-dxd -
Thanks for reading!
Today, two of my bros were having a straight political debate over NTR doujins.
And I was wondering 'No way, man. I understand why its a thing, but most NTR doujins are too funny and corny to be taken seriously.
"You wouldn't want people to know that you and your boyfriend kissed at school, right? So let me put you in a mating press at school instead, kekekekekeke---!"
Like, for example, Kokujin no Tenkousei(mid story and art tbh) is pretty popular, you can't take it seriously unless you turn off your brain (the GachaLife vids are even cornier)
But it has people in spicy site comments crashing out over it, keke.
Anyways, I got a research paper due today, and a group assignment with a partner who went to get milk and never came back, so wish me luck lol.
A chill chapter, so enjoy, and here's some jifs of Koneko/Shirone-chwan
-dxd -
-The Underworld-
-Gremory Banquet-
Banquets. They're a funny thing.
Food, socializing, all that jazz.
And to be honest, I really haven't been to much of any banquets.
So here I am at Rias Gremory's victory banquet, wearing a two-piece black and white suit with my hair slicked back, looking... civilized.
The Gremory House knew how to host, alright. The place looked fancy, but warm at the same time, with elegant marble halls, flowing crimson banners, and ambient orchestral music that actually matched the mood instead of suffocating it.
The scent of wine, spice, and mouthwatering food hung in the air as Devils mingled and exchanged pleasantries, like they were human nobles in whatever aristocrat gathering they were at.
Nice.
"...You look good, Shirone," I said, sensing the white-haired petite girl who suddenly appeared beside me.
She stood there in a soft, short white dress that complemented her pale complexion and golden eyes. It was simple, elegant, and so uncharacteristically formal for her that I had to do a double-take.
Did I also say that she was uber-cute? No? Let me say it again then...
---She was uber-cute.
Shirone, seeing me do a double-take, blushed a pretty pink. "...Thanks, I guess."
Then she turned away sharply, muttering, "I'm going to get something to eat."
I tilted my head, amused. "Mind if I---?"
"No." She cut me off immediately. "If you come too, then those annoying Devils will try to follow and start talking my ears off."
-pat, pat-
"Okay, okay. I get it." I gave Shirone a head-pat.
But before I could get into it, she bobbed and weaved through my headpats and quickly made her escape, marching off toward the buffet table like a soldier heading into battle.
"...freaking pervert." She muttered, but I could see her pale ears go quite red.
I chuckled softly. She really was cute when she was flustered.
"Fufufu~ You shouldn't tease her too much, Daichi." A familiar, lilting giggle drifted beside me.
Damn it, have the consequences of my actions found me this soon?
I turned to see Akeno approaching, the faintest smirk playing on her lips. Her black dress shimmered under the lights, hugging her curves with dangerous precision.
Holy, moly.
"Well, are you speechless?" Akeno teased, fanning herself lightly. "How do I look?"
"Very nice, Akeno. I don't know much about dresses, but you do make 'em look good."
"Ufufu~ flattery will get you everywhere~" She chuckled as she stepped closer, holding my arm near her bountiful bosom. "Don't worry about Shirone, Daichi-kun. She's only embarrassed. You did compliment her first, after all."
She winked, then added, "Though, now that I think about it, I am feeling a bit parched. I'll go keep her company."
Ah, I got off lightly today, cheers!
"Ah. You too, huh?" I said, not revealing my thoughts.
"Something like that~" she said, gliding away with effortless grace toward the refreshments. "Don't miss me too much now, I'll be back to comfort you later tonight, okay~?"
If my arm could talk, it would say something like; 'Where booba? Why gone? Where booba?', but alas, it could not.
Also, I don't think you should say that Akeno, especially when Grayfia has some kind of secret super-special surprise for me.(sex. its sex.)
That left me with one remaining comrade against the waves of clout-seeking Devils for the evening, and sure enough, my fellow bathroom bladefighter Yuuto stood nearby with a slightly nervous yet still ikemen-like smile of his.
Oh yeah, his suit was a sleek, custom-tailored suit that really made his best features shine brighter, which was his face.
"Nice suit, man," I said, raising my glass I picked up from somewhere.
"Thanks. You clean up well yourself, Daichi." Yuuto blushed as he smiled at me.
Well... I'm a man for equality, so I will describe this guy as well.
Even if it's one sentence. But just one. Don't be greedy now, though.
"I try." I chuckled.
"But it really is a big deal today, isn't it?" Yuuto's tone shifted into something slightly thoughtful as he began to speak. "Today's victory will mark a major step for Rias. From what I hear, she might even make it into the Young Devils clique of up-and-coming Devils."
"Yeah," I said, watching Rias from across the room as she was talking with her parents. "That just means that your battles are far from over, though."
"That's true. Miss Sona, Diodara Astaroth, Seekvaria Agares, Magdaron, and Sairaorg Bael..." Yuuto muttered. "They're all getting stronger as they bolster their peerages."
"Sairaorg, huh..." I couldn't help but wonder if he's already filled his peerage out...
Because if not, then if I can't get my hands on Bedeze Abbadon to take his [Hole], then I might have to turn my sights towards Kuisha Abbadon instead.
But that's only if he doesn't already have her in his peerage, of course.
But damn... I had to force myself to stop salivating...
[Hole], sweet [Hole]...
[Hole] was a Devil trait that allowed the user to create and control portals that expand and retract according to the user's will, and were also able to absorb attacks and reflect them back as they choose.
I remembered its effects when Akeno displayed negative battle IQ, and stood still mid-air as Kuisha reflected all her lightning attacks at her during the Rias vs Sairaorg Peerage Rating Game...
I'll have to train her some more...
[Hmmnn... You should just do it, host.] Asterion tried to help.
"Hmnnn..." I said to no one in particular. "Looks like I'll be a little busy in the future..."
"That's true, but rather than later, you should probably think about now?" Yuuto nodded, then suddenly smiled. "After all, if you stand here too long, you'll be swarmed."
I raised an eyebrow. "Swarmed?"
And right on cue, a group of female Devils, all in elegant gowns, shimmering jewelry, and supernatural sensuality, circled in like sharks scenting blood. Their eyes gleamed with curiosity, interest… and a dangerous mix of opportunism.
"Oh, you're the Michinaga Daichi, right?" One said, leaning forward slightly. "The magician who used who---blablablabla?"
"How fascinating~" Another purred, pressing in closer. "And so handsome, too…"
"Forget his looks! Did he use something similar to [Power of Destruction]?
I blinked. …Ah. So this was how it started.
"You flatter me, ladies. I'm afraid I'm still adjusting to all this attention."
I wasn't.
Yuuto, traitor that he was, had already teleported several feet away, happily sampling hors d'oeuvres by the dessert table with Akeno and Shirone.
"...Haiyaa..." I muttered under my breath.
If they had anything that I didn't already get from my contract with Rias and Sona, I would've bothered to network with them, but that meant I'd just be yapping with a bunch of OC's like myself.
And unless there was some other reincarnated or transmigrated individual like myself I could happen across or get to know, I didn't want to spread myself too thin with meager business cooperations.
The female Devils edged closer, their perfume mixing like an intoxicating fog. A few of them leaned very close, their bosoms pressing ever so slightly, and---
"Daichi."
In walked a redhead. A sexy redhead. A cute redhead, A beautiful redhead. And a rather devilish redhead.
The crowd dispersed instantly like Moses parting the Red Sea, or whatever phrase you could use for Devils.
Like Lucifer, the OG Devil parting Lilith's cheeks?
No? Okay, whatever.
And there she was, Rias Gremory, in an eye-catching red dress.
Elegant, confident, and absolutely radiant.
Not gonna lie, I might have a clothes fetish, but at this point, I'm thinking of learning how to make clothes so I can sell them to Devils, 'cuz all of this was amazing.
She looked up at me with that small, charming smile as she spoke. "Well? How do I look?"
I blinked, looked her up and down, the way the crimson silk flowed like fire, how her sapphire eyes gleamed like stars, and exhaled.
"...Not only is the dress beautiful," I said, savoring the sight, "But I nearly lost myself in your eyes. I… might be speechless."
"That's a good answer."Rias giggled, clearly pleased. She then took my arm, her touch light but firm. "Come on, my parents are waiting!"
"Who?" I asked despite already knowing.
"My family, of course," Rias said, eyes gleaming cheerfully.
I smiled faintly as she led me up the stairs toward where her parents awaited, and while there's usually a certain kind of tension that builds when you realize you're about to meet someone's parents, I felt oddly calm.
We reached the upper balcony of the grand hall, where three figures awaited.
Standing at the center was Zeoticus Gremory, head of the Gremory household. He had a middle-aged appearance(which in anime terms meant late 20's to early 30's), with long crimson hair seemingly a few shades darker than Rias' loosely tied into a ponytail, a short red beard, and deep blue eyes.
All in all, he's just an Otou-san, but Devil-flavored.
And beside him, well, if you ever wondered where Rias got all her curvy beauty from, then the answer stood right there. Venelana Gremory, née Bael, was the image of sinful elegance. At first glance, she looked a little similar to Rias, albeit with shorter, flaxen-brown hair and violet eyes, like most members of the Bael Clan.
But don't let her looks deceive you, not only is she a super businesswoman, but she even managed Zeoticus' harem!
Lucky dog! I'm sure Issei would've thought the same!
Not to mention, I'm pretty sure she was the one to suggest a possibility of becoming a contracted magician for Rias all those years ago, though thanks to Lord Sitri's interference, much to Serafall's chagrin, I also got contracted to Sona as well...
I really should pay her a visit.
Oh, yeah. And Sirzechs was there.
"I feel like you've brushed past something rather quickly, no? Daichi-kun?" Sirzechs made a wry grin.
It's not like that Mr. Maou, honestly, it isn't! It's just that I already described your red-headed appearance in the last volume, so I think everyone is familiar with how the guy whose wife they want to bang if they were in DxD looked..
"Young man, I would like to personally thank you for assisting my daughter in her Rating Game. It seems she's found herself a rather capable ally." Zeoticus stepped forward first, his tone warm and welcoming.
"It's an honor, Gremory-Pops. But Rias has a lot of potential, so I just gave a little push where needed."
He chuckled lightly, stroking his chin in thought as if he was hearing something he already didn't know. "Is that so? Nevertheless, I'm glad you're assisting her."
Then Venelena spoke, smiling rather beautifully. "You caused quite a stir, young man. But it's nice that you're helping my rambunctious little daughter."
The pleasure's mine, Lady Gremory. Though I have to say… both of you look far too young and lively to be Rias' parents." I grinned, spitting out the most cliche line known to man across all ages and timelines possible. "As for Lady Gremory, I could've sworn that you were her sister!"
Venelana giggled behind her hand. "My, what a sweet tongue you have, Daichi."
"Now I really feel like you're ignoring something..." Sirzechs said.
No, I really am not.
Now, I'll be honest, our last meeting wasn't exactly stellar. There might've been… misunderstandings.
Magical ones. Possibly involving an unconsensual surprise relocation of bodies, most commonly in a van, but in my case a magical portal.
So imagine my confusion when the literal Lucifer of the Underworld smiled warmly at me.
"Rias," he said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Congratulations on your first victory. You made the House of Gremory proud."
Rias' eyes softened. "Thank you, Onii-sama."
Then his gaze turned to me, and he smiled.
Okay, I guess we're all smiley smiles tonight, aren't we?
"And you, Daichi-kun" Sirzechs said, patting me on the back. "You've done something wonderful today. Thank you for helping out my sister."
Neat. Maou Lucifer brownie points.
If this opens up the Sirzechs Friendship Route in the visual novel called Life, will the ending CG be us driving red sports cars on the race track? Or would it just be an event CG?
"No problem, Mr. Maou. She'd help me if I were in trouble, so why wouldn't I help her?"
Sirzechs smiled, genuinely amused. "A fair sentiment. I like that."
Beside us, Rias let out a sigh, her proud smile softening into something more emotional. "I'm just glad it's over. I don't have to go through with… that anymore."
Her voice wavered slightly, and Sirzechs placed a comforting hand on her head. "I'm sorry you had to endure it, Rias. But you handled it well."
Before the moment could turn too heavy, I reached out and patted her back lightly. "Hey. You did great. We went in, and we did what we had to do. And we won. That's all that matters."
"Thanks." Rias turned, smiling gently. "Heh. Yeah. I'm okay, since you're here."
That made my chest tighten in a good way.
"That being said..." Venelana's melodic voice then broke my internal monologue. "We would like to invite you to dinner with us sometime after this banquet. But Daichi, dear?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Do remember to come by more often, it's not nice to say that you will visit and not do so, Daichi~" Venelena scolded softly. "A man should honor his word. After all what if Rias feels sad if you don't visit often---"
"Mom!" Rias tried to stop Mommy Venelena from spilling her business.
"What? I'm only telling Daichi dear over here the truth---"
Rias' face nearly matched her hair as she attempted to cover Venelena's mouth.
Seeing this, I really couldn't help but smile.
Because watching them together, like a family who genuinely loved each other warmed my heart.
And for a fleeting moment, as I stood among them, I thought to myself:
If, by some miracle or bad writing twist, I ever ended up actually not being an orphan, but the son of some kind of family...
Let's hope that it's just a normal loving family, and not some elitist Human exorcist clan who exiles and looks down on you for not having powers or some shit, and I'll have to deal with other reincarnators and transmigrators, along arrogant OC's.
Yeah, let's hope.
And no, Murphy and his stupid hurricane-causing butterfly partner, I do not want this jinxed.
"Also," Venelena spoke. "Why am I only 'Lady Gremory'? You already say 'Gremory-Pops', so calling me Mother should be fine enough."
"Well---" I began to explain.
"---Wait, why don't you call me Okaa-san instead?"
"I've got no issues with saying it---"
"---Then I'd like to hear it." Venelena smiled.
"..."
"Well?"
-dxd-
-Later This Evening-
-Gremory Banquet Outside Balcony-
The night air was cool, refreshing, even.
The kind that brushed gently against your face and caused you to just close your eyes and savor it.
I leaned against the stone railing of the Gremory estate's balcony, staring at the night sky of the Underworld. It glittered like shattered gemstones, green and violet constellations swirling lazily above an ocean of black.
And if you squinted hard enough, you could almost pretend it was Earth's sky if you had protanopia color-blindness… almost.
"...Man," I muttered, taking a slow sip from my glass, "Who would've thought I'd end up here? A human?, standing on a devil noble's balcony, fresh off a Rating Game victory."
I chuckled to myself faintly. The memory of Riser's face as he got blasted by our [Crimson Extinction Chaos Spiral] still played like a music video in my head, full of explosions and screaming.
The wind picked up, carrying the faint scent of wine and perfume from the ballroom behind me. The laughter and chatter inside sounded distant now, dulled by the thick walls.
That's when I heard it, this gentle, melodious voice from behind.
"Excuse me… would you happen to know where my dear granddaughter is?"
I turned around, and stared. And I stared rather rudely at that.
Because standing there was a woman who looked like she'd stepped straight out of an old Gremory portrait…
She looked young, maybe in her early twenties if we were talking human years, but who knows with Devils? With soft, droopy crimson eyes that practically oozed that 'Mama-Aura' on a similar level to Venelena's, with warmth and kindness within them.
Her long red hair was tied back into a neat ponytail that shimmered faintly under the balcony's lamplight, and her gown, well... You get the gist by now.
Her chest, for lack of a better word, was standard Gremory size, which meant that it was just barely contained by the fabric of her dress.
"...Hold up," I murmured before I could stop myself, my brain flipping through every piece of Gremory family trivia I knew. "Red hair, youthful look, warm aura, clearly older but doesn't look it…"
My first thought? Runeas Gremory, the original Gremory ancestor, the one who founded the clan? But no… Runeas was said to have twin tails, a playful and childish temperament, and a completely different energy.
This woman felt different. Calmer. Softer. Almost maternal.
"Wait," I said, blinking once, twice, before it clicked. "You wouldn't happen to be… Chysis Gremory, right?"
The woman smiled, "Oh, you know me? Oh, where are my manners! I am Chysis Gremory. Rias and Sirzechs' grandmother, and little Zeo's Mother."
Little Zeo, she said.
"Little Zeo?" I struggled not to giggle, extending my arm towards Chysis. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm Daichi Michinaga. How about I escort you to Rias, and little Zeo?"
"What a sweet young man~" She took my arm with some strong maternal grace, and we made our way back into the banquet. "Why would I refuse your kindness?"
Because like sharks smelling blood in the water, guys like me tend to get a little crazy when they catch a whiff of some defenseless puss----
Ahem.
Little Zeo, I'm thinking of leaving this banquet later on, but not before I guide a rather young-looking old lady across the hall... to you.
-dxd-
Next Chapter: 043: Ecchi Young Man: "Thanks For The Pocket Money, But I Am Actually Human, Grandma Chysis!" "Also, What Are You Doing Here, Devil Maid!" (R-18)
-dxd-
-
Trivia Time! (Againx42!!)
Did you know(ofc)
Seiyuu Time!!!
For Venelena's Seiyuu, we got Mikako Takahashi(JPN), who voices;
Sadaharu & Tsu 'Otsu' Terakado (Gintama) lol. imagine if panda and takada from jjk had the same seiyuu.
Rushuna Tendo (Grenadier) Hehe. Boobie Reload. Hehe. Boob Gun Kata. Hehe.
Heart Aino (Arcana Heart) Say it with me! I'm trash at fighting games and I'm proud!
Jun Shiomi (Food Wars!) One of my fav chefs from the show. I love spices.
And..
Zeoticus Gremory(JPN), who is voiced by Show Hayami, who also voices;
Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Trigun) I gotta cross-shaped container filled with love(and guns)
Sosuke Aizen (BLEACH) No, he didn't make me write this.
Zarbon (Dragon Ball Z) (insert-cat-going-huh?-face)
Tokiomi Tohsaka (Fate/ Zero) Evil mahou-otousan
Asami Nakiri (Food Wars!) The definition of fumbling and failing upwards. How this dude is still married to Mana Nakiri at the end of the series astounds me.(teach me your methods)
dxd
I've opened a pa(n)t(y)reon here!;
https://patreon.com/2DpersonalityLover
https://ko-fi.com/2dpersonalitylover
Also, no sales, just support. And no paywall either btw,
dxd