Living as I Please (LAP)

"___" Text speech

'___' Internal thoughts

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(Great Sage:___)

{Author:___} author notes

Some things are subject to change depending on how I develop this story

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With his territory plans unfolding, Meelis recognized another significant milestone approaching: his debut ceremony. In devil aristocracy, the debut of a young devil was both a formal introduction and a statement of influence, power, and alliances. A grand event was customary, meant to showcase one's peerage, abilities, and ambitions while garnering support from other noble families. This debut would serve not only as his introduction to the higher ranks of the underworld but also as a calculated move in the political game that devils thrived on.

To ensure that every aspect of the debut met the high standards of devil society, Meelis began planning the ceremony with an intensity that surprised even him. He summoned Rias, Grayfia, Kuroka, and Jeanne to the Gremory estate's main hall for a strategy meeting.

Why Grayfia? Well despite his status, Meelis was still just a kid with no actual power under the Gremory's roof, so all his actions needed to go through at least Grayfia, so that she can either approve them or contact Sirzechs for approval.

"Alright," Meelis began, looking over the gathered group, "we need to make this debut flawless. This isn't just about formality; it's a demonstration of what we bring to the underworld. Grayfia, I'll need your expertise on aristocratic customs, despite my training under Venelana-sama throwing what is essentially a party is a different matter. Rias, I'd like your input as well; you've been through these events and know what the high-ranking devils expect."

Grayfia nodded with a look of approval on her usually expressionless face, "A good choice. The debut of a devil, especially one establishing a new peerage, calls for attention to every detail. You'll need to highlight both your strength and your connections. Invitations must go out to the most influential families, and the venue should reflect your ambitions."

Rias added thoughtfully, "Yes, and I think a balance between tradition and novelty will be key. Your peerage is unique, and we need to showcase that—showing them something fresh will stand out." Despite not liking being around other High-class Devils, Rias knows where to draw the line between public and private settings, so even if she herself didn't care about these things, she could still give Meelis some advice from her personal experience.

Meelis turned to his peerage. "Kuroka, Jeanne, for the debut, both of you will have specific roles. I want your strengths to be apparent from the moment guests arrive. Kuroka, I'll need you to display your magic prowess, and Jeanne, I want you to be ready to present your swordsmanship. We'll craft a sequence that showcases each of you in turn."

Kuroka grinned, flicking her tail. "A chance to show off? You don't need to tell me twice, nya~."

Jeanne straightened, looking both nervous and excited. "Yes, Master. I won't disappoint."

Rias chimed in; her tone professional "Do you have any specific gifts in mind? If we're inviting high-ranking devils, they'll each present something, and whatever you reciprocate with could elevate or diminish their opinion of you."

"We'll keep gifts to a minimum," Meelis decided. "It's about showing power through simplicity—a show of strength without being flashy. Though, a bit of subtle reinforcement of my position through carefully selected alliances couldn't hurt." He knew marriage prospects might be presented, but he wanted to keep his options open, especially to avoid any hidden obligations, he considered himself a free man when it came to his relationships, we was not going to be bound by an arranged marriage, and if he was, it'd be of his own voluntary choosing.

The group quickly launched into detailed planning. Rias suggested arranging alliances and networking opportunities for guests, or in her terms, which high-class devil heir looked like a spoiled kid and which heir was amicable, while Grayfia mapped out the ceremonial procedures, from the opening addresses to the closing rites. Over the course of several hours, every detail, from the décor to the display of abilities, was refined to ensure a memorable debut that would mark Meelis as a force within the underworld.

Finally, as they concluded the meeting, Meelis glanced around with satisfaction. "This debut won't just be an introduction; it'll be our first claim to real influence. Let's make sure the entire underworld remembers it."

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-Scene Change-

Days later, the night of the debut arrived, the grand hall of the Gremory estate resplendent with dark marble floors, silken banners in rich shades of crimson and silver, and flickering torches that cast a regal glow across the scene. Rows of elegantly clad devils filled the hall, each arrival marked by titles, lineages, and subtle boasts of influence—a night for noble families to assess and be assessed. Meelis stood at the head of the hall, exuding composure, with Rias, Grayfia, Kuroka, and Jeanne by his side, each presenting a presence of strength and unity.

While Rias and Grayfia are not technically part of Meelis' family, they are part of the representatives for the Gremory house, Zeoticus and Venelana, and the Lucifer Satan, Sirzechs, so their presences was not that surprising, especially considering the fact that the ceremony was in the Gremory estate.

High-class devils rarely missed a chance to flaunt their wealth, and tonight, the gifts they bore served as a means to subtly boast rather than seek any alliance. Many devils viewed alliances with a newcomer as beneath them, but their pride demanded they make a statement, through the scale and value of their offerings alone.

As guests trickled in, the atmosphere took on a palpable sense of anticipation, and it wasn't long before the high-class devils began to display their rank and influence. The family of Duke Astaroth approached first, a retinue of attendants bearing gifts wrapped in rare silks, their emissary stating, "We offer this token in recognition of the Gremory house's illustrious contributions and your debut, Lord Meelis." The item was a gem-encrusted chalice of ancient make, a show of wealth meant to awe but not to overshadow.

Over time, many smaller houses came, either sending their representatives or coming in person.

The Sitri family representative, a refined woman dressed in shades of deep blue, presented Meelis with a crystalline scepter embedded with sapphires harvested from the depths of the River Styx. Her words were measured, though her tone carried a faint air of condescension. "May this scepter remind you of the healing prowess and wisdom that only a true lineage can afford," she said, implying that only the Sitri family could boast such legacies and powers.

Although she was only a representative, and not one of the actual clan members, their reason for it was that both Lord Sitri and his wife are busy working on their hospital, and Sona was too young to represent their house. Although there was Serafall, she was currently a Satan and therefore technically not part of their House anymore.

This didn't stop Serafall from attending the ceremony and bringing Sona along later on though.

From the Zepar family, Lord Zepar presented an ornate mirror with swirling obsidian designs, rumored to be enchanted with unique divination spells. "This mirror reflects only truth," he said, a touch of smugness in his eyes, "revealing one's real intentions. A useful tool…if you are able to unlock its secrets." His words hinted at a belief that someone of Meelis's age and rank might not fully comprehend or appreciate the mirror's value, casting a shadow of doubt on his ability to wield it.

Finally, a member of the Gusion family stepped forward, presenting an ornate crystal vial filled with an iridescent, ever-changing liquid a rare elixir crafted from ethereal flowers that bloomed only once every century in the underworld. "A symbol of resilience and beauty that even the strongest devils respect," she said loftily. Though beautiful, the gift was clearly an assertion of status rather than a genuine offering of friendship.

With each presentation, the high-class devils exuded an air of superiority, more interested in displaying their family's prestige than in fostering any relationship with Meelis. Each family took great pride in hinting, subtly or otherwise, that their legacy outshone any newcomer's ambitions, not to mention the competition over who brought the better gift between the houses. Yet, Meelis maintained his composure, accepting their gifts with grace but without deferring to their unspoken claims of superiority.

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LP: 500

Devil Nobility Class: Low, Mid, High, Ultimate, Special (these are the actual cannon rankings of DxD)

Devil Strength Rank: Low(F), Mid(E), High(D), Ultimate(C), Satan(B-), Maxed Longinus(B), Dragon Kings(B+), Heavenly Dragons/Super Devils(A), Indra/Shiva(A+), Ophis/Red(S+ to EX)

there you go.... as promised heres the extra chapter, also i might be tooting my own horn here but i think i did pretty good with my other chapters, although saying it now doesnt make much sense just know I usually am like 2-3 chapters ahead on P and i just wrote todays chapter and a hint i dropped early on is finally going to come forward ;)