After Lotte fetched the guests and led them to the office, she immediately withdrew after a respectful bow, leaving the three of them alone...
The visitors in question settled down in a natural and unpretentious manner, as if they were attending a simple meeting among acquaintances. Sirzechs Lucifer did not even wait for a formal invitation before sitting comfortably on the sofa in front of the desk. Alear observed the scene in silence, but a slight irritation appeared in his gaze. To him, that was somewhat arrogant. After all, the man had just entered his office and simply made himself comfortable as if he were in his own home. Perhaps, for someone accustomed to holding the position of Satan and being at the top of the Underworld, that was perfectly normal. Even so, in his eyes, the attitude conveyed excessive confidence or perhaps equally excessive arrogance. He did not comment out loud, merely made a small mental note about the personality of the man in front of him... His 'first impression' certainly had not been the best...
Even so, he had to admit that his appearance was impressive. Although he was over five hundred years old, the current Satan Lucifer appeared to be little more than twenty.
He had crimson-red hair that fell over his shoulders and deep blue eyes that conveyed a peculiar combination of intelligence, confidence, and charisma. He wore extremely luxurious clothing, made from fine fabrics that highlighted his position among the demons. Over his shoulders rested a long white coat, whose navy-blue lapels were richly adorned with golden embroidery. Golden fringes decorated both shoulders, further reinforcing his aristocratic appearance. Under the coat, he wore an elegant white vest perfectly buttoned, accompanied by an impeccable shirt and a purple tie fastened by an ornate red brooch in gold, which discreetly drew attention to the center of his chest. The wide sleeves ended in navy-blue cuffs decorated with delicate golden details, lending sophistication to every movement. The refined black trousers fitted perfectly into high black boots, reinforced by vertical golden details that harmonized with the rest of the outfit. The dark interior of the coat created an elegant contrast with the predominant white of the attire, making his figure even more distinctive and imposing.
He was not the only one present at the meeting. Beside him, Grayfia Lucifuge remained standing in absolute silence. She wore the classic uniform of a high-level maid: an impeccable black-and-white dress accompanied by a refined apron, whose quality made it clear that this was no ordinary service outfit. Her long silver hair was tied in an elegant braid that ran down her back, giving her an appearance that was at once noble, sophisticated, and unattainable.
Her body was sinfully attractive, as expected of a Devil. Her voluminous and firm breasts subtly pressed against the fabric of the uniform, while her extremely narrow waist further accentuated the harmony of her curves. The lower part of the dress fell elegantly over her hips, concealing much of her silhouette but failing to completely hide the impression of an extraordinarily attractive figure. Even so, all that physical beauty ultimately became just a detail in the face of the presence she exuded.
The expression on her face remained neutral, almost glacial, showing not the slightest emotion. Her silver-red eyes observed everything with absolute calm, conveying a silent authority that made even the environment feel heavier.
She was hot.
Really hot.
At least that was the extremely professional assessment made by the most irresponsible part of his mind — a part he usually called his "married-woman-eater side" for reasons he preferred not to explain.
Unfortunately, that same part did not seem to understand basic concepts like survival instinct.
Jokes aside, Alear cast only a brief glance at Grayfia before turning his attention back to Sirzechs. His evaluation of the two lasted less than a second, but that was more than enough. At the same time, he could also feel that the couple was analyzing him in the same way.
Sirzechs maintained the same calm and cordial smile from the moment he entered the room. He tilted his head slightly in a polite greeting, a simple gesture but laden with the natural elegance of someone accustomed to dealing daily with nobles, leaders, and influential figures.
"It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Lord Häagenti." His voice was calm and pleasant to hear, without any evident trace of arrogance. "You are practically the same age as my youngest sister, so I hope you don't mind if I call you Alear-san. I am Sirzechs Lucifer, the current Satan Lucifer."
He then made a small gesture with his hand toward the woman who remained at his side.
"And this is my wife, Grayfia Lucifuge."
Grayfia performed a brief, impeccable bow. Her expression remained as impassive as before, but the formality of her movements was irreproachable.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Häagenti." Her voice was soft, yet cold and distant.
For Alear, it was easy to perceive that this courtesy existed far more out of respect for Sirzechs' position and the image he represented than for any personal consideration. Grayfia seemed to be an extremely proud woman, someone who would hardly bow before another person of her own volition. Even so, this did not bother him in the slightest. In fact, his thoughts were focused on another matter. Sirzechs, for his part, also did not seem to show any special consideration for his position as Archduke.
The casual way he had abandoned the formal titles almost immediately to call him "Alear-san" already made that clear. To most people, that might sound like mere cordiality or a friendly attempt to shorten the distance. However, to someone accustomed to the politics of demonic nobility, the message between the lines was quite clear. Sirzechs was setting the tone of the conversation. It did not matter what title Alear held on paper; in the eyes of the Satan, he was still just a young newcomer to the Underworld's political scene, someone who, at least for now, had not earned the same level of recognition or respect reserved for the most influential figures of the demonic race...
Alear showed no reaction to this thought. After all, getting offended by something so small would be childish. Besides, he had no interest in turning that meeting into an ego contest in the first few minutes. Instead, he simply observed the couple for a few more moments before responding with the same calm and politeness as always:
"To what do I owe the honor of the visit from the famous Sirzechs Lucifer and his wife? I confess I was completely caught off guard by your sudden appearance..."
Sirzechs maintained his amiable smile, although there was a slight tension hidden behind his expression.
"I apologize for appearing this way, without any prior notice. However, there is an important matter I would like to discuss..." He paused briefly before continuing. "I would like to discuss the territory of the Gäap Family, which was originally under the administration of the Gremory Family..."
Alear let out a light, almost imperceptible sigh as he leaned back on the sofa.
"As for the sudden visit, there is no problem..." he replied, referring to Sirzechs' apology. "As for that matter... I was already expecting that you would eventually get involved in my agreement with the Gremory Family. However, all I have to say is that this should have nothing to do with you. After all, although you were born into the Gremory Family, you currently hold the position of Satan Lucifer. In theory, your position places you above the interests of your former family and obliges you to act impartially. Or am I mistaken?"
Sirzechs visibly became awkward for a moment, and the cordial smile on his face faltered. Grayfia, for her part, subtly furrowed her brow, while her eyes took on a colder tone.
"Watch your words more carefully..." she said in a low, clear voice laden with authority. "You are in the presence of a Satan..."
Alear slowly turned his gaze to Grayfia. For a brief fraction of a second, a glacial gleam crossed his eyes.
"Do you have a hearing problem?" he asked coldly before continuing. "If your husband had come here in his capacity as Satan, naturally I would treat him with all the cordiality and respect that position demands. However, it is quite obvious that he came as a representative of the Gremory Family — a family that does not even legitimately hold the title of Duke — and yet entered the territory of someone who holds the title of Archduke without showing the proper respect."
He paused briefly, maintaining an impassive expression.
"Even with this difference in position between us, I would still have been polite and respectful, because I am naturally respectful toward those who treat me the same way. However, it is quite clear that this was not the case. From the moment you arrived, the two of you have shown little regard for my position and my authority. And now you come demanding respect from me?" A slight smile of disdain appeared at the corner of his lips. "Just because he holds the position of Satan, should I simply lower my head and lick his balls? If you haven't realized it yet, in this meeting he is not exercising his authority as Satan. Otherwise, this audience would never have happened on these terms. If he had come officially as Satan, this conversation would not even be taking place this way..."
"Furthermore, you are the one who should also measure your words better, Grayfia Lucifuge. At this moment, you are speaking to an Archduke — the highest position in demonic society below a Satan — and not to the heir of just any noble family. Therefore, consider your current position carefully. Here, you do not speak as a representative of Lucifer, much less as someone who has the authority to reprimand me. You do not even possess a noble title of your own. The Lucifuge family is nothing more than an ancient servant family that dedicated its existence to serving Lucifer while he was still alive."
"In simpler terms, so that even you can understand, it is as if a simple maid were reprimanding an Archduke. Do you have any idea how absurd that sounds? And I am not even taking into account your husband's position as Satan, because, as I already said, he is not here in that capacity." He crossed his legs, maintaining a relaxed posture. "Are we friends, by any chance? Do we have any kind of intimacy that gives you the freedom to speak to me this way? No. So know your place before trying to reprimand me."
Grayfia's expression instantly became as cold as ice. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees in a single instant, while a silent pressure began to spread through the environment.
Sirzechs, for his part, subtly furrowed his brow, cursing silently. That boy was much more cunning than he appeared.
In just a few sentences, Alear had placed the entire conversation in an extremely unfavorable position for them. By making it clear that this meeting was taking place between Archduke Häagenti and a representative of the Gremory Family, and not between a Satan and one of his subjects, he had practically eliminated any possibility of Sirzechs using his position as Satan to exert political or moral pressure during the negotiation. At the same time, he had deliberately provoked the proud Grayfia. It was evident that he had perceived, in just a few moments, how proud she was — something that demonstrated his remarkable ability to read people. If she lost her composure or tried to resort to force to intimidate him, she would only confirm everything he had said. In the eyes of any observer, it would be clear that they were trying to compensate for the lack of good political negotiation by using power and influence, completely ignoring the political status of Archduke that he possessed. This would only further deteriorate the Gremory Family's position...
That in itself was already a major problem. However, the situation became even more complicated because of the practically untouchable status that the young man in front of him possessed within the Underworld. He was the future husband of Serafall Leviathan, the lord of two families that had been practically extinguished, the future son-in-law of the Agares family — the second most powerful house among the Seventy-Two Pillars — as well as the Phenex family, one of the richest families in the Underworld, and, moreover, the bearer of the second most powerful Sacred Gear in the world. Each of these titles, individually, would already make any action against him extremely delicate. Combined, they formed a true political, military, and social wall, creating countless layers of protection that even a Satan would need to consider carefully before taking any action against him.
Before the situation could deteriorate any further, Sirzechs raised his hand in a calm gesture, intervening quickly. An amiable smile remained on his face, although it was evident that it was no longer as natural as before.
"Grayfia, please don't be so rude to Lord Häagenti. He is right. Today we are here only as representatives of the Gremory Family..."
"Sirzechs-sama..."
Grayfia discreetly clenched her teeth. Even though she was displeased, she contained the impulse to respond and took a step back. Even so, she could not hide the look of resentment and hostility she cast in Alear's direction.
"I apologize for my wife's words..." Sirzechs looked at Alear and spoke in a conciliatory tone. "Grayfia is simply a very devoted wife. She ended up overstepping in trying to defend me. Please do not take it personally..."
Alear maintained his calm, almost indifferent expression and replied naturally.
"No problem. I understand perfectly..." He gave a slight shrug. "If something happened to me, Serafall would also insist on defending me. She is quite protective, you know? So protective that she had recorders and surveillance cameras installed throughout my mansion, including this office. It was an initiative she took after discovering that Venelana, your mother, would be working for me for a while. I think she got jealous..."
Sirzechs' smile froze for a brief instant.
Grayfia, who until then had maintained a cold expression, narrowed her eyes in clear irritation upon hearing Serafall's name. The mention of the surveillance cameras also did not go unnoticed. That was an indirect but extremely clear message: Alear was under the direct protection of another Satan. More than that, of Serafall Leviathan, the one responsible for diplomatic affairs and foreign relations in the Underworld — a figure whose political influence reached all factions. In terms of diplomatic prestige, her position was even more sensitive than Sirzechs', whose greater authority came from his strength and the title of Hero of the Underworld earned in the Civil War.
The atmosphere became even heavier.
Sirzechs tried to keep the forced smile on his lips. It was evident that the meeting had taken a much more complicated turn than he had imagined. In just a few minutes, Alear had managed to neutralize his political authority, restrain Grayfia, and subtly remind them that any reckless action against him would inevitably involve another Satan in the matter.
Alear observed the two for a few more seconds before letting out a light, almost bored sigh and speaking in a calm and controlled voice:
"Setting that small offense aside..." he said, looking directly at Grayfia for a moment before turning his gaze back to Sirzechs. "Let's get to the main subject. You wanted to talk about the territory of the Gäap Family, right...?"
_______________
(A/N: Want to get ahead?
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