[Sairaorg]
[Location: Gremory residential area]

The betrothal pomp is two weeks past, and I could not say if anyone there save for my cousin Rias was not happy. The Phenex is a noble House, renowned for its fabulous wealth gained from trading its unique merchandise, Phoenix's Tears, rumored to be capable of healing any external wound with just one drop. Rias would have all that gold could buy, and breed more Pureblood Devils besides. I recall members of her team were there as well, but their possible displeasure at the match was not something Rias' parents ought to take heed of.

After all, was it not one of them--Issei--that had dared raising his voice, and had been dealt a smart, irreversible blow?

Such were my thoughts then. Now, as I am on my way to Gremory residential grounds in acceptance of an invitation sent by Rias' father, I, Sairaorg Bael, seem to have new ideas.

Let me be frank. Raiser is probably not the most suitable candidate for Rias' mate-for-life given his extreme sense of pleasure towards females--and that's me being nice--but he has an elder brother, Ruval, heir to the Phenex throne. Wed him to Rias, and her House would be right next to regaining some of their former glory!

Why had Lord Gremory not considered that when proposing the match, I wonder? Oh, I know Ruval himself is married, with children I never saw, but so what? If love isn't the question here, why bother picking which Phenex child to wed?

Perhaps I should point that out when next I see Uncle.

Yep, you got that right. House Bael was my aunt Venelana's maiden home; though her marriage to Gremory is still a thorn in my father's side. Not to mention, I was born without Devil-ish powers. As such, my father once sidestepped me as his heir in favor of my younger brother, until I literally knocked some sense into both. In the end he grudgingly agreed to reinstate me to that position, and it is in this capacity that I now attend Lord Zeoticus Gremory's invitation.

"Welcome, Prince Bael. You are expected."

Grayfia, Gremory's high servant, greeted me at the main entrance to the residence. I returned with a polite smile.

"Best not keep them waiting, then. Mind showing the way?"

"Of course, sir. Please follow me."

We navigated a long stone corridor, one side of which directly opened to the flower-studded front yard. They are one way House Gremory could hope to impress visitors, aside from their newfound son-in-law perhaps.

"Lord Gremory seems to have other visitors today," Grayfia began.

I blinked. This would not be an entirely familial affair, then. "Who?"

"Adista, elder prince of House Visma. He came along with his younger brother about half an hour ago."

"I see. And here I thought the latter might be with my dear nephew."

"Why, I'm afraid that isn't possible. Master Millicas is currently having his tutorial session, into which not many might interrupt."

"Glad to hear my nephew is as diligent as ever."

Grayfia made no reply, but I'm willing to wager she's smiling at such remark about her young master-son.

House Visma, meanwhile, is not among the Great Houses of the Devils that had survived the Three Factions' War, decades ago. Rather they are part of the 'Extra' branch, held in considerably high esteem by the Great Houses for their tenacity and valor in battle. Same case with my House, Bael.

"That said... did you chance to inquire as to why those Visman heirs are here, Grayfia? Has Lord Gremory invited them too?"

"It is likely to be so, sir; though in what matters, I know not."

"Will I be allowed to enter, with the guest still around?"

"My orders are to bring you there, sir."

After a brief mulling-over, I asked her to do as she's bid. If Uncle really is allowing this Adista to stay around, he might know something I don't.

***

Minutes later, I was in the room designated for the meeting.

"...due respect to your House, Adista, this proposition I simply cannot heed," Uncle was saying, with balled fists on the table to make his point. He then trailed off as his gaze met mine, and stood, beckoning.

"I trust you have heard of my wife's nephew, Sairaorg of House Bael."

"Strongest in his league, is it? Your reputation precedes you." A lean figure with tan skin, fern eyes and cut-short chestnut hair offered his hand. "Would like to prove that for myself someday. Adista of House Visma, pleased to have your acquaintance."

"The feeling's mutual. I heard you have not come alone."

"You are well informed. Adinata likes to explore... as does Lord Gremory's grandson, I imagine."

Uncle smiled subtly.

"Could this... Adinata be your brother?"

The other guest sighed. "Plain as day. Come, it would not do to have a visitor standing, and perhaps Lord Gremory would kindly illuminate you as to what we've been talking about."

I took my seat and saw as Uncle cleared his throat.

"His reason for being here is the same as yours, Sairaorg."

"Well, and you have not pointed out why exactly I'm here for."

"About Rias, of course."

Its inference nearly got me standing again. "What..?!"

Please don't be absurd! Trusting a House is one thing, but to trust them such as to permit them in talks about your daughter when they're not even remotely her kin..?

"Do you disapprove?" Auntie asked, not unkindly.

"I would not put it that way, but... they are officially bethrothed, and by your will. Do you presume to alter that now?"

"You have yet to hear House Visma's standpoint. Adista, if you please."

"One would assume that as his kin you'd be the first to tell him of fresh stirrings, Lady Venelana, but since a request has been made..." He straightened up, never letting his gaze off me. "I understand your surprise, Sairaorg, and sympathize with it. Truth is, for some reason my House has been receiving unsealed letters. I'll leave you to guess who sent them."

Uncle nodded. "Go on."

"We are naturally inclined to perform some searching of our own, and the results matched our suspicions."

"So... hold on. Rias is sending your House letters? But why..."

"Our searchings also proved that no copy of said letters had ever reached any other Houses," Adista continued almost without pause, "so you ought to count yourselves very fortunate on that quarter. As to the 'why', that's what my father tasked me to find out, by being here. Adinata tailed along at the last moment, said he's curious of seeing the central residence of a Great House from close by. There we go."

"Rias is dissatisfied," Auntie murmured almost to herself, "but, as you said, Nephew, the match's been fixed. Never would House Phenex consent to her being out of their grip now."

Adista smiled. "That narrows your choices, don't you agree, Lord Gremory?"

"Do explain."

"Before actually making our way here, I consulted with my mother. She agreed that arranged matches are not always to a girl's taste. Has there been any such signs of your daughter, if I may?"

"Grayfia intimated that my daughter had indeed resorted to having an unofficial Rating Game, and lost."

"Lady Rias is his by right of victor, then, not to mention your consent. Yet now she is dissatisfied. Now, this complicates things..."

"Thank you for pointing that out, Adista." Auntie smiled sardonically.

"You misunderstood, Lady Venelana. I am more concerned of my House. We might not be related, but if you and Phenex were to wage another war..."

"What war?" I asked him crossly.

"I was given to understand that Lord Gremory's daughter has people that served her and looked up to her. Rias' word brought them together. When she crosses over to Phenex, by inference she would require them to realign their oath. But would she, now? What will become of them then?"

Uncle inclined his head as if in respect. "They could consider themselves disengaged from Gremory service," he offered.

"Have you then undertaken to remove their seals, my lord? Those seals proving them to be of your House?"

"A grab-and-smash operation is due, it seems. Track them down, have the seals removed one way or another."

"Splendid. And who is to lead it, your grandson?"

"I shall, Uncle," I stood up, "if you please."

"Don't be a fool, Sairaorg," Uncle replied. "Even if you were to get to them, and that's but the simplest part, your banner is not ours, that you may erase what we have planted."

"But..!"

"So," Adista grinned, "a Gremory for a Gremory. But, unless Lord Gremory wishes to completely expose himself, you seem to have none left to erase the seals Rias had left behind; hence your only feasible option to reclaim her without annulling the bethrothal is through outright war against the House so far undefeated in Rating Games."

The room grew quiet as the realization slowly sank in.

"Phenex may be undefeated," I put in, "but Bael had the largest army in the field, and still does. We can win!"

"Yes, provided you can get them there."

Here again I halted. Moving a House's armies would require leave from its head; and in Bael I'm not that yet. I got my father to make me heir rather forcefully, and this might well be his chance at payback--by not doing what I so desire. Could it be that Adista knew about this..?

Darn... not that it mattered! Nor could Auntie's influence as a former Bael be counted upon here...

"Where does House Visma stand in this?" I tried again. Suddenly this guy seems a lot less hostile. "What's it planning to do?"

"Us?" Adista spread out his arms. "All we have is letters; we could burn them, deny any knowledge and be done with it. No buts."

"I heard you proposing something to Lord Gremory as I came in. Mind repeating it?" Anything! Anything to get Rias out of that fiery coop!

"Well, my lord? Back to square one, it seems."

Uncle's expression was grim. "Do it."

"Fine. I was proposing an exchange. Your cousin, Sairaorg, against your nephew."

That was the last straw. "Keep Millicas out of your schemes!"

"Should I? Both are future heirs to this House, and in this instance you could only pick--"

I almost leapt at him, teeth gnashing. "Easy for you to say, WHEN YOU ARE NOT THE ONE REARING EITHER!!"

Good thing the doors were closed and bolted behind us.

"Are you? Now kindly unhand me."

...!!!

...

...Darn. Darn, darn, darn. This guy's on another league...

After I released him with a glower, Adista exhaled once more, coughing, before appearing ready to proceed.

"Lord Phenex would have to be a complete fool to rise to such a bait," Aunt Venelana put in, "which he is not."

"Your grandson shall make a fine ward, all while not being harassed; quite unlike the aunt. That, or see Rias breed more red-headed firebirds. Or war. Or, leave her be and name Millicas heir this very night. There are your choices."

"All these while your House stands pat on the sidelines?" I growled.

"Had I been the one taken captive, my father would face pretty much the same things, and you might be called upon. Don't you think?"

"You've had the audacity to propose such things; help us see through at least one of them!"

"Agreed." Lord Gremory stood. "Adista Visma, starting today you and your brother shall remain in our domains as honored guests until such time as Rias is back with us. Do you consent?"

Adista blinked.

"Can I refuse?" he asked, tilting the head, trying to remain calm.

"I'm afraid that's way beyond your reach, now."

"See that no harm comes to Adinata, then."

"Worry not," Auntie added, almost gleefully, "he shall stay as our ward here, while you aid us bring Rias back. Right? I'll see to things with Lord Visma."

"Meantime," her husband joined, "summons for Rias' subordinates shall be sent. Until then you are given leave to explore our lands as you see fit."