I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
Our story continues with Ddraig and the girls flying over the territory of the Phenex clan. Like many demon pillars that had remained loyal to the FGNS (Four Great New Satans), their land had developed and flourished immensely thanks to the resources that Ajuka and the others provided to their fellow devils. Denizens and members of the clan walked around the streets of their homes with cheerful expressions.
"It looks relatively normal for devils. I expected more grotesque structures and demonic creatures walking on the streets." Rossweisse said as she flapped her light pinkish wings, which grew from her armor.
"Maybe it was that way in the past, but after the civil war, we began constructing places to live peacefully. Those that inherited the leadership of most clans started to act after the war to improve the living conditions of their subjects. The Gremory, Sitri, Phenex, and at least eight others did it first, and others followed soon after. Not every devil wanted to fight, and many leaders understood the issue, so we changed our ways. Many things must be done, but we won't stop until we accomplish those goals." Grayfia explained.
"Especially after you had to absorb the residents of the remaining traitors. How many clans got eliminated after that night?" Ddraig said.
"Including the Nebiros clan, at least six. The number of remaining clans is 26, and we hope there's no need for more cuts. Decreasing our numbers is not something we want." Grayfia said.
"You eliminated your clans? What happened?" Rossweisse asks.
"Many issues. One clan was conducting secret experiments to increase the powers of devils artificially. Many devils die from these experiments, and now I care for one of its survivors." Ddraig said.
"We also had a small one-night war in which the Royalists went to war against us for control over the faction. It ended in the deaths of several clans' previous heads and the dissolution of at least five due to the lack of worthy successors to which to entrust the clans. We had to absorb the territories and denizens into adjacent clans to compensate for the power vacuum. There are also those devils who abuse their peerages or create them maliciously, leading to many peerages getting dissolved. Ddraig is one we have chosen to take over for some peerage members that lacked a leader." Grayfia continues.
"Wait, didn't you say that peerages require a king who is always a high-rank devil?" Rossweisse asks.
"There are some special cases, and Ddraig is one. We considered him a permanent substitute king. Kuroka, a nekomata, turned into a reincarnated devil, killed her king, and ran away. Under our rules, she is seen as a stray devil of the highest threat as she is so strong, yet nobody is there to keep her in check. Yet Ddraig has filled that position amazingly, and for the past year and six months, Kuroka has been an outstanding devil who has proven herself worthy of trust. Although young, she has taken part in many missions of high risk coming out on top of each one. Due to this, Ddraig is considered an owner of his separate personal peerage, which is also part of our armed forces. Ddraig can't participate in rank games, yet he is a king recorded in the system." The maid says as they begin to descend.
"A dragon with a peerage? Are there any other members?" The Valkyrie asks.
"That's a bit complicated to answer. Currently, 17 stray devils are not under my direct care, but in the future, they might be. Sixteen are former peerage members who were part of a problematic situation. They were former humans tricked by a bastard and turned into devils. Grayfia can explain more about it at another time." Ddraig says.
"If you have time today, I would appreciate you coming to our home. I feel that we can allow two of them out." Grayfia says as they touch the ground.
"Maybe. Let's leave that for later." Ddraig says as they approach the gates of the Phenex residence.
A large mansion surrounded by gardens of red roses and sizable golden metal spikes that served as a security measure for its residents stood before them. Nobody would dare to attack them within their territory, but one couldn't be too careful about the intentions of others.
Two guards dressed in complete sets of armor bearing the symbol of the clan step forward while bearing their spears.
"Ms. Grayfia Lucifuge, Sir Welsh Dragon, what is the reason for your visit, and who might this young lady be?" One of the guards asks.
"I have come to visit the Phenex clan matriarch and her descendants. I hope to thank her for their help in my time of need." Ddraig says in a calm tone. "This lady is a valkyrie that has asked the alliance for help. Her name is Rossweisse, and I ask that you treat her respectfully. She's not an enemy."
Both guards turn to Rossweisse for a second before they nod. "Very well. Give us a moment to inform our lady about your visit. It is still early, and our lady is likely busy, but she'll be happy about this unexpected visit."
The guards step back and approach a small cabin.
"What should I know about this clan Grayfia?" Rossweisse asks as she wants to be prepared for anything.
"The Phenex clan currently has only four members. Griselda Phenex is the family's current leader after her husband's death. She's a respectable member of the faction and has supported the FGNS since the civil war. She has two sons and one daughter. Her eldest son is called Ruval and is an outstanding member of the alliance that has joined almost every large mission since the creation of the alliance. He was among the highest-ranked devils within the ranking games until the ranking was reset. Rogier is the second son that takes care of most businesses within the family and is currently away trying to recruit Ra alongside other members of the alliance. If Rugal is the fighter, Rogier is the diplomat. Finally, there's Riser, the third son. Riser was a rising member within the rank games with his peerage, but these days, he has mostly stayed away from the public. Like many, he was deeply affected by the suspension of the games and is likely waiting for their return." Grayfia says.
The gates are opened, and the guards turn to them. "Go inside. Our lady welcomes you to the Phenex residence."
Ddraig and the girls look at each other before they go inside. They admire the gardens silently as they approach the mansion before Rossweisse breaks the silence.
"What about the daughter?" Rossweisse asks.
"Ravel is just one year younger than Rias. There's not much to say about her besides that she's usually seen beside her mother at public events or alongside one of her two older siblings. She's likely the obedient child who respects her elders and doesn't break any rules. An innocent young lady." Grayfia says as she looks around with a curious face.
As soon as those words escaped her mouth, a voice was heard within the gardens. "I would thank you if you don't assume anything about me so easily, Ms. Lucifuge. It is highly disrespectful to say such comments about a young lady like me. I'm more than just an innocent lady."
A body rises from around the gardens dressed in a gardener's outfit. A pair of pliers were visible in the hands of the young girl as she stood up.
"There she is. Ddraig, Rossweisse, say hi to Ravel Phenex." Grayfia says. "She's an enthusiast of roses, as you can see."
"I call myself an expert on roses and other beautiful flowers. One can learn much about someone based on the flowers they like." Ravel says before she bows to them and focuses her attention on Ddraig. "I am happy to see that your injuries have healed since then. I was afraid that not even all of those tears would be enough to heal you. There was so much blood. In my whole life, I have never seen someone in such a critical state."
Ddrig bows to the girl. "I appreciate your concern, young lady, but I survived thanks to your family's help and the quick actions of the alliance. I'm here to thank all of you for that. I know your tears are a rare resource, and getting so many in such a short time must have been a hassle."
Ravel waves her hands. "It was indeed challenging but not impossible for us to accomplish. We did our best to aid the alliance and keep such an important member alive. Mother and my older brothers always say that the tears should get used even if there's no monetary gain if it is to help an ally. I feel proud of being the one to carry and use them to save your life. It is a moment I will keep in my memories for years." The young girl proudly says as she bows to him. Her eyes shine with pride and joy at the memory of being one that saved the life of such a figure.
Ddraig shakes his head. "Even then, I appreciate the action and wish to pay it back somehow."
Ravel was about to say something until a different voice called out to them.
"Welsh Dragon, Grayfia, young Valkyrie, come inside. Ravel, go and get yourself clean. One shouldn't welcome visitors in such a state." A beautiful blond that shared similarities with Ravel said as she stood on her office balcony.
"Yes, mom." Ravel started to blush as she realized how ungraceful she looked in her current attire. "Sorry, I'll see you in a bit." Ravel runs away after excusing herself.
The trio watches as the young girl uses her wings to prevent damage to her cherished flowers.
"Curious child," Rosswisse said.
"One with a delicate yet charmful pastime. That's Ravel Phenex for you." Grayfia joined in.
"We should go inside. Lady Phenex won't appreciate it if we keep her waiting for too long." Ddraig starts to walk forward while the other two follow behind.
Under the watchful eye of Griselda Phenex, they enter the mansion.
A few moments after.
Ddraig, Grayfia, and Rossweisse sat alongside Griselda at a small table. Several pastries were placed on the table alongside tea by the maids and butlers, who were internally screaming at the sight of Grayfia.
"Everything must be perfect."
"If we mess up, we will feel her wrath."
"Fear the ultimate maid."
Everyone involved in the line of butlers and maids was terrified of her, even when she wasn't wearing her usual maid uniform like now.
"Please enjoy the pastries. I must say that I wasn't expecting a visit from you, Welsh Dragon. At times like these, I was expecting you to be mentally preparing yourself for the next mission or sparring with Shiva." Griselda said. "Rugal is currently training to join the next mission alongside her strongest peerage members."
Ddraig puts her tea down. "I had the time and decided to use it while I had it. Tiamat is dealing with the new city while the kids are at school or training with their respective masters. It is rare when I get this freedom as a full-time tutor/parent."
"Oh, so you consider yourself a stay-at-home father?" Griselda questions the dragon.
"You could say that. Raising Tosca and the rest is my main task besides the alliance's missions. Tia will be busy with Shangri-La in the future, and at least one of us should be there for the children most of the time. So I welcome the change of pace; fighting is my second job these days." Ddraig admits.
Rossweisse looked shocked at the words of Ddraig. The books and reports she had read in Asgard claimed that Ddraig was a fighting beast that only sought to fight strong opponents.
"Kids need parents willing to take the time to care for their needs. It is not only about food, toys, or fun; it involves showing care, and affection, teaching them, and making them reflect when they make mistakes. You two should learn how to balance work, time alone, time for your relationship, and time for the kids. So there has to be a balance for a family to work. My husband used to try his best even when his condition worsened with time." Griselda says.
"The sleep disease, it was truly a tragedy." Grayfia says.
Rossweissed looked confused by the expression on the faces of Griselda and the others. Her eyes meet those of Ddraig as if asking for some context.
"Sorry, Rossweisse. The Sleep Disease is something that I learned about after the alliance was formed. Devils, mostly pure-blooded devils, are at risk of developing the disease. The older they are, the higher the risk. Those that fall victim to it start to sleep much longer and can even fall asleep at the worst moments possible. The conditions will worsen with time, and they can't wake up anymore at some point. The body will then deteriorate as they sleep until they pass away. Right now, there's no cure." Ddraig says.
Rossweisse is surprised by such information. "That's horrendous."
"It is; we have researched ways to treat it. Our previous research got stuck in limbo for years, but thanks to the help of our allies, we have created some initial treatment methods. We hope to make either a cure or an effective way of treatment that counters the symptoms. Although the patients are few, the threat of the disease is real, and anyone could be the next patient. Lord Sitri is currently under treatment for the disease, and we hope he doesn't end up as another victim of the disease." Griselda says.
"If the alliance creates an effective cure or treatment, it would prove that our united efforts are capable of the impossible." Grayfia joins in.
"Right, it would be an achievement for the books. An age in which impossibles become possibilities. This is an incredible time to be alive. I just hope my sweetheart is watching with a smile from wherever he is now. Likely in the care of Ereshkigal." Griselda says with a smile. "Anyways, let's move to other things. So you want to pay us back for the favor we did. You do know that there's no need for that."
"Tears are important resources, and I don't want to feel like I haven't done anything for your family," Ddraig argues.
Griselda begins to laugh at his words. "Sir Welsh, are you ignoring the effects you had in our faction? You fought alongside us and gave the FGNS full control over the faction. Nobody is challenging the rule of Sirzechs, Ajuka, Serafall, or Falbium. We have peace and, finally, a government that cares and is not seeking war. I'm no longer afraid of my children getting sent out to fight for a cause I don't believe in. The "you" in front of me is the one that has helped us to stand here as "The Alliance" and not as enemies. I couldn't be happier about all of this. There's no need for payment; I only ask that you be more careful."
"But-" Ddraig is interrupted.
"But if you insist so much, I have a proposition. I want Ravel to study in the human world. I heard the Kuoh academy is a good place for that, but I want her to experience life outside the underworld for as long as possible. Ravel is still young and hasn't expressed any desire to join a peerage or have one of her own. I know nothing about her desires for the future, which scares me. She needs to spread her wings and grow, so I ask that you take her into your house while she's in the human world." Griselda says.
"So you want the same as Zeoticus and Venelana?" Ddraig asks.
"Possibly. I know nothing about Gremory's agreement with you, but I want you to care for my daughter while she's outside. I want to be sure that no damage will come to her. She's my youngest child, and I want to cover all corners. So what do you say?" Griselda questions the dragon.
Ddraig goes silent as he thinks about it. "Another one wouldn't be a problem since we have rooms for days. Serafall did discuss the idea of doing the same with Sona and her peerage at some point…. Lady Phenex, the choice would be up to Ravel after I discuss it with Tia. If Ravel wants to experience the human world, she must decide."
"True." Griselda turns her sight to the door in the room.
Those inside hear a few knocks. "Can I come in, mom?"
"Come in, my child," Griselda asks.
The door opens, and a young blonde girl in a red Victorian dress enters. Ravel bows to those present with a grace worthy of a young lady.
"I'm sorry for my previous appearance," Ravel says as she approaches the table.
"Is alright. Take a seat." Grayfia says.
Ravel does as told.
"Ravel, Sir Welsh, and I were discussing an important issue. Would you like to know?" Griselda asks.
"He told me about wanting to pay us back for the tears we used to save his life. I wanted to tell him that it wasn't necessary." Ravel says.
"Yes, indeed, but he doesn't want to take a no for an answer. So I came up with a solution. Ravel, how do you feel about studying in the human world until you become an adult?" Griselda questions her daughter with a calm expression.
"Me? Human world? It would be a curious experience. I have heard many things about Kuoh academy, but wouldn't it be dangerous? Also, I would have to get up and transport myself-" She gets interrupted.
"I don't mean only getting classes; I mean living in Kuoh while also studying and being able to experience the human world by living amongst them." Griselda continues.
"Oh. That's what you mean. But I have no place to stay there, and I'm too young to stay in the student dormitories." Ravel says.
"You would be staying in the home of the Welsh Dragon. He would be your host." Griselda looks at her daughter. "This would be a great chance to experience new things and escape the underworld for some time. Your siblings didn't get such a chance, but you are lucky. The choice is yours, my dear."
Ravel is left speechless, and as she starts reflecting on the opportunity, her eyes widen with excitement. Her eyes turn to Ddraig. "Will I be able to join a gardening club? Will I get to visit places in Japan? What about sports festivals?"
"Tosca and the others had one. They had fun, and I remember preparing several special bento boxes for them alongside Raynare. I told them to take it easy against the other children, but they still had fun. I found it curious that some students called my daughter Boss Tosca or when some said that Casper was the cutest girl. It was a curious experience as a father and tutor." Ddraig said as he remembered the event.
Ravel was growing even more excited after hearing his words. "I will be in your care, Sir Welsh."
"Eh? That easily?" Ddraig scratched his head.
"She's a child, so it makes sense. We will make preparations for her transference. Let us know what Tiamat says about this." Griselda says.
Rossweisse was left speechless by the trust Griselda had placed in the dragon. "Is this the extent of the trust devils had placed on him?"
10 minutes later. Griselda POV.
Griselda watches the trio depart her home after waving goodbye to them. As she saw them fly away, thoughts about the future invaded her. "Regi, would you approve of my choices if you were here? Our children keep growing, and now our youngest will experience school. I hope this also leads to a promising future for her." Griselda caresses her child's hair as she places her hopes in a gamble that might pay off in the distant future.
Rossweisse POV.
"A father? Are you really the same dragon that reports claim you are?" Rossweisse questions him.
"I am. I know what I did, Rossweisse. I am the same dragon that went into Asgard and stole an item from Odin. I won't deny that, and I get why Asgard may hate me to this day." Ddraig says. "Many still hold grudges, and they will come one day for my head."
"Doesn't that scare you? They might hurt your family." Rossweisse continues.
"It does, but that's why I will do my best to protect them. The more things I cherish, the harder I will fight to protect them. I won't go around killing all those who might come to take revenge, but I will face them if they do come."
Rossweisse went silent for a second. "What about Odin? Will you kill him once the mission starts?"
Ddraig stops flying. The two girls stop as well. "Odin pierced my heart with his spear during the war, and Shiva ripped my arm." Ddraig turns around. "Susanoo cut my left wing, and Ra blasted me from the skies. So many gods fought me, and I remember each one of their faces. But not once have I tried to take revenge on any of them. I fought them, and they killed me. I, of my own volition, choose to face them. They had the right to kill me, and so they did. What is done is done, so when the time comes, I will face Odin, but I won't take his life. No matter how ugly the fight gets, I won't kill him."
"But-"
"I won't. We're going to Asgard to save your allies and Thor. I do not need to slay the one-eye grandpa. I have my task, and I will accomplish it. So be at ease. We're not going to destroy Asgard. Your family will be safe." Ddraig smiles.
The Valkyrie grabs her chest as she feels the pressure of her actions. "Please, I accept betraying Asgard and leaving it behind forever but do what you can not to destroy it. Odin might have betrayed us, but if he dies, Asgard won't recover."
"I know." Ddraig approaches her and places his hand on her shoulder. "Asgard will be alright. I'll make sure of that. I promise this."
Rossweisse tears up as she starts to believe in his words.
Liv POV.
Inside one of Asgard's cells, a tall, muscular girl remained seated against the wall of her cell. Her wavy dual silver blueish hair covered the bruises on her face, yet a smile crept in as she heard everything her cousin was hearing.
"Why the smile, Liv? Or should I call you Brunhild the 12th?" A god with platinum hair asked her as he stopped before her cell.
"Nothing that you should know, Lord Loki," Liv replies as she keeps her face down.
"... See, you're not fun. I dislike when others than me start to lie. Come on, give me the details. Where is Rossweisse? Where did you send her off?" Loki asks her as he leans against the cell.
"I have nothing to say like I told Lord Odin." Liv continues.
"Thor, your ally is lying. Can you tell me what your plans are? The old man is angry and won't settle until you give him what he wants. He wants that girl back, so tell us, where did she go?" Loki walks towards the cell across.
Bruised and chained to a wall, a tall bearded red-headed god lay motionless and in silence. His body was packed with injuries, still bleeding as they were not treated. His eyes ignored Loki and continued to look down.
"Thor, come on, give me something. For the good old times, give me what I need. Remember when we dressed you as a bride to recover the hammer? Remember all the fun we had killing giants? You and I have always been on the battlefields fighting together, so help me now. Once the girl is back, I'll put a good word for you. We can go back to the times before you turned sour and mature. Just think about how much fun we can have. You're a warrior, fighting is all you need, so stop trying to be something you're not." The eyes of Loki were those of a madman.
Thor didn't need to meet his eyes to know Loki was far too gone. If Odin had become obsessed with defying fate and the future, then Loki was insanely in love with war.
"Our true selves lie on the battlefield. Lies don't exist in the heat of a fight to the death. Thor, I am the god of lies and deceit, but I'm finally true to myself on the battlefield. You think like me, don't you?"
Those words were one of many wakening calls Thor had received over the ages. From youth, he had fought any that he deemed enemies. Thor had joined fight after fight, thinking nothing about the consequences. For ages, he had been the same and hurt many, even his children, and now, after learning from his past, he knew that the god in front of him was no ally of his.
"Go away, Loki. There's nothing to say to you." Thor said as he kept his face down.
"..." Loki grabs the bars of the cell. "Don't run away from it, Thor. Sif doesn't know the real you, my friend. I do, and the flames of war call for us."
Loki releases and starts to walk away, but once he is gone, the place goes into complete silence except for a slight tapping sound.
Thor listens to the taps and starts to reply with his own taps.
The cell on his right was holding an Asgardian goddess with hair made out of pure gold.
The cell on his left held two young-looking gods that were similar to him.
Across him, each cell held one valkyrie. Each one was forced by his father to get parts of their bodies replaced by the organs and limbs of Ymir.
"We must wait. Rossweisse will return with help." -Thor
"We know, Thor. We just have to wait for them. Thrud will be watching and waiting." -Sif, the golden. (Sif, the white, is the mate of Fenrir)
"Ross won't fail. Just a while longer, and this will be over." -Liv, former head valkyrie, Brunhild 12th.
And so the wait continues for Thor and his group.
Ddraig POV.
As they got closer to Sitri's residence, Ddraig felt the eyes of many residents focus on him. The territory of the Sitri clan felt similar to Venice, with one significant difference. The devils were walking on top of the water as if it was solid.
The crystalline water in which demonic fishes and other creatures swim along as if devils weren't walking right on top of them.
"Hey, Ddraig, are you alright?" Grayfia asked him as she noticed his strange expression.
"I wanna say yes, but I feel I'm walking into the beast's jaws," Ddraig admits.
"Well, you're getting involved romantically with one of the most critical maidens in the whole faction. Serafall had many suitors but not a single boyfriend or official fiance. Her parents must have waited patiently for the day when they could hear her say that she has a boyfriend or is planning to marry. I even heard there were plans to have her marry Ajuka or Sirzechs while they were barely 16, but all three rejected those plans." Grayfia admits. "It wasn't meant to be, but things have changed."
"I am still trying to wrap my head around the male dragon syndrome. Why harems? Is it that hard to stay with one female?" Rossweisse asks.
"Is about feelings when it comes to me, Ross. I have been going on dates with Serafall for a year, and it connected with us. She has feelings for me, and I have feelings for her that are not that complicated." Ddraig says.
"What about Tiamat?" Rossweisse asks.
"I love her as well," Ddraig replies.
"And Le Fay?"
"I cherish her and want to make her happy. Why is it so complicated for you to understand that?"
Rossweisse sights. "I don't know. I never had a boyfriend, and the concept of falling for someone already in a relationship doesn't click to me."
"Those are the words of someone that has never fallen for someone. Rossweisse, when you fall for someone, you'll understand. The desire to be with that being would be almost uncontrollable as you think day and night about it." Grayfia then turns to Ddraig. "Don't be afraid. I feel that the cult will welcome you with open arms."
"Wait, you know about the cult?" Ddraig asks.
"Every adult except Serafall knows about it; It Is a joke that everyone agreed to keep hidden from Serafall. Although we laugh about it, we take the cult seriously. They are like a religion with deep connections with Lilithism with one goal: praying that Serafall finally gets married." Grayfia smacks his back. "Be at ease and face them like the proud dragon you are."
Ddraig wanted to feel confident, but this was a reasonably unusual situation.
It didn't help what happened next.
A few minutes afterward, Sitri Residence.
Ddraig eyes looked around, and he only found dark hooded devils around. They all chanted and lowered their heads as he made his way inside.
"This way, chosen one." A hooded figure said as it guided them to the main office of Lord Sitri.
"This is wild," Rossweisse said.
"I said we took them seriously. They are not violent but fairly proud of their beliefs. Do you see why Serafall is so popular?" Grayfia asks.
"I see it, and it's scary," Rossweisse says.
The trio continues walking through the residence's dark halls until they finally reach the office.
"Go inside, chosen one." The hooded figure says.
"Wait, before I do, I need to know where's Ophis. She said that she was coming to visit Sona today." Ddraig asks.
"Oh." The hooded figure removes the hood for a second. "Ophis-sama is peacefully sleeping in Sona-sama's room alongside Tsubaki. The three of them had lunch not too long ago and decided to take a nap. They seemed happy. Would you like some food after your meeting?"
"No?" Ddraig says.
"Alright." The maid puts her hood on. "Go in, chosen one."
Ddraig sights at the actions of the hooded figures before he opens the door and goes inside, Rossweisse tries to go after him, but Grayfia stops her. The hooded maid closes the door.
"That's a no for us. The conversation between Ddraig and Serafall's parents is forbidden territory. We wait outside." Grayfia says.
"Oh, come on. We came all this way." Rossweisse says.
"I said no. No, come along. We'll enjoy some tea while we wait." Grayfia snaps her finger, and the hooded maid from before quickly moves.
"Follow me, Grayfia-sama." The hooded maid said.
"Just what are you, Grayfia?" Rossweisse asks.
"The ultimate maid. Now come along." Grayfia drags her along.
Inside the office, General POV.
Ddraig was surprised by the door being shut right behind him. "Grayfia?"
"Don't look for them. This is a private conversation, after all." A manly voice said. A hooded figure was sitting behind a desk.
"Take a seat, Welsh Dragon." A feminine voice said. A second figure was standing next to the first figure.
Ddraig approaches the chair and sits down without saying a word.
"Don't be so tense; you are amongst family." The manly voice said.
"No, I'm in the center of a cult. Were the hoods essential?" Ddraig asks.
"Yes." The feminine voice said.
"We're a cult, so the hoods stay on." The manly voice said.
"Please, I just wanted to talk to Serafall's parents, not the leaders of a cult. I'm serious about your daughter and want to speak about the future, so please take off the damn hoods." Ddraig said.
The two hooded figures momentarily turned to each other before removing the hoods.
"You're no fun." Lady Sitri says.
"I'm being serious here, so stop with the jokes," Ddraig argues again.
"Alright. No need to get angry." Lord Sitri says. "Welcome to our home, Sir Welsh. We expected you after Serafall came smiling and singing about finally having a boyfriend. We couldn't believe it for several minutes."
"She had never been so cheerful, and I was almost in tears after seeing her like that." Lady Sitri says as she cleans a few tears from the corners of her eyes.
"I can see where she got her talents regarding acting and her cheerful nature," Ddraig tells himself. Ddraig sights as he stands up and bows to them. "I'm the Welsh Dragon, and I'm proud to say that I have started a relationship with your daughter with the intention of marrying her later on. Please accept this relationship and give us your blessing."
Both parents are left speechless by Ddraig's words as they pinch each other to see if they are dreaming.
Lord Sitri tries to contain his emotions. "Ddraig, please sit down. There's no need for such a display."
Ddraig does as told.
"Thank you for coming here and saying such words. We have been waiting a long time for this moment, and now that it has happened, I can barely believe it. My oldest daughter is finally blooming, and bringing her first boyfriend home is something I never expected to see due to my condition." Lord Sitri says.
"Honey." Lady Sitri grabs his hand.
"When I started to show symptoms, I felt afraid. Afraid of dying before Sona reached adulthood. Fearful of leaving my wife alone and, most of all, afraid of never seeing Serafall in a relationship. That girl has taken so much in her back for years. Fighting suitors that threatened our family, a war for the future of the faction, and leading the faction, Serafall has done everything, and in many cases, she put her own desires second. My beautiful and charming daughter surpassed any challenge life put before her, and until the war was finally over, she never smiled. She put her true self inside a box and became a cold general that fought as hard as any other devil on the battlefield. She fought for her beliefs, and now she deserves to be happy. Welsh Dragon, I know about your past, but I also know about the present you. If Serafall truly wants to be with you, I won't interfere and will gladly give you my blessing. I just ask that you ensure she continues to smile as brightly as today. I entrust her to you." Lord Sitri says.
"So do I. Make that girl happy and allow us to see her walking down the aisle. I want everyone to see her in that wedding dress. I want to tell everyone that my daughter is finally getting married to an outstanding male, and I want to see my grandchildren in this life, not the next." Lady Sitri says.
Ddraig scratches his head. "I want to give you all that, but we decided to take it slow. Serafall wants to enjoy a normal relationship."
"That's alright. We can wait; just don't break Serafall's heart. I don't want to hunt you down for hurting my sweet Serafall." Lord Sitri says.
"It won't happen, I promise that," Ddraig says.
They exchange a handshake with smiles until the door is suddenly opened.
"Dad, who's visiting-" Sona stops as she sees Ddraig. "Nii-san!"
The girl rushes forward at full speed and tackles the dragon with all her strength.
Ddraig gasps for air as Sona buries her head in his chest.
"Is it true? Are you and Nee-san finally together? When are you getting married? What about my nephews? Tell me!" Sona was on the attack.
Ddraig tried to calm her down, but the girl was restless. His eyes could see a sleepy Ophis coming into the office alongside Tsubaki.
"Is it time to go?" Ophis asked him in a sleepy voice.
"This is my life now?" Ddraig asked himself.
*Notes of the author: We are getting three more peaceful chapters before Asgard; after them is full-on action. Expect the unexpected.*