Cooled Passions Chapter 72: Floating Concerns

Chapter 72: Floating Concerns

“I see.” The voice was calm measured, the man from which it emanated giving away nothing with his body, “What happened then?”

The brunette resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Honestly, her grandfather was much too fond of his theatrics and intrigue. Usually it was amusing, but when it started to involve her it rapidly became less funny.

“I advised him to open up to Sona, pointing out his friendship with Rias makes his continued hostility with her awkward to continue.” She answered, “He pointed out that was something Lady Gremory would be interested in, not a Bael, then told me to leave his Manor.”

That drew out a bark of laughter from the older devil, causing her to clench her teeth, “Hah! Clever of him.”

“Did you glean anything useful out of this charade? I had planned to keep uninvolved in the matter, seeing that Runeas and Rias were having greater success with the Sagan than any of us had. Now that plan is endangered due to treating me as a patsy.” She groused, to which her progenitor nodded.

“Indeed, it was wise of you. I ordered you to antagonise the Sagan, to gauge what his response to such would be in an area he felt comfortable. That he stayed mostly polite and merely told you to leave reveals much.” He grinned at the look on her face, “Come now, such tactics should be familiar to you by now. Runeas is most fond of them, after all.”

“It’s just as annoying when she does it, believe me.” She bit out, “Was it worth it?”

“More than you can know. He revealed much in his words to you, even if they do not differ overtly from his public stance. That he kept to them, even in the presence of Runeas, within the walls of his fortress… It gave me many more pieces of the puzzle.” Zekram leant back, staring up at the ceiling of his office, “Tell me, Venelana, what is it you need before you can negotiate with someone?”

She furrowed her brows, recalling the lesson from her youth, “Something to offer and knowledge of what they want.”

“Yes.” He sighed, swirling the liquor in his glass, “For most of the vultures that surround us, it is sufficient that they have our favour. That we keep them safe, at least from ourselves. Offering that has been greatly useful, these long years. It provides a stable base from which we can grow all sorts of other agreements, each one making that foundation stronger and stronger for the next. Tell me, Vene, why do you think I have not approached the Sagan before now?”

“You don’t know what he wants, what you can offer him.” She answered, having come to the conclusion about a year ago, “Fear and coercion are enough to bring one to the bargaining table, but a stable relationship is one built on mutual benefit.”

“Indeed.” He smiled, glad that at least one of his descendants remembered his lessons, “I sat back and observed, watching him make his public speeches, mock the entirety of our government, spit on all the hands offered to him. With this latest piece, the puzzle is complete. I know what Damocles Sagan wants.”

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow, interested despite herself, “I must admit I am still in the dark.”

“It’s because it’s brazen, his desire. Completely unreasonable. He has stated it openly, only for the possibility to be discounted.” He leaned forwards, “What Damocles Sagan most desires, is time. He is truly possessed of the belief that given enough of it, he will grow strong enough to rule the Underworld unopposed.”

“That’s…” She trailed off, eyes wide.

“Insane? Is it truly? Think about it, my descendant. The Goddess Ranni is a complete unknown. Her power enough to cause a ripple felt across the world, but was that its summit, or merely a glimpse? Even disregarding his patrons, his ‘Family’ that he has gathered to his side is full of talents. Your daughter is one of the strongest Devils under twenty, should her entire peerage face against Shiro alone, who would emerge victorious?” At the question, the Lady Gremory frowned, not wishing to state the answer.

“It’s true that he has grown immensely in a short time, but to think he could equal Sirzechs and Ajuka-” Her musings were cut off by a deep rumbling laugh, Zekram’s amusement plain on his face.

“Even still, knowing as much as you do, you underestimate him. It’s no wonder he has managed to get away with all that he has so far.” He raised a hand, before raising the other above it, “He doesn’t wish to equal your son, foolish granddaughter. He aims to surpass him utterly. To able to crush Sirzechs and his friends so completely that any attempt to oppose him will seem laughable.”

Shock filled her. Sirzechs was a freak of nature, she could freely admit even as his mother. His strength was so absurd, so completely unprecedented, that had he declared himself the Ruler of Hell after he had demonstrated it in the Civil War, none would have argued. The only one to even approach him was Ajuka, his friend. To be confronted with that, and think that you could grow to not only match the impossible, but eclipse it? It was pure hubris.

“Arrogance. To look at the peak of our race, the strongest we have ever produced and believe that you could grow an order of magnitude even beyond that?” Zekram laughed again, eyes full of amusement at her expression, “It takes a special kind of Pride at that. An arrogance, a drive, a motivating factor that has been absent from our kind for far too long. It reminds me of someone else, long ago, who commanded his very creator to kneel before him and was affronted when he was refused.”

Venelana felt a chill travel down her spine, she knew who Zekram spoke of, of course, but to make the connection in this conversation? Did he know? She had been sworn to secrecy about the possibility, but if Zekram had sniffed it out regardless…

“He trades with the Yokai, correct? They have an amusing saying, the Japanese. You have three masks, the one you show to the public, the one you show only to your close friends and the one you never show anyone. You asked me, my descendant, was your humiliation worth it?” He leaned forwards, his shadow stretching long, “It was. I have seen the third mask, the true face of the descendant of Lucifer. Thank you for assisting me to do so.”

She should be glad. Her grandfather had pushed the Bael position stubbornly, but he had also always been most concerned with the survival of the Devils as a whole. So the more information he had to work with, the better, right? For centuries, he had shepherded their race from the shadows, to great effect.

Then why, did she feel a sensation of dread settling in her gut at his smile?

---XXX---

Runeas was exhausting to deal with, I mused to myself as I walked the halls of my home. She was very close to Rias, which meant that she was somewhat important to me, but that was rapidly becoming less true by the day. My plan for Rias was the key starting the conflict to overturn the current rulers of the Underworld, but with both Ophis and Ranni at my side such intricate plays were less essential.

I will stick to my chosen course for now, as this way of going about things still allowed the greatest chance for success, but I made mental note to not fall victim to the sunk cost fallacy. Simply because Rias was my best shield against Sirzechs when I befriended her did not mean that would always remain the case. If I could figure out this seal on my soul, with the empowerment given by Ranni, many paths that were unattainable would be opened to me.

It all came back to that annoyance, something that had been a thorn in my side for far too long, for all that I had only recently become aware of it. Efforts to unravel its mysteries were annoyingly remaining fruitless, but I would not give up. The more avenues I had available, the more likely I would be to succeed.

For now, I was content. My plan had gone flawlessly for the Rating Game demonstration by Shiro, the message had been quite thoroughly delivered. There were no further demands on my time that I was aware of, my next engagement being this promised meeting by Gabriel tomorrow. I had no idea what possessed her to try and get me involved in Ragnarök, but such questions would not be answered today.

I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath as I relaxed my shoulders and sent my awareness outwards, attempting to see what my Peerage was up to. I could feel two elevated magic sources on the training grounds, which I soon identified as Kasane and Melina. They had grown close after Melina had taken up Kasane’s shift in protecting my properties, although I doubt she would call the younger girl her friend. She was still closed off, although her walls had lowered ever so slightly.

Selene was in the library, seeming to be spending time studying with Shiro, who had awoken from her post victory nap. Naomi was busying herself in the kitchen, her very magic radiating a feeling of focus and contentment. Tiamat was like a lighthouse, out on the grounds, lazing as she usually did. Her being prickled at my observation, before an amused wave of energy washed over my senses.

Valerie remained in her room, based on the time of the afternoon likely she was asleep. The Dhampir still had a nocturnal sleep schedule, despite the majority of the other inhabitants of the Manor not sharing such habits. That was fine, she was more than welcome to adjust at her own pace. Idly, I remembered how she had asked to join my Peerage fully. I made a note to respond to that soon.

Searching further, I brushed across the cool, calming presence of Ranni’s enchantment in the basement. Ophis, the Infinite, was ensconced within, content as always. I don’t know how she never got bored, the fog turning the whole room into a featureless, seemingly infinite expanse of nothing. That was just how alien she was, I supposed, that such an illusion was comforting rather than torturous as it would be for anyone else.

I furrowed my brows, looking for the last two presences, that of Ranni herself and my Queen. Almost as soon as I started my search, I felt an ethereal, feather-light touch at the edges of my mystic awareness. Following the teasing brush, I was led towards my room. Deciding to entertain my consort, I opened my eyes and moved to see where this playful trail led.

The gentle flutters on my perception continued, leading me further and further. Eventually, after traversing the long hallways of my home, I stood in front of my destination. I could almost taste the palpable feeling of amusement through the door, making me very curious about just what exactly she had planned.

As the door opened, I was not disappointed.

The sight that greeted me was nothing less than divine. My Consort was laid out upon my bed, a delightful expanse of flawless light blue skin greeting my gaze. The Goddess of the Dark Moon was entirely bare, her curves delightfully exposed, except for a sheer, scandalous teal apron she wore on the front of her body, hiding just enough to tease.

The surprising thing was that Ranni was not alone. Joining her on the bed, scowling and blushing, was my wayward Queen. She was similarly clad, a light green apron the only article of clothing she had on, allowing my eyes to drink in the enticing expanse of smooth white skin, being naturally drawn to her amazingly long legs and wide hips.

I smiled, leaning against the door frame as I feasted upon the visual banquet that they had prepared for me, “Well now, I was curious before, but now you have my full attention.”

“As I said, my Consort, the victor deserves to partake in the spoils.” Ranni spoke, rising gracefully to her feet and moving to gently grasp my arm.

“Get your mind out of the gutter.” CC was, by contrast, her usual abrasive self, but in her current attire and with her rosy cheeks it was less than effective, “This is not what you are obviously hoping for, you degenerate.”

To be fair, a man seeing two of the woman in his life in such provocative guise and laid out atop his bed would have many sordid thoughts and fantasies spring to mind immediately. Of course, I logically knew what she was saying made sense with my understanding of both their personalities, but it did not stop a small part of me from being disappointed at her words.

“Oh?” I raised my eyebrow, falling back into verbally sparring with the verdette to disguise the feeling, “Then what am I supposed to be expecting? Do enlighten me.”

Judging from the knowing smile that the Dark Moon had, I was unsuccessful in my attempt, “I have been worried, Consort Mine. Thou have been overtly stressed these past weeks, they toils and tribulations taking a toll on thee, to mine frustration. Thy Queen was gracious enough to inform me of a way in which I could be of assistance.”

“Indeed, what was that I wonder, CC?” I asked, only for my queen to also rise, shushing me with a gentle finger to the lips.

“Enough out of you. Simply be silent and count your blessings.” So said, she started to undo the buttons of my dress shirt, quickly disrobing me of the garment and starting to do the same to my pants.

“Your actions are not helping me in thinking pure thoughts.” I remarked, only for Ranni to hug me from behind, her cool body causing a wave of goosebumps to erupt on my back.

“Trust, Consort. Lay on thine bedding and all shall be made clear.” She guided me gently towards the mentioned destination, directing me to lie down on my stomach.

“Of course I trust… Oh!” My words were stilled by a gasp, as CC had quickly demonstrated just what Ranni had been alluding to.

Cool, slick hands found their way to my shoulders, as a warm weight pressed itself down on my lower back. The hands pressed down, quickly and expertly finding their way into the best positions and applying just the right amount of force. Like a cascade of fire, warmth flowed from them, leaving behind a tingling, relaxing numbness.

Quickly after, I felt cooler, but no less pleasant, hands place themselves on my calves. Two full sets, working on each leg simultaneously, squeezing out the tension with focus and care.

“Thy Queen is full of knowledge, useful and esoteric. My thanks for teaching me this, CC.” Came the calm, relaxed voice of the Goddess.

“Think nothing of it. I just needed this idiot to relax, or else he will do something stupid.” Came CC’s response, something I idly noted as I was already starting to slip into a foggy, relaxed state.

Ranni’s laugh was soft and comforting, “The sharpness of thy tongue hides none of your affection.”

I did not hear any reply, their hands and affections sweeping me into a quasi-meditative state. All I could feel was the soft, firm touches and the pleasant tingling looseness that they brought. CC was unnaturally skilled as a masseuse and Ranni seemed to have taken her tutelage for all its worth. As they worked, all thought left me, leaving more at ease than I could ever remember being.

The seal, my issues with the politics of the Underworld, my worries over whatever Gabriel was playing at, my plans for Valerie, my deliberation over what to do about Zekram. All of them floated into nothingness, waved away by the gentle grasp of the two lovely women tending to me. Here, surrounded by the affection of two of the closest women to me in this world, all thought disappeared, leaving behind nothing but the warm feeling of affection in my chest.

---XXX---

He was almost cute like this, she thought, staring down at the sleeping face of the menace in her lap. Despite herself, her hand threaded through his hair, the white strands parting as she stroked his scalp, gently caressing him in his slumber. He had fallen asleep during the performance that Ranni had somehow convinced her to put on for him, something she just knew would only serve to inflate his opinion of himself.

Two beautiful women doting on him in such a fashion, one of whom being a Goddess and the other being her? Of course that could give any man a big head.

“Thy eyes betray thine thoughts.” The Goddess spoke, staring at the scene in front of her, “As do thy actions.”

“And what thoughts are those, pray tell? What insights into my character have you gleaned from your observations, O mighty Goddess?” She replied, rolling her eyes.

Just like Tiamat. It appears that everyone and their mother was interested in poking at her, letting her know oh so cleverly that they had figured her out. It was beginning to be tiring.

The Goddess didn’t reply, merely looking upon the scene for a time. Watching as she continued to stroke Damocles’ hair, resting peacefully as he was upon CC’s lap. When she spoke, it was with an apologetic tone.

“I must admit, when first we met, I thought you a shrew. A vile, abrasive termagant who through guile or force attached thyself to mine Consort and made him blind to thy nature. In truth, I thought him to be somewhat mad, making one such as three for his confidant in such a dangerous and treacherous world.” The insults were incredibly, outrageously out of date, but the intention was clear.

“I am honoured.” Her response was dry, “Is there a point to this, or should we just sit here insulting each other until Damocles wakes? I am sure that would be a pleasant sight for him.”

The Goddess merely shook her head, “I was wrong. Thou truly care for him ,which you show in ways both big and small. Thy love is not conventional, but it is obvious when one is looking. I should not have doubted its strength.”

CC Aired out her grievance with the statement, “You are too keen to look deeply at something that is none of your business. My feelings are my own.”

“But, you forget.” Ranni countered, “Thy feelings are my business, so long as you hold mine Consort in your heart. When the news that he had taken concubines was given to me, I was most displeased. However, thou art good for him. I can freely admit this now.”

“Good for him?” She asked, confused, “In what way? I-”

She cut herself off. The being in front of her was dangerous, getting her to almost reveal more about herself than she was comfortable with. Her inner thoughts were brought out, far too easily. While it may have been true that she was a miserable, cursed woman who made those close to her suffer, telling as much to Ranni would be admitting too large a weakness.

“Indeed.” Ranni smiled now, the expression foreign on her cold face, “Thou sharpen each other. The spars and jabs traded are in jest, but they carry with them feeling of affection and care. Damocles trusts thee, has confidence in his choice of Queen. In return, he has become your strength. Tis a wonder to see.”

“You are fond of psychoanalysing others, making conclusions and enjoying your cleverness in doing so.” CC decided rather than attempt to deny any of that tripe, she should let her own observations be known, “How much of that is to cover for your own feelings on the matter, I wonder? I know why you are so accepting of Damocles having concubines, it’s not because you think we are good for him. It’s because if you object to us, you will lose him.”

“Yes.” The admission was instant, “That is indeed the main reason. I have lost him before, in my moment of greatest triumph the one who delivered it to me was torn away, beyond my reach. I shall do everything possible to never lose sight of him again.”

CC was shocked by how easily Ranni admitted to the weakness, the very concept of doing such alien as it was to her.

“You admit it, just like that?” She was curious despite herself.

“I have lived a very long life, CC.” Ranni spoke, eyed focused on the man sleeping atop her lap, “Full of betrayal and loneliness. Every single friend, follower or paramour that I hath ever acquired, I betrayed and pushed away. For the better, I thought, T’would be for the best, for mine ambitions were grand and my path one of madness. I did the same to Damocles, once. He was useful to me and I discarded him.”

“And yet.” Her tone became wistful, “He refused to remain as such. Doggedly, he pursued me, to the very ends of the earth itself. Aiding me again and again, even acquiring the full knowledge of what I was attempting to accomplish did nothing to dissuade him. He accepted me, in full, just as I was despite mine fears and follies. In all my years, never had such a thing ever seemed possible. I have spent a very, very long time alone. I never wish to have to experience it again.”

“I…I see.” CC was shocked, “I suppose I can understand that.”

She didn’t know how to respond to this, this display of openness from one she had considered a rival. What was the angle here, what was Ranni’s play? She both at once wanted to find out and wanted to wash her hands of the whole business.

“Thou would, tis true. Mine Consort has revealed to me that thou were long lived. Such a life, especially amongst those not so enduring, must have been difficult. If… If thou wish, could thou tell me about thy experiences?” Ranni asked, leaning forward slightly.

CC’s defences were immediately raised, “Why? It is in the past.”

“We shall live amongst each other for a long time hence, CC.” Ranni, for the first time CC could remember, looked slightly unsure of herself, “To be at odds for such a period would be most uncomfortable. I would instead wish for us to work together, cooperatively.”

She translated the meaning behind the words and goggled at the divinity, “Are you asking if we could be friends?!”

“I suppose I am.” Came the confirmation.

CC was struck dumb. This was completely unexpected. Of course it could always be a trick, a way for Ranni to gather more information on her so as to more easily remove her later, but for some strange reason she did not think that was what was happening here. She, paradoxically, was leaning toward trusting the being opposite to her.

Still, trust didn’t mean being stupid.

“Very well, but I will not accept an uneven exchange, If I tell you of my life, you do the same.” She carefully watched for any sign of hesitancy.

She found none, “This, we can gladly agree.”