DxD: Devil’s Advocate

I pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and began writing, the scratch of my quill the only sound in the darkened study.

Dear Father,

I paused, considering my words carefully. The letter needed to walk a delicate line between respect and ambition.

『Analyzing previous successful petitions to Lord Beleth. Key elements: formal address, clear value proposition, acknowledgment of family interests.』

"I know," I muttered, dipping my quill again.

I write to formally request a private audience regarding my future role within House Beleth. Recent events have given me cause to reflect deeply on my responsibilities to our family. I believe I have developed a proposal that would benefit both our house's interests and my personal growth.

The upcoming Gremory gathering presents an ideal opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to change. I ask only for the chance to prove myself worthy of your trust.

*Your obedient son,

Amon*

I sealed the letter with the family crest, then leaned back in my chair. Phase one complete.

『Query: Why not include specific details of your proposal?』

"Because he needs to be curious enough to grant the meeting," I said, pulling out a fresh sheet. "Now for the real work."

I began sketching out my plan in detail, organizing it into clear sections:

Assets:

Maria's loyalty and capabilities

Hidden training facility

Knowledge from previous life

System analysis

Family name recognition

Weaknesses:

Limited current funds

Cyrus's interference

Youth/perceived inexperience

House politics

Phase 1: Gremory Gathering

Demonstrate social grace

Network with potential allies

Avoid Cyrus's provocations

Show business acumen

Present mature image

Phase 2: Peerage Request

Leverage gathering success

Emphasize family benefit

Address father's concerns

Phase 3: Mortal World Operations

Establish legitimate business

Build independent wealth

Create information network

Identify potential pieces

Maintain noble facade

『Observation: Plan relies heavily on Lord Beleth's cooperation.』

"True," I said, adding notes in the margins. "But he's pragmatic. If I can prove I'm an asset rather than a liability..."

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. "Young master?"

"Enter."

Maria slipped inside, carrying a tea tray. She set it down and glanced at my notes. "Planning something interesting?"

"You could say that." I poured us both tea. "How do you feel about the mortal world?"

She raised an eyebrow. "In what context?"

"Hypothetically... if I were to establish certain business interests there, would you be interested in helping manage them?"

"Hypothetically?" She sipped her tea. "That would depend on the nature of these... interests."

I slid a paper across the desk. She read it quickly, her expression carefully neutral.

"Ambitious," she said finally. "But risky. Your father..."

"Will see the potential. Eventually." I tapped the section on the Gremory gathering. "But first, I need to change some perceptions."

"And your brother?"

"Will try to sabotage everything, of course." I smiled. "I'm counting on it."

She studied me over her teacup. "You want him to try something at the gathering."

"In front of witnesses. Important witnesses."

"Ah." Her lips curved slightly. "And you need someone to help arrange the proper circumstances?"

"Among other things." I outlined my broader plans. As I spoke, her smile grew more genuine.

"You're offering me quite a lot of authority," she said when I finished.

"I'm offering you what you've earned. What you deserve." I met her eyes. "Partner."

She was quiet for a long moment. "The other nobles won't like it."

"The other nobles can go to hell."

She laughed - a real laugh, not her usual careful chuckle. "Well then. Where do we start?"

I pulled out another sheet of paper. "First, we need to identify potential allies at the gathering. The Gremory heir will be there..."

We worked late into the night, refining plans and contingencies. Maria's knowledge of noble politics proved invaluable, filling gaps in my understanding.

『Alert: Dawn in approximately 4 hours. Recommended sleep duration: minimum 6 hours for optimal function.』

I waved off the System's warning. "We're almost done. Now, about the funding structure..."

"Sleep," Maria said firmly, gathering the papers. "I'll clean these up and make proper copies tomorrow."

"But-"

"You need to be sharp for your meeting with Lord Beleth." She gave me a pointed look. "Unless you want to face him with dark circles under your eyes?"

I sighed. "Fine. But we'll continue this tomorrow?"

"Of course." She paused at the door. "And... thank you. For trusting me."

"Thank me when it works," I said, but she was already gone.

I stayed up a bit longer, making final notes. The plan wasn't perfect - too many variables, too many ways it could go wrong. But it was a start.

『Query: Probability of success?』

"Doesn't matter," I said, finally heading to bed. "We're doing it anyway."

The next morning, I found Father in his study, reading my letter. He looked up as I entered.

"Sit," he said simply.

I took the offered chair, waiting. He studied me for a long moment.

"You wish to attend the Gremory gathering."

"Yes."

"With Cyrus."

"Yes."

He set down the letter. "Why?"

I chose my words carefully. "Because it's time I took my responsibilities seriously. The gathering is an opportunity to demonstrate that."

"And your... recent activities?"

"Were ill-considered," I admitted. "I see that now."

He leaned back, expression unreadable. "You understand why I'm skeptical."

"Of course. That's why I'm asking for the chance to prove myself. One event, under your direct observation."

"And if you fail?"

"Then I accept whatever restrictions you deem necessary."

He was quiet for a long time. Finally, he picked up the letter again.

"You mentioned a proposal. Regarding your future role."

"Yes. But I'd prefer to discuss that after the gathering. Once I've shown you can trust my judgment."

His eyebrow rose slightly. "Clever. Using the event as leverage."

"Learning from example," I said quietly.

That earned me a small smile. "Very well. You may attend. But Cyrus will be watching you."

"I would expect nothing less."

He nodded. "We'll discuss your proposal after the gathering. Assuming you maintain proper behavior."

"Thank you, Father." I stood to leave.

"Amon."

I paused at the door.

"Don't make me regret this."

"I won't," I promised. And I meant it - just not in the way he assumed.

I found Maria waiting in my study, fresh copies of our plans laid out neatly.

"Well?"

"He agreed." I sat down, already reaching for the papers. "We have three weeks."

She smiled. "Then we'd better get started."

I opened my eyes, breaking my meditation. Two and a half weeks of intense training had passed in this underground facility. The familiar sight of my shadow clones filled the massive chamber - each focused on their assigned tasks.

『Status report requested. Would you like a detailed analysis of your progress?』

"Go ahead," I said, stretching my muscles.

『Significant improvements noted in several areas. Most notably, your physical enhancement capabilities have exceeded initial projections. Current efficiency rating at 78% - a 46% increase from baseline.』

I watched as four of my clones continued their elemental manipulation exercises. Fire clone struggled with a particularly complex kata, while water clone moved through forms with increasing grace. Earth and wind worked in tandem, testing combinations.

『Your approach differs substantially from standard devil methodology. Observation: Complete absence of magic circles in favor of manual seals. This appears to result in faster casting times but requires more precise control.』

"Magic circles are flashy and predictable," I said, observing my darkness-focused clone as it worked on compressing shadows into solid forms. "Hand seals give me more flexibility."

『Query: Is this adaptation based on your previous life's knowledge?』

"Partially. But it's also just more practical for my purposes." I moved to check on my illusion specialist clone, which was creating increasingly complex sensory deceptions. "How's my presence concealment coming along?"

『Current suppression capability at 82%. You can now effectively mask your demonic signature to appear as a low-class devil. Notable achievement for your apparent age and status.』

The combat-focused clone executed a complex series of strikes against an invisible opponent. I'd made sure to rotate this particular clone's position regularly - physical training was especially draining on the duplicates.

"Time estimate until the clones disperse?"

『Based on current energy expenditure, approximately 47 minutes remaining.』

I nodded, beginning my own set of exercises. The ability to maintain seven combat-capable clones for extended periods had been hard-won.

"Any other observations?"

『Several. Your elemental affinities show unusual balance - most devils typically excel in one or two areas only. Additionally, your darkness manipulation exhibits properties more commonly associated with shadow magic. Hypothesis: Your unique approach to demonic power may be creating hybrid effects.』

"Interesting." I paused my movements. "Elaborate on the shadow magic comparison."

『Traditional devil darkness manipulation focuses on raw destructive power. Your technique demonstrates greater versatility - solidification, animation, partial sentience. More aligned with ancient shadow arts than standard demonic abilities.』

"Could be useful," I mused, watching my darkness clone successfully form a solid weapon from pure shadow. "Especially if people assume they know what to expect from Beleth family magic."

『Caution advised. Unique abilities draw attention.』

"Hence the presence concealment training." I felt the first clone beginning to waver. "Prepare for memory integration."

One by one, the clones dispersed. Each dissolution brought a fresh wave of experience and insight. I processed them methodically, organizing the new knowledge.

Fire clone had finally mastered that troublesome kata. Water clone had discovered an interesting interaction between surface tension and demonic energy. Earth and wind had mapped out three new combination techniques. The darkness clone had pushed the boundaries of shadow solidification. Illusion clone had broken through a mental block regarding taste replication. And combat clone...

I smiled. That one had been productive.

『Integration complete. Updated capability assessment available.』

"Save it for later. We need to-"

The door opened. Maria entered, carrying a folder.

"Young master. I have the final guest list for the Gremory gathering."

I took the folder, scanning its contents. "Any surprises?"

"Several notable additions." She pointed to specific names. "These three weren't expected to attend. It changes the dynamic considerably."

"Hmm." I studied the new information. "We'll need to adjust our approach. How's the other preparation coming along?"

"On schedule. Though..." She hesitated. "There's been some unusual activity around Lord Cyrus lately."

I looked up. "Define unusual."

"He's been meeting with people. Off the estate. Very quietly."

"Expected. He's planning something for the gathering." I closed the folder. "Keep tracking his movements, but don't get too close. We want him to think he's being subtle."

"Of course." She glanced around the training area. "Will you be finished here soon? Lady Camilla asked about you at breakfast."

"I'll visit mother soon." I handed back the folder. "Have you arranged everything for tomorrow's test run?"

"Yes. Though I still think it's unnecessarily risky."

"Noted. But necessary." I began gathering my things. "We need to know exactly how far I can push these new abilities before the gathering."

"And if Lord Cyrus's spies notice?"

"They will. That's part of the plan." I smiled. "He needs to think he knows what I'm capable of."

『Query: Is this level of misdirection truly necessary?』

"Always," I muttered.

"Pardon?" Maria asked.

"Nothing. Just thinking aloud." I headed for the exit. "Make sure the usual witnesses are in place tomorrow. We need the right people to see the right things."

"Already arranged." She fell into step beside me. "Though I still don't understand why you're letting Lord Cyrus's people get so close."

"Because, dear Maria," I said as we climbed the stairs, "sometimes the best way to hide something is to let people think they've found it."

She sighed. "More layers within layers?"

"Always." I paused at the top of the stairs. "How's your part of the training coming along?"

"Well enough. Though it's... different from what I expected."

"Different how?"

She seemed to choose her words carefully. "The techniques you showed me. They're not like any magic I've seen before. Even for Beleth family arts."

"Good. That's exactly what we want." I checked the time. "Meet me in the study after dinner."

She nodded and departed. I watched her go, considering.

『Observation: Maria's progress with modified techniques exceeds projections. Query: Was this anticipated?』

"Yes," I said quietly. "She's always been more capable than anyone realized. Including herself."

『Analysis suggests upcoming test will reveal significant portion of developed abilities.』

"Only the ones we want them to see." I started walking. "Everything else stays hidden until the gathering."

『Probability of successful deception?』

I smiled. "High enough. Cyrus sees what he expects to see. And right now, he expects to see a weak younger brother trying to play at politics."

『Correction: Cyrus sees what he wants to see.』

"Exactly." I reached my chambers. "And tomorrow, we give him exactly that. Along with just enough truth to make the lie believable."

『Query: And the true extent of your capabilities?』

"That's something no one needs to know. Not yet."

『Including Maria?』

I paused. "Especially Maria. For now."

『Noted. Though analysis suggests she may be more valuable with full disclosure.』

"Eventually." I straightened my collar. "But first, she needs to believe in herself more than she believes in me."

『Interesting perspective. Timeline for this development?』

"As long as it takes."

The advisor fell silent as I left my chambers, but I could feel her processing everything. She'd grown more insightful over the weeks of training, learning to ask better questions.

Just like Maria was learning to question her own limitations. Just like Cyrus would learn the cost of underestimating me. Just like father would learn that his third son was more than a disappointment.

But all that would come later. For now, I had a test to prepare for, and a carefully crafted image to maintain.

The pieces were in motion. Soon enough, everyone would see exactly what I wanted them to see.

And none of them would see what was really coming.