53- Noble Obligations
…..
It was the middle of the morning when all members of Shirou's household and Rias' Peerage got together for their departure to the Underworld. Originally the redhead expected them to teleport, much like when he went to watch the Rating Game against Riser. There would be none of it as his lover explained that previously he was a guest to an event.
Now he was entering for the first time in the Underworld in a more official capacity and he wasn't the only one. So Shirou, Xenovia, Liz, Issei, Asia and Luvia were all to follow the proper law in this conjecture. Proper procedures involved some normal things like making a passport and the more experienced devils assured them that it would be simple.
Once they entered a train station that none of the city inhabitants knew about, Shirou raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me that the Underworld is literally below ground." He was dressed in a white shirt and blue jacket with jeans.
"Isn't that how it goes? Hell is down, Heaven is up?" Issei asked with a red sleeveless shirt, carrying his and Asia's luggage.
"That makes no sense." Xenovia commented with a blue top that showed her sports bra and shorts. Durandal was on the guitar case she was carrying. "I flew on airplanes plenty of times and I never saw Heaven once. Griselda always said there were special portals to get there."
Chuckling from the side, Akeno, who wore tight white jeans, a black orange top with short sleeves to match her ribbon, explained. "Same thing with the Underworld. This is a special train station belonging to the government to take us there." She pointed to the tunnel, incentivising the three to lean forward to look. " That tunnel has a special magic circle that is directly connected with tracks in Gremory territory."
"But why? Couldn't they just teleport us to a checkpoint or something?" Shirou asked with interest, which was mirrored by the others.
"If the cities were open to teleportation, sure." Kiba had a gray shirt with a black buttoned up undershirt. He was wearing social pants and shoes unlike the rest who had sneakers. "There are specific magic circles for movement between the cities and they are only used on special occasions for safety."
"Because they have super boundary fields, right?" Issei asked after some thought. "Why again?"
"Night and day cycles." Kiba replied.
"I see, I see." The Red Dragon Emperor nodded in what looked like a wise manner. Except his face showed his confusion. "But isn't Buchou important?"
Akeno giggled at the Pawn's curiosity. "Oh she does have permission but the first time anyone enters the Underworld it has to be by train."
Issei could tell she was avoiding giving him a straight answer. "Akeno-san, why?"
"Security." Koneko said between licks on her popsicle. "Checking our magic signals and registering them." She was dressed in an all white with light coat, a beret on her head and a skirt.
"Exactly." Rias, who had a long red skirt, wine top with short sleeves that showed a little cleavage, added as she stepped forward with everybody's passports in hand. She was using black heels and unlike the others her clothes were much more formal. "Checking up new visitors like this guarantees that if any of you makes a magic circle for teleportation you can be identified and persecuted." She distributed the passports.
Shirou studied his lover's clothes for the third time that morning. "Are you sure we all shouldn't be dressing more… formally?" His clothes were good but Rias looked ready to go to a high society event.
Before the pureblood devil could reply, one of her Rooks did so first. "Don't worry, Shero. There are some things only a noble can do." Luvia was in her favorite blue and white dress with sleeves and gloves. Massaging Shirou's arm, she continued. "And as a Heiress of the Gremory, Buchou has duties to fulfill. I imagine our arrival was announced?"
"Yes, it was." Rias gave her newest Piece a grin. A box from her peripherals began to shake a little and she approached to tap it. "Don't worry, Gasper. I just need to look pretty and be seen a little. You all will be safe inside the carriage."
"Thank you, Buchou." The little Bishop's eyes appeared. "But why do you need to look pretty? You are always pretty."
"Why, thank you." Then Rias realized what the problem was. "Oh, this is the first time you are returning to the Underworld properly despite having been there before." Now that his sacred gear was tamed, Gasper didn't need special treatment anymore. "Well, answering your question, and everyone else who was asking, as the Heiress of Gremory I have a certain status that I need to maintain."
"You are going to avoid this for as long as you can to surprise us, won't you?" Shirou asked with a raised eyebrow and his lover just giggled. "I knew it."
"If you think about it for a moment, it isn't hard to guess what her status is." Medusa, dressed on her white and purple dress with many ribbons, commented while flipping the page of her book. "A king who calls himself king isn't one while the real article just needs to demonstrate their grandiosity on the right time to inspire loyalty and devotion."
Kiba looked at the title of the book and frowned. "I don't think you are quoting this one."
"The sentiment is still valid." Medusa commented with a smile. "What I mean to say, regardless, is that I approve of Rias' actions. An idol needs to present their best to the crowd."
Akeno giggled as Rias pouted. "But I am not an idol."
"I don't know, Buchou~" The Queen was happy with the glare she received, just smiling more. "Is it or isn't the duty of a noble to put their best face to reassure their subjects? In that, Medusa is 100% correct."
"Naturally." The goddess proudly adjusted her hair which Irisviel fixed with great care early in the day. The woman and her bodyguard had departed to the airport after leaving them in the secret train station. However that did little to dissuade a persistent thought. "You know it is safe to leave the box, right? We are going to Gremory territory, the center of their power. Nobody is going to hurt you, Gasper."
"She has a point!" Xenovia shouted, launching herself towards the box only for the devil to cleanly evade her. Instead of showing frustration, the bluehead laughed and charged again. "Get back here, Gasper~"
"Nooo." A cat and mouse chase occurred as the swordswoman jumped and raced to grab the box only for the boy to dodge in any way possible that didn't reveal his face. "Leave me alone!"
"Only when I get the box~" Xenovia's speed rose as the chase kept going.
After a while Akeno felt comfortable enough to comment "Gasper-kun is getting really good at running with the box."
Rias immediately began to massage the bridge of her nose while throwing a small glare at Shirou who threw his hands up in surrender. "Hey, you can't blame me for that."
"You gave him a game where a spy does insane stuff with a box."
"He asked for a recommendation, of course I was going to recommend my favorite." Yet he crossed his arms with some indignation. "Besides, you can't blame the game for it. Gasper just refuses to leave the box."
The former dhampir then dodged to the side, forcing Xenovia to crash into a wall. She wasn't hurt and was smiling all the way as the small blond raced towards his friends, stopping behind his King.
"The box, it is confort, it is safe. While here, I am the box."
Another glare from Rias had Shirou sweat dropping. "Okay, maybe it is a little of the game's fault."
"Humhum." Rias crouched and touched the box to stop Gasper from moving as Xenovia approached. "Okay, okay. You guys had your fun but the train is about to arrive."
"Is it late or something?" Issei's question made Luvia scoff.
"Of course not, you fool. The train belongs to the Gremory and our departure was expected. We are just waiting because Buchou needed to have our documentation sorted."
"Indeed and it took less time than I expected." Admitted Rias with a frown. "And you don't need to call Ise a fool Luvia. He just asked a question."
Leaning a little further close to the tracks was Asia who was trying to look inside the tunnel to see the train's lights. She was dressed in a green conservative top and long skirt that reached her heels and had a huge white bag to the side. The former nun began to lose her balance and was about to fall only for a hand to seize her shoulder.
"Careful."
"Sorry, Liz-sensei." The maid nodded, dressed in a jacket with a white marble colored top underneath and pants.
"No problem." Liz was happy to help as she took a seat on a bench close to a wall and Asia returned to look for the train.
"Rias, shouldn't Sona be with us? Or does the Sitri have their own train?" Shirou asked a question that was nagging him since they arrived and they didn't see their school mates.
"Kaichou left yesterday while we were enjoying our day at the beach. She refuses to be second to Rias on anything."
"Don't exaggerate, Akeno." However Rias couldn't really disagree as her oldest friend departed the moment all her affairs in Fuyuki were settled. "I tried to convince her to wait so we all could go together but she said that the sooner we learned our siblings' plans the better."
"But the day they gave wasn't until today?" Rias nodded with a smile that had Shirou chuckling. "What are the odds of Serafall having told her by now?"
"Extremely high." Quickly answered Kiba.
"Absurd." Koneko added, finishing her popsicle.
Luvia placed her hands on her waist and shook her head. "Don't underestimate the Leviathan. Perhaps she held back for due consideration."
"But we don't even know what it is, Luvia."
"That is why I am pointing that out, Akeno. Whatever it is, it involved two of the Pillars Heiresses. What is to say it doesn't involve more?" Already the mind honed for the Clocktower approached devil's politics with the same effort.
"I don't think Serafall-sama would 'cheat' if it was bad." If there was something to cheat, Kiba wasn't sure.
Instead of denying immediately, Luvia turned and raised a finger like a teacher in a lesson. "Perhaps but we can't forget that lady Sitri- I mean, Kaichou, will want to know what they are planning and that they gave us the same time limit to return to the Underworld." She turned back to Rias and nodded in respect. "While I am not saying it is something competitive or even a secret of any sort, I have no doubt both of your siblings want you two in equal ground for whatever it is."
"Makes sense, I suppose." Rias acknowledged with a smile. "But it is useless to speculate. We will know when we get there."
"Oh! Oh! I can see the train!" Asia called and everybody approached while standing behind the yellow line, Issei gently coaching the Bishop back as their transport arrived.
"It's a bullet train." Observed Shirou with surprise.
"Of course it is." Akeno commented while embracing him from behind. Her breath in his ear almost made him shiver. "The entrance of the Underworld is quite far inside the Earth and has many barriers on the way. If we go with anything slower it can take up to a month to get there." She made sure her mouth was really closed. "Then there is also the path throughout the Gremory territory for tourists, a way to show off. Even with a fast train, we will have time to enjoy the view."
Watching Shirou fighting to not squirm, Rias giggled and pulled her Queen back a little. "You forgot to mention that the exit point is also underground." Akeno jumped back with a pout as Gremory was unaffected. It just made the pureblood giggle more. "Now come on, they are waiting for us."
Just as she said that the doors of the bullet train began to open from two of its six cars counting the front. Already a full staff was ready to serve with the conductor himself taking the lead.
He looked young but that didn't mean much to devils and his red uniform was clean as he took off his hat and lowered his head in front of Rias. "Welcome back, lady Gremory. We missed you at the beginning of the year." He offered a hand and the redhead took it.
When the man kissed her hand, Rias replied politely. "Filac, it is good to see you two. Apologies I was a no show earlier but I was having some… disagreements with my parents."
"But they are solved, yes? That is great news." Filac stood and placed his hat back, turning to look around. "I see many new arrivals this year so you aren't just taking the scenic route. Is your peerage complete, lady Rias?"
"No, some of them are my magician and his entourage." Rias stepped back before pulling her lover to the front proudly. "This is Emiya Shirou, I hope you treat him with as much respect as you would me." She was purposely blocking Medusa from sight.
Despite her status being somewhat known it wasn't a good idea that too many people were aware of the goddess' presence. It wasn't mistrust that stopped her as she knew all the train's staff, they were all Filac's Peerage, but some of them had loose lips and with Khaos Brigade around they weren't taking chances.
"Of course. It is an honor to meet any ally of the Gremory." The man lowered his head respectfully. "Welcome to all of you who never embarked on our humble train. Don't worry, the Speedwagon's crew will take care of any needs and assure you a great trip."
"""""We are glad to have you!"""" All staff said in sync and many of them began to move to collect their luggage while others escorted the group inside.
While they were about to step inside, Issei couldn't help but ask. "Buchou… were you the one who named the train?" She looked back and just smiled while Shirou laughed with endearment.
The bullet train, affectionately called Speedwagon, looked like any modern bullet train that could be found in Japan. Not strange since the entrance was in Fuyuki, it made sense for the parts to be from the area. Painted in shades of red, it had only six cars with huge spacious windows.
Of the six cars, 2 were for the crew to work on and drive the vehicle while having space to stand in position or work in the kitchen of the third car. Because it was a luxury train it had one of those, stocked and ready to attend any of the VIPs that could show up.
The fourth cart was where they were about to embark and was one of the finest spaces some of them had ever seen.
"Woah, this place is huge." Xenovia knew there was magic that could mess with space but that wasn't it. While some magic was involved, the place was just built efficiently. "As expected of the Gremory." She commented while opening the guitar case, removing Durandal and giving the empty case to one of the crew. "Can we…"
"Help yourselves out." Rias gave the go that some were waiting for.
Their car was equipped with two tables with eight chairs around them and space for more. One was in the front, just behind some of the most comfortable chairs some ever saw, sets of four on each side with TVs in front of each, with cup holdings, pillows and anything they could ever want.
Didn't take a second for Xenovia, Issei, Asia and Koneko to rush ahead to place their luggage and enjoy their seats as the rest mingled in the middle. On the center of the wagon there were similar chairs but with no TVs and instead they were turned to each other, creating semi circles.
If one didn't use the tables for conversation then those circles were an excellent alternative while giving everybody space for their feet. Above their heads there were chandeliers with lamps that were locked in place by magic so they wouldn't shake no matter how fast the train went.
Those spells all around the train would make the trip comfortable to the point even someone who gets sick in transportations would find it easier there. Zeoticus wanted to earn his reputation as a great host with his hotels and anywhere else that belonged to him just as he had at his home.
In the back there was the second table and just beside it there was a mini bar with a mini fridge and some bottles. There was expensive wine and beverages that really belonged in a 5 star hotel, even with a barman with a mustache who was in position to serve anything from alcohol to juice. He gave a friendly smile and did a trick with a cup that impressed everyone else, even getting applause as he filled it with champagne.
"Any takers?" He asked with a smooth tone.
"I will if you don't mind." Despite looking young Medusa was not so she didn't hesitate in taking the cup and savoring the vintage. "Excellent."
"Just the best to the Gremory's guests."
While the group relaxed the crew got to work as they picked any luggage and transported it to the fifth car where they would remain. There wasn't anything special, just a place to put the bags in while keeping them organized for each passenger.
The last wagon was for any normal passengers that didn't qualify as VIP by the owner of the train. As it was in Gremory lands it belonged to them but any devil with a similar set up used in their territories. The idea was that since the Underworld demanded special clearance for teleportation, the trains could work on the ins and outs for their tourists.
Except only the nobility had access to it so only one wagon served to the general public who still had no access to such travels as of yet. It was a hope, a plan for the future where devils opened their borders a little once the danger was lesser and traveling was safer.
Kuoh's Peace Treaty was the first step towards that future so that wagon was recently installed but that wasn't known for the passengers as plans were still in motion to secure the peace and deal with the threats to come.
But Sirzechs was first a Gremory and his hope was shared by his family, his parents didn't hesitate to expand their train to one day accommodate more people who wished to visit Earth. Or those from there who would visit the Underworld at their own peril.
Either way the ORC group had no idea about it. "Thiiiis chaaaair iiiis amazing." Issei had just discovered how to engage the massage setting and he was loving it.
"Reaaaaly coooomfy." Asia agreed as she couldn't stop shaking.
"Suuuuper." Xenovia held Durandal in her lap as her muscles relaxed.
In the middle of the wagon, a conversation was taking place. "About what we were talking about before…" Shirou started but didn't know how to finish.
Rias waved his concerns away. "Don't worry~ You guys don't have to do anything. I just have to wave a little in the carriage and everything will be fine."
"Buchou is a celebrity in the Underworld. Not different from an idol-"
"Kiba, do you want me to bend you on my knee? Because you could use some spanking."
"Oh my~" Akeno giggled and turned to Shirou. "It is a way for the nobility to stay stable and in power." She relaxed her back, stretching in a way to emphasize her breasts. The redhead was watching but not reacting. "Since there was a good influx of reincarnated devils and many of them already started families over the last century, the rule of blood isn't as important as it used to be. Old loyalty can't keep the Pillars up forever."
Nodding her agreement, Rias allowed train speakers to announce their departure before speaking. "The pillars of the Pillars are gone, the loyalty to Lucifer died with him and Goetia is more or less a myth. Without those the younger generation of devils has no reason to not demand change." Which was mostly what her brother had to deal with. "However, Pillars control the government and have been good, for the most part, as a body of laws. There are plenty who are grateful, who are loyal, that destabilizing them would start another civil war. So we adapted in ways that the new devils could see us as leaders, not just hear about it."
Remembering something, Shirou chuckled. "Let me guess, Serafall's attempts of turning Sona into a magical girl have something to do with that?"
The other devils followed his chuckle before Rias proceeded. "Well, that was how Serafall cemented her popularity; power to rule the old devils, skill in negotiation to take care of her duties and as a magical girl the admiration of the younger generation."
"She is still far from an ideal idol." Medusa put her book down, interested in the conversation. "But I suppose I can't blame her since she was the first of her lot, an impressive accomplishment despite her circumstances." Her eyes focused on Rias, studying her dress and closely. "And what type of idol are you, Rias Gremory?"
"Now, now." Shirou leaned forward to calm the goddess. "Didn't you hear her? She is just playing her part to calm down the masses."
"Of course I heard, my protector. That is no excuse for her to not do her best." Suddenly the pureblood devil felt a sense of dread as the former Gorgon studied her. "Do you sing? Do you dance? Can you recite any plays? Why do you have your status?"
"I just… stand there and look pretty?"
"That is not enough." Medusa shot it down firmly. "A true idol must have an array of skills that can entertain the masses. You must show the value of your kingship with them."
"Since when 'idol' and 'king' are the same thing?" Kiba couldn't help but ask.
"Since always. The moment a king stops being admired there is only failure to come. Human History proves that." Her gaze grew firmer and Rias felt a pang of fear. "So, what are you presenting to your people to enrich their lives?"
Then the fear vanished as the question made her more confident. "Thanks to Shiro's efforts and my… cutthroat dealing with the Phenex, I have secured many riches and business to our territory." Rias said proudly and confidently, Medusa raising an eyebrow. "I took their fortunes and made sure it all worked in proll of my Clan's interests. That means jobs, better living conditions and opportunities to all who follow the Gremory. That is how I enrich their lives, by making them richer."
"And looking pretty." Akeno just couldn't help herself and Luvia almost choked on her water.
A raised eyebrow followed by a nod from the purple haired goddess showed her approval. "A new type of idol, one who works with both image and treasures. I suppose it is a benefit of the modern world." Then her eyes turned sharp again. "But I hope you are not thinking that just a dress is enough to present yourself to your admirers."
"Of course not. Just wanted to wait a while before putting on some makeup and jewelry to show my best traits." From a magic circle Rias called a box with collars and earrings. "What do you think?"
Medusa didn't hesitate to give a thumbs up. "They bring out your eyes like your dress accentuates your hair. Keep going like this and you will be a true idol."
Smiles and giggles had Rias blushing and covering her face as despite it being her duty to present a strong front she had no interest in the spotlight. In reality she didn't mind it but there was nothing for her to gain from it, everything she needed was already with her; friends and loved ones she could count on.
It was shown once again when Shirou massaged her back. "Do you need me to participate?" Some eyed him in confusion. Rias just smiled as Medusa nodded. "Since it was my invention that placed you in the spotlight, nothing more fair, I suppose."
"Perhaps if you sounded like you wanted to." Rias giggled at her lover's embarrassed face.
"Can't lie, remember." He replied with a shrug. "But if you need to-"
"Then I would have to bring my whole peerage in a stage, all of them presentable before as many people show up because of the news I am returning." She pointed at a certain box. "You certainly aren't suggesting throwing Gasper out there with potentially hundreds of strangers, do you?"
"Thank you again, Buchou." Gasper was shaking inside the box at the very thought.
Rias shook her head and patted the box. "No problem but Gasper… I expect you to leave the box to greet my parents, okay? Nobody is going to hurt you, I promise."
"No problem. I promise to leave when we get there."
"I am glad." She looked back at her magician. "Any more questions."
"Don't worry, Shero. That is the best decision to not step on any toes while also preserving your identity. For all of us really since it is too early for us to be introduced to the general Underworld."
Tilting her head to her Rook, Rias added. "Unless of course you want to march there and introduce yourself formally, creator of EM, Mage of Swords, Magician of Gremory~" Every word was a stab on Shirou's back and she knew it.
While a main contributor to her success, Shirou was just a magician to devil nobility and presenting him without showing her peerage would be an insult to certain circles. Despite her willingness to go with her family's wishes, that would be the kind of publicity stunt that could damage their relationship.
Circles made by the Pillars, some who adapted and those who resisted, would fall on Gremory like a violent storm to tear them apart. Her wishes were tolerated even by those who despised her actions because Rias earned it with her power and skill. That tolerance can easily vanish if she goes too far.
Yes, Rias had acquired her freedom, she could leave the Underworld and never come back without guilt but that was going to put her Clan in jeopardy. They were her family and she loved them.
"If you say so…" Shirou didn't know every detail but he trusted his lover knew what she was talking about.
Rias sized his arm and rested her head on it. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. This is just a little more attention than I had when growing up and this time, I earned it, we all did." She noticed how proud Akeno and Kiba looked while Luvia hesitated. She touched the blonde's hand. "And your name will be known as well, in due time. Who knows, maybe whatever my family wants can be used as a platform to show the might of Edelfelt."
Because the King was going to see her Piece's dreams come true, something Luvia would forever appreciate. "Thank you, Buchou."
Leaning her face in her hand, Medusa started to wonder. "How long does it take for us to enter the Underworld?"
"Well~" Rias began.
"We are already in the Underworld~" Akeno finished as both of them looked outside, prompting the others to do the same.
The timing was almost perfect because soon enough they left the tunnel and the first view they had was of forest and mountains under a night sky. Every new member of the ORC left their seat to take a look at the view as the train slowed down slightly. This was their first time in the Underworld and there was no rush, Rias wanted them all to take the view.
To say it wasn't what most of them expected was an understanding. "Wasn't this place kinda like Hell?" Issei asked as he took the view in. "WIth lava and stuff."
"Most of it is like that but we need water too." Rias had already explained but could understand the confusion. Last time her younger Pieces were there they stayed in the castle alone and it was short. "A natural water source makes it easier to survive, magic ends up being used for other things. Then there was the matter of expansion. While most of the Underworld is a vision of hell, us Gremory made sure our territory was the best for any endeavor and is one of the leading Clans when it comes to food. The leading one in riches."
"Of course some of it was due to luck, but also good investments." Akeno chipped in and Rias nodded in agreement.
"There are no stars." Asia commented with some sadness while staring at the purple sky. "Are we-"
"No, despite the name 'Underworld' this is a whole separate dimension." Rias felt the need to remind her. "It is just… empty I suppose. There is no space and the world doesn't spin or anything."
"One of the many mysteries that no magician dares to try and comprehend." Luvia commented with a frown. She looked down, trying to not think about the implications if this was her home dimension. "But still, this is a lot of forest. Did you guys use spells to expand the area?"
Rias was happy to change the subject. "Terraforming was first done by devils and fortunately the natural life here is like us; attuned to darkness."
"I suppose some areas have sunlight for certain plants? And their own boundary field?"
"Exactly, a more recent development and one my Clan has nothing to do with since the sun makes devils sleepy." The Clan that started that was still considered insane but when other races began to make alliances and move in they got a neat profit.
Then again they were the ones with the Power of Time. It spoke a lot about the Agares Clan and was one of the reasons why their heiress could 'rub shoulders' with siblings of a Maou.
Akeno noticed the omission of some information and added. "We are already inside the boundary field by the way. It is night because it is invisible but once it is day then you all will see the lights turn on." She smiled at Rias pout, she wanted to surprise them. "Despite that, don't expect to see devils out and about in the middle of the day."
"Tiiiiime tooooo goooo toooo beeeeeeed." Koneko commented, still enjoying the chair.
"But when did we arrive?" Medusa asked, studying her mana curiously. "I didn't feel a thing. Did they already register our mana?"
"You can bet they did. Now if one of you breaks the law and manages to teleport they will know the Gremory invited you all." Rias informed the goddess with a smile. "While mana is how you present your identity in the Underworld, it is up to you to register more deeply for a longer stay. If you chose to, of course."
"Fair but I didn't feel the transition between dimensions." Medusa sounded distressed. She wondered if it was some failing on her part.
The sole Knight of Gremory shrugged as he never thought about it. "I think it is because they didn't want to bother us?"
"Exactly. The goal is to one day make travel between dimensions more accessible." Rias snapped her fingers in approval.
"So they made sure it wouldn't bother their guests." Shirou understood, also deducing it was an opportunity for the Gremory as not all Clans will have transportation.
An untapped tourism with Earth inhabitants traveling to the Underworld and vice versa, giving a steady margin of profit in the first years thanks to those that would make the trip from curiosity alone.
Then once travel had settled down, the Gremory also had their hotel chain to support it so it was a stable avenue of profit once things kept going.
Surely SIrzechs' parents approved of his plan and were trying to help but they didn't become one of the richest Clans, now the richest with the Phenex under their boot, by letting opportunities pass by.
After a few seconds admiring the landscape, Medusa's next inquiry came. "About these boundary fields, are they divided by territory or they cover the whole Underworld."
"There was no way to cover the whole world, most of it is unexplored." Rias then stopped to think. "They are managed by the main body of the government so there is no abuse but the Clans take care of maintenance, charging the magic circles, checking the ley lines. The average ones are weaker than Kuoh's by the way." Just to give an example.
Much like Earth, the Underworld also had its own mana and ley lines and in the beginning they were essential to help devils prosper on a savage landscape. It was also the reason why even after the old regime fell the old capital wasn't abandoned but repurposed because it was one of the strongest and most accessible ley lines.
All that was interesting to Medusa who hummed a little before deciding to research more later. "Are there any good libraries you can recommend?"
"Not really." She tried to sound dismissive and relaxed.
And once again Akeno saw her chance. "She is more of a rich kid with a lot of books in her house than most libraries. Most of which she never read. Even your collection back home pales to the accumulated knowledge on the Gremory Castle."
When both saw Medusa's eyes shining, both grew concerned that the goddess would never leave once they arrived.
"That castle?" Luvia asked with a finger on her chin. At a distance there was a huge castle with many towers and a lot of space around it. In that space there was a city, small but visible and it wasn't where they were going which she found odd. "Are we going to stop somewhere before going there?"
"The Gremory Village around the Castle is too small for a reception or a train station." Rias clarified. "So we are going to the capital of Gremory territory and from there we will go in a parade to the castle."
Shirou turned to his lover, surprised. "Weren't you just going to 'stand there and look pretty'? I thought it was just to wave a little and then we would get going."
"My parents insisted on a parade with escorts and everything to show everyone 'the Gremory who brought down the Phenex.'" She commented while making quotes, clearly not really liking the situation.
Which her oldest Pieces found funny. "Also to show off the Crimson Haired Ruin Princess." Kiba reminded his King who groaned. "Weren't you teasing Shirou-kun about his title~" Akeno sang in her ear and got a pout in response. "Not like the title is unearned."
"Happy about it actually, I love remembering how we put Riser in his place." Admitted Rias which had Akeno giggling. "But I just wished that my parents… they made it so awkward." Had she not had her hair done for the parade then she would have messed it up in frustration. "They demand that it is placed in every document I have to sign, my cousin sent me a picture of a poster of me with it in bold letters, they spread it around to any who wanna hear and just don't let it go."
Shirou gave Rias a hug, completely understanding her frustrations. "There, there."
While the pureblood devil brooded a little, everyone relaxed or admired the view. Some of them even managed to catch a glimpse of some form of bird with a huge beak flying or other creatures. The train had slowed down enough that it was clearly a tourist transportation instead of a practical vehicle.
However there was enjoyment on the ride and there was no rush as soon a new city showed up on the horizon, a much bigger city but not in the way most of them expected.
It was Xenovia who voiced her wonder first. "Those buildings are so tall."
Skyscrapers everywhere as far as it could be seen but they were odd compared to the ones in Fuyuki or anywhere on Earth. Every single floor had balconies the size of houses if not bigger growing smaller with each floor even if the top ones were still big.
Those with better vision could already see devils and griffins with riders going to one side or another even if the details were scarce. All they could make off was that people flew everywhere and landed in any place. Families and loners alike dominated the sky where on Earth it would have been birds and such.
The veteran devils were willing to let everybody else gasp at the site of the city until the intercom beeped. *Welcome to the capital of Gremory, Runeas.*
"Runeas…" Shirou had heard the name before, turning to a smiling Rias. "Isn't that the name of your ancestor? The First Gremory?"
Everyone else turned to the King who was amused. "Correct. It is tradition to name the capitals after our progenitors. The new capital is Lilith and Zekram lives in Zekram." By her chuckle there was a joke that even Akeno didn't understand.
"Buchou, if I may ask, how destroyed was the original capital that they had to move it in the first place?" Luvia could only imagine the hassle of such an event since it could generate new problems if done unnecessarily.
And wasn't disappointed when Rias replied. "My brother told me they tried to avoid destroying it but nobody had any hope of capturing it intact. When the Underworld Civil War ended they repurposed it into a center for Rating Games."
Those more politically aware knew the significance of such a move; the capital of the old regime was seized and destroyed but instead of abandoned it was turned into a symbol with many purposes.
By how Katerea acted they all knew the Evil Piece Initiative was seen in a negative light by the Old Satan Faction, turning their former center of power into the place where the new policy would be glorified.
Hearts and minds went a long way into affirming something like a government and symbols always had power. And it was a powerful message from the New Satan Faction that told everyone they were in control while giving the population a place to watch their success in the form of entertainment.
Finally the train arrived at the station with a boundary field rippling to receive it. Just before it went inside the passengers observed how hundreds of people were around the building with signs and banners. They all turned to Rias who just smiled confidently.
"Are you really just going to stand there and look pretty?" Shirou ended up asking with some concern.
"You will see." Then her face fell a little. "But I really would have kept the deal with the Phenex under the table if I knew people would love it that much."
"That would have been terrible." Luvia shook her head in pure denial as the train began to stop. "You are reassuring your subjects of your competency while giving them a better life. If human kings had the same success before even rising to the throne then monarchs would be more common back on Earth."
Before there was a reply the train stopped and someone wasted no time to barge in. "Rias-chan!" A boisterous girl's voice filled the wagon and caught everyone's attention.
Almost no one could hear or see her move but someone still reacted. "Souji-neechan!" The King was quickly enveloped in a hug by a young woman dressed in pink, a taisho style kimono and a hakama of a deeper shade.
By the sound of her steps Shirou would have realized she was using boots but was too focused or entranced by her face. 'It is the same but… different somehow.' For the second time in the span of a month he found himself before an identical girl to Artoria Pendragon.
Of course there were differences both in his perception and the girl himself. Unlike that day in Kuoh the redhead wasn't as entranced or stunned, something inside him noticing disparities before his eyes did.
The ahoge was off, tilted in the wrong direction, her hair was a lighter shade of blond with a black ribbon holding a small tail and while the sharp face was an exact match it carried a carefreeness that had no place on a king's or even on Altria's.
Instead there was some sort of naivety or innocence that was hard to puzzle, reminding Shirou of Xenovia who stood there just as stunned as him. Actually most of their group just stood there in bewilderment as the new arrival showed her affection for Rias while the veteran devils looked amused and happy to see her.
"Look at you, all grown up! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too. Sorry I couldn't visit more."
"No, I get. You were dealing with your parents, that is something every child has to do sooner or later in life. But look at that, you are a grown woman now." The woman took a step to study the pureblood with a satisfied smile. "Nee, nee. Was my home country good to you? Did you manage to see the sakura during spring? Later you have to tell me everything!"
During his analyses, Shirou's mind began to spin. 'Wait a moment, wasn't her name-'
"Akeno-chan! How have you been?" The blond woman jumped from Rias to quickly embrace Akeno who smiled and returned the gesture. Then she took a step back and looked down before pouting. "Did they get bigger again?"
"Fufufufu. I can't help it." Still the two shared another hug. "I am glad to see you again, Souji-chan."
"Same, same. When Beowulf told me he managed to snag a mission to Fuyuki to see you all, moooooouuuuuuu~ I wish I was there and not dealing with a bandit village that day and missed that chance. But I am so glad you all look well." It was Kiba's turn to be hugged but then she pushed him away from his shoulders and began to study his face. "And you… you look great!" Okita announced with a great deal of pride as she moved around and studied his form before grasping his hands. "There is less tension in you. Even your hands are better taken care of despite your muscles having gained more consistency."
"It is good to see you too, Sensei." Kiba stepped back and did a formal bow that had the woman laughing before she returned it.
"Still well disciplined but more relaxed. Did you finally put your ghosts to rest?" The smile she received was the only answer she needed. "Then I am glad." Looking around excitedly, she turned to Rias with a pout. "Where is Koneko-chan?"
"Still enjoying the massage chair." Everyone turned to see the little Rook thumbs up. "Koneko, come say hi to Souji-neechan."
"Hiiiiiiiiiiiii." There was no way Koneko was abandoning her chair until it was time to leave.
Still Okita was happy hearing the former nekomata before turning to everyone she hadn't met just yet, studying them one by one until her eyes finally landed on Shirou and Issei, the former growing stiff, not knowing what to do while the latter stood with his back straight like a soldier.
Both had opinions of the person before them and in Issei's case it was mostly the name. "I am sorry but… are you really Okita Souji? From the Shinsengumi?" While not a great student he was well aware of his History.
"That is right! Former Commander of the First Unit of the Shinsengumi, now the sole Knight of Sirzechs Lucifer, Okita Souji, at your service." Her posture grew firmer but there was still a smile as she bowed, Shirou and Issei reciprocating. When she raised her eyes were shining. "It is always nice to meet my countrymen and let me thank you two for taking care of Rias-chan."
"Su-sure, no problem." Issei managed to reply but Shirou remained mute. "But… weren't you a man?"
"Well everyone seemed to think I was always a guy that looked a bit girly." Okita massaged her chin with a great deal of amusement. "Not that it matters since the only thing Shinsengumi needed was my blade and dedication!"
"Your face…" Shirou muttered, getting everyone's attention. Noticing that he shook his head. "Sorry but did you have any… descendants or perhaps European ancestry?"
"Is the hair right? Everybody is always asking that." She scratched her cheek with mild embarrassment. "But nope, 100% Japanese… well now a Japanese devil but I never forgot my roots." She bowed her head again. "Finally I have a chance to talk to you, Emiya-san. Thank you for the sword."
It was only then that Shirou noticed the two weapons, two katanas with black handles and sheaths. One of them was a weapon he never saw but his Reality Marble quickly informed him it was Okita's elder blade that had some particular specifications. Specifications he was familiar with and were identical to the other weapon, his creation.
When he was starting his work for Rias, Shirou had made such a weapon upon her request to both show his skill in the Underworld with a weapon in the hands of someone famous but also because his lover held her in the highest esteem and wanted to give her a sword worthy of her skill.
Already a new version of the sword appeared in his Reality Marble, one used to its limits from what he could tell.
"Man, I can't wait to speak with you all later." Okita began to move on when…
"Can I see that sword?" Shirou held his hand with a soft expression.
Blinking a little, Okita turned to Rias who shrugged. "It is your sword, remember. That said, I don't think Shiro wants it back."
Okita turned around in embarrassment. "No, I wasn't accusing him of something so erroneous. Sure he can see my sword." She removed it from her waist and offered it with respect. Shirou was the smith who gifted it to her, after all. "Here."
"Thank you." With a flawless motion that had Okita nodding in appreciation, she began to move ahead to talk with Asia while the redhead studied the blade closely. He didn't need Reinforcement to know it was close to breaking down. 'You took a lot of lives, didn't you?'
A part of him didn't know how to feel since his creation was responsible for the demise of many people, devils for the most part but there were some humans, fallen angels, monsters and a lot of creatures that he never saw but the blade informed him nonetheless.
However most of him was pleased because not a single life was taken in cruelty or for fun, just out of duty. Chances were given, more than a warning went ignored before the choice was made and life really taken. She never risked the life of her subordinates and the enemies were always too dangerous to be taken alive.
Through this sword that he never bothered to give a name, a regret Shirou didn't have until that moment, the young smith came to understand how harsh the Underworld was and how much work it was still being done after the Civil War.
With that understanding and with the many lives taken, Shirou could understand how the blade came to such a poor condition despite being well taken care of.
Blood, fat, bones, not even mentioning the defenses it had to cut through had damaged its edge little by little. Other smiths worked diligently to keep it shining and Okita herself dedicated a good part of her mornings to maintaining it. Yet this weapon wasn't a Noble Phantasm, not even close, it was bound to break sooner or later.
It was still used with honor and respect by a warrior of great skill as he could see how Okita Souji danced on the battlefield dozens of times with precise strikes that made him a little jealous in a good way.
Shirou's hand came to the blade and as his Ki made sure he was unharmed he moved from the handle to the tip, mana dancing in his finger. Mana flowed into the weapon as he used Reinforcement to fix the microscopic cracks and defects born out of use. Nothing that the naked eye could see but as the maker of that weapon he knew it better than anyone.
Soon enough all damage was filled with mana and it would last a bit longer but Shirou still made a mental note about the weapon.
He turned just as Okita was finishing her greeting with Liz, shaking the maid's hand at a fast speed as the taller woman failed to compete with the devil's energy. "Here." Stopping to turn to Shirou, the woman's eyes grew wide immediately as she noticed the mana circulating on the weapon. "This is just a patch up but it will hold for a while longer. If you want I can make you another sword later."
"Really?!" Okita moved over and grasped her weapon and sheath, studying the katana with a pleasant grin. Then she turned to Shirou with a smile full of bliss. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your sword has helped me a lot and I can't wait for another."
Chuckling a little, the Mage decided he didn't mind the energetic devil. "Same measurements, right? It will still be a better one since I improved my technique over the last year."
"That is great! Thank you very much!" Once again she lowered her head much to Rias' amusement.
However greetings were done and the Gremory knew they had to get moving. "Did my brother send you to collect us? I thought this parade had nothing to do with the main government."
In that moment there was a shift and while she still looked relaxed, Okita also was taking the situation more seriously. "Sirzechs-sama is visiting and I volunteered to escort you guys since you would have to show yourself a little in the territory." She patted her chest proudly. "So you can count on me, Gremory-sama. I will see you back home in a jiffy."
"It is good to have you here Okita but my brother didn't need to have bothered." The blonde swordswoman offered a nervous smile and Rias knew what it was about. "You just run here and took over the guard detail, didn't you?"
"Well~ My King was talking about how you guys were coming and that you also had a special guest that needed extra protection." She turned to the last person in the wagon, the only one she hadn't introduced herself yet. Bowing to her waist, her tone was of a true soldier, the smile nowhere to be seen. "Medusa-sama, in the name of my King Sirzechs Lucifer, I welcome you to the Underworld formally."
Nodding her head, Medusa took care of what she was going to say. "So you are Beowulf's comrade. He was good to me the last time I met him, I trust you to be just as competent."
"Of course! I will let you know that I have won against him more than once and am ahead in score." Okita was blustering with pride again.
Which made Rias chuckle. "She isn't talking about power here but nevertheless, let's get going. Can't let the fans wait for much longer."
Once everybody was outside the train they noticed how while the station was surrounded by people none of them was even close to the wheehouses that would take them to the castle. The boundary field keeping hundreds at bay also blocked their view as nobody reacted when Rias or anyone else stepped away from the building and walked to their transport.
There were a total of three wheelhouses ready to be pulled by griffins, Rias already having explained to them all the chimera was the equivalent of horses in the Underworld. Each was as big as a car and had two of the creatures tended by their drivers or guards.
But the obvious main attraction was the huge charity being pulled by eighteen griffins, two drivers, a whole team of guards and a huge blood red throne in the center.
Rias began to massage her forehead a little. "Aaaaaaaand my parents overreacted again." She turned to Shirou. "Are you still ready for this?"
"You didn't run away from my mother, I won't run away from your parents." Shirou pointed out before taking the box with her jewelry. "Now turn around so I can place these on you."
While Shirou helped Rias with her final touches, Okita escorted the rest of their group to the wheelhouses. "You guys will be traveling around Gremory-sama, two on the side and one at the back. Usually we would position you all by your standing," she turned with a shrug, "but Rias-chan never cared that much about that so you can sort yourselves out who rides with you."
"Excuse me, Okita-san. Where are you going to be?" Gasper, still in his box and in Liz's arms, asked.
"I will be in the chariot with Rias-chan. My main job today is to watch over any threats." She turned to Medusa. "I suppose you will be with your protector?" The goddess nodded and Okita called one of her subordinates. "So you two will be in the right carriage with another two. The rest can stay wherever they want."
After some discussion and a game of ja ken po between Akeno, Luvia and Liz, the order in was; Shirou, Medusa, Akeno and Xenovia who used her position as Shirou's subordinate to stick with him.
Kiba, Gasper and Luvia in the back much to the devil magus' chagrin as it was the less prestigious position.
Issei, Asia, Koneko and Liz took the left one, also a prestigious position that considered Issei's status as the Red Dragon Emperor. Liz ended there because Koneko insisted.
Her insistence came in the form of a pout and doe eyes that even Luvia couldn't bulk up and protest against as the little Rook wanted her friend to share the ride and delicacies they bought for the trip.
While the taller Rook's pride took up the fight her fellow devil wasn't her rival so Koneko didn't match her head to head. She dialed up her cuteness up to eleven with Liz's help who embraced her from behind with a similar innocent expression that could disarm even the meanest predator. Luvia found herself outmatched and grumbling all the way.
Rias' final preparations were done when Shirou adjusted her necklace, a steel chain made by him with an emerald that matched her earrings. "How do I look?"
"Fantastic." He replied with a smile. "See you later." They held hands for just another second.
"You can count on it." The Heiress of Gremory marched to her chariot to help coordinate the efforts with Okita as while her preparations were done, the convoy was just about to go.
All devils around the area used black and red armor with the symbol of Gremory in their backs. Each of them stood around either in position or watching for anyone trying to break the boundary field. When Rias moved to her throne, every single one of them took flight and got ready to depart.
At her signal a team stood ready to lower the boundary field and once they did Rias would be hearing the loud cheering while sitting on an, admitaly comfortable, chair all the way to her childhood home.
But that was the burden of nobility, her duty, and the consequences of her actions as by punishing the Phenex and elevating the Gremory she made herself a hero to her people.
Despite being raised for the role Rias felt a shiver on her spine and needed to take a few deep breaths to not panic. "Okay, you are ready for this. Not that different to having all eyes of the school on you. Just a few thousand more." She was sure there were cameras around so it would be more but she was in denial. "You like the attention, remember?"
"They say that talking to yourself is a sign of insanity." Okita commented as she stood beside the redhead. "Ready when you are, Rias-chan."
Looking around she noticed how many devils were there, waiting for her order. It was the first time she held that much power without her brother or parents around.
No, this wasn't just about her family anymore, it was about her accomplishments and the Gremory, both her family and their subjects, acknowledging her as their future Head. Pride swelled in her chest and even the moment after her victory on Riser was outshined for how she felt in the present.
Basking on it, Rias raised her hand and waved it forward to signal the departure.
Immediately every devil went to their positions flying around the convoy as the griffins began to walk forward, ordered to not fly just yet. The flight would start only after they left the city to give the people time to meet their future ruler.
Finally the boundary field went down and from her position Rias could see some devils falling down as children, the few they were, tried to run from their parents arms to greet her.
A sincere smile made its way on Rias' face and she began to wave as the crowds cheered her name. She didn't do everything for them, not the medical miracle of Shirou's invention or the defeat of Phenex, but she wished she did. Still she was happy they benefited from her triumphs and started to live even better lives.
And a good leader was loved, even if young and still not officially as the chorus of her name being sung in a thousand voices melted away any anxiety. Rias let it all wash over her with a smile and a wave of gratitude, no longer regretting she would be sitting on a throne for over an hour to look pretty.
For when a good leader was loved, they could strive to be better and Rias promised herself that she would work harder for the joy of her people.
…
"That is a bit too much noise." Akeno commented with a grin as she watched Rias go from anxious to grateful to excited in the span of a minute. She closed the glass window on the wheelhouse and suddenly everything grew silent. "Should I apologize about all that? Rias was always popular but that escalated a lot."
"Hey, everyone is happy. Nothing wrong in showing it." Xenovia relaxed her back on the comfortable seat. Sure it didn't have a massage function but it was extremely comfortable. "Fill my belly up and I'm happy. Can't think it's that different for everyone out there. At least the Phenex's money is being well spend." She was briefed on what happened but didn't care about it.
Not that Xenovia cared for anything other than the battle itself and wished she could have seen the fight. More than most she wanted to meet and fight the Knights of Riser's Peerage as they were similar to her. From what Kiba told her about Karlamare, once he was out of his funk, that was the one she wanted to face.
Meanwhile the bluehead was lost in her thoughts, Medusa was studying their transportation. "A mobile boundary field? This shouldn't be possible." It was the only way they could have cut the cheering outside completely.
In fact there was no noise coming from the outside despite the windows around them being simple glass. They all could see the crowd flying around and cheering but not hear it or the sound of the wheels going on in the golden red road.
Nodding with her usual smile, Akeno explained. "Boundary fields can't move… unless you are moving everything with it." She tapped the luxurious wheelhouse's window. "It isn't connected to the wheels, just the windows, wall, even the seats. It doesn't even reach our drivers."
"You can move a boundary field by isolating it and using something else?" It was also the first time Shirou was hearing it and that presented him with an idea. 'So I could use Rho Aias if someone was carrying me-'
"Shirou-kun, stop it." Akeno said suddenly, her smile still in place.
He feigned innocence. "Stop with what?"
"We are on vacation and you are thinking about something combat related."
Caught red handed, he raised his arms in surrender. "How did you know?"
"Your forehead." Medusa pointed to her own. "When you are thinking too hard, especially about fighting, it moves a little like this."
"No it doesn't." Shirou Traced a sword and tried to see how his face changed. The girls giggled and smiled when he let out a sigh. "Goddamned."
"Told you."
Xenovia was still chuckling when she looked to the side. "By the way, is this road really made of gold? Because if so, devils are richer than I thought."
"No, it isn't. Instead it was magically changed to look like gold." Akeno waved her hand around like a tourist guide. "The Goetia Road or the Paths of Ars Goetia have been around ever since devils started to settle in the Underworld. It is the sole road of this dimension and it connects all the cities to each other." She smiled kindly. "As the saying goes; you cannot be lost if you follow Goetia."
Xenovia looked around with interest. "This looks more like a highway than a road."
It was just too big to be anything else as it easily could fit six lanes worthy of cars and still have some space. Most of it was full of people but the security detail made sure they were on the sidewalk without much difficulty.
Still they could see Xenovia's point, one that Akeno found funny. "Well, highways didn't exist when Goetia Road was created so the name was fitting even if it is larger than one. Its goal was always 'connection' in this mad world we live in."
"A single road for all the Underworld?" Shirou asked in mild confusion. "What does that mean?"
"What it sounds like." Akeno replied jokingly. "Tell me, can any of you see any cars?" The other three looked around the road but they could only see people. Which even in a parade was already strange. "And this road, notice how it goes back and forward but there is no exit from the sides or signs."
"With so many buildings around it is hard to challenge that." Shirou noticed how they had some space apart between each other for traffic but with no cars that could only be for people.
In the end it was Medusa who lost her patience first. "Akeno, go straight to the point, please."
"You're no fun." The Queen replied with a pout before giggling at Medusa's own. "Ask yourselves this; does a race that can fly needs cars?"
"Obviously not." Xenovia replied before her eyes grew wide. "Wait a minute! No cars mean that this road is just for the nobles?"
"More or less. People use them normally when there isn't a parade like this." Akeno watched as Rias changed arms but kept smiling. "But us devils, every single one of us can fly. I guess that would make it easier to get lost so the road was made this big for that." She pointed up and even if they couldn't see the sky, they got the message. "So the first Lucifer decided to build a road that could be seen even from really high so even the average devil would know where to go." A casual shrug came after. "Or maybe for some other reason. That is just what Grayfia taught me but even she was unsure."
"Let me see if I got this right. Since you guys can fly, this road is kinda like a map right? Or a sign in the middle of… well, road?" Xenovia was happy when Akeno nodded. "That means the reason why the buildings are so large is-"
"Because we can enter from the top." Akeno could understand their confusion, she was exactly like that the first time she accompanied Rias around the village close to Gremory Castle. "When you can fly, restricting teleportation isn't such a problem. The strongest devils can pretty much cover the distance between cities with great ease and if they don't want to they can pay a fee to use an official teleportation circle."
It was the only way to teleport in the Underworld or at least in places where the boundary fields were active. While the notion of 'day' was new to the average devil, boundary fields were as normal as the road itself. In fact they all were connected by the Goetia Road by means Akeno wasn't privy to.
However the restrictions for teleportation were always there as well, it was better than to trust every devil to place boundary fields of their own. That would be a mess of unbelievable proportions that would spend the already few resources devils had to work with in the Underworld which would cripple the Original Lucifer's power.
He couldn't allow that to happen so the road and main boundary fields went up as soon as the first cities were founded.
Akeno did her best to explain all that to her friends. "So everytime a good place for a city or village is found the road gets extended. By reaching the end of the road you reach the last boundary field and the last conquered area of the Underworld." All three nodded to show they understood. "To receive permission to build a new settlement the person must prove there is water and some way to gather food. Once that is proven the road is expanded and with it the boundary fields."
"Wait, so it is kinda like a ley line?" Shirou asked after some thought. "Like an artificial ley line?"
"Got it right, Shirou-kun. In reality the Underworld has too few ley lines." Akeno shrugged dramatically much to the trio's shock. "Paths of Ars Goetia is the best way to make all this possible and its power is distributed depending on the density of the population around the area." The raven haired woman was drinking on the faces of disbelief present. "Just by walking on this road a devil will be given a little of their mana to help sustain the system and all the sidewalks of the city are connected to Goetia."
"And so giving this artificial ley line enough mana to act like a real ley line." Medusa frowned, trying to remember if she felt her mana taken when she stepped on the road. She was sure it didn't happen. "Does it need a contract or something like that?"
"Yes but nobody really worries about it. The quantity is literally so small that it is meaningless." Akeno could guess the goddess' thoughts. "To have your mana taken you do need to sign a contract and become a citizen of the Underworld. Basically an identity or social number." Then she pointed to one of the buildings. "But the contract doesn't work inside buildings or houses. These have their own floors separated from the road and so nobody inside is affected."
Shirou scratched his chin. "Still, even if the population is less than 1 billion and the number of mana taken is 1 unit, just standing around town is enough to power some massive rituals." Not the most powerful ones but surely enough to create hundreds if not thousands of boundary fields. And he didn't doubt there were other methods in play he didn't know about. "But the mana being taken is for the road itself as well so that makes the process easier. Even if I am a third rate, I can't help but admire the ingenuity of the set up."
Akeno nodded in agreement. "The Original Lucifer wouldn't do anything that weakened his fighting force so, even if you sleep on the sidewalk, there is no way enough mana would be taken for you to pass out or something." She brought her hand to her breast. "We literally recover that much mana by just breathing."
"And so there is no problem for them all to come here and show their admiration." Medusa voiced with approval as she also kept an eye on Rias. There would be no complaints as she kept her smile going and made sure to show appreciation for both sides of the road. "Gremory sure is loved."
"Not all Pillars are great but Gremory sure is one of the best." Akeno stated proudly as the conversation kept going.
But from time to time Shirou caught himself staring not at Rias but at the person beside her. Okita's face wasn't a one to one match Artoria's like Altria's was even if the differences were minimal. It was still enough that when he saw her the memories of the Pendragon descendant and the King of Camelot came to the forefront of his mind.
'She is Japanese and had no reason to be lying but their faces are too much of a close match to be a coincidence.' Shirou shook his head and focused again on Rias with a smile. "Doesn't matter right now."
"What doesn't matter?" Xenovia asked, Durandal resting on her lap.
"Just… thinking how Okita looks like someone I know." Shirou admitted, remembering only Michael was close enough to see the Pendragon siblings' faces. "It is odd."
"Maybe they are distant relatives who don't know about each other." Durandal's owner offered with a casual shrug. "Does it matter, Master?"
"No, I suppose not. Just something that is nagging me, you know?"
"That kind of stuff is always the worst." Xenovia placed her arms on her back and closed her eyes. "And not worth thinking about."
"I agree." Akeno added with a smile. "If Souji-chan has a family, she cut ties with them long ago."
"She did? Why?" Medusa didn't want to admit how much that bothered her.
However Akeno didn't notice, her tone full of respect. "If you know History then her disease and 'death' are quite famous in Japan. Except that instead of dying she made a pact with Sirzechs-sama." Truly the story was quite famous in Japan, including how after a certain battle Okita Souji started to cough blood. "She was loyal to her friends, the Shinsengumi, but that wouldn't stop her from refusing to die on a bed and by Reincarnating. She had no choice but to leave everyone else behind. Even in their worst moment."
Everyone understood what she meant; as a Piece of the Lucifer, Okita Souji wouldn't be allowed to interfere in Japan anymore and soon after her 'death' the Shinsengumi would fall with many of its members perishing or surrendering.
Personally Xenovia could sympathize the most with it, coming from a similar position herself. Sure the Church was still standing and she left out of her free will but she had friends, allies, a family back in the organization that she had to let go or betray her own principles.
Still the bluehead was watching the former Japanese officer with a look of deep sadness, remembering all she had lost and feeling bad that Okita had to choose between loyalty or her life.
Akeno saw it and touched Xenovia's hand to get her attention before smiling gently. "Souji-chan doesn't like when people pity her."
Blinking twice, Xenovia puffed her chest. "Is she strong?" After a nod the bluehead made her decision. "Then I better challenge her for a spar while we are here."
"I am sure she will be glad. Although…" Akeno threw Shirou a meaningful glance that had earned raised eyebrows. "I think she would like to spar with Shirou-kun first to see how her countrymen are going." She giggled at the small smile on his face.
Medusa also chuckled. "Hardly fair considering he is my protector. Even Sirzechs' Knight won't win easily."
"I don't know~ Souji-chan is strong~ Really strong~"
"Then it will be fun." Shirou couldn't help but be curious about Okita Souji's skill.
…..
Once the parade reached the outskirts of the city the griffins took flight towards the Gremory Castle. Or to be more precise the village around the castle. Most of the place was composed from rich manors and homes belonging to the most loyal members of the Clan, some of which were part of the Gremory by marriage and such.
They were branch families, those that were never Heirs or those who decided to stay around to help with management and politics. Most of the buildings are for them to live with their respectives peerages or staff depending on preference.
Called a village it may be but there was little besides the residences of the elite of Gremory, since all devils could fly to Runeas there was no need. But the mansions and manors around were big, easily bigger than Shirou's home back in Fuyuki. Also it was possible to see stables at the entrance of the village with many griffins.
However there was one clear problem with the whole setting; there were few homes.
Millenia of existence and prosperity of the Gremory Clan and there were only a few manors in the place, just five properties in total. Calling it a village was generous given that but there were other buildings for servants and everyone else. It was also an expected sight with devils' small birth rates and that some members of the Clan married in other families.
Not every single Gremory lived in the area either as some who retired moved far away from any political center in a show of trust to their descendants. Still the castle was the main attraction and more than one person found their eyes glued to the magnificent building out of a fairy tail.
A gothic stylised one considering the gargoyles and the black red aesthetic but those had a charm of their own that demanded acknowledgement of the Gremory Clan's power with its size, so tall it could be a mountain at a distance.
There were no walls surrounding the castle as there were any surrounding the village either, not strange considering that no wall could stop a flier unless it was magical and devils were known for using their boundary fields for defense, some even feeling one as they approached and landed in the village.
Most of the escorts began to spread around and leave back to the city once their job was done, only a few soldiers remained and looked ready to follow all the way to the castle with Rias and Okita dismissing some of them personally.
While her friends left their wheelhouses Rias jumped off the throne and stretched her back. "Good grief sitting like that is a killer on the back."
"Ahhhh~ That was just because you were too stiff, Rias-chan. You got better a little later." Okita played around as she jumped from the chariot. Already some devils were working to release the griffins and take them to the stables. "But you were great. Didn't let the smile go even once."
"I was just… Grateful they admired me that much." Rias commented with a blush as a red haired man approached.
He was dressed in a classical suit of the 18th, an ascot tugged inside his red buttoned shirt and black buttoned up vest. "Perhaps they shouldn't consider the enemies you have made for our Clan." Anyone looking at him would say that with his clean face and pulled back hair that he was in his thirties.