chapter [123]

Gremory Family Mansion

Zeoticus, the head of the Gremory family, sat in his luxurious leather chair in the mansion's office, his thoughts revolving around his daughter's marriage contract. Feeling the need to discuss something important, he decided to summon his wife, Venelana, for a private conversation.

With a quick gesture, Zeoticus pressed a button on his desk, sending an invitation to Venelana through the mansion's internal communication system. A few minutes later, she arrived at the office, her expression calm and serene, revealing her usual elegance.

"Darling, you called for me?" Venelana asked gently, her blue eyes shining with a soft light.

"Venelana, I'm going to have an important conversation with Rias soon," he began, his eyes fixed on hers as he conveyed the gravity of the situation. "And it's crucial that you're completely on my side."

"Of course, Zeoticus. You can count on me," she replied, her voice calm as she accepted the responsibility assigned to her.

Zeoticus nodded, satisfied with Venelana's response. "Then let's proceed," he said before pressing a button on the desk to notify Rias to come to the office.

As Zeoticus waited, the soft sound of knocks on the door echoed through the office. He looked up, his posture assuming an expression of expectation as he responded.

"Come in," he said, his voice firm and authoritative filling the space.

Rias opened the door and entered the office, her eyes curious as she observed her parents.

"You called for me, Father?" asked Rias, her voice soft with anticipation.

Zeoticus nodded, indicating for Rias to approach. "Yes, Rias. Please, have a seat. We have something important to discuss."

Rias nodded, following her father's instructions as she settled into a chair across from Zeoticus's desk. She watched him closely, waiting for what he had to say.

"As you know, some time ago, a marriage contract was established between our family and the Astaroth family." Zeoticus continued, his voice firm and unwavering. "During the next gathering of young devils, I will officially announce the marriage contract between you and Diodora."

Rias swallowed hard, a sense of discomfort settling in her chest as she listened to her father's words. She was well aware of the contract, but had hoped she could escape this unwanted fate.

"But Father, Mother, I..." She began, her voice wavering with the emotion and frustration bubbling inside her.

Zeoticus raised his hand, abruptly interrupting her. His icy gaze conveyed a clear message that there was no room for arguments or resistance.

"As soon as this marriage is announced, you will have to behave properly," he continued, his voice inflexible. "If you dare to embarrass our family again, the consequences will be severe."

Venelana remained silent beside Zeoticus, her expression serene and undisturbed as she observed the dynamic between father and daughter. She knew her role was to support her husband, but her heart squeezed at the sight of Rias's suffering.

Rias felt a wave of despair and indignation rising within her, her words of defiance boiling on her tongue.

"Is our relationship always going to be like this? You using me as a bargaining chip and threatening me?" she exploded, her voice echoing in the office as tears began to fill her eyes.

"Rias, please, calm down," Venelana said softly, her voice like a ray of light in the midst of the storm.

Rias turned to Venelana, her eyes filled with pain and frustration.

"How can I calm down when my own father is forcing me into a fate I detest?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Zeoticus intervened before Venelana could respond, his patience exhausted with Rias's insubordination.

"You've spent too much time in the human world, Rias," he reprimanded, his tone authoritative. "You've forgotten what it means to be a true devil."

"At least humans know what it means to be a father!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the office before she ran out, leaving the door to slam shut behind her.

Zeoticus watched the closed door calmly, his expression impassive as he prepared for the consequences of his actions. He turned to Venelana, conveying his instructions.

"Venelana, you know what to do," he said firmly, before returning his attention to the work on his desk as if nothing had happened.

Venelana nodded in response, fully understanding what was expected of her. She left the office with determination, ready to have a serious conversation with Rias and ensure she understood the consequences of her actions.

As Zeoticus continued his work, the silence of the office was deafening, marked only by the distant sound of his daughter's tears echoing through the mansion's corridors.

Rias POV

I ran as fast as I could back to my room, my legs trembling with anger and frustration. Each step echoed through the mansion's corridors, sobs caught in my throat as tears fell incessantly from my eyes.

The hallway seemed endless as I distanced myself from my father's office. My mind was swirling with a tumultuous mix of emotions. I was angry at him for forcing me into a fate I didn't want, for using me as a pawn in his political games. I was afraid of what the future held for me, trapped in a marriage that felt like a prison sentence. And I was frustrated with the feeling of helplessness that enveloped me, unable to do anything to change my situation.

As I ran down the hallway, tears dripped onto the floor behind me, marking my escape route. Each drop was a silent testimony to my pain and anguish, a physical expression of the crushing weight I carried in my heart.

Finally, I reached my room and collapsed onto the bed, letting the tears flow freely. The soft sheets absorbed my tears as I curled up into a ball, feeling small and vulnerable in the ruthless world of devils.

I knew I needed to gather courage and face my fate, but in that moment, all I could do was surrender to my pain and hope that the tears would eventually dry up, leaving behind a hardened shell of determination.

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