He couldn't help but wonder—would that turkey Riser end up a complete wreck, holed up at home like in the original story?
After hours aboard the dimensional train, Shuo and the group finally arrived at the Underworld station.
The difference was immediate. The sky overhead glowed with a perpetual, brooding crimson, and the air itself buzzed with thick, intoxicating magic.
"Everyone off! Welcome to the Underworld!" Rias called, her smile bright against the darkly surreal backdrop.
"This is… the Underworld?"
"Wow, my first time here too."
"It's so different from the human world!"
"…"
Xenovia, Asia, and the other first-timers looked around, eyes wide with curiosity and awe.
Sona stepped forward with a polite smile. "Well then, Shuo-kun, Rias—I'll head to my family's estate first. See you all at the banquet in a few days!"
Shuo grinned, glancing at Sona's peerage. "No problem. We'll be staying at Rias's place tonight. See you at the party, Sona!"
With a nod, Sona led Tsubaki, Aika, and the rest of her group off toward the Sitri domain.
Once they'd gone, Rias turned and led everyone toward the Gremory territory.
Calling it a "territory" was almost an understatement—the Gremory lands stretched so far, they could easily pass for a small kingdom. The Underworld was vast, but pureblood devils were rare these days; even a typical High-Class Devil commanded a massive estate.
Even Rias's own peerage—Akeno, Koneko, Kiba—each had their own slice of land within the Gremory domain.
After a chauffeured ride through a bustling city, they finally reached the heart of Gremory territory.
The castle gates swung open to reveal two lines of maids, all bowing in unison. The sheer luxury was enough to make even the most jaded gasp.
At the far end of the red carpet, Evelyn—Sirzechs's Queen and the head maid—waited serenely.
"Lady Rias, Young Master, honored guests—please follow me."
Evelyn's bow was crisp, her tone perfectly respectful.
Shuo and Rias led the group down the red carpet, following Evelyn into the castle's grand reception hall.
Inside, two figures awaited them: a dignified man and a striking woman.
Shuo recognized Rias's father, Zeoticus Gremory, from a previous meeting. Beside him sat a beautiful woman with soft brown hair—Venelana Gremory, mother of both Sirzechs and Rias, the legendary "Extinction Lady."
"Master, Madam—Lady Rias and Young Master have arrived." Evelyn bowed, then quietly stepped aside.
"Uncle, good to see you again! And you must be Aunt Venelana. It's an honor to finally meet you," Shuo greeted warmly.
Venelana's eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked him over. "So we finally meet! Zeoticus and Sirzechs have mentioned your name more times than I can count."
Thanks to his [Max Charisma], Shuo radiated a magnetic charm—even Venelana seemed momentarily dazzled.
Not bad at all! Handsome, powerful, and—by all accounts—genuinely good-hearted. He fit every fantasy she'd ever had for Rias's future husband.
Zeoticus burst out laughing. "Shuo-kun, there's no need for formality. We're family now!"
He couldn't hide his satisfaction. So young, already a transcendent powerhouse, and utterly devoted to Rias—what more could a father ask for? Compared to the Phoenix family, Shuo was a treasure. The Gremorys had struck gold.
Under Evelyn's direction, everyone settled in for a lively dinner. The air buzzed with laughter and conversation.
"Shuo-kun, the Underworld's holding a banquet in a few days. You'll be accompanying Rias, of course—after all, you are her fiancé!" Zeoticus's eyes twinkled with pride.
He'd left Shuo's house in such a hurry before precisely to prepare for this event. With a son-in-law like Shuo, he was eager to show off the Gremory family's strength and prestige.
"Rias already told me. I'll be there with her," Shuo replied.
"That's what I wanted to hear!" Zeoticus nodded, utterly content.
But just as dinner was winding down, Venelana dropped a bomb that froze the room.
"So, Shuo-kun—when do you and Rias plan on having children?" she asked, her tone breezy and utterly direct.
"Pfft!!"
Shuo and Rias both choked, along with half the table.
Venelana's words landed like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone stunned.
Zeoticus's eyes lit up. "Exactly! Rias, look at your brother Sirzechs—he already has two kids. You should step up your game!"
"Father! Mother! What are you even talking about? We're still in school!" Rias protested, her face turning as red as her hair, steam practically rising from her ears.
Akeno, Koneko, Asia, and the other girls shot Shuo a mix of complex, unreadable looks.
Even Kiba and Gasper wore the expressions of spectators at a particularly juicy drama.
Shuo, sweating bullets under the pressure, managed to stammer out, "We're… still in high school. Isn't this a bit early? How about we get engaged at Rias's coming-of-age ceremony first?"
"Engaged, hmm? That works too!" Zeoticus and Venelana exchanged satisfied glances. With that, Shuo and Rias's relationship was as good as sealed.
The girls all breathed sighs of relief. The thought of suddenly having to deal with babies was terrifying.
Who knew the Gremory family was this wild and open?!
"There's still some time before the banquet," Venelana said as the meal ended. "Rias, you should show everyone around the Underworld these next few days."
"And at night, Shuo-kun, you'll be staying with Rias."
Before anyone could protest, Venelana had Evelyn arrange separate rooms for everyone—except Shuo and Rias.
No subtlety—she was clearly aiming to turn opportunity into reality.
Akeno and the other girls looked a little disgruntled, but there was nothing they could do.
As for Rias, her face was so red she practically glowed, caught between nervousness, embarrassment, and a flutter of anticipation for what the night might bring.
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