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The teleportation circle pulsed one last time before fading, and the world of Kaelthar's mansion gave way to the grandeur of the Gremory estate.
The palace rose high into the Underworld sky, its obsidian walls glowing faintly under crimson lanterns, gardens stretching wide with flowers that bloomed only under moonlight. The atmosphere carried the unmistakable weight of a noble house that had stood for centuries.
Dozens of servants lined the courtyard in perfect formation, heads bowed. Their eyes dared not lift, but their rigid posture betrayed the tension running through them.
At the top of the stairs stood two figures.
Lord Zeoticus Gremory—tall, broad-shouldered, his crimson hair a fiery crown, his expression one of tempered nobility. Power lingered around him like a storm barely held in check.
And beside him, Lady Venelana Gremory—regal and impossibly beautiful, silver hair shimmering like silk, crimson eyes warm yet sharp. Her gown clung with effortless grace, every movement radiating elegance.
Grayfia stepped forward and bowed. "My lord, my lady. I have brought Kaelthar, as requested."
The couple's gazes shifted past Grayfia—and landed on Kaelthar.
He stood calmly at the center of the courtyard, crimson and silver coat flowing with his movements, golden eyes gleaming faintly under the lantern-light. Akeno and Koneko flanked him silently, their presence like shadows.
The air shifted.
Zeoticus's brow furrowed ever so slightly as he felt it—the invisible weight pressing against him. It wasn't intentional, he realized; Kaelthar wasn't trying to show dominance. Yet simply by standing there, the man radiated an oppressive presence, a reminder that strength lay coiled within him far beyond measure.
What… is this? Zeoticus's jaw tightened, though his outward composure never faltered. This man is no ordinary devil. Not even a Maou… feels like this. How in the world did Rias find someone like him?
Venelana's reaction was far different. Her crimson eyes widened for a heartbeat, then softened into a smile. Her heart skipped—not from fear, but something dangerously close to excitement.
Ara~ara… my, he's not only strong… but handsome beyond reason. No wonder Rias clings to him. That face, that presence… even the gods of beauty pale in comparison. Her lips curved slightly before she caught herself. No, Venelana. This is your daughter's man. Not yours. But… still… how tempting…
Kaelthar's gaze shifted between the two, and the faintest curve touched his lips. He had read their thoughts as easily as one might glance at a page. Zeoticus's wary respect. Venelana's… thirst carefully hidden beneath layers of nobility.
He said nothing of it, though the glint in his golden eyes lingered a little longer on Venelana, making her heart skip before she quickly smoothed her expression.
"Welcome, Kaelthar," Zeoticus finally said, his tone formal but carrying a faint edge, as though speaking to a storm he wasn't sure he could control. "I am Zeoticus Gremory. This is my wife, Venelana."
Kaelthar inclined his head ever so slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than submission. His voice was calm, deep, and steady. "Your hospitality is appreciated."
Venelana's lips curved into a soft smile. "Rias spoke of you often… but I see now her words barely touched the truth." Her eyes lingered, just a little too long. "You are… far beyond what we imagined."
Kaelthar's golden eyes glinted, amusement flickering there for a heartbeat. "Few things in life are ever as they are imagined."
The subtle weight of his words carried into the silence, and for a moment, even the servants seemed to hold their breath.
Zeoticus narrowed his eyes slightly, his instincts flaring again. Not even Sirzechs unsettles me like this… He clenched his fist behind his back. This man… he could destroy everything if he wished. And yet—he's the one Rias chose.
Venelana, on the other hand, found herself leaning in slightly, her mind traitorously wandering. That voice… that presence… Rias, my dear, you might have been selfish not to introduce him sooner. She caught herself again, her smile sharpening. No, control yourself. This is your daughter's lover. And yet… he's dangerous in more ways than one.
Kaelthar sensed every thought. Especially hers.
But instead of exposing it, he simply smiled faintly, letting the silence stretch just long enough for her to realize he knew. Her crimson eyes flickered for a heartbeat, betraying the truth before she hid it once again.
"Come," Venelana said quickly, her tone smooth, covering the faint heat rising in her cheeks. "Dinner awaits. And many questions, I'm sure."
Zeoticus gave one last look at Kaelthar, the weight of his gaze sharp and measuring. Then he turned and led the way into the estate.
As Kaelthar followed, the servants parted before him like waves before a prow. Akeno smirked faintly at the tension in the air, while Koneko remained silent, her instincts telling her the same thing Grayfia had realized earlier—
This man was far more than the Gremorys had expected.
And Venelana… found herself already wondering how long she could keep her thoughts hidden from him.
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