.
I prepared to leave the room and Daphne said to me wither her blue eyes on me fully.
"I will try to help you my brave hero. You have the look many of the demigods have. Of seeing the world through the lenses of everything out to get you. You're a good man who has a destiny that you can't escape. I wondered if you were a doom driven hero. You are one, but you're the potential champion of something new. I can see it now. The world will one day be completely different because of you."
Yes, it will be. Hopefully it will be better, or we have the grim darkness of the far past. I replied to her with a small smile.
"I am only one man, but it only takes one pebble to make a rockslide."
Daphne giggled there.
"That is true. I'll find a way to help you. For being the person that gets why. Thank you for the pizza. It's good and I will have to recommend it to my sisters."
She settled into food, and I go back downstairs to enjoy mine. I leave her door open so that she can call out for help if need be. Upon returning to the others Geros is gone, but a new face was here. A pretty woman with white hair that is wearing a conservative maid outfit. She immediately bowed seeing me and her face was nervous. She is youngish in her mid twenties. I just watched Issari grumble that I'm a prick before she digs into her food again. Akeno giggled seeing me once again out of place while Kiba is in a corner watching Issari like a hawk. Rias is just shaking her head at me in fondness. The maid introduced herself.
"Young master I am Maéva Caillat. It is an honor to serve you. I am willing to do anything you ask of me! Please take care of me!"
She is French and I hate the accent being good. She's also nervous. Rias took note of my shiver there hearing French. I however don't like the willing to do anything part I heard. I do, however, allow her to finish her bow before I smiled my trademark smile at her.
"It is my honor to meet you actually Maéva. Please just call me Gregor. I didn't know I was a noble till recently and I prefer informal things because of that. I hope we can get along."
The maid seems to brighten there. Her eyes now that I do see them are a pretty hazel and she was beautiful when she smiled. I, however, don't have a maid fetish so this will be easy other than the locks and more. Maéva does seem like a nice person. She said as she began to clean up boxes.
"Of course. Geros said you seemed kind and I wanted to believe, but I was still nervous. I was destined to serve Lord Diodora. Suddenly being reassigned is worrying. I promise I am a good maid!"
Diodora is a prick, so I get the worry. Which reminds me. I glare down Issari. My friend shivers at the glare and I say to her and Maéva.
"I'll key you into the locks I have here. Same with everyone else. It should take about twenty minutes. Maéva there are a few rooms that I will eventually let you into but that will be in a few days, and you don't have to worry much about them. They won't be used till later."
Everyone but Issari grew interested in the locks. Maéva frowned hearing rooms she can't clean but becomes professional immediately. Rias asked as she finished her last slice.
"These locks. Did you make them with your gear? You said that you can make other things."
Kiba looked on wondering my gear. Maéva widened her eyes there. She looked me up and down before her eyes seemed to take on a hopeful light. Why? Akeno is curious too and I shake my head with how this day is going.
"I did. They are extremely special and breaking them is incredibly difficult. Did Lady Lucifuge ever get the wards moved?"
I eat three slices while Rias tells me that yes Grayfia got everything moved, and fast. Maéva just seems to brighten up more and I checked her. She is a devil, and a reincarnated one too consisting of two pawns. So, the new happy attitude is her probably getting to be more open with herself here. Which begs the question who is her king? The maid answered the unasked question.
"My king is Geros sir. He is good to us. I'm the newest piece sir."
Wait a minute. Geros is a butler. How is he noble enough to have a set? Rias answered.
"He is a fifth cousin of an Astaroth branch family. He is extremely loyal and has never failed your father or grandfather."
Maéva nodded profusely supporting that. I just don't get devils. I finished a fourth slice and then I set the other slices away for tomorrow. Maéva followed after me to the front door and I began to key everyone into the locks. The devils don't understand what they are. Issari does but only a little. Maéva, however, showed her professional side immediately and began to look around her new station. I lead the train to the doors on everything but the basement. I wanted to do a second hunt today, but that's not happening while Daphne is still hurt. I will however lift today because I need to increase my armor weight. Because the tengus had been incredibly dangerous. The ninja had been the leader of the two because he was the one that had taken command immediately.
I was looking at my armor in the room of the basement that I had chosen to make an armory. She had followed with the others and Kiba is looking at the armor too along with Rias and Maéva. Issari is just watching Kiba. Akeno asked in pure curiosity.
"This armor is so strange. I have never seen anything like it before. What's it called?"
I pulled the shuriken out of my chest piece, and it comes out with a clang. Rias touched the armor on the shoulder plate, and she looked at the Mechanicus symbol in curiosity. Kiba kept looking at the helm along with Maéva who was intimidated by the red eyes.
"It's called carapace. It's good armor because I have had gear swords thrown at me and they bounced off. Maéva I am currently hunting strays because I need to get money for a situation, and I don't like the idea of them hurting people. If you see me in this don't be intimidated."
Maéva kept her eyes on the helm that was held on the wall by a hook. Rias touched the skull and cog on my chest piece. She was so curious about it. Issari was just busy watching Kiba and Kiba scoots towards me for protection from her. Akeno did ask.
"You said your gear took this symbol Lex. That you have a faith that is not normal. What is this faith?"
Issari is about to open her mouth, but I glared at her again and that stopped her. I explain.
"I'm calling it the Cult Mechcanicum. I believe that there are things that reside in all technology, and that they are like me in my state. I promise Maéva that I'll keep it away from you and the others given your condition. I don't want to hurt you all given everything."
That makes Maéva relax more. She had tensed at the mention of a faith. Rias had too but she was feeling something because she seems to be just tracing the cog never unending, Akeno was thankful I was not saying anything more that could possibly hurt them. Kiba was, however, deeply interested. He approached the chest piece and he looked at the symbol for a second harder look. He doesn't say anything. Rias does.
"I want to learn everything about you. Even this. Please explain when you can."
Kiba surprised everyone too by saying.
"I would like to hear the idea too. This is interesting. There is something in the armor. Like a being here with us. Almost like that poltergeist we once chased out of the club. It's different though. It's not hostile."
That's Tsuda because she says to me that she was not actively doing anything, and he was sensing her. I watched Kiba in more curiosity. What else did the Holy Sword Project do to him to let him know this? Issari and Maéva looked at Kiba in interest for two different reasons. Akeno shows her brains here.
"Usually, ghosts stay away from technology because it can expose the other side easily and they are just as invested in keeping the veil up. You sure Kiba?"
Kiba kept focusing on the chest piece. He answered.
"Absolutely. I don't often say much about it because it was from those days, but I was the best in my group sensing spirits. There is one here. It is strange. As is its story. It was in a dark place in misery when someone found it. It watched the stranger freeze badly upon seeing its former body before it left. The spirit heard a scream that drew it towards the stranger and two more people. The first stranger saved one and then brutally killed the other of the newcomers. The spirit then felt release, but chose to return to help its hero. Calling them a name I don't know of yet because I'm not enlightened enough to know it according to the spirit."
That's Tsuda story almost to a T. Issari went wide eyed hearing it as did Maéva. Akeno looked at me again critically. Rias saw the look on Issari and then turned to me. Kiba is watching me incredibly interested. I'm impressed with Kiba there. He got all of that from just a minute of touching the chest piece. He would make an amazing tech priest if he can commune with spirits like that. Kiba looked at me then the wide eyed Issari. He put two and two together.
"He saved you. I'm sorry my lady for that experience. You still scare me, but I didn't know."
Issari blushed badly and then nervously shifted. Before she grew determined. Her brown eyes came alive with passion that was not for Kiba.
"I want to protect others like my best friend. I'd follow him anywhere. He cares and I know what the spirit says and calls him. He is that. He's just too stubborn to accept it fully yet."
Kiba looked at both of us with more interest. He kept his eyes on Issari, and he asked.
"You hear it too.? We are rare. I'd like to get with you and understand why that is. When I was recruited for the church that was the biggest reason I was pushed towards being an Exorcist. The restless dead are often the first thing the new ones fight. With my skill I could skip that easier and focus more on harder foes."
Issari answered with her knuckle head self-speaking here.
"I only hear the machine spirits. They who will be like the machine in being immortal. I follow the faith too."
Akeno looked again at me and then the chest plate. At the symbol and she is now very curious because of Kiba. Rias touched the symbol again and she seemed to whisper something. We couldn't hear it and she shook her head after like she was in a trance saying whatever it was. Maéva, however, was the weirdest of them all. She looked at me and her hazel eyes seemed to understand me the most. She immediately promised something.
"Young master I will do anything I can to help my next Lord Astaroth. A true noble that remembers others first. I'm sorry young lady that such a thing happened to you."
She bowed low before she prepared to leave the room. I say to her.
"Choose a bedroom for yourself. I don't care which. I will need your help sometime this weekend and or next week with a thing I will be doing. I will be incapacitated during the process, and I will need to do multiple rounds of it. I will ask you to do something that will be your first test."
Maéva bowed immediately and she responded.
"Yes milord. I will follow your orders."
She went off and Kiba kept looking at Issari. Then the symbol. He however is intrigued deeply because he does say to Rias.
"I'd like to come here more, and get to know you properly Issari-san. Just please don't chase me. I have enough of that at the school."
Issari is hard focusing on Kiba. She, however, surprised everyone by saying.
"I won't do it again. I apologize for that. I do want you but will prove to you I'm not the fan girls. You're a knight, and I will show you the proper respect."
Kiba looked at her more closely. Searching for something. He didn't seem to find it and nodded before he took on his usual cheerful grin.
"We will see. Rias can you make me a portal please. I need to go to the soup kitchen tomorrow and i plan to be there most of the day. I know where the house is and can get here later. Thank you again Gregor for the food."
Rias goes with him upstairs while Issari prepares to say something to Kiba before he left. Akeno stays with me. She looked at the symbol again and she does say while she looked at it.
"You are indeed a silly man, but I don't think bad of you or your spirit. I'm interested in this faith Lex. I don't think I can practice it, but you said it's helped you."
I decided since it's the two of us to shock her more.
"The Machine God I worship is not like many Akeno. He would accept you and the others."
Akeno prepared on instinct for pain hearing the word closing her eyes, but when none comes she opens her eyes in amazement and confusion. Payback is a bitch rat queen. Get trolled! She looked at me.
"No pain. I can't believe it."
I hug my cousin and then surprised her more.
"He is different from the rest Keno. He is not like most deities. You are human too. Just a sadistic rat queen who needs to stop torturing me. My wonderful cousin despite being that is still my family."
Akeno began fufufuing up a storm at being had. She hugged me back too in total support.
"I'll try to tone it down, but you got me there. Lex. The fact you did that for this spirit here shows me that I will never have a cousin who is bad. I was so afraid that day when you didn't recognize me. I will never regret that day because you are making my life better than ever before. I just wish my mom was here. You were her favorite."
I just pat my cousin and I don't regret the fact that I agreed to play the part. It's like having my brother back with the good and bad. The camaraderie was something I truly missed. We go upstairs and I say her while in a fond memory.
"I wish I did remember her, but I love the new memories I'm making. I'm in a better place than I was before you found me. Because despite everything I have learned about me now. It's you I prize most. You have any fun ideas to torment Issari? I didn't want to die and come back scaring everyone."
Akeno fufufuing there.
"I have six. They are each fun. I knew there was enough of it there to promote this. Here is number one."
They are all good. We laughed evil together on the last one when we entered the front entrance and that is the scene that Rias and Issari found us in. Issari shivers and backed up. I'm confused by the look that passed on Rias's face upon seeing Akeno's barely hidden sadism. Rias was definitely built differently here. Because she grew interested in me over something. Akeno snorts at that. I do say for Issari.
"Keno we do plan two. Issari you will learn to never strangle me again. Also, you smell funny."
That was a joke, but the tic mark returned. Rias and Akeno liked the insult. They snicker while Issari grew pissed.
"Your ugly! I don't smell funny! I showered today!"
That misdirected her away from the actual hit. Akeno shocked the pervert with a small lightning bolt that hit Issari and made her fly into the air. Before hitting the floor and groaning. I high five Akeno. She snickered and said to the groaning Issari.
"Don't strangle my cousin. You're fun and I like you, but he didn't want to scare people. Have you learned your lesson?"
That last part was phrased in such a way that the sadism was plain to hear. Issari mumbled something into the floor which got another lightning bolt prepared. The snap crack of it sent Issari jumping into a soldier pose and she saluted.
"Yes sir! Don't strangle Gregor-kun sir!"
Akeno purred and that makes Issari let loose her pervert self-there. Rias shakes her head and just moved towards me, and she takes my hand. Akeno smiled her sadistic smile and pats Issari like a cat.
"I like that. Don't worry my little strangler. You will be rewarded for your good behavior. Be good and I promise you will enjoy it."
Akeno might honestly be the best dragon tamer ever. She grew serious and stopped pats for Issari. She moved away from the pervert making her whine. Rias had checked the time and said sadly.
"We need to get going. My brother is visiting us tonight and he is going to do his usual thing. I'll see you tomorrow Gregor-kun. Thank you for the food, and for trusting me."
Rias whispered into my ear a promise that just makes me internally shake. I'm stuck with this redhead. Akeno smiled and followed after her king when she made her portal. It closed and the room is silent except for Issari whining now that her tamer was gone. I shake my head. I need to do so much more today. Like talk with Kuroka at some point and deal with Maéva. Because now I have a maid and while that helps it doesn't help me with how secretive I am. I just prepared for more trouble, and I go to lift weights. Issari followed along like a good gecko.
She was silent as I lifted, and I actually pushed myself past my limit and I'll let the gene heal me up. I did pull all my muscles and it hurts badly. That was where Maéva found us. Issari was in dream land sitting on a box in the lifting room. Maéva was indeed professional and didn't stare. She did say after thinking of how to start the conversation.
"You are a half milord?"
She was still nervous, but her eyes held the curiosity. No sign of a racist but that's not saying anything with Shirone being one. I stopped lifting and breath heavily. Before replying.
"I am and my friend is pure human. Will that be a problem Maéva?"
The woman shook her head.
"No young master. Just surprising. I heard and seen much on Lord Diodora and how he, while being a NKF member publicly supports the GKF privately. I was just curious and mean no offense."
Diodora is a very big problem that I'm going to have to crush. Damn noble thinking has already poisoned me. I'm debating if I should make him into a servitor.
"It's alright Maéva. I just know of one reincarnated racist and I don't know how prominent that is. Here I encourage you to be open on your thoughts. I'm not one who likes to control said thoughts."
Maéva relaxed completely. She was now openly happy, and the smile showed prominently.
"Of course, young master. I am sorry if I gave you that impression. I am not a racist and I don't understand everything yet about devil society. Only that Geros says that the GKF is a faction that don't look highly on us reincarnated. My king is pure NKF and follows Lord Beelzebub to the letter. As does Lord Astaroth. I stand ready to help in anything you ask of me."
That was said in pure honesty. Geros probably wanted Maéva to be near a person who was not going to look down on her and the fact he's NKF is not surprising because he had voiced his disapproval of Diodora. There must be bad tension in the family because of me. Diodora is the second son of the family and I'm not getting why I have heard next to nothing on Lady Astaroth. Issari was just listening in, and she kept being silent. I replied to Maéva.
"I plan to be NKF as well. The GKF also hates me for my nature so I would be stupid to support them. I'm learning this side too so we can do that together. I want a better world and by Mars I will see it."
Maéva looked weirdly at the Mars statement. she continued to remain her professional self. Issari was so deep in thought she said something unconsciously.
"Cousin so pretty."
Maéva sweat dropped there. I just shake my head.
"That's Issari. Don't mind her much. She is just open with her wants. She's mostly harmless. You have picked out a room yes?"
Maéva just watched the pervert before she nodded.
"I have. It's much too big for me, but the maid room here next to the recreation room is sufficient."
I chuckled there hearing the disgust of the room size.
"Mine is too large and pompous as well. I'm used to regular sized everything and hope that I'll eventually be able to renovate the place at some point."
Maéva and I bonded over our mutual dislike of extravagance. We moved out of the weight room and Issari followed along. Still thinking of Akeno. The three of us climbed the stairs and I introduced Daphne to Maéva. The nymph had smiled and then she had asked for a tv remote because she was bored. Maéva got it for her, and the nymph clicked through the channels till she got to a nature documentary and then settled into watching bears be weird. One was eating a fish before waving at the camera people. Maéva promised to help Daphne out and the nymph was simply happy to have a good bed. Issari finally snapped out of her dream land and checks the time. She then sprinted off leaving a dust cloud. She said running down the stairs and out the front door.
"Bye Gregor-kun! I'll see you tomorrow!"
Maéva didn't ask anything about that. Just shrugged. Daphne's face was just amused. She said before focusing on the bears again.
"I might not be her type, but she is sadly mine. I enjoy knuckleheads because they are a riot once you get them into new situations. Her going after you was funny."
I shake my head.
"If you want to be strangled because of something you didn't do then be my guest. She has a good heart though and isn't the worst person."
Daphne snickers before saying.
"Don't promise me a good time. I miss my partner. She was one too and her enthusiasm for nature was how we got together. There was this one time."
She told a funny story of her knucklehead that was definitely a keeper story. I lost track of time watching bears and hearing stories from Daphne. I will do my next hunt tomorrow. While we were doing this Maéva began to get her stuff and routine ready for tomorrow. When Daphne finally passed out I left her to a good night's sleep and went to enjoy my own night. I thank the Machine God for my war mask. My God says that I'm welcome, and agrees that Kiba would be an excellent tech priest. Many Exorcists would but he doesn't want to supplant other faiths. When I mentioned that Big G is gone he grew silent. Before saying in a matter of fact voice.
"The system is designed better here. More robust than in many places. He prepared for his death. It will stand and from what I have gathered it has resisted several attempts by other deities to hijack it. I will do my own research into it. Not for control of it , but because I would like to have something similar for myself, and for you. Have you considered it fully yet?"
Being a champion of a god. I tell him I need more time. My God shrugged but tells me that he is not in a rush. He does say, however, I have attracted attention from several other deities. The Shinto have shielded me from them. Saying that they like me and him. I don't want more deities looking at me. As I entered my room and hit the bed I prepare myself for tomorrow.
That night I had nightmares beyond count. Earth burning in the void. A fleet burning our world to nothing. I woke up screaming three times. Throwing up twice and the third time dry heaving. I'm miserable that night and I don't know what that was. I get at most three hours of actual sleep. I checked my phone for messages, and I saw one from Rias and that explains why she left early yesterday. It's good news.
When I'm down in the kitchen after showering and dressing I find Maéva up too and she has a tray set with food that's vegan. She looked at me extremely worried from behind the granite island.
"Are you ok young master? I heard the screaming, and I was worried."
I have an excuse for that.
"I'm as well as I can be. I was just having a nightmare of the car crash I lost most of my memories in. I'm sorry Maéva."
The maid grew sad. She drooped and then she moved with the food towards the stairs. She says as she began ascending them.
"I was just worried young master. The screaming was bad. I deafened the guest room after the first episode. She thankfully didn't wake at all."
That's good. I moved with her, and she looked down in a bit of fear wondering if I was mad at her. I tell her as we hit the top of the stairs.
"Thank you for the concern Maéva and for doing that for our guest. Perhaps you can teach me a deafening spell, so you don't have to worry more about that. Your always welcome to be honest with me."
Maéva brighten there. Still worried but she was now not down. We tapped on Daphne's door and then entered. The nymph was slowly moving up and she took three steps forward. She upon seeing her food and us smiled. Maéva brought the food over and she gave it over to the other woman. Daphne began eating and she smiled once more.
"I'll be good to go in a few hours. Your family butler is a miracle. He knew exactly where to get the healing magic on me. I can never thank you enough for this Gregor."
That's excellent news. I promised her.
"I'll escort you to a bus station and will give you some money. Then your free to go wherever you want."
Daphne smiles at that and me keeping her secret. She kept eating and then after she was done she moved towards the bathroom. Maéva was happy there. She picked up the tray and plates before she asked me if I wanted anything for breakfast. I tell her something with a lot of protein. She immediately started cooking. I was eating when Issari came into the kitchen, and she was looking happy today. Maéva was confused on how she was here not hearing the front door open.
Issari was being a menace and gazed at Maéva. I slapped her head into the counter. Maéva smiled there and Issari groaned. She as she came up said.
"Asshole. Why!"
I slapped her again into the counter making her groan again.
"My maid deserves respect pervert. Don't do that or else. Just because you're a horn dog doesn't mean you can do that to my servants. Be good."
Issari groaned again rubbing her head. Maéva added insult to injury by wacking Issari with a wooden spoon. My best friend groaned again. The maid made sure she was good to do that, and I approved with a quick nod. Issari whined at that.
"Maid so pretty!"
I smirk then turned to Maéva. She saw my thought process there and we grin together. Issari shakes. I informed her.
"The strongest female devil queen Issari is a maid. She beats down anyone that screws with her. This is good practice for you. Don't stare at Maéva. Or I will make last night look like child's play."
Issari wimps out and nodded. Maéva does ask.
"How did she get into the house? I'm keyed into the wards and she didn't trigger them."
Interesting but not bad to know. I let my maid in slightly.
"I made something that can get her here. I can get rid of it at any time. Lots of interesting things I can do Maéva. Like the armor. Pervert. We will be hunting today, and I don't know if I should include you. I remember the black encroaching in."
Issari got her tic mark and Maéva was amazed at the confession. She was extremely curious.
"How?"
I smile and replied.
"Technology."
That makes Maéva look amazed. Issari simply kept silent. Maéva asked again.
"Your gear?"
I smile and nod.
"Yes."
Maéva was surprised again. She thinks before saying.
"I have never heard of a gear like that. That sounds interesting. My own gear isn't great."
That admission was said sadly and softly. I wonder what her gear is and why Geros would reincarnate her if her gear is weak. Issari said softly.
"I have gear too. Surely it's not that bad."
Maéva grew sad and a rain cloud manifested over her head. Issari sweat dropped at that and I shake my head at her and slapped her again into the island. She groaned and I reassured Maéva.
"I'm sorry Maéva. I won't ask. Do you need any household machinery? I can make some for you that should save you time and or help budget your expenses."
I guessed that she was kind of like Rossweiss. That was proven right when the rain cloud vanished instantly, and she nodded her head vigorously.
"Thank you! I have noticed several things at the mansion in regard to old machinery we have and when I brought it up to Geros to suggest to Lord Astaroth we were shot down by Lord Diodora. He said that the issues were not real, and Lord Astaroth supported him to keep his son happy. My suggestions would have saved your house incredible amounts of money. I will enjoy working for you young master!"
Stupid nobles. You save money by being efficient on expenses and thus your profits rise. Stupid decadent ways. I tell her while frowning.
"New ideas are good Maéva. Make a list of the machinery we need, and I'll make it today. Just don't be off put by their look. I too am a fan of budgeting and believe in doing that to the best possible way."
Maéva danced happily there and it's cute. Issari groaned again. As she hurts from three slaps. I don't care. I didn't make her get a concussion. She just said to me while hurting.
"Prick."
I let Maéva make her list while I just say to Issari.
"I am one but you love me."
She grew pissed. Before she hugged me.
"As my best friend. You took a chance on me knowing everything and you still helped me. You are what she says you are. You just will be your stubborn ass self and deny it till the end. Just accept it like you did your redhead you jerk."
I still doubt Rias, but she seems fine here. But my nightmares return for a second and I worry again about the earth over Rias. I will talk with Kuroka. And kick up hunting. Because I still face an uphill battle in everything. Maéva gives me the list and I read through it. I prepare to make them. We moved to the second floor. I asked Issari to help move the new stuff after it is made. She grumbled about that but agreed. When Maéva saw my gear for the first time she was in stunned silence. Especially when a washing machine popped out of thin air for her. Then the dryer. Koriel was hidden and after I finished, I helped her move the machines. It was easier with Maéva helping to make the machines extremely light.
After we finished, I texted Kuroka saying that I would be free soon to talk with her. The cat replied that she had been called away yesterday after we left by a stray friend who was helping another new stray. When I asked if it was a nymph Kuroka said that yes it was one. How did I know? Stupid anime logic. I told her that I might have someone for her to meet. I asked for the name, and I went to Daphne who was getting ready to leave. I asked for her sister's name when it was the two of us.
She told me that it was Thetis. Damn logic. I texted Kuroka something then I escorted her towards the basement I tell Maéva that she is free to relax till I get back. The maid smiled before she turned to clean the house thoroughly. Daphne was handed money by me, and she was confused before we went through the teleporter.
Daphne was weirded out until we reached the main room of the station and there was Kuroka and two others. The nymph next to a human man brightened horrifying bright seeing Daphne. They truly were sisters by the hair color and eyes. Daphne was hit by a squeal and then physically hit by her sister. Kuroka smiled here and the human man watched as the sisters bonded again. He smiled there and he thanked Kuroka.
"Thanks for this cat. Thetis was extremely worried that someone had caught her sister and was torturing her for our whereabouts. Stray hunters are heartless, and we don't want to die."
I snorted because I'm a stray hunter and I'm a good guy in my own opinion. Kuroka snorted amused as did Issari. The man was confused, but Daphne finally got free from her sister long enough to say.
"You have now met two who aren't. Thetis it's ok. They are my heroes and won't turn on you and your friend."
The man had shown himself fully there and his face had paled hearing we were stray hunters. Then he grew confused because he was here with his friend her sister and the S class criminal, and nothing had happened. Thetis just smiled more and thanked us.
"I trust my sister Tomas. She and I are the best of friends."
The man watched me carefully for a minute. He was non descriptive with brown hair and blue eyes. He remained on high alert. Thetis giggled and then got off her sister helping her up and then introduced this Tomas to her.
"This is my partner, Daphne. He kept me sane with him."
Him being their former king. Surprisingly while Thetis was a two-pawn piece Tomas was a bishop. Daphne saw how her sister was happy with Tomas and congratulated her with a tease.
"You were always the boring one Thetis, but I am happy for you both. We can move fast. Our friend here gave me money for you two."
Thetis smiled brightly there while Tomas was looking me up and down suspiciously. He didn't seem to accept the story. He tensed. Before suddenly throwing a spell that punched through my stomach into the tiled floor. I gasped in pure shock of the attack and the missing part of my stomach now not there. Before dropping to the floor on my back as my world went fuzzy. Issari screamed and Daphne immediately ran to me. I was staring up into the ceiling and the world started turning black. Daphne was looking down at me in horror, she was cupping my face, and her eyes were filled with tears. Kuroka appeared on my right side looking into my eyes in horror and tears as well. I say softly to Kuroka only.
"Don't worry Roka. I'll be back."
The world darkened despite Daphne saying something I can't hear. I passed into the darkness of death. My first one.