Chapter 146: Rias Father!

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"Sounds like a plan. See you in a bit," Issei waved as he descended the stairs, heading back to the main area.

Upon his return, Issei noticed that the atmosphere had become less eventful. Deciding it was best to find Riser and Rias, assuming they were still present, he made his way towards the gathering.

The group perked up with interest as Issei approached, their attention shifting towards him.

"Issei-chan, where have you been?! I thought you had left for the night!" Serafall exclaimed, charging at him from the side and tightly latching onto his arm.

"I just needed some fresh air," Issei dismissed her concerns, scanning the area.

Riser waved at Issei, expressing his relief. "I'm glad to see you're still here. I was hoping to run into you again tonight."

"Come and meet Rias-chan's parents, Issei-chan!" Serafall insisted, attempting to pull Issei further into the group where Rias stood.

Riser and several others followed behind as Issei and Serafall approached the Gremorys. Issei curiously examined the two individuals before him. One was a red-haired man with a light goatee, and the other was a woman with brown hair, bearing a striking resemblance to Rias herself. However, her eyes were a captivating shade of purple instead of the Gremory family's trademark blue.

"Nice to meet you in person, Issei Hyoudou. I'm Zeoticus Gremory, Rias' father and the Head of the Gremory Family. This is my wife, Venelana Gremory, formerly Venelana Bael," Zeoticus introduced himself with a polite nod.

Rias spoke up shortly after, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm glad you're still here, Issei. I was hoping you would have the chance to meet my parents."

Issei observed Rias' parents carefully, stating the obvious. "Yeah, they do bear a strong resemblance to you," he remarked, his gaze shifting between Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Issei Hyoudou. As a mother, I am eternally grateful to you for looking out for my daughter. My son, Sirzechs, assured us that you were willing to protect not only Rias but also Sona and their peerages. That brings us great comfort. I apologize if you harbor any ill feelings towards devils, but the Gremory Household wishes to maintain a positive relationship with you," Venelana spoke respectfully, bowing her head.

"I must admit, I had my reservations about you when I first saw you in my daughter's Rating Game. It was even more concerning when I learned about your encounter with Diodora Astaroth. However, both Rias and Sirzechs have assured me of your character, and I must say, I now believe it wholeheartedly. Even the youngest Phenex brother has spoken highly of you, which is truly astonishing considering the injuries you inflicted upon him during the Rating Game," Zeoticus stated.

Rias, still somewhat taken aback, turned to Issei directly, her curiosity evident. "How exactly did you two reconcile?" she inquired, her gaze shifting towards Riser, still finding it hard to believe that he was in the presence of the dragon.

"Riser came to my house and personally apologized to me," Issei explained simply, recounting the events.

Rias appeared surprised. "That's what he said... but I'm amazed that you allowed him to come here tonight. He apologized to me as well. Was that your doing?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Before Issei could respond, Riser interjected, eager to provide his side of the story. "Issei encouraged me to make amends with you too. I know I've said it before, but I genuinely apologize for the way I treated you, Rias."

Issei was taken aback by Riser's words, realizing that he hadn't explicitly instructed him to apologize to Rias. "I never told him to do that," Issei thought incredulously.

"I think he's just trying to make you look good," Ddraig chimed in, offering his perspective.

Rias, still finding the situation hard to grasp, expressed her disbelief. "It's hard to believe that you two are getting along after everything that happened," she confessed.

Riser nonchalantly shrugged. "Riser apologized to me too and showed compassion towards his family and his peerage. I can't hold that against him, even if he did anger me. We're on good terms now. So, you guys don't need to worry," he assured them.

"That is excellent news. Lord and Lady Phenex will be pleased to know that their son is doing better and is no longer in any danger from you," Zeoticus nodded approvingly.

"Let's not forget my contribution! I vouched for Issei-chan as well!" Serafall chimed in, her childlike enthusiasm bringing a smile to Zeoticus and Venelana.

Issei scratched his head, scanning the surroundings. "So, I was wondering, where is Sirzechs Lucifer right now? Did he already leave?" he inquired.

"Our son had to depart early tonight... I understand that your father also had to leave. It's a shame. I was actually looking forward to meeting him," Zeoticus replied, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

"Yeah... well, perhaps you'll have another opportunity in the future," Issei shrugged, offering a glimmer of hope.

"Isei!" Irina's voice called out, capturing Issei's attention. He turned his gaze towards the exorcist, spotting her and Xenovia standing alongside Gabriel.

Curiosity piqued, Issei approached them. "I should probably go see what they want. It was nice meeting you all," he waved to Rias' parents before taking his leave.

"Likewise," Venelana replied as Issei departed. Serafall and Riser's peerage quickly followed him, leaving Rias and her remaining peerage members alone with her parents.

Once they were at a comfortable distance, Venelana glanced at her daughter. "He seems much kinder than I had expected. Your cousin, Sairaorg, is convinced that he poses a threat to your safety. Perhaps he will reconsider once he hears my opinion and Riser Phenex's account."

"Sairaorg is worried about me?" Rias asked, her confusion evident.

Venelana nodded. "He wanted to come here tonight, but Zeoticus and I convinced him otherwise. You know how protective he can be, especially when it comes to family. Even Sirzechs doesn't display such concern for you."

Rias contemplated her mother's words. "So, you think he would have confronted Issei or something?"

Her mother let out a sigh. "It's possible... Sairaorg sees you as a younger sister, practically. You know how fiercely protective he becomes when it comes to family. But I agree, given Issei's nature and Sairaorg's determination, it's probably for the best that he didn't show up tonight."

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