Chapter 12

'So you going to explain it to me in details?' Masaru who was walking back according to the path he remembered leading to the party hall while talking with Grendel.

[According to my previous host there was a dreadful Longinus that madman created after he created Samael as his form of hatred towards Dragons and snakes, that Longinus is called Nereid Kyrie. I wonder if that man thought of controlling the dragons instead of killing them, well since he is dead no one will find the answer to that. This Longinus apparently can also control the sea, just thinking about it? That girl is a Leviathan descendant meaning she already has natural talent to control the sea, if she focuses only on the dragon controlling aspect of this Longinus while using her talent to control the sea... Even a Devil King like Serafall will have no choice but to seal that girl somewhere no one can find her or kill her.... The power of a large group of dragons is something even the devils can't hope to defend against with their current state from what I saw in those reports and books you read occasionally]

Masaru sighed thinking such a situation is not really fair towards that girl, it's not like the person themselves can choose their sacred gear but it's the other way around. 'Well, let's see how it goes tomorrow... Whether I waste my queen piece on her or not will depend on the girl herself' "Ah that's where you been Masaru-sama" Akeno sensed Masaru's presence when he just re-entered the waiting room, since he was not here his peerage members could not enter the hall without their King. Masaru felt a slight shiver at Akeno's strange expression when she calls him with "-sama", 'I must be overthinking it' "Sorry I was called by Serafall-sama about a personal request"

"Is it a girl?" Shirone who is abnormally sharp at these times could guess the core of the problem in a instant, Masaru flinched for a moment and nodded "Well it does have to do with a new peerage member or two, well I will talk about it later" Masaru stepped forward with his peerage members behind him, the Servant standing by the door nodding at Masaru allowing him to enter the hall that was filled with several high class nobles with their peerages.

As per his lessons according to his grandmother, Masaru went to greet the high class devils from the highest Noble Rank to the lowest. 'Haaah.... not her' The first person he went to greet was the crimson spoiled princess who was standing next to Sona Sitri, she was wearing a crimson dress which quite suited to her hair. "Good evening Miss Gremory" Masaru bowed respectfully but Rias look at him sternly "It appears the number of females in your peerage have grown... Are you imitating someone?" Masaru flinched and displayed a troubled face which intrigued Rias.

Masaru sighed "It was a miscalculation on my part but I don't regret it, each of them are competent and more than worthy" He felt a bit pride in the fact some people were displaying jealous eyes towards him while lecherously looking at his peerage members, "Please pardon me, I will be greeting the rest of the participants" Masaru bowed and Akeno along with the rest of the peerage members joined to talk with Sona and Rias.

"Akeno, are you sure he is worthy to be your master? I can only see him as a pervert" Shirone nodded her head when she heard Rais calling her master a pervert but Rias misunderstood, "fufu, he certainly does look like a pervert from your point of view" Akeno giggled thinking her master's hardship will continue to grow, "He did not actually realized this problem until when his great grandfather pointed it out to him, I am not sure if he simply did not want to think of it or was too naive..."

"Well allowing a man to join your group will certainly bring problems in the future.." Sona nodded but Rias was confused "Why? Would it not feel more balanaced?" Sona shook her head "No, look at each of the girls in his peerage. All of them are beautiful enough to stimulate a man's instinct to fall in love with them... and First love will definitely be a problem if a male joins at this time only to fall in love"

"Why? Is he going to stop them from loving one another and keep the girls to himself?" Rias's opinion of Masaru dropped a few degrees after hearing Sona's speculation, but Akeno shook her head "That's not it... From what I know only me and shirone are serious about having a relationship with master, I am not sure about Everest but it appears she is serious about marrying..." Rias looked at Akeno "I was wondering if my eyes has gone mad, but why is Everest in his peerage? I heard she refuses to join or follow any male that is not stronger than her"

"That is exactly why she is following master" Akeno ȧsserted causing Rias to suck a mouthful of cold air, "He... Did he beat Everest" Akeno shook her head "According to Master they ended up in a tie, but Master stopped using Magic through his spell book sacred gear from the third day on wards. If he kept using it he would have won on the third day after he finished analyzing her battle habits" 'Although the spell book is not a sacred gear... I can't tell them about that but the existence of the book was already revealed so it should be fine'

"Not only a pervert but arrogant as well!?" Akeno could only helplessly smile at this girl who does not seem to understand how training oneself means, Sona pushed her glasses back upwards while looking at Rias "Do you think Everest would follow someone arrogant?" Rias flinched thinking that was the case but Sona continued "Besides, that spell book according to our reports it's exceedingly strong to the point he does not need to train it at all. So him training himself not to be too reliant on the book itself is already a good score point in my opinion"

"Can't he just simply use it and become the strongest with brute force?" Sona shook her head at Rias "No, Rias... What are you going to do if you face a enemy that can seal your destruction element?" Rias thought for a moment and suddenly felt shocked, Sona who saw her best friend finally realized something nodded "That's right, this is probably another reason Masaru is training not to depend on the book. Because if someone can seal it, then it's already over" Rias who heard this thought 'I better have Onii-sama train me'

Masaru however was stuck with another problem, it was another thing he did not want to encounter. "So your Masaru-sama, the genius of the Belial family?" a twin drill style blonde hair girl with blue eyes, despite being two years younger than him but her confident presence was enough to flinch even him. "Good evening, it's an honor to meet the young miss of the Phenex family" This girl was Ravel Phenex, behind her was one of the peerage members of Riser's team since Riser did not want to attend this party or in reality he was not invited and even asked not to come.

"Is it true you managed to defeat Everest?" Ravel naturally investigated this young boy in front of her, she felt his sudden rise in fame in such a short amount of time was truly mysterious not to mention his recent exploit of winning against Everest who was renowned for her unreasonable strength which even the peak high class devils could not match. "It was a draw I'm afraid, Everest's pure strength and defense is something I can't face against with my own physical strength not to mention defense"

"So if you add Magic to it you should be able to huh?" Masaru flinched at this girl's terrifying sharp instincts as a tactician, he instead chose to remain silent which caused the girl to giggle but look serious "Are you going to follow the same route as my brother?" Even the peerage member looked at Masaru, Masaru himself could only helplessly chuckle "Well it appears I have no choice but to, however unlike your brother I don't share such relationship with all my members... They are free to choose who to love as I will not interfere" Ravel who heard this nodded as if she confirmed something "At least I can commend your courage to let go of such beautiful girls..."

Masaru left to greet the rest of the people, Ravel was looking at the back of the boy 'But...' Ravel thought about the feeling she felt for a while now during their conversation 'Should I call it natural talent to be a lady killer or he simply does not realize it', Masaru's kind, humble yet Strong personality causes those around him to naturally feel they can depend on him. Masaru however thought 'I better maintain low key! What the hell is this encounter rate with these ridiculous girls, beautiful they may be but I feel I should not step on those land mines for my own safety'

He was not sure why but Ravel's character reminded him of Rias if he were to take away her sharp tactician sense, but he shuddered if a girl with the power of Rias and the Mind of Ravel were to be born then she will be truly close to unstoppable.

"It appears he even caught the attention of Ravel huh?" Sona was still looking at Masaru who was greeting the rest of the nobles, Akeno looked at her wondering why she specifically mentioned this. "She is quite well known for being a natural tactician, very smart but dangerous if made a enemy of... Well I doubt she will ever become enemy with Masaru's personality but I fear her brother might turn his attention to Masaru after tonights party"

"I heard a bit about Riser Phenex, but is the power of the Phoenix Family truly Immortal?" Akeno thought the report of Riser's tyranny was truly astounding that no one has taken this fool down a peg or two. "If he goes against Masaru one on one, he will be defeated instantly the moment Masaru understands the principle behind the phoenix flames and use his worthless... But his peerage includes Ravel making him a difficult opponent to have" 'Well not that difficult since he was not using his sister's tactician talent correctly because of his pride he wants to plan and order everything himself' Sona thought

"Hmpf! I don't care if he fights Masaru-sama, but he better stay away from Onee-sama!" Stephani who was listening quietly stepped forward, Akeno gently ċȧrėss her head like a pet "Onee-sama is happy, but..." Akeno wanted to tell her in a polite way she does not swing that way but kept it to herself, 'I better formulate a plan where this girl can fall for Masaru-sama, it's fun to tease girls but how do I tease a girl like her?'

'To think I was correct, so not all members of his team are in a relationship with him like Riser's group, so he truly miscalculated' Sona thought while looking at the conversation between Akeno and Stephani giggling, Rias however thought about something else entirely because she read a bit exotic mangas causing her to blush. "Welcome back Masaru-sama" Angelica who was paying attention to Masaru acting as his "bodyguard" from a distance, "Ah thanks, now I know how it wil feel like when I make my official debut"

"So how was the discussion with the other devils?" Masaru looked at Stephani who was clinging to Akeno while the latter spoke to him, "Well if they did not stop to pester me about trading, it might have gone easier" Rias snorted "It's your fault for having such a peerage to begin with" Masaru nodded "Yeah, I guess your right"

"I heard Onee-sama called you?" Sona brought up the topic she was wondering for a while now since Masaru who was the first to arrive was actually the last to enter, "Well she asked me a personal request to which I have agreed to fulfill" Rias looked at him sternly "You are not laying your hands on my best friend!" Masaru took a step back at the sheer amount of demonic energy leaking out of her body like a aura, "Hold on, the request has nothing to with Sona-sama. Besides our Status is too far apart from one another so such things is simply impossible"

Rias calmed down, Sona felt a prick in her heart while the peerage members of Masaru's team felt relieved that this natural airhead to females will not sink his talented fangs into another one. "How is Sirzech-sama doing?" Rias smiled happily "Onii-sama appears to be very happy these days, even Grayfia onee-sama smiled once. It seems good news arrived for them, but they don't want to tell me anything!" Rias pouted, "I heard you will be going on a trip soon?" Sona who did not want to leave the atmosphere ackwardly changed the subject.

"Ah yes, I am not sure how long it will last since I also have my apprenticeship with Ajuka-sama after that" Masaru scratched the back of his head thinking his schedule was truly a bit packed, 'I think I should have Diana train Akeno to be my ȧssistant in these cases... I feel like I am about to forget things at this rate' "Eh!? You are going to study under Ajuka-sama who is also a Devil King like my Onii-sama!?" Rias's loud voice could be heard from the surrounding devils causing the once envy gazes that was once on him to increase in tensity.

Masaru chuckled while Sona shook her head, only later Rias realized she spoke to loud covering her mouth. 'At least she is cute, so I will forgive her' Masaru thought and nodded.

It was after the party ended and everyone left except for Masaru and his peerage, "EH!? Masaru is sleeping over!? But his a boy!" Sona was yelling at her sister in surprise and what she blurted out could be misunderstood in many ways, even Serafall thought 'As I thought, should I beat him up?' But she shook her head "He will naturally have his own bed, he will only be staying the night since he will be helping your onee-sama with something important" Sona turned quiet after this but when she looked at Masaru who was currently talking with his peerage blushed.

"So do you girls understand? When I am leaving for Vatican I can only take a few of you, the rest will be staying with our new member or two while getting to know them" Masaru was a bit stressed because these girls were now competing for places to go with him since they know wherever their master goes trouble follows. "Can't you extend the time?" Akeno was one of the members who agreed to stay and Masaru trusted her the most after Shirone, he shook his head "No, Extending the time would mean I will extend the time before I start working under Ajuka-sama. That is one thing I can't do, both the trip and work is important"

"Very well, then Shirone and Everest should be good" Akeno thought for a while, since Stephani will not leave her side so she was automatically in the stay home group and Angelica needed to train and study a bit so she will be best to be left at home as well. Shirone and Everest were both Rooks so their natural strength and defense boosts along with their experience in fighting especially alongside Masaru makes them the ideal duo to follow him. The girls agreed with Set up especially Angelica who thought of training a bit more under Diana's guidance.

"Since you will be staying at home, Akeno I want you to study under Diana -Kaasama" Akeno who thought about why he would ask this of her suddenly felt like skipping happily "Since I need you to be my manager and ȧssistant, so far my schedule is packed before I even debuted and I am having a hard time to plan ahead. So learn how Diana kaasama is supporting Father while I am away. And Angelica I think it will be better if you train under Jacob Black niisama, his a rook but his Hunter traits and usage of a crossbow is the perfect teacher we can currently arrange for you" Angelica nodded while Masaru looked at Stephani while sighing...

"Well Stephani be sure to study hard under Circe neesama and Julia neesama, I will allow you to study together with Akeno as long as it does not impede with your training" Stephani similar to Akeno wanted to skip happily as well thinking she can now spend even more time with her beloved Oneesama. 'I never thought of this before... but I will then use the period to -train- her' Akeno thought while ŀɨċkɨnġ her lips unconsciously. There was not much to tell Shirone and Everest since the two of them will be traveling together with Masaru.

>/<

"Are you ready to do this?" Serafall was standing once again in the same bedroom as the young girl, Masaru nodded "But there is a personal favour I need to ask of you" Serafall looked at him wondering what else he could be asking "I need your connections with other Mythologies and factions to see if they can cure the sleeping disease this girl is inflicted with" Serafall's eyes widen wondering why he is saying this.

"I can stimulate the power within her to awaken her with my Mutated Queen Piece while using Worthless to nullify her disease, but whether it will permanently heal her or not. I need information and technology of other factions to ensure it will be great if they help" Serafall thought for a moment and thought of a problem "It is easy to ask for something but what will you be able to offer them?" Masaru smiled "I can help them using my spell book, if that is not enough then I will ȧssist them in problems they may have against enemies they can't make a move on their own" Serafall naturally knew of the latter offer would involve politics when people who had status like she has where she could not afford to move for any small matter, so such a deal would naturally be beneficial.

"I will give it a try but no promises though" Masaru naturally understood with the current way of the worlds the relationship between the factions were quite fragile and ambiguous, he came closer to the girl and gently placed the queen piece on her ċhėst. It gave off a faint glowing pulse which resonated with the sacred gear withing her, a slight trembling eye movement could be spotted as she was showing signs of waking up.

Ingvild remained silent as Serafall began to retell the tale about the Leviathan Clan, how their end came and the fact she was the last remaining direct descendant of Leviathan. Despite being treated horribly because of her half devil nature, Ingvild still cared about her family and cried for them. Masaru who did not know what to do simply took her hand to reassure her that she was not alone, this action caused a warmth to enter the heart of Ingvild, the same warmth she once felt when her mother took her hand when she would naturally cry. To Masaru's and Serafall's surprise, Ingvild threw herself onto Masaru to cry whether it was intentional or unconsciously as Ingvild was reminded of her mother she chose to use Masaru as her support.

Once she finished crying she naturally fell asleep once more but Masaru stayed at her side watching over her condition, "You really are a natural playboy" Masaru sternly looked at Sterafall "I care about those who are my family.... But I refuse to be called a playboy, if you wish to call someone a play boy then look at that Fire chicken" Serafall chuckled as this was the first time Masaru dared to be impolite towards her regardless of her power and status, "Well I have at least only half acknowledge you... Take care of Ingvild, she is truly a kind girl after all, I will now deal with those old elders now"

'Acknowledge? what the hell I require your acknowledgement for!' Masaru felt irritated at the fact his current situation has been finalized, no matter where or when he will probably be treated similar as Riser Phenex which pissed him off although he does not regret it. He gently ċȧrėss the girl's hair while thinking in his heart 'Just why is everything happening so fast?' and his friendly dragon partner arrived

[I never once mentioned this to you as I thought someone else would have explained it to you.... But it appears that spell book as blessed you which is the reason of the encounter rate, you might have planned two of the girls yourself but the book is pulling those it acknowledged towards you... urk... Sorry I can't say anything else]

'What is with this dragon talking mid-way... But to think it's the book, so many more questions are piling up for me to get answers for' Masaru looked at the window while pondering how his life came to be this way....

>/<

a Beautiful woman with long silver hair and golden eyes were currently looking at the miniature green scale dragon that was prostrating in front of her, "I am sorry! I did not know I should not have told the boy that!!! I'm SORRY!!!!" But the woman simply snorted "This is the last time I warn you otherwise I will have you slumber for a long time, if you were not useful to him I might have already replaced you"

"Yes yes, I will not speak about anything related to you again I swear on my dragon's pride!" The woman looked at the dragon who ran away as if his life might end at any given moment disappearring into his own soul realm. The woman sighed looking in a different direction "Your simply too weak to learn about the truth my son... Grow stronger much stronger.... Once the spell book truly acknowledge you I will appear and all will be known"