Part 2 - The Morning Star

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***

Survival of the fittest.

Such was the law in the world that Lelouch of Britain, former Emperor of the Holy British Empire, found himself in. What Lelouch hated the most, and reigned in this vast magical world.

Yes, and in the world of Lelouch reigned such a law due to the occupation policy of Britain, which was the strongest country in the world, which subjugated a third of the globe. Because of the endless and continuous wars, people lived in fear all the time, not knowing what to do next. And this was often true of people who didn't live in Britain.

In the slums of Hell, however, this law worked a little differently. If you don't show the Force from the first day you come here, you'll be eaten without a second thought. If you fought back, showed your strength, they would leave you alone for a while, and then come back later to feel the ground.

Of course, Lelouch wasn't going to spend much time with the Inferiors who lived here, since his subordinates would do the recruiting work, but still....

Lelouch wondered if anyone would approach him after he had defeated and subdued the local Monster, Cedric.

No one had approached him...

And now Lelouch was walking among the collapsed buildings, where it was a miracle to find a roof over his head, or it was worth it to build one himself from the rubble that was near the houses. Of course, many people were initially aware of who had come to see them - the pure-blooded High Demon Erhard Bael, son of Zekram Bael, head of the First Pillar. A child who had not inherited the great power of the Bael clan for which their house was renowned - the Power of Destruction.

For the Bael Clan, who highly valued pride in their Power, it was like a slap in the face. Erhard was supposed to be the next head of Clan Bael and the Bael Council respectively, ruled by the head of the Clan, but after his failed initiation, he was immediately disowned.

The head of the Bael clan without the Power of Destruction? Ridiculous...

The demons that were in this area were the 'liaisons' of Cedric, who was subdued by Lelouch. This area wasn't as heavily populated as the others, but no one ever approached Lelouch...

That's a shame, I thought there would be some decent ones here...

Lelouch began to rummage through his host's memory and began to think more about his recipient's past years.

Erhard did not despair after his abdication, but rather helped his own sister Venelana. Young Bael was a well-read boy, so where his sister could not cope with theory, Erhard helped. And where he failed in practice, Venelana helped.

All in all, they were very friendly until Zekram forced them apart. No, of course, he didn't want to force it, as it would damage Venelana's psyche, for whom her father had found an excellent husband, who, in the long run, could become one of the strongest major houses of Hell in the future.

A couple of clever manipulations and Erhard and Venelana can already live without each other. Of course, to Lelouch, who had been familiar with the intrigues of aristocrats since childhood, this seemed like the simplest of tricks. Even at an early age, Lamperouge was in a more difficult position than Erhard, who was already twice his age.

Lelouch's memory does not recall the details, as he woke up already in the slums. But Lelouch suspected the childish naivety of Venelana, who believed that Erhard had a new friend, so he did not need to communicate with his sister anymore. Or another similar situation...

Lelouch hummed to himself, wondering if his sister was really that naive? Although, based on his memories, it might have been true.

But there would still be time for Lelouch to save her. Of course he was going to do that, since Lelouch, like everyone else, probably doesn't like to be accused without substantial evidence. Also, because it's his sister! Plain and simple.

He's in a new world, among people he doesn't know, but thanks to his body's memories, Lelouch knows what's what. Erhard didn't know everything, but his knowledge is enough for the first time. He has his loving sister here, who will not 'betray' him like Nannali, although before her death she realised what her brother wanted, but deep in Lelouch's soul burned a flame of despair, bitterness and hatred for her....

After all he had done for her, she hadn't even thanked him for his 'efforts' but had immediately rejected him and started spouting the nonsense that Schneizel had spouted to her.

But now...

Everything will change in this world...

He's gonna start over.

He'll start his new family.

He'll create a world for them to live in comfortably.

And then.

Spend a peaceful and happy life with them.

That's it, Lelouch of Britain, you've already fought for the world, now you must fight for your own happiness....

But if that world is dangerous....

Lelouch will go to war against it...

But first, the new changes of Gias must be dealt with, as well as the demonic energy that Lelouch had is simply enormous...

- Put a barrier on my training area,' Erhard ordered his new subordinates, who had been trailing behind him the whole time.

- Aye!' they shouted in unison and began to create the barrier.

- Well, let's get started,' Lelouch said aloud, sitting down in the lotus position for meditation.

***

A man with handsome features, black hair, and lilac eyes, with an aura of dignity and nobility that was far less than Lucifer's, walked through the corridors of the vast castle.

The plan had gone off without a hitch.

The engagement contract had been a success. Some aspects were far from what the head of the First Pillar wanted, but even so he was satisfied. His son was dead, which meant that after the engagement, the second part of the plan could proceed....

What about his beloved daughter Venelana...

One might as well give up his daughter for power over the entire Underworld, for when Lucifer dies, there will be Hades after him...

He no longer intends to tolerate such pathetic treatment, despite the fact that he is one of the first Demons, who was created by Lucifer - his actual father.

Venelana was boldly recognised as the genius of this generation, as any practice in magic came easily to her. The power of Destruction at such a young age was so dense that it could rival the other demons of the Bael clan.

Venelana was beautiful, elegant, well mannered and even at such a young age incredibly sexy, and this was clearly not her limit, for she would become even more enchanting at a later age. So Zekram, with a broken heart, decided to give his daughter to another young genius of this generation, Zeotikus Gremory. Their common child with such capable parents could become one of the strongest demons in the history of Hell, on par with Lucifer.

And a great weapon...

One could try to talk Lucifer into an engagement to his son Rizevim, but....

Too risky...

Besides, although Venelana was a valuable figure to Zekram, he had another daughter, another sister of Erhard, who was not far removed from her sister, Margarett. They were like two drops of water with Venelana, only instead of Venelana's bright purple eyes, Margarett's were emerald coloured. Margarett may not have been the epitome of nobility and, at the same time, lust and sexuality as Venelana, but there was no disputing that she was beautiful. Same narrow waist, perfectly smooth skin, but her breasts and butt were a size smaller than her sister's.

They were as beautiful as his first wife, who had died in the battle against the Angels...

Lucifer's fault...

At least that's what Zekram thought, and the truth of that incident is known only to the Lords and their trusted Demons...

About Margarett, she was the absolute embodiment of the Bael clan's character. Her pride and arrogance was the envy of many Dragons. She has no tolerance for the weak and despises anyone below the status of High Demon. The only authority for her is her father and Lucifer, whom she saw only once, but it left a lasting impression on her soul.

That's why Zekram didn't take her to Lucifer's palace with him, even though she urged him to.

Such thoughts were present in Zekram's mind before his audience with the Lord of Hell Lucifer, who for some reason asked him to come in person exactly after the treaty with Gremory....

Which Zekram was going to sign, as quickly as possible, so that Lucifer wouldn't interfere...

Walking through the corridors of the luxurious castle, the eye involuntarily clings to the paintings of the master of this house. In front of the huge doors that led to Lucifer's meeting room. The maids before entering bowed slightly to Zekram and opened the doors for him.

The room was unremarkable, except for the wall painting of Lucifer with Rizevim and the two armchairs that were located at the entrance to the huge balcony.

- Have a seat, Zekram,' came a voice from behind one of the armchairs with its back turned toward the door.

- It seems that I was not mistaken, and the conversation will be serious, - thought to himself Bael, because Lucifer usually addressed him as 'my dear first Pillar', 'my dear Bael' and many other nicknames that came to the brilliant head of the progenitor of all demons.

Zekram sat down at the empty seat and immediately turned his gaze to Lucifer. The one, as always, even in his everyday clothes looked majestic with a slight cocky smile.

Now he was dressed in the light and elegant black robes he wore around the house, his brown eyes radiating calm and confidence, and his blonde hair barely reaching the bridge of his nose. Black shirt, simple trousers and shoes.

- What are you doing, Zekram? - Lucifer's first question slightly stumped Bael, who was clearly not prepared for such a question.

- I am faithfully fulfilling my duties as a Pillar and maintaining the balance among the other clans, as you ordered,' Zekram bowed his head obediently, and the answer instantly came into his head.

- Then why did the marriage between your daughter and that boy take place? - Lucifer asked again, his glass of wine in his hand, without turning towards Zekram.

- I reckoned that-' Zekram wanted to give a prepared answer to that question, but he was interrupted.

- You didn't have to count, my boy,' Lucifer turned his head to him with a tired smile, his pupils turning red, and Zekram had to spend a quarter of his reserve on demonic energy to keep from sprawling on the floor.

It wasn't an aura...

Lucifer's ability to sense the energy source of beings, as well as souls, and influence them, he had gained after he fell into Hell...

A monstrous ability...

With this ability, he surpasses most Gods...

- Venelana is still alive, because she is your daughter and I decided to do you a favour, - turning his head away from Zekram, Lucifer sipped from his glass and continued talking, already looking out of the window.

- The Gremory boy is alive because I let them, because they have what I need,' Lucifer's voice grew a little serious and the smile faded from his face, but Zekram already noticed it, because now the Lord of Hell came to the main topic of conversation.

- And then a bird whispered to me that you also noticed an interesting object on the territory of Gremory and decided to make a marriage behind my back, - with each word Lucifer's voice became slightly rougher, and Zekram was at a loss.

- I've been checking everyone! I've tested every member and every inhabitant for loyalty to Bael! If Lucifer's mole told him, it was obviously someone from the Council, but who! - Zekram argued excitedly to himself, keeping a calm expression on his face.

- Of course, I could have just asked them, and they would have given that piece of land to me, but, Praise Me, I need to show the people that I consider everyone equal,' Lucifer grinned, sipping again from his glass.

- So I, as the kindest and best father, let you take it,' Lucifer continued, smiling broadly.

What?

- My Father is gathering his troops again and is going to strike Argen from the Black Lake, - Lucifer continued to speak, ignoring the stunned face of Zekram, who this time could not keep his mask of calmness.

- And...' Zekram wanted to ask, but he was interrupted again.

- This is no longer a border conflict. A war is about to break out. And we need to make sure it continues in the Upper World. I overestimated my capabilities, and our fortress may fall because of it,' Lucifer said as he continued to stare out the window.

- What are the orders? - Zekram immediately asked, standing up and bowing slightly, as he recognised that he was not a complete zero in military politics, but it was a great opportunity to learn a bit of the Morning Star's combat experience, having fought against many Gods on the front lines.

- Call the Pillars, I'll tell them there. I'll tell Leviathan, Beelzebub, and Astoroth myself, as well as the elders,' Lucifer said tiredly, rising from his chair and stretching.

Unfortunately, he didn't tell anything...

- Yes!' Lucifer's short answer was accepted and he waved his hand, releasing his First Pillar.

The room was in complete silence for a while, but after a few seconds, the wall along with the picture of Lucifer's family turned the other way and Rizevim appeared from there.

A handsome young Demon with silver hair that he got from his mother and brown eyes from his father. This young man will be the new ruler of Hell...

- Are you sure you should have talked about that place? - Rizevim asked, not missing a single word in the conversation between his father and Zekram.

- My spy said that Zekram doesn't have anyone with the Dark Shard, so he can't sense it. And I've already killed all those who carried part of the Core,' Lucifer waved his hand, not worrying about the artefact.

- Besides, Zekram has his own problems besides the war,' Lucifer grinned.

- What kind of problems? - Rizevim asked his father, perplexed.

- Erhard is alive, - Lucifer said smiling, anticipating further events.

- And what? - Rizevim asked without interest, unimpressed by Erhard in their first meeting.

Erhard Bael had caught Lucifer's attention from the very first time he appeared at the banquet. When he became Lord of Hell, he had gained the ability to sense souls and to some extent control and see them.

Erhard had a different soul in him than the others.....

And the only answer to the demon having a human soul was....

Reincarnation...

Lucifer felt that though he was human, he was special....

He saw through his soul, it was so saturated with so many sins that many demons would envy him....

So strong and bright, striving for the top...

Freedom.

Power...

An anticipatory grin appeared on Lucifer's face....

Big changes were about to happen...

It's a pity he won't see them, for the Dark Core is already consuming his body, and his only honourable death will be to fall in battle....

With his Father.

Taking him with him.

That's why he's provoked his former brothers into fighting.

- You should keep an eye on him, Rizevim. Erhard may be the one who will be the new revolution that befalls Hell if you fail to meet the burden of rulership. Either recruit him or watch him so that he doesn't make a move without your permission,' Lucifer said to his shocked son as he teleported out of the room.

For if indeed his son could not take the reins after his death, Lucifer feels that it is Erhard....

- Will be the new Morning Star,' Lucifer whispered to himself and went to his friend Beelzebub to tell him the exciting news.

***

Lelouch had subjugated the Inferior Demons that were now in this slum to do some experiments on Gias.

- Blow it up! - Lelouch ordered, looking with his Gias towards the demon that stood with a subordinate will.

There was an explosion, and various body parts, along with blood, scattered across the area where Lelouch was training.

The sharp pain in his eye made him realise that the 'stronger' Gias' order was becoming more painful. The Gias in his right eye still didn't want to activate, so Lelouch's mind flashed with the thought of whether the pain would disappear after the King's second power was awakened....

- I see,' Lelouch said aloud to himself.

After waiting for about 5 seconds for the pain to go away, Lelouch gave a new order:

- Disappear! - Giasom looked towards the ground beneath the demon's blood, but the ground never disappeared as Lelouch had ordered.

- It seems I can't affect the essence of the universe - the earth, expectedly - Lelouch reasoned aloud - But can I affect other material objects?

Lelouch saw the small knife that the demon had been carrying earlier and gave a new order, activating Gias:

- Disappear! - and the knife immediately disappeared - Just as I thought, but why can't I influence the nature around me? Or can I?

Lelouch saw a small tree located near one of the many houses. Erhard imagined in his head that he wanted to make a small wall out of that tree, hoping that the wish-based demon magic that caused his Gias to evolve, as Lelouch had surmised, would work.

- The wall! - But nothing happened to the tree, it remained standing, and Lelouch felt as if he were under some sort of protection.

- So,' Erhard said, touching the invisible wall formed in front of him after using the King's Power, 'So my Gias evolved not because of demonic energy, but because I came to this world? No, bullshit. Or is it because I don't have a second Gias? It takes a while to learn.

Lelouch decided to stop using the Gias, deciding to let his eye rest, worried about feeling the pain every time.

So Lelouch decided to go to the demons that sheltered him when he found himself in the slums. He didn't remember everything all at once but gradually, so there were many scrappy memories, Lelouch thought it was because of the effect of his sudden appearance.

He was taken in by a family that consisted of a boy, a girl and their mother. The father and the two boys had died during the war with the Fallen in one of the battles. The woman who had taken him in had been too kind for a demon that Lelouch was a little surprised at the veracity of his memories, for demons were always imagined to be strongholds of sin.

- Cedric,' Erhard addressed the demon, who was walking under an illusion that gave invisibility to the bearer. Safety is paramount, even when everyone is sure you are dead, - Start recruiting demons on my behalf. You can use any means at your disposal to get them on my side.

- Yes, Master. - Cedric said, bowing deeply, and teleported away.

In the past world, I was able to subdue a victim and give only one order, and the person obeyed it. But now, whether due to evolution or demonic energy, I not only subdue my victim, but I can also give them orders all the time. I don't know if there are restrictions or not, but it's gratifying. After all, now the Demons I have subdued are not standing like willless puppets, and quite aware of what is happening around them, but obey me unconditionally....

As he approached one of the dilapidated houses, Lelouch began to remember what kind of family had taken him in.

As soon as he knocked, the door immediately opened and a beautiful woman appeared on the doorstep, very similar to Lelouch's sister from the past world - Cornelia....

The same curly, long and beautiful, but only blonde, hair, a straight face without flaws and clothes in which she looked just incredibly beautiful, despite the fact that she is domestic. A black dress, and a white blouse underneath, skimmed her graceful figure, where the neckline on both sides at the hem of the dress showed off her gorgeous white legs.

The dress had no cleavage, but was completely closed up to the neck. Her large breasts, as if they wanted to tear the dress and burst out, attracted the eye and made the young hormones of Lelouch's body rage.

But fortunately, or unfortunately, our hero is not a pervert, so he did not openly stare at her form, and noted the beauty of the woman.

- Erhard?! You're here! Come in, my dear,' a gentle and pleasant voice came from one of the most beautiful women Lelouch had ever seen, if you don't count the memories of young Bael. And if you counted them together, Venelana was a hundred per cent in the lead....

- Hello, Mother,' Lelouch allowed himself to curve his lips slightly at his foster mother's smile, which made him feel very warm.

Though the past owner was not only grateful to this wonderful woman, but also desired something of a more intimate nature... no wonder. A beauty like this would drive anyone crazy, at least a man so definitely.

When Erhard was dumped, he was broken inside. His sister was 'abandoned' as well as his father and the entire clan. Bael was left all alone against the realities of this world, and when he needed help and support, he was carried home, tired and half-dead, where he met his saviours.

Almost desperate, he did not show the noble behaviour common to aristocrats, but simply threw himself into the arms of the kind woman who had sheltered him. Since then, she allowed him to call herself Mother, and Lelouch did not mind such affectionate treatment.

- Where have you been for so long? - 'Mum' asked in an agitated voice, and her name, judging by Erhard's memories - Leila.

That's a beautiful name.

- I met a couple of demons who wanted to attack me for being a High,' Lelouch grinned, for the previous owner of the body had told her of his origins when he was taken in, but despite her fear of Bael, she had not left him on the streets.

The most marvellous and kindest woman...

After all, the Bael clan is the strongest Pillar in Hell, which gives birth to probably the strongest demons in the entire Underworld, which are then attracted to the army and then used for their own nefarious purposes...

At least that's what Lelouch thought...

- Ahhh, that's terrible, how did they know? - Leila became even more agitated as she walked down the small corridor to the similarly sized kitchenette. And Lelouch glanced involuntarily at the rolling of the soft hemispheres of her butt.

Did she always walk like that? Didn't the body's past owner notice?

- I don't know, I think Bael's dogs are everywhere around here,' Lelouch grew serious this time, cleaning his hands with magic and sitting down at the table to the left of the kitchen doorway.

- You'd better get out of here if you're being watched everywhere,' came a disgruntled voice from the kitchen doorway.

The young man, who had just turned eighteen, which in the world of demons is negligible, leaned against the wall and looked directly at Lelouch. It was immediately obvious that he was not afraid of Erhard, even though he was a Superior.

Short blond hair and expressive blue eyes. A simple white T-shirt and black trousers. His appearance would be the envy of many aristocrats in Lelouch's world, but here such an individual was commonplace to everyone.

- That's why I'm here, Mike. I wanted to let you know that I'm leaving your house and will be living separately,' Lelouch said, propping his hands on his chin and resting his elbows on the table, startling Leila with the news.

- Good. I don't want Bael's guards coming in and interrogating us,' the only male in the family said irritably. We're not counting Lelouch, since he's been sheltered for a while.

- Mike! Don't say that! - Leila became agitated, knowing from Erhard's temperament that he would not let such a provocative speech get away with it.

- What's wrong, Mum? He didn't come here because his family worked here in the slums picking up rubbish. He was thrown out by the Baels because he doesn't have their Power, and we Inferiors have to deal with that! - Mike began his rant, drawing the attention of his sister, who was in the next room.

But Lelouch did not pay attention to the girl, and began to speak calmly, not giving in to anger.

- I understand what you're saying... - Lelouch began, but he was interrupted by Mike's shout.

- No, you don't! You've had everything from birth: servants, wealth, influence, Power,' Mike continued, 'And we've been here since we were born, and no one cares about the welfare of the Inferior. Thank Lucifer that at least we are still alive!

After such a long and uninterrupted speech, he took a breath and, almost crying, left the room without listening to Lelouch.

Erhard, as he sat, continued to sit, calmly taking in this information.

- Most of the time the Inferiors are used as the eleventh in my world - it was predictable. But even despite all the troubles and hardships, they blame everything on the Pillars, and Lucifer is like a God who takes care of them, so even now they continue to 'pray' to him. Why? - Lelouch reasoned to himself, glancing at Mike and only now noticing the sixteen-year-old girl.

Short blonde hair cut into a bob, big blue eyes, and a soft, round face. She's short in stature, but that doesn't stop you from seeing her beautifully slim waist. Kira, which was her name, was dressed in a white jumper and short blue shorts, thanks to which you could see her graceful legs. She was much smaller than her mother, but as they say, she still had a long way to go.

- Erhard, don't take your brother the wrong way, but he didn't mean to offend you. And I'm not defending my brother, but I'm not on his side, although if you continue to stay here, there may be problems, and... - Kira began to gibber excitedly, gesturing with her hands in different directions, blushing nicely.

- Kira!' her mother warned Kira, and she immediately realised that she had gone too far.

- Oh, I'm sorry, Erhard, don't think that I...well...well, you... - she blushed more than before and continued to gibber amusingly.

- It's okay. I understand,' Lelouch smiled approvingly, and Kira blushed even more and looked away, trying not to cross her eyes with Bael's.

- Erhard, so, what did you want to tell us, - Leila sat down at the table, and Kira stood not far from her mother, listening carefully to the information.

- I'm going to leave my clan and create my own, so I suggest that you go with me, - Lelouch expressed his proposal, looking at the surprised faces of the girls.

- N-But wait. How will you leave the clan? You'll be hunted,' Kira was the first to speak her mind, worried about Erhard.

- I think that by leaving me here and sending some of their servants, they thought I was dead and wrote me off. And as for my leaving the clan, don't worry, I have a plan for that,' Lelouch smiled slyly, surprising the girls again.

- When did you change so much? - Leila sighed.

- Maybe after I got hit on the head? - Lelouch decided to joke, but seeing the serious faces of the girls, he realised that it was not very successful.

- Don't worry, everything will be fine, - Lelouch decided to reassure the worried girls, and they looked into Bael's confident lilac eyes and decided to trust him.

- This is all so sudden,' Leila sighed, 'We could get you in trouble. I mean, after you leave, whoever wants to find out that we've been harbouring you here.

- No doubt,' Lelouch nodded, 'But if everything goes as I plan, you'll be perfectly safe.

Leila sighed once more and looked at her daughter. She knew that she had a soft spot for a handsome young man of noble birth, but was not taking any steps to achieve love.

If they agree, then perhaps in a new environment, in a new place could take a serious step, since the young Demon she loves is a complete goofball and doesn't understand anything.

Although she herself wouldn't mind forming a closer relationship with the handsome young Demon.....

Why?! I'm a lonely woman who wants a simple man's care and affection...

- We need to think about it,' Lelouch nodded calmly, as it was a matter of course, 'Where are you going to go now?

- I need to practice using demonic energy. I'll come to you in a week and wait for an answer. Deal? - Lelouch got up from the table.

- Good. Thank you,' Leila smiled, causing Lelouch to smile, infected by her charming smile.

- P-Bye, Erhard,' Kira smiled brightly, blushing again at Bael's tenacious gaze.

- Bye, Kira. Leila,' he bowed slightly to both of them, "And don't forget to give the message to Mike," Lelouch's smile seemed to reach his ears at the sight of the girls' bright smiles.

- Of course! - Leila and Kira said at once, and Lelouch, using the teleportation circle, disappeared.

***

The weather was warm as usual in Hell, and the purple sky seemed to glow even more brightly on the eve of an important event for the Underworld. Although even most of the Pillars wouldn't realise it, but cunning schemers like Bael and Lucifer knew that today's events could still play a huge role in the future.

Perhaps the current Lord Gremory suspected that something was clearly about to happen, for it was not just for nothing that the strongest Pillar and Lucifer himself were interested in his son's engagement.

However, this was not the most important news now, because the girl who was getting married today by 'contract' to Zeotikus Gremory was the main person of the evening. The guests have only just begun to arrive, and the feast, as well as the main announcement of the marriage will only come in a few hours, and the very next day the wedding will be played. Venelana Bael, for the past day, has been standing at the window in her room, hoping for some miracle unknown to her, waiting...

What is she waiting for? A saviour? A prince that will rush in to save the princess?

Venelana is not stupid and does not believe in fairy tales, but despite the events of a week ago, she wanted to see him most of all now - Erhard, her favourite brother, who can support her at any time and knows her like no one else, much better than even her own father. Even though she had been told that her brother had gone on an important mission for House Bael, and then fell in love with a commoner, and because of that he no longer had the right to be called Bael, after having 'betrayed' them. But it wasn't until recently that she really started to think about the situation that she was told, rather than sitting in her room and cursing Erhard for leaving her.

And more than anything, it felt like the sweetest, but to her the most bitter of lies.

It was as if Venelana had lost such qualities as naivety and carefree spirit forever during this week of reflection. The events with her brother had hit her too hard. But for the past two days, when she had asked the servants or her father's confidants about her brother, who had promised to report back to her on what was happening to him, they had been silent and trying to get as far away from the young mistress as possible.

If they didn't put their former clan member under surveillance, they would simply shame the clan's own name, as her father had said, Zekram. She had been told about the places he had been, what he did, what he ate, where even he slept, but....

It was all too strange...

The servants' stories suggested that she didn't know Erhard at all. That's why he needed to procure blankets and pillows for sleeping outside when he had his 'favourite'.

Any memory of that 'lover' brought a whole different burning feeling to Venelan that she had never felt until Erhard had gone off to a commoner.

Clutching the edges of her luxurious dress, Venelana struggled to calm herself, closing her eyes and clearing her thoughts with the Power of Destruction, using up a small portion of her source.

So, why did he need blankets and pillows when Venelana herself had taught him how to insulate his own body with magic? Still, Erhard has always had problems with the practice, the reason for which Venelana does not know.

But once Erhard had surmised that it was because he had a large source of mana, which made control difficult, and the meditations that Venelana had recommended he didn't do because he didn't like to sit in one place for hours on end.

And now a terrible suspicion closed in on Venelana's mind....

Perhaps the servants do not mention it for a reason at once simple and terrible....

Erhard is dead...

Just the mere thought of this makes Venelana start shedding tears, but she cannot give in to grief and despair now, as she does not wish to dislodge her light make-up, which already, made the young Bael even more gorgeous.

She loved Erhard without a doubt, but....

Was her love of a kindred or of a more personal nature?

It was not the first time such thoughts flashed through Venelana's mind, and each time she unconsciously buried them. She always wanted Erhard to embrace her, to comfort her in case of grief or distress, to tell her some interesting story from Bael's library. But Venelana thought that was how close relatives were supposed to behave, but...

After his 'leaving'...

It turned out not to be the case...

But nothing! She won't give up! She was caught several times when she was about to leave the house for a while to see for herself, but she was stopped every time. Although she could kill all the servants that were chasing her, since she is already head and shoulders above many members of Bael in controlling the Power of Destruction, but that wouldn't be very 'pretty' of her....

The new sensation of all Hell - the young heiress of Bael kills her servants because they care about her!

Not very funny...

So Venelana obeyed the instructions of the servants that came from her father, went back to the mansion and didn't leave until the event. But Venelana had a plan...

To seduce Zeotikus and begin the search for her brother...

There was no way she would believe he was dead until she was convinced herself.

Zeotikus, probably like all Demons, thinks that since it's a wedding, a woman must obey his instructions before the wedding even begins. The patriarchal system in Hell, and in the entire magical world, is strengthening and thriving every day.

No way!

She was too proud and stubborn to allow such an attitude to some albeit charming and handsome but young Demon. They hadn't met in person, but she had been shown pictures of him and shown a demonstration of his abilities at the initiation, but...

Not impressed at all...

Yes, he was handsome and polite, not arrogant like most of the Highs, including Bael, but she wasn't attracted to him at all....

At all... and now she has to become the wife of this... Demon.

She hadn't quite figured out how she should interact with him. Show stubbornness and pride, because some people are turned on by girls like that....

Show humility to present her best self and then strengthen her position in bed with him?

Sharing a bed with a Demon she will only know for a few hours, this kind of situation is more like being a succubus in one of the brothels of Lucifard, the capital of Hell, and she is visited by a young gentleman who wants to spend the night with her.

Just the mere thought of doing so with this... Zeoticus makes Venelana cringe....

But she'll have to endure to achieve her goal...

If it were Erhard in his place...

Venelana blushed thickly, her face matching Gremory's red hair.

Stop! Put such thoughts away! You have an important mission, Venelana. You need to seduce Zeotikus, take over and manipulate your body to satisfy Zeotikus, find your brother, and then....

Go away with him.

Far, far away...

If he finds...

Her thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the room and Venelana allowed entry.

- Madam, Lord and Lady Gremory and your husband have arrived,' a maid dressed as a maid said with a bow.

Your husband.

- Well, well, well,' Venelana snorted to herself.

- Let's go,' Venelana ordered her personal maid briefly and imperiously. The maid bowed again and made way for the young mistress, who would soon no longer be a 'young mistress' but Lady Gremory....

The personal maid and bodyguard was beautiful. Her black hair, braided into a braid, fell over her left shoulder, and her make-up further adorned her plain oval face. But compared to the Mistress, she was nothing....

A luxurious black dress with a long hemline touched the ground, while the neckline showed off her perfectly sized breasts and delicate thin neck. Light make-up made Venelana's face even more perfect, and her flaxen hair was left loose. No matter what the servants said about the hairstyle, she did not back down and had no intention of changing it.

Erhard said it suited her much better that way.....

Venelana smiled warmly at the memories, but as she approached the main entrance, she immediately put on a fake sincere smile and walked with predatory grace into the hall, where the main guests of the celebration were already standing.

Opposite her father stood a man with red hair in the same colour clothes, and to his left stood his brunette wife, who looked neat and simple in her long red, but closed dress. But behind that simplicity, and the way she stood with a submissive look, looking at Venelana with a smile, Bael saw not what, she wanted to expect....

She saw a predator on the leash of its master, but no other feelings than love for her husband and child, Venelana could not see.

And here was the most important character of this gathering....

A young Demon with blue eyes, red hair, and simple but elegant robes of red colour. A red shirt with a puffy black bow, over which was a short camisole.

Zeotikus Gremory stood and watched Venelana with admiration where she like a proud eagle descended the stairs.

Zeotikus, blushing slightly, seemed to be so thoroughly impressed by Venelana's beauty that he didn't even greet the lady first.

Venelana grinned to herself, for it was easier than she had expected....

- Good evening, Lord and Lady Gremory, Mister Gremory,' she bowed gracefully with a smile to everyone in turn, emphasising the "Mister" as if acknowledging his future supremacy, 'It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home. I hope everyone will remember tonight for a long time.

Everyone smiled as if they had expected such treatment, but Zekram looked a little thoughtful....

They will, but not because of Venelana....

***

There was a forest all around...

Snow... a lot of snow...

The trees, wrapped in a coat of snow, swayed slightly in time with the light wind...

In the middle of this forest sat a handsome young man, leaning his back against a tree, motionless with his eyes closed. He was not wearing any outer clothing, which had been hidden in the spatial vault. His black trousers and once elegant shoes were wet due to the snow.

Luck was on the demon's side today, so he was not disturbed by the snow with strong wind, which was typical winter weather in northern Russia when he was in meditation.

But then a change began to happen to the young man. A black aura began to form around him, surrounding his entire body, which soon transformed into armour. A completely closed armour covering the young man's body, in the centre of which was a stone of the same colour.

The helmet, which resembled the Dragon's face, opened and the face of the same young man with lilac eyes, whose left eye was burning with a bright red bird pattern, was revealed.

- It worked,' Lelouch grinned happily, 'You're mine now, Dragon.