[Isaiah's POV]
Diodora led me away from the reception hall's noise, through an archway into a side corridor that opened onto a grand balcony.
He moved toward the seating area with that same easy confidence, gesturing for me to sit.
"Please, make yourself comfortable" he said, settling into a chair with his ever present smile "I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me privately, Isaiah-san"
I took the seat across from him, keeping my posture relaxed. My mind raced through possibilities of what he would be after.
He knows about Asia. The sick bastard who orchestrated her exile, who wanted to "save" her to add to his collection of broken nuns. But he doesn't know that I know. To him, I'm just another reincarnated devil, newly promoted, someone he can manipulate.
Let's play along and see what he's actually after.
"So" I said, keeping my tone curious but cautious "What matters concerning my new status did you want to discuss?"
Diodora's smile widened slightly, those golden eyes gleaming with something I couldn't quite place. He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other in a gesture of casual ease.
"Congratulations are in order, first and foremost" He voiced out in pure admiration "Defeating a Cadre is no small feat. A ten-winged Cadre—that level of power rivals Satan-Class. For a reincarnated devil to achieve such a victory..."
His smile never wavered, as he continued "But that's not why I wanted to speak with you"
He leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting to something more serious, more... concerned.
"The truth is, Isaiah-san, your rapid rise to power has caused quite a stir in certain clans of devil society. Some of the more... traditional noble houses are uncomfortable with how quickly you've ascended. A reincarnated devil becoming High-Class, receiving Evil Pieces, gaining recognition from the Satans themselves—all within such a short time. And your performance in Rating Game is still a hot conversation within Underworld"
I kept my expression neutral, though internally I was wondering if he intended to get closer to Asia, through me.
If that's the case, I have to keep him at a distance as soon as he raises the flag.
"I see" I said carefully "And you're warning me out of concern?"
"In a manner of speaking." Diodora's tone carried what might have been genuine sympathy if I didn't know better "I understand what it's like to be young and talented in a society that values bloodline above all else. My own rise through devil society wasn't without its... complications." He gestured vaguely "I thought you should be aware of the political structures you're now navigating. Some houses may see you as a threat. Others may try to use you for their own purposes"
"I appreciate the warning" I replied "Though I'm curious why you specifically felt the need to tell me this"
Something flickered in those golden eyes—approval, maybe, at my directness.
He paused, as if considering his words carefully "Because I have a gift for you. Something that might help as you begin your journey as a King"
My pulse kicked up, but I kept my expression mildly curious "A gift?"
Diodora reached into his jacket's inner pocket, taking out a small vial. The glass caught the amber light, revealing liquid inside that gleamed with an almost ethereal blue luminescence. He held it up between us, turning it slightly so the light played across its surface.
"This is from the Astaroth clan. Something we only share among clan members"
I stared at the vial, every nerve in my body on high alert. The liquid swirled with an inner light that was both beautiful and deeply unsettling.
"What is it?"
Diodora leaned forward with what appeared to be 'genuine' enthusiasm "It repairs the body from damage sustained in combat and significantly enhances demonic power. Think of it as a recovery and enhancement tool combined." He gestured with the vial "After your battle with Cadre, I imagine your body endured considerable strain. This will help you recover completely and even amplify your demonic power greatly"
The setup was almost perfect.
Except I knew exactly who I was dealing with.
"That's... generous," I said slowly "But if it's for clan members, why offer it to me?"
Diodora's smile took on a conspiratorial edge. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice as if sharing something truly confidential.
"Because Lord Astaroth himself has sent me to pass on to you" he said "When he heard about your achievement against Kokabiel, he was very impressed" He paused, letting that sink in "He specifically requested I deliver this to you as recognition of your accomplishments. He feels indebted to you for taking good care of his sister and her daughter"
He extended the vial toward me.
"However" he continued, his expression growing serious "this must remain absolutely confidential. The Astaroth clan doesn't hand this out to outsiders. If other noble houses knew we'd given you something this valuable, something reserved for clan members..." He shook his head. "It would cause significant political complications. You understand, yes? Don't let anyone from your peerage know of it"
I reached out, accepting the vial. The glass was cool against my fingers, and I could feel faint magical energy emanating from the liquid inside. This is either what he says it is or it's something to send me to hell.
"I understand," I said, turning the vial in my hand, watching the blue liquid swirl.
"Excellent." Diodora's smile widened, satisfaction clear in his eyes "There's one more thing you should know before you use it"
"When you consume the elixir, make absolutely certain you're alone and in a completely safe in a secure location. The elixir causes a massive burst of demonic power when it takes effect—violent enough that it could damage your surroundings and harm others nearby. So, be cautious about its use"
He leaned back, crossing his arms.
"Complete privacy is essential. You don't want anyone walking in on you mid-transformation, and you definitely don't want to accidentally destroy your room." He chuckled "Trust me, the last time someone in our clan used it without proper preparation, they accidentally demolished an entire wing of their estate."
I tucked the vial carefully into my inner jacket pocket, right next to the box containing my Evil Pieces.
I said "Please convey my gratitude to Lord Astaroth"
"Of course, Isaiah san" Diodora stood, and I followed suit "I should let you return to your peerage. I'm sure many devil nobles are eager to congratulate you"
We stepped back into the hallway, the sounds of nobles immediately washing over us with conversations and laughter along with the clink of glasses.
"It was a pleasure speaking with you," Diodora said, extending his hand one final time "I look forward to seeing what you accomplish as a King, Isaiah-san. I suspect great things are in your future."
I shook his hand, maintaining that same polite smile I'd worn throughout our conversation.
"Thank you, Diodora-san. The pleasure was mine"
We parted ways—him disappearing into the crowd.
If it wasn't for me knowing the plot, I'd have believed every word out of his mouth. Not only humans, even devils are two faced individuals which I have to be vary of in the Underworld. But first, I have to find out what this vial is actually and I know very well, whom to ask about it.
I made my way back toward where I'd left Rias and the others, my mind racing through the implications.
Everything about that interaction screamed setup. The private meeting, the "clan secret" excuse, the secrecy requirement, the instruction to use it alone when my power is "in flux"—every detail carefully crafted to ensure no one discovers what really happened until it's too late.*
But why? Have I caught eye of Old Satan Faction? Even if so, why use this underhanded method? With someone of their level of arrogance, this doesn't fit well with them. Could it be someone else?
I have to find out what's going on behind the curtains in Underworld.
I spotted Rias across the room, talking with some nobles I didn't recognize. She glanced up, catching my sight, and her expression shifted immediately—concern flickering across her features before she excused herself and made her way toward me.
"Isaiah?" She kept her voice low as she approached "Is everything alright? You were gone for a while."
"Fine. Just... politics stuff you know"
I can't tell her about the vial. Not yet. The moment I do, she'll want to have it analyzed, and if Diodora's watching, which he is, that'll tip him off, I'm suspicious about him. Better to play along, make him think I bought the whole act and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Besides... I need to understand what this actually is before I make any moves.
The reception continued around us. More congratulations, more handshakes, more meaningless conversation. But my mind was elsewhere, turning over possibilities, analyzing angles, planning several steps ahead.
The vial sat in my pocket, a ticking time bomb of unknown purpose.
Lady Phenex. She's Lord Astaroth's sister. If this really is an Astaroth clan secret, she'd know about it. But she's in the human world right now, staying at my apartment with Ravel"
So what do I do?
Option one: Don't drink it. Safest play, but then I won't know what was the purpose of him giving me this.
Option two: Have it analyzed. But by who? Ajuka might help, but asking the Satan Beelzebub to examine a "gift" from an Astaroth heir would cause exactly the political complications Diodora warned about. Same problem with Rias—she'd go straight to Sirzechs, and the whole thing would explode politically.
Option three: Drink it. And die.
"Isaiah?" Rias's voice interrupted my thoughts "You are doing it again"
"Doing what?"
"That thing where you get too deep in your head and start planning something reckless" Her voice carrying exasperation and fondness.
I managed a more genuine smile this time "Just thinking about having a peerage, being a King. It's a lot to process, you know. Just not good at it"
She studied my face for a long moment, those blue-green eyes searching for something. Whatever she saw made her expression soften.
"You'll be fine" she said quietly, a smile adorning her face.
I nodded, as I glanced at Grayfia who was standing next to Sirzechs with her ever present stoic expression. Yes, I think I found the one helping me through this predicament. Now, just wait for the return to Gremory Mansion.
It won't be a smooth exit from hell, someone is going to die for sure.
....
Quest : Discover the Individual behind your assassination attempt
Reward : 1 Character Card
....
From the quest notification, I now know for sure.
Lord Astaroth and Old Satan Faction isn't behind it.
There is someone else.
But who?
. . .
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