In the sprawling gardens of the Lucifer Estate, the sun cast a gentle glow over the meticulously maintained flora. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the distant chirping of birds added a serene melody to the atmosphere.
Vaelith Livan Lucifer, now seven years old, sat comfortably beneath a grand oak tree. His white-silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his golden eyes reflected a mixture of curiosity and contentment. Beside him stood Grayfia Lucifuge, ever the epitome of grace and discipline, her silver hair cascading down her back, and her steel-gray eyes scanning the surroundings with a watchful gaze.
"Grayfia," Vaelith began, breaking the comfortable silence, "do you ever take a moment to relax?"
Grayfia's posture stiffened slightly. "My duty is to serve and protect you, my Lord. Relaxation is secondary."
Vaelith sighed, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "We're in the safety of our own gardens. Surely, a few moments of respite won't compromise my security."
Before Grayfia could respond, a cheerful voice echoed through the garden.
"Vael-chan!"
Turning towards the source, Vaelith's eyes met the energetic figure of Serafall sitri, the young heir of the Sitri Clan. Her jet-black hair bounced with each skip, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Behind her, at a more measured pace, walked Sirelia Gremory, the genderbent counterpart of Sirzechs, her crimson hair flowing elegantly, and her violet eyes holding a gentle warmth.
"Serafall, Sirelia," Vaelith greeted, rising to his feet. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Serafall pouted, placing her hands on her hips. "Do we need a reason to visit our dear friend?"
Sirelia chuckled softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint pink hue. "We thought it would be nice to spend the day together, away from our usual routines."
Vaelith's smirk widened. "A break from the politics and training, then? I must admit, the idea is appealing."
Serafall clapped her hands together. "Exactly! Let's have some fun!"
Grayfia cleared her throat, drawing attention. "As enjoyable as that sounds, I must remind you of your schedules and responsibilities."
Serafall waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, come on, Grayfia! Loosen up a bit. It's just one day."
Vaelith observed the exchange, noting the slight crease in Grayfia's brow. An idea sparked in his mind.
"Grayfia," he began, his tone gentle yet firm, "consider this an order. Join us for the day. Let's all enjoy this rare moment together."
Grayfia's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hesitation crossing her features. After a brief pause, she nodded. "As you wish, my Lord."
Serafall cheered, grabbing Grayfia's hand. "That's the spirit! Let's start with a game!"
The group moved to a clearing in the garden, where they decided on a simple game of tag. Laughter echoed as they chased each other, the formalities of their statuses momentarily forgotten. Serafall's agility made her a formidable opponent, while Sirelia's strategic mind allowed her to anticipate movements. Vaelith, though not the fastest, used his wit to evade capture. Grayfia, initially hesitant, soon found herself immersed in the game, a rare smile gracing her lips.
As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the estate, the group collapsed onto the soft grass, breaths heavy but hearts light.
Sirelia turned to Vaelith, her voice soft. "Thank you for today. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of friendship amidst our duties."
Vaelith nodded, his golden eyes meeting her violet ones. "Agreed. We must cherish these times, for they are fleeting."
Serafall sat up, stretching her arms. "We should do this more often. It's good for the soul."
Grayfia, sitting beside Vaelith, spoke, her tone softer than usual. "Perhaps... occasional respites like this are beneficial."
Vaelith smiled, placing a hand on Grayfia's shoulder. "I'm glad you think so."
The night had settled over the Lucifer Estate, casting a silver glow across its grand halls. After a day spent enjoying the company of his closest friends, Vaelith Livan Lucifer sat comfortably in his private study, flipping through an ancient tome. Despite his young age, he had taken an interest in the history of the Underworld, seeking knowledge that could benefit him in the future.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," Vaelith called out.
The door creaked open, revealing Sirelia Gremory. Her long, crimson hair shimmered under the candlelight, and her violet eyes held an unusual hesitation. She stepped inside, hands clasped behind her back, and closed the door gently.
"You're still awake?" Vaelith asked, setting the book aside.
Sirelia nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I wanted to talk… just the two of us."
Vaelith raised a brow, gesturing for her to sit. "I'm listening."
She hesitated for a moment before taking a seat across from him. "Today was… nice," she admitted, her fingers lightly fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "But it made me realize something."
Vaelith tilted his head. "And that is?"
Sirelia's gaze met his, filled with a quiet determination. "I want to be by your side. Always."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Vaelith studied her expression—there was no deception, no ulterior motive. Just genuine affection and an unspoken promise.
"You already are," he said, his tone softer than usual.
Sirelia bit her lip before speaking again. "No, I mean… not just as friends." She averted her gaze slightly, her fingers now gripping the fabric of her dress tighter. "I want to be someone important to you. Someone irreplaceable."
Vaelith smirked slightly, enjoying the way her usual confidence wavered. She was nervous.
"And here I thought the Gremory clan was known for being bold in their affections," he teased.
Sirelia groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Don't tease me, you jerk…"
Vaelith chuckled. "Relax, Sirelia. You're already important to me."
Sirelia peeked through her fingers, her cheeks still pink. "...Really?"
Vaelith reached across the table, gently flicking her forehead. "Really."
She smiled then—a soft, genuine smile.
Before she could say anything more, the door burst open without warning.
"Vael-chan!"
Serafall Leviathan practically lunged into the room, tackling Vaelith into a hug.
Sirelia let out a sound of annoyance. "Serafall! Don't just barge in like that!"
Serafall stuck out her tongue playfully. "Oh, don't be jealous, Sirelia~ I wanted some Vael-chan time too!" She then turned to Vaelith, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, let's do something fun! Studying is boring~"
Vaelith sighed but didn't push her away. "You're as energetic as ever."
"Of course! I'm the future Maou Leviathan, after all! I have to be lively!" she declared proudly.
Sirelia rolled her eyes. "You're just hyperactive."
Serafall grinned. "And you're just grumpy!"
Vaelith sighed, watching the two bicker like children. It was entertaining, but at this rate, the entire night would be filled with their playful arguments.
Before he could intervene, a third voice cut through the chaos.
"You're all being too loud."
Everyone turned towards the door, where Grayfia Lucifuge stood with her usual calm and composed expression. Her silver hair framed her face elegantly, and her cold gray eyes regarded them with mild disapproval.
Vaelith smirked. "Grayfia, here to scold us?"
She walked closer, stopping beside him. "Your rest is important, my Lord. Engaging in meaningless debates this late will only drain your energy for tomorrow's tasks."
Serafall pouted. "Ugh, you're no fun, Grayfia!"
Grayfia merely raised a brow. "I believe you once said, and I quote, 'A proper lady must always maintain her grace and composure.'"
Serafall blinked. "Wait, when did I say that?"
"A month ago, during your etiquette lesson," Grayfia replied smoothly.
Serafall groaned. "Ugh, I hate when you use my own words against me!"
Vaelith chuckled. He truly enjoyed these moments—these small, genuine interactions that reminded him that, despite the power and politics surrounding them, they were still just children forging bonds that would last a lifetime.
Looking at Sirelia, Serafall, and Grayfia, he knew one thing for certain—he would protect them, no matter what.