A/N: I'm really having a lucky streak this FGO anniversary (which honestly is making me a little worried).
I managed to get Eresh Beast at NP2, I managed to get Ciel in just one roll (I tried to get another copy, but I couldn't), plus I managed to get Merlin, and I still have Quartz left to try and get BB Dubai.
Overall, I'm swimming in a sea of luck and I hope it continues like this when BB Dubai arrives.
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Continuing where we left off....
Narrator's Perspective....
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The apartment fell into an uncomfortable silence after everyone heard what Sirzechs had said.
Sirzechs remained seated with the elegant posture of a nobleman, but his eyes never left Ritsuka for a single instant. The cordial smile remained on his face, despite that strange feeling that had arisen since the moment he saw the human mage at the apartment door.
Ritsuka didn't seem dangerous, nor did he seem to pose a life-threatening risk to him; the boy didn't even seem strong enough to inflict any significant harm on him, but even so, his instinct screamed at him never to turn this young man into an enemy who only increased the confusion and curiosity he felt about this "ordinary" human.
Beside him, Serafall Leviathan maintained her usual cheerful smile, perfectly hiding the same feeling that Sirzechs had been experiencing since they arrived at the apartment.
'How strange... Because I have a feeling that I'm in the presence of someone who is capable of killing me, but I'm not feeling anything dangerous coming from this boy. It's true he's a master of several Heroic Spirits, but even so, that wouldn't be enough to easily defeat me.'
She had never felt that way, not even in the presence of her own brothers-in-arms or enemies she faced in the Devil Civil War.
On the other side of the table, Morgan delicately placed her teacup on the saucer and began to look at Sirzechs with a serious, cold expression.
"Before my husband answers you, I believe some questions need to be clarified."
Sirzechs agreed with Morgan's words, nodding his head, and adjusted his posture in his chair.
"Naturally. I am willing to answer any questions you may have."
Said Sirzechs, and Ritsuka adjusted his posture, his expression becoming serious.
"Metatron had told me everything that happened during the Great War of the past, as well as a little about the Civil War that happened with you Devils, and yes, I also know that God is dead. You don't need to tell me about that."
The leaders of the two factions were surprised to hear Ritsuka's words. Gabriel glanced at Metatron (Sloth), who was sleeping on her golden throne, and sighed, seeing that his older sister was already ignoring the entire conversation.
"What I still don't know. And what reason or why should I trust you?"
Ritsuka's question made the atmosphere in the apartment grow cold, causing everyone to feel a little tension. Sirzechs slowly crossed his hands, looking at Ritsuka with a serious, yet calm expression.
"A fair question. Therefore, allow me to answer your question as best I can. I don't ask you to trust me today. Nor tomorrow. I only ask that you judge our actions from now on."
Ritsuka remained silent, though he raised his eyebrows, becoming curious and intrigued.
Sirzechs continued speaking to Ritsuka and company.
"As you already know, since the Great War and the Civil War, both sides have suffered heavy casualties and destruction, and even with a ceasefire, the tension of war still remains. Since then, we have been trying to prevent a new war from destroying everything that remains. There has been progress, but many open wounds remain."
Michael, hearing everything that was happening, decided to participate in the conversation and add his opinion on the matter.
"The arrival of Metatron completely altered the balance between the factions. She became our leader under circumstances that no one could have predicted. It was a good thing, yes, but it doesn't change the fact that we will have to announce the drastic change to our allies in the church as well, which will certainly cause a commotion."
Metatron (Sloth), even though he was "sleeping," slowly raised her thumb without opening her eyes.
"It happens to the best of us, brother. Life is a box of surprises."
Gabriel let out a resigned sigh, already getting used to Metatron's lazy side.
Tamomo no Mae discreetly moved her chair closer to Ritsuka's, who caught his attention when he saw the fox woman approaching him.
"Master... I have to admit something I don't like when important people show up early wanting to convince my beloved husband to accept enormous responsibilities the moment he's barely arrived in town."
Serafall lets out a light laugh, hiding the fact that she's feeling a little embarrassed by the circumstances.
"Well, it was to be expected that one of the most important Kitsunes would be quite direct and honest."
(A/N: I know Tamamo isn't technically a fox, but let's ignore that small detail.)
"Thank you for the compliment."
"I still find it amusing how you and the Fairy Queen act as if you're already married to Ritsuka."
Lilith said this with one hand supporting her face, looking at Tamamo no Mae with a slight smile. Tamamo raised her finger, grinning proudly and beginning to show off.
"It's more than obvious that I'm the official wife! After all, I've been by the Master's side longer than you all!"
Tamamo no Mae said, ignoring the elephant in the room, Mash, who turned completely red.
"T-Tamamo!"
Morgan took a sip of her tea and gave a slight glance at the boastful incarnation of Amaterasu.
"Self-proclamations have no validity."
"Ara? Look who's talking if it isn't the queen who proclaimed herself 'wife' the instant she was summoned? Have you looked in the mirror, my dear queen? You can use mine if you need to."
"You don't have a room to comment on either, you wicked fox, the very fraudulent wife who created a terrible manual on how to have a slave husband in the palm of your hand and who doesn't know the limits of subtlety, just how desperate you are for love."
Tamano no Mae and Morgan began exchanging sparks and barbs of insults, further increasing the tension between the two. Ritsuka, on the other hand, massaged his temples, seeing that his wives were arguing with him again.
"Can we get back to the main subject? Please?"
"Of course, my husband!"
Morgan and Tamano spoke at the same time and immediately became composed like two noble ladies, as if they weren't close to destroying the apartment just from the start of their fight.
Sirzechs couldn't help but chuckle after seeing this uninhibited show. The atmosphere inside the apartment had relaxed around everyone. That was exactly what he needed.
Then Ritsuka turned to face Sirzechs Lucifer again, his expression becoming serious once more, bringing the conversation back to normal.
"I have three questions. First, what prevents either faction from using a treaty simply to buy time?"
The smile vanished from Sirzechs' face the moment he heard Ritsuka's words. Now the real negotiation began, one that could greatly improve the political situation of the Devils and possibly the Angels as well.
"Nothing. Nothing will stop them from using the treaty to buy time."
Sirzechs' honest answer surprised even Serafall, who hadn't expected to hear it from him.
"A treaty is never perfect. There will always be those who wish to break it, whether from us angels, fallen angels, or even the Devils."
Michael agreed with Sirzechs with a slight nod, not ruling out the possibility of the angels using the treaty to retaliate against those they consider enemies.
"Peace is not born from a document. It is born from trust built over time; the living proof of this is looking at the history of humanity when they are trying to peacefully end conflicts between countries."
Ritsuka crossed his arms, digesting everything Sirzechs and Michael had said.
"So you're asking me to bet on something that doesn't yet exist." "With a possible risk of one of you breaking the treaty, which will consequently bring the war back with more force than the other?"
"Yes."
Sirzechs and Michael answered Ritsuka's question simultaneously. Silence returned to the apartment room. Morgan attentively observed every expression, not letting any detail pass.
"Well, I don't need to worry about the angels' side knowing that Metatron is taking control, therefore the chances of them breaking the treaty are minimal. Those with a high chance are ironically the Devils, knowing of the existence of the Old Satan Satan Faction, who will probably be my enemies in the future. I will also consider the fallen angels for elimination until I gain more information about them."
After organizing his thoughts about this conversation, Ritsuka asked his second question to the leaders.
"If one of the factions violates the agreement... Who will assume responsibility?"
Gabriel answered Ritsuka's question before Michael could even speak.
"The Heavens. If an Angel deliberately breaks the treaty, we will be held accountable."
"The same applies to the Underworld. As Maou, I assume this responsibility as it is part of my duty."
Morgan, who had been observing everything, decided to give her opinion, not at all swayed by the words of these leaders.
"Nice words. However... My husband will be the one who stands between both sides. Besides, we don't have the Fallen Angels' side in this treaty. If a war starts due to the incompetence of one of you... He will be the first to be accused."
"Lady Morgan... I don't intend to use Ritsuka as a political shield. Nor as a symbol. I just want someone who can say 'no' to both me and Michael."
Sirzechs said with a serious expression, not wanting to waste this good opportunity to resolve one of his main problems.
"Regarding the Fallen Angels, I informed Metatron about everything and about the treaty for the leader of the Fallen Angels, that is, if Azazel doesn't already know about our meeting."
"Hehehe... I have a feeling Azazel will be shocked to discover that Metatron is leading us instead of you. I'm sure Big Sis won't ignore the experiments he loves to do with the Sacred Gears."
Ritsuka listens to Michael and Gabriel's words, but something Gabriel mentioned caught the Chaldea master's attention.
'Sacred Gears? What are those?'
Tamamo raised her hand, drawing the attention of everyone present in the apartment.
"I have a question. If my husband tells you two to leave because you did something wrong, will you really leave, or will we have to 'open the door' for you, so to speak?"
Tamamo no Mae said with a gentle and cheerful smile, though hiding her malice behind it.
"If we're wrong... Yes. You have every right to deal with the problem in whatever way you see fit."
Tamamo slightly inclined her head after hearing Sirzechs's answer, and she soon smiled calmly again.
"Hmm... I like the answer! Master, now you know, any mistake they make, you can order us to blow them up or curse them, and I'll do it with complete pleasure."
"I hope we don't get to the point where we have to resort to that."
Ritsuka murmured to himself, even though he didn't want the worst to happen, but he always had a feeling it would.
Mash watched everything in silence. It was the first time since they arrived in this new world that she had seen Ritsuka conversing as an equal with people who, in her view, were very important and influential, and seeing her beloved managing to adapt to this pressure made her happy and relieved.
Olga Marie noticed the same thing. Even without revealing anything about Chaldea for obvious reasons and to avoid unnecessary drama, Ritsuka remained exactly the same Master who had faced so many crises in the past.
Managing to remain calm, patient, and always thinking a few steps ahead. This makes the Headmistress of Chaldea always proud to see how much he is growing and evolving over time.
"Now for my third question. Why me? I'm sure there are other people far more influential in this world than I, an ordinary mage."
"Because you are special enough to summon two individuals important to both of us, important enough that the Fairy Queen and the incarnation of Amaterasu consider you their wives. Besides, neither faction considers you an enemy and none has authority over you. You are practically the perfect neutral individual who possesses great political influence."
Ritsuka listens to Sirzechs' words and stands with his arms crossed, thinking after everything he has heard. He knows he won't be able to remain anonymous for long; he will end up doing something that will attract the attention of the entire world.
Ritsuka knows better than anyone that he can't stay out of trouble no matter how hard he tries to avoid it; what Metatron (Sloth) did was the perfect example of that.
He barely arrived in this new world and he's already caught the attention of two leaders from two very important factions. Ritsuka could refuse Sirzechs' offer and continue with his life, but Ritsuka knows that with Metatron being the leader of the Angels and Lilith practically existing in this world, it's inevitable that problems will reach him one way or another.
Knowing all this, wouldn't it be ideal to have the favor of these leaders and use those favors for times he might need them in the future? Thinking this way, Ritsuka arrives at a decision.
Before stating his decision, Ritsuka glances quickly at all the girls in his group to see if they disagree with him, and none of them show any disagreement at the moment they understand Ritsuka's look.
"Okay. I accept being the intermediary in this treaty, Sirzechs Lucifer. However, I accept under three conditions. First. My group will continue to act independently, and no faction will have authority over us. Second. I will not reveal information about my origin beyond what I deem necessary. Third and last. If either side attempts to use this partnership for political or military manipulation... Our cooperation ends at that very moment. This also includes the Fallen Angels, if they agree to the treaty, of course."
The apartment fell completely silent after Ritsuka explained his conditions for accepting Sirzechs' peace treaty idea, until the silence was broken by Satan himself.
"I agree to these terms."
"Serafall-chan also agrees! We will report this news to our fellow Satans."
"The Heavens also agree. I'm saying this because I'm sure my serious self will agree to it."
To everyone's surprise, Metatron (Sloth) stops pretending to be asleep and acts as a representative of Heaven for this brief moment.
Ritsuka slowly stood up and shook hands with Sirzechs and Michael, showing that their agreement was sealed and in order.
"Very well! Now that we've finished the complicated part... I have a much more fun suggestion that I think you'll like!"
Said Serafall, reverting to her cheerful magical girl persona, which makes Olga Marie narrow her eyes.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about your 'fun' idea?"
Serafall smiled mischievously, which only made Olga Marie more worried about what she was going to say.
"Oh, it's nothing much. I just think you should attend Kuoh Academy, which my dear, sweet little sister, Sona-tan, attends!"
The apartment fell silent for a few seconds as Serafall stroked her staff, imagining she was hugging her little sister. Tamamo spoke first.
"Kuoh Academy... Hmm. Does that mean after-school dates or fun in an abandoned room with your husband?"
Tamamo said, already imagining a scenario where she and Ritsuka were getting intimate in a classroom or a dark corner of the school, and Mash blushed completely, understanding the fox woman's indecent intentions.
"T-Tamamo-san!"
"I'm just thinking about the future. There's nothing wrong with that. It's not every day that a golden opportunity like this comes along."
Lilith chuckled softly, amused by Tamamo's ideas for what she was planning to do at Kuoh school.
"She's already thinking about how to monopolize the future, as expected of the wicked fox woman."
"Ara? What's wrong with that? Besides, I'm not a wicked fox woman, I'm a loving fox wife."
While the two began another small argument, Ritsuka turned her attention to Sirzechs and Serafall.
"And why do you think we have to go to this school you're recommending?"
"Well... Because judging by your appearance, I'd say you're the age of a student, so I think Serafall made this suggestion so you could adapt to the city faster, besides the fact that Kuoh is a territory administered by the Underworld, but it's still a human city."
"If the angels need to inform us of anything, we can meet here at the apartment, or our sister Metatron can inform you."
Olga Marie crossed her arms after hearing Sirzechs and Michael's words.
"In other words, you want to put us under observation."
Serafall replied before Sirzechs could open his mouth.
"Technically, yes, since Kuoh Academy is the territory of my dear little sister Sona-tan and Sirzechs' little sister, Rias Gremory. Obviously, if you become students there, Sona-tan and Rias will know about you."
The direct answer elicited a discreet smile from Morgan.
"So you intend to use your sisters to spy on us. Heh, what a silly plan, but understandable, after all, we'll also be keeping an eye on the actions of your pawn sisters."
Morgan said this hoping to provoke a reaction from the two Satans, but only Serafall fell for the bait.
"Hey! Well, let me tell you, my dear Sona-tan is far too intelligent to be compared to a mere pawn! I can assure you she can defeat Ritsuka-kun in a game of chess."
The moment Morgan hears this from Serafall, she smiles slightly, finding it amusing that she thinks Ritsuka would lose a game of chess, and Lilith starts to laugh softly.
"Then you'd better prepare yourself to hear the news of your little sister losing because our dear Master is no ordinary opponent. Hmm... I can't wait to see your reaction when she loses."
Lilith said arrogantly, wanting to provoke Serafall and challenging her younger sister's chess skills.
Ritsuka, on the other hand, is thoughtful after hearing the proposal the Satans made to them. Whether they like it or not, what they need most now is information and a good place for them to adapt well to this new world.
Studying at this school in Kuoh City is good because, before entering Chaldea, he was a high school student, so the area where he would feel most comfortable is in a school, even though it's been years since he set foot in a classroom.
Even though there might be a risk of danger, their Servants will be nearby, and besides, he has Mash's faithful and strong shield to protect him, in addition to Olga Marie's Beast of Humanity power.
Overall, Ritsuka doesn't have much to worry about regarding the level of power his protection possesses.
"What do you think? Will you want to enter this school?"
Ritsuka asks Mash, Olga, Tamamo, Morgan, and Lilith for their opinions. Mash was the first to answer.
"I think it will be a good opportunity for us to get to know this world. Besides, it would be my first time being a student at a school, and I'm really looking forward to it."
Olga Marie sighed, not believing the circumstances they were in, but deep down she was already very used to the hectic life of being a member of Chaldea.
"I never imagined that after everything was over... I would become a student at a regular school that doesn't belong to the Association. Me, the daughter of one of the lords of the Clock Tower."
While Olga was complaining to herself, Tamamo raised her hand with an excited smile.
"I fully support it! I'm already planning ways to spend more time with you in and out of class! Hmm! The opportunities are endless."
Lilith smiled with her naturally relaxed smile.
"I support it too. I'm curious to know what this school is like and maybe meet the little sisters of those two Satans."
Morgan took a last sip of her tea and looked at Ritsuka with her neutral expression.
"Staying close to the main political figures, even if they are their sisters, will also facilitate our own investigation. Besides, I have my own curiosities about the Devils."
Metatron remained lying on her golden throne as if no important conversation was taking place. Seeing that the lazy Archangel was quiet, Ritsuka looked at her and sighed.
"And you, Metatron?"
Pure silence came from Metatron (Sloth). Gabriel approached his slothful sister.
"Sister?"
Metatron slowly opened one of her eyes, her expression aching with sleep.
"The school... has beds?"
Serafall and Sirzechs blinked, surprised to hear the words of the now new leader of the Angels.
"No."
"Then can I sleep at the desk?"
Olga Marie put a hand to her face, not believing how shameless Metatron (Sloth) was.
"She's serious... And this is the leader of the angel factions."
Gabriel and Michael let out an embarrassed laugh, and Ritsuka looked at Serafall and Sirzechs with a neutral smile.
"Alright. We'll accept your offer to enroll in your school in this city."
Serafall clapped her hands, thrilled to see they had accepted her idea.
"I knew it! I'm sure you'll like the school! I'll let my dear Sona-tan know she'll have new students! I'll take this opportunity to recharge my energy from not having my dear Sona-tan around! Sirzechs, you handle the rest of the paperwork. Bye, bye!"
With those words, Serafall created a blue magic circle and used it to leave the apartment, leaving Sirzechs alone to handle the rest of the conversation.
"She really left me alone to handle the rest, I should have expected that from her. Well, there's still one more thing I have to do for you before I deal with the rest of the process of you entering the school."
Said Sirzechs, making a small red magic circle appear in his ear that seemed to function as some kind of communicator.
"Huh.... There's a way to use magic that I didn't expect."
Olga Marie comments, intrigued by the magic system of this world and seeing how versatile it is.
After a few minutes, someone knocked on Ritsuka's apartment door, taking him by surprise. Sirzechs stood up from the chair he was sitting in.
"It must be him."
Upon opening the door, a young man wearing an old-style kimono uniform and carrying several boxes appeared. The moment Ritsuka saw the type of uniform the young man was wearing, he was shocked.
"Maou-sama. I brought everything as requested."
The young man said in the tone of a normal adult man, but with a somewhat youthful and beautiful appearance that for a brief moment Ritsuka thought was a girl he knew very well, but the difference was that this man had black hair compared to the pink, sakura-petal-like hair he knew.
"Is that you, Okita? You look different... Wait a minute, you're not my Okita!"
Unfortunately, Ritsuka's mind was slow to stop the words from leaving his mouth, and as a consequence, it caused a chain reaction in his group. Olga Marie's eyes widened, Mash blinked twice in disbelief, Tamamo tilted her head slightly, and Lilith observed the newcomer in silence.
The young man, who is called Okita Souji, looks at Ritsuka with a slight expression of surprise.
"Yes. My name is Okita Souji. It's a pleasure to meet you. Although I have to say this, what did you mean by 'you're not my Okita?'?"
Ritsuka took a few seconds to answer the question from this Okita Souji who resembled the Heroic Spirit Ritsuka had summoned in Chaldea.
"Well... You just remind me of a girl I know who looks a lot like you, so I ended up getting confused and thought you were her."
Ritsuka said in an embarrassed tone, unsure how to explain without revealing the fact that he was very close to the female version of himself.
Okita smiled, not understanding why Ritsuka was getting awkward around him and why some girls behind him were looking at him in shock.
"This happens frequently, you're not the first nor the last to mistake me for a woman, it happened to me a lot in the past, I'm used to it."
Lilith looked at Ritsuka, noticing he was slightly red, and a mischievous smile spread across her face, seeing an opportunity.
"My husband, I think it's best not to tell him much more about your Okita."
Morgan commented, wanting to protect her husband a little, and Tamamo immediately burst into laughter.
"That reminds me of a certain event that happened at home that almost everyone participated in. If I'm not mistaken, it had to do with who is the most loyal, didn't it?"
Mash covered her face, already understanding what Tamamo no Mae was referring to.
"P-please, let's not mention that day."
Olga Marie let out a long sigh, placing a hand on the bridge of her nose.
"Now everyone remembers, Mash. Honestly... You should be stricter with BB, Ritsuka."
Ritsuka remained silent, deciding not to comment on what Olga Marie said, and Gabriel looked at them curiously.
"What is this event you're talking about?"
Sirzechs also showed curiosity, but he remained silent until Michael turned his attention to the group.
Lilith crossed her legs, ready to tell them what they were talking about.
"There was an argument in Ch..."
She interrupted herself for a moment and discreetly looked at Ritsuka, who gave a slight negative sign. She understood and smiled.
"At our old base."
"Okita and Ushiwakamaru started arguing about who was the most loyal servant to our dear Master."
Tamamo no Mae laughed after hearing Lilith's words.
"Arguing? They almost destroyed an entire corridor if they hadn't been separated."
Mash lowered her head even further, her ears turning red as she recalled the events of that day.
"It was... a complicated day. So BB decided to organize a competition to resolve the problem in a fair way."
Gabriel blinked, curious after hearing Lilith's words.
"A competition?"
"Exactly. The goal was to decide which servant was most worthy of receiving the title of 'Ritsuka's most loyal dog'."
The apartment fell silent. Gabriel took a few seconds to process the information.
"That really happened?"
Ritsuka glanced sideways, avoiding Gabriel's eyes, looking a little awkward.
"Unfortunately. And I had no control over the event."
Michael remained completely still, and Sirzechs coughed discreetly to regain his composure.
"And... who won?"
Tamamo crossed her arms, pouting in disappointment.
"The result was unfair."
"I agree."
Mash replied quietly, adding her opinion, just like Tamamo and Lilith.
"Not everyone participated..."
Morgan calmly placed her cup on the table with an expression of pure superiority.
"Barghest won the competition."
Tamamo immediately pointed at her, disliking Morgan's proud tone.
"She didn't even enter the competition!"
Morgan looked at Tamamo no Mae with a neutral expression and replied with absolute serenity.
"She was a fairy and also a maid who always takes care of my husband's room and is always around to protect him. I would say that she more than anyone deserved the title. Knowing this, the competition ended before it even began."
Ritsuka, on the other hand, couldn't contain a small laugh escaping his lips.
"I still wonder how BB convinced everyone to participate in that..."
Laughter began to fill the apartment until Okita ended up smiling, although he still didn't fully understand the conversation.
He carefully handed the boxes to Ritsuka, and inside them, the Kuoh Academy uniforms were perfectly organized.
Ritsuka held one of them, examining the uniform for a moment. The fabric was simple, common, almost banal, but even so...
After so many battles, losses, and farewells, this uniform represented something he believed he would never experience again.
A new routine and a new chance to start over, but this time he is not alone.
And this time Ritsuka will walk this new path with hope for a new future in this world and face any challenge in the same way he always has, with a determination strong enough to go against Destiny itself!
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To be continued....
Next chapter:Returning to school, meeting the two Devil Princesses, and witnessing a confession!
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