Chapter 57: Chapter 56: Five Star Golden Egg
"Father, Mother, Onii-sama."
The moment she saw her family, Rias took a few quick steps forward, greeting them with a tone far more polite and reserved than usual.
At this moment, she seemed less like the confident and commanding heiress of the Gremory family and more like a beloved daughter returning home.
Himejima Akeno, having met Sirzechs and the others before, naturally understood their status. She immediately bowed in respect, displaying proper etiquette.
Renji, however, hesitated for a moment, unsure of the appropriate way to address them.
"You must be Renji-kun?"
A warm and elegant voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
A beautiful woman with long, flowing brown hair stepped forward, her eyes filled with gentle amusement.
"I watched your battle. It was truly impressive, like watching a young hero."
"No wonder Rias likes you."
She smiled before adding, "I'm Rias's mother. If you don't mind, you may call me 'Mother'—just like she does."
"You'll take good care of this girl, won't you?"
Venelana Gremory's words carried both kindness and authority, subtly acknowledging Renji's place beside her daughter.
Renji quickly composed himself.
"Mother, you flatter me. Rias is an incredible woman—having her as my wife would be my greatest fortune."
His tone was calm and confident, without any hesitation.
If this had been the old Renji, perhaps he would have been nervous in such a formal situation.
But strength changes a person.
Renji wasn't just any human—he was now the Red Dragon Emperor and the reincarnation of King Arthur.
Such a status gave him a confidence that couldn't be shaken, even in front of one of the most powerful noble families in the Underworld.
Hearing his response, Venelana's smile deepened.
Sirzechs, Zeoticus, and even Rias herself seemed pleased with his answer.
The simple act of addressing Venelana as "Mother" had shortened the distance between them, proving that Renji had fully accepted his relationship with Rias.
"Mother, let's continue inside."
"Renji-kun and I still need to rest from the journey. And with the banquet starting soon, we should prepare in advance."
At Rias's suggestion, Venelana nodded with a smile.
Turning back to Renji, she remarked, "It seems we will get along very well."
With that, she and the others led the group into the grand halls of the Gremory estate.
As they walked, Renji's eyes subtly drifted toward Grayfia's head.
A slight look of surprise crossed his face.
Floating above Grayfia's head was a five-star golden egg, glowing brilliantly.
This was the first time Renji had ever seen a golden egg of this level.
It was odd.
He had met Grayfia twice before, yet during those encounters, this egg hadn't been there.
Curious, he consulted his system and quickly found the answer—
Golden eggs have a random chance of appearing on strong individuals, but their timing is unpredictable.
They could manifest at any moment in the future, and Grayfia's had just appeared now.
Renji's desire to claim it was undeniable.
But the moment he checked the conditions to open it, his expression froze.
His gaze instinctively shifted toward Sirzechs, who was walking a few steps ahead.
Written clearly in the system was the requirement:
"To obtain this egg, you must have your back washed by Grayfia's."
Renji nearly coughed.
What kind of absurd condition was this?!
Grayfia, the Queen of Annihilation, the most powerful Queen in the Underworld, and Sirzechs' wife…
If he actually made such a request—
He would be instantly labeled a pervert.
And if Sirzechs found out, forget leaving the Gremory estate—Renji might not even leave this room alive.
As if sensing his gaze, Sirzechs suddenly turned his head and smiled.
Renji stiffened slightly.
(Damn… is his perception that sharp!?)
Sirzechs was known as the only "Super Devil" among the Four Great Satans. His power was beyond what most devils could comprehend.
Renji quickly looked away, forcing himself to act natural.
For now… he had to pretend nothing happened.
---
"Renji-sama, this is the room prepared for you."
"As for Lady Rias and her attendants, their rooms are right next to yours."
Grayfia's tone was formal as she led them into a quiet wing of the castle.
"The attire for tonight's banquet has been arranged inside. Lady Venelana and Lord Sirzechs are currently welcoming the guests."
"When you are ready, you and Lady Rias should proceed to the hall—after all, you two are the main figures of tonight's event."
"If you require any assistance, please call for me."
After giving him a brief glance, Grayfia turned and left.
Renji watched her disappear down the hall, then let out a slow exhale.
"Darling," Rias called, standing at the door to her room.
"Let's get ready quickly. We shouldn't keep my family waiting too long."
Her tone was light, but her crimson eyes shone with anticipation.
Akeno and the others followed her inside, leaving Renji alone in the hallway.
Renji took one last glance at the five-star golden egg above Grayfia's head.
For now, he had no idea how to fulfill the condition without getting himself killed.
He sighed.
Then, shaking his head, he stepped into his own room.
###
Inside Renji's Room
The bedroom was spacious and elegantly designed, fitting for a high-ranking noble.
At the center of the room, laid neatly on the bed, was a black formal suit—
Clearly prepared for him by the Gremory family.
Renji walked over and inspected the outfit.
"They even got my exact size," he muttered, realizing that Rias had probably given them his measurements in advance.
Sighing, he picked it up and began dressing.
...
Once fully dressed, Renji examined himself in the mirror.
His usual attire—casual, practical, and ready for battle—was replaced with an elegant, high-class suit.
Though formal wear wasn't really his thing, he had to admit—
"...Not bad," he muttered.
His reflection stared back at him—
A figure no longer just a warrior, but now a man standing at the center of the Underworld's attention.
Tonight…
The entire Devil aristocracy would witness his presence.
====
Support and read advance chapters on Patreon.com/Zexxxxy