Riser's Private Mansion in the Underworld - Main Entrance
Latia, Lara, and Mirai arrived at the imposing mansion of Riser Phenex.
As they approached the main entrance, they were greeted by Yubelluna.
Yubelluna was impeccably dressed, exuding grace and authority.
With a welcoming smile, she made an elegant bow.
"Welcome to the Phenex mansion," said Yubelluna, her voice soft and melodious. "Riser-sama is expecting you in the office. Please, follow me."
"Thank you, Yubelluna. We are looking forward to this meeting," said Latia, maintaining a serene and confident expression.
Yubelluna guided the visitors through the opulent corridors of the mansion.
Lara and Mirai walked beside Latia, observing their surroundings attentively.
Riser's Office
Upon arriving at the office, Yubelluna opened the carved wooden doors, revealing a spacious and luxurious room.
Riser was seated behind the desk, his imposing presence radiating confidence.
He stood up as the guests entered, a courteous smile curving his lips.
"Latia Astaroth, welcome to my mansion," he said, making a slight bow.
Latia returned the gesture, maintaining her composure. "Lord Phenex, thank you for the reception. I hope we can have a productive conversation today."
Yubelluna closed the doors behind the visitors and positioned herself beside Riser, ready to assist as needed.
Lara observed Riser with mixed feelings. 'He killed my former master... Diodora was a lunatic, but he was my master. However, I cannot allow myself to be consumed by the past. Latia needs me now, and Riser seems willing to cooperate.'
Latia, Lara, and Mirai approached the desk.
Riser gestured to the chairs around the table. "Please, have a seat. Let's begin."
As everyone settled, Riser opened the wooden box on the table, revealing the bright vials of Phoenix Tears. He placed them carefully in front of Latia.
"As agreed, here are the Phoenix Tears," said Riser, his voice firm and courteous.
"Thank you, Riser. This will be of great help to the Astaroth family," said Latia, appreciating the transparency and the brightness of the Phoenix Tears.
Riser, intrigued by Latia's serenity, leaned slightly forward. "It's interesting to hear you speak like this, Latia. I killed your cousin, and you don't seem shaken."
Latia frowned slightly but maintained her composure. "Diodora brought much shame to our family with his actions. I don't have the closed mind or bad habits he had. All that matters now is the restoration of the Astaroth family."
Riser smirked. "Bad habits? You are being kind. Diodora had a fetish for exploiting nuns. That goes beyond bad habits."
Latia kept a serious expression. "I learned about his perversions from Diodora's former Queen. That is why I am determined to rebuild our family's reputation."
Riser then turned his gaze to Lara, who was visibly tense. He remembered that Lara had been part of Diodora's plans against Asia. "Lara, you were by Diodora's side, planning against Asia. It's hard to trust you."
Riser's aura intensified, intimidating Lara. She felt the crushing pressure and barely managed to keep her composure. "I... apologize, Riser-sama. My past actions were a mistake."
Latia quickly intervened. "Riser, I apologize for any trouble Lara may have caused. She is here to support the new direction of the Astaroth family."
Riser laughed, decreasing the intensity of his aura. "Don't worry, I was just kidding."
Lara took a deep breath, relieved by Riser's change in tone, while Latia took the opportunity to outline her expectations. "Riser, I want to make it clear that my leadership will be different. I intend to focus on the integrity and honor of our family. There will be no room for past mistakes."
Riser nodded, his expression softening. "I understand, Latia. I see that you are determined to change the image of the Astaroth family. That is commendable."
Latia smiled slightly, feeling she had conveyed her message. "I hope we can work together to ensure the prosperity and peace between our families."
Riser, now more receptive, stood up and extended his hand to Latia. "I agree. Let's leave the past behind and focus on the future."
Latia shook Riser's hand, sealing the cooperation agreement. "Thank you, Riser. I hope this is the first of many productive conversations."
As they said their goodbyes, the atmosphere in Riser's office seemed lighter. Latia, Lara, and Mirai left the mansion feeling more confident about the future of the Astaroth family.
Yubelluna accompanied the visitors to the exit, bidding them farewell cordially. "It was a pleasure to host you. I wish you a safe journey back."
Latia nodded, thanking her once again. "Thank you, Yubelluna. Until next time."
Returning to the Astaroth mansion, Latia knew she had taken an important step in restoring her family's honor. And although there was still much work ahead, she felt she was on the right path.
Dark Castle of Thalindor
In the main hall, a huge dark wooden table occupied the center of the space, surrounded by high-backed chairs.
Euclid, with his imposing posture and cold gaze, was seated in one of the chairs, waiting for Dimitri's arrival. He carefully adjusted the documents on the table, analyzing every detail with precision.
The hall doors opened, revealing Dimitri. He entered with firm steps, his expression grim and determined. There was a flame of revenge in his eyes, a determination impossible to ignore.
Seeing Euclid, Dimitri nodded briefly, acknowledging the presence of his ally.
"Dimitri," said Euclid, his voice smooth but full of authority. "Sit down. We have much to discuss."
Dimitri walked to the chair opposite Euclid and sat down, his eyes fixed on the man before him. Unaware of Euclid's ironic thoughts, Dimitri began to speak with determination.
"Euclid, I am here because I want to join the Old Satan faction. I believe that together we can change the course of the underworld and overthrow those who betrayed our ideals," said Dimitri, his voice laden with fervor.
Euclid listened to everything with disdain, a slight expression of contempt playing on his lips. He found it ironic that Dimitri, like his son, had sought their help.
"Dimitri, your proposal is interesting," said Euclid, his voice cold and calculating. "But we need more than words. We need action. You have political influence, and we want you to use that influence to gather more noble families who disagree with the direction the underworld is taking."
Euclid paused, observing Dimitri's reaction. "In return, we will ensure you see your enemies rise. Riser, for example, is not a problem. I could eliminate him easily, if I wanted."
Dimitri, feeling the intensity of the proposal, nodded firmly. "I accept. I will do whatever it takes to gather support for our cause."
As Euclid spoke, he couldn't help but reflect on his own goals. 'Dimitri is just a piece in my puzzle,' Euclid thought. 'My true goal is to reclaim my sister, Grayfia. She was deceived into marrying Sirzechs, and I will bring her back to our side.'
"Dimitri, your political influence will be crucial. Many noble devils are dissatisfied with the new Maous. Use that to your advantage. Causing discord will be the first step to our victory."
Dimitri smiled, satisfied with the confidence Euclid placed in him.
"It won't be difficult. Many nobles have already expressed their discontent. Convincing them to join our cause will be easy."
Sirzechs' Office
Sirzechs was seated in his leather armchair, his head resting in his hands.
He stared fixedly at the desk before him, where various reports and documents were scattered. Grayfia, standing beside him, maintained an impeccable posture and a controlled expression of concern.
The atmosphere in the office was tense, with a heavy silence hanging in the air. The soft light from the crystal lamps illuminated the environment but couldn't dispel the shadow of unease that surrounded Sirzechs.
He raised his head, revealing an expression of deep worry, and extended his hand to trace runes in the air, activating a communication spell.
"Falbium, I need to talk to you immediately," said Sirzechs, his voice laden with urgency.
He waited a few moments, but received no response. He tried again, tracing the runes with more precision and force. "Falbium, it's important. Answer."
The silence persisted, increasing Sirzechs' discomfort.
Sirzechs sighed, feeling a growing turmoil in his heart. He looked at Grayfia, who was beside him, watching attentively.
"Grayfia, something is wrong," he said, his voice trembling with concern. "Falbium may not actively participate in meetings, but he never fails to answer, even when he's busy."
Grayfia frowned, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Sirzechs. What do you want me to do?"
Sirzechs took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "I want you to go to the Gremory mansion and protect our family. Something very strange is happening, and we can't take any risks."
Grayfia nodded, recognizing the urgency in Sirzechs' words. "Of course, Sirzechs. I'll go to the mansion immediately."
Sirzechs nodded, squeezing Grayfia's hand before letting go. "Thank you, Grayfia. Count on me for anything you need. Take care of everyone at the mansion."
Grayfia made a slight bow before preparing to leave.
'If someone is strong enough to make a Maou disappear, that would be a danger to the entire underworld,' she thought, feeling a chill run down her spine.
She traced a magic circle in the air, concentrating on the image of the Gremory mansion. In an instant, a flash of light enveloped her body, and Grayfia teleported, disappearing from Sirzechs' office and appearing at the main entrance of the Gremory mansion.
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