Underworld, Satan Territory, Capital City Lilith.
A few hours after the duel between James, Scathach, and the members of the Devil Council, Sirzechs, Ajuka, Serafall, and Falbium were meeting in the Satans meeting room for one of their routine meetings. However, this time their topic was a bit more serious than the rest.
"So, what are we going to do about the Hindu pantheon interfering with James' battle against Cao Cao of the Khaos Brigade?" Ajuka asked in a solemn tone. "This topic was brought up at our last meeting, but there was no decisive response."
"I don't think we need to do anything." Sirzechs said casually. "Indra is arguably the third or fourth place on the top ten strongest beings list. Do we really want to go to war with him? On top of that, Shiva is ranked right next to him. That would just be suicide."
"Sirzechs-Chan, are you sure about that?" Serafall asked. "If nothing is done about this, that boy, Cao Cao will get more and more out of control with his actions. On top of that, The Grigori, Heaven, and the Kyoto Youkai are calling for action to be taken."
"Serafall is right, Sirzechs." Ajuka chimed in. "This is not just our problem. Indra is backing a terrorist. And that kid he is backing has attacked two pantheons that we are aware of. On top of that, one of them is our ally. If we do nothing, we could start losing allies."
"I understand what you are saying, Ajuka, Sera." Sirzechs said in a serious tone. "But Indra and Shiva are just too powerful for us to deal with."
"Sirzechs..." Ajuka began to speak again before he was interrupted.
*Knock!* *Knock!*
"Excuse me, Lord Satans." Grayfia said from the other side of the door.
"Come in." Sirzechs replied.
A moment later, Grayfia opened the door and entered the meeting room. Then, she bowed to all those present and began to speak.
"The Devil Council's press conference is about to begin.
"Oh." Sirzechs said before picking up a remote and turning on the monitor in the room.
When the monitor was turned on, Sirzechs switched the channel and quickly found the station that was broadcasting the press conference Grayfia mentioned. Just as they agreed, the Councilmen who fought with James earlier in the day were all standing together on a stage. Then, the host of the event began to address everyone watching.
"{Good evening to all the viewers.}" The host said. "{I am sure that you are all aware of the traditional duel that took place earlier in the day. Well, for those that are unaware, I'll give a brief recap of what happened and what led to the duel."
As the host spoke, the conversation that the Four Great Satans were having came to a stop temporarily. Instead, they were all focused on the press conference that was being broadcast. Meanwhile, the host explained the events that led up to the duel, the insults that the Councilmen on the stage heaped upon James and Scathach at the Meeting of Young Devils. Then, he talked about the process of the duel, which was a completely one-sided affair.
"{And now, the Councilmen will be carrying out their side of the deal.}" The host said after concluding his explanation. "{Now, Let's hear what our esteemed Councilmen have to say.}"
A moment later, the cameras at the venue were focused on the leader of the group of Councilmen and everyone who was watching waited expectantly to see if the Councilmen would actually lower their pride to apologize to a half-devil and a reincarnated devil.
"{We as members of the Devil Council are willing to admit our wrongs. As the highest levels of the nobility, we will always carry out our promises.}"
Underworld, Gremory Territory, Gremory Estate.
At the same time, everyone who accompanied James to the [Rating Game] arena, as well as James himself, were seated in the living room of the Gremory mansion watching the press conference.
"Wow, I hate politicians." Issei said as he watched that Councilman speaking of always keeping promises. "It kinda makes my stomach turn when I hear something like that."
"Yeah, it's kinda sickening." Flora said with a nod of her head. "No matter the species, politicians are just the worst, I guess."
"{So, we would like to apologize the James Alaverus and Master Scathach for our rude remarks during the Meeting of Young Devils. We hope you can forgive us.}" The leader of the seventeen Councilmen said before slightly bowing his head.
After their leader, the other sixteen Councilmen also bowed their head, slightly. In fact, some of their bows were so slight that if everyone watching was not of a supernatural species, they might have missed it.
"Their apologies seem so sincere." Cu Chulainn said in a sarcastic tone.
"Well, we weren't expecting much from the apology in the first place, were we?" James asked with a smile on his face. "What's to come is the real fun part."
"{So, then what could Sir Alaverus have meant by admitting your wrong doings?}" the host asked after all the Councilmen raised their heads.
"{We could only assume that he was referring to the way we belittled him in front of so many of his peers.}" The leading Councilman said. "{And to be honest, we were wrong. We allowed our prejudice against half-devils to cloud our judgement and said some things that we know we should not have said.}"
"Well, that's about what we expected." James said after that statement. "But if what Auntie Venelana was saying is true, Sirzechs is gonna be pissed... Like really pissed in a few hours, right? Will Grayfia be okay?"
After the date for the duel was decided, Grayfia also decided that she could no longer stand Sirzechs' attitude toward the Council's wrong doings. So, she spoke with Leona, Venelana, and Rhea asking them what they thought was the best course of action. Leona then suggested they should use James' duel as an excuse to make the information public.
Then, after a few hours of consideration, they decided to run the plan by James. Naturally, James was all for it. His disdain for the Devil Council was no secret among the people who knew him well. So, of course he would be all for it. And that's when they came up with the plan for James to add the condition of admitting all their wrong doings to the duel.
Underworld, Satan Territory, Capital City, Lilith.
"I'm actually surprised they did it without a fuss." Sirzechs said in amazement.
"Their pride would not allow them to go back on their own words in front of so many people." Ajuka said, putting extra emphasis on the word "pride."
"I guess that makes sense." Sirzechs nodded, not noticing the extra emphasis Ajuka added.
"*Sigh* Well, I guess that's over." Ajuka said. "Now, let's get back to what we're going to do about the Hindu pantheon interfering in our war with the Khaos Brigade."
"We can't afford to go to war with them." Sirzechs said strongly.
"So, would you rather we lose the alliances we just built?" Ajuka asked.
"Seriously, Sirzechs-Chan." Serafall said while making eye contact with Sirzechs. "Why are you so against doing what's necessary to stop these terrorists."
"We all know the real reason." Falbium said in a tired tone. "He's too proud to walk onto a battlefield where he is for sure not the strongest."
With that, the room fell silent. Then, everyone turned their gazes toward the laziest man in the Underworld.
"Just as everyone knows about my sloth, we all know about your pride, Sirzechs." Falbium said, sounding as if he were going to nod off at any second.
"*Sigh* He's right, Sirzechs." Ajuka agreed.
Sirzechs, however, did not retort. Instad, his aura began to fill the room. Then, he raised his head and shouted.
"Everything I've done is for the prosperity of the devils!" Sirzechs said angrily. Though, anyone who has known him long enough could tell that this was an act. "I will not stand for this kind of insult."
Then, without giving anyone a chance to speak, Sirzechs created a teleportation magic circle and teleported away from the room.
"Why doesn't he act like that when the Council is questioning his authority?" Falbium said before closing his eyes and starting to doze off.
"That's a good question." Ajuka replied. "One for which I don't have an answer."
"Anyway, it won't matter if Sirzechs-Chan agrees or not if Cao Cao shows up again." Serafall said in a cheerful tone. "James said he would kill him next time they meet."
"Even if it starts a war?" Ajuka asked.
"James didn't seem to care about Indra's opinion." Serafall said with a shrug. "He refuses to allow him to live because he targeted Yasaka and Kunou."
"I see, I think it would be a good opportuniity to talk to the young man." Ajuka said. "I might even be able to get some insight into some of the spells he created."
Then, Ajuka began to mumble to himself about how some of James' ideas could be useful in his research.
"Anyway, I guess we're done here." Serafall said. "Another meeting without coming to a conclusion about what we should do regarding the Hindu pantheon."
Like that, the meeting ended. Then, Ajuka, Serafall, Falbium, and Grayfia made their way back to their own homes, or research institute in Ajuka's case.
Underworld, Gremory Territory, Gremory Estate.
A few hours later, James and Rias' peerages were sitting in the living room of the Gremory Mansion and watching TV or chatting with each other. About an hour ago, Sona, her parents, and her peerage left to return to their own homes.
"It should be happening soon." Venelana said with a bit of anticipation in her eyes.
"What are you talking about?" Zeoticus asked curiously.
"You'll see soon." Venelana said in a mysterious tone.
Not long after that, a teleportation circle appeared in the corner of the room. When it vanished, Sirzechs and Grayfia were standing in its place. As usual, Grayfia was wearing a stoic expression. Sirzechs, on the other hand, was wearing a gentle smile like he usually does. However, anyone familiar with him could tell that he was hiding some unhappiness.
"Welcome home." Venelana said to her son and daughter-in-law with a smile. "I guess the meeting wasn't as successful as you would have hoped."
"*Sigh* Yeah, we had a few disagreements about Indra's vanguard interfering in Kyoto." Sirzechs said.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that." James interjected. "Cao Cao will die the next time I meet him on the field of battle. The only reason he got away last time was because of that damned [Dimension Lost] and the interference from Sun Wukong."
"That's not a good idea, James." Sirzechs said with a slight frown. "Killing one of those that Indra is backing could lead to war between our pantheons. Understanding that is why you let him go in the first place, right?"
"Nope." James replied with a shrug. "The reason I let him go is because fighting Sun Wukong while trying to kill him in the temporary dimension created by [Dimension Lost] was impossible. I didn't want to waste the effort."
"Do you not care that the Underworld could be plunged into war with another pantheon?" Sirzechs asked angrily.
"Indra's vanguard interfering in our affairs, not to mention assisting our enemies who are recognized by all factions as terrorists, could already be considered a declaration of war." James replied calmly. "I'm sure you're already aware of that."
Seeing the disagreement, no one knew what to say. They really did not want to see this issue escalate, however, they both knew that the two men in front of them were strangely stubborn about things like this. On top of that most of them agreed with James.
"There will be no war." James said casually. "And if you think there will be, you don't pay enough attention to the state of affairs in the Hindu pantheon."
"Oh, then why don't you enlighten me." Sirzechs said in a sarcastic tone, losing control of his gentle façade after being challenged by James.
"Gladly." James replied with a smile. "I'm sure the excuse you're using is that Shiva and Indra are too strong for us to stand against. And honestly, that would be true..."
"Then why does it seem like you're eager to spark a war against people who would decimate our people." Sirzechs asked with righteous indignation in his tone.
"How 'bout letting me finish, Big Bro Sirzechs?" James said with a bit of sarcasm in his own tone. "That would be true if that were possible. But Shiva and Indra will never team up against us. Anyone that knows anything about Hindu lore would know that."
Sirzechs also knew what James said was true. Indra and Shiva have been at odds with each other for as long as the Hindu pantheon has existed. Even though the Hindu are strangely overpowered compared to the other pantheons, they have never been united. If they had, Christianity would have never gained a foothold in India, even after the English colonized it back in the past.
Before James could continue, or Sirzechs could retort, however, the broadcast on the television was interrupted.
"{We are interrupting the normally schedule program for breaking news.}" The news anchor, a beautiful woman appearing to be middle-aged, said. "{We have various reports from the citizens of the Capital that they have been receiving information packages detailing the dirty dealings of the members of the Devil Council who participated in the duel earlier in the day.}"
"{Currently, the members of the Devil Council are convening for an emergency meeting.}" The other anchor, a handsome man who also appeared to be middle-aged, continued from where the first anchor left off. "{We have received a copy of the report from an anonymous sender. Although we are still trying to verify its authenticity, if what appeared on it is true, things in the Underworld could change a great deal.}"
After hearing that, everyone who was not in the know had their eyes widened to their limits. Meanwhile, Leona, Venelana, Grayfia, James, and Scathach remained calm, as they were not only expecting but waiting for this report.
A few moments later, Sirzechs was the first to come out of his stupor. With his gentle mask removed, he turned to Grayfia with anger in his eyes.
"What is the meaning of this, Grayfia?" Sirzechs asked in a menacing tone. "I told you releasing this information could lead to civil war. I told you to forget that you found this information."
In response, Grayfia remained silent. However, everyone other than her, Leona, and Venelana were surprised to know that Sirzechs had already been made aware of this news. Because of that, James and Scathach turned to the three women who had asked them to present this news if the Councilmen did not admit to it themselves.
"That's enough, Sirzechs." Venelana said, stepping between Sirzechs and Grayfia. "Grayfia only did what she thought was right. Even if it's different from what you believe, there is no need for you to be angered so."
"Mother, you don't understand." Sirzechs said, trying to reign in his anger. "This could tear apart our society."
"Oh, you mean like those old fossils have been doing for centuries?" James asked sarcastically. "There's no way you can claim to have not known about it after your little outburst. And instead of doing something about it and investigating it to fix the problem, you're worried about a civil war. Let's be honest, Sirzechs there would be no civil war if you took immediate action against the culprits."
"And what would you know about it?" Sirzechs fired back angrily. "You have no idea how crafty the members of the Council can be."
"Like I said, not worthy of the title of Satan." James said with disappointment in his tone.
"What was that?" Sirzechs asked in rage, his demonic pressure leaking and putting pressure on everyone in the room.
Everyone in the room at ultimate-rank or below felt stifled by the pressure Sirzechs was emitting. Only James, Scathach, and Grayfia seemed to be unaffected.
"Maybe if you acted like this with the Council, things like what showed up in that investigative report would never happen." James continued without changing his tone in the slightest.
Before Sirzechs could rage any further, a communication magic circle bearing Ajuka's mark appeared next to Sirzechs' right ear. Noticing the magic circle, Sirzechs took several deep breaths. Then, once he had calmed down significantly, he injected his demonic energy into the magic circle and listened to Ajuka's voice.
"Alright, I'll be there soon." Sirzechs said before ending the communication.
After that, he glared at Grayfia. Before leaving, he spoke.
"We have many things to discuss after I meet with the others." Sirzechs said as he created a teleportation magic circle beneath him.
"I agree." Grayfia said, not changing her expression in the slightest. "We, indeed, need to talk."
A moment later, Sirzechs was teleported away. Once he was gone, Grayfia walked over to a sofa and flopped down on it, her hands covering her face. Clearly, she was distraught by the chain of events. Seeing Grayfia's state, Leona, Venelana, Rias, and Akeno gathered around her, trying to console her.
"*Sigh* He's changed." Grayfia said in a forlorn tone. "He's not the man I fell in love with anymore. What happened to the man who wanted what was best for the Underworld, for the devils, more than anything else?"