The Party

Algernon sat in silence; the weight of the information he'd just received settling like a heavy cloak over his shoulders. His mind raced, but he could feel the sharp sting of the headache still clinging to him. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

"Lord Algernon?" The voice came from beyond the door, gentle and polite, though it carried an underlying note of urgency.

Algernon blinked, momentarily confused. He had almost forgotten that he was not alone in this world—that he was no longer just a child, a mere bystander in someone else's story.

He was the son of the Gremory Branch House's head now who was dead, and his responsibilities were starting to make themselves known.

"Come in," he called out, steadying his breathing and wiping away the last remnants of disorientation.

The door creaked open, revealing a young maid dressed in a simple yet elegant uniform, her hair tied back neatly. She smiled softly, though her eyes flickered with the nervousness typical of those serving in such a prestigious household.

"Lord Algernon, my apologies for the intrusion. I just wanted to remind you that today is the birthday of Lady Rias Gremory, and as the future Gremory Branch House head, you are expected to attend the celebration in the main hall," she said, her voice polite but carrying a note of formality that seemed to be second nature in this environment.

Algernon's mind snapped to attention. Rias Gremory—the very name echoed in his memory, like a faint but familiar tune. Of course, the birthday of the Gremory heiress.

He quickly searched through his memories, dredging up everything he could about the Gremory family and their social obligations.

He remembered the Gremory estate, the grandeur, the influence, and the parties that were hosted in the name of family legacy and tradition. As a future Branch House head, his presence at such events was expected, a sign of respect for the family name.

"Right," he muttered, more to himself than to the maid. He hadn't yet grown accustomed to the weight of this new life, to the title that came with his new identity. The maid, unaware of his internal musings, bowed respectfully.

"Shall I assist you with your preparations, Lord Algernon?" she asked

Algernon waved her off, as he needed time to sort his thoughts. "No, thank you. I'll take care of it myself."

As she left, he stood up, rubbing his temples to soothe the persistent ache in his head. There was no time to dwell on it now. He needed to focus. Today was important. He was going to meet the people who could shape his future in this world.

He moved to the washroom, a luxurious marble room with golden accents and a large, intricately carved mirror that reflected his image back at him.

The first thing that caught his attention was his hair—vivid red, like the hue of freshly spilled blood, long and slightly unruly, falling just past his shoulders. He ran his fingers through it, admiring the color and texture.

It was a trait he had inherited from his late parents, though he couldn't remember much about them. They had died.

Next, his gaze shifted to his face. Despite being only ten years old, his features had already begun to show signs of maturity, but there was still a softness to his jaw and cheeks.

He had a bit of baby fat left, his face still rounded, a reminder of the boy he once was. He let out a soft sigh, staring at his reflection.

With a firm nod to himself, Algernon stepped into the bath, the warm water cascading over him, easing his tension. He took his time, allowing the heat to relax his muscles and clear his mind.

His new power, the magical and physical enhancements bestowed by the Conqueror System, were still settling within him, and he could feel the strange energy pulsing beneath his skin, waiting to be fully harnessed. He would need to understand it better if he were to survive in this world.

Once finished, he dried off quickly and dressed in a sharp black tuxedo with gold lining—fitting for the occasion. The sleek fabric clung to his frame, emphasizing his youthful yet growing form.

As he adjusted the collar and looked into the mirror one last time, he couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. He wasn't just Algernon Azeroth, the orphaned child anymore. He was the heir of the Gremory Branch House, with a destiny to fulfill.

Stepping out of the washroom, he made his way down the grand hallways of the Gremory estate. The castle itself was a breathtaking sight, with towering spires that reached high into the sky, intricate stone carvings, and stained glass windows that bathed the halls in colorful light. The place seemed alive, rich with history and power, a testament to the Gremory family's influence.

As he walked, his thoughts once again turned to his mission. He had a quest to complete, and today was just the beginning.

The birthday party might seem like a trivial event, but it was an opportunity to make connections, to start building the relationships that would help him rise to power. He couldn't afford to waste it.

The closer he got to the main hall, the louder the sounds of celebration became. Music, laughter, and chatter filled the air, each note reminding him of the new world he was a part of, a world that would either make him or break him.

The grand doors to the main hall opened with a creak, and Algernon stepped into the bustling scene before him. The air was thick with chatter and laughter, the soft strains of a classical orchestra playing in the background, and the glittering chandelier overhead casting soft golden light across the lavish hall. It was everything he had expected—and more.

Guests from various noble houses mingled, exchanging pleasantries and introductions, the scent of rich foods wafting from nearby tables laden with delicacies. Algernon could feel the weight of their gazes as they took in his presence, but he ignored it. He wasn't here to entertain them. He was here to make an impression.

At the far end of the room, standing near a group of other high-ranking devils, was the current Lucifer, Sirzechs Lucifer. His appearance was regal—tall, imposing, with hair that shimmered like blood and a piercing gaze that spoke of power and experience.

Next to him stood his wife, a woman of striking beauty and regal bearing. She was not the familiar face grayfia lucifuge, but a woman from the Bael clan. Silvia Bael, the daughter patriarch of one of the oldest and most respected families in the underworld.

As Algernon approached them, he felt the weight of his title as the future head of the Gremory Branch House pressing down on him. He stood a little taller, adjusting the gold-lined edges of his black tuxedo. His eyes met Lucifer's, and a respectful nod was exchanged.

"Algernon," the Lucifer greeted him in a deep, commanding voice. "It is an honor to see you here today. I trust your family is well?"

Algernon bowed his head slightly, his gaze steady as he spoke. "Thank you, Lord Lucifer. My family is in good health, and it's a privilege to be in your presence. I'm sure today will be a memorable occasion."

His eyes then shifted to Silvia Bael, and he gave a polite nod of recognition. "Lady Silvia," he said, his tone warm yet respectful. "It's a pleasure to see you as well."

She smiled at him, her beauty undeniable. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back, and her midnight black dress clung to her slender frame, accentuating her elegance. Unlike the gaudy, bright colors typically worn by some high-ranking devils, her attire was simple yet sophisticated, making her seem like a living embodiment of the night. She gave a soft, approving nod.

"It's always a pleasure, Algernon," she said smoothly, her voice like silk. "I trust you're settling into your new life well."

Before Algernon could respond, the sound of a bell chimed across the hall, signaling the arrival of the guest of honor. A soft murmur spread across the room as the eyes of every noble turned toward the entrance.

"The birthday girl has arrived," someone whispered, and the conversation shifted to excited chatter.

Algernon turned his gaze toward the entrance, the doors opening once again to reveal the Gremory heiress—Rias Gremory.

She stepped into the room like a vision, her long crimson hair cascading down her back in waves, a soft smile on her lips. Her eyes were as striking as the ruby hue of her hair, and her beauty could not be denied, even by someone who had never before seen her.

Her dress, a deep blue adorned with silver lace, accentuated her graceful figure, and the way she moved seemed to draw the attention of the entire room.

Rias Gremory—Algernon's future wife. Or, at least, that's what the side quest had indicated.

"Algernon," she said again, her voice a melodic lilt that seemed to carry with it an unspoken history. "It's been a long time."

Algernon's heart skipped a beat as his memories surged forward. He had played with Akeno as a child, back when life was simpler, before the weight of the world had come crashing down on him. But after his mother's death, something had shifted between them, and he had closed himself off. He'd distanced himself from the people he had once cared for.

But now, standing before him, Akeno's presence seemed to stir something deep within him—a longing for the past, for a time when things were not so complicated.

"I'm sorry," he said, shaking his head, as if to clear the cloud of nostalgia that had clouded his mind. "I was distracted."

Akeno smiled softly, as if she understood the unspoken weight of his words. "You should take care not to get lost in your thoughts, Lord Algernon," she teased lightly. Her eyes glinted, amused by the compliment he had unwittingly paid her.

Algernon blinked, realizing just how distracted he had been. He had been staring at her in awe, almost without realizing it. She was still as beautiful as he remembered—and more. The way her black dress clung to her form, the way her presence seemed to draw everything toward her… he couldn't help but admire her.

"You… look beautiful tonight," he said, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Akeno laughed softly, her expression softening. "Thank you, Algernon. It's always good to hear such words from an old friend."

Algernon's heart swelled with the warmth of her smile, and for a moment, everything felt right again. But he couldn't afford to linger in the past. There was still much to do, and the party was only just beginning.

But before he could speak again, the sound of a trumpet cut through the air, and Rias Gremory's entrance was fully marked by the formal announcement.

And just like that, the party officially began.