Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Scott Fellman.
April 19 - Grayfia Pov.
" So, any updates on Pentagram City, Grayfia-chan? " Sirzechs asked with a smile. Lord Ajuka was sitting to the side while I stood in front of both of them.
"The city is becoming more and more vibrant. Mr. Malfoy was able to attract large numbers of businesses, shops, and entertainment venues from other cities. The mall opened yesterday and was a complete success. Sales were astronomical from what I understand." I began slowly. Sirzechs nodded.
"They have money to spend; it's normal, they practically had no moving expenses." Sirzechs said, I nodded.
"The prices are also lower, at least lower than in Lucifaad. But from what I could find out, it's because Lucifaad's prices are inflated, and it's not the sellers' fault, but the taxes from the Lucifaad government." I said with a grimace of disgust. Something both Satans retorted.
"Really, every time I hear more about Lucifaad, it makes me wonder how we didn't see it before." Sirzechs said regretfully.
"None of us saw it. I'm sure it was a gradual growth; they hide themselves quite well. Not to mention that we barely have any authority over Lucifaad. If we interfere any further, the pillar devils living there will reveal themselves immediately," Ajuka said, wrinkling his nose.
"We can always kill them. It's not like they're any good," Sirzechs said coldly. I shuddered imperceptibly. Not because of the coldness of his words. But because of something else.
"As much as we wanted to, we came to the conclusion that it was a bad idea, as a message to the other Pillar Devils. If we start killing other Pillar Devils simply because we dislike them, then they'll be wary of us. Unfortunately, it's not something we can risk. For the time being," Ajuka said regretfully. Sirzechs clicked his tongue.
"Continue Grayfia-chan." Sirzechs said, I nodded.
"The free move-in project, just like Lady Prince planned, officially ended yesterday. Over the past 10 days, there have been quite a few people who decided to move once the word started spreading. All the devils are now firmly established in the city despite their short time living there." I said immediately.
"So good, huh? " Sirzechs smiled, and I nodded.
"Yes, jobs are fairly easy to come by, from what I understand. Mr. Malfoy has negotiated several things with all the landlords, including lower taxes, no rent, and other benefits, as long as 90% of his staff are devils who live and reside in Pentagram City. So the unemployment rate is dropping dramatically and rapidly."
"Lady Prince has also been moving throughout the city to equip all the buildings necessary for proper operation. All industries were immediately equipped, all offices adapted to the needs, and all shops modified to the devils' liking."
"Apparently, you only need to fill out a fairly simple form to request Lady Prince's help with construction. Most requests are accepted and completed immediately; it takes Lady Prince less than five minutes to complete the entire upgrade on a building," I said. Sirzechs laughed lightly as he shook his head.
"Really impressive." Sirzechs said.
"I would have liked to be present at the construction of the city," Ajuka said dreamily.
"As I was saying, everything is going perfectly. She has also created large plantation areas in a semicircle surrounding the city on the outside. The other half is dedicated to livestock, so she built large farms on the outskirts, all in just a few hours."
"The land is extremely fertile, and it's possible she's used large quantities of her potions because everything will be ready to harvest in a few weeks, almost three times faster than normal. The farms are also quite busy. They've already taken care of hiring enough staff to take care of the extensive production area."
"I'm sure the vendors wouldn't like it at all if they were self-sufficient," Sirzechs said dryly. I shook my head.
"Not really. The contracts were renegotiated. The city can't produce everything at the moment; they weren't prepared, at least not for the number of people who moved to Pentagram City. Even with Lady Prince's improved planting, they might only be able to feed half or three-quarters of the population if they're lucky."
"So vendors from outside the city can still continue selling their products within the city without any problem." I clarified quickly. Both Satans grimaced.
"Did we really… fail so extensively that so many commoner devils moved without hesitation to a city where they had nothing guaranteed for their future? Were they so wronged where they lived, even outside of Lucifaad? " Sirzechs asked defeatedly. I shuddered slightly.
"Unfortunately, we all failed." Ajuka sighed tiredly. "We focused almost exclusively on placating the Pillar Devils. Even our entire system of Evil Pieces greatly benefits the Pillar Devils and, to a lesser extent, the Reincarnated Devils. It's almost unheard of for a commoner Devil like Serena to be able to acquire a set." Sirzechs laughed hollowly.
"I suppose young Sona was right about her dream." Sirzechs said as he laughed unamused. Ajuka grimaced, as did I. "A Rating Game school for commoners… I suppose that's just what we need, huh? More ideas like that. Like Pentagram City." Sirzechs said with a slightly blank look.
"Too little, too late. I guess…" Ajuka muttered. "Even if we start making changes, the commoner Devils might not see it as a good thing. And the Pillar Devils will definitely rebel. We can't do anything from our position. All we can do is support those who want to make changes." Ajuka said regretfully. Sirzechs nodded regretfully.
"Maybe in the future." Sirzechs said simply as he sighed. "Continue, Grayfia-chan." Sirzechs said absentmindedly. I shuddered and clenched my fists tightly, but continued.
"Lady Prince continues to create more and more buildings and is starting companies herself. From what I could find out, she has founded an animation company, a recording studio for television series and films, and a music production company. She's even submitted some manuscripts, scripts, and songs that were quickly accepted." I said once more. This time, both Satans seemed surprised, distracting them from the previous topic. I kept myself from sighing in relief.
"Was it all her creation?" Sirzechs asked in surprise. I shook my head.
"I don't know, Lord Lucifer. I couldn't find out." I admitted my failure.
"It wouldn't be… really strange. The music that the magical orchestra played at her engagement party seemed to be her own creation. Or at least no devil was able to recognize it from anywhere. The first dance, I think Serena called it, 'Rondo Across Countless Kalpas,' I couldn't find it anywhere." Ajuka said while thinking carefully.
"I understand that… Miss Sinclair is very involved in most of those projects. Especially the music," I added carefully. Sirzechs hummed.
"So it could be one or the other. Miss Sinclair certainly is an enigma, despite all her healing powers. Any information on the hospital? " Sirzechs asked simply, I nodded.
"All the succubi are completely healed. All missing limbs or organs have grown back, and all scars have disappeared. They are completely healed. Miss Sinclair has quickly become quite a well-liked and respected person among the succubi." I said easily. Sirzechs laughed lightly.
"I guess it must have its benefits," Sirzechs hinted amusedly. I immediately shook my head.
"Not like that, not in a sexual way, succubi don't even flirt with her. All their exchanges are simply friendly, but without crossing any lines," I said immediately.
"Wait, really? I know succubi are supposed to respect Serena, and I guess Miss Sinclair, so they'd never cross any lines without permission, but not even a slight flirtation? Not to say it as a stereotype or an insult, but some succubi will flirt with anything with a pulse." Sirzechs said in disbelief. I grimaced at the comparison. But sadly, Sirzechs was right. Those kinds of succubi did exist.
"Apparently, while respect comes into play, from what I've heard, it's more out of fear," I said, frowning. "I heard a succubus tried to flirt with Miss Sinclair around Lady Prince, and she lost control and tried to kill the succubus. She was only stopped by Miss Black and her stakes."
"Word quickly spread that Lady Prince is terribly jealous, to the point where she would kill others, so no one tries it with Miss Black, Miss Sinclair, or Miss Phenex." I explained my findings. Sirzechs snorted.
"Yes, I can see that." Sirzechs said amusedly. "Anything else?"
"About Miss Sinclair? Yes, Lady Prince also founded a technology development company? Regarding cell phones and social media, if I'm not mistaken, for Miss Sinclair. While Miss Sinclair doesn't own or head any department, nor the development team, she is primarily responsible for generating ideas. In fact, they're already working on something." I said simply.
"That… is certainly unexpected." Sirzechs said in confusion.
"Uh… I'm curious what Miss Sinclair will be up to. Lady Prince never does anything boring. I want to know if that also translates to her Peerage." Ajuka said amusedly.
"Okay, so we have the government area that Mr. Malfoy handles. Miss Sinclair has the hospital, the music, and… whatever she wants to do with that technology. Anything about the others? " Sirzechs asked, and I nodded.
"Mr. Malfoy and Miss Phenex are in charge of all administrative matters. They are really efficient, they divide the work evenly. Mr. Malfoy appears to be in charge of negotiating contracts with anyone who wishes to do business in Pentagram City. At the same time, Miss Phenex handles most of the tasks that Lady Prince is responsible for, acting as her secretary."
"Miss Black, Narcissa. She owns a boutique. She takes orders for custom clothing. She has a large workshop in the central area. She's even hired some devils to help her."
"Finally, Lady Prince pays special attention to her apothecary in the center of town. It's quite a large place. There are two girls from the Phenex clan and a succubus working there. I understand they are her apprentices." Sirzechs's eyes widened slightly at my words.
"Interesting. I guess she's finally starting to run out of self-employment, or she wants more free time," Ajuka said amusedly. I nodded slightly and continued.
"Also, she seemed very interested in most of the entertainment sectors she created. But she seems to be paying special attention to the theater." I gave my summary of what I had learned.
"Theater? Like… musicals or plays? " Sirzechs asked, confused.
"musicals." I clarified. Sirzechs nodded, slightly confused.
"I guess it's a good thing she has some hobbies outside of potion-making and her magic research." Sirzechs said amusedly as he looked at Ajuka. Ajuka looked away. I could feel the corner of my lip lift into a small smile.
"I think you forgot to mention the queen," Ajuka pointed out, changing the subject. I shook my head.
"I didn't mention it because she hasn't shown any inclination toward anything. Besides serving as a sort of police force, her stakes grow in response to any disturbance she encounters. Although very few, they still exist. She doesn't harm any devils. She simply restrains them and sends them to Lady Lucifer for processing. I understand Judgement has been working there as well; there have even been sightings of Justice."
"Justice? Wasn't she retired? " Sirzechs asked in surprise, I nodded.
"Yes, she is. I assume Lady Lucifer convinced her to return to work, at least temporarily. However, I don't know if she's working in her capacity as a high prosecutor or helping her with the criminal justice system." I said, not entirely sure. Sirzechs nodded.
"Let's put that aside. It's good that Justice is back, and it's good that she's helping Pentagram City, even if it's just temporarily." Sirzechs said. I nodded.
"Back to Lady Prince's queen, she was very excited during the Rating Game she had recently." I explained. Sirzechs frowned.
"So she really is a fighting addict." Sirzechs finally said, and I nodded. It made the most sense.
"From what I could observe, yes, but she also follows all of Lady Prince's orders and helps the other members of the Prince Peerage. She helps her sister in her workshop or acts as a bodyguard for Miss Sinclair and Ravel in between. She has even been seen several times with Mr. Malfoy, despite the fact that they spend the entire time arguing," I explained. Sirzechs laughed.
"I guess she doesn't really like the fact that he's marrying her sister." Sirzechs said simply. I nodded. "Anything else you'd like to say about the city?" he asked.
"As I mentioned, a Rating Game was held recently. They opened the stadium, and it was a tremendous success. It's possible that half the city attended the Rating Game." I said simply. Sirzechs whistled lightly.
"Quite a success." Sirzechs said, and I nodded.
"After that, the city itself is…quite impressive. Even more so because I know it was built in a single day. All the devils are satisfied with their housing. Even the public services are catching up. Especially public transportation. Those 'Knight Buses' seem to be the talk of the devils." I pointed. Ajuka became excited.
"They are truly a magical masterpiece! Spatial magic to expand the interior of the buses, speed-enhancing magic to allow them to zip across the city in seconds, and distortion magic to avoid all obstacles, allowing them to navigate around any corner of the city."
"I'm absolutely certain that as long as there's land, those buses can reach any corner of the Underworld." Ajuka said excitedly. Sirzechs snorted.
"And considering there are no oceans in the Underworld, then yes, it can reach any part of the Underworld." Sirzechs pointed out amusedly. Ajuka shrugged.
"Unless it tries to go to the Agares territory," Ajuka pointed out. Sirzechs laughed lightly.
"Yeah, I don't think buses can fly to get to the floating islands." Sirzechs said amusedly. Ajuka hummed thoughtfully.
"Still… it's not as difficult to modify as the trains. In fact, it would even be faster to move around with the buses. They're definitely faster than the trains we have, including the Gremory clan's." Ajuka said while smiling at Sirzechs. Sirzechs just pouted.
"Now you're just being mean." Sirzechs complained, and Ajuka just laughed. "Even so, should we tell her that she's allowed to create one of her buses so she can cross the dimensional gap or ask her to create a train station so that trains coming from the human world can stop?" Sirzechs asked.
"Any option is acceptable. That's your job," Ajuka said with a careless shrug. Sirzechs clicked his tongue. "Now, for more important matters, were you able to check the pillars?" Ajuka asked as he looked at me. I nodded.
"Yes, all five of them, they're all the same, placed at the tips of the pentagram that forms the city. They're really huge, surrounded by a ring of highways. They seem to emanate... magic... but in a wilder way. I can't find another way to explain it," I said with a grimace. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, it is precisely what it is. Primordial magic, so to speak. Anything else? " Ajuka asked with a smile. I nodded once more.
"Yes, it's strictly forbidden to approach the pillars. The streets surrounding them form a large circular area, and there is a huge fence with warnings everywhere. They even handed out small books with the city laws at every gate, one of the first of which is a warning not to approach the pillars."
"There's even a warning that says 'danger of being disintegrated.'" I said seriously. Both Satans blinked.
"A-are you kidding?" Sirzechs asked, confused. I simply took out two small law books and handed them to both of them. They'd been handing these out like candy. I was able to grab several without any problem.
"Yes, here it is. 'Chance of being disintegrated.'" Ajuka said amusedly. Sirzechs wrinkled his nose.
"Are they that dangerous?" Sirzechs asked. Ajuka shook his head.
"Not really, they're pretty stable. Nothing would happen if you touched them. But I guess Serena put up so many defenses to the point where it's absurd because she needs them to cast her magic and broadcast it throughout the city. They're essential. I'm pretty sure if even one gets damaged, the whole circle would fail, rendering the pentagram useless," Ajuka said seriously.
"Ah… then I can see how you would be able to put up such dangerous defenses if they are that essential" Sirzechs said. Ajuka nodded. "I suppose that's all? Was there a problem? " Sirzechs asked as he looked at me.
"That would be all, and no, there was no problem. Lady Prince understood that I needed to do a tour of the city as a routine, so she let me go everywhere necessary. She didn't seem bothered in the least. The island they live on is still off-limits and closed to the public, but everything else was fine to check out." I said honestly. Sirzechs nodded and sighed in relief.
"That's good." Sirzechs said. Ajuka sighed.
"I hope you won't be upset when I bring up the subject of succubi again," Ajuka said regretfully. "Even with what we just mentioned, it's something we can't let go," he said. Sirzechs nodded tiredly.
"Let's wait." Sirzechs muttered. I sighed. I was expecting it too. "Finally… what's the other Pillar Devils' response to the city?" Sirzechs asked with a frown.
"Quite… uneven. The pillar devils of Lucifaad are practically furious that all the succubi and much of their population have practically disappeared overnight, but they haven't taken any action yet. The other pillar devils are cautious, waiting to see what Lady Prince's next move will be."
"Meanwhile, Lord Phenex has been entering and leaving the city several times in the company of Lady Prince or Miss Phenex." I said. Sirzechs nodded and hummed thoughtfully.
"Have them watch Lucifaad from afar. If they try to cause trouble with Pentagram City and Lady Prince, I want to know about it immediately." Sirzechs finally said, and I nodded.
"It shall be done, Lord Lucifer." I said simply as I bowed.
"All right, let's continue…"