POV: Haruki
"Is my presence here necessary, master?" said my self-proclaimed eternal servant, Ravel Phenex.
We were sitting in one of the trains that lead to the underworld. I could have teleported and saved us the time of travel, but I wanted to relax on the train, and besides, the view as we crossed dimensions from the material to the spiritual world is amazing.
"Not necessary per se," I said calmly. "But I thought you wouldn't mind going to the underworld again. Do you?"
"Not at all," she shook her head. "Thank you for being considerate, master."
"You don't sound thrilled," I observed.
"To speak the truth. I am not keen on returning to the devil society," she said flatly.
"Why?" I asked, curious. "Is the human world that better?"
"Well not exactly," said Ravel, thoughtfully. "Just more free, I would say. The high society of the underworld is so superficial. The only reason people approach other people is because they have something to gain and not because they want genuine connection. Ours is a world so consumed by the creed of strength that sincerity is mistaken for weakness, and self-interest has become the only acceptable form of reason."
"And I take it you are not a fan of that?" I asked, observing the gold-haired girl.
"I do find social games fun to a certain extent," admitted Ravel. "But I am a romantic at heart."
I chuckled.
"A strange thing for a devil to be," I said. "But it seems to be the trend among the younger generation."
"Don't let Rias and me fool you," said Ravel amused. "We are the exceptions. The majority of devils our age care little beyond things that bring them immediate gratification."
"If I remember correctly your brother was one of them," I said, thinking back on the boy and his ideals of beauty.
"Yes," answered Ravel. "My brother is quite the hedonist. Beauty is the only thing that matters is his motto."
"Devils in general seem to be in their nihilistic age," I said, thoughtfully.
"Well that is inevitable," said Ravel as if in deep thought. "We were created for war; for defiance, for rebellion. Our existence was defined by opposition: serve Lucifer, fight Heaven, corrupt mankind. It gave us direction, a sense of divine purpose even in damnation. But when the war ended, when Lucifer fell and the heavens ceased to answer, what do you think remains?"
"Silence," I offered, although it was likely a rhetorical question.
"Exactly. Silence," she said as if mourning. "Lucifer died, and with him the meaning that once justified our suffering. Since then, we have wandered through the centuries like children of a dead faith, chasing pleasure only to escape the silence that followed the death of purpose itself."
Meron Naberius also seemed to have come to the same conclusion. And his answer to this nihilistic epidemic, only he believes understands truly, is to return to the old ways. To restart the great war again. But I was surprised to hear this level of insight from Ravel.
We continued talking about other topics after that, specifically the romantic movement that rose in reaction to the hyper-rationalization of the enlightenment epoch.
"We have arrived at Agreas, master," said Ravel.
I looked from the windows to see the floating island said to be the technological center of the Ars Goetia.
As we walked out of the train, we were met with what appears to be a small welcoming committee.
"Welcome to the city of Agreas, Lord Yamashiro, Lady Ravel," said a beautiful young woman with pale greenish-blond hair. "I am Seekvaira Agares. The next head of the Agares family, rank Archduke."
So this is the childhood friend of Rias. I observed the serious-looking girl. Seekvaira, like most devil women, is very attractive with pink eye color that instantly captured my attention. What was unique about her is her clothing. Unlike other devils I have met, she shows little skin; in fact, everything below the neck is covered, though the clothing did not hide her very attractive figure.
"A pleasure to meet you, Seekvaira. Rias told me much about you," I said politely. "I hope you don't mind if I call you Seekvaira?"
My use of her name so casually seemed to have caught her off guard, but she quickly composed herself.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Yamashiro," said Seekvaira with a strained smile. "I do not mind you calling me by my name. I was tasked by my lord father to show you around the city."
"Oh please call me Haruki," I said with a shrug. "I am not much for formalities."
"As you wish, Lord Haruki," she said flatly.
This girl does not like me.
"It seems we arrived just in time," said a melodic voice.
I turned to the direction of the voice and saw Riser Phenex approaching with his queen by his side.
"Brother, what are you doing here," asked Ravel, flustered.
"Now is that a way to greet your handsome brother whom you haven't seen for ages," said Riser with a cocky smile.
"Cut the crap. It has only been a couple of months," said Ravel dryly.
"Is my cute sister being tsundere again?" said Riser thoughtfully.
"Shut up!" shouted Ravel, which just made Riser laugh.
Ravel instead looked at me with a questioning look.
"I met him at the party," I shrugged. "He said he wanted to meet you. So I told him we would be here today."
It is clear to me that Ravel misses her family and her brother most of all. But since she is such a dutiful servant she wouldn't ask for time to visit her family, even though I made it clear that she can leave any time she wants. But when I met Riser at the party and I was gonna visit Agreas anyway, I thought I would bring Ravel with me as well.
"Yeah, Harubro told me how much you missed me," said Riser with a self-assured smile. "So I thought I would surprise you here."
"I didn't miss you at all," shouted Ravel, face turning red. "And don't call Lord Haruki 'Harubro'."
It was cute seeing her act like this.
"See, Harubro?" said Riser. "I told you she was the tsundere type. Look how she is blushing and getting angry at the same time. And relax, lil sis, Harubro doesn't mind it."
Ravel and Seekvaira, who looked at the interaction in disbelief, looked at me.
When he approached me at the party, we talked for a while, for example if Ravel was a tsundere or kuudere. I argued that she was a kuudere. But apparently not.
"I don't mind," I said with a shrug. "Riser is a chill guy."
The guy didn't even seem to hold any grudge that I beat him on the day of his marriage and annulled his marriage.
"Ravel, why don't you catch up with your brother, while I talk to Seekvaira," I offered, with a tone that left no room for arguments.
Ravel bowed and took her brother to explore the city.
"I believe you wanted to show me around?" I said, turning to Seekvaira.
She cleared her throat. "Y-yes, if you would follow me please."
"What's with the glasses?" I asked, as we walked.
"What about them?" she said, coldly.
"Do they have any functions or are they just for aesthetics?" I said with a careless shrug.
The city was highly futuristic with some medieval elements in its architecture.
"Both," answered Seekvaira.
Maybe she doesn't like talking?
So I stayed silent and just observed my surroundings. The city is filled with all types of people. It is said to be the tourist hot center of the underworld. Yes, apparently even more than the capital city, Lilith.
This floating island is the main backbone of the current devil government. Especially because it is the only place that produces the fabled Agreas crystals, but the city is also where the Rating Games are held and the seat of the current Satan Beelzebub.
Seekvaira explained the design and history of various architecture of the city in a rather monotonous voice that did not hide her lack of interest.
"Come let's go to that restaurant back there," I said casually, and started walking. "I wanna try the cuisine of the underworld."
"Lord Haruki, we are not even halfway done with the tour," said Seekvaira, annoyed. "And furthermore that restaurant is not fit for someone of your caliber to eat at."
"There is no need to call me 'lord,' my lady," I said. "And no offense but you are by far the worst tour I have ever had. I almost fell asleep. And I will judge if something is fit for me or not."
I actually like history and architecture, but not when it is told by someone who obviously has no interest in it. And not to mention her erroneous belief that she can just decide if I should eat in this place or not.
"Of course, my lord," she said, blushing. "I apologize for speaking above my station. I also apologize for being a terrible guide."
Her apology seemed sincere enough, which surprised me a bit. Wasn't she doing all of this knowingly? So why does she actually seem genuinely guilty?
I walked to the restaurant and she followed me quietly, eyes downcast.
The moment I crossed the threshold, conversation died as though the air itself had been struck still. Glasses froze midair, whispers vanished, and in that perfect, trembling silence, every gaze turned toward me; wide, uncertain, reverent, afraid.
Recognition dawned slowly, like the passing of a shadow over their faces, and then all at once the room seemed to awaken into movement: chairs scraped, cutlery clattered, and dozens fell to their knees as one, voices breaking into a fervent, uneven cry that echoed through the hall. "Long live the King!"
The sound was raw, desperate, a mixture of devotion and terror, as though they were greeting not a man but the memory of their maker. Some wept openly, others merely bowed their heads, unwilling to look directly at me, as if my presence alone carried the unbearable weight of their origin.
Within moments, the entrance was flooded: patrons, attendants, and passing soldiers pressing forward until Seekvaira raised her hand in silent command. At once, the guards of House Agares stepped in, their disciplined form calmly parting the crowd.
The restaurant's owner stumbled forth, trembling so violently that he nearly fell, then collapsed entirely onto the floor and pressed his forehead to the marble beneath my feet. His voice shook with apologies that barely formed into words.
I merely inclined my head and asked, with all the civility I could muster, for a private room. The poor man nearly burst into tears from relief and reverence, promising to prepare it at once, his hands still trembling as though he feared the world might vanish should he fail to please me.
And as we followed him deeper into the restaurant, I could feel their eyes on my back filled with the dreadful awe of those who look upon the echo of their god and cannot decide whether to worship or flee.
"Well that was surprising," I said calmly.
Seekvaira sat opposite me, with the table in the middle of us. The room was not bad all things considered, it had a beautiful window that gave a nice view of the city.
"Hardly," said Seekvaira. "You are believed to be either a descendant of Lord Lucifer or his reincarnation in some circles. It is thus not surprising that there would be such reactions."
I know that as well. Sirzechs and Grayfia had explained it as well and I had experienced some of the worship in the party. Yet I did not think the effect would be this strong among the lower class.
"I suppose," I said, uninterested.
The food was excellent, a full three-course meal made from rare ingredients of the Underworld, rich in flavor and unlike anything from the human world. The service was just as impressive, efficient and respectful to the point of ceremony.
What felt strange, though, was the waitstaff themselves. Every waitress was absurdly beautiful, dressed far too provocatively for a place this formal, and their attempts to act composed barely hid the obvious lust in their eyes.
It was less like being served by professionals and more like being worshiped.
The owner had of course refused a payment of any kind, though I had insisted. I don't like to take advantage of others, even if they seem excited to serve me in any way they can.
The reaction of the owner had been almost uncomfortable, felt like he was going to declare his eternal and undying loyalty to me.
"You didn't have to pay for the meal, you know," Seekvaira said once we'd left. "Your presence alone will boost his business twentyfold. The owner knows that. You weren't taking advantage of him."
She seemed, however, pleased that I paid him.
"Even still. I always pay my debts," I said.
After that, she politely asked if I'd like to see the technological centers of Agreas. I agreed, not just because it was interesting, but because something about Seekvaira had changed since the restaurant.
She walked me through the newest developments and explained everything with clear pride, answering my questions without hesitation and often elaborating before I even asked. She was in her element talking about Magitech, and despite myself, I found it almost refreshing.
"It is about time for your meeting with my father," said Seekvaira, though she seemed reluctant to stop our conversation.
"Well, lead the way," I replied casually. After all, that had been the point of my visit; Lord Agares had approached me during the celebration and requested an audience. I'd agreed on the condition that I was shown the city first.
We arrived at the grand mansion of House Agares, where Lord and Lady Agares were already waiting to greet us, surrounded by a handful of servants and guests.
"Greetings, Lord Haruki," Lord Agares said with a courteous bow. "I trust my daughter served as an adequate guide?"
"Greetings to you as well, Lord Agares," I replied, returning the gesture. "Seekvaira was an excellent guide."
That wasn't a lie, she had been a bit sharp-tongued at first, but after the restaurant, she'd proven more than pleasant company.
"Wonderful," he said with a pleased smile. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Lysa Agares."
Lady Agares was striking, long green hair, sharp green eyes, and a calm, graceful presence. Seekvaira clearly took after her father in coloring, but the resemblance between mother and daughter was still obvious, especially in their… generous figures.
I took Lady Lysa's hand and kissed it as is the custom of the underworld.
"Charmed," I said curtly.
We were led inside to a feast apparently prepared in my honor. I made small talk with Lord and Lady Agares while the food was served, though the flattery was laid on thick. Lady Lysa was even bold enough to brush against me in ways no married woman should, especially not with her husband watching, but to my surprise, he didn't seem to mind. If anything, he subtly encouraged it.
Devils were strange creatures.
After the meal, Lord Agares invited me to his study. He opened a bottle of wine that had to be thousands of years old and poured us both a glass before taking his seat opposite me.
"I assume you are not interested in pleasantries?" he said.
"You assume correctly," I said.
"Very well. I will get straight to the point," he said, taking a sip of the wine. "I would like to offer my daughter's hand to you in marriage."
I blinked.
That was not what I expected to hear. But I suppose it explains Seekvaira's initial attitude, she is likely annoyed that she had to marry someone she didn't even know and likely be subservient towards whereas before she had the prospect of being the leader of her house.
"Allow me to explain," he said. "Are you aware of the structure of power here in Ars Goetia?"
"Only superficially," I said. "I know the governing body is divided into three parts: the executive which are the Satans, the legislative which are made of the various lords and the judicial which is basically the Great King faction."
"There are nuances but correct in general," he said. "The truth of the matter is the legislative party is divided into three parties: those who are progressive, the conservative and the middle ones."
I took a sip as I listened to him, likely repeating things I already know.
"The conservative, as you can guess, are aligned with the Great King faction," he said.
"I thought we agreed on forgoing the pleasantries," I said, bored. "I am aware that those conservative are puppets of the Great King faction, which you are a part of. While the same can be said of the progressive faction and the Satans."
He chuckled.
"Tell me, who do you think is the true leader of the Great King faction?" he asked.
"House Bael?" I offered.
"Yes," he said. "But I was asking more for a single individual. But it seems the Satans haven't told you of him yet."
I raised my brows.
"Have you ever heard of Zekram Bael?" he asked again.
I instantly recognized the name. He was mentioned in the history and lineages of pillar houses.
"The first Bael. What about him?" I said.
"Yes. he is one of the first devils directly created by Lucifer himself," he said. "He is the single most influential person in Ars Goetia?"
"Oh? More influential than the Satans," I said, interested despite myself.
"Yes. more influential than the Satans," he said, taking a long drink. "He is the reason why the current Satans are Satans after all."
Now that was interesting to me. Why is there little information about him then?
"Because he likes it that way," he said, answering my unspoken question. "After the death of the original Satans, the balance of power was in chaos. Their descendants were not powerful enough to continue the legacy of their ancestors. They only stayed in power because the people believed they were the true heirs of the Satans. But to those with ambition, it was clear things could not stay the same forever. The descendants of the Satans just couldn't stay in power indefinitely, they were not their parents. No one understood this more than Zekram Bael."
I was interested in the tale despite myself.
"As you might guess. He had his own ambitions," he said. "He wanted to be king now that the kings were dead. So he engineered a plan that took centuries to come to fruition. A plan that would see the descendants of the original Satans overthrown by his device. When the time was perfect he approached Sirzechs and his friends and brought about the downfall of the princes of hell. During the civil war, he manipulated the fall of many pillar houses that might pose threat to his plans and many individuals besides. Furthermore he rewarded and elevated houses loyal to him and filled the new government with his people. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that Lord Zekram Bael has some dirt on almost all of the lords of hell. He is more influential than even a Satan."
"Fascinating piece of history," I said. "But you are losing yourself in the dramatics. What exactly does that have to do with offering your daughter to marry me?"
"Simple. I am terrified of Lord Zekram," he admitted easily.
"If I am not mistaken. The House of Agares is one of the principal members of the Great King faction," I said.
"That we are," he said, confusing me more. "Or rather we were. I had helped Lord Zekram in his schemes, as did my father before me. He had sold us a vision of new hell under the complete control of the pillar houses. Only he did not mention that the pillar houses would be under the control of Zekram Bael. My father realized it too late and he paid the price with his life."
There was regret in Lord Agares's tone.
"Zekram wants hell completely under his thumb. Any who stand in his way are to be removed," he said.
"And what of the Satans?" I asked. "There is so much they can tolerate before they just erase him from existence."
"They are already under his control," said Lord Agares. "He is the one who helped them consolidate their rule. They owe him for that. He furthermore is cunning in his methods, he doesn't do anything that would get him on their bad sides. At least not openly, the current state of the underworld is entirely to his favor."
While he is taking forever to get to the point. I wasn't entirely annoyed at him, the information could be useful for my plan.
"I take it the current state is to your advantage as well?" I asked, curious.
"Yes," he admitted freely. "However it is only until Lord Zekram decides that I have no use anymore."
"And why would he do that?" I said. "Are you not entirely loyal to him?"
"My house is the rank of Archduke," he said, furious. "The Great King is not my superior. Why should my house be subservient to him?"
Ah, pride. How cliche.
"As you said, the current state of affairs is to Zekram's favor," I said. "Why are you convinced that he would do anything to rock the boat?"
"Let me tell you a little secret," said Lord Agares as if to make a grand announcement. "God is dead."
I wasn't surprised that he knew about this secret. The House of Agares is the second most influential house in the underworld.
"You knew about it," he said after seeing no reaction. "Not surprising, I suppose. What is relevant is the consequence of the death of God. Do you want to guess?"
"I am not in the mood for that," I said, annoyed by his attempt at a power play.
"It seems I am testing your patience," he said, amused by my indifference. "Very well, I will tell it plainly. A great change is coming. The barrier that separates the spiritual and the material is going to collapse. Anarchy will reign supreme again. And anarchy is the agent of change."
"So you are afraid that Zekram will use the coming chaos to make his move, which would include the removal of any powerful houses that may challenge his claim," I concluded.
"Zekram is a devil of an old era," he said tiredly. "Cunning and ambitious in equal measure. There is no doubt that he will try to remove my house. I want you to be my insurance."
"And what makes you think that I can be of any challenge to a devil as mighty as Zekram?" I asked, amused.
If he knew that I am an ultimate-class entity, it would be a different matter. But he should only think that I am merely high-class.
"Our clan trait is time manipulation," he said suddenly. "Its basic function is to stop, accelerate, or slow down time under a barrier. However, it also has some advanced applications when used by a talented user. One of these abilities is the ability to see into the future to a limited extent. Time is not fixed nor linear. There are many possibilities that depend on choices taken and not taken. So multiple timelines."
I felt a headache coming at that.
"And you saw me in one of those timelines?" I said.
"You were a constant," he said.
"What did you see?" I asked, careful to conceal my emotion.
"I saw you dancing as hell burned," he said.
"And you believed it to be a wise course of action to approach the man dancing while your world burned?" I asked, amused.
"The future is not fixed," he repeated. "It can be changed based on the choices taken. Besides, I only saw you dancing. It is not certain what caused the fire or if it is a fire at all."
"What exactly is your proposal?" I said at last.
"For you to marry my daughter and take my house under your protection," he said. "My house is the second most powerful house in the underworld. I have many legions under my command, countless wealth beyond imagining. You can use all of this in your rise to the top. I only ask that you remember me when you do so."
"Why me? Why not Sirzechs?" I asked.
"Because you have what he doesn't," he said. "Legitimacy and potential. In all timelines I saw, you dancing in the ashes of a fallen empire is a constant. I prefer to be on the winning side."
"Legitimacy?" I raised my brow.
"You saw it today in the restaurant, didn't you?" he said, excitement flashing in his eyes. "It doesn't matter if you are Lucifer reborn. What matters is that the people believe you are. Zekram will see you as a threat. You need my resources to deal with him. Marry my daughter, Haruki Yamashiro, and join me."
There was excitement in his eyes. The zealous kind.
"I am afraid that conflicts with my agenda," I said calmly. "I have no interest in marrying your daughter. However, I have a proposal just as good."
There was great disappointment in his face at my refusal to marry his daughter.
"And what is your proposal?" he asked.
I grinned wickedly at him.
AN: So, as you can probably guess, the next arc is going to be the Devil Arc. well, not exclusively about devils like the vampire one was. Other factions will also show up and play a part. Are there any particular characters or factions you'd like to see more of?