Chapter 2: Bonds of Friendship
Rias Gremory was fascinated by Alex from the moment they met on her fifth birthday. He wasn't like the other noble children who tried to impress her with hollow words or flashy magic. Alex was different—his power was quiet, yet undeniable. And despite being the son of Shiva, he never flaunted his strength.
Over the days that followed their initial meeting, Rias found herself seeking Alex out more often. They would often sit together during family gatherings or play in the Gremory estate gardens, where Alex would teach her about different forms of ki manipulation and energy control. Rias was eager to learn, always pushing herself to grow stronger, just like him.
One evening, as they sat by a tranquil pond in the Gremory gardens, Rias finally broached a subject that had been weighing heavily on her mind.
"Alex," she began, her voice soft but determined, "I overheard my parents talking the other day. They… they've arranged for me to marry someone."
Alex glanced at her, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. He had already heard whispers of this, the name Riser Phenex coming up in conversation among the devils. A noble from the Phenex family, known for their regeneration and flames.
"Do you want to marry him?" Alex asked, his voice calm, though there was an edge to it.
Rias shook her head fiercely. "No! I don't even know him. He's arrogant and thinks of people as trophies. I don't want to be with someone like that."
There was a brief silence between them, broken only by the gentle rustling of the trees. Alex's eyes softened as he looked at her, understanding the weight of responsibility that came with being born into a noble family. He knew the pressure of duty and expectation, though he was free from such arrangements.
After a long pause, Alex spoke with quiet resolve. "I'll make sure you don't have to marry him."
Rias's eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "You mean it?"
Alex nodded, his voice firm. "I promise. No one's going to force you into something you don't want."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Rias's lips, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of relief. She trusted Alex—he wasn't one to make empty promises. From that day on, Rias's bond with Alex deepened, a friendship born from mutual respect and an unspoken promise.
Time Skip – Alex at 10 Years Old
Years passed, and Alex continued to grow both in strength and wisdom under the guidance of his father and Marcarita. However, the Gremory estate remained a constant in his life, a place where he could unwind and spend time with Rias.
It was during one of these visits that Alex encountered someone who would play a pivotal role in his life—Grayfia Lucifuge.
Grayfia was known as the "Strongest Queen" of the underworld, the head maid of the Gremory family. At first, their interactions were formal. Grayfia was older, composed, and ever-dutiful in her responsibilities. Alex, though young, found her presence both intriguing and intimidating. There was something about her calm demeanor that drew him in.
The first real conversation they had occurred during one of Alex's visits to the estate. He had been training in the gardens, practicing a new technique when Grayfia approached, her silver hair catching the light of the setting sun.
"You've been out here for hours," she remarked, her tone neutral but with a hint of concern. "You should rest."
Alex glanced over at her, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I don't need rest. There's still a lot to improve."
Grayfia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Even the strongest need to recover. Pushing yourself too hard will only lead to mistakes."
For a moment, Alex felt a flicker of annoyance. He wasn't used to being told what to do, but there was something in Grayfia's words that resonated with him. Reluctantly, he nodded and powered down, letting the energy around him dissipate.
From that moment on, their interactions grew more frequent. Grayfia's composed and serious nature balanced Alex's more impulsive side. They trained together, discussed strategy, and shared moments of quiet contemplation. Over time, their bond deepened from that of a student and a mentor to something more personal.
Though Grayfia was older and had more experience, she began to see Alex not just as the son of Shiva or the prodigy everyone spoke of, but as an individual—a boy growing into a man with strength and determination beyond his years. Alex, in turn, admired Grayfia's wisdom and strength, and their mutual respect blossomed into something more.