I walked into my study, still processing the conversation with mother. The morning light cast long shadows across my desk where a cream-colored envelope waited.
『New item detected. Pamphlet and monetary notes. Source: Lady Beleth via Maria.』
I opened the envelope, finding a sleek invitation to Rias Gremory's coming-of-age celebration. Wrapped inside were several high-denomination bills.
"Mother thinks of everything," I muttered, counting the money. More than enough for a suitable gift.
『Previous iteration's memories indicate minimal interaction with House Gremory.』
"The old Amon was too busy wasting time in gambling dens." I tucked the money into my jacket. "Time to change that pattern."
I summoned Maria through our household communication circle. She appeared within minutes, dressed in her usual maid attire.
"Young master?"
"We're going to Lilith," I said, already drafting plans. "But first, find Aria. She should experience the capital properly at least once."
Maria's eyes widened slightly. "The capital? Are you sure that's..."
"Safe? With you there to watch my back?" I gave her a knowing look. "Besides, it's time I started being seen in the right places."
She nodded slowly. "And your attire for the trip?"
"Something casual but refined. We're shopping, not attending court." I glanced at her uniform. "And find something more suitable for yourself. A dress, perhaps?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks. "I... have something appropriate."
"Good. Have the car ready in an hour."
She bowed and withdrew. I spent the next forty minutes reviewing reports and memorizing maps of Lilith's shopping district.
Aria arrived first, practically bouncing with excitement. At thirteen, she was the youngest Beleth child - and the most sheltered.
"Is it true?" she demanded. "We're really going to the capital?"
"Assuming you can be ready in fifteen minutes."
She squealed and darted away, presumably to change clothes for the third time. I smiled despite myself. Some reactions transcended worlds and lives.
Maria returned as promised, and I had to consciously maintain my composure. She'd chosen a deep blue maxi dress that managed to be both elegant and striking. The fabric clung in ways her uniform never did.
『Elevated heart rate detected. Recommend-』
"Not now," I muttered.
"What was that?" Maria asked.
"Nothing. You look... appropriate."
She smiled slightly, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from the dress. "Thank you, young master."
Aria returned in record time, wearing what appeared to be every piece of jewelry she owned. "I'm ready!"
The car waited outside - a sleek black sedan with tinted windows. One of our more discrete drivers, Marcus, stood at attention beside it.
"Young master," he said with a slight bow. "The route is prepared."
The drive to Lilith took just under an hour. I spent most of it watching Aria press her face against the window, pointing out every new sight. Maria sat beside me, maintaining proper distance despite the casual setting.
"What kind of gift are you looking for?" she asked quietly.
"Something unique. The Gremory heir will receive dozens of expensive trinkets." I kept my voice low, letting Aria's excited chatter mask our conversation. "We need something memorable."
"The antiquities district might be worth visiting. There's a shop that specializes in human world artifacts."
I nodded slowly. "Add it to the list. But first, we need to establish a presence."
The capital sprawled before us - a city of impossible architecture and ancient power. Spires of black stone reached toward the perpetual crimson sky, while floating platforms carried devils of various ranks between districts.
Marcus dropped us at the entrance to the main shopping district. "I'll remain on call, young master."
I helped Aria out of the car while Maria gathered her things. Several passing devils gave us curious looks - the Beleth white hair tended to draw attention.
"Remember," I told Aria, "we're representing the house today. That means-"
"I know, I know. Dignity and grace at all times." She somehow managed to make the words sound both proper and sarcastic. "Can we get ice cream?"
"After we find a suitable gift." I offered my arm to Maria - partly for appearance, partly because the dress made climbing stairs somewhat challenging. "Let's start with the general shops. Get a feel for what's available."
The next few hours passed in a blur. We visited dozens of stores, each more extravagant than the last. Aria's enthusiasm never wavered, though she showed surprising restraint in her requests.
"What about this?" She held up an ornate music box. "It plays human songs!"
I examined the piece carefully. "Interesting, but not quite right. Lady Gremory probably has several already."
"You're being very picky," she pouted.
"It's important to choose correctly." I set the music box aside. "Gifts carry meaning in our world."
Maria touched my arm lightly. "The antiquities shop is just ahead. Shall we?"
The store proved to be exactly what we needed. Hidden away from the main thoroughfare, it contained genuine artifacts from the human world - not the mass-produced copies found elsewhere.
"Welcome to- oh!" The shopkeeper, a elderly devil with spectacles, straightened abruptly. "House Beleth! This is an unexpected honor."
I inclined my head slightly. "We're seeking something special. A coming-of-age gift for House Gremory."
"Ah, yes. Lady Rias's celebration." He emerged from behind the counter. "I might have just the thing..."
He disappeared into the back room, returning with a wooden case. Inside lay a book - ancient but perfectly preserved.
"First edition," he said proudly. "From the human world. One of their greatest stories about devils and supernatural beings. Rather amusing, actually."
I lifted the book carefully. "Paradise Lost?"
"Complete with original illustrations. Only three copies exist in the underworld."
I checked the price discreetly. Expensive, but within our budget. More importantly, it was exactly the kind of gift that would stand out.
"We'll take it," I said. "Have it wrapped appropriately."
While the shopkeeper prepared the book, Aria discovered a display of human world toys. Her eyes fixed on a particular stuffed animal - a small black cat with golden eyes.
"It's so cute," she whispered.
I glanced at the price tag and added it to our purchase. Her delighted hug was worth the extra expense.
"Young master," Maria murmured. "We should consider lunch soon. There's a suitable restaurant nearby."
We left the shop with our purchases carefully wrapped. The restaurant Maria suggested turned out to be perfectly positioned - visible enough to be noticed, private enough for conversation.
"Did you see their faces?" Aria asked between bites of pasta. "When you bought the book?"
"I saw." Several devils had noted our presence in the shop. Word would spread quickly that House Beleth was purchasing significant gifts. "That's part of why we came in person."
Maria nodded slightly. "The gathering will be interesting this year."
"More than usual." I sipped my wine, watching other patrons through the window. "Especially since-"
I stopped abruptly, noticing a familiar figure across the street. Cyrus stood outside a far less reputable establishment, arguing with someone I couldn't quite see.
"Young master?"
"It's nothing." I turned back to my meal. "Aria, how's your food?"
The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully. We visited a few more shops, bought some sweets, and generally played the part of a noble family enjoying the capital.
The sun was setting when we finally returned to the car. Aria had fallen asleep, clutching her new toy. Maria sat closer than strictly necessary, apparently tired enough to forget proper distance.
"Successful trip?" Bruce asked as we pulled away from the city.
"Very." I watched the spires recede into darkness. "Take the long route home. No need to rush."
Maria shifted slightly. "Your father will want to know where we've been."
"Everything we did today was perfectly proper." I glanced at Aria's sleeping form. "Besides, some things are worth mild disapproval."
The drive home was quiet but comfortable. I used the time to plan our next moves. The gathering was only days away, and today's appearance would generate exactly the kind of attention we needed.
『Query: Was public appearance necessary for gift purchase?』
"Everything serves multiple purposes," I whispered. "Including this."
Maria's head had drifted to my shoulder, her breathing steady. I carefully adjusted my position to make her more comfortable.
『Analyzing behavioral patterns...』
"Don't." I closed my eyes.
The car continued through the night, carrying us back to the estate. Back to politics and plots and careful masks. But for now, in this moment, I allowed myself to simply exist.
Aria stirred slightly, mumbling something about ice cream. Maria's warmth pressed against my side. Outside, the eternal purple sky of the underworld painted everything.
I smiled in the darkness. Let them wonder about House Beleth's sudden interest in the capital. Let them speculate about gifts and alliances. Every reaction, every whispered conversation, every curious glance...
All part of the greater game.
『Warning: Approaching estate perimeter.』
Reality reasserted itself. I gently woke Maria, who immediately straightened with a blush. Bruce guided the car through the main gates, where servants waited to assist us.
"Young master," one began, "Lord Beleth requests-"
"Later," I said firmly. "Everything can wait until I put my sister in her room."
I carried Aria to her room while Maria handled our purchases. After tucking her in, I made my way to my room and sank into my chair. The day's events played through my mind as I loosened my tie.
『Analyzing day's activities. Notable interactions: 47. Potential political implications: 12. Surveillance incidents: 3.』
"Three?" I muttered. "List them."
『First incident: Shop owner's son making notes. Second: Couple at restaurant, noble class based on attire. Third: Unknown observer following at distance through market district.』
I nodded slowly. Good. Let them watch. Let them wonder.
A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. "Enter."
Maria stepped in, carrying a tray with tea and what looked like father's preferred whiskey. "Young master, your father wishes to speak with you. He's in his study."
"Of course he does." I stood, straightening my clothes. "How drunk is he?"
"He's... coherent." Maria set the tray down carefully. "But Cyrus is with him."
Wonderful. Just what I needed after a long day. "Did they say what this is about?"
"No, but given the timing..." She trailed off meaningfully.
『Probability of confrontation regarding today's activities: 87%』
I poured myself a measure of whiskey and downed it in one smooth motion. "Well then, let's not keep them waiting."
The walk to father's study felt longer than usual. At the end of the hall, two voices carried through the heavy oak door.
"...flaunting himself in the capital like some nouveau riche merchant!" Cyrus's voice, thick with alcohol and spite.
"Perhaps," father's measured tones replied, "but the boy has a point about visibility."
I knocked once and entered without waiting for permission. Father sat behind his massive desk, while Cyrus lounged in one of the visitor chairs, a half-empty glass dangling from his fingers.
"Ah, speak of the devil." Cyrus smirked at his own joke.
"You wanted to see me, father?"
Aldric Beleth gestured to the remaining chair. "Sit. We need to discuss your... initiative today."
I remained standing. "My shopping trip with our youngest sister? I wasn't aware such things required discussion."
"Don't play coy," Cyrus snapped. "You were seen everywhere. The shops, the restaurants, that antiquities dealer..."
"Yes, that was rather the point." I met father's gaze directly. "House Beleth has been absent from society too long. People forget."
"And you took it upon yourself to remedy this?" Father's expression gave nothing away.
"Someone had to." I kept my voice neutral. "Unless you prefer we continue fading into obscurity while houses like Gremory and Sitri gather more influence?"
Cyrus stood abruptly, whiskey sloshing. "You arrogant little-"
"Enough." Father's word cut through the air like a blade. "Cyrus, leave us."
"But-"
"Now."
My brother shot me a venomous glare as he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Father waited until his footsteps faded before speaking again.
"Sit down, Amon."
This time I obeyed, choosing the chair Cyrus had vacated. "I assume you've heard about the gift?"
"A first edition of Paradise Lost." He smiled faintly. "Clever. Expensive enough to show respect, unique enough to be memorable, and just controversial enough to spark conversation."
"I thought so."
He leaned forward, golden eyes intense. "The more visible you become, the more attention you'll draw. Not all of it welcome."
"Better dangerous visibility than safe irrelevance." I met his stare. "You taught me that, remember?"
A long moment passed between us. Finally, father reached into his desk and withdrew a small box.
"Your mother said you might be ready for this." He slid it across the desk. "I wasn't certain, but after today..."
I opened the box carefully. Inside lay a signet ring - not the official Beleth seal, but an older design. One I recognized from my research.
"The shadow seal."
"Used by our house's intelligence gatherers in the old days." Father's voice held an edge of... pride? "Before we became quite so... respectable."
I slipped the ring onto my finger. Perfect fit. "Why now?"
"Because you're finally showing initiative. Direction." He poured himself another drink. "The old Amon would have spent today gambling away his allowance. This new version... interests me."
『Caution advised. Potential test scenario.』
"I simply decided it was time to grow up." I kept my tone light. "Being the spare heir was getting boring."
Father laughed - actually laughed. "Spare heir? Is that what you think you are?"
I raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Damian is first in line, yes. And Cyrus..." He waved dismissively. "Cyrus is Cyrus. But you, Amon... you're something else entirely."
"And what would that be?"
He smiled - the same smile I'd seen in mirrors. "That depends entirely on what you do next. The ring is yours, regardless. Use it wisely."
I stood, understanding the dismissal. "Thank you, father."
"One more thing." His voice stopped me at the door. "Maria."
My hand tightened on the doorknob. "What about her?"
"She serves you well. But remember - she's still a bastard. There are... expectations."
"Of course." I kept my voice steady. "Will that be all?"
He waved me away, already turning to his paperwork. I closed the door softly behind me and waited until I was halfway down the hall before examining the ring more closely.
『Analyzing artifact. Significant magical resonance detected. Primary function appears to be-』
"Enhanced darkness magic and concealment," I finished. "The perfect tool for a shadow player."
Maria waited in my room, fresh tea steaming on the desk. "How did it go?"
I held up my hand, letting the ring catch the lamplight. Her eyes widened.
"Is that...?"
"Father's way of saying he approves. For now." I sank into my chair. "Though he felt the need to remind me of your status."
Her expression hardened slightly. "He's not wrong. I am what I am."
"You're what I say you are." The words came out sharper than intended. "Sorry. Long day."
She smiled softly. "You did well today. The gift, the appearances, even dealing with Cyrus..."
"So did you, Maria. That look... it suits you," I said, studying her in the soft lamplight.
She touched the fabric of her dress self-consciously. "You're just saying that because you're tired."
"I never 'just say' anything." I leaned back, twirling the new ring on my finger. "Though I am curious why you chose blue."
"It was my mother's favorite color." The words slipped out before she could catch them. Her eyes widened slightly at her own admission.
『Subject displaying increased heart rate. Emotional response detected.』
"Tell me about her," I said quietly.
Maria's hands stilled in her lap. "Young master, that's not... I shouldn't..."
"We're well past formalities, don't you think? After today?"
She looked away, toward the window where the eternal purple sky cast shadows across the room. "She was a maid, like me. Here in the manor."
"Under the previous Lord Beleth."
"Yes." Her voice grew softer. "She died when I was six. An... accident."
I watched her carefully. "Was it?"
"Does it matter now?"
"Everything matters." I set my teacup down. "Especially the things people try to forget."
She turned back to me, something fierce in her expression. "Is that why you're different now? Because you remembered something everyone else forgot?"
『Warning: Conversation approaching dangerous territory.』
I ignored the system's warning. "What makes you think I'm different?"
"Please." She actually rolled her eyes. "The old Amon would never have taken Aria shopping. Would never have bought that book. Would never have..." She gestured at her dress.
"Noticed?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks. "That's not what I meant."
"But it's what you thought." I stood, walking to the window. "Tell me something, Maria. Why did you stay? After your mother died?"
"Where else would I go?"
"Anywhere. The world is vast, even for bastards and servants." I turned to face her. "Yet you chose to remain here, serving a family that..."
"That what?" Her chin lifted slightly. "That gave me education? Position? Purpose?"
"That treats you as less than what you are."
She stood abruptly, hands clenched at her sides. "And what am I, young master? Since you seem to know better than everyone else these days."
I closed the distance between us in three steps. "Mine."
The word hung in the air between us, heavy with implications neither of us was ready to voice.
Maria's breath caught. "You can't just..."
"Can't I?" I held up my hand, showing the shadow seal. "Father gave me this for a reason. Things are changing, Maria. The old rules, the old limitations..."
"Some rules exist for a reason," she whispered, but she didn't step back.
"Yes. To keep people in their proper place." I smiled coldly. "But who decides what's proper?"
『Analyzing facial expressions and body language. Recommendation: Exercise caution.』
I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know what I am now. What I'm capable of."
She caught my hand, holding it against her cheek. "I've always known. Even before... whatever changed you."
"And yet you stayed."
"Yes."
One word, but it contained volumes. Years of loyalty, of quiet observation, of careful service. Of choices made and remade every day.
I stepped back, letting my hand fall. "It's late. You should rest."
She blinked at the sudden shift. "I... yes, of course." She moved toward the door, then paused. "Young master?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For today. For everything."
I nodded once. She slipped out, closing the door softly behind her.