Three days had passed since returning to the Underworld, and August had spent the entire time at the Sitri household.
During these three days, August and Sona had discreetly explored many aspects of their relationship at home.
Moreover, with the consent of their parents, coupled with Sona's desire to bear children for August, these three days had seen August casting aside his usual gentlemanly demeanor.
However, after three days, Sona had put a stop to August's antics and instead sent him off to the Gremory household.
There were certain boundaries that couldn't be crossed. August was, after all, the son-in-law of the House of Gremory. Spending three days at the Sitri household was already pushing it, and any further would be excessive.
However, upon arriving at the Gremory household, August was not welcomed as warmly as he had been at the Sitri household. There was even a faint sense of being summoned for interrogation.
In the living room, August sat directly across from Zeoticus Gremory.
"It seems like you've been having a great time at the Sitri household, huh? Three days already, and you're still not tired of it?"
"I couldn't help it. The forbidden fruit is too tempting to resist. We're all men here, Uncle, you should understand."
"Hmph."
Zeoticus let out a disdainful snort, but his anger had subsided somewhat.
As August had said, they were all men, and it was understandable.
His own daughter had refused him, while the Sitri household's daughter had accepted him. So, of course, August would favor her. It was only natural. If he were in August's shoes, he might have done something similar.
"As for Rias's situation, what do you plan to do? You must have noticed by now that Rias is no longer pleased with you."
"I don't really care. The engagement itself was just to shut up the Phenex's mouths. If the House of Gremory wants to annul it, I have no objections."
"You might not mind, but I do. The House of Gremory is also a superior family. If Rias divorces twice, who else would marry her? What would the entire Underworld say about us behind our backs?"
"That's none of my concern. I'm not a devil."
This last sentence struck at Zeoticus's sore spot. August wasn't a devil, so he didn't care what devils said about him.
And it wasn't August who had divorced twice, it was7 Rias. Even if they did divorce, August still had the House of Sitri.
At this moment, Zeoticus couldn't help but envy his old rival. Why was there such a stark difference between their daughters?
Look at Sona Sitri. In order to win over a man, she actively pursued him. And then look at Rias. Even with the engagement in place, she still acted this way. It made him furious.
In fact, Zeoticus harbored a secret ambition.
He had married Venelana of the House of Bael, and both his son and daughter had inherited the power of destruction unique to the House of Bael.
If Rias were to marry August, their future children might possess both the powers of darkness and destruction.
When those children grew up, they could inherit the legacy of the House of Gremory and lead them even further. They could even truly unite the House of Gremory with the House of Demon.
This was much better than the House of Phenex. Most importantly, although the House of Demon was a single entity, there was only one person. If they married into it, that person would become the head of the family.
When compared, the difference was clear.
"Alright, I'll talk to Venelana in the next few days and create an opportunity for you two. Of course, you can also take in Rias's three peerages. A Fallen Angel, a Nekoshou, and a Holy Sword Wielder. That's not bad."
August's eyes widened at these words. My, oh my, this was a kindred spirit indeed. Was this plan really so audacious?
However, August didn't know that, unlike the original story, in this world, Sirzechs and Grayfia had no offspring. Therefore, the House of Gremory had no next generation.
This made Zeoticus Gremory very anxious. He was willing to go to any lengths to hold his grandson.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
At the sound of a knock, Zeoticus furrowed his brow slightly but still responded.
"Lord Zeoticus, Lady Venelana heard that Lord August is here and wishes to see him."
"Alright, we're done here. August, go meet Venelana."
"Okay."
August stood up and followed Grayfia out.
"Aren't you supposed to be with Sirzechs?"
"Lord Sirzechs and Lord Beelzebub are busy arranging the upcoming banquet, so they don't need my service for the time being."
"I see. But you really work hard, huh? Either serving Sirzechs or coming back to serve your in-laws. Being a daughter-in-law like you is quite exhausting."
"I'm used to it."
Three words, plain yet laden with bitterness and resignation.
August didn't notice, or perhaps he just didn't care about Grayfia at all.
These days spent recklessly with Sona had filled his mind with her. Especially under his influence, he had already begun to evolve from a "quite big" to a "really big."
Soon, they arrived at a room next to the garden.
Knock, knock.
"Please come in."
"My Lady, Lord August is here."
"We finally meet, August."
"Hello, Auntie."
August greeted his beautiful mother-in-law. To be honest, even if Rias were to join them, they would be mistaken for sisters rather than mother and daughter. This was one of the benefits of immortality... eternal youth and beauty.
Grayfia went to the side to make tea, while August sat in front of Venelana.
"I've heard about you and Rias. Her strong personality might have caused you some dissatisfaction."
"No, no dissatisfaction at all."
Upon hearing August's immediate response, Venelana sighed.
Expressing anger was a form of concern, but this indifferent response made her even more worried.
"You've been doing well at the Sitri household these days?"
"Yes, it's been good. But mainly because of the forbidden fruit. I couldn't resist, so please forgive me, Auntie."
"I understand. You're still young, so it's understandable."
She naturally understood that August was hinting at something. He might as well have told her directly, "Your daughter won't give herself to me."
Unlike men, as a mother, Venelana didn't see anything wrong with Rias. Instead, her impression of August diminished significantly.
To bring up such a topic upon meeting for the first time?
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