[6] Performance Review: Maternal Branch

I stood in the center of the outdoor training grounds, the morning sun beating down on my neck. Perfect conditions for a performance.

『Confirming parameters: Display capability at 5% while maintaining illusion of struggle?』

"Yes," I muttered, rolling my shoulders. "Let's give them what they expect to see."

Around the perimeter, servants went about their morning duties with suspicious dedication. Cyrus wasn't even trying to be subtle about his spies anymore. I spotted at least four of his people pretending to trim hedges or sweep the already immaculate paths.

I began with basic forms, deliberately making small mistakes in my stance. Nothing too obvious - just enough imperfection to suggest a teenager trying too hard to appear competent.

『Multiple observers detected. Primary targets: Northwest corner, behind the rose bushes. East wall, maintenance shed. South entrance, two groundskeepers.』

"And the balcony?"

『Confirmed. Lord and Lady Beleth observing from private study.』

I suppressed a smile. Right on schedule.

The first layer of illusion settled into place - a subtle shimmer of unstable magical energy around my hands as I attempted a "complex" manipulation. To most observers, it would appear I was struggling with basic control.

I "failed" the first attempt, letting out a frustrated grunt that carried just far enough to reach the nearest spy. The second attempt produced better results, but still showed obvious strain.

『Warning: Lord Beleth's magical perception exceeds initial estimates. Current illusion may not be sufficient.』

"Good," I whispered, moving into the next sequence. "That's exactly what we want."

I layered a second illusion beneath the first - this one far more sophisticated. While the outer layer showed a struggling novice, the inner weave revealed carefully controlled precision... but only to someone of sufficient magical sensitivity.

One of the "gardeners" had abandoned all pretense of working, openly taking notes. I pretended not to notice, instead focusing on a particularly "difficult" series of movements.

"Having trouble, little brother?"

I turned to find Cyrus approaching, his usual smirk firmly in place. Right on cue.

"Just practicing," I said, letting a hint of defensiveness creep into my voice.

"Oh? Looks more like flailing to me." He circled slowly, making a show of analyzing my form. "Father would be so disappointed."

I clenched my jaw - not entirely for show. Cyrus had a way of being irritating even when I was expecting it.

"I'm improving," I said stiffly.

"Are you?" He struck without warning - a basic attack spell that any competent devil should easily deflect.

I blocked it, but made sure to stumble backward two steps. "What are you doing?"

"Teaching my dear brother a lesson." Another spell, slightly stronger. "Since you seem so eager to learn."

I defended again, this time letting my barrier flicker noticeably. "Stop it!"

"Make me." His next attack carried enough force to actually require some effort to deflect while maintaining the illusions.

『Caution: Maintaining dual-layer deception while engaging in combat requires additional power allocation.』

"I know," I gritted out, barely dodging another spell. "That's the point."

Our "fight" drew more attention. Servants gathered at a safe distance, whispering among themselves. Perfect - the more witnesses, the better.

I launched a counter-attack, deliberately sloppy but with just enough power to make Cyrus work for his victory. He deflected it easily, laughing.

"Is that really the best you can do?" He pressed his advantage, forcing me back step by step. "No wonder father keeps you hidden away."

I let anger show on my face - not entirely feigned. Method acting at its finest.

My next spell went wide, scorching the ground near one of his spies. The man yelped and dove for cover. Cyrus's eyes narrowed.

"Careful, brother. We wouldn't want any accidents."

I straightened, dropping my combat stance. "Then stop attacking me."

"Or what?" He stepped closer, voice lowered. "You'll run to mother again?"

I saw movement on the balcony - father's hand on the railing, mother's barely visible form beside him. Time for the finale.

"I don't need anyone's protection," I said, loud enough to carry. "I can take care of myself."

Cyrus smiled - that cruel, superior smile I'd come to know so well. "Prove it."

He attacked again, this time with genuine force. I met it head-on, letting my outer illusion crack slightly while maintaining perfect control of the inner layer.

To most observers, it would appear I was barely holding on, my magic unstable and wild. But to those with the skill to see deeper...

『Alert: Lord Beleth's magical perception scanning defensive matrix. Adjusting illusion parameters.』

I pushed back against Cyrus's attack, making it look like desperate effort while actually using minimal power. The strain on my face was real - maintaining multiple layers of deception while fighting required intense concentration.

"Is that all?" Cyrus taunted, pressing harder. "Come on, little brother. Show me what you've been practicing so diligently."

I gathered power for one final exchange - carefully calculated to appear impressive while actually revealing nothing of importance.

The resulting clash lit up the training ground, kicking up dust and debris. When it cleared, I was on one knee, breathing heavily. Cyrus stood triumphant, barely winded.

"Well," he said loudly, "I suppose some people just aren't cut out for real combat."

I glared up at him, letting him see exactly what he expected - a frustrated, humiliated younger brother. "Are you done?"

"For now." He turned away dismissively. "Try not to hurt yourself practicing. We wouldn't want you embarrassing the family at the gathering."

I waited until he was almost out of earshot before muttering, "We'll see who gets embarrassed."

He paused briefly - just long enough to show he'd heard - then continued walking. The servants gradually dispersed, no doubt eager to report what they'd witnessed.

I stayed down for a moment longer, maintaining the appearance of exhaustion while actually examining the magical residue from our clash.

『Analysis complete. Cyrus detected no anomalies in outer illusion. Inner layer successfully conveyed controlled power usage to Lord Beleth. Recommended course: Maintain apparent fatigue for 37 minutes to support deception.』

"Noted." I slowly pushed myself up, making sure to favor my right side slightly. "And father's reaction?"

『Increased observation intensity following power clash. Magical scanning continued for 12.3 seconds after resolution. Conclusion: He perceived something of interest.』

I gathered my training materials with deliberate slowness, playing up the aftermath of magical exhaustion. A few servants still lingered, watching poorly disguised interest.

"Young master?"

Maria approached with a towel and water, her concern perfectly portrayed. We had an audience, after all.

"I'm fine," I said shortly, accepting both items. "Just pushed too hard."

"Of course." She helped collect my things, pitching her voice low. "Lord Cyrus seemed... satisfied."

"He usually is when he thinks he's won." I took a long drink, using the motion to scan the grounds. Most of the obvious observers had departed, but I spotted at least two still lingering. "Make sure word of this reaches the usual channels."

"Already arranged." She hesitated, then added, "Your mother asked to see you once you've recovered."

I nodded slowly. "Give me an hour to clean up."

She bowed slightly and withdrew, every inch the proper servant. I waited until she was gone before allowing myself a small smile.

『Query: Was this level of performance necessary? Analysis suggests simpler deception might have sufficed.』

"No," I said quietly, starting toward my chambers. "It needed to be elaborate enough to fool Cyrus while giving father just enough glimpses of truth to make him curious."

『Elaboration requested.』

"Cyrus sees what he wants to see - a weak younger brother he can easily dominate. Father sees what he needs to see - hints of hidden capability carefully masked by apparent incompetence."

『And Lady Beleth?』

I paused at the entrance to the manor. "Mother sees everything. That's why we don't try to fool her at all."

『Clarification: The inner layer of illusion was intended to be penetrated?』

"By the right observers, yes." I began climbing the stairs to my chambers. "It's not about hiding everything. It's about controlling what each person thinks they've discovered."

『Complex methodology. Multiple failure points possible.』

"That's why we practice." I reached my door, checking for the subtle markers I'd left. Undisturbed - no one had entered during my absence. "Each layer needs to be believable on its own while supporting the others."

I began preparing for my visit to mother. She would want to discuss what she'd seen - both the obvious and the subtle.

『Query: Will you maintain pretense with Lady Beleth?』

"No point. She's always seen through me." I changed into fresh clothes, examining my reflection. Just enough lingering signs of exertion to support the morning's performance. "The trick is making sure what she sees supports the larger plan."

I made my way to mother's private study, each step measured and deliberate. The hallway stretched before me, adorned with portraits of Beleth ancestors - their golden eyes following my progress.

The study door opened before I could knock. Mother sat in her favorite armchair, a delicate tea service arranged on the table beside her. Late morning sunlight streamed through tall windows, catching the steam rising from her cup.

"Amon." She gestured to the chair across from her. "Join me."

I settled into the offered seat, accepting the cup she poured. The familiar scent of her preferred blend filled the air - imported from the human world at considerable expense.

"An interesting performance this morning," she said, stirring a splash of cream into her own cup. "Though perhaps a touch theatrical in places."

I sipped my tea. "Cyrus seemed convinced."

"Cyrus sees what he wishes to see." Her blue eyes met mine over the rim of her cup. "Your father, however..."

"Noticed more than intended?"

"No." She set her cup down with a soft clink. "He noticed exactly what you wanted him to notice. The question is why."

I considered my response carefully. Mother had always been the most dangerous member of our household - not for any overt display of power, but for her ability to see through pretense.

"The gathering approaches," I said finally. "Certain expectations need to be managed."

"Indeed." She studied me with that penetrating gaze that had stripped away lies since my earliest memories. "And what expectations would those be?"

"The same ones Cyrus works so hard to reinforce - that I'm the disappointing third son, barely worth noticing."

"While carefully letting your father glimpse just enough control to make him wonder." She smiled slightly. "A risky game."

"Life is risk."

"Those words..." Her expression shifted, something ancient and knowing entering her eyes. "They're not yours, are they? Not the original Amon's, at least."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. I kept my face neutral, but my grip on the teacup tightened fractionally.

"What makes you say that?"

"A mother knows her children." She leaned forward, voice softening. "I knew something had changed the moment you woke from that fever about three weeks ago. The question I've been waiting to ask is... who are you, really?"

『Warning: Elevated heart rate detected. Recommend caution in response.』

I set my cup down slowly. "What would you do if I told you the truth?"

"That depends entirely on the truth itself." She reached across the table, laying her hand over mine. "But I think you know I've already chosen my side in whatever game you're playing."

The moment stretched between us, heavy with unspoken implications. I could feel the weight of her gaze - not accusatory, but filled with that same fierce protective instinct I'd witnessed countless times in Amon's memories.

"The boy who woke up that day..." I began carefully, "He remembered a different life. Different worlds. Different deaths."

"A regressor." She spoke the word without surprise. "I suspected as much. The changes were too profound for mere possession."

I arched an eyebrow. "You seem well-informed about such things."

"The Beleth library contains many interesting volumes, if one knows where to look." Her hand squeezed mine gently. "Though I admit, I never expected to encounter such a phenomenon in my own family."

"And now that you have?"

"Now?" She withdrew her hand, picking up her tea again. "Now I continue doing what I've always done - protecting my children. All of them."

The emphasis on 'all' carried clear meaning. "Even knowing I'm not exactly the son you remember?"

"You wear his face. You carry his name. You've shown more care for this family's welfare in a few weeks than the old Amon has in his entire life." Her lips curved in a slight smile. "Besides, what mother doesn't dream of her children being blessed with greater wisdom?"

I allowed myself to relax marginally. "Wisdom might be overstating it."

"Experience, then." She gestured at my cup. "Your tea is getting cold."

I took another sip, using the moment to gather my thoughts. "You're taking this remarkably well."

"Did you expect hysteria? Denial?" She shook her head. "I've had time to observe and consider. The only real question was when you would confirm my suspicions."

"And now that I have?"

"Now we can speak more openly about your plans for the gathering." Her eyes glinted. "Unless you'd prefer to maintain the pretense?"

I found myself chuckling despite the situation. "As you said - no point trying to fool you."

"Good." She set her cup aside. "Then shall we discuss how to best position things? Cyrus's little display this morning provided an excellent foundation, but we'll need more to properly set the stage."

"We?"

"Of course." She gave me a look that managed to be both fond and exasperated. "Did you think I would simply watch from the sidelines once I knew the truth?"

"I had considered keeping you at a safe distance."

"How very noble." Her tone dripped gentle mockery. "And how very foolish. You need allies, my dear. Ones who can move in circles you cannot yet reach."

I studied her carefully. "You're not just talking about the gathering."

"The gathering is merely the beginning." She rose, moving to one of the bookshelves. "Whatever brought you here - whatever purpose drove you to come - I doubt it's as simple as family politics."

I leaned back in my chair, contemplating my mother's words. The morning sun cast long shadows across the study floor, marking the passage of time as clearly as a clock.

"Probably not," I admitted. "Though I suspect you've already drawn your own conclusions."

She returned to her seat, a leather-bound tome in her hands. "I have theories. A being of your... experience doesn't typically inhabit a young noble's body without greater purpose."

"And what theories might those be?"

"That depends." She opened the book, revealing pages of ancient text. "How familiar are you with the original Lucifer's fall?"

"I know the official version. God's greatest angel rebels, leads an army against heaven, fails spectacularly." I paused, watching her reaction. "But we both know official histories often lack crucial details."

"Indeed." Her finger traced a line of text. "Like how Lucifer's true goal wasn't merely to overthrow God, but to fundamentally reshape the nature of power itself."

"Interesting interpretation."

"Not mine." She turned the book toward me. "His own words, preserved in texts few remember exist. He believed the divine hierarchy was fundamentally flawed - that power should flow not from arbitrary divine right, but from ability and ambition."

I examined the ancient writing. "And you think this relates to my presence here?"

"I think you look at our house - at the entire devil nobility - with the eyes of someone who sees far beyond its current state." She closed the book. "The question is whether you see a foundation to build upon, or ruins to be cleared away."

"Why not both?" I met her gaze steadily. "The current system is rotting from within. The noble houses cling to outdated traditions while the world changes around them. Even the new Satan government is just a fresh coat of paint on crumbling walls."

"Dangerous words."

"True ones." I gestured to the window, toward the sprawling Beleth estate. "Look at what we've become. House Beleth once stood among the mightiest of the 72 Pillars. Now we're barely holding onto relevance, watching our influence erode generation by generation."

"And you intend to change that?"

"I intend to rebuild it. Not just restore our house to its former glory, but to heights not even Lucifer himself could have imagined." I leaned forward. "The old devil nobility was built on divine right and borrowed power. I'm going to build something new - something that will last."

Mother's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Using what foundation?"

"Merit. Innovation. Adaptation." I ticked off points on my fingers. "The human world has outpaced us in many ways while we cling to outdated methods. They've learned to harness power through technology, through systems, through the collective effort of millions."

"Devils would never accept such methods."

"They will when they see the results." I smiled thinly. "Change is coming, whether they accept it or not. The only question is who will guide that change."

"And you believe you can?"

"I know I can. But I'll need allies who understand the bigger picture." I gave her a meaningful look. "Starting with those who can help position House Beleth ahead of the curve."

She sat back, absently turning her teacup. "The gathering would be an ideal place to begin laying groundwork. Many houses will be represented, all eager to gauge each other's strengths and weaknesses."

"Exactly. They'll come expecting the usual power plays - marriage proposals, territory disputes, petty shows of strength." I reached for the book she'd shown me. "While they're focused on those games, we can set real pieces in motion."

"We'll need to be careful. Your father-"

"Will see what he expects to see. A third son starting to show promise, but nothing too threatening." I traced the book's worn spine. "Cyrus will be too focused on maintaining his own position to notice subtle moves."

"And Damian?"

I considered our eldest brother - the perfect heir, so caught up in traditional expectations that he'd become blind to real opportunity.

"Damian is exactly where he needs to be - too focused on living up to father's expectations to see beyond them." I set the book aside. "Though we should arrange a few small victories for him at the gathering. Keep him feeling secure."

Mother nodded slowly. "You've thought this through rather thoroughly."

"I've had practice." I didn't elaborate on exactly how much practice. Some truths were better left unspoken, even with allies.

"I suspected as much." She set her pen down. "Your ambitions go beyond merely elevating House Beleth."

"The house is just the beginning - a foundation for something far more significant." I chose my next words carefully. "The devil nobility needs to evolve or die. I intend to ensure it evolves."

"By your guidance."

"By necessity." I gestured to the book she'd shown me. "Lucifer failed because he tried to tear down the existing order without building something better to replace it. I won't make that same mistake."

She was quiet for a long moment, considering my words. Finally, she asked, "And what role do you see for me in these plans?"

"Whatever role you choose." I met her gaze directly. "I won't pretend I'm not using people - manipulating events to serve my goals. But you're different. You saw through me from the start. That gives you a choice."

"Does it?" She smiled slightly. "Or did you anticipate even this conversation?"

"Mother." I let some genuine warmth enter my voice. "If I could anticipate everything, I wouldn't need allies."

That earned a soft laugh. "Well played." She gathered her notes. "Very well. I'll help position things for the gathering. But I expect you to be more forthcoming about your longer-term plans."

"As they become relevant." I inclined my head. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." She slipped the papers into a drawer. "Rebuilding this house will be difficult enough. Reshaping devil society... that's the kind of ambition that gets someone killed."

"I know." I moved toward the door. "That's why I came back."

She raised an eyebrow. "Came back?"

I paused with my hand on the doorknob. "Figure of speech."

"Of course." Her tone made it clear she didn't believe me. "We'll speak more later. Do try not to antagonize your brother further today."

"Which one?"

"Either of them." She waved me out. "And Amon? Whatever you're planning... be careful."

I nodded and left, closing the door quietly behind me. The hallway stretched before me, portraits of dead ancestors watching my progress with painted suspicion.

『Query: Was it wise to reveal so much?』

"We revealed exactly what we needed to," I murmured, keeping my voice low. "She's too valuable an ally to keep completely in the dark."

『Calculating risk factors...』

"Don't bother. Some things can't be reduced to numbers." I started toward my chambers. "Sometimes you have to trust your instincts."

『Noted. Adjusting parameters for future interactions.』

I allowed myself a small smile. Even my internal advisor was learning to adapt. We would need that flexibility in the days ahead.

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A/N: Still deciding on who should be in his peerage it can be from DxD or a different anime all together just give some ideas and I will pick between them