Thus, the tumult triggered by the alliance ceremony within the palace finally reached conclusion.
Though only temporary conclusion.
Because barring accidents, sequels would follow.
After all, according to Beelzebub's explanation, his current capabilities extended merely to delaying under twenty-four hours. When time expired, Loki would return once more. Then—genuine battle would commence.
Naturally, regarding this point, Bokue wasn't particularly concerned.
They currently occupied Lilith—the entire demon realm's capital. Current Maou Lucifer's stationed domain.
If one Loki could stir storms throughout the demon realm, leaving the Four Maou completely helpless? Might as well abandon alliance efforts entirely. Just let Norse mythology's armies march in, steamrolling the demon realm wholesale.
Moreover, he trusted Sirzechs would devise solutions.
Thus time shifted—evening arriving.
Following dinner's conclusion, the sky above capital Lilith gradually dimmed. After a full day's passage, deep night curtain descended once more upon demon realm earth.
Tonight, Bokue's group lodged at the high-end hotel beside the palace.
Accurately speaking—tonight, all 72 Pillar high-class devil nobility accommodations concentrated here.
After all, though the palace possessed spare guest rooms, simultaneously housing this many people proved somewhat inadequate.
Fortunately, surrounding high-end hotels also fell directly under palace jurisdiction. Essentially Maou-operated establishments. As 72 Pillar nobility witnessing alliance ceremonies, this trip fundamentally constituted corporate headquarters business travel. Thus hotel lodging, meals, and various expenses would naturally be entirely waived.
Regardless—acceptable arrangements.
Scene transition: upper VIP suite floors of the capital hotel. Shortly after returning from dinner, Rias—barely seated—suddenly heard knocking sounds from the entrance.
Knock, knock, knock.
Who's there?
Carrying such curiosity, the red-haired girl could only temporarily abandon bathing plans—rising from the desk to approach the door.
Opening it, from the hallway gap outside appeared her mother's gentle smile.
"Eh? Mom... why are you here?"
Not expecting her mother's sudden arrival at this hour, Rias froze momentarily before fully opening the door.
However, Venelana showed absolutely no intention of entering—simply remaining at the threshold while waving dismissively.
"Hehe, nothing really. Just wondering if you'd like to join us for some browsing. After all, rarely visiting Lilith—even counting last time's gathering, you've barely been here a few times total, right? By my count, my last visit was years ago~ Rare opportunity. Want to explore Lilith's night markets together?"
"Ah... go now?"
Rias froze slightly.
Ordinarily, she'd readily accept her mother's proposal. Yet today, she hesitated unusually.
"I... perhaps better not. After all, today's matters haven't completely concluded. Though Governor Azazel mentioned helping devise solutions, this occurred within the demon realm regardless. We ourselves must maintain full preparation..."
"Getting anxious again, Rias~?"
Venelana tilted her head.
"Earlier, Bokue-kun told Mom he'd already performed psychological counseling work for you. How come after barely encountering minor incidents, you're already pressuring yourself again? Seems Bokue-kun needs to provide continued counseling..."
"No no no! That's unnecessary!"
Hearing her mother wanting to fetch Bokue for continued "counseling work," Rias's face immediately flushed crimson as she rapidly waved refusal.
What 'psychological counseling work'—clearly counseling something entirely different...
Ahem!
"Plus, I'm not pressuring myself mentally. Simply considering Onii-sama might bear heavy burdens these coming days. Wanted to at least help share some responsibility. Can't have Onii-sama drowning under overwhelming duties while we're gallivanting through shopping districts, right?"
"Mm... hearing you phrase it that way does seem somewhat reasonable?"
Venelana tapped her lips while maintaining her tilted-head posture thoughtfully.
"Suddenly feels like Mom's considerations were inadequate..."
"No, that's not what I meant..."
Seeing her thoughtless remark apparently dismissing her mother's goodwill, the red-haired girl immediately grew embarrassed.
"Any-anyway, I just want early rest today. If Onii-sama needs assistance tomorrow, I can help. Regarding night markets—forget it. If you want to go, Mom, go without me."
"Mm~ alright then."
Seeing her daughter's insistence, Venelana stopped pressing. Waving dismissively, she revealed a gentle smile once more.
"Then Mom's departing. Rias, rest early yourself."
"Mm..."
Rias responded affirmatively while preparing to close the door. Yet at this moment, she inexplicably asked one additional question.
"By the way, how many people are going together, Mom?"
"Eh?"
Hearing this, Venelana briefly considered.
"Not many—just your Aunt Sheila and the others... then that's it. Why? Suddenly changed your mind about joining Mom?"
"Ah no, no—just curious. You all go ahead..."
Rias pursed her lips before closing the door. Basically just middle-aged women's tour group.
Probably would only browse accessory stalls anyway. Not interesting.
Meanwhile, still lingering in the hallway, Venelana watched her daughter close the door—silently smiling with an "all according to plan" expression. Yet saying nothing, she simply turned back toward her arrival direction.
Moments later, traversing the corridor around corners to reach another room's entrance, the beautiful woman halted—raising her hand to knock gently.
Knock, knock, knock.
After three knocks plus brief waiting, faint footsteps approached the door from within.
The next second, accompanied by the door opening, there at the inner entrance—a certain petite nightmare wife cradled lightly in Bokue's arms. Her pale bare back faced the doorway. Turning her head sideways revealed eyes brimming with moisture—shallow purple irises.
"Ara, in-law, already finished explaining to your daughter?"
"Yeah, all settled."
As if already anticipating this scene, Venelana smiled faintly.
"Rias believes I'm currently browsing night markets with everyone. Tonight, she shouldn't come looking."
Finishing, she also stepped inside, firmly closing the door behind her.
Only faint sounds drifted from within afterward.
"Speaking of which, didn't see Kuroka-san tonight?"
"She's already sleeping. This afternoon, kept wanting to 'eat early' in her room. Still hasn't woken since..."
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