章 1: 1) Prolouge

And so... another fanfic that won't go past 2 chapters...

Oh, and if I do somehow get this novel going, get ready for a lot of bullshiting.

Word Count: 1145

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~Underworld, Gremory Estate~

Inside the luxurious western-styled mansion of the Gremory clan, there were a total of four people gathered in one of the bedrooms. The first was Lady Venelana Gremory, wife of Lord Zeoticus Gremory and matriarch of the household. She lay propped up among pillows in the large four-poster bed, her face pale and sweat-dampened from hours of labor.

The second present was Grayfia Lucifuge, a high-ranking maid who served as head of staff for the Gremory family. Her duties also included acting as an attendant to Lady Venelana during times of need. Grayfia maintained a professional demeanor, though her typically stoic expression held hints of concern for her mistress's wellbeing.

The final two in the room were midwives, brought to assist with the delivery. One moved about the space tidying equipment and linens, while the other remained at Lady Venelana's bedside monitoring her condition.

As for why they had all gathered here, the reason was obvious - Lady Venelana was in the final stages of giving birth. Her pained cries and forceful pushes had echoed through the mansion for many hours, but the end was now in sight.

"Just a little more Lady Venelana, you're doing splendidly. I can see the head now," the midwife at her side spoke in an encouraging tone.

Venelana gritted her teeth and bore down with her next contraction, unable to reply but determined to finish what her body had begun. After several moments of strain, she collapsed back in relief as the first baby slid free into the midwife's waiting hands.

"It's a girl, healthy and strong. Congratulations my lady!"

The infant's cries soon filled the room as the midwife cleaned her tiny form. Venelana exhaled heavily, still exhausted but immensely pleased at the news. "Let me hold her," she panted.

Grayfia stepped forward to assist, accepting the swaddled newborn and laying her gently in Venelana's arms. Mother and daughter shared a sweet moment gazing upon one another for the first time.

But Venelana's respite was brief, as another contraction seized her a few minutes later. The second midwife checked between her legs. "There's another still to come, the afterbirth isn't fully delivered yet."

Over the next half hour, Venelana fought through increasingly painful contractions, urged on by the midwives and Grayfia steadying her. At last, with a final push, the second baby emerged, a boy, pink-faced and squalling.

"Twins!" the midwife declared jubilantly as she rubbed the newborn down. "You've done magnificently Lady Venelana."

Grayfia had tactfully taken the first twin away to be cleaned and dressed while not distracting from the final stages of labor. Now she returned her to Venelana's arms alongside the freshly swaddled second.

Mother and maid shared a smile of achievement, regarding the infant twins with pride and affection. Outside, a commotion had begun to grow as word reached other members of the household about the births of twins.

Soon there came a thunderous pounding on the bedroom door. "Venelana! Is everything well? Are the babies here?" Boomed the unmistakable voice of Zeoticus Gremory.

Grayfia moved calmly to answer, informing him and others crowding the hall that yes, the deliveries had been successful and all were recovering well. When Zeoticus began to barge in anyway, she planted a firm hand on his chest.

"My lord, please contain yourself. Lady Venelana and the twins require quiet and rest now. You may see them shortly once they've had time to bond."

Her stern yet polite tone managed to waylay his impatience and anxiety. After a bit more coaxing, Grayfia shut the door, returning her attention to Venelana and the infants peacefully dozing in her embrace.

Another hour passed as Venelana nursed and held her newborn babies, memorizing every inch of their tiny forms. The midwives completed cleaning up and made final checks before taking their leave. Grayfia remained steadfast at Venelana's side.

At last, she deemed the mother and babies ready for visitors. Going to the door, Grayfia opened it just wide enough to inform those awaiting that they could now enter, one at a time and quietly.

First through was Sirzechs Gremory, Venelana's eldest son and the Satan Lucifer. Though a proud and powerful young man, his steps were soft as he approached the bed. Eyes alight with wonder, he gazed down at his new baby siblings cradled in Venelana's arms.

"They're beautiful, Mother. May I hold one?" he asked gently. At Venelana's nod, Grayfia eased one swaddled bundle into Sirzechs' waiting hands. He was enraptured, brushing a finger lightly over the babe's chubby cheek.

"I swear to protect you both," Sirzechs pledged in a hushed tone. Venelana smiled wearily up at her dutiful son, reassured by his words.

Next allowed in was Lord Zeoticus, rushing to Venelana's side. "My dear, you did splendidly," he declared, kissing her brow. His boisterous persona softened entirely as he gazed upon his infant children.

"They're perfect. Have you decided on names?"

"This one I'll name Nox," Venelana replied, indicating the babe in her arms. Her eyes then turned to Sirzechs still cradling the other. "And his sister shall be called Rias."

Zeoticus beamed, charmed by his children's identities taking shape. "Wonderful names for the little ones."

Sirzechs transferred Rias gently back to Venelana's embrace. "Get your rest now, Mother. We'll allow no disturbances. The whole household rejoices with you today."

With that, Grayfia shooed the men out, ensuring Lady Venelana could find much-needed sleep. She tidied quietly around the room before taking up a chair, keeping watch through the night.

---

The manor bustled with excitement over the new additions for days to come. Venelana recovered swiftly, nourished by her twins and surrounded by a loving family. Sirzechs took any chance to dote on the twins.

Within a week, Venelana deemed herself well enough to receive more visitors. Among the first was Serafall Leviathan, also known as Satan Leviathan, bearing gifts aplenty for the twins.

"Oh Van~, they're just darling! May I hold little Rias?" Serafall cooed, scooping up the bundled infant carefully. Rias gazed up at her inquisitively but did not fuss.

"She seems quite taken with you already, Serafall," laughed Venelana.

The strong bonds of family were woven ever tighter around Rias and Nox from their first days in the world. Surrounded by love and laughter within the warm walls of the Gremory estate, the twins knew only comfort and joy in those early months.

Venelana was pleased to see the twins thriving so, and took solace that they would want for nothing as cherished members of one of the Gremory Clan. Little did she know then how dramatic their paths would become in the turbulent years ahead...

But for now, peace and prosperity reigned supreme in the Gremory household. All were content to simply bask in the blessings of new life and new beginnings with the arrivals of the twins, Rias and Nox.

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Seems like I was able to write the chapter. TBH, I kinda BS'd the chapter so it might not be the best, but I figured I'd get something out then just wait and potentially stop writing altogether.