Here's the next chapter! I hope you all enjoy!
I have created a Discord server called "Sapphire Dragon OCs" detailing every OC in the story so far. I will be regularly updating it when there's a new character revealed. The link is provided below.
discord . gg / MEB8vppN
After all of the newest members of Rias's peerage and Karlel finished the registration procedure, they spent the next hour passing the time on the train in their own ways. However, Luke couldn't help but feel concerned about Koneko due to her unusual behavior over the last few days. Feeling the need to move about, he stood up from his seat and walked over to the end of the car.
"Can we talk, Luke?"
Luke turned his head and saw Pyra walking over to him.
"Yeah, is something bothering you?" Luke asked.
"I should be asking you that." Pyra said.
"I'm just worried about Koneko." Luke responded in a soft and low voice.
"She hasn't been her usual self lately. Do you know what might be happening?"
"No. Actually, I don't know anything about Koneko. She's always been so quiet and nobody else has ever said anything about her. I hope I'm just worrying over nothing. Was that the only thing you wanted to talk about?"
"W-well, I just wanted to apologize for Mythra that one morning."
"O-oh…" Luke blushed at remembering the time when he woke up with Mythra in his bed.
"She has a habit of sleepwalking."
That explains why she was in my bed… He thought.
"That was a pretty chaotic morning, though… You seem pretty popular."
"Yeah… It's weird…"
"Why is it weird?"
"Before I became a Devil, I was the furthest thing from popular you can be. I didn't have any friends and girls didn't want anything to do with me. The moment I awakened my Sacred Gear…"
Luke stared off at his empty right palm in silence and Pyra noticed that there was a glisten in his eyes.
"Luke?"
"Things are very different now, though…" Luke turned to Pyra and gave her a bitter smile.
Pyra felt a hollowness to Luke's smile and a lack of energy in his voice.
"We will soon be passing through the dimensional wall." The conductor announced over the speaker system.
"We should probably be in our seats when that happens." Luke said. "Just in case things get bumpy."
As Luke walked back to his seat, Pyra couldn't help but wonder about his feelings during the end of their conversation.
I saw that, too, ya know? Mythra's voice echoed in Pyra's head.
Yeah. Pyra mentally spoke back as she started walking back to her seat. Luke should be happy, but… I can't quite explain it…
Should we ask?
That might only push him away… We need to be careful about what we ask and when.
"Take a look outside." Rias, who decided to stay in the same car as her servants, told Luke, Fumiko, Xenovia, and Kayoko.
They looked outside the window and a purple sky, mountains, rivers, and trees stretching as far as the eye could see.
"Wow… I was expecting any trees in the Underworld to be dead, but these trees are brimming with life." Luke looked on in amazement.
"It's beautiful…" Fumiko also took in the scenery.
"It's safe to open the window now, too." Rias said.
Xenovia opened the window and they could feel a gust of wind from outside.
It's a lot like the human world, but it still has its own unique atmosphere about it. Luke thought. The Underworld I always had in my head looks nothing like the real thing. I'm honestly kind of relieved.
As the train continued on, they could see what looked like a Devil town in the distance.
"This territory belongs to the House of Gremory." Rias spoke with pride.
"All this is your family's land?" Luke asked. "Just how far does it go?"
"Comparing it to other places in Japan, it's about the same size as the main island of Honshu." Yuuto responded from his seat.
"Seriously?!" Luke exclaimed.
"The Underworld is the same size as the human world, but our population is much smaller even when accounting for every race living here, and there are no oceans, so there's still an abundance of available land." Rias informed. "It might be a similar size to Honshu, but the Gremory territory is still mostly untouched wilderness." She then clapped her hands together upon remembering something. "That reminds me. Luke, Fumiko, Xenovia, Kayoko, you will all be requisitioned your own territories later, so please let me know what kind of places you want."
"We're getting our own territories?" Luke questioned. "I didn't think we'd get those until we became High-Class Devils."
"You're all servants of the next family head." Rias explained. "You're all free to live within your territories. Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, and Gasper already have their own." She then made a map appear over her shoulder and unfolded it as she set it on her lap. "The areas in red are already in use, so you can't pick those, but everything else is available. Just point to the places you want and I'll let you have them."
After selecting their territories, it was another ten minutes before they heard another announcement from the conductor.
"We will soon be arriving at the main Gremory residence."
Fueled by curiosity, Luke looked out the now closed window and saw a large crowd of people at the platform, all wearing what looked like military uniforms. Once the train came to a complete stop, Rias led everyone out the door and as they walked down the platform…
"Lady Rias, welcome home!"
The crowd of people cheered and fireworks went off in the sky. The soldiers were performing customary gun salutes, musicians were playing a celebratory song, and people riding flying creatures were waving huge flags across the sky.
President must not come home often... Luke could feel himself getting anxious at the spectacle the crowd was making for Rias's arrival.
At the front of the crowd were a group of people who appeared to be butlers and maids, all bowing their heads as Rias approached them.
"Lady Rias, welcome home." The butlers and maids all bowed in unison.
"Thank you, everyone." Rias beamed at them.
Then a familiar silver haired maid came up to them.
"Welcome home, Lady Rias." Grayfia greeted them. "You're early. It's good to see that you and your servants arrived safely. Now, please board the carriages we have prepared and we will take you to the main residence."
What about our luggage? Luke turned his head back toward the train and saw that the maids and butlers were already carrying out their bags and cases. Never mind.
"I'll ride with my servants." Rias said. "This is Luke and Fumiko's first time and they seem a little nervous."
"Very well." Grayfia acquiesced to Rias's request. "We have several carriages, so please use them as you see fit."
Rias, Luke, Pyra, Akeno, Fumiko, Xenovia, and Grayfia all boarded the frontmost carriage and the remaining members took the second one. As the horses pulled the carriage, Luke looked off into the distance and saw an absolutely massive building that made his eyes nearly pop out of his skull.
"… President… Is that a castle?" Luke pointed in the direction of the colossal structure.
"That's the main residence." Rias responded with a grin.
Luke was in such disbelief that his mind and expression were completely blank until they arrived at the castle.
"We're here." Rias said as the carriage doors opened.
A butler was there to greet them as Rias stepped out of the carriage and the rest of her servants followed behind her. After the second carriage arrived, the others got out as well. There was a long red carpet leading down toward the castle with maids and butlers on both sides as the gate opened with a heavy sound.
"Lady Rias, everyone, please step forward." Grayfia motioned toward the castle.
"Let's go." Rias urged her servants.
As soon as Rias set foot on the red carpet, a crimson haired young boy came out from the line of maids and ran toward her.
"Aunty Rias! You're back!"
The boy hugged Rias and she returned it.
"Millicas! Look how big you've grown!"
Did he just call President 'Aunty'? "President, is this…"
"This is Millicas Gremory." Rias introduced the boy. "He's my brother's-that is, Sirzechs Lucifer's son. Meaning he's my nephew."
He's the son of a Great Satan? He's practically a prince! But that would mean Sirzechs has a wife.
"Millicas, say hello to the newest members of my peerage." Rias said.
"Hello. I'm Millicas Gremory. Nice to meet you."
"You're such a polite boy." Pyra smiled.
"H-hello. I'm, er, I'm Luke Sigmund." Luke hesitated in his speech a bit due to him being in the presence of the Great Satan Lucifer's son.
Rias chuckled softly. "A Great Satan's name and title belong solely to the individual who received them. Even though Millicas is my brother's son, he's still considered a Gremory. After me, he's the next heir to the House of Gremory."
I think I remember Riser mentioning that President had a nephew as one of the two heirs to the Gremory family.
"Let's head inside now." Rias took Millicas's hand and walked up to the castle gates with him.
Luke and Fumiko walked behind them with Gasper clinging to the former's back. Everyone eventually arrived to the castle where they found themselves in an expansive entrance hall with a huge staircase leading to the second floor and a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
This place is like a palace! The Gremory family must be insanely wealthy!
"I knew the Devil nobility lived the high life, but I didn't even think the House of Gremory would have it this good." Karlel commented.
"Lady Rias, allow me to escort you and your servants to your rooms." Grayfia raised her hand and called a group of maids to her.
"Well, I will need to say hello to Mother and Father." Rias sighed.
"Master Gremory is out at present but will be back in the evening." Grayfia responded. "He told me that he will speak with you over dinner tonight."
"Oh? Thank you, Grayfia." Rias expressed her gratitude. "In that case, I will ask everyone to head to their quarters. Have their belongings been brought to their rooms?"
"Yes, their chambers are ready for their use." Grayfia answered.
Maybe it's because it's my first time here, but I am feeling a little worn out. Based on the schedule Karlel told us, it's probably our only chance to relax for the next few weeks.
"Oh, Rias. So, you've returned." A woman's voice called out from the second floor.
Luke looked up to the grand staircase and saw a stunningly beautiful woman in a regal dress walking down toward them. She appeared to be only slightly older than Rias and her breasts were incredibly huge. Aside from her flaxen hair and slightly harsher eyes, she also looked practically identical to Rias.
Is she President's older sister? I didn't hear anything about other heirs and she doesn't have the Gremory's signature crimson hair. She really is beautiful. It almost feels like love at first sight.
Rias smiled upon seeing the woman. "It's so good to see you again, Mother."
"… Mother? She looks the same age as you, President." Luke was trying his best to contain his shock while in front of Rias's family. "I was thinking she was your sister."
"Oh, it makes me happy to hear you say that." Rias's mother smiled as she cupped her cheek.
Luke blushed at the woman's cute reaction.
"Devils are capable of altering their physical appearance as they grow older." Rias explained to Luke. "My mother always looks like my age."
It's still hard to believe that a woman who looks this young is President's mother. I can see where she inherited her looks from. I'm already completely captivated by President, but her mother's also taking my heart just from looking at her!
Suddenly, Luke felt his cheek getting pinched and realized Rias was leering at him.
"My mother's happily married, so don't expect anything no matter how much you keep complimenting her."
"Oh, Rias, is this Luke Sigmund?"
"H-how do you know my name?" Luke asked.
"Of course. You are the one who broke off my daughter's engagement."
She isn't mad about that, is she?! Luke became frightened at what he felt was a passive-aggressive response.
Rias chuckled at Luke's reaction.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Luke Sigmund. I am Rias's mother, Venelana Gremory."
Luke entered the room he was assigned, which had a wide bed with a canopy, a television, a bathroom, a kitchen, a refrigerator, a living room, and various other rooms. The suite was practically a house that was just a part of a much, much large house. He found his suitcase sitting next to his bed and started unzipping it to place his toiletries in the connected bathroom.
"Too bad about Rias's mom, Naughty Boy."
Luke immediately knew that Karlel was at his door.
"Venelana is really quite the beauty." Karlel held her fingers against her chin with her eyes closed. "You were almost completely smitten with her."
Does Karlel have some sort of secret psychic powers I don't know about?!
"You should meet my mom." Karlel grinned widely. "She's just as beautiful as Venelana."
Luke accidentally fell backward and knocked the back of his head against the wall behind him.
"Ahhh…" Luke clutched his head in pain.
"Ahahaha, caught your attention, huh?" Karlel laughed. "Lucky for you, she's available."
"Huh?" Luke looked at Karlel in confusion. "I thought your mother was Azazel's wife."
Karlel looked away. "… My parents split up before my mom knew she was pregnant with me."
"O-oh… I'm sorry, I… didn't even think about that…"
"Don't worry about it." Karlel assured him. "I just wanted to see you before I left to visit Mom. You have dinner with Rias's parents in a few hours, right? Be sure to make a good first impression in front of your future in-laws."
"F-future in-laws?!" Luke stammered with cherry red cheeks.
"Just one other thing, Naughty Boy."
Is she going to embarrass me again?
"Before you were reincarnated as a Devil, have you ever felt like you were… different from everyone else?"
"Well, yeah, I'm an American who grew up in Japan and without parents."
"I… see…" Karlel looked like she was going to say something else before changing it mid-sentence. "I was just curious about something. I'll be off then. See you later."
As Karlel walked out of the room, Luke found himself lost in his thoughts.
Something tells me that I didn't give the response Karlel was looking for.
There was another knock at his door.
"Luke, can we come in?" Xenovia's voice spoke from the hallway.
Luke opened up the door to see Xenovia and Fumiko with their luggage in hand.
"Your room is pretty big, too, huh?" Xenovia asked as she looked around.
"I'd hesitate to call it a room." Luke remarked.
"That's actually why we came here." Fumiko said. "I'm not used to living in a room so big."
"Me neither." Xenovia agreed. "I can't relax in a place like this. We're sorry to bother you, but do you mind if we stay in your room?"
Growing up in a Church, Xenovia has probably never experienced a luxurious lifestyle. And Fumiko grew up in that rundown apartment her entire life. I don't blame them for being uncomfortable with so much space all to themselves. Even I feel lonely having this room all to myself. "I don't mind. There's no way I can use all this space, anyway. We should tell Grayfia about the new arrangements."
A short while later, Karlel had entered a small, but lovely house in the Fallen Angel territory of the Underworld.
"Mom, I'm home!" Karlel called out to someone.
"Welcome home, dear." A woman's voice said from inside the house. "You were gone longer than usual."
"Well, yeah." Karlel walked toward the kitchen. "There was a big peace summit, I took a quick trip to London, and I met a special someone."
As Karlel entered the kitchen, there was a woman currently cooking.
"Oh? You met someone?"
"Mm-hm, I'll tell you all about him… And I think he might be the one for you, too."
A few hours after their arrival, everyone gathered in the dining room for dinner. There were piles upon piles of succulent dishes all across the very large and long table.
I've never seen such a large spread in my entire life! Luke was in shock at the sight.
"Please, enjoy yourselves." Zeoticus motioned everyone to start eating.
Unsure of the specific etiquette required and the uses for each utensil, Luke motioned his eyes around to examine how the others were eating. Fumiko and Xenovia, as it was also their first time at such a high class dinner, were struggling a bit, but getting through okay. While Kayoko was just as inexperienced, she was fairing far better than them. Unsurprisingly, Pyra, Akeno, and Yuuto were dining gracefully without a hint of improper etiquette. Gasper was also doing well despite shutting his tearful eyes while he ate due to him being around so many people all day. When Luke checked Koneko, he noticed that she hadn't even touched her food yet.
I don't think Koneko is as confused as I am about how to eat. She's been really out of it the last several days.
Koneko's eyes met with Luke's and he just softly waved to her, to which she did not respond and avert her expressionless gaze.
Now I'm really worried about Koneko…
"Members of Rias's peerage, please think of this as your own home." Zeoticus cheerfully spoke. "I'm sure to those of you visiting the Underworld for the first time, this is all unfamiliar for you, but if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask one of our servants. They will prepare it for you immediately. By the way, Luke Sigmund?"
Luke stiffened up as Zeoticus turned toward him. "Y-yes?"
"How is your brother doing? I heard he separated from the Morag family and started his own house."
"Seth is doing well, thank you, sir." Luke let out some of his tension through each word.
"That's good. And there is no need to be so formal with me. You can call me 'father-in-law' if you so desire."
F-F-F-F-Father-in-law?!
("Be sure to make a good first impression in front of your future in-laws.")
Karlel's words repeated themselves in Luke's head as the saliva he swallowed went down the wrong pipe.
"Darling, don't you think you're being a little hasty?" Venelana scolded her husband. "There's a proper order to things."
"Hmm, but crimson and sapphire together. An unconventional, but wonderful combination, don't you think?"
"I just told you that you're rushing things."
"I suppose you did." Rias's father sighed. "I do tend to be a bit impatient at times."
I think I see who's the dominant one in their relationship.
Rias stopped eating and became silent from embarrassment.
"Luke Sigmund, may I call you 'Luke'?" Rias's mother asked.
"Y-yes." Luke answered.
"You will be staying with us for a while, won't you?"
"At least until Pre-I mean…"
("Go away.")
Just as Luke was about to say Rias's name, his body and mind froze as it felt like something had grasped his heart.
Just say President's name.
Whenever Luke tried to speak, not even air was able to come out.
Just say her name! "… At least until Lady Gremory is here in the Underworld." Maybe the situation made me so nervous, that I had to be careful with my words.
"Perfect." Venelana replied to Luke. "You will have to learn how to carry yourself as a nobleman. I'll see to your studies while you are here."
It sounds like I'm the only one being asked this. Why am I being given these lessons, specifically?
Slam!
Rias had slammed her hands against the table as she rose from her seat. "Father! Mother! I've been holding my tongue until now, but what is it you're plotting behind my back?!"
Venelana's smile disappeared as she narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "Be silent, Rias. You've already broken off your engagement with Riser, remember? You should be grateful that we allowed you to do so. Do you know how much effort your father and Sirzechs spent to smooth things over with the other noble Devils? Some have even said that you selfishly used a legendary dragon to end your betrothal. Even if you weren't the sister of a Great Satan, there are limits to what you can get away with."
Do they blame me for ending President's engagement? I don't regret what I did because I wanted to make her happy, but was it the right thing to do in the end?
"Sirzechs has nothing to do with-" Rias was about to talk back to her mother.
"Officially, it is true that Sirzechs is unrelated to what you do. However, everyone sees you as the Great Satan's younger sister. Now that the three great powers have allied, the other factions will know of you, even those in the lower classes. You can't keep behaving as you wish while everyone is keeping a close eye on you going forward, Rias. Do you understand your position now? You will not be allowed a second act of selfishness, so don't get carried away. Is that clear?"
Luke was doing his best to maintain his composure, even though he was completely terrified on the inside from having to watch Rias get scolded and lectured by her mother. Rias seemed to be just as mortified and couldn't say anything back, so she forced herself back into her seat.
Venelana quietly sighed before smiling at everyone. "I'm sorry you all had to see that. Returning to the topic, Luke, you will be undergoing special training during your stay here and learning as many aspects of High-Class Devil society as possible."
"I-If I may ask, why me specifically?" Luke inquired.
"You, Luke, are the last act of selfishness my daughter will be permitted as the future head of the Gremory family." Venelana responded with a stern expression. "As her parents, we will bear that responsibility until the end."
Luke looked at Rias and when her gaze met his, she turned away with red cheeks.
Feeling mentally drained from the day's events and knowing he was going to have a busy day tomorrow, as soon as Luke took his bath he decided to head straight to bed. Xenovia and Fumiko told him that they would join him in bed after taking their baths, so he wouldn't be alone for long. Just as his mind was calming down and about to drift off to sleep, he heard the bedroom door open up.
Looks like the girls just finished their bath. Luke figured with his eyes still closed.
He felt the bed in front of him sink in a little.
This is usually when Fumiko nestles herself in my arms.
His body was suddenly grabbed and his face was buried in something soft.
Did President get lonely, too?
"Comfy?"
… That's not President… or Fumiko… or Xenovia…
Luke opened his eyes and tiled his head to see that the one who was currently embracing him was Karlel with a grin on her face. It was at that moment Luke realized that Karlel had pulled his face right between her voluptuous breasts and his face became bright red.
"K-K-K-Karlel?!" Luke panicked and quickly sat up. "Why are you in my room?!"
Karlel also sat up, showing that she was wearing a black, translucent nightgown showing her black, lacy bra and panties that made her already alluring figure even more irresistible.
"I figured you might be feeling lonely, so I asked Grayfia if she could arrange for me to stay in your room." Karlel then started speaking in a seductive voice. "Besides, I wanted to have a chance to share a bed with you. I know you've been dreaming of this moment since the day we met."
"Karlel is a master of seduction." Xenovia watched with intrigue. "I should take a few pointers from her."
"K-Karlel-sensei is so confident in herself…" Fumiko murmured. "I-I wish I could be more like her…"
Don't follow everything Karlel does!
"You ladies better hurry up and join us in bed." Karlel turned to Xenovia and Fumiko. "You're not going to have many chances on this trip to spend the night with Luke. You're quite a lucky man, Naughty Boy, to be in bed with three beautiful women at once. If you didn't have such a busy schedule tomorrow, we'd spend the whole night having fun."
Luke's face became redder at Karlel's teasing.
While Rias took most of her peerage members to sightsee throughout the Gremory territory, Luke had to take various lessons to learn Devil language and the history of the Gremory family. Pyra decided to stay behind with Luke so he wouldn't feel lonely, even though Millicas was also taking these lessons with him. As soon as Rias and the others had returned, they all had to leave by train to the Great Satan's territory in their school's summer uniform. The ride lasted three hours before they arrived at a large city with towering skyscrapers. The station they arrived at also looked incredibly similar to those in the human world. Everything about the city felt modern, which was a stark contrast to the castle they had stayed at the last few days. This was the capital of the Underworld, Lucifaad. After changing to the subway line to avoid drawing too much attention to themselves, they arrived at the largest building in the entire city. After leaving their bodyguards behind, Rias led her servants onto an extravagant and spacious elevator.
"Listen, everyone." Rias spoke in a serious and intense tone. "No matter what happens, keep a level head. Don't get into any fights, regardless of what anyone might say. These people are our future rivals and opponents. We can't do anything that can blemish our reputations."
Suddenly, Luke felt his hand being grasped and saw that Fumiko was trembling.
Yeah, I'm feeling really nervous, too.
Luke clasped her hand back and when Fumiko looked at him, he gave her a soft, but reassuring smile and he could feel her quaking subside a little. When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, Rias took the lead again and stepped into a large hallway where an attendant was waiting to greet them.
"Welcome, Lady Gremory. Please, this way."
The attendant led them down the hallway and past several people in the corner of the room, one of them Rias had recognized.
"Sairaorg!"
A muscular young man with purple eyes nodded before approaching her.
"It's been a long time, Rias." The young man shook her hand.
"It has." Rias said. "I'm glad to see you haven't changed since we last met. I have some new servants. Everyone, this is Sairaorg, my cousin on my mother's side."
That explains why he kind of looks like President and Sirzechs.
"Sairaorg Bael, heir to the House of Bael."
Bael?! As in the House that ranks the highest among all Devil families?! President's mother comes from the Bael family?! No wonder she has so much sway in the Gremory household! And wouldn't that mean Rias has the blood of the Bael family in her?
"Well, this is a tremendous honor." A voice slightly echoed through the hall and it was one that Luke was all too familiar with.
Approaching from an intersecting hallways was Seth and his entire peerage.
"Seth!" Luke exclaimed. "You're here, too?!"
"Of course I am, we were invited by the Great Satans themselves, after all." Seth casually replied.
"I take it that the new clan making its first public showing is yours?" Rias inquired.
"Yep, but I'm sure you all figured that out when I told you guys that I started my own clan the other day."
"You know him, Rias?" Sairaorg asked.
"He's the older brother of one of my servants." Rias explained. "By the way, is Melody already here?"
A few minutes earlier, Melody and her peerage, all in their summer uniforms, entered an expansive banquet hall where several people were already gathered. Issei and Asia looked around in amazement at the glamor of it all.
"I've never been to a party like this one!" Issei said.
"Remember to stay on your best behavior." Melody told them.
"Yeah, got it." Akira spoke unconvincingly.
While just about everyone else went ahead, Melody looked behind to see Spiral, Azusa, and Hikaru still standing in place. While Hikaru and Azusa weren't especially social girls, Spiral seemed unusually distracted and quiet.
"Spiral?"
Although slow to respond, Spiral looked up at Melody with a despondent expression.
"I've barely heard you speak since we moved into Issei's place." Melody stated. "I'm getting concerned."
"There's nothing to be concerned about…" Spiral tried to assure her, but his lack of energy made it come off as him hiding something. "It's just the Underworld's atmosphere getting to me."
Melody frowned at his response. "I sincerely hope you're not going to that dark place again…"
At that moment Melody realized that Hikaru was no longer in her sight, until she looked at a nearby table and saw the tip of her shoes peeking out from under the tablecloth.
"Well, at least she's here…" Melody sighed at her Bishop's behavior.
Issei and Asia were checking out the room with Misaki keeping an eye on them.
"Do High-Class Devils throw parties like this all the time?" Issei wondered aloud.
"This is a gathering hosted by the Great Satans for the heirs of the noble Devil families, so it's natural for it to be this extravagant." Misaki said.
Melody then hurried up to Misaki's side. "Now that we're all here, we sh-"
"Melody, it's been a while."
A beautiful young woman with glasses and cold, sharp eyes approached the small group.
"It's good to see you again, Seekvaira." Melody greeted the woman back before turning to her servants. "This is the heir to the House of Agares, Seekvaira Agares."
Melody-sama told me that the Agares family is the second highest-ranking family in the Underworld, only behind the House of Bael and the Great Satans. Issei thought. I just got here and I'm already meeting some huge people. "I-It's a pleasure to meet you, Agares-sama!" He gave her a slightly panicked bow.
The introductions were cut short as the doors were opened loudly and a group of Devils entered the banquet hall. The person leading the group was a young man who looked like a delinquent.
In the present…
BOOOOOOOM!
Everyone in the hallway felt the entire building shake and Rias ran ahead to the source of the loud sound.
Please don't let this be another terrorist attack… Luke thought as he and the other Gremory servants followed their King.
Beyond the large door was the banquet hall where they were supposed to mingle with the other Devil heirs and their peerages, except now the tables, chairs, and decorations were wrecked and those in the room were split into two sides. One of those sides had Melody, Seekvaira, and their servants and the other side was a group of people led by the delinquent who now had a red mark on his face. Although, in the corner was a young man avoiding the fighting, surrounded by several people with hoods hiding their forms.
"Did you really have to slap me so hard that it left a mark?!" The delinquent shouted.
"I had to because you wouldn't stop sexually harassing us, Zephyrdor!" Melody yelled back.
I don't care who he is, I can't let that asshole get away with that!
Luke was considering helping Melody's side out, but Sairaorg came up from behind him and between the two groups.
"We're supposed to wait here until the event can officially begin." Sairaorg stated as he cracked his neck. "Or rather, the nobles set this room aside so we can meet and air any grievances. I didn't want to get involved in this, but it can't be helped now."
As Sairaorg approached the center of the standoff, Melody relaxed and took a few steps back until she was next to Issei.
"Issei, be sure to watch him." Melody instructed.
"Huh? Why?" Issei looked puzzled.
"Because he's the strongest of us here."
"I see that Lady Melody of House Morag decided to stand down." Sairaorg said. "Princess Seekvaira of House Agares, and Zephyrdor, the rebellious child of House Glasya-Labolas, I will only say this once. If you continue this quarrel, you will have to face me. Depending on how you respond, my fists will show you no mercy."
"For the heir of the incompetent Bael family-"
Before Zephyrdor could finish his rage-induced sentence, Sairaorg sent him flying across the room with just a single punch.
"I told you that was your only warning."
Luke and Issei could barely keep their jaws lifted after seeing Sairaorg take out Zephyrdor in one strike.
"I expect nothing less from the House of the Great King." Seth remarked.
Such overwhelming power… Issei thought. I don't have any doubt that this guy is considered the strongest one of use here…
Once the banquet hall was restored to its state before the ruckus, the Kings that were still conscious were drinking tea until it was time for the meeting to officially begin. Everyone was led to another room with high-up seats akin to a stadium, filled with distinguished-looking people. On the highest level was Sirzechs, with Serafall, not in a magical girl outfit this time, and two young-looking men beside him.
Those must be the other two Great Satans, Beelzebub and Asmodeus. Luke thought.
Luke felt someone sitting next to him and Pyra was trying to motion her eyes toward one peerage member in particular. They appeared to be a young woman with long blue hair, red eyes, and white boots and armor.
"I don't know why, but there's something off about that woman." Pyra whispered to Luke.
"Isn't that one of Seekvaira's servants?" Luke whispered back. "What would make you think that?"
"I told you I don't know why. It's just a feeling I have."
In order to not arouse suspicion or disrespect someone, they kept their private conversation brief before the event could begin.
"Thank you all for coming." An elderly male Devil spoke solemnly. "We have gathered you here today so that we can see the faces of the next generation and ascertain the strength of the youth."
"Looks like they already went at it, though…" A mustached man in the crowd said.
"You eight are the next generation of Devils whose pedigree and talent is without question." Sirzechs began. "As such, prior to your official debuts, we would have you compete against each other to better yourselves."
"Will we be expected to battle the Khaos Brigade?" Sairaorg asked.
"That is yet to be seen." Sirzechs replied. "However, I would prefer to not send the young out to fight them."
"Why not?" Sairaorg questioned. "We may be young, but we can fulfill our responsibilities as Devils. If we are simply receiving kindness from our predecessors and do nothing-"
"Sairaorg, I acknowledge your bravery, but you are reckless." Sirzechs interrupted. "It is critical that those still maturing and nurturing their abilities are not forced onto the battlefield. Please understand. It would be a great loss if we lost any of the next generation. You are far more treasured than you realize. And that is why you must grow gradually, step by step."
"I understand."
Seth paid close attention to Sairaorg's face and noticed that even though he was convinced by Sirzechs's words, he still seemed dissatisfied with the outcome.
He's powerful. Apokálypsis's voice echoed in Seth's head. And at such a young age. He'll make a fun opponent for a change.
Our previous opponents took us way too lightly. Seth talked back to the Evil Dragon within his Longinus. But this guy, Sairaorg, seems different.
The Great Satans and the other higher level Devils continued on for a while. Whenever it felt like people were droning on a little, Luke looked around at the crowded seats without turning his head to avoid drawing attention.
Opheria, I feel like I'm specifically being watched. Luke thought.
You're not the only one.
There's too many people here, so I can't tell who.
I can sense their gaze coming from your left, but not much else.
Luke directed his eyes toward the crowd to his left and tried looking around for anyone who might be fixating their gaze on him. Just as he was about to give up, caught in his sight was a young-looking woman with wavy, cherry blossom hair and two horns protruding from her head. Luke thought he caught her lips curl into a smile, but she was too far away to tell and the speech being given sounded like it was about to hit a major point, so he shifted his attention back to that.
"Long story short, the future of the Underworld lies with you, young ones." Sirzechs said. "Before we wrap up, we would like to hear each of your future goals."
"My dream is to become a Great Satan." Sairaorg confidently declared.
The crowd gasped and started talking amongst themselves. At Sairaorg's words, Seth instinctively began smiling.
"When the people of the Underworld feel there is no choice but to make me a Great Satan, that is when I will accept the position."
Rias was the next person to announce her ambitions. "My goal is to succeed as the next head of the House of Gremory and win every Rating Game battle!"
Luke smiled at how proudly Rias announced her dreams.
"My goal is to become a Great Satan so I can protect the people of the Underworld!" Seth announced.
The members in the audience were either murmuring in surprise or outright sneering.
"Isn't he a Half-Devil? Can he even become a Great Satan?"
"Preposterous! The idea that a half-breed could ever become a Great Satan!"
Luke looked at Seth to see his reaction to the audience's words, but Seth's eyes were firmly focused on the Great Satans. Even though they couldn't express it in words, the Great Satans all had small smiles which hinted at their approval at Seth's goal.
I had no idea Seth had such a goal. How long has this been on his mind?
A few of the other young Devils expressed their aspirations until it was Sona's turn.
"I want to build a school for Rating Games here in the Underworld."
That makes a lot of sense from the student council president. And I think it would be helpful for everyone. Especially since there's a lot about Rating Games I don't know.
"Isn't there already a place for learning the Rating Game?" One of the higher-ups questioned.
"Those facilities only permit High-Class or privileged Devils to enroll there." Sona explained. "The school I wish to build is a place where lower class and reincarnated Devils can attend without discrimination."
"Sona has a wonderful dream." Pyra muttered.
"Yeah, I can see why her servants respect her so much." Luke whispered to her.
Luke even noticed that Saji was nodding with approval at Sona's dream.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha!"
Much of the crowd started laughing condescendingly at Sona's words. Luke noticed that Rias had narrowed her eyes in disgust at the nobles' behavior.
Yuuto whispered to Luke to explain the situation. "The Underworld may be more progressive than it used to be, but there is still rampant discrimination between high and low class Devils, as well as pureblood and reincarnated Devils. Many people think that high class and pureblood Devils are naturally superior to those that are low class or reincarnated."
"I never got that feeling from President's family." Luke expressed in a hushed tone. "Or from the Morag family."
"Luke-kun, the Gremory and Morag families are known to be especially affectionate Devils. They don't view humans and Low Class Devils with the same animosity as the others. You remember how Riser Phenex treated us?"
How could I forget? He treated us like trash and thought he was superior to us.
"How dare you laugh at Lady Sitri's goals?!"
Luke was surprised to hear Melody speak up against the other nobles.
"Once I make my dream a reality, no one will mock ideas like hers!" Melody spoke with pride and conviction. "I will create an Underworld without discrimination! I don't care if you think it's a fairytale dream! It is not your approval I am seeking!"
The entire audience hall was dead silent, without even a hint of whispering between people.
"Thank you, Melody." Sona approached her and quietly said. "If you had not interjected, Saji would have."
"Say, if my Little Sona does well in the Rating Game, you won't have any complaints, will you?" An agitated Serafall asked the nobles. "I've have enough of you old fogies tormenting my Little Sona! If you don't stop bullying her, you'll have to answer to me!"
The nobles just blinked at the tearful Serafall, unable to process a proper reaction, while Sona covered her face in embarrassment.
President Sona, I know you find your sister embarrassing, but I can tell she really loves you. It's… kind of like with me and Seth.
"Very well." Sirzechs finally spoke up again. "In that case, how about we have a Rating Game among our eight heirs? Rias, Sona, will you compete against each other?"
Everyone in both Rias's and Sona's peerages were incredibly surprised at Sirzechs's proposal. Rias and Sona looked at each other and blinked.
"We were already planning to schedule Rias's first match in a few days." Sirzechs continued. "Azazel has been gathering fans of the Rating Game across the three great powers under the pretext that our promising youths compete before their official debuts. This seems like an excellent opportunity. Rias versus Sona would make for an interesting match, wouldn't you all say?"
Rias took a deep breath before looking at Sona with an excited grin, which Sona responded with her own.
"It may not be an official Rating Game, but it feels like fate that my first opponent is you, Rias."
"I won't lose, Sona."
"Yay!" Serafall cheered. "A match between Rias and Sona! Now I'm fired up!"
"The match is scheduled for the date of August 20th in the human world." Sirzechs announced. "You may spend your time until then as you wish. The details of the match will be provided to you closer to the date."
We haven't even been in the Underworld for three days and we're already scheduled to fight…
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the same building was a smaller room with a stage and curtains, perfect for presentations. Grimm was backstage while several others were preparing for something.
"Sirzechs and the other Great Satans should be finished soon." Grimm murmured.
"Mr. Red, sir?" One of the workers came up to him.
"Did Aria go off on her own again?" Grimm asked the worker.
"I-I'm afraid so. We couldn't find her anywhere. We're sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. That girl has always followed the beat of her own drum. I'll contact Sorashi and she'll find Aria quickly."
After the meeting with the Great Satans concluded, all of the young Devils and their peerages were recommended to head downstairs for an important announcement. As Primoir was exiting the audience hall with the rest of Seth's peerage, she caught some motion in the corner of her eye. She looked toward that direction and saw Spiral in the corner of the hallway.
"Oh, it's you… What do you want?" Primoir asked.
"To give you what you seek." Spiral answered with low energy. "Follow me and come alone."
A/N: That's the end of the chapter! I hope you all enjoyed!
For those of you wondering, Karlel's mother will very much be involved later on and one of my consultants is especially excited about her.
Before summer training starts, there's just one more chapter to cover and it will be original content. It's basically one character's story reaching its peak and Issei will be very much involved in it.
You might not like this, but I'm thinking about taking a break from writing for a week to catch up on my game backlog. I still need to finish Pokemon Legends Arceus, Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2, and I also want to play Elden Ring.
Stay tuned for next time!
Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Karlel, Annabelle Wright, Akeno Himejima, Fumiko Kazuya, Melody Morag, Setsuna Kazama, Kayoko Kita, Xenovia Quarta, Emery Belmont
Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento, Hikaru Ueda, Akira Kazuya, Kiyome Abe, Seekvaira Agares
Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Xenovia Quarta (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)
Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops), Setsuna Kazama (Knight), Primoir Talraxen (Knight), Grencin Korin (8 Pawns)
Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral Hirano (Knight), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Asia Argento (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)