AStoryForOne
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Revised Zekram Bael conversation.
🕑 Added 2022-12-30 13:49:31 +0000 UTCI hope this iteration is better. I was honestly extremely tired when i wrote the last one and yeah, It didn't really feel good for who he actually was.
*****
But now, it was time to deal with someone else. And I was currently not very fond of this person for the things he said to Yasaka.
“Zekram Bael. To what do I owe the pleasure.” I turned to face my apparent ancestor.
He adjusted his collar as he walked over. “I have wished to meet with you since I have learned of your existence.”
I crossed my arms, already having the feeling this conversation was going to give me a headache. Literally, a few words out of his mouth, and I was loathing the fact that I didn’t escape when I had the chance.
“Well, here’s your chance.” I said bluntly.
The Old devil gave me a scrutinizing look. “What would it take for you to become a Devil of the Bael family?”
I was…..immediately taken off guard by the question. I expected many things to come out of his mouth, but none of them were such a direct and blunt invitation. “Pardon?” Was all I managed to blurt out.
“Hmm. Was I not clear in my desire? I want you to join the Bael family and work under me.”
“I heard what you asked.” I regained my composure. “What I’m wondering is what the hell. Where did this come from? You went from insulting someone I clearly care about then asking me to join you?”
“I said nothing false.” He grunted.
……technically, I suppose he’s correct. However, that doesn’t mean the implication wasn’t offensive for everyone involved. But then realization dawned on me. “You were probing me, not her. You wanted to see how I would react.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “It seems I’ve underestimated your intelligence.” He didn’t even try to deny it. “You are correct. I am aware of your relationship with the Youkai Leader. I needed to know to what extent you were bonded.”
Should I be annoyed or impressed? I didn’t even notice until now because I, like everyone else, was more focused on Yasaka. “There are simpler ways to go about it.”
“Simpler ways indeed. And they would have been seen through more easily. I did not desire for the others amongst my faction to know. Perhaps under different circumstances it would have been deduced, however, your paramour has done a significantly wonderful job in leading them around and causing them no small amount of worry. I am rather impressed, all things considered.” Bael offered a small amount of praise with his explanation.
“And you kept silent afterwards to make it seem like you were sulking about a ‘scolding’.” I’m honestly surprised such a man I perceived as being unwaveringly prideful would allow others to think he was sulkingof all things.
“I didn’t survive this long without being able to hold my tongue and take a step back.” He said without an ounce of shame.
“You’re being very candid with me.”
“I believe you to be someone who does not desire useless formalities nor extended explanations. Unless I am mistaken, and considering the lack of information I am privy to, it is a possibility. Simply, I decided to be direct in my want.”
“You don’t strike me as someone who willingly walks into a conversation and asks for something like that without knowing more about the target.” I crossed my arms. “There’s more to it than simply wanting me ‘back into the fold’ isn’t there?”
A slight smile rose on his face. “Hmm, you are correct. I desire my bloodline to be under my purview. That foolish Sirzechs pushed you away , and I am keen on correcting this mistake. Unfortunately, my window of opportunity is small. As I mentioned before, I do not desire for the Satans to know of my plans.”
“Which means you’re planning something they wouldn’t like. I know only the vaguest amount of Devil Politics. Basically, that you are substantially powerhouse in that regard. Then you have the New Satan faction, led by the Satans currently. And then there’s the Old Satan Faction which also has a large backing, which we just revealed some secrets. I’m guessing that you’re also a little spooked by that revelation?”
The Old Devil let out a sigh. “I am annoyed that Sirzechs allowed you to walk away without a second thought.”
I ignored the undertone of his that made it seem like I was some kind of object. I don’t even think he meant it that way. “You said you weren’t going to waste breath, get to the point.”
“I want you to keep Sirzechs in check.” He once more said with complete transparency. “I had underestimated the depts to which those Old Satan worshippers would sink to. I chose to support the new faction because I believed it best for our race, but they choose the path of oblivion time and time again.”
I let out a snort. “Best path for the race, or best path for you?”
“There is no need to make a distinction.” The Old Devil said rather proudly. “Bael is the underworld. The other Houses can play their games, but I have already won.”
…..and he completely believes that.
It wasn’t just him boasting. He genuinely believed every word he just spoke.
I honestly admire him a smidgen for the audacity of that statement.
Not going to even bother touching that though.
“The Old Satan Faction will be brought to heel soon enough.” Zekram Bael continued. “Their presence and power in the underworld will diminish significantly with this new information. And it will not be merely the Three Factions that march upon these fools. Gods from other pantheons are now interested, their days are numbered. I have always acted as the counterweight whenever one side moves in a subpar direction, shifting everything back to the correct path. Soon, the new Satans will have no ‘foe’ to meet them. I will have to directly challenge them instead of using the fools as my pawns. Thus, I will need to strengthen my board. I offer you the Mutated Queen Piece of my peerage, an honor I have never bestowed to anyone.”
Okay.
That was a lot of information to take in.
“Why me?” I was honestly curious about his whole thought process.
“You are a Bael. You have overcome hardships to reach the mountain you now stand, looming over the masses. Merely a Half-Devil and now the very Gods acknowledge your presence. You have become an idol to the younger generation of Devil-Kind.”
“….what?” I blinked as the last words left his mouth. Ignoring the stroking of my ego he was doing…..what?
“Did you not know?” He sounded rather amused. “Half-Devils are…..shunned.” He grunted, almost sounding a little annoyed. “Foolish in my opinion. They carry our blood and can breed true with another full blooded of our kind. Wasteful and idiotic when our numbers are still far below what they should be. You are a Half-Devil that has defied expectations. Devils worship power and ability. You have shown that low status and low birth are not a hindrance. Reincarnated Devils as well speak very highly of you across the underworld as a model to reach towards in their own paths. Every leader we have is one of Nobility. Wining you to my side would gather a significant amount of support from the Devil Population.”
I honestly didn’t know how to reply to that.
I stayed away from almost all things Devil, so I was completely in the dark about this.
“I’m surprised you don’t have those same ‘Pure Blood’ sentiments and look down on both myself and Reincarnated Devils.” It was honestly difficult to guess what he was thinking, because a lot of what he just spout out went against my initial assumptions for the man.
“I care not for where one comes from. A devil is a Devil. Be it a Half breed, a Pure blood, or a Reincarnated. They are all below a Bael so the distinction is irrelevant.”
…..okay I should have guessed that.
Would you call that progressive thinking?
It didn’t even sound discriminatory either. Like it was merely a fact of life and it couldn’t be helped.
“So I ask once more. What do you desire?” The Old Devil asked again. “Wealth, Fame, Power….women? I can offer any of these. I do not care if you continue your relations with the Youkai woman. She has shown competency that is admirable and I would even welcome descendants from her bloodline should they come under our banner.”
I think I twitched unconsciously as he said that. I felt rude as hell, yet at the same time, I don’t think it was intentionally meant to be insulting.
“I have all of those things. Women? Completely ignoring the incrediblyimportant emotional attachments between me and my lovers and focusing on the very narrow value of their looks, they are objectively some of the most beautiful women ever to walk this world. Wealth? I have multiple Divine Weapons. I have treasures you couldn’t even fathom.” I mentally went over all my treasures. I had to hold back the urge of showing them off. Which I think was a combination of my Devil and Dragon nature. I really like to show off all my treasures when presented the opportunity. “And Power? Well, as you said, I think people know where I stand right now.” My ‘fight’ with Susanoo wasn’t exactly a secret. “And I couldn’t care less about fame.”
“I will allow you to marry Venelana.” He stated, keeping a rather even expression after hearing my denying his offers.
I should have guessed he would play a card involving Venelana. And the offer wasn’t entirely unenticing. Granted, we’re no where near that point in the relationship yet. And who knows, it would fall apart before we get there. However, the possessive part of me did flare up ever so slightly.
“My relationship with her is not something for you to meddle in.” I narrowed my eyes.
Again, he didn’t look perturbed in the slightest. But I don’t know if I was even reading him correctly, he was very good at not giving anything away. “I will make you the head of the Bael Family. I am even willing to offer you Venelana’s daughter as well. It would not be hard to usurp the Marriage agreement she has.”
I opened my mouth and closed it again.
Besides the……horny thoughts that briefly flashed through my mind. And I’m not ashamed to admit I had a couple fantasies like that, I am a healthy young man afterall. But my rational mind won out easily.
Not only would Venelana be absolutely pissed at me for even considering the idea, I have no good will towards my supposed Aunt.
As for the head of the Bael House…..I honestly didn’t give a shit about the Bael Family.
“….I refuse
“A shame.” Was the simple reply his gave.
“Wait, that’s it?”
“Do you expect me to throw a tantrum?” He snorted. “Perhaps threaten you with? If what I stated did not sway you, then I need to rethink my approach. It would be foolish to anger you when I have absolutely nothing to gain from it. And I have learned a few interesting things, so it is not a complete loss.”
“Well, if you want to shower me in riches to keep my mouth shut about your schemes, I wouldn’t say no.” I said rather cheekily.
And surprisingly, he adopted a rather amused look on his face. “If I was concerned about my position in the case of failure, I would not have approached you. The only desire for secrecy was if I succeeded.” He straightened his jacket. “It appears that our conversation ends here.” He gazed into the distance out of the corner of his eye. “It is a shame you did not accept, however, if you wish to contact me, know that the Bael House welcomes you.”
He didn’t waste any more words and began walking away.
That…..was strange.
Regardless, I should definitely go have a talk with the others, and especially Yasaka, about what jut happened.
Comments
Pride, the Original Sin
I love this rendition personally!
Asharzal
Well Zekram. Back to the drawing board with you. Perhaps throw Ingvild at Wilhelm?
Selmephren
This one feels so much better. This is why I dislike it when other people try to rush an author. Some characters and scenes just take longer to plot out and get the right feel to go from just ok to fitting in right at that moment.
BlessedEris
Well, that was actually exceptionally better than the original. The sheer arrogance of Zekram rang true. The fact that his arrogance makes him more progressive than his peers was hilarious. Good job ASFO.
