(3182 words!)
[Gremory Household 3rd Person Pov]
Lord Lucifuge head of the Lucifuge clan and loyal ally to the Lucifer household watched the polite greeting and question as he thought to himself.
'For all the power the boy demonstrated back at the Bael Ball, I'm rather surprised he isn't brimming with overconfidence and arrogance for the power he's cultivated.'
Lord Lucifuge coughed into his fist as he spoke.
"I will get straight to the point since I was made aware you have to meet up with Zekram Bael after this. I want to wed my daughter to yourself."
Grayfia and her younger brother Euclid said nothing, but the tense expression on Euclid's face showed his disapproval of his sister being wedded off, but he kept his silence as Sirzechs raised an eyebrow at the Lucifuge's head's words.
"Wedding myself and your daughter? Shouldn't you be discussing this with my parents rather than myself?"
Lord Euclid nodded his head as he answered.
"Your parents told me that decision rests solely on yourself. Rather you choose to accept or deny my offer is yours to make."
Sirzechs gazed at his parents sitting on the living room couch, seeing their supportive gaze, Sirzechs hummed as he pondered to himself.
'I won't deny the appeal of entering an arranged marriage with Grayfia isn't a bad deal. She's really beautiful, and I'll shamelessly agree I desire to have multiple partners in this new world. After all, the DxD world is synonymous with Harem even in the fanfiction genre.
However, a political marriage to the Lucifuge household means political troubles. Not only does would we face objections by the Old Satans, but possibly espionage or assassinations as well. And there is also another issue being that since the Lucifuge if I remember correctly was sided with the old Satan factions during the civil war, and Lord Lucifuge ended up dying after being poisoned by the Belzzebub household. And being tied to a political marriage means that the Gremory will be expected to aid the Lucifuge due to being "connected" through political marriage.'
Sirzechs nodded to himself as he looked Lord Lucifuge in his eyes and respectfully replied.
"I must apologise Lord Lucifuge. I will have to deny your request to wed your daughter to myself."
All three members of the Lucifuge household, as well as Sirzechs parents looked at Sirzechs in shock of his answer. Euclid looked both glad and offended at the same time by Sirzechs answer, Grayfia looked surprised, and Lord Lucifuge seemed contemplative as he questioned.
"And may I ask why you refuse my offer? I can tell it's not because it has anything to do with Grayfia."
Sirzechs nodded as he replied.
"That's correct. Your daughter is indeed very beautiful, and I wouldn't mind getting engaged to her. There is two reasons for my refusal. The first is because a Civil War will happen, and it's obvious that the Lucifuge family will be aiding the Satans."
Sirzechs words earned shocked gazes from the two Lucifuge siblings and the adults said nothing as the atmosphere turned tense. Sirzechs ignored the tense atmosphere as he continued.
"If I agree to this arranged Marriage, the Gremory will be obligated to aid the Lucifuge and the Satans during the civil war, due to this arranged marriage and that is something I don't want happening."
Lord Lucifuge leaned forward his gaze much more serious and cold as he questioned.
"And the second?"
"I have my own goals I wish to accomplish before I decide it's time to involve myself in a political marriage. Once my goals have been accomplished, only then will I agree to take Grayfia's hand in marriage."
"What are these goals of yours?"
Sirzechs lips split into a manic grin unnerving the two Lucifuge siblings as he replied.
"To grow stronger, and surpass the pinnacle of Magic."
Lord Lucifuge sighed as he leaned back into his seat.
"How vague."
Sirzechs grin stretched wider as he replied.
"It would be rather ignorant to reveal all my goals to someone I just met."
Lord Lucifuge's gaze watched Sirzechs maniacal grin, the inferno burning in his eyes that burned brighter than even the stars as he thought to himself.
'This boy has an incredible desire for knowledge and power. I wonder if leaving Grayfia with him in the future will be safe? Considering he's gotten the approval of both Lord Lucifer and Lord Bael, I truly worry for the future. However, I would like to believe with him coming from the Gremory's, he won't turn into the same kind of Devil as the current Satans.'
The older Silver haired devil let out a tired sigh as he questioned.
"You are aware that if you don't accept my proposal to wed yourself and my daughter, you may very well lose your only chance to take her hand? In the near future she may already be betrothed to another devil's household."
Sirzechs shrugged.
"If that does happen then that's that. I'm not going to regret this opportunity even if she's wedded off to another, because as I've stated earlier. I don't want the Gremory's involved with the Satans during the upcoming civil war for any reasons. Becoming Grayfia's fiancé means the Gremory's will become tied to the Lucifuge, unless your willing to let Grayfia leave your clan and join the Gremory's."
Sirzechs words enraged Euclid who raised his palm preparing to cast a spell only for his spell to be erased by Sirzechs who calmly locked eyes with Euclid as he spoke.
"Now. Now. Don't you know it's rude to try an attack someone during a negotiation? All I did was give Lord Lucifuge a counter offer to take Grayfia's hand, not an ultimatum."
Lord Lucifuge's eyes narrowed.
'He's able to use his Bael's bloodline ability to erase demonic power huh? But it's not fully developed. He was only able to stop Euclid's spell because it was direct and easy to notice how his demonic power is being guided. I see now why those two are so interested in the boy.'
Lord Lucifuge questioned Sirzechs on a question he's curious about.
"You said the reason for rejecting my offer to become Grayfia's fiancé was due to a Civil War? What makes you believe a Civil War will happen?"
Sirzechs eyes turned serious as he answered.
"I will only say this. The current Satans treatment of the other 72 pillar households has increased tensions."
"And you believe that is enough to instigate a full blown Civil War? The other pillars while undoubtedly powerful, almost none have crossed the threshold into Ultimate Class Devils, let alone Satan Class. There's a reason the 4 Satans currently rule over all of hell. Leviathan, Asmodeus, Belzzebub, and Lucifer. And especially among the 4, Lord Lucifer stands as the absolute strongest of the 4."
Sirzechs shrugged.
"I've given you my answer. And I know yourself and many other pillar heads see it too. A civil war will happen, but how long before it starts? Well, we'll just have to wait and see."
Lord Lucifuge hummed.
"And say a civil war does break out, I take it you will stand against the current 4 Satans?"
"Regretfully Lord Lucifuge, I can't answer that question without putting myself and my family at risk. You are still a loyal supporter of the current 4 Satans. I worry after everything I've discussed with you, you'll use it to justify an attack against the Gremory's."
Lord Lucifuge scoffed as he replied.
"If I wanted the Gremory's erased, it wouldn't be a large issue. However, I'm no megalomaniac, we devils have very low birth rates, and erasing an entire Demon Pillar is of no use to myself or any of the 4 Satans. Alright, I do believe we've chatted long enough. I was made aware before my arrival you're also to meet Lord Bael. Now, I have no more reason to be here, so we'll be taking our leave."
Lord Lucifuge stood up and so to did his kids. Then, Sirzechs and his parents also stood up and bowed respectfully as the members of the Lucifuge family teleported away. Immediately after they had left, Sirzechs was swarmed with concern from his parents. But seeing how calm he was, and that there seemed to be no visible injuries as far as they could tell, they let out a relieved sigh as Venelana chastised.
"Sirzechs dear, didn't I tell you not to cause any trouble and bring attention to yourself? Now you have the attention of the Lords of house Lucifer, Lucifuge and Bael on yourself. And that's just what we've been made aware of. There could be other households who have taken an interest in you."
Sirzechs shrugged helplessly.
"I apologise. I definitely brought too much attention onto myself. I should have acted more cautiously."
Venelana shook her head.
"That's alright. At least you are safe that's what's most important right now. Your father and I will join you to meet with your grandfather Zekram Bael. At the very least with us both being present, we will ensure he doesn't try to drag you into the Bael clan just because you carry his blood."
Sirzechs nodded as his father Zeoticus told the servants of the Gremory manor to stand guard and watch over the manor while they were gone. Once that was all taken care of, Zeoticus, Venelana and Sirzechs gathered outside the manor where a magic circle bearing the Gremory households sigil manifested beneath their feet's teleporting them straight to the Bael Manor.
-(Scene Break)-
[Bael Manor: 3rd Person Pov]
Outside the Bael Manor the sigil of the Gremory household appeared and out from it came Sirzechs and his parents. Upon their arrival, they were met by two guards, both of whom were at the peak of High Class devils close to breaking into the Ultimate Class level. They nodded in acknowledgment of the three present and stepped aside as the gates of the manor opened and out came one of the Manors maids who bowed respectfully as she spoke.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances Lord and Lady Gremory. Lord Bael is waiting for you in his study."
Zeoticus, Venelana and Sirzechs nodded as they followed the maid inside the manor. Once they arrived to Zekram's study? The maid politely knocked on the door, and only after being granted permission to enter did the maid open the door for the Gremory guests. Once the Gremory's had stepped into Zekram's study, the maid bowed respectfully, closed the door and took her leave.
Zekram took a sip from his wine glass, before setting it down on the table he spoke.
"Zeoticus, Venelana. It's nice to meet you both again. And just in case there is a need for proper familial introduction, Sirzechs Gremory, I am your Grandfather. Venelana is my daughter, and I am Zeoticus's Father in law."
Sirzechs nodded respectfully.
"It's nice to meet you Grandfather. And once again I thank you for your help with Lord Lucifer earlier."
Sirzechs words earned a sharp gaze to come from Venelana who stared between the two but ultimately said nothing as Zekram nodded, seemingly satisfied with Sirzechs reply as he continued.
"I must admit, who knew my Grandson was so talented and gifted that at just five years of age he's already reached the pinnacle of High Class, soon to break into Ultimate Class."
Sirzechs nodded politely as he replied.
"I thank you for your kind words, I'm honoured to be acknowledged by someone of you strength calibre. However, if I may, could I please request we skip all the unnecessary formalities and get straight to the point, I wish to continue on with my training."
Zekram listening to Sirzechs words raised an eyebrow before chuckling.
"You may be talented, but you certainly are still a child. You may not enjoy unnecessary formalities, however, being the child to one of the 72 pillars of the underworld means that unnecessary formalities are a must. Love it or hate it, you are born into politics from the moment of birth. If you spoke to other pillars this way, you'll not only be seen as immature and childish, but you'll be looked down upon and not taken seriously."
Sirzechs nodded as he countered.
"That only applies to when formalities are necessary. If all 72 pillars were careful of their political image, the 4 Satans wouldn't be so carefree and uncaring."
Zekram Bael hummed as he questioned the young Devil.
"And do pray tell why is it that you believe the 4 Satans can get away being so carefree, and uncaring?"
Without hesitation Sirzechs replied.
"Power. The 4 Satans represent the 4 pinnacle pillars of Devil Power. What use is politics to a devil who stands at the pinnacle of power and authority?
Others weaker than yourself will have to walk carefully around yourself, or risk death. Politics is good because it allows for diplomatic relations with others that could benefit the devils, but within the confines of the Underworld, power trump's all absolutely."
Zekram wore a pleased smile as he spoke.
"Exactly. You're thinking like a proper devil now. Our politics is built around not offending those of greater power to ourselves. And while it doesn't speak to the full scope of how politics works in the underworld, it's certainly a great simplification."
Both Zeoticus and Venelana looked at each other before their attention was returned to Sirzechs and Zekram.
"I'll tell you what little boy, I'll indulge your request and get straight to the point of this meeting."
Zekram clasped his hands in front of himself, his elbow resting on the desk as he spoke.
"I want to train you. More specifically in our clans Power Of Destruction. I see great potential within yourself, I can already see the future that awaits you. A devil who wields the most potent power of destruction among the Bael's history and of any of the three biblical factions."
Sirzechs looked slightly surprised as he questioned.
"That's it? I was expecting you to try and drag or force me into abandoning my Gremory name and taking up the Bael's name instead."
Zekram gave Sirzechs an amused smile as he replied.
"I don't have to drag or force you to do any such things. As you should have recalled, in front of all the young pillar heirs and Rizevim Lucifer himself I said you were under the Bael's protection. On top of that, my daughter is your mother, you already are a Bael in blood even if you choose not to accept formally accepting to change your name to Sirzechs Bael. Now, what do you think of my proposal? I may not be as creative as you are in how you use the Bael's power, but I have grown to a devil with enough power and influence that even the only remaining Lucifer respects me. I can offer to help nurture you to reach and even surpass myself, consider it a gift from your grandfather."
Sirzechs nodded in understanding as he answered flatly.
"I refuse."
Zeoticus, and Venelana remained unsurprised by Sirzechs words, but Zekram seemed more than a little shocked. However he collected himself instantly as he questioned with a calm yet cold voice.
"And might I ask why? Do you take me as a mentor not suitable to helping you grow stronger?"
Sirzechs shook his head as he answered.
"I don't doubt your skills as a mentor. I just don't want to be mentored by yourself, or anyone for that matter."
Zekrams eyes narrowed dangerously as he studied Sirzechs intently before leaning back into his chair as he spoke.
"It's less you don't want to be trained by anyone and more like you already have a different person in mind to help train you."
Zekram spoke matter of factly. And just as Sirzechs was about to deny his words Zekram's demonic power was unleashed flooding the study in an intense pressure. Zeoticus's fists clenched as he prepared for things to go south, while Venelana's gaze turned cold. Sirzechs remained unaffected by the intense pressure as well, the level of this pressure exerted by Zekram was no more than a high level Ultimate Class devil. It wasn't his full strength, but just a warning to Sirzechs that he won't tolerate lying to his face.
Sirzechs sighed in annoyance as he answered.
"Your right. I already have someone in mind that I want to mentor me."
Sirzechs words made Zekram look at the boy with calculating eyes as he spoke.
"This mentor you are searching for, they are outside the three biblical factions aren't they."
Once more, Zekram's words were a statement not a question. Sirzechs scratched the back of his head as he questioned.
"Is it that obvious?"
The pressure dissipated from inside the room dissipated as Zekram Bael scoffed.
"The fact that you choose to reject not just my own offer but Rizevim's as well makes it obvious that whoever it is you are planning to have mentor yourself must be of great renown, power and not of our faction. But you fear putting too much attention onto yourself, so you claim you prefer to be training on your own. After all, if not myself or Rizevim I see no one else capable enough to train you. So tell me, who is it? Chiron? Merlin? Parashurama?"
Sirzechs looked hesitant to answer before sighing.
"Fine, I'll tell you who it is I seek out to be considered as me putting my trust in yourself and your ability to not go sharing what I plan to say with everyone. Both as the head of the Bael family and as my Grandfather. The person I plan to seek mentorship from is Lady Scathach of the Celt's."
Sirzechs words earned a raised eyebrow as Zekram stroked his chin.
"The God slayer? That mortal woman who's spearmanship was so extraordinary she could even commit deicide through her skill with the lance, and her mastery over runic magic that elevated her to pseudo divinity and cursing herself with immortality? Hrrm, a fascinating choice for a mentor indeed. I approve of your choice."
This time Venelana spoke up.
"Will that be all you need from my son Lord Bael?"
Zekram nodded as he spoke.
"Indeed that is all. Have a pleasant rest of the day, I have work I need to continue."
Just then, the room to Zekram's study was opened once more by the same maid who had guided them earlier as she bowed respectfully. Zeoticus looked to Zekram who waved his hand dismissively.
"Fret not, nothing spoken in this study has been heard."
Zeoticus nodded trusting Zekram's words immediately. Zekram is many things, but he doesn't bother to lie unless it benefits himself somehow. After they all had left, Zekram hummed to himself.
'Scathach huh? If the boy can get her on his side, or even somehow win her heart, it will bring great benefits to the Bael. I can't wait to see how strong he can grow under the tutelage of someone like herself.'
-(Scene End)-
[Next Chapter: Onwards! To the Land Of Shadows.]