Chapter 57

Strings cross and the hydra rises.

Magdaran kept his eyes on the ground as Trina escorted the maid off the manor grounds after giving me a badge with a single crown. As soon as they were gone, I looked at Magdaran with a side eye, studying him.

"I will be upfront with you since I know why you were volentold to ask to join my peerage."

Magdaran looked ready to flinch before he grew confused and looked up at me.

"I don't know what…"

I interrupted him.

"Don't try to lie, as that's an insult to the very clearly intelligent person you are despite what they think of you. You were sent to spy on me for your grandfather."

Magdaran blinked at the compliment, not used to that, and was stunned stupid at the fact I called him out as I stepped in front of him. My eyes bore into Magdaran's violet ones as his face looked at mine strangely.

"You will get to do your mission."

Magdaran blinked again, his face now beyond confused. I looked at the other and continued.

"I will allow you to report bits of what you see to him."

Magdaran continued being confused beyond belief by everything before his eyes looked into mine, and he asked.

"Why?"

I looked back.

"Because I had a friend like you, and I won't make the same mistake I did with him. What class rank are you?"

Magdaran looked at me in pure confusion before he lowered his head in shame again.

"I am a low-class devil and a shame to the House of Bael."

He sounded robotic when he said that, as if he had been forced to repeat it often, and I know what piece I will use for him.

"We will change that."

That made Magdaran look up at me in shock, and I stepped around him to the door. I opened it and turned my red eyes on him.

"Follow me, and we will do the ceremony inside."

I moved into the great hall with Magdaran following behind me.

In the hall, we found Rias with Aaron beside her and Sona smirking at a stunned Lord Sitri, Zeoticus, and Venelana as they gazed at the teleporter. Heniya was nowhere to be seen, and the sound of the door opening made Venelana look our way before she raised an eyebrow at the sight of Magdaran behind me. He blushed seeing his aunt and Lord Sitri was still in a stunned stupor with Zeoticus looking at the teleporter. I smirk before saying to the three.

"I assume Rias has shown it to you?"

Zeoticus and Lord Sitri were still in shock, so Venelana became their spokesperson as a massive smile spread across her face.

"She did. I didn't believe her claim about it until I saw it. This will change everything for us. How much for a pair of our own?"

Venelana's brown eyes were very keen on this as Rias got excited and hugged her mother and still stunned father. My smirk grew.

"For my wonderful mother and father-in-law, I will make a pair for you for free."

Venelana smiled at seeing my hidden apology, and Lord Sitri broke from his stupor.

"I'd like a pair too, Heir Astaroth. How much?"

Magdaran looked on, even more confused, and I shrugged.

"Seven hundred thousand Lilith, which is the discounted version for my good friend in your daughter."

I needed more Lilith for Ryza, as we were in the last hundred thousand, and this could be an easy way to get more capital and advertise. Sona got her pretty smile there, and Lord Sitri blinked, clearly expecting more, before his face got a big smile.

"Deal. My wife constantly worries about Sona, and this is a small price to pay to erase that. When can you get me them?"

My smile smirk grew.

"I'll have them ready in a few days for you. I will have to do the installation on both ends, but that's not long. Do you and your peerage have private dorms at the school?"

Sona raised an eyebrow before she understood.

"We do have one. I'll show you it later this week."

I give her a nod before I ask, gesturing my head to Magdaran

"Can you help get my soon-to-be new pawn here into Kuoh Academy?"

That made the room save Zeoticus, still gazing at the teleporter, looked at Magdaran, who blushed and looked ready to hide behind me. Venelana frowned at the sight, and Sona looked at the other pureblood before she nodded.

"I can get him in, though he will need an alias for a last name."

I shrug.

"We will have one ready for him by the time school starts. Thanks, Sona."

Sona keeps her pretty smile before she approaches her father, sees something from him, and puts an arm on his back.

"Let's get you home, Dad. Mom said you have an important meeting tonight."

Lord Sitri nodded and put his arm around Sona. As the two began making their way to the door, Magdaran and I stepped out of their way. Sona gave me a thankful smile and bid me a good night before she and her father opened the door and stepped out. The door closed, and it was then that Venelana poked her husband out of his shocked state and looked at Magdaran.

"It's good to see you again after so long Mag. You have grown into a handsome young man."

Magdaran looked around me to his aunt before blushing, clearly not believing that, but he was well-mannered.

"Thank you, Lady Gremory."

Magdaran looked away from his aunt, and Venelana had a micro frown growing on her face before it disappeared. Zeoticus finally said his first words since we arrived.

"This is a marvel."

He sounded sad, and his pride hurt, and I shook my head.

"Just like your train is my dear father-in-law. Speaking of which you may want to have your people do a search of it."

Zeoticus had some of pride return hearing that before his face grew curious.

"Whys that?"

I grew serious.

"My queen, thanks to her, one of her former contacts heard a rumor that the train was tampered with. She told me that they are reliable in what they hear."

That worried Zeoticus and Venelana before they eyed each other as Zeoticus grew grim.

"I'll have my peerage search the train tomorrow morning to see if this is true. Thank you for letting me know."

I keep my serious look.

"Of course. I'll have your pair made and installed sometime this week. Just tell me where you want them placed."

Zeoticus nodded, and it was then that Rias moved and hugged her father, whispering to him.

"I can't wait to show you the surface, Daddy."

Zeoticus got a smile and returned the hug.

"I can't wait to see it with you, Ria."

The sweet scene continued for a few more seconds before Rias and Zeoticus broke apart. The red-haired man patted his daughter's back before he looked at a watching Aaron. He smiled at the robot and looked at Rias again.

"I would love to stay longer, Rias, but I sadly have to deal with a problem with one of our cadet branches."

Rias immediately seemed to know who this was, and she got a sympathetic look.

"It's ok, Daddy. Tell Aunt Hepibeth I say hello."

Zeoticus hugged his daughter again.

"I will, Rias."

 Zeoticus broke the hug as Venelana wrapped her arms around her husband, and the two began walking towards the door. I opened it for them just before the two crossed the threshold. I closed the door to see Rias, looking at Magdaran with cautious eyes, along with Aaron.

"Hello, cousin."

Aaron tweeted hello, too, and the noise made Magdaran look up at Rias and Aaron. Magdaran and Rias looked at one another silently for a moment before Magdaran replied.

"Hello, cousin."

It was said meekly, and Rias understood him fully then. She gave him a reassuring smile before she turned my way.

"I'm going to talk to Hetvia about an addition Aaron wants to add to himself eventually. I'll see you later tonight, Gregor-kun. Are we going to sleep here tonight?"

I chuckle, seeing her keen look for the bed.

"We are. I want to see Roka's reaction to the bed."

That got a cute giggle from Rias, who nodded in agreement. Aaron tweeted her a question about the bed, and Rias began eagerly explaining how soft it was as the two walked down the basement stairs. Magdaran watched Aaron with fascination, and I saw his intelligent mind trying to figure out how the robot worked. He noticed me observing him and ducked his head in shame again.

"I am sorry."

I struck as this forced taught behavior.

"Don't be. My peerage is a mix of warriors and scientists. You will learn many new things with us, some good and some bad. The maid said you are a botanist and an alchemist?"

Magdaran looked up at me, surprised at this, before he replied as I took out my evil piece set.

"I am. I'm not very good at them, though."

I would judge that, especially with an idea that came to me as I levitated the board. I pick up my last regular pawn and gesture for Magdaran to come over. He does and gazes at the remaining pieces on it for a moment before his violet eyes meet mine. I looked at him before I began saying the Oath of Moment with him. Magdaran frowned at the wording, clearly not used to this, before nodding and saying yes. I gently inserted the pawn into him, and he froze like the others had. While he does that, I put away my board and let him finish integrating with his piece. When Magdaran finally started moving again, he looked ready to say something to me but was interrupted when four people stepped off the teleporter pad. It was Kiya, Azura, Xenovia, and Kiryuu who were all talking to each other. Their sudden appearance made Magdaran blink in surprise, and the action drew the attention of Kiryuu, who looked in our direction. She saw Magdaran and a teasing smile crossed her face. That made the other three look at us. My bishop, with that smile, asked.

"Who is this?"

I shrug.

"This is Magdaran Bael. He is our newest peerage member."

That made Azura death glare at Magdaran, making him flinch while Kiryuu grew cautious and curious. Xenovia was looking at something only she could see in Magdaran. Kiya, it seems, hadn't been taught much about devil nobility yet, so he looked confused by Azura's glare before he tried being friendly.

"Sup, I'm Kiya Renjiro, the three-piece pawn of Rias Gremory."

Magdaran blinked again, not used to this sort of greeting, and looked unsure how to respond before he gave a meek hello. That action made Kiryuu get a sympathetic face as she looked at him with curiosity.

"I'm Kiryuu Akira, Gregor Astaroth's first bishop. It's nice to meet you, Sir Bael."

Xenovia finally got a smile on her face.

"Greetings, Sir Bael; I am Xenovia Quarta, the second rook of Rias Gremory."

Azura kept death glaring at Magdaran and said nothing before I gave her a look.

"Sir Bael was like you were Azura."

That made Azura stop most of her glare, and she looked at Magdaran with surprise. I looked at her and then the others before I gestured to the others to follow.

The six of us walked towards the back of the house in an uncomfortable silence, Azura glaring at Magdaran every so often. When we reached the training room, I opened the door and raised an eyebrow at what I saw inside. The massive room was filled with tons of brand-new exercise equipment, a large area for sparring, and two attached locker rooms. Everyone looked around the room in interest, and Kiya whistled.

"Damn, that's a lot of stuff. Is the rest of the house like this too?"

I shrug.

"It is, though, not too over the top compared to most nobles. Azura, are you ready to practice?"

Azure was nervous for a moment before she eyed Kiya. Then, a very determined look crossed her face.

"I am."

I gave her a slight smile, and Kiya sent her a look of support as Kiryuu and Magdaran moved with us to the sparring area. Kiryuu got a teasing smile when she saw Kiya but kept silent here as her eyes were mainly on Magdaran, who was keeping quiet. He, Kiya, and Kiryuu were sitting while Xenovia was leaning against the wall, watching me with a lustful look.

As soon as I pulled out the anvil, Magdaran's eyes were on it, and I quickly made two dueling swords, handing one to Azura. She took it and gripped it cautiously. The anvil disappeared, and I faced Azura, raising my sword. Azura did the same, and though she was nervous, she saw something behind me that made that look return. I eye her carefully.

"We will go to the first tap, and feel free to promote to whatever piece you want."

Azura nodded before she moved fast. She raised her blade, and I caught it. I threw her back, and thus began our dance of swords. The room was soon filled with clangs of metal on metal as Azura, and I spar. The first match was called when I tapped Azura's left leg, and the defeats became a pattern. Each defeat would make her even more determined the next time as Kiya cheered her on. Xenovia would give sword tips to Azura, as would Kiryuu, giving magic tips when the pureblood promoted to a bishop. However, Azura kept losing and soon began breathing hard. She was growing sloppy, and I took an opening and poked her right shoulder, ending the match before I called it.

"You did well, Azura."

The sword dropped from her right hand with a clang as she gasped for air and bent over.

"You move so fast, even with my power of speed and a knight. How?"

I smile slightly.

"A very painful process you don't want to do. To give you credit, you're only three seconds slower than Kokabiel was when you have both your power of speed and a knight. Perhaps with that process, you will out-speed me."

That made Azura feel as better as she imagined that speed and looked up at me. She huffed twice more before I told her.

"We will keep practicing when I have time. I will soon make something called a training cage. You and the others will do practice on your own time in it. Fair warning, it will use our other styles."

That got a nod from her, and it was then I heard Xenovia walk towards me. She passed me and moved to Azura before taking the other's blade as she gave me a lustful look of challenge.

"I am eager for a match, Beloved~"

Azure moved off the sparring mat, and I raised my sword.

"As am I. Don't hold back."

Xenovia gave me a sexy smirk before she moved as her blade went for a lethal blow. I blocked the blade and riposte her and soon we began a real fight.

We moved fast as swords clanged against one another. Xenovia was an excellent swordswoman who dodged or blocked blow after blow I made. The duel quickly showed me she was still a power idiot but was one that now was even more deadly as her psyker powers activated. She started to move her swords to block blows just as I was about to make them and or riposte my blows a little too well. Her brown eyes began flashing blue more and more often as our fight continued. Her blocks and riposte got better, and as the fight continued, she began to push me back slowly. After she dodged a blow just before I made it, it was when I switched from my current style of Iron Warriors over to Space Wolf. The new unpredictability of the style threw Xenovia off more than before as I regained momentum, and the fury of the style made her start slowly backing up.

I now understand a bit more about the Space Wolves as I fight Xenovia, seeing Leman's hidden tool. Xenovia and I were enjoying this duel equally as her face filled with lust for me, and her skill was attractive to me. She watched me closely as the fight continued before I finally found an opening in her guard. I chop twice at her from two different directions forcing her to block before I suddenly switch to my human dueling style poking her left forearm gently.

Xenovia froze at the poke and then let out a lustful laugh as her blade stopped moving, and she began to take in air.

"Cunning Beloved~"

I shrugged while taking deep breaths. Looking around the room, I saw our watchers in amazement at our fight. As they watched us, I smirked at Xenovia.

"You are an ultra cheat, Ovi, so that was needed."

She didn't deny it, and her face grew even more lustful.

"War is never fair, Beloved. You know that better than anyone~"

I chuckle as I extend my hand to hers.

"It's not, and I can't wait to see my power 'idiot' swordswoman show that off."

Xenovia laughs as she takes my hand, and we shake.

"At least I'm not the self-proclaiming childhood friend. She brags after each win that he ordained each of her victories."

That got a laugh from me as I took her sword as the two of us think of Irina. As Xenovia drew closer to me, her face grew even lustier.

"I enjoyed this, Beloved, and would like to do it again~"

I actually smiled and connected further with Xenovia here.

"As would I, Ovi. You are an excellent swordswoman."

That got an even wider lustful smile on Xenovia's face as she drew close to me.

"Just tell me a time, Beloved, and I'll be there~"

This was fun, but Kiryuu's teasing voice behind me broke that.

"You two can fuck later; I want to see my new room here. Perhaps I can get one next to our new member~"

I looked over my shoulder to see a grinning Kiryuu looking at a blushing red Magdaran as her smile grew. Kiya and Azure watched that in amusement as Azure enjoyed a Bael squirming.

"I can show you the rooms. Kiya-kun can you get everyone else save Raynare and tell them we will be eating here."

Kiryuu smiled wide before she returned to teasing Magdaran. Kiya tilted his head, confused at the request, before Azura whispered something in his ear. He glanced at the still-blushing Magdaran before he nodded.

"I can, Gregor-kun."

Kiya got off his butt, and Azura joined him as the two walked towards the door. I kept my eyes on the Bael and Xenovia read my mind. She eyed Magdaran as Kiryuu kept teasing him. Her eyes flashed blue for a moment before she whispered.

"He would have done it if you said no, Beloved."

I had figured that and whispered with melancholy in my voice.

"I didn't want to fail the other person again."

Xenovia frowned for a moment before she got a gentle smile, kissing my cheek.

"You are a wonderful person who truly will be Beloved by All when the world sees you."

I don't think that will ever happen, but I put my doubts back under lock and key, as I said to Kiryuu.

"How is your drawing going, Kiryuu-chan?"

Kiryuu stopped teasing Magdaran and slowly got up off the floor.

"Pretty well, actually. I have an idea that I want to run by you. Can I make a manga series based on you and Red's story? Changed, of course, a bit for the humans."

That raised my eyebrow before I shrugged and approached the door with Xenovia.

"You can, but I'd also ask Rias first just to be safe. When you finish it, I'll help you get it published."

Kiryuu beams and falls into step with me while Magdaran scrambles up and then over to the other side of us, next to Xenovia, away from Kiryuu. Kiryuu eyes Magdaran doing this, amused, before she turns back to me.

"I appreciate it, Gregor-kun."

The four of us reached the door to the training room, and I opened it for us.

"Your goals are my goals, Kiryuu-chan. I want to see it first, but please tell me it won't be a hentai."

Kiryuu giggled, shaking her head as we walked to the great hall.

"No, it will be a shōjo and very classy. I have another idea for our dragon friend, which will be one."

I wanted to sigh as Kiryuu chuckled pervertedly, and the noise spooked Magdaran out of his curious look. He looked at Kiryuu like a deer in the headlights, and Kiryuu teased him as we entered the great hall.

"You can have a copy of it when it's ready to cutie~"

Her face of perversion sent Magdaran into a sputtering and blushing red fit as he followed us to the house teleporter. I hit a button, and the four of us were moved to the third floor. When we landed, Magdaran blinked in surprise at the sudden change of scenery as Kiryuu opened the door to one of the rooms. She whistled at the sight.

"It's so big."

I snarked at her as Magdaran kept blinking.

"If you want, I can get you a cardboard box to live in if that's more your style. I'll even put it in a corner, maybe behind a dumpster."

Xenovia huffed in amusement, and Kiryuu giggled at the snark.

"I am good, thank you, though, as I need a great shower for my perfect hair. Maybe you should get some cardboard boxes for Kuroka and Shirone for your room. I'm sure they would love that."

I want to roll my eyes again and hold back a laugh before I turn my red eyes on Magdaran.

"Choose a room for yourself and start unpacking. I'll have one of my maids collect you for dinner. You will also join in on our training, which we do periodically, though you are encouraged to do it outside of those times. I also might have a task for you soon that will test your alchemy skills."

I wanted him to eventually find a way to replicate ceremite and many other types of future metals for our smelters. The end goal was to have him look at Freed's armor and see if he could replicate living metal through alchemy. Magdaran blinked at this order and got ready to say something. Only to pale when he saw Kiryuu watching him intently with a slight perverted smile. Magdaran gave a quick nod before he ran for one of the rooms and quickly shut the door.

I eyed Kiryuu, who was huffing in amusement at that sight before she grew serious.

"He's a spy, isn't he."

I look at his door and nod.

"His is but spys can work both ways. I must have greatly impressed the Great King last Tuesday for him to do this. Please don't tease him too badly he didn't have a good home life."

Kiryuu sighed.

"I'll try not to, but he's easily flustered, and I need that again since Kiya-kun and Azura-chan are getting lost in each other more and more. I'll keep a watch on him."

That was more than I thought I'd get with her.

"Thank you, Kiryuu-chan. He's free to see nearly everything but the surface teleporter and the bottom basement floor. That's where it will be."

Kiryuu gave me a nod before she looked at each of the doors. She settled on one next to Magdaran's and smirked before disappearing inside. As soon as she was gone, I let out a sigh of relief and felt Xenovia wrap her arms around me. She and I stayed still for a moment before she kissed me on my neck.

"He doesn't want to spy on you Beloved. He just has to, or there will be bad consequences for him. That maid left long-lasting scars on him, not on the Great King's orders but on his father's. He was just a furniture piece for his family, so please be kind to him like you did me."

I squeezed one of her hands tight.

"I will. I don't want to put him into anything that gets him into trouble."

 Xenovia kissed my neck again before I felt her hands move slightly, so I looked over my shoulder to see her with a lustful look on her face. I playfully swat her away, which got Xenovia giggling about something before the two of us went back through the teleporter.

Once we were back in the great hall for only a moment, Kiya stepped off the teleporter with Azura, followed by all of my peerage and the queens save Raynare. The group looked around the hall in amazement, and it was then that Murayama and her folks stepped off the other teleporter pad. Murayama beams, seeing everyone, and begins introductions. The introductions were halfway through when Rias and Ravel came out of the basement. The two were talking about something and quieted the conversation as they approached me. When they were close enough, Ravel whispered cautiously.

"I have heard about our new peerage mate I want an explanation later."

I kissed her cheek and nodded. That settled Ravel before more people stepped off the teleporter pad. It was Issari, Akeno, Asia, and Irina. Akeno was wearing an ultra-happy smile while Irina and Asia looked around the house in interest. Irina asked in a confused voice.

"Where are we?"

I gave the self-proclaiming Protestant a look of warning.

"Welcome to my manor in the underworld, the land of hellfire and feudalism. Yes, the teleporter can do that. Please don't try to hurt my subjects here if you see them as they are not what you think they are. Gecko wear the bracelet I have a new pawn, and he is Rias's cousin."

Irina looked offended, getting a tic mark on her for a second before Akeno sent her a teasing look, which made her blush. That made Akeno even happier, for some reason. While Issari sighed, getting the hidden message, she pulled the bracelet out of her pocket. As she was placing it on her forearm, Asia asked.

"Are the labs here? Helina and I have been eager to start work on our projects."

I give Asia a smile.

"They are, and I'll show you them after dinner. I might have also found a person in the early stages of sleeping disease that could help on that research."

Sona deserves a bit of breathing room for her school and to be less of a hard ass. Asia got a gleam in her eyes hearing that and Ichihara tilted his head.

"Sleeping disease?"

Asia quickly drew Ichihara into a conversation about the disease, and then Neri stepped out of the doorway to the dining room. 

"Dinner is almost ready, Milord."

The announcement got people moving, and Murayama excitedly introduced an amused Kuroka and Shirone to Taira. Akeno was extremely happy about something as she and Issari moved together, with Asia, Irina, and Ichihara behind them. As I passed Neri, I told her that we had two people on the third floor, and my maid quickly moved to get them.

People began taking seats at the huge dining room table that could easily fit fifty-plus people before Neri returned with an amused Kiryuu and a very flustered Magdaran. The pureblood quickly fled from Kiryuu to sit next to Kiya and Azura. Kiryuu was amused at this before she took a seat next to Issari. My peerage, Asia, Issari, Irina, Ichihara, Taira, and the other queens, blinked at Magdaran, and I introduced him.

"This is Magdaran, my new pawn. Magdaran, this is my peerage, some of my future in-laws and friends."

Magdaran gave a meek hello to everyone, and my peerage, along with the queens, understood partly why I made my choice here. They returned the greeting to him, and that was when Maéva began bringing out Italian food. People began to dig in, and the food was excellent, as always. Halfway through the meal, I finally asked Akeno why she was grinning like a loon. My cousin rolled her eyes before saying in pride.

"Your dad got back to me today, Lex. He told me I had gotten my battlefield promotion. I will be getting my set sometime tomorrow morning."

The smirk on Akeno's face grew even wider, revealing that the table froze in shock upon hearing this. Issari, it seems, hadn't known yet this because she dropped her fork, and it hit the table with a clang. Rias beamed wide, looking at Akeno with happiness.

"Congratulations Akeno. I'll trade Kiba with you tomorrow after you get it."

That made Akeno smirk wider, and the shock finally broke for my peerage and the queens as they began a stream of congratulations, and I joined in.

"Congratulations on making history, Keno. You deserve it."

Akeno took that praise in stride as the congratulations continued. I saw Magdaran watch Akeno and the others carefully as people began eating and talking again. Ichihara poked at Asia again about sleeping disease, and the two doctors settled into talking. Taira fell into a conversation with Kuroka and Shirone, and I can see that youkai and devils still made her uncomfortable. However, when that seemed to break for her, she looked at Murayama and lost a bit more of the tension.

Soon, the meal was drawing to a close, and I could practically see Asia's excitement for the labs. As Neri and Maéva moved dishes and my peerage began to disperse, I got up and gestured to Asia to follow. She did and was soon followed by Ichihara and Taira as Issari pulled Akeno and Irina away to see their floor. Rias and Ravel were wearing teasing smiles as they led Kuroka and the others to see our room. I descended the stairs with Asia and the others.

Once we got to the lab area and I opened the door, Asia gasped at the size of the room and all the equipment. She walked and looked at the machines in awe as Ichihara and Taira blinked at the size. Asia began asking questions about the machines, and I answered them all, with Asia getting more and more excited per answer. Her mind was moving a million miles a second before her green eyes met mine.

"Helina and I will start on this project tomorrow morning. Hopefully, we will have it ready in a month."

I smirk wide.

"I hope so too, and when it is fully tested, I will openly credit the two of you for making it."

Asia's wide smile showed her eagerness to live her teachings, and Ichihara asked.

"What is this project?"

I smirk.

"A gene therapy that will increase the fertility rate of devils significantly. Currently, it's a ten percent chance for a child. This therapy will increase the chances to eighty percent."

Ichihara and Taira looked shocked to learn this before Ichihara got a soft face, as did Taira. My future father-in-law got a determined look.

"I will help with this project. Especially if it helps me learn devil biology."

Taira chimed in, looking equally determined.

"I would like to help too. I might not want grandchildren right now, but I do one day."

Asia beams at getting more help for this and the three begin talking about how they will do this. As they spoke, I pulled out the anvil and started making more equipment for the Legio while occasionally throwing in an idea. This continued for three hours before Asia yawned cutely, which broke up the meeting before the three began leaving the room. I continued making armor and weapons until I was almost exhausted. I make one last las gun before I throw it in a pocket spell and then will the anvil away. I walk slowly, still sore, before I get ready to explain myself to Ravel and the others.

Upon entering the room, I was met by the sight of everyone save Kuroka, who was looking amused at something as they sat at the foot of the bed. That something was Kuroka snoring away face down ass up in a deep dream with her tails wagging every so often. I was only slightly disappointed to have not seen her reaction before Ravel caught sight of me. She flat out said it.

"Why do we have a spy in the house?"

The others, save Xenovia, had the same look as I sighed and sat with them.

"Because of one of the clearest memories from before the crash. When I was in middle school, I had a very good friend who had a very rough childhood. He one day after school as I and another friend walked him home gave us a look of silent pleading to help him. He had sent us that look so many times over the years, and we were so used to it, so we reassured him it would be okay. The next day at school, he didn't show up. We were beyond confused at this as he was never late, thanks to wanting to be away from his folks whenever possible. When he didn't show up the next day either, we grew even more worried, and it was then that our homeroom teacher pulled us aside and told us he had committed suicide. I saw the same look on Magdaran's face when he asked to join. That's why I said yes despite the fact I also got a political favor from the Great King."

I had only ever shared that story with Kate before. The room went completely silent other than Kuroka's snores as the queens understood my choice now. Rias put her head on my shoulder while Shirone put her tail around my waist. Ravel and Murayama gave me a look of understanding now while Xenovia chimed in sadly.

"He would have done it after being rejected to escape the emotional abuse he gets from his family. They would have tormented him now because he was a weak user of it rather than not having it. The only one who tries for him is his older half-brother, yet he is isolated from him whenever possible."

The others get a deep, sad look now before I say with my own sigh.

"I understand he is a spy, and I will have Kiryuu watch him. I just couldn't make that mistake again."

The room went silent again besides Kuroka's snores before Ravel approached me and kissed my cheek.

"You are too noble, Greg."

That got echoes of agreement from the others, and then Xenovia got a perverted smile.

"We should reward our Beloved for being so noble~"

That got matching, eager smiles from the others before they dragged me to the bathroom. They cluster around me in the tub wearing extremely skimpy bikinis they had set out beforehand. Xenovia was the one in my lap this time, and I managed to keep the nosebleed to a minimum, especially when the five kept whispering things to me. The five wore ever-increasing teasing smiles that continued as I relaxed with them. Xenovia told me that she had gotten a letter back from her mother and that I better be ready to impress her. I told her I would, and it was then we got out of the tub, dressed, and got into the bed. As we lay on the bed and snuggled for a bit each of the queens started drifting off to sleep one by one and their presence plus the gryphon feathers made me join them for a relaxing night.

An elbow jabs into my gut at rook strength pushed me off the bed and out of sleep. I hit the floor with an oof with a broken rib and winced as it healed instantly. Looking up, I see the edges of blue hair above me on the bed. More snores filled the room as I got up off the floor and began to sneak toward the bathroom. When I exited the bathroom a half hour later, I found the others still snoring away, so I slipped out to get them breakfast in bed for last night.

The manor was utterly silent until I passed a room that was the head maid's office, where Maéva was speaking to someone inside. In the kitchen, I found Neri making pancakes for people, and I joined her. The two of us worked in an easy silence, and soon, multiple plates were filled with food. I placed some of them, plus silverware and maple syrup, on a folding table before easily carrying it to the teleporter. On the way there, I passed by the first people beside me up in Kiya and Azura, who moved towards the kitchen dressed in workout clothes.

When I entered the bedroom, I found everyone still asleep, and I don't blame them those gryphon feathers are so soft. However, the smell of food started waking everyone up, including a very well-rested Kuroka. The six blinked at me for a few moments before their stomachs began rumbling. I chuckle at the sound and unfold the table before laying plates down for them. The queen's eyes widen when they see what their pancakes look like.

For Rias, it was a sword, Kuroka a small kitten, Ravel, a chess board, Murayama got a roughly made knight, Shirone a princess tiara, and finally, Xenovia received two little children. The six looked at the pancakes before their eyes met mine with heart pupils, and I smiled wide at them.

"You spoil me, I spoil you."

That got dreamy sighs before I brought the table over to the bed as we began to eat. The seven of us kept eating, and after I finished a bite, I asked Rias.

"Can I watch the trading ritual later, Rias? Just in case I need to do it with one of my people eventually."

Rias gave me a slight nod while looking at the table as she ate the pancake sword hilt.

"You can."

Something unknown was in her voice but was only there momentarily. I kissed her cheek and returned to eating. Everyone loved the food, and I was amused when, almost immediately after everyone was done, Kuroka curled up in the bed and went back to sleep. The others were amused by that, too before they started getting ready for the day, I told them that I would be making a wargear delivery and that I would be getting Ingvild something. They each kissed me before I made my way out of the room.

I stepped off the teleporter and started moving through the silent manor. As I climbed up the stairs and into the front hall, I found an awake but very tired Raynare holding two bowls of porridge. I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Up late?"

Raynare nodded.

"Ingvild wanted to finish the series."

I saw there was more to that story than Raynare was telling. I didn't push it, but I would ask Ingvild about this when I got home.

"I see. Is she still interested in audiobooks?"

Raynare nodded before she yawned cutely and began making her way to the stairs. When she was halfway up, I said to her.

"I'll grab her it before I make my delivery run."

Raynare stopped for a moment to yawn again before she continued to ascend the stairs, and I began heading towards the door. I opened it and began my walk down the steps of the manor and out onto the sidewalk.

Twenty minutes later, I found an Infinity Book shop in the nearby shopping district and opened the door to it. A bell rang as I entered and began moving towards the counter. As I walked past the first three book rows, one of them held an almost bald young man, I recognized who was giggling perversely. It was Matsuda, and I ignored him as I continued walking. I also passed a blonde-haired woman my age in the cookbook section before finally reaching the counter. The woman behind it was in her early twenties with blue eyes and black hair, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. She eyed me in lust for a moment before she became professional and smiled politely.

"How may I help you today?"

I returned the smile.

"I would like to buy a Kindle and an Audible subscription."

The woman nodded and then led me past several rows of books, one of which caught my attention before she stopped at a stand that held multiple Kindles. I bought the newest one for Ingvild and a subscription for a year. When the clerk asked if I wanted to pay now, I said I would like to look around for a bit. She smiled politely and said she would be at the counter. As she left, I went over to the book row that had caught my attention. It was one filled with sci-fi books and there was a young woman my age at the far side of the row wearing a white beanie also looking at them. My eyes were on her momentarily before I started browsing the books. Many were C-tier trash pulp, but I saw one that Rias might like.

 It was Fall of Reach, and I picked up the book, putting it under my arms. I continued browsing the row and found the Essential Guide to Droids. I smirked and picked that up for Hetvia, along with the one about vehicles and vessels. My search stopped again when I found a fascinating sci-fi book on the shelf close to the beanie-wearing young woman. I looked at her momentarily and saw she was reading a more recent reprint of Dune. This bookstore must be popular with tourists as she nor the blonde woman in the cookbook section were Japanese.

The beanie-wearing young woman was a bit tanner than I was and looked like a tourist from the US, given her Dodgers t-shirt. I felt something strange near her as I picked up a print of Dune for Ravel. She had expressed a slight interest in the book when she saw it on Rias's side table recently. I was about to look at the young woman closer as something was off about her, when I felt my phone vibrate. I turned my eyes from her, pulled the phone out of my pocket, and looked at the message. I froze for a moment, then quickly made my way to the clerk to buy Ingvild's Kindle and the books. As I walked out of the store with the bag on the phone's screen read the words.

I found something.

As he walked down the aisle and out of the bookstore, she stared at his retreating back intently from her position in the sci-fi section. She couldn't believe how lucky she was and how he was exactly like her briefing on him from Connla last night. A calm, calculated individual who moved like a predator. He was especially deadly, too, as when she was shown his rating game even, she who knew many sword styles thanks to her former organization, could barely identify even scant hints of his. He was an anomaly and one she would enjoy unraveling. As he walked out, she wondered more and more about him as he was unlike any other devil or devil hybrid she had ever seen or heard of. Those thoughts, however, barely masked a strange feeling she couldn't identify when she was near him. She didn't know what that feeling was as it had been a quick second thing. She then let out a loud yawn, still tired from her trip here. She got ready to pay for her new books and find a way to arrange a proper run-in with him this week.

Le Fay had been picking up a cookbook for traditional Japanese food so she could surprise the team after their long boat ride from Korea when she saw a figure out of the corner of her eye. She froze and watched as the Lord of Iron passed by her towards the clerk. He was concerned about something, looking down at his phone intently. The sight of him made her and how handsome he was in person made her almost let loose a fangirl squeal. She managed to keep it in even though she wanted to chase after him to beg for an autograph. She quickly picked up the book and rushed to pay for it so she could tell the others she had seen him!