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[ ] - Telepathy

( ) - Author's Note

" " - Person Talking

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=-Author's POV-=

Now where were we? Ah, right. Before they entered the Mansion as Gray, who welcomed the kids to the noble society, Gray felt the need to ask what kind of person Stolas' wife and Octavia's mother was considering he didn't surely know if the rumors about her were true and so he asked.

"So... What kind of person is your mother, Lady Octavia?"
Gray asked as suddenly the two Goetia Demons' faces turned into dread.

"Oh, fuck," Octavia muttered under her breath so the kids won't hear her swear "I completely forgot about that. Dad, what are we gonna do about mum?"
She asked to look at her dad with worry. He then sighs tiredly.

"You'll do nothing my dear. I'll talk to her myself."
Stolas replied looking back with a stern face.

"I can't believe I'm asking this but are there rumors about her true Prince Stolas?"

"Sad to say but yes. I'm only hoping I can talk to her first before she starts to yell at me."
Stolas replied as he sighed heavily, gaining a worried looks from the Perez Family including the snow kitsune.

"As long as her Highness Stella doesn't mind my kids sticking with me most of the time it's enough for me."
Gray replied smiling at the Prince as the kids and fox followed his reaction to Prince Stolas.

At those words, Octavia had to stifle a small laugh. Seeing Gray act so "proper" after getting to know him was certainly a complete turnaround. Still she knew he was only acting like this because he wanted to make a good first impression for those who were still in the house, which would also include a certain witch screeching voice of yells in her everyday life... her mother.

At that particular thought, Octavia couldn't help but grimace. If there was one person in this house who'd be a problem, it would definitely be her. Octavia had told Gray plenty about her during their talk at the Queenlier's Kink, so he knew what to expect when the two would eventually meet, but even so, he needed to be careful. Stolas may have been the family head but Stella most assuredly had him beat in terms of pure unfiltered aggression. One wrong move and she could have Gray, kids and Fubuki literally thrown out of the building in the most painful way possible.

With this in mind, Octavia needed to make sure she spoke to her mother first, before she and Gray were introduced, including of course his kids. The Silver Demon may have been the one to save her daughter's life, and regarding his status as the greatest servant of hell he'll probably have it easy, but nonetheless that won't stop Stella from looking down of his kids from her classist point of view. Meaning Octavia had to ease her mother into the idea of having Gray's kids working in the mansion, with the exception of Max who doesn't work but is still being raised, this is preferably better before the two of them get the chance to even interact.

Perez family starts talking about how beautiful the mansion is and how huge it is to the fact that you can still improve the mansion by adding more at the front Stolas and Octavia were listening to Lollie's opinions on how they can greatly improve the front, and how Daryl was belittling the security around the mansion as it clearly isn't secured enough.

Gray would somewhat agree on Daryl's opinion however it's not like they can't handle themselves so it's alright not caring about the security if you are a powerful noble demon, and he didn't argue with Lollie's insight opinion about decorations he didn't taught her how to decorate a place to look majestically beautiful, it was Queen Nocturra who taught Lollie about that stuff, so he didn't bother to give his own opinion.

"Right, I suppose you wouldn't mind my kids getting around the mansion first? I would suggest meeting Princess Stella first before I introduced them, that way she won't have to vent their anger at them.... and I don't really want my kids to hear her special opinions on them."
Gray commented fake smiling and specifically slowly telling the word 'special' which means insults from Stella. Stolas then hummed.

"Why yes, I don't mind that at all. For now both Daryl and Lollie will receive the instructions they need first thing in the morning, at 8 AM sharp,"
Stolas began explaining the details of their upcoming first day of employment.
"Normally the work shift starts a little earlier, but since the two of them are new, they both will need time to learn the ropes. As such, I'll have them both work under a few different members of my staff so that we can establish what role they'll be suited for. After all, efficiency is key in any work environment, wouldn't you agree?"

"I see no reason why it shouldn't be. Thank you, your highness."
Gray replied, giving the Goetia Demon an understanding nod of his head.

"Excellent," Stolas exclaimed, happy that the conversation was going so smoothly.

As the seven people separated into two as Daryl, Lollie, and Max while carrying Fubuki were escorted by Reginald to their quarters. Gray was a bit worried about leaving the kids to the Reginald as he seemed the type of professional servant who tells other people to know their place. He'll have to remind the servant later as he has a problem to face along with the two Goetia Demons as he walks far behind them. Allowing them to talk privately to each other would be best for them to be ready to calm down a certain rushing avian volcanic voice across the Mansion before it gets worse.

"Dad, you know I can't just stand by and let you do all the talking. She won't budge even if you persuade her."
Octavia whispered, saddened by the fact that she knew her own mother wouldn't even care for her savior.... Stella's reaction to her story was enough to remind her.

"Starfire, Sweetie, thank you for saying that but I've already told you to let me do the talking. Besides how can you know she won't agree to this? I'm sure she will take it lightly."
Stolas replied optimistically, as he is confident that he is able to handle this alone as he is an adult. But Octavia thinks otherwise.

"My gut is telling me otherwise."
Octavia groaned rubbing her shoulder clearly having doubts. Gray seeing this couldn't help but try to think of something that would calm her down.

"Merida!"

Stolas, called as a Woman that was practically a Woman maid sinner that has red eyes with white cross on both, along with circular eye glasses as her white curled hair with red highlighted wearing a maid outfit as her body some parts of her has an outer bones on her elbow which as if it was made of metal needless to say it was her 'armor', she also has two straight white horns and one large one on her forehead that is colored black, part of her characteristic as a Sinner she practically looked like an armored lizard as her tail showed with scales that are thick and strong, comes running down the hallway stopping in front of him. Gray then walked closer to hear the conversation at hand.

(Here's an example of what she looks like. Though there are still more features missing but you can just imagine that easily with this pic... I seriously delayed this chapter just so I could find a picture that fits like the characters I add. My Apologies.)

(Art by XrayDreads from Twitter/X go check the person's account!)

"Yes, my lord?"
The servant regained her composure, bowing at the Prince.

"Did Stella ever told anyone when she's going back home?"
He asked the calm and composed servant.

"On the contrary sir, she's already here as of now taking a bath on her favorite bathtub and would likely take an half an hour or one to finish."
She replied. Gray, hearing this thought of an idea to lessen Octavia's worries, so he began to walk closer.

"Excuse me, Prince Stolas..."
He called, stopping them from their tracks as the two looked back at him.
"It's just that I assume that now the kids aren't with me, you would have questions about my capabilities, a small interview I might say."
Gray said formally, bowing his head a bit daring not to look at Noble Demon's eyes. Stolas who then rub his chin in thought while humming pretty much didn't expect the Sinner to actually know about that, but then again Gray is a father figure so he knows that he'll be interrogated soon enough.

"Yes, I have yet to actually ask a question about your capabilities and needs. Let's continue our discussion at dining table,"
Stolas replied as he turned back to the servant earlier who's still bowing.
"Merida please ready the table for our guest and give for the ones below as well."
Stolas gave order to Merida as quickly as she arrived and she left just as fast.

It took a few walks for them to reach the small dining table. Of course there was a huge one located closely at the center of the mansion but those are only used for occasions. Gray was eying many portraits and the one that took interest for him was the swords he kept looking at the creator's signature Octavia took notice of this and went to his side.

"See something you like?"
Octavia whispered smirking, gaining a deadpan look from Gray.

"It's not what you think I'm not looking for any armor or weapon to use."
Gray whispered back, gaining a confused eyebrow from her.

"It seems to me like you're interested in one of these weapons, if that's not the case then why inspect them?"
She asked as Gray once again started inspecting the armors, taking off a helmet from the armor stands looking for smith's signature. He then sighed.

"It's just that maybe one of these was created Azlen. It would at least give me a broad information of what kind of smith the person was.... that and Monashi will throw a huge tantrum if I use a different sword other than him."

Gray replied jokingly, earning a giggle from Octavia. He then put back the helmet seeing as there's no signature named Azlen, he gave up on looking.

"I can imagine that.... but if you're looking for clues you should try the library."
Octavia said as they both continued following Stolas once again.

A few moments before they finally reached the room. They then took a seat Stolas took the huge chair meant for the two tall demon avians, while Octavia and Gray sat on opposite end of the table. On Stolas' view point his daughter is on the right, while Gray was on the left. Stolas then looked at Gray before he spoke.

"As we have discussed, you insisted on a small interview first before we go through your needs. I will have you be brutally honest; is that alright?"

"I have no objections, sir."
Gray replied, giving the Goetia demon an understanding nod.

At those words, Stolas nodded back and rested his elbow on the table, leaning his hands in a serious manner as he focused all four of his eyes on the Cat Demon sitting across from him. Seeing the hard glare in the Goetia Demon's eyes, as Gray's face turned serious practically a first time in a while where he uses it since his old days of being a servant, he mentally prepared himself by mentally sighing for whatever it was Stolas had planned.

"Very good," Stolas began. " Now, since we are short on paperwork at the moment, I'm only going to ask you a series of questions, and all you have to do is answer yes or no. Understood?"

"Yes," Gray replied, nodding his head and quickly following along with the Goetia Demon's instructions.

With both parties on the same page, Stolas then began his series of questions. As the exchange continued back and forth, all Octavia could do was watch and hope that her father didn't ask Gray anything he couldn't answer.

"Alright, now these questions are basic requirements for most servants even though you're one of the best servants in noble society so please bear with me," Stolas said as he cleared his throat going back to the topic as Gray closed his eyes focusing on the subject.
"Do you have experience in household cleaning?"

"Yes."

"Can you drive?"

"Yes."

"Can you be flexible when handling certain tasks?"

"Yes."

"Are you capable of using basic magics?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any grudges against anyone when you were alive?"

"No."

"Have you ever indulged in cannibalism?"

"No."

"Have you done a single 'adult' service needs for nobles in the past?"

"No."

"Have you done 'it' with someone at least once?"

"No."

"Are you capable of holding back your anger?"

"Yes."

"Are you able to keep secretes for your employers?"

"Yes."

"Are you comfortable with working as a servant in the Noble Society again?"

"Yes."

"Do you think my daughter's pretty?"

"Ye-

Gray was quick to process the question as he suddenly held his breath in the middle of his answer so much so that he snapped his eyes wide open as he looked at Stolas as his last question ringing over in his head over and over again. It only took a moment as he sighed as Gray knew he had to honestly answer eventually.

-Yesn't?"

Gray answered jokingly, attempting to somewhat dodge the question but did so terribly so much so that he groaned embarrassingly face palming so hard that a slap echoed in the room. The sudden rush of humiliation and regret began to flood his mind. Gray then raised his hand over his head and slowly dragged it down across his face. As he was doing this, a blue light appeared on his hand. He dragged it down, and his mask slowly appeared at the opposite end of where his hand was. It happened bit by bit as it ended, finally fully equipping his mask.

(Think of it like how Ichigo from Bleach creates his mask but instead transforms like a nano tech from iron man in marvel.)

His eyes then snapped over towards Octavia, who, after hearing Gray's first hesitant answer, had a face that was flushed beet red with embarrassment. Her mind reeled at how her father could just embarrass her like that.

"DAD!"
she exclaimed, her own mind reeling at how her father could just embarrass her like that.

"What?"
Stolas retorted, giving the pair of them an indifferent shrug as if he did nothing wrong.
"It was an honest question."

As soon as he said that, Gray groaned tiredly but ended up chuckling anyway.

"Sorry, it's just that... it's been a while since I let my guard down like that. Suppose that's on me for underestimating you, Prince Stolas."

Gray complimented the Prince's ways of twisting someone's words, and Stolas chuckled in response.

"But still, it's way too sudden to ask such a trick question, and for it to be a lose-lose situation."

Gray said in a joyful tone, but Stolas couldn't help but let out light laughter covering his beak to lessen it further because he was caught red-handed. What happened next only made him laugh more as a certain unamused glare from Octavia was shooting his way.

"And what do you mean by that?"
she asked, eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Gray took a moment to realize that Octavia did not understand his answer. He was in serious trouble if he didn't explain himself within a few seconds, as Gray's intuition was screaming, given that he had experienced one thing in hell that you don't want to do: messing with a kind lady's temper. So, he tried to diffuse the situation.

"Oh, that's not what I meant, my lady. I mean no offense!" He said, frantically waving his arms in front of him. "It's just that! Well, it's! I mean, seriously, what am I supposed to say to a question like that? I say you're hot, your dad kicks my ass. I lie and say you're ugly, he still kicks my ass."

However, merely repeating his opinion about her looks only appeared to make Octavia blush even harder, and making Stolas laugh more than before as well. He may not have done so intentionally, but even the young Goetia had to admit that hearing such a thing was quite flattering. Nonetheless, she was still completely embarrassed. As for Stolas, watching the two young Demons act all flustered in such a manner, he couldn't help but be happy that his daughter managed to find someone like him. So, he stopped laughing and took a serious moment to think, tapping his chin in thought. Taking everything he had seen and heard into account, he finally made a decision.

"You know, Via" he said.
"I said it once and I'll say it again I think I like him."

Needless to say, given the circumstances, both of them were instantly confused upon hearing that, especially Octavia since he already said it once but for him to say it twice.

"Huh?"
They both uttered simultaneously.

"It's quite interesting how honest you are to my questions I asked, you didn't even bother trying to lie."
Stolas elaborated.

"I suppose I should've taken mother's judgement more seriously. You don't often see much honesty down here, especially a sinner, and that speaks volumes in my book."
At those words Stolas hums as if he still had one more question for Gray.

"Well, I have to say that you've made more impressions and surprises for today. Having the presence of an Arcane Knight is already an impression and for it to be the one who was once a Royal Steward I say you've done more than enough to impress me, but I still have my doubts!" Stolas congratulated him while still sounding to be stern, he then proceeded to offer out his hand for a handshake.
"You begin first thing tomorrow."

Octavia then began to smile and giggle a bit at her father's words as for Gray, he was thankful once again he thought he was going for a stroke of more bad luck heading his way but he didn't think that the one he saved would end up saving him as well. At that moment he wanted to make a Knight's Vow, but for now he stood up and took Stolas' hand, giving an appreciative shake.

"Thank you, your Highness Stolas, I assure you that you will have the best servants you will ever see starting tomorrow."

"Still, I am curious, though. Why did you need to wear your mask?"
Stolas asked, Octavia paying close attention, her curiosity piqued.

"You don't have to tell us if it's too much. I'm not forcing you,"
Stolas added, nervously chuckling as he shook his hand.

"No, it's alright, your highness. We're already at this point, might as well be honest and tell you about it," Gray replied, sighing before continuing.

"To be honest, rather than being annoyed, I'm actually glad that I'll be able to get this off my chest earlier than later. If you want to know why I wear a mask, well, the reason is simple. It helps me be more honest with others and freely express my emotions," Gray commented. Octavia couldn't help but wonder why he needed it in the first place.

"But why do you need a mask in the first place?" Octavia's curiosity got the better of her, prompting her to ask.

"It's a trauma of mine, back when I was still amongst the living, amongst the most judgmental piece of shits, it all started in grade school. Kids and adults alike would discriminate