[10] Reading Between the Lines

I stepped away from the growing commotion near the card room, finding a quiet alcove where I could gather my thoughts.

『Would you like a comprehensive analysis of your social interactions this evening?』 The Advisor's voice chimed in my head.

"Please. And keep it concise." I massaged my temples. All this political maneuvering was giving me a headache.

『Your conversation with Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima established subtle support while maintaining plausible deniability. The wordplay regarding 'congratulations versus condolences' was particularly effective - it acknowledged her situation without directly challenging the arrangement.』

"And Riser's reaction?"

『His absence from the conversation spoke volumes. By discussing his claims to Rias while he wasn't present, you undermined his authority without giving him grounds to object.』

I nodded. "The incident with Cyrus?"

『Lady Phenex's attempt to use him as a proxy was well-crafted, but predictable given her previous patterns. Your handling of the serving girl defused the situation while sending clear messages to multiple parties. However...』

"Yes?"

『Your interaction with Sona Sitri may have drawn more attention than intended. Lord Beelzebub's interest suggests larger political implications.』

"Noted." I glanced toward where Sona was still deep in discussion with the Satan. "Though sometimes attention can be useful."

『Indeed. Your chess metaphors established common ground while hinting at potential alliance. Her response indicates receptiveness, though she remains cautious.』

I sighed. "All this posturing and double-speak... I'm almost looking forward to a year in the human world. At least there I can focus on building something concrete instead of dancing around ancient social protocols."

『The human realm does offer certain advantages. Less scrutiny, more room for innovation. Though you'll need to maintain careful control of both identities.』

"One mask at a time." I straightened my jacket. "For now, we have a gift presentation to attend."

『Ah yes. The first edition of Paradise Lost. An... interesting choice.』

"Too obvious?"

『Perhaps. Though the multiple layers of meaning should provide adequate cover for any... unintended interpretations.』

I made my way toward the main hall where guests were gathering for the formal gift-giving ceremony. Servants had arranged elaborate displays of presents - each more extravagant than the last. I spotted what appeared to be a solid gold chess set, several ancient grimoires, and what might have been a small island deed.

Riser stood near the front, practically preening as he gestured toward an ornate jewelry case. No doubt containing some gaudy symbol of possession disguised as affection.

"Quite the collection," a quiet voice said beside me. I turned to find Lady Sitri - Sona's mother - studying the displays with calculated indifference.

"Indeed." I kept my tone neutral. "Though sometimes the simplest gifts carry the most meaning."

"Like a book of rebellion against divine authority?" Her lips curved slightly. "How... thoughtful."

"I've always found Milton's exploration of free will fascinating." I met her knowing gaze. "Particularly his treatment of predetermined fates versus personal choice."

"As I'm sure many here would." She glanced toward where Rias stood receiving congratulations. "Though some might consider such themes... inappropriate for the occasion."

"Literature is open to many interpretations."

"Indeed it is." She nodded almost imperceptibly. "Good evening, Lord Beleth."

I watched her glide away through the crowd, her message clear. The Sitri matriarch had just marked me as someone worth watching - for better or worse.

The formal presentations began, each gift accompanied by flowery speeches and political posturing. I waited until near the end before approaching with my relatively modest package.

"Lady Gremory." I bowed, offering the carefully wrapped book. "I hope you'll find this addition to your library enlightening."

Rias accepted it with perfect grace, though I caught the slight widening of her eyes as she read the title. "Paradise Lost... how intriguing. And a first edition no less."

"I thought you might appreciate Milton's particular perspective on choice and consequence." I smiled slightly. "Though I recommend reading it purely for literary enjoyment, of course."

"Of course." Her fingers traced the ancient binding. "Thank you, Lord Beleth. I look forward to... exploring its themes."

I stepped back, letting the ceremony continue. Across the room, I noticed Sona watching our exchange with thoughtful interest. Nearby, Riser seemed to be turning an interesting shade of red as he finally processed the potential implications of my gift.

『Well played,』 the Advisor commented. 『Though you may have just made several powerful moves on multiple boards simultaneously.』

"Sometimes the best strategy is to let others see exactly what they expect to see." I suppressed a yawn. The constant performance was exhausting, but necessary. "Even if what they're seeing isn't quite what they think it is."

『And what exactly are they seeing?』

"A young devil playing at rebellion through literary metaphor. Making waves, but nothing too dangerous." I smiled slightly. "Let them focus on the obvious while we handle the real work elsewhere."

『In the human world.』

"Exactly." I watched as Rias carefully set my gift aside, separate from the more ostentatious presents. "Sometimes the best moves are the ones no one notices until it's too late."

『Speaking of moves...』 The Advisor's tone held a warning note. 『Lord Phenex is approaching.』

I turned to find Riser's father wearing an expression of carefully controlled displeasure. "Lord Beleth. An... interesting choice of gift."

"I've always believed that great literature transcends realm boundaries." I kept my voice pleasant. "Don't you agree?"

"Literature." He practically spat the word. "Is that what you call this blatant attempt to-"

"To share a classic work of human artistic achievement with someone known for her scholarly interests?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure what other interpretation there could be."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Do not play games with me, boy. I know exactly what you're doing."

"Participating in a traditional gift-giving ceremony?" I maintained my innocent expression. "Really, Lord Phenex, seeing sedition in a simple book? One might think you were... projecting certain anxieties."

His face darkened further, but years of political training prevented him from making a scene. "This isn't over."

"A gift is just a gift." I smiled. "Though I'm sure Lady Gremory will draw her own conclusions about its meaning."

He stormed away, leaving me to survey the room once more. The ceremony was winding down, guests beginning to drift toward the exits. Soon I could retreat to my own quarters and begin serious planning for my human world ventures.

『One final observation,』 the Advisor noted. 『Lady Sitri - the younger - has been watching this entire exchange.』

I caught Sona's eye across the room and offered a slight nod. She returned it with the barest hint of approval before turning away.

"Good," I started toward the exit myself. "We have real work to do."

『In the human world.』

"In the human world." I smiled. "Where actions speak louder than ancient protocols and power isn't measured in bloodlines."

『Though you'll need to maintain appearances here as well.』

"One game at a time." I paused at the door for a final look at the gathering. Rias was still accepting gifts, though her eyes occasionally strayed to where Paradise Lost sat apart from the others.

The sooner I could get away from all this performative nobility, the better. Real power wasn't built on ancient names and careful innuendo.

It was built on seeing opportunities others missed. And right now, the biggest opportunities were waiting in a realm most devils considered beneath their notice.

Let them play their games of status and tradition. I had enterprises to build and real influence to cultivate. Though I had to admit, watching Riser's face as he processed my gift had almost made the whole evening worthwhile.

Almost.

I made my way toward the exit, ready to escape the suffocating atmosphere of devil nobility, when Lord Gremory's voice caught me.

"Aldric, a moment if you would."

My father paused, turning to face the Gremory patriarch with practiced grace. Mother stepped closer to his side, her smile perfectly measured.

"Zeoticus, Venelana." Father nodded. "A lovely evening."

"We're grateful you could attend," Lady Gremory said, her eyes drifting briefly to where Cyrus lurked near the back of our group. "Though I trust some... unfortunate moments won't overshadow the celebration?"

"Not at all," Mother replied smoothly. "Such things happen at any gathering of spirited youth."

『Notice how she's deflecting blame while minimizing the incident,』 the Advisor noted.

I watched Cyrus's jaw clench at Mother's words. Damian stood apart from him, carefully examining a nearby painting as if it held the secrets of the universe.

"Speaking of gatherings," Lady Gremory turned to Mother. "I do hope you'll still join us for tea this weekend? Sona's mother mentioned bringing those delightful cookies from the human realm."

"I wouldn't miss it." Mother's smile warmed slightly. "Though I may need to ask about your opinion on certain... educational matters."

"Of course." Lady Gremory's eyes flickered to me for a moment. "We have much to discuss."

Lord Gremory cleared his throat. "Aldric, regarding the trade proposals we discussed last month-"

"Perhaps we could schedule a proper meeting," Father interrupted politely. "It's been a long evening."

I caught the subtle tension in his shoulders. Whatever was coming for Cyrus and Damian, Father wanted it handled privately.

"Of course, of course." Lord Gremory nodded. "My office, next week?"

The parental pairs exchanged final pleasantries while I studied the elaborate floor tiles. Cyrus had moved even further back, probably hoping to escape what was coming. Fat chance of that.

Finally, we made our way to the waiting car. The driver held the door as we filed in - Father first, then Mother, Damian, myself, and finally Cyrus. The seating arrangement wasn't accidental. No escape routes.

The car pulled away from the mansion. Three... two... one...

"What," Father's voice could have frozen hellfire, "were you thinking?"

Cyrus stared out the window. "I don't know what-"

"Don't." Father rarely raised his voice. He didn't need to. "You deliberately provoked a scene at one of the most important social events of the season. In front of multiple clan heads. In front of a Satan."

"The Phenex boy-"

"Was irrelevant." Father's eyes narrowed. "You're not some fresh-faced noble struggling for position. You're a Beleth. Act like one."

Cyrus's hands clenched in his lap. "So I should just let them-"

"You should think before you act," Father cut him off again. "Something you've consistently failed to do."

"And you." Father turned to Damian, who somehow managed to shrink while maintaining perfect posture. "Where were you when this was happening?"

"I..." Damian swallowed. "I was speaking with-"

"You were hiding." Father's disappointment could have filled an ocean. "You're the heir. Your primary duty is maintaining this family's dignity. Instead, you left your brother to embarrass us while you examined the wallpaper."

"I didn't think-"

"No, you didn't." Father sighed. "Neither of you did. Do you understand what's at stake here? Every misstep, every scandal, every moment of foolishness weakens our position."

The car fell silent except for the soft hum of the engine. Mother sat perfectly still, her face unreadable. She wouldn't intervene - not yet, anyway.

"The Phenex clan is looking for any excuse to push us further down," Father continued, his voice quieter but no less intense. "The Sitri heir has already rejected one of you. Our influence isn't what it was. And tonight, you" - he looked at Cyrus - "handed them ammunition while you" - turning to Damian - "did nothing to stop it."

"I apologize, Father," Damian murmured.

Cyrus said nothing.

"Apologies don't erase memories," Father said. "They don't undo damage. They don't restore lost respect."

『Interesting how he focuses on reputation rather than actual behavior,』 the Advisor noted.

"The next time you feel the need to defend your pride," Father fixed Cyrus with a stare, "remember that you're defending this family's pride as well. And you." He turned back to Damian. "The next time your brother acts foolishly, do your duty as heir and handle it. Don't pretend it isn't happening."

The rest of the ride passed in tense silence. I kept my eyes forward, trying to look appropriately chastised while my mind worked through the evening's implications. Father's lecture revealed more than he probably intended about our family's current position.

The car pulled up to our mansion. Father stepped out first, followed by Mother. As Damian moved to exit, Father's voice stopped him.

"We'll discuss this further tomorrow. Both of you."

Damian nodded stiffly. Cyrus still said nothing.

I followed them out, careful to keep my expression neutral. No point drawing attention to myself when others were in the line of fire.

"Amon."

I turned at Father's voice. "Yes?"

"Join me in my study."