Chapter 38
"What did you say?!" Sirzechs screamed in rage, releasing a surge of his overwhelming aura. Normally calm and composed, it was rare to see him lose his temper. But today, he was furious.
"Do you really think I'd let my sister be killed just so you can *consider* the reason Kokobiel is attacking Kouh?!"
Just moments ago, Sirzechs had been about to head out to help his sister, Rias, but the council had summoned him, insisting he attend an emergency meeting. They had told him not to interfere, suggesting that his presence could jeopardize the delicate peace with the Fallen Angels. But Sirzechs knew better—it was nothing but an excuse.
The real reason was far more insidious: the council feared the growing power of the Satans. With Rias having made the Red Dragon Emperor, Issei, her servant, they saw him as a ticking time bomb they couldn't control.
They didn't want a repeat of the disaster that had occurred in the past, and Rias's recent public defiance had only made matters worse.
Her rejection of a noble devil and subsequent involvement with a reincarnated one had ruffled too many feathers. Now, these schemers were willing to let her die at Kokobiel's hands just to eliminate the potential threat of Issei.
Sirzechs wasn't entirely sure of the extent of their plotting, but he knew one thing for certain: they wanted his sister gone. And as luck would have it, he couldn't even send Grayfia to her aid, as her delicate position within the Lucifuge clan made things even more complicated. His other peerage members were also unavailable, tied up with tasks he had assigned them.
*Damn it!* Sirzechs cursed inwardly, feeling more helpless by the second. His only option now was to wait for Serafall to return with news from the Fallen Angels' side. As his mind raced through various possible solutions, the temperature in the room suddenly began to drop.
Feeling a familiar presence, Sirzechs turned to Grayfia, who also looked puzzled. A thick mist began to form, frost creeping over the furniture as the room's temperature plummeted. Panic spread among the council members, most of whom were shouting for their guards. However, strangely enough, no one entered the room. It was as if the guards were completely unaware of what was happening.
Just as chaos threatened to break out, a melodious voice cut through the air.
"My, my, is this how the esteemed council members react to the unexpected? I must say, I'm quite disappointed."
A woman, clad in black with a veil covering her face, revealing only her piercing red eyes and silver hair, suddenly appeared near Grayfia. Her presence was so subtle that even Grayfia, a top-tier devil, hadn't sensed her approach. Yet, there was something oddly familiar about her aura.
"Who are you, and how dare you intrude without permission?! Do you have no respect for the council?" shouted one of the nobles.
"No," the woman replied plainly, her simple response stunning the room into silence. Even Sirzechs, who held immense power, wouldn't speak to the council so brazenly.
"How dare you!" the same noble began, but the woman interrupted him coldly.
"Nicholas Houseman, of the Houseman family. You secured your council position by murdering your twin brother, run two illegal operations, and have three drug businesses. You also sponsor a supernatural trafficking organization. Oh, and two confirmed cases of rape in your domain, with the victims currently locked in your basement as slaves."
The more she spoke, the paler the noble became.
"Those are baseless accusations!" he stammered, "You have no proof!"
The woman said nothing, merely snapping her fingers. Three thick files appeared on the table in front of him.
"Here's your proof," she said icily. "And don't worry, the media will be receiving copies shortly. So don't bother trying to hide or tamper with the evidence. Any objections?"
Her voice remained cold, though Grayfia detected a hint of smugness beneath it.
Another noble, attempting to hide his fear, spoke up. "What... what business do you have with the council, miss?"
"I have no business with you," the woman replied dismissively, before turning to Sirzechs. "But I do have business with you, Sirzechs Lucifer."
Despite her cold, calm demeanor, Grayfia could sense the faintest flicker of dissatisfaction when the woman said *Lucifer*.
"What can I do for you?" Sirzechs asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"We, the Shadow Garden, will handle Kokobiel. In return, we ask for your cooperation and a promise in exchange for our services."
At the mention of *Shadow Garden*, the room went still. Although technically a mercenary group, the Shadow Garden was rumored to wield power equal to that of a high-level pantheon, if not more.
"And what sort of promise do you want?" Sirzechs asked, cautiously considering his options. Having the Shadow Garden's assistance would be ideal—none of the nobles would dare make trouble, and with their reputation, Rias would be safe.
"Nothing complicated. We want you to owe us a favor, which we'll call upon when the time comes," the woman replied.
Sirzechs thought for a moment before nodding. "I'll agree to that, provided the request does not harm the Underworld or my family."
"Acceptable," she said with a nod, waving her hand. A golden contract materialized in front of them.
Gasps echoed through the room. The older devils recognized the spell—a contract similar to the ones devils had used in the past, though far more advanced.
"Just a drop of your blood, and the deal is sealed," the woman said, her tone cold and detached as if she couldn't be bothered to linger.
Sirzechs nodded, pricking his finger and allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the contract. It glowed briefly before disappearing.
"Then, I shall uphold my end of the bargain," she said, turning into mist.
As the mist enveloped her, Grayfia felt the woman's gaze upon her, and a strange sensation washed over her. There was something about this mysterious figure—something familiar that Grayfia couldn't quite place.
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