Chapter 362: He Proposed Such a Delicate Condition to Grayfia
Rias and the others had already crossed that line with him, yet none of them had conceived new life so far.
There were only two possible explanations for this.
One was that the more powerful a person became, the more difficult it was to successfully produce offspring.
Additionally, the mother's body needed to possess a certain level of strength.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to nurture such powerful genes, and it might even backfire, leading to the mother's death.
The fact that such a situation hadn't occurred yet suggested that Rias and the others might not have reached that level of strength.
Therefore, during their intimate moments, he suppressed his own vitality to prevent successful conception.
There is another possibility: that he simply doesn't want offspring for the time being.
Just like young humans who haven't outgrown their playful nature, unwilling to have children early and shoulder the responsibilities of fatherhood.
So, which scenario applies to the current situation?
Grayfia felt the second possibility was more likely.
Then, what was her reason for voluntarily stepping forward?
Because if he were to have offspring, there were very few women qualified to bear his descendants—and she was one of them.
Does this imply that she is also exceptionally powerful?
Indeed, that is the case. Even Rias, who has now reached the level of a Chief God, is no match for her.
Even if Runeas and Rias joined forces, they could only barely manage a draw against her.
She possesses strength comparable to Sirzechs.
Therefore, for the sake of this world, for the future of devils, and for the legacy, Grayfia is willing to dedicate everything she has.
So—
"Change the condition."
Grayfia looked at the man before her and spoke in a tone that brooked no argument.
This man had stated that he would unite with her to create new life only if she agreed to one condition.
But that condition was something Grayfia could not fulfill.
"Sorry, but that's the only condition. Otherwise, I currently have no desire for offspring."
Renji shrugged as he gazed at the figure before him, made even more captivating by the steam.
In truth, he was somewhat conflicted about having descendants.
Like modern young people, once you have children, you can no longer enjoy the same freedom as before.
Thus, despite his multiple roles in another world, he had never left behind any biological offspring.
Even if historical records claimed someone was his descendant, it was false—they were adopted.
Moreover, after his final reincarnation and up to the present era, he had never engaged in such matters.
After all, in the past, it was even harder to ensure proper precautions.
And isn't there a saying?
Women only slow down his sword-drawing.
So, he did his utmost to avoid creating weaknesses that could be exploited.
Returning to the current issue, what condition had he proposed to Grayfia that she found impossible to accept?
"Only on this premise: that you fall in love with me."
That was his condition.
Otherwise, if this woman were to truly bear his child, the moment the child was born, it would lose its mother.
Not because childbirth would claim her life, but because after giving birth, she would believe her mission was complete and choose to end her own life, following someone into the afterlife.
"Can you really not choose any other condition?"
Grayfia gave a slight, bitter smile.
"How about this—I'll compromise. You don't have to actively fall in love with me. Just let your heart flutter at my actions, show me a shy, feminine side of yourself. Would that work?"
This made Grayfia frown slightly.
So, he intended to pursue her on his own? To try and win her over? To make her act shy?
He only needed to see her blushing?
"Fine."
Grayfia agreed.
But this condition was also quite challenging. To show a shy side of herself?
Even with her own husband, she had rarely revealed such girlish, bashful expressions—let alone with an outsider.
But this was far better than demanding that she fall in love with him.
However, Grayfia, being a woman, failed to realize one thing.
When a woman shows a bashful reaction toward a man, it means her heart has been shaken.
"Huh?"
Renji froze for a moment because this overwhelmingly alluring woman was walking toward him.
He couldn't help but grow wary.
Although their interaction had been brief so far, Renji could tell that Grayfia might resort to any means—including forcing herself on him.
"Why are you so tense? As long as the final line isn't crossed, the more intimate the contact, the more likely a woman is to feel shy under normal circumstances."
As Grayfia said this, a faint, amused smile curled at the corners of her lips.
She had clearly discerned the reason for his caution—and truth be told, she did have such intentions.
If he let his guard down even slightly, she would seize the opportunity.
So, it all came down to which of them could endure longer.
And Grayfia didn't believe she would lose. She couldn't imagine a second person who could shake her heart enough to make her feel bashful.
Thus, defeat could only be his.
Click!
The door suddenly swung open.
"Uh—"
Serafall stood there, stunned.
"Sorry to interrupt."
She closed the door again.
Wait, did her eyes deceive her?
She opened the door once more—no, she hadn't been mistaken. Her mind went blank.
Wh-what was going on? She and Gabriel exchanged bewildered glances.
About half an hour later, they watched the two emerge.
Renji's expression seemed conflicted, as if he were struggling to restrain himself, suppressing something with visible discomfort.
Grayfia, on the other hand, looked as composed as ever, as if nothing had happened.
"Would you two please come here for a moment?"
Grayfia immediately invited them for a brief meeting.
"...So, from now on, collect these and bring them to me as soon as possible."
Serafall was left speechless upon hearing this.
"Grayfia, I will do my best to help as well."
Gabriel looked at her with deeply moved eyes, even reaching out to clasp her hands with both of hers.
For the sake of the Lord and this world, the woman before her was truly noble.
Gabriel felt that Grayfia's dedication surpassed even her own.
"W-wait, couldn't you just... get it from him yourself? Wouldn't that be easier?"
Serafall, finally snapping back to reality, stammered incoherently.
"Unless I feel bashful toward him and fall in love with him, he won't give it to me willingly."
So, what exactly did Grayfia want?
She wanted the seeds of life.
Even if they were lifeless, she wanted to see if there was any way to revive them.