April 27th,
Three days had passed, and the day of the engagement party had finally arrived. The venue was filled with important figures from across the Underworld as Zeoticus gave a welcoming speech before the couple's entrance.
Meanwhile, Judai stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting his sleek off-white three-piece suit, complete with a horseshoe vest and dark accents.
'I wouldn't look this good if I wasn't in this body,' he thought, letting out a slow breath.
He was impressed with his reflection, though part of him knew this was only possible because of his extraordinary circumstances.
"Feeling nervous?" Kiba asked from behind him, looking sharp in a classic black tuxedo.
"Nope, why do you ask?" Judai replied, turning around, though he was nervous, and it probably showed.
Kiba chuckled softly. "You'll do just fine. You learned all that etiquette in three days, after all."
Judai managed a small smile; Kiba's easy humor did help steady his nerves. Together, they left the room and made their way to meet Rias.
When they arrived, Rias had just stepped out of her room, accompanied by Akeno and Koneko. All three wore elegant dresses, Rias in a stunning white gown that contrasted beautifully with her crimson hair, Akeno in a fitted black dress, and Koneko in soft silver.
For a moment, Judai and Rias simply stared at one another.
"You look good today," Rias said softly.
"You too. You look beautiful," Judai replied.
They shared a warm, knowing smile. Behind them, Kiba grinned, and even Koneko allowed a slight smile to touch her lips. Akeno watched with a gentle, pleased expression.
Then Judai offered his hand. "My lady."
Rias took it, and together they began walking toward the venue. Koneko led the way, with Kiba to her left and Akeno to her right, while Rias and Judai followed behind them.
"Aren't you nervous, Judai?" Rias whispered as they walked.
"A little, yeah. This is my first time doing something like this and in front of so many important people, too."
Rias chuckled lightly. "You'll be fine. I'll be standing right next to you."
Judai smiled, grateful for her reassurance.
When they reached the doors of the venue, they could hear Zeoticus's voice ringing out from inside:
"It is my great honor to present to you, for the very first time, a devil and human united as a betrothed couple: Yuki Judai and his beautiful fiancée, my daughter, Rias Gremory!"
The doors swung open. They stepped into the hall and began walking down the carpeted aisle, past rows of important guests. As they neared the stage, Kiba, Akeno, and Koneko stepped aside, bowing slightly to allow the couple to pass before taking their seats.
Judai and Rias stepped onto the stage together, and the room filled with the flash of photographers capturing the moment.
From the podium, Zeoticus walked smoothly onto the stage and stood beside Judai. He then called for his wife to join them.
"My dear, please join us," Zeoticus said warmly.
Venelana ascended the stage and took her place beside Rias, gently squeezing her daughter's hand. They shared a proud, tender smile for the cameras before Zeoticus turned to Judai.
"From the moment you challenged the values of the Underworld and won my daughter's heart, you proved your worth. You have our utmost respect," Zeoticus said, presenting a velvet box to Judai.
Then Venelana turned to Rias, her expression full of maternal pride.
"Rias, my darling, I've spent your whole life preparing you to be a leader. Today, I'm simply happy to see you as a woman in love. This ring is the circle that will keep that love safe," Venelana said, her voice softening as she held back tears.
Rias smiled, her own eyes growing misty.
As they accepted the rings, Zeoticus placed a hand on Judai's shoulder. "Protect her happiness as fiercely as you fight," he said, then leaned in and added quietly, "You don't just have my permission, Yuki Judai. You have my blessing, and welcome to our family, officially."
"I accept it, and the responsibility that comes with it," Judai replied with a firm nod.
Zeoticus smiled, catching Venelana's slight, approving nod. He then released Judai's shoulder and stepped back to stand beside his wife.
Now facing each other, Judai and Rias shared a quiet smile.
"Please take care of me from now on," Judai said.
"You too," Rias answered softly.
Judai slipped the red ruby ring onto Rias's finger, and Rias did the same for him. They held hands, gazing at each other, the moment feeling both intimate and monumental.
Zeoticus turned to the audience, his voice ringing out clearly. "Let it be witnessed by all here, present and future, this moment will be recorded in the annals of the Underworld! The engagement of Rias Gremory and Yuki Judai!"
A wave of applause swept through the room, starting with their closest friends and family, then rolling through the nobles, dignitaries, and allies gathered.
Sirzechs stood among the crowd, his wife Grayfia, now wearing a dress instead of her maid attire beside him, along with Milicas. They all applauded warmly.
"Did you see the aura coming from him?" Grayfia whispered, her eyes fixed on Judai.
"I see it," Sirzechs replied softly, noting the faint golden hue surrounding his soon-to-be brother-in-law. "Looks like my gamble paid off."
"You could have made Rias cry," Grayfia whispered back, her tone low but edged.
Sirzechs let out a small, almost nervous chuckle. He knew that tone, and he knew better than to test it.
Judai and Rias turned toward the audience, smiling as photographers captured the moment.
"Did you ever imagine that making friends with me would lead you here?" Rias whispered.
"Kinda," Judai admitted.
"What do you mean?"
"Who in the world has crimson red hair like yours? I knew you were someone important… but to think it would happen this fast, that's something else."
"Fair point," Rias said with a soft laugh. "So you approached me knowing I was someone."
"Yeah. And I don't regret that choice."
Rias's smile deepened.
"But you do know we're going to have to talk to a lot of people now," she whispered.
"I know. I'm going to hate every interaction," Judai sighed.
"You'll be fine," she assured him, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.