DxD: Path of the Gremory Prince

"Diodora Astaroth? Do you know him?" Makima whispered.

"Yes, but don't worry. He won't do anything for now."

Diodora Astaroth. My gaze turned discreetly to the man Makima had mentioned. He was standing there, among the other nobles, with that damned polite smile and impeccable posture that hid his true nature.

Greenish hair and violet eyes, a refined face that any unsuspecting person could judge as noble. But I knew better.

Diodora was a rat. A disgusting rat who pretended to be a man of class, but who hid behind the façade one of the most despicable traits a being could have.

Asia, who at that moment was chatting shyly with Rias and Akeno, was probably oblivious to the predatory gaze fixed on her.

My jaw twitched slightly, but I kept my composure. I couldn't just attack him without reason.

Diodora Astaroth was a member of Astaroth Clan, one of the 72 Pillars of the Underworld. The Astaroth Clan had significant influence in demonic politics. After all, Ajuka Beelzebub himself — one of the Four Maous — was of their lineage. In theory, they were as influential as the Gremory family or even more.

But Diodora? He wasn't a genius like Ajuka. He didn't possess a brilliant mind or exceptional talent. What he did have was an unhealthy obsession. He was a hunter of nuns.

While most noble devils sought to strengthen their armies with powerful pawns or strategic alliances, Diodora was fixated on his fetish. He didn't care about strength, status, or prestige. He only wanted one thing: pure, innocent girls. Basically, nuns.

His method was simple. He approached devout young girls who served the Church, pretending to be an ally, someone who would save them. He would seduce them by saying that he loved them and, in his polite and handsome manner, he would eventually win them over, getting these nuns excommunicated from the Church.

And then he would turn them into his servants to use as he wished.

It was a sick cycle. A cycle that he repeated several times, adding new pieces to his collection. And he wanted Asia to be one of them.

In the past, when Asia was still part of the Church, Diodora saw her and became 'enamored' with her. Her innocence and kindness were greater than he had ever seen in any other nun. This awakened in him the desire to possess her. He then appeared bruised in front of her and Asia, with her pure heart, healed him.

The Church discovered this and naturally excommunicated Asia, who was quickly taken in by the Fallen Angels who worked with Diodora. On the night he was to stage her 'salvation,' Issei and I showed up at that church and eliminated Raynare.

Diodora had no choice but to distance himself. But that didn't mean he had forgotten her. No. Diodora was obsessed. He was planning and waiting for the moment to get Asia back.

And here he was. Staring at her like a hunter rediscovering his lost prey.

[Patrons know the original story of Diodora Astaroth.]

[Most Patrons don't like how Diodora Astaroth is looking at Asia Argento.] 

[They demand that you act against Diodora Astaroth immediately.]

My brow furrowed. 'Act immediately? You must be crazy.'

Of course, I couldn't act rashly. As fanatical as Diodora was, he wasn't foolish. If I challenged him now, he would feign indignation and would act like a wronged nobleman, claiming that I was being irrational and trying to gain sympathy from the other noblemen.

As I said, Diodora was a rat. The worst kind of enemy. If I called him to a Rating Game, he would make it a spectacle of outrage.

[The Patrons are bored and demand action from you.]

Despite the messages resonating in my mind, I knew this scene had more and more Patrons watching.

[104 Patrons are now watching this scene.]

…

[105 Patrons are now watching this scene.]

The Patrons couldn't act directly in this world, but they could use me as an avatar of their desires. The worst thing they could do was stop watching and maybe switch to another contractor's broadcast.

So, I tested how far they would go to convince me to do something I didn't want to do.

The Patrons kept bombarding me with messages, hoping I would give in.

[The entity 'The Firmament Exile' believes you are a coward.]

[The entity 'Hermit of the Golden Moon' expresses disappointment in you.]

[The 'Librarian of Lost Time' appreciates your patience and choice to wait.]

Various entities' names were appearing, along with their reactions. I didn't know why their names were being mentioned, but I was glad to know that each of them had a name and that I could now recognize them individually.

However, it didn't matter how many of them were disappointed in me. They weren't leaving the scene just yet, and I let this collective will of theirs build up.

I just sat there, ignoring their messages and watching Diodora.

Waiting.

And then…

[A Temporary Mission was required by the sponsor 'The Firmament Exile'!]

+

[Mission title: The Rat Game.]

Description: Most of the Patrons demand action from you against Diodora Astaroth, but they know that a direct confrontation is now problematic. They want to see your ability to manipulate and outsmart this cunning rat. Deceive Diodora, force him into a Rating Game without him being able to escape.

[Objectives:]

Make Diodora accept a Rating Game against you. (0/1)

Humiliate him publicly. (0/1)

[Time limit: 30 minutes.]

[Rewards: ???]

[Failure: ???]

+

When I saw the holographic screen displaying all this information appear in front of me, I almost let a broad smile cross my face.

Standing still was killing me, so this mission had come at just the right time. I stood up from my chair and extended one hand to Asia and the other to Makima.

"How about we dance?"

Makima accepted immediately, but Asia looked at my hand and then at me.

"H-How are the three of us supposed to dance together, Milicas?"

She seemed inclined to refuse because she didn't want to be in the middle of a bunch of devils.

"I'll always pay attention to you two."

Asia hesitated for a moment longer, but, in the end, she agreed. So we headed to the dance floor. Upon arrival, Makima was the first to speak:

"You can start by dancing with Asia."

I agreed, letting go of her hand to focus entirely on Asia. As soon as we started dancing, I realized she was much better than I had expected. Not only did she avoid stepping on my feet, but she also kept pace with me.

"You dance very well," I commented as I spun her around slightly and grabbed her from behind.

"A-Ah, thank you..."

"Where did you learn?" I asked, twirled her around and brought her back.

"There was a nun who looked after me when I was very little. She taught me to dance because she believed that one day, Prince Charming would appear, take her out of the convent, and sweep her off to grand dances like this. Well, we lived in Italy, and she was a romantic woman."

Following my lead, she said innocently:

"Today, I'd like to meet her and tell her I've found what she was looking for."

Her sudden sincerity took me by surprise. Asia noticed my expression and blinked, looking confused by her own words.

"I-I mean... I... I'm not saying that I think you're my... prince charming or anything!"

She started fumbling over her words, trying to explain herself, but I just smiled and pulled her close, pressing her body against mine as I said:

"That nun who taught you to dance, wherever she is, would surely be proud of the woman you're becoming."

Asia's green eyes sparkled, and a shy smile formed on her lips.

[Asia Argento felt her heart warm in your presence.]

[You have received +2 Relationship Points with Asia Argento.]

[You reached the 15 Relationship Points mark with Asia Argento and unlocked the First Heart.]

[Your relationship with Asia Argento has come a long way.]

[For someone to make a declaration of love to you, you need at least 3 Hearts.]

When the music changed, it was Makima who stepped forward and took Asia's place.

If before the dance with Asia had been graceful and calm, the dance with Makima was intense.

She didn't just know how to dance — she had mastered the art. If it hadn't been for my strict etiquette lessons with Grayfia, I would never have been able to keep up with the centuries of training Makima had undergone.

As we moved, I felt eyes on us. The shock on the nobles' faces was clear, and I couldn't blame them. Two red-haired dancers, moving with absolute perfection and a harmony that seemed to stem from years together.

Makima's dancing skills even surprised my mother, who rarely showed any emotion.

Suddenly, Makima leaned slightly toward me as we danced.

"You were teasing him, weren't you? That's why you were dancing so close to Asia."

I smiled. "Why? Did you feel a little jealous?"

"Don't be silly, master. I just want to know what you're up to."

"I need him to take the initiative. And when he does what I expect him to do, I'll really provoke him."

As I expected, Diodora predictably fell for the temptation to approach Asia while I was dancing with Makima. Fortunately, the place was crowded, and the large number of devils near the dance floor, which prevented Diodora from getting to Asia before the mission was over.

Finally, the music ended, and I took a step back, bowing to Makima, who returned the gesture with a smile.

And then, a certain rat just couldn't help himself. Diodora was approaching Asia.

My mouth curved into a subtle smile. Now was the time to act.

"Makima, I'm going to catch my prey."

"Have fun, master," she replied, crossing her arms.

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