This was Venelana's plan to settle all doubts.
"Keep Ethan's breakthrough a secret for now," Sirzechs warned the staff. "Mother, the marriage between Ethan and Rias must be fast-tracked."
"I know," Venelana said calmly. "But for now, it can only be an engagement. He can officially marry in once Rias graduates and inherits the headship."
In high-tier demon society, marriages were political. Ethan, despite being a human-turned-devil, was the Red Dragon Emperor and now a God. His bloodline was actually more ancient and pure than any in the three realms after his evolutions. He didn't mind the "marrying in" part; he had no attachment to his human surname.
Zeoticus nodded. "Fine, start with an engagement."
Once the meal was over, Grayfia dismissed the servants and erected a powerful magical barrier.
"Grayfia?" Zeoticus asked.
"Because we observed Ethan's breakthrough from such a close distance," Venelana began, "Grayfia and I have gained much. Our strength has surged."
Both women released their auras. The overwhelming pressure—far exceeding Super-Satan class—shocked the father and son. A flicker of suspicion and "cuckold shame" crossed their minds, but Venelana's next words killed their anger instantly.
"Furthermore, if we continue this... we will break through the God-rank bottleneck within ten years."
Zeoticus stood up. "Are you certain?"
"Absolutely," Venelana stated.
Sirzechs, the cleverer of the two, caught the implication. "Mother... does this mean Ethan's ability... can help others become Gods?"
Seeing their reaction, Grayfia and Venelana felt a mix of relief and a slight, bitter sadness. Their years of marriage and affection were weighed against family prosperity and power—and found wanting. But this also eased their guilt.
"We can't be sure yet; the sample size is too small," Grayfia said. "But it seems that as long as the talent is high enough, Ethan can guarantee a breakthrough."
The room was silent. Zeoticus and Sirzechs looked at each other and nodded.
"Understood," Zeoticus said. "Keep this secret well. Continue your... cultivation. We need more Gods before the Eternal War begins."
The "Honesty Session" was a success. The two women had gambled on the men's ambition, and they had won.
"We will work hard," Venelana said, signaling Grayfia to drop the barrier.
Zeoticus and Sirzechs left to return to their own training, their hearts heavy with complex emotions they couldn't name.
Meanwhile, Ethan had finished with the maid Nina, helping her break through to A-class. He washed up and teleported back to the human world, leaving Grayfia to manage Nina's new role as their cover.
Back at the mansion, Rias and Akeno were waiting for him. They didn't ask if he had succeeded with Grayfia; they simply threw themselves into his arms.
After a round of dual cultivation, Rias and Akeno felt the incredible potency of Ethan's new life essence. Their strength surged toward the Satan-class. They knew Ethan had succeeded in his breakthrough. As for Grayfia? They would find out soon enough. In their world, everyone knew the score, but nobody spoke it aloud unless they were prepared to throw away all face.
Ethan smiled, holding the two beauties. Working hard every day, either cultivating or on the way to cultivating... if I'm not the strongest, who is?