As Mercedes walked in she keenly noticed shadow ninja in corner of room and was about to make a move to defend her mistress. But was stopped by me.
"No need, They belong to me " I said.
She froze for a second and stepped back knelt in front me "Valerie-sama" as she called out to me. Two maids and butler also greeted me as such.
As all four of my retainers have gathered i explained them the in's and out's of the matter.
As i revealed them about my awakening their expression changed from being shocked to, prideful to, adoration.
"I always believed that, my lady you are destined to greatness " said sebas with prideful yet doting look in his eyes.
"Noctis family will rise again in hand Valerie-sama" said stella happily.
"Amazing " leysritt answered with few words, but her eyes could not contain her excitement.
"In this way i can serve you forever and ever Valerie-sama" said mercedes with blush on her usually cold face, imagining something interesting in her mind.
"Now then, since you don't have any objection step forth and take it" as i said four of shadow ninja steps forward and each presenting them with a unique mask.
I gave commander of shadow ninja's mask to Stella, i gave commander of shadow razor mask to Leysritt, i gave commander of shadow samurai mask to Mercedes and lastly i gave shadow generals mask to Sebas.
"With this i bestow upon you the power of shadow legions " as i said i signed them to wear their respective masks.
Four of them without any delay followed my orders.
As they did, shadow itself converged around them forming a coccon. As they were under going transformation i feel connection between us forming.
With the formaion of connection between us, i can feel my strength growing and my understanding of my power deepening. Buy the time my retainers finished their transformation and came out of their coccon, i'm was already rank 4 (Daleth). And just one step away from rank 5 (He) at that.
It seems as i take in more subordinates my own strength will grow and understanding of shadow will also improve to a certain extent.
This is my individual power ranking not including my shadow legion at all. If they were included my ranking would only be higher.
"My lady's love for her servant is vast as ocean, to bestow such a power to someone as i, i'm deeply honored" sebas said bowing to me.
"I feel deep connection to shadow, like an extention of my arm" said stella in amazement.
"With this so many subordinates we run our family business better" said leysritt.
" Shadow samurai? perfect, with them i can protect Valerie-sama better" said mercedes with resolve.
"You don't need to worry about me, my power level is already rank 4 (Daleth) and with little bit of effort I'll be rank 5 (He) soon" i said with head held high .
That leaves everyone in amazement, their mistress is truly a prodigy. At only 13 years of age already about to achieved rank 5 (He). Something that most of devils will never reach in their entire life.
"My lady it seems it's time for you to summon your familiar, it is Noctis family tradition to do so at age of 14 or at rank 4 (Daleth)" said sebas, who deep understanding of Noctis family traditions.
"I that so, let's get it over with fast, i have a important audition tomorrow after all" i said while yawning a little.
As all five of us started walking to the basement, which has Noctis family magic circle is located and best place for familiar summoning.
I couldn't help but admire my home i resides in a grand, gothic palace known as the Nocturne Veil, perched atop a jagged obsidian cliff that overlooks a sea of eternal twilight. The sky above is never fully dark nor light—an endless dusk painted in crimson and violet.
The palace itself is built from black marble that seems to breathe faint shadows. Tall spires pierce the sky like claws, each crowned with glowing amethyst flames. Stained glass windows depict ancient demonic legends, casting shifting, eerie colors across the halls.
The floors reflect like mirrors, showing not one's reflection—but their fears.
Chandeliers hanging above dripping liquid light.
Whispering shadows act as silent servants, moving between walls.
At the heart lies throne room—a vast chamber where a throne of dark crystal sits atop a raised platform, surrounded by floating black roses that never wilt.