||Of Truth and Lies||

Chapter XVI

The infirmary Sirzechs mentioned was more of a hospital. A very expensive hospital that would give the Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai a run for their money. It wasn't a standard infirmary or a medical ward, but a special infirmary located inside the Gremory's castle explicitly built to treat any household members or servants that requires medical attention.

Or so Sirzechs told him just about a second ago, which led to Lucifer's snark. "And a sleek floor of marbles so they can fell into glamor in case they fall."

"When you have too many golds to spend, you'll spend it on anything possible."

"An experience I can live on without, thank you very much." And on that note, the two suited Lucifers began walking towards the patients on their very comfortable bed, as the maids and healers all bowed their heads at the Lucifer. The one with long crimson hair.

And one of them, was the head of the Gremory's maid herself.

"Lord Lucifer."

Lucifer smiled, at himself and at the maids. It wasn't meant for him, but now he heard how his name would roll off her tongue when she's not being spiteful. He quite enjoyed it.

"Grayfia, You of all people should've known how I disliked all of these formalities…" Sirzechs audibly sighed, and Grayfia politely bow and was about to apologize, when Sirzechs continued, "If anyone, this man that deserves the most."

There was a slight pause, before Lucifer said; "How do you do?" to all the maids, who then bowed at him just because Sirzechs said so. "Oh please, I don't revel in formalities. Heads up so I can look at your pretty faces."

The Gremory's maids were professional, and they professionally giggled at Lucifer. Sirzechs allowed him to have his moment for a while.

"Alright ladies, back to your work. You can titter at him later."

"A pleasure." He said to the maids as they returned to their duties; save Grayfia. "Well then. Shall we?"

Lowering her head, Grayfia said; "Allow me, my lord." and led the two towards Rias' cubicle, passing the others.

His smile gradually fell to a frown as he saw the state of her servants. The blonde knight and the tiny girl were next to each other, sleeping peacefully. Akeno was on their row, and next was who he could only guess as Asia as there's only one person tending her bed. She was more tired than injured. He's sure of it.

As they moved closer, to Lucifer's surprise, Rias' bedstead wasn't any different from the other's. Still, it's an extravagant bed for a patient to be resting. But, perhaps, a fitting one for a woman like her.

Seeing her sleeping face was always a treat in itself. A reason why Lucifer always gone to sleep after she did. But, this time however, it wasn't much of a treat. When she released a moan of pain, Lucifer's smile had vanished without leaving a smirk.

"Stubborn…" Lucifer said softly with a soft sigh. The memory of her clash with the Young Phoenix was very fresh in his mind. "That's very you, Princess."

"It's the first time I've seen her bedridden."

Suddenly, his worry jumped from Rias and straight to her brother. "You're not going to cry on me, aren't you?"

"…No I will not!" Sirzechs stammered, a bit upset that he did.

"I'm sure you'd still have enough tissues even if you cry buckets. I won't be surprised if they're made of gold."

"That would be inconvenient." Sighed the Crimson Satan. "I just… I never wanted to see her hurt. But without that, how will she ever grow?"

Lucifer chuckled. "Are you her brother or her father I wonder."

"My father is worse… In fact… Grayfia," he turned to the maid, exasperation easily readable on his face. "where's father?"

"Lord Gremory was present until his highness retreated to his chamber. Lady Gremory stated that he does not wish to be disturbed by anything or see anyone until her lady placate his grief, my lord."

At that, Sirzechs could only sigh. "Just what I've been fearing of… Another reason why I didn't sit next to him is because I don't want him wailing at my ears screaming 'that's my daughter he's hurting'."

Lucifer chuckled. "A doe to the family isn't she."

"She's a fortunate child. A daughter full of love." Sirzechs smiled as he looked at his resting sister, and then staring dead straight at Lucifer. "You trusted Hell, your world, to me. I trust her to you. Do keep her safe."

"If that wasn't a friendly fixture, a Phoenix would've been stripped of his immortal flames."

Sirzechs replied the smile confidently. "I have to leave now. My adjutant is probably fuming… Stay as long as you like, Lucifer. Grayfia, prepare him a chamber. Make sure he's treated well."

"…As you wish, my lord." The head maid said as she sent a couple of maids to do their former master's bidding.

"Oh, pardon me for asking, Lucifer," the Crimson Satan said just as the magic sigil began to appear beneath his shoes. "I don't mean to offend, but, you were dead… yes?"

"Hm? Oh why yes indeed." Lucifer muttered softly, yet enough to garner even Grayfia's whole attention. "Dead and kept in a dark, smelly tomb where I long the touch of a woman ever since, one such as your sister. Passionate lady she is."

"Yes of course." Sirzechs sniggered. If someone other than the King of Hell had said that, Sirzechs wouldn't had been so happy and welcoming. "Then, how exactly did you return from the dead…?"

"That I'm not so sure myself." Lucifer raised a brow. "Was living as a human boy when then died. All of a sudden I woke up and hit my head."

"A human boy?"

"Aye. Er… whatshisface… Well whoever." Lucifer scoffed. Never been adept at remembering names he didn't care. "Next moment I found myself lying in a giant crater. Perhaps I found death to be boring, with the excitement the worlds still have to offer."

"I had an inkling it was you. Quite the crater." Quite indeed. The entire Gremory castle could've sit in there like an egg inside a nest. "Well, I'll be off now. My confidant will chew me if I don't. Make yourself at home, Lucifer. Speak to the maids if you need anything at all."

"And be at home I shall. See you when I see you."

Sirzechs left in a less flashy show of crimson light. The magic circle was smaller since it was only him.

Meanwhile, Lucifer stared to glance around. Staring at Rias wouldn't wake her up. He just had to be patient with the patients. As his eyes wandered, the two jovial browns stopped at a particularly crowded bed. There were more healers there than the other, each of them sending out waves of healing energy.

The Valkyrie.

Rossweisse.

She took the brunt of Riser's assault. He said he didn't hold back at Rias, but he certainly did if compared to when he was fighting her Rook. The scene when she was beaten replayed in his mind. Her desperation, her look of horror as her barrier was broken… Lucifer winced at the unwanted recollection. It fueled his desire to deflame that bird. Yet as it was nothing more but a match and Riser was a Devil, he'd best extinguish those flames.

Nothing he could do now but wait. He couldn't heal her. Or Rias. His talent lied in destruction. Destroy and imitate, and make women fawn over him every now and then.

Sighing, he trod back to Rias' bed. Grayfia's following behind him, and she was sincerely surprised he hadn't make any comment at her or an attempt to seduce her. She's only wasn't frank about it. Maids are not meant to wear their emotions on their sleeves.

She was granted a quiet 'thanks' as she brought him a chair. "I'm surprised not everything's made of gold or diamonds here hm?"

Grayfia had nothing to add on that, and simply kept quiet.

Lucifer gently clasped Rias' hand, at the time colder than she usually was. With his thumb, he drew circles on her hand, his other hand running through his quiffed brown mane.

"…Lucifer…?"

Seeing her rouse from her brief rest, Lucifer let out a dreary sigh. "And what did I just say. Never heed my words even when you're in a dream world."

Her eyes fluttered, not yet adjusting to the lights despite it was rather soft. "Lucifer…."

"Yes, that's my name." Lucifer softly chuckled and smiled, looking at her tired eyes that reminded him of a beryl gemstone. "You did well."

Her pale lips curled upwards briefly, but she wasn't all too happy. "…I lost, didn't I?"

Lucifer took a deep breath. Bedridden and that's what she thought of first. "It's unofficial. I'd say you have the right to say 'it doesn't count'."

"I still lost, Lucifer…" Rias sighed as she struggled to get up. Lucifer readily helped her, and by helping, it meant restricting her from getting up. She obeyed after grunting. "…My first Game and I lost…"

Stubborn girl.

"As I said, it's unofficial." Several maids began to gather to cater her needs, bringing glass of water that might be from the purest body of water for all he knew.

As the maids danced around him, he continued. "Besides, who's to say you and your small family did poorly? Especially you my dear. You were against the odds. Outnumbered. Yet you brilliantly outwitted them and took all of his men— women, except that little nosy brat."

The last remark made her giggle. It's weak, a clear hint of her exhaustion, but still counted as a giggle.

Once again, he clasped her hand, this time with more sincerity as he looked into her eyes. "Believe me, Princess. Your loss, won't be remembered as much as your brilliance. Have I ever lied to you?"

Rias clutched his hands weakly as her smile, but equally earnest. "Never. I'm sorry I doubted you."

"You were worried dear. Worry can muddle your judgement."

Rias finally glanced around the big room. She realized where she was as well as her servants. Immediately, her frown reappeared. "…I wish I didn't fail them… If I had been-"

"You have plenty of time mulling your defeat or how you think you failed them and now's not the time. It's time for you to be a good young lady and rest. Hm?"

"…Alright, fine…" Rias scoffed jokily, and Lucifer regained his smile. Took a while, but he finally slipped some sense in her. "…But…. how did you do it…? Riser, I mean… What did you do?"

"Easy there, love." He said, gently rubbing her arm. "Long ago, men fought with their swords. My words happen to cut as deep. Cleft anyone in two like no other steel."

He's a silver-tongued Devil, he was. Rias knew. He's her silver-tongued Devil. "…You really did save me…"

"Haven't I told you my words happen to be my bonds as well?" He smiled, and his smile was all she saw and wanted.

"Will you kis-"

The ornamented door opened briskly as a girl with the same hair color as Rias, entered the room with haste. Worry written on her youthful face. "Where's my sister?! Is she alright?!"

Her entrance raised Lucifer's eyebrow. "Is it me or all of your siblings shares a mutual fondness towards you?"

Before Rias could ask how he knew, her hearty little sister marched to her bed. Her crimson twin-tails prancing behind her like a chiffon scarf attached to dancer's arms. Except this time, it latched on her hair instead and could even act as a whip.

"Sis!" Lucifer gave her a wide berth as the girl stood beside her bed, clutching her hand as if she's on her deathbed instead. A bit hasty but, she had a nice relieved smile on her face. "You're alright… thank goodness…"

"Of course I am, Mio." Rias managed to smile sweetly and reassuringly, expertly hiding her dissatisfaction of her sister's untimely entrance.

"You also didn't have to be married to him…" Mio muttered giddily, all smile at her beloved big sister of her. Rias simply smiled at her, tightlipped, at the moment exhausted. A little bit upset. Luckily her sister was as considerate as her as Mio didn't drabble on for long.

Rias' eyes trailed onto Lucifer as if he's the player of the match. He did, just not the match she was in. "Mio, I'd like you to meet Lucifer. If you want to thank anyone, it's him. Lucifer, she's my little sister."

"N-Naruse Gremory…" Mio curtsied. "My family calls me 'Mio'."

"Lucifer. Charmed." The young-looking Devil nodded his head politely and gave her a smile as he had to anyone; simple, but amiable.

Crimson hair but cerise eyes, almost pink. Sirzechs and Rias both had their green-blues. Lucifer assumed one of their parents had the cerise.

"Pleased to meet you, Lucifer, sir…"

"Oh, please, spare me the 'sires' and 'sirs'. We're not living in the Dark Ages." A chuckle was added. He didn't want or need to sound so loathsome about honorifics; as needless as they were to him.

As he said that, the maids around them began to gather by Rossweisse's bed. Rias saw the worry suddenly growing in his eyes, and she felt odd. He was such a jolly man, and to see him in a less jolly behavior was… simply put, not right. She could only hope he had the same look when she was still unconscious.

"…You don't need my permission to go see her if you like." Rias said, softly, a bit raspy as she sunk into the duvet. "I think I'm going to sleep again…"

A thoughtful woman. Lucifer couldn't ask for more. Rubbing her hand, a silent display of gratitude, Lucifer left with a smile.

"Sorry, Mio, but I'm still too tired to talk…"

"N-no, it's fine." Mio forced a smile. She didn't want to make her sister worry about her. There's enough worry going on in this room. "I'll tell your mother and dad you're okay. They'll want to hear it – especially dad."

"…Guess I better fall asleep faster…" If she wasn't as tired, she would've rolled her eyes. But it was as she watched her sister trod down the room when she had an inkling thought; Lucifer's wit was infecting her.

And at such, the smile on her lips stayed until she then fell asleep.

"How is she?" Lucifer didn't waste any time for a chit-chat with the delightful maids of House Gremory as he stood by Rossweisse's crowded bed. Her burn scars were slowly being lifted by a peculiar ray of lights emitted by the nurses, some brown some crimson and some even black.

"She will be fine, master," one of the helper said to him, "we have mend her inner damages, and we are now treating her scars so none will be left by morning."

"I see… that's good." Lucifer said, rather curtly as he stared at the Valkyrie's face. He's not very good at dealing with apprehension and anxiety, really. The discomfort was unappreciated. Though, casting all of those aside, he wondered how many of his men would've survived had women like them were there.

"...Well, I'll leave you to your task. Take care of her well for me, will you."

He's losing his demeanor; Lucifer realized. Seeing his darlings confined to bed brought him to a certain time where he walked among his dead men. Thousands of his loyalist along with thousands of his foes, heads, limbs, spears, swords, littered all over the red wasteland like garbage. Who knew how long it took for all of them to completely decomposed.

But those people were dead, and Lucifer's not weak. He wouldn't let the past chain him.

"The room is made and ready, master." Speaking in a polite voice but still lacking decipherable emotions was the head maid standing behind him.

Lucifer turned around on his heels. The moniker 'master' still chiming in his head. A definite upgrade from their previous meetings.

"Why, thank you." He said, smiling, "But this place is quite humongous. Will it be too much for me to ask you to be my guide?"

He spotted reluctance in her eyes. She might had deceived many but not him. Still, she politely obliged, and bowed.

The journey was rather short. Grayfia didn't give him a grand tour around the mansion-slash-castle, and Lucifer's real interest lied not in the castle or its myriads of rooms, or its simple but glamorous furniture and decors, or the many columns and decorative pillars, none of the riches interest him. But the cold, vindictive head maid of the Gremory did.

He said nothing, simply keeping his eyes on the back of her head, at the white frilly headwear that accentuated her silver tresses. As they arrived upon a room, Grayfia stood by with her standard maid-like pose, and a hand presented the door.

"Your room, master."

"Mmn. Thank you dear." Lucifer nodded, but kept his silence afterwards, eyeing her eyes in a covertly manner, as if to pry open the window to her soul, the warmth she had kept barred shut for so long.

"There will come a day where you will willingly refer to me with that." He said confidently with a confidently striking smile. A smile that he knew only disgusted her. For now, at least.

"Tell me, Grayfia," Lucifer restarted. The maid would not leave until he's satisfied and he planned on capitalizing every single second they had starting from now. "what's your family name?"

"The family I serve is the House of Gremory."

"That I'm aware of. It's your full name that I asked." A smile appeared as his brown eyes intently stared at her dull greys. "Would you please tell me? I did ask nicely."

She had no other option. He's a guest, and a maid always listens to the guest. "Grayfia Lucifuge, master."

Lucifer quirked an eyebrow, shoving his hands in his trousers' pockets. "Ah, Lucifuge… The Griffins. Your name does have quite a nice ring in it. What about your father. What's his name?"

"…Rofocale Lucifuge..."

"Mmmn. Good old Rolfo…" A quaint smile found itself to Lucifer's lips, wiping away its previous slyness. "Your father was a fine man. An excellent steward. Served loyally until his untimely death. My sympathies."

"I am grateful for your consideration, master." A sudden feeling arose. A feeling she had long since felt that she had thought she was immune to it. A feeling of dread and fear of the worst.

The moment she begun to crack, Lucifer cracked a smile. "What about your mother?"

"I... never knew my mother."

"I am certain you're not one to speak nonsense, Grayfia of House Lucifuge. Or did I assume wrong?"

Despite his causal tone, the dread spread. "…I apologize, master... I never had the chance to see my mother. I was told she didn't survive the moment of my birth."

"So you're Lucinda's daughter." At that very moment, the moment his words left his mouth, her eyes began to widen ever so slightly while Lucifer's smile had faded and his eyes tendered.

"We were at war back then. Against the Kingdom of Heaven, I believe. Stood by your father's side at the time of your birth. Saw and heard him wept until dawn came. The poor sod… Never been the same Rolfo I knew since then. An excellent steward still, but never the same Devil."

While there's a possibility of him lying, Grayfia couldn't make herself believe that he lied. Emotions she had bottled was starting to leak, and crevices started to shatter the tempered glass.

"You haven't trusted me yet, do you?" Gaining trust is a slow-burn process. Lucifer was well-versed in this matter, and he found no need for him to speed up the process. Eventually, it'd burn out. He had shown her he knew more than she did.

"Fair enough. I am no more than a mere stranger in your eyes."

While smiling, Lucifer saw everything she tried to hide. The turmoil going rampant inside her head. The niggling doubts and confusion, the frustration for the yearning for the truth, to understand what happened after her birth.

"…Y-you are this house's honored guest, master…"

The bottle hadn't break yet. It's cracking, but it's still holding. Dipping his head, Lucifer then said to her just before she was about to leave.

"If you ever like to hear the rest of the story, or perhaps tiny little piecemeal of it, you know the whereabouts of my room more than I do."

Break

The 'guest' room, was just as he expected. A built-in bathroom, refrigerator, television, a running air conditioner, and last but not least, a kitchenette. Fancy stuffs here, more fancy stuffs there. It was a blessing his room didn't have a giant chandelier hanging on top, just waiting ominously to fall at the perfect moment.

The only thing he cared for was the bed alone. Its king size made him wonder what size was used by the owner of this castle. Then again, he wouldn't be surprised if whoever owned this place had an entire room enveloped by mattress. Rich folks buy whatever rich folks want.

Regardless, a bed this big was quite… spacious when he had it all for himself. He'd like a company—a few, perhaps.

{You've garnered the respect of one of this world's leaders.}

"For God's sake-" Lucifer flinched, "are you really fond of startling me whenever you talk?"

{Then what am I supposed to do? Knock?} Ddraig growled. He's mindful for Lucifer's ability to quite literally, shut him out, but a Dragon is still a Dragon. That said, it seemed his host enjoyed his nip of snide remark, as evidenced by his amused chuckle. {…It appears I have misjudged you. Again.}

"And misjudge me again you will." Lucifer vaguely said as he sprawled his arms on the velvety blanket, creating a mini 'angel' wings.

Unlike most of his previous host, Ddraig could decipher this one. This, 'First Devil' still remained a mystery to him, and Dragons scorned mysteries. Most of the times a mystery began by a baseless rumor, spread by fools, accepted by idiots. Dragons were no fools nor idiots.

{What is your ambition, Lucifer?} Ddraig asked with genuine curiosity. {I have aided those who believed in wealth. Some honor. But most of the time, power came above all else.}

"Ah, power…" Lucifer hummed softly, which Ddraig had learned to understand that it was the beginning of his 'grand reveal'. "Power, power, power. Oftentimes, those with the most power hold the least grace."

Ddraig snarled. His soul might be latched in some kind godlike artifact, but his pride as a Dragon had never waned – except maybe during that time at the mountains… Never he had stooped so low.

In his defense, he's dealing with a new kind of partner; the charismatic, incredible intellect, audacious, and uttermost mastery of exploitation borderline manipulative, that not even the Red Dragon Emperor could stop himself from hailing this Devil with reverence.

Even so, he would never take an insult, even from Lucifer himself. {It is said that Dragons are beings of power. Our flames turn flesh to ashes, melt the finest steel, and fragment the toughest of stones. What need have we for elegance or grace?!}

Lucifer allowed a moment of silence to pass. He could lock Ddraig again in his cell by so much of a snap of his fingers, but that would mean he withdrew from the battle.

And to withdraw from a winning battle was an action carried by cowardly fools.

The silence lessened Ddraig's rage enough to fully realize that he had lost the battle, and that it was his own words that proved Lucifer's statement.

"My point, exactly." And a wisecrack to seal the win as Lucifer's well-known smile spread by his features. "Power blinds, and absolute power blinds absolutely."

{…} Ddraig mulled in silence. {…Very well… you've proven your point. If you were any other person, I would say you are weak, but you're not. That Gremory girl and all others are. You even said it yourself.}

"You were listening back then? Drakey you snoop!"

He ignored his jest and continued, {Let me ask you a question, what is your ambition? I'll never ask again once you gave me an answer.}

"An answer you wanted to hear, you mean?"

{No. I want the truth. We are partners now. I can't read your mind.}

"Mmmn. Seeker of truth are you?"

{Us Dragons value truth and honor.}

"And I take it this 'honor' you spoke highly of, involves throwing yourself into a battle of three great armies, wreaked havoc, killed thousands of my men and perhaps more, widowed their women, orphaned their children, all due to your imprudent rivalry with another being that I suppose value truth and honor the same way as you do?"

Lucifer's jokingly muttered words struck like the same lance that pierced his heart and felled him.

Lucifer dragged a pillow for his head to rest. It was comfy. Like the intonation of his words that followed; "So. You said you want the truth? Well here it is, Ddraig the Welsh Dragon… The truth."

"I despise you. You, and your white counterpart." Lucifer allowed a few silent seconds to pass for his words to sink in deep in his scales and shattered that last bit of pride he had. "I loathe you to an extent that I will gladly give anything, spare my life, just to see you pay for their undeserved suffering."

None of his words were said with spite. They were said casually, as if he's speaking to a friend and asking how was their day.

"Fortunately, as appeasing as that is, those men and women you killed won't return. You're no good to me dead is what I meant. I only despise you as a Dragon. Therefore, as long as you see yourself as a Dragon you once were and not as my assistant you are now, I'm afraid I have to decline forming a partnership with you or consulting my plans with you."

He didn't need to see the Dragon's face to see his expressions. One thing for certain, Ddraig wasn't smiling like him.

"See? I told you; you will misjudge me again. I never lie."

And Lucifer severed their forms of communication, and quite simply, proceeded with his life by relishing in the riches of his bed. Still, it felt lonely. It's unfair that even after the whole fiasco had ended, he still had a warm mattress without anyone to share but himself.

Or so he thought, until the several knocks on the patterned door.

"In a moment!" Lucifer slid off the bed and waltzed across the lavish room as he then opened the door, ready to greet any of his dears with a smile. "Yes?"

As he saw the woman standing in front of him, he then realized his darlings were bedbound and severely beat to trot into his chamber at this time in the night. Still, she's a beauty. A motherly beauty if he only had two words to describe her appearance. Soft tender purple eyes and flaxen shoulder-length hair. She was a young noblewoman in white dress, with an ample cleavage she didn't seem to mind flaunting.

She didn't have Rias' eyes, but he did see a semblance in their hair. So he took a wild guess, "Ah, are you, perchance, Rias' sister?"

Venelana Gremory giggled lightly as she reached out her evening-gloved hand. "I'm more of her mother, I'm afraid."

"Oh how rude of me!" His eyes flickered with interest as Lucifer smoothly took her hand and kissed her knuckles, slowly rising his head to meet hers once more. "Forgive me, my lady. You look much like her."

"I was told you are not one with penchant of honorifics, Lord Lucifer. Was I told wrong?"

"Not at all, my lady. It is true. Please do call me as you wish." Lucifer said, "However, I can't assume the same for the others, otherwise that would come across as improper…"

"A gallant man." Venelana smiled. "May I?"

"Oh, by all means! 'Tis your home." Lucifer stepped aside as she walked into the bedroom. The moment she passed him, a whiff of her perfume and already it lingered in his nose and mind. "A fine home might I add."

"We are blessed with a prosperous business." She said humbly.

"Truly?" Lucifer chuckled as he shut the door. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, my lady?"

"I'd like to ensure that our guests are treated with apt hospitality." She said as her violet eyes danced around the room. She hardly visited the guest rooms. Being the First Lady and all, there were plenty of important matters requiring her attention, and making sure the rooms were dusted was not one of them. Even so, it appeared her maids had done a perfect job as always.

"I wish this room is to your liking, Lord Lucifer. I'd have organized better had I known my daughter's beloved man was visiting this soon."

So they knew already. Good. He could skip the awkward introductions – not that he ever had any. "Please, you've been far too courteous my lady. I don't require luxury to breathe and live, although they are always gratefully welcomed."

"Fine things are difficult to forsake once you've had a taste, no?" Lady Gremory smiled primly. "Pardon me Lord Lucifer for disturbing your time, but I'd like to personally offer you my sincerest gratitude for all the help you've given to my daughter."

It seemed she watched the Rating Game as well. Perhaps it was broadcasted for the entire resident of Hell to see for all he knew. That, and there didn't seem to be any ill will in her now that their arranged marriage was annulled.

"Ah, make no mention of it. Normally I'd suggest to think of it as my goodwill, but that wouldn't be true."

"And what would that be, Lord Lucifer?"

"I did it for her and myself. It would be rather troubling to love someone who is married to another, not to mention the disputes it would cause..." Reeling back time, that one marriage arrangement was a complete disaster. A manmade disaster that singlehandedly destroyed an entire House.

Venelana smiled thinly as she sat by the sofa at the end of the bend. "It was a messy occasion. Perhaps we, as parents… no, we were too hasty to tie our children together without their consent…" A rueful face. It was unfit for her. "But the Devils are still striving away from extinction and the Pure Bloods are dwindling that I let 'duty' over her happiness…"

"Dwindling?" Lucifer repeated as his brows furrowed. "How many lives did the war took?"

"Which war?"

And gone was his amiable attitude. "How many wars were there?"

Venelana remained silent as she studied Lucifer's stern expression and scowl, as her son's words replayed in his mind. 'He is who he is.'

"There were two, Lord Lucifer. The Great War," the one he died in he assumed, "and the Civil War."

"A civil war…" Lucifer took a deep breath and closed his eyes momentarily, massaging his temples as if a sudden headache just struck. Because it did. "Can you tell me in details?"

"…I…don't find a grim story would lighten your mood, my Lord…"

"Who's fighting who and why."

Deep in her thoughts, Venelana realized that door would remain closed as long as she didn't give him what he wanted; an answer. She also had realized her mistake. Testing his sentiment towards the Devils just to see if her son said the truth had brought this upon herself.

"Long after the Great War was over, my Lord..." Venelana began, scarcely containing her overwhelming feeling of dread as she continued with all the refinement she could muster, "with the Satans dead, the descendants intended to carry their legacy and finish what they've started."

He noted her careful choice of word to address. Using 'they' instead of 'you'. She didn't want him to bear the weight of the blame and that's considerate of her, but considerate did little in shaving away the shame.

"And what would that be."

Venelana felt her lips were beginning to parch as she swallowed. "World domination, my Lord."

"Fools…" Lucifer sighed deeply and wearily as he once again rested his eyes. Like that would ease the truth. He knew listening to them would bite him in the arse and bit him in the arse it did. "What happened to them?"

She took a deep breath. If his previous cursing was any indication, it meant that he disapproved of their actions.

"As the Devils barely recovered from the losses of the Great War, we couldn't risk one without the fear of being completely wiped out. Hence, the Anti Satan faction was formed… to prevent a war that very well may be the war that brought the Devils into extinction."

She was hesitant in using the term 'Anti Satan', but she was not particularly good at 'bending' the truth.

Venelana waited for Lucifer's reply, but as there wasn't any, she went on. "The Anti Satan faction drove the Old Satan supporters back. The Great War reduced the 72 Pillars into a mere 42. It lessened to 33 after the Civil War."

When she saw his face, she felt his pain. He had the same look like her father's when the news of his second son had fallen in the Civil War.

"What happened to them."

"We… I'm afraid, I don't know for sure, my Lord."

"When exactly did this happen."

"…A few decades after the Great War. Not more than half a century."

Another heavy sigh.

"I… I'm sorry, to deliver an ill news… Lord Lucifer." She said softly as she rose from her seat. "…I'll leave you to yourself. Please make yourself at home, and if you are willing, join us for breakfast. My husband would enjoy your company."

"If you'll excuse me, my Lord."

The Devil inclined his head somberly as Lady Gremory made her leave. When the door was closed, the first he wanted the most was to shout out his irritations and lament the utter failure of him as the former leader of Hell. He wanted to break and destroy mindlessly without anything to hold him back. But he didn't. He didn't need to take anger management class.

So instead, Lucifer steadied his breath, softening slowly and attempted to find the silver lining. Any of it that even so much of a sparkle or a shimmer would do. He thought and he thought and found nothing. Their children, possibly dead, more likely hated for what they had done. Their name, sullied. Their cause, reason of partaking the war, deemed unjust.

Another sigh punched out of his throat as he whispered under his breath,

"Bollocks…. I need a bloody drink…"

Break

When morning reached the Gremory Castle, Rias was greeted with a disappointing news.

"He's not in his room?"

"Afraid not, my dear." Venelana said softly to her recently sobered daughter, now distraught. She was brought to her room while she was still asleep and when the medical experts had given her the greenlight. As were the rest of her servants in their respective room.

Yet at the time, for once, they weren't the first of her worries.

"I've asked the maids and other staffs." She said, "They didn't see him or anyone exited entered his chamber until they were asked to."

"But… but why?" She used the same tone she did when they—she, told her about her engagement. Having heard of it once didn't make it any easier to take. "Why did he leave? I… I wanted to see him…"

"And he wanted to see you too. I'm sure he'll return." She assured her, grasping the hand of her crimson-haired daughter. "I'm happy that you've found a man suited for your love, Rias."

"R-really?" Her decision to steer the matter seemed to be the right choice as her daughter's eyes lit up. She reminded her of her father so much. "You mean… you approve of him…?"

Venelana smiled tenderly. "Long ago, any mother would want their children to be taken as wife by any of the Satans. Even as a mistress. My mother told me so. While I have no such interest… it seems to me… that you have reserved a special place in his heart."

A smile was creeping up to Rias' lips, but they cast a small frown in the end, much to the mother's confusion.

"Something wrong, dear?"

"…Mom… how did you… do it?" Rias looked up at her like a lost puppy. She might be biased but her daughter was adorable when she's sulky. "…I mean… with father and his… other lovers..."

"It's mistresses, dear. Lovers come and go." After correcting her, Venelana giggled. "You never expected to fall in love with a man who 'has a big room in his heart', especially after Riser, did you?"

Rias shook her head timidly. "…But… I don't know… he's… different…? I thought I could have him for myself… but he openly flirts with other women and I know Rossweisse loves him… I'm even starting to wonder if Akeno is only playing coy or if she…"

"Wants him as well?"

Her mother seemed to always knew what she's thinking. As she nodded, Rias huffed, burrowing her into the pillow as she hugged it tighter.

Another giggle left her chest, and Venelana moved closer to her moping daughter, caressing her ancestral crimson locks envied by many. "Do you know, dear, I had the same thought when I was married to your father. I often ask myself if I can I love someone who loves other women."

"…That's right, you were betrothed to father." Rias couldn't say she supported how her mother was married by her parents' choice, made worse when it's done to form an alliance between the two Houses.

"I was, but I wasn't as much as a rebel as you." She hummed, watching her daughter pouted. "I wasn't given much choice back then, dear. We were really on the brink of extinction with only a few hundred living Devils."

"Still, I gave your father a chance, and end up loving him dearly. It's why I thought your engagement would do you well and convinced your father."

Rias' pout grew deeper. "…So you were the matchmaker…"

"I was and I'm sorry my dear. I was wrong." Venelana softly tittered, brushing her crimson hair with her fingers, feeling how silky they were. She had her father's color but she had her texture. "He may love his mistress, but he loves me as well. He cares for all of his beloved that he couldn't sleep if he knew one of us was having a trouble, be it an illness, homesickness, and very rarely, fear of being forgotten. He'll make sure every single one of us went to sleep in a pleasant mood, know that they're loved, before he did."

"Oftentimes he would go out of his way, and there's a few of us that thought it was unnecessary. A bit silly…" She smiled to herself as she recounted her husband's silliness. "but that's how he shows his care for us."

She stared lovingly into her daughter's eyes. "You can't have that one special place in his heart all for yourself, true. You can try to make it your own, but there will always be other women, girls he holds as dear. It's a sacrifice you have to be willing to make if you are determined to love him, otherwise, you'll fare better not loving him at all. Jealousy is a strong force, dear."

Rias glanced at her pillow with a forlorn look. Venelana saw the conflict brewing within, but as a mother, she had done her part. It's up to her daughter to make the choice. And whichever it was, this time, she had decided to fully support her and not make the same mistake that nearly cost her daughter's happiness.

"…I think…" Rias muttered, "I think I'll give it some more time. I've… I've always enjoyed being with him… he's silly but… he's not without his good points…. even his ridiculousness that I used to find childish is starting to be… I…I don't know... likeable?"

A wide smile spread over her alluring features as Venelana finally saw Rias' flushing cheeks. "Mfufu~ so this is how you'd look like when you're in love. I never thought the day would come this soon."

"M-mother!" Good. Not only Lucifer or Akeno, but her mother just had to tease her.

"How soon can I start expecting a grandchild? Your father would love to know as well."

"No! M-mom! We're not that far yet!"

"Oh? But have you not given him your virginity?"

"WHA-?!" Rias squeaked, her beryl-tinted eyes widening with shock. "WH-WH-WHO TOLD YOU?! Was it Grayfia?! It has to be her is it?!"

By the time Rias realized a change in her mother's smile, it was when she finally realized she had been outwitted.

"So it's true. My baby girl is a woman now."

"…MOTHER!"

Never had Venelana Gremory seen her daughter's face as red that morning. The whole castle must had heard the scream that exited the room as she did. Closing the door behind her, Rias' shout was completely shut out. There's a reason why the castle's walls were made with soundproof materials. If things went well, her daughter would soon find out that peculiar reasoning.

It might not be today, or tonight, but she wouldn't push her. And she definitely wouldn't risk pushing her likely soon-to-be in-law. As cordial and good-humored he was, that Devil was the same Devil who once was the Lord of Hell.

"My lady," one of the maids stationed nearby her daughters' room approached her, bowing courteously. "we've found master Lucifer."

"A pleasant news. Where might he be?"

For a reason, the stoic head maid looked perplexed.

"He's… Master Lucifer was back in his room, my lady."

"He's returned? Nobody noticed?"

Her silver braids sway lightly as Grayfia shook her head. "None, my lady. The doors are still locked and there's no cuts in the barriers."

Which meant anyone but those with the Gremory sigil could leave and enter. So how did he? Nonetheless, despite the faith she had in him, he still remained a mystery.

"Then… where is he now?"

"In-"

All eyes turned upon the suited man nonchalantly walking down the hallway, right towards them. "Ah! My lady!" He greeted with a beaming smile and eyes, though, he was still quite a distance away. About thirty feet away actually, and his pearly whites appeared tiny to them at such distance.

Nothing he couldn't handle.

"Jolly good morning to you my lady." So Lucifer repeated for her, this time in a comfortable distance as thin and odorless black smokes danced around him, sizzling into the cool air of the hallway.

Through all her life living as Madame of Extinction and now as the First Lady of Gremory, she had never seen a Devil crossed thirty feet faster than she could blink without exuding an insane amount of demonic power, and thought of it as if he had just walked the entire way.

"L-Lord Lucifer…? You're… here?"

"Yes! Indeed, I am here." Lucifer said giddily. His mood certainly had taken a boost since the past hours. A visit to his friendly Barkeeper was all it took. "I was there—well truthfully I was... kind of lost. But now I am here… This… is where the Princess' chamber is located… isn't it…?"

If she wasn't as astonished she would had laughed at his little joke, or honest mistake. Maybe not a full-blown like her husband would do, but she'd giggle. This case, however, there's no amusement but marvel in her violet eyes.

Venelana looked past his broad shoulder, at the very same spot of the red carpet where he stood not a moment ago, and back to him again.

"How did you…?"

The Devil raised his eyebrows inquisitively. "It was quite a long walk lady Venelana. It would be rude of me to keep you waiting just so I can give you a proper greeting, wouldn't it?"

Break

"We're here." Griselda Quarta said to her subordinates as their ride braked to a complete stop. One of them was, at the moment, fast asleep on the seat beside her, her head resting on her shoulder, and her drool threating to spill off her lips.

"Hey, Irina."

With a "gentle" nudge, the chestnut-haired girl woke up with a startled yelp. "Huh… wha…?"

"Wake up. We've arrived." Griselda said again as their driver opened the door next to her. "Ready your gears and don't let go of the robes. Xenovia, have you make sure your weapon is completely covered?"

"Yes ma'am." Said the white cloaked girl standing by their chauffeur. She was on the front seat after winning a classic game of rock-paper-scissor with the other girl. She was fully awake as well, unlike Irina who sluggishly exited the cozy, AC-powered vehicle.

Stepping out, Griselda took in the view of Kuoh City's peaceful environments, where there were no skyscrapers and the roads were mostly empty of vehicles. It's not a large town where people had to hustle when they walk. People travelled lightly, enjoying the sight, smiling to other strangers. Such a sight was perhaps no longer to be seen in Rome.

But the peaceful city was the territory of their enemy, and they were not here as tourists.

Not long after their arrival, their car took off. Its departure earned a moan of complaint from Irina.

"Aaaww…. Why can't he drive us all the way to the motel…?"

"We can't get there by car." Xenovia answered for Griselda, "But… ma'am, isn't there any place to say other than that?"

"Unfortunately, no." She said as they began their walk. "It's the only place free of their influence. Purchasing a house is not possible either."

The Devils didn't just own the property. They had everything working for them. From the suppliers to the vendors and even some of the buyers. It's not unusual to find this city blacklisted by several experienced exorcists, especially after what befell the priests they had sent.

Even Griselda refrained from heading here unless it's under extreme condition.

A condition which was fulfilled by a mandate from the Kingdom of Heaven.

To be continued…