Two days had passed since Kiyoshi decided to visit Kuoh. Yasaka took it upon herself to negotiate with the demons about this. Having received the result, she invited the half-demon for a talk.
— The demons did not want to let Hyakki Yakou into Kuoh territory so easily. I had to agree to several conditions so that the youkai could expand in this city.
— And what did they want? — Zankoku asked curiously.
— Basically, it is not to create problems for the demons and to help the heirs if there is a threat to the city.
— I hope I don't have to be their nanny? I have no desire to mess around with every minor problem, like renegade demons.
— No. They will deal with this themselves, — the kitsune reassured her subordinate. — Only something large—scale that could threaten their lives. For example, an attack by one of the generals of the fallen angels, — Yasaka said with a grin.
— I understand. Although no one expects this, but anything can happen in life, — having finished speaking, Kiyoshi and the nine-tailed woman laughed briefly.
— Jokes aside, — the woman's face became serious. — If we save the Demon Lords' sisters, they will be in our debt.
— Don't worry, Kokabiel will not be able to carry out his plan, — Zankoku said without hesitation.
— It's good that you are so confident in this, — over the years the half-demon did not allow anyone to doubt him, so Yasaka believed Zankoku's words. — Then, I wish you good luck.
Having learned everything necessary, Kiyoshi said goodbye to the kitsune and began to prepare for departure. Three days were enough for the young man to prepare the people who would go to Kuoh and distribute tasks to the rest of his subordinates.
Since Shirone had decided to enroll in the academy, Kiyoshi had already purchased a house for the two of them. It was a great opportunity to spend time together. The amount of things they needed to take with them was minimal. The half-demon could teleport to his home at any time, and the rest could be bought on the spot.
— Shirone, it's time to go. My guys have already arrived in the city and prepared everything.
— I'm coming, — the nekomata approached him, carrying a suitcase in her hands. — That's it. We can go.
They had already said goodbye to Kuroka and Kumiko, so they immediately teleported to their new home. The magic circle went out, and the blond was able to examine the interior of the room:
— Not bad, — Zankoku assessed. He turned his attention to the only person in the room. — Thanks for helping with the house.
— I knew you'd like it, — the guy adjusted his glasses, hiding a smile. — I've already contacted the demons. We can leave right now. We have a meeting with the leader of the local group later. He happily agreed to accept the envoy of Hyakki Yako.
— The envoy, huh?— Kiyoshi chuckled, understanding his friend's idea. — You're the same as always, Shinichi, — the young man just shrugged. — Okay, let's go greet the "masters" of the city and then we'll resolve issues with the local yakuza.
***
Sona Sitri's Pov.
The school day came to an end, and all the students left the walls of Kuoh Academy. This day would have been no different from usual, if I hadn't received a message yesterday about the visit of a representative of the Kyoto yokai. Because of this news, my thoughts kept jumping to the upcoming negotiations, which prevented me from concentrating on my studies. Fortunately, the status of the student council president and excellent academic performance gave some privileges from the teachers.
When I followed my friend Rias to the human world, it never occurred to me that I would have to deal with people from other mythologies. I originally planned to gain experience in running a simple school so that I could fulfill my dream of opening a rating game school for reincarnated demons in the future. Just gain experience and recruit my retinue, but not interact with one of the close subordinates of the Kyoto Youkai Leader.
All these thoughts made my head hurt again. As soon as I heard about the meeting, I immediately contacted my sister. Although she was acting stupid, pretending to be a magical girl, she rightfully holds her position as a Demon Lord and diplomat. Serafall didn't fool around and explained that this was a serious meeting. No decisions were required from us, just to get to know the guest and not lose face.
I can understand why my sister was so serious. Six years ago, there was a scandal that could have started a war with the Youkai and Shinto Gods. That was the first time I saw Serafall get mad. She cursed the "morons" of the Naberius clan for a long time after that. That's why we need to show ourselves as heirs of one of the 72 pillars at the meeting today.
I hope Rias understands this and won't act stupidly. Although we've been friends since childhood, sometimes she annoys me with her whims and downright stupid antics. Rias is too used to relying on her brother, and he's happy to spoil his sister.
— Tsubaki, can you make some tea. Our guests will be arriving soon, — I turn to my queen. I can rely on her in this matter. Even if Tsubaki's skills are inferior to my friend's queen, her tea is still excellent.
— It will be done, kaichou.
A red-haired girl entered the office without knocking. One of the most popular girls at the academy, Rias Gremory. She was accompanied by the "prince" of the academy, as well as the reincarnated demon with the figure of a horse, Yuto Kiba.
— It seems I came just in time, Sona, — a carefree smile shone on the demoness's face.
— Be more serious, Rias, — I was afraid of such behavior. — Akeno won't participate?
— No. She went to the challenge. I'll tell her everything later.
Rias sat down next to me while Yuto joined my servants behind us. I glanced at my servants. Everyone, except for Tsubasa, who was waiting for guests at the entrance to the academy, and Saji, who I sent home just in case, were standing calmly, awaiting my orders. Everything is ready.
There was a knock on the door and a second later, Tsubasa Yura entered the room:
— I brought guests, Sona-sama. — The girl stepped aside, letting the two young men pass.
The first to enter was a platinum blond. He paused for a moment, looking around at the people around him. When his eyes landed on the Gremory heiress, he chuckled. The man walked straight to the sofa and sat down silently. Looking at the two girls in front of him, he had a smug smile on his face.
The next to enter the room was a brunette. Like the first man, he looked around before sitting down next to his comrade. Adjusting his glasses, he broke the silence:
— Hello. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us today. I am the deputy head of Hyakki Yakou, Shinichi Todaki. Next to me is my boss, Kiyoshi Zankoku, — the blond man continued to look at the demons with superiority. An annoying grin did not leave his face.
— Good afternoon. I am Sona Sitri, the heiress of the Sitri house, and also one of the owners of this territory, — I had to take the floor so that Rias would not lose her temper. I can already see how Zankoku's behavior hurt her pride. — The heiress of the Gremory house, Rias Gremory, together with me, governs this city.
The brunette looked at the frowning Rias and turned back to me to continue the conversation:
— Nice to meet you, — although Shinichi spoke calmly, I managed to notice how the edge of his lips rose seeing the state of my friend. — The purpose for which we asked to meet today is to get to know you, the mistresses of this territory, and also to inform you that from now on Hyakki Yakou will begin his actions in Kuoh. Therefore, at first it will be a little noisy, but do not worry. We will quickly take everything under control and no problems will be caused to you or those around you.
I see. They are going to subjugate the criminal part and do not want us to interfere. Shinichi also said that there are now youkai in Kuoh and we should not react thoughtlessly when meeting them.
— Good. I will take this into account, — this answer will be enough. As far as I know, Hyakki Yakou has a lot of experience in this kind of thing. Their influence has spread to many cities in Japan and it hasn't caused any problems for those around them.
— I agree. As long as you keep your words and don't cause trouble, you can stay here, — the red-haired girl said proudly.
Rias has said her words, but... But why is my friend acting like this? She's not stupid, but sometimes she gets carried away by her emotions and acts impulsively. Seeing the way she looks at this Kiyoshi, I understand that Rias wants to show off. But now is not the place and time.
Judging by that insignificant and almost imperceptible smile of Shinichi, it can be assumed that they are acting like this on purpose. The laughter that rang out only confirmed my thoughts.
— Did I say something funny? — Rias turned to the leader of Hyakki Yakou.
— Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have laughed, — for the first time at this meeting, the demons heard Zankoku's voice. — It seems you don't understand something, girl. We are not asking your opinion here, but presenting you with a fact. Hyakki Yakou has started their activities in Kuoh, — all his words he said in a commanding tone. — A contract with your Lords has already been concluded. Therefore, your decision here means nothing, Gremory heiress.
I calmly watched Kiyoshi's actions. All his actions from the very beginning, when he entered the room and until the moment he began to speak — it was a mask. Just like my sister's behavior. His imperiousness and arrogance that he showed to Rias is the real Kiyoshi Zankoku. I should be more careful with him, he is dangerous.
While Rias was silently seething with anger, I had to change the topic of conversation:
— Is that all you wanted to tell us or is there something else?
— Yes, there is one more thing, — the blond placed a folder with documents on the table. I took it and began to read it, while the young man continued to speak: — There will be a student transferring to your academy's graduating class. I warn you only once, — the room was literally filled with bloodlust emanating from Zankoku. — Do not try to involve her in your shitty games. Shirone is part of my family. She will never become a demon in your service. We are done here. — Both men rose from their seats and left the room.
The pressure from the blond disappeared as suddenly as it appeared as soon as the door closed behind him. I looked at my servants. With the exception of Tsubaki, everyone was trembling in fear. I looked at Rias's knight. Kiba held a sword in his hands, ready to protect his mistress at any moment. The difference is immediately visible. They will need additional training to overcome such pressure. Many strong opponents are capable of such. Remembering her training with Serafall, goosebumps immediately ran down her spine.
— Who does he think he is! — Rias exclaimed. — How dare a human threaten the Greater Demons?!
— Calm down, Rias. Don't get emotional, — my words had an effect. Taking a deep breath, my friend pulled herself together. — He is Yasaka's direct subordinate. Demons are already on bad terms with youkai. You shouldn't cause a conflict with your actions.
— Eh, alright, Sona. But what do you propose to do?
— Nothing, — my words surprised her. — We don't need to do anything. Let them do their own thing. If you want, send a couple of familiars to keep an eye on them. I'm sure the youkai won't harm the Demon Lords' sisters.
— I agree. This Kiyoshi is nothing compared to his brother, — Rias's mood rose again. — Who is this new student he was talking about? — I handed her the folder — Shirone Zankoku. He called her family and they both have white hair. Perhaps she is his sister.
— Perhaps, but Rias, despite your situation, do not try to make her your servant. It is better to focus on Hyoudou Issei, otherwise the fallen ones have already become interested in him.
— I know. It is part of my plan.
End Pov.
***
While the demons were discussing their affairs, the leader of Hyakki Yakou and his deputy were already on their way to another meeting. While there was still some free time, Kiyoshi decided to discuss the conversation they had recently had with his friend.
— What do you think about this? — the blond asked with interest.
— There will be no problems with the heiress of Sitri. She is very smart, — the brunette fell silent, recalling the meeting, — and I think she understood everything.
— Are you sure?
— Yes. She was watching our actions closely, and when you provoked the second one, I noticed a cold glint in her eyes.
Kiyoshi was surprised by a certain trepidation in his friend's words. He decided to voice his guess:
— You speak about her like that. Shin, did you really like her?
— Don't talk nonsense, — the young man adjusted his glasses, hiding his gaze under the smirk of his boss. — I was just interested in her behavior. She doesn't look like Gremory and the demons next to them.
Even your threat didn't make the girl's face change.
— Well, there's nothing surprising about that. Sona is the heiress of her Sitri clan. She should have been prepared since childhood to take over the leadership of the house. And don't forget that her sister is responsible for the external negotiations of hell with other mythologies. So she knows diplomacy, — Kiyoshi leaned back in the car seat and grinned: — Which can't be said about Gremory.
— I agree with you here. We can expect problems from her in the future.
— If Sitri doesn't restrain her, then yes, — the blond agreed. — As far as I could find out, before this she always lived under parental control. Now she has gained freedom and can act rashly.
The car drove up to the designated place. The office building was completely owned by one company, under whose name a local criminal group was hiding.