Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD.
Chapter 23:
Devilish Deeds Done
'Thinking'
"Talking"
"Talking"
- Gremory Mansion -
-Zeoticus Gremory-
Walking through the long hallways of his family's ancestral mansion with a casual stride, Zeoticus ignores the dozens of maids and butlers who bow at his passing in favor of focusing his thoughts on the latest meeting he's just come back from.
'Now that Lord Bael has agreed to my terms, all that's left to do is find a way to appease Zekram for going behind his back, and everything will be perfect.'
It had taken a fair amount of convincing on Zeoticus's end to get the current Lord Bael to go behind his House's founder's back, but with careful application of the Gremory House's ability - Charm - everything worked out in the end.
Charm, a rather simplistic name for a 72 Pillar House's ability, is much more subtle in its use than the awe-inspiring Power of Destruction. Taking the form of a pseudo-impulse that layers itself onto the user's voice, it creates whispers within the victim's mind by latching onto their thoughts, allowing the user to "nudge" them into agreeing with the user's ideas.
While not as flashy as other abilities, the Gremory House's Charm can be just as powerful a tool as any other if used correctly.
'Hopefully young Sairaorg will prove to be less of a fool than his father. To think the man would give up one of his sons so easily, and a powerful one at that.' Zeoticus scoffs at the Lord Bael's foolishness.
As a Devil with two daughters and no sons of his own, he can't imagine ever casting off a son like Sairaorg simply because of a lack of House ability.
'The boy is rather headstrong, I'll admit. And he'll take more than a bit of coaching before he proves to be a worthy replacement as Lord Gremory. But he's certainly much more impressive than that new son of Lord Bael, who cares more about plants then power.'
For most of the 72 Pillar Houses, the fact that Sairaorg doesn't wield the Bael family's Power of Destruction makes the young powerhouse less of an appealing choice to give away their daughters too than others. But with Rias already wielding the Power of Destruction herself, there's nothing Zeoticus has to worry about in regards to any future children between the two possibly not gaining the ability.
'If even one of their offspring were to gain both the Power of Destruction and the Charm, then they would be the most powerful Devil that has ever lived. Beyond even the likes of Siras!' The thought of his eldest daughter brings a scowl to the Lord of House Gremory's face as his good mood all but evaporates.
Marching into his private office with a huff, he throws shut the doors before making his way over to the liquor cabinet off to the side.
Grabbing one of the crystal glass cups, he pours himself a generous amount of unbelievably expensive whiskey. 'CHE! If only she had been born a son, I could have lived the rest of my days well knowing our House's fate was secure.'
Of everything that has happened within him many long years as Lord Gremory, there is one disappoint Zeoticus would freely admit he would wish to change - that his eldest child could have been so much more if she had been born a boy.
'At least Siras and Rias have both inherited my Gremory genes and Charm ability.' Partially satisfying his displeasure with that thought, Zeoticus takes a long, slow drink from his cup. 'And Rias is proving more adept at using the subtly of Charm than I thought she'd be. That Sakai boy likely has no idea my daughter has played him like a fiddle.'
Honestly, did people really think the boy would have gone out of his way to face a High-Class Devil for no other reason than to save Rias, if he wasn't under her sway?
'Fools, the lot of them.' He thinks, downing the last of his whiskey before throwing open the doors of his office. 'Now to make sure Rias doesn't find out about the contract until its too late. Even with the concessions I gave Lord Bael, there's no telling what she might do to get out of it.'
Feeling more than a bit pleased with himself at the idea of all his plans coming together swimmingly, Zeoticus leaves his office and marches back down the hallways to speak with one of his contacts. Never once pausing in his stride, even as a slight unusual aftertaste lingers on his tongue.
'Dammit, did Venelana water down my whiskey again?' While he could have never hoped for a better woman of noble birth to mother his offspring, their relationship has always been one of disagreement.
Venelana might have done her duty, but it was always with a clear undertone that she hated him.
Something which would come out in small ways, like watering down his prized whiskey or "misplacing" his favorite suits during special occasions.
'And people wonder why women should never be allowed to lead a House, when they do petty things like this?' Truly the stupidity of other Houses amazes him at times.
-Sora Sakai-
Waiting several long moments for Zeoticus's footsteps to disappear down the hallway, the corner image of his office shatters into hexagonal pixels, revealing me standing completely still in the corner and letting out a relieved breath.
'Thanks again, Gaia.' I mentally thank my companion/assistant.
You're welcome! :)
Having an intelligence like Gaia on hand to act as the middleman for my [Innovate Clear] can sometimes feel like cheating, but there's just no way I could ever hope to compete with her flawless recreations of surroundings without accidently leaving something out of place.
Even the slightest little mistake could have tipped Zeoticus off that something was wrong, and that would have blown my entire plan.
'Luckily that didn't happen.' With quiet footsteps, I move from my spot in the corner of the room and over to the liquor cabinet. Grabbing the whiskey bottle Zeoticus had picked up earlier, I place the duplicate bottle filled with the poison back into my Inventory while also pulling out the original and placing it back down where it belongs. 'There… Mission accomplished.'
"…I trust everything went as planned?"
Over my shoulder, a mature woman's voice calls out with a touch of worry.
Turning around, I find a slightly concerned-looking Venelana standing at the doorway to the office in her typical white dress.
"Yes, Lady Gremory." I nod, smiling at the relief that crosses her face. "It'll take about two weeks for the poison to affect him, at which point he should fall into a deep sleep that will slowly kill him over the next few months."
A slight flicker of worry crosses her face at my reassurance. "Are you sure two weeks is enough time? Won't others suspect it of being too soon?"
Such a small time-frame would seem out of the ordinary, but having done my research beforehand, I immediately set out to ease her concerns. "I've done some thorough research on the Sleeping Disease, and I discovered an interesting bit of information about it that solves that very issue."
And when I say I did research, I mean I sent Siras a message to gather any information she can get on the disease, only for the silver-haired Grayfia to arrive outside my home within the hour holding massive piles of documents pertaining to it.
At which point I then lost several nights of sleep double and triple checking my plans before eventually deciding on my current course of action.
"The rate at which people succumb to the disease has been known to vary depending on a key factor; their Demonic Power." Seeing her look, I elaborate. "Those who have weaker levels of Demonic Power have been shown to fall asleep at a much faster rate than those who are stronger - with some cases ranging as soon as 1 week, to as long as several years depending on the individual."
Shrugging my shoulders, I add. "In Zeoticus's case, two weeks is within a reasonable enough timeframe, considering his age and power, that I doubt anyone will suspect foul play."
It's actually a small miracle for me that Zeoticus is only level 96. Had he been just four levels higher, it would have taken double the length of time for the [Poison of Devil's Sleep] to take full effect.
"Now that he's already drunk a large enough dose of the poison, it's only a matter of waiting these next two weeks before you can take over as Head of House Gremory in his place and undo the marriage contract." I finish my explanation with a grin, stepping away from the liquor cabinet and walking across the room to stand in front of her as she replies.
"Zeoticus has always hated the fact that he was weaker than the other Lords. Siras turning out to be as strong as she has only exacerbated his resentment of that fact." Allowing a pleased smile to slowly spread across her face, the Madame of Destruction stares at me with sparkling violet eyes. "…to think it would be the cause of his downfall is, dare I say, poetic."
+14 Affection and Obedience with Venelana Gremory… Affection: 55 | Obedience: 24
In a quick motion, Venelana's hand reaches out and grabs the front of my kimono before pulling me into a searing kiss.
As her tongue forces its way past my lips and into my mouth, her voluptuous body presses against mine for a few moments, allowing me to feel her wonderous curves that put both her daughters to shame.
Sadly, before the kiss can go too far, she pulls back just as quickly from the kiss as she started it. Her slightly panting - which does wonderful things to her chest - and the small dusting of pink on her cheeks makes for a stirring new sight of the otherwise unflappable Lady Gremory.
"My…you are quite the kisser." She says huskily, staring into my eyes as she slowly runs her tongue across her lightly swollen lips. "My daughters are very lucky girls."
Feeling my cheeks burn slightly, it takes my brain a moment to catch up with the last part.
"…wait, what?"
Giggling at my shock, Venelana laughingly chides. "I'm well aware of your growing relationship with my youngest, it's no secret that she's grown rather intense feelings for you after you fought for her against little Riser."
"And as for Siras…surely you remember what she's offered you in return for doing this?"
What was originally a small blush on my cheeks, heats into full-faced burning redness as the memory of Siras's "offer" resurfaces to the forefront of my thoughts.
- Flashback -
"…w-what?" I stutter out. My wide eyes staring flabbergasted at the utterly serious looks on Siras and Grayfia's faces as they make their offer.
Requesting me to kill Zeoticus is something I truly don't have many issues with - beyond how it might impact my relationship with Rias - but the actually man himself is someone I really don't care about. But I hadn't thought Siras would be willing to make such an offer in return for doing it!
"I'm offering you the opportunity to spend as many nights with me as it will take to impregnate me with a child." Siras repeats her offer without hesitation. "Any form of financial payment is too risky given the circumstances, there are too many ways in which someone might find out about it, and my House has very little to offer you in terms of objects or weapons that you couldn't make yourself."
As Grayfia's hand moves across the conference table to grasp Siras's in support, she continues. "That leaves very little options with which we can repay you. And… after conversing about it with my wife, we both believe this to be a suitable reward."
…I expected a lot of things to happen as a result of my messing around with the [Gender-bender Cheat Code]. But how the hell did I end up having to deal with this shit as a result?!
Of the entire Gremory family, I figured Rias was the only one I'd have a shot with. Just because I could change Siras's gender to a woman, doesn't mean she'd just fall head-over-heels for me.
And now suddenly this?
Seeing the look on my face, Siras adds. "Don't mistake this offer as a declaration of love. I am still very much loyal to my wife and Queen, and it's only because Grayfia has lovingly agreed to this that I'm even proposing it…"
Pausing in her statement long enough to smile gratefully to her wife, the silver-haired maid returns the smile with equal warmth. "…but don't mistake one thing for another. The only reason we've even considered this, is because we've seen how much Rias loves and trusts you. And there's no doubt in either of our minds that you will one day become part of this family through her."
"As such, we feel that given the circumstances - and the potential dangers inherit to our request - however many nights we would spend together with you before I get pregnant will suffice as suitable compensation." As an afterthought, Siras includes. "Alongside the political power you will inherently be gaining from fathering a child with the strongest Satan, and as future lover of House Gremory's future head; i.e. Rias."
…they're crazy.
Every last woman in the Gremory family has to be crazy.
Because how the ever-living fuck did they come up with this as a reward!
Ummm…I'm confused!
Didn't you say before that you wouldn't mind having a child?
Think of how cute it'll look!
:D
'Well…yes, I did. BUT! That was more of me making a general statement about a long time in the future, not as an actual declaration to the universe that I wanted it to happen NOW!'
Although, the more I think about it, the more appealing the idea gets.
One of my biggest concerns about having any children right now is my fear of not being strong enough to protect them with how low of a level I am. But that's always been because I've subconsciously thought that the mothers wouldn't be strong enough on their own to protect them.
And now I have probably one of the strongest women in the entire Highschool DxD Universe standing before me offering the perfect solution to that very issue, and she has an entire House of strong women - and soon-to-be strong in Rias's case - capable of helping protect the child.
'…fuck. Am I really going to say yes to this?'
Saying no would mean losing a lot of relationship status with the entire Gremory family; not to mention Rias and her entire peerage would be completely cut off from me in the future by whichever husband she's contracted to. And that's a lot of work I've been putting into things going down the drain in one fell swoop.
Glancing at determined expressions on Siras and Grayfia's faces, my eyes drift subtly down Siras's face to the curves hidden beneath her Satan robes. 'Not to mention missing out on what is perhaps my one-and-only chance to sleep with Siras.'
The consequences of turning them away are too severe for me to even remotely consider the possibility; and the benefits are more than interesting enough for me to want to see how things will play out.
"I'll do it."
- Flashback End -
"Oh, I remember what she offered." I reply. "Still having a bit of trouble believing that it actually happened, though."
Frankly, a lot of my dealings with the supernatural world - and women in general - have been fairly sexual in nature. I'm not sure if it's the Gamer System's doing or what, but it's definitely leaning more towards the harem route that I used to read about in my old life.
That's because it is!
Blinking at Gaia's confirmation, I mentally ask as Venelana giggles at my earlier statement. 'What?'
The Gamer System is always updating and changing things to fit your playstyle.
The whole point of this is for you to enjoy yourself,
And that means making this whole experience into something that you'd enjoy!
That…makes a lot of sense. And would certainly explain how I was even given the opportunity to enter into a possible sexual relationship with a married woman. Let alone one who's also the older gender-bended sister of the girl that I've been going out on dates with.
Plus, this IS the Highschool DxD Universe…
It wouldn't be the same if it didn't have some sexy times!
Before I could agree with her, Venelana's voice cuts through our mental chat.
"I'll say this about my eldest," She states with a hint of pride in her voice. "She will do anything to protect her younger sister, and yet still be crafty enough to fit whatever she does into her plans for the future."
"What do you mean?"
Smiling amusedly as if about to reveal a big secret, the flaxen-haired Milf asks knowingly. "Oh? She didn't tell you?"
Cautiously shaking my head, she replies. "Siras and Serafall have both been hounded by the 72 Pillars for centuries about producing children. Their sheer power makes them perfect for creating the next generation of powerful Devils, and the fact that Siras went and married Grayfia - all but ensuring that a child wouldn't be born from either of them - angered more than a few."
"But now…" Venelana purrs out, stepping close enough to me that her chest flattens against me. "She's found a way to not only protect her little sister, but also solve her issues with the 72 Pillars while at the same time improving our Houses ties with a powerful young magician."
"A Magician who isn't tied to any single faction or House; thereby preventing anyone from potentially capitalizing on the child's future powers and try to come up with a way to take the child away from her." As she lets that thought settle into my brain, her hand comes up to rest again my cheek. "She might never say it out loud, but Siras and Grayfia have wanted a child of their own for a very long time."
"And as her mother… I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
- Sakai Compound -
Returning home from my trip to the Underworld, it didn't take very long for Ichi to find me and I could update her on the day's events.
"So, we can count on House Gremory's support from now on, along with a Satan's." My favorite Servant muses to herself, her black eyes glinting in the evening light as she crosses her arms. "And you're sure that no one can tie the disease back to you, Master?"
"They shouldn't, but I'm not going to jinx myself with saying it's impossible. Considering how many deity's, magicians, and supernatural beings there are out there, it's possible one of them might have some way of figuring it out." Even if they do, it'll be too late for anyone to save Zeoticus, who will hopefully be dead long before then and Venelana will be in control.
Seeing the look on her half-masked face, I begrudgingly add. "And I'll pull back the Spirits that are scouting beyond Kuoh and have them double up with the others. Just in case something does happen, we'll have extra eyes to warn us immediately."
Nodding approvingly, our conversation dies down as she processes the information while we walk slowly through the fields of crops. The setting sun's orange glow just barely peaking out over the walls around the outer edges of the compound and providing us a bit of light to see with, all the while Servants tending to the field's crops make their way past us back towards the main building to wash up.
As part of the ever-growing compound, I've been making sure to include areas for my summons to rest and relax at when they're busy doing their daily routines that Ichi has set up for them.
The latest one, is a massive underground space next to the warehouse/training room filled with couches, tables, chairs, and televisions that my summons can use to relax in.
Just because they're technically not living, doesn't mean I have to be a dick and prevent them from enjoying themselves when they're not busy.
Plus, it saves me the trouble of having to constantly summon and unsummon them every time the day's over.
"What will you do about Rias?" Ichi asks as she runs her hand across the stem of one of the crops, her eyes checking for any irregularities in its growth. "Even if the man is plotting against her, he's still her father. His death, whether she believes it to be natural or not, will affect her."
For all of Zeoticus's disliking of a woman becoming the head of House Gremory, and his attempts to force Rias into contractual marriages, the man is still her father. And Rias, bleeding heart that she is when it comes to anything "family", will suffer from his eventual death.
"…as much as I might dislike the man, you're right." Breathing out a sigh through my nose, I turn my gaze away from Ichi's lithe frame and out across the field. "I'll have to wait and see how she responds to the news, first. Any attempt to mentally prepare her or engage with her in any way that's different before Zeoticus succumbs to the poison and falls asleep will seem out of the ordinary."
"And what about your deal will her sister?" She asks over her shoulder, "Will you ever reveal the truth to her?"
"No."
It doesn't take a genius to know that revealing my deal with her sister will cause more than its fair share of issues, let alone what the consequences will be if she decides to tell anyone else in a moment of anger. "The only ones who need to know, do. Anyone else finding out will only complicate things."
I can trust Ichi with the information because she's undyingly loyal to me as my summon. Siras, Grayfia, and Venelana are just as much involved in this as I am, so any one of them revealing what they know would put just as big a target on their own backs as it would on everyone else.
Despite how much her posture and body language says she disagrees with my decision, Ichi reluctantly drops the discussion.
Watching silently as the last few rays of sunlight disappear behind the compound walls and the pale light of the moon begins to shine over us, I motion for Ichi to follow me back towards the main building.
After waving good night to her, I spend the next few hours enjoying a long hot shower followed by a late-night dinner before turning in for a long, well-deserved sleep. Only momentarily pausing as Juichi's massive frame joins me in bed so that I can use her chest like the world's comfiest set of pillows.
- Timeskip: One Week Later -
A week after the events in the Underworld, I've found myself spending a lot of time either at Aika's place or down in the Dungeon. The perverted brunette might not know what's going on, she was somehow able to pick up on the fact that I wasn't exactly at my best the day after Zeoticus's poisoning.
Instead of having a lot of sex around her place followed by plenty of outdoor dates, the two of us actually spent quite a long time just relaxing together on the couch watching movies like regular teenagers.
The small bit of normality being around Aika brings to the hectic lifestyle of being in the supernatural world helps me in more ways than I can ever fully express.
…though the vigorous nights of hours-long lovemaking show I certainly tried.
Leveled Up - Passive:
[Sexual Experience] (Passive) - Lvl. 88 (Expert)
Also, I have gotten very…very good at sex.
But perhaps just as importantly, I've also gotten better with my Monk class.
- Dungeon -
Back in the Dungeon, several massive black-furred beasts that look like giant wolves with glowing red eyes come charging at me from all sides, their size making me look almost ant-sized in comparison. But, despite their towering forms, the only emotion running through my body is excitement.
"[Monk: Ki Tornado]!"
Moments before the beasts could reach me, a tornado of golden energy explodes from my body. Instantly, the beasts' charge is halted as their snarling mouths are shredded by the energy before being thrown violently back with pained howls.
[Hellbeast] (x8) defeated!
Seeing two of the Hellbeasts survive my attack, I raise both palms and point them at the wounded beasts as golden Ki energy gathers in my hands. "[Monk: Ki Burst]!"
Leveled Up - Skills:
[Monk: Ki Burst] (Active) - Lvl. 34 (Apprentice)
[Monk: Ki Tornado] (Active) - Lvl. 20 (Novice)
"Come on, is that all you've got!" I shout across the empty cavern of the latest Dungeon I've unlocked. After finally pushing the Monsters (Lvl. 100 - 500) Dungeon off for so long, I eventually caved in and decided to check it out. Turns out that this particular dungeon is an almost perfect replica of the Grand Canyon, with hundreds of different monsters from all types of mythology growling around the place.
The Hellbeasts are but one of several types that I've currently defeated, and their sheer numbers per "mob" make them a lot better option for grinding out levels for my skills than some of the other monsters.
"RAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!"
In response to my challenge, several more Hellbeasts sprinting towards me from a distance. At the head of the group, one Hellbeast in particular stands even taller than the others.
'[Observe].'
Alpha Hellbeast - Level 151
'…I had to get ahead of myself.' Realizing that my adrenaline has been getting the better of me, I use [Flight] to give myself a bit of space as the next group of monsters gets closer.
Unlike the other Hellbeasts, the Alpha is actually 10 levels above me. Which means I can't just stand there and tank it's hits with [Oni: Touki] while spamming my Monk skills.
Luckily for me, I have more than just my Monk class to rely on. "[Balance Breaker: Bladesmith Arsenal]!"
As the group of Hellbeasts charge with their Alpha at the fore, a hailstorm of silver swords rains down upon them from overhead. The Light shining from each blade allowing the swords to dig into their thick-furred hides, leaving trails of black blood dripping from their weakening bodies as their formerly synchronized charge staggers to a halt.
With the Holy Swords acting as conduits, I use my newly-gained [Magic: Lightning] to electrocute the Hellbeasts before they have a chance to get back up.
[Hellbeast] (x5) defeated!
Unlike the others, the Alpha continues its charge despite the silver swords sticking out of its flesh, the massive muscles on its legs bunching up in preparation for a massive leap that carries it through the air and towards my position in the sky.
…only to be met with the glowing crimson tip of Gae Dearg that plows straight through the Alpha's skull like its bones and thick hide are made of paper.
[Alpha Hellbeast] defeated!
Flying down to pick up the Crimson Rose of Exorcism, I stare out across the destroyed area filled with dropped loot and dozens of Holy Swords before deciding to end today's grinding. Double-checking my stats before I go, the textbox that appears brings a smile to my face.
Sora Sakai - Level 141 [33%] - Summoner
Human - Sacred Gear User
It's a slow process, but every day adds a few more levels and brings me the slightest bit closer to being strong enough to take on the supernatural world's toughest challenges.
Before I go, I step over to the reward chest that appears.
For this particular dungeon, since there are so many monsters of various types and levels - some, like the Alpha, even surpassing my own - the Dungeon now offers reward chests for defeating each group of monsters and their Alpha.
'Let's see what we got today, Gaia.'
Ooooh, I hope it's something pretty!
Reaching out, I casually lift the wooden lid of the chest before peering inside only to see…a clear glass bottle with a message stuck inside?
[Message in a Bottle]
Contains a message sent from the future.
Curious about the message and not willing to wait until later to read it, I quickly grab the bottle and pop open the cork before pulling out the message.
"The time of reckoning approaches.
Beware the coming of Heroes,
And the end of loyalty to King."
"…the fuck?"
- END -
Author Notes:
And that's Chapter 23!
Before anyone says anything…Sora was not under Rias's Charm, his Gamer Mind prevents that from happening. Zeoticus just doesn't understand why Sora would willing help his daughter and looks for any sort of answer that paints his side of the family in a controlling light.
Also, I finally got more than a single day off of work to actually do what I enjoy! So, I wrote this entire chapter today as a "thank you" to you all for following my story despite my terrible uploading schedule.
Hope you all are still liking it so far! Thanks for checking out my story.