chapter [155]

Gremory Mansion

Office

Zeoticus, with a look of evident displeasure, stood behind his desk, fists clenched and jaw tense. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, glowed with contained rage. On the other side of the desk, his son Sirzechs maintained a firm posture, but there was a clear tension in the air between the two.

"Sirzechs," Zeoticus began, his voice low but laden with reproach. "I can't believe you interfered with Rias' marriage contract again, without even consulting me. This is an affront to our tradition and our control over the family."

Sirzechs, maintaining his composure, responded in a controlled but equally firm voice. "Father, I did what was necessary to protect Rias. She didn't want that marriage with Diodora. I couldn't just stand by and watch my sister be forced into something she detested."

Zeoticus slammed the desk with force, his anger overflowing. "You acted as if you were the only one who cared about Rias! That contract was to secure important political alliances. Our family can't afford to be guided by personal whims!"

Sirzechs remained firm, his eyes locked on his father's. "Political alliances are important, but not at the cost of Rias' happiness and well-being. You may be blind to her feelings, but I'm not. Besides, she has proven to be a capable leader on her own."

Zeoticus' anger didn't diminish, and he stepped forward, pointing a finger at Sirzechs. "You challenged my authority, Sirzechs. As the head of the family, my word should be final. You are weakening our position by showing this disunity."

Sirzechs took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Father, our strength comes from unity, yes, but also from respect and mutual support. Forcing Rias into a marriage against her will would only create more resentment and fragility in the family."

Zeoticus looked at Sirzechs for a long moment, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and impotent rage. "You've done this before, Sirzechs. When Rias was promised to Riser, you interfered. And now, with Diodora, you're doing it again. I can't believe you keep defying my decisions!"

Sirzechs nodded, recognizing the gravity of his father's words but without backing down. "I understand your concerns, father. But I believe that, in the long run, respecting Rias' wishes will strengthen our family, not weaken it."

Zeoticus took a deep breath, trying to control the anger bubbling inside him. "You may be a Maou and rule the underworld, Sirzechs, but here, I am the head of the Gremory family. And you should respect that."

Sirzechs looked directly at his father, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and firmness. "Father, I respect your position as head of the family. I don't like to abuse my authority, but I will do what is necessary to ensure she is happy and safe."

Zeoticus, still with a severe expression, countered. "I had made a deal with Dimitri, Diodora Astaroth's father. Do you have any idea what that means for our alliances?"

Sirzechs remained firm. "The only thing I did was offer a duel, and it was Diodora who accepted."

Zeoticus raised his voice, his frustration evident. "Organizing a duel in front of all the young devils of the underworld forced him to accept. If Diodora doesn't marry Rias, no heir from any family will accept it!"

Sirzechs responded calmly but with determination. "Even if that happens, we will still have someone as important as an heir."

Zeoticus narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Who?"

Sirzechs smiled slightly, confident. "The Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou."

Zeoticus frowned, the skepticism evident. "Issei? Do you really believe he has the necessary potential?"

Sirzechs maintained his firm posture. "Yes, father. I believe Issei has extraordinary potential and can become a key figure in our family."

Zeoticus remained skeptical, but before he could respond, Sirzechs let his power rise a little, filling the room with an oppressive and imposing aura.

Zeoticus frowned, feeling the pressure. "Are you trying to intimidate me, Sirzechs?"

Immediately, Sirzechs controlled his power, retreating. "I apologize, father. That was not my intention."

Zeoticus looked at Sirzechs for a long moment, the anger still present but also a hint of respect. He thought to himself that, despite all the strength and authority Sirzechs possessed as a Maou, he still had enough sense not to directly challenge his father's authority, even being stronger.

Zeoticus took a deep breath, trying to control his anger. "The Old Satan Faction can take advantage of these moments of instability between the families to gather strength, Sirzechs. You are creating a dangerous scenario."

Sirzechs nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I am aware of the risks, father. But I believe that strengthening our family internally is the best way to prepare for any external threats."

Zeoticus shook his head, disappointed. "You are treating Rias as if she were a human girl, Sirzechs. Rias is a Devil of the underworld, full of responsibilities. We cannot afford to be weak."

Sirzechs looked directly into his father's eyes, determined. "I understand Rias' responsibilities, father. But I also believe she has the right to choose her own path. And I will do whatever it takes to support that choice."

Zeoticus sighed, his anger giving way to a tired resignation. "I hope you know what you're doing, Sirzechs. For the sake of our family and the underworld."

Sirzechs nodded, firm in his conviction. "I hope so too, father. I'm doing what I believe is best for all of us."

Living Room

Rias was seated on an elegant sofa, with a deep look of concern in her eyes. Beside her, her mother, Venelana, maintained a serene posture, but there was a slight tension in her stance that betrayed her true feelings. Grayfia, the loyal maid of the family, stood near the window, her gaze fixed on the horizon, clearly worried.

The three women listened to the heated conversation between Zeoticus and Sirzechs in the office, whose voices, although muffled, could still be heard through the walls. The sound of arguments and strong words permeated the environment, leaving a palpable tension in the living room.

Rias nervously clasped her hands, trying to find comfort in her mother's words. "Mother, I believe Issei can perform a miracle and save me from this marriage. He's done so much for me already. He always finds a way."

Venelana looked at her daughter with a mix of tenderness and concern. "Rias, I understand your feelings for Issei. He is truly special and has shown to be incredibly capable. But we need to be realistic. A marriage with Diodora could resolve many of our political concerns."

Rias shook her head, determined. "Mother, I can't marry someone I don't love, especially someone like Diodora. He doesn't respect me; he only sees this as a transaction. Issei."

Venelana sighed, understanding her daughter's passion. "I know, my dear. And I support your will. I've always supported you. But we need to consider all possibilities. This duel could be our chance to resolve this once and for all, without harming our family."

Grayfia, still looking out the window, finally spoke, her voice calm but laden with concern. "This whole situation is creating immense tension, not only for our family but also for Sirzechs-sama. If this isn't resolved properly, it could tarnish his name in the underworld. We need to be careful with every step we take."

Rias looked at Grayfia, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Grayfia, I know Sirzechs is risking a lot for me. But I can't simply accept this marriage. I trust Issei. I know he can save me."

Venelana extended her hand and held Rias' gently, squeezing it softly. "Rias, you've always been strong and determined. And I know you deserve to be happy. If you believe Issei can save you, then I believe it too."

Grayfia turned to face Rias and Venelana, her expression serious but supportive. "I will support whatever you decide, Rias. Just keep in mind that we need to be strategic. Sirzechs-sama is doing everything he can to help you, but we need to ensure our actions don't bring disastrous consequences for him and our family."

Rias nodded, feeling the support of her mother and Grayfia. "Thank you, mother. Thank you, Grayfia. I'll do my best to resolve this without causing more problems."

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