In the solar, Judai sat across from Zeoticus and Venelana, the warm glow of the fireplace flickering behind them.
"So, would you like to talk about it?" Venelana asked gently, her eyes kind but observant.
Judai sighed, scratching the back of his head. He almost told them everything, the dream, Ibtel, the paralyzing dread. But at the last moment, he held back. "It's just a normal nightmare."
"If that's the case, good," Zeoticus said, sounding relieved.
"As a mother, I must ask you something important," Venelana began, her tone softer now. "Do you love our daughter?"
"I've come to care for her deeply. She's quirky, easy to talk to, and has a wonderful smile," Judai answered honestly.
"And her appearance? Do you find her pleasing?" Zeoticus prodded lightly.
"I do. But that's just a bonus."
Zeoticus nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "Good."
"Are you comfortable with the engagement being in three days?" Venelana asked, watching him closely.
"Yeah, if Rias agrees, it's fine. You already told me about the timing," Judai said, not picky about the details.
Venelana chuckled. "I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't back out at the last moment." Her smile then turned sharp, almost chilling. "But if you did… let's just say you should expect the worst from me. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand," Judai said, bowing slightly. He felt the threat clearly.
"Good. That puts my mind at ease," she replied, her expression softening again.
Zeoticus leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "What about becoming a devil? A human lifespan is so short… I don't want to see my new son die too soon, or my daughter in tears."
"Don't worry about lifespan. I can live as long as I want, thanks to my teacher's training," Judai assured them.
They exchanged a surprised glance.
"Your teacher, Endymion, is quite a peculiar man. He holds vast knowledge, and I can even sense a divine blessing upon him," Venelana remarked thoughtfully. "And now… I sense a similar aura of divinity coming from you."
Judai stiffened, remembering the faint golden glow Grayfia had noticed earlier.
"What are you, really? You're no mere mortal," Venelana pressed, her gaze steady. Zeoticus watched him intently.
Judai felt their pressure, but it was nothing compared to the oppressive dread he'd felt from Ibtel.
"I'm just a mortal who intends to ascend to godhood one day," he said with feigned confidence, partly because it sounded cool, and partly because he felt he had to say something.
Zeoticus and Venelana stared, visibly taken aback.
"But for now," Judai continued, his expression softening into a genuine smile, "I just want to get stronger and enjoy life. Mother, Father… don't worry. I won't hurt anyone unless they hurt me or those close to me."
His words seemed to touch them.
"In that case," Zeoticus said, grinning shamelessly, "give us lots of grandchildren."
Judai nearly choked.
"I would love grandchildren too," Venelana added with a warm smile. "But first, you'll need to learn noble etiquette and more about devil society. You can't be our son without that knowledge."
"Do I really have to? Can't I skip it?" Judai asked half-heartedly.
"No. You will learn it, and I won't take 'no' for an answer," Venelana said firmly.
Seeing her unwavering expression, Judai sighed in defeat. "Alright, I'll learn it."
"Great," Venelana said, her smile returning.
After their conversation, Judai stood to leave. Just before he stepped out, Zeoticus called to him, "Don't forget your promise."
Judai felt a flush of embarrassment but nodded, accepting his fate. He made his way back to his room, where he found Rias still asleep in his bed, her breathing soft and steady.
Too tired to think or question anything further, he simply lay down beside her, wrapped an arm around her, and gently stroked her hair until he drifted back into sleep.
In her sleep, Rias smiled, unconsciously moving closer to his chest.
A few hours later,
The first light of dawn filtered through the window. Judai woke slowly, still holding Rias. When he looked down, he found her already awake, smiling up at him.
"How was your sleep?" she asked softly.
But Judai wasn't really listening. His focus was entirely on her, the crimson of her hair, the warmth in her eyes, the curve of her lips, the softness of her body against his. She was beautiful, completely unguarded, and it stirred something in him.
Without a word, he leaned closer, his face mere inches from hers.
Before Rias could speak, he closed the distance and kissed her. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips met hers. After a moment, he deepened the kiss, his tongue gently seeking entrance, and she responded in kind. He cupped her cheeks, holding her close until they finally broke apart, breath mingling.
Judai looked at her flushed face, her lips slightly parted, and swallowed hard. He shifted so he was hovering above her, his hands resting on either side of her head.
Rias's breath hitched, her own throat working as she swallowed nervously.
Leaning close again, Judai whispered near her ear, his voice low, "You don't mind, right?"
She let out a soft, almost imperceptible sound, then nodded slightly, her eyes holding his.
. . . .
After the long… session, Judai helped Rias walk into the dining room, his arm around her waist as he acted as a steady crutch for her unsteady steps.
Everyone at the table, Akeno, Kiba, Zeoticus, Milicas, Venelana, and Sirzechs paused and stared. Rias was clearly struggling to walk, while Judai looked somewhat worn himself.
Everyone except Milicas understood immediately. Grayfia, standing nearby, maintained her composure, though even she felt a flicker of surprise.
Judai carefully seated Rias beside him before taking his own place. Rias kept her eyes down, her face flushed with embarrassment, while Judai picked up his fork and spoon as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
"Let's eat," he said casually.
For a moment, the table remained silent. Then Zeoticus gave a slight nod.
"Yes, let's eat, everyone."
Slowly, the meal resumed, though glances continued to drift toward Rias and Judai throughout. Only Milicas seemed genuinely confused, his young mind unable to piece together why everyone kept looking their way.
'Why is everybody staring at Rias-onee-sama and Aniki?' he wondered, innocently oblivious.
— X —
The Solar: Served as a primary private chamber for the family; it was a smaller, intimate room designed for comfort and private discussion