Diodora was ecstatic. The arrival of the Maou Ajuka and Sirzechs was entirely within his expectations.
Of the six young Devils gathered here, four, including himself, were related to the current Four Great Satans. The other two were heirs to the Bael and Agares clans. This gathering represented the very cream of the crop of Devil society.
The Four Great Satans' presence was practically mandatory. And would a returning Old Maou like Baal dare to challenge them? Diodora knew Ajuka's power was ten times that of the previous Beelzebub.
Therefore, he reasoned, even the Progenitor Devil King Baal wouldn't risk fighting the current Maou by attacking him. All he had to do was mock Baal in front of Asia, showcasing his bravery.
It was a perfect plan. He could gain favor with the anti-Baal faction among the Devil elite and win Asia's heart.
Even if Baal disregarded his pride and attacked, or accepted his challenge to a duel, Diodora had a trump card—Ophis's power. He was confident he could at least escape.
And if it came to a duel, he doubted even Baal could withstand the combined might of over a thousand enhanced Devils, each empowered by Ophis to Ultimate-Class levels.
Even the Biblical God had been overwhelmed by the Devils' sheer numbers.
Diodora reached out to take Asia's hand, his eyes meeting Ajuka's—a silent request for approval.
Haru, observing the scene, a faint scent of "snake" emanating from Diodora, sneered.
He saw through Diodora's bravado. It was nothing more than borrowed power—Ophis's power. "I could crush him like an insect. Even Ajuka wouldn't risk the annihilation of the Devils just for this fool."
Just as Haru was about to obliterate Diodora, Rias stepped forward.
"Hold on a moment, Diodora," she said, her voice firm.
"Hmm?" Diodora looked up, his hand hovering inches from Asia's.
Asia, visibly relieved, quickly moved behind Rias, her eyes darting towards Haru, a silent plea for help.
Haru, catching her gaze, grinned—the same predatory grin he'd worn when they first met.
Asia puffed out her cheeks, remembering that... unpleasant encounter. She glared at Haru, then her expression softened.
After spending so much time with Haru, even the purest maiden would be corrupted. She knew she wouldn't escape his clutches. But compared to Diodora, who filled her with unease, she preferred being devoured by Haru.
After all, Asia was still a devout follower of the Church, and Haru was the closest person to God she knew—the only one she'd been intimately close to.
"So, the Devil Asia saved back when she was with the Church... was the next head of the Astaroth clan?"
"And that's why she was excommunicated?"
Xenovia and Koneko moved to Asia's side, their eyes fixed on Diodora.
Diodora, however, ignored them completely. His gaze was locked on Rias as he rose to his feet, a polite smile on his face.
"Is something the matter, Rias Gremory?"
"Don't play coy," Rias replied, her voice laced with authority. A confident smile played on her lips.
"I hadn't realized the Devil Asia saved was the next head of the Astaroth clan. But you're proposing to my [Bishop]. I have a right to inquire, don't I?"
Diodora lowered his head, feigning contemplation. "Indeed. As Asia's King, you have every right to be concerned."
He looked up, a sly smile replacing his earlier polite facade. "How about... a trade?"
"A trade?" Rias echoed, then quickly understood his meaning.
"You're talking about an exchange of Evil Pieces?"
"Exactly. Let's trade servants," Diodora said, his tone serious. "All I need is Asia."
The young Devils who had been admiring Diodora's boldness looked at each other in confusion.
Rias laughed—a cold, brittle sound. "You think you can... buy the woman you intend to marry?"
"I know Asia was reincarnated using a Bishop piece. I'll offer you a Bishop in return. You won't lose anything."
Diodora seemed completely oblivious to how inappropriate his suggestion was.
"She's just a Low-Class Devil. It shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
Just a Low-Class Devil?
Referring to his intended bride as "just a Low-Class Devil?"
The crowd, who had initially been moved by Diodora's apparent devotion to Asia—a proposal stemming from gratitude for saving his life—were now filled with disgust.
What had happened to the heartwarming, inspirational love story they'd expected?
Zephyrdor, Seekvaira, and Sairaorg's faces darkened. They felt a sudden urge to vomit, remembering their earlier praise of Diodora.
"That bastard... It's nothing more than possessiveness... pure and simple."
Haru turned to Ajuka.
"Ajuka, that's... your boy, isn't he?"
All eyes turned to Ajuka.
Ajuka's smile vanished. He nodded curtly, his expression suggesting he, too, found Diodora's behavior repulsive.
"I'll accept his challenge," Haru said, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "I've been looking for an excuse to... unleash some power lately."
Ajuka nodded. "Be My Guest. Feel free to kill him."
Diodora's eyes widened, then narrowed as he glared at the group.
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