Introducing my existing peerage members had gone quickly. Matatabi didn't seem like she was too invested in holding conversations with anyone. That, and we had other things to concern ourselves with.

I'd called everyone together. We were gathered around the dining room table. Manilla folders filled with information about Bedeze and his peerage were laid out before us. Serafall had done some digging behind the scenes and sent me everything she was able to pull together about my uncle's peerage. There was more information than was available to the general public. I wouldn't have complained about having more, but this was enough for us to work with.

"This should be doable." Aqua said, sifting through papers strewn about in front of her. "I don't see anything that would give us too much trouble."

"They don't have anything that couldStop me." Coal said, eyes focused as he looked over Aqua's shoulder.

"The bishops might be able to put you to sleep or curse you." I pointed out.

"That's what the rest of you are there for. You deal with the mages and I can smash everything else."

"You will not need to." Shang Tsung spoke up, looking over the files on Bedeze's rooks. "We have a viable plan. My teacher will discern their locations and we will deploy our forces against foes that we will be strong against."

"Can I eat them?"

I looked up above the table at my newest peerage member. Matatabi was in her smaller house cat Two-Tails form. She'd somehow managed to climb up to the chandelier over the table and was laying on it. Half of her body was suspended in midair while the other half rested on metal light fixtures. It didn't look very comfortable, but she had yet to move since we'd got here. She was enjoying it just fine.

"It would look bad on us if we killed them." I said.

With a grin, Medea said, "That does not mean we are required to let them leave in one piece."

"Bedeze and Runa we'll make an example out of." I said. "But if the others don't make too much of a nuisance of themselves, they can leave with minor injuries."

Aqua pursed her lips, watching me closely. "What exactly do you want us to reveal during this fight?"

"No holds barred." I said seriously, looking around the table. "The whole point of this is to show the Underworld and the world at large that we are not to be taken lightly. We have enough of a foundation set now that I'm comfortable stepping onto the board. We've got territory, Serafall's backing, the Bael Heir's support, a strong business we can use to make more connections and between the six of us, one of the strongest peerages around. Everyone will know that after the fight."

"You said no holds barred. Does that mean…?" Aqua held up her hand. Her Keyblade appeared in a flash of light.

"Yes. I'll leave it up to your discretion, but if you want to use it, use it."

"Then I'm using it." She shot a grateful glance at Medea. "I appreciate the sword you made me, but…"

Medea chuckled. "You don't need to explain yourself to me. I am not offended that you prefer the powerful artifact bound to your soul over the sword I made for you."

"If you're using it anyway," I said, "I've got some ideas I'd like to run by you later."

"Is this meeting over?" Matatabi said, her tails lazily swaying back and forth in the air above the table, dangling away from her lazing form. "I want to explore a new cave today."

"You found a cave?" Coal asked.

"It is a long distance from the house."

"Would it make for a good place to store a hoard?"

Matatabi hissed at him. "I found it first."

Coal waved her off. "I'll find my own. It's about time I got around to building up another hoard."

"If you want an advance to get it started, just ask." I said. "We're rich, and the capital we used to jumpstart our success was all yours to begin with."

"Thanks, master. It'll be nice to sleep on gold coins again."

"That said, it'll have to wait." I looked around the table. "I'm confident we can win, but I won't allow arrogance to be what defeats us. We're going to train. We need to be able to fight effectively together and grow our own personal strength."

Shang Tsung made a considering sound. "And what of my other projects?"

"Still of paramount importance." I said. "I need you to get those done before our two months are up."

"I am to use them in the Rating Game, then?"

"That is the plan, provided you're ready in time."

Shang Tsung grinned. "I will be ready."

Papers and folders scattered as Matatabi dropped from the chandelier onto the table, landing gracefully. She stretched out while the rest of us gathered up the flying papers. "Let's finish today's training quickly. I will need many hours to explore my new cave."

She trotted up to me and leapt up to my shoulder. One of her tails wound around my neck while her claws dug into me to stabilize herself.

Matatabi started hissing in warning as Medea began scratching her fiery body behind the ears. The hissing slowly quieted as Medea continued her action.

"You're just the cutest thing!" Medea said, reaching around to start scratching under Matatabi's chin as well.

Matatabi weathered Medea's assault with a dignified purr.

"Okay, let's get going before we get distracted any more." I said, motioning for everyone to gather together.

I opened a Hole around us and pulled us to a large open field I'd picked out for our training.

We had two months to prepare. I didn't think we'd need that long, but I was going to make sure we used the time regardless.

X

Things were progressing well. None of us had made unprecedented jumps in power like shonen protagonists, but we were getting better at fighting together. I was regularly breaking us into smaller teams to spar against each other, mixing up the pairings to see who worked the best with each other. As I'd come to find out, we all worked best when able to do our own thing.

My peerage was unique in that each and every member I'd found was a monster on their own before teamwork was even brought into the equation. Even my Pawns, commonly considered to be expendable shock troops by many devils, were powerful. Coal was likely one of the strongest Pawns in the Underworld even if the Underworld as a whole didn't know it yet. And Shang Tsung… He'd surpassed my expectations. He was going to be a terror on the field.

Every member of my peerage was going to draw a lot of attention after this Rating Game. Medea's identity, Coal's escape from his Sacred Gear, Aqua's Keyblade, Shang Tsung's powers, Matatabi's mere existence – I'd sent Serafall a warning with some very broad strokes of what to expect. I was relying on her to help me deal with the fallout. I'd use the Rating Game to demonstrate my strength, then show everyone I was fine with playing nice so long as I was left alone. Hopefully, that would dissuade anyone from trying anything against me in the future, at least openly.

We were exactly one month out from the Rating Game now. I'd given my peerage the day off to rest. I'd been pushing them hard and they deserved a break before we got back to it. Besides, I had something I needed to do today.

A Hole disappeared behind me as I stepped into my office. I hadn't been here in a month, but the stack of papers on my desk was gone. Someone had been here.

I headed for the door to my office, stepping back in surprise as the door opened before I reached it.

"Oh," Latia said, starting in surprise as she moved to enter my office. "I'm sorry, Balthazar. I didn't know you were back."

I looked at the stack of papers she was carrying. "What's all of that?"

"Oh! Forgive me, I was overseeing the skeletons cleaning this morning and noticed these on your desk. I assumed you would be gone until the conclusion of your Rating Game, so I took the liberty of completing them for you. I was just about to return them."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "You stole my work from my office and did it for me?"

She nodded. "We may not be supplying our clients at present, but there is still work to do."

I looked at her for a moment, thinking. "What's your perspective on the whole Rating Game situation?"

She frowned, turning guarded at the unexpected situation. "I'm not sure I know what you mean, Balthazar."

"I'll be honest, I half-expected you to quit when you heard Bedeze was maneuvering against me. Are you sticking it out to see what happens or are you hoping he'll employ you if he takes over? I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I'm just curious."

Her eyes narrowed. "It certainly feels like an accusation." She held the expression for a moment before sighing. "But I suppose I can understand you might be worried that I would rather see your uncle in charge. In short, no. I do not want Bedeze Abaddon to take over your business."

"Do you mind if I ask why?"

"He's an asshole, for one."

I audibly snorted at that, drawing a smile from Latia.

"For the more logical reasons," she continued. "I know that you have full control of everything he would need in order to take over. Everything would be closed down in a month. It would not reflect well on me to be seen as part of that sinking ship."

"You could leave. I've checked around on the Devil Net. No one looks too favorably on my chances. Most of the betting I've seen has all been centered around how long it will take Bedeze to defeat me and the order in which my peerage will be eliminated. No one would think less of you for ditching a sinking ship."

Latia pursed her lips, looking at me intently. "I don't think this is a sinking ship. I think you are far too calm to be in as much trouble as everyone seems to think you are. As ironic as it is for a devil to say this, I guess you could say I'm taking a leap of faith. If you win, I want to be on your side so I can benefit from your success. I'll continue working for you and supporting you so that you do the same for me."

"You're being very open about that."

"There's no reason for me not to be. I have very little to lose and everything to gain. At worst, Bedeze defeats you and I leave before he takes control. At best, you beat Bedeze and all of the work I've put in here while you were off training will be rewarded."

"Either way you win." I said, smiling.

She nodded. "If my reasoning is too selfish for you, you are welcome to terminate my employment."

"Serving your own interests isn't a fireable offense. Just don't serve your own interests to my detriment or the detriment of mine."

"Of course not. Harming you will indirectly harm me. Now, I am sorry to cut this conversation short, but I still have work to do today."

"I need to get going as well. Thanks for entertaining my curiosity, Latia."

"You are welcome."

I stepped aside so she could enter the office then left while she was storing the papers. I didn't have anything of true value in there for her to mess with, and I felt I had a better measure of the woman after that brief exchange.

She wanted something out of this job that would benefit herself. She wasn't so loyal that she would take a bullet for me, but she didn't need to be. She just needed to not stab me in the back. I felt I could trust her with that much. I'd play the rest by ear.

I left my office behind, heading down the hall to the opposite end of the building. I paused outside a door, hearing quietly conversing voices inside. I knocked. Conversation halted.

The door swung inward. Magdaran poked his head through the opening, smiling. "It's good to see you, Bal. Thanks for coming. I know you're busy right now with your preparations." He shook my hand and stepped to the side, inviting me into his office.

"We're making good progress, and everyone deserved a day off." I turned to the room's other occupant. "It's good to see you, Sairaorg."

"You too, Bal." Sairaorg said standing up from the chair he'd been seated in. "How are things going? You don't have much time left."

"Sai," Magdaran said, frowning at Sairaorg. "Give him a minute to get settled before the interrogation begins."

I smiled, waving Magdaran off. "Don't worry about it. We're doing well. I'm feeling very confident." I slowly looked between them. "How are you two doing?"

They shared a look. Conversation stalled for a moment.

I hadn't left my lands since my peerage had begun training. I'd exchanged texts and calls with Serafall and spoke with my sister through Holes, but that was the extent of my outside interaction.

Kuisha had told me Sairaorg and Magdaran had got lunch together when I'd contacted her to tell her I'd recruited a new Rook. She said the meeting had gone well enough and that she was hopeful, then she'd started brainstorming ideas for how I could get out of my Rating Game with Bedeze.

I understood why she was concerned. She didn't know how strong my peerage was. She didn't know the things Aqua and Matatabi had done for me to make me more of a threat. I'd considered telling her, but she'd see it soon enough in the Rating Game. Despite the fact I understood her concerns, I couldn't help the minor annoyance I felt every time she tried to convince me to stand down and try to get out of the Rating Game. Sure, she didn't know I had cards up my sleeve, but she could have tried to be a little more supportive.

I hadn't talked to Kuisha much after that conversation because I was tired of hearing her try to 'reason' with me. As a result, I didn't know how Magdaran and Sairaorg's meetings had progressed. Considering I'd gotten a letter yesterday signed by both of them asking to meet, things were likely going well enough.

"We're doing good." Sairaorg said after a moment. "We've still got some things to work out, but that's not why we're here."

I followed Magdaran into his office, he motioned for me to sit and we all took our seats.

"I talked to our ancestor." Magdaran said. "The short summary is that there's no help coming from him. He expressed interest in seeing how you conduct yourself in the Rating Game and potentially reaching out to you after its conclusion, but he has no interest in stopping it."

"He likely sees it as a chance to test the younger generation of pure devils." Sairaorg said, a bitter frown on his face. "This isn't the first time he's taken an interest in events like this."

"I appreciate you trying all the same. You don't need to worry about me though. We'll be alright." I said.

Sairaorg studied me for a moment. "I can see you're confident, but Bedeze has been doing this for a long time. All of my Rating Game experience is in the lower brackets. I've been keeping Regulus and the axe a secret until I manage to recruit a full peerage, so I haven't been able to face stronger opponents. Even in the lower brackets there are a lot of strong devils. Your uncle is ranked third across the board. You're no pushover, Bal, but you're outnumbered and facing an opponent with the same inherited power as you who has had a longer life to grow in strength. Things don't look good from the outside."

"Kuisha's already given me the third-degree, Sai."

Sairaorg held his hands up placatingly. "I know. She's very vocal about how you refuse to listen to her. I'm not trying to convince you to change your mind. I'm here to try to help."

"We both are." Magdaran said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small slip of folded paper. He unfolded in and looked at it. With what seemed like a physical effort, he pulled his gaze off the paper and held it out to me.

I took the paper and read the contents. It was a name and an address.

"Jeremy Soule?" I said, looking between them in confusion.

"I've been trying to find good prospects for my peerage for some time now." Magdaran said. "I've fallen well behind you and Sai in that regard. After Sai and I started talking again, he introduced me to his peerage. Regulus and I talked for a while. Reuniting with Coal made him think about the rest of his family. He asked me to use my influence as Heir Bael to help him look for them. Like him and Coal, most of those who were slain were bound to Sacred Gears."

I looked back down at the name Magdaran had just given me. "What Sacred Gear does Jeremy Soule have?"

"Golden Bounty. Due to the nature of the Sacred Gear, he was very easy to find. I'm still trying to locate the others."

I frowned. "I'm not the most knowledgeable about Sacred Gears. What is that?"

"It grants the user eternal youth and vitality and lets them create golden apples they can distribute to heal others. The apples aren't as potent as the ones they're based on, but there's a large market in the supernatural for them given how rare tradable healing effects are." Sairaorg said. "Ladon, The Hundred-Headed Dragon is sealed inside of the Sacred Gear."

"The man who holds the Gear is…difficult." Magdaran said, frustrated. "I've already approached him, but it did not go well. He is well over two-hundred years old and enjoys a lavish, hedonistic lifestyle. Hell would suit him well, but he would not even allow me to try to convince him. I planned to return, but you need help right now. I can afford to wait. Your remaining Rook should be sufficient to reincarnate him, willing or otherwise."

"Willing would be preferable." Sairaorg added, shooting Magdaran a look.

"You did not have the displeasure of speaking to him, Sai."

"You're giving me a peerage recruit just like that?" I looked between them, shocked. Did they really not have an angle here?

"You're our friend, Bal. You need help." Magdaran said sincerely, like that was all the motivation he needed.

I was genuinely touched. I hadn't thought either of them thought so well of me that they would do something like this for me.

"Thank you. This is… I'm at a loss for words here. Still–"

"Hold on, we're not done yet." Sairaorg said. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's not much I can do to help you train to Bedeze's level in a month, but I can help you with your numbers problem. Kuisha told me you still have unused Bishops and a Rook. I discussed it with my peerage. Ladora and Corianna are both willing to let me trade them to you for the duration of the Rating Game so they can help you. They are very insistent that you trade them back to me afterwards, though."

Once more, I was at a loss for words. A devil's peerage was a reflection of their power and standing. Many treated their peerage as another thing they owned, but I knew for a fact that Sairaorg didn't. That just made this offer all the more surprising. He said he'd discussed this with them. There were likely members who'd said no to the idea and he was respecting their wishes.

Still, the fact that he was offering this to begin with was absurd by devil standards. You didn't give away your peerage to let them fight someone else's battle. It just wasn't done.

"Sai, Mag, thank you both. I am honestly so caught off guard by your offers that I don't know what to do. In the future at least." I folded the paper back up and held it out to Magdaran. "I'll pay you both back for this. Your willingness to go so far to help me is greatly appreciated. With that being said, I must respectfully decline your help."

Sairaorg shook his head. "Bal, I know it might seem weird, but they've both improved significantly. They can help you."

"I have full confidence in their ability to fight Bedeze. That isn't why I'm refusing. Trust me when I say that my peerage as it is will annihilate Bedeze's. I'll give you guys front row seats for their destruction." I looked at Magdaran. "What piece were you intending to use on the guy with Ladon's Sacred Gear?"

"I…" Magdaran sighed. "I offered him my Queen. I don't plan on participating in many Rating Games. He is more interesting to me as a source of Golden Apples. I believe I could do a lot with renewable access to them."

"Gotcha. Thanks again for the offer. I'll figure out some way to repay you, Sai. I have an idea of how to return the favor to you, Mag, but it will have to wait until after the Rating Game."

"Bal, please consider it for a moment." Magdaran said.

"I have. I'm grateful, truly, but I know my peerage is up to the challenge as it is now."

Sairaorg watched me for a moment with pursed lips. Finally, he shook his head, standing. "I can see we're not going to change your mind. You're confident. Like me. I know how strong my peerage is. Others whisper about our lack of strength, but I've never truly shown anyone what we're capable of. I assume it's the same for you?"

I stood up with him. "It is."

Sairaorg sighed. "I trust your judgement. I just hope you aren't overestimating yourself. Strong though my peerage is, I don't think we would be able to beat Bedeze. Maybe after I find the rest of my pieces, but not now."

"I'm not. I don't mean any disrespect, but if our two peerages were to fight right now, you'd lose." I said matter-of-factly.

Sairaorg grinned. "I'll be watching your fight with Bedeze. If you beat him, I'm expecting you to schedule a spar with my peerage."

"Sounds like fun. I'm in."

Magdaran stood, a complicated expression on his face. "If you change your mind and decide you want help, we'll be here."

"Thank you. I don't mean to leave so abruptly, but I need to continue preparing for the Rating Game."

Sairaorg waved off my apology. "Go. I'm looking forward to seeing what cards you've got up your sleeve. It should be an interesting match."

I smiled. "You have no idea." A Hole appeared behind me, pulling me away.

X

Latia Astaroth meticulously went about her work. A scribbled signature there. A stamp there. Tear up this absurd request from an arrogant peon. She had not been employed at Bael and Abaddon Trading Co. for long, but she'd already fallen into a comfortable rhythm. She enjoyed working here. When she'd initially sought out employment, her motivations had been to set a groundwork for her future. The plan had been to spend a decade or so gathering experience here before moving onto the next project. That plan was slowly changing.

From a young age, Latia knew she wouldn't be handed everything. Her childhood was far from trying. Branch member of not, she was still an Astaroth. One who had Agares blood to boot. She wanted for nothing and received the best education possible. Still, she was a branch member of her family. Her name would allow her to live comfortably, but she wanted more.

Diodora was an asshole. Latia had never gotten along with him. In order to live under the Astaroth's protection in the future, she would have to bend the knee to the depraved Astaroth heir. She had no desire to do so. He had offered her a place in his peerage once many years ago. When she'd refused, he'd dealt with her refusal by enslaving yet another of the church's holy women. He was quite proud of his 'collection'. Latia held no love for the church, but why go through the effort of training loyalty into a hostile entity when death is simpler? The answer was simple. Dioroda had a fetish, one he had allowed to dominate his life. He selected his peerage members, people who would serve as his attendants for eternity, based off of whether or not he wanted to fuck them. It was pathetic.

Latia could not see a future for herself serving her house if it meant serving Diodora. Even had she not wanted to forge her own path, she would have needed to if for no other reason than to avoid his yoke.

Her prospects were slim. She was a lesser Pillar Noble. Her nobility closed as many doors to her as it opened. Rare were the low-born powers that were willing to take her in. They feared retaliation from the Astaroth Pillar should misfortune befall her. She couldn't blame them for their caution, but it infuriated her all the same.

Pillar ventures were similarly difficult to attach herself to. Why hire on Latia when they could rely on their own family and the minor noble houses already subservient to them?

Bael and Abaddon Trading Co. had been the answer she'd sought. It was common knowledge among the nobility that Zekram Bael believed in letting the Bael heirs prove themselves on their own. Despite what Lord Bael would have the Underworld believe, Zekram still controlled the Bael Pillar. Latia knew Magdaran would not have his family's oversight in his business. Similarly, Balthazar Abaddon was a relative unknown. He came from a respected family, but had little else to his name.

Latia saw the opportunity to build her own reputation up alongside theirs and took it. She could work closely with the Bael Heir and potentially make him an ally. She'd crossed paths with Magdaran in the past. He'd been shy, but Latia had never thought he was weak. She originally thought she could use the chance to get to know him better. She would not seek out anything further than an alliance, but she would be amenable to something developing. What girl born in the Underworld didn't fantasize about becoming Lady Bael at one point in their youth?

She began working with Balthazar and Magdaran. Magdaran was nice enough, but he was absolutely absorbed in his botany. His passion for plants was endearing, but also all-encompassing. Latia wondered if even the most ambitious young noble women would be able to draw the Bael Heir's eye. No, surprising herself, Latia found her interest taken with the company's other owner.

Latia knew nothing about Balthazar Abaddon prior to hearing of his joint venture with Magdaran. He was a complete unknown. Even after working for him, she'd learned much less than she would have expected. Balthazar held his cards to his chest. The greater Underworld was still at a complete loss about what to think of him. Latia herself didn't know what to think about him. She would see him in the office frequently, but that stopped after the Rating Game announcement.

It was big news. The Devil Net was still talking about it. Bedeze was a beloved member of the Rating Game circuit, but even discounting that, a young noble had just challenged the sitting head for the heirship. In combat no less. Whatever the official, technical position was, the Underworld viewed this as Balthazar challenging Lord Abaddon for his lordship. Of course they would be interested in what would happen. No lord had been usurped like this since the days of the Civil War. No one expected Balthazar to succeed, but the challenge alone was noteworthy.

Latia though… She wasn't so sure. Balthazar just seemed so confident. She hadn't met much of his peerage. Her only interactions with them had been the few times Caster had come to the office to deliver products she had made or to eat lunch with him. The two of them clearly cared about each other. At first, Latia thought that his feelings for her were why he chose her as his Queen. The skeletons and items she made were impressive, but craftsmen of her skill were rarely strong combatants.

Then Latia saw the broadcast. She hadn't watched Bedeze's confrontation with Balthazar live. Like many, she had watched the clips taken from the livestream and distributed throughout the Devil Net.

The feed was spotty. The camera panned up to the ceiling and stayed there. Grunting and channeled magic could be heard before the feed cut out. Commenters online speculated about what had happened. Latia wasn't sure herself, but she had her own guess. She had never seen Caster so enraged as she was moments before the camera's view was lost. Maybe she could do more than make the skeletons and create magical items. If she could do more, why not the rest of Balthazar's peerage?

Diodora chose his peerage to slake his lust. Latia now suspected Balthazar carefully selected his peerage to be able to face his uncle. Whether he'd planned this or not she couldn't say. It was interesting though. Latia would keep working at Bael and Abaddon Trading Co. When the Rating Game took place, she would watch with rapt attention.

She had a feeling about Balthazar. She wanted to know if she was right.

X

"It's already done, Ajuka." Serafall said tiredly. They'd been talking in circles for the last ten minutes now. She understood the man's concerns, but the matter was firmly out of her hands now.

"That child has made a mistake. As the adult, the Satan who was charged with overseeing him, it fell to you to show him the proper course." Ajuka argued.

Sirzechs stepped between them. "Ajuka, Serafall already explained herself."

"I heard her reasons. I do not accept them. The boy did not want to be subservient to us? Then perhaps he should not have made himself an indispensable asset. When Bedeze defeats him, he will gain control of all of Balthazar's resources. We must prevent this from happening."

"Ajuka," Serafall said slowly. "I understand you want his materials, but you can't–"

"When Bedeze wins, who do you think will truly have control? Bedeze, strong though he may be, is just another of Zekram's pawns. The Great King faction has been seeking advantages over us for decades now. You've just delivered one into their lap."

"Ajuka," Sirzechs said, face stern. "That's enough."

Ajuka turned to Sirzechs, frowning. "You can stop this as well, Sirzechs. The Rating Game can't go through if you prevent it."

"Interfere with a noble house's personal dispute?" Serafall said. "Because that won't cause problems for us."

"It is better than the alternative. Losing the–"

"Oh for the love of… Zekram won't get the mines, Ajuka!" Serafall had had enough of this. She knew Ajuka had been interested in the materials Balthazar had supplied her, but she hadn't thought the normally cold, calculating man would be this invested in securing them.

"How can you be sure?"

"I didn't want Bedeze getting his hands on them either. Bal agreed to give me the locations before the fight. If Bedeze beats him, we'll be able to take the mines first."

Ajuka's furious frown thinned into the inexpressive line she was so used to seeing. "Why did you not simply tell me that? I will need to make preparations. As soon as Balthazar gives you the locations we will need to secure them."

Serafall's eyebrows furrowed. "We'll secure them if Balthazar loses."

"I must concur with Ajuka." Falbium spoke for the first time. He'd been seated at the table, but he had yet to make his opinion known, content until now to observe. "It would be a disaster if they fell into the wrong hands. We will need to move as soon as possible to prevent Bedeze from using Hole to acquire the sights before us. This is an advantage we must secure for ourselves before our enemies can acquire it."

"If Balthazar loses, I will give you the locations. That's the best you're getting." Serafall said, standing up and turning to the door.

"Serafall!"

Serafall ignored Sirzechs calling out to her. A teleportation circle whisked her away.

The Leviathan fell heavily into her desk chair, staring up at the ceiling.

That boy was going to be the death of her. She'd known Balthazar less than a year and he'd already given her headache after headache. The Red Dragon Emperor wasn't enough. Mithril wasn't enough. Adamantium wasn't enough. Apparently knowing the location of the White Dragon Emperor wasn't enough. No, he'd also gone and reincarnated Medea of Colchis and a slew of other people that would probably make her want to tear her hair out when she learned their names. His vague warning and requests regarding the Rating Game's 'aftermath' had nearly driven her to block his phone number in a bout of spite. And now Balthazar wasn't even here but he was still causing her to fight with her fellow Satans. Disagreements and quarrels weren't uncommon among her colleagues, but they were typically over topics more substantial than a Rating Game of all things.

Serafall rubbed her forehead, feeling another headache coming on. "You better fucking win, barbel. Kick Bedeze in the dick once or twice for me, would you?"