The next morning, Kuoh Academy was quiet. Too quiet.
Lucien noticed it the moment he stepped into the courtyard.
Students still whispered about him—but now, there was a different energy behind the stares. Hesitation. Uncertainty.
Someone had seen.
Or rather… someone had felt.
He made it to his shoe locker before a voice called out behind him.
"Lucien Vael."
He turned.
Rias Gremory stood there, alone. Graceful. Composed. Crimson hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid fire. Eyes sharp, cool, and just a little… guarded.
"Morning," Lucien said simply, slipping on his indoor shoes.
"You were out late last night," she said. "Near the old church."
Lucien gave her a slow, amused look. "Were you following me, President?"
Her lips curled upward. "Call it… curiosity."
"Dangerous habit," he murmured, brushing past her.
She stepped in front of him.
"I saw what you did."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Which part? The wings, or the part where I erased a former bishop without breaking a sweat?"
Rias didn't answer immediately. She studied him—how he moved, how his presence felt. No Devil aura. No House crest. No trace of teleportation magic or summoning circle. And yet, the power…
"You're not an ordinary devil."
Lucien smiled faintly. "You say that like it's a problem."
"I don't like unknowns in my territory," she said. Her voice was calm, but her magic pulsed faintly beneath her skin.
"Then maybe your map is outdated."
That made her eyes narrow. "Who are you, really?"
Lucien tilted his head. "Didn't the records say? I'm the last heir of House Vael. Old name. Forgotten bloodline. Buried deep in the abyss of devil history."
"There's no such thing as House Vael in the current underworld records."
"That's the thing about forgotten houses," he said, turning to walk past her again. "They tend to stay that way… until it's too late."
Rias didn't stop him this time. She stood there, frowning, watching the space where he'd been.
Behind her, Akeno stepped out from the corner of the building, arms crossed.
"So," she said softly. "Are we recruiting him? Or watching him?"
Rias' eyes flickered. "Both."