[257] Pride!
As August gazed at Sirzechs before him, he narrowed his eyes slightly.
In the original story, during the Three Factions meeting, both Issei Hyoudou as the Red Dragon Emperor and Vali Lucifer as the White Dragon Emperor were asked similar questions.
Both gave their answers, only to agree one moment and rebel the next.
"So, you want me to be a witness?"
"Yes, as the Red Dragon Emperor and as the Lord of the House of Demon, you are qualified."
"What about the White Dragon's side?"
"He belongs to Azazel."
"It seems you two have already discussed this."
August understood. No wonder Azazel hadn't appeared during this period; there was still something going on.
Before the Three Factions meeting, the devils and fallen angels had already reached a consensus. No wonder Michael in the original story agreed so readily; he probably knew about it long ago.
Both factions had already agreed. If he didn't agree, would there really be a war?
The devils and fallen angels were not having good days now, and the angels were not faring any better.
Without the God of the Bible, the System had no one to inherit it. Even Michael could barely maintain its operation, and this was all he could do.
The reason there were so many lost priests and exorcist nuns now was because the current system was too fragile.
Any element that could undermine faith even slightly had to be addressed, even if it meant causing suffering for many innocent people. But for the greater good, it had to be done.
"All right, I can agree to that."
"That would be great. With your support, it will be much easier."
"You've calculated everything long ago."
"Just a little foresight."
August didn't want to bother with him. Seriously, just foresight? Then who's the one with real foresight?
"Oh, by the way, how's it going with Rias?"
"What do you mean?"
"You two are engaged now. You've blocked Rias's engagement with Riser. How come you're not owning up to it now?"
"Well, you know, I'm not short of beautiful women around me, and your sister seems to be avoiding me now, intentionally or unintentionally."
No need to continue. Sirzechs understood instantly; there hadn't been much progress.
This puzzled Sirzechs for a moment. According to Grayfia, Rias should like August, so why was there no progress at all?
"Lord Sirzechs, recently, Lord August gave Miss Rias a mysterious fruit."
"A fruit?"
"Yes, Miss Rias now has the ability to enhance her own power. Recently, she's been practicing this power."
"I see."
Sirzechs nodded. So there was something delaying it. As long as there were no conflicts, it was fine.
August was a rare candidate for a son-in-law, and Rias had to seize the opportunity. Otherwise, it would be over.
Although August had many women, Rias was the only one with a confirmed engagement. As long as she married August first, she would be the primary wife, and the others would be concubines or maids.
"Oh, by the way, August, how many peerages have you reincarnated now?"
"Two, Hilda and Yolda."
"Uh, just two? Didn't I hear that you also accepted the former holy priestes who was exiled?"
"I haven't reincarnated her yet, but it's about time. Wait, how did you know?"
"Uh, Rias told me last time."
As Sirzechs uttered those words, his gaze seemed somewhat elusive, clearly indicating something amiss.
This guy, even if he wasn't outright spying, definitely had someone observing his every move from the shadows.
Although August knew he meant no harm, he couldn't help but feel annoyed. No one likes the feeling of having their every move watched by others; it's incredibly uncomfortable.
"Sirzechs, let me make something clear to you in advance: moderation is key. Cross the line, and it'll be troublesome."
"I understand. This will only happen once, I assure you."
"I'll take your word for it this time. But remember, this is the first time, and also the second."
August spoke slowly. Then, in the instant their gazes collided, both Sirzechs and Grayfia shuddered all over.
Darkness, vast and infinite, like an unfathomable abyss; just one glance could engulf you.
Being a transcendent being, Sirzechs recovered quickly. But Grayfia wasn't as lucky. Although she was a Satan-class devil, she was still insufficient before the dark abyss born from the sins and darkness of the Seven Deadly Sins.
"Grayfia~"
With Sirzechs's voice, Grayfia snapped out of her daze.
Then came a wave of fear; she had almost been consumed just now. What was that? She had never felt such power, not even from Lucifer, the former Satan, whom she once served.
Seeing Grayfia's realization, Sirzechs understood. This was August's warning to him.
And August, looking at Sirzechs and Grayfia before him, remained calm.
Indeed, Sirzechs was powerful, but that didn't mean August feared him. As one of the Seven Deadly Sins, the embodiment of lust, as the Demon Lord of Lust, August's pride and dignity as a demon were not to be trifled with.
The atmosphere in the living room became somewhat heavy. To lay hands on the Satan's wife would be a grave disrespect.
Sirzechs felt a bit of dissatisfaction about this, but considering his own surveillance of August, he also knew this was August's retaliation against him.
"It's getting late; we'll go see Rias first."
"No need for farewells."
August didn't even consider getting up to see Sirzechs off. Sirzechs just smiled faintly, not taking offense.
However, after this incident, an invisible barrier arose between them.
Sirzechs regretted his actions, seeing them as his mistake that led to all this.
But to August, he had never truly considered Sirzechs a friend from the beginning. After all, it was just an arranged identity card. Taking it seriously would only lead to defeat.
Most importantly, in this world, August was merely a passerby. So, it really didn't matter.
However, regarding the oddity between Sirzechs and Grayfia tonight, August also planted a seed of curiosity, a seed that sought the truth and the unknown.
Sirzechs and Grayfia left, leaving Hilda and Yolda looking at August, hesitant to speak.
In their eyes, August's behavior tonight was incredibly reckless.
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