45 45. Reunion with the Cleria Peerage.

Kouske's POV

Today marks the anticipated meeting with Cleria and her Peerage. Cloaked in my Akatsuki attire, I grasp a leaflet bearing the Belial Summoning Circle—a unique twist as it now serves as an invitation, promising a direct teleportation to Belial's domain.

"Kouske-sama, I still believe I should accompany you," Sakuya voices, her concern evident from the sidelines.

Her concern stems from my recent discussions about the devils, and their notorious reputation amplifies her worry. However, bringing Sakuya along could complicate matters and pose a risk to maintaining our secret identities, especially considering her unique and distinctive appearance which would undoubtedly attract attention.

"Don't worry, Sakuya. I'll be fine. The devils likely won't pose a threat, and if needed, I can summon you directly or escape to the Demiplane," I reassure her, aiming to alleviate her concerns.

I've utilized taming on her, and we entered into a 50-50 contract, mutually agreed upon. This agreement ensures a perpetual connection between us—we can communicate through telepathic links, always know each other's locations, and summon one another at will.

Interestingly, the reverse function of the 50-50 contract allows her to summon me as well, a feature that surprisingly adds a positive dimension to our bond.

It's not a drawback; in fact, it proves beneficial. A similar contract was established with Lavinia, and witnessing her joy at constantly sensing my presence and engaging in playful telepathic conversations was heartening. As long as they are content, all seems well.

To share more of my world with them, I provided both with a small tour of the Demiplane. Unsurprisingly, they were both astonished by the unparalleled uniqueness of the Demiplane, especially the diverse array of otherworldly fauna that captured their fascination.

Having reassured Sakuya, I channeled my magic into the leaflet. The magic circle on it ignited with an ethereal ash-gray glow. As the Belial magic circle materialized beneath me, its arcane energy whisked me away, depositing me in front of a formidable iron door.

In an instant, an elderly man with snow-white hair, dressed in a refined butler outfit, promptly appeared to open the door. With a low, courteous bow, he gestured for me to enter.

Observing his measured steps as he approached, it became evident that he was not just a butler; undoubtedly, he carried the air of a seasoned warrior, likely a skilled swordsman.

Following his lead, I was ushered into the grand mansion. In the hall, Cleria and her peerage awaited, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.

As I entered, my gaze met theirs, yet my facial features remained stoic. I strolled through the hall with a serene and monotonous expression, giving off an air of enigmatic composure.

Omniscient POV

While awaiting Akatsuki, the atmosphere buzzed with conversation among those gathered inside.

Mark, the lively and youthful member, couldn't contain his curiosity." Hey, Navi-nee. Will that person really come? You sure about that, right?" he inquired with eager anticipation.

Mark, a vibrant young man in his early 20s, stood out as one of the youngest in the group, alongside his younger sister.

Navirose, displaying a touch of annoyance, responded to Mark's inquiry, "Tch! How would I know? I did my job to invite him. Now, it's up to him if he comes or not. Don't be so impatient. You'll know when he arrives," her scolding tone momentarily dampening Mark's enthusiasm.

"Now, now, Navi-chan. No need to scold him for that," remarked Rangiku, holding a liquor bottle in her hand, injecting a note of casual reassurance into the atmosphere.

Rangiku, already indulging in liquor early in the morning, seemed to be embracing a rather unconventional start to the day.

With a hand poised on her nodachi, Navirose retorted, "Don't call me 'chan' and what's with your outfit? Can't you look decent for once?" Her words carried a hint of disapproval, emphasizing a desire for a more dignified demeanor.

Despite being close friends even before joining Cleria's peerage, Rangiku's constant teasing always managed to irritate Navirose. Their friendship seemed to involve a dynamic of playful banter that tested Navirose's patience.

"What's wrong with these clothes?" remarked a not-so-sobered Rangiku, lifting the fabric around her chest area with a mischievous grin.

Her loose kimono hinted at a generous display, injecting a provocative element into the banter.

As the scene unfolded, Mark experienced a dangerous nosebleed, leaving him feeling a bit light-headed.

Maria, typically reserved but now concerned, hurried to her brother's side. "Nii-san! Close your eyes," she insisted, using her hands to shield Mark from seeing anything inappropriate, adding a touch of protective care to the lively atmosphere.

"Ha ha ha!"

Rangiku, unfazed by Mark's predicament, just burst into laughter, adding a carefree vibe to the atmosphere despite the unfolding commotion.

*Sigh*

"Can't you all control yourselves? Hiroshi-san informed me that Akatsuki's already here," Cleria stated, her calm words carrying a tone of authority that immediately silenced the banter, prompting everyone to shift to a more serious demeanor.

As Akatsuki entered, all eyes were fixated on him. The familiar figure was dressed in the same black attire, yet with new streaks of white adding a subtle variation to his appearance, capturing the attention of everyone present.

But Navirose, more surprised than anyone, observed Akatsuki's deep blood-red eyes scanning them in an instant.

The crimson gaze held a mysterious intensity, marking a notable change from the deep ocean blue she remembered from their previous encounter, prompting her to question which one was the real color.

"Greetings. I am Cleria Belial," Cleria expressed with a low, polite bow, her tone laced with courtesy. "You have my utmost gratitude for what you did before."

Akatsuki responded in a monotone voice, "You don't have to be so thankful. I already gave my reason to your knight."

"I've heard from her. But if there's anything you want help with, I will do my best to assist you," Cleria declared resolutely, extending her willingness to support.

Akatsuki considered her offer, replying, "I will hold onto your offer for now," maintaining a measured tone that hinted at a reserved acceptance.

"Alright, allow me to introduce you to my peerage members," Cleria stated.

"She's Rangiku Matsumoto, my Queen piece," Cleria pointed out, indicating a woman flaunting her provocative curves in a loose kimono, a liquor bottle casually in hand, embodying a hint of audacious charm.

"Hello, handsome~" the woman greeted flirtatiously.

Cleria continued, "The one who led you inside is my Knight, Hiroshi Kamiya. You have already met my other Knight, Navirose Celcia," providing brief introductions to her trusted peerage members.

"Those two over there, whom you saved, are Mark Smith and Maria Smith, my Rook and Bishop pieces, respectively," Cleria explained.

Mark, displaying his lively demeanor, enthusiastically waved his hand and greeted, "Hey, man!" adding a touch of friendliness to the introduction.

"H-hello. T-thank you again for the help..." Maria greeted, her voice barely audible without enhanced hearing. Akatsuki strained to catch her words, but the end of her sentence remained elusive.

Cleria concluded the introductions, saying, "That girl sitting in the corner is Juvia Lockser, my other Bishop."

Akatsuki turned his attention to the slender teenager with azure blue hair, midnight blue eyes, snow-white skin complexion, and a curvaceous figure.

Juvia was engrossed in a book, reading quietly in the corner of the room.

"As I said before, I'm Akatsuki. It's nice meeting you all," Akatsuki greeted, sensing the collective gaze fixed upon him, yet choosing not to delve into further details about himself.

Curiosity flickered in Akatsuki's eyes as he observed Rangiku and Juvia, a fleeting sense of familiarity crossing his mind. Swiftly dismissing the thought, he refocused on the impending tasks at hand.

Cleria extended a gracious gesture by offering Akatsuki an array of delicacies and tea, a thoughtful presentation orchestrated by her knight cum butler, Hiroshi.

Amidst the casual indulgence in snacks, Cleria unveiled a few meticulously organized briefcases, each containing a substantial sum of cash.

"Here, there are 500 million dollars in these," she declared, presenting the cases to Akatsuki, who accepted the considerable amount without a hint of reservation.

As the weighty sum changed hands, Akatsuki couldn't help but contemplate, 'It seems she's offering a more substantial reward than what two Phoenix Tears would fetch on the black market. Not that I would oppose this.'

His internal musings reflected a pragmatic acknowledgment of the lucrative opportunity presented by Cleria.

Following the exchange of resources, Cleria took a moment to present a significant token—an ornate medal bearing the distinguished Belial crest.

She explained that it served as tangible proof, symbolizing the commitment of the Belial Clan to assist Akatsuki with a task within their capabilities. The medal, gleaming with significance, marked a formal pledge of support from the influential clan.

"Is the Belial Clan supportive of your choice? Don't get me wrong, but you are not from the main family, right?" Akatsuki inquired, seeking assurance regarding the legitimacy and weight of the token within the Belial Clan.

Cleria, unfazed by the question, responded, "It's okay. I had talks with my Uncle and Aunt, Lord and Lady Belial. They have given me their consent," assuring Akatsuki of the familial backing behind her decisions. Her calm reply conveyed a sense of trustworthiness and legitimacy.

"Then, I will gladly take it," Akatsuki affirmed, discreetly placing the token in his inventory without the others noticing.

[A/N: What do you want Akatsuki to get from the Belial Clan? Also, adding the fact if he saves Cleria's life...I'm open to suggestions for now.]

Subsequently, they engaged in various casual conversations, allowing Akatsuki to learn more about the members of the Belial's peerage.

The exchange of words offered a glimpse into the dynamics and personalities within the group, fostering a sense of camaraderie beyond the initial formalities.

Mark's particularly friendly demeanor resonated with Akatsuki, bringing a hint of happiness at the prospect of forming his first-ever genuine male friendship in this unfamiliar world.

Maria, on the other hand, remained consistently shy and timid in Akatsuki's presence, creating a dynamic that added a touch of innocence to their interactions.

In contrast, Rangiku adopted a more casual and flirtatious approach, using suggestive looks and tones to engage with Akatsuki. Her playful manner injected a sense of lightheartedness into the atmosphere, creating a diverse array of interactions within the Belial's peerage.

Juvia, while reserved in conversation, emanated a captivating beauty that spoke volumes despite her limited words.

Amidst the camaraderie, both Navirose and Hiroshi expressed a desire to spar with Akatsuki. Even Mark, enthusiastic as ever, declared his interest in a friendly bout. However, Cleria swiftly intervened, designating Akatsuki as an esteemed guest for the day and advising against a fight at that moment.

Akatsuki gracefully accepted, promising to engage in sparring with them on another occasion. The prospect of future battles lingered in the air, adding an undercurrent of anticipation to the friendly gathering.

During his stay, a thoughtful silence enveloped the topic of Akatsuki's displayed powers, a collective decision made to spare their savior any discomfort. This unspoken consideration didn't go unnoticed by Akatsuki, fostering a newfound appreciation for the Belial's peerage.

As the evening unfolded, filled with heartfelt conversations and a hearty lunch, Akatsuki received an invitation to return whenever he pleased. Expressing his gratitude, he promised to visit them again, solidifying the bonds forged during this unexpected encounter.

Overall, Akatsuki left with a positive impression of the Cleria Peerage. Content with the camaraderie and hospitality extended to him, he concluded the evening by teleporting back to his residence, carrying with him the memories of a newfound connection in this intriguing world.

When he arrived home, Sakuya and Lavinia awaited him with concern evident in Sakuya's voice as she inquired, "Are you alright? How did everything go with the Belials?"

"I'm fine. The meeting went well. They gave me 500 million dollars and this token," Kouske replied, showcasing the money and the token to his companions.

"That's a lot of money, Ko-kun!" exclaimed Lavinia, astounded by the substantial sum she saw for the first time in her life.

Chuckling, Kouske reassured her, "Ha ha! Don't be surprised so easily. We are actually already pretty rich, you know." His laughter carried a sense of ease and familiarity with the wealth they possessed.

While Sakuya contemplated the use of the potions Kouske had provided, he assured her that he had ample access to them. She decided to use them judiciously, recognizing their value but exercising moderation.

Subsequently, Kouske shared the results of the meeting, portraying the members of the Belials as genuinely pleasant individuals, at least for the present moment.

The exchange with the peerage left a positive impression on him, and he relayed the encounter to Sakuya and Lavinia, weaving a narrative of newfound connections in this fantastical world.

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