Chapter 25: The Award Ceremony

About half an hour had passed since Avalon had been seated in the front row of the venue, having spent most of the time attempting to fall asleep while Zekram, who was seated to his left, continued to wake him up with a sharp pinch to the waist each time he tried.

The count of attendees had surged from 100 to at least triple the number, with the seating plan being arranged in descending order depending on their ranking unless they happened to be among those receiving an award during the ceremony.

"Does the event really have to be this frilly?" Avalon groaned, "I still don't even know what award I'm receiving."

"You and your peerage are receiving Lucifer's Aileron, it's the highest military honor one can achieve so do try to act with some grace. Your brother also received it during the Civil War alongside the rest of the current Satans."

"What about them?" He leaned over Zekram's shoulder, noticing that Iris and Klauth were also seated in the front row.

"They're getting the Brand of Asmodeus, it's an award dedicated to military leadership." Since Lith could no longer receive the award, Iris would be getting on his behalf as his second-in-command.

"And Sylas? Don't tell me he's going to announce his own award?"

"Sylas isn't getting an award, don't tell me you want him to receive one?"

"Absolutely not," Avalon smiled, pleased with the statement. "Are you the one who decides who gets what?"

'She's letting the General's subordinates be awarded after a successful campaign and not the General itself, putting aside whether it's deserved or not, wouldn't this degrade Sylas's reputation quite a bit?'

He pondered for a moment, glancing at Zekram.

'Or is she trying to worsen his image on purpose? It would make the process of him being replaced a lot more well received if she degrades him while I'm being elevated. Good grief, if that's the case then she's shrewd enough to make me almost want to pity him.'

'You like that about her don't you?' Tomoe suggested, 'Maybe I should adopt her Ice Queen persona as well, I wonder what kind of reaction you'd give me then?'

Like usual, Avalon decided to ignore his antics in order to preserve his sanity.

"I can recommend them, but Falbium's the one who makes the final decision." It made sense since the sleepy Satan was in charge of the Underworld's military affairs. "Although, I am responsible for the other reward that Klauth and Zeoticus will be receiving because of you and your peerage."

"Other reward?"

"You'll see."

"At least Klauth actually did something," Adaloth said, who was seated to his right, sandwiching him in between the two. "Isn't that right Avalanche?" The canine companion sat right in front of them, wagging his tail as she scratched his head.

Another half hour passed, Avalon was only able to endure the boredom by having Pandorica play him music.

"Shouldn't this thing have already started by now?" The boredom was also getting to Adaloth, who decided to use Avalon's shoulder as a pillow while she debated whether it would be just better to go to sleep or not.

"Sit straight, we're beginning now." Zekram chided her, the sound of a Sylas's footsteps approaching the lavish stage echoing just like during the memorial.

"Testing, testing," the Great King tapped the microphone, the sound of it whining causing the constant chatter resounding across the venue to come to an abrupt halt.

Like a spell had been cast, complete silence descended over the Bael Clan's courtyard, with a certain stiffness amongst those who recognised the raven-haired woman in the front row.

Avalon looked at Sylas intently, 'Now that Zekram's actually come out in person, surely even he should be able to figure out that something's up, I doubt Mother or Father would say anything considering their opinion of him. However, I refuse to believe he's completely clueless, puppet or not.'

"I'd like to start off by thanking everyone for arriving here so punctually, especially at such an early time." Now that Zekram was watching, Sylas's tone of voice and mannerisms were even more refined than usual.

"Last time I was up on stage in Lilith, it was to give us all a chance to properly grieve for the people we lost in battle. But today is not a day for grieving, on the contrary, it's a day for us to celebrate the achievements of those who gave their everything to ensure a better future for us all. Most of which are fortunately seated right in front of me today, whom I had the great honor to lead as their General."

Avalon could feel the onslaught of stares hitting the back of his head, a sensation which brought him a great deal of discomfort.

Zekram leaned towards him while maintaining eye contact with the podium, "A lot of the people looking at you are nothing but opportunistic vultures, this is a feeling you're going to have to get used to if you want to face them as Great King."

"Aren't most of them a part of your faction?"

"You'd be surprised how useful vultures can be when you're the one deciding where they hover, and what they pluck at."

"To start off, I'd like to begin by announcing the recipients of the Brand of Asmodeus, who have proven their expertise in leadership— and made themselves known as an exemplary model for those who will succeed them." He pulled out an envelope, looking at the names of the recipients. "Klauth Auten, and the late Commander Lith, represented by his second-in-command, Iris."

Everyone stood up in unison, greeting them with a round of applause as they walked up to the stage.

"You should smile more Avalon, they're only up there because your subordinates happened to be under them during the battle." Zekram suggested, earning a blank look from him in return.

The surrounding photographers all got into position, snapping a plethora of pictures as Klauth and Iris shook hands with Sylas, each of them receiving a vermillion-colored medal in the shape of a trident.

"What about your other reward?" Avalon asked Zekram.

"That'll come after the medals have been handed out— just be patient for now."

Klauth and Iris were both given a chance to say some words of gratitude before they departed from the stage, allowing Sylas to approach the microphone once more.

"As some of you have, and as most of you are about to hear, the Underworld has finally been blessed with talent worthy enough to be awarded the highest honor one can receive in the field of combat— Lucifer's Aileron. A prestige that we haven't bestowed upon a Devil since the Civil War."

Everyone's posture hardened as their attentiveness rose, prepared to finally see the people they had been hearing so much about first hand. Or to most, the people they needed to win the favor of in the foreseeable future.

"But today, I have the privilege to bestow it upon not one, but four prodigious warriors amongst the younger generation— who all happen to members of the same peerage." That statement only caused the already surging interest to skyrocket.

Sylas pulled out another envelope, deciding to list the names one by one.

"Allow me to begin by welcoming the Pawn of the peerage, Esdeath Auten." The applause was noticeably louder than it was when the Brand was being given out, Esdeath immediately being barraged with flashes from the surrounding cameras as she made her way to the stage.

The last time Lucifer's Aileron was given out the recipients were already in their 70's, making the sight of a child walking up to receive it more shocking than it already was, and to think that there were three more people yet to be called that were also the same age.

Just what were they feeding this generation?

"She, alongside the Bishop of the peerage— Lars Valen," Sylas motioned for Lars to approach the stage, who received similar treatment from the photographers and audience. "As well as the late Commander Lith, worked together to defeat the Cadre Sahariel. An achievement that went well beyond what their years would normally deem capable of, but through their hard work and determination, they prevailed."

Sylas pulled out a lavishly-decorated box, opening it up to reveal a cushioned interior and a white medal in the shape of a diamond with six wings on each side.

"Well done," he congratulated them both while fastening the medal to their uniforms, returning the podium afterwards.

"Avalon?" Zekram questioned, noticing a few tears leaking through the creases of his blindfold.

"Sniffle… They grow up so fast," he created an impromptu napkin out of his demonic threads and blew his nose.

"Even though I doubt she needs any introduction, I'll go ahead and introduce her for the sake of formality." Sylas breathed a lifeless chuckle, "For single-handedly defeating someone who was not only a Cadre, but the Chief Secretary for the Fallen Angel threat— Penemue, it is my pleasure to welcome the Queen of the peerage. The Ruin Empress, Adaloth Gremory."

Unlike Avalon, the overwhelming amount of attention that only grew once her name had been called didn't phase her in the slightest. She simply carried herself with enough Grayfia-like grace and dignity to make most noble girls swoon over her as an older sister figure, and approached Sylas with her signature smile primed and ready.

"W-Well done," Sylas wasn't sure why he felt so nervous in front of her, but he couldn't afford to dawdle while Zekram was watching. Causing him to hurriedly hand her the medal, and approach the podium.

"And last but not least, the King of these decorated individuals standing before me. The one who I witnessed first-hand take down Armaros, one of the most feared Cadres. The Blindfold Devil, Avalon Gremory."

Even if he wasn't receiving an award, Avalon was someone that was exceptionally difficult not to stare at with the odd appearance his blindfold and CAD gave him. Granted, his moniker had made the blindfold a lot less surprising than it used to be.

'Witness? You retreated to the back of the field the second the battle started, what could you possibly have witnessed?' He sneered inwardly, doing his best to endure the onslaught of attention while approaching the soon-to-be former General.

While the attendants were watching Avalon approach the stage, they couldn't help but wonder— was he really a Gremory? He didn't look anything like the rest of his siblings, were the rumors about him being Ajuka's son actually true?

And once he turned around to face them after receiving the Aileron from Sylas, they were all met with a shocking sight.

The signature Ajuka frown! There wasn't a single noble who didn't recognise it!

He even had Ajuka's "I really don't want to be here" demeanor everytime he was up on stage.

The photographers shot knowing looks at one another, each of them deciding to snap more close-up shots of his face than they did for his peerage. Their efforts going on to fuel the fire that was the 'Little Beelzebub', and causing it to spread like wildfire.

With the drastic height difference between them, Avalon and Adaloth stood next to each other behind Lars and Esdeath, posing for a while until the media crew signalled that they were finished.

'I don't understand, how can these people be happy just because a few Cadres died? Levi-tan still hasn't returned back to our televisions! Wake up people!'

"Now before we begin the post-ceremony festivities, there is one more announcement I'd like to make. Regarding the reward that has been prepared for the houses of these fine young men and women for their contributions," Zeoticus, Klauth, and Wilbert whose house Lars had been adopted into, all looked to each other with confusion.

"Firstly, the branch house of the Sitri Clan, the Auten Clan, will hereby be promoted from the rank of Viscount to Earl."

Those surrounding Klauth all started to congratulate him one by one.

"Secondly, the Valen Clan Patriarch, Wilbert Valen will be allowed to receive one artifact of his choosing from the Bael Clan's second vault."

Wilbert immediately glared at Zekram, not even remotely happy about being rewarded by someone he despised so much.

'Enjoy your reward— General,' Zekram met his stare with a friendly wave.

The Bael Clan had five vaults in total, each arranged depending on the value of what was held inside them. The first vault was none other than Zekram's private collection, and the fifth vault was mainly for objects that only possessed mild splendor.

"And lastly, the Gremory Clan shall be promoted from the rank of Duke, to Archduke."

Normally a promotion could only be considered a good thing, but Zeoticus' expression, and the look of concern he was getting from Wilbert and Klauth suggested otherwise.

That was because the rank of Archduke in the Underworld came with a special responsibility, one that the Agares Clan that was also ranked Archduke was already enduring.

The Gremory Clan would now be expected to act as a mediator between the Bael Clan, the Four Great Satans, and the remaining Noble Devil Clans just like the Agares Clan was already doing.

The reason behind Zekram handing out the promotion was quickly made evident to every Gremory present.

The Gremory Clan had one son that was now serving as the Satan Lucifer, and another that would soon become Great King of the Bael Clan. Therefore, it could only mean that Zekram was attempting to turn the Gremory Clan into a much more tightly-secured bridge between the two sides than the Agares Clan.

More importantly, Venelana and Zeoticus were going to have to endure the mountain of pressure that came with acting as the glue between them. Something neither of them were sure they were ready to handle, and for good reason.

'If me and my brother disagree in any capacity, then it's our parents who are going to suffer for our actions. Is that what you're trying to convey?' Avalon felt tempted to curse aloud.

'Avalon, have I ever told you that I'm really, really, really fond of your fiance?' Tomoe snickered.

"Earl Auten and Archduke Gremory will have their formal inaugurations at a later date, but for the time-being, it is my pleasure to invite you all to spend the rest of the day at our estate."

---

Once the introductory phase of the ceremony had concluded, Avalon endured the grueling process of telling almost every noble present to keep their daughters— the members of his peerage also being put through a similar process.

"At least the food is good," he muttered to himself while stacking his plate with an alarming amount of food.

"What's with all the sulking? You're supposed to be the star of the show today," a seven foot tall shadow loomed over Avalon, a shadow that could only belong to the most physically imposing Devil present, Wilbert.

"You don't seem to be all that ecstatic either," he replied in an exhausted tone of voice. "You're getting a reward aren't you? Shouldn't that be a good thing?"

Wilbert sneered, "A reward? I haven't even begun my service as General yet, nor do I require such a thing from Zekram Bael of all people."

"Not a fan of her?" All the more important people in the Underworld seemed to share the same sentiment.

"That's putting it lightly, but if we're going to talk about her then I feel obligated to ask— is what your father told me about you and Zekram true?" Wilbert's expression hardened, a pressure radiating off him that demanded Avalon share his sense of severity.

"Which part? Me replacing Sylas? Or the other part that everyone seems to be paying a lot more attention to?" He asked half-sarcastically.

"Both."

Avalon sighed, putting down his plate.

"Yes, it's all true. Though I'd rather you keep it to yourself until it's announced officially."

Wilbert fell silent, breathing a deep groan. "Why did you accept?"

"That's a new reaction, normally the first step is to assume Zekram manipulated me into accepting the offer."

"With all the people watching over you, Zekram would've died already if she truly tried to force you. Therefore I can only assume you accepted it of your own volition for some unfathomable reason, one which I'm hoping you'd let me in on."

"Can we just say that she's beautiful and call it a day?"

"If it were about beauty, you'd already be with my daughter by now." Wilbert said with a tinge of pride. "Not to mention that Zekram is older than your entire living family combined, which you probably already know."

"Do you think the Underworld's fine as it is now?" Avalon asked. "The constant back and forth conflict between the Great King Faction and Four Great Satans, can we really just leave it as is?"

Wilbert's face lit up in understanding, his mind immediately catching onto what approach Avalon had taken.

"Of course it can't, but that doesn't mean you have to offer yourself up to Zekram to solve it."

"Then will you fix it? Will you destroy the Great King Faction and replace it with the Valen Clan, then work with my brother so the Underworld can finally move forward?" The pitch of Avalon's voice dropped considerably, "If the rift isn't mended, then the only other option is destroy it. You, my brother, and Ajuka are the only ones with the ability to do the latter."

"Who's to say we can't mend it? You've yet to even live for a decade Avalon, it's too soon to decide that."

"Then why hasn't anything happened yet? You've all been around for centuries if not longer, but I'm willing to bet the sentiment you all and Zekram have for one another hasn't altered in the slightest. Even if Heaven doesn't get involved during this war, they're more likely than not already sharpening their blades in anticipation. Can we still afford to wait knowing that?"

"You still haven't answered my question," Wilbert responded calmly.

"What?"

"You're just telling me what I already know, there's a much more personal reason behind why you're doing this isn't there? Otherwise you would've continued down the path of the Satan you wanted to pursue, and attempted to change what you thought needed changing from that position. However, you've now abandoned your path. Therefore I can only interpret what you're doing as something personal."

"Or maybe I just wasn't as committed to becoming a Satan as you thought, and even if it were personal. I'd be under no obligation to share my reasoning," he continued to pile up his plate.

"Do you hate the Gremory Clan?"

Avalon raised a brow, "No, where did that even come from?"

"I just thought you were trying to get away from something, don't pay it any heed. My old age may have weakened my perception," he chuckled.

"I'm not becoming a Bael to escape being a Gremory, I doubt my brother became Lucifer for such a reason either."

"Indeed, it was foolish of me to think that was your reasoning, you and your brother both seem to share a deep sense of empathy for the Underworld. I wish I could say the same."

"You can't?"

"No, I'm quite a selfish person after all. As long as my family is safe, that's all I really care for. Even if it causes me to express a certain sense of apathy for the rest of the Underworld, I'm not particularly ashamed of it either. A Devil ought to be a little selfish at times don't you think?"

Avalon wasn't sure how to respond, falling silent as Wilbert gently tapped his blindfold and CAD.

"Those weren't given to you so you'd feel obligated to give back Avalon, they were given to you so you could live. Wrapping yourself in a sense of duty isn't living, that's working. If all you do is work, then you're destined to end up just as depressing as Zekram."

"You're quite bold, talking about my fiance like that to my face." In spite of what Avalon said, he wasn't displaying so much as a morsel of hostility. "And while I won't try to debate whether she's good or not, I don't think she's nearly as jaded as everyone seems to believe."

"Oh?" Wilbert expressed a tinge of amusement.

"Even now, she's still trying to push for more power than she already has. Settling down at this point would in no way be disadvantageous for her, yet she's still insistent on having more." He plastered on a faint smile, "Such a person's fire couldn't possibly have faded out."

"You find her endless greed endearing?"

"A Devil ought to be a little greedy at times don't you think?"

Wilbert exhaled, "Fine, I won't try to debate you on that. However, there's just one more question I'd like to ask."

"Go on."

"What is your ideal Underworld? You can take your time to answer, there's no rush."

"No need, that's an easy question to answer. If we're just talking about ideals, then for me it would be survival of the weakest. Where the strong always help those without strength," he raised his hand before Wilbert could interject. "Of course, it's impossible for the Underworld to take such a form. Especially when abominations like me and my brother who gained our strength merely through being born exist, which is why I'd never try to force such an ideal."

"Then allow me to rephrase, what type of Underworld do you want to create?"

"One that doesn't need to question whether it'll even continue to exist or not," he poured himself a glass of juice.

'He thinks like a Gremory, yet he speaks and carries himself like a Bael. You've raised quite an odd child—Zeoticus. Although, I still can't help but wonder whether he's really your son or not.'

"It was good talking with you Wilbert, hopefully the next time we meet it'll be as soldier and General."

"Likewise," Wilbert watched Avalon's back intently while he meandered through the crowd. Dodging anyone who attempted to strike a conversation with him with pinpoint accuracy.

But as Avalon was making his way out of the bulk of the gathering, he ended up noticing a figure he had hoped to run into during the introductory phase of the ceremony, choosing to bump into their shoulder on purpose.

"Hey, watch where you're—" He had bumped into a boy with blond, slicked back hair, wearing a red blazer and white dress shirt. "Avalon?"

"It's been a while, Ruval."

Ruval took a step back, looking Avalon up and down. "What the hell? I thought it was just because of the distance between my seat and the stage, but you've shot up like a tree!"

"Jealous?" He smirked.

"As if! I'm just a late bloomer, you'll look like a midget compared to me soon enough." They both paused, their expressions brightening up. "It's good to see you again, Avalon. I see that you've gone ahead and recruited Esdeath," Ruval poked his ribcage with his elbow. "I look forward to hearing how you put the moves on her."

"I didn't put anything on her thank you very much," he grumbled while looking away.

"Sure," Ruval's face stiffened. "I heard that you fought the Fallen Angel who attacked my father as well."

"I did."

"Did you win?"

"No, I lost. The fight wasn't very long, but it was made obvious to me that she's quite the opponent. I haven't seen or heard anything regarding her since our first bout, I just hope her fifth pair hasn't grown in yet."

"She can grow as many wings as she likes, I'll be burning them all off soon enough."

"Wilbert's solid, if you two work together then I'm confident you'll win, and while you're at it you might as well take down a Cadre or two. That way it'll be you up on stage next time."

Ruval frowned, "You make it sound like you won't be joining us?"

"Not for the first year at least, though I doubt you'll need my help. I have some— training, I need to do before I'll be going back to the battlefield."

"With Souji? Why would you need that amount of training now of all times? You'd gain a lot more experience on the field anyway," he scratched his head.

"It isn't my decision," he shrugged. "However, this could be a good chance for you to catch up with me."

"Well hasn't someone grown cocky in the time I haven't seen him? With all that confidence I'm sure you wouldn't mind a spar while we're catching up?"

"I'd be delighted to—"

"You can roughhouse all you want tomorrow," Zekram intervened. "You're still going to need your energy for now, I need you to introduce yourself to some acquaintances of mine."

"Who's that?" Ruval questioned.

"That's actually Lord Bael, he has a deep passion for crossdressing— Ouch!" Zekram swiftly chopped him on the head, grabbing him by the back of the collar and pulling him away.

'Tch, I didn't even get to ask Ruval if his mom would be staying.'

---

The gang is finally starting to reassemble, and Ruval seems intent on running it back with Eurus so good luck to him on that, it's certainly not going to be an easy fight.

I don't really have all that much to put in this post-chapter section this time, so I'll leave it there for now.

Let me know if you have any suggestions or questions as per usual, I'll get back to them as soon as I can.

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