The time to visit the Gremory household quickly came, Akeno and Jinrang got dressed up and made themselves look presentable, Jinrang dressed in an all black outfit.
Black pants, black button-up shirt, he left out the coat because it would feel a bit too formal, plus it was hot outside. (The same fit he wearsin the manhwa, i'll upload a picture i guess.)
Meanwhile Akeno wore a purple dress and a grey top.
Both of them looked great, their attractiveness's and features were definitely on the same level as fashion models.
"So? How is it?" Akeno asked him with a smile.
"You look beautiful in anything you wear, this is no exception." Jinrang responded with a smile and kissed her.
"You sure know how to make a lady's heart race~"
"I'm being honest though, in my eyes you're the most beautiful lady I've seen. I'm lucky to have you by my side." Jinrang said with a smile, wrapping his arms around Akeno, who buried her head in his chest.
"…You've no idea how happy your words make me." She mumbled while tightening her arms around him.
"I'm glad."
They stood there for some time, just hugging each other.
"I believe it's time to leave for the Gremory mansion."
Akeno reluctantly let go of him, before she conjured up a magic circle.
"Don't be too nervous, they're good people."
"I learned my lesson not to judge a person before actually talking to them from Sirzechs, I think I'll be okay."
"Alright, off we go."
The two of them disappeared in a red light
.
.
.
.
Jinrang blinked once, and in front of him now stood a massive, and I mean a MASSIVE mansion. Heck calling it a mansion is an understatement.
"… I'm gonna need a map." Jinrang muttered to himself.
"Come on, I think we're the last ones to arrive. We don't wanna keep them waiting longer do we?" Akeno said and grabbed Jinrang's arm and led him towards the door.
They didn't have to knock because as soon as they got close to the door, a brown-haired maid opened it
"Welcome Lady Akeno, Sir Jinrang. Lord Gremory, Lady Gremory have been waiting to see you." The maid bowed and led them inside.
Jinrang glanced around the house as they walked, the building was well decorated and it was much more beautiful inside.
Akeno squeezed his arm to grab his attention and shook her head, signaling that he was being rude.
He smiled sheepishly in response. They walked for a minute before making their way into what Jinrang assumed to be something like a massive living room.
"Akeno and Jinrang have arrived." The maid spoke as soon as they entered, and suddenly all the attention was on them.
Seated at the table, there were Rias and other friends, but at the head of the table sat a green-eyed, red-haired man with a beard that was red as well and next to him a brown-haired lady, with purple eyes.
Though, for some reason Issei had his sacred gear on, and the gem was growing green.
Before Jinrang could think further about that, the adults got up and approached to greet them.
"Hello Akeno, how have you been?" The lady questioned and brought Akeno into a hug.
"I've been well, Lady Venelana."
"I see, that's great. I believe this handsome gentleman is your boyfriend?" She glanced over at Jinrang.
"H-Hello, Mrs.Gremory, my name is Jinrang Kim, it's a pleasure to meet you."
The man next to him chuckled.
"Relax a bit young man, you're a tad too stiff. I'm Zeoticus Gremory, the head of the Gremory clan." He introduced himself and reached for a handshake.
Jinrang shook his hand.
"My apologies, as embarrassing as it might be, I struggle with manners and etiquette, so I'll apologize in advance in case I offend you."
The lady chuckled at his words and Lord Gremory just laughed.
"You're exactly like Sirzechs described you. Don't worry, you're fine."
Venelana observed the young man a bit more, despite his apparent nervousness, his body language suggested that he was calm.
'How intriguing, what an interesting boyfriend you have, Akeno.' She thought glancing at Akeno who who just smiled at her.
"I like your honesty young man, It's rare to see youngsters who openly admit to their faults. Out of curiosity… why do you say that you struggle with manners?"
"Ah, it's because no one taught me and despite the fact that I learned them all by myself, I still find myself a bit lacking."
Venelana leaned closer to Akeno and whispered.
Zeoticus nodded in understanding, before smiling once more. "You're still a child despite your appearance, that's refreshing. You're a friend of my Rias, and her peerage so stop worrying about such things and let's go sit down, we want to get to know you better."
They took their seats, Jinrang and Akeno were seated in front of Rias and Issei.
"Hey, Jinrang how're you liking our house so far?" Rias questioned.
Venelanas ears perked a bit at her question.
"It's beautiful and… a bit overwhelming I guess."
"You'll get used to it, every noble devil clan owns such houses."
Suddenly, a rather deep voice spoke, right from Issei's hand.
"An interesting man you are." It said.
Jinrang's and Akeno's eyes widened a bit, and the looked at Issei for explanations.
"Oh, I guess you still don't know, meet my partner and spirit of Boosted Gear, The Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig."
"…I see, Nice to meet you… I guess?" Jinrang said, still processing the information.
"Jinrang, I don't like to beat around the bush, nor speak in riddles, so I'll ask you. Do you know what you are?"
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're asking me."
"I guess you don't know then. Young man, it appears you have the blood of a dragon inside you. Specifically, a Red Dragon's blood, so in a way, you're my kin." Ddraig dropped the bomb on everyone.
The adults were shocked, the others were too but, Rias and Akeno slightly less.
"That… explains a lot." Rias spoke.
"It certainly does explain his strength, and immunity to fire." Akeno remarked.
"T-Then, that's why… Riser couldn't burn his hand, right?" Asia asked.
"Indeed, a red dragon is immune to flames, unless the flame belongs to another dragon, or a much stronger being." Ddraig explained.
Jinrang brought a hand to his face, "You can't just…" he sighed and leaned back into his chair.
"That's… surprising I guess."
"But, the more interesting part is that, your blood hasn't awakened yet."
"What do you mean by that?" This time it was Koneko who asked.
"He may have a Red Dragon's blood, but he isn't using it, it's in a 'dormant' state despite that, he's still this strong. As you all know, Jinrang has broken his limits. 'Mastery he calls it, and what's so interesting is that he breaks his limits in a certain aspect, like Strength, and then another aspect."
"Yes, exactly as you said, but what does that have to do with my 'Blood'?" Jinrang questioned.
"Everything, supernatural beings such as devils, angels, dragons have no limits they can grow continuously but that growth slows down, after they reach a certain level and that level is obviously determined by one's innate talent. Humans have biological limits, without the use of Magic, Senjutsu or other sources, they simply can't grow just with their body alone, but there are cases where humans break their limits. Unlike you, they don't break the limit of a specific attribute like Strength, Speed or anything like that, they simply 'surpass' it all at once."
Ddraig stopped, letting them digest this knowledge before he continued.
"What I'm saying, is that the limits you've broken so far, were the limits of 'man', and that's good. When you awaken your blood, your strength will soar to a whole different realm. I'm eager to see… what kind of a dragon you'll be, and when that day comes, I hope you'll grant me the privilege of giving you… a name, a name fit for a dragon."
Jinrang gulped, now completely overwhelmed by this information, and the expectations The Red Dragon Emperor had for him.
"A-Alright, I'll try my b-best, to meet your expectations."
After hearing Jinrang's words, the gauntlet on Issei's arm disappeared.
Jinrang released a breath he didn't know that he was holding.
"Well… that was quite a surprise." Zeoticus noted.
"Surprise is an understatement." Rias responded.
"How do you feel? I imagine… that isn't easy to digest." Akeno voiced her worry.
"I'm fine, it was just…" he didn't finish, a laugh escaped him.
"He just dropped that information so casually, it caught me completely off guard." Jinrang rubbed the back of his head.
"He caught all of us off guard, Jinrang I gotta ask, who are your parents?" Issei asked, bluntly.
"Issei!" Rias turned his head towards him sharply, with narrowed eyes
"I-Issei! I-If he doesn't want to talk about his private life… It's wrong!" Asia chastised him as well.
"You suck, Issei." Koneko decided to jump in.
"Admittedly, Issei asked the right question, Jinrang has the blood of a red dragon, he has to have gotten that from somewhere, and it's important to note that red dragons are practically extinct…" Venelana voiced her thoughts.
Issei smiled nervously and tried to explain himself, "Sorry, but I'm curious! Did your dad breathe fire? Maybe your mom? Maybe both?! Did they only eat raw meat? Were they hiding mountains of gold?" With each question Issei got more and more excited, and started leaning over the table.
Jinrang leaned back slightly because Issei's face was getting a bit too close, he could practically see the stare in his eyes.
Issei definitely lifted the mood with his excitement and somewhat childish antics.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't know. I don't have parents."
Instantly the mood was brought down again, Akeno put her hand above Jinrang's, offering comfort.
"Ah, I'm really sorry, truly. I'm sorry." Issei apologized and bowed a couple times.
"It doesn't bother me, I never knew them. They didn't even bother giving me a name, or a last name, so I don't care. The name 'Jinrang Kim' was given to me by a great man, I'm forever thankful for his help."
Those sitting at the table digested his words, some looked at him with pity, some with sadness.
"Would it be alright… to tell us more about yourself? It's alright if you don't want to but… We just want to know more about you, and help in any way we can…" Akeno asked while fidgeting in her seat, but kept eye contact.
Jinrang took a deep breath, he didn't want to talk about his past, or well the original's past, but did that really mean anything now? He was Jinrang, and Jinrang was him.
He looked down, at Akeno's hand which was on top of his own, and decided to open up. His friends and Akeno deserved that much at least.
"…I grew up in a place, where the adults made chidlren fight for food and water, for a place to sleep and right to survival. I fought almost every day. After a couple years of fighting, I found out that the reason they were making us do that, was because the whole thing, was run by Stray exorcists, who strayed from the teachings of the 'Big G'. When I was 12 years old that underground ring was demolished and we gained freedom, that was when I met that man. He didn't tell me who he was, but he taught me many things, and took me here to begin a new life, before he disappeared."
Kiba's gaze hardened, fists clenched and gnashed his teeth, muttering to himself, "Of course…it's those bastards."
Those who knew of his circumstances looked at him worriedly, knowing that Kiba was a victim of the church as well
"…Must've been rough." Issei said, while looking away, he didn't know what else to say to him.
Jinrang chuckled, "Somewhat." Before he continued, "Before you say anything, I don't need words of comfort or anything similar, I'm alright, I'd prefer it if we all move on from this conversation." He bowed after finishing what he had to say.
Those seated at the table sat in silence for a moment.
"Alright, we will respect your wishes." Zeoticus spoke with a serious face.
Venelana who sat beside him nodded as well.
"Even though you say that, if you need an adult's help we'll be happy to provide that."
Akeno who looked as if they really wanted to say something, decided against it. Ultimately choosing to respect his wishes.
Time passed by pretty quickly, they talked about rather mundane things, but The Gremory's didn't forget about Jinrang.
They asked him about his grades, school, living conditions and such things as well as what he wanted to do after he finished studying, Jinrang answered their questions truthfully, and felt an inexplicable warmth that seemed to be coming from deep within his soul.
This was their way of showing that he belonged there, that the family accepted him as a close friend of Rias, and her peerage.
Their interest in his life, was something he didn't know he would appreciate, but he did. There is something about such talks with the adults, some find it annoying, but to someone like Jinrang who didn't have the luxury of a family until now, it felt… good.
Furthermore, In this life he now had one, a family: His significant other, a kind and gentle girl, Himejima Akeno. His friends: The actual Princess, Rias Gremory, The redeemed pervert, Hyodou Issei, The pretty swordsman, Kiba Yuuto, The silent cat, Tojou Koneko, The personification of Innocence, Asia.
Him coming to this world, was truly a blessing.
A.N: Do make sure to read the auxiliary chapter.