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Chapter 23: The Wife of Another Man
🕑 Added 2025-04-20 16:12:13 +0000 UTCAmazing.
I didn't notice this before but…
My eyes darted between the fist storming towards my back, towards the gleaming sword reflecting the purple sky lunging towards my chest, towards the pure force of destruction rippling towards me, towards the screeching lightning crackling towards me.
And…the hot flames in the shape of a spear from above.
Time seemed to slow down as I analysed the attacks.
It's a good strategy.
I shifted my body just enough for the sword and fist to whistle past my flesh. Both of my hands shot towards the owner of the physical attacks.
Grabbing their hands I jumped away in a tilted angle.
The lightning, Power of Destruction and Flame Spear collided where I originally stood creating a burst of blinding light as winds of dust kicked up.
…
Two minutes later.
The Occult Research Club sprawled on the open field in defeat.
“This is so unfair! Why can he regenerate?” Ichika complained while panting.
She looked at the unbothered Tatsuya who was chatting with Tiamat and pouted.
“I couldn't even touch him once.” Kiba, who was proud of his speed, felt flabbergasted. He looked towards Ichika and smiled, “I'm surprised you were able to attack him without hesitation.”
Ichika didn't show any abnormality, “I know Onii-chan, if I pulled my punches he would've pounded me extra hard.” She smiled mischievously, “I guess the fact his regeneration is super powerful and that he doesn't feel pain helps.”
Ichika was not really clear if that was the case but with how easily he had shrugged off being burnt alive it didn't seem like his pain receptors were working.
Kiba, unaware of the double entendre, hummed in understanding.
“Your control over magic is really insane.” Akeno who was sitting cross-legged next to them couldn't help but chime in, “I feel like you're on the verge of becoming a Middle-Class Devil already.”
“Hehe, don't tease me Akeno-senpai.” Ichika grinned and wiped her sweat off.
Akeno's amazement wasn't without reason. Rias' peerage had all of its members at Middle-Class Devil with Rias' Power of Destruction placing her at the lower end of High-Class Devils for many years.
While Akeno knew it was due to their lack of practice and training, Ichika's growth in just a few days was too monstrous.
Akeno sighed and looked at the pouting Rias before breaking into a giggling fit.
Rias turned to her side and ignored Akeno only to get poked in the forehead by Koneko.
Rias looked at her with confusion and Koneko nodded in understanding, as if comforting her.
“It's okay Buchou, at least it's your husband that's beating you up.”
Rias was stunned.
“PFFF!” Ichika couldn't control her laughter and Akeno was on the verge of tears.
Rias looked at them with hatred and turned to look at Kiba who was the only one not laughing.
Well, at least he was trying not to if his trembling shoulders were to say anything.
“I hate you all!” Rias slammed the ground with her fists in anger just as Tatsuya walked towards them.
“What's wrong?”
Rias raised her head and saw Tatsuya's warm eyes.
“Tatsuya! They're making fun of me!”
Tatsuya tilted his head in confusion before chuckling, “I'll give you some private lessons later, just beat them all up in the future and we'll see how they laugh.”
“Onii-chan! How can you be so biased!?”
“En En,” Koneko poked her head from behind Ichika and nodded energetically.
“Ara ara~ You're buttering your future wife already? Ichika was definitely lying about your dating life.” Akeno’s smile reached her ears as she teased Rias.
“Hmph, as he should.” Rias got up and stood beside Tatsuya with pride, “Plus why would she lie about his dating life? Right, right?” She looked towards Tatsuya who nodded bitterly.
“I had much more things to do than focus on things like love,” Tatsuya smiled, “Anyhow get up, we'll do another session.”
Rias turned to him in absolute shock, her eyes showing betrayal, “But… my rest…?”
“No rest!” Tatsuya laughed like a demon and the members of the Occult Research Club groaned in reluctance.
…
Half an hour later.
Tiamat aimed her finger towards Tatsuya and a stream of cold water flew into his mouth at a steady rate.
He gulped the water in satisfaction and turned to Grayfia who had been observing the training from the beginning, “Is something the matter Grayfia-san?”
“Oh… not really. Did you really have to knock them all out, Yamamoto-sama?” She looked at Rias and the rest with pity.
“Why be so formal, Grayfia-san?” Tatsuya smiled wryly before shaking his head, “I mean, rest after some training is important no? Since I'm helping them I might as well go all the way.”
“You will soon be the husband of the Heiress of the Gremory Family. As a maid of the family, I must be non-negligent.” Grayfia's expression never changed. She seemed soft but strict at the same time. Despite acting as a maid her authority and dignity never seemed to be diminished.
“About that, I hope you don't mind me asking but why are you acting as a maid?” Tatsuya scratched the back of his head with an awkward but curious look, “I mean, I've heard a lot about you. They call you the strongest female Devil and the Queen of the Underworld so…”
The corner of Grayfia's lips curled ever so slightly, “I can understand if you're curious. If I were to be truthful it's because of my family background, Yamamoto-sama. I hail from the Lucifuge Family that was part of the Old Devil Faction during the Civil War.” Grayfia paused, “Do you know about the war that happened half a millennia ago?”
Tatsuya nodded, “I've been a bit curious about the Underworld ever since I've arrived. I've read a few books that explain the situation.”
“That's good,” Grayfia nodded with her hands folded in front of her, “The Lucifuge Clan served the original Lucifer as servants and I'm simply following the tradition by serving the family of the current Lucifer.”
“Oh? Is it not because you have a dirty fetish of role-playing as a maid?”
Tatsuya was about to nod when a mocking voice cut through their conversation.
His lips twitched as he noticed Grayfia freeze. He turned around to see Tiamat walk closer with a sneer on her face.
“I hope you can keep your assumptions to yourself,” Grayfia could not be bothered to squabble with Tiamat.
Why would she lower herself to the level of someone clearly looking for trouble?
Unfortunately for Grayfia, Tiamat had no intention of stopping.
“Did Sirzechs send you here as a maid so you wouldn't disturb his lovely time with others at Lilith? I wouldn't be surprised if he's gotten bored by someone with such a stale and boring personality.”
“Enough!” Tatsuya immediately rebuked her and Tiamat looked at him for a second before stepping back, standing quietly behind him as if she had never said anything.
“I’m sorry, please ignore her, Grayfia-san, I…” Tatsuya immediately apologised but before he could continue Grayfia raised her hand.
“Don't blame yourself, Yamamoto-sama.” Grayfia smiled, “Someone who has debased herself to the point of having no dignity… it is expected that nothing good will come out of such a person’s mouth.”
Grayfia was a tough nut to crack, she wasn't a teenager to be easily riled up by Tiamat's words.
“Tatsuya-sama please ask her if the current Lucifer wasn't Sirzechs would she still serve the different Lucifer’s House while being Sirzechs Gremory’s wife?”
Tatsuya frowned but curiosity flickered in his eyes.
Grayfia sighed inwardly.
Sirzechs was right. This boy has clearly become more brazen than he shows outwardly, he's enjoying this. Perhaps he's actually looking down on me for acting as a maid?
“It is important to draw the line between tradition and respect. No matter how important traditions are, it wouldn't be worth it to sacrifice the happiness of my family.” Grayfia replied elegantly.
Tiamat sneered but before she could say anything Tatsuya raised his hand.
“Please take my sister and the rest inside to rest. Look after them.”
Tiamat didn't hesitate and turned around, following his command.
Grayfia watched her go and narrowed her eyes.
“I think you should remain wary of her, Yamamoto-sama.” Grayfia turned to Tatsuya, “Her intentions are clearly very suspicious. She's a Dragon King who has lived for a very very long time. It is evident that she has hidden plans.”
“I won't deny it… What do you suggest I do?” Tatsuya seemed troubled and Grayfia also showed a pondering look.
“We can only observe for the time being,” Grayfia shook her head, “She hasn't really done anything that would count as hostile.” Grayfia paused, “Of course… if Yamamoto-sama does not wish for her to follow him around you can simply ask for help from Lucifer-sama. As your Brother-in-law, he surely won't let you be pushed around by Tiamat.”
“Sirzechs-san huh…” Tatsuya nodded with a smile, “I’ll definitely ask for help if she does something suspicious. Thank you for your advice, Grayfia-san.”
“It is my duty,” Grayfia bowed lightly, “I shall take my leave as well, Yamamoto-sama.”
Tatsuya didn't react outwardly but he guessed something was wrong. Why was she suddenly declaring her intention to leave? It was a bit too abrupt considering her usual behaviour.
As she turned around Tatsuya hurriedly grabbed her shoulder. He squeezed lightly as Grayfia turned around with a frown.
“Ah, sorry!’ Tatsuya removed his hand and chuckled awkwardly, “I was just wondering if you could train me too. I don't want to lag behind as everyone improves.”
Grayfia's eyes lingered on his hand for a second before she nodded, “That is of no issue, it'll be my pleasure to help you, Yamamoto-sama.”
After finishing her words she left, leaving Tatsuya standing alone in the open field.
“Hmm… This will be fun.” A chuckle escaped his lips.
He looked forward to spending time with the strongest female Devil of Hell.
Tatsuya knew nothing of the incoming storm.
With the confirmation of the engagement, the most important hurdle had been cleared and most of his plans had begun to settle down.
Issei, Asia and Makima could be introduced formally after the engagement as his peerage members. Tiamat and the Queen piece would continue to work as bait for the Satans of the Underworld.
Once the engagement ceremony was finished he could gain more freedom in his actions. As long as Rias was under control Sirzechs would find it hard to act against him.
To Tatsuya, besides the threat of death in a year, everything else had been going smoothly.
But alas, things were bound to spiral out of control.
…
Tatsuya's days passed by in a relaxed manner. Teasing Rias, training with Akeno, Ichika, Kiba and Koneko, and lastly sparring with Grayfia.
His engagement was now two days away.
At the moment, both Grayfia and Tatsuya were alone in a sparring hall.
Tatsuya was sweating profusely.
Grayfia teleported behind him and struck his back with ice magic. Her face was devoid of emotion as Tatsuya was blasted away and crashed into the reinforced walls.
A layer of frost shone over his body as Tatsuya pulled himself off of the wall and fell to one knee on the ground. He panted while looking at her with admiration, “You're really amazing, Grayfia-san.”
This was the third-day Grayfia was sparring with him.
Today was a slightly special class.
Grayfia intended to test Tatsuya and also make him aware of how dangerous it was to fight someone stronger than you in an enclosed space.
The sparring hall was already looking like it was from the Antarctic.
“Magic, especially Demonic Magic can be really brutal Yamamoto-sama. As a physical fighter, you are especially prone to the dangers magic that erupts from imagination possesses.”
“Well, I experienced that first hand didn't I?” Tatsuya spoke as his wounds began to heal without any fanfare, “Magic really is amazing. Not only did you make the entire arena slippery, but you also made the frost accumulate in my joints, periodically disrupting my movements at crucial times. I've learnt much…”
When punching Tatsuya would find he could not fully extend his arm, when kicking there would be frost around his knees, when trying to dodge frost would bind his waist and neck.
She was freezing the area around his limbs to her pleasure without a hint of effort.
Why?
Because he was posing as a physical fighter.
And Grayfia was highlighting all his flaws as a physical fighter not knowing his true self being a Super-Class Devil, a God.
Grayfia looked at him intently. Healing magic wasn't rare but even the fastest she had observed, the Phenex Regeneration, had a burst of flames that stitched their wounds.
But Tatsuya?
His regeneration was eerily silent. The wounds, the scratches, even the holes she made through small knives and spears were filled up and crawled back into place like jelly.
It was as if there was a law that Tatsuya could not be harmed no matter what.
Even the Immortal Devils, the Phenex had a limit to their regeneration but Tatsuya…
Grayfia shuddered just imagining a Maou-Class infinitely regenerating enemy. She inwardly shook her head.
A former human with zero magical talent and lack of any sacred gear, reaching the peak of Ultimate Class was already a stretch, it'd be a miracle if he reached the level of a Maou.
She let go of her delusional thoughts and shook her head at Tatsuya, “I have to praise Yamamoto-sama, if this were actual hand-to-hand combat I dare say I would lose without much struggle.”
“That's…” Tatsuya hesitated to accept the praise and Grayfia smiled.
“Your acting was really great during the fight with Riser Phenex. Were it not for these training sessions I wouldn't have known this side of you, Undying Immortal Devil.” Grayfia, uncharacteristically, teased Tatsuya, “There's no need to be modest. Your control over your physical body and incredible precision make it hard for anyone to win against you in a fair physical fight, perhaps in the Underworld only Sairaorg Bael can match you in this aspect.”
“Rias' cousin?” Tatsuya wouldn't act completely ignorant, “I've heard about him from Rias. He seems like quite the character.”
“Indeed, his life has not been the most smooth sailing but through effort alone he has come a long way, establishing himself as the Heir of the Bael Clan.”
“It's admirable…” Tatsuya got up and dusted the shards of ice off of him. He exhaled, letting out a breath of frost.
“Say Grayfia-san, do you drink?”
“Hmm?” Grayfia was stunned by the sudden question.
Is it finally here? I thought he would wait till after his engagement at the very least… or perhaps because the engagement has yet to happen is the very reason for his abrupt offer.
Grayfia was sad as the light in her eyes dimmed.
No need to think so much... I just have to follow Lucifer-sama’s instructions.
Asking a married woman for drinks… the intentions behind it didn't explicitly need to be said.
“Does Yamamoto-sama drink? I believe you've just turned 18 according to your birth certificate.”
“There's a lot of things I've done before turning 18 that should have me serve a lifetime in jail, drinking is the least of my worries.” Tatsuya showed a bitter smile, his demeanor gave no hints of him having any malicious intentions, “I'm used to drinking alone but I thought maybe… nevermind you don't have to agree Grayfia-san, I must've been out of my mind making such a disrespectful request. Forgive me.”
He bowed in apology.
Grayfia sighed.
She looked at him and felt confused.
Was he speaking sincerely? Was he acting?
To an old Devil like her, it was certainly a mystery that she couldn't figure out the intentions of a mere 18-year-old.
“It is of no issue to accompany Yamamoto-sama for drinks. It is my duty to be at service to those of the Gremory Household but please understand if I don't indulge much.” She bowed lightly and Tatsuya couldn't help but smile in response.
Grayfia began to create a teleportation circle which only took a few seconds after which they both disappeared.
It didn't matter if she couldn't figure his intentions out. All she had to do was comply with his demands and slowly figure him out. By drinking with him she could also let him lower his guard and influence him towards a path in favor of the New Devils’ Faction.
…
In a private room, both Tatsuya and Grayfia appeared.
Tatsuya looked around curiously and he immediately noticed a few things.
“Is this… your room, Grayfia-san?” Tatsuya's lips twitched.
There was a big… a really big photo frame of Grayfia, Sirzechs and their son Millicus hanging on one of the walls.
How bold, or perhaps this is how Devils operate?
To bring another man into her own private room that she shared with Sirzechs to drink alone was quite the decision.
He walked to one corner and smiled.
Near the bed, on the adjacent wall to the right side, there were multiple little frames of a baby Rias. Some when she was just a year or two old and some when she was five to six years old, there was also one where she was riding a Griffith with a frightened expression with Sirzechs laughing in the back.
Grayfia walked next to him and explained, “I suppose you can tell how much he adores her.” She looked at the Griffith that Tatsuya was eyeing and her lips curled, “This was when he personally took Rias-sama to get her Evil Pieces.”
“Ah…” Tatsuya nodded and his eyes moved towards another particular frame which was slightly… odd.
“This…?” He questioned and Grayfia was a bit stunned before she broke into a chuckle, her mesmerizing voice drifting into his ears.
Seduction?
Tatsuya snorted inwardly but showed a slight change in expression in response to her giggle.
Grayfia acted as if nothing happened, she looked at the frame of Rias crouching behind Akeno and Kiba while hiding from a Camel before speaking, “I don't exactly remember why but it seems like Rias-sama has been afraid of camels from a young age.”
“Camel-phobia?” Tatsuya was bewildered, having question marks over his head, “Pff ahahaha!!!”
A genuine laugh escaped his lips. He couldn't believe it. A Devil princess being scared of regular camels. He'd have to confirm this later for sure.
While he was laughing, Grayfia had already prepared a pair of glasses and alcohol.
The small circular table had two chairs opposite to each other, likely where Sirzechs and Grayfia sat together when drinking.
Grayfia picked up the bottle of deep crimson liquid and poured two glasses.
"HeartBlood," she said, sensing his curiosity. "A rare vintage only accessible to the Nobles of the Underworld. It’s not often shared with outsiders."
"You honor me," Tatsuya said dryly, accepting the glass.
Grayfia’s lips curved slightly. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. You are to be family soon."
He took a sip. The taste burned, sweet and heavy, like liquid embers.
"Strong," he muttered.
Grayfia’s crimson eyes never left him. "You handle it well for a former human. I've heard of some Low-Class Devils getting knocked out instantly."
Tatsuya smirked. "That's quite the heavy treatment, is this punishment for asking you to drink together?"
“Not really, I was certain with your strength you should be able to handle it well.” Grayfia was still in her maid uniform as she picked her glass up and took a small elegant sip.
Tatsuya watched her intently, his face going slightly red from the alcohol. He had to say, she wasn't lying about the effect of the wine.
A silence settled between them, not quite comfortable, not quite hostile.
Just waiting.
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CrowThingz
“I know Onii-chan, if I pulled my punches he would've pounded me extra hard.” She will get pounded
