Chapter 5

Over the next few days, Baako Kimaris continued his campaign against Seir’s aptitude for the “Throne of Satan”. He appeared on a number of shows across all the TV networks and utilised social media to blast Seir’s actions, or lack thereof, throughout the summit.

Despite his constant lambasting of Seir, Seir himself never spoke out in his own defence. Sitri even appeared at the villa with a film crew, but Seir refused to give an interview in response to Baako’s criticisms. The people of Hell waited with baited breath for Seir’s reaction, however, it never came. Seir just kept his patented grin and went about business as normal.

Time passed and we finally received official notification of our clash with the Kimaris House. It arrived a lot quicker than usual and even the date of the actual battle, was sooner than I expected. Seir had called me into his room, after Alice delivered the notice to him.

“What gives Seir? This is a lot quicker than normal, we only have a few days to prepare.”

“Oh? I dunno bout that Kuro-kun, It’s prolly cause they wanna get things over with before the hype dies down. Now that 3 out of the 4 Households have been confirmed, they must want to be done with this stage. One of the highlights of the summit is almost here after all.”

“Huh? Highlights?”

“Ahaha, it is customary for the ruling house to put on a little...Soiree, prior to the commencement of the semi finals.”

“W-wait, doesn’t that mean?”

“Ahahaha, yeah, it means that we may end up meeting the King. This is also the time and place where all the noble houses gather and do business, irrespective of whether they are involved in the summit.”

My blood boiled, If what Seir said was true, then I could finally confront…

“Whoa there Kuro, I know what you’re thinking, but unfortunately, you’re wrong.”

“W-what!?”

“Only those of a certain rank can have access to and enter the upper tiers of this party. Even those that will be serving refreshments etc, would need to have gone through rigorous background and security checks, before receiving privileged access.”

“I see…”

“Ahahaha, don’t worry, once we win and challenge Lucifuge, no such restrictions will apply to you Kuro. I promised that I would make it possible for you to confront that person, I stand by that promise.”

Seir was giving me a determined look. I was disheartened by this news, but I would just have to be a little more patient. We still had 3 more hurdles to overcome before I could be granted that opportunity.

I was now fired up for the match against the Kimaris House and couldn’t wait to get my hands on that Baako bastard. I returned Seir’s determined look with one of my own and began thinking up ways of defeating Baako.

“Hey Seir, from what I’ve seen of Baako’s style, he has to be using a familiar that…”

“Ahahaha, don’t worry about Baako Kimaris, Kuro.”

“Huh? Oh, I get it, you want me to take out his vassal instead…”

“N’aw.”

“You lost me.”

“You’re not competing this time Kuro.”

“W-what!?”

“Ahahaha, I will personally be taking on the Kimaris House. In fact, neither Shiro-chan or my little Alice, will participate either.”

I was lost for words. What was Seir thinking? He flashed a smile after seeing my understandably confused expression.

“Hahahaha, don’t give me that face, I got this. Baako won’t know what hit him! You just relax this time round. Maybe go visit the Earl and Mei-Lien…”

“B-but what about the plan? What about you not taking to the stage till…”

“Ahaha, plans change, I actually expected something like this to occur as it happens. I’m just surprised it took this long.”

“R-really?”

“Yup! When I stepped up to take on Alessia Belith, I had already resolved myself to going all out. It just so happened that your libido was stronger than…”

“Be serious!”

“Ahahaha, this must be fate Kuro.”

“What do you mean?”

“All eyes are currently on me, my character and willingness to become King are being called in to questions by practically everyone. What better time is there for me to truly reveal the extent of my abilities?”

“G-good point, but hang on, we never really discussed what would happen after we defeat Lucifuge and expose the Bael House for what is it. Do you really plan on becoming King Seir?”

“Ahhh...Ahahaha, that’s a question for another day! For now, just leave everything to me.”

Following this final comment, I left Seir’s room. Seir’s behaviour was strange, well, stranger than usual, but I decided to let him do things his way. I had complete faith in his strength and it wasn’t like he could forbid me from jumping in, if he were to lose.

The second I entered my room and closed the door, Morgana and Shiko materialised. This wasn’t uncommon, they had both been doing this for the last few days and it seems that they got along really well. However, this time was different. For whatever reason, they were both wearing swimsuits. Shiko was wearing a sukumizu with her name written in kanji on the front. Morgana on the other hand, was wearing a more vivacious two piece black swimsuit.

I made eye contact with Morgana for a split second and continued toward the computer to do more research about the Kimaris House.

“M-master! I went to great lengths to put these together.”

“Is that so…”

“M-masuta, does Shiko not look cute…?”

I turned around to see a disheartened looking Shiko. I couldn’t bare to see that expression on her face, so decided to give her the positive reinforcement that a child her age needs.

“You look, very cute Shiko *pat*”

“Hehe, hooray!”

“M-master, what about me?”

I looked toward Morgana who was attempting to imitate the expression that Shiko had given me a few seconds ago. Despite being childish and going against the overall look that she was trying to portray with her outfit, it worked surprisingly well.

“If I say that you look cute, will you take Shiko and go back to your cottage?”

“Uh-huh!”

“Fine, then you look…”

Before I could finish the sentence, I heard a knock on the door, followed by a familiar voice. I froze.

“Kuro, I think we should talk, I know I’ve been distant lately, but...I’m coming in.”

Shiro opened the door. Shiko was running around my room and Morgana had her hands on her face and was blushing. The second they noticed Shiro, they both stopped and we all stared at her. A few agonising moments passed, just when I finally regained my senses from the shock, Shiro spoke.

“Sorry for interrupting.”

She followed this by slamming the door shut. Shiko returned to running and Morgana sniggered mischievously.

“Sh-Shiro!, Shiro come back, i-it’s not what it looks like!”

I shouted after Shiro but got no response.

“Wahahahahahaha, you just can’t catch a break, can you foolish boy?”

“...”

I ignored the old dragon’s assessment of the situation and wallowed in despair at this turn of events.