Bab 255: Chapter 255
Yasaka, Leader of the Yokai Faction and Priestess of Amaterasu. A nine-tailed fox with power equal to the satans. Her presence brought a silent pressure to the vicinity. It was her first appearance in the Underworld, and it was not for good reasons.
Once again, people silently cursed the Naberius. Whatever they gained from eliminating the Nekomata paled to the troubles that they brought---for this seemingly kind woman now held the power to perhaps…eliminate them.
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|DxD|
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When Yasaka arrived, multiple magic circles from several houses formed before a over dozen guards appeared around her and her entourage.
They wore golden knight armour and wielded long decorated spears. They were professionals with work ethic. No words were said and immediately they formed a wide perimeter around Yasaka and the satans.
Their fierce aura forced the journalists and other observers to retreat. Nobility, commoner, or reincarnated, these guards didn't care. Their spears had no eyes.
Once the perimeter was clear, Sirzechs and the rest of the satans went along and greeted the new visitors.
"Lady Yasaka. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"..."
Lady Yasaka smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She seemed to scrutinise Sirzechs and his friends for a moment. The atmosphere was gradually rising in intensity and Yasaka's 'smile' wasn't aiding matters.
However, she soon offered a small bow in return to his greeting.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lucifer-sama. I hope we didn't keep you waiting."
"No. On the contrary, you arrived rather early, Lady Yasaka. I trust the journey had no hiccups?"
"Not at all. The arrangements made for us on the train were quite comfortable. Thank you, Lucifer-sama."
"A pleasure, Lady Yasaka."
Sirzechs then turned his attention to the short monkey standing next to Yasaka. The blindfold covering his eyes might make him seem more feeble, but few would recognise this particular yokai as the Great Sage Sun Wukong.
"Lord Sun. We are happy you've taken the opportu-"
Sun Wukong was quick to wave him off.
"Stop stop stop. There's no need to go so far, Lucifer. A simple greeting is all it takes. No need to be long-winded."
His disrespectful action caused some of the devils nearby to glare at him, but the old monkey couldn't care. Why he let Indra coerce him into this farce, he would never know.
"..."
A hint of a smile formed on Sirzechs's face. He now knew who Igor got his abhorrence of politics from.
"I see. Then I greet you on behalf of my fellow satans."
"Yes yes. Hello to all of you. Can we get this over with?"
Sun Wukong's dismissive gesture might be treated as disrespectful, but he didn't care how he was viewed. From his point of view, there was no need to be so courteous. In his opinion, they should be demanding reparations instead of playing this long game.
"I apologise on Wukong-sama's behalf, Lucifer-sama. Recent events have made him displeased."
That was a warning from Yasaka. It was no secret that Sun Wukong held considerable influence in both the Yokai Faction and the Hindu Pantheon. It seemed like Yasaka was apologising for Sun Wukong's grumpy mood…
"..."
…but she was reminding Sirzechs of just how terrible his position was.
"We will make sure to give you all a satisfactory answer."
Sirzechs still had a small smile, but he swore to himself that if they survived this, changes would immediately start coming in stride---whether 'they' wanted them or not.
Regardless, that would have to wait for another day. For now, he had to focus on not creating an even bigger mess, especially with the last member accompanying Yasaka.
"It is our pleasure to host you, Lord Atid. Dimori-kun told me a lot about you."
"I hope it was all good news, Lucifer."
Atid toned his head just slightly. Just enough to show his respect, but not enough to be seen as a bow.
"I promise you it was all good."
He offered a kind smile before he gestured behind him.
"Let us not waste any more time, shall we? We have much to discuss."
Yasaka was the first to walk forward.
"Yes. Yes we do, Lucifer-sama."
The satans, Yasaka, and her entourage followed behind Sirzechs as he led them inside. The guards made sure the journalists did not cross the boundaries. When the satans and the delegates disappeared behind the doors, some of the guards stood guard while the rest vanished.
Su! Su! Su! Su! Su! Su!
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|DxD|
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A few moments prior…
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The reception area of the parliament building was as luxurious as the outside. Pristine 16th century architecture and decor blended splendidly with a hint of modernity. Rose-red carpets, earth-brown walls and ceremonial candles combined to form a somewhat dreary, yet noble atmosphere.
Igor was not one to enjoy such sights. Devils clustered in groups and mingled with each other. Their conversations were either mundane or irrelevant to the events of today.
Atleast having Aurelia next to him made this dreary place somewhat bearable. The slow music was already on the verge of making him fall asleep.
[I knew we shouldn't have come so early.]
A glance at the Renaissance-style clock told him there were only twenty minutes left until the proceedings would begin.
[Tch. They didn't even give us food. Stingy devils.]
He ate a lot at the Gremorys, but he could go for an extra bite right about now.
"Hmm?"
His daydreaming was interrupted when he felt the energy signatures of Sun Wukong and Atid appear.
"Those two are here?"
His voice wasn't loud, but the devils heard him clearly."
"Do you know Lady Yasaka, my lord?"
Aurelia asked out of curiosity when she saw him stand up. From her senses, only Atid and Yasaka appeared, but Igor wasn't supposed to know Yasaka.
"Hehe. You need to up your training, sister. The Monkey Sage is also here."
He left her at the table and went to lean against the wall. From this position, he could see Sirzechs talking to a pretty fox lady. She was strong, unlike the weaklings he saw.
[I wonder who'd win between her and old man Baraqui---what the?]
His attention was immediately drawn by Atid. The young teen was dressed rather well, but his subtle actions ruined the noble aura he was trying to portray.
[This perverted shit…]
Yasaka was a gorgeous woman. She was garmed in a lovely shrine maiden outfit---respectful, elegant, but couldn't completely hide her generous assets. Maybe Yasaka didn't notice, but Igor could see Atid ever-so often sneak a glance.
That glance turned into a stare when he inclined his head at Sirzechs. He used that moment to full capacity, utilising that small amount of time to longingly gaze at Yasaka's chest.
[Tch. This idiot. No wonder he's still single.]
A pervert of the highest margin. Well…maybe not the highest. But he was a pervert nonetheless. Sometimes, Igor asked himself if the reason Atid got stronger was so that he could use his enhanced perception to gaze at breasts for longer.
[I wouldn't put it past him.]
More power meant more perception. If they so willed it, one second to others could become ten or thirty seconds to them.
[Poor Ddraig.]
[Hmph! That stinky dragon could die for all I care. And his stinky host!]
"..."
Igor wisely decide to ignore her rant-
[Meanie! Don't ignore me. We must kill them next time!]
"..."
Talk about cranky. Old age definitely was catching up to her.
[I'm not old!]
[Triny. You've seen more monarchies than I've seen underwear.]
[I…hmph!]
She decisively cut off their connection, apparently too mad at her host's rebuttal. Igor was happy at his victory, but it dampened when he realised who was standing in front of him.
"..."
"..."
Atid, in all his annoying glory was looked at him with a subtle smirk. Not just him, nearly everyone's eyes were on them. Apparently, Igor was in a daze longer than he thought.
[I definitely missed something important.]
Those devils seemed far too interested in them-
"Igor. One must certainly admit you rather present the appearance of a fool."
"..."
His attention was brought back to Atid. This idiot was definitely using him to posture wasn't he? Well two could play that game.
"Atleast I don't look like a disease."
"You emulate a retard."
"You look like chlamydia."
Atid raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? I'm surprised you could enunciate such words without stumbling over yourself."
"I'm surprised you can go ten seconds without looking at breasts."
Over where Aurelia was sitting…
"Pfft…"
…Yasaka stifled a laugh. Igor's reply caught her off guard. She certainly wasn't ready for that one. Compared to her, several devils sported slight frowns on their face. Igor's crass method of speech clearly irked them.
"..."
Atid's expression grew stony, especially when he heard Yasaka's little giggle. On the other hand, Igor's gaze grew more challenging.
" *Smile widens* "
"..."
"Pfft…"
"..."
"Pffft-pwehehehehehehe."
Igor chuckled when it was clear Atid was tongue-tied. Catching his friend like this brought him some comfort in this tiring political atmosphere.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
While he tried to restrain his chuckle, the old monkey erupted in full-blown laughter. Sun Wukong was uncaring that such a laugh destroyed the opulence of the venue. The more the devils glared at him, the more he'd make them bleed.
"Good one, brat! Good one!"
He walked over to the two boys along with Yasaka and Aurelia in tow.
"Especially that last part. It's definitely true! Pwahahahahah!"
Sun Wukong snaked a glance at Atid who wished for the ground to swallow him up, especially when Yasaka also glanced at him.
"Fufufufu~."
Such lively banter was like a breath of fresh air. At the very least, it made her reevaluate her opinion of Igor.
"Hello. You must be Dimori-kun. I've heard so much about you."
"And you must be Yasaka. I've heard a bit about you too."
Yasaka's sudden presence brought a soft fragrance over, something Aurelia didn't like. She subtly leaned closer to him, very well aware of the allure fox yokai had.
Yasaka pretended not to notice, though she would definitely make sure to tease Aurelia later.
"Oh my. I trust it was all good?"
"..."
Igor's expression turned weird. He glanced towards Aurelia a bit before looking back at Yasaka with a weird face.
"You want the honest truth?"
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|DxD|
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Sirzechs, Yasaka, and Sun Wukong were in a fairly large office. Unlike the jovial atmosphere from before in the reception, there was a certain realm of tension in the room.
They all sat around a round table in silence, but that silence wouldn't last for long. The curtains were open, letting the morning sunlight in, yet Sirzechs's expression was dark. All that laughing Yasaka had with Igor was now gone.
Sun Wukong was entirely dismissive of Sirzechs while Yasaka calmly sipped her tea.
"Lucifer-sama. I shall be brief. We have heard of the Overhaul Policy you want to implement. Because of it, we have decided to be a bit lenient on the reparations. But, this will all depend on how the day ends. Your act of eliminating the ones who committed such atrocities has stabled more of our radicals. However…"
Her eyes darkened with a hint of malevolence.
"...please make no mistake, Lucifer-sama. Should you fail today in your endeavor, it will prove that your race is beyond redemption."
Threat. It was a blatant threat. She was threatening them with extermination. Sirzechs once more felt the weight of his position. The lives of millions weighed on his shoulders like a mountain. Yasaka's words directly poked his sore spot.
"..."
*Subtly Clenches Fist*
But no matter how much he hated it, Sirzechs had to endure.
"Yes, Lady Yasaka."
He had to grit his teeth and endure. He couldn't even be angry at Yasaka. In fact, he could only be grateful she spoke to him privately.
"I promise I will give you results…"
…through any means necessary. Sirzechs would make sure this policy passes…no matter what.
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|DxD|
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The time for the meeting to start would soon arrive. With only a few minutes left, every clan head and elder slowly walked into the hall and took their respective seats. No words were said but subtle glares were sent.
There was clearly a division amongst the devils and it had only become more pronounced when Yasaka arrived. But, this wasn't the place to address such issues. Soon enough, all the devils were seated and it was time for the allies to come in.
Igor was the first to walk in alongside Atid and Sun Wukong. The trio were dressed rather normally apart from Atid. He dressed in a long white robe that in Igor's humble opinion, made him look like a pansy.
Unlike the devils, Igor and Sun Wukong seemed to be holding back chuckles, especially at Atid's expense. For all it was worth, the half-deva remained stoic.
Their entrance drew eyes, but none dared to glare. Igor's actions last week still rung fresh in their heads.
Serafall directed the trio to a set of seats on the left corner of the room at the topmost rows. The seats of extinct clan heads were kept so they made great use of this space.
Soon after, Yasaka, Aurelia, and Sirzechs walked in. While Sirzechs made his way to the podium, Aurelia and Yasaka made their way to their seats at the top.
All of them were under the surprised eyes of the devils. Them gathering together at the reception area was one thing. They only represented each other. But in this parliament, sitting together like this meant they not only represented themselves, but the factions and pantheons behind them.
"""..."""
Their faces turned grim. The Aryans seemingly aligning with the Shinto and Yokai wasn't within their plans. Some adjustments would have to be made, but it wasn't a total loss.
Down below, Sirzechs got up on the podium and began speaking. However, his tone was different from before. It was more serious---darker even.
"Clan heads, elders. I shall not be long-winded. We are all here today to discuss the Peerage Overhaul Policy and conclude by voting on it. Our allies have requested to observe the proceedings and we have granted them that right."
His eyes narrowed in on an elder who almost voiced his complaints. His subtle killing intent immediately silenced him. Everyone felt it. No one commented on it. The sweat-stained elder swallowed any objections he had in his throat without defiance.
Sirzechs's actions may displease his allies, but he had no time to care about straining relations and offending key members.
Too much was at stake for him to worry about decorum.
"In recognition of our allies, there may be an unfamiliar faces for all of you. So with this opportunity, I would like for Lord Atid to come forward."
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AN
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Thanks for reading. If you're interested in reading ahead, you can find five more chapters on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.
Until the next chapter.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone