Woe is me! I wrote this story to just work on my smut writing not thinking much of it and instead I created a popular and intriguing story! Bonus chapter for the awesome readers!
======
The evening wore on, the orchestra cycling through their fourth repertoire of classical arrangements as the crowd thinned. Devils of lesser status had already begun their departures, while the higher-ranking families lingered, extracting every possible political advantage from the night's remaining conversations.
I stood near the eastern balcony, watching Rias bid farewell to a group of young devils from minor houses. Her social grace never faltered despite the late hour, each goodbye as warm and personalized as if they were the first guests of the evening. The crimson-haired heiress had mastered the art of making people feel important—a skill I admired but rarely bothered to employ myself.
Latia appeared at my side, her fan closed for once. "You've been quite busy tonight."
"Unintentionally," I replied, not taking my eyes off Rias. "Sometimes things just... happen."
"Three dances with Rias Gremory, two private conversations with Serafall Leviathan, and an explosive entrance with the son of Lucifer?" Latia raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a lot of 'just happening.'"
I shrugged. "The life of a Valac. Chaos follows us."
"Chaos you manufacture." She nudged my arm gently. "You haven't given her your gift yet."
My hand instinctively touched the small box in my inner pocket. "I'm waiting for the right moment."
"The party's ending. Moments are running out."
She was right. Lord and Lady Gremory were already making their rounds, thanking the remaining guests for attending. Sirzechs and Grayfia stood near the main entrance, presenting a united front as the highest-ranking devils prepared to depart.
"Fine," I sighed. "If you insist on rushing me."
Latia smiled. "I'm merely pointing out the obvious."
I smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from my jacket. "How do I look?"
"Like you're stalling."
"I'm creating anticipation."
"You're nervous."
I shot her a glare. "Valacs don't get nervous."
"Of course not." She opened her fan, hiding her smile behind it. "Go. I'll watch from here."
Taking a deep breath, I crossed the ballroom, navigating between the remaining clusters of devils engaged in last-minute political maneuvering. Rias had just finished speaking with a young devil I didn't recognize when I approached.
"Dante," she said, genuine surprise coloring her voice. "I thought you'd left."
"Without saying goodbye? That would be rude."
"You've never struck me as someone particularly concerned with rudeness."
I grinned. "I contain multitudes."
She laughed, the sound lighter and more relaxed than earlier in the evening. The formality of the party had begun to fade, allowing glimpses of the person beneath the heiress persona.
"I have something for you," I said, reaching into my jacket. "A birthday gift."
Surprise flickered across her face. "You didn't need to—"
"I wanted to." I pulled out the small velvet box. "Happy birthday, Rias."
She hesitated before accepting the box, her fingers brushing against mine momentarily. She opened it, revealing the silver pendant nestled inside.
Her breath caught. "It's beautiful."
The firebird pendant gleamed in the soft light, its silver wings outstretched in flight. Seven small crimson fire opals were inlaid along its body and wings, catching the light like tiny flames.
"It's a firebird," she said, her voice soft as she lifted it from the box. "The symbol of freedom and self-determination."
"Really? Damn, I thought it was a phoenix."
Her eyes met mine. "Would you put it on for me?"
Rias turned, gathering her crimson hair and lifting it away from her neck. She glanced over her shoulder, waiting expectantly.
Yeah. I've definitely overplayed my hand tonight.
A subtle movement caught my attention. Lord Gremory stood across the room, watching our interaction. He gave a slight nod, a permission I hadn't expected. Beside him, Sirzechs wore an unreadable expression but made no move to intervene.
I removed the necklace from its box and stepped behind Rias. The scent of her perfume—something subtle with notes of vanilla and spice—reached me as I raised the necklace to her throat. Her skin was warm beneath my fingers as I fastened the clasp.
Rias turned back to face me, her hand rising to touch the pendant where it rested against her skin. "It fits perfectly. Thank you, Dante."
"It suits you," I said simply.
A moment of silence stretched between us.
"I look forward to seeing you at Kuoh," she said finally.
"As do I."
With a slight bow, I stepped back, allowing the moment to end naturally.
I returned to where my parents waited near the entrance, my father's expression carefully neutral while my mother's eyes gleamed with approval.
"Ready to depart?" my father asked, his voice betraying nothing of his thoughts.
"Yes," I replied. "Just need to say goodbye to Latia and Millicas."
Latia approached, having witnessed the entire exchange. "That was well done," she murmured as she reached me.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Her fan snapped open. "Of course not."
We moved toward a quieter corner of the ballroom.
"Three days," I said quietly. "Then we make our move to the human world."
"I've already begun preparations," she replied. "My cousin believes I'm simply gathering research materials."
"And Ajuka?"
"Uncle is skeptical, but he won't interfere." She closed her fan decisively. "I'll meet you at the arranged location."
Before I could respond, a voice interrupted us.
"Fascinating choice of pendant."
I turned to find Ajuka Beelzebub standing behind us, his expression as measured and unreadable as always. The Satan's green hair was immaculately styled, not a strand out of place despite the late hour.
"Uncle," Latia greeted him with a formal bow.
"Latia." His eyes shifted to me. "Dante Valac. A moment of your time, if you please."
Latia glanced between us before nodding. "I'll find you before you leave," she told me before departing.
Ajuka gestured toward a nearby alcove, away from the remaining guests. I followed, keeping my face carefully neutral.
"The firebird has an interesting history in devil culture," he said once we were relatively private. "A symbol adopted by progressive factions during the early reforms. Not the sort of gift one typically gives without... intent."
"I just thought it looked nice."
A hint of amusement flickered in his blue eyes. "Indeed. The aesthetic appeal is undeniable."
We stood in silence for a moment, the Satan studying me with the same analytical intensity he might apply to an interesting magical formula.
"My niece seems happier," he said finally. "Specifically since making your acquaintance."
I inclined my head slightly. "She's excellent company."
"Yes. And exceedingly brilliant, even by Astaroth standards."
"I've noticed."
"She's also the future of my family line." His tone remained conversational, but something dangerous lurked beneath the surface. "I find myself... invested in her wellbeing."
"As any uncle would be."
"I understand you'll be taking her to the human world with you."
I stiffened slightly. "She mentioned an interest in studying human educational systems."
"An interest that coincidentally aligns with your move to Kuoh." Ajuka adjusted one of his perfectly straight cuffs. "I've approved her research proposal, of course. The educational benefits are undeniable."
"Of course."
"I'm trusting you with something precious to me, Dante Valac." The temperature seemed to drop several degrees despite his unchanging expression. "I rarely trust anyone with things I value."
"I understand."
He tilted his head slightly. "My niece possesses a brilliant mind and a generous heart. She sees potential in you. I hope that potential includes the wisdom to recognize what you've been entrusted with."
"I would never harm Latia," I said, dropping the casual facade momentarily. "You have my word on that."
Ajuka studied me for a long moment. "Words are easily given. Actions prove their worth." He straightened. "Enjoy your time at Kuoh Academy. I expect regular updates on my niece's research progress."
"Understood."
He turned to leave, then paused. "One last thing, Dante."
"Yes?"
"The Valac shadow manipulation is truly fascinating. I've always wondered about its theoretical limits, particularly when combined with other elements." A smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Perhaps we'll discuss it sometime."
"I'd be honored," I replied carefully.
With a slight nod, he departed, leaving me to consider the layers of his warning. Ajuka Beelzebub rarely bothered with direct threats—his reputation alone usually sufficed. The fact that he'd taken the time to deliver this one personally spoke volumes.
I rejoined my parents, pushing the encounter to the back of my mind for later analysis. We were preparing to leave when a small figure barreled into me, nearly knocking me off balance.
"You're not leaving yet!" Millicas protested, his arms wrapped around my waist. "You promised to tell me how the story ended!"
I ruffled his crimson hair. "It's late, and you should be in bed. I'll tell you next time."
His face fell. "When will that be?"
I crouched to his level. "Tell you what—when I come back, we'll go on another adventure. A real one, not just a story."
His eyes widened. "Promise?"
"Promise." I held out my pinky finger, and he immediately wrapped his own around it, sealing our pact. "But you have to be good while I'm gone. No sneaking into tunnels without telling anyone."
"I won't," he said solemnly, then leaned closer to whisper. "Unless it's really important."
I laughed. "Fair enough."
Millicas threw his arms around my neck in a fierce hug. "I'll miss you, Dante."
Something unexpectedly warm bloomed in my chest. "I'll miss you too, kid."
He pulled back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Did you like dancing with Aunt Rias?"
"It was fine."
"She liked dancing with you. I could tell."
"Is that so?"
He nodded emphatically.
I raised an eyebrow. "You're very observant for a seven-year-old."
"Seven and a half. Mother says observation is the foundation of strategy." He puffed his chest out proudly.
"Your mother is a wise woman." I straightened up. "Now go find her before she freezes me for keeping you up past your bedtime."
With a final hug and a wave, Millicas darted back into the crowd, his small form weaving between the adults.
My mother appeared at my side. "That child adores you."
"He has questionable taste in role models."
"Perhaps." Her amethyst eyes studied me. "Or perhaps he sees something in you worth admiring."
Before I could formulate a suitably deflective response, my father joined us. "It's time to leave."
Once safely inside our car, I collapsed into the rear seat and finally allowed my carefully maintained facade to drop. I unbuttoned the top two buttons of my shirt and loosened my tie, letting my head fall back against the plush upholstery.
We rode in silence for several minutes, the only sound the soft roar of the engines leading away from the Gremory estate.
Then my father began to chuckle. The sound rumbled through the car, growing steadily until it transformed into a rich, hearty laugh—a rare display of emotion from Lord Alexius Valac.
"Something amusing, Father?" I asked, cracking open one eye.
"My son," he said, genuine amusement coloring his voice, "you've managed to raise your standing with multiple factions in a single evening."
"That wasn't my intention."
"Which is precisely what makes it remarkable." He glanced back at me, a rare smile transforming his usually stoic features. "The Gremory heir and heiress both favor you. Serafall Leviathan sought you out twice. Even Ajuka Beelzebub deigned to speak with you privately."
My mother turned in her seat. "Not to mention the Astaroth connection through Latia, and the fact that Lord Gremory himself approved your gift to his daughter."
"A gift that made quite the statement," my father added. "Subtle yet unmistakable."
I sighed. "It was just a necklace."
"There are no 'just' anything in devil politics," my mother said. "Particularly not when it involves an engaged heiress."
"The Phenex boy looked ready to immolate the entire ballroom," my father noted with satisfaction. "His brother barely managed to contain him."
"You sound pleased."
"The Phenex clan has grown too comfortable in their position. A reminder of their vulnerability is not unwelcome."
My mother reached back to pat my knee. "We're proud of you, Dante. You've shown remarkable political instinct tonight."
"Thanks," I murmured, genuinely touched by their approval but too exhausted to properly express it. "All I want now is to check on Ariel and sleep for about twelve hours."
"Of course," my mother said. "You've earned your rest."
The remainder of the journey passed in comfortable silence. When we finally arrived at the Valac estate, the familiar shadow-draped architecture a welcome sight after the long evening.
"We'll be retiring immediately," my father announced as we entered the main hall. "It's been an... eventful night."
The gleam in my mother's eyes suggested their evening wasn't quite finished, and I quickly banished that thought before it could fully form.
Ariel materialized at my side as if summoned, her crimson eyes quickly scanning me for signs of trouble.
"Young Master," she greeted me formally. "How was the party?"
I said nothing, merely gesturing for her to follow as I headed toward my chambers. She fell into step beside me, maintaining a respectful distance until we reached my door.
Once inside, I locked the door behind us and began shedding layers—first the constricting jacket, then the formal button-up shirt, and finally the undershirt, leaving me bare-chested in just my formal pants and shoes.
Ariel stood near the door, her posture perfect as always, but her eyes betrayed her interest as they traced the contours of my exposed torso.
"Come here," I said, my voice rough with fatigue and something else entirely.
She approached without hesitation. When she reached me, I placed my hands on her hips, sliding them down to squeeze her ass through the fabric of her maid uniform.
"You've had a trying evening, Young Master," she murmured, her body already responding to my touch.
"You have no idea."
I pulled her against me and captured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. She responded immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck as she pressed herself closer. I focused my energy, feeling the familiar pull as my Essence Drain activated. My eyes burned as the three concentric circles of Void Sight manifested, connecting our energies at a fundamental level.
Ariel gasped into my mouth, her body trembling as the drain began. Her fingers dug into my shoulders as I walked her backward toward the bed, our lips never breaking contact.
We fell onto the mattress, my body covering hers. The sensation of her energy flowing into me was intoxicating—warm and vibrant, with the distinctive spice of her fire affinity. Her back arched as a small moan escaped her, the drain creating waves of pleasure that rippled through her body.
"Dante," she whispered, dropping the formal address as she always did in these moments. "Make me yours."
I had no intention of stopping. The night's political maneuvering, the constant performance, the careful calculation of every word and gesture—all of it faded into insignificance compared to this raw, honest connection.
And Ariel, her crimson eyes glowing with ecstasy as our energies merged, would transcend along with me.
It was time to for the first full test of Essence Drain.