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DxD Chapter 11: Meticulous Scheming, Light vs Darkness.
🕑 Added 2025-03-23 13:00:59 +0000 UTC“Rias-sama, can you win?”
Grayfia pressed, her voice glacial, as Rias slumped into despair.
Her body trembled violently, fingers clawing at the silk of her dress.
“I… Will I even get time to train them?” Her voice cracked. “Ichika’s talent for magic is exceptional, and Yamamoto—he’s monstrously strong! He could dismantle half of Riser’s peerage alone!”
“Yamamoto’s strength is… considerable,” Grayfia conceded, unexpectedly. Rias’s breath caught hope.
“But that depends on the Phoenix Family. They will also have information about your new peerage members. Do you think they will allow it? Do not forget the goal of both the Gremory and the Phoenix is to form an alliance with marriage. Both want to see you lose Rias-sama. You're not against just the Phoenix Clan but the Gremory as well. At best you'd get a week of preparation. The marriage was announced more than a year ago… could it be we have to announce that the Heir of the Gremory Clan had been slacking off?”
“I thought I had time!” Rias hissed, humiliation scalding her cheeks.
Excuses curdled at her tongue.
“Is there… any hope to win?”
“Yes, you do.” Grayfia nodded, “But! That is if your peerage can work in harmony and with every member being in their best state physically… and mentally.”
The word ‘mentally’ made Rias freeze on the spot.
Akeno’s hollow smile flickered in her mind. Her teeth sank into her lip until copper bloomed.
All of a sudden her tense and rigid posture relaxed as she seemed to fall into despair, “Then what should I do, Grayfia? I don't want to marry that arrogant playboy. I can't live happily with him and I can't accept birthing any children with him!” Rias was on the verge of tears and Grayfia felt it was enough.
There's no need to aggravate her any more.
“There's still hope, Rias-sama.” Grayfia smiled as Rias’s eyes widened.
“There is?”
“Provoke him. Force Riser into an immediate duel.”
Rias was confused, “I won't pretend Grayfia but I don't think I can win. Riser's Immortality is incredibly infuriating and my peerage simply doesn't stand a chance against his peerage, especially when my Queen is in no shape to fight either. The only variable I can think of is Yamamoto but even if he's stronger than Riser how will he combat his Immortality?”
Grayfia couldn't help but smile mysteriously, “Rias-sama it is exactly Yamamoto Tatsuya I am talking about.”
“What?” Rias was astounded, “What do you mean?”
“The Phoenix Family will most likely be visiting tomorrow, Rias-sama. When the time comes for discussing marriage you simply have to…”
As Grayfia continued to speak Rias was first shocked and bewildered; by the end of her words, her face was flushed red in embarrassment.
“But Grayfia!” Rias protested but Grayfia simply stopped her by raising her soft dainty hand.
“Believe in Sirzechs-sama.”
Her words echoed as Rias looked frustrated, her face alternating between concern and embarrassment.
…
The artificial morning rays shone brilliantly.
“Yamamoto, wake up!”
A soft but stern voice echoed in the bedroom.
Rias looked at the sleeping siblings with complicated emotions.
So much had happened in a single day.
“Yamamoto!” Rias called out again, this time a bit more loudly.
Just as Rias was getting impatient she saw him slowly sit up. The golden rays of the sun fell softly onto his face making his chiselled features glow beautifully.
Drowsy onyx eyes peered at her. His gaze seemed to draw her in as Rias felt her impatience vanish. Perhaps, because of her conversation with Grayfia last night, Rias felt incomparably more conscious of his features than before.
Rias remembered that on the first day of school, Yamamoto was called the King of Kuoh. She remembered hearing one of her human classmates say how he emitted this wild but regal aura that made him seem untouchable, unlike Kiba.
Of course, at that time Rias and Akeno took those words with a grain of salt.
But now…
Rias saw him stand up.
His extremely tall frame towered over her.
For a split second, Rias understood the feelings of the human girls in Kuoh Academy as his glossy black hair fell behind his shoulders in an unruly manner and he looked at her with eyes full of indifference.
It was as if she didn't matter at all.
Rias felt stifled.
But that indifferent gaze seemed to be nothing but an illusion as he looked at her calmly.
“Good morning, Master.”
He called her his Master.
But Rias clenched her fists into tight balls. The sarcasm in his voice was biting.
She knew she couldn't do anything. Tatsuya seemed to be one of those people that only respected those stronger than him.
One day I'll make you call me Master with true affection!
Rias swore inwardly.
She had won the hearts of all her peerage members one by one and Tatsuya would be no different.
“What has made you come all the way into our room, Gremory Princess?” The change of title was sudden but Rias understood the meaning behind his words.
To the Gremory who were like Kings or Emperors simply sending a servant to wake him up was enough.
Why had Rias come personally?
Rias hesitated before shaking her head.
“There's something I need to talk to you about.”
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow in interest.
“It's important,” Rias emphasised.
Tatsuya pointed towards the balcony and Rias nodded.
As they walked together with Tatsuya trailing a step behind he couldn't help but admire her buxom figure. Perhaps due to the laws of this world, he felt incomparably more attracted to these girls than the ones from Classroom of the Elite. It wasn't that they were more beautiful but that the charm they emitted was extremely fatal.
As they stood on the balcony Tatsuya felt the wind blowing gently.
They looked at each other in silence.
Rias was dressed in a simple manner but it did nothing to hide her charm.
Her striking red hair fluttered gracefully, framing her delicate face and accentuating her bright blue eyes.
Her attire was a simple yet elegant white dress with a subtle polka dot pattern. The dress featured a buttoned front, a modest neckline, and a black ribbon that added a charming contrast. She wore black thigh-high stockings, creating a blend of innocence and allure.
Seduction did not necessarily mean one had to dress skimpily or act like a slut.
It simply meant driving desire towards oneself.
And Tatsuya did nothing to hide his admiration towards her as she stood gracefully with her hand on the railing of the balcony.
Rias could also feel his gaze linger on her a while longer. A chibi version of her pumped a fist of success inwardly as she felt glad listening to Grayfia's advice.
She wondered how Grayfia predicted his tastes.
“I believe it's time you tell me what's bothering you now,” Tatsuya spoke softly.
There was some tension between them at the moment but it was the pleasant kind.
Rias nodded and turned her head, looking at the vast territory of the Gremory Family.
Her eyes sparkled brilliantly, “Yesterday when I came to your house to turn you into servants— do you remember the question you asked me? A specific one.”
“Hmm, is it about when I asked what your real purpose was when recruiting us?” Tatsuya followed her gaze, looking at the Devils flying about attending the gardens, carrying packages, and even riding carriages.
Perhaps nobility was not much different between Devils and Humans.
“Yes, about that. I would like to apologise, I hadn't spoken the truth entirely.”
Rias had a serious expression on her face as Tatsuya narrowed his eyes.
“Of course, I did have my suspicions but it isn't pleasant being told this after crossing the bridge.
“It's not anything dangerous so I didn't think it would be important plus…” Her voice indicated frustration, “It shouldn't have been a problem for a few years at least.”
“If it's really not dangerous then I won't mind. As long as Ichika is safe and cared for I dare not complain.” He smiled in a cordial manner and Rias was astounded at how the Occult Research Club thought he was an abuser at first.
Rias turned around with conviction as her eyes showed resolution, she patted her chest with force, “I, Rias Gremory, pledge on my bloodline and as the Heiress of the Gremory Family, I swear to protect all my peerage members from harm, even if it costs me my life!”
Tatsuya was surprised.
The pure look in her eyes, her posture, and her sincerity.
Tatsuya felt it all.
She was, after all, a High-Class Noble.
She wasn't trying to strike some kind of deal with him. Nor was she trying to leverage Ichika to force him to do anything. She genuinely cared for her peerage and it mattered not what her circumstances were, she would never force them to do anything.
Unlike the cunning and malicious Tatsuya, she was bright and pure.
In honesty, Tatsuya held affection for people with these traits.
In Classroom of the Elite, Tatsuya had genuinely wanted to befriend Hirata.
But in the end, it didn't work out.
Hirata had died by his own hands.
Would Rias' fate be similar to Hirata’s?
Tatsuya did not know.
This world was full of danger and who would Tatsuya not sacrifice to ensure his own safety?
There existed no such exception.
The only way to avoid such a fate was to become strong.
Strong to the point he could decimate the entirety of DxD on his own.
Only those with power need not make troublesome choices.
They could simply do as they wish.
Tatsuya forcefully put a stop to his musings as he smiled in response to Rias’s words. It was a genuine smile, the type of smile he usually showed Hirata and Horikita.
“Thank you.”
He didn't say anything unnecessary but just these two words made Rias break out into a heartwarming smile.
It was an acknowledgement of her promise!
“Since my Master is in some kind of trouble, how can I not help? Do say.” Tatsuya walked forward and stood beside her, his hair fluttering in a similar manner to hers.
This time the word Master had no sarcasm in it.
Rias looked at his handsome face in a daze for a brief second before coughing and clearing her throat. There was a faint tint of red on her cheeks.
“Ahem. First of all, stop calling me Master! It's weird.” Rias shook her head immediately, “Call me Buchou like the others!”
“Alright, Buchou.”
She continued, “I said that I had a tough Rating Game in the future, right?”
Tatsuya nodded.
“This Rating Game is actually against the Third Son of the Phoenix Family, the one I told you about when we arrived yesterday. Our families have proposed a marriage between him and me scheduled for a few years later. If I want to escape this marriage I'll have to prove my worth and defeat him in a Rating Game.” Rias gritted her teeth, “Actually, due to that damned Soul Reaper I've been forced back to the Underworld. The Phoenix Family is capitalizing on this and forcing the marriage to go forward immediately. They'll probably arrive today.”
“Is that so?” Tatsuya's eyes glinted.
“My peerage isn't strong enough Yamamoto, I know I shouldn't show such weakness in front of my own peerage member but I have no choice. I was irresponsible due to thinking I had enough time but for now, we stand no chance. Riser's Immortality is just too hard to counter. It's as if he can heal from anything instantly.”
“Sounds intimidating but Buchou—” Tatsuya spoke, his voice soft, “Why have you come to me?”
Rias hesitated before telling him the plan Grayfia told her.
Hearing it Tatsuya immediately burst into laughter causing Rias to stomp in anger!
“Enough! Stop embarrassing me! I don't know why but Onii-sama says I should trust you. I know you're very strong but…”
“Rias.” He called out softly as soon as he was finished laughing.
Rias was stunned, a faint blush crept up her face as she realised he was calling her by her first name in an affectionate manner.
But before she could come out of her stupor Tatsuya lifted his hand and grabbed her soft dainty fingers. He pulled her hand towards himself and squeezed lightly.
“Rias, do you wish to marry Riser Phoenix?”
Rias instinctively shook her head in denial as she tried to pull herself away from his heated gaze; ultimately failing to do so.
Thump! Thump!
Her heart began to thump against her chest in an unruly manner, her blush began to grow.
“Then do you wish to take control over the fate of your own marriage?” The angelic voice caused Rias to shiver.
She nodded, her mind wandering about, wondering why Tatsuya's hand felt so soft to touch and why the warmth emitting from it made her comfortable.
Tatsuya smiled brightly.
“Then that is all.” Tatsuya took a step forward, closing the gap between them causing Rias to feel flustered.
“Rias,” He spoke her name again, “Your brother is the Current Satan, having withdrawn from Family Matters—He cannot assist you. The Gremory Family looks upon this marriage as favourable, your consent does not matter—They do not want to assist you.”
As he continued to speak Rias felt a faint sense of loneliness surface in her heart.
Do I really have no one—
“But.”
His words woke her up sharply.
“As long as I, Yamamoto Tatsuya, am alive… No one will be able to force you to do anything. I will be by your side no matter the situation. Even if there's no one you can fall back on to remember I will always be there.”
There was frost in his eyes as he continued.
“If any young Devil tries to pressure you into something— I'll crush them all.”
Tatsuya showed Rias a glimpse of his true self.
The overbearing sense of dominance in his voice caused Rias to feel weak. She should’ve scoffed. Called him a fool. Arrogant even. Tell him that there are many young Devils far stronger than the current her. Many young Devils she did not think he could defeat.
But all words died down as she gazed into his eyes full of confidence.
Most of his words felt nonsensical but…
A reckless warmth unfurled in her chest.
No one had ever sworn to protect her in such a manner.
It caused her to feel happy and special. She did not want him to stop. She wanted him to stay like this forever. To vow that he would protect his Master with all his heart.
Her heart thrashed like a caged bird as she didn't dare continue to look into his eyes. She lowered her head and muttered a soft, “A-Alright.” before pushing him away and walking away with a face that was the same colour as her hair.
Tatsuya watched her go with a soft gaze.
“How cute.” He muttered before turning around and gazing at the Gremory Territory once more.
I should start working on the others.
His thoughts remained to himself as he realised that he only needed a few more nudges before making Rias fall in love with him.
It might've seemed easy, illogical even, that a High-Class Noble like Rias Gremory was so bashful and easy to infatuate.
After all, in the anime she even slept naked with Issei just to heal him without a single change in expression.
It might seem out of character at first but if one peered deeply from an omniscient view from above they would see the faint strings used to orchestrate this entire ordeal.
Like creating a play with puppets.
Tatsuya was under a time constraint.
To him it was all but possible for tomorrow a planet-buster-level Being to arrive and slap him to death, calling him an Anomaly.
Could Tatsuya slowly make Rias and her peerage fall in love with him over a long period of time?
Hmph!
It wasn't even a question.
But Tatsuya could not afford to do so.
What I lack is time.
Overwhelming Rias on their first meeting, showing her how weak she is and making her feel—fear.
Attacking Grigori and Japan to ensure Sirzechs calls Rias back to the Underworld knowing the Phoenix Family would push the marriage; Making her feel—despair.
Joining her peerage to give her—hope.
Manipulating Sirzechs to propose a marriage between him and Rias forcing—affection.
Shoving the idea—that even if no one in the world would support her he would—down her throat—emotional support.
At the end of it, all was a simple emotion.
Love.
Lofty titles like Heiress of Gremory, Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess and Princess of Destruction made her seem high and mighty, aloof even, but all these titles were hollow.
At her core, Rias was just a naive young girl hoping to escape the politics of the Underworld, grow strong with her peerage, live freely; enjoy the joys of the human world and Japan... and choose her own love.
A soft smile spread across his face as he looked down towards the hard-working Devil servants.
Once he ensnared Rias with sweet lies it would be effortless to capture the rest of her peerage members and any future targets, granting him access to a steady stream of World Essence.
And by using Rias as a front he could create numerous ‘Causes’ to fight influential young Devils, giving him another source of World Essence.
Each step and action he took after entering DxD were all carefully chosen and interconnected.
An invisible spider web had been enveloping the Underworld string by string and now that it was completely formed—
It was time to let the bugs fall into an inescapable trap.
“The Phoenix Family should be arriving soon. I suppose there's still much left to do.”
He whispered, his gaze drifting across the distant horizon of Hell.
In this Hell, I shall experience Heaven.
