DxD: Devil’s Advocate

I adjusted my cufflinks one final time, studying my reflection in the mirror. The burgundy coat caught the lamplight, creating subtle shifts in the fabric as I moved. A knock at the door interrupted my inspection.

"Young master?" Maria's voice carried through the heavy wood. "May I come in?"

"Enter."

The door opened and Maria stepped inside, already speaking. "The car will be ready in fifteen minutes and your father wanted me to remind you about-" She stopped mid-sentence, her words trailing into silence.

I turned slowly, enjoying the way her eyes widened. "About?"

She blinked twice, visibly collecting herself. "I... the protocols. For greeting Lady Gremory."

"Ah yes. Proper deference, measured respect, and absolutely no mention of that incident with the peacock." I took a step toward her. "You seem distracted, Maria."

A faint blush colored her cheeks. "Not at all. I'm simply... ensuring everything is in order."

"Everything?" Another step. The chain of my necklace shifted with the movement, drawing her gaze. "You're staring."

"I'm observing," she corrected, lifting her chin slightly. "It's my job to ensure you're properly presented."

I closed the remaining distance between us. "And am I? Properly presented?"

"You know you are." Her voice carried a hint of accusation. "You planned this entire effect."

"Did I?" I reached out, adjusting an imaginary wrinkle in her sleeve. "Tell me, what effect do you think I'm going for?"

She met my eyes directly. "The opposite of what they expect. They'll be looking for the old Amon - rumpled clothes, wine stains, unfocused eyes."

"Instead?"

"Instead they'll see..." She gestured vaguely at my outfit. "This."

I smiled. "This?"

"Stop that." But there was amusement in her tone. "You're impossible when you're like this."

"Like what?"

"Playing games." She straightened my already-straight collar. "You should save some of this for the gathering."

"Oh, I have plenty saved up." I caught her hand before she could withdraw it. "Speaking of games - have you heard anything interesting from the other houses?"

Her expression shifted to business-like efficiency, but she didn't pull her hand away. "Lady Gremory's guest list is surprisingly small this year. Mostly immediate family and close allies."

"Making our invitation even more notable."

"Exactly. There are... rumors about why we were included."

I raised an eyebrow. "Do tell."

"Some think it's a gesture of pity - the Gremory's extending charity to a failing house." Her free hand smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from my coat. "Others suggest Lady Venelana's friendship with your mother played a role."

"And the rest?"

"The rest think it's a test. To see if House Beleth still deserves its place among the pillars."

I released her hand and walked to the window. The eternal purple sky cast long shadows across the grounds where servants prepared the car. "They're all right, in their own ways. And all completely wrong."

"Young master?"

"This invitation isn't about House Beleth at all." I turned back to her. "It's about Rias Gremory."

Understanding dawned in her eyes. "The Phenex marriage proposal."

"Every eligible young devil will be watching her tonight. Measuring her worth, calculating potential alliances." I adjusted my ring absently. "The perfect time for someone unexpected to make an impression."

"You're not..." Her eyes widened slightly. "You wouldn't."

"Court the Gremory heir right under House Phenex?" I laughed softly. "No. But letting people think I might..."

"Will cause chaos." She shook her head. "Your father won't approve."

"My father will be too busy managing Damian's rigid propriety and Cyrus's inevitable drunken scenes to notice what I'm doing."

A knock at the door interrupted us. One of the younger servants entered, bowing quickly.

"Young master, Lord Beleth says the car is ready."

"Thank you." I dismissed him with a nod. "Well, Maria? How do I look?"

She studied me for a long moment. "Like someone they'll never see coming."

"Perfect." I offered her a slight smile. "Have fun managing the house while we're gone. Try not to let Aria convince you to redecorate my room."

"That was one time." But she was smiling as she stepped aside. "Good hunting, young master."

The rest of the family waited in the entrance hall. Mother looked elegant as always in deep blue, while father maintained his usual stern dignity in traditional formal wear. Damian stood rigidly in perfectly pressed clothes that somehow made him look more uncomfortable than impressive. And Cyrus...

"Finally decided to grace us with your presence?" My brother's words carried a slight slur. Pre-gaming the event, as expected.

"Cyrus." Father's voice held warning. "Remember yourself."

I descended the stairs without acknowledging either of them. Mother gave me an approving look, reaching out to adjust my coat slightly.

"Very nice," she murmured. "Though perhaps a bit dramatic?"

"Coming from you?" I smiled slightly. "Besides, isn't drama what these gatherings are all about?"

She laughed softly. "True enough. Shall we?"

The car ride passed in tense silence. Damian stared straight ahead, probably mentally reviewing proper protocols. Cyrus nursed a concealed flask, while father pretended not to notice. Mother caught my eye occasionally, her slight smiles suggesting she shared my amusement at the familiar family dynamic.

The Gremory estate sprawled across its grounds like a declaration of power. Ancient stone mixed with modern additions, creating an impression of timeless authority. Guards directed our car to a private entrance - a small courtesy that spoke volumes about our standing.

"Remember," father said as we approached the main doors. "We represent-"

"The dignity of House Beleth," Damian finished. "We know, father."

I kept my expression neutral as servants led us through elaborate hallways. Other guests moved in small groups, their whispered conversations falling silent as we passed. I caught fragments of speculation about our presence, about the decline of our house, about the waste of an invitation.

Let them talk. They'd have much more interesting things to whisper about soon enough.

The main ballroom stretched upward in elegant arches, magical lights casting warm glows across gathering nobles. Lord and Lady Gremory stood near the entrance, greeting guests with practiced grace.

"Aldric!" Lord Gremory's voice carried genuine warmth. "It's been too long."

I watched the political dance of greetings and courtesies, noting who paid attention to our arrival. Damian bowed with perfect precision. Cyrus managed not to stumble. And then...

"And young Amon." Lady Gremory's eyes held something knowing. "We've heard interesting things about you lately."

I offered the exact degree of bow required - not an inch more or less. "All good things, I hope?"

"That would depend entirely on one's definition of good." She smiled. "Do enjoy yourself. Rias should be making her entrance soon."

We moved deeper into the room, separating naturally. Father gravitated toward other household heads. Mother joined her usual social circle, which somehow always managed to occupy the perfect position for observing everything. Damian found other heirs to stand awkwardly with, while Cyrus made a direct line for the drinks.

I chose a spot near one of the elegant columns, positioning myself to watch both the main entrance and the hidden servant passages. Fragments of conversation drifted past.

"...can't believe they invited..."

"...heard he's changed..."

"...probably just another act..."

"...that outfit though..."

I smiled slightly, sipping water that everyone would assume was wine. The assumptions, the speculation, the carefully crafted expectations - all pieces on the board, waiting to be moved.

I took another sip of water, watching the subtle dance of alliances play out across the ballroom floor. Old grudges and fresh schemes moved like currents beneath the polite smiles and measured bows.

"Well, if it isn't the disgrace of House Beleth."

I didn't need to turn to recognize that voice. The same arrogant tone that had echoed through private school halls years ago.

"Riser can't believe you'd show your face here after that pathetic display at the casino."

I turned slowly, meeting his sneer with a slight smile. "Hello, Riser."

His eyes narrowed at my calm response. Several nearby conversations quieted as nobles pretended not to eavesdrop.

"That's all you have to say?" Riser stepped closer, his usual entourage of women hovering behind him. "No excuses about how you lost three million in one night? No explanation for passing out in the fountain?"

"Would you like one?"

"Riser doesn't need your explanations." He gestured dismissively. "Your whole house is a joke now. The once-great Beleth name reduced to... this."

I took another sip. "You seem invested in our status. Worried about something?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "Worried? About you? Don't make Riser laugh."

"And yet here you are, seeking me out." I glanced meaningfully at his growing audience. "Almost like you need people to see this conversation."

"Riser speaks to whoever Riser wishes."

"Of course." I smiled. "Though I'm surprised you're not hovering near the entrance. Isn't your fiancée due to arrive soon?"

His face reddened slightly. "Watch yourself, Beleth. You're not in any position to-"

"To what? Make observations? Comment on obvious things?" I tilted my head. "Like how you're here confronting me instead of preparing to greet Rias?"

"You dare speak her name so casually?"

"Ah, my apologies. Lady Gremory, then." I bowed slightly, just enough to make it clear I was mocking him. "Your future wife. Assuming she agrees, of course."

Several watchers shifted uncomfortably. Riser's hands clenched into fists.

"Their marriage is already decided," one of his girls spoke up - the twin with the drill-like hair.

"Ni is correct," the other twin added. "It's a matter of noble duty."

"Noble duty." I nodded thoughtfully. "Like maintaining dignity at social gatherings? Not causing scenes?"

Riser took another step forward. "If you're implying-"

"I'm not implying anything. Simply making conversation." I glanced past him. "Though you might want to save some anger for later. I hear Lady Gremory has strong opinions about arranged marriages."

"You know nothing about-"

The massive doors at the top of the grand staircase swung open. Silence fell across the ballroom as every head turned.

Rias Gremory stood framed in the doorway, crimson hair cascading over a black dress that managed to be both elegant and subtly defiant. Her expression was perfectly composed, but I caught the slight tension in her shoulders.

"If you'll excuse me," I murmured to Riser. "I believe we're all expected to pay our respects to the guest of honor."

I stepped away before he could respond, leaving him visibly fuming. Perfect. The seeds of doubt were planted - not just about his control over Rias, but about his own composure. The whispers would start soon enough.

Rias descended the stairs with practiced grace, her attendant two steps behind. The crowd parted naturally, creating a path toward her waiting parents. I watched various young devils adjust their positions, each trying to seem casual while maneuvering for optimal greeting placement.

Riser, of course, moved to intercept her near the bottom of the stairs. I drifted toward one of the side passages, catching Mother's eye briefly. She gave me the slightest of nods - she'd seen the whole exchange with Riser and approved of the execution.

Ahead of me, Rias reached the bottom step. Riser bowed with exaggerated flourish.

"My beloved Rias, you look-"

"Thank you, Lord Phenex." She cut him off smoothly, continuing past him toward her parents. "I hope you're enjoying the gathering."

I smiled into my glass as Riser's face reddened further. Several young devils poorly disguised their amusement. Even some of Riser's own girls seemed to be fighting back grins.

The next hour would be carefully choreographed greetings and political maneuvering. Everyone who was anyone would want their moment with the guest of honor. I had other preparations to make.

I slipped into one of the servant passages, noting the surprised looks from staff members as I navigated the hidden corridors with familiar ease. Let them wonder how I knew the layout so well. Every bit of mystery added to the effect.

The real game was just beginning. And thanks to Riser's predictable pride, I'd already moved several pieces into position.

Poor Rias, standing there accepting congratulations for an engagement she clearly despised. Poor Riser, trying to project ownership over someone who refused to be owned.

I emerged from another passage near the garden entrance, positioning myself where I could observe multiple conversations at once. Rias continued her diplomatic circuit of the room, handling each interaction with perfect poise. But I caught the subtle signs - the slight tightening around her eyes when marriage was mentioned, the barely-there hesitation before each polite smile.

Riser noticed none of it, too busy preening for his audience. He'd positioned himself prominently, holding court with a group of younger devils who were clearly more interested in currying favor than actually listening to him.

"...and then Riser demonstrated the true power of the Phenex..."

I tuned out his boasting, focusing instead on the quieter conversations happening around the edges of the gathering. The real power never shouted about itself.

A servant approached with a fresh tray of drinks. I exchanged my water for another water, letting everyone assume it was wine. The servant gave me an odd look - they'd definitely noticed the switch. Good. Let that rumor spread too.

Everything was proceeding exactly as planned. Now I just had to wait for-

"Lord Phenex," a familiar voice carried across the room. "A moment of your time?"

I turned slightly. Ah, right on schedule. Mother had cornered Riser's father near the east windows. From this angle, I could just make out Lady Phenex's expression as she recognized the threat too late to intervene.

Riser himself remained oblivious, still holding forth about some Rating Game victory to his dwindling audience. I counted silently in my head.

Three... two... one...

"Riser, darling." Lady Phenex's voice carried just the right note of urgency. "Your father requires your presence."

I smiled slightly as Riser excused himself, trying to maintain his dignity while hurrying to his father's aid. He knew as well as anyone - when Camilla Beleth requested a "moment of your time," you needed all the help you could get.

The crowd shifted, creating new patterns of conversation. I caught fragments as I maintained my observation post:

"...did you see how Lady Gremory responded when..."

"...the Phenex boy seems rather..."

"...something different about the Beleth son..."

"...wouldn't have expected him to..."

A flash of crimson in my peripheral vision. I turned slightly as Rias approached, her attendant still shadowing her movements.

"Lord Beleth," she said formally. "Thank you for accepting our invitation."

I bowed precisely. "The honor is ours, Lady Gremory." I turned to the person behind her, "and who is this?"

"Akeno Himejima," Rias said. "My Queen."