I surveyed the training field—a mess of melted dummies, water needles, and shadow residue from my demonstration. Typical aftermath of my sessions, though this one had been particularly destructive.
Ariel was already moving to collect scattered debris. "Lady Selene expects the training grounds to be maintained, regardless of how... vigorous the practice." Her crimson eyes darted to the molten puddle that had once been a fire-resistant dummy.
I waved her off. "Leave it. The groundskeepers can handle most of it." I glanced down at my sweat-soaked training clothes. "We need to get cleaned up first. Mother hates when I show up to meetings smelling like a battlefield."
"Of course." Ariel bowed slightly. "I'll prepare your bath immediately and then go to my own."
"No need for separate preparations." I kept my tone casual, watching her reaction. "My bath is large enough for efficiency's sake. And after that demonstration, I'd rather keep you close."
Her eyes widened fractionally, professional mask slipping for just a moment before she regained composure. "As you wish, my King."
We walked back to the mansion in comfortable silence. The bond between us hummed pleasantly in my awareness—stronger now after sharing the domain experience. I could sense her conflicted emotions: professional duty warring with growing personal attachment, curiosity about my abilities mixing with protective instincts.
Interesting how the peerage bond makes reading her so much easier.
My private chambers occupied the east wing's top floor. The bathing chamber was my favorite indulgence: black marble with purple veins throughout, a sunken tub large enough for six people, and enchanted water fixtures that maintained perfect temperature.
"I'll prepare the bath," Ariel said as we entered the suite.
"No servant talk," I reminded her, closing the door behind us. "Just us."
She nodded, heading toward the bathroom. I followed, watching as she efficiently activated the water runes. Steaming water began filling the tub, scented lightly with sandalwood and something darker—shadow essence, a specialty of the Valac household.
I began removing my training clothes, dropping them carelessly to the floor. Ariel kept her eyes averted, though I caught the slight pink tinge spreading across her cheeks.
"Does my nudity bother you?" I asked bluntly.
"No, Dante," she answered, still not looking directly at me.
"Liar." I stepped closer, now completely naked. "But it's an understandable reaction. The bond between King and Pawn creates certain... sensitivities."
She finally looked at me, her crimson eyes meeting mine with surprising resolve. "I'm aware of the effects. I've prepared for this role extensively."
"Have you?" I raised an eyebrow. "Let's test that preparation, then."
I reached for her maid uniform, slowly unfastening the top buttons. She remained perfectly still, only her quickened breathing betraying her reaction.
"You're my first peerage member, Ariel," I said conversationally as I continued unbuttoning. "That creates a special connection. Surely you've studied enough to know that."
"Yes." Her voice remained steady despite her racing pulse. "The first bond is typically the strongest."
I pushed the uniform from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. Her undergarments were simple but elegant—black lace against pale skin.
"My father would say I'm being improper," I continued, reaching behind her to unfasten her bra. "But he's not particularly concerned with conventional propriety himself, despite appearances."
The bra joined her uniform on the floor. Her breasts were magnificent—full and perfectly shaped, with dusky pink nipples that hardened despite the warm air.
"My mother," I added, hooking my fingers into her panties, "would say I'm being pragmatic. The bond requires proximity to stabilize properly."
I slid the final garment down her legs. She stepped out of them without prompting, now as naked as I was.
"And what would you say?" she asked quietly, standing before me without shame or artifice.
I took a moment to appreciate the view—her long black hair cascading down her back, the curves of her body more voluptuous than her maid's uniform had suggested, the subtle definition of muscle beneath soft skin.
"I'd say I'm being selfish," I admitted. "But then again, I usually am."
I took her hand, leading her to the filled tub. "After you."
She descended the marble steps into the steaming water, her movements graceful despite the unusual situation. I followed, settling beside her in the deep tub.
"Turn around," I instructed. "I'll wash your back."
She complied, presenting her back to me. I reached for the soap—a special blend created for the Valac family that left a subtle shadow residue on the skin, enhancing our natural abilities.
"The peerage system creates interesting dynamics," I commented, running soapy hands across her shoulders. "Especially for devils with more... intimate feeding methods."
Her muscles tensed slightly under my touch. "Like Essence Drain."
"Precisely." My hands worked lower, tracing the elegant line of her spine. "The Valac abilities reach their peak efficiency during moments of physical connection. Something the Evil Pieces seem designed to accommodate."
"Is that why you chose me?" she asked, voice carefully neutral. "For feeding efficiency?"
My hands paused against her lower back. "No. I chose you because you know more of my secrets than anyone except my mother, and have loyalty that can't be bought."
I resumed washing her, hands gliding around to her stomach. "The fact that we're compatible in other ways is merely a bonus."
She leaned back slightly into my touch. "I'm honored by your trust."
My hands slid upward, cupping her breasts. They filled my palms perfectly. "Trust is rare in devil society. Worth more than power or position."
I kneaded gently, feeling her nipples harden against my palms. Her breath caught.
"Young Master..."
"Dante," I corrected, continuing my ministrations. "When we're alone, it's Dante."
"Dante," she repeated, the name sounding different on her lips—intimate, almost reverent.
I pulled her back against my chest, her body fitting against mine as if designed for it. She couldn't help but feel my arousal pressing against her lower back. Her slight shiver told me she was well aware of my state.
"The bond will only grow stronger," I murmured against her ear, still massaging her breasts. "Better to acknowledge the attraction than pretend it doesn't exist."
She turned her head slightly, her lips inches from mine. "I've never pretended."
For a moment, I considered closing that small distance. The peerage bond hummed between us, urging connection, completion. But something held me back—not conscience, certainly, but perhaps a sense of timing.
Instead, I released her breasts and reached for the shampoo. "Let me wash your hair."
She turned back around, seeming to understand the temporary reprieve. I worked the shampoo through her long black tresses, taking my time. Her hair was like liquid silk between my fingers.
"We should finish up," I said eventually, rinsing the last of the shampoo away. "Mother doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Ariel nodded, rising from the water in one fluid motion. Water cascaded down her body, highlighting every curve. I followed, grabbing towels for us both.
We dried and dressed in silence, though the air between us remained charged. The bond had deepened noticeably just from our shared bath—I could feel her emotions more clearly now, a pleasant hum at the edge of my awareness.
"Ready?" I asked once we were both presentable.
"Yes." She had resumed her maid's uniform, though it seemed more like a costume now that I'd seen what lay beneath.
We made our way through the mansion to my mother's office. Unlike my father's imposing study, Mother's workspace was elegant and deceptively comfortable—designed to put visitors at ease while she extracted whatever information she wanted.
I knocked once, then entered without waiting for a response. Mother looked up from her desk, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
"Right on time," she said, closing the folder she'd been reviewing. "And freshly bathed, I see."
I dropped into one of the chairs facing her desk. "You said you wanted to discuss peerage protocol."
"Indeed." Her eyes flicked to Ariel, who had taken up a position slightly behind my chair. "I see the bond is progressing well."
"Very," I agreed, not bothering to ask how she knew. Mother always knew more than she should.
"Good." She leaned back in her chair. "Now, as your first peerage member, Ariel represents the foundation of your future court. Her integration sets the tone for all who follow."
"I'm aware."
Mother's expression remained placid. "Are you also aware that you need to file official registration with the Council within two weeks of the first Evil Piece usage?"
I frowned. "No, that wasn't mentioned in any of the materials."
"Because it's a recent regulation," she explained. "After certain... incidents with unregistered peerages engaging in unsanctioned activities."
"Fine. I'll handle the paperwork."
"I've already prepared it." She pushed a folder across the desk. "You merely need to sign."
I flipped through the documents, scanning for any hidden catches. Finding none, I signed where indicated.
"Now," Mother continued, "about your plans for expanding your peerage—"
"I'm in no rush," I cut in. "Quality over quantity."
"A wise approach. Though I understand you have a visitor coming tomorrow?"
I blinked. "Visitor?"
"Latia Astaroth." Mother's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Or had you forgotten your invitation?"
Damn. I had completely forgotten. The week had passed faster than expected with all the training and Ariel's integration.
"Of course not," I lied smoothly. "I was merely surprised you remembered it."
"Little happens in this house without my knowledge, Dante." Her smile turned enigmatic. "Particularly when it involves the niece of Ajuka Beelzebub."
I shrugged. "It's just a research discussion. She's working on an energy conversion theory and wanted my perspective on shadow manipulation principles."
"Is that all?" Mother asked, clearly not believing me.
"She might also be able to help with my elemental affinity issues," I admitted. "Her formula manipulation skills are exceptional."
Mother nodded thoughtfully. "A mutually beneficial exchange, then. Interesting."
"I'd like the east wing study to ourselves," I added. "No interruptions."
"Granted." She tapped her fingers lightly on the desk. "Though I am curious about your longer-term marriage plans. After Latia, perhaps?"
I snorted. "This is strictly intellectual collaboration."
"For now," Mother murmured, too low for anyone without enhanced hearing to catch.
"Regardless," I continued, "I plan to train intensively with Ariel for the next two weeks, then visit the human world after Rias's birthday celebration. I'll find suitable candidates there."
"With Ariel as your escort?"
I glanced back at my new Pawn. "Yes. Two pieces should be sufficient protection for a simple recruitment trip."
Mother's eyes narrowed slightly. "And these potential recruits—what qualities are you seeking?"
"Potential. Loyalty. Unique abilities that complement my own." I leaned forward. "I'm not building an all female peerage like a degenerate if that's your concern."
"The thought never crossed my mind," she said, though her expression suggested otherwise. "Just be mindful that your choices reflect on House Valac."
"Always am." I stood, signaling the end of the conversation. "If that's all, I need to prepare for tomorrow."
Mother inclined her head. "Of course. Don't let me keep you."
I turned to leave, Ariel falling into step behind me.
"Oh, and Dante?" Mother called after us.
I paused at the doorway. "Yes?"
"Do remember that while the Astaroth girl may be interested in your shadow manipulation theories, her uncle might have other interests regarding House Valac."
I nodded, understanding her warning. "I'll be careful."
Outside in the hallway, I let out a breath. "Well, that went better than expected."
"Your mother sees more than she says," Ariel observed quietly.
"Always has." I started walking toward my rooms. "Now we need to prepare for tomorrow. If Latia's coming to discuss magical theory, I should at least review my notes."
"And your elemental affinity issues?" Ariel prompted.
I glanced at her, surprised by her perceptiveness. "Yes. If anyone can help with that, it's someone with her understanding of formula manipulation."
"Do you think she might be a potential peerage candidate?" Ariel asked carefully.
I laughed. "Latia? No. Marriage? Maybe. Her loyalty is to her family and her uncle. Besides, I think she's too independent to serve anyone."
"Like someone else I know," Ariel murmured.
I grinned. "Exactly. Now, let's review what I actually know about energy conversion theory before I embarrass myself tomorrow."