The next morning, I stood in the center of the training arena, sweat beading on my forehead as I held my hands in the tiger sign. Around me, droplets of water hovered in mid-air, each one reflecting tiny fragments of light. I breathed in, focusing on the moisture, then exhaled sharply.
"Needle Rain."
The water droplets elongated into razor-sharp needles, their tips glinting with deadly purpose. They hung suspended for a heartbeat before launching toward the practice dummy. Where they struck, small purple Valac sigils appeared, pulsing briefly before fading.
I lowered my hands, studying the results. The distribution was better than yesterday—more uniform, with tighter grouping around vital points. Latia's advice about elemental resonance had made an immediate difference. By thinking of water not as separate from shadow but as a different manifestation of the same fundamental energy, I'd improved both control and power.
"Impressive improvement," Ariel said from her position at the edge of the arena. "Your precision has increased by approximately twenty percent since yesterday."
I rolled my shoulders, working out the tension. "Latia's theory about cross-element harmonization was spot on. Water responds better when I treat it like shadow in a different state rather than as a separate element."
"Lady Astaroth seems quite... beneficial to your development."
I shot her a look. "Don't start."
"I wouldn't dream of it, Young Master." Her smile widened slightly. "Though I must say, the household staff has been unusually energetic this morning. News travels fast."
"Gossip, you mean." I grabbed a towel from the nearby bench and wiped my face. "What's the current version making the rounds?"
"That you and Lady Astaroth were caught in a compromising position in the Shadow Garden, and that she boldly declared her intentions with a public kiss." Ariel's eyes gleamed. "The more creative versions suggest she's already agreed to be your wife and that the alliance documents are being drawn up as we speak."
I snorted. "Father wastes no time."
"Speaking of which," Ariel glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, "your parents have requested your presence in Lord Valac's study in twenty minutes. They mentioned it was a matter of some importance."
"Did they now?" I tossed the towel aside. "Any hints about the topic?"
"None specifically, though your mother seemed... amused." Ariel fell into step beside me as I headed toward the exit. "Perhaps it concerns your upcoming departure to the human world?"
"Perhaps."
I had my suspicions. The timing was too convenient—the day after my evening with Latia, and just two weeks before my planned departure. Either they wanted to discuss the potential Astaroth alliance, or they had news that might affect my plans. Possibly both.
After a quick shower and change into more formal attire—a concession to my father's preferences for family meetings—I made my way to the west wing. Ariel accompanied me, maintaining a respectful half-step behind as we navigated the shadowy corridors of the Valac mansion.
We reached my father's study precisely on time. I knocked once, just firmly enough to be heard.
"Enter," my father's voice commanded.
I pushed open the heavy oak door, revealing the familiar space beyond. Unlike most rooms in the mansion, my father's study changed little over the years. The same massive desk dominated the center, flanked by towering bookshelves filled with ancient texts. The purple-tinted windows cast their eternal twilight glow across the room, creating pools of shadow that seemed to move independently of light sources.
My father sat behind his desk, his long black hair pulled back in its customary style, his sharp features set in their usual stern expression. Beside him, my mother stood with perfect posture, her silver hair cascading down her back, her amethyst eyes watching me with that peculiar all-seeing quality that always made me wonder just how much she perceived.
"Dante," my father acknowledged. "And Ariel. Good."
"Please, both of you, sit." My mother gestured to the chairs arranged before the desk.
I took the seat directly across from my father, while Ariel hesitated briefly before perching on the edge of the chair to my right. Her back remained straight, her hands folded properly in her lap.
"You've been practicing the water manipulation technique," my mother observed. "It's improving rapidly."
I nodded. "Latia provided some insights that proved useful."
"I'm sure she did," my father said, a hint of smugness in his tone. "The Astaroth girl has her uncle's brilliance, albeit applied differently."
My mother's lips curved into a subtle smile. "We're not here to discuss your training, though I'm pleased to see your continued progress. There's a matter of some importance we need to address."
"Regarding my departure to the human world?" I asked, cutting to the chase.
My parents exchanged a look—one of those married-for-centuries communications that conveyed entire conversations in a glance.
"Yes," my father said finally. "Though not quite as you might expect."
He reached into his desk drawer and withdrew an official-looking document bearing the ornate seals of two of the Four Great Satans. My stomach tightened. Whatever this was, it wasn't a simple family discussion about my plans.
"Yesterday," my father continued, "we received direct communications from both Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan."
"Regarding?" I prompted when he paused.
"You," my mother said simply. "More specifically, your recent registration as a King and your plans to form a peerage."
Ah. That explained it.
"It seems," my father continued, "that news of your new status reached them quite quickly. They've taken a particular interest in your development."
"How flattering," I drawled, not bothering to hide my skepticism. "And what exactly do the esteemed Satans want with me?"
My father's jaw tightened slightly at my tone, but he continued without rebuke. "They've suggested—rather strongly—that you would benefit from attending Kuoh Academy on Earth."
"Kuoh?" I frowned. "The school managed by the Gremory and Sitri heiresses?"
"The very same," my father confirmed.
I leaned back in my chair, the implications hitting me. "Let me guess. They think I need supervision."
"They presented it as an opportunity," my mother interjected smoothly. "A chance to experience the human world while completing your education in an environment already adapted for devils."
I laughed. "An 'opportunity' that places me directly under the authority of both Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri. How convenient."
"The political implications are clear," my father agreed, surprising me with his candor. "It would establish a hierarchy with House Valac subordinate to both Gremory and Sitri."
"Fuckkkkkkk." The word escaped me in a long exhale as I dragged a hand down my face. "But I can't decline a request from not one but two Satans, can I?"
"It would be... unwise," my mother said carefully. "Particularly given our house's current position."
I glanced at Ariel, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. Her expression revealed nothing, but I caught the slight tension in her shoulders. As my first peerage member, this affected her directly as well.
"I assume there are terms?" I asked, returning my attention to my parents.
My father pushed the document across the desk toward me. "You would be required to enroll as a student and participate in a minimum number of school activities."
I skimmed the document, focusing on the key points. "This says nothing about required attendance."
"A notable omission," my mother observed, her tone suggesting it wasn't accidental. "One that provides a certain... flexibility."
I read further, noting several other interesting gaps in the requirements. "They want me there, but they've left significant room for negotiation on the specifics."
"Indeed," my father said. "An unusual approach for both Sirzechs and Serafall, who typically leave little to chance in their political maneuvers."
"Unless the ambiguity itself is the strategy," I mused, thinking aloud. "Force me into their territory, but give me just enough freedom that I don't feel completely constrained. Make me think I've negotiated favorable terms, when in reality..."
"You're still exactly where they want you to be," my mother finished.
I set the document down, thinking through the implications. On one hand, this complicated my plans. I'd intended to operate independently in the human world, free from the political entanglements of devil society. On the other hand, Kuoh was a known devil territory with established infrastructure—which could make certain aspects easier.
"As long as Sona doesn't require me to be in class every day," I said finally, "I could make this work. Twice a week, perhaps, with freedom to pursue my own interests the rest of the time."
My mother nodded. "A reasonable starting position for negotiations."
"You seem less upset by this than I expected," my father observed, studying me carefully.
I shrugged. "I'm adapting to the situation. Besides, there might be advantages to operating within their territory rather than establishing my own elsewhere."
"Such as?" he prompted.
"Access to their information networks. Proximity to other young devils who might become allies. A base of operations that already has magical protections in place." I tapped my fingers on the arm of my chair. "And of course, the opportunity to observe both Rias and Sona up close, learning their strengths and weaknesses firsthand."
A small smile curved my father's lips. "Now you're thinking like a Valac."
"I am a Valac," I reminded him dryly.
My mother moved around the desk, coming to stand beside my chair. "There's one more aspect to consider, Dante. The Sitri girl."
I grimaced. "Yes, I imagine Sona will make this as difficult as possible, given our history."
"Perhaps," my mother agreed. "But she is also fair, despite her personal feelings. She won't mistreat you without cause."
"And if I give her cause?" I couldn't help asking.
My mother's lips quirked upward. "Then you'll learn valuable lessons about consequences. Either way, the experience would benefit you."
I shot her a suspicious look. She seemed almost... pleased about this development. Too pleased.
"You knew about this already," I realized suddenly. "Before yesterday. This isn't news to either of you."
My parents exchanged another of those married-couples glances.
"We received the communication two days ago," my father admitted. "We wanted time to consider our response before discussing it with you."
"And to see my reaction," I added, understanding dawning. "You were curious how I'd take it."
"We were," my mother acknowledged without apology. "Your response tells us much about your readiness for this next step."
I shook my head, caught between annoyance and reluctant admiration for their tactics. "And what does my response tell you?"
"That you've matured," my father said, surprising me with what sounded suspiciously like pride. "The Dante of even a year ago would have raged against this imposition, seeing only the constraints rather than the opportunities."
"I still see the constraints," I pointed out.
"But you're adapting to them rather than merely resisting," my mother said. "That's progress."
I turned to Ariel, who had remained silent throughout. "What do you think about all this? As my first piece, your opinion matters."
Ariel looked momentarily startled, both by being addressed directly.
"I think..." she began carefully, "that Kuoh Academy provides both challenges and opportunities, Young Master. The oversight of two heiresses will be restrictive, but their territories are well-established and secure. For beginning our operations in the human world, it offers certain advantages."
I nodded, appreciating her practical assessment. "Then we'll make it work."
"Excellent," my father said, his tone shifting to business-like efficiency. "I'll draft a response accepting the arrangement in principle, while proposing specific terms regarding your attendance and activities."
"And I'll begin making preparations for your move to the human world," my mother added. "There are properties we can secure near Kuoh that would serve your needs while maintaining appropriate independence."
"Thank you." I stood, signaling that I considered the discussion concluded. "Is there anything else we need to address?"
My mother's expression softened slightly. "Just one thing, Dante. Regarding Lady Astaroth."
I tensed, preparing for some kind of warning or restriction.
Instead, she surprised me. "She would be welcome to visit you in the human world, should your relationship continue to develop. In fact, I would encourage it."
That was unexpected. "You would?"
"Of course," my mother said simply. "She's good for you."
I studied her face, searching for hidden motives, but found only sincerity. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good." She stepped back, returning to her usual composed demeanor. "We'll discuss the specific arrangements for Kuoh tomorrow, once we've had time to review all considerations."
I nodded, then turned to leave, Ariel rising smoothly to follow me.
"Dante," my father called as I reached the door.
I paused, looking back.
"Despite the unexpected complications, this is still your journey to undertake as you see fit." His expression was unusually open. "We're here to support your path, not dictate it."
The statement, so unlike his usual controlling approach, caught me off guard. I managed a nod of acknowledgment before exiting the study, Ariel a silent shadow behind me.
As the door closed behind us, I let out a long breath. "Well, that changes things."
"Does it, Young Master?" Ariel asked quietly. "Or does it simply add a new dimension to your existing plans?"
I glanced at her, appreciating her insight. "A bit of both, I suppose. Kuoh wasn't in my original calculations, but perhaps it should have been."
"What will you do about Lady Astaroth?" she asked as we walked through the corridor.
I considered the question, thinking of Latia's intelligence, her unexpected understanding about Essence Drain, the compatibility we'd discovered in the Shadow Garden.
"I'll tell her the truth," I decided. "She deserves that much. And then... we'll see where things lead."
Ariel nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "A wise approach, Young Master."
Kuoh Academy. Rias Gremory. Sona Sitri. Potential allies and certain complications.
Two weeks until everything changed. I needed to be ready.