After our bath, Millicas and I changed and led the Lucifer retinue back to the living room.
Rias was the most shocked to see them.
"Souji! And the rest of you are here, too!" she exclaimed.
The man in the haori, called Souji, gave a gentle smile. "Greetings, Princess. It's been a while. We came to serve as Lord Millicas's escorts."
His gaze shifted to Kiba. "You're looking well, Yuuto."
"It's been since summer, Master," Kiba replied, straightening respectfully.
This was Okita Souji, Sirzechs's Knight—the real-life leader of the Shinsengumi's First Unit. A historical legend!
During the Beast Riot, he and Alice sliced through those massive legs with unbelievable speed. I still remember it vividly.
After the incident, I asked Kiba if Okita was his mentor, and when he confirmed it, I was floored. Talk about a small world!
"Hahaha! Long time no see, Princess!" the giant bellowed.
"Mind your manners with the Princess, Second," the man in the crimson robe said, bowing elegantly. "Lady Rias, you've grown even more radiant."
The giant exuded a wild aura, while the robed man was calm and refined—polar opposites, but both radiated insane power. The only thing they shared was their status as top-tier badasses.
"Second and MacGregor are here, too," Rias said. "It's rare for my brother's entire retinue to gather like this outside of emergencies. Escorting Millicas seems a bit… excessive."
Yeah, Rias nailed it. Why is the Underworld's strongest retinue crashing at my house?
Second, the giant, chugged a bottle of sake and blew fire from his mouth like a dragon!
Dude, don't breathe fire in my house! You'll burn it down!
"We were talking after the last incident and thought, 'Why not take a trip together?'" Second explained. "Figured we'd check on the Princess while escorting the Little Lord. Enma and Bahamut had other business, though."
Got it. They're here to protect Millicas and see Rias. Feels a bit like they're treating my place like a vacation spot, but… whatever.
"Let me introduce everyone properly," Rias said, starting with Okita.
"This is my brother's only Knight, Okita Souji. He's Yuuto's sword master. You all know the Shinsengumi, right?"
"W-Wait, he's the historical figure!?" Irina gasped.
Totally understandable. It's the Shinsengumi, after all!
Okita smiled at Irina's reaction. "Indeed. Back then, I was sidelined by illness and dabbled in all sorts of rituals to cheat death. That's when I accidentally summoned Sirzechs-sama… dressed as a black cat."
A black cat!? Why would Sirzechs answer a summons like that? So playful!
MacGregor chimed in. "Those rituals turned Souji's body into a nest for demonic creatures."
A massive beast appeared behind Okita—a monkey's face, tiger limbs, and a snake's tail. A chimera? No, a Nue—a mythical yōkai!
"This is one of the many yōkai inhabiting my body," Okita said, petting the creature. "I'm a one-man Hyakki Yagyō."
A one-man Night Parade of One Hundred Demons!? That's insane!
MacGregor added, "That's why he required two Knight pieces. During the Beast Riot, his yōkai handled the smaller monsters spawned by the Ultra Beast."
Talk about incredible. Not just a master swordsman, but a walking yōkai army.
Next, Rias introduced the robed man. "This is MacGregor Mathers, my brother's Bishop. He's a master of modern Western occultism and a founder of the Golden Dawn."
The church trio—Asia, Xenovia, Irina—and Rossweisse were stunned.
"I learned about him in church!" Asia squeaked.
"A legendary figure in occultism!" Xenovia added.
"Super famous among magic users!" Irina exclaimed.
"I'd love to discuss magic with him sometime," Rossweisse said.
I vaguely remembered the name from my high-ranking devil exam studies. Golden Dawn rang a bell, but the details? Not so much.
MacGregor chuckled at my blank look. "You don't seem familiar, Young Lord."
"Sorry, I just memorized the name for the test…" I admitted.
"No worries. Just think of me as a great mage," he said.
Pretty sure you're more than just a great mage…
His gaze shifted to Miu. "You're the Young Lord's sister, Miu-san, his Bishop, correct? I saw your magic during the Beast Riot. Those unique spells were fascinating. Would you share some insights?"
Whoa, MacGregor's asking Miu for pointers! Her magic's from another world, so it makes sense he's never seen anything like it.
"Sure," Miu said. "In exchange, could you teach me about your magic? I'm curious, too."
"Of course. Let's make it a fair trade, devil-style," MacGregor replied with a smile.
Looks like they struck a deal. With their magic expertise, that's gonna be one intense discussion.
Finally, the giant introduced himself, pointing a thumb at his chest. "My turn! I'm Surt Second, Sirzechs's Rook! Tremble! Kneel! Hahaha!"
Talk about a larger-than-life personality!
Rias gave a wry smile. "Second is a copy of Surt, the fire giant from North European mythology. You know, the one prophesied to burn Yggdrasil during Ragnarök."
Surt, huh? I'd studied a bit of North European mythology after our fight with Loki, so the name was familiar.
A copy? Like a clone?
MacGregor explained, "The Norse gods created a copy of Surt, but it went berserk and became unmanageable, so they abandoned it. Sirzechs-sama found him and used a Mutation Rook piece to make him a retainer. Hence, 'Second.'"
A Mutation Rook piece for Sirzechs's Rook!? Just how much potential does this guy have?
I was still reeling when Second sighed, blowing fire again, and continued. "Those Norse bastards left me to burn out in my own flames. Sirzechs saved me, taught me to control my fire, and now I'm the Underworld's strongest Rook, serving my boss!"
His words and expression overflowed with loyalty to Sirzechs. The guy who saved him clearly means the world to him.
MacGregor smirked. "That 'strongest Rook' went giant-mode early in the Beast Riot, burned through his energy, and was useless by the end. I told him the Ultra Beast was an anti-devil monster with insane regeneration, and we should've waited for Ajuka-sama's counter-spell to finish it off quickly. Your flames could've incinerated anything… if you hadn't messed up."
Ouch, what a roast. So that's why they struggled against the Ultra Beast.
Da-da-daaa!
"'Nothing can withstand my flames'… I like that!" Ignis declared, striking a pose with upbeat music playing from a nearby radio. "I am Ignis, the primordial goddess of true flame!"
"What are you doing?" I snapped.
Ignis switched poses. "Saw it in an anime and wanted to try it. And when it comes to flames, I'm the star! Let me show you the ultimate fire!"
"Stop it!" I chopped her head.
"No need to get competitive!" I said. If Ignis got serious, she'd turn the whole area into a scorched wasteland! She's a walking cheat code!
Ugh, my useless goddess… Can't she act a bit more divine? Though, I guess this makes her easier to deal with.
Point is, Sirzechs's retinue is stacked. The strongest Queen, the strongest Rook, and every member is a powerhouse. Perfectly balanced, too.
Rias glanced around. "Where's Beowulf? Just the three of you?"
The trio blinked, then said in unison, "Oh, right…"
Second started, "Yeah, that guy—"
SLAM!
The living room door flew open. A brown-haired man in his twenties, slightly out of breath, stood there in a suit.
"Finally caught up!" he panted. "You guys are awful, leaving me behind!"
"You're too slow, Beo!" Second barked.
"Don't give me that!" the man retorted. "You made me carry and send all that Japan merch back to the Underworld!"
MacGregor stepped in. "This is Beowulf, one of Sirzechs-sama's Pawns. A descendant of the hero Beowulf, he challenged Sirzechs, got crushed, and begged to join his retinue."
"That's it!?" Beowulf wailed. "My intro's too short! And you already introduced yourselves to the Young Lord!?"
"You were late, so we handled it," Second said. "Why're you wearing that stuffy suit?"
Beowulf teared up. "You could've waited! I wanted to look cool for the Young Lord as a fellow Pawn! First impressions matter, so I got this suit custom-made!"
"Beo," MacGregor said, "the Young Lord is already a high-ranking devil and King. His path as a King matters more than being a Pawn now."
"Oh noooo!" Beowulf clutched his head. "I forgot!"
Ignoring him, Second turned to me. "Young Lord, this guy's our errand boy. Feel free to work him to the bone."
"Uh, okay…" I mumbled.
Errand boy? Harsh treatment, man…
Also, I just realized—Gremory folks call me "Young Lord." I didn't get why before, but it's starting to click. Weirdly, I'm not weirded out.
Rias chuckled. "Beowulf may seem lighthearted, but he's among the top five Pawns in the Underworld. Before reincarnating, he even injured my brother."
Top five Pawns!? Dude's a beast! Looks really can deceive.
"It was just a scratch," Beowulf muttered. "The Young Lord's probably stronger."
"Don't ruin the moment!" he whined when MacGregor cut in. "The Princess was hyping me up!"
Lively guy, huh? Though, honestly, everyone in the Lucifer retinue is pretty animated.
"Well, I'm still Rias's Pawn," I said with a wry smile. "I'd love some advice from a Pawn senior."
"Whoa!" Beowulf grabbed my hand, shaking it vigorously, tears in his eyes. "You're so kind, Young Lord, unlike these jerks! Ask me anything about being a Pawn! I've got your back!"
Super lively.
Okita cleared his throat to shift the mood. "By the way, has Sirzechs-sama come here?"
"No, he hasn't…" Rias said, puzzled. "Is something up?"
The four exchanged cryptic glances before Okita continued. "Well…"
One day, Sirzechs was spending quality time with Millicas and casually asked, "Millicas, who's cooler—Satan Red or Oppai Dragon?"
Satan Red is the leader of Demon King Squadron Satan Ranger, a tokusatsu show starring the four Demon Kings. Sirzechs is Red, Ajuka is Blue, Falbium (Asmodeus) is Green, Serafall is Pink, and Grayfia… reluctantly plays Yellow. She's mostly dragged into her husband's hobby and rarely appears.
Sirzechs, of course, wanted his son to pick Satan Red. It's his role, after all.
But Millicas's answer?
"Oppai Dragon! His armor variants are so cool, and his abilities are awesome!"
Okita shared the story, and I couldn't help picturing Sirzechs smiling on the outside while crying inside.
…All I can say is, "Hang in there!"
Since Millicas started staying with us, Sirzechs apparently took time off and vanished. His retinue figured he might've come here.
But he hadn't.
…Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
I scanned the room and approached the curtained window. Grabbing the curtain, I slowly pulled it open.
There—
"…Millicas… you like Oppai Dragon more than Satan Red… sniff…"
A tokusatsu hero in red was radiating an aura of pure sorrow… and crying.
SHUT!
I slammed the curtain closed.
"…"
The room froze.
"Big Bro… was that…" Miu stammered.
"Miu, that was a hallucination," I said.
"No way, you admitting it means it's real!" Alice snapped.
"Let's just say it was a hallucination," I pleaded. "Sometimes kindness means looking the other way."
I didn't want to see a Demon King wallowing in such pathetic sadness! A tokusatsu hero, crying!?
And that vibe at the riverbank? That was Sirzechs in his Satan Red suit, watching me and Millicas from afar!?
That's not a Demon King! That's just a sad, sad man!
"Let's let him in," Miu said. "It's cold out there."
She opened the curtain I'd just closed.
"…Millicas… is Satan Red… not good enough…?"
Satan Red was crouched on the balcony, trembling in a fetal position, his sorrowful aura even stronger!
He's freezing, body and soul!?
"Someone get a blanket!" Miu yelled. "One to warm his heart!"
Sorry, Miu, no blanket can fix that! His heart's too far gone!
Second opened the window and approached Sirzechs. "Boss…"
"Oh, Second," Sirzechs mumbled. "I'm done for…"
"Get it together, Boss!" Second roared. "You okay with this? If you don't step up, the Oppai Dragon's gonna steal the Little Lord! Is that what you want!?"
I'm not stealing anyone!
What's with this guy!?
"Master Sirzechs," MacGregor added, "Second's right. This is your chance to show Millicas that a father's dignity outshines… certain other qualities."
Father's dignity over boob dignity!? What does that even mean!?
"You're right…" Sirzechs muttered. "What was I moping for? I haven't shown Millicas my cool side yet!"
"That's the spirit, Boss!" Second cheered.
"Yes! Time to unleash Satan Red's true power!" MacGregor added.
What are you guys doing on my balcony!?
Stop rallying in someone else's house! I'll call the cops!
"Big Bro Issei, you're up against my dad, but do your best!" Millicas cheered.
Thanks for the support, but not now! Satan Red's glaring at me with amplified sadness!
Damn it! Do I have to fight Satan Red!? Prove my "boob dignity" or whatever!?
That's when—
A flash of light filled the living room, forming a magic circle with the Gremory crest.
Only one person could show up now!
The light burst, revealing a silver-haired maid.
I mentally fist-pumped. She's the one I was waiting for! The only one who can fix this mess!
Grayfia!
The strongest Queen's arrival froze the Lucifer retinue, their faces paling. Satan Red was trembling harder than ever, outright terrified!
Grayfia gave us Gremory folks a polite nod, then shot a chilling glare at the Lucifer retinue, finally locking onto Satan Red.
She stepped forward.
That single step sent a wave of pressure through the room, making everyone break into a cold sweat!
Second and MacGregor scrambled away from Sirzechs. Are you guys abandoning your boss!?
"What," Grayfia said, her voice icy, "is the proud Lucifer retinue doing here?"
Shudder.
Her words carried a terrifying weight!
Scary! Too scary!
Reyna and Asia hid behind me. Stop using me as a shield! I'm about to cry, too!
Beowulf stepped forward, stammering. "W-Well, Big Sis, we just thought we'd hang out as a retinue for a change…"
"…" Grayfia's silent glare.
"I'm so sorry! Punish me however you see fit!" Beowulf dropped to his knees mid-sentence, cowed by her stare.
"You folded instantly, Beo!" Second barked. "Big Sis, we just—"
"…" Another glare.
"Sorry!" Second caved, too.
Grayfia sighed. "If you're going somewhere, inform me first. It's rude to visit someone's home unannounced. And Rias-sama and Issei-san are more than enough to protect Lord Millicas."
Her gaze returned to Satan Red—Sirzechs. "Sirzechs-sama, care to explain why you're in this town, in that outfit, during your time off?"
Her voice was low, calm, but brimming with unmistakable anger.
Satan Red shuffled toward her and knelt. "I'm sorry. It's my fault."
Of course he caved!
I knew it!
"Mom's the strongest, isn't she?" Millicas said with a carefree smile.
Later, Grayfia dragged Sirzechs away.
When he removed his Satan Red mask, his face was pure despair. He kept shooting me pleading looks, but I just closed my eyes.
No way I'm helping! You're clearly in the wrong here! Do your Demon King job properly!
Two days later.
Today, Millicas was heading back to the Underworld. The Lucifer retinue came to the front door to pick him up.
Before we said goodbye, Second waved me over. "Young Lord, got something cool for you."
In his massive hand appeared a toy-like sailing ship, like an airship from a fantasy RPG. It started moving on its own, floating in the air!
"What's this?" I asked.
"This is Skíðblaðnir, a magical ship from Norse mythology," Second said. "They call it a living airship. I got it from a job. It's super rare—only a few exist in the world."
A living airship! A Norse magical ship!
"It evolves based on its master's aura," Second continued. "Wanna make it your familiar? Consider it a gift for your high-ranking devil promotion. You've been fighting hard for the Underworld. Might not compare to a Dragon King, though."
"No way, this is awesome!" I said. "I'll take it."
Tia's more like my training partner than a traditional familiar. Having more familiars can only help.
"Does it grow bigger or anything?" I asked.
MacGregor answered, "Yes, and its growth depends on its master's aura and vision. As the Red Dragon Emperor with your extraordinary growth, it could evolve in fascinating ways."
"Turn it into a flying harem palace!" Second grinned. "You're building a harem, right? Saw it in the paper. A harem king needs a flying palace!"
A flying harem palace!? Now that's an idea I hadn't considered!
A must-have for a harem king!
…Wait.
"Hold up, Second. You said… in the paper?" I asked.
"Yeah, you kissing your Queen was front-page news!" he said.
"It was the special edition from your promotion day," MacGregor added.
"WHAAAAAT!?" Alice and I screamed, our voices echoing through the house.
How!?
That day… it had to be that moment!
Who—
"Mind if I record this? It's hilarious."
AZAZEL!?
That ex-Governor's out to torment me!
"Hey, Issei," Alice said, eyes glinting. "Can I go punch him?"
"Go for it! I'm coming, too!" I growled.
That final boss ex-Governor's getting a beatdown from the Red Dragon Emperor's retinue!
MacGregor winked. "Take care of the Princess, too, Young Lord."
I glanced at Rias, her face beet red.
Haha…
Soon, it was time to say goodbye to Millicas.
"Thanks for everything! It was so much fun! Can I come back?" he asked, beaming.
"Of course! Anytime!" I replied.
"Yes!" he cheered.
We shook hands, and his smile was blindingly bright.
Come back anytime, Millicas. You're like a little brother to us!
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
If you want to see it, then why not?