Chapter X: Set Up, Set Up, Set Up
['That mate of his is now easily one of my favorite people!'] Ddraig's voice could be heard inside Issei's mind. The aforementioned person was currently on her husband's lap, leaning into his shoulder, displaying all of the marks around her neck.
It looked like a collar of love marks, hickeys, and bites—some of them deeper than others. On a deep instinctual level, Issei understood that she had been thoroughly claimed by Hiroki—and most certainly enjoyed every second of it—considering he had the same amount of marks on his neck. Come to think of it, Issei's slowly developing sense of smell could detect something on them. As a result, he felt jealous. He was laying pipe before him! He was supposed to be the Harem King!
Ddraig, ignoring his partner's internal jealous monologue, was more impressed that Hiroki had done it but was slightly concerned about why he hadn't done the same to the silver-haired [Queen]. Ddraig, for all his time in the Boosted Gear, knew that Hiroki's mating season was fast approaching—as he was getting close to that age—and his mate and wife would not be able to take the brunt alone.
Durable she may be for a halfling but he would undeniably break her. Ddraig nearly wanted to help if only for his previous host but alas, he wasn't going to expose himself unless his breast-loving host did. However, it was still funny that she was threatening the Phenex brat so casually, and judging from her power, she would be able to follow through.
Grayfia immediately took control of the situation again, "Now then, for the original purpose of this meeting. Rias Ojou-sama, Riser-sama, this meeting is to discuss your arranged marriage."
"I've said it again and again, Grayfia-san, I will not marry this poor excuse of a man," Rias immediately argued. "He does not care for me as a person but for my name alone for his 'list'." The redhead crossed her arms under her bust, merely pronouncing even more. Issei was certainly paying attention now.
Hiroki and Kasane, however, were…tentatively content with watching Devil politics unfold before them. Well, Hiroki's hand was wandering up Kasane's thigh at the portion that was exposed. Her leggings were short enough to expose just the right amount of her thighs, which with her skirt bunched as it was, allowed him free reign. If she didn't want it, she would have told him.
"You think this will end well?" She whispered to him, one eye closed as she breathed in his scent.
"…Fuck no. It's the Devils, their policies date back to the Middle Ages. Unchanging. If they refuse to adapt, then they will die out. I think I could watch the Grand Canyon erode before they even think about changing their ways," he rumbled, still trying to calm down his emotions. Those mood swings also had the effect of shortening his emotional fuse. Kasane softly snorted at his analogy.
After hearing Rias' argument, Riser immediately countered, "Rias-chan, you have to understand that Riser carries the name of House Phenex. To not fulfill my duty to produce pure-blooded children with another is shameful. Imagine the combined powers of my regeneration and your power of destruction, they would be strong, as expected for children of Riser. To deny that would mean you would let your house go extinct."
Rias leaned against her desk, staring defiantly at Riser, "I will not let my House go extinct. I am more than willing to marry someone."
Riser's expression perked up like he just won the lottery, "In that case, might w-"
"But the one I will be marrying is not you," Rias finished. Her glare would have killed anyone else but Riser merely scoffed at her.
"Do you believe that anyone could love you the way you want?" Riser sneered before looking over Rias' club room. "Is this all of your servants, minus those two?"
Wow, he acknowledged the pair in a normal manner but that does not mean they forgave him in the slightest. Truly, Hiroki was hanging on by a thread. Say or do the wrong thing around him and the fuse will ignite. Even if it did, he would try to restrain those feelings.
"So what if they are?" Rias challenged Riser. The grin that sprouted on the latter's face was all mocking and dripping with arrogance.
With a flash of Phoenix fire, fifteen different people—all of them women, of course—emerged from behind the fire. One of them had a pink frilly dress with bright blue eyes and blonde drill-like pigtails. Her eyes scanned the room and landed on Hiroki and paled considerably.
No one except Grayfia realized this detail. She was also observing Hiroki and Kasane, and there was a part of her that was…envious. Envious that she was sitting in Hiroki's lap, teasing him. Kasane, for her part, noted the stare from the maid and nodded slightly, a soft smile half-hidden by his body. The white-haired Fallen understood what she wanted and there was a solemn promise in her eyes.
She would get to bake the cake and eat it too. After all, Kasane wants her Hirochi to be as happy as possible. Requiring other women was a must, something Kasane could accept. She will remind each one that she was the main girl. It wouldn't matter if they were stronger than her, she wouldn't back down on that, making it another reason to be stronger.
Getting back on track, Kasane turned to see Issei comically yet pathetically sobbing as Riser French-kissed a purple-haired woman, noting all of the Gremory Peerage's reactions, most of which contained disgust. Hard not to when he was supposed to be wed to the [King] of the aforementioned Peerage. Harems are accepted as the norm in the Underworld but there must be some sort of allegiance…for lack of a better term in Kasane's mind…to their partner. From the first moment she met Riser Phenex, she saw none of that. She completely agreed with Rias' opinion. "More unannounced guests? How troublesome," Kasane couldn't help herself by commenting that aloud, wondering what reactions she would get.
Judging by the looks she was receiving in response, her tactic worked, which made Hiroki perk up and glare at them with his draconic eyes, "Watch it…" he grumbled. One of them was near hyperventilating, making Hiroki turn curiously to the maid, "Uhm…Grayfia-san, is she alright?"
Grayfia dutifully walked over to the young girl, the youngest child and only daughter of House Phenex, Ravel. "Ravel Ouju-sama, are you alright?"
"It's him…" she muttered, her eyes not leaving Hiroki.
"You mean Hiroki-sama?" A nod from the girl. "He's here with his wife, under Rias-sama's and Sona-sama's protection as Yasaka-sama's guests." That to Ravel explained why she was on his lap. But it didn't answer why he was here in the first place.
Riser seemed to have taken notice his sister was upset, "Ravel-chan, is something the matter? Fear not, for the great Riser shall take care of whatever plagues you!"
It almost made him sound like a normal brother looking out for his younger sister. However, everyone knew differently, even his own Peerage. "Onii-sama…you have not provoked Kuno-sama, have you?"
Hiroki snorted, "You're about fifteen minutes too late for that. He looked at my wife without regard to his current predicament…and I'm more than willing to…straighten him out…by allowing my wife…" The blush on Kasane's face was utterly adorable and it made him want to kiss her, which he did chastly. "…to give him a dose of his antithesis."
Riser's Peerage all warily looked at Kasane, now on guard. All except for Ravel, who gained some complexion back and sighed tiredly, hypothesizing what happened.
"As much as a fight would be…difficult, could we please refrain from doing so in our club room?" Kiba asked with a sheepish smile. After all, if the ORC just suddenly didn't exist anymore, people would ask questions, and mind-wiping a whole town before info got out would be quite the predicament.
"Onii-sama," Ravel began, "Do you not remember the most important court case within the last decade?"
Hiroki's eyes sharpened and narrowed, the tension now reaching its peak. Hiroki's power began leaking out again, causing Grayfia to stand close by. She put a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the warm feeling she got, and began to squeeze, a reminder and a warning.
Riser appeared to be thinking as he held onto his [Queen], Yubelluna. "Come to think of it, Riser does remember the case…the one with the former Heir Ivan Valac."
Grayfia immediately squeezed his shoulder to the point where Hiroki could only hiss softly in pain. Kasane deigned not to help as she was frowning at Riser for the blatant reminder of the source of Hirochi's trauma. He looked over his shoulder to see her stern glare aimed at him. Clicking his tongue, he turned.
"What was the contents of the case about? Wasn't it about some dragon who was abused? Plucked their scales and sold them off…like that statue we have in the main hall of our home."
Ravel squealed when he said that, hiding behind Rias of all the people in the room. Seeing as Hiroki's power was still rising, Kasane's power was joining him. The half-fallen knew that they were sold off but there wasn't any way to just magically track them…even with magic. "Grayfia-san, this has become personal…you no longer have the authority to stop what is about to happen."
"I would advise against acting out, Kasane-sama. Those-"
"Are my husband's scales, which I will remind you, were torn off his person and regenerated constantly as a twelve-year-old under a member of that piece of filth's Peerage. If he wants to claim them, he can…as they are his property since he never gave permission, or has everyone seemingly forgotten the rules of Dragons?" A factual statement and an even more logical question. Dragons can give their shedding scales to those that offer something in return but Hiroki never got that opportunity, due to Ivan Valac's and Faith Senastra's actions.
Riser's eyes widened when he turned back to Hiroki, seeing that his hand was clenched on the couch, giving him a death glare. "That was YOU?!"
"Don't sound so surprised,"Hiroki growled out. "I will ask nicely once. Give them back and I shall forget this conversation ever happened. Refuse…well, we Dragons have quite the temper, and I'm not afraid to make a Pillar House my enemy."
"Onii-sama, as your [Bishop] and sister, don't make an enemy of a Dragon!" Ravel exclaimed, shaking behind Rias, who offered the girl some level of comfort.
"Why should Riser cower to a lowly Dragon?" Riser said, his arrogance shining through once more. "In fact, Riser believes that a ring made of the leftovers would be perfect for you, my lovely Rias-chan."
"Leave me out of this," Rias exclaimed. "If you do that, I'm giving it to Hiroki-san."
Before Kasane realized it, she was now sitting on the couch cushion and Hiroki was now staring menacingly at Riser. His power easily exceeded the to the point of being the second strongest in the room and it was all directed at Riser. "You either give me all of my torn-off scales or I will storm your home and take them back myself! What will it be, the easy way or the way that allows me to beat the living shit outta you?"
Members of Riser's Peerage, the twin cat girls Ile and Nel, and Isabela stood in front of the Dragon, who merely glanced at them before waving his hand. He put them in a soundless barrier, similar to the world's quietest room. He passed them and reached Riser, who was still smirking despite the sweat pouring down his temple.
"We bought the scales from House Valac, they ensured their authenticity!" Riser tried to defend.
Grayfia, who fully realized this meeting was out of hand from the beginning, raised her power, "All of you, sit down!"
…and so they did, even though Hiroki's temper had not calmed down in the slightest. It only escalated.
"Not until I'm given what I am owed. I want my property back…and you damn well know who I would get to back me up, and she would be more than willing to help…after all, we just reunited," Hiroki countered Grayfia's statement. Even though he should submit, his pride and neglected draconic side disagreed.
Grayfia knew who he referred to, her eyes narrowed, "Are you willing to go that far?"
"Easily," Hiroki growled without time to waste. "All he has to do is give them back and my hostility will dissipate like water. Refuse and less than pleasant options will be used." The Dragon gently put Kasane on the couch and took careful silent steps toward the Phenex, who despite the cocky grin, couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the aura. However, Pride was something that Devils like him had in spades. He wasn't going to back down so easily.
"Those b-belong to House Phenex and as such, will not be giving them up, Riser said.
As if the air cracked, so did Hiroki, and not even Kasane would be able to help calm him. Instead, she spoke, "You royally fucked up."
The crass language was necessary as suddenly, Riser no longer had a lower half. It happened so fast that no one could properly react. The only one who saw it was Grayfia. At this point, she couldn't intervene. Instead, she would call her [King].
Kasane only lounged on the couch and looked pointedly at Riser's Peerage, "It would be best if you collect your pitiful excuse of a Master and vacate the premises. As it stands now, none of you can match my husband in his current state, as the only ones who can are me and Grayfia-san but as stated before, she can no longer intervene as your Master did not give up what does not belong to him even after he asked…well, threatened but he also incurred a Dragon's wrath."
Kasane's power was uncomfortable for all the Devils—except Grayfia since fighting in the war made her get used to such Holy power—and it showed. Poor Asia nearly fainted multiple times, only because Issei was holding her.
Akeno, throughout this, had very naughty thoughts and while her resentment for Fallen Angels was still present, she could not find a fault in Kasane's logic. The statement 'fuck around, find out' very much applied.
Then, Riser roared in pain, swiftly regenerating his lower half, and then found Hiroki's hand piercing his heart. "So, have you reconsidered?"
"N-Not to a lowly dragon…" Riser still had the gall to smirk.
"Then let me go ask the Chaos Karma Dragon what she thinks, and I do not doubt that if I went to the Dragons located in the Underworld they would side with me," At that mention, Riser lost his smirk. "It seems you realize what pile of shit you found yourself in…that's a good thing…"
Hiroki, losing the edge in his voice, still smiled with all teeth and a ferocious look in his eyes. "So, are you willing to concede, or will I have to go further?"
"Y-You're…" Riser's regenerative power was keeping him conscious but found its flow…constricted in a way. It wasn't a magic blocker or something that Kasane was doing.
"That's right. Now, you should understand my perspective, Phenex-teme. So, shall I ask your dear imouto to escort me to the Phenex Mansion? I assure you that no harm will come to her or the servants in the home provided they cooperate," Hiroki was laying out the cards.
"This meeting got so far off-topic," A new voice said, whose power easily dwarfed everyone in the room. A specially made barrier was constructed around the ORC building, just for this occasion.
All the Devils in the room, sans Hiroki, Kasane, Grayfia, and Riser—since he was still pinned through the heart by Hiroki—bowed to Sirzechs Lucifer. "Lucifer-sama," Hiroki greeted, his eyes shooting to Kasane who now looked uncomfortable. Turnabout's fair play, he surmised.
"Could you please release Riser-kun and we shall talk properly?" Sirzechs asked but many could tell that it was a demand.
Hiroki did so, none too gently as he ripped his arm, coated in blood before tossing him carelessly into the arms of his Peerage. Hiroki knew how it looked but oddly enough, he trusted Grayfia to at least narrate what had happened to a T. Kasane took to his side instantly, and started to scold him, "That was stupid, Hirochi."
"Hey, I-"
"Do not mistake what I say," her blood-red eyes narrowed, "I agree with your reasoning but the execution was off." Many of the ORC members sighed at this. Kasane's eyes twinkled, "You should have aimed for the spine instead, mitigating his nervous system. Can't squirm if he can't move." Her neutral expression only made him bite his tongue before debating to escalate that round of sex. "However, it was better you got to him before I did…as I would have followed through on my words."
"By the…how can I love you more than I already do?" He whispered through tense emotions, all transferred through their bond, making Kasane idly rub her thighs together—all with that same neutral expression.
Face faults all around, except for Akeno, who hid her blushing cheeks behind her hands. Her 'S' side was pleased with how simple Kasane described it. Grayfia merely blinked at Kasane, finding that she had to reevaluate her.
"Intriguing," Sirzechs commented with a business-like smile. "Now, Grayfia-chan explained the situation to me. Hiroki-kun, you want your scales that were wrongfully taken from you and sold off on the market, correct?"
Having calmed down some, he nodded, his navy eyes constantly switching from normal to draconic, a testament that he was trying to regain his full composure, Sirzechs could respect that. The Devil King continued, "And Riser-kun, you wish to keep them because they were sold to you by House Valac, more specifically, Ivan Valac."
"Yes, Lucifer-sama. All before this lowly dragon attacked me unprovoked!"
Rias hesitantly spoke up, "Onii-s…Lucifer-sama…" Truly, this simple meeting had gone so far off the rails, she wondered if anything would be done.
"Indeed," Sirzechs commented, not believing Riser in the slightest but giving no evidence of the contrary. "Yet, those scales were acquired illegally, as the trial had outlined that…"
"…this is only making me realize how much I zoned out for it…" Hiroki whispered.
"As the ruling did declare Hiroki-kun innocent on all charges, there was an order post-case to seize all the illegally acquired scales to be returned to the rightful owner. Do you know what has yet to be accounted for?" Sirzechs said neutrally but judging by the fact the entirety of Riser's Peerage stilled meant something.
"Oh?" Hiroki all but snarled. Quickly recalling and attempting to restrain his emotions. He walked to the ORC's window and opened it, holding out his arm. Many wondered what he was doing but were surprised when a Bald Eagle landed on his outstretched arm, bringing it inside. "Arno, transform."
With an agreeing caw, the Eagle jumped off Hiroki's arm and in a flash stood Arno in his place, "Danna-sama, how may I serve you?"
"Just bear witness for now, so that you can go back to tell Kaa-san what the latest conspiracy is going on in the Underworld," Hiroki said, now staring out the window, not wanting to face anyone right now. Both Grayfia and Sirzechs shared a look, knowing who Hiroki referred to…and that was something neither wished for at present.
"Understood," Arno said before whispering, "Do you require anything else, danna-sama?"
"No…but thank you," Hiroki said softly. In actuality, he was conflicted about how he should proceed. The rational part of him wanted to solve this diplomatically but the other half of him wanted to show the faker that his scales were not to be used as some…display.
Kasane knew that Hiroki felt conflicted, the bond showing that clearly but she made no advances toward him. This time, at this moment, he needed to think on his own. Instead, she stood at Grayfia's side, clearly showing that she was remaining as neutral as possible. Considering the [Queen] maid was supposed to be the neutral entity of this meeting that fell so far off…nothing else should have to be said.
"So, Riser-kun, let me ask this plainly: Where are the rest of Hiroki-kun's scales? The ones that are unaccounted for…enough in worth to last a normal human's lifespan and then some if spent wisely?"
'That much?!' The collective thought of the ORC, minus the very rich devils in the room.
"You see, not only are Dragons rare nowadays but he is the son of a Dragon King," Sirzechs continued, gladly taking a teacup that Akeno had made in the small moments in between then and now. Kasane was happy to know that they didn't know and sent a warning look to Rias and her Peerage to shut up. Not that the look didn't go unnoticed—Ravel noticed and was admittedly curious. "So this is the one chance I'm making you aware of to return them and this whole matter will be solved."
"If Lucifer-sama orders it…but may Riser speak freely?" Riser then asked. Sirzechs gave a small nod, "Riser believes that he should not return the scales as they were purchased legally."
"Do you have selective hearing?" Hiroki asked from the window. "Or did you not hear that those scales you so carelessly refer to were ripped from my body under long months of daily torture which were then sold illegally by the Valac Family? Or are you so arrogant that you don't realize how much danger you're in?" He continued but referred to Sirzechs, "And I will not apologize if it escalates, Lucifer-sama."
The blasé and blunt tone showed that if nothing was done, there would be a murder with witnesses if not resolved. Arno bristled as he heard the deep undertones of his master's threat. It wouldn't be just him but the force of the Dragons that would descend on the Phenex Family.
"Understandable, Hiroki-san but would escalating this be beneficial?" The leader of Hell asked.
"Beneficial would be him just complying and owning up to his mistakes but I bet his pride is seventy times longer than what he uses to pleasure his Peerage…which is odd because he's supposed to be marrying your sister…"
"Politics, Hirochi," Kasane quipped.
"…right, stuck in the Middle Ages and all that," Hiroki waved off, which made Kiba nearly snort—and some of Riser's Peerage did too—at the remark since he wasn't exactly wrong. Judging by the strained smile at that remark, Sirzechs understood that too, "Change comes faster when it is least expected and right now, I'm thinking of changing the ratio of Phenex children so that they'll be even in gender." He turned around, his eyes fully draconic and his features showing clearly through his outfit, showing how little and fragile his patience was.
Kiba, Issei, and Sirzechs all winced knowing what Hiroki referred to. Poor Ravel did as well, looking fearfully at Hiroki and then Riser, "O-Onii-sama, y-you can always get more scales another t-time!"
"Then Riser wishes to challenge you," He said instead.
"What?!" Everyone sans Grayfia, Kasane, Koneko, Sirzechs, and Hiroki shouted. The latter merely raised an eyebrow.
"Color me curious, Phenex-teme, why?"
"You wish for your scales back but Riser will not give them up so easily," Riser countered with a cocky smirk. He seemed to have regained that confidence from earlier.
Hiroki leaned against the window sill, "But you also have to put up something of equal value…and while I don't like all Devils, it is a kouhai's job to make sure their senpais are cared for…so how about these preliminary terms: You give me the scales in their full capacity and your marriage contract with Rias Gremory becomes null and void.
"And what if Riser wins?" Riser asked, showing that he can be respectful…sometimes. Sirzechs watched Rias' eyes fill with hope as she gazed at Hiroki.
"If you win, you keep the scales—and no getting to ask me for more, that's unconditional—and my issue with you drops altogether and I will not stand in your way of the proposal, it doesn't mean that they won't," Hiroki said, gaining a slightly crooked smile. "Something precious for something precious, all things considered. Oh, and you won't be using your Peerage against me…let me make that clear. If you did bring them along, then I could bring my wife along, and since she possesses your antithesis…"
Kasane only stared at her husband before turning to the Phenex Peerage with an honest to God's toothy grin. The resulting flinch showed how out of place it looked on her face. Arno mentally noted not to get on her bad side. It wasn't a surprise to see Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko all gape at them. Issei, the poor boy, didn't like that look in Hiroki's eyes. Poor Asia was so confused that she merely hid behind Issei.
['Let this be an example. That, my partner, is a Dragon who will get his way. Come hell or high water, the son of Tiamat is not to be slighted. He is now out for blood and his wife is more than willing to join him,'] Ddraig's laughter in Issei's mind was boisterous. ['May the Gods have mercy on that Phenex.']
['What are you talking about?']
['Tiamat is not someone to underestimate, and being the only hatchling of her clutch, he has a lot to prove. Moreover, he's also a descendant of my previous host. The power he has and will gain will be tested, just like now.']
['You scare me sometimes, Ddraig,'] Issei admitted with a grimace.
"Do you agree with the terms? My scales and the termination of your betrothal to Rias Gremory if I win. If I lose, you can keep those scales—I drop the issue altogether—and your engagement remains unimpeded. Whaddya say?" Hiroki asked, a smirk still plastered. "Unless you think you can't win without your Peerage backing you?"
Knowing that his Pride was being tested and tarnished, Riser arrogantly stood before the Dragon, "Riser accepts your challenge. However, if you are bringing your Fallen wife, Riser should be allowed to at least bring two of my Peerage mem-"
"Nuh-uh, you and me only," Hiroki countered, the smirk falling into an expression of impatience. "No one else. Spectators are allowed but no matter the outcome, I want a cut." That last part was spoken to Sirzechs, who merely chuckled.
Kasane could only facepalm, "Really, Hiroki?"
He turned to his wife, "What? If I'm fighting, I'm making them pay for it. It's only fair."
"Hiroki-san," Rias called for his attention. He gave it by turning to face her, "I…"
"Let it be known that I'm not doing this all for you. Rather, as your kouhai, my pride…and because he looked at my wife in a way that made me want to tear his dick off and feed it to him…" Hiroki said, being deadly serious.
'How did I gain feelings for him?' Grayfia found herself asking in the confines of her mind. It must have shown on her face because…
"Because you secretly like the lengths he would go," Kasane whispered to the maid, which in a room with supernatural people with enhanced hearing without being heard, was quite a feat. "He went to great lengths to earn my friendship, trust, my heart, and my maidenhood. How could I not fall for him? Love him? He understood me in ways no one has ever and will ever, not even my mother. So, I would advise you to make a move…not only because Tiamat-san gave you permission…his season is close…and I will not survive it alone."
Riser, seeing that he wouldn't get anywhere with Hiroki's demands, sighed, "Then Riser accepts these conditions. With Lucifer-sama as a witness, we shall discuss the concrete details the day after tomorrow." He then turned to Rias with what would be a charming smile, if not for the hints of lust in his eyes, and spoke, "We shall be together soon, Rias-chan. Wait for me."
Riser's and Rias' Peerages stood as witnesses as well. There would be no getting out of this now. "With that being said, I as the Maou Lucifer of the Underworld, acknowledge the challenge of Riser Phenex and Hiroki Kuno. I shall inform the other Maous of this development. Grayfia-san will come to escort you to the meeting held in two days. Until then, my business is concluded." With that, he stood up—the Phenex Peerage having already left in a show of flames—shedding the Lucifer persona and turned to his sister, "One last thing Rias, Mother and Father are wondering when you will be visiting. Millicas is waiting for his Aunty Ria."
Rias blushed and looked away, Akeno giggling at her [King]'s plight.
Meanwhile, Ravel was watching how the Maou Lucifer transformed into a caring older brother in just a few moments. Still, her questions needed to be answered. "Ano…Kuno-sama?"
Hiroki turned to see Ravel Phenex still in the ORC. Raising an eyebrow, ignoring the shocked looks on their faces, "Yes, Ravel-san?"
She quickly lowered herself into a bow, a near-perfect one at that, "Please don't kill my onii-sama!"
Kasane blinked at the display, going over to the girl and forcefully raising her back to her full height, which was Kasane's chest height. "No need for that."
Arno found himself so confused, looking to the ORC for help but seeing the same look on their faces, he elected to speak but Hiroki stopped him. The Dragon approached the only daughter of House Phenex, "Why do you assume that I will kill him?"
"B-But…you…"
"Only did that to provoke him into admitting that he was harboring the missing scales…which speaking of, Grayfia-san, may I have a copy of that case file if it is not under a confidential lock and key? Since it was a tertiary subject for me, I believe that should qualify me to look?"
"I believe it should not be a problem, Hiroki-sama," Grayfia answered with a slow nod.
"As I was saying, Ravel-san, killing him wasn't on my list…it would have been on my wife's though…" Hiroki felt a bead of sweat descend his temple and when he didn't hear a denial felt sorry for the young girl. "…I just wanted to show him his place: beneath me in terms of power. I won't tell you much more since I know you'll squawk like the bird you are to him. Tell him this: If he's not prepared, I will wipe the floor with him."
"A-Are the scales the only thing you're after?!" Ignoring how the Maou Lucifer was in the room, she had to know.
Bewildered at where her line of thought was going, he approached the girl and laid a hand on her shoulder, "Yes. Look up, Ravel-san." This whole time, she was avoiding looking at him. When she did so, she gasped. Hiroki was honest in his next words, "The scales belong to me and I will get them back. As for the dissolvement of your brother's engagement, tell me, do you see Rias-senpai being happy with your brother? Even from my very limited time being in his presence, I could tell she would be the most miserable brat in the Underworld."
"Hey!" Rias cried out.
"Shush, senpai, he's lecturing," Kasane joked lightly, her lips curling into a sly grin.
"He cares not for the person but for their body and for some reason, I am concerned he has done things to yo-"
"He would never!"
The Dragon did not react aside from blinking, "Okay, good to know incest is off the table, otherwise, I would aim to kill…but he seems to think he is all-powerful based on bloodline alone when he should know that as powerful as one is: There is and always will be someone or something more powerful than oneself. A lesson I hope to impart to your onii-sama. Now, go before he comes back and starts throwing an adult temper tantrum. Seriously, you're far more mature than he is…and it would have been worse if he was your younger brother…"
Ravel had to take time to process this. She shivered at the thought of Riser being her younger brother. "O-Of course…my sincerest apologies for intruding longer than I should have, not like I truly cared either way." She left in a puff of flames shortly after.
"Tsundere," Both Hiroki and Koneko said in unison. The two shared a glance of acknowledgment and left it at that.
"What the hell did you just do, danna-sama?" Arno asked with his jaw nearly on the floor.
"Tricked a poor sucker into fighting me," Hiroki answered with the most feral grin he had ever mustered. "Poor bastard isn't going to know what month it is after I'm done."
"Hirochi?" Kasane asked, approaching him, and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Yes, my lovely wife?"
"Bed. Now."
The way his eyes flashed meant one thing. "Perverts," Koneko glared, the shred of respect she had just had for Hiroki vanished as fast as it came.
['Ddraig?']
['Yes?']
['He is so fucked isn't he?']
The only response he got was the guffaws of the Dragon of Domination.
The very next day, Hiroki was back in the ORC room. "Hiroki-san, I didn't get a chance to ask yesterday but what were you thinking?!"
Hiroki, alongside Arno and without Kasane shockingly, sat on the window sill, "I was thinking how that lecher was looking at my wife and how he had something that belonged to me…did I not make that clear?"
"And you think fighting him is a good idea?"
"Are you a broken record?" Hiroki asked the Devil Heiress. Running a hand through his hair, looking out the window, he sighed, "Did you think the power I released yesterday was all I had?"
"Wha?"
"Ddraig mentioned that to me," Issei said, a hand on his chin, thoughtfully looking at his dormant left arm. "Something about false concealment."
"Old Ddraig is right. Rias-senpai, I eclipse Riser-teme easily. However, I'm expecting underhanded tactics because he doesn't want me in the way of you. Oh, and the reason Hime isn't here is because her mother wanted to see her…but if the look in her eyes was correct, I'm quite terrified."
A scoff escaped the Heiress throat before she could stop it, "You? Terrified?"
"Baby. Fever."
"…oh…" That came from Kiba. A client of his may have dropped the idea on him one time and he pictured the look he got, "From Kasane-san's kaa-san?"
"My first season is coming up," Hiroki stated with a nervous laugh, "Mating season…and due to the negligence I experienced to no fault of my own…it's going to be rough. Yasaka-san was quite worried about how it would affect me henceforth."
"Danna-sama…" Arno clicked his tongue. The Familiar was aware of how worried Hiroki was. Tiamat-san was able to cram the ins and outs of what it would entail in a few hours between yesterday and today. The dragon equivalent of 'The Talk' to give an example.
"While I do want to be a father, I would like to mentally, physically, and emotionally recover to prepare. Heyyyyy, Ddraig…"
[Sadly, I do not have any tips or tricks as to being a father, as yours did not have the chance to be around you for very long as my rival's previous host had found him not long after,] Ddraig answered with a melancholic voice. A tinge of regret had slipped in.
Many of the ORC were still finding themselves surprised at hearing the Heavenly Dragon's voice from Issei's left arm. "I…see. Well, here's hoping that Wakana-san will not have Hime tie me down…"
"Are you okay?" Issei asked.
"Let me get back to you on that after I whoop Phenex-teme's ass," Hiroki deflected.
Akeno, having made tea, set the tray down on the coffee table in the center of the room, "Have you been training?"
"I have, thanks to Kaa-san and her connections. I don't ask and won't tell," the navy dragon said. "And all I'm willing to divulge is bring noise-canceling headphones…that goes double for you, Koneko-san."
While the Nekoshou tensed, she understood that he was trying to look out for her, "Noted."
Issei instantly picked up on what Hiroki was going to do, "You're…"
"Yup. We're going to talk terms and as far as he knows, I don't have a Sacred Gear, thinking it's some low-level magic and that I'm a halfling. He doesn't know who I descend from or what powers I have…while you, Rias-senpai, happen to have something that details your respective bloodlines' powers."
The redhead started to smile, "I see where you are going with this."
"Unlike him, I would rather be prepared. Now…do you feel like sparring?" The growing smile on his face pleaded that they say yes. Arno was quite concerned at the direction this was going.
"D-Danna-sama…I don't believe-"
"I'm in!" Issei shouted with glee, completely ignoring the warning Ddraig gave him. This was going to be fun for Hiroki, judging how his talons were now peeking from his mouth. Rias wanted to express her concern but from the way Akeno put her hand on her shoulder, showed that she wanted to see this for…other reasons.
Kiba only smiled with his eyes closed as a bead of sweat traveled down his forehead. Koneko shimmied away from him, her Neko instincts wanting nothing to do with the predator in the room. Arno merely sighed into his hands, aware that his master was trying to get used to his instincts.
The ORC learned how ferocious Hiroki was when he fought. Issei learned a few new things too. One was protecting his right side. Hiroki revealed that he wasn't using his Gear either.
Even if the entire ORC and Hiroki would bet the [King], [Queen], and [Knight] of the Student Council joined in, he would still win but not without suffering major injuries.
Flipping to Kasane's perspective, she found herself in her mother's office in Grigori. She wanted to talk to Kasane about something. So, with her wings out, she waited.
Penemue was kind enough to keep her company, "Busy night?"
Which might have been a mistake. Don't get her wrong, Kasane was very pleased with how her neck looked. The numerous love bites, hickies, and marks on her showed that she was very satisfied. "Extremely, oba-san."
"Brat," Penemue said with a smirk. She doesn't like to be called Oba but that's what she was to Kasane. "Your mate is treating you well?"
"I've known Hirochi for years. He's always taking my well-being into account. However-"
"His mating season."
"He will break me if I don't get help," Kasane would gladly take all his love but there was a part of her that was worried that she couldn't handle it.
Penemue playfully gasped, "So you're going to ask your mother—my sister—to join you?! How scandalous!"
"Eww, no," Kasane's nose wrinkled in distaste. Her wings shivered at the thought. "But I-"
The door to the office opened with a rush, but the two Fallen didn't jump, "Sorry sorry! Had to stop Azazel from doing something stupid again. Penny, thanks for keeping my daughter company."
"Anytime, it's a nice break from the paperwork Az doesn't do."
"You could easily make him do it or it's because you like wearing those pencil skirts and skimpy office outfits," Wakana teased. "Dear sister, is there something you haven't told me?"
Kasane watched as her aunt blushed a bright red hue. Wow…that was information she didn't want to know…
"Can I talk about my problems and concerns?" Kasane bluntly asked.
Wakana turned to her daughter with glee and an undertone of seriousness, "Of course, it's about Hiro-kun, my son-in-law?"
Penemue recovered from her blush and paid rapt attention, as paperwork could wait, her family was here. Kasane repeated what she had said to Penemue not even minutes before. This time, there was hesitance in her voice. Perhaps it was because she was speaking with her former estranged mother and her estranged aunt. After all, it's about sex, which was hilarious to the Cadre since she still had visible marks on her neck.
"Okay, musume, do you have other lovers for him lined up?" Wakana asked. Leaning on her desk, she put a hand under her chin, the pairs' blood-red eyes locking.
"There is one…but I need to give her a push…and Hirochi as well," Kasane fidgeted.
The omission of this lover's name did not elude the sisters, "And who is this lover?"
Kasane sheepishly chuckled, "Would you believe me if I said Grayfia Lucifuge-sama?" Silence coated the office before the two Cadres nearly broke into laughter but seeing Kasane's serious expression made them rethink their next actions.
"You're serious?"
"I wouldn't lie to my kaa-san about something of this magnitude," Kasane crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.
Wakana whistled, "Wow, the Queen of Annihilation herself…you aren't jealous, are you?"
"Nope. I just want her to accept their mutual feelings…probably after Hirochi deals with a certain Phenex," Kasane said. Seeing the questions in her mother's and aunt's eyes, she quickly explained the entire situation.
"That Phenex has no idea what he was about to experience. Your husband is the son of Tiamat…and he doesn't know that?" Wakana asked incredulously. "And he wrote off his Sacred Gear as low-level magic?! Hahaha!" She was now laughing hard enough that she was slamming her desk with her fist. "That boy is so fucked that not even on our Father's name will be able to save him!"
"I must admit, threatening with Holy Light castration was a nice touch," Penemue admitted with a slight smile. Kasane felt like she just planted an idea in her head. While she and Azazel aren't fully on the best of terms after their previous conversation, she does feel bad for him.
"So, kaa-san? Can I train some more?"
"E-Eh?" Wakana stopped laughing, "You want to go again?"
"You forget that my husband is a Dragon, and I do not wish to disappoint him with my lack of strength," Kasane said but Wakana knew that there was an underlying purpose to this and ultimately did not ask. They were not yet close enough to unravel that particular problem. That gap was slowly closing, however.
Penemue could see the true reason clear as day but also stayed silent until she added, "Well, I could also help. Seeing you with six wings but not at your full potential does give me proper cause."
Wakana leaned back with a nervous look, "Sister, the last time you trained someone-"
"They were unprepared and given the hardships she faced, Kasane-chan is more than ready," she turned to the young Fallen, "Do you truly wish to be stronger in order to alleviate your unspoken words?"
The white-haired girl straightened in her seat, slightly concerned at how they managed to piece that bit together. "Of course, Oba-san."
Penemue's smile turned terrifying, "Report to the training ground in the next five minutes…and prepare the infirmary."
Kasane realized too late what she had stepped into. She conceded to the fact that it would be worth it. After all, she had to make sure she would be able to match her husband.
The next day.
Hiroki was not against the Underworld. A beautiful place considering the image one might think of the Underworld would be large gaping pits of lava and rocks hanging from the ceiling threatening to spear one through. No, if anything, it rivaled some places on Earth in beauty and elegance. The cities looked normal, all things considered. Commoners and merchants alike went through the streets of the capital city, Lilith.
The white-haired psychokinetic found herself being gawked at constantly, more so than her husband. She was used to some staring but not this blatant staring. Men and women were staring in abject lust. Normally, Hiroki would glare and tell them off but there were more important things going on in his mind. He didn't comment on her somewhat tired appearance, their bond showed his true feelings. The safety of her with him. She relished that feeling, even if she was to shishkabob the next devil who looked at her with those disgusting eyes.
Perhaps it's because the Devils feel that she's a Fallen Angel in Devil territory. The reason why no one had made a move was because of their deterrent. That deterrent was Grayfia herself. The maid guided them through, having been put just outside the main walls. "And we didn't teleport inside, why again?"
"Lucifer-sama thought it best to show you the city before heading inside to meet with House Phenex."
"Mmhmm, okay, what about you? What do you think, Grayfia-san?" Hiroki then asked. She did not respond. "Also, if one of these people steps out of line and makes a beeline for me or Hime, they lose a limb, forewarning."
"Refrain from doing such things, Hiroki-sama," she glanced over her shoulder, her visible silver eye showing faint amusement as she followed up with, "Save it for the duel."
That pumped Hiroki's spirits. Now, Arno was not here with them because of Arno's request. He would rather not enter the city if he could help it but would if tasked. "So, you're giving him permission to go all out?"
Grayfia didn't answer as they arrived inside the large building that contained the Maous' conference room. This building was old Victorian in style and the architecture showed how pristine and recent it was. Perhaps Hiroki should reevaluate how he looks at Devils. They can change after all. "I ask that you be on your best behavior and do not antagonize House Phenex during this time."
"Sure…" Hiroki gazed at Grayfia, his eyes scanning her entire body, an appreciative glance. "I think you would look great in a sundress with your hair down, wouldn't she?"
Kasane thought about it and had a small blush accompany it, "Yes, she would. Maybe we can arrange that after," her red eyes met Grayfia's silver, a message to agree if she wanted to get closer to her husband. 'Take the hint, Gray-chan.'
The maid opened her mouth before closing it and her eyes. She reopened them to speak, "Perhaps after, if you would allow."
They were still outside the room as this was happening. Hiroki stepped forward and hugged Grayfia, his smile beaming, "Really? Sweet! Alright, that means I got to make proper date plans…"
Grayfia experienced a hard blush at being hugged and her first instinct wasn't to bat him away. She wanted that hug. She briefly returned it in shock before clearing her throat…but not before Hiroki rubbed his nose on her neck, scenting her. When he pulled back, his eyes were sharpened. He very much liked what he smelled.
"What? No hug for me?" Kasane asked with a small faux pout.
Hiroki gently pushed her to Kasane, who also hugged her. This time, it was much softer, and Hiroki found the idea of his mates interacting, to be nice…bliss. "Anyway, we have more important things to worry about at the moment. So, wish me luck?"
"You do not need it, Hiroki-sama," Grayfia replied. "Now then, please enter and I shall await the aftermath."
"You're not coming? You're a Maou's [Queen], I'd say that's important enough," Kasane asked with a small head tilt.
"Lucifer-sama and Leviathan-sama are present, there's no need for my assistance in the matter. Surprise me," Grayfia said before she opened the doors and gestured for them to enter.
Confused but understanding, they did so. They turned to see a round table with thirteen or so chairs. Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan sat across from one another. The ones who saw the pair first were Riser, Ravel, and Yubelluna. Two older people were behind Riser. They bore a similar resemblance to the two Phenex children. 'Must be their parents. How did they get Riser out of them?' Hiroki found himself asking.
"Hello," Hiroki greeted instead, "Lucifer-sama, Leviathan-sama, a pleasure as always." He turned to the Phenex group, "House Phenex." A nod from the parents and Ravel. Riser, meanwhile, had a sickly smirk, not at all returning a greeting. "Off to a great start," he muttered.
"Hiroki-san," Sirzechs greeted. "Kasane-san."
"Hiro-kun!" Serafall immediately followed, much more enthusiastically. "Kas-chan!" The magical girl was waving her hands with a smile on her face.
"So, is the flaming chicken over there too smug to return a greeting? Or did he fail the upbringing test?" Hiroki asked, genuinely curious. "Because, you know, greeting someone implies one should greet back." He was looking directly at the Phenex parents at this. The mother, Lady Phenex, put her hand on Riser's shoulder and judging from the grimace he had, meant it was a tight grip.
Once he received a greeting, albeit under duress, Hiroki loosened his stance, enough that it raised the eyebrows of the occupants of the room. "Oh…probably a pride thing, I address someone, I expect to at the very least be addressed back. So, Lucifer-sama, shall we get started?"
Sirzechs said nothing at first, seemingly scrutinizing Hiroki for something before he nodded, "Of course. We are gathered today due to a formal challenge issued by Riser Phenex-san. The one being challenged is Hiroki Kuno-san. The reason slash reasons this challenge was issued was due to an ongoing investigation of Hiroki-san's missing scales. Due to the court case in the recent decade, he was exonerated of any crimes and after said case, we the Maou issued an undercover investigation to find his property. Up to this point, we had acquired all the ones we believe are in circulation, except for those known to be at the Phenex Manor. I assure you that this is not us deceiving you, our natures aside."
The Crimson Satan spoke with respect and authority. None of the Phenex group reacted at this, which damn near implied that they knew about the scales but said nothing. Hiroki's only inclination of his catching on was his draconic features slowly became more prevalent.
Sirzechs continued unperturbed, "Upon finding this out during an unannounced meeting between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex, this information had come to light. The original discussion was to be about their arranged marriage and my [Queen], Grayfia Lucifuge, relayed to me the entire contents of the conversation, unbiased and free of baseless opinions."
Kasane found her hand in slight pain, despite all of her durability, as Hiroki was squeezing a bit uncomfortably. She flexed her hand and the message was received as the pressure backed off. She was still uncomfortable with being in a room full of Devils. Normally, this wasn't an issue but two of them were all-powerful. Perhaps it's her Fallen Angel instincts telling her to flee, if only for her safety. However, her husband was with her and she wouldn't abandon him so easily. Scratch that, never abandon him.
"His reaction to that information was entirely justified, as was yours, Riser-san," Sirzechs said. "You were under the impression that the scales were procured from a willing dragon and assured of their quality." The Maou turned to Hiroki as he spoke, sending him a look that said not to react negatively. "For that reason, we cannot repossess them through legal means. Doing so illegally would compromise more than just ourselves. Now, to this challenge, I will allow you to put forth one condition at a time and we will not move on until we have settled on said notion. Are we clear?"
Even though it was spoken as a question, it was a statement. Hiroki recognized that Sirzechs was far more powerful and as such, his pride acknowledged that. "I understand, Lucifer-sama."
"Riser understands, Lucifer-sama," Riser agreed, still with that smile.
"Hooray! Let's begin, Riser-kun since you issued the challenge, Hiro-kun will get to set the first condition," Serafall said, clapping her hands together like a child would.
The first condition was easy, "No using your Peerage. It's between you and me, Phenex-san."
"Agreed," echoed Riser. That was surprisingly easy. Hiroki felt that it was too easy. "My first condition is you cannot use your magic."
"Define 'my magic'," Hiroki inquired. This had to be worded carefully, if not…loopholes would be his best friend.
"That whole thing you used on Riser days before," The Phenex clarified.
"Agreed," Hiroki said. "However, since that is now agreed upon, I can reveal that 'magic' was my Sacred Gear being used creatively," Hiroki's smile turned feral at the surprise coating the Phenex entourage. "And with that, I bring my second condition, all abilities are welcome. I want this to be a show of strength, ability, and everything in between. If this wasn't obvious, I lack a rival, one to push me to my absolute limit. While my wife and I spar occasionally, I lack ambition. So, care to test me at my best?"
Riser couldn't believe what he was hearing, and from the looks on his parents' faces, they felt the same. "Do you expect Riser to believe such a thing?"
Hiroki could only smile and turn to his wife, silently communicating with her. She smiled and shook her head, "Believe what you want, so do you agree? If not, why?"
"Whether you have one or not, it does not matter. Riser agrees," Riser said, despite the slowly palling face of Ravel. Poor girl. Kasane did have some semblance of pity toward the girl but she pushed it out of her mind.
"Interesting," Serafall couldn't help but comment. "Have you thou-"
"Leviathan-sama, I would appreciate it if you do not insinuate that I should join a Peerage," Hiroki said, giving her an eye that implied much worse connotations. "The boost in power is not worth my freedom. That, and it is not worth gaining my kaa-san's ire." Serafall had the sense to cringe at that idea, while Sirzechs sighed with a troubled smile.
Kasane spoke up, "What is your next condition, Phenex-san?" her voice was soft but her eyes were glaring daggers as if she was begging him to say something about her.
"Riser gets to keep the scales upon my victory and shall be returned upon your victory," Riser said, moving on, surprising Kasane. She expected something about her.
The dragon leaned forward in his chair, "Even the ones in the statue or whatever in your main hall of the Phenex Manor? Every. Last. One?"
"Except for the ones made into a ring."
"No, all or nothing on those, or I don't agree," Hiroki said, putting his foot down on that point.
The argument, surprisingly civil, continued. While Sirzechs and Serafall moderated, they understood that Riser was being exceptionally well-behaved, most likely because of his parents. "Then what can be done if Riser cannot keep the scales made in a ring?"
"Put up something of equal value…" Hiroki eyed his parents as he spoke once more, "Like a certain marriage arrangement to my senpai that sounds like something out of a bad romance story," the dragon called out the Devil practice of arranged marriage. Kasane just sighed and put her head in her hand. "The engagement is off if I win and you forfeit the scales to me. You win, I drop the issue about the scales entirely and your engagement remains, just like I told you in the club room."
"It feels like Riser would lose more if I was to agree to this condition," the man stated, looking smart for just a brief moment.
"You would also have bragging rights that you defeated a Dragon King's hatchling in combat. Imagine the popularity and fame that would prove your battle prowess," Hiroki said, stroking Riser's ego.
Judging by the smile on the Phenex's face, he very much liked that thought, but Ravel elbowed him none too gently to gain his attention. She whispered in his ear and the smile slipped away. Meanwhile, Hiroki did not let his expression dictate his emotions.
"I find this so interesting," Kasane mumbled, "You and him were arguing days ago and now can suddenly have a civil conversation."
"Hime, you have to understand that this isn't civil. I find this closer to a business venture-type deal. We both have stakes here and we both want the bigger cut but nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"Riser counter-proposes that if you win, I shall ease up on the engagement with Rias-chan. Losing that would be too big of a price," Riser said, thinking it was a good counter, to Ravel's suggestion.
Hiroki idly noticed Sirzechs frown briefly at that but thought nothing of it, at least, it didn't make sense to the dragon why he would be upset at it. "Define 'ease up' because you and I have different definitions."
"Riser will not bother her until she graduates from her human school adventure, and then she must consider the arrangement."
"You must realize that she could still fight it?" Hiroki inquired, leaning back.
"Riser knows this but Riser also knows that she is not stronger than Riser. She does not possess a full set of pieces." Riser said. "No offense meant, Lucifer-sama," he amended.
"None taken, I am here as a Maou, not as her older brother," Sirzechs clarified. Serafall just nodded along, smiling all the while. She noticed that Hiroki was being far more sly than before with his previous suggestions. There were a ton of things that he could have gone with but he played with Riser's ego, enticing him with a prospect he most likely hadn't noticed before.
She also knew Hiroki's power level was higher than Riser's. He was keeping it hidden but his control slipped a few times. Kasane—Serafall noted—had not let go of Hiroki since this meeting started.
Hiroki was willing to admit that trying to annul the engagement might be tougher than before…but that didn't mean he couldn't soften him up for Rias, "Fine then, I agree to the condition but I want this written down in a contract. I want no room for loopholes in the terms we have laid out." Checking his phone, "Wow, it's been three hours…we should be going to see Kunou-chan before she goes to bed."
"Hmm," Kasane hummed. She was silent now because she was thinking about Grayfia and how to convince her to join her and her husband…
…and the blunt advice she received from her mother and aunt was simple…
…tell her that she wants her to fuck them. The sad but funny part is that it would have a 50/50 shot of working. It could be completely shut down but there were also Grayfia's personal feelings to consider. The Strongest [Queen] does want Hiroki, in a capacity that she has never explored before. "Are there any other conditions you wish to add?"
"In the event I lose, my wife does not go to him and he cannot request such a thing because she would kill him before he even tried to lay a finger on her," Hiroki said with such nonchalance that it shifted the mood of the conversation. Riser opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by a glare from his mother. Lady Phenex does not mess around.
"When shall this challenge take place? Obviously, not now but not in a month," Sirzechs clarified.
"Three days?" Hiroki fired off.
"Five days."
"Four, take it or leave it," Judging by the look Riser got from Ravel, that seemed to be the final answer. "This condition goes to you, Lucifer-sama and Leviathan-sama. I want a cut of the profit because this is an event people would pay big money for. Oi, don't give me that look, Hime…"
Kasane was now deadpanning him, "Really?"
"Extra money is extra money?" Hiroki argued weakly.
Kasane sighed, "Fine, I guess. I get half."
"Deal."
Serafall cleared her throat, "Ahem, well, now that that's settled. Time for you both to sign the contract. There are no tricks, no special fine prints. The conditions you've laid out have been posted. Both of you sign it, alongside one witness. Ravel-chan, Kas-chan, that will be you two."
With all the formalities done, other minor things were taken care of. Kasane, once she signed as a witness, immediately went to search for Grayfia. She needed to have this talk.
However, a new player would be introduced into the mix and it all started from here. Life for the pair would soon get further complicated. However, it was not the reason many were thinking.
Days later, just before the fight.
An organization somewhere in Romania had caught wind of something new developing in Devil territory. This information was important enough to summon one of the Guild's best. Not many have this opportunity.
Heels clacked along the floor as the woman's dress swayed with her steps. Her eyes were closed as she walked along a path in the highly decorated building. She was being summoned for something, and she had a feeling of what it was about. Still, she had her reservations. The other reason was why she was called here. She was in the middle of an assignment and for that, she would be having words with her superior. One of the good things that had come of it was the lack of noise. People were far too loud and asked far too many questions. Many of which are of the lewd variety toward her. They learned quickly why she was called 'Silence' because she silenced anyone who dared speak about her in that manner while in her presence.
It wasn't unfounded either. She was beautiful and strong. A winning combination for the average person. Far out of their league in every capacity but that makes her all the more desirable.
The woman, well-endowed by many standards, wore a Gothic Lolita that exposed a generous amount of her cleavage. The whole dress was black, with white accents, and a necklace with a green gemstone. The edges of the dress had black frills, and she wore black wrist-length gloves. Her eyes were always closed but underneath those eyelids were heterochromatic eyes, Gray on her left, Green on her right. Not to mention, she managed to walk around with her eyes closed. Only a handful of people that she trusted would she open her eyes around. Being only twenty-four, she was easily the most popular bachelorette in the entire guild, and one of the most powerful, ranking second out of everyone, even being ahead of the Guild Master, in terms of magical capability and sheer power. However, she was not fit for leading as she had stated multiple times that it was not her thing.
Her eyes opened once she entered the office, shutting the door behind her and placing a sound-proofing ward. There will be no eavesdroppers. "Ahh, you came."
"You requested me, Ma'am," she spoke formally. Irritation coated her voice as it seemed to bleed unconsciously into her tone.
The woman who sat at the desk had matching hair and the same green eyes, "You don't need to be formal with me…after all, I did give birth to you." The woman laughed as her daughter slacked in her stance. Always so formal, this one. You don't need to be around me.
The young woman's cheeks flushed a little, "Sorry, mother. But I am curious, You don't normally call me away from assignments."
"Albert can handle that," her mother said, making her eyes widen a tad. Sending the strongest person in the entire guild was a bit much, as she admitted that he was leagues above her. "Alfia, I have something that may spark your interest."
"And what can that be?" Alfia asked with a raised eyebrow.
A file slid across the desk, revealing a person of interest. "An assassination mission?" Alfia was not against them but she did not like carrying them out. Hypocritical, some might think but she had her way of doing things.
"No, observation. You see, many things are happening in the small town of Kuoh. Aside from two little sisters of the current Maou, these two have been brought up in many reports from the Grigori and the Youkai Faction. We also have confirmation that while one of them is a half Fallen, she does not hold full allegiance to Grigori."
"Recruitment?" Alfia drew her conclusion, "Surely there is something more."
Her mother smiled, "Oh, there is indeed." She flipped the page and a familiar navy-haired boy showed up. That wasn't the impressive part. The impressive part of the report is that he's the son of the Chaos Karma Dragon King, making him one of the most valuable persons in the Supernatural world. "So you see, I do wish to have him observed. On top of his Sacred Gear, which admittedly, we don't know, he does not seem to be hostile to others, unless you intend to harm his mates, or wife as he's reportedly been saying to the Devil Heiresses. That and there is the fight between him and the third son of House Phenex in just a day. From what has been shown through our informants. He has a sound-based Sacred Gear. No one knows what it is and asking Azazel up front would reveal our hand."
Putting the file on the desk, "Okay, what's your angle, mother?"
"Me? An angle? Whatever do you mean?" Her mother asked with a smile that said something else entirely. Alfia merely brought up some magic to get her point across. "Okay okay fine, take a joke, my dear. I wish for you to observe them, yes but…if you happen to, I don't know, take an interest in him and give me more grandbabies, then it's alright."
Alfia's eyebrow twitched as her face flushed. The thought of having a child did make her flustered as she deemed herself horrible parent material. "Sofia…why are you doing this? Why me?"
"Well, I know you haven't fed on anyone in a while-"
"Stop."
"No. I will not watch you further harm yourself by resisting and abstaining from feeding. You need blood unless you want to die. After all, you still have your nephew, my grandchild, to think about. I don't want my little vampire to die before me. Daughters should bury their mothers, not the other way around. So, please Alfia, do not put that on me."
Alfia sighed as she let go of a side of her, her skin paling slightly, eyes dilating like a predator, and fangs extended in her mouth, "Are you happy?"
"Of course, now, about how you're going to sneak into the Underworld…"
"Not to worry on that front," Alfia said, receding her fangs but keeping the other changes to her person. "But why the sudden interest in my romantic life?"
"Is seeing my daughter happy a crime?" Sofia countered. "Plus, you haven't given any of the suitors a chance."
"You know my stance on arranged marriages."
Sofia nodded, "I'm aware. Any last minute questions?"
"Of course I do," Alfia said, and there were many questions and inquiries that she had up to this moment. She would be heading to the Underworld soon after to meet this son of the strongest Dragon King.
Riser gravely miscalculated. He was arrogant and prideful sure but no one in his Rating Games even stood a chance. They knew his strategy and still couldn't find a counter to it. It was laughable to the Third Son of House Phenex. However, he thought that this lowly magician was that. Lowly. Unworthy to stand in the might of a Phenex.
"W-What are you?"
What he saw was nothing short of a monster, despite the figure only leaning on one of the poles in the arena, "Your worst fucking nightmare. I warned you…just remember that."
…
So, I'm alive and holy shit did I take a long time, nearly four months. So, I got into Genshin Impact.
Big mistake lmao. All in all, I'm enjoying it. Already have three five stars, Ayaka, Navia, and most recently Raiden Shogun. Won all three 50/50s. Got Navia's weapon too (Weapon banner is a scam, don't pull.)
Anyway, the chapter title is basically this. It's not all filler but if you pay attention to my words, you'll see that Riser did not agree with abolishing the arrangement entirely. Instead, he'll back off. While it would so easy for me to just have them agree to abolish it, I thought differently.
It felt cheap of me to do it that way, so while it won't be abolished, they won't have as much trouble. Who knows, Rias might just challenge him soon after offscreen, if you will.
As for why there needed to be a second formal scene about the terms of the fight, Hiroki wanted to make sure there wasn't any shady dealings, or ways out for Riser.
Introducing Alfia. Yup, I've brought Silence. Ophis will be so happy, I swear. Wait, wrong thing. Anywho, not a crossover with DanMachi, just bringing her over. Togetsu was mentioned again. Again, trying to blend it all together. I do plan on bringing the Scarlet Nexus characters in as well but that's a later thing.
Albert is based off of Albert Waldstein, the roc- I mean Ais' father. Sorry.
Sofia is just my fallback name, she's actually more important in my DM stories. Also yes, she's a vampire because I have degenerate thoughts and they bled into the fic…I'm not sorry. No, that wasn't supposed to be a joke…
Moving on.
The last two paragraphs are just a teaser. It will not be a one-sided smackdown, as tempting as it is, that's just lazy writing imo. However, I have surprises planned. I will apologize for not updating faster but I am easily distractable as you probably have noticed.
Final Harem, since I've been bouncing back and forth: Kasane, Alfia, Grayfia, and Rosseweisse. That's it, and should I continue using Japanese suffixes? I don't feel like going back and changing them all, so would changing them be a problem? Let me know, okay?
Now, the Honkai: Star Rail story/idea I have planned. That is soon, then after that, Blind Adventure. Kano needs some love considering where I left off.
Until next time.