"You have questions." The Phenex patriarch asks, no states. You didn't have to wait much in the room at the end of the secret passage (one you are almost sure is used to carry black-ops operations), but when Raiser's father joins you all joviality is gone, leaving behind an hardened, if a bit weary, businessman. "Ask away."
Oh, you have questions. That woman you caught a peek of is hot but gave you a bad feeling. Similar to Raynare in her true colors before she lost her memories, only ten times stronger. But... "If it's not my business, I have no rights to ask."
"That's okay." He waves you off. "I want to answer."
"Alright then. Who was that person? And why it was imperative there were no traces of my presence here?"
Revache sighs, folding his fingers together and leaning back on the chair. "A bit of history then. Do you know what happened in the Underworld after the end of the last Great War?"
You recall Akeno's lessons. "A civil war between those who wanted to continue the War despite the ceasefire and those who were against it because of the heavy losses in Devil population. Eventually the latter won and formed the government of today."
"Correct." He snaps his fingers. "But how were they defeated? Do you know? Of course not, because it isn't explained in any of the textbooks used published today. Useless propaganda, but whatever. Those who fought it, like myself, knows better."
He makes a small pause, to be sure you're listening, and then continues. "There was an armistice. At a certain point both factions realized than an extensive war would reduce the already dwindling Devil population into total extinction, no matter which side eventually won. This was further reinforced by news about both the Angels and Fallen Angels starting heavy programs to recover the lost fighting force. Both sides understood that further infight would make the Devils the weakest of the Three Factions, so for the sake of survival they swallowed their pride and joined forces."
You use the new data to make a few deductions. "The truce continues till today, but the animosity between factions didn't subsided?"
"No, it didn't." He confirms. "Those who were pro-war, that follows the old ways, were called the Old Satan Faction. Those who were against war, and desire change, were called the New Satan Faction. They form the political body of today society. The current Four Mao are the leaders of the New Satan Faction, and thanks to their efforts things were more or less kept equilibrated. But things in this world have the tendency to change, to evolve. And with evolution come new opportunities but also new problems.
Today no one talks about war anymore, but the Old Satan Faction still yearn for a return to the old ways. They believe that the reincarnation of other races into Devils, once necessary, now does nothing but pollute Devil society, sweeping away its culture in favor of those from where reincarnated devils came from. They fear that their identity as Devils will eventually be lost, that the Underworld would become a copy of the modern human world."
"And you...belong to the Old Satan Faction." A nods. "Do you share those views?"
"Mostly. I am a member of the most moderate party after all, unlike the most fringe members who occasionally scream about 'purging' all the 'reincarnated mutts'." He chuckles bitterly, without humor. "Me and my associates
do believe the Devil culture is at a risk, but we also believe in peaceful and reasonable methods. But to tell you the truth." He sighs. "It wasn't why I originally joined the Old Satan Faction."
"What was the original reason then?"
"The changes undergone by the New Satan Faction. Once it was composed only by those against the war, but over the years many new reincarnated Devil joined its ranks and now their are the majority. Like us there are moderate and radical parties, but what they predicate as a whole is that Devil society must evolve to meet the standards that most of the modern human world held, even if it means forsaking the old traditions. There are even some that call for a complete metamorphosis of our government, from the feudalism of today to a full democracy. They want to abolish noble titles and the caste system to make all Devils equal, all citizens."
[I fear I know where this is going on.] Belzard tells you.
'Me too.' "And let me guess, the reform would come with a redistribution of the noble's properties."
"You're a clever boy. Good, good." Revache praises you. "Now you see my dilemma. I may disapprove of some members of my faction, but at least it helps protecting myself and my family from those damn brats don't know a damn thing about what it means to be a Devil and yet believe to understand everything!" He slams his fist on the armchair.
[They are split between Conservatives and Progressive. This make them a lot similar to many human governments, but I suppose he knows it already.]
"That person who came to see me, her name is Katarea Leviathan. A direct descendant of the original Leviathan, the only one allowed to use the Maoh's title as surname. Her and two other direct descendants of the original Four Maoh are the leaders of the Old Satan Faction, with many Pillar Heads supporting them."
"Wait, don't tell me." You snap your fingers. "They are those Devils who
aren't my admirers? The friends who want to feed me my own intestines?"
"Not quite so crude, but they are indeed not happy with you. Bad publicity they say. What they really think...well, as good leaders they know to mind their words. But, were they to learn I not only contacted you, but also asked for your help..."
"You would lose support." You state with neutrality. You
are indeed a bit mad, but because you understand his motives you know he doesn't have much choice.
"I would." He shrugs. "Disappointed?"
"A little." You joke. "But I understand your reasons. Plus, I honestly don't care. Like I said I am not a Devil: what rights I have to interfere in your society? Beside being an ally of the Gremory Clan, I don't have any type of political weight."
"
Not for long if what Eadwig mentioned works. Boys, will they be pissed."
"What?"
"Nothing!" He claps.
That's when Raiser walks into the room (
'Isn't this supposed to be a secret room?!') carrying Eiko by the scruff of her kimono. "Is this yours?"
You put a hand over your eyes and groan. "What did she do this time?"
"Apart from clearing the mansion's servants of most of their money? Well..."
Increased reputation with the Phenex Family!
Decreased reputation with the servants of the Phenex Family!
====
"Tell me again why you thought that was a good idea?"
"We were bored!"
"That made it a
bad idea Mittelt!" You tell the lolita, who just smiles cutely. Ugh, how come she knows exactly what buttons to push?
[Because she's the girl that popped your cherry and since then has you wrapped around her pinkie.]
'Shut up Ddraig.' "I just hope you're satisfied." By the large grin on Shougo's face he was at least.
"I don't!" Yang, who is carrying a sleeping Ruby princess-style, whines. "My opponent just ran away all the time! That was frustrating! Why I am the only one who hadn't a decent fight?"
'Because you're honestly scaring. You're the female version of The Torch!' "Just misfortune I guess." You instead say as you open your house's door. "You know what, if you promise to ask me first before doing something like that again I promise to make it up for you anyway I can."
There is an odd pause. "
Anyway you say?"
"Sure." You reply, too tired to care. That's why you miss Yang and Mittelt exchanging a meaningful stare before exchanging a high five. "You and Ruby-chan can also stay here the night since it's so late."
"Great!" She hands Ruby over to Mittelt, who carries her without problems. "Take care of her, please?"
"No problem. Come Asia: time to teach you about 'sleepovers'."
"Ooh! Are they fun?"
"A lot." And with that they walk towards their rooms.
"Well Yang, I suppose you can use my pare-Guh!" That's as far as you can say before the blonde wraps an arm around your neck and drags you inside your room. "What the-?!"
"You said anyway, I take anyway." Yang shows a lecherous smile, and you just know you're not going to rest even a little today.
The road to Harem King is hard.
====
Night ends, and the rise of the Glorious Sun heralds a new day. Finally, after so many adventures, you can look forward to future times full of freedom, to dedicate to yourself and your girls. And your friends, let's not forget about them.
The only question is...
What do you do?
[] Plan for: 2 weeks time.
====
Aaaand, this is finally done. Next...to fix sheet and index.