The Gremory estate bustled with elegance that morning.
Rias stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the lapel of her crimson formal coat. "Tonight is important," she murmured to herself, barely loud enough for me to hear. "The Bael family doesn't forget slights."
"I don't think we've ever given them one," I said softly, sitting nearby with my shoes already polished and gloves in my lap.
"Existing is a slight to them," she replied dryly. "Especially when we shine brighter."
We were all going to the Bael estate tonight.
Sirzechs, Zeoticus, Venelana, and Grayfia would accompany us. The Bael patriarch had arranged a formal celebration for Sairaorg's official appointment as the family heir.
It would be a battlefield dressed in lace and etiquette.
And I had a role to play.
Bael Estate – Early Evening
Golden chandeliers glimmered from high vaulted ceilings. A red carpet stretched across the marble floor like a bloodied river. Aristocrats danced or spoke in clusters, their expressions masks of civility laced with centuries of veiled malice.
Zeoticus Gremory stood beside Venelana, sipping his wine lazily, barely acknowledging her presence. His eyes wandered across the ballroom, following every bouncing bosom and swinging hip with unhidden hunger.
Venelana kept her posture perfect, a warm smile on her face — but her fingers clenched the stem of her glass too tightly.
"I assume she's another exotic concubine?" she asked mildly, nodding toward a tall, tanned beauty clinging to Zeoticus's arm.
"Mm?" Zeoticus barely glanced at her. "Oh, yes. A succubus from the outskirts of Avernus. Talented tongue."
Venelana said nothing. She didn't need to.
She had once loved this man. Had been proud of him. Had believed they could guide House Gremory together.
But for over a decade now, she had been alone in everything that mattered — managing alliances, finances, politics. He indulged in wine, women, and song, while she built an empire behind a silk curtain.
And the curtain was beginning to tear.
She looked across the ballroom and caught sight of a familiar silhouette: me.
I was hidden in a secluded alcove with Grayfia, behind a curtain of enchanted vines.
Her lips were on my throat.
Her fingers gripped the fabric of my coat, tugging me close, stealing quiet moans between stolen breaths. I trembled under her touch, overwhelmed and dazed. Her knee pressed between my legs, her breath hot against my collarbone.
"You're so pretty like this," she whispered. "Like a prize no one else gets to touch."
I flushed. My hands rested helplessly against her waist, torn between resisting and surrendering.
"I... w-we shouldn't—here—"
She bit my earlobe. "Say that again, and I'll punish you later."
Her control over me was absolute — and I didn't want it to end.
But someone was watching.
Venelana.
From across the ballroom, her eyes fell upon the scene through a sliver of parted curtain.
Her heart twisted.
Grayfia. With him.
And the way he responded — the blush, the flutter of his lashes, the helpless little shivers — it made her chest ache with something sharp and shameful.
She turned away before anyone noticed her expression.
Zeoticus was too busy flirting with a Lamia noblewoman to care.
Venelana breathed deeply. Composed herself.
Then made a quiet, devastating decision.
I will have him.
Not for lust. Not for revenge.
For herself.
For the first time in years, she would reach for something that made her feel alive.
Later – The Grand Entrance
Rias's peerage descended the main stairs in elegant formation. She led, dressed in a custom red gown tailored to her magic aura. Akeno was breathtaking in black and violet, her hair pinned up. Koneko wore a pale, kimono-inspired formal dress.
I walked behind them in a crisp white suit with silver embroidery. My platinum hair was combed neatly, and I wore a serene, innocent smile.
Every noble eye turned as we entered.
Even the Bael host paused.
"Lady Rias," Sairaorg said warmly, stepping forward. "You look radiant."
"You've grown stronger," she replied, and they shook hands like warriors rather than nobles.
Kiba exchanged polite bows with Sairaorg's rook, Kuisha. Koneko nodded stiffly at his knight, Liban.
I lingered at the edge, maintaining the image of quiet subservience.
Until she arrived.
Serafall Leviathan.
Her high heels clicked softly across the marble as she twirled into view, dressed in a dress too short for court etiquette — sky blue, glittering, defying physics. She caught sight of me and beamed.
"Gaaasper!" she sang.
My heart leapt.
She closed the distance quickly, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and nuzzling my cheek.
"You look adorable tonight," she whispered, licking the edge of my ear.
I shivered.
"I-I... Serafall-sama, th-this is—"
"You smell like fresh snow and sin," she giggled. Then, she nibbled the lobe of my ear.
I flushed hard, hands trembling.
But then, I remembered.
God of Acting.
I switched.
A breath later, I looked at her with the same big eyes — but now, there was something different. A glint. A pulse of false confidence wrapped in velvet shyness.
"You know, Serafall-sama…" I said quietly, voice just above a whisper, "If you keep doing that… someone might think you want to kiss me."
She blinked, surprised.
"Oh my~! Is little Gasper teasing me?"
I smiled, tilting my head. "Only if you want me to stop."
Her pupils dilated.
She leaned in, fingers brushing my chin. "When did you become so naughty?"
I answered with silence — and a soft, deliberate gaze straight into her soul.
Her breath hitched.
"I'll keep my eyes on you," she whispered. "You're going to be dangerous when you're older."
Maybe I already am. I smirked internally.
Across the Hall
Venelana watched the exchange from her corner — one hand on her glass, the other pressed over her heart.
He was irresistible.
Every woman he touched fell a little. Grayfia. Serafall. Even Akeno and Rias.
And he didn't even know what he was doing.
Or maybe he did.
Either way… she had made her decision.
No more regrets.
Peerage Banter
"Koneko-chan," Akeno said playfully, "You've been staring at Gasper a lot lately."
Koneko blinked. "He smells different now."
"Stronger?" Rias asked.
Koneko nodded. "And… prettier."
"Oh, don't encourage him," Akeno laughed. "He's already too cute."
Rias leaned over to me during our circle chat and whispered, "I've been meaning to say... you've become reliable."
I blushed, playing my part. "Th-thank you, Buchou."
"But if you keep growing like this..." she smirked, "We might have to start competing for your attention."
I stammered, and she and Akeno laughed together.
Koneko muttered, "...He won't last long at this rate."
Later that Night – Balcony
I stood alone for a moment, the cold air soothing against my flushed face.
Serafall. Grayfia. Venelana's eyes. Rias's praise.
It was too much.
But I didn't retreat.
I smiled softly to myself.
I can play this game.
And I will win.
End of Chapter 12