AN: I sincerely apologize for the false update. Been really stressful from university. Without further ado, I present the real update.

Chapter 54: Those Who Suffered

"Ho ho ho! Not bad, not bad at all." Odin stroked his beard, lounging on the VIP area while ogling at the jiggling tits, "Now this is a fine welcome indeed."

Gabi-chan was playing a tennis game with Xenovia with controllers acting as motion sensors. She was already having fun making her character mimicking her movements before actually playing. Unbeknownst to most of the ORC, they totally have no clue of the Seraph's true identity. I can understand the power-type Knight and the innocent blonde healer, though everyone else guessing the mystery woman was out of my expectations.

Forcuis was definitely exuding professionalism considering that he can sense Gabi-chan's energy. Raynare and the other fallen have an inkling yet remained quiet since their boss didn't mention the brunette's true status either.

On the other hand, Miho quietly whispered to me, "Hanwei-sama, is she...?"

"Let them have their moment, the Church Trio would pass out if they knew who they're hanging out with."

Behind me was Akeno, apprehensive of her father who was giving me a hard stare. Not exactly the best reunion I would want between family members but at least there's no electrical overload yet.

"Odin-sama, you shouldn't be gazing at their breasts like that! You are giving a bad impression as the Chief god of the Norse!"

Agitated, the woman who reprimanded the perverted geezer was a beautiful silver haired Valkyrie. The way her long hair flowing flawlessly and facial features changing while lecturing her boss were picture perfect, as expected from DxD. This is the first time I'm seeing her in real life and she is as every upstanding as the anime depicted her to be.

"So stiff you always are, this is why you're the forever virgin who can't get a man."

"I-it's not like I don't want a boyfriend!" The valkyrie dropped to her knees bawling, "I studied so hard and graduated at the top of my school! So why can't I get a guy to notice me!? I want to experience youth tooooooo!"

And the respectable aura vanished in a flash.

"Don't mind my escort. This is Rossweisse, also known as the valkyrie whose age equals to the number of years of her having no boyfriend."

"How cruel can you be you geezer? You got to treat your subordinates nicely for their hard work. Take me for example, right?" The Governor General turned his head to his workers and students, only to receive zero responses. Koneko even opened her phone and played the cricket noise for sound effect. He switched his attention back to the god, "See, they all worship me."

"Still," Odin picked up his cup of tea, sipping it while enjoying the views, "For such young girls, some of you have not-so-young curves. The little sister of Maou sure is big, this one is also big, and this one-"

I blocked the pervert's view of Miho, giving him the stink eye.

"Booo! Move out of the way, I'm already old. Can't an old man like me enjoy enormous breasts right in front of him after all those hard years of living?"

"Odin I swear, you try anything with my mate and I'll rip off your beard and plant it as a flag on top of Valhalla."

"What do you think my loyal followers would do after witnessing such violent act?"

"They'll celebrate in joy that their perverted old god finally got what he deserved."

"Meh, you're not wrong."

"Quit while you're ahead geezer. Daisuke wouldn't think twice about doing what he just said, especially if anything happens to his favorite pinkette."

Revived, Rossweisse stood back on her feet before slapping his head with a fan, "Odin-sama, no more perving on woman! Especially when they are already in a relationship!" She proceeded to bow apologetically and frantically, "I'm so sorry about Odin-sama, he doesn't know when to stop his perverseness."

"Geez what a stick in the mud. This one is your familiar if I remember correctly, the Rengoku Maihime is as hot as her title suggests."

Rengoku Maihime, Purgatory Dance Princess in japanese. Miho made a name for herself and people started calling her that after what she displayed against Shalba and setting the earth to ablaze, though many think that the Aoi Arashi only choose the strong to be his familiar. That misconception will probably be corrected when she makes more appearances on the battlefield though.

Not gonna lie, I was really happy that she got some recognition, even if some of those rumors are about siccing my salamander on enemies and dragging them to hell.

"Ah, you are Miho-san yes?" Rossweisse stood straight and chattered amicably, "I had a research assignment on the Four Elemental Spirits when I was still in school. Legends say that the four original spirits were gifted with the elements themselves into their bodies, transmuting them into energy hybrids. I have known about salamanders residing near volcanoes and molten lava but this is my first time meeting a variant who can live in both heat and water."

Miho was stunned by the silverette at first, yet gradually explained more about herself. I checked on Gabi-chan to find her playing a fighting game with Asia, both at a stalemate due to their hesitance of hurting their game characters.

I shifted my attention back to the valkyrie, guilt and bitterness rising within me. I don't regret joining the ORC and meeting Miho, but it doesn't change the fact that I've stolen Rossweisse's role as Rias' second Rook. She didn't have that much screen time since she joined the latest, yet the time she spent in Kuoh weren't insignificant. Experiencing japanese culture... Going to Kuoh Academy... Laughing together with Issei and the others... Those belonged to her...

... Not me. Is it wrong of me to fear that this day would come? Wait, forget that. What's gonna happen to her once Odin has concluded his work here?

A tug on my sleeve snapped me out of my thoughts. A worried Akeno spoke softly to me, "Daisuke-kun, what's wrong?"

Guh, even the girl who's supposed to be depressed is asking me why I'm depressed. Flashing a smile, "It's nothing urgent, I'll tell you guys later."

"You're early geezer, your arrival is supposed to be a few days from now. You wanna discuss business with the japanese gods right? Isn't it a bit reckless of you to waltz into the country so casually?"

"Our land is having some... trouble lately." Odin replied to Azazel carefully, drinking more of his tea, "A lot of members are against me forming a connection, much less me travelling here. The eastern and western gods were never on good terms because of difference in culture and the need to protect our own people. However, Khaos Brigade is proving more trouble than we want to admit."

That did not reassure me, "You think there are spies within your ranks?"

"Wouldn't surprise me. Khaos Brigade has been carefully digging their fangs even inside Grigori, it's a real pain in the ass making sure information doesn't get leaked."

"Which brings to me getting her as my bodyguard. If there's anyone I know who is trustworthy, it's this valkyrie."

Rossweisse placed her hands together, eyes moist in joy and happiness, "Odin-sama, you believe in me that much?"

"No duh, how can you act all cool and calm as a spy when you can't even get a guy's number?"

And she dropped back to her knees, hitting the ground with her fist, "It's not like he was avoiding me! He just forgot to write the rest of the number!"

"Right, he forgot after writing only two digits."

"This is sad to watch. Odin, aren't you teasing her too much? It's already bad enough that she's stuck working for you."

"You got a soft spot for this dunce? Rossweisse, why don't you take Aoi Arashi? He may be younger than you but you'll never get another chance with a boy as famous as him again, or any boy period."

"Odin-sama, how can I approach a younger male who has not even graduated, the age gap is immoral and illegal. I am terribly sorry about his callous remarks. I understand how territorial salamanders are, please know that I would never do such a thing to your boyfriend."

Miho continued her picture perfect smile, never once faltering in front of the guests, "You're concern is appreciated but not necessary, Hanwei-sama and I have a close bond as a married couple that would not be severed so easily."

"Thank you." Rosseweisse smiled politely in return until she frowned... and frowned... and frowned to the point she fell into despair, "I'm sorry, I must have misheard you. Did you say 'married couple'?"

"Yes, that is correct." The maid clung onto my other side, "Danna-sama and I are living happily together, now and forever."

Boisterous guffaws came from the perverted old god, "Bu hahaha! Oh this is too good, these kids are younger than you and got married while you're still a single bland woman who talks more about work than romance!"

"It's- it's not like I don't want a boyfriend!" For the third time in 20 minutes, Rossweisse let loose the waterworks, "It's not fair! Do I look like a boring and old fashioned woman with no interest in sex!? I want to have a guy touch me and take me like how every other girls talked about! I wanna do naughty things toooooooo!"

Giving up on formality, the ORC openly sighed that we have to be stuck to a perverted old coot for who-knows-how-long. However, I felt some intense killing intent at me coming from the grumpy fallen angel.

"Oo I got this one!" Irina cheered as the time limit was nearing its end. She and Gabi-chan were playing against me and Alicia in a 2v2 virtual puzzle game. The reincarnated angel had her stuck out in focus while Xenovia was telling her to win no matter what.

By the time the match ended, they scored slightly higher than us, clapping their hands together, "Yay, two out of three! Team Heaven wins!"

"My apologizes Daisuke-sama, I was careless."

"Did you have fun?"

"... Yes."

"Then we can have our revenge match next time."

"Eh?" The brunette Seraph in disguise whined, "One more game, please."

"Sorry Gabi-chan, you know your brother will get mad if you stay out for too long. He was already merciful enough to give you extra playtime after I messaged him."

Gabi-chan pouted, earning consolation from the Church Trio, "Alright, when can we play again?"

"We'll be pretty busy with a lot of things so maybe in another two to three weeks?"

She pouted harder, it's actually adorable.

"D-don't worry Gabi-chan-san, we can message each other anytime we want."

"Asia is right, social media apps are much more convenient than I thought when I started using it."

"See, cheer up. We don't need to be next to each other to have fun together."

The brunette was really becoming closer with them, not surprising considering who she is. I took a glimpse of Alicia who was staring at the four strangely, "Are you okay?"

A jolt of shiver involuntarily ran through her frame, she reluctantly replied, "Yes, there is nothing wrong."

"Does seeing them happy and loyal to the church remind you of your past?"

...

"Whatever you've done in the past doesn't matter now, you have a new life ahead of you. Or do you still have resentment towards the church which have wronged you?"

"... I cannot deny that claim." Alicia responded while facing away from me, knowing she shouldn't be thinking about those negative stuff, "All my feelings died the moment I yearned death. However, they returned when I think more about what befell me... as well as when I think about my future."

Free or not, her heart is still shackled after so many years of misfortune, preferring to remain alone sometimes instead of hanging out with everyone. As bright as the environment around Alicia right now, darkness still remains in her heart.

Switching my gaze between the silverette maid and the disguised brunette multiple times, I asked Gabi-chan for a quick talk in a corner of the room. She looked back at the group behind us, crestfallen at my words before nodding in resolution.

I went to stand in front of the perplexed Church Trio, "Okay, what I'm about to show you is going to be very shocking, but please remain calm and listen to what Gabi-chan has to say."

"Come now Hanwei, what can possibly astonish us after hearing what you've said before..." Xenovia opened her mouth before thinking back about the crazy interdimensional stuff, being carefully quiet since Irina and Alicia doesn't know about my history yet. The bluenette slowly closed back her mouth, mostly because she knows the things I would say have never failed to flabbergast her before, "Never mind, please continue."

"Hanwei-kun? Miho-chan said you needed me for something?" Yuuto walked in, smiling politely as always before he was given a brief rundown.

With a nod, Gabi-chan revealed herself the same way she did for me yesterday. Asia shielded her eyes, blinking out the lights in her vision before covering her wide gaping mouth. Yuuto's arms and body slacked, which is a pretty rare sight since the swordsman has a good form to draw his swords. Xenovia's leg trembled before giving out on her, nearly falling backwards if it wasn't for Irina supporting her body. Alicia, on the other hand, had the small signs that she's ready to attack.

"Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga-Ga... GABRIEL-SAMA!?" Irina screeched out, got her wits together, and proceeded to show her respect as her rightful status as Michael's Ace, "I apologize. Please forgive our bluntness from earlier, I had no idea it was you."

"It is fine, I enjoyed greatly our time together." The Seraph shook her head, a gentle expression on her face, "It is I who should apologize to you."

They all tensed, wanting to ask so many questions yet held back due to what I said earlier.

"Asia-san. Xenovia-san. Despite the unfair banishment for the sake of many others, you still believed in your religion and continued to pray even to this day. Your hearts are truly pure and we failed to meet your expectations. For that, on behalf of the church, we once again would like to apologize. I am sorry."

"For Michael-sama's Ace, Irina Shidou-san, I thank you for what you have done to support the Church. And I also apologize for excommunicating your friend. The pain and betrayal you have felt for being separated from Xenovia-san and witnessing her becoming a devil must have broken your heart. Please continue to be yourself and help Michael-sama."

Gabi-chan turned from the Church Trio to the Knight next, "Yuuto Kiba-san is your name now correct? It is a beautiful name to protect those close to you. You were treated as a test subject, experimented, and saw your friends and family die before your eyes. It was a blessing that you have met Rias Gremory-dono and have a new chance in life. For being wronged, and for wronging your deceased friends and family, I am sorry."

The four were at a loss, standing there without knowing what to say. Never in their wildest dreams that they would have one of the highest rank Angels as their guest, much less receiving sincere apologizes and see her lowering her head to them.

Lastly, the blonde Seraph went to the silverette maid, "Alicia-san, you devoted much since you were a child, yet you were accused and ousted for associating with a devil who passed by. What Diodora Astaroth-san has done cannot be forgiven, misfortune happened upon you and your friends as his former peerage members for so long. I am sorry for forcing you to take the dark path, our decision to maintain Heaven's stability was no excuse."

Alicia couldn't answer, or more like she didn't want to answer. The others wanted to console her before Miho held her hand, stopping them from interfering. Alicia clenched her fists so hard that they drew blood, her trauma buried by accepting death has now exploded back.

"DON'T SCREW WITH ME!" Although the silverette lashed out, the Seraph still held her composure while bowing, "'I'm sorry'!? 'No excuse'!? Do you think simple words are enough to erase everything I had go through!? Years of believing in God and helping people in need selflessly, they became meaningless the moment I unknowingly became involved with an enemy of the church!?"

Her eyes showed desperation and vengeance, dark features wearing over her pretty face, "Did you know how much I pleaded for my innocence!? How much I pleaded to whom I once thought were my family and teachers!? To God to prove I was loyal to the home I was raised in!? I shed tears thinking that I no longer have a place to return to, for becoming alone!"

"And then Diodora set an illusion of false hope and love on me as well as 14 other people. I accepted his sexual invitation to rid the pain from what I couldn't understand! I lost myself and became the kind of person I resented as a former nun, a women who cared nothing but herself and to see people who shunned me rot in agony! To make them pay for what they did to me! I wanted to feel good by making them regret and begged for me to return! AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT!?"

Tears of loath were cascading down as she held her head, though I don't know for certain whether the loath is for the church or herself.

"I was thrown aside as a used toy by the same devil who promised me everything I wanted. I served to the best of my abilities once again for years only to be casted aside. I knew there was no more point in following Diodora yet I couldn't leave everything I did again! I did not want to admit to myself that I followed the wrong person again! To admit that there is nothing that could be done and continued becoming his slave for his own pleasure! It was as if the world is telling me that I was only born to suffer!"

"Can a simple apology make all of this right!?"

Gabriel didn't make eye contact.

"Could you forgive someone so easily after suffering so much!?"

Alicia screamed from her soul.

"Tell me!"

"..."

"Tell me!"

"..."

"TELL ME!"

"... I cannot comprehend because I have never experienced such anguish. My title and rank granted me as one of the most esteemed angel in heaven, yet I let so many slipped from my grasp." The blonde made her choice, gazing at her sadly but decisively, "My only form of atonement is to allow you to strike me until you are satisfied. I will neither run nor make any more excuses."

For a fraction of a moment, Alicia was shaken. She raised a fist, "Fine, for someone who was raised in a peaceful and sheltered environment, I will give you what it's like to know pain!"

Muscles exerted, I was prepared to intervene at the last second.

The silverette kept her fist hovering in the air, glaring balefully at the unmoving Seraph. Seconds past and Alicia wavered. Regardless of the threat, Gabriel stood her ground, prepared for everything without escaping physically or emotionally.

Tears kept flowing, Alicia became conflicted at her target's determination, "STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT! Say something! Anything! You did a lesser evil to save your own belief! You only thought about yourself while I had to live for myself! I had no one I could believe in! I... I..."

"You have me."

My left hand went to the back of her head, pulling close so she could rest on my chest. Alicia slackened, astonished by the sudden movement as her raised arm slowly lowered. The sound of my heartbeat resounded to her ears. A sensation foreign yet nostalgic at the same time.

"What happened to you was incredibly painful, but whether you choose to be sad about it is your choice. You've done well enduring it all, now you have me, Miho, Asia, and everyone else. It's okay, everything is alright now. See? The past can't bother you anymore now that you have a new life, I won't let you be alone, that's a promise."

Alicia couldn't stop herself anymore, breaking open her emotions and cried in my chest. Everyone unconsciously smiled, Asia and Irina even sobbed a bit for her.

After she was done, her eyes were puffy and nose red. The silverette got her wits and apologized to everyone for her unsightly display, though she was still somewhat bitter at the Seraph, "I have not forgiven you, or to anyone. However, I am willing to set aside my bias and allow time to heal my heart... And... I suppose I can accept you as Daisuke-sama's guest... and for coming to apologize."

That put a smile on Gabi-chan's face, "Thank you."

"Hanwei-kun." Yuuto approached me with a smile different from the usual, "We are very grateful to you. It does not change the past but our minds were put at ease a little."

"Well, I'm pretty sure Gabi-chan wanted to say something too."

Putting back her disguise, I saw Gabi-chan out as she teleported back to Heaven, though not before waving childishly, "Bye bye Daisuke-san, tell me when we can play again."

"Sure thing, send my regards to Michael-san."

"Miho?"

"Yes?"

"What are doing?"

"Hugging you."

"We've been like this for over five minutes. Did something happen?"

"It is an emergency hug."

I peered at the rest of the ORC watching us, with Koneko by the exit as a guard cat, "Are you guys trying to wring out something from me?"

"Daisuke, while we appreciate you trying help us and maintaining the timeline constant-"

"And not so appreciating you always running out alone on us to fight someone."

"- you've been acting strange since Odin-sama arrived." Rias continued, unperturbed by Koneko's snarky remark, "It is like you are afraid of him. Or more like, it is survivor's guilt."

My facial features twitched minutely which did not go unnoticed by my mate, she hugged me tighter. They gave me the look, it wasn't the look of annoyance or expectation, it was the look of worry for a friend. And it's working quite well.

"..." An exasperated sigh escaped from my lips, I enveloped Miho closer as a warm hug pillow to get my shit together, "Okay, fine. I'll talk."

They took a seat, waiting patiently and attentively.

"Guys, it's not Odin, it's about Rossweisse-san."

"Why? Did something happen to her in the anime or something?" Issei asked confusedly.

"Rossweisse-san is..."

Their full undivided attention was not making this easy, a difficult sensation growing inside me. I dragged my hand down my face in attempt to calm down, except it only made me appear stupider.

"Rossweisse-san is... your... original second Rook."

Before I knew it, two hands cupped my cheeks, bringing me to face a grief stricken redhead, "Daisuke, what happened in that alternate reality means nothing to me. Right here, where I can feel you with my own two hands, is someone I would never want to lose in my life."

"Rias is right Daisuke-kun, you mean everything to us. After what we have went through together, we couldn't think of anyone else of having as our Rook."

"You have as much right to be one of us as she does Hanwei, if not more."

"Se-senpai? I don't want to have a di-different senpai!"

"Come on Daisuke, I didn't even think you would replace anyone since I'm that smart. You're my closest friend and rival to become the Harem Ki- Aah!"

Koneko punched the pervert before he could ruin it, tightly grabbing the end of my shirt, "We're the black and white Rooks of Gremory. Didn't you say that to me before?"

Miho got into my personal space, the emotions in her eyes were louder than anything she could say, "If we never met-"

"I wouldn't experience this happiness with you, with all of you." They were vehement, speaking loudly to make sure I get the message. I smiled melancholy, "If I was given the chance to turn back time, I wouldn't hesitate to meet you guys again. It's just that I don't know how would Rossweisse-san's future would go. Survival and enemies kept me thinking about the future, though I guess it doesn't mean I can ignore her like that."

They exchanged glances, understanding that knowledge of canon can be a hard problem to tackle. Rias asked, "How did she join my peerage?"

Since I've already taken her place, I guess it should be fine to say it, Rossweisse did have the least screen time as the latest member to join, "Odin fired her for being too strict on him and you recruited her after he leaves."

...

"Yes, Odin is an asshole." I commented casually which further shattered their image of him as an almighty god, "I've been racking my brain and came up with a few solutions. One of them includes getting the old geezer to not fire her for protecting him, or at least give her a more respectable job in Valhalla, depends on Rossweisse-san's preferences."

...

Rias stared down, her visage sad and painful as though a huge weight was on her shoulders, "Would you quit and make Rossweisse my Rook if necessary?"

"What!? No! I already said I'm happy here."

"You are a special case, you can freely release your Evil Piece and return back to full human."

"WHAT!?"

Everyone else balked at what our King just said. Yuuto gaped his mouth open, stammering, "Bu-buchou, is that even possible? Why were we not informed of this?"

"Ajuka-san wanted to keep this secret to figure out what is up with me. If any of the arrogant nobles learn about this, it could end badly." I stared at the fragile red head, pulling her into a hug. Rias is really out of it if she let this info slipped out, she hasn't been really the same after my supposed death, "Though he did say it should be fine if it's restricted to just the ORC."

"Daisuke, why didn't you tell us?"

"Because it doesn't matter to me, I'm not gonna stop being a part of you guys." Akeno and Koneko were now holding me as well. "If I find a way back to my own world, I'll be back for good after assuring my friends and family that I'm okay. If there's a situation when I need to quit as your servant, I'll find a way to join back. Whether I can reject my Rook piece doesn't concern me, because I choose to stay. I'm sorry that I didn't say anything."

Smiling at them half lidded, "Is that enough to convince you?"

"Why do you always make complicated stuff sound so easy to fix?" Issei deadpanned, groaning out in chagrin, "I'll believe you when you vouched your words like that."

"Hanwei-san, are you sure you won't hurt yourself to help Rossweisse-san? You sometimes push yourself too much."

"I'll be fine. If anything happens, I'm sure these four would stop me." My finger pointed at the girls still latching on to me.

Xenovia nodded understandingly, "Can't argue with that logic."

"Come on, we still got training." The moment I opened the door to exit the meeting room, I came face to face with a gruff-looking man. Judging by his nonplussed features, he must have been passing by, "Hello, Baraqiel-san."

"... Good evening." He did not have a happy smile, observing me for a second before spotting at the closeness between me and his daughter, "Akeno, I would like to have a word with you."

"Do not talk to me." The way she responded sharply really says that she's not in a good mood, and the papa bear was glaring at me after Akeno secured my arm, "I am busy."

"What is the meaning of this? Are you seeing the Aoi Arashi?"

"Who I am seeing or what I do is none of your business."

"He is a married boy, at such a young age."

Okay, when he puts it like that, it does sound pretty bad.

"And the rumors regarding him include molesting other women. He does not hesitate to grope breasts of an enemy. I am worried that he will force deplorable acts on you."

At this point, I'm too emotionally damaged to correct every last person about that... Then again, I don't want to have a misunderstanding with a friend's dad, "Bara-"

"What do you know!?" Akeno snapped at him with pained anger, "Daisuke-kun has helped me more than I can repay him, do not slander him with such unconfirmed rumors!"

"I am saying this as your father-"

"YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER! You let kaa-sama die that day! You didn't save her! Leave! I hate you!"

Baraqiel faltered, what he wanted to say was lost. He closed his eyes and left.

To be honest, what Akeno just said struck something within me, and it wasn't something good. The Queen saw my sorrow, realizing that what she did was completely opposite to my family circumstances. She couldn't look at me directly and left herself, "I'm sorry..."

By the time I snapped back to reality, she was already running to her room. I kept switching gaze between Baraqiel's and Akeno's direction until Rias spoke up.

"Daisuke, go. I can take care of Akeno."

Our King stood pridefully, allowing me to do what I have to do, "Thank you. I'll be back soon."

Tracking his ki, my feet lead me to downstairs to a dining area on the first floor. Baraqiel was sitting at a small table, fingers interlocked and head down, it's a really depressing sight to see a grown muscular warrior going through a phase. I went to a cabinet, picked out two cups, and made some herbal tea.

After placing a cup next to him, I took a seat opposite to him, "I'm not as good as the maids and butlers here, but I hope it is to your liking."

He reluctantly grabbed it, inspected before drinking, "It is fine, thank you."

...

This isn't gonna get me anywhere. If memory serves me right, Baraqiel is more of the strong silent type, "I'm sorry about what happened earlier, how are you feeling?"

"... I am somewhat accustomed to this feeling." He had another gulp, watching his reflection on his tea, "What is your relationship with Akeno?"

"Nothing according to the rumors you have heard. She is my senpai and magic teacher, and I inadvertently... won her affections."

The air rumbled around him while I sweated. He asked slowly yet clearly, "Do you love your wife?"

"More than my own life, she means everything to me." I answered without a doubt.

"Have you done anything lewd with Akeno like..."

The father was flustered, what the hell can possibly make a fallen angel who fell from heaven by having sex flustered?

"Like... holding hands?"

... Ah, so he's that kind of father, "Ye-yes."

"Did you two k-k-k-k-kiss?"

"She caught me off guard a few times, it was only on the cheek though."

*crack*

The handle of his cup was damaged. I simply drank my own tea, doing my best to stay level headed while noticing it sucks compared to how the girls' make tea, "May I ask you a question regarding your past?"

As the rumbling died down, Baraqiel recovered from his emotional shock, already knowing what I want to know, "For what reason?"

"To understand Akeno better, and to help her. For that, I need to know your side of the story."

"... What do you wish to know?"

"What happened that made Akeno to become angry with you? And why were you not with her for a long time?"

Baraqiel sighed, recalling those memories is hard on him, "I used to live happily with my wife and daughter. Shuri, Akeno's mother who is human, found me injured one day and nursed me back to health. I soon developed feelings for her despite knowing the difference in our lifespans and her family's rejection of me. However, we decided to live quietly together."

"One day, while I was on a mission, the Himejima Clan took advantage of my absence and killed my wife with our daughter in her arms. I rushed back as fast as I could and disposed the killers before they could do the same to Akeno. However, because of that, I was hated and blamed for failing to protect Shuri."

"As for your second question, somewhere deep in my heart, I knew what Akeno said was right." The fallen angel went back to interlacing his fingers, "I proposed to Shuri and promised her happiness, yet I could not protect her. I could only mourn for her death as taking revenge on the Himejima Clan would only worsen the Grigori's reputation in Japan. Due to my frustration coupled with Akeno's hate towards me, I fell into depression and wasted myself in alcohol."

That's... downright rough.

"I tried to approach Akeno only to be violently pushed away. I could not face her directly either as she looks so much like Shuri. As a result, I kept drinking and shut myself to run away from the pain. Had Azazel and Shemhazai not supported me everyday, I would not have gotten back on my feet. When Shemhazai asked me for help to be in a serious relationship with a devil, it reminded myself of the resolution and promises I made to myself. I suppose he was trying to help me in his own way."

"While knowing Azazel was watching over Akeno from the shadows to the best he could, I slowly picked myself up and tried to reconnect with her. And yet, her words reminded me of that night, years of regaining back my confidence shattered by a few sentences. I am a failure as a father and a husband... as well as a person. It is little surprise to see that she still hates me."

"That's not true." I smiled in attempt to encourage him, "Akeno still address you with respect if that honorific meant anything, it's the same as when she addresses her mother. Give her time, I'm sure she'll come around after some support from her friends."

"It is... surprising that you do not fault me for neglecting my own daughter."

"Well I do have some fallen angel friends, such as an overly serious workaholic."

"Forcuis did mention you in his report a few times."

"What happened to you was understandable, I don't know what I'll do if I lost Miho. Besides, you came here and made a first step in reconciling with your daughter. Azazel could've sent anyone to escort Odin, yet here you are while knowing the pain you'll go through."

"You are definitely wiser than your age suggests. Did you... experience the same?" Baraqiel was conflicted, tentatively asking that question.

My thumb went to make circles around the teacup out of reflex, "My grandmother. She pushed me away from a motorcycle and died in my stead, so I could relate to Akeno somewhat because of this. Though I suppose it is not as scarring as seeing your own mother murdered."

"No. Regardless of the circumstances, the lost of a family is always agonizing for everyone. The love and warmth from your loved one once lost will never return. Children should never have been exposed to this cruelty in the first place."

"Thank you, Baraqiel-san."

"I should be the one thanking you. It is shameful of me as an adult to be cheered up by a child. And I apologize for judging you solely from rumors."

"The only reason I had to do that was to escape from that gravitational magic. Rias is with Akeno right now, I'm sure she can help her best friend. Things will turn out better soon."

Rias was standing outside of her Queen's room, fidgeting from anxiety. She hasn't felt like this since she tried to apologize to Miho for her meltdown during summer vacation. It was quite apparent that Akeno was torn from seeing Daisuke's reaction, the red head would have shut herself too if she accidentally hurt her beloved. Her black haired Rook did always think about his family like the rest of her peerage, except that he overcame that pain and his familial bond was what kept him surviving when he first got here.

She was about to knock the door before her nerves came knocking her throat first. Rias shook her head and breathed, 'What am I even worried about? It's not like it is my fault this time.'

*knock**knock*

"Akeno, it's me. I'm coming in." The King entered to find the room completely dark, not that it would bother devils with night vision though, and found her best friend lying on her bed, her face buried in her pillow. The tear stains and moist eyes did not help the red head, "Akeno, it was not your fault for hurting Daisuke."

"Yes it was." A sniveled echoed, "I already knew Daisuke-kun wanted to go home and meet his family again, but I said something I shouldn't have and spat on his hope. I told him that his father isn't needed."

"No you didn't."

"I might as well had."

"Daisuke doesn't blame you. He wanted to be here and comfort you, but he wanted to talk to Baraqiel-dono."

"What can that horrible man actually say, Daisuke-kun's sympathy is wasted on him."

"Perhaps something we can't see, he always does have a tendency to see something in people."

The ravenette clutched the sheets of her bed, "Raynare-san and the rest may have a change of heart, but that man left us to fend for ourselves. He could've saved kaa-sama anytime but didn't! Why did he leave us like that!? How dare he speak to me after living for himself for so long!?"

A fist thumped the bed, making it creak and nearly break due to the Rook attribute in the Queen piece. Panic was beginning to overwhelm Rias. She was never good at confronting her servants' dark past directly, partly because she always had a good life. The sight reminded of when the King first met her Queen - anguished, dusty, and vulnerable. Taking her out shopping and having fun was her way to get Akeno's mind off the pain when they were little, maybe it would work again.

"How about we go to that pastry shop and try that new item we talked about?"

She answered despondently, "I'm not hungry."

"Then we'll buy new clothes. Daisuke will feel better if you apologize while wearing something cute right?"

"He doesn't see me that way, I can't even get a date from him. Why would he anyway?" On the reflection of a large mirror, Akeno spread her black feathery wings. She scowled at the ugliness, anger bubbling, "If only I was a normal girl... If only I didn't have these wretched wings..."

"Akeno." Rias sat in front of the distressed ravenette. Traumatic memories were resurfacing, the nightmare etched in the Queen's heart screamed for a reason to lash out, to escape from the angst. She was in a worse than when the King first met her, "Daisuke has a heart of gold and an encompassing warmth as vast as the sky, you know he doesn't think of you badly in any way."

"What if he does?"

"He won't."

"He will."

"He won't."

"He will!"

"No he won't!"

"Yes he will!"

Rias sprang into action, quickly seizing her best friend's arms before she could tear off her own fallen wings. They struggled for control as the two girls thrashed on the bed. The red head didn't even know how this will end up, though she wasn't about to let Akeno do something so drastic when she's not in her right state of mind.

"Dammit Rias! Let go!"

"No!" The Gremory heiress shouted unwaveringly, dropping any semblance of regality to stop Akeno, "You can't do this! You will only cause more pain for yourself!"

"So what if I do! I might as well deserve it!"

"Nobody will be happy that way! Daisuke won't be happy! I won't be happy! We all care about you!"

"Leave me alone!"

Their scuffle ended up in Akeno pushed down with Rias on top. Rias wanted to shout back until her words died in her throat. The ravenette was crying, actually openly crying, and it broke the King to see her like that. Resistance from the two vanished as the former went limp on her bed. Rias never saw her so sad, so lifeless, so hurt.

"Please Rias, I just want to be alone right now..."

Whatever will the red head had to comfort the Queen disappeared. Rias simply complied and left, leaving her best friend to hug her knees and sob alone in her dark room. Once outside, the Gremory heiress hung her head, crushed by her own inability to help, as well as from seeing one of her most precious people in so much pain.

Now Rias knew why she was so anxious before coming here; she was afraid of failing to help Akeno.

It was a few minutes later that Daisuke arrived to find his King simply standing in front of the door, "Rias... It didn't go well, did it?"

She shook her head weakly.

The Rook pulled her in for a hug, patting the down King's head, "Maybe we should give her some time, we can talk to her better once she cools down a bit."

"...Alright."

The next day, we went to the handshaking and autograph event Azazel told us about. It's sponsored by the by the Gremory Household and they definitely did not hold back on the budget.

A large room was prepared for us and a long line kept lasted past the entrance. Considering that I can see at least a hundred devils lining up in front of me, that's a pretty long line. With air conditioning and an OST from the Aoi Arashi show playing in the background, everyone was nervous yet excited to meet our fans. There are even some staffs making sure it wasn't too crowded and walking around to sell snacks and drinks for the devils lining at the back.

Kinda awkward to see a picture of myself printed on a beverage merchandise.

"Aoi Arashi, I'm a huge fan of yours. I've watched the show and read the book, they were so captivating."

"Thank you, I'm glad that you enjoyed them." After giving a teenage devil a handshake, I sighed his book in devil language. He had a joyful grin before the next person in line came to me.

"Rias-himesama, you were very beautiful and mysterious in the show. You also looked a bit different."

"We have cosmetic products to beautify our appearance, though I only used a little. We have them for sale outside if you wish to purchase."

"Really, I will buy lots of them."

Talking to the red head was a young female devil. While most High-class are already born with handsome or beautiful features, Low to Mid-class don't have that kind of blessing. Compared to the norm in human standards, they are still more attractive but can't compare to the nobles with large amounts of demonic magic, so we introduced new makeup after Sirzhecs checked out the ones in the human realm.

Don't know why they even sell these stuff but the girls said it is very important, must be a girl thing.

It's a strange new experience, somewhat exhausting to plaster a smile to everyone and thank them one by one. There were different fans by age group coming to us. Issei has children despite him wanting women, the kids think that Oppai Dragon is funny and likeable for a villain, and he also has some respect as a character who stands up for women with small breasts and confidence issues.

As the pretty boy he is, Yuuto who plays Darkness Knight Fang as another villain has young women and housewives. Going for Koneko, also known as Hellcat-chan as the mascot, were devils who adored and find her cute. And of course, Benihime (Crimson Princess) as the main heroine, attracted both males and females. I got the most diverse of the bunch, with teenage males who seem to prefer shonen genre a bit more than the others.

In time, the others will also be introduced into the show. Back to our personal problems, Akeno didn't sleep with us last night and Rias was putting up a brave front even now. The Queen didn't let anyone notice her conflict, yet her usual smile isn't as bright as usual. And somehow I let this fucked up because a moment of weakness when I thought about my own family.

Internally sighing, I'll see if I can talk to Akeno tomorrow or the day after.

After the event, Ravel came to visit Issei again while I was teleported to Ajuka's lab for review visits. The Maou said he wanted to keep tabs on my condition at least once a month, a radical change from my Evil Piece such as this was a once in a lifetime chance to study. Rias didn't accompany me since I didn't want her to have any more pressure, trusting Miho to keep her entertained. Those two have been getting a lot better than when they first met.

So now it's just me. Following a quick message to the Maou on phone, I took a seat outside his lab and waited. Though I didn't have to wait long before a girl walked down the hallway. She was a beauty with almond eyes and long blond hair tinged with blue at the tips, her body proportions are voluptuous and going by the fancy clothes and the folding fan she's holding, this devil is a High-class noble.

Remembering my etiquette lessons from Venelana, I stood up straight and bowed at appropriate angle while observing the insignia on her dress, "Good day, Astaroth-sama."

"A fine greeting. Good day, Aoi Arashi-dono. It seems the rumors regarding you as a carefree fellow were inaccurate."

"With all due respect Astaroth-sama, I am within the territory of the Astaroth Household. Any inappropriate behavior would reflect badly on my master, Rias-sama."

"Professional as well. You may converse in your casual manner, I would not want Rias-san to think I would inconvenient you."

Should be fine I guess, we're literally outside Ajuka's lab and her ki says she doesn't find me beneath like normal High-class. I straightened myself and found her strict yet welcoming gaze at me. She's got similar vibes to Grayfia.

"My name is Latia Astaroth from the branch family of the Astaroth Household. I would like to offer you my gratitude for stopping Diodora and helping his mistreated peerage.

I imperceptibly twitched, the peerage news should have been kept a secret with the facade that they were sentenced to a fate worse than death.

"Do not worry, only selected few know of this secret. I wished to free them from their pain yet my former position as a branch member precludes me from any drastic movements. I am now one of the prime candidates as the next heir to the Household."

Still suspicious, "Prime candidate?"

Latia flipped open her fan proficiently, displaying it in a very princess-like manner, "Yes, albeit in formality. It will not be long until I am officially announced to be the next heir."

"If I may be so bold to ask, why do you put on an act when your future is already determined?"

"Because the other candidates were not confident of their leadership after the harsh criticism from Diodora's betrayal." She answered easily, expecting me to ask about this, "Although the path before me is long and thorny, I cannot falter for the sake of the Astaroth Household. May the unfairness and treachery come, I will brave through to restore our honor."

"Huh, that's pretty noble of you."

"Finally, you have dropped some of your vigilance towards me. Is this how you normally converse? I am not aware of commoners' way of thinking."

There wasn't any condescending tone, her fierce front is her normal self it seems, but I'll still be a little formal just in case, "It differs from each person. You have no need to dwell on Alicia's wellbeing, she is living comfortably while making occasional contact with Diodora's former peerage members."

The blond closed her fan, smiling proudly enough that almost made me think she's plotting something, "I am in your debt for cleaning up his mess. I would have liked to apologize to Asia Argento as well though that will have to be done at a later date. You are quite the honorable knight despite your reputation as a groper."

"That rumor is never gonna stop, is it?"

"At first we assumed you were fondling Riser Phenex's Queen during the Rating Game and only knew your true intentions after you retrieved the second vial of Phoenix Tears. Your second attempt during the peace conference swiftly changed many thoughts however."

"And that explains how it stayed for so long."

The large door opened, revealing Ajuka in his lab coat, "Hanwei, thank you for keeping my niece company."

... Ah, that explains a lot. The Beelzebub was heavily involved in getting Alicia and the others free after all.

"May we meet again Aoi Arashi-dono." The future heiress bowed respectfully to her uncle and left.

Ajuka continued as if he didn't just disclose an important information and told me to rest on the same machine to scan my body, "Did you let me wait outside on purpose for Latia-san to talk to me?"

"Please pardon my niece, she can be unbending for the sake of the household. Many times has she insisted to meet and thank you in person." He replied without viewing at me, more engrossed in collecting data samples.

"It's fine, I'm glad that your household is getting back on their feet."

"I also wish to express my gratitude. You have my permission to grope Latia."

"... The fuck Ajuka-san?"

"No need for profanities, I merely jest."

"You say the most random stuff. I can't tell whether you're joking or not."

"That is because I am not."

"What?"

"Did you mishear me, I am joking."

"Okay?"

"No, I am not."

"Which is it!?"

"Of course I am."

I groaned in annoyance, "Already met three crazies, wonder what the fourth and final crazy is like?"

HalflingRunner: Thanks for the review. Here's more drama.

AN: I've been listening to Tanjiro no Uta while writing this so it may have been something to do my mood. Meh, I wanted to try writing some sad scenes for a while now after getting hooked on Demon Slayer. And yes, Latia Astaroth is real and canon. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne