The train's journey to the Underworld's capital, Lilith, felt both long and short.
For those with a heightened sense of fear for Arthur, the trip was agonizingly slow.
For Arthur, the uneventful journey was a peaceful respite.
He had already dealt with the one who annoyed him, and now he had his own personal heaters on both sides of him, making the trip much more comfortable.
He could feel Koneko's small body leaning against him, her warmth a pleasant contrast to the cool air conditioning of the train.
On his other side, Sona sat rigidly, though her tension seemed to be slowly ebbing away.
She wasn't leaning on him, but he could feel her subtle movements as she relaxed.
He let out a silent yawn, closing his eyes and letting the rhythmic rumble of the train lull him into a state of relaxed awareness.
Eventually, the train's speed slowed.
The conductor announced that they were approaching their destination, and the tense atmosphere on the train car was replaced by a sense of eager anticipation.
Rias, who had been chatting with Akeno, stood up and stretched.
"We're here, everyone,"
She said, her voice filled with a hint of excitement.
"Let's go."
As they disembarked, Arthur took in the sights of Lilith.
The city was a blend of modern and fantasy, a mesmerizing mix of towering skyscrapers and ancient castles.
Devils with various animalistic traits mingled with others who looked entirely human, all moving through the bustling streets.
The air itself hummed with magic, a different kind of energy from the human world.
"This way, we have to take our carriage to Gremory territory,"
Rias said, her voice cutting through his thoughts.
Arthur nodded and looked over at Sona, who was gathering her own peerage.
"I will go to Gremory Territory after seeing my big sister. I have something I want to say to you,"
Sona said, her voice hushed.
Arthur was intrigued.
He had no idea what she wanted to talk about, but he was sure it was important. He gave her a small smile.
"Alright, see you next time,"
He replied.
With a final nod, Sona led her peerage away, disappearing into the crowd.
Arthur turned to follow Rias and her peerage, and as he did, he felt a small weight land on his shoulder.
He looked to see Kuroka, in her cat form, curled up on his shoulder.
She used her magic to hide herself from all but the most powerful of beings, and Arthur simply chuckled, deciding to let her stay.
He didn't mind the company.
"Why don't we just teleport?"
Arthur asked as they entered a sleek, Gremory-branded carriage.
"We can, but we'd have to get permission from my father. I don't want to bother him,"
Rias replied, a slight frown on her face.
Arthur could sense the tension in her voice.
He knew she was still upset with her father over her arranged marriage. He decided not to press the issue and simply nodded.
The carriage was fast, and the journey to the Gremory territory was much quicker than he expected.
They arrived at the Gremory castle not long after, where they were greeted by a stunning woman with silver hair and a maid uniform.
It was Grayfia, the head maid of the Gremory household.
"Welcome back, Rias-sama,"
She greeted Rias with a respectful bow. Then, her eyes fell on Arthur.
"And we welcome you, Your Lordship."
Arthur was surprised by the formality, but he simply gave her a nod.
He used the opportunity to check her power level, and his eyes widened in surprise.
[Parameter]
* Name: Grayfia Lucifuge
* Alias: Ice Queen
* Level: 10
* Pow: A-863
* End: A-874
* Dex: A-852
* AGI: A-905
* MAG: SSS-1299
He knew she was strong, but he hadn't expected her to be this strong.
He was only Level 7 himself, but he was confident that he could beat her in a fight, even if it meant a lot of collateral damage.
"Rias-sama, Sirzechs-sama has been expecting you and Your Lordship. He is in the main hall,"
Grayfia said, her tone professional and calm.
"Thank you, Grayfia,"
Rias replied, and she led Arthur into the castle.
The inside of the castle was even more magnificent than the outside.
The halls were adorned with beautiful tapestries and paintings, and the air was filled with a sense of history and power.
They walked for a few minutes before they reached a large, ornate door.
Grayfia opened the door, and they entered a grand hall where a man with long, crimson hair was waiting for them.
This was Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias's older brother and one of the Four Great Satans.
He was a handsome man with a kind smile, but Arthur could feel a hidden power lurking beneath his casual demeanor.
"Welcome, Rias, and welcome, Arthur,"
Sirzechs said, his voice warm and inviting.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Arthur gave him a small bow.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Lucifer,"
He replied.
Arthur checked his level and was shocked again.
[Parameter]
* Name: Sirzech Lucifer
* Alias: Super Devil
* Level: 15
* Pow: SSS-1299
* End: SSS-1299
* Dex: SSS-1299
* AGI: SSS-1299
* MAG: SSS-1299
He was overpowered. Arthur remembered that he was a super devil.
He was even stronger than even the original satan.
Sirzechs chuckled.
"Please, call me Sirzechs. 'Lord Lucifer' is so formal. I was very interested in meeting you, Arthur. You are the one who has been helping my sister. I am grateful for that."
Arthur simply shrugged.
"She is my friend. It's the least I can do,"
Arthur replied.
The rest of the day was spent in a series of meetings and conversations with Sirzechs.
Sirzechs had something to tell them but it wasn't the time yet. It must be about Kuroka.
He wanted them to rest first before he was going to tell them.
Arthur learned about the inner workings of the Underworld and the challenges that the devils faced.
He also learned more about Rias and her arranged marriage.
He could see the love and respect that the Gremory family had for each other, and he could tell that Sirzechs truly cared for his sister.
As the day came to an end, Arthur was escorted to a guest room.
It was a lavish room with a large bed, a private balcony, and a stunning view of the Gremory territory.
He sat on the bed and let out a long sigh, feeling the exhaustion from the long journey.
He was just about to fall asleep when he felt a familiar weight on his chest.
It was Kuroka, who had transformed from her cat form into her human form.
She was wearing a loose-fitting white dress, and she had a mischievous look on her face.
"What are you doing here?"
Arthur asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I can't let you have my little sister cuteness more, Nyan,"
She purred, her tail flicking playfully.
"Besides, I wanted to see you. I still can't believe you helped me. Sirzechs and that woman can sense me but let me go. They really believe that I am innocent."
"I told you I would,"
Arthur said, his voice soft.
"You have nothing to worry about. I'll help you clear your name. But you have to promise me you'll be good."
"I'll try, nyan,"
She said, and then she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you, Arthur…sama, nyann."
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could say anything, she was gone, a faint scent of catnip and magic left in her wake.
He was left with a faint smile on his face.