Chapter 101

Lucifer's Castle.

Chatting with Phenex's company came out refreshing and relaxing. Ravel asked about everyday life, my tastes in things and interests, and Riser paid attention to my attitude toward demons. Of course, the latter was bringing it up for a reason.

He wanted to know what my plans for the race were, and if it threatened them in any way, which he admitted at the outset without trying to be dark. To my reply that I had, in fact, no plans, he only nodded briefly and went back to small talk, which included Rea-chan, which I found entertaining.

Riser didn't treat her as an enemy or traitor, but as a coworker or distant acquaintance. He showed her his respect and paid her a couple compliments on the importance of her blood and power, which Rea-chan accepted with a calm and slightly surprised face. A brief conversation ensued between the two, mostly concerning me, but if I were to summarize it, it could be said that they found common ground with me as a liaison.

Of course, my presence was noticed, and some members of the demonic nobility came over to introduce themselves and greet me. In those moments, I felt a stuffiness that simply could not be called pleasant. When others appeared near us, Riser's face instantly changed, regaining his arrogant, pompous, and vain expression. Rea-chan parodied the doll with an impenetrable mask, Yubelluna parodied her King with a slight note of politeness, and Ravel remained herself, but with a face of humility and slight displeasure at her "naughty" older brother.

There were plenty of people willing to give me their time. When one left, another came, and so on in a circle. Among them were the same two members of the Council, judging by their manner of speech and old-fashioned appearance, who threatened me and 'suggested' that I obey them. I preferred to let their words pass my ears, as Sirzechs must have connected them to his antics in some way, and I just had to wait. I wasn't stressed by their threats, as what was the point if they couldn't physically do anything to me. As arrogant as it sounds, why would a mountain pay attention to the ants at her foot?

At one point, Odin himself and his Valkyrie approached us, scratching his long beard and wearing a robe of blue and white. The Valkyrie, who seemed to be named Rossweisse, wore a pale blue austere costume and had long loose silver hair and eyes the color of sea waves. The Phenexes, realizing that this conversation wasn't for their ears, moved aside so as not to disturb us, leaving only me, Rea-chan, Odin, and Rossweisse.

- "Hmm..." the old man said thoughtfully, "There are similarities between you and your predecessor. He didn't like such events either, and preferred to be in his temple surrounded by his wives."

- "Oh?" I raised an eyebrow and grinned, "So you knew him personally, old man?"

- "You should have seen the women he was surrounded by!" Odin laughed, "Each one more beautiful than the other, and all of them trying to get his attention. Would you like to take Ros in? That virgin keeps nagging and nagging me when I try to relax because she doesn't have a boyfriend, or at least a candidate."

- "Lord Odin!" Rossweisse shrieked indignantly and loudly, "Stop embarrassing me in front of important people! And it's not my fault I'm still a virgin! You throw so much work at me that there's simply no time left to find a boyfriend!"

Of course, her scream caught the attention of those around her, and under the stares of the guests, the Valkyrie's face quickly filled with shame and embarrassment, whereupon she fell to her knees and cried. Yes, so much so that fountains naturally began to pour from her eyes.

- "Your ward is crying, old man." I pointed at her while Odin paid no attention.

- "It's nothing new. It always happens when she's reminded of her absent relationship. You'll get used to it." He waved it away.

- "You know, offering your bodyguard to an unknown person is pretty irresponsible, don't you think?" I asked with a shrug.

- "Why unknown? Given what I've heard and what I'm seeing now, you'd take care of her if she came into your care. And what's not to like about her? Young, strong, smart and promising. The perfect candidate if you overlook some of her traits."

- "Oh?" I grinned, "And you definitely don't want to placate me with that, do you? In case your subordinates step on my toes, let's say."

- "That too," Odin shrugged, "Solomon's power was immense. He didn't fight anyone simply because he wasn't interested. The entire biblical faction was essentially under his command. And if you take into account his own power, it's almost the most powerful mythology."

- "It's funny you didn't deny what I said about the subordinates. So, you really think it's going to happen."

- "I'm old, but I'm not blind or stupid," Odin scratched his beard, "One of my sons has been acting very rebellious lately. And it would be a good idea to back up just in case. Besides, you've got nothing but advantages in front of you. Friendship with me and a skilled Valkyrie at your side."

- "I'll consider your offer." I rolled my eyes.

- "That's good enough for me, Romani," Odin laughed, and then reached for the appetizer, "By the way, I heard about the current Ddraig bearer you've taken under your tutelage. What do you think of him?"

- "He's like you. If he had a brain, he'd spend all his time in the brothels and bars Azazel runs. That way, though, he could keep his humanity and side with the Fallen. Again, if he had a brain. Stupid, twisted, but determined and kind, as silly as that sounds."

- "Uh-oh..." Odin mumbled, "Now I see another similarity. Solomon was always in favor of humanity and believed that humans were capable of far greater feats than non-humans."

Hmm... and we really are alike, huh? Even in another world, Solomon remains Solomon. But here in DxD, he had more freedom than his counterpart in the Nasuverse. So, you could say the local analog was lucky.

- "That's a fact, man. Humans know how to adapt, and even with a shorter lifespan, manage to do far more than long-lived races. Heroes, villains, just great people, have become famous all over the world, in most cases not even living three decades. And some of them outshone even the gods with their radiance and glory. Isn't that an indicator?"

- "Well, it's true," he nodded, "And you reminded me of something. I've heard of the Servants, digital copies of the Heroic Souls who ascended to the Throne of Heroes. Even if both you and this place are from another branch of Yggdrasil, I'm interested in those that relate to me and my pantheon."

- "Oh, there are plenty of those. Not as many as you'd like, though. There's more to you than the Scandinavian pantheon. Scathach, for example."

She's not directly related to the Scandinavians, but her spear and skills are another matter. Gae Bolg is a copy of Gungner's spear, Odin's personal weapon, and the ancient runes she wields were first mastered by him.

- "That witch?" Odin grimaced.

- "You had something, I take it?"

- "Let's just say she threatened to put more holes in me than I'm willing to put up with."

- "Heh. I see." I nodded with a cheerful smile.

Apparently, he tried to make a move on her, but met stabbing resistance or something. After all, her temperament suits a warrior first and foremost, and then a woman. Our conversation would have continued at this point, but we were joined by a couple more familiar faces.

- "Romani-sensei, good to see you," Sona greeted me, while Tsubaki bowed politely behind her, "Lord Odin."

- "Oh? Serafall's sister? Hello, hello."

- "You? Are you glad to see me? How ironic we are, So-tan." I smiled cheekily and patted her on the head, to which she jerked my hand away and stared at me, fixing her hair.

- "And you've shown your maturity and judgment again," she said, pointing at the still crying Rossweisse, "And why am I not surprised?"

- "Hey! I had nothing to do with that. It's that old man."

- "Do you really expect me to believe that? Lord Odin, leader of the Scandinavian faction and one of the wisest gods, brought his ward to tears? Do I look like an idiot, Romani-sensei?" Sona, who was well aware of the old man's reputation, said with a completely unperturbed face, "No, no. I shouldn't laugh at the sick. I sincerely apologize, Romani-sensei. I'm very sorry."

My eyebrow twitched very wildly as Tsubaki sighed tiredly and looked reproachfully at her King, and Odin laughed heartily. Sona, on the other hand, lowered her head and upper body, forming a perfect right angle. I couldn't see her face, but I'm sure she was smiling gloatingly and snidely now.

And just as my mouth was about to open to respond to her barbs, the doors to the hall opened loudly, revealing Sirzechs and Greyfia following him, drawing everyone's attention. He walked through the hall and stood on a sort of dais, clearing his throat and surveying those present.

- "Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. I, Sirzechs Lucifer, sincerely welcome your presence at this reception," he began in a loud and clear voice, "There are many important guests among you, such as Lord Odin and his bodyguard, but I would like to single out someone else. One who has shaken our race and the rest of the world with his mere existence."

At these words, the lights in the hall dimmed, and out of nowhere, floodlights illuminated my figure, focusing the attention of dozens of guests on me.

- "Romani Archaman, also known as the reincarnation of King Solomon himself. The man who subjugated the entire race of demons and has authority in Heaven and Earth," Sirzechs continued and smiled, "Today one of you has a unique opportunity to experience the power of this man. All who wish to do so will cast lots, and the lucky one will face Romani Archaman in an unofficial Ranking Game."

A buzz went up, and every other man looked at me with fire in his eyes, as if I were their goal in life.

- "Of course, defeating him is out of the question, for everyone knows how powerful he is. But, if you manage to impress him, and not only him, but everyone present, you will receive a prize that will depend on Romani Archaman himself. But most importantly, you will gain fame throughout the Underworld, because not everyone gets the chance to test their skills against the very reincarnation of King Solomon. So, are you ready?"

- "Yes!" He was answered by loud shouts and a storm of applause. I just shook my head, since I had authorized it myself.

The funny thing is, they don't really need a prize. Just the chance to fight me is already something they want. And Sirzechs wasn't lying. The fame that my opponent would receive would really fly all over the Underworld and raise his prestige to unprecedented heights.

Almost half the guests rushed over to Sirzechs's place to enter the lottery, giving me predatory and anticipatory glances. And among them, of course, were Sona, Rias, Sairaorg, and the rest of the heirs, for reasons obvious to all.

I created another cup of coffee and drank a volley of its contents.

Well, we'll see how this goes. Though I'm sure my opponent is already predetermined, and the lottery is just a diversion. Or does anyone really believe the lottery will decide everything, hmm?

-0-

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