Entering the estate, everyone made their way to the large dining room that was filled with all kinds of foods that seemed to be made by the best chefs.
"Please, all of you, enjoy," Zeoticus spoke as he took his seat.
"Thank you," Rias and the others all replied in unison as they sat down and began to eat.
As time passed and everyone enjoyed the marvelous dinner and each other's company, Sirzechs spoke.
"Vesper, I have a question that has been bothering me for a while."
"Brother, we are eating. Can it not wait?" Rias spoke
"No, it's fine, please Lord Sirzech, so go ahead," Vesper said with a smile.
"Thank you...I was just curious why someone with divine energy like you. Someone without a patheon would join with us?" Sirzechs asked
Stopping for a moment, Vesper placed his silverware down and took a deep sigh.
"...I can't fully answer that question. But I will tell you this, I have to ties to the existing Patheons...all the ones I ever did were taken away from me before I could even speak," Vesper replied
"Interesting...thank you for entertaining my questions. I hope I did not ruin your appetite," Sirzechs replied
(He's good with what seemed to be a simple question; he determined what my relationships with the other factions are. Now, whether he thinks that a lie is up to him...)
"No, but I am getting full. Shall we talk about the alliance, Rias?" Vesper said as he wiped his mouth.
"Very well...Grayfia, could you please take the others on a tour while we talk?" Rias replied
"As you wish," Grayfia said with a bow as the rest of Rias' peerage and Millicas followed her out of the dining room.
"You guys have fun," Akeno said, giving Vesper a wink before closing the door.
"Now, why don't we talk about the terms of this alliance?" Venelana said with a smile and narrowed eyes.
With a snap of her fingers, Rias made a copy of the contract appear before each attending member.
Pact of the Twilight Star
This accord, forged in the shadow of ambition and sealed in the light of mutual benefit, is hereby entered into on this day between the undersigned parties.
Article I: The Parties
The Principal: The Gremory Clan, represented herein by Rias Gremory, and by extension, her Peerage.
The Vespertine Asset: Lord Vesper, of the Vesperian Court, henceforth referred to as "The Asset."
Article II: Term of Alliance
This pact shall remain in effect for a period of no less than three years from the date of its signing, unless terminated earlier by mutual consent or the completion of the primary objective as outlined in Article IV. The alliance will be subject to review and renewal at the end of the term.
Article III: Obligations of the Principal
In exchange for the services rendered by The Asset, the Principal agrees to provide the following compensation and resources annually, for the duration of this pact:
3.1 - Stipend: A payment of one million ($1,000,000) United States dollars, or its equivalent in precious metals or currency, to be delivered within the first lunar cycle of each year.
3.2 - Arcane Archives: A complete and updated library of texts detailing the history, hierarchies, powers, and weaknesses of all known divine pantheons.
3.3 - Strategic Dossiers: Comprehensive and unredacted intelligence on all relevant factions, key personnel, and ongoing military or political engagements pertaining to the conflicts outlined in Article IV.
3.4 - Territorial Grant: A legally binding grant of sovereignty over a specified, valuable territory within the Underworld. The exact location and size of this territory shall be mutually agreed upon and transferred within thirty (30) days of the signing of this pact.
3.5 - Personal Requests: The Principal is bound to honor two (2) personal requests from The Asset, as stipulated in Article VII.
Article IV: Obligations of The Asset
In consideration for the compensation detailed in Article III, The Asset agrees to the following commitments:
4.1 - Rating Games Participation: The Asset shall participate as a permanent member of the Gremory Peerage in all official Rating Games, providing his full strategic and combat capabilities to ensure victory.
4.2 - Allegiance in Conflict: The Asset pledges his unwavering military and strategic support to the Gremory Clan and the New Pillars in the internal conflict against the faction known as the Old Satans. This allegiance is absolute for the duration of the conflict.
Article V: Stipulations of Service
The following conditions shall govern the execution of The Asset's duties:
5.1 - Operational Autonomy: While The Asset will adhere to the strategic objectives set by the Principal, he retains complete tactical and operational autonomy in the execution of his duties. The methods employed to achieve the stated goals are solely at his discretion.
5.2 - Full Disclosure: The Principal is obligated to provide The Asset with all available intelligence, including sensitive or politically inconvenient information, relevant to any assigned task. The Asset will not operate on a need-to-know basis.
5.3 - Definition of Victory: A clear, mutually agreed-upon definition of victory for the internal conflict shall be established as a primary objective. While the Heiress Rias Gremory cannot unilaterally define this end-state, she commits to working with The Asset to establish a concrete and achievable goal (e.g., exile, strategic disarmament, political subjugation) at the earliest possible opportunity.
Article VI: The Reciprocal Request
In recognition of the highly favorable terms of this agreement for The Asset, and as a sign of good faith, he voluntarily agrees to honor one (1) personal request from the Principal, Rias Gremory, at any time during the alliance's duration, provided it does not violate the core tenets of Article VII.
Article VII: Limitations and Boundaries
7.1 - Core Nature: Neither party may be compelled to act in a manner that directly contradicts their fundamental nature or core principles.
7.2 - Self-Harm: No request, whether from Article III.5 or Article VI, shall force a party to take actions that would lead to their own direct and irreparable harm, the compromising of their long-term survival, or the violation of other binding pacts of higher authority.
Article VIII: Ratification
By their signatures below, the parties affirm their understanding of and agreement to all terms and conditions outlined in this Pact of the Twilight Star. This document is now a binding, magical, and legal contract, enforceable by the laws of all relevant realms.
Signatures:
Rias Gremory of the Gremory Clan Principal
"This seems pretty fair, and it seems like you both are happy with this," Zeoticus spoke as he read over the contract.
"Yes, I am in agreement with it," Vesper replied
After reading over the contract twice and being happy with the exchange, Vesper bit his finger and poured his blood and signed the agreement under Rias' name.
Vesper Sterling, Lord of the Vesperian Court, The Vespertine Asset.
With it, a mark appeared on the palms of both Rias and Vesper's hands. On Rias, the mark of the Vesperian court, and on Vespers, the mark of the gremory household.
Standing up, they both shook each other's hands.
"May this partnership flourish," Rias spoke.
"Yes, many victories and accomplishments to us both," Vesper added.
Congratulations, little sister, you made your very first alliance," Sirzechs said with a smile, and he clapped for them.
"Yes, now we should celebrate. I shall host a party in two days, announcing this alliance for all to see," Zeoticus said, palcing an arm around the two.
"I think it's a bit too soon for that. Both of them should build their own strength before going public," Velelana interjected
"Yes, I also wish to keep my identity secret. If the Pantheoms find out about this and a possible attack before we are ready, it would be terrible," Vesper added.
"Very well, you are right, I just got too excited. Excuse me," Zeoticus said with a small laugh as he cleared his throat.
"But, Rias, I should introduce you to my own party," Vesper said
With that, two figures emerged from his shadows. Standing to his sides with a slight bow, Seraphina and Sofya introduced themselves.
"I am Seraphina Ravenscroft. I am Lord Vespers Shadow Regent,"
"I am my Lord's Herald of Dawn, Sofya Obertas."
"These two are my Apostles and the first pillars of my faction," Vesper spoke.
"Well, I have already met Seraphina," Rias said with a slight chuckle.
"Yes, I do apologize for that... it will not happen again," Seraphina said, her face slightly flushed.
"What happened between you two?" Serzechs asked curiously.
"Oh, nothing, just some friendly banter." Rias joked.