Chapter 38: The Demon King's Visit
That night, a new disturbance broke out.
As usual, while Kazuki and the rest of the peerage were diligently working on their devil duties, Issei, who had gone out on his bike, returned with a pale face.
Upon hearing the terrified Issei's story, it turned out that his client for the night was an outrageous individual.
The Fallen Angel Governor, Azazel.
The top of 'Grigori, the Watchers of the Children of God,' a major figure whose name appears in the Bible, had entered the town without permission and had been summoning Issei for several days.
While playing video games, Issei was called the Red Dragon Emperor, and when Azazel suddenly spread his twelve black wings and introduced himself, Issei felt as if he had lost the will to live.
"T-that was scary..."
Asia comforted the still pale and trembling Issei with a lap pillow.
"Really, this is no joke," Rias said, clearly upset.
After the recent "Holy Sword Incident," Azazel had proposed a meeting with representatives from Heaven and the Underworld, and it was decided that the top leaders of the three major factions would meet in Kuoh Town.
Azazel might have come for a preliminary visit, but it was honestly chilling that he had entered without any notice and had been summoning Issei for days.
According to Issei, there was no malice, and he felt that Azazel was somewhat amused, but it was hard to tell. After all, Fallen Angels are those who pursue their own desires and have abandoned their heavenly mission.
"Azazel has a strong interest in Sacred Gears. Perhaps he approached Issei because of the Boosted Gear, the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet... Yumi, and you too, Kazuki. Both of you need to be careful. Yumi's Sword Birth, which has reached the Balance Breaker, is a precious Sacred Gear, and Kazuki's Guyver is an unidentified Sacred Gear not even listed. There's a high possibility that Azazel might desire them."
The whole group nodded in agreement following Rias' recent statements.
"But President, what should we do for now? Since we don't know his intentions, we can't act recklessly..."
"That's true..." Rias pondered over Akeno's words.
Then,
"Azazel has always been that kind of man, Rias."
A man's voice suddenly rang out, and looking over, a handsome red-haired man in a suit, accompanied by a maid, was smiling warmly.
"O-O-Onii-Sama!?"
At Rias's almost scream-like voice, Kazuki, Issei, Asia, and Xenovia, the newcomers, understood who this person was.
It was Rias's brother and one of the current Four Great Satans, the 'Crimson Demon King' Sirzechs Lucifer himself.
"Azazel won't do anything like Kokabiel. Well, he might play pranks like this time... But still, the Governor arrived quite early. It seems there's something in this town that has caught his interest."
The Demon King seemed to be deep in thought, but Rias was not in the mood for that.
"B-big brother? When did you get here...?" Rias stammered her voice a mix of surprise and exasperation.
"Just now," Sirzechs replied casually, his smile as warm as ever.
"Honestly...! You have a position to uphold, Onii-sama! You can't just go around doing whatever you please!" Rias scolded, though her tone carried a hint of affection.
"Oh, my bad!" Sirzechs said with a light chuckle, clearly not too bothered by her reprimand.
Despite the suddenness of his visit, Rias seemed genuinely happy to see her brother after so long.
"So, what brings you here this time?"
"Well, as you know, the top leaders of the three great factions are planning to hold a summit in Kuoh Town soon. I thought it might be a good idea to use Kuoh Academy as the venue. I came to check it out under the guise of attending your class observation," Sirzechs explained.
Everyone was taken aback by this revelation. Why the academy? Honestly, wouldn't it be easier to secure a hotel or a traditional Japanese inn for such an important meeting?
"Also, I wanted to personally commend your peerage for their achievements," Sirzechs added, his gaze sweeping over the group.
With that, the Crimson Satan began introducing himself.
"Now, aside from Akeno, Yumi, and Koneko, this is my first time meeting the rest of you. I am Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Great Satans. As you know, I'm also Rias's older brother. Today is a private visit, so there's no need to be formal. Just treat me as you normally would," he said with a friendly smile.
Despite his words, the group couldn't help but feel uneasy. Sensing their discomfort, Sirzechs approached each of them individually, addressing them with a personal touch.
"To think the Red Dragon Emperor would become Rias's servant... I'm impressed. I know you've been through a lot, but keep up the good work. I'm counting on you, Issei," Sirzechs said, placing a hand on Issei's shoulder.
"Y-yes, sir!" Issei replied, stiffening under the attention.
"I've heard about your circumstances. It must have been tough. But rest assured, now that you're part of Rias's peerage, you're under my protection as well. Live happily and without worry, Asia," Sirzechs said gently, his tone soothing.
"Y-yes! Thank you, Lord Lucifer!" Asia responded, her voice trembling slightly.
"I never thought the wielder of the legendary holy sword, Durandal, would join Rias's peerage... I couldn't believe it when I heard. But you're a reliable one. Do your best, Xenovia," Sirzechs said with a nod of approval.
"For the great Lucifer to say such things... I'll do everything in my power to prove myself," Xenovia replied, her usual confidence shining through.
"...Finally, we meet, Kazuki Fuwa. I've been wanting to have a proper conversation with you," Sirzechs said, his tone shifting slightly as he turned to Kazuki.
"...Yeah," Kazuki replied, his voice calm but guarded.
"(Whispering) Can I borrow you tonight? There's a lot I'd like to ask about you," Sirzechs murmured, his words so soft that only Kazuki could hear.
"...Sure," Kazuki answered, his expression unreadable.
He could only nod in response, his mind racing with questions about what the Crimson Satan could possibly want from him.
The night was far from over, and the weight of Sirzechs's attention left Kazuki with a sense of unease he couldn't shake.
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