From Chapter 57 onward, prepare for a major upgrade—writing, cleaner grammar, and a more immersive story!

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  Human nights are just as nights in the Underworld.

  While Bokue Keikain was still busy back home dealing with a certain catgirl's "intimacy crisis," events were simultaneously unfolding in the Gremory family territory of the Underworld.

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  With a dull 'thunk', the ground trembled lightly as the castle's grand gate slowly swung open.

  A crimson carpet stretched from the main entrance all the way inside, fnked on either side by thirty-six towering Roman columns. From a giant golden chandelier suspended high above the vaulted ceiling, bright lighting poured down, bathing the entire hall in a vish radiance of gold.

  On either side of the carpet stood a line of identically uniformed maids, hands csped in front, heads bowed in silent deference.

  Standing in the middle of the carpet itself was a gentle-looking, shapely brunette woman.

  Everything looked as if they were welcoming home a triumphant lord.

  And sure enough, once the castle gates fully opened, a tall figure came into view outside—striding onto the red carpet. Draped over his shoulders was a bck cloak signifying his rank as a Satan, its edges rising slightly in the breeze, while his own red hair and handsome features bore a striking resembnce to Rias—about seventy percent simir.

  He proceeded along the carpet to where the brunette woman stood, pausing before her and lowering his head with a gracious smile.

  "I'm back, Mother."

  "Welcome home, Sirzechs. We've all been waiting a long time."

  The brown-haired woman smiled, too. Wearing a formal evening gown with long gloves, she reached out and patted her son's waist, not caring at all about the presence of so many onlookers.

  "Oh, dear Sirzechs, you look even thinner than you did st time. Is the workload of a Satan so exhausting? Any more of this and I'll be worried sick."

  "Heh… yeah, a bit."

  Sirzechs squinted in a wry chuckle.

  "I'm still early in my reign, so there are tons of things I have to handle personally. Once we get through this period, it should ease up."

  "'Once this period is over, it'll get better,' is it?"

  Venena pursed her lips, displeased.

  "You said the same thing st year, and the year before that. It's been—how many years since you took over? Keep this up and I'll be worried to death. If it's truly that difficult, you might as well quit being a Satan~"

  "That's… probably a bit extreme," Sirzechs replied with a ugh.

  He knew full well his mother's chiding came from genuine concern. He also knew those were only words—Venena had been single-handedly supporting the Gremory household ever since her husband's passing.

  Sirzechs himself was away dealing with official duties as a Satan, and his little sister, Rias, was studying in the human world. Venena had endured years alone under this ancient roof.

  For that reason, Sirzechs felt he had to cement his standing as King, ensuring Gremory retained its rank among the Seventy-Two Pilrs.

  The Pilrs themselves were no monolith—countless undercurrents of ambition and greed lurked in the shadows, probably watching Gremory territory for the slightest chance to pounce.

  Sirzechs, being the st remaining male heir of Gremory, would never allow that.

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  "Lady Venena…"

  A voice sounded from behind them. Turning, they saw a maid bowing respectfully.

  "Dinner is prepared and may begin anytime."

  "Thank you," Venena said with a nod, then turned again to her son. "So, Sirzechs, you've come back alone this time? Where are the others?"

  He sighed with mild helplessness. "There was no helping it—everyone else is still busy, so I returned by myself."

  "I see…"

  Venena murmured, some disappointment creeping into her tone.

  It was no wonder—since her husband's death, the household had been nearly devoid of inhabitants. Her son was forever weighed down by his official duties, and her daughter was off in the human world. She hadn't had more than two people at the dinner table in ages.

  Even so, at least her son was home this time.

  Putting on a brave smile, Venena brightened her expression again. "Anyway, you're home now. Let's not just stand here talking—come on in and eat. You must be hungry, coming back so te?"

  "Mm. I'm a bit hungry," Sirzechs admitted with a matching smile.

  Only in front of the mother who had raised him from childhood could he let go of the Satan facade.

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  Scene shift: the castle dining room.

  In keeping with the castle's grandeur, the dining space was likewise impressive—enough to seat dozens at a huge table. Tall gold candlesticks with flickering red candles cast a stately glow. One could imagine how lively the Gremory household might have been in its heyday.

  But now, at that table stretching over ten meters, only two seats were in use—mother and son.

  Venena stirred her spoon in the hot soup, sipping a bit. "I suppose it's nearing summertime in the human world, yes? Another couple months, then Rias's summer break will start and she'll come home."

  "That's true…"

  Sirzechs paused and set his silver spoon down, turning toward his mother.

  "Mother, do you still recall the engagement Rias has with the Phenex family?"

  "…I remember."

  Venena's gentle smile receded a little. "Yes, it may be for the sake of Gremory's continuity, but it's the one mistake your father made in his lifetime. I've heard that third son in Phenex Family is a complete pyboy, arrogant and haughty. Knowing Rias, she'll never take to him. If it really comes to that, Sirzechs, you—"

  "Naturally,"

  He answered calmly, as if to reassure her. "In truth, part of why I came back this time was to discuss the matter with you. I already sent Grayfia to the human world to sound out Rias's feelings. If Rias truly can't stand that fiancé, I, as her brother, certainly won't let her suffer."

  "Oh, that's such a relief."

  Venena let out a small sigh of relief, a smile returning.

  But before she could continue, a red teleportation sigil suddenly fred at the dining room doorway. The shape of a silver-haired maid emerged from its glow.

  "Lord Sirzechs, Lady Venena."

  She bowed politely, addressing them from a distance.

  "Grayfia-chan?"

  Venena's eyebrows rose in mild surprise, but also a trace of delight. Possibly it was just happenstance, but if Grayfia had arrived now, it meant there'd be a third person to accompany her for dinner.

  Sirzechs, however, looked more as if this were expected.

  "So, Grayfia—did my sister make up her mind?"

  "Lord Sirzechs, your sister… did, indeed, come to a decision. However…"

  The silver-haired maid—usually so composed and professional—found herself stumbling for words.

  "'However'…?"

  Even without details, Sirzechs's intuition told him something beyond his expectations must have happened.

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