Gremory Manor. Main sitting room. Evening.
The Gremory family gathered around the ornate fireplace—a scene of noble domesticity that would have been perfect for a painting, if not for the tension simmering beneath the surface.
Sirzechs Lucifer sat in the largest armchair, still wearing his formal Maou robes despite being "off duty." Old habits.
Zeoticus Gremory, his father, occupied the chair beside him, a glass of expensive devil wine in hand.
Venelana Gremory, elegant as always in a deep purple evening gown, sat on the sofa with perfect posture.
Grayfia Lucifuge stood near the window in her signature maid uniform, hands clasped in front of her, looking every bit the "Strongest Queen" despite the domestic setting.
And seated on the opposite sofa was Lucien Gremory, the golden twin, with his fiancée Seekvaira Agares tucked under his arm. The Agares heiress looked simultaneously proud and slightly overwhelmed to be in a room with so many high-ranking devils.
"So," Zeoticus began, swirling his wine, "the Peace Conference. How did it go? Beyond the terrorist attack, I mean."
Sirzechs sighed. "It went remarkably well, all things considered. The treaty was signed. All three faction leaders are in agreement. Azazel and Gabriel have agreed to become permanent residents of Kuoh as teachers and liaisons."
"Gabriel?" Venelana's eyebrows rose. "The Seraph Gabriel? Living in the Underworld?"
"Technically living in the human world, but yes." Sirzechs smiled slightly. "She volunteered enthusiastically. Said something about 'cultural exchange' and 'understanding the new generation.'"
"Cultural exchange," Grayfia muttered, her tone just slightly too sharp.
Sirzechs glanced at his wife but said nothing.
Zeoticus leaned forward. "And the attack? Rizevim Livan Lucifer himself showed up?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Along with Katerea Leviathan and a contingent of Khaos Brigade forces." Sirzechs's expression darkened. "We repelled them, but it was close. If not for the combined forces of all three factions—"
"Someone would have died," Venelana finished quietly.
"Yes."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Then Seekvaira spoke up, her voice confident despite her nervousness. "I heard from Sona-sama that Lord Caelan participated in the battle. Is that true?"
"He did," Sirzechs confirmed. "His Absolute Zero field neutralized most of the initial assault. He protected the non-combatants and prevented several casualties."
"A hero," Lucien said quietly, though there was something complicated in his voice. "My twin brother. The hero."
Seekvaira squeezed his hand supportively.
"He's not a hero," Grayfia said, her voice soft. "He's a survivor who happened to be in the right place."
"He chose to be there," Sirzechs corrected gently. "He could have refused. But he came. He helped. He saved lives."
Grayfia said nothing.
Venelana changed the subject diplomatically. "Well, on happier topics—Lucien, Seekvaira, have you two finalized your wedding schedule?"
"Ah, yes!" Seekvaira brightened immediately, pulling out a small planner. "We've planned the engagement ceremony for next spring, the formal courtship period will last thirty years as per Agares tradition, then the bonding ceremony fifteen years after that, followed by—"
She continued listing dates and ceremonies.
Lucien listened with a patient smile, clearly used to his fiancée's enthusiastic planning.
"—and then the consummation ritual will be held at the Agares estate under the full moon of the harvest season, which means we'll need to coordinate with the lunar calendar for the next seventy years—"
"Seventy years?" Zeoticus chuckled. "That's quite short for a noble devil marriage schedule."
"We wanted to be modern," Seekvaira said proudly. "Most Pillar families take a century or more."
"Very progressive," Venelana agreed warmly.
The conversation continued—wedding venues, guest lists, political alliances to be strengthened through the union.
Then Zeoticus, perhaps unwisely, said: "And what about Caelan? Have there been any... potential matches proposed for him?"
The temperature in the room dropped five degrees.
Grayfia's hands clenched slightly.
"There have been proposals," Sirzechs said carefully. "Quite a few, actually. Every major Pillar family has sent inquiries. The Phenex offered their third daughter. The Astaroth suggested a political alliance. Even the Glasya-Labolas made an offer."
"And?" Venelana asked.
"He rejected all of them. Thoroughly. With increasingly creative insults." Sirzechs smiled despite himself. "He told the Phenex representative that he'd 'rather freeze himself in Cocytus for eternity than deal with another fire-based personality.' The Astaroth received a thirty-page essay on why political marriages are 'inefficient and archaic.' And the Glasya-Labolas..."
"What did he tell them?" Lucien asked, genuinely curious.
"He said, and I quote: 'I would sooner marry a yeti.'"
Seekvaira burst out laughing. "That's—that's amazing!"
Even Venelana cracked a smile.
Grayfia's expression remained neutral.
"However," Sirzechs continued, his tone becoming more thoughtful, "there is one individual who seems to have caught his attention."
Everyone turned to him.
"Who?" Zeoticus demanded.
"Gabriel."
The room went silent.
Then—
"THE ARCHANGEL?!" Venelana's composure shattered. "SIRZECHS, YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!"
"I am. She's been... quite forward in her interest. Bringing him food. Engaging him in magical theory discussions. Sitting with him during meetings. And he—" Sirzechs paused. "—tolerates it."
"Tolerates," Grayfia repeated, her voice icy.
"Yes. Which, for Caelan, is practically a declaration of love."
"That's not funny," Grayfia said flatly.
"I'm not joking."
"Gabriel?" Zeoticus looked stunned. "The Gabriel? The Seraph of Heaven? The most beautiful angel in existence? That Gabriel?"
"Yes, Father. That Gabriel."
"Huh." Zeoticus sat back, processing. "I'll admit, I didn't see that coming."
"None of us did," Venelana said, though she was smiling now. "But... actually, it makes sense. She's intelligent, kind, patient—everything Caelan would need in a partner."
"She's also an angel," Grayfia said, her voice tight. "They're natural enemies."
"We have a peace treaty now," Sirzechs reminded her gently.
"A treaty doesn't erase millennia of conflict."
"No, but it's a start." He looked at his wife carefully. "Grayfia... are you opposed to this match?"
"I'm opposed to him being manipulated by someone who doesn't understand him."
"Gabriel understands him better than most," Sirzechs countered. "She sees past his cold exterior. She makes him smile—actually smile. I saw it myself during the pool cleaning."
"Pool cleaning?" Venelana leaned forward. "What pool cleaning?"
"Long story. The point is—Gabriel makes him happy. Isn't that what matters?"
Grayfia was silent.
Her jaw was tight.
Her hands were clenched.
And if one looked closely, frost was forming on the windowsill behind her.
"Grayfia-sama," Seekvaira said carefully, "if I may ask... why does Gabriel-sama's interest bother you so much?"
"It doesn't."
"You're freezing the window."
Grayfia looked at the frost spreading across the glass. "...I'm simply concerned about political complications."
"You're jealous," Lucien said quietly.
Everyone turned to stare at him.
"Excuse me?" Grayfia's voice was dangerous.
"You're jealous," Lucien repeated, though he looked uncomfortable. "Of Gabriel. Because she's getting close to Caelan. And you... you wish it was you."
The room was silent enough to hear a pin drop.
Grayfia's expression was unreadable.
Then, slowly, she said: "That's absurd."
"Is it?" Lucien met her eyes. "Mother, I've watched you for the past few months. Ever since Caelan came back into our lives. You watch him constantly. You react to every mention of him. And now, when someone shows genuine interest in him, you're—"
"Enough," Sirzechs interrupted, his voice firm. "Lucien. That's enough."
Lucien fell silent.
But the damage was done.
Grayfia stood perfectly still, her silver eyes cold.
"If you'll excuse me," she said quietly, "I have duties to attend to."
She walked out.
The door closed with a soft click.
Sirzechs sighed heavily. "That... could have gone better."
"I'm sorry," Lucien said, looking genuinely regretful. "I shouldn't have—"
"No, you shouldn't have." Sirzechs's tone was gentle but firm. "Your mother's feelings are complicated. And private. Don't push her."
"Yes, Father."
Venelana shook her head. "Gabriel and Grayfia never did get along. Even during the war."
"They fought?" Seekvaira asked, fascinated.
"A lot. But there was... tension. Gabriel represented everything Heaven stood for—purity, forgiveness, light. Grayfia represented the Underworld's ruthlessness—ice, efficiency, victory at any cost. They respected each other as warriors, but personally?" Venelana smiled slightly. "Let's just say they're like oil and water."
"And now they're potentially competing for the same man's attention," Zeoticus mused. "This is going to be entertaining."
"Father," Sirzechs said dryly, "please don't make this worse."
"I'm not making anything worse! I'm simply observing that the most powerful female devil and the most beautiful female angel are both interested in my grandson. That's objectively fascinating!"
"He's your son too," Venelana reminded him.
"Grandson, son, semantics."
Sirzechs stood. "I need to return to Maou duties. Lucien, Seekvaira—continue with your wedding planning. Father, Mother—please don't interfere with Caelan's personal life."
"We wouldn't dream of it," Venelana said sweetly.
"You absolutely would. Don't."
He teleported away in a flash of crimson light.
Leaving the rest of the family sitting in awkward silence.
Finally, Seekvaira spoke up. "So... is no one going to address the fact that Lucien-sama is apparently a sub?"
Lucien's face went bright red. "SEEKVAIRA!"
"What?! You are! You literally asked me to take charge in the bedroom because you—"
"THAT WAS PRIVATE!"
"Your mother brought it up first!"
"NO SHE DIDN'T!"
"She implied it heavily when she teased us earlier!"
Zeoticus choked on his wine. "I'm sorry, WHAT?"
Venelana was trying very hard not to laugh. "Our son, the golden heir of House Gremory, is a submissive?"
"MOTHER!"
"Oh, darling, there's nothing wrong with that!" Venelana was full-on giggling now. "I think it's adorable! Seekvaira is clearly a strong woman, it makes perfect sense!"
"I'M LEAVING!" Lucien stood up, face burning. "Come on, Seekvaira!"
"But I wanted to discuss this more—"
"NO!"
He teleported them both away.
Leaving Zeoticus and Venelana alone.
Zeoticus looked at his wife. "Our family is insane."
"Completely," Venelana agreed.
"I love it."
"Me too."
They sat together, laughing softly in the firelight.
Part II:
Grayfia Lucifuge stood in her private chambers—a room she rarely used, as she typically slept in Sirzechs's quarters.
But tonight, she needed space.
The room was immaculate, as expected. Silver and white decor. Minimalist. Cold.
Much like herself.
She stood before the full-length mirror, looking at her reflection.
Still wearing the maid uniform.
Always the maid uniform.
Slowly, deliberately, she began to undress.
The white headpiece came off first, releasing her long silver hair.
Then the black dress, unzipped and carefully folded.
Beneath, she wore simple white undergarments.
A white bra—G-cup, supportive but elegant.
White panties—high-waisted, practical.
The uniform of someone who prioritized function over form.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
At the body she'd maintained for centuries.
At the face that had earned her the title "Strongest Queen."
At the woman who'd sacrificed everything for duty.
Gabriel.
The name echoed in her mind.
Why does it bother me so much?
She unhooked her bra, letting it fall to the floor.
Her breasts were full, heavy, pale as marble.
The kind of figure that should have made her feel confident.
Instead, she just felt... tired.
She slid off her panties, stepping out of them.
Naked now.
Vulnerable.
She walked to the adjoining bathroom, where a large marble bathtub sat filled with steaming water. She'd prepared it earlier with magic, knowing she'd need this.
The heat.
The solitude.
The chance to feel something other than the cold efficiency she presented to the world.
She stepped into the bath.
The hot water enveloped her, and for the first time all day, she allowed herself to relax.
Her muscles unclenched.
Her breathing slowed.
Her silver hair floated around her like a halo.
She closed her eyes.
Gabriel makes him smile.
The thought came unbidden.
She makes him participate in water fights. She makes him eat cookies. She makes him... human.
I couldn't do that.
I failed him for twenty-three years. I looked at my son and saw weakness. I turned away.
And now someone else is giving him what I should have given him from the start.
Love. Attention. Warmth.
Her hands clenched beneath the water.
I don't have the right to be jealous.
I don't have the right to feel possessive.
I abandoned him. He owes me nothing.
But the feeling remained.
That uncomfortable, irrational spike of irritation every time Gabriel smiled at Caelan.
Every time she touched his hand.
Every time she made him tolerate her presence when he rejected everyone else.
She's everything I'm not.
Warm. Open. Forgiving.
Pure.
Grayfia sank deeper into the water, letting it cover her shoulders.
I'm the Strongest Queen. The Ultimate Maid. The Ice Queen of the Underworld.
But I couldn't even be a mother.
The water was too hot.
It made her eyes sting.
Or maybe that was something else.
She stayed in the bath for a long time, letting the heat soak into her bones, trying to melt the ice that had formed around her heart decades ago.
Eventually, the water cooled.
She stood, droplets running down her pale skin, and stepped out.
A towel wrapped around her body.
Another around her hair.
She walked back into her bedroom.
The bed was massive—fit for a Queen.
But she'd be sleeping alone tonight.
Sirzechs would understand. He always did.
She dried off, her skin flushed pink from the heat of the bath.
Droplets still clung to her breasts, her hips, her thighs.
She didn't bother with nightclothes.
Just dropped the towel and slid into bed.
The silk sheets were cool against her heated skin.
She lay on her back, staring at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, I'll return to being Grayfia Lucifuge. The Strongest Queen. The perfect maid. The ice-cold warrior.
But tonight...
Tonight, she was just a woman.
A mother.
A wife.
Someone who'd made mistakes.
Someone who was trying, desperately, to figure out how to fix them.
Someone who was, irrationally, jealously, painfully aware that an archangel was doing a better job of connecting with her son than she ever had.
Gabriel.
The name felt like a curse.
But also... a challenge.
If she can reach him...
Maybe I can too.
Someday.
She closed her eyes.
The room was dark.
Silent.
Cold.
And Grayfia Lucifuge—the Strongest Queen—fell asleep alone, wrapped in silk and regret.
END OF SIDE STORY 4