Chapter 224

"There have been secret marriages between reincarnated devils and normal devils over the years and the number only increased as the years passed, especially in this century. If the method to solve the king's dependency was released as part of your skillset, the news alone would completely undermine any deaths Dimori-san causes."

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|DxD|

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How massive was the commotion this piece of news would cause? It would be massive. If it was leaked out, the media sensation would splash over any other news.

"Lucifer-san. You truly thought this through. But how will you make sure that this news is not suppressed?"

"Haha. We're not truly incompetent, Aurelia-san. Maybe you're not aware, but your people are acknowledged for their craftsmanship and ingenuity. Even if Ajuka himself introduced this method, our rivals can quickly come up with all sorts of 'problems' that relinquishing dependency could have. I've learned not to underestimate the multitude of reasons they can sire at any given moment.

Indeed, Sirzechs had learned not to underestimate the ingenuity of the Old Satan Faction. He wouldn't be surprised if they could convince the populace that a male is a female or that black is also white.

"But if it's you, most devils will believe you, Aurelia-san. And if we reveal that you were the one who created the Barrier of Kyoto as well as the teleportation array, the established credibility will bury any 'concerns' our rivals can conjure under hoax."

Sirzechs had full belief that if Ajuka's method was endorsed under Aurelia's name, all the devils would seek her out. And if Igor killed a few key elders in the Old Satan Faction, the two-pronged attack would quickly undermine their authority and allow Sirzechs, Serafall, and Falbium the opening they need to penetrate deep into the faction and take it down.

"To further establish credibility, Ajuka will also 'verify' this method with you, Aurelia-san. If even the creator of the peerage system grants his approval, then no amount of 'concerns' will stop desperate reincarnated devils from trying."

Once that happens, the benefits will come in droves. For one, there will be more people willing to become reincarnated devils, especially sacred gear wielders. The number of stray devils will decrease drastically. Just two of these benefits would improve the image of the devils on the international stage.

"You've really thought this through didn't you, Lucifer?"

Igor might not be as smart as them in terms of politics, but even he could see how well this could turn out.

"We do try our best, Dimori-san."

"Alright. I'll crush a few skulls for you when?"

"If possible for you, we need you to come tomorrow. The both of you."

"Alright, Lucifer. We'll be waiting for your arrival then."

Right as Sirzechs was about to speak, Aurelia interjected.

"Before you leave, Lucifer-san, I believe that we need to smooth out some details. Depending on the outcome, I could also enlist the help of Yasaka-sama. It would also be in her best interest if everything turned out well."

"What sort of details, Aurelia-san."

At that moment, Igor saw where this was heading. They were going to wade deep in the waters of politics, a region he did not want to dwell in.

"I'll take this as my cue to leave. I've had my fill of political stuff for the day."

""…""

Sirzechs and Aurelia watched as he picked up his coat by the tree and walked towards the house. Without fanfare, he leaped towards the second floor where he pulled open the window and-

"Kyaaaaaa!"

"Oh! Sorry, aunty! Didn't know you were inside!"

Quickly, Igor closed the window and looked at the both of them with an angry expression.

"See what your politics did? They made me muddleheaded!"

He didn't wait for their response as he flew towards the other window that would lead to Akeno's room.

"Stupid politics. I didn't even notice and…"

His quiet grumbles faded as he entered the room through the window.

""...""

Both Aurelia and Sirzechs couldn't help but sport amused smiles. It was quite funny seeing someone with absurdly high perception stumble right into the bathroom where Shuri was bathing herself.

"You know, Aurelia-san. If I didn't know of Dimori-san's disposition, I would've assumed he was a pervert who did that intentionally."

"..."

Aurelia chose to keep her silence.

"Aurelia-san?"

Sirzechs turned to face the silverette, only to find that her cheeks were slightly flushed.

"Aurelia-san. Is he…I see."

Seeing Sirzechs's coy smile, Aurelia hurriedly denied any sort of thought he would've had.

"No no no, Lucifer-san. Don't assume my lord would stoop that low. It's...….may we please continue with our previous topic?"

"..."

Sirzechs sensed a rather good story behind all of this. He wouldn't lie and say he wasn't interested. But for now, he would save her the embarrassment.

"Alright, Aurelia-san. As I was saying…"

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|DxD|

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Remote Location, Devil Territory, Underworld

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In a very dimly lit room, the current head of the Bael Clan, Zelefam Bael sat behind a desk. In front of him, a subordinate from the Nebiros clan bent down on one knee with his hands outstretched.

"Lord Bael. I have arrived with an urgent report."

"..."

Zelefam said nothing. He puffed on his cigar as he savoured the view outside. The white light from outside could not penetrate far into the room, but it was enough to illuminate his hand adorned in luxurious rings.

Fuuuuu…

He smoked once more before cradling the cigar between his fingers. He seemed to be in no rush to attend to his subordinate. In fact, it appeared as if Zelefam didn't acknowledge his existence. But the subordinate dared not complain.

He waited patiently until Zelefam spoke.

"I permit you to speak."

"Yes, my lord. We have received a report from our spy in the Gremory Household that Sirzechs has left with his younger sister for Kuoh. On the outside, it appears as if he has gone there for leisure, but it is already the second time he has gone there this week alone. We have also confirmed that he was not there to visit Serafall, but…"

He seemed too afraid to speak but…

"..."

…under Zelefam's intense stare, he hesitantly continued.

"...w-we have lost our spy stationed there and…i-it is estimated that infiltration will be difficult in the near future. Before we lost contact, we were able to receive two names. Asia Argento and Akeno Himejima."

If it were not for the face mask clinging to his face, his sweat would already be dripping on the floor.

"..."

Zelefam did not reply but once more, puffed on his cigar. Once he holstered it between his fingers, he leaned back on his chair again, his darkened figure seemingly gazing at the ceiling in thought.

"Hmmm. Tell me. Approximately how soon can we expect to embed another spy?"

"..."

The subordinate couldn't answer immediately. Infiltrating Kuoh was already hard with Cleria Belial managing the reigns. The only time they ever managed to insert spies was during the Himejima Massacre.

Even then, most of them were captured and eliminated within a week. It is unknown through what methods, but they were only left with one spy. Now that spy has now been eliminated as well. As for the previous incident now known as the Power Surge, the window of time was too low to plant another.

"My lord. It will be difficul-"

"I said, give me an approximate timeframe."

"..."

This was his last chance. The subordinate knew if he dawdled, his head would roll on the floor.

"If we truly focus on this task and are given the necessary resources, we can have an agent inside by the end of next year-"

"This year. I want an inside man by the end of this year. Do not fail this task. Am I understood?"

"Y-yes, my lord."

Then, silence descended once more as Zelefam puffed his cigar once more. The smoke obscured his figure even further, hiding him behind a darkened silhouette.

"Any further reports?"

"Yes, Lord Bael. We have intercepted another piece of news. Serafall Sitri has released a warning that should anyone target Asia Argento, the repercussions will be severe. Summarizing her words, she says anyone who does so can forget about the revenge of the person behind Asia. They will have to face her wrath. According to our reports, there's a high likelihood that whoever is behind Asia is also the one responsible for the Power Su-"

"The end of next month. I want an inside man by the end of next month. I will give you all the resources you need. But by the end of September, I want to begin receiving information on that person's identity, their affiliation…"

In the darkness, two red eyes glowed.

"...and their weakness."

The eyes zeroed in on the subordinate, making him feel terrified by the pressure of his gaze.

"Y-yes, my lord. I shall endeavour to complete this mission."

"..."

Zelefam looked at the subordinate for a while longer before his eyes dimmed.

"Very well. Next, I want you to tell me. What is the progress on Project Four?"

"Reporting, my lord. We have come to a realisation that senjutsu can be used to stimulate demonic power. Currently, we have two Nekushou in captivity. One has been reincarnated and has been used for experiments. Currently, her magic power has reached Ultimate-Class and is estimated to rise even further."

"And the second?"

"We have kept her as a spare, my lord.

"Good. I want detailed progress on my desk by midday. You may depart."

"My lord."

The purple magic circle of the Nebiros clan formed underneath him before he vanished.

Vwong!

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AN

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Looks like we've gotten to Kuroka and Shirone's arcs. Interesting things are lining up and I'm curious if the Nekomata Massacre will happen or not.