Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Thank you
Issei should have known that the party would have been at Rias' house. Of course, they could hoist a formal party here.
His upcoming mother-in-law had taken it upon herself to make sure that the party would have been something to celebrate her youngest daughter's victory.
The banners were the same red that Zeoticus and his children shared while Issei admired the architecture of the building.
That wasn't the only thing that showed the wealth of the Gremorys.
The paintings that hung on the walls were massive and it showed how long it has been. The past of the Devils hung on them.
Servants were of course busy with preparing the last hands on the party, like beverages, and giving it one last cleaning before they were able to attend the party.
Issei and Kiba's suits were pretty similar, a black shirt with a white undershirt plus black trousers.
Rias' choice was a flattering red dress that showed just the right amount of cleavage and legs without Issei having the need to feel jealous.
Koneko's pink dress was just adorable enough to make him grin while Asia was getting around the green dress that she had been gifted.
It matched her pretty eyes and the shoes weren't too bad either on her.
Akeno's dress wasn't a dress but a kimono that hugged her rocking body like a glove. It had a drawing of a tree branch in autumn
Before the sun had set, guests had been piling up around the door and Rias had the congratulations from many a Devil while Issei kept his stalwart appearance next to her.
A face that he had expected to see sooner was Sona who was wearing a blue dress while her Peerage around her, had also formal dresses on. The notable exception was Sarakawa who had chosen a suit, similar to Issei's but who unlike him, couldn't hide her assets, peeking through.
She didn't know but Issei liked a woman who could rock a guy's outfit.
"I will admit, Rias. It was quite a show. My felicitations to you as well, Hyoudou-kun." She adjusted her glasses which made Rias and Issei know what she would ask.
"But you do know that you owe me for this. When we are back in school, I'll be making use of them."
Sarakawa walked over to Issei and held out her fist.
"From Dragon to Dragon, good fight."
Issei bumped hers and smiled.
"From Dragon to Dragon, thank you. And don't worry, I'll help you out. Vritra's host."
[If you get her, you can conquer her master. Plus, the looks that you are getting from her Peerage make me wonder if she'll ask her to help them out as well.]
[One thing at the time, mate. One thing at the time.]
Another surprising guest was Ravel Phenex, escorted by Isabella.
The sister of Riser bowed to Rias as a show of humility.
"Gremory-sama, Vanishing Dragon. Congratulations on the victory."
The subtle squeeze in his arm, courtesy of Akeno, made it clear that he should not open his mouth and let Rias talk for her victory.
Rias handled that a lot better than he would have.
"Thank you, Ravel. But where are the others of your brother's Peerage? Are you the only ones who were able to attend?"
"The rest of them are recovering. The scars, both mental and physical, have taken a toll on all of them. I believe that my brother got the worst outcome of it. I do imagine that it will take a while before he is able to move."
Rias was too composed to think about that but Issei enjoyed a huge amount of schadenfreude as he imagined Riser soiling himself in front of him.
"I can imagine. I do thank the Phenex for sending one of their representatives to thank me. But the one you should congratulate is Issei. I wouldn't have been able to pull it off."
"I was just the tipping point you needed. I could not have taken Riser's Peerage on my own."
The Dragon was not going to brag about things he couldn't do. It also helped to give Rias some peace of mind.
There was no lie in his words and the truth would not be seen as an insult.
"Powerful, yet humble. Many can learn from you." Ravel made a small bow to him
"Thank you for the compliment, Ravel-san," Issei answered while the Phenex daughter blushed and then went to socialize with the other guests.
A graceful victory had to be able to handle a graceful defeat. It would go a long way to mend bridges.
"I think you have gotten a few new admirers."
Akeno giggled when she watched Ravel walk away. Koneko pouted while Issei just sighed.
"I beat her brother into a pulp and she falls in love with me. Make it make sense."
Akeno pinched his cheek and pulled a bit more.
"That's something that neither of us can do. But it does show the effects that from you, Issei-kun." Swatting her hand away, Issei was not in the mood to argue. He would sit back and let the women have their say.
There was a lot to be said and done. There were over fifty offerings of him becoming a Servant but he remained steadfast in not agreeing to those things. And it came down to Rias to turn a few overly assertive people down.
When the whole congratulations and talking was over, Rias decided it was time to stake her claim.
"Would you care to dance, Issei?"
Issei thanked mentally the people who had the patience to teach him.
"Of course." He led Rias through the place and she was amazed by the way he moved.
"You are full of surprises."
Issei chuckled.
"I think you should thank a few in the Vatican to teach me. I learned a lot from them." Rias found that in his arms, she was safe and there was no harm done.
It would take time before the world knew about their relationship. But they would make it work. That, she would make sure of.
Scene skip
The family of Rias watched their little girl dance with the Dragon who moved around. Zeoticus admired Issei's dancing when his wife didn't occupy him.
Sirzechs sat back, Grayfia right next to him, it was impossible to keep a smile on her face.
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