Don't wanna

Alexander : "Why are you asking me ? Shouldn't you be asking that to our diplomat in the Norse pantheon ?" And I honestly wasn't sure, I though it might have been because I said I did not come representing a group or faction.

Serafall : "I hoped that you could shed some light on this, but if you don't know nevermind."

Alexander : "Sorry, but I honestly didn't care. I didn't even know that a ceremony was a possible thing. I just went there to learn runes and to visit after all, not politicking."

Zeoticus : "That was a gross failure from your part Alexander. We could have gain much from this."

Alexander : "Meh, I got two houses, some nice magic, a cool experience, and nice publicity for my future business. I count it as a win" I said shrugging my shoulders, and ignoring his look of disapproval.

Ajuka : "Speaking of your business, could you detail a bit more about these famous painting of yours ?"

And so I explained what the true function was when divinity wasn't a thing.

Ajuka : "I see, so the resurrection is only due to fact that queen Frigga is a goddess."

Alexander : "Yeah. But I still think it will be a hit. Talking and thinking paintings are a novelty. And gossipers are going to love them since paintings can share information between them unless directly ordered not to. So while it may not make me the richest devil, it should allow me to live comfortably in the future. And I'm not a big spender myself so finger crossed." I said with a happy smile.

Zeoticus : "This new painting process of yours will indeed be a nice way to garner favours alongside the standard monetary compensation. We'll wait a bit before selling the procedure, so as to cement you as the topmost artist for living painting. Before you depart, I want you to create a manual explaining everything about that novelty in the library."

Funnily I could see mother sighting a bit when he said that. She knew me way too much.

Alexander : "Don't wanna."

Was it rude ? Yes. Would I have to share the process anyway ? Also yes. I was not stupid enough not to realise the power father possessed as my head of house, and I was 9 years old.

Was it a problem ? Not at all, because while the magic was easy to replicate, just unorthodox, the paint was much more special to create. It needed a very complicate and minute process before being useful. And I doubted that many would be able to replicate it even with the instructions.

Oh, I'm sure that individuals like Ajuka could do it, but would he waste his time for it ? I wouldn't bet on it, unless it was a request from the council. And they would only ask him something so trivial if they could gain significant benefits from it, like a favour from a God.

All the better for me, I did not need godly attention. Honestly, I wanted them to contact my father or the council rather than me. Because having gods wanting your help may sounds cool, but most of them are selfish and overbearing, I was lucky with Odin.

But most of all ? It was part of the plan. I NEEDED him to ask for a trade with me. Every steps I took with the reveal of my invention led to this moment. There was also a reason I was being so forthcoming with the information I gathered. I needed him to take me seriously, and to consider me mature enough for what was to come. I just needed to pressure him a bit more in front of outsiders, after all, he would never accept me refusing me, it would make him look weak in front of 3 satans. But retorting to true threat in front of a kid would be no better.

Now I just needed to edge him the right amount. Enough for him to initiate an exchange, but not enough to resort to taking my idea by force.

*Silence*

Zeoticus : "What do you mean you don't want ? I'm not asking you Alexander, this is an order from your head of house."

Alexander : "Oh ! My bad father, still don't wanna."

Zeoticus : "Alexander ! THIS IS AN ORDER !"

Alexander : "I understood the first time father, no need to raise your voice. You know better than most that I'm not an idiot. I just choose to ignore your order." I told him rolling my eyes with the most nonchalance I could muster. "What did you expect ? That I was going to give you the idea on which I intend to build my future business, just so you could share it with strangers for your personal benefit ?"

That should be the most I could push him in front of the guests. Further than that would be too much and I'll risk severe punishment. Looked like mother knew that too.

Venelana : "Alexander, enough ! Stop being childish, your sister is enough for the both of you."

Hehe, it seemed that Rias was already being too pampered by brother. Take that sister.

Alexander : "*Sigh* Very well mother. But I request something in exchange. It's not fair that Father would benefit from what might be the biggest work of my life without me gaining anything from it."

Ajuka seemed the most interested when he heard I was going to give in. But he seemed to realize there was more to it. Smart devil.

As for me I was HANGING on his word. Once again I NEEDED that trade.

Zeoticus : "... Very well. While I'm not happy with your attitude, I can concede your point. Knowing you, you expected something like that from the beginning." Well he was a politician, I guess he can see when someone try to manipulate him, and I never said I was an impressive politician. "What do you want ? Speak !"

That was the moment ! I almost won ! There was only one thing Father could do that would bring untold damages to my peaceful future, and I needed that gone. Now, I just needed to make him accept it.

Alexander : "Very well father, I want ..."