It was the day that the ORC were going to the Underworld and the group was currently heading to a train station. As the group walked, they got looks from the various passersby. It would be a safe assumption that they were looking at the girls and maybe Kiba as they were often called pretty and handsome by others, but in this case the draw was the maid and butlers that was following the group. Said maid was Salter and the butlers were Sir Bedivere and Arthur who were carrying their things. This situation came about because Issei had mentioned going to the Underworld to his Servants and they insisted on going with him for protection and to show off some of Issei's "affluence". By having maids and butlers of his own, he would give off the impression that he was well off and possibly of similar standing to other nobles. Issei had a hard time arguing with that and thought it was a good idea but decided that only a handful can accompany him since having too many people would attract the wrong kind of attention. If he needed anyone else, he would just summon them. So, it was decided that three Knights of the Round would guard him. Issei hoped this was good enough, but it seemed he underestimated how out of place they would be. "I was hoping to avoid drawing attention, but I guess it was too much to ask for with this large group," muttered Issei.
The others felt the same and gave Issei sympathetic looks. After a while the group made it to the train station. Once there the group made it to an elevator, and as Rias was about to press the button Mash asked her something. "Uhm, Rias? How come we're taking the train instead of teleporting directly to your home?" Issei was wondering the same thing as he nodded with Mash's question.
Rias showed a kind smile to Mash and Issei as she explained. "Well, normally we would, but you, Issei, Asia, and Xenovia have yet to register with the Underworld government. It's similar to how you need a passport to go to another country. While we take the train, you all will be registered into the Underworld database and given passports so that you can prove who you say you are while you're there." Mash and Issei nodding in understanding.
"I see… So why a train?" asked Issei.
"Why not?" asked Rias back.
"Fair enough," said Issei with a wry smile. Rias pressed the button and the elevator doors opened. Since their group was so large, they had to go separately. The first to go in were Rias, Issei, Mash, Salter, Bedivere, and Asia. The second group was Akeno, Kiba, Xenovia, Koneko, Gasper, and Arthur. As both groups entered the station, they all looked around. It was dimly lit, only bright enough to see around. As the group walked and followed Rias to their platform where their train waited, Akeno decided to wrap her arm around Issei's suddenly. Issei looked at her in surprise before smiling, while the other girls started pouting at him.
Once they reached the train Issei noticed the symbol on the side of it and Rias explained. "This train is owned by the Gremory family."
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised," said Issei as they all boarded the train.
As everyone was getting situated in their seats, Issei decided to ask Rias about their trip. "How long is it gonna take to get to your home?"
"The ride should take about an hour since the train passes through the dimensional barrier using official means before eventually arriving in the Underworld," said Rias.
Issei nodded in confirmation as he sat next to Mash and Salter served him tea. He was looking around the train car when he noticed Koneko looking out the window with a melancholy look on her face. She was always stoic, showing little to no emotion, but the air around her felt like she was depressed about something. He was thinking about asking her what was wrong when someone entered their car suddenly. Issei saw Azazel walk in followed by Raynare and an elderly gentleman. "Yo," greeted Azazel lazily.
"Azazel-sensei? When did you get on the train?" asked Mash.
"Before all of you arrived. Had some things to move onto the train to make it easier for Chaldea to contact the Underworld," he explained.
"I see. And who is that behind you?" asked Issei.
Rias stood up and introduced the newcomer. "This is the train conductor, Reynaldo."
Reynaldo bowed politely to the group. "Greetings everyone. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope you're all having a satisfactory train ride."
"Y-yes. It's very comfortable," said Asia nervously.
"I'm glad. Now then, I'll be in charge of registering the newcomers so please introduce yourselves."
"I'm Asia Argento, Rias' bishop."
"I'm Xenovia, a knight."
"I'm Hyoudou Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor."
"I'm Mash Kyrielight, his Servant."
"Artoria Pendragon Alter, also his Servant."
"Arthur Pendragon, also his Servant."
"Bedivere, also a Servant."
The older devil nodded at everyones introduction and took out a machine which he then used to capture everyone's image and compare their identities with previous data. Aside from Issei's Servants there was data on everyone else. At first Reynaldo wanted to question them but Azazel and Rias vouched for them and eventually the situation was squared away. After another polite bow Reynaldo left. Things seemed to calm down for a bit as everyone enjoyed the train ride, when suddenly Akeno thought it was a good idea to sit on Issei's lap. While Issei didn't mind, he was surprised by her action as well as a bit nervous of the looks Rias, Mash, and Asia were giving him. "A-Akeno, is there any reason that you're sitting on my lap?"
"You don't like it?" she asked innocently, but clearly trying to provoke the others.
"Of course I like it, but you've never done this before, so why now?" Issei asked even though he was pretty sure he already knew the answer.
"I just wanted to get more intimate with my Issei-kun. Is that too much to ask?" she said, feigning sadness.
"Akeno…" Rias said in almost a growl. "You're starting to become more possessive of Issei recently, but you forget that there's an order to these things," she said with a power flowing off of her.
Akeno decided to feign fear and moved to hug Issei while on his lap. Issei swore that her squirming on his lap was done on purpose just to rile him up. "Ahhh, Issei-kun, Rias can be scary sometimes, don't you think?"
As much as he was enjoying the situation, the question she asked brought him to reality a bit. "Don't throw me in the middle of this. You're the one that wanted to play with fire, in more than one way," Issei said with a smirk.
Akeno's face showed surprise for a moment before returning to her usual mischievous smile. "Ara ara, quite the sweet talker, even when you're trying to wiggle out of trouble."
"I've had a lot of practice," he said unapologetically.
As the two were having their banter Rias had gotten close to them and was now ready to move Akeno. "That's enough of that. Until you become one of Issei's girls officially, I'll be having you keep your hands to yourself."
"Oh? But didn't Issei say before that he wouldn't mind me being a part of the group?"
"That hardly counts. He would say yes to any pretty girl that was offering."
"Hey! I take offense to that. I wouldn't just say yes to any pretty girl," Issei tried to say defensively. The duo of Rias and Akeno leveled a look at him, clearly showing they didn't believe him. "I'm serious! Look, in my line of work it isn't uncommon to find pretty women using their looks to their advantage and trying to walk all over everyone else. Looks may be important but I'm not gonna throw myself at every pretty face I see. They gotta be pretty on the inside, like you all are."
The girls blushed while smiling happily at his words. They also looked away a bit guiltily for doubting Issei's judgment. Rias happened to notice that they were about to leave the space between dimensions and used this opportunity to change the subject. "Hey, we're about to enter the Underworld. Why don't you guys look outside?"
Issei, Mash, Asia, and Xenovia all moved to windows to look outside. A moment later they passed through a portal and were met with a purple sky and a mountainous forest. Issei and Mash thought it seemed normal enough, minus the purple sky, but Asia seemed to be enjoying herself as she bounced excitedly while looking out the window. "It's amazing! It's amazing, isn't it Issei-san?!"
The others couldn't help but smile at the girl's excitement. "You can open the windows if you want," said Rias.
Curiosity got the better of him and Issei did just that. He opened the window and stuck his head out to see ahead. There was a town in the distance that they were going to pass by. "I'm getting a strong sense of nostalgia," he said.
"Me too, Senpai," said Mash.
"This is inside Gremory territory already," Rias said with pride. "Our territory is about the size of Honshu in Japan."
Issei and Mash's faces were painted with shock. It was the first time the others saw them make a face like that aside from the incident with Tiamat. Rias felt like she got a little victory for surprising Issei like that. "Wait, Honshu?! That's almost all of Japan! Isn't that a ridiculous amount of land?!" asked Issei.
"Well, the Underworld has the same amount of land as the human world, except there are no oceans to separate any of it. On top of that, most of the land is undeveloped forests and mountains. That partially has to do with the low population of the Underworld, even with Devils, Fallen, and many other species living here," Rias explained.
"I see… Still, that's a ridiculous amount of land for one family to own. Which means the other Noble Devils have similarly large territories," said Issei with an exhausted sigh.
"Right. Speaking of assigned territories, since Asia and Xenovia have become members of my peerage, they will be given their own lands to govern in it since they will be members of the peerage of the next family head," said Rias, once again shocking the newcomers.
"W-wait! Really?!" said Asia in surprise.
"Do you think they'll be able to handle such a responsibility?" asked Issei, a bit concerned.
"Well, like I said before, it's mostly undeveloped land so there won't be much to do depending on which territory they decide on. Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and even Gasper all have territories already. On that note-" Rias faced Issei as she continued. "I would like you to pick out a territory as well Issei."
Issei had to stop himself from letting his jaw drop. "Wait, me?! Why?!"
Rias blushed a bit as she brushed some hair aside from her face. "Well, since we're together and plan to be for the foreseeable future, it's only right that you have your own land to do with as you please as well."
Issei blushed in turn as he thought about what he could possibly do with any land to begin with. As he was contemplating what to do Salter decided to give him an idea. "Master, why not start a kingdom of your own?"
"A kingdom of my own?" Issei parroted back confused.
"You are an Emperor in name only. A ruler needs subjects to rule. Considering the company you keep in your employ as well as your future ties to nobility, I believe starting your own kingdom to run as you see fit would be fitting for you."
"I don't exactly enjoy the idea of lording myself over others, but I understand the importance of having authority to challenge those who would stand in your way. Not only that but it isn't like some unclaimed land that I'm acquiring. I can't just do as a please in someone else's land. But I'll give it some thought, Salter."
Salter bowed as Rias and the others looked interested in what would come of this idea. "I'll have all three of you go over a map later to decide what territories you may be interested in," said Rias. They nodded as they continued towards Rias' home.
Eventually the train arrived, and the group started getting off. Issei noticed that Azazel was staying on the train though. "You're not coming, Azazel-sensei?"
"I have business in a different area, so I'll be going further into the Underworld. I'll meet back up with you all at a later time," he said with a smirk.
Issei nodded as the doors closed behind him. When the group had fully exited the station, they were greeted by a large number of maids and butlers. "Welcome back, Rias-ojou-sama!" they all bellowed, causing most of the group to cover their ears at the loudness. Not only that but fireworks were set off and what looked like an orchestra started playing music. There was also someone riding a creature in the sky with a banner of the Gremory household flying behind them.
This is way too over the top, thought Issei as he couldn't help but think this was all ridiculous, even by his standards.
"Hiiiiiiii… So many people," whined Gasper as he clung behind Issei. Asia was also nervous and hid behind him as well.
Rias walked forward unperturbed. "Thank you, everyone. I'm home," she said with a smile. The butlers and maids smiled back.
As the greetings were happening Grayfia walked up to the group, her expression remaining as stoic as always. "Welcome back Ojou-sama. You've arrived early. It is good you've all arrived safely. Everyone, we will be heading to the main residence in these carriages," she said, gesturing to the carriages behind her.
I will travel with my Servants since Asia and Gasper are still anxious," said Rias.
"Very well," said Grafia, consenting to her request.
Everyone boarded the carriages and headed off to the Gremory estate. As they rode, they looked at the scenery that passed them by, with Asia being amazed by the sights. Eventually they saw the manor of the Gremory family ahead of them. I should have expected this, but it's more of a castle than a manor, Issei thought to himself exasperated. "So this is your home. Can't say I'm surprised," said Issei with a smirk.
Rias blushed a bit in embarrassment. "Yes, this is one of my homes."
"One of?" Issei parroted, clearly finding the wealth of her family to be ridiculous. Rias looked away to hide her embarrassment.
They eventually arrived and were at the entrance to the manor. Issei's Servants had traveled with the other maids and butlers and were now being led inside to drop off everyones stuff. As the others were examining the entrance, they were greeted by Rias' Father who had just come out to meet them. "Welcome back Rias, and welcome to our home Issei-kun. I'm glad you all could make it here," he said joyfully.
"Hello Father, I'm home," said Rias.
"Hello Mr. Gremory," said Issei.
"Now now, there's no need to feel so distant Issei-kun. After all, we are going to be family soon! We should discuss what kind of ceremony you and Rias are going to have for the wedding."
Rias had an intense blush on, both from embarrassment and from imagining what their wedding would be like. Issei on the other hand showed an annoyed expression again. "Oi, didn't I already tell you about meddling in other people's affairs?" he said in a displeased tone.
"Now now, what's the harm? You're not planning on abandoning Rias, are you?"
"Never," said Issei curtly, causing Rias to smile and snuggle up closer to him.
This brought a smile to Zeoticus' face. "Then I don't see what the harm is-"
"Zeoticus-sama," said Grayfia with a certain intensity in her voice. "Need I remind you of what Sirzechs-sama said before?"
"Ah, sorry. Guess I got carried away again. Well, let's not dwell on that. Please come in, all of you," he said as he led the way into the manor.
As the group walked in, they looked around and saw the architecture of the entrance hall. Issei and Mash were pretty impressed, considering the various castles, palaces, and historical architecture they've visited on their adventures. As Issei was looking around, he saw a pair descending the stairs. "Welcome home Rias, everyone. I'm glad you made it with no issues," said Venelana, as she walked down the stairs while holding Millicus' hand.
"Hello Mother, I've returned," said Rias. Issei just looked away. Zeoticus told him that things were fine between them, but Issei hadn't talked to Rias' Mom since he chastised her after the Rating Game, so he was feeling a bit awkward.
Venelana smiled at Rias then turned her attention to Issei who wasn't meeting her gaze. "Hello again, Issei-kun," she said pleasantly.
"H-hey Mrs. Gremory," he said a bit awkwardly. The others looked at him confused as to why he seemed nervous.
"No need to be so nervous. I'm sure my husband has said that what happened before is in the past, so there's no reason to dwell on it."
"I-if you say so," said Issei, still a bit unsure.
"Hello, Issei-nii-sama!" said Millicus cheerfully.
Issei was a bit surprised to be addressed as an older brother but smiled as he greeted him back. "Hey Millicus. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. Grandma and Grandpa spend lots of time with me," he said with a smile.
Issei smiled at the boy's politeness. "I know it's because you have long lifespans and magic, but I can't see you two being grandparents. You look like you could be Rias' sister and Zeoticus looks like he should be in his early 30's," with a bit of exasperation. "I need to learn that magic that keeps you looking young. Sounds rather useful in the long run."
"Oh Issei-kun, flattery will get you everywhere," said Venelana with a small chuckle.
"Hey now, don't go trying to take my wife too," said Zeoticus teasingly, causing Issei to blush intensely.
Rias pouted a bit at that and turned to her father. "Father, enough of that!"
"Oh, sorry Rias. Didn't mean to make you jealous," her father teased her now, causing her to pout more.
"Alright dear that's enough of that. Let's get everyone settled in. We're going to be having lunch soon," said Venelana. Everyone nodded and prepared to see their new lodgings. "Issei-kun, could you wait a moment? I wish to speak with you," she asked while handing Millicus to Zeoticus.
Issei felt like he didn't like where this was going, and Rias gave a slightly concerned look to him. "Sure…," he said in response.
Once the others were guided away Venelana walked to Issei. "There's really no reason to be so nervous. While I don't take kindly to people questioning my love for my family, upon reflection and consulting my husband and son afterwards, I realized that I was in the wrong at that time."
Issei had something of an unreadable expression, one which Venelana couldn't tell what he was thinking at that moment. "It's not like I don't understand what was happening. I have plenty of Servants who've had experiences on both sides of those kinds of arrangements. Even my organization is no stranger to those kinds of arrangements in the upper class of Mages." Issei closed his eyes and continued. "But I can't accept that way of thinking, even if it's "beneficial" for others. Stripping away one's freedom, one's choice, is just something that I can never approve of. Even if there were good intentions for why certain decisions are made, I'm sure you know the old saying. The path to hell is paved with good intentions, though that might not mean much considering where we are right now," Issei said, becoming snarky at the irony of the saying.
Venelana let out a chuckle as well at Issei's little joke but kept her composure. "There is truth to that saying. As parents, we want what's best for our children, but sometimes that makes us blind to our children's hearts." She looked away saddened by her mistake but then looked at Issei with warmth. "But I'm glad you were there to see her heart for what it was, and for protecting it from our foolishness."
""There's no reason to thank me," is what I would normally say but honestly, I don't know how Rias would have gotten out of that situation otherwise. Riser was a tough bastard. If it wasn't for the fact that I planned around his regeneration there was a high likelihood that we would have lost. Unless I had Artoria use Excalibur on him and possibly kill him, which was the backup plan if the first one failed," Issei said, thinking the last part to himself.
"Quite blunt, aren't you?" said Venelana amused. Issei realized he slipped up and was being rude, but before he could correct himself Venelana continued. "This is more how you should be. You should always wear that confidence on you, even towards your family. I'm glad you care to try and be respectful now that you're dating Rias, but you shouldn't let your kindness tie down who you are." Venelana extended her hand out to Issei who looked at her confused. "We both started out on the wrong foot so why don't we start over, Son-in-law," she said slightly teasingly.
Issei couldn't hide his blush of embarrassment but took her hand gently. "I graciously accept, Mother-in-law," said Issei a bit whimsically himself.
Happy New Year everyone! Talk about starting the year off on the wrong foot. I'm sorry this chapter came out so late. I was unmotivated to write and had to force myself to finish this chapter. Not that I didn't want to but my mind wanted to do other things and got distracted a lot. Now that this is done I plan on getting all my urges out so I can focus on writing again so hopefully I will be on time with the next chapter. With that said while I was writing this chapter I was originally going to put more in, but due to my lateness and after thinking it over a bit I decided that it would be better to start off the next chapter with what I was going to do. So instead I decided to sort of focus on character relationships in this chapter, namely Issei and Akeno and Issei and Venelana. I was rereading the original arc of DxD to see how characters interacted and since I wanted to stay true to that to some degree and didn't just want to write only about plot important things I put more interaction into this chapter. On top of that I wanted to try and flesh out Issei's relationship with Rias' parents a bit more since they scarcely ever show up in the main series. Anyways, that's all I have for now so as always I hope to see the comments. Happy 2024 everyone! ; )
