Chapter Text
A day had passed since the coronation of Princess Octavia who had now become General Regent of the Ars Goetia.
Although the coronation was received fairly well among the Goetia, some were less than stellar. After all, how could this skinny looking princess from a background of a cheating Prince manage to take the interest of King Paimon for them to lead an entire army against Lord Adam and his Exorcists?
At this moment, General Regent Octavia is currently sitting in a large yet clean classroom, as Mr. Butler, who is best known for being Paimon's butler before and after Stolas's birth, wrote on the chalkboard.
“I insist Regent, this knowledge will be beneficial to you not just for this war, but for the incoming future you have should you survive.” He said. Mr. Butler wasn't any Imp who had gotten lucky, he had participated and survived many, MANY wars that Hell had found themselves in countless times.
If he knew anything about history and wars, it would be him. Though Octavia wasn't really having it.
"Ugh, why does it have to be now? Can't we do this later...?" Octavia cried out as she rested her head on the table. The imp could only sigh.
Her eyes remained exhausted and tired, dried up tears that had flown down her face still remained as she didn't bother to wash them off prior to the class.
The news of her coronation devastated her, and it was clear to Mr. Butler that she's gonna have an incredibly hard time listening to any of his advice. It didn't help that the rest of the Kings were busy doing whatever they did, so he could only hope that King Paimon's requested associates would show up and help.
Speaking of which….
The Grand Castle of the Ars Goetia alongside many mansions belonging to Prince’s, Duke’s and Marquis’s have been vibrating with tons of activity never before seen in centuries. As their respective butlers, bodyguards, legions and whatever family members they have, they have begun mobilising as per request of King Paimon and General Regent Octavia.
Within one of the many rooms that the Grand Castle had to offer, an intensive meeting was being held between the Duke’s, Prince’s and high-ranking Marquis's regarding Octavia’s “coronation” and the incoming war that was about to strike directly at their doorstep.
The room was massive with a large table capable of seating up to 20 Goetia's each. The walls were covered in sound proof padding so as to not disturb others outside when things got heated.
Speaking of things getting heated….
“That sounds like a very fucking stupid idea, Andrealphus.” The Duke named Harborym muttered as he stared directly at the ice peacock, who simply had an annoyed expression.
“Prattle all you want, Aim. But I figured it's the best solution, no?” Andrealphus responded.
“If you think making Regent Octavia marry a candidate from Heaven would automatically end the war. Then clearly the brain freeze is getting to you.” Harborym said as he tapped the side of his skull to emphasize his point.
“Besides, she very much outranks you by the dozens. Forcing her to do such an act will get you nowhere.”
Andrealphus merely scoffed. “I'll have you know that me and Octavia have known each other for years not too long after my sister's wedding. If anyone knows her best, it would be me.”
"Besides, you can't blame me for thinking that Octavia's coronation was merely a lapse in judgement that would surely be corrected in the following weeks-"
“Don’t be such a coward, Andrealphus. When war comes, we fight like men.” Another Goetia would speak up, this time being Eligos.
Following the coronation of General Regent Octavia, Paimon had requested a bunch of Goetia's alongside imp veterans who had served in wars to teach the moody teenager the art of war.
Eligos was one of them, and although he has yet to actually interact with the regent in person, he knew being elevated to such a position with little experience comes with incredible pressure.
It makes him wonder why exactly Paimon chose her instead of someone else…
“Well excuse me for wanting to get this pointless war over with. I'm sure even Stolas agrees with me, what do you think?” Andrealphus said with a smug grin as he turned to look at the other prince.
Stolas had remained silent almost throughout the entire meeting, with only the occasional suggestion or objection slipping out. His face was that of confusion and concern, as if he's still trying to process everything that happened so far.
“C'mon Stolas, I'm sure you want your daughter alive then….oh I don't know, DEAD! Right?”
Stolas would look away for a few seconds as he would then take a deep breath before staring back at Andrealphus.
“I…I do.”
Andrealphus almost seemed taken aback at his response as he was expecting the cheating Prince to disagree. But it didn't take long for his face of confusion to shift into a smile.
“Thank you for answering honestly. Now getting back to the topic at hand…” Andrealphus said as he then turned to look at another Goetia demon, that being Sitri.
“Perhaps you could call up one of your reliable allies from Heaven so that we can talk for a potential partner for our beloved Octavia, hm?”
Sitri stared at the ice peacock with a deadpanned face. “Sorry, can't really do anything about that. Paimon's orders, he'll have my head on a stick the moment he finds out.”
“BLASTED OLD MAN!” Andrealphus yelled in frustration as he slammed his fist on the table loud enough to reverberate the entire room. None of the Goetia seemed startled aside from Stolas.
“Seriously, does he want all of us to die with him?! It's almost like he wants this war to happen! Clearly the owl has gone senile.”
“Keep your blasphemous words out of your mouth, Dry ice.” The Goetia named Astaroth would speak up.
“This war is necessary for the Goetia, whether you like it or not. It's about time we get our heads out of our arses and begin planning like war generals.” Astaroth spoke once more.
Eligos would nod in approval.
“It's been a while since I have participated in a war, I'm very curious to see if my skills hold up, and that goes for the rest of you all.” He said as he pointed to everyone in the room.
“Not to mention, you are merely a Marquis, Andrealphus. A high ranking one sure, but you are below Prince Stolas, despite how shit of a reputation he has now…”
Stolas would merely roll his eyes at the gesture while Andrealphus narrowed his eyes as Astaroth.
“So here's what's gonna happen. We mobilise our troops, train and teach Regent Octavia everything we know, put those technologies that have been sitting on the back burner into good use, and we win this fucking war.”
“Now you're speaking my language, Astaroth! I'll be getting in touch with our manufacturers to see if they still have them in stock.” Eligos expressed.
The rest of the Goetia's present begin to talk to one another regarding their plans and role for the war that was coming.
Vassago, who sat not too far away from Stolas, would use his powers to warp into an empty seat next to him. Taking note of how the fellow prince wasn't as talkative as he used to be.
“You seem troubled, my good friend. Is there a problem?” The red bird asked politely.
Stolas could only spare him a glance before looking in the opposite direction, however.
“Hmmm, I suppose you're still not over the fact your daughter had just become regent, yeah?” Vassago asked, though it was very obvious to anyone that had more than 2 brain cells to connect the dots.
“Hmmm….” Stolas mumbled out.
With a reserved sigh, Vassago would inch closer towards the prince, although not too close to disturb personal space. “Look, I don't mean to bother you on such a topic but…”
“Do you really agree with Andrealphus over there? I know how much you hate the guy…” Vassago asked with a concerned voice. Everyone knew the whole ordeal with Stella and Stolas, but Andrealphus always seemed to be put behind despite the massive amount of influence he has.
“....Did it sound like I said any other word?” Stolas responded in the same low tones voice like he did with Andrealphus.
“So…does that mean you really do agree with marrying your daughter off to someone else if it meant ending this war?”
…..
“If it means keeping her alive…so be it.”
For a split second, Vassago almost felt his throat tighten a bit at Stolas’s response. He honestly wasn't even sure if this was the right thing to say in this context.
“But I thought your daughter wasn't interested in marriage. Are you really willing to go against that one thing she told you about-”
“I don't want her to die! Okay?!” Stolas yelled out towards Vassago, catching the attention of a few Goetia's who sat nearby. “I love my daughter! It's just….it's just hard to express it, you know? Especially now that she has a higher chance of dying! If getting her married is the only way for her to stay alive, then I would do it!”
Vassago felt a bead of sweat fall down his face as he acknowledged the Goetia's that turned to look at them. “Alright alright, but it's not like you can do anyways. You heard what Sitri said, you would be a dead man when you try.”
“Besides, if you want to keep her alive, then how about you begin mobilising your troops to the war. After all, the more soldiers, the better.” Vassago continued.
“C'mon Stolas, I like you and all but you should really think ahead before speaking. You're already on thin ice with that whole cheating thing with your wife! Act more sensibly will you?” Vassago complained. Not gonna lie, his fellow prince was really beginning to test his patience.
Stolas opened his mouth to utter a rebuttal, but only silence came out from his vocal chords as he thought about what Vassago had said.
Before the meeting could continue however, a large bell would be heard ringing through the castle, indicating that the meeting had officially come to an end.
Astaroth would huff at the bell, but eventually accepted that their time was up and stood up from the chair he sat on. “This meeting may be over, but your duties remain the same. Every second you spend slacking off and performing aristocratic bullshit, the higher chances there are that the Goetia family will not survive this war.”
“From this point on, everyone is on the same page. And if you have a problem with that, go take the issue to Paimon, I'm sure he'll love having to deal with your drama.” Astaroth said with a satisfied smile.
“This meeting is officially dismissed, good day to you all.”
And with that, the Duke’s, Prince's and Marquis's begin taking their leave. Some would go out the door like any other, while some who thought they were too good for it decided to simply warp out of there.
As Vassago went up to the door to leave, he took one more glance behind him. Noticing that Stolas hadn't sat up from his seat yet.
“You coming, my amigo?” Vassago asked.
“Huh? O-oh, yeah. Just give me a few seconds…” Stolas muttered after snapping out of his trance for a bit.
Vassago could only huff as he grabbed the hinges of the door, preparing to leave. “Tell your daughter I said hi. And make sure to actually help her out, okay?”
Stolas could only nod in silence, as Vassago would exit the meeting room and into the main hall once more. Leaving the infamous prince to wallow silently in the meeting room.
In the process, he would then slowly pull out his phone as he dialed a certain phone number....
*Beep.*
*Beep.*
*Beep.*
"Yo what's up, Stolas?" A rough voice called over on the other end.
"Blitzy? There is.... something I must tell you."
It had been a few hours after Octavia's class and the meeting between the Dukes, Princes and Marquis.
Octavia laid down on her bed that no longer situated in her old room anymore. Now that she is General Regent, her living had been transferred from his father's mansions to the Grand Castle instead. Gifting her many perks she thought she could never receive.
And yet despite it all, she still found herself empty. Well...not really, she was starting to feel like bursting into another round of tears again just from laying on this bed that wasn't hers.
....
She hates this, she hates all of this. She hates being General Regent, she hates her stupid grandfather, she hates her father, her mother, and every single Goetia here. Why was she put in charge?
She never asked for any this, all she wanted was to be a teenager moving around doing stupid yet entertaining shit that brought joy in her life. Now she can't be bothered to do that with the knowledgeable that she's gonna die in some meaningless war if she doesn't focus properly.
She rubbed her eyes with anger and frustration. She really needs to talk to someone...
Pulling out her phone, she would unlock her password and tap on her contacts app, ready to call whoever caught her interest that day.
Until....
*Knock knock knock*
"Hello Octavia? Are you there?" A voice sounded from the other side of the door. It was her father Stolas, and he sounded concerned.
Not like she particularly cared.
"Ugh, what do you want, Dad?" She called out towards him. Taking this as a sign of acceptance, he would open the door and peak his head through.
Octavia would adjust her head to look at her father. Judging from his glossy eyes, she assumed he had been crying some time too, though probably not as much as her.
"L-listen, Octavia. I hope you know I don't condone what my father had done with you...but-"
"I know I know....it's not your fault dad, you obligated to follow the rules now that everything has gone to shit, just like me..." Octavia said in a frustrated tone.
"Well, as your father, I have the capacity to lend you my help beyond just handing over my legions to you."
"Oh yeah? And what would that be?" Octavia questioned.
"I called up a....certain friend of mine who happens to know a lot about killing. And rough housing, if you get what I mean...." Stolas in attempt to lighten the mood, would raise his eyebrows up and down in a funny gesture.
But Octavia felt her eyes widening as she realised who exactly he was referring.
"You....you called HIM over?" Octavia yelled on absolute disbelief.
"Of course! My blitzy could be the best of help for you, especially since I have them under my guidance. With IMP's help, you can expect things so improve for the better!" Stolas said with a smile on his face.
"But Dad, I already have a dozen legions on my plate! How can your buddy could possibly help in this situation?! Besides, you know how I feel about him..." Octavia said as she crossed her arms.
"Well, maybe that's because you two haven't talked all that much to each other. Perhaps you two can get along once you talk enough!" He responded as if it were common sense.
"Oh and by the way, Vassago says hi. Anyways, I have some things to do, so please don't stress yourself out and put in the best you have."
.....
"Ooookay bye!"
And with that, Stolas would gently close the door behind him as Octavia heard his footsteps growing smaller and smaller as he walked over.
With utter disbelief in her body, all she could do was flip back on the bed like nothing happened.
Everything is so miserable.now, dear god just let this end...