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While Bokue Keikain was still occupied on Itogami Island, a classical-style train swiftly cruised through the skies above the Gremory family's territory in the Underworld, smoothly docking at the castle's rooftop platform.
Though sufficiently powerful devils could simply use teleportation magic by pinpointing exact coordinates between the human world and the Underworld—making travel efficient and convenient—the traditional act of traveling by train was considered more formal, adding a sense of ritual that mere efficiency couldn't replace.
Just like last time, as the train halted gracefully beside the platform, Venelana was already waiting with a group of castle maids.
The doors opened, and Rias quickly stepped down, running forward to embrace her mother in a joyful reunion.
"I'm home, Mother!"
"Welcome back, Rias."
The beautiful milf, dressed elegantly in a white lace gown, gently stretched out her arms to embrace her daughter.
However, for reasons unknown, despite the mother-daughter pair sharing no ill feelings or conflicts, Venelana subtly tilted her face aside as Rias hugged her.
Sniff… Sniff…
"Hmm? There's a nice scent…"
As if detecting something unusual, Rias, resting her chin on her mother's shoulder, gently sniffed the air.
She stepped back slightly, eyes widening as she stared at her mother's familiar face curiously.
"Mother, did you... put on makeup?"
"Oh, indeed."
Venelana maintained her gentle smile, elegantly raising her hand—adorned with a white lace glove—to lightly brush against her cheek.
Compared to her usual appearance, today Venelana's skin seemed even fairer, her cheeks rosier, and her eyes subtly accented.
Admittedly, with Venelana's unparalleled beauty—rarely matched even throughout the entire Underworld—any further makeup was usually just icing on the cake.
For this exact reason, Venelana rarely applied makeup anymore.
As the saying went, "a woman beautifies herself for the one she loves." With the Gremory family now having fewer members, Venelana often found herself alone in the vast castle. Even if she meticulously applied makeup, the only thing she could do afterward was admire herself in the mirror.
Yet today, Mother unexpectedly wore makeup? And such a complicated dress as well...
While Rias was quietly pondering, Venelana's voice broke her thoughts, gently asking as she peered behind her daughter.
"Ara? Speaking of which, where is Bokue-kun? Didn't he come back with you?"
"Oh, about that..."
Before Rias could properly reply, Venelana continued.
"Are you two having a quarrel?"
"...Huh?"
The red-haired girl paused in surprise before quickly shaking her head, responding hastily.
"No, no! Nothing like that! Bokue just returned to Kyoto these past two days. Apparently, he was assigned some important tasks and mentioned that he'd stay a couple more days in the Demon Special Zone before joining us here."
"Oh, I see."
Venelana nodded in understanding, but soon sighed softly, placing a hand lightly on her cheek.
"Sometimes, having capable young men can be quite troublesome. It reminds me of your older brother. Mother spent years raising you both, but after becoming the Maou, I barely get to see his face a few times a year... Ah~"
"..."
Seeing her mother starting to lament once again, Rias could only silently sweat-drop.
Fortunately, at that moment, the silver-haired maid behind Venelana stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"Welcome back, Lady Rias. And welcome as well, Lady Sona."
"Eh? Grayfia, you're here as well?!"
Only upon hearing that voice did Rias realize, peering over her mother's shoulder to see Grayfia Lucifuge—her brother Sirzechs Lucifer's famous 'Strongest Queen'—standing neatly amongst the maids, dressed as impeccably as always in her signature maid attire.
"Yes."
Grayfia straightened gracefully, replying calmly.
"Due to certain circumstances, Lord Lucifer instructed me to temporarily remain on standby at the Gremory family's domain."
"I see…"
Venelana clapped softly, diverting their attention back smoothly.
"Alright then, since you've all arrived safely, let's not stand around outside. Come in now. Oh, and Rias dear, would you mind contacting Bokue-kun and confirming exactly when he'll be here?"
"Ah… that's not really possible."
"Why not?"
"Because the Underworld and human world don't exactly share the same network!"
"Oh, that's right... hmm, that is troublesome indeed."
❁❁❁❁
Meanwhile, in the human world—at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto.
With the setting sun gradually slipping beneath the horizon, the golden twilight cast a soft glow over the shrine. A small kitsune girl wearing traditional miko attire sat quietly on the stone steps in front of the shrine's entrance.
She watched the sun steadily set, the six fluffy golden fox tails behind her completely motionless, as if frozen in anticipation.
Quiet footsteps approached from behind. Yasaka, dressed elegantly in traditional attire, her shimmering golden hair neatly tied back with ornate hairpins, stepped softly behind her daughter.
"Kunou, didn't you take an afternoon nap today?"
"…No."
Kunou lowered her head slightly.
"I wanted to wait for Bokue-onii-chan today. But it seems he won't be coming."
"..."
"Mother, do you think Bokue-onii-chan left again?"
"I don't think so."
Yasaka gently considered her answer.
After all, Bokue had only returned to Kyoto yesterday, particularly since it was the summer break. It stood to reason he'd stay a few more days after coming home to visit.
Moreover, even if Bokue really needed to leave urgently today, he would certainly inform her first—just as he had ten years ago.
Of course, back then he didn't merely inform her; he also...
Recalling past memories, Yasaka's nine graceful golden fox tails subconsciously drew closer together.
Kunou looked up somewhat disheartened.
"Then why didn't Bokue-onii-chan come at all today?"
"Perhaps… Bokue has his own matters to attend to. After all, he is the acting head of the Keikain Clan."
Yasaka affectionately stroked her daughter's head.
"Alright, let's go inside and have dinner first, shall we? Bokue wouldn't abandon little Kunou, right?"
"Mm, I understand…"
Though still slightly disappointed, Kunou didn't cause any further fuss, quietly nodding before rising from the steps and turning to walk back into the shrine.
The instant her daughter turned away, Yasaka flicked her fingers subtly, swiftly deploying a barrier that silently enveloped the entirety of Kansai.
This was her power and right as the leader overseeing the supernatural faction of West Japan—not just Kyoto, but the entirety of the Kansai region was under her protection.
After carefully sensing within the barrier for Bokue's familiar presence, Yasaka opened her eyes again, somewhat puzzled.
Even after such meticulous checking, Bokue's aura was still nowhere to be found in Kansai...
Where had he gone now...?
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