DxD: Path of the Gremory Prince

Hand in hand with Asia and Makima, I walked into the grand main ballroom of Gremory Manor. As we walked through the corridors, we drew crowds of stares and murmurs.

However, not all of these looks were friendly. There were many among the noble devils who envied the Gremory clan or even plotted against us. Just like at Kuoh Academy, my popularity wasn't entirely positive

Anyway, the double doors to the main hall were open, and the atmosphere inside was even more luxurious than the rest of the mansion. There was a sequence of three immense crystal chandeliers, all suspended from a vaulted ceiling whose existence shouldn't even be possible given the mansion's second floor.

'Typical Gremory interior decoration.'

Long wooden tables were decorated with hundreds of different dishes, from dishes known in the normal world recipes to exotic delicacies unique to the Underworld.

Dozens of devils scattered across the hall, while a few pairs occupied the center, where the dance floor was located. Meanwhile, the mansion's staff diligently served drinks and refined appetizers to the guests.

But what really mattered to me was the large table on the far side of the hall. Seated there were the members of the Gremory clan, each occupying large chairs behind a long table.

My gaze first landed on a couple sitting on chairs in the middle of everyone else — Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory. They were my grandparents and also the leaders of the Gremory clan. Zeoticus had long red hair and a calm expression, while Venelana, in a black dress and with chestnut-colored hair, had a gentler look.

To my grandmother's left was my mother. Unlike Venelana, Grayfia Lucifuge had a rigid, serious expression. The seat next to her was empty, showing that my father, Sirzechs, was missing as I had expected.

Rias Gremory was to the right of Zeoticus, and standing next to her was Akeno Himejima. Both looked stunning in dresses matching the color of their hair.

And there was one more seat at this table, this one next to Rias. It was my usual place.

[This scene excited the Patrons.]

[The number of Patrons watching this scene is increasing rapidly.]

'Well, I guess I have to entertain these Patrons who are watching.'

I walked until I stopped in front of the grand table where my clan members were sitting, and, at this moment, the ambient music stopped. So did the buzz of conversations. I didn't mind all the attention that was directed at me, I made a formal greeting to Zeoticus and Venelana. Then I lifted my head and said:

"Good evening, lords. It's an honor to be here once more with you, but first of all, I need to thank you for entrusting Evil Pieces to me even though I'm still inexperienced. As proof that you weren't wrong, allow me to introduce my first Pieces. First, this lovely girl on my right is my Bishop." I looked at Asia, who, although still nervous, bowed respectfully.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, milords. My name is Asia Argento... Milicas-san saved my life, and so I now devote it to him."

"Asia Argento is a young girl, I know. However, she is also the bearer of a Sacred Gear known as Twilight Healing. It possesses the rare ability to heal indiscriminately and instantaneously, capable of restoring the wounds of any race."

As expected, this last detail about Asia provoked a wave of whispers among the nobles.

"So she was a human? Sacred Gears are divine artifacts granted only to humans, after all."

"The Sacred Gears... It's been a long time since I've seen a wielder of one."

"Twilight Healing? Isn't that among the rarest Sacred Healing Gears?"

"I've heard that this Sacred Gear has been banned from entering Heaven."

"That explains why Milicas chose her. I like it."

[The Patrons were pleased with the warm reception of Asia's presentation.]

[50 credits have been sponsored.]

Venelana Gremory smiled. "Welcome, Miss Argento. We look forward to seeing how your skills will help our dear Milicas."

Zeoticus nodded in agreement, while Rias and Akeno looked on with smiles. My mother, Grayfia, kept an impassive expression, but finally said:

"I approve."

Knowing that Grayfia was my mother, because I had told her that my mother was the gray-haired woman, Asia blushed at the compliment and bowed twice more before stepping back.

After Asia's introduction, I looked at the woman on my left. Makima, with her red hair in a long braid, seemed calm despite the gazes surrounding her.

"I would also like to introduce my Queen. Her name is Makima."

Makima stepped forward and bowed with more grace than Asia.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Milicas' esteemed relatives. Although I don't wield Sacred Gear, I know I'm powerful enough to remain at my Master's side for as long as I'm useful to him."

Grayfia leaned forward slightly. With her red eyes fixed on Makima, she asked:

"Which clan are you from, Makima-san? I don't remember having any other devils with red hair."

I was about to give the answer myself, but Makima was quicker. "I was saved by Milicas' teachings a long time ago, back when he used to sneak out of the mansion in disguise to explore Gremory Castle City. As for my past, I prefer not to reveal any more details in public, if possible."

I smiled, relieved and proud that the story Makima and I had agreed on had been used by her.

The nobles around exchanged glances, and I could see the disapproval on some faces. Of course, this was expected — everyone wanted to know who Makima really was. Unfortunately, they would never find out.

"I see." Grayfia leaned back in her seat. "Very well. We'll talk later."

"Welcome to our clan, Makima. We trust Milicas' judgment and hope you feel at home among us," Zeoticus said, and his words effectively dispersed the judgmental stares of the other devils.

Makima nodded. "Thank you for the welcome."

[A small group of entities believe that the presentation of your Pieces was a success.]

Introducing a Queen without a known past or lineage was undoubtedly a point of contention among the nobles. After all, devils were very cautious and suspicious— my clan included.

After the introductions, I sat down in the empty chair to Rias Gremory's right. She let out a small breath through her nose as the music finally resumed and said:

"Milicas, about your Queen..."

I glanced at Rias from the corner of my eye, and Makima, who had been standing to my left, did the same.

"What? Do you also want to attend my meeting with my mother later?"

"Yes, please."

"That's fine. I don't mind, neesan."

With that, I leaned back slightly in my chair and let my gaze wander over the vast table laden with Underworld delicacies.

Each dish was weirder than the last, and the display of such bizarre foods was meant to show the guests that the Gremory family boasted the finest delicacies of the Underworld.

'Krelen is a noble type of meat and looks like beef, but... whenever someone touches it with cutlery, it still moves! Blood Pomegranates, despite their sweet taste and juiciness, pulsate like a heart even when chopped up in a bowl! Ahh! I can't eat anything at this table!'

For any devil born and raised in this place, this was a feast worthy of envy. Not for me. Even though half of Milicas Gremory thought this food was normal, my other half refused to put these 'delicacies' in my mouth. Just looking at some of these dishes gave me a slight feeling of disgust.

My expression of disgust was probably obvious on my face, because soon I heard a muffled laugh coming from my left. When I looked over, I saw Akeno Himejima staring at me. She had one hand over her mouth, and I felt a little awkward.

Akeno then winked at me, and I could almost hear her thoughts:

'You don't like this food, Milicas? Don't worry, this secret of yours is safe with me.'

*Doki, Doki*

...

'I almost blushed... Just like Makima, she knows exactly what she's doing.'

Akeno was beautiful — extremely beautiful, to be honest. If someone said she was the most charming girl they'd ever seen, few would disagree.

However, what made me regain control was remembering one important detail: she saw me as a younger brother. Both she and Rias had always taken on the role of older sisters to me.

Even though we were the same age, this dynamic never changed.

For Akeno, my reaction was just a quick diversion. And as much as she always did, Milicas had never gotten used to it, and I still wouldn't get used to it easily.

I knew the key was not to get used to it, but to fight back.

'Well, there's no way to fight back right now. Best to ignore it for now.'

Suddenly, I felt Makima, on my left, leaning closer to me. She bent slightly and whispered in my ear:

"Master, I'm sure you've noticed, but I need to tell you that there's a man here who's staring intently at Asia-chan."

My eyelids narrowed slightly. "Diodora Astaroth is his name," I muttered in response.

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