Lady Sitri had claimed the spot next to me with the determination of a possessive girlfriend who won't leave you alone for even an hour, leaving Sona to sit across from us with an expression of "I am one more embarrassing moment away from disowning my entire family".
Asia had leaned herself to the window like a kid at an aquarium, her green eyes wide as she watched the spatial flows blur past. Kalawarner sat beside her, keeping a calm composure, but her gaze occasionally shifting between me and Lady Sitri.
"So, Motohama-kun" Lady Sitri said "Have you given any thought to what we discussed during our last duel session?"
"You mean the part where you tried to cave a punch at my chest, or when you suggested I should 'expand my influence in Underworld using my potions?"
"The latter, obviously" Lady Sitri's smile widened "Though I must say, your instincts during the former was quite impressive"
Sona adjusted her glasses "Mom, perhaps we could leave the decision to Motohama kun? It seems inappropriate for you to force him to a choice that he has not thought of"
"Inappropriate?" Lady Sitri placed a hand over her heart in mock offense "I'm simply making conversation with our guest. There's nothing inappropriate about discussing his future prospects. As his mentor, it's my role to guide him, Sona"
I'd spent enough time around Lady Sitri to know that the woman communicated in a way that would make a politician look like a kid in her presence.
"First time in the Underworld, I take it?" Lady Sitri asked gently as she observed Asia's wide-eyed expression seeing Sitri territory.
Asia nodded, shifting her gaze from the window to her "I never imagined it would be so... beautiful! The Church always taught us that Hell was a place of suffering and torment"
"Oh, we have those areas too, Asia chan" Saji said, earning a sharp look from Sona.
"The Church's understanding of the Underworld is somewhat outdated" Sona said "While there are certainly areas that cater to punishment and detention of criminals, the majority of the Underworld is simply where devils live their lives. We have cities and infrastructure, much like the human world, but with our own unique touch to it"
HISSSSS.
The train glided into a station which meant we finally arrived at our stop.
I stepped onto the platform and immediately felt the difference in the air. It was way with magical energy that made every breath taste like taste of half cooked fish.
Tsubaki appeared at Sona's side, having gathered the rest of the student council peerage.
Lady Sitri stretched lazily, somehow making the simple gesture look like an invitation to sin "Well then, shall we be off? The Sitri estate is waiting, and I'm sure our young guest is eager to freshen up before this evening's festivities"
"Festivities?" I raised an eyebrow.
Sona sighed as she said "Rias's engagement party to Riser Phenex is scheduled for tonight
"Tonight? As in, several hours from now tonight?"
"Indeed. The Phenex family arranged it rather suddenly. Apparently they wanted to formalize the union before any further delays could be introduced"
"This would be appropriate for the party, right?" I asked.
Lady Sitri waved a dismissive hand "Oh, don't worry about that. We'll have you properly attired. Can't have you showing up looking like a vagrant, after all." Her eyes glinted with mischief "Besides, this will present you an excellent opportunity for to make your debut in Underworld society."
FWOOOM.
A massive magic circle materialized nearby, and a sleek black vehicle that looked like a limousine had mated with a dragon emerged from it. The door opened on its own, revealing an interior that was probably more expensive than my entire previous life's net worth.
"Transportation has arrived" Lady Sitri announced cheerfully "Everyone in. We have much to do and limited time to do it"
As we filed into the vehicle, I caught Kalawarner's eye. She gave me a look that clearly said, "This is exactly the kind of chaos I signed up for, but also, what the hell?" I could only shrug in response. When you decided to work with me, every day was an adventure.
The vehicle lifted smoothly off the ground, and we glided into the Underworld traffic. Flying cars wove between buildings in patterns that should've resulted in constant collisions but somehow didn't, guided by magical traffic systems that made human air traffic control look like a child's game.
Asia had given up trying to process everything and had instead devolved into making small noises of amazement every few seconds. Kalawarner was taking mental notes with the intensity of a spy in enemy territory, which, technically, she was. Sona's peerage maintained their professional composure, though I caught a few of them sneaking glances at the scenery.
And Sona herself sat with her hands folded in her lap, staring at nothing, her mind clearly miles away.
I had a feeling I knew what or rather, who she was thinking about.
---
The Sitri estate made my apartment look like a cardboard box that Gasper found shelter in.
We passed through gates that were like architectural display of wealth and power, guarded by devils in formal armor who bowed as our vehicle approached. The grounds stretched out like someone had taken a European palace garden and supersized it, with perfectly manicured hedges, fountains that flowed with water that sparkled like liquid starlight, and sculptures that I was pretty sure were actually frozen demons used as decorative elements.
The mansion itself rose four stories of pale stone and dark wood, with towers at each corner and enough windows to suggest that the electric bill, or should I say magical was probably astronomical. Magic circles rotated lazily in the air above the roofline, probably defensive wards that could vaporize anything from trespassers to particularly aggressive birds.
CRUNCH.
The vehicle came to a stop on a circular driveway. Servants appeared from nowhere, moving in sync like people who'd spent decades perfecting the art of being invisible until needed.
"Welcome to the Sitri family estate," Sona said, stepping into her role as Sitri heir "Please, allow our staff to assist with your belongings"
I didn't have belongings beyond what I'd stored in my dimensional storage, but Asia had brought an actual suitcase like a normal person, and Kalawarner had a shoulder bag. The servants whisked these away with a gentle nod.
The front doors opened, and we entered a foyer that could've doubled as a ballroom. The ceiling soared overhead, painted with murals depicting what I assumed was Sitri family history, ancestors in dramatic poses, and what looked suspiciously like a scene of someone summoning a leviathan. The floor was polished marble that reflected the chandelier hanging above, a massive crystal construction that glowed with soft light.
"Sona! You've returned!"
A man descended the grand staircase with the kind of presence that suggested he was used to being the most important person in any room. Lord Sitri, I presumed. He had Sona's violet eyes and sharp features, though his were softened by laugh lines and a genuinely warm smile. He wore robes that managed to look both traditional and modern, deep purple with silver trim.
"Father" Sona greeted him with a bow "May I present Motohama, the alchemist I mentioned in my correspondence. And his companions, Asia Argento and Kalawarner san"
Lord Sitri's gaze swept over us with the assessing quality of someone who'd spent centuries learning to read people. When his eyes met mine, I felt a subtle pressure, not hostile but definitely of curiosity.
I met his gaze steadily, not backing down but not challenging either. Just existing in that space between deference and defiance.
After a moment that felt like an hour, Lord Sitri smiled "Welcome to our home. Sona speaks highly of your talents, young man. I look forward to seeing a demonstration of the potions I've heard about."
"I appreciate the hospitality, Lord Sitri" I said, keeping my tone respectful but not fawning "Though you've to wait until the party is over, to see my talent in person"
"Ah yes, the engagement party" He nodded with a smile "The Phenex family has always had a thing for rushing things. I trust you'll all attend? It would be considered rather rude to decline, given that invitations were extended to all current guests of the major houses"
"Of course" I said. Wouldn't miss it.
Lord Sitri's smile widened slightly "Excellent. Now, I'm sure you'd all like to rest and refresh yourselves before attending this evening's event"
He clapped his hands once, and more servants materialized like well-dressed ghosts "Please show our guests to their rooms. Ensure they get everything they require"
As we were led away down a hallway lined with portraits of stern-looking devils who'd probably all had their own Devilpedia pages, I caught Lady Sitri watching me with an expression that was equal parts amusement and calculation, while she walked away with her husband.
---
The room they'd given me was bigger than my entire apartment and furnished like someone had been told "make it luxurious" and responded with "say no more."
I'd sent Asia and Kalawarner off to their own rooms to settle in, though not before Asia was beaming with excitement about the "beautiful castle" and Kalawarner being clueless for treating so nicely after such a long time.
I dropped onto the bed, which was exactly as comfortable as it looked, and stared at the ceiling.
My mind turned over the situation like a Rubik's cube where all the faces were different shades of "tonight it will be hell". Tonight, I'd be walking into a room full of devil nobility And I was going to, what, interrupt an engagement party to announce I was planning to disrupt the Phenex family's monopoly.
The smart play would be watch like a super smart edge lord. Quiet meetings, backdoor deals, slowly building a client base while staying under the radar until I was too established to easily remove.
But where was the fun in that?
Besides, the only reason I am taking such a great level of risk is to get a high rank Gacha ticket from knocking off Riser. And gacha ticket of high level is what I needed to hold my own against Hero Faction, if they choose to show up all at once.
I can't be a loser relying on just a summoning pamplet of Serafall, and how many fucking times I can ask her to come for my rescue. Besides, my choices are mine to make, not some third person's, who finds joy in criticizing other's choices rather than having balls to make their own.
KNOCK-KNOCK.
"Come in" I called, sitting up.
The door opened to reveal Sona, now dressed in a simple but elegant dress that suggested she'd already started preparing for the evening. She closed the door behind her with a soft click and regarded me with those analytical violet eyes.
"We need to talk" she said.
"Funny, I was just thinking the same thing..." I gestured to one of the chairs by the window "Have a seat. This feels like it's going to be one of those conversations"
She sat with perfect posture, hands folded in her lap, but there was tension in her shoulders that her formal bearing couldn't quite hide "You understand what tonight represents, yes?"
"A political nightmare wrapped in formal wear and false pleasantries?"
"Essentially. The engagement party is more than just a social event. It's a declaration. The Phenex family asserting their position, the Gremory family accepting the arrangement, and everyone else bearing witness to ensure it becomes socially binding"
"But it seems Rias doesn't want it" I said quietly.
Sona's expression tightened "Even then. In devil society, the desires of individuals are often secondary to the needs of the family. Arranged marriages are common among nobility, used to strengthen alliances, consolidate power, and ensure the continuation of bloodlines. Pretty much like Humans"
She looked out the window at the gardens below, her reflection ghosting over the glass "Rias has been fighting this for years. She fought with Riser in Rating Game, tried to find loopholes in the contract, even considered running away. Nothing has worked. The agreement between the families is ironclad, and tonight makes it public in a way that will be nearly impossible to reverse without causing a scandal that could damage both houses"
There was something in her voice that went beyond concern for a friend. This was personal. I'd seen Sona maintain her composure through everything from student council emergencies to her mother's embarrassing teasing, but right now, that mask was cracking.
"You're worried about her" I said "Not as a fellow devil noble or a political ally. As a close friend"
Sona turned back to me, and for once, she didn't bother hiding the emotion in her eyes "Rias has been my closest friend since childhood. We've trained together, played together, shared our dreams and frustrations. She wants to be recognized for her own merits, not as an extension of her brother's legacy or a bargaining chip for her family. And now she's being forced into a marriage with a man who views her as a trophy, another pretty thing to add to his collection"
The venom in that last sentence could've stripped paint. Sona took a breath, visibly reining herself back in "Riser Phenex is everything I despise about the worst elements of devil nobility. Arrogant, hedonistic, cruel in the casual way of someone who's never faced real consequences for his actions. He has a full peerage of fifteen women, all of whom he treats as little more than attractive servants. The thought of Rias being subjected to that, having to smile and play the role of obedient wife while he parades his harem around..."
She trailed off, hers fists clenched.
I let the silence hang for a moment before speaking "So why are you telling me this?"
Sona's eyes locked onto mine with "Because I know you're planning something. I can see it. You've been too calm about this entire situation, too willing to engage with Underworld politics. You're choosing yourself to reveal by attending the party, which you wouldn't have agreed to be part of"
Sharp as ever. I shouldn't have expected anything less from Sona Sitri.
I leaned back in my chair, considering how much to reveal. Trust was a commodity in the supernatural world, and I was about to spend some of it on a gamble that Sona's friendship with Rias outweighed her family loyalty.
"What I am about to reveal, I want you to keep it a secret" I said.
Her eyebrows rose fractionally as I continued.
"I read that Phenex family leverage their Phoenix Tears as economic and political currency. And there I saw the opportunity" I leaned forward "I'm going to introduce the devils tonight, with healing potions that are just as good as Phoenix Tears but cost a fraction of the price. I'm going to undercut them so hard that their primary source of wealth becomes worthless"
Sona was quiet for a long moment, then she asked "You realize that will make you a target. The Phenex family doesn't respond well to threats against their interests"
"Yeah, I'm aware. That's where the fight with Riser comes in. I will offer them a choice that if I win against their heir, I will replace their Phoenix Tears with my affordable potions and if I lose, I would do what they have to say"
"You're that confident you can defeat him?"
I said with a smile "Let's just say I've got a few tricks that'll give him a very bad day."
Sona studied me like I was a particularly complex equation she was trying to solve. "This is insane. You're essentially declaring yourself an enemy to one of the most powerful devil families in the Underworld based on... what? A sense of justice? A desire to help Rias?"
"Repaying the favor of her kindness, actually. Plus a healthy dose of 'fuck the establishment.'" I shrugged "Look, I get that in your world, everything is about family alliances and political maneuvering and maintaining the status quo. But I'm not from your world. I don't play by those rules. And honestly? The idea of some spoiled phoenix boy using his family's power to force a girl into marriage just pisses me off"
I stood up, moving to the window to look out at the distance "I've got the power to make a difference here. To shake things up...Maybe it's arrogant to think I can take on a major devil family, but you know what? I've got responsibility to strengthen my group and a complete disregard for my own safety in doing so"
Behind me, I heard Sona stand as well. When I turned back, her expression had shifted to approval.
"If you do this," she said slowly, "you'll need allies. The Phenex family won't take this lying down, and while publicly humiliating Riser might protect you initially, they'll find other ways to strike back if you end up losing and return to the human world"
"Are you offering to be one of those allies?"
She adjusted her glasses, a gesture I'd learned meant she was making a decision that would have significant consequences. "I cannot offer official Sitri family support. That would create too much political tension and could damage my father's position. However, as an individual, as Rias's friend" A small smile crossed her face "I can provide information, resources, and perhaps some discreet assistance where appropriate"
"That works for me" I said.
We both shook hands, and I felt like I'd just signed a contract written in invisible ink that would probably come back to haunt me in interesting ways. But having Sona on my side, even unofficially, was worth the risk.
But I knew, I wasn't going to lose.
After she left, I returned to staring out the window, my mind already planning. Tonight would be the opening move in a game that would either establish me in a legitimate position in Underworld politics or get me killed in a variety of creative ways, even if I do succeed in the end.
I had Twenty regeneration potions that matched Phoenix Tears in quality. The Honored One potion tucked away for emergencies. My earthquake powers fully integrated and tested along with other ones. Combat experience from sparring with Lady Sitri and various supernatural threats.
And most importantly, the absolute confidence that comes from being too stupid to know when to quit.
---
We arrived via a teleportation circle that took us directly in front of gates that were literally made of gold.
The building itself was a palace of white marble, with actual flames burning in magical sconces that never consumed their fuel.
Devils in formal wear crowded the entrance, their clothing ranging from traditional robes to modern suits to outfits that looked like they'd been designed by someone who thought "more is more" was a valid fashion philosophy. I spotted family crests I didn't recognize, but the way people moved and interacted screamed "old money and power".
FWOOOM.
More teleportation circles activated around us, introducing groups from other noble houses. They would occasionally pass glances to both of us and her peerage, but didn't bother to cause trouble. Connections with big people does bring some great benefits.
"Stay close" Sona murmured "And remember, you're here as my guest. That provides you some protection, but don't test its limits until you're ready"
We entered through doors that swung open on their own, revealing a ballroom that could've hosted a small concert. Crystal chandeliers hung from a ceiling painted with murals of phoenixes rising from flames. A live orchestra played in one corner, the music some classical piece that probably had a fancy name I didn't know. Servers circulated with trays of drinks.
And everywhere, devils in their finest, chatting and laughing and playing the game of high society politics.
BOOM.
A pulse of magical energy rippled through the ballroom, and conversations quieted. At the far end of the room, on a raised platform that I absolutely hadn't noticed before because why would a ballroom need a stage, a magic circle activated.
From it stepped a man who could only be Riser Phenex.
He was exactly what I'd imagined a spoiled, arrogant noble would look like. Blonde hair styled with the kind of careful casualness that probably took an hour, sharp features that were conventionally handsome in a way that made me think "trust fund kid," and a smile that radiated the confidence of someone who'd never been told "no" in his entire life. He wore a white suit with gold and red accents, and flames flickered around his shoulders like some kind of dramatic special effect.
Behind him, his peerage materialized in a coordinated display that was definitely rehearsed. Fifteen women, all attractive, all wearing matching outfits that were just on the edge of inappropriate for a formal event.
And at Riser's side, looking distinctly uncomfortable, was a young girl with blonde drill-style curls and a refined bearing that contrasted sharply with her brother's smug expression. Ravel Phenex, if I remembered correctly. The younger sister who served as one of his Bishops.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Riser's voice carried across the ballroom with magical amplification. "Welcome to the celebration of the union between the Phenex and Gremory families. Riser is honored that you've all come to witness this momentous occasion"
He extended a hand toward where Rias stood with her peerage, and I saw her fists tighten fractionally before she stepped forward. The crowd parted for her like water, and she climbed the steps to the platform as he motioned her to come.
"The beautiful Rias Gremory," Riser continued, taking her hand and raising it to his lips in a gesture that was probably meant to look romantic but came across as possessive "Soon to be Riser's wife, uniting two of the most prestigious families in the Underworld."
Rias maintained her composure, but I could see the unease in her eyes, the way her free hand clenched into a fist behind her back.
"The Phenex family" Riser said, turning to address the crowd "has served the Underworld for millennia. Our power, our legacy, our contributions to society are without equal. We have provided Phoenix Tears to countless devils, supported the war efforts, and maintained our position through strength and superiority"
I felt my eye twitch. The urge to interrupt was becoming physically painful.
"And now, with this marriage, we will strengthen our bonds with the Gremory family, another house of great power and prestige! Together, we will—"
"Actually, You both don't look as great you think. Motohama disagrees"
The entire ballroom went silent, as I walked upto the stage under the surprised gazes of Rias. I stood facing Riser with both hands in my pockets as his expression shifted from smug confidence to irritated confusion.
"What the hell is a human doing here?!"
. . .
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