After letting out his frustration, Zeoticus Gremory also calmed down, casting a glance towards Grayfia beside him, a hint of apology in his eyes.
However, with everyone present, including Rias's peerage, he couldn't bring himself to apologize to his daughter-in-law, so he remained silent.
Venelana shared her husband's concern, grabbing Grayfia's hand.
As parents, they naturally knew about their son's situation. However, what could they do about it? Although it was a thorn in their hearts, they couldn't possibly let Grayfia bear someone else's child.
Not to mention whether Grayfia would agree, without the bloodline of the House of Gremory, would the family's legacy still be maintained?
Currently, Rias was their only hope. However, Rias was spoiled to the extreme, filled with the desire to prove herself and extremely resistant to the engagement.
"I'm done eating~"
With that remark, Rias turned and left.
As for Akeno and the others, now that Rias had left, they felt it inappropriate to stay any longer and followed suit, leaving one by one.
Zeoticus's expression turned grim. Was he being given the cold shoulder by his daughter now?
"This is all because of your good daughterly upbringing. Look at this, she's already starting to give me attitude, who knows what she'll want to do in the future."
"You should hold your tongue as well. I think Rias is not in the wrong."
"What do you mean not in the wrong? The family's legacy is above all else."
Venelana sighed, choosing not to argue with her husband any further.
She had married Zeoticus due to a political marriage arranged by their families. Over the years, she had endured silently, with some lingering dissatisfaction in her heart.
But now that she was a parent, she wouldn't do anything irrelevant.
And Rias was her daughter. Throughout her life, Venelana hoped for her daughter to find true happiness, rather than being bound by arranged marriages.
"Lady~"
After Zeoticus also left, the entire dining hall was left with only Venelana and Grayfia.
Looking at her daughter-in-law beside her, Venelana sighed once more.
The union between Sirzechs and Grayfia, fundamentally, was also a political marriage, aimed at pacifying the old Maou factions.
Back in the day, Grayfia held a high position in the old Satan faction and had remarkable achievements.
Sirzechs marrying Grayfia also symbolized the acceptance of the old Satan faction by the new Satan faction.
While the two did have feelings for each other and were willing participants, it didn't change the fact that it was still a political union.
Moreover, marrying her son meant that this woman had endured many years of hardship, not only managing the affairs of the Hosue of Gremory but also assisting her husband, Sirzechs.
Yet, over these years, due to the lack of offspring, there were some unfavorable rumors circulating outside.
In this regard, women were always the target of criticism.
"You've endured so much over these years~"
"I've gotten used to it, Lady Venelana~"
If there was anyone in the entire House of Gremory who had treated her well, it was the current Lady of the House of Gremory.
Perhaps it was because they were both women who had married into the House of Gremory, Venelana treated Grayfia exceptionally well, surpassing even Sirzechs and Rias.
It was a sympathy born out of shared suffering, especially considering Grayfia's unique position.
"Between August and Rias, do you know what's going on?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but it seems Rias is resentful towards August because of his favoritism towards Sona Sitri, which leaves her feeling dissatisfied."
"That's what I wanted to ask. Has Sona Sitri gotten together with him?"
"Yes, and not only Sona Sitri, but all her peerage have also pledged themselves to August even before Rias. "
Venelana couldn't help but marvel at this turn of events. It was truly remarkable how, with her and all her peerage, so many people could captivate one man's attention.
If Sona knew about this, she would surely find it both amusing and frustrating, given that these individuals had taken matters into their own hands even before her.
"What about Rias?"
"Rias hasn't had much contact with August, to be honest. The only time she spent with him, for almost half a month, was to teach her, albeit under Sirzechs' influence. During that time, the Queen of Sona Sitri became August's girlfriend."
"This..."
Venelana fell silent at this point. My, oh my, this plot twist was truly captivating.
"What do you think of this person?"
"He's formidable, even surpassing Sirzechs from back in the day. Despite his young age, he's already reached Satan-class, and he still has many cards up his sleeve."
"Rias still can't let go, huh? The House of Sitri's insight is remarkable; they immediately seized upon a man's preferences."
No man is immune to allure, including her husband, Zeoticus. Despite being the only Lady of the House of Gremory, it didn't mean Zeoticus didn't have other women.
Outside, Zeoticus had quite a few affairs, something Venelana was aware of, but she chose not to interfere.
As long as he didn't bring women home, Zeoticus could do whatever he pleased, and she wouldn't bat an eye.
And her confidence stemmed from her maiden family, the top-tier pure-blood family among the 72 Pillars, the House of Bael. As a daughter of the House of Bael, marrying Zeoticus was already a step down, so Zeoticus naturally couldn't take concubines.
"It seems I need to find an opportunity to talk to Rias."
"Lady, do you intend to reason with Rias?"
"That child is quite similar to me back in the day. The only difference is that I didn't defy the family then, but she wants to do so now."
Grayfia didn't say anything, acknowledging that her mother-in-law was quite formidable back in her day.
Venelana had quite the reputation in the Underworld. Rias's title also inherited from her mother.
This was why, despite Zeoticus's dalliances over the years, he had never dared to cause trouble. His wife was quite formidable, and if he went too far, things could turn sour.
"Grayfia~"
"Lady, what is it?"
"If necessary, I can talk to Sirzechs and arrange for you two~"
"Lady, there's no need."
"It's unfair to you. The devil situation has already stabilized, and there's no need for you to sacrifice anymore."
"It's alright. Besides, I've grown accustomed to serving you, My lady."
"You, my child."
Venelana sighed, feeling even more sorry for Grayfia.
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