25 Chapter 25 (1/2)

Lucifer Estate`s Courtyard.

Alexander and Grayfia were looking over their kids, who were happily and carefree playing in the courtyard. Both parents were looking at all of it with a smile and were glad that kids were getting along so well, even though Alex did have a slight fury over the fact that Illya and Sakura straight up kissed the boy on his eyes. It took Shirone and Kuroka both soothing him and purring to calm him down, along with holding him and make sure that he doesn`t kill Millicas, even though he wasn`t at fault, but Alex simply couldn`t help himself. Grayfia said that it`s a natural reaction of a caring father, which actually made her smile a little. Although, it didn`t stop her from giving Alex a serious warning on what she would do to him if Millicas were to get hurt. Needless to say, it had a very productiveeffect, as Alex and Lucifer paled and had the same ”Absolutely Terrified” face. Lucifer personally stated that Grayfia most certainly took after her mother, as Alexandra was someone who could make Dragons shit their pants when she was threatening, and Grayfia was almost a copy of her mother. In the end of it all, Alex understood one thing: Don`t mess with women of Lucifer/Lucifuge family.

It was 2 days ago, and ever since then, Millicas and his mother were staying in Lucifer`s Estate. Boy quickly became accustomed to the new place and Illya with Sakura were a great help to him, as they spent most of the time together, either hanging around the estate or on the walks under the watchful eye of Alex or Grayfia. At first glance, everything looked like it was all okay with Grayfia and Millicas, but Alex knew better, as he was good in reading people and through their masks. And while Grayfia was excellent in hiding her emotions and true feelings, Alex was even better in reading people through and through, one plus of his damned childhood. Grayfia was masking her real feelings underneath the mask of a maid, just like she preferred. However, Alex knew that things weren`t either good or easy, especially considering the fact that Grayfia was an open supporter of her nephew and has lived her for quite some time now, despite being Sirzechs` wife and his Queen, who was already known in Underworld as one of Alex`s enemy, even though not officially. Alex didn`t give a damn about Grayfia`s status, as he didn`t see her as Sirzechs` wife or Queen, but rather, he saw Grayfia… more like his mother. It may`ve sounded strange, but Grayfia reminded Alex a lot of his mother and she was supportive and understanding, along with providing an advice and once or twice a motherly hug, when Alex felt a little down from old memories.

And now, it was Alex`s turn to return the debt to her. Alex was the first to speak up.

”So, care to share what`s weighing on your soul?” Alex 'casually' started, drawing Grayfia`s curious look.

”I don`t think I understand what you are referring to.” Grayfia said, getting back at looking after the kids. ”We should focus more on keeping eyes on kids, or something might happen.”

”If you are worried that someone decides to attack, then don`t. Medea, Scathach and I have finished up our defensive spells and conjured then all over the place.” Alex assured her. ”This estate has over 7 layers of bounded fields out in the open, over 50 runic traps on the grounds, capable of knocking out a High-Class Devils, 4 minor range magical disruptors, covering the entire grounds and don`t get me even started on the estate. To break through all these defenses, you would have to be at least upper Satan-class. And if you are worried that kids might disappear suddenly, I`ve got Medusa and Scathach both looking after them.” Alex pointed at both ladies, who were at the ends of the grounds, seemingly doing their own things, but keeping an eye for boy and girls. ”So have nothing to be worried about kids. Now that it`s out of the system, what`s eating you up, Grayfia?”

Grayfia was surprised to hear that Alex applied such powerful measures to the estate`s defenses. And she also had to remind herself that Alex was very skilled and good in readying people`s emotions, however well they may hide them. And it was true that she was hiding something underneath her cold and calm exterior. Grayfia sighed and spoke up.

”I`ve heard that you`ve called in question the legality of your marriage arrangement with Rias.” Grayfia noted. ”A bold and very risky move, considering that you`ve indirectly challenged Sirzechs himself through this. It caused uproar in Underworld, seeing as grandson of Lucifer has challenged the legality of the current holder of the title Lucifer in question. Rumors already speak of a rebellion, revolution or an all-out war for the title. Granted, many of the Devils don`t see you as much of threat and consider you as an upstart fool, but there are those that take you seriously and consider you to be someone worth respecting, such as Seekvaira Agares and Sairaorg Bael, along several strong houses. Needless to say, a lot of people wish to see your Rating Game against Rias.”

”I take it, your gloomy attitude you`ve been hiding and Millicas living with you has a direct link with my actions?” Alex guessed and Grayfia nodded.

”Yes, it does.” Silver-haired woman said with another sigh. ”I am sorry for not telling you about this earlier, but there is something that you should know. Right after your declaration, Gremory family has visited me here, while you were in Zurich. They`ve wanted to have a serious talk with me about the upcoming Rating Game and the marriage arrangement.”

”I kinda had feeling that something like that might happen.” Alex admitted. ”So, what did they demand from you? Convince me not to participate in a game and go along with their arrangement?”

”You are as perceptive as ever.” Grayfia chuckled. ”Yes, that was the main topic of our little discussion and they were throwing in the facts of you being an official Head of Lucifuge family and an Heir to Lucifer, pointing out that it was Rias that got you into the world of Devils and she was your king to begin with. Overall, all of their facts stemmed from your initial connection with Rias and nothing else.”

”They were saying the same back there in Zurich as well.” Alex recalled.

”Well, when I`ve made it clear to all of them that I have no intention of making you change your opinion and that you wouldn`t even think about it, they`ve decided to stop playing nice and went to threats, not direct, of course, but they made their point very clear and understandable.” Grayfia recalled.

”And what did they say?”

Grayfia hesitated a little bit, her eye sight shifting a little down wards. Alex had a feeling that Gremory didn`t hold back in their threats.

”Lord Zeoticus made it clear, that if I wasn`t to comply, then… then I would lose the right to see my son.” Grayfia`s voice began losing its initial firmness and calmness. ”They pointed out that I`ve basically ran away from my Master and the House, leaving it all behind and it also meant that I`ve 'broken' my ties with my son, Millicas. Venelana said that I shouldn`t even be allowed to see my boy and the single reason as to why I was given the permission was because of Sirzechs giving his permission, but... Seeing how I was now firmly opposing his wishes and wishes of his family, he decided that all was allowed and he orderedme to support him and his family and make you reconsider your decision.” Grayfia said in shattering voice. ”I simply couldn`t believe my ears and eyes. Those people were my family for centuries and now they were going to take away my son and my own husband was treating me as his Queen instead of wife and a mother of our child, even though we`ve pledged our vows to each other. And now, they were making me do something I couldn`t simply do, and were threatening me through my own son. That… That was something that I couldn`t sit well with, but… but I simply couldn`t…” Grayfia began to tremble and shake.

Alex`s fist clenched in anger, feeling utter disgust and hatred for those Gremory for threatening Grayfia and demanding her to do what she couldn`t. Those bastards weren`t going to stop at anything to achieve what they wanted. All those talks about treating members of their Peerages as their own family was only relevant when said members were following the commands and rules set by Gremory and not questioning their actions. Alex was someone who defied their rights and power, who didn`t give a damn about Gremory`s prestige and strength, someone who was building it himself and didn`t like to be manipulated. Those guys have deiced to go after Grayfia instead of Alex, seeing how it was pointless to threaten him or his father and sister. And they went low, very low, threatening to separate a child from a mother… Alex could clearly see how a mere threat has affected Grayfia and that she was scared for Millicas and herself.

Alex simply went closer to her and caringly hugged the trembling Grayfia, who was surprised at this action, but accepted the hug and hugged back letting small tears to fall. She really needed to feel some support and Alex was really her only family now, aside from Millicas. She was truly glad and happy to know him and be able to call him her nephew and even consider him as her own son, even though she knew that he was a son of her little sister. She really saw in Alex a son, one that she actually wished to have, but couldn`t until just very recently. For Grayfia, Millicas was her salvation and most treasured person, her little son and a chance at redemption for what she has done to her family. She would do anything just to be able to see him, so the threat from Gremory was more than a little effective, as she was forced to comply, with a request at having Millicas stay with her here for some time. She only hoped that Alex would understand her, but she was ready to whatever reaction from him. Alex simply pulled away and spoke in a calm and caring voice.

”I can`t blame you for putting your son before me, Grayfia. I would`ve done the same if it was about Illya or Sakura.” Alex admitted. ”Putting your family before your own needs is something that I admire and respect in people. However, I can`t stand it when someone uses the family factor and forces people to go against all their principals and beliefs.”

”I know, but I…”

”As a Head of Lucifuge family, I officially order you, Grayfia Lucifuge, to move in here and live as you see fit with your son, Millicas.” Alex said in official tone, surprising Grayfia. ”He may be considered a Gremory, but he is really of our blood, blood of Lucifer and Lucifuge, so I recognize him as a part of Lucifuge family from this moment forth. You and him are welcome to live here as long as you wish.”

”A-Alex, but what of Gremory and…” Grayfia was grateful to him, but the matter remained.

”Leave it to me.” Alex firmly said and casted a teleportation circle, teleporting away.

Grayfia was stunned that Alex didn`t only forgive her, but also accepted Millicas as a part of her family. Or his family, as she did recognize him as a Head of Lucifuge family, basically transporting all the rights from herself to him and effectively making her a member of his family. And now he allowed her son to remain here with her. She was worried about what Gremory might do when they find out about it, but still…

Yet somehow, feeling being ordered by a real Lucifer… was making Grayfia obey this order without hesitation. Sirzechs never had this kind of an authoritarian presence or a powerful aura around, as for Zeoticus… he wasn`t much either. But Alex… He was the Lucifer and Grayfia was instinctively feeling like obeying him. She also had to admit to herself that feeling being ordered by a strong and willful master… was refreshing and good. She felt like Lucifuge once again.

And it felt damn good.

Kuoh Academy grounds. Occult Research Club.

Alex teleported just outside the building, feeling like he needed to clear things up with his damned bride. That bitch and her family had the gale to use a kid as leverage on Grayfia to get to him… That was one of the lowest things someone has ever done to him. And Alex wasn`t going to let this one slide off, oh hell no! When it came down to families and children, Alex was getting not just serious. He was going into a whole new dimension of seriousness, one that even his father was afraid of provoking and for a very good reason too. In this state, Alex wasn`t giving shit about whom he was facing: Devils, Angels, God… All of those details didn`t matter. What matter was that he would make anyone pay dearly for using such leverage against him. And now Alex was going to make sure that Gremory learn well to not provoke him through such means.

Alex began walking towards the entrance, when he suddenly ran into Sona and Tsubaki and their whole Peerage, who were on their way to Rias and her Peerage. Sona looked at moving Alex and she immediately shivered, as she could clearly feel his rage and killing intent radiating. When he closed the distance with Sona and Tsubaki, he was the first to speak up.

”Sona, Tsubaki, ladies, Saji.” Alex greeted everyone, nodding to them, and they responded in kind. ”Are you of to meet Rias, by any chance?”

”Actually, we are. We have some important business we wished to discuss with her, regarding the vacant appointment to Familiar forest.” Sona explained. ”But, may I ask you, why are you here? All of your documents were sent back in your estate and there was no trouble what so ever with your exams.”

Alex nodded to that one, as he knew well enough to what she was referring. Yesterday, Alex went to Sona and arranged with her help a passing of all the exams for both 2nd and 3rd years. The reason as to why Alex went out his way to graduate the Kuoh so fast was because he was now a governor of this area and it`s protector, which required quite some attention from him. And that`s not to mention that he was now a father to two kids, who needed his attention and care. School, however interesting, was consuming quite a portion of his time and Alex didn`t really needed it anyway. While with Grigori, he studied directly under Shemhazai and he made hell sure that Alex was well versed in all subjects he taught him, from simple elementary school to Cambridge`s linguistic educational program, granting Alexander knowledge on the same level as real professors and experts. He even had a confirmation of him passing the tests from the place, giving him all the perks of a graduate from Cambridge. Reason as to why he was really in Kuoh was his socialization with people, as Azazel insisted, along with Penemue. Now that Alex was having his hands full, he had to get his schedule cleared up a little and this was the way.

Alex spoke up to interested Sona and Tsubaki.

”Yes, I`ve received them, thank you for dealing with it so fast.” Alex could see grateful smiles from Sona and Tsubaki. ”As to why I am currently here, I`ve got some serious business to discuss with Rias about her family`s methods of intimidation and threatening a member of my family.”

”Threatening?” Tsubaki raised a brow up. ”Are you referring to your Peerage and daughters, Alex?”

”Not this time, Tsubaki. I am on official business as a Head of Lucifuge family.” Alex stated. ”Now, Sona, as much as I hate to ask, but would you mind allowing me to have this talk with Rias and coming here next time? I promise that I won`t stay in debt for this.”

”Hm, sure, I don`t mind at all.” Sona suddenly said, confusing and shocking her members. ”However, Alex, you do realize that you are asking me to basically forfeit my chance at getting my Servants their Familiars, do you?”

”If you really need an access to a Familiar Forest, I`ll get you and your Peerage an appointment right now.” Alex pulled out his phone and called out someone. ”Medusa? Yeah, listen, can you do me a favor? Okay, do you still have the access to a Familiar Forest? You do have it. Good… No, I wasn`t thinking about it yet, it`s for Sona and her guys. Aha, you are willing? Great, only need to give you a word and they are good to go with you. Thanks, Medusa, I mean it. And in return you want…” Alex raised a brow to her request, but then answered. ”That`s not me you should ask, but her directly. But, in any event, you can have my credit card and I`ll book you a table. Yeah, yeah, just go and get her, lady. See ya.” Alex hung up on Medusa and turned to confused audience. ”Okay, it`s done. Just give me the word, and you all can have a free passage to Familiar Forest.”

”Wait, how did you manage that? I mean, you have to get a Familiar Master for it, right?” Ruruko said stunned.