High School DXD: From The Begining

Right now, we are at Gremory manor, attending the celebration banquet after a week of the match against Raiser for Rias' "hard earned" victory against him which was witnessed by the entire underworld. Funny thing is even Phoenix family is present except for that grilled chicken. Being high class devil, Rias has to maintain a lot of formalities and being her queen Akeno has to remain by her side at occasion like this too. But the most notable change is treatment of Koneko and me. Koneko who revealed her eight wings just for a second is being treated as high class devil herself. Though there is no obvious change in the surface and official treatment, she is being treated differently by those with standings. I am able to hear hushed toned conversations about how soon she is going to take high class devil exam, how she obtained such powers at such a young age, how much loyal she is to the house given her sister Kuroka's history and all that. We have a extra presence that is as expected Xenovia.

Going back to the aftermath of the battle, it was as expected. Whole underworld was at turmoil with how an underage devil who haven't have even complete set of pieces could back and blue an established player who have a record of 8-2 win loss ratio. Yes, her pieces are very powerful but that raises the question how she was able to convince such strong personals to serve her. After that followed the rumor of broken engagement with Raiser and came the gossip of how she is in relationship with the red dragon emperor. Someone even speculated that she seduced the red dragon emperor to become devil and join the devil side while others speculated that it is ploy of his brother Sirzechs Lucifer who forced the situation to break of the engagement to satisfy red dragon emperor and do his bidding and the whole match was a set up for show. Well none of those rumors affected our life. Asia joined our school which followed by Irina and Xenovia. Just like the original work Xenovia was excommunicated and begged Rias to make her into a devil. What was surprised was Irina was excommunicated too but she didn't beg to born into a devil. She has a melancholic look on her face now a days like she is lost. She is just like others started living in my house. Mom and dad are very happy to find a lot of daughters-in-law and Sirzechs had my whole house renovated too. What a nice guy! I must give him proper thanks when whole fiasco is over.

I created a separated space using my whole power while boosting with boosted gear where time is hundred time slower. I tried to manipulate the gravity too which I eventually failed even with my capabilities. Looks like I need to learn gravity manipulating magic for that if I don't have the innate ability. Nonetheless we have a lot of training time now. Also being in close proximity with strong being is a training itself, as only after training this short while with us Xenovia started to show significant improvement.

Back to the present, I am getting a weird treatment from almost everyone except from my peerage member. It is a open secret that I am relation with Rias.... alongside Akeno. I am a Gremory household servant at the same time. That puts me in complicated spot. I am strong enough to boss around everyone yet social status is not sufficient. So, I became an existence that everyone is aware of but no one want to address openly. I hate complicated stuff.

Unexpectedly, someone approaches while I am drinking fruit juice alone. It's not like I am forbidden from drinking, I simply like fruit juice more. Oh, isn't it the princess from the Phoenix family. Ohhh, her mother too. Are they really going to keep the promise with Rias? Lets see what happens.

-You sure look like enjoying yourself.

Ravel speaks with her tsundere voice. Standing behind her is her mother who is smiling.

-Ara ara, my dear. Is that how you speak with your future husband?

Lady Phoenix rebukes her as she continues,

-Sorry for my daughters rude behavior dear Red dragon emperor. As the youngest child of the household she is spoiled to the bone by her father and brothers. Please consider that as her childish behavior. Ohhh, where is my manners? I am Lady Phoenix, her mother. P.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you, Red dragon emperor.

She is emphasizing the red dragon emperor part too much. Almost showing off to people around us. I answer her,

-It is my p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you lady Phoenix. Don't mind little Ravel too much. I think it's one of her charm which made me like her. What has made you come here to an unwanted presence like me?

Hearing my answer Ravel gave a snort and her mother, Lady Phoenix, giggles,

-My my, aren't you a smooth talker? But who are you calling unwanted presence, you are the Red dragon emperor, one of only two heavenly dragons to ever exist. While we are the clan of immortal bird Phoenix, our grandeur still falls short of you. We don't have mind what peasants and unconcerned parties think of us, now do we? I am here to keep the promise with Rias Gremory that was done by my third son. While the promise was done with Rias Gremory, the concerned party is actually you, the mighty Welsh Dragon. So, I have to take permission from you before announcing it. So, what do you say Red Dragon Emperor, would like to take my only daughter as your wife in future?

Okay, her RDE emphasizing is freaking me out. Does she have a crush on the dragon or something? I don't mind but Ravel sure won't like it. Maintaining my smile to say to her,

-Well said Lady Phoenix, Dragon and Phoenix doesn't need concern of what others think of them. (Author note: This dialogue is totally not copied from GOT season 7....) But are you sure? I am just a still servant of Rias Gremory, at least in name. So, I surely lack sufficient social standing you know. Aren't you feeling....

While I say that, Lady Phoenix interrupt me saying,

-What are saying? Betrothing Ravel to the Red Dragon Emperor is the honor of Phoenix family. We don't feel anything but honored with this proposal.

-Ohhh really? Then why it is you who are presenting this proposal and not your husband, lord Phoenix?

I answer with a slight smile which is not a smile at the same time. Realizing my intention both Ravel and Lady Phoenix have a astonished expression. They really didn't expect me to act this way. But after a few second lady Phoenix says with a smile,

-Well, you see. Ravel is currently my bishop. So, it is imperative that I as her mother and master would propose her marriage. If red dragon emperor finds it offensive, I offer my sincerest apology and send her father to make the proposal.

Saying that she gives slight bow of apology. Wow, nice save there Lady Phoenix. I quickly stop her,

-What are you doing lady Phoenix? Are you trying to embarrass me? I was just joking and here you are taking things so seriously. As for you proposal, I think it would better if you present it formally in front of my parents, as long as they agree, which I believe they will, I have no problem in taking her as one of my future wives.

-It is our p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of house of Phoenix to be able to have ties with you Red Dragon Emperor. Ravel, what are waiting for? Offer your the gift you brought today to give your future husband.

Lady phoenix speaks that to Ravel who blushed hearing that.

-Mother! Hmph... I made it myself so, consider yourself fortunate.

Saying that she takes out a small case with intricate carvings on it. I can guess that there is a bottle of phoenix tear in it. I take it from her but I also grab her hand in process give gentlemanly kiss on the back of her palm. She blushed so deep that her face is like a tomato and there is imaginary smoke coming out of her ears. I tell her.

-Yes, I am truly fortunate to be able have a charming girl as you as my future wife. So, to commemorate this day I also want to give you something. Can you please close your eyes?

Hearing me she looks confusedly first then closes her eyes reluctantly. I take out a bracelet made of dragon bones and has a small core embedded on it. I made it beforehand for hand and planned it to give her when I was suppose to meet her at the young devil gathering which was suppose to happen at the end of semester. But now that there is a good occasion I better give it now. I put that on on her right hand. When I take it out, the people of the whole banquet have a dumbfounded expression feeling the pulse from it. When she open her eyes, she is mesmerized seeing the bracelet on her hand. She almost goes in trance like state due to the beauty of it. But rest of the people noticed the power exuding from it. Her mother is first one to wake up from trance. She hurriedly speaks,

-Ravel, why are you not thanking him for such a generous gift?

-Oh, thank you very much.... for giving me such beautiful gift.

Ravel says timidly for first time. Her mother rolls eyes hearing that reply. She then smiling asks me,

-Pardon me for being curious. Can you please tell me where have you found such treasure? Not that I complaining that you gifted it to my child. But such treasure is truly rare in the world.

-Ohh, I made it my self.

-Made it yourself? But...

-What is wrong with me making it?

-There is nothing wrong, it's just... If I have not mistaken, there is a king level dragon soul inside it. Isn't there?

-Yes. But is it that much of a big deal? I slayed it when I was training.

I say it casually as if it is a daily occurrence for me. Hearing my speech everyone becomes dumbfounded one more time. Well, I get it where they are getting. Dragon kings are worthy of being put into sacred treasures. Like Fafnir or Vritra. If you are lucky to stay alive, you can rule over whole dragon race like Tannin. Hell, Tiamat is guardian of the whole rating game system. So, dragon kings are kinda big deal around here. To casually say that I slayed one while training is like saying is a big blow for everyone, given that I am telling the truth. After a few seconds, as expected, I start to hear murmurs like "He must be exaggerating", "There is no way he is that strong right?", "But the bracelet is in front of us, what can we do but believe him?". Well what would everyone think if they were to know everyone from Rias's peerage and my wives has received or is going receive a treasure like that.

-Anyway, this thing is very precious, make sure to protect it Ravel.

-Ahh, don't worry about it. I have put protective formation on it. No one but her can take it off from her hand. It was has a defensive barrier in it, which shall protect her if I am not by her side, I shall also know if she is attacked.

I answer her. Her eyes bulged out hearing my answer. She is basically safe now unless if a being of super devil attacks her now. Such a treasure is capable is being the heirloom of the Phoenix family but I gave it away to one of my future wives. Everyone starts to discuss about it with each other while Rias has a stiff smile with this whole situation. She is the one that initiated this bet but everyone seems to forgotten about her. Akeno only laughs wryly.

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After the exchange lady Phoenix continues small talk with me like how my days at school going and what not. Now I am seriously considering that she has a crush on me. For a married woman and mother of 4 at that to like this, is it my charm or this woman have some hidden agenda!

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After sometimes everyone suddenly stop chattering. When I look for the reason, looks like Sirzechs is making an entrance now.