In the Underworld—
The Demon King's Castle.
At that moment, Lucifer was meeting with the heir of the House of Gremory.
Seated in the shadows, the figure radiated an unusual aura. Half of his body was illuminated by lamplight, his silk robes exuding a majestic authority. Even among the Four Great Maou, Lucifer was special—only the strongest devil could bear that title.
"Lord Lucifer."
Rias Gremory spoke calmly, making a straightforward report regarding the Fallen Angels.
"I already know everything you've mentioned. You did well this time—especially ensuring that the Divine Dividing Red Dragon Emperor's Gear did not end up in the enemy's hands."
"…It's all thanks to Hikaru. I only handled the aftermath."
Rias sighed inwardly.
"Then why not tell me more about this classmate of yours, Hikaru?"
From the shadows emerged a young, handsome face.
"I've heard you've been getting close to this Hikaru recently. Is he your boyfriend from the human world, little Rias?"
No longer using a low, serious tone, his voice now held curiosity, even mischief. The youth's features bore a slight resemblance to Rias's own. This was Sirzechs, the Demon King Lucifer of the Underworld, and also Rias's older brother. Upon inheriting Lucifer's title, he had to separate himself from the House of Gremory—hence Rias became the heiress.
"What? Brother, where did you hear that from? Hikaru isn't my boyfriend!"
Rias looked dumbfounded.
"But I heard you've been spending time with him these past six months. Little Rias, you've never acted like this with any man outside the family. So, when's the wedding? Are you planning on having kids? I rather look forward to having a nephew or niece."
Those words left Rias utterly speechless. What sort of nonsense is this?
She did have good feelings toward Hikaru, but… marriage and kids? That was way off in the future, wasn't it?
"Brother, who told you all this?!"
Rias demanded.
"I heard it from Serafall. She dropped by recently, complaining that her younger sister Sona opposed her for the first time."
"Er… Sona? What's she got to do with any of this?"
"Apparently, Sona and Hikaru have also been quite close. He even helped restore Kishimojin in Hachiōji City so she could regain her divine duties, for which the Sitri family rewarded Sona. Of course Serafall heard about it. Serafall saw how friendly Sona and he have become and wanted to visit the human world to warn him not to get too cozy with her sister. But Sona outright refused. So… little Rias, is this some kind of love triangle?"
Sirzechs's expression radiated curiosity.
"It's definitely not a love triangle!"
Rias snapped back.
"Please, Lord Lucifer, don't just believe rumors. I have other matters to attend to; I'm leaving now."
She stormed off in a huff, but her mind was in turmoil. Why are Sona and Hikaru suddenly so close? Sona had a great relationship with her sister, the Demon King Leviathan Serafall, but now they were arguing over Hikaru?
Rias felt like her head was spinning; she probably wouldn't get any sleep tonight.
Once Rias was gone, Sirzechs dropped his playful grin and looked over the intelligence he'd gathered.
"Not only did he handle Kishimojin, but he also killed the leader of Bronze Tree and took the Red Dragon Emperor's Longinus… Hmm."
"Grayfia, what's your opinion of him?"
From the shadows appeared a silver-haired young woman, dressed just as regally. She wore a cold expression.
"He's of unknown origin, extremely strong, highly capable, and he doesn't seem to have any backing. Someone worth bringing into the fold, but we'll need to observe him further to see where he stands."
"That's acceptable. If little Rias truly fancies him, I can rest easy. But that child is so stubborn—she bottles everything up. Perhaps Hikaru will change her."
Sirzechs sighed softly. Then he added,
"By the way, how are things at the border? While it's calm for now, we know their intentions haven't changed. Word is they're still searching in secret for the descendants of the original Maou."
"Descendants… we'll keep an eye on that."
…
Time swiftly carried on to the weekend.
After gently moving the snoozing Est off him, and glancing at Asia curled up in her blankets, Hikaru left his villa. Observing Asia's situation, he considered whether to enroll her in school. It wouldn't be difficult—he just had to ask Rias or Sona for some help.
During the lunch break, Hikaru looked for Koneko, intending to discuss Asia's situation with her.
"Got it. I happen to be heading to the Occult Research Club now. Want to come?"
"Sure."
~~~
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