Cooled Passions Chapter 71: Correspondence

Chapter 71: Correspondence

The only sound that was heard in the quiet of my study was the soft exhale of a young girl’s breathing and the scratching of a pen. Soon after we had arrived home, Shiro had been out like a light. Inexhaustible was a bit of a misnomer for how it actually functioned, as mental and physical fatigue could still build. It merely allowed you to continue going, having a never ending supply of energy. Overexerting your muscles still hurt. Casting several complicated spells in quick succession was still mentally taxing

.

She had been sitting with me, perched on my lap and feasting like a glutton on the treats I had baked her for her victory. Already several articles were appearing in the Underworld’s publications, all talking about how ‘the Little Sagan’ was a High Class combatant. In truth, without the cascading effect ionisation had on plasma, Shiro would be hard pressed to cause the level of devastation that marked out the members of the classification.

Still, perception was more useful than the actual reality in this matter, the message I was intending to send having been fully crafted, thanks to her hard work. It was common knowledge, to all in the underworld, that Shiro was the weakest member of my peerage, due to her age if nothing else. However, if even she could destroy the better part of a city?

We might not be numerous, but if all of us were capable of such, then it meant that attacking us was inviting a pyrrhic victory at best. I didn’t expect it to dissuade all future attacks on myself and my allies, of course, but so long as it reduced the quantity of people willing to attempt such a thing it was useful. The fewer actual threats I faced, the easier it would be to plan against them.

I turned back to my work, the reason I had laid down Shiro on the couch rather than let her sleep on top of me. She deserved her rest, to not be woken up by the motions the paperwork was making me perform. Speaking of, I had mostly finished with the drudgery, the boring yet vital reports about the functioning of my burgeoning trade empire.

The exclusive sale of Yokai and other mystical Japanese goods was an amazing crowbar with which to pry my way into the market, but it was enough to sustain my greater plans. I needed to be unassailable, both militarily and economically, should I wish to eventually rule the Underworld. The STC was reaching the position where it could sustain an expansion of its endeavours, many of which would have to be focused inwardly, at least in part.

Which meant re-evaluating the Sagan Neutrality. Phenex’s Secret, the lingerie and luxury dress line that Riser operated was a good start, but it was in the grand scheme of things small potatoes. I would have to carefully assess and decide which families to approach, who would be worth the effort to carve away from their current masters.

Normally, my open disdain and disgust for the lot of them would pose an obstacle, but there was one thing that could allow any devil to let bygones be bygones:

Profit.

Why else would several of the houses that were absolutely gutted by the New Satans be their staunchest allies?

And they wondered why I scorned the lot of them, opportunistic leeches all. Still, such disgusting fickleness would soon come in useful.

I resolved to give the matter more thought in depth later, preferably once Shiro awoke and CC in attendance. Between us, we should be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. For now, the more interesting documents on my desk called to me. Correspondence, from allies and enemies both. This was the pile where the invitations to all the various balls and thinly veiled assassination attempts landed, before inevitably being burned after I had addressed them.

Just because I refused to answer them, didn’t mean that knowing who was attempting to reach me was not useful. Sometimes, it was even intriguing, such as this particular pile.

A formal invitation to Kyoto from Yasaka.

A request for a meeting from the Archangel Gabriel.

Finally, most surprising of all, a request to meet at my Manor by the Heiress of the Agares Clan.

Choosing the latter to address first, curiosity being my main reason, I opened the letter and read through the words on the page.

“Lord Sagan,

Despite your victory in the Rating Game, there is something that I believe we could discuss between ourselves, to our mutual benefit. I would hope…”

The rest was typical courtly vague nonsense, dancing around the topic she wished to discuss with me precisely. How interesting.

The letter itself was the most intriguing part of the situation, the words it contained almost immaterial. To have been delivered to me so quickly, it would have to have been sent in advance, far before the Game that had just occurred. Meaning, that Seekvaira had known that I would win. She didn’t strike me as someone who was throwing the Game, she truly put her all into defeating both Shiro and me both.

To no avail, but the outcome was not something she had appeared ready to accept at any point. Even before the plasma explosion that Shiro ended the match with, she had attempted her best to counter. She fought her hardest, despite the proof resting in my hands that she was perfectly aware of how doomed she was from the start.

I admit I was impressed. Signing my acknowledgement to her invitation, I dropped it into the tray to be posted later, before moving onto the rest.

Deciding to attend to my ally first, I opened the letter from Yasaka. Apparently, there were several very important people in the Japanese mythical scene who wished to speak to me personally. Reading between the lines, my being a Devil and openly working with her was apparently a decision that some disputed, thus they wished for me to present myself to take my measure personally.

I was not at all adverse to this, as rather than an obstacle, I smelled opportunity. The Shinto were stirring, rising from their long slumber. The modern outside world was completely unknown to them, meaning that if I could impress here, I would be one of their very first allies outside of their island.

As the head of a Trade company, such a thing was very appealing indeed. More than that, if I could lease land from them to be used as territory for Devils, it would smooth my creation of my own faction immensely.

I resolved to visit Yasaka soon, to give my response in person.

That only left one.

Taking the faintly glowing parchment in hand, I opened it, skin tingling from mere contact with the material. It was then that I stared in complete bemusement.

The previous two letters were flowery and discreet, couched in half-truths in order to obscure what their real intent was. This one, however?

Totally honest. To a fault, almost.

“Damocles,

It is my sincere wish that you would be able to host us again on short notice. Word has reached my ears of the altercation you had with Loki, I was most gladdened to hear that you were victorious in defending your family from his unjust attack.

Unfortunately, though it is not at all any fault of yours, such action has shattered the fragile balance that had been kept internally by the Norse. They have begun Ragnarök, a horrific war which will soon engulf the entirety of Northern Europe, right upon Heaven’s doorstep.

While I understand that you are under no obligation to get involved, I wish to speak to you in person in order to impress upon you the utmost seriousness of this situation. Like all living beings, you are free to act as you wish, but should you be able to find it in your heart to hear my plea, please open the doors of your home to me once again, on the morrow.

I thank you for your consideration, regardless of the outcome.

In His Name,

Gabriel”

I blinked.

I was a Devil, a creature of Hell. How in the seven pits were the words of an Angel of all things making me feel guilty?

I haven’t even done anything yet!

I leaned back, and sighed, only to start as two pleasantly cool arms snaked their way to rest on my chest.

“What troubles thee, Consort? Thy victory was total, was it not?” Ranni spoke, chin gently resting upon my shoulder, reading the letter I still held within my hands.

I had tilted it to give her a better view, smiling ruefully as I answered, “Nothing, just Fate endeavouring to drag me into something I was determined to avoid.”

“I see. Tis unfortunate, to be sure, but it is mine belief that Fate smiles upon us regardless, Consort.” She hummed, the sound relaxing me, “We are reunited, after all. Perhaps this too, shall lead to an advantage for us.”

“It very well could.” I conceded, “I just don’t want to have to deal with it.”

She laughed softly at my petulance, careful of the still sleeping Shiro, “Ah, that is another matter entirely, one I can understand wholly. Thou art fresh off of a victory, after all and yet to claim thy prize.”

Her grip tightened as she trailed off suggestively, causing me to raise my eyebrow, “Oh, I was not aware that there was a prize for me to claim.”

“Great warriors are always granted the fruits of victory, whether they know it or not. Why don’t thee folly me and discover for thy-” Her sultry proposition was stalled as the door to the Study slowly opened, revealing the unhappy face of Naomi.

“Damocles, sorry to disturb you. Runeas has arrived, she’s waiting in the guest lounge.” My Head Maid informed me.

I tilted my head in confusion, hair rubbing against Ranni as I did, “Why didn’t you bring her straight to me? She showed up unannounced, but that shouldn’t change the protocol.”

“She has a guest. One who is most certainly not welcome.” Was the acidic reply.

Ranni glanced between us, before she released me, parting slowly, “Alas, it appears one more obstacle has waylaid thy path. Be quick, Consort, for the wait can only make the fruit so sweet before it spoils.”

I clenched my hand into a fist, taking in a deep breath, “Oh, trust me, I will make this as quick as I can.”

---XXX---

“Runeas.” The voice of Lord Sagan was flat and as dry as a desert, “We were not expecting your arrival, let alone with a guest.”

“Life is more fun when it has surprises!” She quipped back, outwardly grinning while she paid close attention to the young lord.

His performance today had been nothing short of masterful. The Rating Game demonstration was very clearly meant to showcase his power through his little sister, but the way in which it was done was rather emphatic. Long range, close quarters, wide area. For all intents and purposes, it appeared that the weakest member of the Sagan Peerage had no weaknesses. Of course, the lacking quality of her victims blunted the effect somewhat, but for those who could not take on armies by themselves it was still a rather chilling thing to watch.

“Hmm.” The Sagan did not rise to her bait, merely turning his cold blue eyes to her companion, “Greetings Lady Gremory. I hope your business here today is swift and efficient.”

Ouch. It appears that he was not pleased at all with her presence here. Oh well, she did try and warn the headstrong girl.

“Thank you Lord Sagan.” The brunette smiled, not at all bothered, “But I am afraid that I am not here today as Lady Gremory, but rather as Venelana née Bael.”

A single white eyebrow was raised in response, “Indeed? Has he decided to send a messenger with his invitation this time?”

“Not at all.” Venelana responded, reaching into her impressive cleavage to pull out a perfectly unrumpled envelope, “I am here to deliver his request for a meeting, under the terms you so publicly laid out.”

“Interesting.” Lord Sagan drawled, taking the letter and placing it to one side on a tea table as he sat down, crossing his legs and locking his fingers as he stared down the Gremory matriarch, “I highly doubt that is the only thing that required your presence here.”

Venelana looked taken aback, not expecting him to dismiss a letter from her grandfather so easily, “Are you not curious as to the contents of the envelope?”

“No.” He spoke, voice steady, “Whatever the letter says, I will take it into consideration and render my response in due time.”

Her amethyst eyes narrowed, “It was penned by Zekram’s hand, personally. A rare occasion.”

“And?” Lord Sagan tilted his head, feigning curiosity.

Venelana took in a breath, hand that was holding Runeas’ clenching, “I understand how tempting it is to forge your own path, but being needlessly antagonistic is just going to end with you standing alone.”

Runeas sighed, knowing beforehand that this was going to end poorly.

“We live in a very fortunate world, Venelana née Bael.” Damocles spoke, “One where it is possible for a being to become so strong that no matter how much is mustered against them, the lone one can survive, even thrive. Regardless, I thank you for the advice. I would prefer to take my time with this matter, I’m sure you understand. I have learned the hard way that rushing into contracts and agreements can be very detrimental.”

The older woman flinched at the reminder.

The Lord Sagan continued, “Now, unless you require an answer immediately, I believe that concludes your business at Sagan Manor. Naomi is outside, she will make sure you reach the entrance safely.”

“There is one more matter, a personal one.” Venelana refused the dismissal, squaring her shoulders, “I will get straight to the point. As I am sure you are aware, Rias and Sona are best friends. Rias’ closeness with you has been a bit of a matter of contention, considering your actions towards her friend. Sona is not Serafall, punishing her for the actions of her sister is not just.”

Damocles had no reaction to the accusation, merely staring at Venelana levelly. His face was blank, eyes icy, letting the silence drag on uncomfortably long, before he finally replied.

“At the beginning of this meeting, you stated that you are here as Venelana née Bael. This sounds very much like something that Lady Gremory should be bringing to my attention. Should she wish to contact me, she is free to do so. Please have a pleasant rest of your evening.” He trapped her within her own framing, before turning his attention to Runeas, “I have something to discuss with Runeas here.”

Looking like she sucked a lemon, Venelana stood, speaking as she did so, “Very well. I will not overstay my welcome. Please give thought to my words.”

“I will.” Was the simple reply she received.

“I’ll see you when I get home, Venny!” Runeas waved her off, big grin on her face.

Really now, the silly child should have known better. Damocles was nothing but spite and barbs. Trying to lecture him was doomed to failure. Motherhood had dulled her edge.

“Funny thing.” He spoke to the now emptier room after she had left, “I don’t remember the conversation where I gave you permission to unilaterally invite people into my mansion.”

“Come now.” She chided, bouncing in her seat, noting that his eyes never once strayed to her jiggling, braless chest, “What’s the point of us being friends if we can’t trust each other with such things?”

“We are not friends.” He denied immediately, just like she knew he would, “Rias and I are friends. You are merely useful. Be careful that you don’t become more annoying than that fact allows.”

“So cold, Damocles-kun!” She whined, but quickly got to the point, it seemed he was not in a joking mood, “But that brings me to my own business.”

“Oh?” The word was more resigned than curious.

“Shiro-chan was so adorable, but seeing her perform like she did made me think.” She put a finger on her chin, pouting as she looked up at the ceiling, “Ria-tan would not be able to beat her. Even if it was just her against the entire Peerage, Shiro-chan would easily win...”

She trailed off, trusting him to join the dots on what she was getting at. When you got down to it, the only question she had when watching the Rating game was simple.

Was he holding back on them?

His blue eyes bored into her, completely and utterly unimpressed, “Do you know how Shiro spends most of the day?”

“No, why would I?” She asked, leading him on.

“She trains. I am busy with my own training and paperwork most of the time, so my Peerage has a lot of free time to do what they wish with. Shiro trains with Kasane. She trains with C.C. She trains with Selene. Most of all, she studies with Ranni. Every day, she is either studying or sparring, without end.” He revealed, causing her to shift uncomfortably.

“Sounds boring, a cute little girl should have more in her life than just work.” She tried to inject some levity back into the conversation, to no effect.

“We are not in a position where frivolity can be excused for long.” Was the flat assessment, “Regardless, how my family operates is not the point. The point is this: How much does Rias train on her own outside of our sessions? I promised her I would give her the tools to become the Rating Game Champion, it is up her to use them. Her laziness is not my problem.”

“So harsh, Damocles-kun. I thought she was your friend?” She spoke, getting a grim nod from the far too serious kid.

“She is. That is why I am honest with her. I have told her to train on her own numerous times, her lack of doing so is no fault of mine. If the result is unsatisfactory to you, take it up with her.” He emphasized.

She would definitely do so, seeing the power that her descendant was letting go unclaimed.

Of course, that wasn’t the only thing she wanted to see him for. It was time to subtly inquire about the ticking time bomb in the room.

“I’ll be sure to do so, Damocles-kun. Thank you for telling me all that.” She grinned at him, to which he merely narrowed his eyes, expression as stony as ever, “Kufufu, you shouldn’t be so serious. You’ll get wrinkles!”

“I’ll manage.” Was his reply.

“I’m sure.” She then moved to the big topic, “I heard about Loki.”

Her voice was serious, completely devoid of the teasing that had tinted it the entire conversation, something that caused his gaze to sharpen, “Oh?”

“Are you going to be involved in Ragnarök? Such a bonfire could kick sparks everywhere.” She decided to be straightforward with him, judging it the best way to get the answers she needed.

“I don’t have plans to do so currently.” He answered her, causing her to let out a relieved sigh.

It seems her secret would be able to cook slightly longer then. If he wade into a divine battlefield, it was a matter of when, not if, his bloodline would awaken. Hearing that was not the case, bought her a lot of time.

“That’s good, young people like us should stay out of things like that!” She nodded, wisely, crossing her arms as she straightened up importantly.

“My youth has nothing to do with the decision.” He spoke, “It seemed like a mess I have no interest in cleaning up.”

“Oh, don’t be like that Damocles-kun!” She squealed, throwing herself at him in a hug that he dodged absently, causing her to crash into the sofa he had just been sitting on, “You’ll never get a cute wife if you act so serious and boring all the time!”

“I’m engaged.” He spoke, causing her to scoff.

“Like that’s stopped any of us before!” She tried to hug him again, initiating a chase across the lounge.

She laughed, enjoying the teasing and the chase. Damocles was always interesting to figure out.

You can learn a lot about people by seeing what they do, but you could learn even more by paying attention to what they tolerate.