The middle-aged man smiled sadly. "As your father, I'm proud to have such a gifted daughter."
Akeno remained silent, turning away without another word.
In another valley, Xenovia and Koneko Toujou trained individually. Both had grown significantly stronger in the past two weeks.
Koneko watched Xenovia effortlessly wield Durandal, a pang of envy hitting her.
As a [Rook], her training focused on enhancing her strength and defense. However, those abilities didn't seem to offer much of an advantage in actual combat...
"Like Akeno Himejima, you need to learn to unlock the sealed power within you. Otherwise, you won't make significant progress."
Recalling Azazel's words, Koneko sighed.
'Unlock the sealed power within me...'
'Easier said than done...'
Back at the enormous castle, everyone gathered after completing their training.
The past two weeks had been intense and productive.
"I'm so glad everyone's training is complete," Rias said, her voice filled with relief.
She was finally free from the mountain of combat footage and tactical manuals. She had spent the past two weeks immersed in study, absorbing various battle strategies and honing her decision-making skills.
As a [King], she needed more than just raw power; she also needed sharp thinking, quick reflexes, and unwavering resolve.
While her mind had been filled with tactics, a constant ache of longing had gnawed at her.
Two weeks. Two whole weeks without seeing Badr...
Every night, she had yearned to seek him out, struggling to fall asleep. She even dreamed of him, waking up to find her sheets damp...
Now, this agonizing training was finally over!
"You all seem stronger!" Despite her longing for Badr, Rias cared deeply for her peerage. She carefully observed each of them, sensing their growth.
Not only had their demonic power increased significantly, but their overall aura had changed.
"Excellent work," she praised them with a smile.
"Um... where's Badr? Hasn't he arrived yet?" Asia asked, eagerly looking around.
Seeing everyone again after two weeks was wonderful, but the person they all truly wanted to see was him.
"He should be here soon," Azazel said with a bored shrug. "Always thinking about boys. I bet you're all sick of seeing my face by now."
"N-no, that's not true!" they chorused, blushing slightly.
Just then, a familiar voice reached them.
"Azazel-sensei, everyone, you're all here."
They turned to see Badr, and their eyes widened.
"Badr... that outfit..."
Their gazes were captivated by Badr's elegant aristocratic attire. His presence had undergone a subtle but striking transformation.
He seemed calmer, more at ease, as if imbued with an aura of grace. He stood out, even amongst a crowd.
'Charming...' they thought.
Noticing their stunned expressions, Badr smiled. "What? Don't you recognize me?"
"No, it's just... you look amazing..." Rias stepped closer, examining him from head to toe. "It suits you perfectly. You should always dress like this!"
"Oh my... my heart is racing..." Akeno giggled, fanning herself dramatically.
Badr chuckled and shook his head. "Don't get any ideas. I'm just trying it on. Your maid prepared thirty-eight different formal outfits for me, and this was the only one I could tolerate. I'm much more comfortable in my usual clothes."
Rias fell silent, then sighed. "...The etiquette lessons must have been torture."
"Not at all. I found them rather easy." Badr's gentle smile reflected the aura he had gained from two weeks of etiquette training.
The devils who had been instructing Badr approached and bowed respectfully to Rias.
"My lady, young master Badr has passed all our assessments with perfect scores. We have nothing more to teach him."
Rias mouth formed a small 'O'. She whispered to Badr, "You memorized all those stiff formalities too?"
"Of course. How else would I get a perfect score?" he replied matter-of-factly.
"..."
Rias had worried he might become as rigid and formal as other nobles, but seeing his demeanor, she was relieved. He exuded an air of effortless elegance rather than conceit.
She smiled, relieved. As always, Badr excelled at everything he did...
It made her heart flutter.
...
After two weeks apart, they had much to discuss. They spent the evening gathered in Badr's room, sharing their training experiences. Eventually, they drifted off to sleep, only to rise early the next morning.
Today, they were attending a long-awaited gathering. Leaders of various factions and promising young devils would be present.
Badr had heard about this gathering while still in the human world, and now, it was finally here.
After breakfast and farewells to Rias mother and nephew, Badr joined Rias on their private train, heading towards the venue.
The station and platform were modern, much like the human world. It seemed human customs and technology had made their way to the Underworld.
On the train, everyone changed into their formal attire.
When Rias emerged, Badr raised an eyebrow, impressed by her stunning appearance.
Her long crimson hair was styled in a high ponytail, accentuating her delicate features. She wore a backless red gown that hugged her curves, and black high heels added to her commanding presence.
"Beautiful?" Rias twirled before him.
"Very" Badr smiled. He, too, was dressed in formal wear, and they looked striking together.
The others also emerged in their elegant attire, ready for the grand event.
After a three-hour train ride, they finally arrived at their destination.
"This is the city of Lucifaad, in the Maou territory," Rias explained.
According to Badr's recent studies, this city had once been the capital ruled by the former Satan Lucifer.
"Ah! It's Princess Rias!"
Excited squeals erupted from nearby. A group of female devils gazed at Rias with admiration.
As the Maou's younger sister and a beauty in her own right, Rias truly lived up to her title of princess.
It seemed her beauty was renowned not just at Kuoh Academy but throughout the Underworld.
The male devils were equally impressed, though they were more reserved in their admiration, their status preventing them from being too forward.
Rias, though slightly flustered by the attention, responded with a gracious smile.
Her charisma was undeniable.
"Follow me, everyone. And I want to reiterate, no matter what you see, remain composed. Do not engage in any conflicts. Many of the attendees will be our rivals, but we must maintain our decorum." Rias tone turned serious.
She strode into the elevator. Badr, Akeno, and the others exchanged glances and followed, a calm confidence in their eyes.
The elevator descended, opening into a brightly lit underground area. Groups of people conversed quietly.
Many heads turned as Rias entered, their expressions a mixture of awe and admiration.
"Princess Rias... she's even more beautiful than before..."
"Indeed."
These devils were bolder than those outside, their presence here indicating their status as scions of influential families.
Some noticed Badr, his calm demeanor standing out beside Rias.
"...Who's that man?"
Badr's presence and closeness to Rias made him impossible to ignore.
"I don't recognize him... could he be a rising star from another family?"
They all shook their heads. It was Badr's first time in the Underworld. Although they might have heard his name, they had never seen him in person. His changed demeanor also contributed to their lack of recognition.
Rias, overhearing their whispers, smiled faintly and slipped her arm through Badr's.
A sudden hush fell over the room.
Badr sensed the shift in atmosphere and glanced at Rias. She walked on, her gaze straight ahead, but the smile playing on her lips betrayed her amusement.
He chuckled softly, allowing her to enjoy the moment. These devils were, in his eyes, insignificant.
Only after they had moved on did the whispers resume.
"Someone tell me who that guy is! Why is Princess Rias so close to him?"
The question was laced with jealousy.
Since Rias had forcefully broken off her engagement using the Rating Game, many young devils had been eager to pursue her.
Even after hearing rumors of her affections for someone else, the sight of her beauty had rekindled their hopes...
"I think I recognize him... that boy... isn't he Princess Rias legendary servant?"
Recognition dawned on them, and their expressions turned sour.
"What? You mean... the one who received The Sword from Maou?"
"Him? That guy managed to defeat a Super Devil and become known as the strongest of the new generation?"
"Heh... the true strongest, Sairaorg Bael, is also here. This should be interesting..."
They hurried towards the main hall, eager to see what would unfold.
As Rias and her peerage continued, they noticed a figure approaching them.
The man had short black hair and a powerfully built physique. He was a classic muscle-bound figure, dressed casually, his attire clashing with the surrounding formality.
...
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...
He looked every bit the battle-type.
"Sairaorg" Rias greeted him as he approached.
"Hm? Rias? It's been a while" Sairaorg replied, shaking Rias hand with a smile.
A group of devils trailed behind him, presumably his peerage. He was at least a High-Class Devil.
"Indeed, it has" Rias smiled, turning to introduce him to Badr and the others. "This is Sairaorg, a cousin on my mother's side."
The man's gaze settled primarily on Badr, a curious glint in his eyes. "I'm Sairaorg Bael, heir to the Bael clan" he introduced himself with a smile.
He was intrigued by Badr.
Although Badr's demonic aura seemed weak, almost imperceptible to his senses, his combat prowess was undeniably formidable.
Yet, in Badr's presence, Sairaorg felt a strange sense of unease.
This peculiar situation piqued his curiosity...
The onlookers in the distance buzzed with excitement.
'Hee hee, maybe they'll fight...'
...
While the crowd anticipated a brawl, Badr and Sairaorg showed no intention of fighting.
Shaking Sairaorg's hand, Badr offered a calm, polite smile. "I am Badr, Rias [Knight]."
"Hahaha... I know of you. I've heard you're a prodigious talent, possessing both the [Knight] and [Pawn] pieces. I'd be fascinated to know how you managed that." Sairaorg laughed heartily, showing none of the disdain or animosity the onlookers expected.
However, Badr could detect a burning fighting spirit in his eyes. This guy clearly relished combat...
Badr had anticipated questions about his peerage pieces upon arriving in the Underworld.
He smiled calmly. "The matter of my pieces is related to Rias. I am not privy to such information."
"Heh, I understand."
Sairaorg turned to Rias, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You're quite resourceful, Rias. If you were to reveal how you managed this, it would cause quite a stir. Even Sirzechs-sama might be surprised."
Rias gave a wry smile, inwardly exasperated by Badr's deflection.
She had no secret techniques. Contracting Badr had been a gamble, and she hadn't anticipated him absorbing so many of her pieces...
However, judging by Badr's demonstrated talent, the sacrifice had been worthwhile.
The devils who had hoped for a confrontation sighed in disappointment as they saw Badr and Sairaorg conversing amicably.
It seemed a fight wasn't going to happen...
Those who had been eager to see Sairaorg put Badr in his place were left feeling deflated.
Badr glanced at them indifferently, fully aware of their jealous thoughts.
He had no reason to start a fight with Sairaorg. Neither of them was foolish enough to cause a scene in this setting.
The real show would be in the rating games to come.
Serafall Leviathan had warned him before arriving in the Underworld that many young devils were displeased with his presence.
It was only a matter of time before someone challenged him.
"The gathering is about to begin. Let's go inside, Rias" Sairaorg said with a smile.
"After you."
Rias, elegant as ever, took Badr's arm, her steps graceful and composed.
Just then, a loud boom echoed from ahead.
The corridor trembled. The sound came from behind a large door.
Rias and Badr exchanged a glance and approached the source of the commotion.
Behind the door, they found a hall in ruins, the aftermath of a magical blast. Two groups of devils stood facing each other amidst the debris.
One group consisted of grotesque-looking devils, while the other group appeared more human. An icy tension filled the air between them.
'So, it begins,' Badr thought, observing the scene with mild amusement. Rias had explicitly forbidden fighting at the gathering, but these devils were notoriously unruly and defiant. Rules were unlikely to restrain them.
Nearby, other devils watched the confrontation with amusement, their peerages standing beside them. They were clearly all High-Class Devils.
Among them, a young man with a gentle demeanor and dark hair watched with a smile. However, as his gaze swept over Rias and her group, his smile faded, and his eyes fixed on the blonde nun beside her.
He stared intently for a moment before quickly looking away, his expression unreadable.
The female devil in the confrontation spoke coldly, "Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, do you want to die? I doubt the higher-ups would object if I killed you here."
This female devil, one of the more human-looking ones, was quite attractive. She wore glasses and exuded a sharp, intimidating aura.
"Hah? You stuck-up bitch! I was being nice, inviting you next door for a little fun. You Agares women are so uptight. Hey, don't tell me you're still a virgin? You reek of it, so I thought I'd do you a favor!" the male devil retorted.
He sighed and leaned closer to Rias. "If this is the kind of company we'll be keeping at these gatherings, what's the point of learning noble etiquette?" he whispered with a wry smile.
Rias chuckled at his comment. "They're just a small minority..."
Most devils were polite, but the younger generation was full of hot-blooded individuals. When a group of young devils got together, chaos often ensued, leaving even the older, more established devils exasperated.
