Gremory Mansion - Living Room
Riser, feeling that the conversation with Serafall and Sona had reached a point of stability, rose from the leather armchair he was seated in. He looked at Sona and Serafall, sensing that the sisters might have a more peaceful conversation without his presence.
"I'm going to my room," Riser said, his voice firm but tinged with exhaustion. "I'll leave you two to talk."
He began walking towards the stairs, his steps echoing in the silent environment. The polished wooden stairs creaked softly under his feet as he ascended to the second floor, where his room was located.
"Riser, wait!" called Serafall, her voice cutting through the silence.
Riser stopped midway up the stairs, turning slowly to face Serafall. "What is it now, Serafall?"
She crossed her arms, her expression determined. "Do you think you can just run away from a serious conversation with me?"
Riser sighed, visibly irritated, but maintained his composure. "I'm not running away from anything, Serafall. I'm just tired."
Serafall observed him for a moment before speaking again. "You know there will be an investigation into Diodora's death, right? This won't go unnoticed."
Riser stepped down a step, getting slightly closer to Serafall. "I'm not afraid of an investigation, Serafall. I did what was necessary. If Ajuka wants to investigate, let him. I'm ready."
Sighing
Serafall looked at Sona, who remained silent beside her. She knew the situation also affected her sister, as Sona was Riser's wife. "Riser, go rest. We'll continue this conversation later."
Riser nodded, feeling that he could finally retreat. "Thank you, Serafall. Sona, we'll talk later." He then continued up the stairs, his firm steps echoing down the corridor.
Serafall sighed, accepting Riser's response reluctantly.
She and Sona watched Riser disappear to the second floor before turning back to the living room.
After a brief silence, Sona finally broke the ice. "Onee-sama, what are the real consequences Riser might face for killing Diodora?"
Serafall looked at Sona, considering the best way to explain the situation. "Sona, it will depend greatly on what Ajuka decides. He is one of the Maous, and his decision will carry significant weight."
Sona frowned, anxiety still evident. "And what could Ajuka decide? What are the possibilities?"
Serafall sighed, leaning forward. "It could be a large financial compensation to the Astaroth family. That would be the most likely and least drastic scenario."
Sona relaxed a bit, relieved.
"If it's just money, we can handle it. I was worried about something more severe."
Serafall nodded, sharing her sister's relief. "Yes, we need to wait and see what Ajuka will say, but we should prepare for any scenario."
Astaroth Mansion - Dimitri's Office
The Astaroth mansion, which had recently gone through a whirlwind of destruction, was now restored to its former glory. Diodora's room, which had been the epicenter of destruction and chaos, was completely repaired. The signs of Diodora's fury had been erased, but the emotional and political scars still remained.
In Dimitri's office, the atmosphere was heavy. The air was thick with the strong aroma of whiskey, and Dimitri was seated in his leather armchair, holding a glass of amber liquid. His eyes were fixed on a distant point, his mind wandering through thoughts of anger and frustration. He was absorbed in his thoughts, reflecting on Ajuka's absence during critical moments.
Clink
The sound of ice in Dimitri's whiskey glass broke the silence. He raised the glass and took a sip, feeling the warmth of the alcohol sliding down his throat. His expression was cold, showing no traces of sadness for the loss of his son. For him, anger and frustration were the dominant emotions at that moment.
Knock, knock
The sound of firm knocks on the door echoed through the office, bringing Dimitri back to reality. Before he could respond, the door opened, revealing Ajuka, accompanied by Latia. Ajuka, with his imposing posture and cold expression, entered the office without waiting for permission. Latia, with a serious expression, followed closely.
"Dimitri," began Ajuka, his voice firm and authoritative, "we need to talk."
Dimitri slowly raised his eyes, his expression hardened. "Ajuka. You finally decided to show up."
Ajuka ignored the reproachful tone in Dimitri's voice. "I'm here to resolve the situation and establish the new leadership of the Astaroth family."
Latia stepped forward, her posture dignified and confident. Ajuka looked at her before turning his attention back to Dimitri. "Latia will be the next heir to the Astaroth family."
Dimitri took another sip of whiskey, showing no surprise. "Latia? Very well. I have nothing against her."
Ajuka nodded, his expression remaining impassive. "Latia is capable and prepared to take on this responsibility. She will ensure that the Astaroth family continues to prosper."
Dimitri placed the whiskey glass on the table with a slow, deliberate movement. "And what about Riser? He killed my son. What are you going to do about it, Ajuka?"
Ajuka kept his expression cold, showing no emotion. "Riser will be investigated. But that's all I will do."
Dimitri's anger was palpable. He stood up abruptly, his hands clenching into fists. "Ajuka, you were never there when we needed you the most. And now, just an investigation?"
Ajuka met Dimitri's gaze, his voice icy. "I am Beelzebub, Dimitri. My responsibility is to the Underworld as a whole, not just the Astaroth family."
Dimitri took a deep breath, trying to control his growing anger. He knew that confronting Ajuka directly would solve nothing. "Very well, Ajuka. If that's how it will be, I'll accept it. But remember, I won't forget this."
Ajuka maintained his rigid posture. "Latia will ensure that the Astaroth family continues to prosper. That's the most important thing now."
Latia, who had remained silent until then, stepped forward, her voice firm but respectful. "I promise I will do my best to honor the legacy of the Astaroth family, Dimitri-sama."
Dimitri looked at Latia, his expression softening slightly. "I trust you, Latia. I know you will be a fair and strong leader."
Ajuka nodded, satisfied with Dimitri's acceptance. "With that resolved, I will take care of the investigation into Riser. Latia, we will begin the transition immediately."
With one last look at Dimitri, Ajuka and Latia left the office, leaving Dimitri alone again. He picked up the whiskey glass, observing the liquid for a moment before taking another sip. His mind was now focused on the future of the Astaroth family and the promise of revenge that still burned in his heart.
'I should have been the one to punish Diodora,' Dimitri thought, his anger boiling internally. 'After all, he was my son. I had the right to deal with him as I saw fit.'
He stood up abruptly, his hand gripping the whiskey glass so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He walked over to the window, looking out at the dark garden of the mansion. Memories of Diodora, his foolishness and betrayal, passed through his mind like a repetitive film.
'Diodora deserved to be punished by me, by his own father,' Dimitri thought, his expression hardening. 'He brought shame to our family, but still, it was my duty to discipline him.'
The image of Serafall came to mind, with her arrogant and superior attitude. 'That bitch... Serafall always looked down on the Astaroth family. She thinks she can do whatever she wants without facing consequences.'
Dimitri punched the wall beside the window, the physical pain helping to channel some of the anger he felt. 'She had the audacity to treat me with disdain in front of everyone. That will not go unanswered.'
He walked back to his desk, his gaze falling on a family portrait that now seemed a distant memory of happier times. 'Ajuka, that coward. Always absent when we needed him the most. He abandoned our family at the most critical moment.'
Dimitri sat down again, his mind spinning with thoughts of revenge and retribution. 'I can't count on the Maous. They are more concerned with their own agendas than with justice. It's time to take drastic measures.'
He picked up an old spellbook from a shelf, flipping through its yellowed pages until he found what he was looking for. A ritual for an alliance with the Old Satan faction, a group of dissident demons who still believed in the old ideals of absolute power and total control.
'I will ally with the Old Satan faction,' Dimitri decided, his eyes shining with a new dark determination. 'I will act in secret. They will understand my pain and anger.'
'You will all pay, all of you,' Dimitri thought, his expression becoming a mask of unyielding determination. 'The Astaroth family will rise again, and all who disrespected us will feel our wrath.'
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