Chapter Seven

The next morning Lucifer caught me in the hallway on the way to the dining room. I greeted him.

“Good morning,” he returned, smug, “Have an eventful night?”

“Pardon?”

“I know you went into the attic. I let you.”

“I’m gonna be honest. I know,” his smug high-horse attitude irritated me, “You laid it on so thick it was almost funny.”

He glared at me, “Well, that curiosity you apologized for must be satisfied, correct? Just forget your curiosity and focus on surviving the exchange. Don’t forget you’ve already had your life threatened.”

“Wasn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last.”

I decided to cut the conversation short. It was doing nothing but wasting my time so he could posture and feel proud about “tricking me”. I walked away towards the dining room. He may as well gain the power of laser eyes with how well I could feel his glare bore into the back of my head. After a moment I could hear his shoes clack on the floor as he followed me. At least I learned that he doesn’t know I met with that guy in the attic.

After breakfast I made sure to grab my bag, which I emptied. Today was the day that I got to home and get some things. The best part? A nice long walk with an annoyed Lucifer. He stood waiting for me in the entryway.

“Are you excited to see the Demon Lord’s Castle,” he surprisingly didn’t try to scold me for earlier. We left on our way as we continued talking.

“I’ve never been in a castle, period, so I’d definitely say so,” I smiled. In reality I was super excited, but I was trying to be normal about it, “I’m surprised I haven’t tried to learn about it yet. But there are so many new things to learn. I guess I just haven’t gotten there yet.”

“You’re very curious.”

“That’s true. I’ve annoyed many a people with my questions. My favorite is ‘Why?”

“Is that so?”

I nodded.

“You haven’t asked very many questions yet.”

“Because of the aforementioned annoyed people. I’ve learned to keep to myself and slowly test the waters before coming at them full weird.”

“I see,” he chuckled, “Do you have any questions right now?”

“Oh boy. Too many. When asked like that it just turns to white noise. You’ll have to narrow it down to a smaller topic,” I laughed. There were some pretty obvious questions but I’m trying to hide the fact that I’m in cahoots with his captive.

“Be careful that your curiosity does not get you into situations you cannot get yourself out of.”

That felt like another threat but I honestly couldn’t tell, “But do you like unknowns? Especially if asking would just give you peace of mind?”

“They are just a fact of life.”

“Doesn’t mean I gotta like it.”

We came upon the castle gates and I took in as much of the courtyard as I could. The garden and plants around were meticulously maintained, including a large amount of flowering plants. Lucifer stayed silent while I’m sure I looked like a tourist. We approached a large door. Easily 15 foot tall or more.

“Here’s a question,” I craned my head all the way back to look at the top of the door, “Are there demons so tall it requires a door like this? Or is it just for looks?”

“It is true that demons tend to be on the tall side for humans. However, there are not many demons of a height to warrant such a door,” he explained, knocking on the door.

“I see. That’s sorta what I thought but you wanted questions.”

“That I did.” The door opened to reveal Barbatos, “Good morning.”

“Good morning Barbatos,” I greeted him as we walked inside, “How are you?”

“I’m doing well, thank you for asking. Unfortunately the Young Master is quite busy and he is unable to leave his office.”

“Yes. A lot of work indeed,” Lucifer sighed and left to help Diavolo, the main reason he is here.

“Good luck,” I called at his retreating form before addressing Barbatos again, “Don’t worry, I didn’t him to come greet me. There are far more pressing matters than exchanging pleasantries with someone who doesn’t understand them I’m sure. His work must be unending as it is.”

“You seem pleasant to me,” it felt like there was a joke in there but I wasn’t sure, “I’m sure his work feels unending to him.”

As Barbatos led me I looked around the castle, admiring the art, both paintings and the other art forms needed to make such a fancy place come together, “Out of curiosity, why are we heading deeper into the castle?”

“I have the ability to connect two doors and cross between them. Others can cross without me as well.”

“Well that’s super cool. Would I be able to request a specific door in my house, please?”

"When you ask so politely. How can I refuse?”

“There is a door in the garage that connects to the backyard. Can you connect it so I go into the garage, please?”

“Of course. May I inquire as to why?”

“I have a cat that tries to go out the door with me. I can have the garage as a fail safe, in case he sneaks through my legs.”

“Ah, that’s understandable.”

We had gone to a pretty remote-seeming part of the castle before coming up to a door.

“This is just a storage room, but we will be using its door,” he explained, “When you’re finished, just use the same door your entered in.”

I nodded, “I’d say that’s how doors work. But, this is magic so I’m glad you clarified.”

Barbatos smiled and opened the door, my garage on the other side. I stepped through and closed the door behind me. It was really weird to walk into my garage but I didn’t think too hard about it. I walked back into my house for the first time in a week. Though it felt much longer.

The family dogs, 2 huskies, acted like I was missing for years. I had to spend a few minutes just petting them before they calmed down. I’m glad I decided to wear the clothes from when I arrived and not my uniform. That’d be a nightmare. After the dogs were my 2 cats, Jack and Holly. They were both black cats. Holly is older at 13 and Jack is a heathen at 5.

“Here’s the stuff you wanted,” my mom handed me my companion bag to my big one, a black box with blue letters ‘HRT’ with my medication stuff, and a small tote bag with other things, like bathroom items.

“Thank you,” I put some other stuff in my big bag that I wasn’t sure how to describe to my mom or needed to be placed a certain way.

“How have you been down there?”

“Good, surprisingly. I have two pacts.”

“You made pacts with demons?!”

“Yes, with two of the most powerful demons. So really you should be proud of me.”

She sighed.

“More importantly, I’m investigating an attic mystery.”

“Attic mystery?”

“Yeah Lucifer has someone locked up in the attic. But only Lucifer knows that this guy is up there. The others don’t know.”

“Can you trust the guy locked up?”

“Of course I can’t. I don’t know why he’s locked up and he knows way more than he’s saying. So the first mystery is figuring out who this guy is and what he did. Then I can decided whether or not I’ll actually help him.”

“Are you sure you want to do something like that? Don’t the demons already dislike you?”

“Most are actually pretty chill and keep their bigotry, if any, to themselves. The real worry is Lucifer. But I’ll take my chances against one demon,” I leaned my weight on on leg and put my hand on that hip, “Besides, you’d be more disappointed if I left that man to rot without at least figuring out whether or not he deserves this.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” she sighed again, “Just be careful. I don’t want you to join that man.”

“I will. I’ve gotta go. I don’t want to keep Barbatos waiting.”

“Who is that again?”

“The demon prince’s butler.”

“Oh, no, yeah, get on back. He’s probably super busy.”

“Exactly,” I went into the garage, making sure Jack didn’t follow me, then went through the door I originally came from. Barbatos awaited me on the other side.

“Welcome back,” he smiled.

“Sorry about the wait. The animals are insistent,” I closed the door behind me. My hand lingered on the door handle as a part of my wanted to open it to see if actually opened to a storage room. But, I know it’s rude, so I didn’t. Until.

“I can see the fur stuck to you… You can open the door. I can tell you’re curious.”

“Sorry, I really am,” I smiled sheepishly before opening the door to reveal, yes indeed, a storage room. It was filled with an assortment of boxes and covered panels. I closed the door.

“Curiosity is a good trait.”

“We’ll see how many questions that opinion lasts with me,” I joked.

He chuckled, leading me back through the castle, “It seems to be getting close to lunchtime. Would you like to join us?”

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t be imposing?”

“Of course not. I’m sure the Young Master will be thrilled to have the chance to speak with you.”

“Alright, I’ll join. Thank you.”

“Is there anything you’d like to request?”

“Hm? I mean I’ve only had a handful of Devildom dishes at this point so I don’t really know. You can just make what you normally might.”

I thanked him and he left for the tea. I put my bags neatly on the round and the box on the coffee table. I reached into the small bag and pulled out my portable digital drawing tablet. It wasn’t very expensive. But it did what it needed to, and at the end of the day that’s what matters. So, I started sketching. I had my physical sketchbook already, since I have like a thousand, so it’s not like I hadn’t been drawing. I just had an idea on how to make money while here and it required my tablet. Digital commissions. I’d need to open a bank account though. Mammon probably knows in great detail how to open accounts. Though I could probably just ask Levi, like I planned to do for the website.

There was Devilgram already on my D.D.D. so I had a place to get followers. I just needed help transferring files between devices and getting the aforementioned website set up. For now, pictures of my sketchbook has been what I’ve posted, and I’ll add my tablet alongside with it.

Barbatos brought the tea and promptly left to finish making lunch. I continued drawing, texting Mammon and reminding him that he had to come pick me up at some point. He did not answer me. Whatever.

Before too long Barbatos came to fetch me for lunch and take the tea set. I followed him to a dining room, small I imagine for a castle. There was an 8-person table with Diavolo at the head and Lucifer to his right. Food hadn’t been brought out yet but there was a plate set to the left of Diavolo. It was safe to assume that was for me and I sat there.

“Hello Drizzm,” Diavolo greeted warmly, “How are you enjoying your time in the Devildom so far? You’ve had quite the week it seems.”

“I’m doing good. I’m liking the Devildom so far,” I honestly replied, “How have you been doing?”

“I can’t really complain,” he smiled with reserved excitement, “Besides, I’m excited to get the chance to speak with you.”

“With me, or a human in general,” I asked. His eyes widened, taken aback by my question. Barbatos brought out the food and I thought I should clarify, “I don’t mean anything by my question. There’s no deeper meaning being it. Just curiosity. I don’t mind either way.”

He shook his head as we began to eat, “It’s a valid question. It just took me by surprise. I suppose both would be the most accurate answer. It’s true, I haven’t had many chances to speak with humans. But, I’m also interested in you. You formed two pacts in one week, you’ve proven to be interesting.”

I sorta laughed,” Well, I suppose a lot of humans would be interesting if you had some time with them. I’ve been reading about the Devildom’s history, so I get it.

“You don’t seem particularly interested in demons.”

“Oh, yeah, I am. Even specific demons?”

“Oh?”

“I feel like it should be obvious. The brothers of course. But, also you and Barbatos.”

“I see. That’s natural. I am curious to know what you’re hoping to learn.”

“Can I be honest?”

Lucifer looked nervous.

“Of course.”

“While, Lord Diavolo, Ruler of Demons and Future King of the Devildom is a sick title. That’s not really you. I’m interested in getting to know Diavolo, the normal demon dude.”

Diavolo laughed heartily,” That’s such a wonderful sentiment! I’ve never been called a ‘demon dude’ before. How amusing!”

Lucifer looked tired already. Poor guy… Kinda.

“Yeah sorry about that,” I sheepishly rubbed my neck, “I’m super casual normally. It’s been an adjustment calling you ‘Lord’ as well. We don’t have any lords in my country.”

Diavolo thought for a second before nodding, coming to an internal decision, “You have permission to call me just ‘Diavolo’.”

“It’s not disrespectful?”

“You’re quite right Drizzm,” Lucifer finally spoke up, ‘You should call him ‘Lord Diavolo’.”

Diavolo’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Lucifer, upset, “I think I get final say on what Drizzm calls me, Lucifer.”

“Yes, Lord Diavolo,” he sighed.

“Excellent,” he spoke to me again,” I would love for you to be more casual and yourself.”

“I’ll become more casual as I become more comfy don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t take long.”

“Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you comfortable in the Devildom.”

I looked at from him to my plate, debating whether or not to ask a question. I decided against it and just continued eating. Diavolo and I did most of the chatting, while Lucifer occasionally had something to say. When the main part of our lunch was finished Barbatos brought out a slice of cake for each of us. It was so amazing I subconsciously did a little wiggle before I caught myself.

“Barbatos makes wonderful desserts, does he not,” Diavolo chuckled, thoroughly amused.

I stiffened as I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, “I’d be happy if my baked items were half as delicious. This is my first Devildom dessert and I’m glad it is. Though it may have ruined me from every other person making desserts.”

“I’m thrilled to receive such praise,” his smile felt more genuine than the usual one he wears.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Diavolo apologized upon seeing my red face, “It was just very cute.”

“Well there goes my veneer of coolness,” I pretended to be dejected, “No one can be cool after being caught dancing in happiness from dessert,” I dropped the act, “Ah well, I wasn’t cool anyways.”

I made eye contact with Lucifer as I took a bite and smiled at him around the fork. He just gave me his usual blank, slightly bored expression. Before long I had consumed my dessert and Mammon was forced by Lucifer to come get me so he didn’t have to take me back to the house himself.

When we got back I worked with Levi to figure out how to transfer files between my human world devices and my Devildom devices. He was sort of hesitant at first because he had anime to watch but when I offered to draw him 5 commissions, with restrictions to reign his imagination in, if he helped me set everything up. He folded and we spent the rest of the day doing that.

“You’ve only been here one week and you already have a thousand followers,” Levi was shocked but mostly jealous.

“I just think it’s because I’m a human. Not really me in particular they’re interested in. Although, I guess I do have pacts with 2 of the most powerful demons. I suppose that’s notable,” I ended sarcastically.

“Must be so nice to be you.”

“Well, I mean, I did get isekai’d into a different realm.”

“That’s just like that one anime…”

And there he goes. It’s honestly incredible how there seems to be an anime for just about anything in the Devildom. Like some of the most hyper specific scenarios. Kinda reminds of those titles for light novels.

After a handful of hours, and dinner, I was getting my things in order before going to bed. My phone dinged on the table, a notification bubble showing that I had a new text from Mammon. He told me to meet him in the kitchen immediately. I sighed. This gonna become a regular thing, huh?

I did as he instructed though, and walked across the hallway to the kitchen. He was rummaging through the fridge, turning to face me as he heard my footsteps.

“There ya are,” he went back to the fridge, “Ya gotta be faster when the Great Mammon calls ya. Drop everything, understood?”

“Yes, sir,” I blandly answered, just going along with it, “But why do you need me here?”

“In case we get caught I have an accomplice.”

“So you just don’t wanna face Lucifer alone?”

“That’s not what I meant! I ain’t scared of him!”

“Uh-huh.”

He retreated from the fridge, a pudding in hand, “This looks good.”

I eyed the the handwritten note, “That says ‘Beel’s. Eat it and you DIE,” I looked at Mammon, “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“If you take a bite then it’ll be fine!” “I have no idea how you came to that conclusion, but no.”

He lunged forward, faster than I had any hope of reacting to, to pin me against the island and shoved some pudding in my mouth. It was honestly pretty good.

“I saw you eat it too!”

His childishness knows no bounds. He finally gave me space as he ate the pudding, free from any guilt. I wonder if it’s his greed that makes him think it’s okay to do this kind of stuff. Even something as simple as pudding isn’t safe from Mammon’s sense of greed.Unfortunately, someone came in and interrupted us.

Good news is it wasn’t Lucifer.

Bad news is it was Beel. And he was big mad.

“Mammon,” he bellowed, “Why are you eating my pudding?!”

Mammon jumped and stammered, “U-uh I didn’t know it was yours!”

What a bad lie.

“It says on there ‘Beel’s. Eat it and you DIE!”

“W-well… Drizzm had some too!”

You motherfucker.

“I don’t care! I bet you forced him! Prepare to die Mammon!”

I quickly ran out of the kitchen as Beel transformed into his demon form. Mammon basically shoved me out of the way in his escape. A blur of orange and black rushed past us and into my room. I quickly got up and made my way upstairs.

This was my first time seeing Beel in one of his food fueled rages, and it was the first time I was genuinely scared of Beel. But at least I know as long as I don’t eat his food I should be good. I hope.

I ran directly into Lucifer as he came to investigate the noise.

“Lucifer, Beel’s gone on a rampage!”

He just sighed, “Again. Move and I’ll take care of it.”

I followed him back downstairs as I heard Mammon was still being chased by Beel. Lucifer stopped me at a certain distance away and went to subdue Beel. It didn’t take very long thankfully but Lucifer forced all three of us to his room to lecture us.

“What happened,” he interrogated, arms crossed as we sat on our knees. My knees are gonna kill me after this.

“Beel just went crazy,” Mammon downplayed, which only earned a piercing glare from Lucifer.

“Mammon ate my pudding,” Beel was at least accurate. Though they just started bickering again, with poor me being in the middle.

“Enough,” Lucifer scolded, and they quickly shut their mouths, “Drizzm what happened?”

“Mammon was looking for food and made me eat some of Beel’s pudding so he could have an accomplice, even though I warned him it would be a bad idea. Then Beel came in and got so mad that he transformed and raged,” I gave him the cliffnotes but made sure to be clear that I did not have anything to do with Mammon’s bad decisions.

“Mammon you should not have eaten Beel’s pudding, especially if it was labeled. However, Beel, that was a larger reaction than you should have had…” Lucifer started scolding and lecturing them back and forth.

Why was I even here? He went on for fucking hours and none of it had to do with me. This is why I try not to get in trouble. It’s way too annoying to deal with the consequences most of the time. But I had a feeling that this would not be the last time I would get roped into stupid shit and get lectured at.

He finally set us free, much to our relief. However, my room was sorta unusable considering the missing wall. So Lucifer ordered me to stay in Beel’s room. For some reason, Mammon can’t keep his mouth shut and tried to complain and negotiate that I stay in his room. That just earned him more scolding. I’m also going to have to have a talk with Mammon about how he’s acting around me.

I grabbed whatever I needed from my room and followed Beel to his. His room had two beds, one was for his twin, who I haven’t seen or asked about since I got here. I assumed that Beel’s bed was the sun side, considering the moon and nighttime is sleep time for people.

“Sorry about all this Drizzm,” Beel apologized.

“It’s alright Beel,” I assured him, “That temper of yours in regards to food is quite intense. I’m not sure why Mammon thinks it’s a good idea to take your food. I know he forced me, but I’m sorry for eating it as well.” “Well, let’s just call it even then.”

“Sounds good,” I smiled, “Which bed should I use?”

“Use mine on the left. I’ll sleep on the couch. I don’t want anyone using Belphie’s bed.”

“In that case, give me the couch. I don’t do much sleeping anyways.”

“You’re not gonna ask about Belphie?"

“It makes you sad, and you said not to bring him up, so I’m not going to. You’re going to have to offer it up yourself.”

He looked away, reminding me of a sad puppy. He took a second before quietly saying, “I do kind of want to tell you.”

“Well, I’ll listen,” I pulled out a chair and gave him my full attention. He sat on his bed and fiddled with his hands before speaking.

“Belphie’s currently in the Human World with another demon on the exchange. He actually really didn’t want to go. He’s not a fan of humans,” Beel paused, debating something in his head, “You see… Back when we were angels we had a sister. Lilith. We were all close to her but she was especially close to Belphie and I. But… she’s not around anymore.”

With the look on his face, she was either dead, or may as well be. “This sounds like it’s been hard on you. Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

My heart broke a little for him, he was so kind, “This may be overstepping. But would you like a hug?”

“Huh,” he looked at me, confused and surprised.

“Sorry, nevermind.” This is why I’m not a Simeon.

“No, you just caught me off-guard. I think I’d like that.”

I wordlessly got up and held my arms out, waiting for him to hug me. He hesitated before hugging me tightly, like a child hugging a stuffed animal. Due to the pretty big height difference he was holding me aloft. Though I don’t think I really weighed much to him. He held me like that for a while, his fists clenching my clothes.

When he finally put me back on the ground I gently asked, “Can I see a picture of Belphegor?”

“Oh, sure,” he led me through the halls, “We should have a picture of him in the portrait room.”

As we walked Beel spoke up again, “You’re very considerate of other people.”

“Thank you,” I was somewhat confused but I guess he’s used to being around demons, “My niceness is a choice, though.”

“Really?”

“Yep, I’m naturally quite an angry person. But it’s exhausting getting mad at everything and living in anger. It feels a lot better to be kind. You also learn that most of the things you get mad at don’t really matter in the long run. So it helps others and keeps yourself in a positive mindset to be kind.”

“I see,” we entered a room covered in portraits of the brothers and Beel stood us in front of a specific portrait. A demon I didn’t recognize, “Here he is.”

Bingo.

The “human” trapped in the attic is none other than Belphegor. I wonder why he’s locked up. Do any of the brothers, other than Lucifer of course, even know he’s still in the house? Did Diavolo agree to this? Does Belphegor really hate humans that much?

“I see. You all look so incredibly different. It’s very fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yeah, most human families share a strong resemblance.”

We kep chatting as we went back to his room. Beel tried to insist on giving me the bed and I eventually relented. Boy was about as stubborn as me. But, just like I thought, I couldn’t sleep and decided to confront Belphegor. I guess Lucifer doesn’t find it necessary to guard the attic anymore. He must think his threat really worked and I wouldn’t go against him. Sucks to have that pride, huh Lucifer?

“There you are,” Belphegor met me at his door, “Any news?”

“Yes, in fact. I know you’re Belphegor,” I said matter-of-factly, “I mean, there’s literally a portrait of you in the house.”

He smiled apologetically, “Well, I didn’t think you’d want to help me if I was a demon.”

“I’m more resistant because you hate humans enough to be locked up. Nothing to do with your demon status.”

“I see… So Bell must have told you?”

“You’re sort of a ‘Don’t talk about’ kinda dude at the moment. So yes. Your twin misses you.”

“Don’t torture me like that. Doesn’t do anything to help my hate you know.”

“What did humans even do? Not that I really blame you, but I thought high ranking angels were pretty hands-off with humanity.”

Belphegor glared at me, “You don’t understand what humans did to Lilith.”

I was surprised, “Wait, are you saying humans hurt Lilith?”

He ignored my question, “Will you just leave me here then?”

“Of course not. My life’s been in danger before so this isn’t that different. Besides, you have to get out to do something, so it’s fairly safe for now. Also, I’ll have pacts with all the brothers so at least some of the brothers would protect me. Maybe attacking me really isn’t worth it.”

“Maybe,” he got his nonchalant smile back on his face. Definitely still wants to kill me, “But you said you’d help so that’s good enough.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not specifically for you. I just can’t stand watching this and what it’s doing to your family. It isn’t a good situation and no one seems to be really trying to fix it. And unfortunately I was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility.”

“So, you’ll do it yourself?”

“Exactly, I’ll help you guys reconnect and get past this.”

“Your confidence is impressive.”

“Someone has to be resolute. Though the hard work still lands on you and your brothers. If you guys don’t want to reconnect there is nothing others can do. Good night, Belphegor.”

“Good night, Drizzm.”

I went back to Beel’s room and laid thinking on his bed until it was time to get ready to get up.