[28] : Satan-class siscon

Draconic Deus.

Underworld.

Territory of the Phenex House.

[***]

Inside a spacious hall, decorated with luxury and elegance, countless guests exchanged words.

Most were pure-blooded devils who had received exclusive invitations, though among them were also some reincarnated devils, servants of their respective [Kings].

Aiden, Nia, and Kotori were standing in a specific corner of the hall, observing the place with curiosity as this long-awaited marriage unfolded.

'There are too many pure-blooded devils here... Even Lucifer is over there, alongside the Gremory family,' Kotori sent through mental communication to Aiden and Nia, crossing her arms with an impatient air.

Her white dress stood out as much as her hair, which today was loose and long, falling to the small of her back—a drastic change from her usual pigtails.

'Well, of course, there'd be many pure-blooded devils. This marriage isn't something common; it's quite... rare,' Nia responded.

She wore an elegant ash-colored dress, the same color as her hair, paired with a simple diamond necklace.

'An alliance between the Phenex and the Gremory is a very important event for the Underworld.'

'Hmm... immortality combined with the destructive power of Rias Gremory... Makes sense. Maybe a Super Demon like Sirzechs Lucifer or Ajuka Beelzebub will be born. One that can't be eliminated by normal means. Yes, it's a good strategic move. And not to mention the [Phoenix Tears],' Aiden added from his position next to them.

'Immortality and absurd firepower... Well, we already have something similar in our family, don't we?'

Nia glanced sideways at Kotori, who was still crossing her arms, glaring at the devils who dared to look at her for too long.

'The immortality of [Camael] doesn't compare to theirs. If Aiden's head were cut off and his brain separated from his body, that would be the end. But with [Asmodeus], as long as you have reiryoku or magical power, you'll stay alive,' Kotori replied impassively.

"I know, I was just saying, you know," murmured Nia as she grabbed a glass of wine from the nearby table and took a sip.

'By the way, it's delicious... although it doesn't take away from how boring all this is. When will the key figures arrive? And, most importantly, when will the one opposing this marriage show up!'

'Are you still on about that? You read too much manga, Nia. You should learn to distinguish between reality and fiction. This is the Phenex House. There are guards everywhere, a Maou is here, and also a ton of powerful devils. How do you think anyone could infiltrate here?'

Aiden shook his head, clearly convinced nothing could interrupt the ceremony.

The mere presence of Sirzechs Lucifer would be enough to dissuade any intruder.

What Aiden didn't know, of course, was that this Siscon had already prepared everything for the wedding to be interrupted.

Why didn't he know?

Well, why should he?

He could have investigated using [Rasiel] before coming, but he saw no point in worrying about every detail.

After all, it wasn't as if he cared much about the ceremony.

His time wasn't for such pastimes.

Nia, on the other hand, had read that information.

Not because she cared more, but because she had stumbled upon those details while researching the people involved, thanks to [Rasiel].

'Hehehe... we'll see,' she merely laughed, clearly excited about the spectacle she believed was about to unfold.

Besides, it might serve as inspiration for her manga, whose first chapter was soon to be published.

'Nia, don't tell me you investigated something with [Rasiel],' Kotori asked, raising an eyebrow.

'And why would I do that?' Aiden intervened, looking at her incredulously.

'Oh, come on! Don't look at me like that, as if I were trash, Kotori-chin. It was pure coincidence. While I was investigating the guests, that information just came up on its own. It's not my fault. Blame [Rasiel], not me, okay?'

'Sure, sure… Anyway, tell us what's going to happen. I'm bored, and some entertainment wouldn't hurt,' Kotori said, giving her a slight nudge to encourage her to speak.

Aiden watched the two of them as they conversed mentally and shook his head, letting out a sigh.

Sometimes he felt they were too carefree, though he couldn't deny that their freedom was something he secretly admired.

As his eyes scanned the hall, he noticed several pureblood devils glaring at him with disdain.

After all, he was a "human."

However, when their eyes fell on Kotori and Nia, their expressions turned confused.

None of them knew what to make of the two, as they couldn't identify their race.

After all, Kotori and Nia were spirits from a parallel world, created in a peculiar way.

Even so, Aiden's company alone was enough for them to be scorned as well.

Maintaining a neutral expression, Aiden observed the situation with indifference, though deep down, the arrogance of those devils irritated him.

Without overthinking it, he released a faint killing intent directed at those who dared to look at Kotori and Nia with disdain.

—Shiver!

As expected, upon feeling that dark pressure, the devils quickly turned their heads or forced nervous laughter, pretending to chat amongst themselves as if nothing had happened.

'Pathetic...'

That was the only thought that crossed Aiden's mind as he watched them.

However, not everyone looked at him that way.

Some devils showed curiosity, and the reincarnated devils seemed to hold a different opinion.

After all, they were the only "humans" present at this ceremony.

With a slight nod, Aiden acknowledged those who at least showed a modicum of courtesy before refocusing on his own matters.

'Hey, my other self, how's it going? Too complicated? You know, you're in devil territory, and I'm sure there are a ton of guards around,' he mentally transmitted through his [Angel] [Zafkiel] to a time clone he had tasked with a mission.

Time clones were an ability derived from the eighth bullet, [Het], which allowed him to create versions of himself from different temporal points: from a few seconds ago to several minutes.

These clones existed in a dimension created by his own shadow, manifested through the power of [Zafkiel].

'There are a lot of barriers here. It's tricky to deactivate them without alerting anyone, but it shouldn't be a problem. By the time the wedding is over, I'll have finished here. I'm about to reach the [King's Monument], so don't worry, my original self,' the clone replied.

Aiden nodded, satisfied.

He had sent the clone to the capital of the Underworld, Lilith, to analyze the [King's Monument].

And what about the risk of being discovered?

Aiden wasn't too concerned.

After all, the clone's appearance had been altered with [Haniel], which could almost perfectly replicate the image of another person.

In this case, he had chosen to impersonate the devil from whom he had obtained the [Evil Pieces].

The best part?

That devil was already dead, so there was nothing to worry about.

[*]

'Are you telling me that Lucifer is a siscon?' Kotori exclaimed mentally, completely shocked.

Nia couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. It was natural.

Anyone who heard what she had just explained would have the same incredulous expression.

'But isn't this very unfair to the Phenex House?' Kotori asked, seeking Aiden and Nia's opinion.

Aiden, after hearing everything Nia had explained, didn't quite know how to respond either.

The question was valid.

'It is very unfair, indeed,' he finally replied after thinking about it for a bit.

'This engagement between the Gremory House and the Phenex House was made many years ago for important reasons, but it seems the Gremory regretted it... or simply love their family so much that they don't care about breaking the deal.'

The agreement had three fundamental pillars:

The fusion of the immortal power of the Phenex Clan with the destructive power of the Bael-Gremory, which would produce incredibly powerful descendants.

A solid alliance between both houses, including the indirect support of the strongest Maou in the Underworld.

The preservation of pureblood devils.

This marriage between pure lineages could slow down the extinction of pureblood devils, as most devils today were reincarnated thanks to the [Evil Pieces].

Reincarnated devils weren't necessarily weak.

Many reached High-class status and, upon doing so, could form their own peerage with a set of [Evil Pieces].

But this meant that, eventually, the number of pureblood devils would dwindle to just a few hundred.

In the future, even the position of Maou might fall to someone who wasn't a pureblood devil, something the egos of the council elders would never accept.

'Well,' Aiden continued, summarizing his thoughts, 'it seems Rias Gremory didn't want to marry an "idiot" like Riser, or she simply wanted to choose her own partner. Either way, Sirzechs Lucifer loves his sister so much that, despite having to be neutral and support this marriage for the sake of the Underworld, he prioritized her instead. A "failure" as a Maou, but a great older brother, I suppose.'

'Yeah… as an older brother, he did his duty and helped his little sister. But even so, it's still unfair to the Phenex,' Kotori added, clearly torn in her opinion.

'It's unfair, yes… but I don't think it's worse than having the strongest Maou chasing you for the rest of your life because his little sister is suffering in the marriage,' Nia interjected, shaking her head.

To her, Riser should simply forget this impossible love.

Resisting meant facing Lucifer's wrath one day.

First, there was a Rating Game between Rias Gremory's peerage and Riser Phenex's to resolve the engagement.

Rias lost.

But Lucifer didn't give up and orchestrated everything for the Red Dragon Emperor to arrive as a knight in shining armor and rescue the maiden.

If Riser were to win again, what would come next?

A direct confrontation with the Maou?

Honestly, it was better to find another woman than to get into so much trouble.

And if anyone dared to question Sirzechs for his actions?

Well, who could do it?

No one challenged the strongest devil.

Opinions and rumors might arise, but for Lucifer, his sister was the most important thing.

In the end, the Gremory had always been known as one of the most loving clans in the Underworld. And clearly, it wasn't a myth.

'Satan-class siscon,' Kotori muttered in the end, with a touch of sarcasm.

As they conversed mentally, Ravel approached to greet them.

Aiden, Kotori, and Nia, seeing her so happy with that big smile, couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for her.

How naive she looked, so excited about her older brother!

'Ugh… now I feel bad for this poor, cute girl…,' Nia commented in her thoughts.

'Why are her breasts so big...?'

Kotori, although she agreed with Nia, couldn't help but slide in another observation.

Wasn't Ravel supposed to be only 16 years old?

'The world is unfair, Kotori-chin…,' Nia replied, resigned.

Ravel, always polite, slightly inclined her head before speaking:

"Aiden-sama, thank you for coming. This is a happy occasion for my older brother, so I thought of inviting you. I hope I didn't bother you."

As courteous as ever, Ravel was adorable.

Aiden couldn't resist wanting to pat her head.

Are you really one of those pure-blooded devils?

"Don't worry, Ravel-chan. I also wanted to seal the deal as soon as possible. Thank you for the invitation."

The word "chan" slipped out without thinking.

After all, this girl was just too cute.

Kotori, meanwhile, kept looking at Ravel's generous proportions with a mix of envy and resignation.

Although she could adopt an adult form thanks to her power, her original body was still… well, flat.

Nia, for her part, observed the interaction with interest.

When Ravel blushed at Aiden's comment, she couldn't help but reflect:

'Isn't this girl too easy? Or has Aiden been seducing her for a while to make her react like that?'

After all, Aiden had nothing to envy about Sirzechs himself…

"C-Chan!?" Ravel exclaimed involuntarily, drawing all eyes in the hall.

With her face completely red, she hid behind Aiden.

"Aiden-sama, you shouldn't address a lady like that!" she whispered, still irritated.

"Haha~ sorry… It's just that Ravel is so cute," Aiden said, clearly teasing her.

"A-Aiden-sama… You shouldn't make fun of me like that… Won't your companions get upset?" she replied, trying to regain composure while her blush subsided.

"No, don't worry. It doesn't matter at all," Nia intervened with a terrifying smile, "Because Aiden will never be able to get rid of us. If he tried, well…"

She left the threat implicit.

"Hmm, he'll never get rid of us… unless he wants to die," added Kotori, while small flames danced around her.

Although, honestly, her eyes remained fixed with envy on Ravel's chest.

Aiden felt a chill.

Although he knew his companions wouldn't oppose as long as they approved of the person, those warnings were enough to freeze anyone.

However, he had no intention of playing with fire; he was just having fun.

"R-Really!?" said Ravel, but realizing her words, she blushed intensely again.

"Ravel-chan is so cute…," Aiden whispered in her ear, causing her to flee directly toward her parents and older brothers.

"….."

"Do you like her?" Kotori asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aiden sighed as he recalled Ravel's conversations and personality.

"Saying I like her is too soon, but she's cute and kind… Besides, she's so happy for her older brother…"

"Hmm, it's rare to find pure-blood devils like that."

[*]

The event continued. Rias Gremory, the redhead, stood at the altar with Riser Phenex, ready for the ceremony.

Aiden, Kotori, and Nia were chatting calmly until a loud noise at the entrance made them turn.

—Bang!

A teenager in a school uniform burst into the hall after kicking the door as if it were nothing.

"Buchouuuu!" he shouted, drawing all eyes.

"To all the high-class devils here! And to Buchou's brother, Maou-sama! My name is Hyoudou Issei from Kuoh Academy! I've come to take Buchou, Rias Gremory!"

The initial silence gave way to a deafening murmur.

The hall filled with chaos, while Aiden observed Sirzechs Lucifer with an expression of disbelief.

'You're a good older brother for saving your sister, but… man, you're shameless,' Aiden thought, sighing.

[***]

End of the chapter.

(•_•)

A/N:

Even though many people dislike Issei for being a super pervert or simply because they don't like him, let me tell you that in this fanfic, he won't be humiliated or anything like that.

He also won't have much importance since he's a secondary character, but he won't be disrespected just because the author dislikes him.

In my case, I don't particularly hate him.

Yes, he can be annoying at times, but in the light novel, even though he remains irritating, he's not that bad.

Also, let's admit it—at least he's brave: he was able to step up when it mattered, sacrificing his left arm without hesitation to save Rias.

Of course, that also makes some people call him a "simp," but who cares?

In any case, Issei won't be humiliated by me, so sorry if you were expecting something like that…

Here are some pictures of Kotori, Nia, and Ravel I found online:

[Image]

Thanks for reading~!

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