(Vaelith Livan Lucifer's POV, Age 5)
The Lucifer Castle was vast, its halls stretching endlessly with gothic architecture that spoke of power, majesty, and absolute authority. It was the very heart of Devil society, a symbol of the Lucifer lineage's supremacy, even after my father's death in the Great War.
And today, it was filled with the presence of the future rulers of the Underworld.
The heirs of the Great Devil Houses had all been born around the same time as me. Now, at the tender age of four, our fates were already being decided. Friend, rival, enemy—every meeting carried weight.
But, honestly? I just wanted to take a nap.
Yet, that was impossible when I was currently sitting on my mother's lap, her arms wrapped possessively around me as she stroked my silver hair.
"Mother," I muttered, shifting slightly. "I can sit on my own."
Lilith merely smiled, her violet eyes filled with warmth. "And yet, my dear, you fit so perfectly here."
…This woman.
Across from us, seated with unquestionable respect, was Lord Lucifuge—the head of the Lucifuge Clan and one of the most loyal retainers of House Lucifer.
And the father of Grayfia Lucifuge.
Lord Lucifuge was a tall man, exuding the grace of a noble and the discipline of a warrior. His silver hair was tied neatly back, and his piercing blue eyes remained lowered in front of Lilith—his deference to the Queen of Devils was absolute.
"My Lady," his deep voice carried authority, "it is an honor to witness the rise of another Lucifer." His gaze flickered to me. "Young Master Vaelith, I greet you as a humble servant of your house."
I studied him. A loyalist. A strategist. A man who would rather die than betray his sworn liege.
A useful ally.
"The honor is mine, Lord Lucifuge." My voice was calm, controlled—a prince's voice. "To what do we owe this meeting?"
He smiled slightly, pleased with my composure. "I have come to discuss an arrangement. My daughter, Grayfia Lucifuge, was born just weeks ago."
That caught my attention.
Grayfia.
The future Strongest Queen, the maid of the Gremory household in the original timeline… But here? In this version? She was born to serve House Lucifer.
"My Lady," Lucifuge continued, eyes back on Lilith, "it has always been our duty to serve the Lucifer lineage. With your blessing, my daughter shall be raised as the exclusive Lucifuge attendant to Young Master Vaelith."
I felt Lilith's hold on me tighten slightly. "To bind a newborn to my son already?" Her tone was mildly displeased.
Lucifuge lowered his head further. "It is our duty, my Queen."
Silence fell between them.
Then, Lilith sighed, her fingers gently caressing my cheek. "Vaelith, my love… what do you think?"
Ah.
She was testing me.
I glanced at Lucifuge, then back at Lilith. My mind worked quickly. Grayfia was a powerful asset. She would one day be a warrior, an administrator, a Queen.
And, more importantly, her father's unwavering loyalty was a rare commodity.
"I accept," I said smoothly. "But on one condition."
Lucifuge raised a brow. "Name it, Young Master."
"She shall not serve me merely as an attendant," I said. "She shall be raised as my equal—trained not only in servitude but in leadership and combat. She will be an extension of my will."
Lucifuge's eyes widened slightly before a proud smile graced his lips. "You truly are your father's son."
Lilith hummed, clearly pleased with my decision. "Very well, then." She waved a hand lazily. "See to it, Lord Lucifuge."
"It shall be done."
And just like that, Grayfia Lucifuge's fate was sealed.
Location: Lucifer Castle, Throne Room
Vaelith Livan Lucifer sat comfortably on his mother's lap, his small four-year-old frame nestled against Lilith, the revered Mother of Devils. Despite his young age, his mind carried the memories of another life—one where High School DxD was merely a story. But this world… this was different. Rizella, his elder sister, was proof of that.
Today, the great noble families had gathered at the castle to meet him. Among them were Zekram Bael, Lord Asaroth, and Lord Gremory, all bringing their children—his future rivals and allies.
One child, however, caught his attention the most.
A small girl, no older than three, peered at him from behind her father's robes, her vibrant crimson hair cascading down her back in gentle waves. Her sky-blue eyes—a contrast to the deep red of her family—glimmered with curiosity and nervousness.
"Come, Sirelia," Lord Gremory encouraged gently, patting her back. "Greet the young prince properly."
She hesitated. Her small hands clenched the fabric of her father's robe as she shuffled forward, her cheeks already turning pink. Her mother, Lady Gremory, gave a soft chuckle at her daughter's shyness.
Lilith, sensing the girl's hesitation, gently lifted Vaelith off her lap and placed him on the ground. "Go on, my dear," she whispered with an amused smile, urging him forward.
Vaelith, despite his mature mind, still had the body of a child. His small legs carried him toward the nervous young Sirelia, who fidgeted with her dress, stealing glances at him but quickly looking away whenever he met her gaze.
"…H-Hello," she finally stammered, her voice as soft as a whisper.
He stopped just in front of her, his golden eyes studying her delicate features. She had the classic Gremory beauty, yet something about her felt more refined and graceful, even as a child.
"My name is Vaelith Livan Lucifer," he introduced himself with a slight nod, his voice steady despite the grand audience around them. "It's nice to meet you, Sirelia Gremory."
Sirelia's fingers twitched, and she lowered her head slightly. "I-It's nice to meet you too… Prince Vaelith."
A small chuckle escaped his lips. She was too cute.
Feeling bold, he reached out his hand. "Do you want to be friends?"
Sirelia's eyes widened. She stared at his outstretched hand, then at his face, as if processing the offer. Her cheeks flushed even redder, and for a moment, it seemed like she would run away.
But then—she slowly placed her small hand in his.
"…Yes," she whispered, her lips forming a tiny, shy smile.
From the side, Lord Gremory and Lilith exchanged amused glances, while Rizella, standing nearby, crossed her arms with a smirk.
"Fufufu~ How interesting," Rizella murmured, watching her little brother make his first admirer.
Next,the others were--
Ajuka Astaroth (Astaroth Clan Heir)
A brilliant child, even at his young age. He had green hair, soft eyes, and a calculating gaze—the future Super Devil who would one day become a Maou.
Astaroth Power: Kankara Formula (Reality Calculation Magic)
He studied me with curiosity. "Your aura is strange, Lucifer."
I smirked. "I could say the same about yours."
He grinned. We would get along well.
Serafall Sitri (Sitri Clan Heir)
A hyperactive little girl with dark hair and bright blue eyes. The future Leviathan, but right now? She was clinging to me.
"Lilith-samaaa! Can I keep him? He's so cute!"
Lilith laughed, amused. Rizella, who had been watching silently, did not look amused.
…Great.
Falbium Glaysa-Labolas (Glaysa-Labolas Clan Heir)
A sleepy-looking boy who yawned every few minutes. Future Maou.
"Nice to meet you," he mumbled, barely awake.
I resisted the urge to sigh.