Chapter Two - A Shackle Removed

Seekvaira stood by the bedside, her gaze steady as she looked down at Andreas's unconscious form. He lay still, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths, but there was a noticeable ease in his posture that hadn't been there before. The effort she'd made to loosen the collar had granted him some relief, but the collar itself remained steadfastly around his neck. Questions lingered in her mind—why was he so weak? What lay beneath the surface that had kept him from becoming the powerful Rook he should have been?

I'll get to the bottom of this, she thought, her resolve hardening.

Kneeling beside him, she carefully placed her hands on either side of the collar, her fingers tracing its cold, unyielding surface as she searched for weaknesses. The green gem at its center seemed to pulse faintly, a dark energy swirling beneath its surface. She narrowed her crimson eyes, allowing her magic to flow, letting it wrap around the collar and probe for any gaps or points of vulnerability. A soft glow emanated from her hands, bathing the collar in a pale light as she attempted to sever its connection to him.

Immediately, the collar pushed back, a surge of dark energy racing up through her magic, stinging her fingertips. She gasped and refocused, trying to break through its defenses, but the collar's hold was relentless. Every time she thought she'd found a weakness, the corrupted energy within the gem reinforced itself, refusing to let go of Andreas.

She withdrew slightly, a frown forming on her lips as she observed him. He seemed almost peaceful, his face soft and relaxed, but she could sense the remnants of pain and exhaustion lurking just beneath the surface. He was trapped—caught between the relief of partial freedom and the unyielding grasp of this dark relic.

What have they done to you? she wondered silently, feeling a surge of protectiveness that surprised even her. She pressed forward again, trying different methods, each time attempting to pull the collar free or at least weaken its grip, but nothing worked. The collar clung to him as if it were fused with his very soul, an unbreakable bond reinforced by the corrupted energy that had kept him weak and restrained.

After a long, arduous struggle, she finally leaned back, frustration clear on her face. The collar remained stubbornly in place, its twisted energy taunting her efforts. It was clear she would need something beyond her own power to free him from this cruel bond.

Rising to her feet, she let out a slow breath, her resolve growing stronger. If my power alone cannot break this hold, she thought, then I'll find someone who can.

Seekvaira straightened, casting a final, determined glance at Andreas before turning to leave the room. With a focused thought, she summoned the teleportation circle beneath her feet, its intricate symbols glowing with a pale blue light. She whispered a brief incantation, and within moments, the room faded away, replaced by the grand, familiar sight of the Gremory estate.

The spacious hallways stretched out before her, adorned with the opulent decor characteristic of the Gremory family—rich red carpets, elegant tapestries, and the family crest proudly displayed on the walls. Barely a moment passed before she was greeted by a figure standing at the far end of the hall.

Grayfia Lucifuge, the renowned maid of the Gremory household and wife of Sirzechs Lucifer, approached with a composed, watchful gaze. She inclined her head in greeting, her silver hair catching the light as it fell in perfect waves around her shoulders. Her icy, calculating eyes assessed Seekvaira, no doubt noting her expression of urgency.

"Lady Seekvaira," Grayfia said, her voice calm and respectful. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Seekvaira met her gaze, the weight of the situation pushing her to speak directly. "Grayfia, I need to speak with Lady Venelana. It is an urgent matter involving a former Rook of Rias's—a young man named Andreas."

Grayfia's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of curiosity breaking through her otherwise composed demeanor. "Andreas… yes, I remember him," she replied thoughtfully. "Lady Venelana is currently in her private study. I will escort you to her at once."

With a graceful turn, Grayfia led Seekvaira through the elegant corridors of the estate. The silence between them was heavy with anticipation, but Seekvaira appreciated Grayfia's quiet efficiency. She understood the gravity of the situation without needing further explanation, a trait Seekvaira respected.

As they reached the doors to Venelana's study, Grayfia paused, knocking gently before pushing the doors open and announcing Seekvaira's arrival. "Lady Venelana, Lady Seekvaira Agares is here to speak with you on a matter of urgency."

Inside, Venelana turned from her seat by the window, her kind yet discerning eyes meeting Seekvaira's with an immediate sense of curiosity. She rose gracefully, a hint of warmth in her smile as she gestured for Seekvaira to enter. "Seekvaira, it's good to see you. What brings you here with such urgency?"

Seekvaira stepped into the room, her resolve unwavering. "Lady Venelana, I need your assistance with something… it concerns Andreas, a Rook who once served Rias. There are things I believe you need to see."

Seekvaira took a seat opposite Venelana, her gaze steady as she began explaining the troubling discoveries she had made regarding Andreas.

"I recently acquired Andreas in a trade with Rias," Seekvaira began, her tone carefully controlled. "At first, I thought he was simply weak, but as I examined him further, I realized his condition is far more complex. He wears a collar with a gem embedded in it—corrupted, by my estimation. It seems to drain his strength and suppress his powers, almost as though it's holding him hostage."

Venelana listened intently, her brow furrowing as Seekvaira continued. "Despite my best efforts, I couldn't remove the collar. Its hold is powerful, far beyond any ordinary magic or enchantment. The residue it left behind… it's like a shadow clinging to him, still weakening him even now."

Venelana's face softened with a mixture of surprise and concern. "That's… troubling to hear. I've met Andreas a few times, and he never showed any signs of weakness." She glanced away, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. "I'm also surprised that Rias didn't come to us with this issue. She must have seen the toll it was taking on him."

Seekvaira's lips pressed into a thin line. "I wondered the same thing," she admitted. "It's possible she didn't fully understand the extent of its effects, or perhaps she believed he was simply lacking in strength."

Venelana's gaze turned contemplative, and she nodded slowly, as if absorbing every detail. She rose from her seat, her decision firm. "This is a matter that requires a closer look, and my son's expertise could be invaluable in assessing the situation."

She turned to Grayfia, who had been standing quietly nearby, listening. "Grayfia, please inform Sirzechs and request that he join us. I would like him to examine this collar personally. Its influence sounds deeply rooted, and we may need his Power of Destruction to fully understand its hold."

Grayfia bowed respectfully, her face composed but with a hint of concern in her eyes. "At once, Lady Venelana. I will ensure Sirzechs is informed immediately."

With a final nod, Grayfia departed the room, leaving Seekvaira and Venelana alone once more. Venelana turned back to Seekvaira, a gentle reassurance in her gaze. "We will get to the bottom of this, Seekvaira. If this collar has truly been suppressing him all this time, then it's time we freed him from it."

Seekvaira met Venelana's gaze, a spark of gratitude shining in her eyes. She had known coming to the Gremorys was the right choice, and with their help, she felt a renewed sense of hope for Andreas's future. Together, they would find a way to sever the collar's dark connection and finally grant him the freedom he deserved.

A few minutes later, the door opened once more, and Grayfia stepped inside, followed by two familiar figures. Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan himself, entered with his usual calm confidence, his striking red hair framing a face marked by both kindness and strength. Beside him stood Ajuka Beelzebub, his sharp gaze immediately assessing the room with a look of keen intelligence. Known as one of the most brilliant minds among the devils, Ajuka's expertise in magical artifacts was unrivaled, making him the ideal choice for this task.

"Seekvaira, mother," Sirzechs greeted them, his voice warm yet tempered by a quiet seriousness. "Grayfia mentioned that there was something important here regarding a former Rook of Rias's."

Venelana nodded, her expression serious as she listened to Seekvaira's account of the collar. "So, this collar remains firmly around Andreas's neck, suppressing his powers and weakening him. Despite Seekvaira's efforts, she's been unable to remove it. This has likely been affecting him his entire life."

Ajuka stepped forward, his gaze sharp with intrigue. "A collar that remains bound to him even through magical intervention is unusual, and the energy you described sounds complex. To understand it fully, we'll need to examine it directly on Andreas."

Sirzechs crossed his arms, thoughtful. "Ajuka, if this collar is as resistant as it seems, your expertise will be crucial. But if there's any risk that Andreas could be harmed further, we'll need to proceed carefully."

Ajuka nodded in agreement. "Understood. I'll be able to analyze the collar's magic on-site and determine its nature more precisely. If it requires delicate handling, I'd prefer to perform the examination at the Agares mansion, where Andreas is resting."

Venelana looked to Seekvaira, her expression warm but resolute. "Then let's not waste any more time. We'll come with you to the Agares estate and examine Andreas and the collar directly. Whatever holds him in its grip, we will find a way to sever it."

Seekvaira inclined her head, grateful for their support. With a wave of her hand, she summoned a teleportation circle, and within moments, the group—Sirzechs, Ajuka, Venelana, and Grayfia—stood ready to accompany her.

As the group arrived at the Agares mansion, Seekvaira quickly led them through the grand hallways, moving with purpose. She guided them to a quiet, dimly lit room where Andreas lay resting, his breathing shallow but steady. A maid stood nearby, keeping a watchful eye on him and bowing respectfully as they entered.

Ajuka stepped forward immediately, his gaze fixed on the collar around Andreas's neck. The corrupted green gem pulsed faintly, radiating an unsettling aura that filled the room with a subtle, almost oppressive energy. He extended his hand over the collar, allowing his magic to envelop the gem as he began to carefully analyze its structure.

The room grew silent as Ajuka worked, his face intent and focused. After several moments, he withdrew his hand, his expression one of both curiosity and concern.

"This collar is indeed powerful," he began, looking to Seekvaira, Sirzechs, and Venelana. "The gem is radiating a harmful, corrupted form of energy that specifically targets Andreas, suppressing him and weakening him over time. It's almost as if the collar has adapted to his unique physiology, exploiting his vulnerabilities."

He paused, considering his next words. "But there's more. This gem appears to hold a form of intelligence—something bound within it by the corruption. It's as if whatever is inside has been suppressed just as much as Andreas has, forced into servitude within the collar. The energy it radiates is… malevolent and reactive. It's likely designed to target him specifically, keeping him under control."

Sirzechs frowned, his gaze darkening as he regarded the collar. "So the collar is effectively an intelligent prison, one that's holding both Andreas and whatever this entity is under its influence?"

Ajuka nodded. "Precisely. Removing it won't be simple, and brute force alone could potentially harm Andreas. However, the Power of Destruction should be able to sever it carefully. If we focus solely on the collar and avoid touching Andreas directly, we can likely cut through it without inflicting further damage. But we'll need to be precise."

Venelana's face reflected both determination and concern. "I can wield the Power of Destruction with great control. I'll focus on breaking through the collar itself, and I'll do it in stages to ensure Andreas remains safe."

Seekvaira nodded, her eyes never leaving Andreas's face. "We must proceed carefully. This is our best chance to free him, and I trust all of you to help me bring him out of this."

Ajuka stepped back, giving Venelana a clear path to the bed. "I'll monitor the collar's energy as you work. If the corrupted intelligence within it reacts, I'll try to contain it. The priority is to remove the collar without further harming Andreas."

With a shared nod, they prepared to proceed, each one resolute in their commitment to liberate Andreas from the collar's insidious hold.

Venelana's hands glowed with a faint, destructive aura as she focused on the collar, channeling the Power of Destruction with meticulous care. Her eyes narrowed as she guided her energy precisely along the collar's structure, carefully avoiding Andreas himself. Bit by bit, the corrupted metal gave way, each piece crumbling and falling away as the gem's green light pulsed in a final, desperate flicker.

With one last surge, the collar cracked open and fell loose, clattering onto the floor. Ajuka quickly stepped forward, using a containment spell to lift the remains and carry them away from Andreas. As he moved it outside the room, the corrupted energy in the gem began to fade, the sinister glow dissipating until the room fell silent.

Andreas let out a long, deep breath, his entire body visibly relaxing. His features softened, the lines of strain and pain fading as he finally succumbed to peaceful sleep. Seekvaira observed him, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. For the first time since she'd taken him in, Andreas was completely at ease, free from the collar's oppressive influence.

Ajuka gave a small nod of satisfaction. "It seems the gem has lost its hold. I'll take the collar and the gem to the Sitri clan. Their proficiency with cleansing magic might be able to purge the corruption entirely. If we're successful, it could reveal the true nature of the intelligence bound within it."

Sirzechs nodded approvingly. "Good idea. If we can learn more about its origins, it might provide further insight into what Andreas has endured."

Ajuka inclined his head respectfully and, with a final glance toward Andreas, departed with the collar and gem secured within a containment field. Seekvaira watched him go, then turned back to Grayfia, Sirzechs, and Venelana.

"Please," she said, gesturing for them to follow her. "There's more I need to explain."

She led them to a comfortable sitting room down the hall, where they each took a seat. Seekvaira took a moment to gather her thoughts, then began to explain.

"Rias approached me recently," she started, her tone steady but carrying a hint of displeasure, "requesting a trade. She offered me Andreas in exchange for one of my unused Rook pieces. She said he was defective, and that she no longer found him useful to her peerage."

Venelana's face softened, her gaze filled with regret. "So she considered him disposable…"

Seekvaira nodded. "Yes, and it was clear she'd made up her mind about him. However, it was Sona who first came to me about Andreas. She informed me of the neglect he was experiencing under Rias's care and urged me to take him in if I could. Sona was concerned that Rias's treatment was harming him, and I could tell she was genuinely worried."

Sirzechs' expression grew somber, a shadow passing over his features. "Sona saw something in Andreas that Rias overlooked. And if Rias allowed him to remain bound by that collar without seeking help…" He paused, his gaze hardening. "That reflects poorly on her judgment."

Seekvaira took a deep breath. "It was Sona's hope that, by accepting the trade, I could provide Andreas with the care and respect he deserved. She felt he had potential that Rias had failed to see. After learning more about him and witnessing his suffering firsthand, I realized that Sona was right."

Grayfia listened quietly, her composed expression betraying a hint of sympathy. "Rias will have to answer for her decisions. Andreas's potential is evident now that the collar has been removed, and I'm certain he will flourish under your care, Lady Seekvaira."

Seekvaira nodded, gratitude in her gaze as she met each of their eyes. "Thank you for helping me free him from the collar. With time and patience, I believe he'll finally have the chance to reach that potential, and I intend to do everything I can to support him."

Venelana placed a comforting hand on Seekvaira's arm. "You've done a noble thing by taking him in, Seekvaira. I'm certain he'll thrive with you, and if there's anything more we can do to help, don't hesitate to ask."

Seekvaira smiled, reassured by their support. They had taken the first step toward helping Andreas find peace, and with allies by her side, she felt confident that his future held a new promise—one free from the darkness that had bound him for so long.

After Sirzechs, Venelana, and Grayfia took their leave, Seekvaira returned to Andreas's room. She entered quietly, her eyes immediately drawn to him as he lay resting peacefully, finally free from the collar's oppressive grip. Pulling up a chair next to the bed, she settled herself in, her gaze softening as she observed him. For the first time, he appeared relaxed, his breathing steady, and the strain that had once etched his face was absent.

Seekvaira leaned back, allowing herself a moment of calm. Watching over him in this quiet moment, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She would ensure he had every chance to recover and find his strength, and she would be there to support him through it all. With that thought, she continued to watch over him, a faint smile on her lips as he slept.

Elsewhere, Ajuka arrived at the Sitri estate. The grand entrance was flanked by lush gardens, and a pair of servants led him inside, guiding him to a private receiving room where Lord and Lady Sitri awaited.

As he stepped inside, Sona's parents rose to greet him, their expressions curious but welcoming. Lord Sitri was a dignified man with a calm, authoritative presence, while Lady Sitri possessed a warm yet discerning gaze.

"Ajuka," Lord Sitri greeted him, inclining his head respectfully. "To what do we owe this visit?"

Ajuka held up the containment field, the fractured collar and gem still emitting a faint, pulsing glow. "I've come to request your help in cleansing a powerful artifact. This collar has affected a young man in ways we're only beginning to understand, and it contains a corrupted energy that needs to be purged. The power within it is dark, reactive, and has proven resistant to most traditional methods."

Lady Sitri leaned in slightly, her gaze assessing the collar with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "I see… and you believe our cleansing magic may be able to dispel this corruption?"

Ajuka nodded. "Yes, your expertise in this area is unparalleled. Removing the taint from this gem may reveal more about its nature and what it has done to its bearer. I believe we can lift its hold, but only if the corruption is thoroughly purged."

Lord Sitri exchanged a glance with his wife, then turned back to Ajuka, his expression resolute. "We'll assist you, Ajuka. If this collar has caused harm to an innocent, we'll do what we can to free it from its malevolent hold. Let's begin."

Lady Sitri gave a slight smile, her gaze softening. "We'll take the necessary preparations immediately. This young man deserves to be free of whatever darkness he has endured."

Ajuka nodded appreciatively, the faintest trace of relief flickering in his eyes. Together, they moved deeper into the estate to begin the ritual, each of them focused on the task ahead—one that held the potential to cleanse not only the gem but also the lingering shadows it had cast over Andreas's life.