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Dryadic Dragon Chapter 22: The Lady In Crimson
🕑 Added 2025-06-18 12:08:16 +0000 UTCChapter 22: The Lady In Crimson
Serafall and Sirzechs both fell silent after Alduin took his leave, their minds tracing over the entire interaction they had just shared with the young Buné. Extracting the pieces of information regarding their siblings’ future caretaker they found to be of particular interest.
“What do you think?” Sirzechs asked, his fingers rhythmically drumming against the coffee table in front of him.
Serafall exhaled, reclining into the comforting piece of furniture and listlessly peering at the ceiling.
“There are definitely hints of his mother’s influence within him. As unfortunate as that may be.” She folded her arms, recalling the “look” she had seen in Alduin’s gleaming, verdant irises. The same one she had seen Martha Buné adorn when she had the displeasure of meeting the woman.
No matter how much time without an episode occurring went by, she could never shake the gut-feeling that her father had invited a snake into the garden as a consequence of facilitating the trade deal with House Buné’s Lady.
Even if it was an irrational feeling, Serafall’s responsibilities as the Underworld’s Head of Foreign Affairs had exposed her to a plentiful amount of politicking—both pleasant and unpleasant. Her instincts weren’t grounded in mere superstition, but rather centuries upon centuries of experience.
I’ll never trust that vile woman.
“Well, if that’s all there was. You wouldn’t hesitate to cancel the deal with Alduin, so you might as well finish disclosing your train of thought to me.” He grew pensive, eagerly awaiting his colleague's response.
“His familial environment hasn’t caused his personality to become as warped as I thought it’d be. Even though Martha’s venom is clearly coursing through him, Seb’s warmth is also there. Our Seb’s warmth.” She turned to face Sirzechs, her face brimming with flickers of hope. “You felt it as well, didn’t you? Especially when he made his last request.”
He met her with a supportive smile.
“I did.”
Alduin’s final request—was to have permission to bring House Buné’s Head Maid, and his personal attendant, Thora, alongside him to the human world.
Naturally, Sirzechs and Serafall expressed their concern that Sebastian or Matha might use her as a tool to spy on and possibly manipulate the activities that took place there.
After all, it was a foregone conclusion that his parents weren’t going to be particularly ecstatic once the deal Alduin just made came to light. Moreover, Alduin himself was well aware that Thora’s primary loyalties lay with the Buné Clan’s Patriarch above anyone else.
Yet, he still insisted that Thora come with him. Boldly proclaiming that she had been more like family to him than anyone else under the Buné Manor’s roof. Even though Tiamat’s blood was on the line, he was happy to throw it all away if they couldn’t approve of her being stationed at his side.
And that wasn’t all.
“What if our sisters end up being harmed in any way, shape, or form because of Thora’s presence? What’ll you do then?”
“Of course, I’ll take full responsibility.”
“Even if we choose to take your head as recompense?”
“Yes, even if you choose to take my head. I understand Thora’s position makes her hard for you to trust, but I firmly believe that she isn’t the type to needlessly endanger children, or any innocent person for that matter. Even if my father were to demand it.”
“She is not the blindly obedient drone most perceive her as, of this I am certain. She’s a woman of deep compassion and morale, and I’ll gladly stake my life on that belief.”
After hearing that, Serafall and Sirzechs felt as if they had all the evidence they needed. Such a mentality couldn’t possibly be imparted to Alduin from someone like Martha, nor the current Sebastian.
His daring proclamation proved loyalty, and loyalty was a crucial characteristic for a Guardian to have.
Besides, there was also a logical argument to be made for keeping Thora with him. If she were to remain in the Underworld while Alduin departed, it was possible that his family would turn her into a liability. Taking advantage of the closeness between herself and Alduin, and threatening Thora’s livelihood if he refused to return home.
Deep down, Serafall hoped Sebastian hadn’t reached a point where he’d stoop so low. But truthfully, she had no way to be sure anymore.
As for Martha? She had no questions about that woman taking such extreme measures. It was practically a guarantee from her perspective.
Therefore, Alduin’s request was accepted. Thora would be granted diplomatic protection by both Serafall and Sirzechs alongside him, and reside in the human world as Alduin’s personal aid, like she had done ever since he had been born.
In hindsight, that maid’s care is probably what’s responsible for Alduin’s compassionate side, despite the circumstances in which he was raised.
If it weren’t for her support, I doubt we would’ve met with the same Alduin Buné we just saw.
“I’m still fairly shocked though,” Sirzechs stroked his chin, recalling a distinctive moment of their interaction with Alduin that stood out to him. “We assumed he’d want nothing more than to get away from what I can only imagine is the most claustrophobic household in the Underworld, rivaled only by the Bael Mansion. But that wasn’t the case.”
Serafall nodded, sharing his interest. “He’s a curious little one isn’t he? He knows the way his family operates isn’t right, yet he’s chosen to stick by them nonetheless.” A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “House Buné appears to have raised an anomaly, in more ways than one.”
“I just hope it’s the good kind of anomaly, for Rias and Sona’s sake.” The Satan stood up, a teleportation circle bearing his crest manifesting beneath him. “I’ll go ahead and take my leave now. Let me know if anything comes up.”
“Sure.” She nodded, left alone with her thoughts as he returned to Lilith’s central spire.
The towering piles of paperwork on the Head of Domestic Affairs’ desk had probably tripled in the brief amount of time he had spent in the Sitri Manor.
“You’re fortunate Seb. You failed as a parent in almost every conceivable way, but somehow, that burning will of compassion you nurtured us with has still persisted within him.” She reached for the vial containing Tiamat’s blood, staring at it in deep reverie. “Maybe if we nurture him properly just as you did for us, we’ll be able to wake you up from your disillusioned stupor.”
That venomous harlot needs to be dealt with as well, Seb. Of all the women you could've turned to, why choose a serpent like her? Were you really that desperate to combine your traits? Or is something else at play?
===
Well, that conversation went a whole lot better than I thought it would. Straightforwardly speaking, I didn’t think it would be possible to leverage the position of someone such as myself against two of the Underworld’s head honchos.
Nevertheless, it all worked out in the end. I secured authorization to Familiar Forest, the acquisition of Tiamat’s blood, and permission to bring Thora with me when I assumed office.
Sometime’s life just works itself out I suppose.
I descended back to the second floor of the Sitri Manor, both pleased and mildly nervy to find Thora patiently awaiting my presence.
“Young Lord, I see you’ve completed your meeting.”
“I have,” I replied with a stiff nod. “Everything went swimmingly.”
She narrowed her eyes, her nod of affirmation contradicting the suspicion written all over her face.
“Forgive me, but I find that rather hard to believe.” She returned her attention to the ballroom, the sound of a dignified voice speaking words of praise for Sona reaching my ears. “You were informed that Lord Sitri was expecting you, but as it so happens, he’s in the process of performing his daughter’s commemorative speech.”
“Oh. Yeah... I suppose that's a bit of a dead giveaway isn't it?”
Seriously? He was there this whole time?
In my defense, I don’t get out of the house all that often. So, my not recognizing his face sounds about par for the course.
“Then... might I ask who it was that you met up there? Of course, if you wish or feel the need to keep it to yourself, I’ll abide by your inclination.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. Even if I didn’t have any foul intent, I sort of made the decision to accompany me to the human world for Thora without consulting her beforehand.
In all fairness, I was caught in the heat of the moment. I was in a meeting with two Satans for crying out loud, telling them to sit and patiently wait for me to speak with her beforehand didn’t exactly cross my mind.
Nonetheless, I’m still going to need to work out a way to deliver the news to her. This isn’t something I can procrastinate on until the last minute, lest I want Thora to grant me an early meeting with Hades.
“No, I’ll disclose everything in due time. It's just that this place doesn’t have the necessary privacy for such a conversation.”
There are far too many eyes here, and Martha, the craftiest woman I know, has connections to this place. Discussing the fact that I had flat-out betrayed her and Sebastian's ruling aloud would be like offering my head up on a platter.
She paused, examining whether or not I was being truthful. “Very well, Young Lord, would you like to enjoy the rest of the festivities? Or shall we make an early departure?”
“I’ll go with the former, I doubt Sona would receive me ditching her birthday early all that well. Besides, it’d be a bad look for House Buné.”
The more time I spend away from home, the better. I really need the breathing room to organize my thoughts as much as possible.
“As you wish,” she followed me back into the ballroom, where I just about managed to catch Lord Sitri’s closing statement.
“—with that said, I hope you’ll all join me in a round of applause for my beloved daughter’s eighteenth nameday. May she continue to experience a life of prosperity, and one that holds up to her stature as a Heiress I couldn’t be more proud of.”
I joined in on the applause, my fingers twitching ever so slightly as I detected someone approaching me from behind.
However, I elected to feign ignorance so as not to startle them since I didn’t sense any hostile intent.
“Alduin Buné?” A soft, noticeably apprehensive womanly voice called out to me.
“That’s me,” I replied. Turning around and finding myself met with a stunning, crimson-haired figure adorned in a tasteful red dress—holding a champagne glass as she examined me up and down.
It was pretty easy for me to discern who this was, since I had just met with the elder. Their appearances matched to the point where the sole discernible difference between them was gender.
“Lady Gremory… I presume?” I lifted an eyebrow.
I wasn’t necessarily expecting us to meet so soon, but considering the circumstances—I’m glad I have an opportunity to gauge her before we have an official relationship.
“Yes, but you needn’t refer to me by title. Rias will do just fine.” She adjusted herself, growing noticeably more composed. “I was hoping to meet with you before you took off, but I understand you had a meeting with someone upstairs.”
My eyes widened, picking up on the implication of her tone.
Sona must’ve told her, they’re said to be close friends after all.
“Yeah, it wasn’t anything of particular concern. Just a formality between houses, my mother has a close relationship with them and just needed me to mediate a small matter.” I could feel Thora’s eyes burning a hole through the back of my head as I lied through my teeth.
Don’t worry! I won’t do the same to you, I promise. I tried to convey my sentiment with a brief, side-eyed glance.
“I see…” She hummed, seemingly buying my words for the most part. “Anyhow, I happened to notice you had a little altercation with the lecher— Cough! I mean with Riser a short while ago.”
She plastered on a mischievous smile, earning a light-hearted chuckle from me in return.
At least she’s got spirit, that’s good to know. She’s most certainly going to need it.
“Yes, as most people are aware. Me and the rooster— Cough! I mean, Riser and I aren’t exactly on good terms with one another.” I responded to her in kind, which seemed to alleviate the tense atmosphere I could feel looming over her.
I might as well make a good first impression on her if I’m going to become her Guardian in a month’s time.
At the same time, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed upon meeting her in person.
Her presence is… underwhelming, and that’s not even me comparing her to the behemoth that is the Satan Lucifer, whose strength seems practically bottomless to my senses.
Even put side by side with our generation, she’s not as imposing as I thought someone with the moniker of the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess would be. Now it’s clear to me why Lord Lucifer wants someone to offer her extra support in her motion to nullify her arrangement with the rooster.
I understand that Lord Lucifer's duties make it exceedingly hard for him to find time to tutor his little sister, but can the same excuse apply to the rest of her family? I'm not so sure.
Sebastian, I’m starting to understand more and more why you aren’t a fan of Zeoticus Gremory. He’s on the opposite end of your spectrum, he’s too lax. Even though we devils have an exceptionally lengthy lifespan, like humans, we learn and absorb knowledge more effectively when we’re in our formative years.
But if this is all the strength she has at present, then those years have been wasted.
Training her may prove more challenging than I thought. Forget her clan trait, the foundation of her demonic power might need to be reconstructed in its entirety.
“Oh, believe me, I can relate to you there." She replied knowingly. "Truth be told, we didn’t even know you truly existed until now.” She admitted apologetically, but I didn’t see the need to take any offense. “Riser ranted about you on multiple occasions where I was given the displeasure of meeting with him, but I thought he was just fabricating you to make himself sound big.”
I exhaled in exasperation. “I can only imagine the long list of tales he probably told you about me…”
Part of me is tempted to just straight up submerge the Phenex limousine underground with my Earth Manipulation. Fortunately for him, I’m trying to prove to Thora that I’ve matured. So I’ll refrain. For now.
“That’s… putting it lightly I’m afraid.” She confessed somewhat nervously. “But don’t worry, I know better than to believe a single word that comes out of such a repulsive man’s mouth. Especially now that I’m seeing you in person, I can tell that there isn’t so much as a lick of truth to them.”
“Thank goodness,” I sighed in relief. If the rooster’s words were taken at face value, being on good terms with her would be naught but a pipe dream.
“By the way, I noticed that you gave Sona quite the remarkable gift.” Her upper eyelids dropped suggestively, her gloved palm covering her mouth. “Might House Buné be trying to… deepen their existing relationship with House Sitri? If so, I wouldn’t mind playing wingwoman as a reward for the spectacle I was fortunate enough to observe.”
“Eh? I think you’re misunderstanding something here—”
“R-Rias! Just what do you think you’re doing!?” A panicked voice intervened, belonging to Sona, who had started to approach us from the center stage as soon as she noticed us talking. Her face red as a tomato.
It looks like she caught wind of Rias’ rather… evocative statement thanks to her unfortunate timing. Although I must say, I’m surprised someone with an aura as dignified as hers’ would be caught off guard by such a thing.
It’s good to know that she lets loose every now and then, forcing yourself to remain courtly all the time can get tiresome.
“Oh my, there’s no need to be so smitten, Sona.” She giggled, her foxy smile widening. “I was just acting the dutiful matchmaker on your behalf since you’re still lacking a suitor and all, isn’t that what best friends do for one another?”
Good grief, you’d have to be blind not to see that she’s having fun teasing her.
Oh well, it’s good to know that they’re on favourable terms with one another. It’ll make dealing with them later on a smooth experience.
“I assure you I’m more than capable of finding a spouse on my own!” She huffed, bashfully crossing her arms and averting her gaze.
“Oh, don’t be like that.” Rias pouted, affectionately putting an arm around Sona’s shoulder. “He even went through the effort to get you a gift you’d actually use instead of tossing with the rest, don’t you think that deserves at least a little bit of consideration on your part?”
“Rias! That’s enough!” She chided her, brushing her arm away. “Besides… that wasn’t Alduin’s intention. Isn’t that right?” She looked at me for confirmation.
“Indeed, although I am delighted that you found my present acceptable. I assure you that I bore no romantic intent, Lady Sitri.” I affirmed, keeping my tone respectful and poised.
“Well… you didn’t have to word it like that.” She adopted a sullen look, her voice quieting a little as she fidgeted with her hair.
“Mou! Alduin no Baka!”
Thwack!
Out of nowhere, I was given a swift chop to the head by courtesy of Rias.
“Eh? Did I do something wrong?” I asked with a puzzled look while massaging my scalp.
“Young Lord, your tact could use some work.” Thora shook her head in second-hand embarrassment.
“Guh! Not you too!”
Women are confusing!
===
Hours went by, and the Underworld’s signature, dark-purple stained night sky took hold over the artificial daylight. The festivities officially came to an end as each of the attendees, including myself and Thora, departed from the manor and returned to the vehicles we had arrived in.
Once I was comfortably sitting down in the backseat alongside her, I raised my index finger, using Wind Manipulation to create a sound-trapping barrier around us—conjuring a verbal blockade between us and the chauffeur.
“Young Lord?” Naturally, a mage of Thora’s caliber picked up on the exerted demonic power.
“We need to talk, and it’s something we can never talk about again once we’re home.”
