The days in Kuoh had grown increasingly eventful, each one pushing Julian Kaiser Mercury closer to the heart of his intricate plan. To dismantle the New Satan Faction, Julian knew he had to first erode the influence and resolve of their strongest allies—the Satans. His strategy was subtle yet devastating: break their younger sisters from within, not through force, but through manipulation.
Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri were powerful in their own right, but Julian understood that their vulnerabilities lay in their loyalty to their
brother and sister and their burgeoning independence. By carefully intervening in their lives, he could create situations that fostered their reliance on him, positioning himself as their most trusted ally.
Julian's first opportunity came during Rias' confrontation with Riser Phenex. The arrogant devil had arrived at Kuoh Academy to assert his claim over Rias, their arranged engagement a political maneuver by their families. The tension in the Occult Research Club room was palpable as Riser flaunted his superiority, dismissing Rias' protests with cruel arrogance.
Julian watched from the shadows, his silver eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. While Rias was strong-willed and determined, her emotions threatened to undermine her resolve. Julian stepped forward, his presence commanding as he spoke.
"Riser Phenex," Julian's voice was calm but edged with authority. "It seems you've mistaken dominance for strength. True strength comes from respect, not coercion."
Riser turned, his expression one of incredulous annoyance. "And who might you be? Another of Rias' pathetic little pawns?"
Julian's lips curled into a faint smile, his silver eyes gleaming. "Not a pawn. An equal."
The room fell silent, the tension thick as Julian's words hung in the air. Riser scoffed, his arrogance blinding him to the subtle power radiating from Julian. But Rias saw it—the quiet intensity, the unwavering confidence. It was a stark contrast to the chaos Riser brought, and it reassured her in a way she couldn't explain.
When the confrontation ended, Julian's intervention had left an indelible mark. Rias began to see him not just as a peer but as a protector, someone she could turn to when the weight of her responsibilities grew too heavy.
Julian's interference in Sona's affairs was more subtle, tailored to her intellectual nature. During one of their debates about strategic planning, Julian uncovered a flaw in the Sitri family's defenses—one that could have jeopardized their faction's stability. Rather than using this knowledge against her, Julian offered a solution, framing it as a gesture of goodwill.
Sona was taken aback, her sharp mind recognizing the depth of Julian's insight. She began to seek his opinion more frequently, their conversations evolving into a series of collaborative efforts to strengthen her position. Julian's calculated approach made her feel valued and respected, deepening her trust in him.
Amidst his carefully orchestrated manipulations, Julian found moments of respite with Kalawarner. Their encounters had grown more frequent, each one deepening the connection between them. Kalawarner's guarded demeanor had softened, her curiosity about Julian transforming into genuine interest.
One evening, they met by the same stream where they had first crossed paths. The moonlight danced across the water, the serene atmosphere a stark contrast to the turmoil in their lives.
"You're not what I expected," Kalawarner said, her tone thoughtful as she studied Julian. "You hide so much behind that calm exterior."
Julian turned to her, his silver eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I've learned that keeping things hidden can be a strength. But I don't hide everything."
Kalawarner raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Oh? What do you choose to share, then?"
Julian's gaze softened, his voice quiet. "Enough to show that I can be trusted. Enough to show that I care."
Kalawarner's wings shifted, her posture relaxing as she regarded him. There was a warmth in his words, a sincerity she hadn't expected. For the first time, she felt a sense of comfort in his presence, as though the weight of her own struggles had been lightened.
Their conversation lingered long into the night, each word forging a bond that neither had anticipated. When they parted ways, there was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that transcended their shared pain.
As Julian returned to the Mercury estate, his thoughts swirled with the complexity of his plan. Rias and Sona were becoming more dependent on him, their trust in him growing with each calculated interaction. Yet amidst the chaos of his scheme, Julian found himself drawn to Kalawarner—a connection that felt unplanned, yet undeniably real.