The Underworld, Gremory Main Estate—
"I heard Miss Rossweisse used to be Lord Odin's bodyguard. Rias must be thrilled to have such a talented servant join her peerage."
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Venelana. Rias is a remarkably generous employer."
"Hehe… Then I'll count on you, Miss Rossweisse, to look after our Rias from now on. And Miss Kuroka, too—please help her out, just like Koneko does."
"Can do, nya."
The grand hall buzzed with gentle laughter as Lady Venelana chatted with Rossweisse and the other girls over fragrant tea.
Rias had just contracted two new servants, so naturally she'd brought everyone home for introductions—a Gremory family tradition. Ile and Nell clambered over Tenra's lap, giggling, while he sipped his tea in quiet amusement.
As Rias's fiancé, Tenra was practically family here. He'd tagged along for the visit, though it was only a brief overnight stay before everyone returned to the human world. Yubelluna and Ravel had stayed behind, but the two loli twins had insisted on coming along.
Suddenly, Venelana's voice whispered in Tenra's ear, low and private.
"I heard from Sirzechs about your latest feat—defeating the Evil God Loki. You're getting more impressive by the day, Little Tenra."
Tenra blinked, startled. Venelana was still chatting and laughing with the others, her expression unchanged.
Magic transmission, huh? He wasn't sure what his mother-in-law was up to, but he responded in kind, voice condensed into a thread of magic.
"You flatter me, Mother. I just got lucky."
"Hehe… Modesty suits you, Little Tenra. But what I really want to talk about is how your harem keeps expanding. You've already claimed Rias's Queen, Bishop, and both Knights, haven't you?"
"Cough—cough—cough—"
No wonder she'd used magic transmission. Tenra nearly choked on his tea, caught completely off-guard.
"Tenra-sama, are you okay?" Ile and Nell fussed over him, patting his chest and wiping his mouth, while Rias and the other girls shot him worried looks.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Please, carry on."
Tenra waved off their concern, but inside he was sweating bullets. Venelana's sweet smile didn't fool him one bit. He could only steel himself and reply, voice low and firm:
"Mother, no matter how many women I have, I'll never betray Rias."
Excuses would only dig his grave deeper. A direct promise was the only way out.
"Hehe… That's why you're so popular, Little Tenra. No wonder you've charmed so many girls—quite the sly fox."
"I'll trust you. But—" Venelana's tone sharpened, almost imperceptibly. "It's normal for outstanding men to attract women. But if you ever neglect our Rias, this mother won't forgive you."
She said it lightly, almost playfully, but Tenra felt a chill run down his spine. He knew she wasn't joking. He hurried to assure her—again and again—that he'd never neglect Rias.
He truly meant it, but that didn't make Venelana any less intimidating.
Come to think of it, every Gremory woman was formidable. The Flaxen-Haired Lady of Extinction, the Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation, the Crimson-Haired Princess of Ruin—just hearing those titles made your blood run cold. Extinction, annihilation, ruin… It was like living among a league of untouchable queens. Even their nicknames could send grown devils running for cover.
"Madam, Lord Sirzechs has returned."
A servant's voice interrupted. Moments later, Sirzechs and Grayfia entered the hall.
Trailing behind them was a black-haired young man—Sairaorg.
After the usual greetings, Tenra and Sairaorg bumped fists, grinning.
"Sairaorg, what brings you here?"
"Fruits from Bael territory just came into season. I brought some for Uncle and Aunt. Since you're here, grab a few for yourself."
"Whoa, Sairaorg, you actually know how to play the social game? I thought you were just a muscle-head."
"Tenra Kamiyo, don't underestimate me. I'm rough on the outside, but sharp where it counts!"
"That's honestly surprising. Hahaha…"
They'd become good friends, so a little teasing was par for the course.
As if remembering something, Sairaorg's eyes lit up.
"Tenra Kamiyo, I've asked Lord Sirzechs to arrange our match. I've been itching to fight you for ages."
"Same here. Just so you know, I won't hold back. Don't be embarrassed when I flatten you."
"Hahaha… I'd be disappointed if you did! Let's go all out and see who's stronger!"
"Deal!"
A match with Sairaorg—Tenra couldn't wait. Once branded the "Underworld's Two Wastes," this was their chance to settle the score.
Dinner that evening was lavish and lively. Sairaorg left after the meal, and Sirzechs returned to Lucifaad for official business, leaving Tenra and Rias's group to spend the night before heading back to the human world.
Later, Tenra found himself alone in the estate's spacious bath, soaking in the hot springs.
At home, he often bathed with Rias and the girls—sometimes even sparring in the water—but here, in the Gremory estate, he figured he'd better behave.
He was just about ready to call it a night when, with a soft click, the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness.
Tenra's eyes narrowed. But then a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Miss Grayfia, do you ever get tired of dramatic entrances? And why pick this spot?"
"Anywhere else, we'd be discovered."
Her voice was cool, almost emotionless. From the shadows, a beautiful figure emerged.
Standing above the water, looking down at him—Grayfia.
"Discovered by whom? Won't you tell me yet, Miss Grayfia?"
Tenra tried to read her expression, but as always, the ice queen gave nothing away.
"I can't tell you. You're still too weak."
Flat, unyielding. Tenra couldn't help but sigh. Unless Grayfia chose to reveal something, he'd never crack her mask.
"Miss Grayfia, even you can't guarantee beating me now. And yet, in your eyes, I'm still weak?"
He rubbed his forehead, frustration seeping in.
"Hmph. You can beat me now, yes—but it's not enough. Not nearly enough. You must become stronger. Much stronger."
"You say that, but it doesn't mean much. You won't tell me anything, just demand I get stronger and stronger. Is there some enemy I should know about?"
"And besides, your enemy isn't necessarily mine. Why should I risk my life for something so vague?"
Tenra's curiosity was real, but Grayfia's endless secrecy was starting to grate.
You won't tell me? Fine—see if I care.
Grayfia watched him, and for a split second, her icy mask cracked—a strange, almost mischievous smile flickered across her lips.
"Tenra Kamiyo, he's not just my enemy. He's absolutely yours as well. That much I can promise."
"Push yourself. If you reach a level beyond Maou-class, I'll tell you everything."
Tenra met her gaze, suddenly serious.
She had no reason to lie. And asking him to grow stronger gained her nothing—especially given Grayfia's status. Which meant… there really might be an unknown, terrifying enemy out there.
After a moment's thought, Tenra nodded.
"I'll do my best to become stronger. But you have to keep your word, Miss Grayfia—tell me everything when the time comes."
"I will. But we're running out of time. Take care, Tenra Kamiyo."
With one last lingering look, Grayfia turned and vanished into the darkness.
Light returned to the bath. But aside from Tenra's pensive expression, it was as if nothing had happened at all…
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]