DxD: The Sorcery System Chapter 43

Chapter 43: The Dinner Before War

[Few Hours Later — Gremory Mansion, Underworld]

{Sirzechs Lucifer}

"I still want to thank you for all the effort you've put into helping my sister."

He was humble, not wanting to be praised for all that he had done.

But helping Rias against the Fallen Angels, assisting her with her school issues, and joining her in a Rating Game—these were not things just anyone would agree to.

"She is a friend," he downplayed his efforts once again. "And I did the most minuscule amount of work compared to everyone else."

I had Grayfia look into his history.

A boy who lost his father at a young age, living alone with his mother, helping her in every way he could, and trying his best to make a good life for them both.

I wondered why he was risking it all by delving so deep into the supernatural world when he could live a normal life.

"I heard you've become something of a disciple for the Governor General of the Fallen, Azazel," Father brought up a topic I, too, had been curious about.

"It's more of a job or, well, an internship rather than me being his disciple," he explained, sitting up straight as if trying his best to appear comfortable around us. "He wants a human's perspective on his creations and also wants to 'document my growth' to improve his craft. All I have to do is share my opinions about his creations, live life as I am now, and not cause unnecessary trouble for anyone."

Well, Azazel certainly was a very curious man, and I could see him wanting to mentor a talented kid.

He has taken in many children, many of whom are growing at an alarming rate.

"Azazel has a good eye for talent," Mother remarked. "Though it would be nice to have you around more often."

We all knew what she meant, but I didn't comment on it.

It wasn't the first time I had seen a human refuse the choice to become a devil.

"There are a few reasons why I want to remain human," he explained. "Many of which might seem trivial, but the one I believe in the most is a promise I made with my father."

"What promise, if I may ask?" Mother inquired, curious like the rest of us.

"Mother, this is too much," Rias complained. "You don't have to push Reo so much."

"It's fine, Rias," Reo was much calmer than we expected. "The promise wasn't anything big or interesting," he said, looking straight ahead with a smile. "He wanted me to keep my humanity at all costs."

Humanity.

Being a devil didn't mean one lost their humanity.

But that was open to interpretation.

"I believe your father would be proud of you, Reo," I made sure to praise him for his efforts. "You have been a great person, helping others in need and putting their interests before your own. If that's not true humanity, I don't know what is."

"Your praises are wasted on me, Lord Lucifer," he responded, humbler than he should have been. "I'm just following my beliefs."

Everyone enjoyed their food in peace, amidst the calm conversation about everyone's lives. No one brought up sad or unfortunate tales, not wanting to sour the mood.

And the mood around the table only brightened with Reo’s words.

"Thanks to everyone around me, I've learned that the tales of devils being inherently evil and cruel are just that—tales and stereotypes." He looked at Rias. "Rias and everyone had every opportunity and every way to trick me into becoming a devil and joining a Peerage, but they didn't. Instead, everyone has been helping me learn and get accustomed to this world."

"True," the little blonde girl sitting next to him nodded. "Everyone has been very kind to me—Reo, Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and everyone I've met."

I believe Reo didn't fully understand what she said, as she spoke in her native tongue, which our magic translates for us but humans cannot comprehend. However, I think he got the gist of it, as he smiled at her.

"Everyone, eat plenty," Mother said. "Tomorrow is a big day for everyone, and I don't want you to be hungry before such an important event."

"We will, Mother," Rias assured her, smiling at Mother while still avoiding Father's gaze.

I could blame neither of them.

Rias was still just a girl who had yet to understand the burden of being the head of a devil pillar.

And Father, while he understood Rias’ feelings, could not simply act on his own.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord and Lady Gremory," Reo expressed, "and I'm grateful that I could meet you despite your busy schedule, Lord Lucifer."

"Being here before her Rating Game is the least I can do for my sister and her friends."

Kids his age were often crude and disrespectful in this era, but I'm growing fond of this boy.

He could prove to be a great ally for Rias in the future.

And not to mention his interesting magic, which I will need to inquire about later—after the Rating Game.

Because I still need to judge his abilities with my own eyes.

And if they all fail, I will have to help Rias another way.

A way I hope won't need to be taken.

…

…

[Two Hours Later — Gremory Estate Garden, Underworld]

"Nervous?" I asked the girl walking close beside me.

"Mhm," she nodded, gazing peacefully at the flowers.

"Don't worry," I said, offering her a comforting smile. "You've grown much stronger, and so has everyone else. Plus," I pointed at myself, "I'm the wildcard Riser still doesn't have much information about."

Not to mention, we had our walking instant healer in Asia.

"Thank you for coming here," she whispered. "No matter what tomorrow's outcome may be, I'm glad you're here with me."

With a slight chuckle, I replied, "People might read too much into it if you talk like that."

Surprisingly, she responded quickly.

"It doesn't matter," she shook her head. "I don't care what others think. The fact that you're here with me, despite everything I've put you through… I don't know how to repay you for it."

"Repay me?" I raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember friends ever repaying each other just for helping out."

This made her smile a little. "Thank you for considering me a friend, even though I've done nothing but put you in danger."

"Nonsense," I tried my best not to curse. "You've helped me explore the supernatural world and learn so much that I never would have on my own. If it weren't for you, I'd either be dead or caught in some deep political trap with no way out."

She really was a nice person.

Any human would be surprised to know that devils like her exist in this world—kind, caring, and honest.

"It's… nice to talk to you," she said. "With Kiba, I don't talk like this. He's more of a family member, a younger brother who wants to protect his older sister."

I understood that.

Kiba often talked to me, and in most of those conversations, he mentioned how he was willing to sacrifice his life if it meant helping Rias.

No one would willingly do that for a toxic, oppressive, or evil master.

But with Rias, all her Peerage members were willing to sacrifice everything.

And while I don’t know how other High-Class devils treat their Peerage members, I can promise you that Rias treats hers like family.

"I’m glad to have met you, Reo," she said with a soft, genuine smile.

"You’re pretty when you smile," I said without thinking. "Try to protect that smile."

I wasn’t embarrassed to say this.

She was beautiful—anyone with working eyes could see that.

But what amused me was seeing her appear shy.

"Thank you," she said softly.

And in a way, this made me want to protect her.

Of course, she was immature—so was I.

Of course, she was selfish—so was I.

And of course, she wasn’t perfect—neither was I.

That’s why I didn’t mind helping her.

Because while we were different, we were also the same—fighting for our causes.

I wanted to give my mother freedom, away from the worries of money and health.

And she wanted freedom to live her life, away from the nasty politics of the underworld.

"Thank you."

I felt her arms wrap around me, pulling me into a hug.

"Thank you for being here with me."

And well…

I couldn’t help but return the hug.

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[A/N: Next chapter we will witness how a human's magic and imagination fares against the supernatural.]