Chapter [38]

Forest in Kuoh

Kaito sat in the clearing, holding Asia in his arms, the soft moonlight illuminating the scene. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows of the forest. Grayfia Lucifuge, the queen of Sirzechs Lucifer, appeared, her presence imposing and authoritative. She moved with grace and determination, her eyes fixed on Kaito. As she approached, her expression remained serious and direct.

"Kaito," Grayfia said, her voice calm but firm. "I need to talk to you."

Kaito looked at Grayfia, his eyes filled with distrust and curiosity. "Who are you?" he asked, trying to remain calm. "And what do you want from me?"

Grayfia maintained her firm posture and began to explain without preamble. "My name is Grayfia Lucifuge. Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Maou of the Underworld, sent me to speak with you. I have an offer to make."

Kaito frowned, feeling a wave of concern. "Sirzechs Lucifer? Why would one of the Maou be interested in me?"

Grayfia continued, her voice full of authority and clarity. "Sirzechs Lucifer is Rias Gremory's brother. He is aware of the recent events and the changes that have occurred with you. He believes you have a crucial role to play in resolving a problem that directly affects the Gremory family."

Kaito looked at Grayfia with a mixture of distrust and curiosity. "What does he want from me?"

Grayfia took a deep breath before continuing. "Sirzechs is willing to promote you to a high-class Devil, with all the privileges that entails, if you help free Rias from the marriage contract. However, there is a condition: you will have to leave Kuoh and distance yourself from your friends and family."

Kaito felt a wave of shock and indignation at hearing this. "Leave the city? Leave everyone I know and love? That's unacceptable."

Grayfia maintained her serious expression, but there was a touch of understanding in her eyes. "I understand that this is a difficult decision, Kaito. But there's more you need to know."

Kaito narrowed his eyes, waiting for the next revelation. Grayfia continued, her voice now softer. "We know that you are a fairy and whose son you are. Zeus has a particular interest in you because of your heritage. Your presence here could attract his attention and put everyone you love in danger. Leaving will protect everyone important to you."

Grayfia's words hit Kaito like a blow. He felt the gravity of the situation and the responsibility being placed on his shoulders. "So you're saying that by leaving, I'm protecting everyone I love from a greater danger?"

Grayfia nodded slowly. "Exactly, Kaito. This is a difficult decision, but it's the only way to ensure the safety of those who are important to you."

Kaito remained silent for a moment, processing everything that had been said. He looked at Asia, still sleeping peacefully in his arms, and felt the weight of responsibility increase. He knew that to protect those he loved, he would have to make sacrifices.

With a deep sigh, Kaito looked directly at Grayfia. "I understand what's at stake. I'll consider Sirzechs' offer and the safety of everyone. But don't take this as an immediate acceptance. I need time to think."

Grayfia looked at Kaito seriously. "You have until the day Rias makes this same proposal," she said, her voice firm.

Kaito was confused. "Why would Rias make the same proposal?"

Grayfia maintained her serious expression. "You don't need to know the reason, Kaito. Just accept the offer and fight in the Rating Game as Rias' guest."

Kaito frowned. "What is the Rating Game?"

"The Rating Game," Grayfia began, her voice calm, "is a formal competition between Devil Houses, a way to resolve disputes and showcase the strength and skills of the Peerage members. It's similar to a strategy game, where the leaders, known as 'Kings,' command their Peerage members, who are their chess pieces."

Kaito listened attentively, trying to absorb all the information.

"Each member of the Peerage," Grayfia continued, "is assigned to a specific chess piece, such as a Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, or Pawn. Their position on the board reflects their abilities and specialties in battle. The goal of the game is to defeat the opposing King or incapacitate all the opposing Peerage members."

Kaito frowned, still trying to grasp the magnitude of what Grayfia was explaining.

"The Rating Games are used to resolve important disputes and often have significant consequences," Grayfia said. "In Rias' case, she is using the Rating Game to resolve the marriage contract imposed on her. If she wins, the contract will be annulled. If she loses, she will have to marry the designated fiancé."

Kaito felt the weight of the situation. "So, if I participate and help Rias win, she will be freed from this marriage contract?"

Grayfia nodded. "Exactly. However, the challenge is great. Rias' designated fiancé is also a powerful Devil, and the competition will be fierce. That's why Sirzechs is willing to offer you this promotion and all the privileges that come with it. Your strength and abilities are needed to ensure Rias' victory."

Kaito pondered the implications. "And if I accept this offer and participate in the Rating Game, what will happen to me afterward?"

"If you accept Sirzechs' offer and participate in the Rating Game as Rias' guest," Grayfia began, her voice firm but with a touch of understanding, "you will be acting as a hired mercenary. This means that after the game, you will no longer be directly linked to Rias' Peerage. There is something else you need to know, Kaito. This conversation must never be revealed to Rias. She cannot know that you spoke with me or that this offer was made by Sirzechs."

"I understand, Grayfia," Kaito said, his voice firm. "I will not reveal this conversation to Rias. If this is what needs to be done to ensure everyone's safety and Rias' freedom, then I will accept your condition."

Grayfia nodded, satisfied with Kaito's response. "Very well, Kaito. You are making the right decision. Remember, you have until the day of the Rating Game to make your final choice."

Kaito looked at Asia in his arms, feeling the weight of responsibility increase. "I will think carefully about all this. Thank you for informing me, Grayfia."

Grayfia gave a slight nod, acknowledging Kaito's determination. "I know you will make the right decision."

With those words, Grayfia took a step back, preparing to leave. She raised her hand, and a magic circle appeared beneath her feet, glowing with a soft light. In an instant, Grayfia was enveloped by the light of the teleportation and disappeared from the clearing, leaving Kaito alone with his thoughts and the responsibility that now weighed on his shoulders.

Kaito remained in the clearing for a moment, reflecting on everything that had been said. He knew that the decision he would make in the coming days would be crucial, not just for him, but for everyone around him. With a deep sigh, he looked at the full moon above and promised himself that he would do everything possible to protect those he loved and ensure a better future for everyone.

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