Welcome home

After five long years, Maxius finally stepped through the gates of the Gremory Castle. The familiar surroundings—pristine gardens, towering spires, and the comforting warmth of magic imbued into every stone—greeted him. The chirping of enchanted birds and the soft rustle of magical hedges added to the surreal serenity of the place. Yet, instead of solace, Maxius braced himself for the storm he knew was brewing. His mother's wrath loomed like a tempest ready to break.

The tension was palpable as Venelana Gremory appeared at the grand entrance. Her regal presence was as commanding as ever. Flaxen hair shimmering under the castle's enchanted lights, an elegant gown flowing like liquid fire, she stood as a paragon of noble strength. Despite her composed exterior, the intensity in her eyes burned with a fury that rivaled the sun of the underworld.

"Five years," she said, her tone deceptively calm. "Five years, Maxius. And not a single word."

Maxius opened his mouth to explain, but before he could utter a word, the air around her shifted. Crimson energy—the signature power of Destruction—crackled to life in her hands.

"Mother, wait! Let me explai—" His plea was cut short as a sphere of Destruction hurtled toward him. He leaped aside, narrowly avoiding the obliterating force, which left a smoldering crater in the ground behind him.

"You think you can disappear for half a decade and just stroll back in here like nothing happened?" Venelana's voice carried a dangerous edge. More orbs of Destruction swirled around her, their deadly intent unmistakable.

Maxius didn't dare retaliate; he knew better than to confront his mother in her fury, especially when she wielded the power of Destruction. Instead, he darted away, relying on his unparalleled speed and agility to evade her relentless attacks. Each blast left trenches in the pristine lawns, the magical grass singed and smoking, while ornate statues were reduced to rubble. As he wove through the estate, fountains erupted from stray blasts, sending jets of water cascading through the air. His movements became a blur, almost too fast to follow, as he vaulted over hedges and slid under falling debris with the grace of a seasoned warrior.

Venelana, her eyes narrowing with calculated intent, amplified the ferocity of her attacks. Crimson spheres of destruction now arced through the air in unpredictable patterns, each carrying enough energy to obliterate anything in its path. Despite her increased precision, Maxius dodged with infuriating ease, his evasive maneuvers bordering on mockery.

"You'll have to try harder than that, Mother!" he called out with a cheeky grin, momentarily glancing back at her. The moment of levity cost him as a blast grazed his sleeve, searing the fabric and forcing him to tumble forward to regain his balance.

"Your overconfidence will be your undoing!" Venelana snapped, her voice carrying a regal authority. She propelled herself forward, her presence like a crimson comet, determined to corner him.

Maxius pushed himself harder, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The once-serene gardens became a battlefield, with magical wards straining under the destructive forces unleashed. Every turn and leap seemed to edge him closer to safety, yet the unrelenting power of his mother's fury kept him on the defensive, his focus sharpened to its utmost limits.

Venelana, known as the strongest woman of the Bael family, launched her attacks effortlessly, but to her surprise, Maxius dodged them all. His evasive maneuvers were almost playful, as though he were only pretending to fear for his life.

"Someone help me! This crazy woman is trying to kill me!" Maxius shouted dramatically.

From the windows of the estate, the rest of the household gathered to watch the spectacle.

Katsumi leaned against the frame, a mix of amusement and exasperation on her face. Her yellow eyes glinted with curiosity. "Should we step in?" she asked, her tone light, though she clearly enjoyed the show.

Perched on her shoulder, Kei replied, "He's fine. Probably."

Rias stood beside Grayfia, arms crossed, her expression torn between annoyance and sympathy. "He brought this on himself. He knows Mother doesn't take disobedience lightly."

Grayfia, ever composed, sighed. "Venelana-sama's temper is... formidable. But perhaps we should intervene before she demolishes the entire estate."

Millicas tugged at Grayfia's sleeve, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Will Uncle Maxius be okay?"

Azazel, arriving moments later, observed the chaos and couldn't resist offering Venelana advice on improving her accuracy. Thanks to his guidance, she began landing a few hits on Maxius.

Nox, Maxius's loyal butler, appeared beside Katsumi, his butler's attire exuding nobility. He observed the chaos with a faint glint in his eyes. "Shall we let him suffer a bit longer? He's quite skilled at running away, after all."

"You're all enjoying this far too much," Katsumi muttered, though she made no move to step outside.

In the garden, Maxius dodged and weaved through hedges and fountains as Venelana's attacks closed in. "Mother, I'm sorry!" he shouted. "I had important things to take care of!"

"Important enough to abandon your family?" she countered, hurling another blast that struck a fountain, forcing Maxius to change direction.

Finally, as Maxius neared the gates, Venelana teleported in a flash of crimson energy, cutting off his escape. "You're not getting away that easily," she declared.

Maxius skidded to a halt, hands raised in surrender. "Okay, okay! I'll explain everything! Just... stop trying to kill me!"

"This isn't trying to kill you," she replied with a smirk. "This is discipline."

Rias and Grayfia, followed by the others, stepped outside. "Mother, that's enough," Rias said firmly. "I think he's learned his lesson."

Venelana's energy dimmed slightly. She turned to Rias, raising an eyebrow. "You're defending him?"

"Let's just say he won't be disappearing again," Rias replied.

Maxius chimed in quickly. "I promise! No more running away. And I deeply apologize for defaming my beautiful mother, who has been nothing but good to me."

Venelana's stern expression softened. "Good. Follow me inside. Your butler and I have already agreed on your punishment."

Later, seated at the grand dining table surrounded by his family, Maxius couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and resignation as Zeoticus began to outline the terms of his punishment. The ornate room, with its crystal chandeliers and enchanted carvings, did little to soothe his unease. Kei, perched on the table, gleefully munched on a steaming hot bun, crumbs scattering across the polished surface, while Nox stood silently behind Maxius, his posture impeccable and his expression unreadable. The atmosphere was thick with expectation, every gaze fixed on Maxius as if awaiting his inevitable surrender.

"First," Zeoticus began, his tone as firm as the weight of his judgment, "you are confined to the Gremory territory for the entirety of the summer. No exceptions, no excursions, no loopholes. You will stay within these grounds, and this is non-negotiable." He let the words hang in the air for a moment, ensuring their gravity settled over Maxius. "Second," he continued, "you will be enrolled in Kuoh Academy. This is not merely an opportunity for education but a requirement to ensure you reintegrate into a more structured lifestyle. Furthermore, you will arrange your own housing in Kuoh Town, as this responsibility is part of your penance."

Maxius groaned inwardly but nodded.

"Third," Zeoticus continued, "your mother negotiated several strategic business arrangements with Nox. She now holds a significant increase in shares of your ventures, including the Devibeast Zoo, the Equinox Sorcerer Ball Team, and your highly profitable liquor business. Furthermore, she has secured a joint ownership stake in both your groundbreaking invention and the professional league you are planning to establish. These decisions, I might add, were carefully orchestrated to ensure her influence and the family's interests remain well-protected in your enterprises.""

Maxius sighed. "She's really got me over a barrel, doesn't she?"

"Finally," Zeoticus said, "you are forbidden from breaking your engagement with Seekvaria Argeas."

"Engagement? What engagement?" Maxius asked, alarmed.

""It was arranged before you left," Zeoticus replied, his tone calm but unyielding. "This engagement is a critical alliance between our families, carefully negotiated and finalized before your departure.

Maxius stared at his mother, his voice dripping with a mix of disbelief and wounded pride. "To think you'd sell off your youngest son as though I were some bargaining chip in a business deal," he said, his words laced with bitterness. His gaze hardened, searching her face for even a hint of remorse, but Venelana's expression remained resolute, her eyes unwavering. "Did I truly mean so little to you?" he added, his tone quieter but no less accusing, the weight of his emotions evident in every word.

"This is non-negotiable," Venelana said firmly, her voice as unyielding as steel. "You abandoned your responsibilities and disappeared for five long years, leaving this family to bear the consequences of your absence. I will not tolerate further dishonor or selfishness. You owe this family your accountability, Maxius, and I intend to see that you fulfill it."

Maxius sighed deeply, lowering his gaze in what seemed like resignation, but Venelana could see the subtle twitch at the corner of his mouth. He was playing his part too well—the forlorn son seeking pity. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she allowed him to continue, curious to see where his theatrics would lead.

"Oh, Mother, how cruel you are!" Maxius exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically as if her words had physically wounded him. "To think, the son you love so dearly is now but a tool of obligation and responsibility. Must I always carry the weight of this family's expectations upon my delicate shoulders?"

Venelana's lips tightened, suppressing the urge to laugh. "Maxius, your antics won't work on me. Stop acting like you're the victim in all this. You're only making your punishment worse."

"Victim? Me?" Maxius placed a hand to his forehead as if he might swoon. "Mother, I'm merely expressing the depths of my sorrow for having disappointed you so grievously. Surely my repentance deserves some recognition."

"The only recognition you're getting is for your theatrical skills," she replied, her tone dry but tinged with amusement. "Enough of this nonsense, Maxius. You know very well I see through you."

Maxius sighed. "Fine. I agree to all the terms."

Zeoticus smiled, his expression radiating genuine warmth and relief. "Welcome home, son," he said, his voice filled with an unmistakable pride and joy. Despite the tumultuous events, the happiness of seeing his youngest son return to the family was evident. To Zeoticus, this moment was a triumph—a long-lost piece of the family puzzle finally back in place. "It's been far too long," he added, his tone softening as he looked at Maxius with a father's unconditional love.

"Good to be home," Maxius replied, a wry smile playing on his lips. Despite the feeling that he'd just lost a battle, he couldn't deny the warmth that surged through him at the sight of his family together again.