DxD: Flames of Eternity

-Aedric-

Hmm, reeling back my Haki, I realise that all those who could have confronted me let it slide, allowing me to enjoy my moment. I'm sure that while trade talks begin, it will be useful for their side. Well, that's a problem for the future.

"I extend a warm welcome to all those present here", I paused letting those who were getting back to their feet some relief, I'm sure I heard some even sigh in relief, after all, my current Haki, combined with soul pressure(from Bleach) can knock out even ultimate class beings and "thank you all for taking time for this little introduction party my family organized for me. I am sure I have much to learn and I'm equally sure that my seniors will guide me well. Once again, I thank you all for taking part in this small celebration"

Hehehe, I'm that this would have ruffled some feathers, well have to make sure that the party is lively after all, haha the burden of the star.

"Well, when I said to go all out, I didn't think you would go this far", mum says

"It's fine, this ensures his safety and makes it so that he can't be bullied, after all, many were praying for him to be a shut-in researcher type, after all" " Grandma says, hmm a researcher type, ya not my style.

"Now, come along my dear, we need to greet our guests", Grandma says

"All of them?", I ask, hoping it won't be so

"No, not all of them only those who are of equal or greater standing will we be greeting personally, and those of Leader class, well all leader class beings are those representing their factions, oh and Mephisto, that old man from the beginning has asked for an exchange of knowledge", grandma says, hmm isn't this a big deal?

"Wait, why is that being just glanced over isn't that a big deal?", I ask

"You need to understand Drake that, we got offers from almost every faction for an exchange, and while Mephisto's is the one we have the most commonality, the key factor is that you could recreate it and likely improve upon it as well, either way, we will be having an equal exchange, later on, depending on what subject they ask", dad explained

"Now, enough talk let's go and greet some of these esteemed guests and I'll also introduce you to some of my friends, well as close as they can be, in the end, it is all about interests, only family can you trust completely, and some in this world can't even trust their family", gramps tells

"Yes, I'll also introduce you to some of my tea ladies as well", mum says

"Go ahead, I and your father will make sure a war doesn't start, either way, it will be a good experience for you." " Grandma says, while Father nods.

"Alright, I guess I can't escape this, can I?", I ask

"No, you can't", mum said with a smile

"Fine, let's get this over with," I say, hoping it can be over as soon as possible.

-An Eternity Later-

"Haa, how boring," I muttered under my breath, leaning against a nearby pillar after what felt like an eternity of greeting everyone in the hall. Almost an hour of repetitive niceties, handshakes, and empty smiles—enough to make anyone question their life choices, especially me. What creeped me out the most, though, was the unspoken understanding everyone seemed to share. No disturbances, no drama, and no raised voices. Even more surprisingly, no whispers of trade deals. It was like everyone had silently agreed to play nice for the evening.

Honestly, these old men and women needed hobbies. Anything to occupy their time other than playing the power game. Heck, even the angels and devils—beings practically designed to be at each other's throats—were on their best behaviour. The sheer absurdity of it all made me chuckle.

Still, something did catch my attention amidst the monotony. The fact that we're allowed to sell diluted tears to Heaven—it's fascinating. Even a diluted version of a diluted one is leagues more effective than common potions or other remedies. I'd have to ask Grandma and Dad later how we managed to get away with it. Surely there's some ironclad agreement or favour owed for that kind of trade to pass without repercussions.

With the greetings done, the only things left on the agenda were the auction and, of course, the infamous closed-door dealings. I was certain I wouldn't be allowed to participate in the latter. Not that I cared. I'd rather dump all that tedious work on Albedo anyway. She's practically made for it, and besides... why work hard when delegation is an option? A grin spread across my face at the thought.

"Hehehe," I chuckled to myself, already imagining how I'd offload every responsibility onto her.

"What nonsense are you entertaining in that head of yours now, Drake?" came a familiar voice from behind.

I turned to see her—Albedo herself, her expression as sharp as ever. Speak of the devil, indeed.

"Nothing, all is fine," I replied, keeping my face perfectly neutral. Rule number one: never let her see you sweat.

"For some reason, I don't believe you," she said, her piercing gaze making it clear that she saw right through me. "But it doesn't matter. I'll find out later either way."

I resisted the urge to groan. Of course, she would. Albedo knew all my secrets—or at least most of them. The important ones, anyway. Still, there was one she hadn't uncovered, and I intended to keep it that way.

"Either way," I began, eager to change the subject, "I thought the Satan clans would make a fuss tonight. But they didn't. I wonder why?"

Her brow furrowed slightly as she considered my question. "It is unusual," she admitted. "But it's not like them to act without a reason. Perhaps they see greater benefit in patience tonight."

"Patience, huh?" I muttered. "We'll see how long that lasts."

Albedo didn't respond immediately, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Her silence only added to the weight of her presence. If anyone could figure out the intricate webs of politics at play here, out of the two of us, it was her well with the help of Father and especially Grandma or this is a test left to us, her mainly, by them. After all, they would know by now that I fall into the same category as mum and gramps, well dad should as well, but one doesn't stay as a family/clan head while being unable to play the game.

Meanwhile, I allowed myself a moment of peace. For now, at least, the chaos was at bay. But knowing the circles we walked in; it wouldn't stay that way for long.

"Dear guests, please proceed to the auction hall if you wish to participate in the upcoming auction," announced an Ultimate-class Demon, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the ambient murmur of the crowd. His presence commanded attention, though it was restrained enough not to overwhelm the guests. "Kindly refer to the pamphlets provided at the entrance for the rules of engagement. Those who fail to adhere to them will be shown the exit. Thank you for your time."

The room quieted briefly, save for the shuffling of feet and the rustle of parchment as guests consulted the guidelines. I couldn't help but smirk. The delivery was flawless—calm yet authoritative, just the right balance to keep this unruly mix of angels, devils, and others in line. The white-lineage demons truly excel at this sort of work, I thought. Their inherent charisma and poise made them perfect for formalities that required a touch of intimidation.

Well, most of the time, anyway. Demons, by their very nature, don't always align with the values of others. Their sense of decorum tends to be... selective. But that's exactly why I'd asked her to train them beforehand. It paid off. Tonight, at least, they seemed capable of playing their roles without indulging their more chaotic tendencies.

The demon's announcement seemed to jolt some of the attendees into motion. Small groups began to form, whispers of anticipation passing among them. The auction promised rare and valuable items, and I could already feel the tension rising as old rivalries and hidden agendas simmered beneath polite exteriors. For some, this was simply a business opportunity; for others, a chance to flex their influence and claim a prize that would bolster their standing.

I lingered for a moment, watching the crowd disperse toward the auction hall. The faint hum of magic in the air was a reminder that even here, in a room where pleasantries ruled the surface, the true game was always being played in the shadows. A glance at the Ultimate-class Demon confirmed he was watching too, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd for any sign of disobedience.

"Good," I murmured to myself. "At least they're learning."

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's apparent calm was merely a prelude. With angels, devils, and other factions in one place, it was only a matter of time before someone tested the limits. And when that happened... well, I'd already decided I'd leave the cleanup to Grandma and Dad. After all, that's what they're there for, isn't it?

After all, I, Mum and Gramps were in the camp beating them black and blue until they listened, and just killing our opponents, without any care for the political side, we are followers of the old rule of who has the bigger fist wins. While Albedo, is technically in the same group as my grandma and dad, she is still too young to take up such work, I grinned knowing I wouldn't have to take care of or perform the cleanup later.