Flesh is Weak

Preparing for the future is always needed.

The dinner continued with my grandfather, and I am still in shock. Ravel is my potential second noble wife. I didn't have a rain cloud over my head, but it was close. Ajarkan says with a happy smile.

"The girl is intellectually gifted, and that always seemed to be something you were interested in. I made the contract earlier this year with your father and mother's agreement. They both believed that she would be a wonderful match for you. She is extremely curious about her betrothed and has been trying to find information about you since she was told four months ago. I will arrange a meeting with her parents so you and she can start the bridge right."

I do like brains in a partner, and Ravel is a genius. Alex said to me that he would have loved that. Yes, he wanted catgirls, and he would have filled his peerage with many of them, but they would have to be smart, too. I swat him away and say to my grandfather while getting into a spiritual fistfight with Alex.

"May I see the contract?"

Ajarkan smiled and summoned a pocket spell. He then pulled a scroll from it before handing it to me. I take the scroll and then open it up. It was long, so I immediately started looking through it. It was ironclad on things with few outs, showing that the Phenex was like us and hard-committed here. The contract itself was very well balanced on nearly everything that the Phenex and we got. Both families got significant concessions from the other party. We get significantly reduced prices on Phenex tears. The Phenex got significantly reduced prices on our wine. A powerful clause also tied the Phenex to the NKF. My dad made that, I'm told. As I read on, I was more and more shocked by how much my grandfather had agreed to give to the Phenex for Ravel. I now understand why Riser would get extremely angry and go after me for Rias.

Finally, thirty minutes later, after reading the whole contract, I rolled it back up and handed it to Ajarkan.

"I won't fight it. Doing so would insult you and the work you put into it on my behalf."

Ajarkan was delighted. I will accept this because it shows that despite his power-hungry nature, Ajarkan did care for his family and me.

As dinner continued, I was drawn into more conversations with my grandfather and learned more about him. He is a smart political rat trying to jockey us into stronger positions of power within the underworld. He and Diodora were not getting along because the younger had risked our house losing power and prestige by being a dumb rat. He was making a fool of Ajarkan, which had started the divide earlier this year. That was compounded by Diodora's increasing insistence that I didn't exist and by making public statements that were very anti-NKF. My grandfather is a diehard NKF member, which led to Diodora being put in a section of the main castle manor by himself. That was stupid because that encouraged him to do more rat things.

I will have a servo skull follow him. I refuse to believe that he isn't torturing people like Asia and or not helping the OSF more deeply now with the schism in the house. Ajarkan turns the uncomfortable mood into a better one by asking about my peerage and what pieces I have filled. I answered him with the current people. He frowned at Kuroka but said nothing after learning that I had weakened the GKF with her. He was intrigued that I had a bishop with sacred gear and grew interested in learning about my pawns. His eyes were greedy, as I had two fallen. He was also interested in the fact I have a potential knight joining today. He finally said after I was done with explaining.

"Your queen is a calculated risk. Her prior actions will be judged harshly by our opponents, but given she has helped deal a crippling future blow against them, too, I will say nothing further about her. The fallen are the ones that will make many people jealous. There have only been five of them ever reincarnated, and none of them are alive now. I would like to meet the whole peerage at some point."

I nod my head.

"I'll introduce you to them. I will warn you that one of them is extremely sneaky."

That got a snort from Maéva and a smile from Ajarkan at the maid's action. That gets a smile smirk from me, making Ajarkan show the same smile smirk.

"I will double my awareness for her. I would like this to be a regular thing every so often. You are indeed what Geros has told me about."

This has been good, other than learning about Ravel. I kept my smile smirk.

"I'd be happy to do that. I don't plan to do much work with the peerage for a bit, but I will start it again later. Thank you for helping me with the money."

Ajarkan kept his smile and said back to me before he opened his pocket spell to get me the Lilith.

"That is not a problem. I would have helped you out with it at the halfway point, but this is preferable. I want to meet the girl and get a proper introduction. Sadly, not today, as I have business with two of our vassal houses over a disputed property. I will have Geros contact you again for another dinner."

Ajarkan pulled out the stack of Lilith and handed it to me. Before the pocket closed, he prepared to get up from the table. He complimented Maéva.

"Your work on dinner tonight was excellent. I had doubts about you, but this settled them. As of right now, you are officially my grandson's headmaid. Geros has told me your record here is spotless. Congratulations."

That gives Maéva stars in her eyes. Ajarkan sets his napkin on the table and then gets up from his chair. I get up and escort my grandfather down to the main hall. I see Geros blank-faced in the hall, standing with two new people.

A young woman and a young man of the same age of sixteen. The girl was very nervous. She wore glasses covering her hazel eyes. Her hair was medium-length blue tied in a ponytail. Her clothes were a noble shade of yellow, with a skirt and a short shirt of black. She was finger poking in her nervousness upon seeing me fully.

The young man was stony-faced. His eyes were an unusual orange color with short blonde hair. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants that looked like they were from the States. He was watching me intently, and I did the same. That made him get a slight twitch of his lips before they were gone again. I bid my grandfather goodbye.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Astaroth. Thank you for your time."

That smile smirk of our family doesn't go away.

"It was the same for me, Heir Astaroth. Enjoy the rest of your evening, and I'll be in touch."

With that said, a portal was made, and my grandfather exited the house. Geros stayed behind, who were obviously Hetvia and Thoron. The four of us were silent before I introduced myself to my two new pieces.

"Good evening. I am Gregor Astaroth. Welcome to my home."

My friendly voice helped Hetvia. She smiled nervously while Thoron observed me again before he said to me with a blank voice.

"Thank you for the welcome, Heir Astaroth. I am Thoron Melek. You're not what I expected."

Hetvia pokes her fingers together incredibly fast before introducing herself.

"I am... Hetvia Baalam milord."

Hetvia was extremely nervous and I got the first expression out of Thoron. He gave Hetvia a small smile of support before I spoke to her kindly.

"You don't have to use that with me, Hetvia. I'm not much for formality."

Hetvia slowed her finger pokes, and Thoron spoke for the two of them.

"Lord Astaroth told us we would be in your peerage. Is this still true?"

I nod.

"Absolutely. Your families have served mine loyally, and we will not forget that. I am not my uncle and will honor the promise made."

That made the finger pokes stop for Hetvia, and Thoron was also relieved.

"We were gravely insulted by your uncle, who said we were not good enough for him, to our and our parents' faces. My father and mother were ready to leave immediately, as were Hetvia's parents. It was only when Lord Astaroth promised our parents that we would be included and several other things that they were calmed."

I again say for the two.

"I stand by the promise and will personally apologize to your parents on his behalf. I can do the ceremony tonight. I have another person who is entering the peerage. Are you moving into the house or staying with your parents?"

Geros answered for them.

"They have been moved into the house milord as would be expected of them upon joining. I did the deed myself while you were with your grandfather."

Thoron spoke up after.

"We have been enrolled at the school you plan to attend. We have never been up top before today, so we will be in a bit of."

Hetvia spoke softly.

"Cultural shock."

I smile sympathetically.

"That makes three of us as I'm going through that, too. I will be upfront and honest with you and say that I am a half-devil. Will that be a problem for either of you?"

Thoron looked at me closer now.

"You feel like a pureblood. Yet you're a half?"

Hetvia immediately proved something I had suspected; she was observant.

"He is close enough, Thor he has gear. I wouldn't have noticed the difference if I hadn't looked closely."

Thoron frowned but didn't say anything. I say with a small smile.

"You are good at sensing things."

Hetvia blushed and looked down at the floor. Thoron lost the frown because he smiled wide now.

"You have always been good at that, Via far better than me. I'm sorry if I seem rude, Heir Astaroth. I haven't met any half-devils before."

He was nervous now. He nor Hetvia seem like racists.

"You haven't, and you are welcome to speak openly with me. I just ask that there be no racism in my peerage. That is the cardinal rule for everyone."

Hetvia poked her fingers together again while Thoron thought about that. Hetvia spoke with her soft voice.

"I'm not that, and neither is Thor. Our families have close work relationships with humans. I don't judge people."

That was said in a sad voice, and Thoron grew protective of Hetvia, putting an arm around her shoulders. I smiled softly at the interaction.

"I believe you both. You seem close."

Thoron smiled there.

"Via and I were playmates as kids. She's my little sister."

Hetvia smiled for the first time here, looking up at Thoron, who has a three-inch difference to her.

"He's my protective older brother."

That's cute and calms the atmosphere. Geros gave a second small smile before it was schooled again. He takes that moment to leave saying as he opens a portal

.

"We will have our lessons again at ten milord. Your former home and furniture have been sold. We will give you the money afterward."

I smile smirk at him.

"I will be ready for it thank you, Geros."

Geros nods once before exiting the house through the portal. It closed, and I turned to the two purebloods.

"I will get our third new person and then start the ceremony. We will be doing it in the library. I believe in knowledge seeking, and I heard you both are smart."

Hetvia smiled wide as Thoron said with a nervous laugh.

"I'm not. Via has always been the brains of the two of us. I'm just ok at things with my spear."

I shake my head at the bashful man.

"Not from what I heard. You gave my dad an interesting idea. I'm open to hearing any you and Hetvia have. Perhaps Hetvia can sit and talk with my bishop. She's always eager to learn about magic. Have either of you had dinner yet?"

Hetvia gets a look of talking about magic with someone and beams. Thoron shook his head.

"We haven't."

I see Maéva coming down the stairs with a list, and I say to her.

"Please take the orders of these two Maéva. They are here to stay."

Maéva beams with the promise of more work.

It was inside the library ten minutes later with Thoron, Hetvia, and a now-collected Murayama, whom I had found talking with Kiryuu before we arrived. Kiryuu left the library, letting me do the ceremony, and Murayama was nervous, as were the two purebloods. We were near the fireplace near the back right of the room. I start with Hetvia, asking her to come forward. She does, and I let her look at the board. I asked her piece, and she softly said pawn. I picked up a pawn before I spoke the Oath of Moment with her.

Thoron frowned at the word choice while Hetvia thought over the entire phrasing. In the end, she said yes, very keen on knowing no fear. I inserted the pawn into her, and Hetvia froze like everyone else did. I called Thoron forward, and he moved towards me. He chose rook, and I repeated the oath again. He said yes, focusing on the odds. The rook went into him, and he froze. When it was Murayama's turn, I asked her one last time.

"You are sure?"

Murayama doubted for only a second before saying with the strength and certainty of steel.

"I am for my brave King and friend. I will be your Red Knight of Mars. I will never let my King, who gave me and my family certainty, be harmed. For you, that makes me want to be better than those we come from. So, I swear."

Her counter oath made I inserted my first knight into Murayama. Thoron and Hetvia looked at Murayama like she was weird. Once the piece was in, Murayama froze before extending her silver wings. That made the two purebloods look in shock, and I said to them as Murayama continued to be still.

"Extend your own and welcome to the club."

Thoron is suspicious before he and Hetvia's eyes go saucer-plate wide when they see their new wings. Murayama shows her sin to me. It's what I expected after this weekend. It's lust and not just for me, though, thankfully, as she whispered.

"Catgirls are life."

I snort as the evil horny returns, but I say to her with a little smile.

"Equally with redheads, yes. Really?"

Murayama blushed.

"Issari-chan shared more books, and the look ruined me."

I know what she's talking about. Kuroka had given me that look twice so far.

"Good luck with that. Who knows, maybe you will get a catboy."

Murayama vigorously shook her head.

"No, you're better, and she's hot! I'm not backing down, and I will win this!"

I sighed, telling my now horny knight.

"You have more to overcome. Ray is trying, too as will someone else unexpected."

Murayama grew even more determined. Thoron finally got out of his stupor while Hetvia was still looking at the wings in awe. I smiled at my three new pieces before Murayama said with a very happy expression.

"I would like power armor, a power sword, and a storm shield. Kiryuu-chan told me you are our current tank, and I will help there. That way, you can do more range combat along with the others. It will also be good practice for our potential games."

I snark to Murayama.

"You're going to be Leroy Jenkins, aren't you."

Murayama blushed while the two purebloods didn't get the reference.

"I will never be him! You doubt me too much!"

I smile before saying in tease.

"I don't doubt you. Just don't say I'm chicken. Fair?"

Murayama smiled and nodded.

"Fair. It's nice to meet you two. I'm Murayama!"

Hetvia hid behind Thoron, shocked by the enthusiasm, while Thoron blinked.

"I'm Thoron. Behind me is Hetvia. It's nice to meet you. What were you talking about? I have not heard of that stuff before."

I smiled there before saying to my two new people.

"It's stuff that Murayama-chan will use for games and when we hunt strays. You said you use a spear, Thoron?"

Thoron looked deeply intrigued by the unknown, as was Hetvia.

"I do."

I smile, thinking of two different spears. Hetvia asked, worried, now poking her fingers together behind Thoron.

"Will we be expected to fight often?"

I smile kindly at my new pawn.

"You won't be if you're uncomfortable with that. I have another pawn who is a scientist, and she doesn't want to do anything frontline-based. The only exception would be ratings games, where we are all there."

Hetvia looked relieved. Before she said softly, poking her head out from behind Thoron.

"That's good. Thor has been helping me be brave, but I don't know if I can do that. I don't want to be a burden."

That was said while so down for my pawn. I smile gently at her, and she seems to take a bit of bravery there.

"You can join us when you want to, Hetvia. You're not a burden, and bravery takes many different forms. There was a man who didn't believe he was brave and had sold himself that idea. Yet everyone else who ever met him knew right away that he was braver than he gave himself credit for. He did deeds that were crazy but triumphant bouts of courage. You could be like him."

Hetvia gained more courage from that. She was fully out from behind Thoron now, Murayama says with a smile of her own.

"Gregor-kun will never force you to do something that you don't want to do. I want to do frontline stuff."

That reassures Hetvia, and Thoron puts his arm around his adoptive little sister.

"You're brave, Via, and I believe in you. What sort of spears can you get me? I trained on nearly every type of them."

I replied with a smile.

"I have two. You probably haven't seen both, but they are very different. Guardian spear or a power spear?"

Thoron frowned.

"Power spear?"

I replied with a smile.

"Good choice. Hetvia, I'll have stuff ready for you if you eventually want to do that. Until then, you're welcome to pursue your ideas of helping."

That made Hetvia extremely happy. The library door opened then, and Kiryuu and Kuroka came with pizza boxes. Thoron and Hetvia looked towards the door while Murayama focused hard on Kuroka's tails and ears. She was now in the devil high as she woofed. Getting a sigh from me. Kuroka just fed our new horny knight with a quick sexy wink and smile, getting pants from Murayama. I clicked my fingers in front of my knight.

I say to Kuroka with a slight smile on my face.

"Don't rile up my knight."

That got a snort of amusement from Kiryuu. Kuroka was mock offended.

"Can't help I'm sexy, nya. I brought food, and I have a feeling that you will like an idea that I have for you."

That was said seductively. Thoron blushed, as did Hetvia, while Murayama got a nosebleed. Kiryuu got the first pizza box and set it on the table. She brought out plastic plates from a pocket spell, soda, and cups. I replied to my queen.

"You are reaching and will have to try harder."

Kuroka didn't lose her now permanently on-display smile. She came over to me before whispering something into my left ear. I went wide-eyed, looking at her in shock. She had retracted from me with a seductive smirk.

"I like that too, nya. You and I will have fun soon, my Red King."

I get a small nosebleed thinking of that. Kiryuu smirked, and Murayama looked intensely at Kuroka, ready to beg for knowledge of what I liked. I ask her while the nosebleed continues.

"How did you?"

Kuroka smirked and said with a very pleased face.

"You talk in your sleep. I heard it, and I knew I would get you back nya. I kindly shared this with Red, and she has started working on it. You're welcome, nya."

Rias doing that makes the nosebleed worse. Oh, why did I have to spill that? Kiryuu dragged Thoron and Hetvia's attention towards the table and away from me, saying with a smirk.

"You will like this stuff; it's called pizza. I'm Kiryuu, and I heard that one of you is a potential magic person. I'd be eager to talk things over with you."

That made Hetvia grow wide-eyed and beaming. Before she hyper-focused and began asking Kiryuu hundreds of questions. Thoron turned to the food and got a box with his order. Murayama was about to pounce on Kuroka for information when her stomach growled, diverting her away. I looked at Kuroka directly in her yellow eyes. She didn't back down and kept her smug grin. I got close to her with my nosebleed done now.

"You win just don't rat me out. That is… sensitive information. What do you want?"

She smiled and whispered into my ear again. That's new for her. I give a nod of my head for her demand, and she fist pumps in her victory. With that settled, I focused on Thoron and Hetvia. The two dug into food or discussed magic like it was going out of style. Thoron widened his eyes with each bite of pizza. Hetvia did the same upon her first bite. I tell Kuroka about Raynare's mission while asking where Rias is.

"Red is having her party with her people and Issari nya. She and your cousin are practically glued together. Red figured you, and she could celebrate later alone, nya. I keyed her into the room, and she is eager to be with her and my hero."

I want to spend time alone with both of them, too. It will be marred by having to tell them of Ravel's inclusion in this. That still stings, as I was close to her a few weeks ago. The question that's been bothering me is why Riser was sabotaging his family. Was he like Diodora in being an idiot? With how my luck is, he's a fucking spy for the NKF. I was thinking about that more when I was attacked again.

Raynare landed straight on me from the ceiling, slamming me into the floor. Her sudden appearance spooked everyone except Kuroka, who must have felt her with senjutsu. Hetvia jumped into Thoron's arms. I hurt, and Murayama shrieked, not knowing how stealthy Raynare was. Raynare beams into my chest, having landed perfectly. I introduced Raynare to the others while hurting.

"This is Raynare. Ray, what is rule number one."

Raynare was still smiling into my chest.

"No sneaking, but you were down, my Great King! You should be happy!"

Kuroka supports Raynare.

"You should, nya. We are good for a bit so no grumpy for you."

Thoron asked incredulously.

"How did she get in here? I was watching the door. That's a reincarnated fallen even I can sense that!"

I answered again, still on the floor.

"She's the sneakiest pawn, and yes, she's a reincarnated fallen. She's very scary when she fights. Did you deliver the stuff to them, Ray?"

Raynare nodded vigorously and finally got up off me. She immediately sat on my left and took a slice of Kuroka's pizza, getting a whack with said cat's tails. That didn't upset Raynare, who started eating. Thoron looked at her in some amazement and wary caution. Hetvia had gotten out of Thoron's arms and looked at Raynare with wide eyes. I got up and retook my seat, sighing again as I needed to develop or make a way to detect Raynare.

Kiryuu, with her smile, said in a pleased voice, enjoying the show or Raynare scaring everyone.

"Ray is the best. She's harmless outside the battlefield. She has a vast stuffed animal collection now."

That got Raynare excitedly talking about her stuffed animals, including her new favorite, Mr. Tobi. That pulled in Murayama, and the two eagerly discussed the apparent collection that this rabbit was from. Kiryuu restarted her conversation with Hetvia, and Thoron was lost. So, I started conversing with him, asking what he does for fun. That was the night saved, as Kuroka smiled at me, seeing I was not worrying.

When I returned to my room two hours later, I found Rias. She was on my bed wearing a red nightshirt and pants. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she smiled when she looked up from her book.

"I plan to be here with you more. Is that all right?"

I smiled at her and sat beside her on the bed, taking her hand.

"It will be fine, but please don't try anything. I want that perfect for both of us. I have something to tell you and Kuroka I learned today at dinner. Is Issari still here, or is she gone?"

Rias saw the worry on my face, and she immediately set her book down. It was a manga book. Replying to my question.

"She's staying with Akeno tonight. What did you learn?"

Kuroka entered the room and shut the door behind her. She sat on the left. I started with the good news first.

"My grandfather has agreed to meet with your parents for the contract. He has confirmed me as Heir Astaroth properly. Thanks to this next part, we will hopefully have it ironed out fast. I have a prior betrothal contract, and it will be used as the basis for ours."

Rias and Kuroka went wide-eyed, and Rias shook.

"With whom?"

I tell her the name of our likely third.

"It's a horrible surprise in Ravel Phenex."

That made Rias fall off the bed. Kuroka hissed because that was a bird, and given her brother being a bird rat, I say I'm trying to be positive.

"I have been told she is smart and extremely curious about me. She has searched for information about me, what do you know about her, Ria?"

Rias was still in a slight daze from the revelation.

"I don't know much about her because she would only be in the room with Riser and me for so long as was socially acceptable. She was friendly with me, but that's more, I think in pity for being Riser's betrothed."

Given that Rias said that a spare bishop was kept to control her, that probably means that Ravel is not in the peerage. Kuroka was silent but extended her tails to Rias, making Rias a little less dazed. I squeezed Rias's hand, making her smile a small smile.

"She might not hate me for possibly hurting Riser then."

I got a snort from Kuroka, who whacks me upside the head. Rias smiles, knowing that I am trying to make this a bit better. She leaned on my right shoulder and wasn't as down now. I put my arm around her, which made Rias happier.

"She couldn't stand him either. He always called her his next triumph after me when his parents weren't there."

A look of pure disgust crossed my face. That's vile, like Euclid and his crap. I don't know what Ravel is like, but I'd kill him just for saying that. Rias seems to take comfort in being free from Riser. Before she pulled out the manga book which I took. Rias finally said with a very small voice.

"I will talk with her when she gets here. I'm guessing you won't break it because it would insult your grandfather."

I tell her with a frown.

"Exactly. I won't break it because my grandfather put so much work into it on my behalf, and rejecting it would be spitting on that. We are getting Phenex tears at a very cheap price. He gave up a lot for me, and I have to fix the messes my uncle keeps making. He's an idiot or something else trying to weaken the pillar with his antics. He doesn't seem to understand that you have obligations as a noble yet does everything he can not to do them."

Rias shakes her head in sympathy.

"Diodora has always been a problem. He has more ego than sense and boasts almost as much as Riser. He wears a creepy smile that only Sona and I saw. Everyone else believes it's a real one. Even our friend Seekvaria didn't see it at first. Now she's like us and doesn't want to be near him. His peerage is creepy, too. Blank-faced, and I swore I caught sight of a bruise on one of their faces."

I grew angry, but Kuroka pulled me into a hug that included Rias getting a surprised gasp from her. The purrs started, and that calmed me. Rias enjoyed it too because she closed her eyes in relaxation. That one thing made the night turn around. We three spent the rest of the night together. Lying on the bed and talking to one another. At the same time, I began to read my bet book. I finally fell asleep near two. Long after, the others had entered the sea.

The alarm went off at nine, and I silenced it quickly. Not fast enough to save me from getting smacked in the face by a pillow, sending me tumbling out of the bed and to the floor, seeing stars. I heard the words said by a mostly asleep Kuroka.

"Will destroy that clock, nya."

I shook my head vigorously to prepare a response, but I didn't do the action and will get revenge for that. I checked the bed, and Kuroka was burrowing into the bed on the left. A still snoring Rias was clutching onto where I had been on the right side, with her having been in the middle. I was at the door to the bathroom when I heard the whine from a still-sleeping Rias.

The shower was fast, and I passed the two sleepers towards the door and gently let them enjoy the sleep.

The house was silent, and that's a surprise, given who's living here now. The kitchen is where I finally see life in Maéva cooking for Murayama and Kiba, who are talking about swords. I sat next to Kiba, which prompted a smile of greetings from him. Murayama smiled too and asked me.

"When can I get my armor and sword, Gregor-kun? I want to spar a bit with Kiba-kun to get some practice in."

Maéva set a plate of eggs and ham on the island for me, and I smiled thanks to her before replying to Murayama.

"I can after my lessons. We have a few dueling swords in an armory downstairs that you can use in the meantime. I don't plan to do much today now that I'm done with hunts. I will eventually be reworking wargear, and I have plans to build stuff for future use that I will be making including a new thing that will help out."

That got curious looks from both teens and Maéva. I want to eventually make castellan robots. I returned to eating before a sound came from behind me as two people walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. It was Thoron and Hetvia who were talking to each other in whispers. Hetvia was gazing at Kiba with a wishful look.

More people entered the room after them this time, Mittelt in her normal clothes from the dining room entrance and Shirone in a white shirt and short black shorts from the regular hall entrance. Mittelt sat on the far side of the kitchen table, facing the purebloods and Shirone.

"May I please get more generators? I would like to run several more experiments on them before building one from scratch. Then I'd like to see if I can improve on it."

I finished my bite and said with a smile.

"Today is Build Many Things Day, so yes, you can. I would also like your clothes size for armor when we do a ratings game because we might have one soon. Same with you, Thoron, and Hetvia."

That got a frown from Mittelt and nervous finger pokes from Hetvia. The sparkle that entered Thoron's eyes confirms something. He's a battle fanatic, he asked with a very big smile.

"Who would it be against?"

I answered with a frown.

"Riser Phenex."

That got an even bigger smile from Thoron.

"Oh, that's good to know he's a pig. He tried hitting on Via even after I told him to piss off."

Hetvia blushed, and Shirone let her ears out hissing.

"Beat Riser-baka badly nya. He's the biggest pig nya. I'm only for my brave prince nya!"

Not the point, Shirone, but I will. Mittelt spoke with a sigh.

"I will be ready for that possibility. I have heard things about him through the grapevine, and they are only bad."

I answered her while finishing the food.

"It's the same with me, but it's enough to make me dislike him. Would you prefer range or melee weapons?"

Mittelt at once answered.

"Ranged, I don't do blood and guts. If you got something that's extreme range, I'll take that."

I have an idea.

"I have several. You should have a melee weapon as a backup just in case you need it."

Mittelt reluctantly nodded. Hetvia poked her fingers together. I told her with a smile.

"You can be in the back too, Hetvia. I'm a mix of both, and you can be near me and Thoron."

That reassured Hetvia as she stopped finger poking. Murayama smiled, and I told my people.

"We will have a team meeting on Friday so we can all be on the same page. Murayama, you tell Kiryuu, and Mittelt, you tell Raynare when you see her. I have a project, Mittelt, that I would like your help with."

The reader will be shared finally. It will be fun seeing Mittelt's face. She was highly interested.

"I'll hold you to that boss."

Then, I heard the clicking of heels and good shoes, which meant it was lesson time. I got up and turned to the noise, and it was them. The three of us quickly went up the stairs.

The lesson today was the lower nobility and the commoners. The underworld was with each of the territories the pillars controlled set up as a typical feudal state, not unlike the medieval world. It explains how the nobility controlled the internet, and it's unsurprising that not much has changed in devil society. A very small number of commoners are lucky enough to go to another place, and you usually live and die in your home village. The areas where travel is widespread are Gremory territory, the territories the Satans control directly, and, to a lesser extent, Astaroth territory.

The Astaroths controlled a state the size of what was Germany in the underworld in some of the best land for wine growing. Our commoners were decently treated. Decently just meant they didn't have to worry about the First Moon and being forcibly moved to suit the nobles. Our state had vast uncharted areas that had never been explored before, which gave me a bit of hope for a plan of mine.

Geros taught well and knew his stuff, especially concerning the main city of Aphorni, where most of our manufacturing occurs. The city was extremely close to where we grew the wine grapes. The winemaker guild was in the city, and most of the population of the nearby villages worked in the fields surrounding the city. I plan to visit every village in our territory eventually, funneling money into them via my own company to improve their lives as happier workers are more productive workers.

The lesson wasn't boring, and Geros kept me invested in the learning. When it was finally over three hours later, he and Grayfia were pleased. It was a very informative lesson, and I will be quizzed on everything from the prior lessons on Tuesday. I was dismissed from lessons by a serious Grayfia and Geros after they handed me my money from the house sale. Geros told me Ajarkan would like dinners with him and me once a month on Wednesday, which I agreed to. Geros asked for more mechadendrites because the pack had already proven itself so well with him that he wanted to make it a standard issue for his peerage. I told him I'll make more packs and MIUs today and have Maéva deliver them to him.

That got a nod along with a professional smile. Before, he told me he wanted to talk with Maéva about a thing he saw in the house.

Rias met me outside the office door, wearing a blue shirt and jeans. Her silly grin made me raise an eyebrow at her, and she told me while we moved towards the main hall.

"I want to practice swords with you. I was watching Murayama-san and Kiba dueling in the basement, and I picked up a few tricks."

I smile there.

"I'll happily duel with you today after building things. I also want to finish your book at some point. I'll also fully introduce you to my peerage. Just don't be surprised by the two people I have. Don't believe what the black-haired one says; I didn't do that."

That got a confused look from Rias, and that was when Kuroka met us at the top of the stairs. Having heard me, she teased Rias.

"He is lying, nya. He totally did that."

I pulled a tail in retaliation, and that got an eep from my queen and a giggle from Rias. I get into professional mode and say to Kuroka.

"Gather everyone up in the peerage. I will be reworking wargear today in the basement and making things for the new people. Then I'm free to relax."

Kuroka immediately took the order, and she started the people hunt. Rias smiled at me, and we continued down the stairs.

In the basement, Murayama is practicing her sword work and getting used to the Macabian sword. When she caught sight of me, she bounced and woofed.

Her eagerness for her wargear is infectious. I get her sizes and then let the anvil appear before I make the sword. Murayama picked up the power sword and I showed her how to activate the weapon. The crack makes her jump, but she quickly jumps in excitement upon getting her shield. Murayama asked for a dummy to practice her sword on, and I made one in the form of her most hated alien.

A Tau who she hated as they didn't do melee. Rias was interested in the Tau's appearance. Murayama moved the dummy with magic over to a corner before she began to eagerly wack on it, and she got extremely happy with the force of the blows and the cracks. I told Murayama while wincing as she slapped the Tau's face.

"I'll make your armor at the station and your outer layer of robes."

Murayama slammed the sword into the guts of the Tau, and she said over her shoulder.

"We all going to wear these robes?"

Rias was confused while I nodded.

"We all should given where I want to go. The robes are extremely comfortable and have proven their worth already. The only one who doesn't wear them right now is Raynare, but that's because of her stealth and fighting style being up close and personal. She might eventually, once good enough, switch to a robe."

Murayama nodded and then struck the dummy with a head chop. The blow shakes the dummy, and Murayama must have a big smile. I was prepared for my next person, Mittelt. She was being carried into the basement by a smiling Raynare. Mittelt wasn't fighting this and sighed before being set down in front of me. I looked at Raynare in amusement while Rias gasped at the two fallen devils. I asked Mittelt.

"Ballistic or laser?"

Mittelt frowned.

"Laser? You're telling me that you can make laser things?"

I smiled and nodded.

"I can."

Mittelt frowned before answering.

"Laser."

I pictured a hot shot long las and swing. The light went off, and then I picked up the gun. It's ratling-sized, and I handed it to Mittelt. She looked at it in disbelief. Raynare bounced happy, and Rias finally asked.

"How do you have two fallen?"

Raynare does her thing.

"My Great King seduced me! I'm Raynare!"

Rias was shocked until she remembered what I said before we came downstairs. Mittelt sighed while Murayama spoke up in support of Raynare.

"He did it to me too, Ray. I'm in this permanently, Red, so don't try to think your top dog here."

Rias got a tic mark and got ready to shoot back at her rival before Raynare said something.

"Knight of Mars thinks the red lady is extremely pretty and now understands the Great King's love of red."

Rias gets incredibly smug and likes Raynare immensely now as Murayama blushes profusely. Raynare beams and Mittelt looks at the gun, armor, and robes. That was when Thoron and Hetvia arrived with Kuroka and Kiryuu.

Thoron and Hetvia froze, seeing the anvil. Kiryuu shrugged, and she requested a servo skull. Another swing, and then a new little guy is made. She took it and placed it in a pocket spell. The skull put off Mittelt before I gestured to Thoron and Hetvia, and the two approached. I picture a power spear and swing. The spear is on the anvil, and Thoron takes it.

I showed him the activation button and the spear cracks. Thoron embraced his battle-fanatic self fully and beamed as I told him what a power weapon does. Then came his armor and robes. He frowned at the robes but looked in interest at the carapace, especially the red eyes.

Hetvia pokes her fingers together, and I make her armor and robes before I ask her.

"You know swords or anything, Hetvia?"

Hetvia shakes her head no. Thoron had put his armor and weapon in a pocket spell and said.

"She doesn't. I have tried to help her with that."

I smile reassuringly to Hetvia, who looks down in shame. Mittelt says to her fellow pawn, seeing the shame.

"I don't know melee either. If you want, I could use a lab assistant for my experiments. I'm new to devil magic and would like an experienced teacher."

That made Hetvia happy, and she agreed to help that way. I do tell them.

"I can make something to help you both with swords. It was what helped me learn them, too. Ria, it can help you get stronger, too."

Rias and the others looked at that in curiosity. I tell my peers.

"Everyone enjoy yourselves. Murayama, I will make you your armor. Ray, try not to scare anyone."

I quickly made six generators for Mittelt, and the little fallen was pleased before she invited Hetvia to help her. That got Thoron helping as well. Raynare disappeared, shocking Rias as it was sudden and in her eyesight. Murayama bounced towards me, Kiryuu following along with Hetvia. Kuroka was surprisingly prepared to go upstairs, saying to me with a Cheshire grin.

"Shirone wants to go to a sweet shop, and I want fish, nya. Have fun, Red."

Kuroka goes off, followed by the science duo and Thoron. With that done, I led Rias and Murayama to the teleportation room. Rias was wide-eyed when she saw it. Murayama went through without hesitation and disappeared. I extended my hand to Rias. She looked at the teleporter again before she took my hand without any hesitation, either. And together, we stepped through.

Murayama enjoys using her new power armor, and Rias watches it in shock. The two other suits are resting in a line, with Issari's in the middle and mine on the right. Murayama swiped with her sword several times, and her shield was prepared to take blows. The icon of the cog of Mars was prominent on the central point of the red shield. I quickly made two dueling swords for Rias and myself before getting Rias's attention with a tap on her shoulder. That shocked Rias out of her gaze. I handed her the sword.

She takes it before she and I face each other. Rias asked.

"What type of armor is that? What are you going to make to help me learn swords faster?"

I reply with the first question.

"Power armor. It is armor powered by two small plasma reactors. As for what I will make to help you, it will teach you sword styles. After two or three sessions, you should know more about them, which will give you an advantage."

Rias was interested. I extended my sword and let Rias prepare herself. Then we dueled. Rias had indeed picked up tricks from earlier because she gave good fights. She was good with a sword, and I wanted her to be able to defend herself against Kokabiel's people. I will find his bases and show them true war because kidnapping and torturing a person isn't war. Neither is gassing civilians. My anger must be clear for Rias to see because she says softly.

"You don't have to worry, Gregor-kun. You're so serious most of the time. I don't get why now that I'm all but free from Riser."

I worry for our planet, Ria.

"I can't help it. I'll keep worrying till that contract is signed. I am sorry."

Rias dodged a jab, and she poked at me, which I blocked, giving Rias time to respond.

"I just want my potential husband to be happy like last night and on Tuesday."

I will be happy when we are strong, Ria.

"I will try. I don't plan to be doing much for a few weeks. Maybe a hunt every so often, but I will have more downtime. I'm enjoying the book, Ria. You might win."

Rias blushed in pleasure before she admitted to me.

"I am, too. I like Dune. I want to read more stuff like it."

I smile before saying.

"There are more books in the series. I can recommend another one called Foundation. If I win, I have a fun plan for us that you will love."

The plan was to go to an anime convention being hosted here in Kuoh. Rias blushed and responded to that with the duel starting again.

"I do, too. Issari-chan told me you like certain things. I have never done them before, but they sound like they could be fun."

I'm intrigued as Rias smiles our smile and then jabs at me while I'm distracted. I easily blocked it but punished her for that with a quick series of strikes. She caught three of the six strikes, dodged two, and then got poked on the final strike on her right leg. I praise her.

"Good try, but you won't pass me easily, Ria. Can you show me more about wards? I want to know how they work."

Rias smiled there at her defense and my question.

"I can teach you some tonight."

I smiled there.

"I would love that."

Rias grew happier, and then we dueled again. Murayama had finished playing with her armor and weapons before she watched and started giving tips to Rias. I watched my knight, and she shrugged.

"We are stuck together, so I'm not going to be too petty. Red needs to be stronger for my King. He deserves to have that. Now, spill Red what he likes! I need to know!"

Rias doesn't answer right away. Blocking a hit from me before she replies.

"I won't say. After all he knows what I want and said yes to it. I will try it. Find it out yourself."

Rias doing that makes me nosebleed. She gave me a triumphant smile, which led to me getting poked. It caught my left hand, and I wanted to hate Kuroka and kiss her. Murayama rolled her eyes.

"Kitty will tell me. I want to know!"

I sighed and just poked towards Rias. She caught it, and we continued to spar. Murayama gave tips to Rias, asking questions about my styles and the damage I had taken from battles. I answered her, and she began to make mental notes. Rias frowns, hearing several things, but she turns tender, knowing I took those wounds for her. This continued till Rias finally got tired. Her stamina is better, and I will jog with her more to watch out for Kokabiel's people because two of them got away. They will try again. I say to Murayama as I take Rias's sword and let her lean on me.

"I will be jogging for the people in the peerage who need to do that. I plan to do it at least once or twice a day. Your peerage is welcome to do that with me, Rias."

Rias smiled and nodded her head vigorously, wanting that. Murayama gets her now increasingly common nosebleed. I let Rias lean on me, and Murayama continued getting used to her armor. Thirty minutes later, she got out of it and asked for a storage unit for her gear, which I made quickly. When the gear was put away, Murayama prepared to leave, saying as she walked towards the teleporter.

"I will be out with Katase tonight and late tomorrow, Gregor-kun. We need to find a new place to practice, and Katase wants to prepare our club for next season."

I smiled and let her know.

"I will make something for everyone so we can assemble quickly. Enjoy Murayama-chan. I will let you and Katase know if I join. I think I'll get my acceptance letter tomorrow or sometime next week."

That should be done soon. I will need to start making things to help with my limited time, perhaps a few servo skulls. I could turn one of Kokabiel's people into a servitor. That could help and make a wasteful dog into being useful. Koriel tells me she can easily teach me her version of the process. Murayama says hopefully.

"You will get in. Red is right; you worry about things a lot, but I understand, too. I hope we can start helping out more when we are all on the same page tomorrow."

I hope so. Especially if Mittelt can help with the technical side. With a way to make the generators, we can go public with them, and then my company can jump forward. Hell, she might be able to bullshit papers together to help us. Rias squeezed my hand, and that helped. It will get better slowly. Hopefully.

Murayama left, and I remained silent with Rias for a bit. We enjoyed the silence, and that was how we were for a bit before we started dueling again.

When we returned home, I was met by Maéva, who asked for the mechadendrites for Geros. I quickly made them for her to send to him. Maéva thanked me before going off to do things. At the top of the stairs, Rias and I departed to take showers because of the workout. Hot water and a small smile were enjoyed before I exited the shower and got ready for my wards session.

Rias entered with many books, and I gaped at the number. I know wards are complicated, but damn. Rias went into a very serious look and began the lecture by explaining the importance of clear rune application on a wardstone. She brought several unused ones; the first lesson was to power the stone with magic. Then, carve the right rune, and it must be perfect.

I carefully carve into the stone, and we continue the lesson until Maéva arrives with dinner consisting of rice and chicken. Following her were Issari and Akeno. Issari focused on the rune stones, while Akeno told me that she and Issari enjoyed doing stuff together. Issari has her waifu all but guaranteed by the look Akeno sent the chestnut. After forty minutes of carving, I showed Rias my stone. The verdict was not the worst.

"You made three errors. In saying that they are extremely small ones, but you should not make any. That's how holes are left. You did ok for a first try."

It became clear fast that I get wards in terms of breaking them. I'm not a maker but a breaker. Kuroka being both shocked Rias because that was incredibly rare. Rias said it's 99 percent of the time either or for people. Breakers are also rare because you need to understand the basics, and very few can even begin to understand that. That makes the blow less stinging. The others and I also learned something new here.

Issari, who had been watching in pure curiosity since the beginning, now asked to see a stone. Rias gave her one. The pervert immediately got a chisel, and at a speed that shocked Rias and me, Issari carved a stone quickly and then presented it to Rias. Rias blinked, and she looked over the stone before saying in a very shocked voice.

"This is perfect, with no hint of a crack. How did you?"

Issari shrugged but was extremely smug.

"Gecko shared stuff. He said I earned it. I'm smart, too, without that, and I'm a maker. I call dibs on base wards when I am good enough."

Akeno's smile is lusty, and she pets her dragon, which gets big purrs. Considering everything that is good. I break Issari makes. Two sides of the same coin on the opposite ends again. Still, this can work. The lesson split with Rias making stones for me to break and Issari getting stones to make. That continued with an extreme amount of learning, and this will be useful. I'll test my breaking on the next raid. Because I still need to find the last two who have fallen from that cell. A problem for another day. Today was relaxing. I need more of these.