7. Engagement

At the dining table, our family sat properly and started our dinner. Normally we talk about something trivial like everyday life.

" Today I have to say something to you all as a family, specially you two Rias and Ash." Father said suddenly standing up.

We all look at him looking at him what's so important to say.

" We have find a fiancé and a fiancée for you.

Rias Gremory your fiancé is Riser Phenex of the Phenex family.

Ash Gremory your fiancée is Latia Astaroth of the Astaroth branch family."

Well, this is a bomb at a dinner table. Surely none of them will take it well because the character of Riser is really questionable and the number of time we met, we hadn't talk that much but I can say he is an arrogant and spoiled brat and thinks women as tool. I personally don't like him.

" No, I won't marry him. No way. I want to renege this marriage proposal." Rias shouted standing up and looking angry.

" Sorry dear. He is a pure blooded devil and worthy of you. I don't see any reason to renege this proposal." Father said refuting her.

"But....big brother say something." Rias pleaded to brother.

" I'm sorry Rias. I can't say anything about this." Brother said looking sad.

Well he dotes us a lot so he hated so see ua hurt. But as a satan he can't intervene at a marriage proposed between two distinctive family for him own purposes.

" I hate you all." Saying this Rias ran towards her room crying.

" Dear...." Mother looked at her worryingly.

" Don't you have anything to say, Ash?" Father asked.

After hearing that I have a fiancée. I was kinda happy if you ask me. But I don't know what to say about this.

" What can I say Father?" I asked.

" What do you think about you engagement?" Father ased.

" Nothing actually. I will meet her and see her. If I don't like her or she doesn't want to marry me, I will break this engagement. Whether you like it or not." I said directly looking at my father eyes. Not looking down as he stared back at me.

" Okay, I don't have a problem if both of you want to break this marriage." Father relented.

Everybody looked at me like asking 'what happened to you'. Normally I don't say anything against my family and respect them. Whatever they say I do. But that doesn't mean I can't say no. I am perfectly capable of saying no to anything I dont like. Whoever he is.

" Father. May I ask why are you doing this when she doesn't like it?" I asked father.

" The pure blood devils are decreasing after the war 1000 years ago. We need more pure blood devils. And also we can get in a collaboration with Phenex family with their Phoenix Tears." Father said looking at me.

" I don't like your idea, Father." I said standing up and walking to my room. "Mother, please go to Rias. She needs someone right now."

Hearing that mother walk with me to go Rias's room. On the mother looked and me and said," You're strong, Ash."

"No mother, it's not like I am strong. It's just that I will say everything in mind if I don't like anything about something. Whether others like it or not." I said.

" That's not something everyone can do, dear. Don't underestimate you will, son. From my perspective you did something even people from high power would not be able to do. So stay strong like this for yourself, your loved ones. It will make you stronger than everyone, dear." Saying so she went into Rias's room and closed the door.

I am just standing there looking at the door. Feeling something burn in my heart. It's not that I lost something, more like i gained something more valuable.

A person's trust.