The conference room felt different this time. Less formal, more like colleagues comparing notes after a successful project.
Sirzechs sat relaxed in his chair, Azazel was looking at the sword in amusement taking every inch of its glory, Michael maintained his usual serene composure, and Odin was stroking his beard thoughtfully as he examined the sword I'd placed on the table.
"Remarkable craftsmanship," the All-Father said, his single eye studying the divine engravings that pulsed with contained power. "I haven't seen work of this quality in several centuries."
"The energy signature is completely different from the original weapon," Azazel observed, leaning forward with obvious interestb"You didn't just reforge it—you fundamentally changed what it was."
"That was the point," I replied, settling back in my chair. "The death magic was too integrated into the original structure. I had to break it down completely and rebuild from scratch."
"And now?" Sirzechs asked, his tone carrying genuine curiosity. "How does it compare to Hades' original spear in terms of suppressing your abilities?"
I picked up the sword, feeling the familiar connection flow between us. "It can't suppress me at all now. The weapon recognizes me as its creator and wielder. Plus, I understand the suppression principles that were used against me."
"How so?" Michael inquired gently.
"If someone tries to use similar techniques against me in the future, I can counter them," I explained. "The experience taught me how those suppression fields work on a fundamental level."
Odin's eye sharpened with interest. "And how exactly did you acquire this knowledge, young one? Divine weapon crafting isn't something one learns from books."
*Here we go.*
"I apologize, but I'd prefer to keep the specifics of how I acquired that knowledge confidential," I said, meeting his gaze directly. "I'm willing to share the practical applications and assist with similar projects, but the source... that's something I need to keep private."
The silence that followed was thoughtful rather than offended. These were all experienced leaders who understood that everyone had their secrets.
"Understandable," Sirzechs said diplomatically. "Your willingness to share the practical knowledge is generous enough."
"Indeed," Odin agreed, though his expression suggested he was filing away this mystery for later consideration. "Which brings me to a proposition. Once we've dealt with the Loki situation—which should be resolved within the next few days—I would like you to visit the Norse realm as my guest."
That caught me off guard. "Visit Asgard?"
"Among other places," Odin confirmed. "Your abilities and knowledge could be invaluable in strengthening our defenses against future divine incursions. Plus, I believe you would find our magical archives... helpful, if not, then I got lots of Valkyries that I can introduce you to."
*Magical archives. That could be incredibly useful.*
"I'd be honored," I said, though part of me was already wondering what complications this would create.
"Excellent," Sirzechs interjected, "though such a journey would require proper security arrangements. Grayfia, I believe you would be suitable as Akira-kun's bodyguard during his travels."
The reaction was immediate. Grayfia, who had been maintaining her usual professional composure throughout the meeting, went very still. I could practically see her mind racing through memories of what had happened in Lavinia's workshop.
*Oh, this is going to be awkward.*
"Sirzechs-sama," she said carefully, "while I am honored by your confidence in my abilities, perhaps another—"
"I can think of no one more qualified," Sirzechs continued with that gentle authority of his. "Your combat skills are unquestionable, and your experience in diplomatic situations would be invaluable."
Grayfia's professionalism warred with her obvious discomfort for a moment before duty won out. "Of course, Sirzechs-sama. I will ensure Akira-san's safety during his travels."
*This is either going to be incredibly awkward or incredibly dangerous. Possibly both.*
"Then it's settled," Odin declared, looking pleased. "Once the Loki matter is resolved, we shall arrange your visit."
As the meeting wrapped up with various logistical discussions, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a situation that would be far more complicated than anyone was letting on.
. . .
Walking through the halls of the Gremory mansion with Grayfia maintaining perfect professional distance beside me and Yoruichi lounging on my shoulder in cat form, I finally worked up the courage to address the elephant in the room.
"Grayfia-san" I said, stopping near one of the large windows that overlooked the estate grounds, "I need to apologize for what happened at the workshop."
She paused, her posture becoming even more rigid if that was possible. "There is no need for apologies, Akira-san. The situation was beyond anyone's control."
"That doesn't make it okay," I insisted. "I should have realized what was happening sooner. My carelessness put you in a compromising position."
For a moment, her perfect composure cracked slightly. "The fault was not yours alone. I should have maintained better control over my reactions, magical influence or not."
I said firmly. "Please don't dwell on it any further. The last thing I want is to create problems for you."
Grayfia was quiet for a long moment, staring out at the grounds. "Sirzechs-sama and I... our relationship is complicated" She paused, then continued more firmly, "But that does not excuse my conduct. I pride myself on maintaining professional standards regardless of circumstances."
"And you did," I said. "When it mattered, you pulled back. We all did."
"Perhaps." Her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
Yoruichi chose that moment to stretch and make her presence known. "For what it's worth, everyone handled it better than they could have"
Grayfia glanced at the cat with something that might have been gratitude. "Your perspective is... appreciated."
"The bodyguard assignment though," I said, getting back to the immediate problem, "if you're not comfortable with it—"
"I will fulfill my duties," she said firmly, her professional mask sliding back into place. "Personal discomfort is irrelevant."
*Right. Because that's definitely going to make things less awkward.*
Before I could respond, we heard the sound of running feet, and Millicas appeared around the corner, his face lighting up when he saw us.
"Hii! I'm Millicas, it's nice to meet you Akira nee san" he called out, rushing over with the kind of enthusiasm only kids could manage. "Grandma said you cook very well! Can you cook something for me? Please?"
I saw Grayfia's expression soften immediately at her son's enthusiasm. Despite the professional distance she'd been maintaining, there was genuine warmth in her eyes as she watched Millicas bounce around excitedly.
"Millicas," she said gently, "you shouldn't impose on our guest."
"It's no imposition," I said quickly. "I don't mind at all."
I glanced over Millicas's shoulder and caught sight of Venelana watching from the doorway, a knowing smile on her face that made it clear this "coincidental" encounter had been carefully orchestrated.
*Subtle as always, Venelana.*
"What would you like me to make?" I asked, ruffling his hair.
"Something amazing!" he said with the complete confidence that only children possessed.
"Well, you're about to see what heaven feels like"
. . .
The kitchen was more crowded than I'd expected. In addition to Millicas bouncing around with excitement and Venelana watching with obvious anticipation, the household staff had gathered to observe. Even some of the chefs were lingering, clearly curious about what the fuss was about.
"You know," I said, surveying the audience, "you don't all have to wait here. I can call you when it's ready."
"Ara Ara" Venelana said with that elegant smile of hers. "We can't just miss the opportunity to see your cooking in person. I love unravelling the secrets"
Grayfia, who had taken up position by the wall, spoke up in her professional tone. "My duties require me to remain with you at all times, Akira-san."
*Of course they do.*
I sighed and rolled up my sleeves. "Alright then. Fair warning—this might get a bit intense."
*Time to see if Soma's skills are as good in practice as they are in theory.*
I closed my eyes and let the memories flow. Techniques for flavor layering, understanding ingredient interactions, the precise timing needed to bring out the best in every component. When I opened them again, I could see the meal I wanted to create laid out perfectly in my mind.
"Millicas," I said, "how do you feel about omurice?"
His eyes went wide. "The fancy egg thing? I love that! Rias nee san cooked that for me a couple of times, but it wasn't that good!"
"Well, I'm going to make the best omurice you've ever tasted."
I started with the rice, building layers of flavor that would complement rather than compete with each other. The aroma began filling the kitchen almost immediately, and I could hear soft sounds of appreciation from the gathered audience.
"The technique is remarkable," one of the chefs murmured. "Look at how precisely he controls the heat."
The egg came next—the most critical part. Too much heat and it would become rubbery. Too little and it wouldn't set properly. I could feel everyone holding their breath as I worked, creating the perfect golden blanket that would wrap around the seasoned rice.
"It looks incredible!" Millicas said, practically vibrating with excitement.
Even Grayfia, despite her obvious efforts to maintain professional distance, was watching with obvious fascination. I caught her unconsciously leaning forward as the dish neared completion.
"The final touch," I said, reaching for the sauce I'd prepared—a perfect balance of sweet and savory that would tie everything together.
The moment I plated the first serving, the entire kitchen fell silent. The aroma was so rich and complex that I could practically see everyone's mouths watering.
"Here you go, Millicas," I said, setting the plate in front of him with a smile.
But I wasn't done. I quickly prepared portions for everyone present—Venelana, Grayfia, the staff, even Yoruichi got a small portion.
"For me too?" one of the maids asked in surprise.
"Everyone who waited deserves to taste it," I replied, finishing the last plate.
The anticipation in the room was almost physical as everyone received their portion. Millicas was the first to take a bite, and his reaction was immediate and dramatic—his eyes rolled back in pure bliss.
"This is the best thing I've ever eaten!" he declared through a mouthful of food.
Venelana was more controlled in her approach, but the moment the food touched her tongue, her elegant composure melted away. A soft moan of appreciation escaped her lips, and her cheeks flushed with pleasure.
The maids weren't even trying to maintain dignity. They were making sounds that probably weren't appropriate for a professional kitchen, lost in their own world of culinary ecstasy.
But it was Grayfia's reaction that surprised me the most. Despite her obvious efforts to maintain professional composure, the first bite hit her like a physical blow. Her eyes went wide, her breath caught, and for a moment, every wall she'd built around herself came crashing down.
"This is..." she started, then stopped, apparently unable to find words.
"Incredible," Venelana finished, though she was still staring at her plate like she wants to lick it clean, but choose not to do so, to maintain her dignity around us.
Yoruichi, in her cat form, was making small purring sounds as she ate. "Okay, I take back every comment I've made about your previous dish to be the best, now this is my favourite one!"
Even the professional chefs were rendered speechless, too busy experiencing their own culinary revelations to maintain their critical distance.
*Well. At least I know that Devils are just as ecstatic to food's tastes as humans*
As I watched everyone lose themselves in the food, I couldn't help but think that maybe some complications were worth it. Even if they did come with their own set of awkward consequences.
"Akira-nii," Millicas said once he'd recovered enough to speak, "can you cook for us every day?"
"I can't possibly replace such elite chefs" I replied with a laugh as I saw chefs take a sigh of relief "But maybe we can work something out for special occasions."
Grayfia, who had managed to regain some of her composure, looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite read. "Your talents continue to surprise us, Akira-san."
*If only you knew the half of it*
. . .
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