Chapter Eight - Engagements and Truths Revealed
The room remained silent, the weight of Sirzechs's words settling heavily upon everyone present. Andreas felt a mixture of surprise and gratitude as the gravity of the announcement sank in—he was no longer just a Rook or a pawn passed around; he was being recognized on a level that only a rare few could attain.
Seekvaira's hand tightened around his, a proud smile breaking across her face as she looked up at him, her eyes shining with admiration. Lord and Lady Agares exchanged a pleased glance, proud to see their chosen Rook receiving the honor they'd always believed he deserved.
Sirzechs continued, his voice carrying a note of warmth. "Andreas, your efforts and the strength you've demonstrated are nothing short of remarkable. This isn't just about one fight; it's about the character and resolve you've shown." He paused, glancing at Ajuka and Serafall, both of whom nodded in silent agreement. "This elevation is our recognition of your potential and of the respect you've earned."
Ajuka stepped forward, his keen eyes studying Andreas. "I'm also prepared to assist in further honing your abilities, should you need guidance," he offered with a slight smile, his tone as composed and direct as ever.
Serafall, with her characteristic enthusiasm, clapped her hands together. "Yes! And this is just the beginning! You've proven yourself in ways few could, Andreas. I look forward to seeing what you'll achieve next!"
Grayfia gave him a brief nod, a subtle but unmistakable sign of approval.
Andreas managed to find his voice, bowing slightly as he addressed the assembled devils. "Thank you, Sirzechs, and to all of you. I… I won't let this honor be for nothing."
As the moment settled, Andreas glanced at Seekvaira, whose eyes sparkled with pride. It was clear that this was only the start of the new path ahead for him—and that he wouldn't be walking it alone.
Just as the room settled back into an expectant silence, Seekvaira looked up at Andreas, her smile widening with a playful glint in her eyes. "You know," she began softly, "you did promise me a date after the fight. I think now's as good a time as any…"
Before Andreas could respond, however, Lord Agares cleared his throat, interrupting with a smirk that hinted at something far more serious—and exciting—on the horizon. He folded his arms, clearly enjoying the suspense, as he glanced around at the assembly, his smirk growing as he looked back to his daughter and her Rook.
"It seems that a date might not be the only thing to celebrate," Lord Agares began, his voice carrying a tone of satisfaction. "In fact, I have an announcement of my own regarding Seekvaira… and her Rook."
The room turned to him in surprise, curiosity sparking across the faces of the Satans, the Phenex family, and even Andreas, who glanced between Lord Agares and Seekvaira, his brow furrowing in anticipation.
Lord Agares's smirk widened as he looked over the room, fully aware of the impact his next words would have. "Lately," he began, "I've been getting an overwhelming number of requests for Seekvaira's hand in marriage from various devil families—each one eager to secure a strong alliance."
As Lord Agares began to speak, mentioning the influx of betrothal requests he'd received for Seekvaira, both Andreas and Seekvaira felt a chill of dread settle over them. The thought of her being engaged to another devil, of losing each other before they'd even truly begun, made both of them tense. Andreas's heart pounded, his mind racing at the idea of her being promised to someone else.
Seekvaira's hand tightened around his, a flicker of distress in her eyes as she glanced up at him, the unspoken fear evident between them. They both tried to steady themselves, bracing for news they didn't want to hear.
But then, Lord Agares's smirk widened as he looked at them both, his words taking a different turn. "To address these proposals and ensure Seekvaira's happiness, I've made a decision. Seeing as Andreas has now been elevated to mid-class devil status, and considering the bond the two of you share, I am officially declaring you both… engaged to be wed."
The room fell into a stunned silence. Seekvaira and Andreas, who only moments ago had felt the icy grip of dread, now found themselves staring at each other in stunned joy and relief. The reality of Lord Agares's words settled over them, and the weight of the moment melted the fear in their hearts, replacing it with an overwhelming sense of happiness.
The Satans exchanged knowing smiles, and Serafall clapped her hands with excitement. Lord and Lady Phenex nodded in quiet approval, while Lady Agares's gaze softened as she looked upon her daughter and her future son-in-law.
Andreas, his heart now racing for an entirely different reason, looked into Seekvaira's eyes, his hand squeezing hers gently. "Looks like we have more than just a date to plan."
Seekvaira laughed softly, her eyes bright with happiness as she replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As Venelana and Zeoticus continued to sit in reflective silence, an even deeper realization settled between them. This conversation with Rias needed to go beyond just her treatment of Andreas. They both recognized a larger pattern—a lack of true leadership and guidance that Rias needed to embody, especially as a king to her peerage. Her dismissive treatment of Andreas was only a symptom of a greater issue that they could no longer ignore.
It was clear that Rias had overlooked or inadequately addressed the personal struggles of her other peerage members as well. Kiba's obsessive hatred for anything related to holy swords, Akeno's unresolved issues with her fallen angel heritage, and Koneko's struggles related to her older sister—all these conflicts lingered, unaddressed, affecting the unity and strength of her peerage.
Zeoticus leaned forward, his gaze serious. "It's not only Andreas she's failed to help. Her peerage is full of members who carry their own burdens, yet she seems to overlook their need for support, for guidance." He looked at Venelana, conviction in his eyes. "If Rias is to become a true leader, she must understand that it's her duty to help her peerage grow beyond their pain, to overcome the struggles they carry."
Venelana nodded thoughtfully, her voice soft but firm. "This talk will not be easy, but it's necessary. We'll need her to recognize that as a king, her role is to bring her peerage together, to help them confront and heal from these wounds. If she continues to disregard their struggles, she'll only hinder their potential—and her own."
After a few minutes, the soft shuffle of footsteps echoed from the hallway, followed by the arrival of one of the Gremory maids, who gracefully opened the door to the sitting room. She gave a respectful nod to Venelana and Zeoticus before stepping aside, allowing Rias and her peerage to enter.
Rias led the way, her usual confidence replaced by a silent, inward tension. Her expression was distant, her mind still reeling from the fight she had watched just an hour earlier. The image of Andreas—her former Rook, whom she had dismissed—effortlessly overcoming Riser and displaying a strength she hadn't known he possessed, lingered in her thoughts, stirring questions and a vague, unsettling guilt she couldn't quite shake.
Issei and Asia looked around the room with confusion, both wondering why they'd been called here. Kiba, however, sensed a deeper seriousness in the atmosphere. His usually calm expression carried a hint of concern as he glanced between Rias and her parents, aware that whatever this conversation entailed, it would not be a simple one.
Venelana rose from her seat, her gaze warm yet carrying a noticeable firmness as she regarded her daughter and her peerage. "Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice gentle but steady. She exchanged a glance with Zeoticus, who gave her a slight nod before she continued, her focus shifting to Rias.
"Rias," Venelana began, her tone soft but unmistakably serious. "We have much to discuss. Not only about Andreas, but about the direction you are taking as a King, and the responsibilities that come with that role."
Rias's gaze flickered, a mixture of defensiveness and lingering shock flashing in her eyes. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself unable to find the words, still haunted by the memory of Andreas standing victorious, a force she hadn't recognized when he was under her command.
Before Venelana could continue, Issei blurted out, his voice loud and laced with annoyance, "Why would anyone care about that worthless bastard?"
The room went silent, the shock of his words cutting through the air like a knife. Venelana's warm expression turned icy, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Issei with a mixture of anger and disappointment. Zeoticus's jaw tightened, but it was Venelana who spoke, her voice cold and sharp.
"That 'worthless bastard'," she began, her tone like steel, "is the very person who fought with honor, restraint, and strength today—qualities that your King, your peerage, and the Underworld hold in high regard. Andreas showed more discipline and respect in that arena than I've seen displayed here in this moment."
Issei's defiant expression faltered, the intensity of Venelana's tone forcing him to drop his gaze. But she wasn't finished.
"For you to speak so carelessly about someone who once served alongside you, someone who sacrificed for the sake of your King's peerage, shows a grave lack of respect and maturity." Her voice softened slightly, but her disappointment remained palpable. "If you cannot appreciate the value of loyalty, then you will not understand what it means to serve your King."
Before Venelana's words could fully sink in, Issei crossed his arms, still bristling with defiance. "Why should I care about him? All Andreas ever did was get in the way of my dream to be a Harem King! He was just dead weight, taking up space and wasting Rias's time."
His words hung in the air, dripping with resentment and an almost childish frustration. The disdain with which he spoke about Andreas didn't just grate on Venelana—it ignited a fury within her.
Venelana's calm mask shattered, and a powerful, intimidating aura began to seep from her, filling the room with a cold, suffocating pressure. Her previously warm and composed gaze turned sharp and deadly as she glared at Issei, her disappointment now twisted into visible disgust.
"I cannot believe what I am hearing," she said, her voice laced with venom. "You, who claim to serve my daughter as her pawn, dare to put down someone who has served with loyalty and integrity simply because he did not align with your… selfish fantasies?"
Issei visibly flinched under the weight of her aura, his earlier defiance replaced by a growing sense of fear. Even the rest of Rias's peerage looked shaken, the raw power of Venelana's anger more than they had ever anticipated.
Venelana's voice was like ice, each word a dagger. "Andreas didn't just 'take up space.' He protected Rias and her peerage with what little strength he had, while you stand here, disrespecting him for not pandering to your childish whims. Do you truly believe your 'dream' is justification for such blatant disrespect?"
Even in the midst of her fury, Venelana maintained her composure, her voice cutting through the tense silence with a steely command. "Akeno," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument, "please escort the rest of the peerage to a separate room. We need to speak with Rias alone, and ensure that her pawn… is kept under control."
Akeno, sensing the gravity of the situation, immediately nodded. "Yes, Lady Venelana." She moved swiftly to gather her fellow peerage members, casting a warning glance at Issei, who had fallen silent under the weight of Venelana's rebuke.
Venelana then signaled for a maid, who appeared promptly at her side. "Please lead them to the waiting room," Venelana instructed, her voice steady but still laced with lingering anger. The maid bowed respectfully and gestured for Akeno and the others to follow her.
With a tense silence hanging over them, the peerage filed out of the room, Akeno guiding Issei with a firm grip on his arm to keep him in line. Once the door closed behind them, Venelana turned her gaze back to Rias, who stood alone now, facing her parents.
Zeoticus crossed his arms, his expression as serious as Venelana's, as they prepared to address their daughter fully, without distraction or interruption. The conversation that was about to unfold would not be easy—but it was long overdue.
With the room now quiet, Venelana and Zeoticus focused their attention fully on Rias, their expressions serious and unyielding. Rias shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, her mind racing as she tried to brace herself for whatever her parents intended to discuss.
Venelana took a steadying breath, her tone calm but sharp. "Rias, we need to understand something—why was Andreas, your Rook, left so utterly disregarded in your peerage? Why was he seen as 'worthless' by not only you but your own peerage members?"
Rias looked down, the weight of her mother's words pressing on her. She hesitated, trying to gather her thoughts. "Mother, I… when Andreas joined my peerage, he was… weak. He could barely keep up, and he didn't show the strength or endurance I expected from a Rook." She paused, struggling with the vulnerability of admitting her mistake. "I thought… I assumed that his weakness was just… a part of him."
Venelana's gaze didn't soften. "So, you assumed he was simply inferior?"
Rias's face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and frustration surfacing. "Yes. At first, I thought maybe he had a different strength, but when he continued to struggle, I started to believe that he was just… defective. I had my engagement to Riser to worry about, and Issei as well as Asia were new and had their own issues. I thought my attention would be better placed on them."
Zeoticus shook his head, his expression disappointed. "Rias, as a King, your responsibility is to every member of your peerage—not just the ones who show immediate strength. Andreas's weakness should have made you look for answers, not assume he was a lost cause."
Rias's fists clenched as she tried to find the words to explain herself. "I thought he would improve over time, but… he didn't. I didn't know what else to do, and he didn't seem to have the potential that the others did."
Venelana's voice softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "And yet, the fight today proved you wrong. He didn't lack potential, Rias. He was held back by circumstances beyond his control—circumstances you never thought to explore or investigate."
Rias swallowed, the enormity of her misjudgment settling over her as she remembered Andreas's strength in the arena. The truth she had ignored for so long now stared back at her with unyielding clarity, and she couldn't escape it.
"And that," Venelana continued, "is the true failing of a King. To dismiss a loyal peerage member without seeking to understand them or their struggles is not just neglect—it's a betrayal of the bond that ties you together."
Rias nodded slowly, a deep sense of regret taking root as her mother's words struck her fully.
Venelana's eyes narrowed, her voice calm but cutting. "Then tell me, Rias—why did you decide to trade Andreas to Seekvaira? What could possibly make you believe that discarding him was the right decision?"
Rias shifted uneasily, her gaze dropping as she struggled to find the words. "I… I thought he was defective," she admitted, shame creeping into her voice. "I couldn't afford to be concerned about a weak Rook when my focus needed to be on finding a way out of my betrothal to Riser. Having Andreas around felt like a liability, something that would hold me back rather than help me in what I needed to accomplish."
Venelana's expression hardened, her disappointment deepening. "So, you considered Andreas to be expendable? That his loyalty and dedication meant so little to you that you could simply trade him away for convenience?"
Rias flinched, the weight of her mother's words hitting her. "I thought… maybe he'd be better off somewhere else," she mumbled, though even she could hear the weakness in her justification.
Zeoticus spoke up, his voice laced with disapproval. "You assumed he was 'defective' and decided he was worthless. But today, you saw the strength he truly has. That strength was there all along, had you chosen to look deeper. Andreas wasn't your burden to bear; he was a member of your peerage, someone you were meant to protect and support, just as he protected and supported you."
Rias looked up at her parents, her expression stricken. "I… I didn't know," she murmured. "I thought he was beyond help."
Venelana's gaze softened, but her disappointment remained. "As a King, Rias, you should have sought to understand your peerage fully—especially the ones who seem to struggle the most. Andreas was loyal, and he trusted you. But rather than seeking the truth, you discarded him. And now, that decision reflects poorly not only on you but on the Gremory name."
Rias could feel her face heating with a mixture of shame and guilt. She hadn't realized how deeply her decision had impacted not only Andreas but also the expectations her family held for her. She swallowed hard, a heavy silence settling over the room as she absorbed the harsh truth in her mother's words.
Venelana's gaze was unrelenting as she addressed Rias, her voice filled with a firmness that left no room for argument. "For the foreseeable future, Rias, you are to focus entirely on your remaining peerage members. They each have their own struggles, challenges, and pain that need your guidance and support. Until you have helped them stabilize their lives and come to terms with these issues, there will be no further contracts, no missions, and no distractions."
Rias's eyes widened, but she remained silent, sensing that this was not a decision she could question.
Venelana continued, her voice growing colder as she shifted her attention to the memory of Issei's earlier outburst. "And one more thing, Rias," she said, her tone sharpening. "You will address the attitude of your pawn, Issei. His lack of respect, his obsession with his perverted fantasies—these are behaviors that, as his King, you are responsible for managing. I expect you to rein him in, and ensure he understands that such attitudes will no longer be tolerated."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "If you fail to do so, I will have no choice but to take drastic measures myself to ensure he learns proper respect and discipline."
Rias's face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and concern. She could see that her mother was deadly serious, and she knew that Venelana was not one to make idle threats. This was no longer just about Andreas—it was about the well-being and integrity of her entire peerage.
Zeoticus added, his voice softer but no less serious, "Your peerage is your responsibility, Rias. They follow you not only because you are their King but because they trust you. Earn that trust fully, and make it clear to them that every member, no matter their strengths or weaknesses, has value. Only then will you truly be prepared to lead."
Rias nodded slowly, feeling the enormity of her parents' words. She realized that this was more than a lecture—it was a wake-up call, a chance to grow and become the King she was meant to be. With a determined look, she met her parents' gaze, ready to commit herself fully to the task ahead.
Venelana gestured to a maid, who swiftly nodded and exited the room to retrieve the rest of Rias's peerage. A few moments later, Akeno entered, leading Issei, Asia, Kiba, and Koneko back into the sitting room. Issei's usual bravado was noticeably subdued, and he kept his mouth shut, acutely aware of Akeno's watchful presence beside him.
Once they were all assembled, Venelana addressed them with the same unwavering authority she had shown Rias. "We have decided that, effective immediately, Rias will dedicate her time to helping each of you confront and resolve the personal challenges you face. Your King will be fully present, guiding and supporting each of you in a way that should have been done long before now."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Until each of you has made significant progress and reached a state of stability, there will be no contracts or outside missions. This is a time for growth and healing."
Rias's peerage exchanged glances, some surprised and others thoughtful, as they absorbed the announcement. Asia and Koneko looked to Rias with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, while Kiba's expression was thoughtful. Even Issei seemed to realize the seriousness of the situation, especially as he felt Akeno's steadying hand on his shoulder.
Zeoticus stepped forward, his gaze moving over each of the peerage members with a mix of kindness and resolve. "Furthermore, you will not face this journey alone. To help you train in your roles and develop your skills more fully, members of both Venelana's and my peerages will be involved in assisting and guiding you."
He let a small smile soften his expression. "You are all valued, each in your own way. We expect each of you to embrace this opportunity and make the most of it."
There was a moment of silence as Rias's peerage absorbed the significance of what was being asked of them. Kiba gave a respectful nod, his usual calm composure showing a hint of gratitude. Asia looked relieved, sensing that this was a chance to feel more secure and connected within the group. Koneko's expression remained neutral, but a slight nod indicated her willingness to participate.
Issei glanced around, uneasy but strangely thoughtful as he realized the gravity of the commitment being asked of him. Akeno's reassuring presence kept him in check, and even he understood that this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to take lightly.
Venelana's gaze swept over them one last time, her expression softening just slightly. "This is your chance to grow together, to support one another in ways that strengthen the entire peerage. Do not waste it."
Venelana's gaze remained firm as she looked over Rias's peerage. "I want to make one thing abundantly clear," she said, her voice carrying a note of warning. "From this moment forward, I will not tolerate any insults or hostility directed toward Andreas. He has shown his strength and loyalty, and any disrespect toward him will be taken very seriously."
Just as her words settled over the group, Akeno stepped forward, her expression respectful as she raised her hand slightly. "Lady Venelana, may I speak?"
Venelana nodded, gesturing for Akeno to proceed.
Akeno turned to Rias, her tone gentle but sincere. "Aside from Issei, none of us have any hostility toward Andreas. In fact, we respected him, and for many of us, he was more than just a peerage member. For Koneko and Asia, he was almost like a big brother—someone they could trust and rely on."
Koneko gave a small nod, her usually impassive expression softening. "Andreas was always kind to me, and I looked up to him. He never treated me like I was weak."
Asia, standing beside Koneko, added quietly, "I always felt safe with Andreas around. He was protective, like family."
Kiba, nodding in agreement, spoke up. "Andreas always did his best to help us, even when he wasn't at his strongest. I admired his loyalty, and I never saw him as anything less than a true member of the peerage."
Rias's eyes widened slightly in surprise, realizing for the first time how deeply her peerage members had respected Andreas and valued his friendship. She had always assumed that her own dismissive feelings toward Andreas were shared by her peerage, but seeing them now, openly acknowledging their friendship with him, she felt a pang of guilt and regret.
Venelana watched Rias's reaction closely before speaking again, her voice gentle but firm. "Perhaps now, Rias, you understand why your assumptions about Andreas were not only harmful to him but were also a disservice to the unity of your peerage."
Rias nodded slowly, the depth of her mistake finally settling over her. For the first time, she realized how much she had failed to truly see Andreas—and how her own misjudgments had prevented her from understanding the bonds he had formed within her peerage.
Casting one final look over Rias and her peerage, Venelana's tone leaving no room for discussion. "From now on, after school each day and throughout the weekends, you will teleport directly here to the mansion to undergo your training. This will be a rigorous commitment, and I expect each of you to give it your all."
The peerage members nodded, the weight of the new responsibility settling over them. Venelana led them out of the sitting room and down the hall, guiding them toward the mansion's grand entrance. There, they prepared to teleport back to their homes in Kuoh, each of them already contemplating the changes they would need to make.
After Venelana, Rias, and her peerage had teleported out, a maid quietly entered the entrance hall and approached Zeoticus, bowing slightly as she spoke. "My lord, Lord Phenex has just arrived and awaits your presence."
Zeoticus raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unexpected visit. He straightened, nodding to the maid before heading back to the sitting room where Lord Phenex awaited him.
Upon entering, Zeoticus greeted him with a polite nod. "Lord Phenex, I hadn't expected to see you today. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Lord Phenex met his gaze, his expression serious. "I've just come from the Agares estate," he began, his tone respectful yet grave. "And I came to discuss the betrothal contract between my son Riser and your daughter Rias."
Zeoticus's eyes widened slightly, sensing the importance of the conversation that was about to unfold. He gestured for Lord Phenex to take a seat, knowing this would be a pivotal discussion.