The lingering scent of battle had long since faded from the halls of the Gremory estate's med bay, but the weight of what came after still hung heavy in the air.
Sirzaria and Mio had departed mere moments ago, leaving the room quieter than it had been in hours. The gentle glow of enchantment lamps flickered against polished obsidian walls, reflecting softly against the sigils woven into the stones.
Issei sat alone now, gazing down at the ornate box in his hands. The weight of it wasn't from the gold-trimmed wood or the ancient runes carved into its surface — but from what it represented.
A godfather's gift.
A symbol of change.
A declaration of worth.
The silence was broken by the crystalline chime of a system notification.
⸻
[System Alert – Task Completion Summary]
[Eden: {Congratulations, partner. The following major tasks have officially been completed:
• Heart of the Crimson House
• Claim the Young Flame
• Dragon's Culling
Rewards for all three are queued and can be distributed when you're ready. I'll leave them in your inventory until you give the word.}]
⸻
A long, slow breath escaped him. The air felt heavier somehow — thick with the weight of expectation, destiny, and desire.
A crooked grin tugged at his lips.
"Save them for now, Eden."
[Eden: {As you wish, host. But fair warning — I'm going to tease you mercilessly until you open them.}]
Issei snorted, the tension in his shoulders easing just a touch.
But the real prize wasn't in those rewards.
Not tonight.
It was the people.
And right on cue, a knock sounded at the door.
Issei turned as Rias returned, her crimson hair spilling over her shoulders like liquid fire, dressed in a silken midnight robe that shimmered in the dim light. There was something different in her gaze now — softer, but burdened.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, voice rough with quiet understanding.
Rias hesitated. "Not with everything happening. Not with what's coming."
She crossed the room and stood beside him, staring down at the box still cradled in his hands. "Venelana… our mother… she's expecting you tomorrow. She doesn't summon people often."
Issei snorted softly. "Rias, every time one of you Gremory women 'expects' me, it's either a fight, a political trap, or a kiss I wasn't ready for."
She laughed, and it was real — light, unguarded. "This time, it might be all three."
Their eyes met, and whatever barriers still lingered between them crumbled like ash in the wind.
Without thinking, Issei reached for her, and she met him halfway.
Their lips crashed together in a clash of hunger and desperation, a storm of unspoken words and promises finally given voice. The kiss was electric, a spark that ignited a fire between them, consuming them both in its intense heat. Her hands gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his flesh as if she were afraid he might slip away. His hands were just as eager, tangling in her hair, gripping her ass, pulling her against him, letting her feel the evidence of his desire. Her J-cup breasts pressed against his chest, the softness of her flesh a stark contrast to the hard planes of his body.
A low, sultry moan escaped from deep within Rias, a sound that was pure, unadulterated desire. She left a trail of soft, open-mouthed kisses down his neck, her teeth grazing his skin just enough to leave a faint, tantalizing mark, a claim of ownership. She could feel his pulse racing beneath her lips, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his body trembling with the effort of holding back.
When they finally broke apart, it was only by mere inches, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in sync. Rias' cheeks were flushed, her eyes glazed with lust, her lips swollen and red from the intensity of their kiss. She could feel the heat of his body, the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the way his hands still gripped her, as if he couldn't bear to let her go.
"Issei," she whispered, his name a prayer on her lips, a plea, a promise. She could feel the tension in his body, the way he was holding himself back, giving her a chance to pull away, to catch her breath. But she didn't want to. She wanted more. She wanted all of him.
His response was a low growl, a sound that vibrated through her, sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. "Rias," he murmured, his voice hoarse with desire, "I need you. All of you."
And with that, he claimed her lips once more, their bodies pressing together, their hearts beating as one, their souls entwined in a dance as old as time itself.
"That's all for now, my precious dragon," Rias whispered, her voice a velvet purr laced with a sharp, dangerous edge. She stepped back, her eyes never leaving his, a smug smile playing on her lips. "We have a banquet to prepare for. After the Banquet I'm all yours my dragon."
Issei's grin was a mix of amusement and frustration, his breath still coming in ragged gasps. "Tease," he accused, but there was no malice in his tone, only a deep, resonant chuckle that rumbled in his chest.
Rias' smile widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Always," she agreed, her voice a low, sultry promise. She turned to leave, her hips swaying with a deliberate, enticing rhythm.
Just as she reached the door, a voice like liquid silk cut through the charged atmosphere, sending a shiver down both their spines.
They turned to find Akeno sauntering into the room, a wicked gleam in her violet eyes. Draped over her arm was a garment dark as midnight, its crimson lining shimmering like fresh blood under soft enchantment light. The fabric seemed alive, shifting in ways no mortal cloth should, a promise of sin and spectacle woven into every thread.
Akeno's gaze lingered on their disheveled, flushed forms. "Don't mind me," she purred. "I just thought you might need a little… assistance with your preparations."
She held up the garment. "A gift, Issei. Something to make you the center of attention tonight."
Issei's brow arched, curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?"
"Why don't you try it on and find out?" Akeno's voice was a velvet purr, dark and inviting. "I promise, you won't be disappointed."
Rias, clearly amused, raised an eyebrow. "Well, Issei? Are you going to keep Akeno waiting?"
His smirk returned, slow and predatory. "I wouldn't dream of it."
He reached for the garment, his fingers brushing the cool, otherworldly fabric. The crimson lining seemed to pulse faintly under his touch, casting eerie shadows against the wall. "This is… unusual," he murmured, a note of both curiosity and wariness threading his voice.
Akeno's smile curved like a blade. "A special creation, just for you. A blend of ancient magic and modern craftsmanship. It'll… enhance your presence at the banquet."
Rias pushed off from the wall, hips swaying as she approached, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "And what exactly does it do, besides making him look devilishly handsome?"
"Why don't you help him try it on and see for yourself?" Akeno suggested, her voice a wicked, low hum. "The effect is… intoxicating."
Rias chuckled. "Oh, I think I can manage that." She shot Akeno a playful glare. "But only if you promise to behave."
Akeno placed a hand to her chest, feigning innocence. "Me? Misbehave? Never."
Rias laughed — low, rich, unguarded. "Propriety is the last word I'd use for you, Akeno."
Issei shook his head, a crooked grin on his face as he began unbuttoning his shirt, his sweat-dampened skin catching the light. "We having a fashion show now?"
Akeno stepped closer, holding up the suit.
It was a masterpiece — tailored black and crimson, with sigils of power embroidered into the hems. The Gremory crest adorned the breast in shimmering crimson thread.
"I took the liberty of having this made for you, Issei," she purred.
Rias blinked, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Wait — how the hell did you know his size?"
Akeno's grin turned positively sinful. "When you've been as close to master as I have, Buchou… and been put into all the positions he's put me in, you learn all his sizes."
Issei choked on a cough, color rising in his cheeks.
[Eden: {Logging that one for future teasing. Just so you know.}]
"Damn it, Eden."
And the air crackled again — with tension, with mischief, with the promise of a night that would be remembered.
And it hadn't even begun yet.
⸻
Meanwhile, in the Phenex Estate…
The aftermath of the rating game still lingered like smoke over the House of Flames. In her lavish room, Ravel Phenex sat alone at her vanity, golden curls cascading over her shoulders, her delicate fingers playing absently with a silver pendant.
Her cheeks flushed at the memory of him.
The way Issei had fought. The way his eyes locked with Rias and Akeno's like nothing else in the world existed. Like he would tear heaven itself down to protect them.
And the way, just for a moment… he had glanced at her.
Not as a political piece.
Not as a Phenex heir.
But as a woman.
"Mother," she murmured, looking up as Layal Phenex stepped into the room, the regal beauty of the Phenex matriarch undimmed by time.
"I want to follow him."
Layal's smile was soft and knowing. "I agree with your choice, my dear daughter. Give it your all."
Queen Yubelluna, ever poised, entered moments later, pausing at the door.
"I understand how you feel, Lady Ravel," she said quietly. "Your brother looks at me the same way. If you're truly going to stand beside the Red Dragon Emperor… give him this."
She pressed a small sealed envelope into Ravel's hand.
"What is it?" Ravel asked, blinking.
Yubelluna winked. "The number of my older sister. We look alike… she's just a more mature version of me."
Ravel stared after her as she departed, heat blooming in her cheeks.
Layal gently brushed a hand through Ravel's hair. "Go pack, my flame. And make sure you follow your heart."
⸻
Back at the Gremory Estate…
Venelana Gremory's presence could command armies and unmake lords with a word, and now, her crimson gaze settled upon the young man standing before her.
"It's about time," she murmured, voice as smooth as aged wine, "that I spoke with the man who has claimed my daughters' hearts."
Issei met her stare without flinching, a grin curling his lips.
"Lady Venelana," he said, "I've been looking forward to this."
And with that, the next great game began.