Life is full of Choices

'So you going to explain it to me in details?'

Masaru who was walking back according to the path he remembered leading to the party hall while talking with Grendel.

[According to my previous host there was a dreadful Longinus that madman created after he created Samael as his form of hatred towards Dragons and snakes, that Longinus is called Nereid Kyrie. I wonder if that man thought of controlling the dragons instead of killing them, well since he is dead no one will find the answer to that. This Longinus apparently can also control the sea, just think about it.]

[That girl is a Leviathan descendant meaning she already has a natural talent to control the sea if she focuses only on the dragon controlling aspect of this Longinus while using her talent to control the sea... Even a Devil King like Serafall will have no choice but to seal that girl somewhere no one can find her or kill her]

[The power of a large group of dragons is something even the devils can't hope to defend against with their current state from what I saw in those reports and books you read occasionally unless they are willing to make massive amount of sacrifices]

Masaru sighed thinking such a situation is not really fair towards that girl, it's not like the person themselves can choose their sacred gear but it's the other way around.

'Well, let's see how it goes tomorrow... Whether I waste my queen piece on her or not will depend on the girl herself'

"Ah that's where you been Masaru-sama"

Akeno sensed Masaru's presence when he just re-entered the waiting room since he was not here his peerage members could not enter the hall without their King. Masaru felt a slight excitement shiver at Akeno's strange expression when she calls him with

"-sama"

Because of his sudden emergence period called Puberty it was quite a hassle to control his emotions and reactions towards seductions,

'I must be overthinking it'

He thought as he recomposed himself since he already drew the line and Akeno naturally understood this as well it was still fine.

"Sorry I was called by Lady Serafall about a personal request"

"Is it a girl?"

Shirone who is abnormally sharp at these times could guess the core of the problem in an instant, Masaru flinched feeling quite surprised at Shirone's sharp senses for a moment and nodded

"Well it does have to do with a new peerage member or two, well I will talk about it later"

Masaru stepped forward with his peerage members behind him, the Servant standing by the door nodding at Masaru allowing him to enter the hall that was filled with several high-class nobles with their peerages.

As per his lessons according to his grandmother, Masaru went to greet the high-class devils from the highest Noble Rank to the lowest.

'Oh? She sure knows how to get dressed for parties despite hating it'

The first person he went to greet was the crimson spoiled princess who was standing next to Sona Sitri, she was wearing a crimson dress which quite suited to her hair.

"Good evening Miss Gremory"

Masaru bowed respectfully but Rias look at him sternly

"It appears the number of females in your peerage have grown... Are you imitating someone?"

Masaru was not sure what kind of face he is meant to make, being compared to that damn chicken.

Masaru sighed feeling that reacting to this girl's attitude every time will make him grow bald, so he simply answered

"It was a miscalculation on my part but I don't regret it, each of them are competent and more than worthy. But I'm definitely not following that roasted chicken"

He felt a bit pride in the fact some people were displaying jealous eyes towards him while lecherously looking at his peerage members.

"Pffttt! Hehehe

Rias began to laugh when she heard Masaru's last comment, she found this truly funny but still harboured a bit of doubt of his words out of habit.

"Please pardon me, I will be greeting the rest of the participants"

Masaru bowed and Akeno along with the rest of the peerage members joined to talk with Sona and Rias.

"Akeno, are you sure he is worthy to be your master? I can only see him as a pervert"

Shirone nodded her head when she heard Rais calling her master a pervert but Rias misunderstood,

"fufu, he certainly does look like a pervert from your point of view"

Akeno giggled thinking her master's hardship will continue to grow,

"He did not actually realize this problem until when his great grandfather pointed it out to him, I am not sure if he simply did not want to think of it or was too naive... But in truth, each and every one of us were saved by him in a way by making us join his peerage"

"As expected of him, then again allowing a man to join your group will certainly bring problems in the future.."

Sona nodded but Rias was confused

"Why? Would it not feel more balanced?"

Sona shook her head

"No, look at each of the girls in his peerage. All of them are beautiful enough to stimulate a man's instinct to fall in love with them... and First love will definitely be a problem if a male joins at this time only to fall in love. From what I can see, you all are definitely..."

"Cough cough!"

Akeno coughed lightly to prevent Sona from continuing,

"Why? Is he going to stop them from loving one another and keep the girls to himself?"

Rias's misunderstanding of Masaru continued to rage on and her impression of him dropped a few degrees after hearing Sona's speculation, but Akeno shook her head

"That's not it... From what I know only me and Shirone are serious about having a relationship with the master, I am not sure about Everest but it appears she is serious about marrying... As for Stephani, she is simply not honest with her feelings"

Rias looked at Akeno

"I was wondering if my eyes have gone mad, but why is Everest in his peerage? I heard she refuses to join or follow any male that is not stronger than her"

"That is exactly why she is following master"

Akeno asserted causing Rias to suck a mouthful of cold air, almost instantly the impression of Masaru increased by several folds in a different way

"He... Did he beat Everest"

Akeno shook her head

"According to Master they ended up in a tie, but Master decided to stop using Magic through his spellbook sacred gear from the third day. If he kept using it he would have won on the third day after he finished analyzing her battle habits"

'Although the spellbook is not a sacred gear... I can't tell them about that but the existence of the book was already revealed so it should be fine'

"Are you sure he is not being arrogant? But then again Everest joining means that he really does have the strength to back up his words"

Akeno smiled warmly thinking how her master's prestige was increasing every time he does something out of the ordinary but it was a shame this crimson-haired friend of hers did not understand the meaning of training oneself meant.

Sona pushed her glasses back upwards while looking at Rias

"As I expected he really is... I got several reports in regards to that spellbook, apparently, it's exceedingly strong to the point he does not need to train it at all. So him training himself not to be too reliant on the book itself is already a good score point in my opinion"

"Can't he just simply use it and become the strongest with brute force?"

Sona shook her head at Rias

"No, Rias... What are you going to do if you face an enemy that can seal your destruction element?"

Rias thought for a moment and suddenly felt shocked, Sona who saw her best friend finally realized something nodded

"That's right, this is probably another reason Masaru is training not to depend on the book. Because if someone can seal it, then it's already over"

Rias who heard this thought

'I better have Big Brother give me some tips that could strengthen me faster than the long route Masaru does'

But this thought would disappear the moment she leaves the building.

Masaru, however, was stuck with another problem, it was another thing he did not want to encounter.

"So your Young Lord Masaru, the genius of the Belial family?"

A twin drill style blonde hair girl with blue eyes, despite being two years younger than him but her confident presence was enough to make even him flinch out of surprise. Normally he could get a good read on a person by observing them, but this girl could hide her intentions quite well.

'She must be trained quite well in information gathering and tactics' Masaru thought,

"Good evening, it's an honour to meet the young miss of the Phenex family"

This girl was Ravel Phenex, behind her was one of the peerage members of Riser's team since Riser did not want to attend this party or in reality, he was not invited and even asked not to come.

"Is it true you managed to defeat Everest?"

Ravel naturally investigated this young boy in front of her, she felt his sudden rise in fame in such a short amount of time was truly mysterious not to mention his recent exploit of winning against Everest who was renowned for her unreasonable strength which even the peak high-class devils could not match.

"It was a draw I'm afraid, Everest's pure strength and defence is something I can't face against with my own physical strength not to mention defence"

"So if you add Magic to it you should be able to huh?"

Masaru could not help but smile wryly while he could confirm this girl had strong instincts and calculative power to already deduce so much which other people would tend to ignore in the end. Thus in order not to get himself cornered, he chose to remain silent which caused the girl to giggle but look serious

"Are you going to follow the same route as my brother?"

Even the peerage member looked at Masaru, Masaru himself could only helplessly chuckle

"Well, it appears so on the surface. However, unlike your brother who treats them like toys, I don't share such a relationship with all my members... They are free to choose who to love as I will not interfere... But don't compare me with him again"

Ravel flinched when Masaru was serious at the latter part as she realised he was not happy with being compared to her brother like that, but she who heard this nodded as if she confirmed something

"At least I can commend your courage to let go of such beautiful girls..."

Masaru left to greet the rest of the people, Ravel was looking at the back of the boy

'But...'

Ravel thought about the feeling she felt for a while now during their conversation

'Could it be his charisma is strong enough to unconsciously draw near the opposite gender or is he confident that no one can steal them from him?',

Masaru's kind, humble yet Strong personality causes those around him to naturally feel they can depend on him. Masaru, however, thought

'First I met a lady that misunderstands me, then another that tried to interrogate me. Could it be my encounter probability rate with young ladies of high statuses are this ridiculously high!? This world really is full of unique people, I should consider finding my peerage members for incase I have to face that Roasted chicken. That girl is truly sharp'

He was not sure why but Ravel's character reminded him of Rias if he were to take away her sharp tactician sense, but the thought that if a girl with the power of Rias and the Mind of Ravel were to be born then she will be truly close to unstoppable. Which might be interesting to spectate.

>\/<

"It appears he even caught the attention of Ravel huh?"

Sona was still looking at Masaru who was greeting the rest of the nobles, Akeno looked at her wondering why she specifically mentioned this.

"She is quite well known for being a natural tactician, very smart but dangerous if made an enemy of... Well I doubt she will ever become enemy with Masaru's personality but I fear her brother might turn his attention to Masaru after tonight's party"

"I heard a bit about Riser Phenex, but is the power of the Phoenix Family truly Immortal?"

Akeno thought the report of Riser's tyranny was truly astounding that no one has taken this fool down a peg or two.

"If he goes against Masaru one on one, he will be defeated instantly the moment Masaru understands the principle behind the phoenix flames and use his worthless... But his peerage includes Ravel making him a difficult opponent to have"

'Well not that difficult since he was not using his sister's tactician talent correctly because of his pride he wants to plan and order everything himself' Sona thought

"Hmpf! I don't care if he fights young lord Masaru, but he better stay away from Big sis!"

Stephani who was listening quietly stepped forward

'But I hope young lord Masaru will still beat him up' she thought,

Akeno gently caress her head like a pet

"Onee-sama is happy, but..."

Akeno wanted to tell her in a polite way she does not swing that way but kept it to herself,

'I better formulate a plan where this girl can openly love Masaru-sama, it's fun to tease girls but this girl might brainwash herself and end up as a lesbian at this rate'

'So it's not like all members of his team are in a relationship with him but the girls do have such intentions. But unlike Riser's group, this group feels like they were naturally formed and with a stronger bond.'

Sona thought while looking at the conversation between Akeno and Stephani giggling, Rias, however, thought about something else entirely because she read a bit exotic mangas causing her to blush.

"Welcome back Young Lord Masaru"

Angelica who was paying attention to Masaru acting as his "bodyguard" from a distance,

"Ah thanks for your hard work Angelica, now I know how it will feel like when I make my official debut"

"So how was the discussion with the other devils?"

Masaru looked at Stephani who was clinging to Akeno while the latter spoke to him,

"Well if they did not stop to pester me about trading, it might have gone easier"

Rias smiled slyly,

"It's your fault for having such a peerage to begin with"

Masaru nodded while his chest was full of pride,

"Yes, your correct and I am proud of it"

"I heard my elder sister called you?"

Sona brought up the topic she was wondering for a while now since Masaru who was the first to arrive was actually the last to enter,

"Well she asked me a personal request to which I have agreed to fulfil"

Rias looked at him sternly with a playful smile,

"You are not laying your hands on my best friend!"

Masaru took a step back with a wry smile, although he would admit that Sona was in his strike zone as a girl. But as Nobles, the marraiges prospects between heirs of two different families is close to impossible. Due to one needs to marry in the house of another, and if there isn't another heir then such marriage would naturally be impossible.

"I would appreciate it if you don't jump to conclusion Miss Gremory, besides the request has nothing to with Lady Sona not to mention our Status is too far apart from one another, we are both heirs so such things are simply impossible"

Rias kept silent before turning to chat with Akeno, Sona felt a prick in her heart while the peerage members of Masaru's team felt relieved that this natural airhead master of theirs will not sink his talented fangs into another beautiful girl.

"How is Lord Sirzech doing?"

Rias smiled happily

"Elder brother appears to be very happy these days, even elder sister Grayfia smiled once. It seems good news arrived for them, but they don't want to tell me anything!"

Rias pouted,

"I heard you will be going on a trip soon?"

Sona who did not want the atmosphere awkward due to the sensitivity of Rias's words, changed the subject.

"Ah yes, I am not sure how long it will last since I also have my apprenticeship with Lord Ajuka after that"

Masaru scratched the back of his head thinking his schedule was truly a bit packed,

'I think I should have Diana train Akeno to be my assistant in these cases... I feel like I am about to forget things at this rate'

"Eh!? You are going to study under Lord Ajuka who is also a Devil King like my Elder brother!?"

Rias's loud voice could be heard from the surrounding devils causing the once envy gazes that were once on him to increase intensity.

Masaru chuckled while Sona shook her head, only later Rias realized she spoke too loud covering her mouth.

'At least she is cute, so I will forgive her'

Masaru thought and nodded.

'Despite being a real troublemaker' He added

>\/<

It was after the party ended and everyone left except for Masaru and his peerage,

"EH!? Masaru is sleeping over!? But he's a boy!"

Sona was yelling at her sister in surprise and what she blurted out could be misunderstood in many ways, even Serafall thought

'As I thought, should I beat him up?'

But she shook her head

"He will naturally sleep in our guest bedroom, he will only be staying the night since he will be helping your onee-sama with something important"

Sona turned quiet after this but when she looked at Masaru who was currently talking with his peerage blushed.

"So do you girls understand? When I am leaving for the Vatican I can only take a few of you, the rest will be staying with our new member or two while getting to know them"

Masaru was a bit worried because these girls were now competing for places to go with him since they know wherever their master goes trouble follows, but this will be a slightly dangerous trip so he had to choose carefully.

"Can't you extend the time?"

Akeno was one of the members who agreed to stay and Masaru trusted her the most after Shirone, he shook his head

"No, Extending the time would mean I will extend the time before I start working under Lord Ajuka. That is one thing I can't do, both the trip and work is important"

'Not only that, if I delay I might miss meeting her...'

"Very well, then Shirone and Everest should be good"

Akeno thought for a while, since Stephani will not leave her side so she was automatically in the stay homegroup and Angelica needed to train and study a bit so she will be best to be left at home as well.

Shirone and Everest were both Rooks so their natural strength and defence boosts along with their experience in fighting especially alongside Masaru makes them the ideal duo to follow him. The girls agreed with Setting up especially Angelica who thought of training a bit more under Diana's guidance.

"Since you will be staying at home, Akeno I want you to study under Mother- Diana's tutelage"

Akeno who thought about why he would ask this of her suddenly felt like skipping happily

"Since I need you to be my manager and assistant, so far my schedule is packed before I even debuted and I am having a hard time to plan ahead. So learn how my mother is supporting Father while I am away. And Angelica I think it will be better if you train under Brother Jacob, he's a rook but his Hunter traits and usage of a crossbow is the perfect teacher we can currently arrange for you"

Angelica nodded while Masaru looked at Stephani while sighing...

"Well Stephani is sure to study hard under Big sis Circe and Big sis Julia, I will allow you to study together with Akeno as long as it does not impede with your training"

Stephani similar to Akeno wanted to skip happily as well thinking she can now spend even more time with her beloved Big sis.

'I never thought of this before... but I will then use the period to -train- her and maybe get her to accept her true feelings' Akeno thought while licking her lips unconsciously.

There was not much to tell Shirone and Everest since the two of them will be travelling together with Masaru.

>\/<

"Are you ready to do this?"

Serafall was standing once again in the same bedroom as the young girl, Masaru nodded

"But there is a personal favour I need to ask of you"

Serafall looked at him wondering what else he could be asking

"I need your connections with other Mythologies and factions to see if they can research a proper cure for the sleeping disease this girl is inflicted with since she will be joining my peerage I will take responsibility for her well being"

Serafall's eyes widen wondering why he is saying this.

"I can stimulate the power within her to awaken her with my Mutated Queen Piece while using Worthless to nullify her disease, but whether it will permanently heal her or not. I need information and technology of other factions to ensure it will be great if they help"

Serafall thought for a moment and thought of a problem

"It is easy to ask for something but what will you be able to offer them?"

Masaru smiled

"I can help them using my spellbook, if that is not enough then I will assist them in problems they may have against enemies they can't make a move on their own"

Serafall naturally knew of the latter offer would involve politics when people who had status like she has where she could not afford to move for any small matter, so such a deal would naturally be beneficial.

"As for you Lady Serafall, I only want you to support me and safeguard me from nasty nobles who might target me out of Envy"

"I will give it a try to communicate with the other powers but no promises though, as for your shield I don't mind becoming one for you"

Masaru naturally understood with the current way of the worlds the relationship between the factions were quite fragile and ambiguous, he came closer to the girl and gently placed the queen piece on her chest. It gave off a faint glowing pulse which resonated with the sacred gear within her, a slight trembling eye movement could be spotted as she was showing signs of waking up.

When the girl woke up the first person to appear in her view was a young boy with silver coloured hair, grey eyes and a handsome featured face, because she was still a young girl who read a lot of books about princesses and knights she could not help but blush. The lady who was at the back came closer drawing the girl's attention towards her, the lady bowed respectfully but had a trace of sadness in her eyes.

"Good morning Miss Ingvild Leviathan, my name is Serafall Sitri but I gave up my family name when I became the Devil King Leviathan"

Ingvild remained silent as Serafall began to retell the tale about the Leviathan Clan, how their end came and the fact she was the last remaining direct descendant of Leviathan. Despite being treated horribly because of her half-devil nature, Ingvild still cared about her family and cried for them.

Masaru who did not know what to do simply took her hand to reassure her that she was not alone, this action caused a warmth to enter the heart of Ingvild, the same warmth she once felt when her mother took her hand when she would naturally cry.

To Masaru's and Serafall's surprise, Ingvild threw herself onto Masaru to cry whether it was intentional or unconsciously as Ingvild was reminded of her mother she chose to use Masaru as her support.

Once she finished crying she naturally fell asleep once more but Masaru stayed at her side watching over her condition,

"You really are a natural playboy"

Masaru sternly looked at Serafall

"I care about those who are my family... But I refuse to be called a playboy if you wish to call someone a playboy then looks at that Fire chicken"

Serafall chuckled as this was the first time Masaru dared to be impolite towards her regardless of her power and status,

"Well, I have at least only half acknowledge you... Take care of Ingvild, she is truly a kind girl, after all, I will now deal with those old elders now"

'Acknowledge? what the hell I require your acknowledgement for!'

Masaru felt frustrated at the fact his current situation has been finalized, no matter where or when he will probably be treated similarly as Riser Phenex which pissed him off although he does not regret it. He gently caresses the girl's hair while thinking in his heart

'Just why is everything happening so fast? My strength needs to improve as well'

and his friendly dragon partner arrived

[I never once mentioned this to you as I thought someone else would have explained it to you... But it appears that spellbook has blessed you which is the reason of the encounter rate, you might have planned two of the girls yourself but the book is pulling those it acknowledged towards you... urk... Sorry I can't say anything else]

'What is with this dragon talking mid-way... But to think it's the book, so many more questions are piling up for me to get answers for'

Masaru looked at the window while pondering how his life came to be this way...

>\/<

A beautiful woman with long silver hair and golden eyes were currently looking at the miniature green scale dragon that was prostrating in front of her,

"I am sorry! I did not know I should not have told the boy that!!! I'm SORRY!!!!"

But the woman simply snorted

"This is the last time I warn you otherwise I will have you slumber for a long time, if you were not useful to him I might have already replaced you"

"Yes yes, I will not speak about anything related to you again I swear on my dragon's pride!"

The woman looked at the dragon who ran away as if his life might end at any given moment disappearing into his own soul realm. The woman sighed looking in a different direction

"Your simply too weak to learn about the truth my son... Grow stronger much stronger... Once the spellbook truly acknowledge you I will appear and all will be known"