Ch 17: A Deal with the Devil

(Sharon is still in his flashback).

The main hall of the Lucifer household exudes an air of dark elegance. Intricately carved obsidian pillars rise toward a vaulted ceiling adorned with crimson and gold accents, reflecting the status Lucifer possessed as a Maou. Amidst the beautiful decorations, an imposing ebony throne took center stage, embodying his authority. Yet, amidst the grandeur, subtle touches reveal his deep affection for family. Portraits of loved ones lined the walls. A warm glow from the numerous candles lit up the room.

Sharon gazed at the majestic splendor of the building as Sirzechs took his seat upon the mahogany throne.

"It's been around 9 years since I last saw you ... and the moment we meet, you're making trouble," Sirzechs says with a warm expression while maintaining his strict tone.

"The bastards deserve it. Do you have any idea what they've been doing?" Sharon asks Sirzechs as he feels a glare from nearby.

"Silvia, it's alright. He means no harm to me, I can assure you that." Sirzechs said as a beautiful silver-haired woman appeared behind him wearing a maid outfit.

"Ah yes, Sharon. Meet my wife, Silvia Lucifuge." Sirzechs said as he introduced the woman.

The woman shared a soft smile as she slightly bowed. Sharon glanced at her before slightly bowing, "I'm Sharon Savant, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Silvia."

Sharon turns back to Sirzechs, as Silvia bows a bit and leaves the room.

"Sharon," Sirzechs began, his voice carrying a note of solemnity, "The actions you took were... bold, to say the least. I can't help but wonder if there could have been a less... extreme approach."

"The Naberius clan's intentions were sinister. Their plans for Kuroka and her sister were beyond messed up, and I won't let them suffer so long as I'm there to protect them." Sharon says with an unflinching resolve, staring into Sirzechs' blue eyes.

Sirzechs' fingers tapped gently on the armrest of his throne, his gaze holding steady. "I can see your concern for the two nekomata, but have you considered the consequences of your actions? Could there have been a way to handle this situation without resorting to such drastic measures?"

"I'll admit that my methods were ruthless, but I will not apologize for protecting those I care about. I will not stand idly by as those I care for are forced to suffer." Sharon says as he shows his unshakable resolve.

With a sigh, Sirzechs shakes his head. "I see you're the same as ever."

A faint smile appears on Sirzechs' face as he notices Sharon's unwavering gaze. He continues, "Your strength is undeniable, Sharon, but remember this: channel that strength toward the pursuit of justice, not the abyss of anger. A heart guided by justice will always shine brighter than one fueled by vengeance."

Sharon's gaze remained on Sirzechs as he clenched his fist.

A flicker of recognition passes through Sharon's golden eyes as Sirzechs imparts his wisdom. He stands resolutely as he responds with a serious expression, "I understand your words, Sirzechs. I, however, have not been raised that way. If someone touches the ones I care for, they will never touch again."

Sirzechs' smile fades slightly, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and concern. "Sharon, the burden of hatred is heavy to bear. While I cannot absolve your anger, you should remember that vengeance can be a consuming fire."

"You are not wrong, Sirzechs. I cannot deny what you've said, however, my fists are my only justice." Sharon replies as he tosses the diary he picked up from the Naberius house.

"Read that. Had you known those girls personally, and read that, would you just leave them alone?" Sharon asked with a stern tone as he observed his reactions.

Sirzechs' normally composed demeanor falters as he reads through the diary's horrific accounts. His eyes narrow, his grip on the diary tightening with a visible tension. As he absorbs the details of the unspeakable experiments, his anger simmers beneath the surface, a storm of emotions brewing.

"This ... " Sirzechs began as his grip on the diary grew stronger.

"How many have already died due to this? How many other devil clans are in on this? How many others are at risk of having to go through something like this?" Sirzechs mutters to himself as Sharon states his opinion, "I think there are definitely others involved in this. How could a clan like the Naberius even come up with the idea of creating super devils? Besides ... where would they get the resources?"

"Do you suspect anyone?" He asked as Sharon shook his head.

"I don't, but I'm planning on looking into it," Sharon responded as Sirzechs nodded.

"Aside from that, Sirzechs, I request that you revoke the S-Class stray status you placed on Kuroka."

Sirzechs pondered for a moment as he asked, "I understand what it is you are requesting, Sharon. The S-Class stray status on Kuroka was a measure taken due to the danger her powers could pose. Tell me, why do you seek its revocation?"

"Kuroka has just gone through something traumatizing, she played no part in those vile experiments. Besides, my actions were taken to protect her and her sister from further suffering." Sharon responded as Sirzechs nodded along.

Sirzechs' gaze remains steady as he listens to Sharon's request. After a moment of silence, he speaks, Sharon, I've decided to revoke the S-Class stray status from Kuroka."

Sharon's eyes brightened hearing the news, however, he noticed Sirzechs hadn't finished speaking.

"However, I must also ensure the safety of our world. Kuroka's powers are not to be underestimated, and while I trust your judgment, I propose a compromise." He says as Sharon tilts his head with a curious expression.

"You see, I possess a Bishop piece from another set of Evil Pieces. Evil pieces are for high-class devils to gain a peerage through reincarnating other beings as devils. However, since Kuroka is already a devil, she won't need to be reincarnated. The act of me placing this piece into her body will allow me to react should she become a danger. In 5 years, I'll transfer ownership of this piece to you. You'll be entrusted with observing and managing Kuroka's powers if they ever become uncontrollable." Sirzechs explains as he takes a bishop piece into his hands.

Sharon could see the scarlet chess piece in Sirzechs' hand, as he was lost in thought.

"So ... you want to control Kuroka?" Sharon asks as he observes Sirzechs before shaking his head.

"Although I think your idea isn't a bad one, I cannot decide for her. I can't tell her to be under your control to be 'free', it will have to be her choice. As such, I would like to ask if you can give me a couple of days. I want to speak with Kuroka and see what she wants to do." Sharon explains as he notices another silver-haired maid approaching from behind, along with another girl. However, the girl was shrouded in darkness that was all too familiar.

'Kuroka ... was she here the whole time? How strong did she get in the last couple of months?' Sharon wondered as his drive to become stronger burned even brighter within him.

"Lord Sirzechs, she wanted to speak with you." The silver-haired maid, who wasn't Silvia, said as she slightly bowed.

"... Another silver-haired maid?" Sharon muttered as Sirzechs chuckled a bit.

"She is Grayfia, Silvia's younger sister. She wanted to see more of this world, so she decided to follow her sister as a maid." Sirzechs explained as Sharon just nodded.

"Thank you, Grayfia. You may stand to the side for now." Sirzechs said as he turned to face Kuroka, who was standing beside Sharon.

"I presume you heard the contents of what Sharon and I discussed. Am I right?" He asked as she hesitantly nodded.

"In that case, what will you do? I cannot revoke your S-Class Stray status without meeting the other Maous. However, should you become a servant for the Gremory household, it shouldn't be an issue to convince them." Sirzechs explained as Kuroka glanced at Sharon a few times before taking a deep breath.

"I-if I join the Gremory household ... what will happen to my sister?" Kuroka asked as she looked at Sirzechs with a slightly fearful expression.

"She will also be taken in as a piece that best suits her. Ultimately, after about 5 years, I will transfer you both to his care, that is, if you desire it." Sirzechs explains as Kuroka nods while lost in thought.

"Do we have any responsibilities as servants of the Gremory household? Like, do we have to stay in their house?" She asked as Sirzechs nodded.

"Although not entirely, you will spend the majority of your time in the Gremory household. However, you don't have to worry. The Gremory clan is one that treats their peerage members as family. You and your sister, shall not be mistreated, to that, I give my word."

Kuroka nods as she makes her decision.

"We'll do it. My sister and I shall be under the care of the Gremory household for the next five years." Kuroka says as she bows slightly.

Sirzechs nods approvingly as the scarlet bishop chess piece in his hands starts to glow. The chess piece then flies towards Kuroka and inserts itself into her chest, disappearing into her body.

"Are you okay? You're not hurt, right?" Sharon asked with a worried expression as he had never seen a chess piece that could phase through a person's body before.

"It's alright, the evil piece isn't a physical object once the target has been selected. It contains the energy of the 'king' of the peerage and will set a ceiling for the peerage members. You can't have a peerage stronger than the king, can you?" Sirzechs explains as Sharon stares at Kuroka who seems to be in a bit of pain.

"Don't worry. The energy inside that evil piece belongs to my mother, Venelana Gremory, formerly Venelana Bael. The difference between a 20-year-old high-class devil by birth and one of the strongest devils to come out of the Bael clan would certainly be vast. She's just adapting to the new limit placed on her abilities." Sirzechs explained as Sharon's expression softened and he just nodded.

A couple of moments passed, and Kuroka had finally adapted to the new energy. She glanced around as she felt a bit different.

"It seems your demonic power increased from mid-class to high-class, congratulations!" Sirzechs said as he glanced at her with a smile.

After getting used to the slight changes in her body, she left to get Shirone.

"Have some tea while you wait, I will return in around a half-hour," Sirzechs says as she motions for Grayfia to provide Sharon with some tea.

Grayfia nods and approaches Sharon with a cup of tea in her hands. She stands by his side as he takes a few sips of the tea.

"Excuse me, young master. Is everything to your satisfaction?" She asks as Sharon nearly chokes on the tea.

"Young master, huh? Haven't heard that in a while." He says with a nostalgic expression as he nods.

"Everything is fine, but you don't need to address me as young master. Just call me Sharon." He says with a cheerful grin which she nods to.

"I see, it is a pleasure to meet you, Sharon. My name is Grayfia." She says as Sharon nods in response.

"Grayfia... what a gorgeous name, perfectly matching someone as stunning as you," he utters with a sly grin, observing her composed façade. However, he also notices the tips of her ears reddening.

"Thank you." She utters before changing the topic, "You mentioned earlier that you believed that your fists were your justice. What makes you believe that?" She asks with a curious expression.

Sharon chuckles a bit as he gently swirls the tea in his cup. "You've got quite the memory, Grayfia. Well, you see, I've seen that power can be used in many different ways. Some use it for their own benefit, while others use it to do what they believe is right."

Grayfia nods with an intrigued expression as she asks, "So, you believe in using your strength to make things right?"

"I believe that me having power is to protect those I care for. To not lose the people I cherish, and protect those unable to protect themselves." Sharon explains as he takes another sip of the tea.

"Enough about me, though. Grayfia, what about you? What drives you? What keeps you going in this grand mansion?" Sharon asks as he sees her pause and think for a moment.

After a moment of thought, she responds, "I find purpose in serving, in making sure that everything runs smoothly. The sense of accomplishment when things are in order ... it's oddly satisfying."

"There's pride in a job well done, no matter the task. But my question lies beyond the tasks and responsibilities. What are your ... dreams? What is it that you ... desire?" He asks as she seems a bit taken aback.

"Dreams? Well, I suppose I haven't really thought about it much. My focus has always been on my duties." She responds as he nods.

"You are capable of many things, Grayfia. Great things. Your aura exudes a brilliant potential, one filled with determination and power. Don't let that potential be overshadowed by those responsibilities." He says as he notices Sirzechs returning with a bunch more documents in his hands.

With a sigh, he places them on his desk, before returning to his throne.

"So, it seems like you've been brainwashing my maid?" Sirzechs asked jokingly as the two chuckled.

"She has potential, Sirzechs. You know a dragonkin's aura can discern the cream of the crop, and Grayfia ... is a devil with incredible potential." Sharon explains as he notices the reddened cheeks of Grayfia.

Kuroka returns with Shirone, as Sirzechs takes out a small box. The box is filled with a multitude of chess pieces. He glanced at Shirone as his hands traced over the pieces. However, before he could pick up a single piece, the rook piece glowed brightly before launching itself into Shirone, who was hugging Sharon.

The process finished as Sharon bid farewell to them, and made his way out. On the way out, he kisses both Kuroka and Shirone on their forehead, before patting their heads, leaving them in a blushing mess.

"Don't be strangers, okay? Visit anytime." He says as he glances at Grayfia.

"I wonder just how far you can grow, Grayfia. Until next time." He says as two large draconic wings spread from his back and with a flap he disappears into the skies.

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Wow, this was a long chapter. It kinda felt weird cause I was writing in both the present tense and the past tense, huh?

Well, anyways, this was all a part of him remembering what occurred in the last 5 years.

If you enjoyed what you read, make sure to add it to your library, and if you want to, give the story some stones!

Do leave comments, as I'll read each one and take it to heart on how I can improve my writing.