The Separate Paths We Take

by ZangetsuOldMan

In the history of the Devil Civil War, one nameless rogue will rise to infamy against the devils he hates so much. Along the way he will encounter heartache, lose and even a bond that would last long after he would fade into the pages of history. Here is the history of Rowland Moechor, the man who would call the Sitri heiress his partner. the only true friend he ever knew.

8. Chapter 8

Hey guys, how's it going? I really need to get back into the groove of writing again. Just have to start making proper time for it and making sure to do it every single day. Just the way that you get better at stuff you know? Well, without further ado let's jump right back into the Dark City shall we?
(Serafall POV)
Serafall awoke to the sound of knocking at her door. Her eyes squinted as she forced them open. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she looked out the window to see that it was still fairly early. Though there was no natural sunlight in the Underworld, you needed to get a general feel for the time as the years went on. Especially for one who had lived here her entire life.
But it's even darker here. She couldn't help but think. She shook her head as she forced herself up, throwing on a simple tunic that Rowland had provided for her. It was plain looking, a light and bland brown. Easier to go unnoticed, he said. People would notice if the new inn girl were dressed as a noblewoman, he said. Well, she couldn't disagree with that. So, she went along with it for him.

She opened the door, rubbing what sleep was left in her eyes as she looked into the innkeeper's gaze. "Good morning Rowl." She yawned, barely able to keep from glaring at him. She didn't see the need to keep up the prim and proper noble demeanor around him.

If he was offended or shocked by her attitude he didn't say. He merely gave a simple nod in greeting before speaking. "Good morning Serafall." He started. "I'm going to go out and meet with some of my contacts in the other districts. No one should stop by this morning for anything but if they do then Rizamor will be here to take care of their needs. I trust him to do that at the very least." He stopped himself as if he wanted to add something else. The crease in his brow and the slightest narrowing of his eyes were the only tells that she was able to pick up.
"Alright, that seems to be the logical thing to do." She agreed, crossing her arms as she waited for him to continue. "Was there anything else that you needed? I doubted that you needed to wake up me just for that."

Rowland was secretive by nature. If he wanted to keep this a secret and keep her in the dark, she wagered that he would. Not that she'd begrudge him that. It was something that was innate to him. Something that had been engraved into his nature from having to live in this city. That's what she decided to chalk it up to anyhow.

He wants something. She decided. That was obvious. The question was what? He already had a promise of an alliance and she doubted that he was paranoid to think that she'd sneak out into the night after giving her word. Knowing his feelings on the nobility, I won't be shocked if that was what he was thinking.

"I need someone to look out for the girl." He stated, seemingly deciding to drop any deception. "I can't take her with me. We only freed her a few nights ago and the Eligos no doubt have sent men to come and find her. I'm good at remaining unnoticed but I doubt that will work if I'm walking around with a child who fits the description of the girl that the guards will be on the lookout for."
"And do you think that she won't just wait patiently for you? She seems to be good at following your orders." Serafall noted. He just wanted her to look out for little Jilriane. She hadn't been able to interact much with her. The little Marchosias had latched onto Rowland ever since they had gotten back to the Ebony Dagger.

She could do this. Looking after a little girl was no issue. She just wanted to understand his reasoning.

"She seems to only want to listen to me." Rowland replied, crossing his arms. His eyes narrowed though not in anger. No, it seemed to be born more out of frustration and confusion. "She likes to follow me around like a shadow. She even followed me downstairs the other morning to watch me practice. I feel like she fears having me out of her sight."
Because she's comfortable around you. Because you make her feel safe. She wanted to shake her head and sigh. For all the man's brilliance, Rowland was not good at understanding emotions outside of hatred, anger and whatever else thrived in this city. She'd have to work on that.

"I promise that I will look out for her while you are gone then." The heiress said, giving him a smile along with a firm nod. "I'll ask Kazgath to assist as well." The old Devil would be helpful. She had no experience with dealing with children. He had helped raise her and she liked to think that he did a decent enough job. "Speaking of, have you seen him? He wasn't still asleep when I woke up."
"Yes, I saw him downstairs working in the kitchen." The rogue responded, giving a small shrug. "I did mention that we were running low on a few things and he immediately got to work without me even having to ask him. He has a good work ethic."

"Thank you." She chuckled at that. "I'll be sure to let him know that. Where is Jilriane? I'll be sure to wake her up soon and then I can start explaining things to her." She had been meaning to broach the subject with her for some time. She simply hadn't had the time or opportunity to do so yet. This would work well for that.

I'll also have to write up a letter to whoever is currently in charge of the Marchosias's lands. She thought. Probably a steward in all likelihood. It wasn't like she knew the names of every servant of every one of the Seventy-Two Pillars.

"I left her in my room. She doesn't seem to care for the one that I gave her." Rowland replied. A roll of his eyes following. "I only have so many rooms. It isn't like we even get too many visitors in this part of town."
"Well, I'll be sure to go and wake her." Serafall said, a devilish smirk appearing on her face. "Now, go and meet with your secret little friends. I'll make sure that the Dagger is still standing when you get back." She make a shooing motion.

Rowland opened his mouth, looking like he was about to retort at the action, before thinking better of it. "Thank you Serafall." And with that he turned and left.

She closed the door, sighing before propping back down in her empty chair. It was fun to tease the stoic. It was good to see that there was indeed something hidden behind that blank mask of emotion that he liked to use.

Another defense mechanism? Perhaps. Though I can't chalk everything up to that. She thought. She was good at reading people. Her insight was one of the skills that she had honed well over the years. Having had to make deals and treaties with the other Pillars and mortals alike, such a skill helped.

"I'll finish this and then go wake up Jilriane." Serafall decided, propping her chin into the palm of her hand as she picked up her quill. These letters weren't going to write themselves after all. As much as she wished that they would.
_

Serafall beamed as she looked down at the pack of letters. She'd have to have these sent out today.
One for Zechs, one for the Marchosias and one for the family. She thought. She had to keep her comrades informed of what was happening on her front. Allowing the city to slip to their control with someone aligned with their interests and cutting off the Old Devil Faction's supply lines.

The Marchosias…well, whoever was currently in charge of their lands. They needed to know that they had one of their own here in the city. A reason to finally join a side in this war and be done with it. Having a young member of their family being fond, more like attached, to their cause would give them that incentive.

And to use as leverage. She couldn't help but think. She grimaced at the thought. That's what Jilriane was at the end of the day. She was a hostage in all but name at this point. They knew the bargaining power that having the young lady with them meant. Not that she would let them use her like that anyway.

Devils have always had a low birth rate. Especially amongst the nobility. To use one, to threaten to harm one of those children…it felt so wrong. She'd need to bring this point up to Rowland. He needed to know just what this situation meant to every party involved.

He won't let them harm her. Hell, he'd decry them for it and try to kill them for it. That was what he had done to that beast back at the tower. And they'd deserve it. But they won't harm him. Not only would that lose them the only ally that they had in this city, but it went against their principles.
The unsaid threat of force can be as useful as force itself. She remembered one of her tutors had said. And this situation was a prime example of just that. All they had to do was stick to their convictions and what they said then they would be fine.

Jilriane would want for nothing. This she vowed. She would have everything that her little heart desired.

The best tutors. The best clothes. The best gear. If going by her obsession with watching Rowland train and listen to the man, she would no doubt grow into someone with good morals. She would make sure that she'd be the lady who would look after her lands and help her people prosper.

And the last was for her family. She had not seen them in so long. Not since she had been designated their diplomat. She had been sent on a never-ending list of the Underworld's nobility to see who was amenable to their cause. Then to see what it was that she could do to promise whatever said nobles needed to be swayed to their side. It was mind numbing and took too much time.

They just want to try and take us for what we are worth. She couldn't help but think. Material wealth, promises of wealth, offers of certain assurances for when they won. Even a few who pressed for marriage proposals. The nerve of them.

They didn't doubt that they'd win. They knew the reputation of Sirzechs, Ajuka and herself. No, they were just greedy snobs who were more worried about gaining more status and wealth than the actual crisis on their hands.
At least Rowland isn't like that. She couldn't help but think. No, he didn't care about status or wealth. He cared about this city. This man would live and die in Nokkzaruz, fighting an endless battle, and would die happy. It was fortunate for both of them that they had crossed paths. One man could not take this city. No matter how skilled or brutal he was. He could give the Eligos a good scare, kill a good number of their family members, but ultimately die and be forgotten about.

Rowland cared about the city and would bleed for her for all eternity. That was admirable. Not many in the nobility cared about the commoners below them. It didn't matter if they were other Devils, human slaves, or whatever other kind of race they were. They were all treated like vermin under their boots. The few noble families that didn't treat their smallfolk poorly (namely the Gremory and the Belial) certainly didn't look at them as equals.

When they installed him as their acting governor (and they would, Serafall would beat that into whoever's head that she had to), he would be unique. Nokkzaruz (and the rest of the Eligos's lands) would have a ruler worthy of them. He would nurture them, care for them, make sure that they prospered. And they would love him in turn.

Serafall looked up when she heard the sound of footsteps outside of the door. It was too early for customers. Not to mention that Rowland had decided against letting anyone stay in the other rooms in the inn while they were here. Couldn't tell who might be working for the enemy. Something that she agreed with when he brought it up.

She stood up, slowly approaching the door. She opened it a crack, peeking out, before opening it wider when she saw who was standing there.
"Good morning Kazgath." She greeted, giving the elderly Devil a smile. It was good to see that he could still take the time to come and wake her even given their current situation.

"And a fine morning to you as well Lady Serafall." He replied, dipping his head in a respectful nod before stepping into the room. "Do you know where our host is? I have not had the pleasure of properly speaking to him this morning." He sat down at the empty chair, his eyes glancing around the room, before locking gazes with his mistress once again.

"Rowl had to go and speak to some contacts of his." She explained, crossing her arms. "Though he did have the courtesy to talk to me before he left. If only to make sure that someone was looking out for Jilriane while he was gone."

Kazgath sniffed at that. "I do not think that it will be wise to leave the young miss in his hands." He admitted, stopping himself. He was too engrained in proper etiquette to speak ill of someone so bluntly, looking to his mistress for permission to continue. His answer was in the form of a raised eyebrow from the Sitri. "May I speak freely on this matter?"

"Granted." Serafall replied. "I would like to hear your reasoning."

"Mister Moechor is a good man." Kazgath started, taking time to carefully think through his words before continuing. "He has provided food and shelter to the young lady, looking after her needs, and even taking them into consideration before acting. It is clear to me that he feels some sense of responsibility for her in this regard."

"It sounds like he cares about her then." Serafall observed, her eyebrow still raised. "I fail to see why we would try and subvert this. You've seen how she is with him. She clings onto him whenever she is granted the chance."

"Exactly my point." Was the old Devil's reply. "I fear that our host's…opinions regarding High Class Devils will spread to her." Kazgath narrowed his eyes. "He has agreed to help us and we him in turn. But that does not mean that he likes this current situation. His thoughts on nobility has been tarnished by this city. We would be wise to limit the influence this will have on the young lady. If left unchecked, I fear that this would lead to complications for when we bring her out of his charge."

"When we send her back to the Marchosias estate you mean." Serafall stated, getting a sharp nod from her servant.

It wasn't a bad point. Though it wasn't one that she would agree with. Rowland most likely didn't even try and take into consideration what his actions would indicate. Especially with his charges.

Kazgath no doubt dismissed such things in regard to Rizamor. The boy was low class. She didn't mean any offense by that, but it was the truth. He was expected to act as his station demanded. Serving food, carrying messages, getting sent on errands. These were expected of him.

But Jilriane? She was the heiress of one of the Seventy-Two Pillars. Hell, she was probably the last of her line. Servants in her lands would be aghast at her actions. Posing as a server in an inn. Serafall didn't care. She knew their situation and any uptight noble or servant could be ignored in this regard. It was necessary. But Kazgath did bring up a good point.

Rowland's thoughts on the nobility would no doubt effect Jilriane's. She thought. The girl idolized him. She wanted to be around him all the time, taking the time to listen to everything that he had said and treating it as gospel. That wasn't something that could be ignored. He had many good things to teach her. Hard work, determination, handling strife and a good sense of justice. But she could see where it might turn dangerous.

"I can understand where you are coming from Kaz." Serafall finally said, her arms crossed as she thought on her own response. "Though I do not think that this is as dangerous as you are making it out to be." She raised an eyebrow as Kazgath opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to quickly retort before he saw her expression. "Rowland is not our enemy. He is an ally. Many of the things that he can and has taught Jilriane will serve her well."

She began to pace around the room. "Concepts of equality, justice, hard work. Things that will help shape her into a good leader of one of the Pillars. You will not sit there and say that there will not be those in her court that will seek to control her. To think that she will make a good puppet while they make whatever choices they do while she is still a child. Devils are cunning and treacherous even at the best of times." They had that reputation for a reason.

"No. She will stay with him and we will not try to break the connection that she has to Rowland." The heiress said, stopping in her pacing as she turned to look at Kazgath. "That little girl has suffered enough in this city. With no family or friends to help protect her. I will not have the image of her protector sullied in her eyes. Besides, I think that this will be good. For the both of them. Until we can get confirmation from whoever is currently in charge of the Marchosias's lands."

Kazgath very much looked like he wanted to protest. His mouth opened for a moment, looking like he was about to make some remark.

Serafall only raised an eyebrow in response.

The butler closed his mouth at that. Their relationship was quite clear. She valued his opinion, she valued him, but he knew his station. She was the master and he was the servant.

"As you wish my lady." Kazgath nodded. "I shall not try and besmirch Mister Moechor. But I will keep my eye on him."

"I did not doubt it." The heiress replied. "Now, I have to go and see how the poor girl is doing." She looked down at the letters that she had written out. "Can you make sure that these get sent? I don't trust that if we gave these to any messengers in the city that their contents would be stolen."

"Of course, Lady Serafall." Kazgath replied, raising his open palm. An amethyst magic circle appeared in his hand as he called upon his magic.

He placed his hand towards the ground, concentrating for a second as he focused his magic. A green beast soon arose from the circle, a large dog with haunting yellow eyes. It gave a quick bark as it looked around the room, giving the place a quick once over before looking towards his master.

"Master, how may I be of service?" The Barghest asked, dipping its head in reverence to Kazgath.

"Make sure that these letters are delivered to their recipients." Kazgath stated, gesturing to the letters that still laid on the desk. "Make sure that you are not followed and to dispatch any who would hamper you. These are only to be handed off to their intended recipients. Is that understood?"

"Your wish is my command Master." The Barghest nodded, narrowing its eyes before the letters disappearing in a flash of emerald fire. "By your leave." And with that, the hound disappeared in the same emerald flames.

"Thank you Kaz." Serafall said, shooting the butler a smile before turning and heading out the door. She hummed a small tune to herself as she headed towards her destination.

Say what you will of the lower portions of the inn. It was dinged up and was truly showing some age. No doubt Rowland's intention. No need to stand out and all that.

But this floor? It really showed the class that Rowland had hidden away. While it was plain to her eyes, there was a few decorations here and there. A blade hanging on the wall, what looked to be an ornate silver helm and a few other miscellaneous items. No doubt taken from whoever had caught the rogue's ire. Not that she was complaining.

It really helps bring a bit of life into the place. She thought. And it let her gleam a bit more about her new friend. So, she was all for it.

She stopped in front of the door at the end of the hallway. Rowland had warned them not to go snooping. He liked to keep his privacy. Though, when she asked him why he preferred this small room as opposed to the main bedroom, he merely stated that it was easier to escape potential attackers. Something about them not expecting him to be hiding in one of the smaller rooms. She supposed that made sense.

Serafall brought her ear up to the door, waiting there for a moment as she waited to hear anything. When she didn't notice anything, she gave a small knock before entering.

Rowland had said that he was going to be away, but it was just general manners to knock before entering someone's room.

The Sitri heiress slowly closed the door behind her, making sure to slowly release the handle as to not make any noise.

Her eyes went over the room. She had never been allowed in her before. Though, she had to wonder just how Rowland planned to keep people out. The door wasn't even locked, and she noticed no magical traps.

Did he disarm them? She mused, narrowing her eyes. It made sense she supposed. He had a small child staying in here. And she was sure that he wasn't careless with such things. She'd have to make sure to ask him when she saw him next.

Serafall gave a smile as she looked towards the bed. She slowly crept towards it, making sure that she kept as quiet as she could. She hoped that she did a good enough job.

Little Jilriane was slumbering, her little chest rising and falling with not a sound besides a small whistle as she blew air in between her teeth. It was cute. It had to be said.

Serafall stopped in front of the bed, rubbing the girl's head a few times. "Jil, it's time to wake up." She whispered, giving a small giggle as the little girl moaned in displeasure.

"Don't wanna." She mummered, trying to bury herself back into the bed. She stayed there for a moment, no doubt still quite sleepy before her eyes snapped open.

"Good morning sleepy-" Serafall stopped as she watched Jilriane all but press herself into the back of the bedpost. She looked a bit startled at being woken up. Though, that didn't quite explain the alarm in the girl's eyes.

"Lady Serafall?" Jilriane asked, looking around the room. "Where's Mister Scourge?" She huddled with the blanket, looking around for her 'protector'.

"Rowl had to go out and take care of some business." Serafall explained, pouting slightly. How could Rowland got to be the favorite and she was treated like she was going to eat the poor girl up? That wasn't fair. And she's so cute too. Stupid Rowl.

Jilriane looked surprised at that. "And…And when will he be back?" She asked, looking down at the bed.

"Well, he didn't say." The Sitri gave a shrug. "So, I couldn't really say. But he did ask me to look out for you while he was gone. So…" She reached out, giving the girl's head a quick pat. "It will be the both of us until he's back. Is that okay with you?"

Jilriane hesitated. It was clear that she didn't want to be anywhere that wasn't with her protector. "I-If that's what Mister Scourge wants, then I'll do it." She finally said, looking as if she had lost. What, Serafall couldn't tell.

"Don't worry sweetling." Serafall said, slowly reaching out and placing her hand on the girl's head. She gave it a quick pat. "Rowl won't be gone too long. I'm sure that he's as eager to see you as soon as he can."

Well…she doubted that. The girl clearly had an instant attachment for Rowland. Rowland, on the other hand, only looked awkward when he had to interact with Jilriane. As if he didn't know what it was that he was doing (that she didn't doubt) and was trying to simply accept her presence.

It's something at least. Serafall thought, fighting the urge to sigh and shake her head at the situation. She didn't fault Rowland. He was trying his best. He just wasn't used to children. Ones that he isn't paying to spy for him at the very least.

"S-So what are we going to do until Mister Scourge gets back?" The little Marchosias piped up, snapping Serafall out of her reflections.

"Well, I think that we can try and see if there is anything yummy to eat." The Sitri heiress suggested, smiling returning. "I don't know about you, but I am already feeling quite hungry after the last few days."

Not to mention that the girl was still so tiny. She knew that children were supposed to be small. But Jilriane looked more akin to a skeleton with skin as opposed to a five-year-old girl.

"How does that sound?" Serafall asked. Best to make it Jilriane's choice. Give her some level of control. "Afterwards…we can talk about things."

Jilriane gave a small nod, still looking hesitant. "Alright." She muttered, slowly getting off of the bed. Though she was clearly still reluctant to.

Serafall reached out a hand, offering it to the girl. Kids liked to hold hands, right? It made them feel safe and secure. That's how she should feel.

The little Marchosias girl looked at the offered hand, narrowing her eyes for a moment before shaking her head. She moved past it, walking towards the door. She reached up towards the door, getting up on her tippy toes and slowly opening it.

Alright. Serafall thought, pushing whatever emotions she felt at the rejection. She's still just a child. No need to take offense. Though she'd be sure to give Rowl an earful once this was over.

The two walked down the stairs, silence permeating in between the two. Serafall walked to break through it. She might be seen as a bit dense, but she wasn't stupid. Especially when it came to others and their emotions.

"So…how are you liking the Ebony Dagger?" She asked, following the little girl towards the kitchen. "Have you been having fun with Rowl?"

Jilriane gave a small nod. "It's been nice here." She replied. "Mister Scourge has been more than nice to me. He's even showing me a few moves when he gets up in the morning to practice."

Serafall gave a chuckle. "You know, you shouldn't call him that." She said. "You know what Rowl said. We have to keep a low profile." Even if it were just the two of them, they could never know who could be listening in. Well, that's what Rowland said anyway.

Serafall wanted to call him paranoid. She had. Right to his face. His only response was that his paranoia had kept him alive for far longer than he should have been. So, she conceited the fact.

"Oh…" Jilriane said, looking down. "Sorry."

Serafall chuckled, giving the girl's head another pat. "Don't worry about it. Just remember, it's Mister Moechor if you have to call him anything." She hummed, getting to work on getting some of the leftovers that Rowland had left ready.

"You said that Rowl has been teaching you a few moves?" She asked, placing a plate in front of the girl. Some oatmeal along with a few berries and what she hoped was water. "Nothing too dangerous I take it? You're not getting yourself hurt I hope?" She narrowed her eyes.

Jilriane shook her head. "No." She said. "Mister…Moechor has been showing me his knives." Serafall's eyes widened a bit at that. "He says that everyone should know how to protect themselves. That only a fool would go running around this city without some kind of weapon on them."

Rowl, we are going to have a serious talk about this. Serafall thought, keeping a cheerful demeanor as she listened to the little Marchosias girl go on. She seemed to be happy about this at the very least. That was an improvement.

"So, he's been just showing you how to protect yourself with one?" The Sitri heiress asked, giving a small nod. Well…there were worse things for a girl to pick up in this city. "That's good."

Jilriane gave a hum in response. "Yep. It's really fun too." She picked up the knife off the table, gesturing with it a bit. "How to stab and thrust with one. How to twist it in a wound so that you can run away. And he even promised me that he'd show me how to throw them soon enough." She gave a cheerful smile at that. Clearly, she was happy learning how to fight.

Well, at least they're being safe about it. She decided. Rowland could have decided to just beat her in the ring until she learned how to stop him. She knew a few of her friends who had to go through just that. Masters-at-arms who used it as an excuse to just beat up their charges. Though, I should have known to expect this from Rowl. He's a good guy, deep down.

At that time, it seemed that they had finally reached their destination. The kitchen seemed to be quite lively this morning. Even with the innkeeper gone, there was a wonderful aroma permeating throughout the room.
Serafall threw open the door, looking around to see just who was making them breakfast this morning. As soon as she saw who it was, she couldn't help but smile, her hand going up as if to hide her grin.
Kazgath was at work, wearing a dirty old brown apron. He was quick at work, slaving over the hearth. That was nothing out of the ordinary. The old Devil had been working for her family for so long, he had had to fill a variety of different roles whenever it was needed. His versatility was something that few could hope to match in such matters.

It was who else was helping him that caused her to barely keep from laughing.

"Make sure that you are beating that dough properly young man." Kazgath stated, his eyes glancing over towards Rizamor. "And then make sure that you are chopping those vegetables up nicely. Too big and they take up too much space, doesn't allow for the other ingredients to properly come together."

While Kazgath was working on the pot, it seemed that Rizamor was given the task of helping with the various different tasks that needed doing. And while Kazgath was a great worker in his own right, he was too used to having to give directions to a dozen lesser servants. And all of that was now being focused on the poor urchin.

"I got it, I got it." Rizamor grumbled, shaking his head as he set to the work. And to his credit, it seemed that the boy was able to somewhat keep up with Kazgath's commands.

She had to admire the boy's work ethic. Not too many could keep in pace with Kazgath. Especially when it came to matters of the kitchen. He had dedicated a lot of his time to making sure that the cooks and kitchen assistances back home were up to his standards.

"Good morning boys!" Serafall greeted, giving a cheerful wave to the pair of them. They had been too lost in their work to pay attention to either of them. "How is breakfast coming along?"

"Lady Serafall, good morning." Kazgath turned and without a beat gave her a proper bow. He looked over to Rizamor, clearing his throat to get the boy to stop for a moment.

"Morning Sera." Rizamor greeted, giving her a small wave.

The Sitri heiress was about to return one of her own before Kazgath hit him upside the head. Nothing too hard mind you but enough to let him know that he had messed up in the elderly Devil's eyes.
Rizamor merely narrowed his eyes in turn and rubbed the spot where Kazgath hit him.

"Young man, remember that you are speaking to nobility." Kazgath said, returning his eyes to the two ladies before him. "Lady Serafall and Lady Jilriane are both members of their respective Houses. Therefore, it is only proper that they be spoken to with the proper amount of respect."

"Yeah yeah." Rizamor replied, shaking his head.

"It's quite alright Kaz." Serafall chimed in, shaking her head. "After all, we are in disguise. So it wouldn't be a good idea to draw any undue attention our way would it?" She smiled towards Rizamor, giving her a wink.
Kazgath paused for a moment, taking in her words. It was clear that he did not much care for the command. But his need to follow his mistress' orders was too engrained in him.

"Right. Of course Lady-" Serafall turned her smile towards him. "Sera."

Kazgath looked towards Rizamor. "Apologies lad. It appears that I have misspoken."

Rizamor was taken back a bit, his eyes narrowing for a moment. Almost as if he thought that this was a joke of some sort. Before giving a shrug. "It's fine." He looked towards Jilriane. "Morning to you too Jil."
Jilriane blinked owlishly at the nickname. As if wondering if he was referring to her before giving the boy a small smile. "Morning." She shyly replied. She looked over to the rest of the kitchen. "Smells good." She complimented.
"Thanks." Rizamor said, giving a nod. "We can get you all something to eat. I doubt that anyone will be coming by anytime soon." Then he turned, quickly walking over to the few tables that laid in the kitchen and got to work on preparing their plates for them.

"I always did find that strange." Serafall noted, taking a seat. Once she had done so, she picked the little Marchosias girl up and deposited her in a chair next to her. "Why is it that you guys never have anyone in the morning? I always thought that inns were just as useful for breakfast as a few drinks at the end of the day."

"A few reasons really." Rizamor replied, sighing as he put the plates in front of the pair. Before he turned to go and get his own as well as Kazgath's. "Mostly, it has to do with the Moechor name than anything."
"Why's that?" Serafall asked. "I know that Rowl has a reputation but…"

"Not with the boss." Rizamor replied. "It had to do with his Old Man. Well, his uncle anyway." He shrugged.

Serafall was intrigued. She knew that their host had a great deal of respect for his uncle. The way that he had spoke about him with such reverence, the spark in his eyes when he spoke of what he had learned…there was something there. She knew it. And this was a perfect opportunity to learn a bit more.

"Oh?" She asked. "What was he like? He must have been quite the man to have taught Rowl."

Rizamor. "It was all before I can remember." He admitted. "But from the way that I heard it, the man just showed up in Nokkzaruz one day with the Boss. People travelling through the city isn't anything new. But for humans to come down here…? Well, that tends to stick out a bit more."

That made sense. The only humans that were in the Underworld these days were the results of the slaves that had been taken to the Underworld millennia ago. The humans here were different from those up above.
Their hair would be different colors, their irises were usually quite dark, and their skin was alabaster white. Their bodies had adapted to life down here and it showed. So, it was rare to see a regular human down here. Though it would make sense for it to be Nokkzaruz.

It was said that if there was anything that you could ever want, it could be found in the city of Nokkzaruz. The city was located on the border between the Devil controlled area of the Underworld and the lands that the Griogri had taken for themselves. And with Eligos' supposed neutrality, anyone was free to come. Thus, one could find whatever it is that they could want from anywhere in the Underworld. It made the city look quite appealing to a lot of individuals. Despite that though, no one would try and take the city.

Despite the dislike that the two factions had for one another, they both knew that it would be a bad idea to try and disturb the current situation. So, if anyone would try and disturb that balance, odds are the other faction would come to the defense of Eligos. If only to make sure that their coffers did not suffer.

Another factor to think about. Serafall thought. She had already factored for it. And she had passed her thoughts along to Sirzechs and Ajuka. It was only a matter of making sure that things fell into place.

"What happened after that?" Serafall asked.

"Well, from what I heard…nothing good." Rizamor replied, narrowing his eyes as he stared down. "You see, I only know what I know from what little the Boss has said. And what the others know. But it seemed like Romano Moechor had the same sense of justice that the Boss has. It's probably where he picked it up."

Should he be telling me this? Serafall thought. She looked over at the others as Rizamor carried on with his story. She doubted that Rowland would care for this to be so easily said.

Kazgath had a calculating look in his eyes. As if he was scrutinizing every word that was coming from the urchin's mouth and filing it away in his memory. He'd probably be thinking about it later on, breaking it down even further then.
Jilriane…looked quite the opposite. She was clearly enamored with the story being told. Which wasn't a big surprise. It was about her new idol after all. So of course, she would be very keen to hear any and everything about his past.
"He started to mess with the Eligos directly. And he wasn't as subtle as the Boss is. He wanted the bastards to know that it was him. He'd leave little insignias after he had vandalized their property, take trophies from kills and leave them at other places that he had hit to make sure that they knew that it was all connected. Eventually, he had even killed a few of the Necromancers."

Serafall's eyes widened. "How did he do that?" She asked. "It won't be easy for a human to take down a High-Class Devil." Especially multiple ones at that.

"Apparently…I don't know all the details like I said, so this is just what I heard, he had gotten ahold of some holy weapons and he used that. He had presented their bodies in the city square the next day." Rizamor admitted, shaking his head.
"After that…well, Eligos had to do something. From what I have heard, the man doesn't care for much of anything outside of his study and his dark experiments. But even he couldn't let the blatant murder of his kin to go unpunished. More because it would make him look weak than anything else."

Which made sense. From what she had seen, this city wasn't one that would let any weakness to go. If the nobles had shown an inkling of weakness, their people would try and turn on them.
"He had Romano hunted down and dragged before everyone in the city square. I suppose that he was trying to send him back a message, didn't much care for the one that he had gotten. He had one of his kids decapitate him, some kind of lex talionis stuff or the Boss says."

"Wait…if they killed Romano…how did Rowland…?" Serafall asked.

If they had tracked down and killed his uncle, why was Rowland still alive? Not that she was upset at this. But it begged the question. How could a little boy of survived where a killer had been taken so easily?
"This is the only part of the story that the Boss was totally clear with." Rizamor said. "He said that the only reason that he's still alive is because of Amanozako. If it wasn't for her, he would probably be dead." He made a face. "Which I suppose makes up for the fact that she's so creepy."

Serafall almost asked what Rizamor meant by that. Before she thought better of it. This…it explained a lot. It explained why Rowland was so dead set on getting back at the Eligos. How he was so good at what he did. He learned from someone who knew how to kill Devils and had a Sacred Gear to help him do it.

This might be getting a little complicated. She thought. Still, it didn't change anything. They still had their promise. And she was going to stick to it.
They all eat their breakfast in silence. The atmosphere had changed drastically with the end of the story. So, they all thought about what that meant as they munched on whatever it is that they could find. They'd decide what to do once Rowland got back.