The week passed in a blur of texts, calls, and magical communications with Latia. Each conversation peeled away another layer of formality between us, revealing more of the woman behind the Astaroth name. She sent me obscure magical theories at three in the morning. I responded with shadow manipulation techniques I'd developed. We debated the merits of different human philosophers until sunrise. By Friday, it felt like we'd known each other for years rather than weeks.
Saturday morning arrived with an unusual request from my father.
"You'll be taking the Phantom today," he announced over breakfast, sliding a set of keys across the table.
I caught them mid-slide, raising an eyebrow. "Your car? The one you threatened to disown me for touching last year?"
Father's lips twitched in what might have been amusement. "That's the one."
"What's the catch?"
"No catch." He sipped his coffee, eyes never leaving mine. "Just don't scratch it."
Mother glanced up from her correspondence, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "What your father means is: take good care of both the car and your companion today."
"I always take care of my companions," I said, pocketing the keys.
"Indeed." Father's expression turned serious. "The Astaroth girl deserves proper treatment. A first official outing calls for appropriate transportation."
I studied the sleek black keys in my palm. The Phantom wasn't just transportation—it was a statement. My father's prized possession, a custom-built vehicle that combined human world engineering with devil realm enchantments. Taking it to collect Latia sent a very specific message to devil society.
"Thank you."
Father nodded once, returning to his newspaper. The matter was settled.
Three hours later, I navigated the winding road leading to the Astaroth estate, the Phantom purring beneath me like a satisfied predator. The car handled like a dream, responding to the slightest touch. No wonder my father guarded it so jealously.
The Astaroth estate loomed ahead, its architecture a striking blend of classical and modern elements—much like the family itself. Traditional spires and gothic arches merged seamlessly with sleek glass structures that housed the family's various research facilities. Even the gardens reflected this duality, with formal geometric patterns giving way to experimental botanical sections where magical hybrids grew in carefully monitored conditions.
I pulled up to the main entrance, where a servant immediately appeared to open my door. I stepped out, adjusting the cuffs of my suit.
"Lord Valac," the servant greeted with a deep bow. "Welcome to the Astaroth estate."
"Thank you." I handed him the keys. "Please ensure it remains in pristine condition."
"Of course."
I ascended the steps to the main entrance, where an elderly butler awaited. His posture was impeccable, his expression professionally neutral, though I caught the flicker of assessment in his eyes as he took in my appearance.
"Lord Dante Valac," he intoned, opening the door with a practiced gesture. "Lady Latia is completing her preparations and extends her apologies for the brief delay. She has requested that you wait in the formal receiving room."
"Of course."
The butler led me through the grand entrance hall, its vaulted ceiling adorned with magical murals depicting various achievements of the Astaroth clan throughout history. Many featured Ajuka Beelzebub—formerly Ajuka Astaroth—and his revolutionary magical innovations.
"Lady Latia will join you shortly," the butler said, opening an ornate door to reveal a tastefully appointed receiving room. "May I offer refreshment while you wait?"
"No, thank you."
He bowed and withdrew, leaving me alone in the elegant space. I wandered to the window, looking out over the meticulously maintained grounds. Magical formula arrays were subtly woven into the garden designs—Latia's work, no doubt. Each pattern served both aesthetic and practical purposes, creating a harmonious energy flow throughout the property.
"Admiring our gardens?" a soft, cultured voice asked from behind me.
I turned to find a young man standing in the doorway. He was handsome in a delicate way, with dark green hair and eyes that remained almost closed, giving him a perpetually serene expression.
Diodora Astaroth. The current heir to the Astaroth clan.
"They're quite impressive," I replied. "The integration of formula arrays into the landscape design shows remarkable ingenuity."
"My cousin's work." He glided into the room, his movements as smooth and practiced as his smile. "Latia has always had a gift for seeing patterns where others see only chaos. Much like uncle in that regard."
I inclined my head in acknowledgment. "A valuable trait."
"Indeed." He stopped a few paces away, maintaining a perfectly appropriate distance for formal conversation. "I must say, your visit comes as a pleasant surprise, Lord Valac. Our families haven't had much direct interaction in recent years."
"Perhaps it's time for that to change."
His smile widened fractionally. "Perhaps. Though I wonder what specifically has prompted this sudden... interest in House Astaroth."
The subtle emphasis made his meaning clear. News of my time with Latia had reached him, and he was probing for intentions.
"Your cousin is exceptional," I said simply. "Intelligence, magical talent, and genuine character make for a rare combination."
"Yes, Latia is quite special." Something flickered behind his almost-closed eyes—an emotion I couldn't quite identify. "Our family has always valued her potential. It's good to see others recognizing it as well."
"The Valac clan has a long tradition of recognizing value where others might miss it," I replied carefully.
"As do the Astaroth." He clasped his hands before him. "We're particularly skilled at identifying hidden potential and... cultivating it."
"An admirable trait."
Diodora moved to a nearby table, running one finger along its polished surface. "I understand congratulations are in order. Becoming a King is a significant milestone."
"Thank you."
"Have you begun forming your peerage?"
"Just beginning." I offered nothing more, unwilling to discuss Ariel with him.
"The selection process is fascinating, isn't it?" His smile never wavered. "Finding those special individuals who complement one's own abilities and... desires."
"I prefer to focus on compatibility and potential."
"As do I." His golden eyes opened slightly wider, revealing an intensity that his placid expression had concealed. "Though our definitions of 'potential' might differ."
Before I could respond, he glanced at an ornate timepiece on the wall. "Forgive me, but I must attend to some duties. My peerage requires regular... attention."
"Of course. Don't let me keep you."
"It was a pleasure to finally meet you properly, Dante Valac." He offered a slight bow. "I look forward to seeing how your relationship with my cousin develops. Family connections are so important, don't you think?"
"They certainly are," I agreed neutrally.
He nodded once more before gliding from the room, leaving behind an uncomfortable energy that lingered like stale perfume. I exhaled slowly, feeling as though I'd just navigated a minefield blindfolded.
What the hell was that?
Something about Diodora Astaroth felt fundamentally wrong. His perfect manners and gentle demeanor seemed like a carefully constructed mask hiding something rotten beneath. I couldn't point to anything specific he'd said or done, yet every interaction had left me increasingly uneasy.
The door opened again, and this time Latia entered. The sight of her instantly dispelled the lingering discomfort from my encounter with her cousin.
She wore an outfit that perfectly complemented mine—a pleated plaid skirt in deep purple and black, paired with a fitted black blazer over a silk blouse. Knee-high boots and subtle silver jewelry completed the look. Her blonde hair was styled in loose waves, the blue tips seeming to shimmer with magical energy.
"You look beautiful," I said, the words escaping before I could dress them in anything more clever.
Latia's eyes—that fascinating shift between emerald and turquoise—brightened at the compliment. "Thank you. You clean up rather well yourself."
She crossed the room to me, her movements graceful yet purposeful. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
"Not at all." I took her hand, noting how naturally our fingers intertwined. "Though I did have an interesting conversation with your cousin."
"Diodora engaged you directly? That's... unusual."
"Is it?"
"He typically avoids direct interaction with visitors." She frowned slightly. "What did you talk about?"
"Nothing specific. Just pleasantries." I squeezed her hand gently. "Though I got the distinct impression he was assessing me for some reason."
"He probably was." Latia sighed. "Diodora takes his position as heir very seriously. Any potential alliance involving the Astaroth name would naturally interest him."
"Naturally." I decided not to press further, though my curiosity about the strange heir remained. "Shall we?"
Latia nodded, visibly relaxing as we moved toward the door. "Yes, let's. I've been looking forward to this all week."
We exited the mansion hand in hand, drawing subtle glances from the household staff. The Phantom waited at the bottom of the steps, gleaming in the purple light of the Underworld sky.
"Your father's car?" Latia asked, recognizing it immediately. "I'm honored."
"He insisted." I helped her into the passenger seat, then circled around to the driver's side. Latia reached across to open the door for me. "Apparently, you merit the best transportation House Valac can offer."
I settled into the driver's seat, the leather cool against my back. The Phantom's interior smelled of sandalwood and subtle magic—my father's preferred enchantment for keeping the cabin at perfect temperature regardless of external conditions.
Latia ran her fingers along the dashboard's polished wood inlay. "The craftsmanship is exceptional. Human engineering enhanced by devil magic—the perfect synthesis."
"My father would appreciate that assessment. He spent three years working with both human artisans and devil enchanters to get every detail right."
I started the engine, which purred to life with barely a whisper. As I reached for the gear shift, Latia's hand covered mine.
"Wait." Her voice dropped to a softer register. "That's not a proper hello."
I turned toward her, taking in the expectant look in her eyes. The emerald green had deepened, the subtle shift in color revealing her desire more clearly than words ever could.
"You're right. How rude of me."
I leaned across the center console. Her hand rose to my cheek, fingertips cool against my skin. The scent of her perfume—something with notes of midnight jasmine and rare Underworld botanicals—filled my senses. Our lips met, and what began as a greeting quickly transformed into something more urgent.
Her fingers slid into my hair, gripping lightly as she pulled me closer. I tasted mint and something sweeter—perhaps the remnants of her morning tea. The kiss deepened, her lips parting against mine. Time stretched, the world beyond the Phantom's windows fading to insignificance.
When we finally broke apart, her blue-tipped hair had fallen slightly out of place, a strand curling against her flushed cheek. Her eyes had shifted fully to turquoise—the color they took when her emotions ran high.
"Now that," she said, her voice slightly breathless, "is how you say good morning."
I brushed the wayward strand of hair from her face. "Good morning, then."
She smiled, settling back into her seat and smoothing her skirt. "Much better. Now we can go."
I shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the Astaroth estate. The road stretched before us, winding through the purple-hued landscape of the Underworld toward Lilith, the capital city where we planned to shop.
"Your cousin seemed unusually interested in our... relationship," I said, keeping my eyes on the road.
Latia sighed, turning to watch the passing scenery. "Diodora has always been overly concerned with family connections. The Astaroth name means everything to him."
"Is that all it was?"
She hesitated, fidgeting with the ornate folding fan she always carried. "Possibly not. I may have... mentioned you to my uncle recently."
That caught my attention. "Ajuka Beelzebub? You discussed me with one of the four Satans?"
"It wasn't a formal meeting or anything." Her fan snapped open, then closed—a nervous habit I'd noticed during our previous conversations. "We were discussing magical theory, and your name came up naturally in the context of my work."
"And?"
A small smile played at her lips. "He said your approach to it showed 'intriguing conceptual flexibility uncommon in traditional devil education.'"
"High praise from the architect of the Evil Piece system."
"For Uncle Ajuka, that's practically a standing ovation." Her smile widened. "But more importantly, he... approves."
"Of?"
"My happiness." The words came out softly, almost hesitantly.
I navigated a sharp curve in the road, processing this information.
"It seems your family is taking our association quite seriously," I said carefully.
"They are." She turned fully toward me now, her expression a mix of excitement and nervousness. "The current head of House Astaroth contacted my uncle yesterday. They're... discussing potential alliance terms."
The car swerved slightly before I corrected. "Alliance terms? As in—"
"Marriage contract discussions," she confirmed. "Preliminary, of course. Nothing would be finalized so soon, but... the wheels are in motion."
I absorbed this news, surprised not by the development itself but by the speed at which it was progressing. Devil marriages, particularly between noble houses, typically involved months or years of negotiation before even reaching the preliminary discussion stage.
"That's... unexpected," I said finally.
Latia's fan opened again, fluttering nervously. "Too fast?"
"No," I said honestly. "Just efficient. It seems the Astaroth clan moves quickly when they identify something valuable."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "We do pride ourselves on recognizing optimal solutions promptly."
I laughed. "Only you could make a potential engagement sound like a mathematical equation."
"Mathematics underlies everything worthwhile," she countered, but her smile matched mine. "Including, apparently, us."
We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes. The road curved alongside a crystalline lake, its surface reflecting the perpetual twilight of the Underworld sky.
"I have news as well," I said finally. "Though it might complicate matters."
Her eyebrows rose. "Oh?"
"I've been... invited to attend Kuoh Academy in the human world."
"Kuoh?" Her fan stilled. "The school managed by Rias and Sona?"
"The very same."
"That's not an invitation," she said, her analytical mind immediately grasping the implications. "That's a political maneuver."
"Exactly. Direct communication from both Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, suggesting—rather strongly—that I would benefit from completing my education there."
"Under the supervision of their younger sisters," Latia noted. "Convenient."
"My thoughts exactly."
"When did this happen?"
"The communication arrived earlier this week. My parents and I discussed it yesterday."
Latia's fingers tapped a complex rhythm against her fan. "This changes our parameters significantly. Distance alone would complicate a new relationship, not to mention the political implications of placing you directly under Gremory and Sitri authority."
"Yes, but there are potential advantages as well. Kuoh is already established devil territory with infrastructure in place. And the terms of the arrangement leave significant room for negotiation on specifics like required attendance."
"What did your parents say?"
"They recognized the political reality. Refusing a direct request from two Satans would be unwise, particularly given our house's current standing."
Latia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "My uncle likely knows about this already. It might explain why the alliance discussions have accelerated."
"How so?"
"A formal connection between our houses before you leave for the human world would establish certain expectations and protections. It would be much harder for the Gremory or Sitri clans to exert undue influence if you're formally aligned with the Astaroth family."
I smiled appreciatively. "Political chess at its finest."
"Indeed." She turned to look out the window again, but I could see her reflection in the glass—her expression contemplative, calculating.
"What are you thinking?" I prompted.
"I'm considering going to the human world with you."
"Your family would allow that?"
"They might encourage it, actually. Having an Astaroth presence at Kuoh would ensure our interests are represented. And from a personal perspective..." She hesitated, her fan opening and closing once more. "If I'm potentially going to spend a millennia with someone, it would be nice to know we're compatible in various environments and situations."
The casual reference to our potential lifespan together—centuries stretching into millennia—struck me more powerfully than I expected. Devils lived for incredibly long periods, but hearing it framed in the context of us, together, made the abstract concept suddenly, intensely personal.
"That's... quite logical," I managed.
"Is it?" Her voice had softened. "I thought it might be the most irrational thing I've ever proposed. Leaving the Underworld, temporarily abandoning my research, potentially exposing myself to the political complexities of Kuoh... all to be near someone I've known for mere weeks."
"When you put it that way, it does sound rather irrational," I agreed, taking one hand off the wheel to capture hers. "Fortunately, I have a well-documented appreciation for irrational decisions."
She laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "The Sitri incident being the prime example?"
"Among others." I squeezed her hand. "Though I'm beginning to think that particular decision might have been more fortunate than I realized at the time."
"How so?"
"If I'd gone through with that chess match, I might never have had reason to get to know you."
Her fingers intertwined with mine. "A compelling argument for seemingly poor decisions."
"I have my moments."
We were approaching the outskirts of Lilith now, the capital city of the devil realm spreading before us in a sprawl of ancient architecture and modern innovation. Spires of traditional devil design rose alongside sleek contemporary structures, the old and new coexisting in sometimes jarring juxtaposition.
I pulled into a parking area near the shopping district. I shut off the engine but made no move to exit the car, instead turning toward her.
"Latia—"
"Before you say anything," she interrupted, "I want to be clear. I'm not suggesting this lightly or without consideration of the implications. I've analyzed the variables, calculated the risks, and still find myself drawn to this conclusion. My interest in you transcends logical assessment, yet simultaneously satisfies every rational criterion I would establish for a potential partner."
Her formal declaration, so characteristic of her analytical nature yet filled with genuine emotion, struck me deeply. I reached out, tracing the curve of her cheek with my fingertips.
"You know, you could just say 'I like you'."
"But that would be boring."
"Indeed," I agreed, leaning closer. "And that, Latia Astaroth, is precisely why you've captured my interest so completely."
This time when our lips met, it felt like more than a kiss—it felt like a promise, sealed between us in the private sanctuary of my father's car, with the bustling life of Lilith continuing oblivious around us.