The specific room reserved for me in the estate was calm, polished, and filled with soft light filtering through tall windows. A faint scent of sandalwood lingered from the morning incense that had been lit earlier. My attire was already perfect — a dark crimson jacket with subtle silver embroidery, a white shirt underneath, and black tailored trousers. The ceremonial sword rested against the wall, gleaming quietly as if eager for the day's events.
I stood before the mirror one last time, adjusting the cuff of my sleeve. My heart beat faster than usual, though not from nerves — at least, I told myself it wasn't. It was simply excitement. Or something else I refused to name.
My mother, Venelana, appeared first — graceful, radiant even in a simple robe, her smile warm and calm as ever. She fussed over the collar of my jacket with gentle hands, as if smoothing away not just fabric but all doubt.
"Be careful," she whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Enjoy yourself, and don't rush into things."
I smiled at her. "Yes, Mother."
She leaned in for a lingering kiss on my cheek, close to my lips, her breath warm against my skin. Her eyes sparkled with affection, and before I could react, she pulled me into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around me protectively, and I felt the familiar sense of comfort wash over me.
My father, Zeoticus, entered moments later, his expression calm but proud. He wore his usual dark attire, with a stoic elegance that seemed to contain worlds of experience. He nodded at me, and I met his eyes. For a brief second, I couldn't look away.
There it was — that complicated look. I had recently given him that green hat — a playful but humiliating gesture. My lips parted as if to speak, but I stopped myself. Not now. I'll leave that mess for my future self to sort out. Right now, I must focus on the present.
I gave a subtle nod, acknowledging him without a word. He smiled faintly — whether amused, forgiving, or resigned, I couldn't tell.
After bidding farewell, I bowed respectfully to them both. "I will return soon."
Venelana smiled, "We'll be waiting."
I stepped backward, but she caught my arm gently. "Stay true to yourself," she whispered once more.
I allowed it, savoring the moment. Then, turning toward the center of the room, I exhaled once and prepared to go.
The teleportation magic circle, the pride of the Gremory estate, ignited beneath my feet. Crimson runes spiraled outward in patterns that danced like living fire. The hum of ancient spells filled the air, steady and reassuring.
With one last look at my family, I smiled. "Until I return."
"Good luck, my son," my father said quietly.
"Come back safe," my mother added, brushing my shoulder one last time.
Then, with a flash of crimson light, the circle pulsed, and I was gone — swept toward the unknown adventure that awaited me at the Youth Devil Gathering.
The Capital of Lucifaad
When the teleportation magic circle flicked out of existence, I found myself standing in front of a palace that could easily rival the Gremory estate in beauty.
Its spires stretched toward the sky, silver and obsidian intertwining in intricate patterns, while cascading banners of deep crimson and gold fluttered in the soft morning breeze.
The polished obsidian steps leading up to the entrance reflected the sunlight, giving the entire structure a dreamlike glow. I couldn't help but take a moment to admire it. Almost as beautiful as home…
Just as I was about to step forward, a burst of energy shot toward me like a meteor. I barely had time to turn before I caught it effortlessly in my arms.
It was Serafall.
Before I could even speak, she buried her head into the crook of my neck and wrapped her arms around me, her body pressing against mine with the careless intimacy only she seemed capable of.
Her light blue gown shimmered with every movement, hugging her curves in a way that drew my breath. "Sirzechs~!" she purred, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
She pressed herself against me with a playful grin as she whispered,
"It's been too long!"
The scent of magic and flowers lingered around her.
Behind her, with his usual aloof expression, stood Ajuka. His emerald hair was combed neatly back, and his tailored dark suit accentuated his composed elegance. His eyes barely twinkled as he gave a polite nod.
"Greetings, Sirzechs."
His expression was calm, though I knew him well enough to guess he was hiding amusement.
Still holding onto me, Serafall smiled mischievously. "Oh, don't mind him. He's always like this."
Beside them, leaning against a marble pillar as if it were his bed, was Falbium Glasya-Labolas — the future Fourth Satan. His eyelids drooped, his mouth slightly parted as if he might fall asleep standing up. "Huh… is this the party already…" he mumbled, dragging his words lazily.
I blinked, trying not to laugh.
Still holding onto me, Serafall chuckled, "We're finally here!"
I laughed, "Couldn't have picked a better place."
Ajuka smirked but said nothing.
We stood there awkwardly for a moment before Serafall giggled and squeezed me tighter. "What else would we be doing today if not coming here?"
I raised an eyebrow, half amused. "Probably sleeping in. Or eating sweets until we couldn't move."
Ajuka shrugged. "Or studying," he said with a faint smirk, "though I doubt that would last long."
Falbium yawned deeply. "Or just… existing."
Serafall rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're hopeless, Falbium."
I laughed, the tension melting away. "Well, I'd rather be here than stuck at home listening to lectures about responsibility."
Ajuka's lips curved slightly. "True… Though I suspect none of us will escape lectures."
Serafall leaned against my shoulder again, her smile softening. "Let's at least make the most of it."
Falbium stretched like a cat and grinned. "Fine, fine… let's go torture ourselves."
We burst into laughter, sharing that easy camaraderie only years of shared training and trouble-making could build.
"Let's at least pretend we're excited," I grinned.
"Agreed!" Serafall chimed in, squeezing me once more.
With that, we began walking toward the palace entrance together, our laughter echoing down the obsidian path. The grandeur before us seemed a little less imposing with friends by my side.