The Esper Devil ( Esper OC X Highschool DxD )

Chapter 68 - Heartache Tonight

Part 1

"H-hi mom, hi dad"

I awkwardly greet my parents with Liliana closely attached to my arm. In the room, standing right next to them, are also Azazel, Sun Wukong, Maou Leviathan, the Gremory group and the three members of the Kanto faction.

I glance around trying to find the others, but neither the Sitri peerage or the Kyuubi and her daughter are here.

Mom gives me a long look, arms folded in front of her chest as her green eyes come to rest in the connection of Liliana's arms with mine

"Huh... I knew there was something fishy here"

Dad also looks at me, his face with an expression of pure resignation

"She did risk her life for him, I'm not exactly surprised"

I wide my eyes and put my free arm up

"T-this is not what you're thinking okay?!"

Almost as if waiting for my embarassed response as a cue, Liliana lets go off my arm and promptly presents herself to my parents

"Hello, Lady Tatsumaki, Kageyama-dono, my name is Liliana Caim. It's a pleasure and an honor to finally be formally introduced to you. I am a great admirer"

Switching gears entirely, Liliana gracefully bows towards my parents, I always thought that part of her charm lied with this ability to switch her behaviour on a dime, but it's still a little scary how fast she can adapt it.

Mom raises a hand and waves it around

"It's fine, do away with the formalities. You helped me save my son so you're at least fine in my book."

Dad gives an awkward smile as he approaches Liliana with an extended hand

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, I think I speak for both of us when I say we are very thankful for what you did"

When he says that mom crosses her arms again before blurting

"H-hey! Don't go putting words in my mouth!"

She says, but Liliana seems to pay little mind to it, her eyes almost glowing as she reaches out and shakes dad's hand

"N-not a problem at all! There's no need to thank me! Of course I'd come to help Tatseyo!"

She says and mom looks troubled for a moment

"W-well, I guess it is a good thing to see you are doing well now too, wouldn't want to feel like we owned you anything!"

I scratch the back of my head and glance at Liliana, fortunately she doesn't seem to be bothered by mother's eternal tsunderism and just giggles to herself

"Thank you Lady Tatsumaki, it means a lot to me as well."

She gives another graceful bow, this time more subtle and brief

"Well, with formalities out of the way I think we have some things to discuss don't we?"

Azazel steps into our little conversation and Liliana's expression turns serious in a matter of moments

"Ah, of course, you are right Azazel"

She then gestures at her jewelry

"I guess you want me to explain... all of that?"

Azazel has a troubled expression as he tilts his head

"That would be a good start, being honest we are awfully curious about what you did back there. Kyuubi-hime, Wukong-dono and Lady Tatsumaki tried to ask me about it since I've know you longer than any of us but I truly couldn't give then an answer..."