Underworld, Satan Territory, Capital City, Lilith.
Shortly after the Meeting of Young Devils ended, Sirzechs, Ajuka, Serafall, and Falbium met in the room wear the Four Great Satans usually held their meetings.
"*Sigh* It's hard to believe that Scathach has been reincarnate into a devil." Sirzechs said with a sigh. "And James change in attitude was a bit of a surprise as well."
"Was it really?" Ajuka asked curiously. "I don't think it was all that surprising."
"You just don't know him that well, Ajuka." Sirzechs said while shaking his head. "He's usually polite, cheerful, and sometimes mischievous. But he's never outright looked down on anyone because they were weaker than he is."
"Outright looking down on someone." Ajuka repeated. "Is that what you saw?"
"Isn't that what he did?" Sirzechs asked back in return.
Instead of answering Sirzechs question, Ajuka directed his attention to the other two members of the Four Great Satans.
"What do you think, Serafall, Falbium?" Ajuka asked.
"Like I said last time, I don't know the kid all that well." Falbium said. "But before someone jumped up to put him down, he had not done anything disrespectful to anyone."
"I agree with Fal-Chan." Serafall said in her usual cheerful tone. "All Jay-Kun did was defend himself when someone was mean to him. What's wrong with that?"
With Serafall's question, Ajuka, Serafall, and Falbium turned their attention back to Sirzechs. Sirzechs, on the other hand, did not know how to respond. He was just uncomfortable seeing how strong James had become. With the strength he displayed when he let loose his power, James could rank among the top ten most powerful devils in the Underworld.
"I just think he was a bit hasty with his actions." Sirzechs said with an uncomfortable expression on his face.
'*Sigh* Sirzechs pride is getting in the way.' Ajuka thought to himself. 'I know he doesn't like the thought that James may one day become more powerful than him. On top of that, James declared that he would do so, in no uncertain terms.'
"Anyway, what are your opinions on scathach?" Sirzechs said, trying his best to change the subject.
"What does it matter?" Serafall asked curiously. "If a devil is strong enough to reincarnate a devil then that's a good thing for that devil, right?"
"But what if she were to go stray?" Sirzechs asked. "There aren't many devils in the Underworld who would be able to stop her."
'There he goes again, he's unhappy that Grayfia's position as the Underworld's strongest [Queen] will be in jeopardy.' Ajuka thought to himself.
"Anyway, what are we going to do about James' challenge to those members of the Devil Council." Ajuka asked.
"Why do we need to do anything?" Falbium asked. "He's well within his right to challenge them after their show of disrespect. On top of that, it would be too much work to interfere."
At Falbium's reply, the other three could only sigh. They all knew about Falbium's lazy attitude.
At the same time in a small meeting room in the same building, Zekram was seated with James in front of him, each with a cup of tea in front of them. Behind James, Scathach, his [Queen] was standing behind him.
"I must say, I was quite impressed by how you carried yourself back at the Meeting of Young Devils." Zekram said after taking a sip of his tea. "You waited for the opportunity to show your discontent in a manner fitting for a devil."
"Thank you for your praise, Lord Bael." James said politely.
"Lord Bael sounds so formal. If you wish, you may call me Grandpa or Grandfather." Zekram said without changing his expression.
Naturally, James was confused. Scathach did not speak either. She was curious what Zekram was getting at with that statement. It was obvious he was trying to win James over. The question, however, was why would he do so?
"I can tell you're unaware that Venelana is one of my descendants from my direct line." Zekram said calmly. "And since you are marrying Rias, you will be part of my family."
"I see. James said calmly.
Knowing that gaining James' trust quickly, especially after how he had been treated by the Devil Council and by extension the Great King Faction, was impossible. Zekram decided to change the subject.
"So, how serious are you about becoming this world's most powerful being?" Zekram asked.
"As serious as can be." James replied. "Only with absolute power can I control my own destiny."
Both Zekram and Scathach nodded in agreement. Then, Zekram turned his attention to Scathach.
"Scathach, I never thought I'd be able to see you outside of the Land of Shadows again in this lifetime." Zekram said. "I suppose congratulations are in order."
"I appreciate your words, Zekram Bael." Scathach said impassively. "But instead of congratulating me, you should be praising my disciple for his strength."
"Oh, does that mean James, here, was able to defeat you?" Zekram asked with a bit of curiosity in his tone. The first time his tone had changed during this conversation.
"Not only did he defeat me, but he was also able to take my life." Scathach replied. "I am sure you are aware of the geass I made with the Celtic pantheon."
"Yes, you agreed to oversee the Land of Shadows until your death." Zekram replied with a nod. "I would imagine that the Celts are quite unhappy with your departure."
"Indeed." Scathach replied with a nod. "But there was nothing they could do about it. I have grown weary of that place. And James was able to grant my wish."
"I see, I would love to hear about the battle." Zekram said.
"I would have to decline, Lord Bael." James said, reentering the conversation. "Telling you about the battle would force me to reveal some of the secrets that I'm not prepared to reveal."
Although he was a bit disappointed, Zekram knew that everyone had their own secrets. Therefore, he nodded before speaking again.
"I understand." Zekram said. "But if the opportunity presents itself, I would hope that you could regale me with the tale."
"If the opportunity presents itself, I would be more than happy to." James replied with a smile. "As for now, I would ask you to excuse me. My peerage is still waiting for me. And I'm sure my parents would like to hear about tonight's events."
"Of course." Zekram replied. "I enjoyed our little chat. I would also like to extend an invitation to you and your peerage to visit me at the Bael Castle."
"As Sairaorg and I are friends, I wouldn't mind visiting the Bael Castle one day." James replied with a smile.
After that, James stood from his seat, politely bowed to Zekram and bid the old devil farewell. After leaving the meeting room, James met up with the rest of his peerage, then he created a teleportation magic circle and took everyone back to the Underworld's Alaverus Estate.
Meanwhile, Zekram maintained his position in his chair while he thought about the young half-devil he just spoke with.
"The new Red Dragon Emperor is quite the interesting youth." Zekram said with a slight smile. "He's bold, yet cautious in his actions. He's the type of devil that the Underworld needs to grow."
Underworld, Gremory Territory, Alaverus Estate.
When James and his peerage arrived at his house in the Underworld, they were surprised to see that the living room was full of people. Both of James' parents, Cassiel and Leona, were home. Rias' parents, Zeoticus and Venellana, and Sona's parents, Dante and Rhea, had also come to visit. And Grayfia was accompanying the Gremory couple. And of course, Rias, Sona, and their peerages were also there, too.
"Well, I wasn't expecting a full house." James said with a smile.
Then, after he spoke, he walked over to his father and gave him a hug.
"Good to see you, Pop." James said happily. "It's been a while. I'm surprised Big Bro Sirzechs gave you some time off."
"Haha. It's good to see you too, James." Cassiel said, returning the hug. "Rias and Sona already told us about your showing at the Meeting of Young Devils. Excellent job."
Leona, Zeoticus, Venelana, Dante, and Rhea all nodded in agreement. Then, they all began to discuss the more interesting points of the event. Eventually, Venelana asked a question while hugging Koneko who was sitting in her lap.
"So, how was it seeing your sister after all these years?" Venelana asked softly.
With that question, the room fell silent, while they all waited for Koneko's answer.
"Kuroka-Neesama didn't want to tell me the truth." Koneko said with sadness in her tone. "But she didn't deny that she had never lost control. Which means that James-Nii was right. There's more to it than what was reported."
"That just means that you'll have to get strong enough to demand the truth from her." James said with a smile. "And I'm sure if you asked, Master would be willing to help you gain the strength you need."
Hearing that, everyone from James and Sona's peerages shuddered. The memories of training with Scathach were still fresh. The older devils, Rias, and her peerage were surprised by the reactions of all those that shuddered. However, Rias thought it was a good opportunity to grow stronger for her entire peerage. So, instead of Koneko, Rias asked.
"Master Scathach, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you assist in mine and my peerage's training?" Rias asked humbly with a polite bow.
Hearing that, Sona quickly whispered to Rias.
"Rias are you sure about this?" Sona asked quietly. Quiet enough that no one else could hear her, even with their supernatural senses.
"Of course." Rias replied. "If I'm going to stand next to James in the future, I have to be strong enough."
Hearing that, Sona was taken aback. Then, she put on a resolute expression and asked Scathach the same question.
"Me, too, Master Scathach." Sona asked with determination, burning in her eyes. "If it's not too much trouble, could you continue helping my peerage and I with our training?"
Once again, Sona's peerage shuddered. However, none of them complained. Even though Scathach's training is brutal, the progress they made in twenty-five days could not be denied.
Instead of answering immediately, Scathach took a moment to observe Rias and Sona. Then, she smiled slightly.
"As long as your desire to grow stronger is true, I would be happy to assist you." Scathach said. Then, in a harsh tone, she continued. "However, once you start, there will be no turning back. Understood?"
"Yes, I will leave myself and my peerage to your guidance." Rias and Sona replied in unison.
Meanwhile, Cu Chulainn and Tsubaki were whispering to each other.
"I can understand why Rias would ask Master to train her and her peerage." Cu Chulainn said quietly. "But is Sona some kinda masochist? Or has she already forgotten the harsh training she went through just a couple of days ago."
"I think she just doesn't want to fall behind Rias by too much." Tsubaki replied.
"I guess." Cu Chulainn said as he watched the others in the room. "But It's rare to see someone crazy enough to willingly subject themselves to Master's training a second time."
"Is there something you would like to say, my idiot disciple?" Scathach said, suddenly appearing behind Cu Chulainn and Tsubaki. "Perhaps we should get some more training in tonight."
Cu Chulainn and Tsubaki jumped in surprise after hearing the voice from so close behind them. Then, they hurriedly turned around and met eyes with Scathach who was smiling at Cu Chulainn. However, this smile was neither kind nor happy. Instead, it was a smile that promised painful training.
"N... No ma'am." Cu Chulainn said in a tone filled with fear. "I'm actually quite exhausted from the nearly one month of training."
At the same time, Tsubaki discreetly distanced herself from Cu Chulainn. Although she loved him, she in no way wanted to be pulled into the inhumane torture Scathach was referring to as training that she planned to punish him with.
At the same time, Dante was talking with Yuuto.
"I'm not sure if Lancer is unlucky or stupid." Dante said before taking a sip from his drink. "Why would he ever comment on that crazy woman's training where she could hear him."
As soon as Dante finished, Yuuto took distance from him. A moment later, Scathach appeared behind Dante while holding Cu Chulainn by the scruff of his neck.
"I think a partner to train with would be good for you, my idiot disciple." Scathach said. "And I think the Son of Sparda would make a good training partner."
After speaking, she grabbed Dante by the scruff of his neck just as she was doing with Cu Chulainn.
"What the hell?" Dante exclaimed. "You don't have the right to force me to train."
"Actually, she does, Dante." James chimed in from across the room with a smile. "[As my [Queen], she is the second in command of my peerage."
"Damn you, James~~!" Dante Shouted as Scathach dragged him and Cu Chulainn out toward the training grounds.