The Grade Assessment fades away in barely a few seconds after I give my response. Clearly, Anya took my words personally.
I didn't care much for it to begin with, the utter bullshittery I had to pull out against Mordred is enough to warrant an S rank in my humble opinion. That, and getting right back up after losing my own head. I'm sure I'll be losing sleep to that memory for months to come.
Thirty levels difference my ass. She was moving faster than Ludwig ever did... and that was with Duelist's Trance active too!
Stupid bullshit powers. I swear, if I go the rest of my life without seeing the name Pendragon it'll be too little too late.
Dungeon Rewards:
4000EXP (x9 Level Up)
x1 EX Skill Token
x1 Holy Grail Fragment
x1 Shard of the Roundtable
That's... bloody hell that's almost a third of the EXP I got for killing Euclid alone. Seems like I really underestimated the Dungeon reward scaling. 27 Stat Points, an EX Token, oh we are most certainly eating good tonight. Can't forget this thing, either... whatever the hell it is.
Shard of the Roundtable(EX):
A piece of the puzzle. The hand of fate beckons you. Will you answer?
Another instance of the System giving me the most surface level descriptions possible. 'The hand of fate beckons you.' Okay? Tell me what the fuck it does instead please?
No matter. I may as well get these upgrades out of the way before I leave the dungeon. I've long since gotten tired of the ashen world around me. At least we stopped the storm overhead with that final clash of ours.
Alistair Mammon
Level: 221 (225/450)
HP: 15300
MP: 10044
STR: 117
AGI: 130
INT: 120
VIT: 120
LUK: 100
10 to AGI, 7 to STR and 10 to INT.
I need to start respecting my MP limit a bit more, half these damn spells have a cost that scales with the defense of my opponents. I couldn't even use Gravity Magic against Mordred without taking a quadruple digit MP hit.
130 AGI Skill Unlocked!
Frenzy: Melee attack speed increases by 25% with each uninterrupted attack. Has no limit, but all bonuses are lost after 1 second spent without dealing melee damage.
Ah. Another Passive Skill that would have made the previous fight several degrees easier. Seems to be quite bloody common with these Stat Skills. That aside, I am very much looking forward to using that alongside Caduceus.
120 INT Skill Unlocked!
Burden Me Not: User can 'deny' MP requirements for a Skill once per day.
...how ironic.
Well, considering I cast Mana Engine close to a few hundred times while forming the Flesh Parade, I doubt I'd get much use out of that Skill in those circumstances. Not to say it has no value, it's all context based more than anything.
Though it would certainly be more useful if I wind up getting some giga-nuke Skill that costs a hundred thousand MP.
Oh, would you look at that, I just so happen to have an EX Skill Token! How convenient! I wonder what this will be?
EX Skill Token Used!
Necromaniacal: User can summon and converse with the remnants of a departed spirit upon casting. Costs 250MP per cast, lasting until disabled. Can only be used when in direct contact with remains.
Hm.
Alright, well I can already guarantee this is going to raise some eyebrows if I use this in public. In fact, I think this is one of those Skills that will net me a place on the 'top ten list of people who are very fucking weird' among the Supernatural Pantheons.
That is if I haven't already been put on it.
Anyways, it isn't quite the hundred thousand MP giga-nuke I was hoping for, but... I can definitely see the potential in this one. Maybe I'll even be able to talk to the Father one day if I make it past the pearly gates.
Probably- no, definitely won't happen, but a man can dream. I doubt He'd be willing to speak to me anyways.
Level 220 Intrinsic Skill Augment Unlocked!
Pestilent Propagation: After casting Death Wish, targets suffering from Blight will spread the affliction to all nearby enemy targets within a 3 meter radius of them. If there are any other Status Effects active at the moment of Propagation, then they too shall be spread.
...what the fuck?
That- that can't be right, can it?
This has to make Death Wish my strongest Skill, without question. Sure, the Freikugel is strong, and the Vernichtung variant has proven that twice over, but this...
I can cover a whole battlefield with Blight in the blink of an eye. No, not just Blight, I can poison an entire garrison of men with the Mark of the Devourer at the same time!
Would that allow me to absorb their Soul as well, even if I never technically shot them with Thorn? Would the benefits from Soul Devourer still apply? Could I not fire one round and lay waste to an entire regiment?
Oh, there is so much to be seen. So many possibilities. I can't help but shake in the hand with excitement at the prospect. Soon, I'll be strong enough to end a battle with my presence alone, strike fear into the hearts of my enemies. Ironically, it would only serve to empower me further.
You know, for all the faults, all the despairing moments and all the pain, this System has thus far been an incredible boon for me.
Now then. That's enough yapping. I think... I think I've earned a long rest after that battle.
------------------------------------
Saturday arrives in the blink of an eye. One of the most important days of my life, and it falls on the Sabbath. Of fucking course.
Today's been looming on the calendar like an omen, taunting me with each passing glance I take at the clocks dotted around my (Gehrman's?) home.
In just a few hours time, the High Council will be gathering to discuss the matter of Grayfia Lucifuge's innocence. If Zekram has kept to his word, if he's not sold me out for whatever reason, then the Council will be steered towards pardoning her of all crimes.
Any concerns I may have about how much sway he has over the Council can wait until today ends. As long as he keeps to his word and she is allowed to walk the world freely, I'll ignore the blatant alarms it raises.
Truth be told, there's far more than just the trial on my mind right now to begin with.
Going to Lilith means I'll be seeing Roygun again, and while im sure she's expecting some form of apology or reconciliation, I can't offer her much other than a 'you're very fucking shady, and despite your tragic backstory and well meaning words, I still trust you about as far as I can throw you'.
Her story is believable enough given what I've seen of Daimadosu, but that doesn't change the fact that she's working directly under arguably the shadiest man alive. Even if she did have the best intentions and wanted to offer friendship to a kindred spirit, it doesn't change the fact that she's a double edged sword for me.
Through her, I have an angle at Zekram. Through her, Zekram has an angle at me.
Hm. No, no, I shouldn't be thinking about her like that. She's her own person, not a tool, and regrettably she has far more thoughts and feelings than I can handle.
Speaking of handling, I still need to look at the letter the Phenex gave me. I've been so distracted by my training with Grayfia and my... 'training' with Grayfia that I've pushed them out of my mind entirely.
Oh, and that's not to mention that I'll be joining Serafall on the frontlines shortly after this meeting concludes.
...I don't even know what to think about her anymore.
All the times I'd forgiven her, allowed her to walk all over me like a rug and use me for her own ends, it wasn't so much out of hopeless affection as it was some twisted reliance.
Looking back, I realise that I've never properly addressed it but... fuck, was I scared when I first got here. Terrified, even. In the span of a few hours, I'd been resurrected as a half-breed against my will and was about to be tortured.
Despite everything that has happened between us, I'll always be thankful that Serafall chose to help me. Even if she waited for the right time, sat and watched to gauge my usefulness, I'll always be grateful she came to my aid.
I didn't even care that she'd basically forced me into her employ. Nor that she was sending me on a suicide mission with no hope of success. For a while, she was the only thing I could even slightly consider a friend in this shithole world. I grew to rely on her presence.
In my mind, I thought I knew her character, and that was far safer than the unknown.
Even as I was being hooked in by the most obvious honeypot the world's ever seen, I was happy. I thought I could earn her trust with good work, that I could enjoy the moment while it lasted and prove myself valuable to her.
It was naive. Of course it was. I make no efforts to deny that.
Now though, I don't even know where we stand. We've not spoken once since the day she caved my chest in and cried about it, cried like she was the one in agony against the floor, heaving with betrayal and pain and stupid enough to forgive-
...At the very least, I know one thing to be true. I won't be so forgiving should she try attacking me again.
"Master?" My companion calls to my side, hand quickly placed against my own. "Is something the matter?"
Breaking from my own thoughts, I see that I've drawn my sword without realising. My fingers are wrapped tight around the handle, with Grayfia's laying softly atop mine.
Caduceus has quickly become an odd source of comfort recently, an ever-present reminder of how far I've come. It's actually quite calming to hold a piece of my soul.
"Forgive me." I start, dismissing the blade and quickly taking Grayfia's hand into my own instead. "I was lost in thought."
My dear servant says nothing on the matter, choosing to lean her head on my shoulder and hum in acknowledgement instead. It doesn't take a genius to see that she's anxious about what awaits us.
That won't be for a little while yet though. We still need to get to Lilith in the first place, which is why we currently find ourselves in the back of a carriage, heading out from Aridaea. Brings back bad memories being drawn by a Korranar, I'll say that much.
Anyways, it was the closest city to Lilith that's allied to the Satanihilus, so we chose to teleport and set off from there. I'd made sure to hide Grayfia's face with a cloak she kept around before we left, but to my surprise it wasn't necessary.
Clan Gamigin must be very adept in the sacred art of kissing ass, because they've already ran a story about the trial yet to come - and they're quite supportive of Grayfia. Felt like half the people in Aridaea were talking about it, which means a shitload of the Underworld has no doubt seen it over the last few days.
'The Lady Lucifuge, Maiden of the Massacre, a victim of the same tyrants the Satanihilus had long been fighting against. A warrior against her will.'
They even spoke about me, mentioned that Satan Beelzebub's grudge against the Demi-fiend comes from our little spat in the catacombs beneath Lucifaad, after I 'stole' the Lucifuge from under his nose. They called me a hero, the liberator of Clan Lucifuge, Euclid's killer, and the first man to wound Satan Beelzebub in years.
I've faced down Ludwig the Accursed and stood tall, crossed blades with Mordred of Treachery, gone head to head with the Lord of the Flies himself... yet still I can't help but feel embarrassed when being spoken so highly of. It's strange.
What's even funnier is that Sirzechs never said a word about this to me. Clearly he doesn't want to admit his part in this, but he's the only one who could have possibly given House Gamigin some of these details. He's the only one I ever told the full story to, after all.
Of course, not everyone supports Grayfia. Most don't. 'She had no choice' just isn't a good enough excuse for the people that lost loved ones to her blade, but it's enough for some. She's not a villain that haunts the people anymore. She's a victim. Even if it's just subconscious, Devils are piling the blame onto Gehrman instead of her.
That, at the very least, should mean she can show her face without being stabbed as we make way through Lilith. I'll probably have to restrain her in some way for appearances sake, but I'm going to make damn sure that she stays at my side the whole way through.
I'm sure once it becomes common knowledge that she and I have been bound that such restraints won't be necessary. Then again, I'm also pretty sure that once the day ends, she'll leave Lilith and never look back. I can't say I blame her.
Before I can form any further thoughts on the matter, the carriage stops dead in it's tracks, my body lurching forward slightly.
Companion Quest: A Friendly Face? has been initiated! Rewards to be adjusted based on performance.
What? Here? Is this another Grayfia que-
Movement. Slow footsteps, and a conversation begins outside. Despite the walls blocking us, I can hear every word spoken. Immediately, I recognise the voice. Immediately, I feel a pit in my stomach.
"I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I'm here on some very special orders." She murmurs, no room for negotiation.
The driver, a man I've not bothered to acquaint myself with, stutters his affirmation and stumbles over his own words. Just a second after that, the door opens.
Grayfia's on high alert, a dagger formed in her hand and ready to be thrown at the intruder. She looks to me for permission, but I can only sigh and shake my head as our guest makes herself known.
"You don't call, you don't write. I spill my heart out to you, and now I find you with another woman. For shame, Demi-fiend."
Roygun laughs at her own words for a moment as she takes a seat opposite Grayfia and I, tapping the wall behind her to signal our driver to continue, all in the span of a few seconds.
She then leans back, legs folded, and looks Grayfia up and down, smiling all the while.
"Ah, where are my manners." She mutters, before offering a hand. "Roygun Belphegor. A... friend of the Demi-fiend."
Grayfia makes no attempt to accept the gesture, choosing instead to lower her blade and keep it held in her hand. Roygun doesn't even blink, her smile still wide as ever as she turns to me.
I can only barely stop myself from groaning as I rub the bridge of my nose, damn near hissing my next words.
"Why are you here, Roygun?"
Taking no offense to my obvious annoyance, all she does is smirk at me.
"What, can't a girl get out and see her favourite little half-breed?" She teases.
"I'd rather not be your 'favourite' anything. In fact, I think I'd rather you leave."
A mock gasp, a hand to her chest.
"And here I thought we were finally getting somewhere! How cruel."
Her smile drops, replaced with a sigh as she kicks up her legs and lays across the seat, head against the wall with arms folded.
"If you must know, I'm on babysitting duty. Lord Barbatos is worried you'll get cold feet and flee to your little hole, so Lord Bael has given me lovely task of escorting you both to Lilith and making sure you don't get uppity."
Almost instantly, I feel a headache coming on. Summoning Caduceus, I press it into the floor and rest my hands atop the pommel to stop myself from trying to strangle her.
"How charming. I'm so happy you've been chosen for this. Truly." I say, teeth gritted.
She clicks her tongue, waving a gauntleted hand in the air.
"Spare me the sarcasm, Demi-fiend. I'm just as aggrieved about this as you are. We didn't exactly finish on the best of terms before. Trust me when I say I'd rather be anywhere else in the Underworld."
Yawning, she stretches her arms for a moment, shifting them behind her head to rest on her hands.
The whole time we've been talking, Grayfia's been tense, almost waiting for an attack from Roygun. Her every breath is measured, and she stares at our guest with alarming focus. Either they have some history, or she's far more protective than I thought.
"You can relax, Grayfia. Roygun's not stupid enough to try and attack us. She's only here to be a fucking nuisance."
A muttered, 'of course' is all Grayfia responds with, her weapons disappearing shortly after as she keeps her gaze locked.
Roygun whistles at the sight.
"Tight leash. Though I'd prefer if you weren't so vulgar with me, Demi-fiend. I am a delicate maiden, after all."
"Delicate maiden my ass. A headache is what you are." I mutter, a hypocrite as I struggle to relax myself in her presence.
Of course, Roygun just laughs at my words. It isn't delicate, nor is it maidenly.
"Still as much a bastard as ever, hm? I'd hoped some time apart would make you more amicable, but clearly I was mistaken." She teases, hand waving in the air.
"You'll have to forgive me, I'm quite stressed as of late. I keep having these migraines that seem to show up when I least expect it."
She pouts.
"Oh don't be so prudish, Demi-fiend. You should be thankful I was chosen to watch over you. It would have been far less pleasant for you if Lord Flauros were here."
She shifts briefly, getting herself as comfortable as she can in a full set of armour and closes her eyes.
"You should get some rest. Today will be a long one, for all of us."
I can't help but scoff at her words.
"I'd feel safer closing my eyes in Bidleid's presence. At least he'd stab me from the front. With you, I can't be so sure."
She sighs in disappointment, and I feel uniquely pissed off by it as she turns her neck slightly to meet my gaze.
"I'd hoped you had gotten over that paranoia of yours, but clearly I was wrong. You're like a bird trapped in your own little nest."
"Oh, spare me the fucking poetry, Roygun. I've far more important things to be worrying about than your psychoanalysis of me."
She grins ear to ear, shrugging.
"Whatever you say, Demi-fiend. Your problems are your own to solve. Just make sure to watch that mouth of yours when you're in the High Court. The Council don't like vulgar children."
Sighing, I take Grayfia's hand into my own once more, the action more instinct than anything else. She says nothing, but shifts close enough to lean against me.
Roygun raises a brow.
"Are you trying to make me jealous? I hate to pull the wind from your sails but that won't have much of an effect on me, I'm afraid."
I scoff.
"Contrary to what your ego might tell you, not everything I do is with you in mind. I just want to make sure my faithful servant is calm and comfortable."
If anything, that response only causes her brow to raise even further.
"Faithful servant?" She mutters to herself, before her grin seems to grow tenfold.
With a surprising burst of speed, she clears the distance between us, grabbing hold of my sleeve and lifting it enough to just about expose the contract burned into my skin.
A blink later, and she's kicked into the side of the carriage, a blade at her throat and Grayfia seething in anger as it cuts into her skin ever so slightly. The driver cries in shock for a moment, before continuing as if nothing had happened.
"Keep your hands away from my Master you wretch." She hisses, digging her blade in further with each second, a drop of blood now trailing down Roygun's throat.
I don't think I've ever seen her so angry. I think... I think I actually quite like it.
Blinking away from my own admittedly questionable thoughts, I lean forward and pull Grayfia's arm back slightly, taking note of the shit-eating grin and raised hands of Roygun as her gaze flickers between us.
"My apologies, Demi-fiend. I simply had to make sure I wasn't mistaken."
Grayfia's dagger hovers above Roygun's neck for a moment, before she relents and folds it up into her sleeve. She makes no attempt to apologise, choosing instead to stand between Roygun and I protectively.
"There was absolutely a better way of going about it. You can stand down, Grayfia. She meant me no harm, she's just more stupid than I anticipated."
The command is slightly inaudible with my hand over my face, but she obeys nonetheless, taking a seat beside me once more as Roygun drags herself back into her own. Even now, she smiles.
"You've a very bad habit of keeping secrets Demi-fiend. If I knew you were a committed man, I'd have brought you a gift."
Oh, this is going to be such an annoying ride and it's only been ten fucking minutes someonepleasehelpme-
"Well, since you've already seen it, I suppose the cats out the bag. She and I are bound. I was going to reveal it to the Council anyways." I mutter, leaning back and dismissing Caduceus so I can fold my arms.
"...I'd keep that to myself for now, if I were you." She says, her tone far more serious than before.
Intrigued, I say nothing, instead gesturing for her to continue.
"The Council are... conflicted about how to handle the matter of House Lucifuge."
She runs a hand through her hair, sighing as she leans forward, hands clasped together between her knees.
"With Gehrman... permanently indisposed, and the only living Heir being Grayfia, they may just elect to split the Lucifuge's inheritance among themselves if they find out that she's bound to you."
"...Why exactly would they do that?" I ask.
Roygun looks over at Grayfia, almost disappointed as the servant in question flushes in embarrassment. A silent conversation seems to happen in the blink of an eye, before Roygun turns back to me a moment later, sighing.
"When Lucifer died, all the fiefs he had given to Lord Lucifuge permanently became the Vassal's, meaning they were now a part of the Lucifuge inheritance. As of this moment, that inheritance is Grayfia's to take."
Man, this is really testing my memory of medieval politics.
"But since she is now your servant, you, ignoble Demi-fiend, are technically the current suzerain of House Lucifuge. By all accounts, the lands and properties of the Lucifuge are yours to control."
...what.
Confused, and admittedly very happy with what I'm hearing, I turn to Grayfia for confirmation. She's red with embarrassment, unable to meet my gaze, hands rubbing against themselves.
"It was supposed to be a surprise for once the war ended. I didn't want you to worry yourself with the matters of my Clan's inheritance while you had bigger priorities."
Oh, you beautiful fucking woman, if Roygun weren't here I would kiss you. In fact, I might-
"I wouldn't get too excited." Roygun laughs, a smirk across her lips.
"In case you forgot, you are the Demi-fiend first and the suzerain second. Like I said before, they might just disregard your rightful ownership on account of your bloodline. They may even use it as an opportunity to split it among themselves. It's a surprisingly likely outcome."
Several pieces click all at once.
"That's why you want me to wait before I announce my binding to Grayfia. You want the Council to confirm Grayfia's pardoning and allow her the inheritance, so that I can then be uncontested on the matter."
"Bingo. That way, you can claim bias on their part if they try and take it afterwards." She says, smiling, a finger gun pointed my way as she does so.
All that remains is one last question.
"...why? Why help me?"
Roygun doesn't give a big speech, or a long, drawn out motivation. She simply shrugs, and leans back in her seat.
"I like to root for the underdog."
"Oh, don't bullshit me. I know you, Roygun. At least, I know what you've shown me. This isn't something you'd do for someone so flippantly. Especially not when we're on such shaky standing. You could have let me tie my own noose and watched me choke. Why didn't you?"
To my side Grayfia whispers that she wouldn't have allowed me to make such a mistake in the first place, and while I'm glad to hear that, it isn't what I want.
Roygun and I stare at one another for what feels like minutes, her gaze firm and her smirk as tight as ever. Eventually, she relents. If I had to take a guess, I'd say she planned to tell me the whole time.
"In case you've already forgotten, I know what it's like to be in her position. To have your life be controlled by hands that aren't your own. She and I are quite similar in that regard... except I didn't have a Demi-fiend to come whisk me away from all my problems. The only hand I was offered just so happened to be Zekram's."
She sighs, returning to that same laying position she'd been in prior.
"You're right to be paranoid of the Council, Alistair. They won't hesitate to undermine everyone else if it means they'll benefit. That's why I'm doing this for you. It's nice to see them lose every now and then."
Frowning, torn between being grateful and being skeptical of her, I choose to be neither.
"That's all well and good, but this'll all be for nothing if Grayfia isn't pardoned."
Roygun snickers for a moment, before it devolves into wild laughter. Looking at with a knowing smirk, she settles her giggles and hits me over the head with the truth.
"You really think they'd ever take the chance of losing the Demi-fiend over one measly Lucifuge? When they have Gehrman secured? The Council already decided to pardon her last week."
...what.
"So that deal I made with Zekram-"
"-was utterly worthless. You only showed him your willingness to fight for Grayfia, all while knowing he had Lord Lucifuge. If anything, you proved to the Council that they made the right choice, and exposed your own weakness."
I don't get to see the grin she wears for very long, as my head falls into my hands almost immediately after she finishes. Grayfia places a hand on my back, a shallow gesture of comfort as Roygun continues.
"Here's a tip, Demi-fiend. However special you may think you are, you're wrong. You're worth double - no, triple that. In all the millenias worth of Devil history, there's only ever been one Clan capable of such potent Healing Magic. You are something entirely different. Something far more powerful."
She giggles to herself for a moment, and as I raise my head I see her checking over her fingernails briefly.
"Honestly, if you weren't a half-breed, you might have been the most desired bachelor in the Underworld. Behind Sirzechs, of course. Hell, even with that human blood in you, you're still pretty damn high on the list."
Ignoring the sudden burst of pride I now feel, I cut in on her little motivational speech.
"If I'm truly so special, then why would the Council be so willing to try and sabotage me by cutting out Grayfia's inheritance?"
She looks at me like I'm stupid.
"They're greedy old Devils. Did you really think they wouldn't try and take advantage of a naive, young outsider with more power than he knows what to do with? They're practically begging for you to try and politic with them in the High Court."
...Of course. I'll always be easy prey to them. I suppose I should have known that trying to play the game with thousand years old politicians was a fools endeavour. They were laughing at me the whole time as I stumbled over myself, laughing and-
No.
I can't let myself be disheartened. When the Civil War ends, I'll be a shoe-in for the Satancy. That's when I'll get back at them. That's where I'll have all the tools I'd need to cleanse the corruption. For now, I'll let them watch from their ivory towers.
I'll let them grow fat with strength, to make them all the more vulnerable when their day finally arrives.
As for now... I need to swallow my pride.
"I see. Well, I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but... thank you, Roygun. I truly am grateful that you've chosen to help, in spite of our differences."
She blinks, gaping in shock. A moment later, she smiles teasingly.
"As I live and breath. For once in his life, the Demi-fiend has chosen to not be an asshole. I never thought I'd see the day."
Grayfia scoffs in indignation at my side, but by then I'm already continuing.
"I mean it. You're more than the hound I thought you were. Maybe this is all just some big plot and I've fallen for it, but... all the same, you have my thanks. For trying."
Roygun doesn't know how to respond. I don't think she ever even thought I'd be capable of apologising.
Eventually, she just gives up.
"...you're welcome." She mutters, barely audible and clearly flustered.
I don't even get a chance to tease her any further before she closes her eyes and pretends to sleep once more. Not that it matters. I got my point across, no matter how many nails it felt like I was swallowing the whole time.
The rest of the trip to Lilith passes in the blink of an eye.
Companion Quest: A Friendly Face? Has been completed.
Rewards:
750EXP (x2 Level Up!)
x1 EX Skill Token
x1 EX Gacha Pull
------------------------------------
I had thought that getting through Lilith would be the hard part. I was mistaken.
"Lady Grayfia of the House Lucifuge. You stand before this venerable Council accused of murder, treachery, and crimes against Ars Goetia. How do you plead?"
She stands confidently at the oh so familiar lecturn I've come to despise, hands locked behind her back with Manasceran shackles. I wanted to stand alongside her, but the Council were unwilling to allow it, so here I am a few feet away, watching on.
"Not guilty, my Lords."
The verdict was already decided. That much is true. But, if Ars Goetia wants to maintain their reputation, then they need this trial to be convincing. They can't exactly have a murderer going around solely because of her friendship with me, no matter how sympathetic she may be.
But why is that, you may ask? After all, the Council are the only people here. They shouldn't need to keep up appearances with themselves.
Ordinarily that would be true.
Except for some fucking reason, this trial is being broadcast for the whole Underworld and anyone with a decent enough signal to see, courtesy of the oh-so-lovable Clan Gamigin.
I have half a mind to strangle them. Either that, or send them a bouquet depending on how the day ends.
"Very well. The Council calls upon Helena Bashio, a Low Class Devil and once humble desk worker in Lucifaad. Miss Bashio, if you would."
A woman stumbles forward to a lecturn, positioned opposite Grayfia's own. The floor has shifted so that Zekram can watch both speakers from the side in his high seat.
"Of course, my Lord." She starts, fidgeting on the spot as her eyes struggle to meet Grayfia's.
"It is as you said. I was a worker in the offices of House Forneus before the Civil War broke out. My daughter and I were taking a stroll through the Phosphor Gardens when we heard the screaming start."
I have to stop myself from screaming by shoving a fist in my mouth, knowing exactly where this is going. Are they trying to disgrace her image as much as possible?! If not, then they're doing a great fucking job.
"I tried to tell her that she should hide with me in the Gardens, that it would all be over soon, but my sweet little Onenia refused. She said she had to help them."
Tears now begin to fall freely from her eyes, and I have to physically restrain my hand before I summon Caduceus on instinct.
"Minutes passed, and the screaming wouldn't stop. She broke free from my grip and ran out into the streets. I tried to chase after her, but by then it was too late."
She shudders, muffling a sob with her hand as the memories become too much and I can only grimace as it happens. Grayfia just looks like she wants the world to open up and swallow her whole.
"The only thing I saw on the street was that... that vile woman. She was covered in blood and knives and - and my daughter was gone, and she turned to me-"
The woman breaks down into hysterical tears. The Council elect to just wait. To let her cry for a solid minute before choosing to escort her away.
Zekram speaks once more after she's gone.
"There are a multitude of accounts just like this, from equally devastated victims. How do you justify these actions, Lady Grayfia?"
Upon hearing those words, my adoring servant turns to me, sadness in her eyes.
"I call upon the Demi-fiend to speak on my behalf for the remainder of this trial."
Brows raise across the audience. Grayfia steps aside and leaves the lecturn empty. Clearly she recognises the same fact as I do. I'm much, much more favoured than she is right now. The people will at least be more likely to listen to me.
Either way, I'm not complaining. If they're going to make me fight for this verdict, then I'll fight with everything I have, even if it means my own reputation takes a hit.
Standing in front of the lecturn once more, an odd feeling of familiarity running through my veins, I smile at Zekram. I'm sure everyone with a pair of eyes can see that there's no warmth to it.
"Grayfia's justification for the Massacre is the same as it has and always will be. The actions she took that day were not malicious, nor were they of her own desire. She was forced into acting on those orders lest her family pay the consequences."
He raises a brow.
"Would this be the same family that you have previously said on record abused her? The father that elected to prioritise his drinking habits over his daughter's safety? The brother who conspired to assault his own sibling? That family, sir Demi-fiend?"
I can't afford to show weakness. All I can do is grit my teeth and pretend I have a single clue what I'm doing. Fucking Devil legal system. I barely even understand earth's system, let alone this hogwash.
"Yes, Lord Bael. Her father was the primary hostage that Bidleid liked to use as a threat against her. He never bothered using Euclid on account of their fractured relationship."
He hums.
"Interesting. While this may certainly explain her actions that day, there's one small issue. It's all hearsay. There's no way to prove that this was the true state of affairs among the Lucifuge household at the time."
Hm.
"I cannot prove these claims. You are right about that... but I can call forward someone that can corroborate them."
Pleaseworkpleaseworkpleasework-
"And just who might that be, sir Demi-fiend?"
...Jackpot.
"I call upon Lord Sirzechs Gremory of the Satanihilus."
From his seat at Lord Bael's side, Sirzechs gapes in shock, before we lock eyes and something clicks. A minute later and he's stood at my side before the High Council.
Zekram's still smiling like a pig.
"The Demi-fiend believes that you can corroborate his story of the Lucifuge household. Is this true, General Gremory?"
Sirzechs, the beautiful, shining bastard that he is, smiles. Zekram's shifts to a frown.
"It is. For three months before the Demi-fiend's incursion into Lucifaad, I had been negotiating terms of surrender with Grayfia Lucifuge."
The audience is silent. It almost feels like you could hear a pin drop in Lilith.
"Through these talks, I learned of her unwillingness to fight, her remorse for the actions she took in the war, and of the familial chains Bidleid held her by."
Hissing, the Lord Bael leans forward.
"And you did not think to make mention of this? The High Council does not enjoy being left in the dark on such important matters."
I commit the sight to memory.
'The verdict was already decided' my ass. Roygun should've just told me to study up on fucking legal theory at this rate.
"It was an incredibly confidential matter. I couldn't afford a potential information leak."
Another pause. Another pin drop.
"Are you implying that this venerable Council is compromised, General Gremory?"
The man I will no doubt end up naming my firstborn after laughs and raises his hands.
"Nothing of the sort, Lord Bael! I do trust you all. I was merely acting in favor of caution."
The Lord Bael seethes, but he also looks... impressed? If I didn't know any better I'd say he looks damn near proud of me for catching him off guard like this.
"I see. My apologies then, General. The trial shall continue."
And continue it does.
An hour passes in the blink of an eye, spent trading accounts back and forth, going over the same story for the fifth time in a row now. I even had to call on Lareu Gamigin to back my claims up, using the Lucifuge servants he had gotten in contact with for testimony.
Time drags on to a crawl, until finally, finally, Lord Bael leans back in his seat and sweeps his gaze across the gathered Council members.
"The time has come for this honoured Council to make a decision. But first..."
His hand lifts, an open palm extended to me as every eye in the Underworld seems to narrow in on me.
"Sir Demi-fiend. It is undeniable that Grayfia Lucifuge has committed these crimes, though the matter of her innocence is still open for judgement. Should this Council choose to pardon her, how shall you ensure she gives penance for her actions?"
...I need to be careful with how I word this.
"Grayfia will give penance through service to me. I plan to offer my medicinal services to all those in the Underworld who need them, and to join General Sitri as she pushes into Loyalist territory. If she is pardoned, then she will join me as an aide in these endeavours."
This is what the whole clown show has been building up to. An official declaration of my allegiance and willingness to offer my healing in front of the entire Underworld. With this, the positives of Grayfia's pardon should far, far outweigh the negatives for everyone watching.
"And this service that you speak of... will it be in the official sense, as your Vassal?"
My mouth opens to say no... but a different voice cuts in before I can say it aloud.
"Yes. It will be."
...Roygun fucking Belphegor, the bane of my existence, smirks at me from behind Zekram. She mouths the word 'sorry' over his shoulder, before winking.
"Grayfia Lucifuge is currently serving as Vassal to the Demi-fiend. I've seen the contract with my own eyes."
Lord Botis gasps. Lady Flauros scoffs. Zekram turns to me, fire in his eyes. All at once, I realise she played me.
"Is this true, Demi-fiend? Were you planning to hide this fact from the Council?"
The cat's out the bag again. Time to improvise.
"Is there a problem, my Lords? You seem displeased by the news."
Almost immediately, I've pissed off Lord Barbatos, the barbarian of a man standing from his seat with teeth bared.
"Is there a prob- the sheer audacity! You forget your place, Demi-fiend! Not only are you an Extra Demon, but you are a half-breed as well. You have no right to rule over a Vassal!"
My fingers tighten around the lecturn. The wood creaks under my grasp. My patience begins to wither.
"I am well aware of my place, Lord Barbatos. You make sure to my remind me every chance you get. In case this Council has forgotten, my name is Alistair."
He seethes, leaning forward in his seat to intimidate me.
"You are whatever I say you are, and at the moment you are imposing on a matter you have no place in. The Lucifuge are bound to House Lucifer. There is no negotiation to be had on the topic."
The wood groans further. Cracks begin to form along the edges.
"Oh, well at least we agree on something then! The contract is burned into my skin, the binding is long since complete, and Lucifer is a skeleton in Dis! There is no negotiation to be had on the topic!"
Lord Barbatos looks to Zekram in astonishment, the Lord Bael simply watching it all unfold with a frown.
"I will not sit idle and watch as a childish half-breed takes the noble House Lucifuge as his own toy to play with! Lord Lucifuge would never stand for this!"
Whispers punctuate every word we exchange, the Council murmuring among themselves. All that noise vanishes when Grayfia steps forward from behind me.
She clears her throat before Lord Barbatos can speak out again.
"Master. Would you please free me from these restraints?"
The Council are up in arms for only a second before Lord Bael raises his hand, silencing the room once more.
Roygun watches on in mild amusement. I'm starting to think she just enjoys the chaos.
The shackles fall to the ground with an echoing thud. Rubbing her now unbound wrists, Grayfia stands over the lecturn.
"What is the Council's decision in this trial, Lord Bael?"
Intrigued, Zekram plays along, leaning forward in his seat.
"You are to be exonerated on all charges."
I feel a bead of sweat run down my forehead, but put my faith Grayfia nonetheless. She knows more about this than I do at the very least, so I can't be interrupting her.
"Then, as a free woman, is it not within my right to choose who my Master will be?"
He scoffs.
"If only it were so easy, Lady Grayfia. The Demi-fiend is not of Ars Goetia, let alone not of the Satan blood. In all our history, a Vassal has never once been bound to someone outside of the Unholy Bloodline. This is a very unfamiliar situation for us all."
"Hm. If that is the case, then perhaps I should make myself clearer."
A beat passes. Then, she raises a hand atop the lecturn, and summons a familiar blade. The Oathkeeper barely makes a sound as it is laid out for the Council to see. More importantly, the sigil of House Lucifuge engraved in the blade pulses with Mana.
The Council stare at it with open shock.
"As the current Lady Lucifuge, head of my House and the last of my Clan, I submit myself, and all that which comes with my name, to the Demi-fiend - Alistair Mammon."
She smirks.
I have to reists the urge to proclaim my love for her right there and then at the sight of it. I'm not even mad she hid the true nature of the Oathkeeper. If anything, I'm glad.
"I chooseth this fate of mine own free will."
Distantly, after straining my ears just to catch it, I hear the tail end of Zekram muttering something beneath his breath.
"- step ahead, didn't you Gehrman?"
He shakes his head almost immediately after, raising his hand once more to quell the outrage of the Council.
"It seems... that this is no longer a matter for us to discuss. The decisions of House Lucifuge are theirs, and theirs alone. The verdict is clear."
...the fuck? That easy?
Not that I'm complaining. Zekram's gavel smacks down with an endlessly satisfying sense of finality.
"Lady Lucifuge is to be pardoned for all charges. Her rightful inheritance as the Heir of Lucifuge shall be hers to command, alongside her Master, the Demi-fiend."
He pauses, thinking for only a half-second.
"In exchange, Alistair Mammon shall devote every resource he has available to the continued prosperity of the Underworld. From now... until the end of our people."
He stares down at us expectantly. Not sure what to do, I bow and place a hand to my chest. Grayfia follows suit.
"By your command, Lord Bael."
The Council rise from their seats and bow. We leave shortly after.
------------------------------------
The silence echoes as we walk away from the chamber, but I can't get my mind off the look on Zekram's face, even as Grayfia sighs in relief and leans against me for support, her hand intertwined with mine.
He was smiling far too much for a man that just had to concede the House of Lucifuge to me. To a half-breed. Why? Didn't he lose?
Ha, imagine if this was all just some big plot to have me announce my eternal servitude to Ars Goetia in front of the Council and the rest of the Underworld, and everything else was just a necessary loss to him.
...Come to think of it, that would explain why Roygun pulled the bait and switch on me as well. If Lord Bael is led to believe I'm hiding something so important as the binding from the Council, he can make a greater demand of me as recompense, like devoting all my resources to the prosperity of the Underworld forevermore.
...hold on a bloody minute, what was it she said, what were the words, it was-
"You really think they'd ever take the chance of losing the Demi-fiend over one measly Lucifuge?"
"Here's a tip, Demi-fiend. However special you may think you are, you're wrong. You're worth double - no, triple that."
"Did you really think they wouldn't try and take advantage of a naive, young outsider with more power than he knows what to do with?"
...he played me.
She laid out the whole plan, and I walked right into it.
"Master!?" Grayfia shouts from my side, jumping in shock as both my fist and the chiseled stone of the hallway shatter.
-510HP!
"That geriatric fuck! I should walk back in there and strangle that son of a bitch! Roygun as well!"
Another strike against the wall. Agony blooms across my knuckles, but by the time I can bother paying attention to it the Blessing of Yaoshi has numbed the pain.
"Master, restrain yourself!" Grayfia shouts, a hand raised to hold my fist back.
She gazes at me with blatant concern, my breaths heaved while blood drops down my fingers as they crack and shift back in place. Her hands rests against my chest after she moves forward ever so slightly.
"This was a good thing, Master. I know you may think otherwise, but you've walked away with far more than you had going in. A House to rule over, all the land in the world! And, and above all else- you have me. I get to stay by your side forever."
She's staring up at me, tears in her eyes, so happy and thankful and all over again I feel like I could fall into her arms forever, my body inching-
"She's right you know."
...Turning slowly, I almost don't believe what I'm seeing. Silhouetted by the dim light of the High Court, Roygun stands with arms folded and her smirk as wide as ever.
"You've got a lot of nerve showing your face after the shit you just pulled, Roygun."
Grayfia wipes her eyes and stands a foot ahead of me, hands low to draw a blade should anything happen. Roygun scoffs at the sight.
"After what I just pulled, you should be thanking me. The Inheritance, the lands of House Lucifuge, an official recognition of your Vassal, Grayfia. You walked in a commoner, and came out a Lord."
She walks forward, now barely an inch away from Grayfia as she lifts a hand to stroke her hair, one that is slapped away instantly.
"The only price you paid was a flimsy little promise. Eternal servitude, a devotion of all your worldly resources. Such vague wording. Old Zekky wants you to work yourself to death for Ars Goetia."
Her voice is low and sultry, her smirk never once dipping as she moves.
"So what if it's on video? So what if it's been broadcast across the Underworld? A contract is only binding so long as both parties are alive to enforce it, and Zekram has quite a few enemies these days."
Each step is slow and deliberate, her heels clacking against the marble flooring. Grayfia watches her like a hawk, but makes no move to intercept as Roygun inches closer and closer to me.
Finally, she stands before me, barely a half inch shorter even with her heels on. Her hand reaches out to cup my cheek, thumb rubbing soft circles against it.
She sneers. It's the most genuine emotion I've ever seen from her.
"Oh, you see it too, don't you Demi-fiend? The way they look down on everyone who walks through those doors. The way they snicker and turn up their noses at the sick and needy. The way they exploit anyone they can get their hands on. The Council has become a plague on the Underworld. Sycophants one and all. They think themselves invincible."
I raise a brow, but make no attempts to disagree with her.
"You seem quite willing to kiss their ass for someone so against their existence."
She laughs airily in response.
"Such a charming way with words you have Demi-fiend. Haven't you ever heard of keeping up appearances? I don't have the privilege of being a vulgar child like you."
I smirk.
"Oh, of course. You're quite good at that, aren't you? Keeping up appearances, I mean. Seems like every day you've got a new boot shoved down your throat. You fit right in with the rest of them."
She sighs condescendingly. My fist clenches and relaxes several times over.
"Something you'll soon realise is that I've never once lied to you. Sure, I've omitted the truth, withheld details, but never once have I lied. That's why you should know by now that I mean it when I say I serve Lord Bael only out of necessity."
Her hand trails down my neck, before I grab her by the wrist and stop her advance. She uses the opportunity to lean forward, half an inch away from me, her voice barely above a whisper as she smiles.
"Should you ever decide that the Council needs a... new set of hands at the wheel, then you'll find an ally in me, Demi-fiend."
I scoff, only barely restraining myself from throwing her into the nearby wall.
"And why would I ever be so stupid as to trust you now, Roygun? I'm sure you know the adage about fooling me once."
Roygun groans.
"Yes, yes, shame on me, shame on you. You humans and your endless maxims." She says, breaking away and waving a hand.
"Just think about what I've said. The Lord Bael has made more than a few enemies over the years. I'm sure you count among that list now. If you ever find yourself wanting to commit some regicide... call me."
She walks off almost immediately after, not even glancing back at me. She lifts a hand to the air, giving a wave as she fades away.
"Farewell, Demi-fiend. We'll meet again."
I think to call out, to try and gleam some kind of clarification as to just what the fuck she's going on about, but that would be a waste. It doesn't take a genius to realise what she means, about what she's implying.
Well, in truth there's two possibilities.
The first is rather simple. Roygun's a murderer at heart. Her own family were the first to taste the knife, and now Zekram must have wronged her in some way to warrant her ire. She wants my help in killing him and fixing the sickness that has infested Ars Goetia, born from a twisted sense of justice after she herself suffered at the hands of those in power.
The other is equally as simple. She's still acting on Zekram's orders, and this is all a test by the Lord Bael. Perhaps a trap, to push me against the proverbial wall and see if I'll debase myself to murder in retaliation. Maybe then he'll have an excuse to fix the concessions he's made with Grayfia and send me to the pits of Cain's Throne, all while reaping the benefits of my power.
Fuck me. Even when she's offering to help me kill a man, Roygun's a risk to my sanity.
"To so openly conspire about the murder of the Lord Bael... she's more bold than I had anticipated."
I can't help but laugh at Grayfia's words.
"You're right. She is bold. Some would say deranged. But she's not wrong either. Ars Goetia is infected, poisoned down to the roots. Before I die, I will cleanse the rot."
And Grayfia, sweet lovable Grayfia, the best thing that ever happened to me, smiles.
"If that is your desire, then I shall abide by it. I only ask that you exercise caution in this endeavour, and prioritise your safety."
Once again, I laugh, at both the absurdity of the situation, and her willingness to follow me into the depths of conspiracy so easily.
"Oh, no, it'll be a long while yet before I even think about shattering their gilded thrones. No matter how much I may want it, I can't act without a position among the Satans. But that's fine. I want them to grow fat with strength, so that they will be left all the more soft and vulnerable when I come for them."
Leaning forward, I place a hand against Grayfia's cheek and pull her close to me, grinning like an idiot all over again.
"I didn't even need to convince you. I just said the word, and you were willing to follow me into a war against Lord Bael."
She laughs, placing a hand atop my own and leaning against me.
"Did you think my vows were made so lightly, Master? I meant every word I said. I am your Vassal. Your sword and shield against all those that would harm you. An order from the Council could never change that. I am simply performing my duty to you."
...oh fuck it. I don't even care what the consequences may be. It should be fine as long as I don't mention the System.
"You never fail to make me smile, Grayfia. Clearly you were right this whole time. I should trust you, put my faith in you. I think... I think I'm ready to tell you the truth about my life before I came here."
Her free hand shifts, resting against my chest as she stares up at me with those wide, glowing eyes and a small smile.
"If you would be willing to share that with me, then I would be honoured to listen, Master."
She pauses, considering her words for a moment, before her soft smile widens and her thumb is against my cheek once more.
"Just know that I will always be at your side, no matter what sordid past you may have. To me, you'll always be my Demi-fiend. My Knight in shining armour. My Master."
Oh, woman, if I had a ring on me you would quickly find yourself being named Grayfia Mammon, you- No. Calm down, Demi-fiend. That can come later.
"I'm glad to hear it. Though... maybe we should find a more private space before I start spilling any secrets of mine."
I take a step back to move away, but Grayfia makes a noise of protest, a hurried 'wait' as she pulls me back by the vest. Now closer than before, barely an inch separating us, I can't help but tease her.
"Yes, Grayfia? Something you wanted?" I say, cupping her cheek and slowly tilting her neck to meet my gaze.
Her eyes drop to her feet, cheeks red as she mutters under her breath.
"Could you... could you call me yours? I was hoping you'd say something along those lines during the trial, but you never did. I just want to hear you say it once."
Grayfia's words start off slow, but end in a hurried mess as she spills her thoughts out in sequence, the woman herself an odd mix between being hopeful and embarrassed as she stares up at me.
She doesn't need to convince me. I couldn't even say no to her if I tried.
"If that's what you want." I start, clearing my throat for added effect, hand firmly held at her back as I pull her in and grin.
"You, Grayfia Lucifuge, are mine. My servant. My Vassal. From this day forward until the end of time, you belong to me. Your body, your mind, your soul. It all falls under my control. You are my property."
She bites her lip in barely restrained glee, and I quickly find myself to be enjoying this as she urges me to continue.
"In a hundred years time, you will still belong to me. A thousand years, and you'll still be mine alone to have and to hold. The rest of your life will be spent in my arms, and no High Council, no Ars Goetia, no Satans will ever come between us as long as-"
I don't even have a chance to finish. She practically leaps forward, arms wrapping around my neck. I brace myself with a step back and hold her by the legs as she locks them around my waist. Her dress hikes up her thighs as she adjusts herself, just enough to expose a hint of thick, pale flesh that I dont hesitate to take hold of.
I thought her eyes had a habit of glowing before. I was wrong. They're practically luminous now, filled with something I'd be a fool not to recognise.
Hunger. Overwhelming hunger.
"That's right, Master. I'm yours, and I'll always be yours, and now everyone in the Underworld knows it."
Her arms snake from around my neck to my chest, my face held in her hands a moment later. She leans in to seal our lips together and despite every cell in my body begging me otherwise, I tilt my head to avoid it, knowing I'd lose myself in her all over again.
"In case you've forgotten, we're still standing in the entrance to the Council's Chamber. We could be caught at any moment." I hiss, glancing to both ends of the hall in a panic.
My surveillance is ended quite abruptly, as Grayfia grabs me by the collar and leans in to my side, her lips brushing against my ear, teeth softly biting down into it before she murmurs luridly.
"Then find somewhere we won't be caught."
...If I didn't already want that private room to ourselves, I most definitely do now.