Later that afternoon, Kuroka knocked softly on the door to Lucien's study. When she entered, the black kimono she wore clung to her figure with effortless elegance, each step carrying a quiet, feline rhythm that drew the eye without demanding attention.
Lucien was finishing the last of his territory reports as she crossed the room. He leaned back in his chair, amusement slowly sharpening into something predatory as he watched her approach, unhurried and confident, like a cat that already knew the hunt was over.
"Well then," he said with a grin, "what can I do for my favorite naughty kitty?"
Kuroka purred, her voice smooth and low. "I wanted to ask if you'd share lunch with me." She hesitated, ears dipping slightly. "And… I worried you might be angry about me provoking the Rating Game with Cyrus and his peerage."
Lucien stood and pulled her into his arms without hesitation. "Not even a little. I expected Riser's allies to start stirring trouble before the banquet ended."
Her ears perked, tails swaying as she relaxed against him.
Delighted, Kuroka darted off to her room to change. When she returned, she wore a sleek, form-fitting qipao. The silk traced her curves with deliberate precision, accentuating her presence more than her skin, daring attention without begging for it.
Lucien's gaze lingered, appreciation clear but controlled. The garment did not simply clothe her. It announced her.
He took her hand firmly, and together they left the manor.
As Lucien and Kuroka walked through his territory, the streets parted naturally for them. Citizens bowed, whispered, and watched. The voices carried no single tone, but together they formed a low, restless hum.
But he also heard their whispers of concern about his upcoming Rating Game.
"The Crimson Prince walks openly. Bold."
"Confidence or arrogance? Cyrus has never lost a Rating Game."
"Still, he bears Sirzechs' blood. And Grayfia trained him."
"Training does not win wars. Experience does."
"I heard the betting houses are already shifting odds."
"If Lucien wins, the balance changes."
"If he loses, he becomes a lesson."
"And yet," one voice muttered bitterly, "he walks with monsters and beauties alike, like a king already crowned."
Lucien listened to them but paid them no mind.
They entered one of the newly opened diners, a polished establishment buzzing with quiet excitement. They took a corner booth, the atmosphere warm and attentive without being intrusive.
Their waitress, a succubus dressed in a maid's uniform, approached with a practiced smile. "Welcome. My name is Lira." Recognition struck, and her eyes widened as a blush crept across her cheeks. "Y-you're Lady Albedo's fiancé. I can't believe it. You're even more handsome in person."
Kuroka's tails twitched.
"I can see why the young lady adores you," Lira added quickly.
Kuroka silently resolved to ask Serafall to arrange a meeting between Yasaka and herself. If outsiders were already flocking to Lucien's territory, then yokai businesses would claim their place as well.
Sensing her irritation, Lucien gently squeezed her hand before placing their order.
Lucien chose the Waifu Stack, five golden pancakes layered with fresh honey, accompanied by crisp bacon, savory sausage, and eggs cooked to preference.
Kuroka ordered the Empress Toast Tower, thick-cut brioche soaked in honey, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, served with fried potatoes, bacon, and eggs.
As they ate, the earlier tension softened as conversation flowed easily. Lucien spoke of new training regimens for the peerage, of future preparations, and finally of his newest summons, lingering briefly on Edna Mode.
Kuroka listened with bright attention as her tails swung with excitement. "Nya, Luci," she teased, "when are you going to add that cute fallen angel to your growing harem of mischief?"
Lucien nearly choked on his drink before giving her a playful, accusing smile. "Akeno is free to join whenever she is ready. I just don't know how Rias will react to her best friend being with me."
As their date came to an end, they made their way back to Lucien's estate. Elsewhere, Grayroad was summoned to the Gremory household.
The grand drawing room glowed with afternoon light filtering through ornate windows. Grayfia, ever composed, served tea with a gentle smile, one hand resting on her pregnant belly.
Sirzechs leaned forward, his pale blue eyes focused. "Grayroad, how is Lucien preparing for his upcoming Rating Game?"
Grayroad accepted the teacup with a nod before settling into a plush armchair. "The young master's peerage has been training diligently, my lord. His rook, Lady Yamato, has introduced them to a power called Haki. It has proven… effective."
Sirzechs nodded in approval, stirring his tea thoughtfully. "And how is their training progressing with this Haki?"
"Remarkable," Grayroad replied. "Lady Ghislaine has mastered both Armament and Observation Haki, elevating her swordplay into something truly fearsome. Lady Yue excels in Observation, evading attacks she should not even perceive. Lady Rangiku's Observation Haki is even more advanced. She predicts movements with unsettling precision."
He paused, a faint smile touching his lips. "And Lady Kuroka has fused her Senjutsu and Youjutsu with both forms of Haki, weaving shadow and energy into something extraordinarily resilient."
Grayfia exchanged a glance with Sirzechs, her hand resting protectively on her belly. "Sounds like Lucien's peerage is filled with monsters."
She then produced three photographs from a manila envelope and laid them on the table. The first depicted a striking young general standing beneath Falbium Asmodeus' banner.
"Her name is Esdeath," Grayfia said calmly. "She met Lucien at the banquet and vowed to join his peerage if he could prove his strength."
The second image showed a fierce purple-haired girl with sharp, resolute eyes. "Saeko Busujima. A human from Kuoh Town. Her mother descends from Souji Okita. She has inherited his appetite for battle."
The final photograph depicted a broad-shouldered teenage boy with a resolute gaze. "Tsukasa Shishio. Known as the strongest teenager in Japan. He likely possesses a Longinus Sacred Gear. His sister is his greatest weakness."
Grayfia met her husband's eyes, silver gaze unwavering. "These are the best prospects available. It is only fair, considering how much Lucien has done to support Rias."
Sirzechs looked at her thoughtfully, a hum escaping him as he glanced at Grayroad. "Impressive choices. Lucien will need every edge against Cyrus."
Sirzechs chuckled as he remembered how his son Lucien used to train with Souji Okita."
Elsewhere, Cyrus lounged in a dimly lit club with his cousin, Riser Phenex. Neon lights washed over velvet booths as music throbbed through the air, women in skimpy dresses draped across them with practiced familiarity.
Cyrus leaned back with a glass in hand, grinning. "Big brother, I'll crush that annoying brat."
Riser smiled faintly, malice glinting in his eyes. "You'd better. I'm tired of him interfering with my engagement to Rias. Nephew or not." He produced several small vials and slid them across the table. "Phenex Tears. Use them during the Rating Game. Victory will be guaranteed."
Cyrus pocketed the vials, his grin widening.
For now, laughter and indulgence drowned out thoughts of the coming battle. But the dice had already been loaded.