Chapter 39: Freedom First Test Flight (2)

After delivering a scathing reprimand to her daughter, Venelana returned to Marcus's garage. She needed to rebuild trust with her enigmatic Master—a delicate task, especially since she had her own motivations. Venelana had no desire to see Rias married to that Phenex brat, and she certainly didn't want to force her daughter into a union against her will. Rias deserved the freedom to choose her own partner.

Yet, as the brown-haired Devil entered the garage, her thoughts derailed entirely. The sight before her was both baffling and disconcerting.

Marcus was sprawled lazily on a couch, his attention fixed on a tablet, presumably reviewing details of a new invention. What caught her attention, however, was Grayfia Lucifuge—her son's Queen—seated on Marcus's lap with a distinctly flushed expression. To make matters worse, the silver-haired maid was feeding him in an overtly seductive manner.

Venelana froze, her mind reeling. It didn't take a genius to understand what was happening.

"G-Grayfia… y-you… when did you…" Venelana stammered, feeling as though the ground had shifted beneath her. The realization struck hard: two of the Underworld's most powerful women—Serafall Leviathan and Grayfia Lucifuge—were both serving the same man. This was not just bad; it was catastrophic.

Grayfia turned to acknowledge Venelana briefly, her expression calm despite the intimate scene. "Oh, Lady Gremory. I'm quite busy at the moment. Master requested me to feed him," she said before resuming her task, her tone as serene as if she were discussing the weather.

Venelana's lips parted in disbelief. The way Grayfia behaved—gentle, almost doting—was disturbingly similar to how lovers acted on a date. Even her son, Sirzechs, had never managed to elicit this kind of tenderness from his Queen.

Am I truly considering… taking the next step? Venelana thought grimly. She knew she might have to go to extreme lengths to secure Marcus's help in resolving Rias's arranged marriage predicament. Observing Grayfia and Serafall, she realized that both women had likely already crossed that line, frequently and enthusiastically.

Her musings were interrupted when Serafall Leviathan entered the garage, her face reflecting the boredom of someone fresh from a council meeting. But the Leviathan's expression quickly shifted to shock and indignation as her eyes fell on Grayfia.

"GAH! Grayfia! You… When did your relationship with Master develop to this level?!" Serafall exclaimed, jealousy flaring in her voice.

Grayfia didn't miss a beat. "The moment he used his modified Ars Goetia, I felt compelled to serve him. At first, I resisted the urge, but eventually, it overwhelmed me. Now, I dedicate myself fully to him," she replied matter-of-factly, her tone suggesting she believed her role to be of utmost importance. "And when you're not around, I step in to ensure Master's needs are met."

"I… see…" Serafall replied, struggling to process the revelation. Her frustration was palpable. "So… the Lucifuge tradition of serving Lucifer has evolved into this?"

Grayfia gave a slight nod, unfazed. "It's not so simple. My desire to serve was amplified by the Ars Goetia. Master harnessed it into power, though even Aurora hasn't fully unraveled the mechanics. From what I understand, this is simply what I want."

Marcus, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke without looking up from his tablet. "She has a strong servitude complex. The Ars Goetia seems to have enhanced it into a unique capability. I've run simulations, and the simplest explanation is that she's fulfilling her own desires."

"Master~~~! That's embarrassing!" Grayfia pouted, her cheeks reddening, a reaction so uncharacteristic that both Venelana and Serafall stared in disbelief.

The ice-cold maid they once knew was nowhere to be seen.

"I'm merely stating facts," Marcus replied curtly, his tone sharp. "Now, return to your duties."

Grayfia visibly trembled at his commanding tone, an expression of… pleasure? Both Serafall and Venelana exchanged incredulous glances, realizing that the maid's behavior bordered on masochistic devotion.

She's turned into a masochist? Serafall speculated internally. No… maybe it's just linked to her obsessive desire to serve. If her Master isn't satisfied, she'll push herself even harder… The Leviathan frowned, realizing Grayfia might pose a greater threat than she had anticipated. Still, Serafall consoled herself with the thought that Grayfia was, after all, just a maid. Serafall could always occupy a different position to gain Marcus's favor.

While Serafall contemplated her next move, Venelana's thoughts returned to Rias. She needed Marcus's help to resolve the arranged marriage issue. As it stood, Marcus was her best option—unrelated to the Gremory family and capable of supporting Rias with his ingenious technologies. Yet, Rias had squandered her initial opportunity to make a strong impression, forcing Venelana to consider more drastic measures.

I'll wait and see, Venelana resolved. If Rias pulls herself together, I won't need to intervene. But if she continues like this…

The Devil matriarch sighed inwardly, masking her concerns behind a composed smile. Observing Marcus surrounded by Grayfia and Serafall, Venelana realized how meticulous he was—a trait essential for managing such experienced Devils.

She recalled the countless times she'd heard of Serafall trying to recruit Marcus as her Queen. Despite the Leviathan's relentless seduction attempts, Marcus always brushed her off with a joke. This suggested that, on some level, he regarded Devils as a lesser species, subconsciously or otherwise. He had consistently refused to become a reincarnated Devil, despite the advantages it might offer.

Three years… Venelana thought, considering the time left before Rias's engagement to Riser Phenex would become unavoidable. Hopefully, Rias matures before then. Sirzechs worked hard to assemble her Peerage, yet she squanders their potential with her laziness. She must grow up… or else.

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