Scene: The Private Salon
The private salon of the Gremory estate was a place few ever saw.
Lit by floating globes of crimson witchlight, its walls were lined with ancient tomes and infernal relics, each humming softly with dormant power. The scent of fine wine, aged parchment, and exotic spices clung to the air like an invisible perfume.
Issei stood alone by the hearth, the crackle of azure flames reflecting in his eyes. The door opened with a whisper of silk.
And in she came.
Venelana Gremory.
Radiance incarnate in a form that defied time — voluptuous and commanding, with cascading crimson hair that mirrored her daughters' but carried the polish of age and authority. Her gown was midnight velvet trimmed in crimson lace, clinging to curves that mocked mortality. Jewels glittered at her throat and ears, but none shone brighter than the amusement in her wine-dark eyes.
"Issei Hyoudou," she murmured, voice as smooth as aged bourbon poured over a dagger's edge. "At last."
He turned, offering a lopsided grin. "Lady Venelana. You wanted to see me?"
She drifted closer, like a predator in no hurry to strike.
"I did. A mother should always meet the man bold — or foolish — enough to claim the hearts of her daughters."
Issei chuckled, unshaken. "Claim's a strong word. I'd say they claimed me."
Venelana's lips curved into something wickedly indulgent. "Oh, darling… a true man never lets himself be claimed. He simply allows the illusion." She trailed a fingertip along the edge of a nearby crystal decanter, watching him like a cat toying with a caged bird. "And yet… you've left marks on my girls. Rias is drunk on you. Mio broods over you with a sword in hand. And Sirzaria…" She let that name hang in the air like a loaded pistol.
"She kissed me before leaving," Issei said simply, meeting her gaze head-on.
Venelana's laughter was rich and dark, like storm clouds rolling across wine-soaked skies. "Of course she did. She was always the boldest. Just like her father." She took a glass of deep crimson wine, raising it in silent salute. "To chaos. To dangerous men. And to foolish women who fall for them."
Issei accepted a glass she poured for him, their fingers brushing — a brief spark of heat that wasn't entirely innocent.
"To dangerous women," he countered with a crooked grin.
Their glasses touched with a soft chime, the air between them thick with unspoken games.
"I see now," Venelana said softly, voice a low purr. "Why my daughters burn for you. Power you wear like a second skin. Loyalty sharp enough to bleed for. And a hunger… oh, darling, that's the one thing a Gremory woman cannot resist. A man who wants everything."
Issei took a slow sip, savoring the warmth of the wine and her words. "Guess I'm greedy."
"Good." She set her glass aside and stepped in close — close enough for her perfume, a mix of dark orchid and something infernal, to wrap around him. "Because this family… it demands greed. Ambition. Ruthlessness dressed in velvet gloves."
He met her gaze, unflinching. "I can be ruthless."
Venelana smiled — a slow, dangerous thing.
"I'm counting on it."
She let a fingertip trace along his jaw, lingering for a heartbeat too long. "You'll need it, my precious little dragon. Because what's coming for you… will make the Rating Game look like a polite afternoon tea."
Her lips brushed his cheek, feather-light, a threat disguised as a caress.
"I'll see you at the banquet, Issei Hyoudou. Wear the suit my daughter picked for you. It's going to be a very… illuminating evening."
And with that, she turned and left, leaving the scent of wine, danger, and velvet promises in her wake.
Issei exhaled slowly, a grin tugging at his lips.
[Eden: {I don't know if I should be terrified… or turned on. Hell, maybe both.}]
"Yeah," he murmured, finishing his wine. "Welcome to House Gremory."
⸻
Scene: Reunion Before the Banquet
The moment Venelana vanished into the shadows, Rias, Mio, and Sirzaria rounded the corner.
"You okay?" Rias asked, searching his face.
"Yeah," Issei nodded. "She's… intense."
Sirzaria smirked. "She raised us. Be thankful you got out of that with all your limbs intact."
"And your dignity," Mio added with a teasing glint in her eye.
Rias reached for his hand, squeezing it. "Come on. The others are waiting. Let's show them what a real peerage looks like."
⸻
Scene: The Banquet Unfolds
The grand hall shimmered with celebratory energy, the night air thick with the mingling scents of spiced bloodwine, immortal fruits, and infernal delicacies. Moonlight poured through crystal chandeliers and arched windows, pooling over long tables dressed in crimson silk and scattered with enchanted silverware. The Gremory summer estate had never looked so alive.
Issei adjusted the lapels of his suit — black as midnight, with crimson lining that gleamed like fresh blood under the light. The Gremory crest sat proudly on his chest, his silhouette cutting a figure of dangerous elegance.
At his side, Rias was breathtaking in an evening gown of rich crimson that clung to her body like living flame. Akeno followed in a black silk gown split high at the thigh, revealing toned legs and curves that drew lingering glances. Kuroka prowled like a shadow given form — her black dress scandalously cut, golden eyes gleaming with feline amusement.
Kiba wore a midnight blue suit with embroidered silver, while Koneko and Asia opted for more modest dresses — Koneko in soft ivory, Asia in gentle emerald with lace accents, though the young nun kept glancing nervously at the crowd.
The assembled nobles turned as they entered, conversations pausing. The victorious peerage stood at the heart of it all — the new blood of the Crimson House.
Sirzaria's voice boomed from an enchanted projection above, radiating authority and warmth.
"To Rias Gremory's peerage! A victory that shattered every prediction!"
A roar of applause followed, goblets raised high, immortal voices singing their names.
⸻
Scene: Rival Encounters
"You're Issei Hyoudou, right?"
He turned to meet the towering form of Sairaorg Bael, dressed in regal crimson, his golden eyes steady.
"You fought well," Sairaorg rumbled. "We'll spar soon. And one day — a proper Rating Game."
Issei clasped his hand. "Looking forward to it."
Next came Sona Sitri, calm, precise, the perfect student council president even here. Her tailored navy gown was elegant and severe, glasses catching the light.
"I hear you've grown fond of strategy. Care to test that over a proper chess match, Hyoudou?"
Issei smirked. "Name the time."
Her lips twitched. "I will."
Serafall Leviathan twirled in next, a shimmering burst of stars and energy. Yet behind her smile lingered something sharp and ancient.
"You're the little dragon causing all this chaos," she teased. "Careful — I might claim you as my rival."
"Wouldn't mind a magical girl chasing me around," he fired back.
"Ufufu~ Dangerous words, little dragon."
⸻
Scene: Diodora's Entrance
But then — the air shifted. A wrongness slithered through the grand hall.
Diodora Astaroth, dressed in deep violet robes, moved like a viper through the crowd. His eyes locked onto Asia, and she froze. Her face went pale, breath hitching sharply as her emerald gaze darted toward Issei, panic writ large in her expression.
He was at her side in an instant.
"My dear… you're even more radiant tonight," Diodora murmured, reaching to take her hand like he had every right.
Asia flinched, her shoulders curling inward, lips trembling. "P-Please… don't," she whispered, barely audible.
Issei's hand closed around Diodora's wrist like a vice. His voice dropped, cold and low.
"Touch her again… and I'll tear your fucking arm off."
Diodora's smile twitched, eyes narrowing. "She doesn't belong to you."
"No," Issei's grin turned razor-sharp, a dragon's fang bared. "But she sure as hell doesn't belong to you either."
The tension between them crackled like a drawn blade.
Diodora yanked his hand back, plastering on a courtly smile. "We'll speak again… Hyoudou."
"Not if you value your teeth."
Diodora's gaze lingered a beat too long before he slipped back into the crowd like a snake retreating to tall grass.
Asia clung to Issei's arm, trembling. He gently squeezed her shoulder.
"You're safe," he promised, voice gentler now. "I've got you."
She nodded quickly, pressing against his side, and the night went on.