Arthas didn't know what to say. The awkwardness in the room was palpable. Sirzechs wore a bitter smile, while Grayfia stared coldly at him.
Arthas didn't know what to say. The awkwardness in the room was palpable. Sirzechs wore a bitter smile, while Grayfia stared coldly at him.
"Um… you two should continue. I'll go sleep in the next room."
The atmosphere was as frigid as Arthas's aura. He tried to leave, but was stopped by a pair of hands.
It was Grayfia. Her doll-like face remained impassive, but she had subtly moved closer to Arthas.
"Come. We'll sleep together tonight."
"Wh… what?"
Arthas was stunned. Hadn't she vehemently rejected Sirzechs? Why this sudden change?
Grayfia offered no explanation, pulling Arthas towards the door. As he turned, Arthas saw her expression and fell silent.
It was a pained, twisted, almost desperate look. He understood: this was revenge against Sirzechs.
Why involve me in your marital issues?!
Arthas felt both amused and exasperated. He saw Sirzechs subtly nodding with a look of relief.
Sighing, Arthas nodded in response.
Grayfia slammed the door shut, leading Arthas to the next room. They sat at opposite ends of the bed in the dark room, the silence heavy with awkwardness.
"Um…"
Arthas, feeling he should say something, began, but Grayfia interrupted.
"I'm so sorry… for involving you in this."
"Ah… it's… it's fine. I'm a Gremory familiar now. I'm just surprised, I didn't expect Sirzechs-sama to…"
Arthas chuckled, and Grayfia lowered her head.
"Sorry…"
Seeing Grayfia's sadness, Arthas apologized again.
"It's alright. This was Sirzechs-sama's decision; it has nothing to do with you. Don't feel guilty."
Grayfia forced a smile, melting the ice around her heart, captivating Arthas.
She looked so much like… Grayfia's gentle smile, her tenderness, were identical to… Ravel's.
"No, it's not alright. Don't forget, I'm a Gremory now."
Arthas said softly. Grayfia paused, then nodded.
"Ah… right. You're Miss Rias's familiar, a Gremory."
Her smile turned bittersweet. No one in the Gremory family knew their secret.
Grayfia and Sirzechs had borne this pain alone. They loved each other, yet couldn't even hug.
Centuries had passed. Grayfia had almost forgotten what it felt like to love Sirzechs.
Whenever that thought arose, she'd curl up and cry, agonizing over her perceived infidelity. Bound by morality, she couldn't forgive herself for even having such thoughts, let alone betraying Sirzechs.
Even if their love remained purely spiritual, Grayfia would never agree to his absurd proposal—to be with another man to experience the joys of womanhood.
"Grayfia-san… may I call you that?"
Arthas asked gently. Grayfia paused, then nodded.
"Because I'm a Gremory. I'm Grayfia-san's family now. Knowing this, I can't ignore it. I can't watch Sirzechs-sama continue to suffer, or you."
Arthas spoke earnestly. He sat beside Grayfia, gently pulling her into his embrace.
Grayfia offered only slight resistance before surrendering, closing her eyes.
"I… I'm tired."
Today's events had exhausted her. Her words held unspoken meaning.
Arthas knew he couldn't expect immediate acceptance. He needed time, until Grayfia's guilt vanished.
He was certain Grayfia's love for Sirzechs was gone, replaced by duty.
Duty as the successor of the Lucifer family, to serve the Devil King Lucifer.
Her feelings for Sirzechs were buried under her responsibilities. As she'd said, she prioritized Sirzechs's status as Lucifer.
Purely platonic love was impossible. If a couple couldn't touch, couldn't hug, all that remained was endless pain.
"Yes, Grayfia-san. Rest. You're not alone tonight. I'll be here until you fall asleep."
Arthas's gentle words touched Grayfia's heart. The renowned Silver-Haired Annihilation Queen, the strongest queen, shed a single tear, then leaned weakly against Arthas, relaxing, letting go, and falling asleep.
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