Chapter 1
Alliance of Devil
The devil king candidate of Tower, Takakuzure Marios(高崩マリオス) was living in a fifty storey tower mansion.
The penthouse at the highest floor was Marios’s home as well as workshop.
At the center of the rooftop, there were figures, plastic models, dioramas, and many other kinds lined up orderly.
Takakuzure Marios was a modeler.
He had a lot of rooms in his penthouse, but all of them were used as storage room for his models or as his workshop.
Storage for figures that were still sealed inside their box, room for half-finished plastic model, storage room for materials, exclusive workshops for each process, all the rooms had their own role. There wasn’t any space for normal living here.
Right now Marios was in a room where one whole side was turned into a window. The night view of skyscrapers standing in a row could be seen from there. The view from the window was very beautiful, however Marios was focused on the products on his work table.
The product had beauty that made things like night scenery didn’t worthy any notice from him.
It was a witch figurine it was a piece of work that Marios poured all his effort into.
Its scale was 1:4. Its height was more than 50 cm. Its face was flawlessly beautiful with armor covering its body, even so the chest part jutted out to emphasize the female proportion. The silver hair was disheveled as though it was fluttering in the air with wings spreading on its back. The word pretty suited the figurine.
If this was a common figurine, then this figurine belonged in the category of prototype, but there wasn’t any plan to mass produce this figurine. It was a complete piece. Although the model was terrifyingly detailed and complicated, so it was impossible even if someone wanted to mass produce it. Even if they went ahead with mass production of it, the quality would be degraded by several levels. It would only result in dead copies.
This piece of work had reached the level of artwork that was created by god. It didn’t give any care toward such restriction in production.
This piece would definitely attract gaze of envy, not just from human maniac, but even from devils.
It was like there was life dwelling inside the figurine and mana was emitted from it. If this woman became reality, there was no doubt that it would boast a terrifying strength anyone who saw this figurine would imagine that. It was that kind of figurine.
Marios folded his arms and fixed his stare on that figurine.
His face was haggard and there were also dark circles around his eye. He had a look that would make other thought that he had focused too much to his work that he forgot to eat.
His wavy green hair was also unkempt and completely uncared for. His clothes was also a uniform that had been splashed by paint for the figurine. It seemed he had personality that wasn’t concerned about his appearance.
His concentration was simply focused to a single point intently.
His focus was sent toward his own creation.
Marios stared at the result and smiled in satisfaction.
Perfect....
His masterpiece would be completed with just a bit more.
Most likely, this was his current best work. This work was his most important thing after his life.
And then,
When he imagined the despair and feeling of loss when he lost this his body trembled.
The corner of his lips naturally rose and he felt a thrill in his chest.
What if his hand slipped when he was carrying this and it fell on the floor?
What if it was smashed to pieces?
Scary.
He didn’t want to put even a single harm on this piece.
And yet,
There was a part of himself who wanted that to happen.
A part of himself craved to do something that couldn’t be undone,
He craved for the feeling of loss and sadness that would slice himself to pieces ,
An electronic sound chimed at that timing.
Marios scowled and looked up at the monitor that was hanging on the wall. There were nine monitors in total. Each monitor was displaying the figure of the Cards of Tower.
There was an exclusive elevator for Marios in this tower mansion. It was set up to stop at the interval of five floors. Each floor was used as the workshop of Marios’s cards.
All of the Cards of Tower were modeler.
And then, as long as the Cards at each floor didn’t confirm that the visitor was safe, they wouldn’t be able to move to the upper floor. Magical barrier was laid out at the highest floor, it was impossible to reach the penthouse without using this elevator.
When he saw at the monitor of the fifth floor, there was two people going out from the elevator there.
One of them was a red haired man. The other one was a pink haired woman.
Who?
He wasn’t familiar with them but, it was easy to imagine that they were devil king candidates or Cards.
He didn’t know the detail, but he heard that the Devil Ibiza was defeated. Because of that, the movements of the devil king candidates became active.
Most likely some other devil king candidate was using their Cards to probe at him, no doubt about it.
In the monitor, a Card of the Tower, Goryoukaku Basset(五稜郭バセット) stood on the way of the two intruders. He was a newcomer from class 1-C of Ginsei Academy. He wasn’t one of his Court Cards but a Suit Card, furthermore his rank was the lowest at number II2 .
That Goryoukaku took a monster figurine that he made himself. The figurine had an eerie form of a frog and crocodile combined into one. It was a wonderful craftsmanship in the eye of amateur, but it looked crude in Marios’s eye.
Goryoukaku threw that figurine.
The piece of work that he created painstakingly rotated in the air. The intruders in front of him must be bewildered why he was doing something like that.
But, this was Tower’s fundamental ability.
The figurine turned huge in the blink of eye. It manifested a monster that was two meters tall.
A magic to materialize artistic work.
The monster that was a fusion of frog and crocodile that couldn’t possibly exist in reality attacked the male intruder. That man was swallowed from his head without being able to resist at all.
......How dull.
He didn’t know whose Cards they were, but they weren’t any threat at all.
The monster crunched the male’s body and chewed him.
Marios lost interest and turned his back toward the monitor to face his work table once more.
He and his Cards were able to materialize anything, whether it was monster, machine, everything. By using this power, it was possible to increase their fighting force as much as they wanted. This was the greatest forte of them Tower.
Other devil king candidates were limited in how many Cards they could have. However he had no such limitation. He was able to gather even more powerful soldiers in even greater number. Because of that, he turned those with modeling talent and set up a system of model mass production.
Right now still wasn’t the time for him to join the fight.
However, the fight was already starting.
This workshop was his battlefield.
Marios got into the work of putting finishing touches on the witch figurine.
He decided that he would use this against powerful enemy. With this quality, it surely could defeat even the Star Hoshigaoka Stella or even the Triumph.
That was just how much he cherished this work.
*Poon* An electronic sound rang.
What?
That was the sound that informed him of a visitor.
What the....
He turned around and looked up at the monitors on the wall. There the screen of nine monitors had been changed to be filled with noise.
Footsteps were approaching.
What happened? Just what were the people below doing?
Marios stood up with doubt filling his mind. Then the room’s door opened.
Sorry to visit at night like this. Are you the Tower, Takakuzure Marios
It was the red haired man that he saw in the monitor.
He looked like a normal man in a glance. He had a friendly smile and a gentle way of talking.
However, there was something strange in him.
He couldn’t find the word to describe just what was it that he found strange. However, his instinct was telling him that this man wasn’t harmless.
He wasn’t wearing the uniform of Ginsei Academy but personal clothes that consisted of a hooded black jacket and casual white shirt, and then a black damaged jeans.
The uniform of the academy could be freely customized so the uniform could look completely different from its original state, but what this man wearing was obviously not the academy uniform.
Who are these guys?
When he moved his gaze to the woman, this one was wearing uniform. Furthermore her uniform was normally cute.
She was smiling affably. She looked like a girl who would play together with friends after school at shopping center. A girl who would stop by at a café, and then getting excited when choosing clothes or accessory. And then a talent scout would sometimes call out to her it was easy to imagine this woman as someone like that.
You guys......how did you, come this far
Marios replied at the question with another question.
However the red haired man didn’t look offended and smiled thinly.
We come up here normally. Those people at the floors where we stopped, they were your Cards......so to speak your gatekeepers right? We will have the qualification to meet you if we can overcome them, I think that’s the meaning of this arrangement.
Marios’s eyes widened slightly.
He said that he came here by defeating them?
That was impossible. Because this guy was easily killed at the first floor ,
He suddenly noticed here.
Red drops were dripping to the floor under the girl. The left arm of her uniform had crimson stain spreading on it.
Blood.
The girl’s right hand was holding a cutter knife.
This girl.
However he couldn’t see any sign of pain from the girl’s face.
It made the girl’s adorable smile to look eerie to him.
You guys......who are you
The red haired man turned his palm toward the girl.
This girl is devil king candidate of Wheel of Fortune, Shimokadzuma Rinne.
Wha-......!
He was suddenly on his guard.
I can’t believe this......to think that a devil king candidate is personally marching into here.
That meant, this man must be the Wheel of Fortune’s Ace.
When Marios concluded so ,
I am the devil king candidate of Death GodDeath , Joudogahama Lost. Best regards.
......tsu!!
Marios grabbed his masterpiece from the top of his worktable.
I see, that’s a splendid work just as expected.
Lost looked at the figurine in Marios’s hand and expressed his impression casually.
I saw it at the lower floors, the ability of Tower is to materialize model isn’t it? Normally a candidate will gather Cards while thinking of the balance but......this is a drastic tactic that is completely focused to break through a single point huh.
You......you died at the first floor didn’t you
I have the arcana of Death, so death is relatively unrelated to me. It’s slightly disappointing that I can’t live up to that name fully though.
Lost shrugged theatrically.
More importantly, how about you show us your power? Even though your ability is the same with your Cards, it should be really different as the devil candidate right
Very well then......I’ll show you.
This is my masterpiece.
It was a gem that he had poured time and effort into without holding back anything.
Above all else, it was his important treasure.
No matter what kind of devil king candidate he faced, they would be able to do anything except prostrate before it!
TAKE THIS BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!!
Marios tossed his treasured figurine high to the atrium ceiling.
And then it rotated,
Materialized,
Then without anything going on ,
It fell on the floor and broke.
UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!
Marios fell on his knees and screamed.
He cried and shouted full of grief without caring of how he looked like to others.
He clenched his fist and punched the floor.
This is-! This is my greatest masterpiece!! It’s more important-! More valuable than anything elseeeee! And yet, AND YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETT!!
Lost and Rinne were taken aback by Marios’s behavior.
The figurine was thrown and broken by Marios himself.
Perhaps his magic was a dud and so it turned out like this.
So to speak, he was paying for his own mistake.
This was the devil king candidate of Tower?
He was crying while continuing to hit the floor with all his strength.
Lost could do nothing but continuing to watch that. However ,
UOOOOH! UAAAAAAahhih......hi, fuhih! Hihihihihihihihi?
......
Marios’s grief was starting to be mixed with laughter before long.
His tears were still flowing without pause, and yet Marios was making an expression of ecstasy.
Fuhaaah! This despair......this feeling of loss......aa, my chest if painful......anger, regret, frustration, sadness, it feels like my head will go crazy with them......this is the best, the best.
Lost observed that change with a sharp gaze.
Marios......you are?
Losing the most important thing for me this pleasureee! My treasured thing is smashed up horribly and it’s gone forever this despairrrrr! It’s, it’s the worst and THE BESTTTTTTT!!
!
The surrounding space suddenly changed.
The walls around them were gone and the floor was rising to the sky.
......This is!
Lost was staring at the night scenery that was getting farther from them. When he realized, the foothold had become smaller. They should be in a spacious room, but right now there was only two meters space to the four directions.
They were at the altitude of several hundred meters. There was no wall or fence. They might get blown off if a strong wind blew.
There were only himself and Rinne standing on such unstable place.
This is......tower
They weren’t in the tower mansion form before. Lost realized that they were on top of a tall tower that was made from stones and bricks.
Characteristic magic Babel TowerCollapsing Pleasure .
Marios was floating in the night air in front of Lost and Rinne.
His face was distorted with sadness and agony, while tears of pleasure were flowing from his eyes.
......This is Tower’s......characteristic magic.
Suddenly a strong wind struck Lost’s face. The clear night sky was suddenly turning stormy.
Strong wind mercilessly tried to blow the two from the top of the tower.
They would die if they fell.
Their instinct instead of the logic told them that.
Lost and Rinne braced themselves to endure the wind. They put their hand on the floor.
But it wasn’t just wind that was attacking them.
The sky was raging above them. Thunder cloud was whirling like a coiling dragon. Light sparked from that cloud.
Lightning.
Flashes came from inside the cloud followed by thundering roar.
Most likely the true threat was that lightning.
If lightning struck the place they were standing on right now, the tower would most likely crumble. And then they would also meet their end.
I see. So you purposefully broke that doll. You didn’t materialize it, you destroyed something important to you to deploy a large scale ritual magic......that’s, your true ability.
Yeah, it’s actually a characteristic magic of karma. That figurine was a work of art......it won’t be outdone even by Rodin or Bernini’s work. No matter how you look at it, its worth is even heavier than other people’s life. Aa! And yet! And yet! I’m forced to offer my most important masterpiece as sacrifice to take care of some worthless guys!
Marios was crying once more.
And yet you look happy despite that.
Marios was laughing while crying.
The pleasure that can be felt when your most important thing is taken away from you......you understand it right
Sorry. I don’t get it.
Lost smiled apologetically while planning to escape from this characteristic magic.
However, he didn’t understand how to do that.
Let me tell you this, you can’t escape from this tower. The only way to escape from here is to be destroyed together with this tower.
Marios looked triumphant. Lost nodded in admiration to him.
So this is your sure-kill characteristic magic......that’s terrifying.
A particularly loud thunder roared at that timing. Marios was convinced of his victory.
He didn’t expect that this kind of fortune would roll on his feet. After all his opponent was the Wheel of Fortune who was rumored to have a terrifying ability and the mysterious devil king candidate Death.
Death’s true identity wasn’t known until now. Now that he had showed himself before him, he could defeat both of them together.
It was more than worth it for him to use the figurine that he prepared to fight Star for this.
But, what bothered him was this man called Joudogahama Lost......he was still looking relaxed despite being in this predicament. He was keeping his cool.
Was he stupid?
As for the woman, there wasn’t any room for doubt. She was still smiling cheerfully even in this situation. She was an idiot.
Suddenly there was a flash of lightning that blinded the eye.
That light blew away the little anxiety in Marios’s heart.
A sound of explosion pierced the ear a moment later.
The greatest lightning attack fell on the tower and the tower started crumbling.
Death and Wheel of Fortune would die when this tower crumbled and turned into a mountain of rubbles.
The floor under their feet cracked and the tower was slowly starting to sink.
Rinne.
Lost called the name of the Wheel of Fortune.
The girl stood on the crumbling floor. Her right hand was holding a cutter knife. It made the unique clicking sound when its blade was pushed out.
Rinne was still smiling and rolled the sleeve of her left arm.
Marios gulped seeing that white skin.
There were several scars there.
There was a new wound near the wrist where blood was still flowing from it.
The shiny blade was pressed slightly above it.
A warning alarm rang loudly inside Marios.
This is bad.
He didn’t know what she would do, but it was definitely bad.
Rinne slid the cutter’s blade on her arm without any hesitation.
Fresh blood spilled out.
......!
Red drops splattered in the air, then at the next moment ,
Eh
Marios was holding his masterpiece witch figurine.
......-!!!
There was no doubt. It was his work that should have been broken by his own hand just now.
He saw his own workshop when he looked around.
......Wha
The world that was created by Babel Tower had vanished.
Lost and Rinne were in front of him. They were standing normally on the floor.
Was I......dreaming or hallucinating?
He immediately erased that thought.
There were two wounds on Rinne’s arm. Crimson blood was dripping from there.
Lost smiled softly.
Babel Tower......it’s really a magnificent characteristic magic.
A chill made his spine trembled.
Marios acted tough so that his fear wouldn’t be detected.
Just now......ain’t your work, but that woman over there huh.
Yes. Rinne’s characteristic magic is RevivalInfinite Replay .
Most likely it was a cancelling technique that rewound time or making something that had happened as never happened.
If all the activated magic were cancelled, there was nothing that could be done.
However, even Wheel of Fortune wouldn’t be able to win with just that.
Even if she could cancel the enemy’s attack, it would only be the repeat of the same thing as long as she couldn’t deal damage to her opponent.
In other words, it was Death’s turn for that.
Cold sweat flowed down Marios’s forehead.
He didn’t know what Lost’s characteristic magic was. However, this man had the arcana of Death.
It was possible that it was a magic that would drive the opponent to death with one attack.
He would talk a bit with them to buy time. He had to think of a plan during that time.
......Even so, I never thought there would be guys who team up with fellow devil king candidate.
Yeah. Devil can only believe themselves. That’s why even if you team up with other, they still won’t be your comrade in its true meaning. It’s just a temporary alliance while everyone’s interest still align with each other.
And, are you two coming here to defeat me because I might be dangerous if left alone
It’s the opposite. We come to invite you.
......What did you say
We devil king candidates each has our own unique ability. However because of our strong idiosyncrasy, sometimes we can fit together nicely with each other, and sometimes not.
It was just as he said.
Marios himself also didn’t have any intention of fighting opponent with powerful firepower head-on.
So here we should join hand and deal with opponents that each of us has bad compatibility with......that’s how this thing will work.
Bad compatibility......you say
Marios spoke mockingly.
Certainly I also have opponent that will be a bad matchup with me. But, that’s only if I match my opponent’s strategy. My Babel Tower is unbeatable as long as I stick on my method. No matter who I face, it will bring ruin to them without fail......if my magic can progress until it’s finished that is.
It was quite shocking when his magic was hindered by Revival, so he added that to his statement.
However, Lost stared at Marios with a pitying look.
I see. So you don’t know.
What......your name is Lost right? What do you want to say to me huh.
Takakuzure Marios. You have a natural enemy.
Natural enemy?
Haa? What do you mean? If my Babel Tower is carried on to the finish, even if the opponent is Hoshigaoka Stella or the Triumph ?
The Lovers Morioka Yuuto.
Lovers....
It was an unexpected name.
Marios, your Babel Tower isn’t a magic that work directly to your opponent. In the end it’s an ability that destroys the most important thing of the target. Isn’t that right
This guy.
Marios didn’t reply.
However, there is nothing more important for a devil other than themselves. Therefore, this magic will definitely destroy the opponent. It’s a sure-kill and sure-hit characteristic magic.
....
It was just as he said.
Furthermore, it’s not a direct curse but an indirect curse. That’s why it’s difficult to defend against it. It’s really impossible to deal with.
......That’s why I can kill my opponent no matter who they are. The likes of Lovers isn’t even worth it for me to take on seriously. He isn’t my ma ?
You weren’t present at his introduction weren’t you? That’s why you don’t know but......the devil king candidate of Lovers, Morioka Yuuto is......a human.
Marios’s eyes opened wide in shock.
Wha-......!
Perhaps he has something even more important than himself. He is the only opponent who your Babel Tower won’t work against.
Human......he said!
No......wait, then he shouldn’t be able to even become my opponent. If someone else other than me can defeat him no, even before that, I can just defeat him with normal magic.
But, he already defeated the Devil Mitsuishi Ibiza you know? Besides, although Aspite Line of the World hasn’t lost his qualification to fight in this Devil King War, he has been effectively driven to leave the stage.
What did he say?
You are saying that a human defeated the Devil!
That’s why I’m advising you to be on your guard. At this rate, even if by some chance you can remain until the end, it might be Lovers who stand on your way at the very end.
......ku?
Joudogahama Lost smiled gently and held out his right hand.
It’s not like we will levy any duty or responsibility to you. But, I want you to team up with us casually where we are simply making use of each other.
I might betray you guys.
Lost smiled radiantly.
Naturally. There is no devil who isn’t thinking of that isn’t it
Marios thought for a while before ,
He exchanged handshake with Lost.
We left the hospital. Reina said ?Reina can go home alone desu desu?, but we half forced her to allow us to send her home.
The inside of Lizel-senpai’s limousine was spacious. We could enter inside at the back and sat facing each other. Lizel-senpai and Reina sat together with me and Miyabi sat facing them.
I was watching the passing night scenery outside and Reina’s face alternately. I could clearly see Reina losing her composure as her house was getting closer.
Before long the limousine stopped at a corner of a residential district.
Even Lizel-senpai was looking slightly baffled.
This is the house in your address but......is this really the right place
Yes......this place is, Reina’s room desu, desu.
I got off the limousine and stared at the two storey building standing in front of my eyes.
How should I say it......it was an apartment that looked like it was built at Showa era (1926-1989). The wall looked thin. The stair that was attached outside the building was covered with rust. Some parts of the handrail had even decayed and fell off. The building on the whole looked slightly dirty and eerie.
I heard that you left the main house and they prepared a room for your own but......this?
I’m also shocked....
It seemed that even Lizel-senpai and Miyabi didn’t know about this. They were dumbfounded.
We entered the apartment building with Reina’s guidance. There wasn’t really any yard in it and there were tall condominiums at both sides of the apartment. This building looked like a hut that was placed at the bottom of ravine.
We walked on concrete floor that couldn’t even be called a corridor and passed four doors. There was a washing machine that was placed outside. It got in the way so that our group couldn’t walk side by side and had to line up to pass through one by one.
Reina opened the door that was located at the end of the path and made a troubled smile.
I-it’s a cramped, cramped place but......come in.
It was really cramped inside.
It was a single room with size of three tatami mats [1] .
All of us spontaneously became speechless. Miyabi’s smile was twitching.
A-ahaha......t-this room feels real familiar to me somehow! I was also living in this kinda room until not long ago. This kinda room, how should I say it, it’s relaxing, so what I wanna say is, this room is alright I think, ahahaa....
Miyabi considerately tried to lift up everyone’s mood. It showed how compassionate she was. However even that consideration felt superficial in the face of the battered tatami mats.
From Tou-san and Kaa-san’s talk, Koiwai House should be a considerably famous house if I remembered right but......don’t tell me, she was also receiving a harassment from someone just like what happened to Miyabi’s family?
Err......there is no cushions for guests to sit here......Reina only have a futon here?
Reina helplessly searched for tools to treat guests with that couldn’t possibly exist in this room. She opened and closed the sliding screen to her closet in a fluster. Lizel-senpai slowly talked to such Reina.
Reina. Can you tell us today? About the situation you are placed into in detail.
After saying that, Lizel-senpai sat down on the tatami mat. It was to show that she wouldn’t go home until she heard about the situation. Reina also seemed to give up and kneeled in seiza posture there.
Miyabi and I also sat on the spot. The tatami mats had been roasted by sun and their surface was already damaged, but there was no dust on them. It was the proof that Reina was cleaning this place properly every day.
Actually, in Koiwai House......there was really a devil called Reina. But......she died six years ago desu. Because of that, Otou-sama and Okaa-sama requested a magician to create Reina desu......desu.
It was the fact that Reina was a homunculus that was talked in the hospital just now. However, there was really a devil Reina this was my first time hearing this. The Reina in front of me right now was a homunculus that was created to replace the Reina who died.
Lizel-senpai folded her arms with a grave expression.
Do you know who that magician was
Reina shook her head apologetically.
I see......and, why did you leave your house and live here
......Reina has a little sister desu. She isn’t a homunculus, but a real devil born from Otou-sama and Okaa-sama desu.
I got a bad premonition. To be honest, it felt painful for me to keep listening to this story.
However this was the life that Reina had walked until now. As the devil king candidate of Lovers, I would accept everything of Reina. That was my duty as Reina’s master.
After that, Otou-sama and Okaa-sama gradually stopped to pay attention to Reina desu. They are completely focused on Reina’s little sister all this time......but, Reina’s little sister is really cute desu. So Reina think that it can’t be helped. Reina is already a big sister now desu. Reina has to persevere desu. That’s why ?
Reina fell silent for a while. But, before long, she whispered,
That’s why, it can’t be helped for Reina to leave home desu......]
Wait......that’s, just what do you mean by that
I spontaneously cut in.
Reina is a homunculus so......Reina’s little sister will be the one to inherit Koiwai House desu. If Reina is staying in the house, it will be a bother for Reina’s little sister......and everyone desu.
......What the hell with that.
I unconsciously smiled bitterly.
There is no way parents will treat their child like a bother.
I got on my feet and spoke to Lizel-senpai.
Let’s go to Reina’s house.
Yuuto......that’s?
Senpai unexpectedly showed a reluctant look.
No matter what anyone says, parents should be the ally of their children in the end. It’s absolutely wrong for the big sister to be in this kind of place alone even though she has a little sister.
I smiled at Reina. However Reina was only making a pained expression for some reason.
Lizel-senpai looked hesitating for a while, but before long she stood up and said ?Wait for a second? before she got out.
After five minutes, Lizel-senpai returned with a smartphone in her hand.
I made an appointment. It looks like we can immediately meet with them. Let’s go.
Reina’s family house was located around one hour drive away by car from her apartment.
It wasn’t as big as Miyabi’s house, even so it was still a large mansion.
Reina, stay in the car. Miyabi, can we leave her to you
Leave it to me with a bang!
Miyabi said that and her hand firmly hit her excessively large chest.
A solid door that looked like a fortress’s gate opened to the left and right automatically. Only Lizel-senpai and I entered inside. We could see the lighting of the mansion ahead of the straight path. The surrounding was covered with trees like forest. It felt like only this place was a different world.
Senpai, why aren’t we taking Reina with us even though this about her
Perhaps, it will become a talk that Reina shouldn’t listen to.
Eh
I didn’t understand at all what Lizel-senpai was thinking about.
When we arrived at the mansion, a butler showed us the way to a room that seemed to be the reception room. It was a luxurious room that really looked like a noble’s room that I saw in TV and movie.
We waited in that room for a bit before Reina’s parents came inside.
Forgive us for making you wait like this, Lizel-sama. How shameful of us to be unable to prepare anything even though you are taking the time to visit....
Most devils looked young, but these two stood out even among that.
The two of them had small stature. They were shorter than me with slender body built. Their silver hair and childish face looked very similar with Reina.
No, I’m the one who should apologize for visiting out of nowhere like this. This is the devil king candidate of Lovers.
I’m Morioka Yuuto.
After finishing a light self-introduction, we all sat on the sofas facing each other.
And, what is your business here tonight
They observed Lizel-senpai to see whether it was alright for them to talk, then,
......Right now, I’m participating in the Devil King War as the Queen of Lovers.
Yes, we are aware. But......we completely thought that Lizel-sama can become a devil king candidate......this was unexpected for us.
They said that and sent a glance at me.
As I thought, they were puzzled that I became a devil king candidate......no, it looked like they were dissatisfied. Perhaps I being a human was a factor in it.
You are aware that the young lady of Viscount Koiwai, Reina-san is also participating as a Knight with us, correct
However, Reina’s parents looked at each other in surprise.
This is the first time we heard about that. Or rather......Reina is already dead since six years ago.
Wai-......please wait a second!
I reflexively interrupted.
Reina is alive! She might be a homunculus, but she is still your daughter. She is going to the academy all this time and she is also lending me her strength as my Card!
Homunculus is homunculus. She isn’t our daughter.
Wha-......!
Reina’s parents calmly declared that.
It was a great demerit for Koiwai House and also for me that our daughter died at young age. From the perspective of outsiders, it would look like the bloodline of our house is inferior. That was why we created a homunculus with our daughter’s look to keep up appearance.
Keep up appearance......he said.
I couldn’t understand what Reina’s parents wanted to say.
B-but, you two made a homunculus with the same look of your daughter to take her place because you were sad by her death right? Don’t you also love Reina as your daughter
The father replied in displeasure.
That, that is the problem. That thing is asking for parental love from us.
T-that’s just natural isn’t it! What’s a problem from that!
Thinking that love is necessary. Either way she is defective as a devil.
......Tsu!!
The door of the room made a creaking sound at that timing.
When I turned around, I saw a small figure peeking inside from the door’s gap. She looked like she was three or four years old. She was an adorable child with a face that looked exactly like Reina.
......Are they, guests
Aina!!
The father’s expression changed and he yelled.
You! Take Aina away!!
Y-yes!!
The mother hurriedly rushed to the door and held up that girl in her arms.
The way they panicked wasn’t normal. It was like they were trying to keep their child away from a patient with infectious disease.
Aina, you shouldn’t be here! Come, let’s return to your room!
However that girl was staring at us full of interest.
Aina......so that’s, Reina’s little sister.
The mother left the room with Reina in her arms as though she was running away.
I couldn’t say anything other than seeing off their backs.
The father who stayed behind talked to Lizel-senpai as though he was making excuses.
My apologies. Aina is in a sensitive period right now....
He sent a brief glare at me.
It will be troubling if she is given unnecessary influence.
Yes. I can understand that......but, about Reina ?
The father interrupted senpai’s words as though he didn’t even want to hear that name.
I said! It’s troubling if something like that is asking for parental affection from us!!
I couldn’t hold back and interrupted reflexively.
B-but! That’s only something natural for any living thing isn’t it? Why are you troubled? Just why do you have to chase out Reina from here!
What’s necessary for devil is self-interest and being calculating. It’s the same even for parent and child.
Wha....
I won’t say that love doesn’t exist at all. But, the greatest priority is your own wellbeing and the family’s prosperity. Children are tools for that, and the children themselves are making use of their parents. Emotions are fine if they are built up on top of such relationship. However......that thing is seeking for unconditional love from us. It’s only natural that we dispose of her.
Dispose......he said?
What are you saying......parent and child, they aren’t anything like that....
The father let out a troubled sigh.
As expected from human......you don’t understand anything. The Devil King War this time is going to end up in futility once more like this. Then, Koiwai House doesn’t want to get involved with that thing even more. It’s rude to say this in front of Lizel-sama but......it’s better to not get involved if defeat is all but certain.
And then, he turned an expression of someone preaching at a stupid kid toward me.
Devil is different from human. Even the relationship between parent and child is based on mutual interests. The parent expect their child to bring benefit to themselves and the family, while the child is expecting their parents to invest to themselves.
That’s......something like that also more or less exist among humans. But, that’s not all there is ?
That’s all there is to it. There is nothing else.
......Tsu!
The father bowed his head once more toward Lizel-senpai.
I’m immensely ashamed that a homunculus we created has been troubling you. However, that’s something that we have disposed of. It’s already unrelated with our house anymore. Please leave it at that.
There wasn’t any ground for argument anymore with that.
I left the mansion with my heart overwhelmed by a feeling of defeat.
Reina......what should I tell her.
I was walking toward the gate with heavy footsteps. Behind me Lizel-senpai talked with a kind voice to me.
Yuuto......this might be shocking to you but, this is normal for devil.
I stopped walking and turned around toward senpai.
Is senpai also, in that kind of relationship......with your parents
It is. The relationship in Himekami House is even more businesslike than this.
No way....
I recalled how the mother took Aina far away from me in panic.
But, if they hate human so much that they don’t even want their child to get near one......then Reina being hated like this is also......something like that isn’t it
This might be something sad for Yuuto but, that was a normal reaction for devil. Especially if a child of that age come into contact with human......they could be easily affected.
......Affected
Yes. It will cause an impediment to their sense of values as demon. That was why they didn’t want Aina to get closer to Yuuto. They don’t want to put Reina in the same house with her also because of the same reason.
I didn’t really get what senpai meant but......even human learned various things from their environment when they were little. That would greatly affect the child. Was it the same with devil?
That’s why Yuuto didn’t do anything wrong. Their reaction is normal.......a very typical reaction.
......I understand. But, then......how did Reina come to seek her parents’ affection then if she was raised like that
I wonder......I don’t know why Reina sought her parents’ affection but......most likely, the magician who created Reina made a blunder, or perhaps it was something intentional.
It felt like something wonderful. However in the society of devil, that disposition brought Reina sorrow instead as the result.
No from how the parents acted, from the start they only intended for Reina to be replacement until they had their next child. She would still get chased out sooner or later.
But......something has become clear with this.
Yes. The energy that Reina’s core need is ?parents’ love?.
And now we understood that was something that Reina absolutely couldn’t obtain.
When we returned to the car, Reina was looking down with a stiff body. She was like a convict waiting for a death sentence.
We sat at the rear seat facing each other again. I didn’t know how to break the silence and fell silent, then,
AS expected, they said that Reina is unneeded......wasn’t it desu
Such thing ?
I couldn’t continue my words.
Seeing me at a loss for words, Reina smiled as though to console me instead.
It’s fine. Reina is a strange child desu. Reina want to be liked and loved by other. It can’t be helped that Otou-sama and Okaa-sama got fed up with Reina desu. Reina also think it’s natural that they said Reina is bad for Reina’s little sister’s education desu.
Reina....
Even Lizel-senpai was looking pained as though it was something that happened to her.
Miyabi also seemed to think that she had to do something to cheer her up. She looked like she wanted to say something before she gave up. She kept up doing that repeatedly and made a funny face each time.
Reina watched our reaction and smiled.
That’s why, Reina......became Yuuto-san’s Card desu.
Eh
I reflexively asked back.
If it’s Lovers, they might come to like Reina......Reina thought desu. Then if Reina can raise achievements in Devil King War......Reina thought that perhaps Otou-sama and Okaa-sama will also give their affection to Reina desu.
And then she tilted her head with a smile.
Even though, there is no way that can happen......desu.
Tear glinted at the corner of her eye.
Get a hold of yourself, Morioka Yuuto.]
You are Reina’s master aren’t you? How can you claim to be the devil king candidate of Lovers if you can’t even help you Card.
But, I didn’t have any way.
I couldn’t give something like parent’s love to Reina.
What should I do?
This time even Lizel-senpai couldn’t do anything as expected. Miyabi too.
Was there nothing I could do except watching Reina’s body breaking down silently like this?
If only there was someone to shower Reina with love like parent.......
Someone.
.
There was just one person who fit the bill.
Lizel-senpai......please lend me a car.
Right, it’s pointless even if we stay like this. Let’s return to the palace for a ?
Can you bring us to my house
I returned home. I showed senpai and others into my room and asked them to wait for a while.
And then during that time, I talked about Reina’s situation to Kaa-san and Tou-san in the living room.
The two of them were quietly listening, but Tou-san was getting tearful and wiped his eyes several time as the story progressed. And then Kaa-san was......looking graver and graver.
It seemed she was desperately suppressing her anger, but she couldn’t completely hide it. It felt like there was a flame of fury that was making the air around Kaa-san to flicker.
To be honest......this was the first time I saw Kaa-san looking this scary.
That’s the situation. And so ?
Yuu-kun.
Kaa-san cut off my talk with a voice that was filled with anger.
Have you finished talking
Y-yeah......but, I don’t know what to do here. I want to consult with Kaa-san and Tou-san ?
Kaa-san’s eyes turned remarkably sharper that I unconsciously shut up.
And then, Kaa-san declared with a tone that broke no argument.
We’re taking Reina-chan.
Eh....
She is our daughter from today.
......B-but?
Kaa-san’s eyes snapped open dangerously. Then she yelled angrily.
No matter what anyone say!!
I thought that Kaa-san definitely liked Reina from how she treated Reina until now.
When I recalled that, I was just thinking that she might be able to give Reina some motherly affection at least.
I never imagined that she would suddenly declare taking Reina as adopted daughter.
Of course I had no objection but ,
......I-is that really alright
I asked fearfully.
Wait a second, Kaa-san.
Tou-san cut in.
Of course. Although Reina was a homunculus, she was no different from human. Our family would increase by one. This shouldn’t be a matter that could be decided that easily.
Tou-san too must needed some time for things like preparing his heart first or resolving some other legal problems ,
I agree with making her our daughter, but we also have to consider Reina-chan’s feeling.
You already decided!
Ah......y-you’re right. True. It looks like I got too heated up just now. Sorry....
Kaa-san brushed up her hair and took a deep breath. Her demonic face returned to her usual expression.
Tou-san put his hand on his chin and pondered.
What should we do to make her agree to become our daughter....
He was completely in persuading mode rather than merely asking Reina’s feeling!
Hey, Yuuto. Do you know how does Reina-chan think about Tou-san and Kaa-san
At the very least, she seems to have good impression for both of you I think......especially to Kaa-san.
Kaa-san held up her head high with a smug look. It felt like her face turned shiny. On the other hand, Tou-san’s shoulders dropped......he looked dejected like a loser.
And, what do you think Yuu-kun? About Reina-chan becoming your little sister.
Li....
Little sister!
I see......that’s how is it huh....
The impression I received changed when I was told that once more.
Little sister what a powerful word!!
Somehow......I’m feeling excited.
What a coincidence. Tou-san also feel the same.
Kaa-san watched us two men with a suspecting gaze.
......I’ll tell you two this first, this is different from the little sister or daughter story in light novel okay
She gave us a warning.
The problem is how to broach this topic......she must be still in shock right now, so perhaps it will be better to give her a bit more time? If she said that she can’t become our child ?
*Bump* There was a sound that made us turned around.
Reina was standing at the living room’s entrance while holding a tray.
......-!
She heard us!
E, err err, Reina is......tidying up the cups....
Her expression was clearly looking shaken.
Y-yeah, thanks. Sorry to make you do that! Do you want more drinks
Kaa-san stood up and took the tray.
N-no......it’s fine desu......desu.
Reina wouldn’t meet our gaze. Kaa-san frowned seeing that.
You know, Reina-chan. We are ?
Tsu!
Reina turned around and rushed out of the living room.
Reina!
And then she headed not to the second floor but to the entrance.
I also chased her in panic.
I slipped on my shoes at the entrance and got out of the house, but Reina’s figure was already gone.
......Tsu!
I went until the gate that was left open and looked out over the street in front of the house, but there wasn’t any sign of human around.
Where did she go to.......
When I dropped my gaze with a dark thought,
Ah?
Reina was sitting while hugging her knees right beside the gate.
......Reina
Reina kept her gaze fixed on the ground even when I called her. I crouched beside her and talked to her.
Reina, let’s return back inside.
Return....
Reina looked up at me nervously.
Is Reina’s, place to return......here desu
I didn’t know how to answer for a moment. I wanted to say yes. However that also meant severing her relationship with her true parents at Koiwai House.
Reina......I don’t know if I can say this well but, I?
Did you find Reina-chan-!
Kaa-san ran out of the house. And then when she saw Reina’s figure, Kaa-san also crouched down and hugged Reina.
Aah, geez. Don’t suddenly run out like that! You make us worried!
Worried......about Reina
Obviously. Because......it’s Reina-chan! Naturally we’ll get worried!
Why, that’s....
That’s because I like Reina-chan.
Li......!
Reina looked up at Kaa-san with a shocked gaze.
Kaa-san stared back into those eyes,
Sorry but, I’m already thinking of Reina-chan like my own daughter.
She told her straight.
Reina’s gaze wandered around in fluster.
But, Reina......can’t bring any benefit to everyone. Reina is just, a bother desu.
Benefit....
Kaa-san was suddenly at a loss of words, but she pressed her lips together and grasped Reina’s hand.
Things like benefit, or being a bother, they don’t matter.
But....
I believe I also know how is the common sense in devil’s world work. But, I’m a human, so that doesn’t matter for me.
It looked like tears would spill out from Reina’s eyes even now.
Hey, Reina-chan. You don’t want to become my child
....
Reina-chan was raised as a devil. You might be reluctant to become a human’s daughter.
N-no! That’s ?
She raised her voice in panic and stared at Kaa-san pleadingly.
Reina-chan, do you like me
Reina blushed slightly and nodded timidly.
I see. So you like me a little?
However next Reina shook her head to left and right.
Eh? So you don’t like me
......It’s not, a bit desu.
Reina muttered shyly with a small voice.
......Reina really, like you desu.
Kaa-san made an ecstatic smile in front of that destructive power.
Tou-san coughed to stop Kaa-san from running wild.
Aa, this isn’t a good place for this. Anyway let’s enter the house first.
Reina looked up to Tou-san with a gaze that seemed to ask ?Is that really alright .
You don’t need to give your answer right away. Can you stay in our house for a while first? Try living together with us......you can give us the answer after that.
......Yes.
Reina nodded hesitantly, so we returned to the house while putting our arm around her.
After that I returned to my room and reported how things were progressing to senpai and Miyabi.
Ueeeeee! Suddenly an adoption-! I’m feeling DOGGyaaAAAN in shock!
As expected from Yuuto’s parents....
Senpai too was speaking half in admiration and half in astonishment.
Then we’ll leave this matter to Yuuto’s parents. We should go home for today.
The two of them checked the barrier around the house before they returned home.
Lizel-senpai said that she stationed her subordinates in a nearby house, so there was no need to worry no matter what happened.
After all, Reina couldn’t be made to fight in her current state. If she forced herself, she might die in the worst case.
Actually I wanted to immediately try connecting Kaa-san and Reina with Cutting Connect so that Kaa-san’s affection could flow into Reina directly but......perhaps it would still be difficult for now.
Putting aside Kaa-san, Reina’s heart still wasn’t prepared.
Just like Tou-san said, it might take a little bit of time. Anyway, we had to soothe Reina for now. Besides I had to look after my little sister as a big brother.
Looking over little sister......as a big brother.
......My tension was rising for some reason.
I saw off Lizel-senpai in her car and entered inside the house. There I saw Tou-san talking eagerly with Reina. As expected, his tension was also rising.
Is there anything you need or want? Papa will buy you anything you want!
Tou-san. Your way of speaking, watch it.
E-err err, it’s fine desu......sorry to make you concern yourself for Reina like this.
Reina was keeping Tou-san company with a troubled smile.
What are you saying. Although this is just a trial period, you are already like my daughter now that you are living here! You can also call me Otou-san you know? No! As expected, being called papa is better!
Tou-san......you’re too high spirited. I understand why you are happy though.
Reina looked slightly relieved when I joined the talk.
What are you saying Yuuto? You don’t feel happy with this
Obviously I’m happy! My tension has reached the max inside that it’s really hard to keep calm! Can’t you see how I’m desperately making gravity my ally so I don’t get blown away sky high!
Tou-san is already shaking free from the earth’s gravitational field since a long time ago! You greenhorn!!
That ain’t something to brag for! Why are you still in eart then!
I have taken a lap around universe and return back!
So now you know how the universe is structured!
Because it’s a daughter you know! A girl see! Tou-san has......Tou-san has, dreamed this......many times......uu?
Suddenly Tou-san started to press his finger on his eyelids and let out a sob wait, you’re seriously crying!
M-me too! Do you know how many times I had longed for a life with little sister after reading light novels! Then such dreamy lifestyle is suddenly starting! Who can stop their tension from rising in this situation!! To suddenly have a little sister, that was just a fantasy wasn’t it!
Oi! The two males over there!! Don’t trouble Reina-chan!
Kaa-san got out from the kitchen and scolded us. Put down the kitchen knife before doing that. It was scary, seriously.
Fu, fufufuh?
Reina put her hand over her mouth and her shoulders shook.
N-no......more, ahahahahahahahahahaha?
We were staring dumbfounded at Reina who exploded into laughter.
B-both of you, are strange desu-, desu-! Fufufufu?
Tou-san and I looked at each other and smiled wryly. Kaa-san made a complicated smile as though to say ?Good grief?.
Come on, the dinner is finished. Sit down quickly.
Oo......the number of dishes today was many.
Rice, miso soup, pork stamina yaki, beef shigureni, mackerel cooked in miso, deep-fried mackerel, shrimp and avocado salad, spinach boiled in bonito soy sauce, pickled vegetables, Pollack roe, bottled......etc etc.
I thought that you must be hungry today, so Kaa-san made a lot! It’s a duel, can you eat them all or not!!
Yosh! I accept that challenge! Reina is also fine with that right!
R-Reina will do her best desu-?
There were already four chairs at the table. Usually the chair beside me had no one sitting on it, but today Reina was sitting there.
Then itadakimasu-!
Itadakimasu.
I-itadakimasu, desu.
I said itadakimasu after Kaa-san and then I immersed myself to the food before my eyes.
My stomach was certainly hungry.
After all there was the athletic festival today, then there was Reina’s case right after it and we went to hospital, then to Reina’s house, it was really busy today. We had dinner really late from the usual time today.
However, the conversation that was to be had during dinner even while eating was indispensable. The topic was what happened today and about various other things like the television news for example.
Haha, but Yuuto really worked hard today. You got disqualified but you were still the MVP!
Really. Also the cheerleader girls were really cute~. I also wanted to try doing that!
Oh, it looks like the weather will be sunny for a while.
The miscellaneous talk continued.
We are going to cheer for Reina-chan too when it’s the middle school’s athletic festival!
T-that’s......yes.
Now that you mentioned it, what about Reina-chan’s daily necessities
Let’s go buy them together tomorrow! A shopping with everyone together!
Y-yes....
Reina’s eating speed was gradually getting slower. At the end her hands completely stopped moving. She was staring still at diagonally to the front with her hands holding still her bowl and chopstick in the air.
Hm? What’s wrong? Does the food taste bad
Reina
Tears spilled out from her eyes in large drops.
It’s delicious......desu. Desu?
Kaa-san and Tou-san ran toward Reina in panic.
What’s wrong, Reina-chan
Is there anywhere that feel hurt? You can tell us anything if something bothers you.
Reina put down her bowl and chopstick, then she covered her hand and started to cry.
Because......it’s delicious desu, it’s warm desu....
Kaa-san and Tou-san made surprised face.
Together, with family......uu......ue?
Kaa-san silently hugged Reina and gently patted her back. And then, I and Tou-san continued to watch them until Reina calmed down.
Err......is it, really okay desu
Reina was lying down on my bed. She looked down on me apologetically.
Yeah. I don’t want to make Reina sleep on the floor.
I entered the sleeping bag that Tou-san bought in the past because of a temporary madness and slept on the floor.
Unfortunately we didn’t have any empty room here, so this was a temporary measure for now. We were going to tidy up a room that had been used as storage until now to be Reina’s room.
This is......this is, like a dream desu.
You are exaggerating.
Reina thought......Reina thought, that she isn’t loved or needed by anyone.
......Reina.
Otou-sama and Okaa-sama were affectionate to Reina only when Reina was just born.
I see....
Besides, the sense of distance here is completely different. Everyone in Yuuto-san’s house, are close with each other......perhaps that’s why desu. When Reina is here, it feels......really warm desu......desu.
Reina’s words stopped coming. In exchange the sound of her sleeping breath entered my ears.
I felt strangely relieved when I heard her sleeping like that.
I had to work even harder than now starting tomorrow......so that she could recognize me as a big brother.......
I too was falling asleep deeply before I realized it.
......wake up.
Someone was calling me.
Please wake up. It’s time for breakfast desu desu.
A kind voice. It was completely different from Kaa-san’s high tensioned way of waking me up. Who in the world ,
Ah, you wake up.
It was Reina’s joyful face.
Aa......good morning, Reina.
It’s really nice, this peaceful morning. Being woken up by little sister, to think that such unrealistic thing was happening.
Ah, she hadn’t become my little sister yet.
If I kept sleeping and she said, How slovenly! I don’t want to be the little sister of someone like this, I won’t be able to recover.
I crawled out from the sleeping bag and lifted up my body.
I’ll quickly go down after changing clothes.
Yes, understood desu.
Reina walked until the door but then she stopped. She looked hesitant.
Hm? What’s the matter
No......then, Reina will go ahead......Onii-chan.
Eh,
Reina’s face turned red, then she ran down the stair to escape.
Just now, she called me......Onii-chan.
That means!
HYAHHOOOUUUUUUUU!!
I jumped on my feet while shouting in joy inside my heart.
I couldn’t stay like this. I took off my pajama in a hurry and washed my face at the second floor’s washbasin, then I wore my uniform’s trouser and shirt before going down to the first floor noisily.
When I arrived at the dining room, Reina had just finished lining up the breakfast on the table.
I sat on a chair and said itadakimasu. After a while ,
Reina-chan. Let’s go shopping after the school is over today. We should meet up somewhere.
Y-yes. Then......when the school is over, Reina will call by phone......ma....
Reina replied with a nervous face. And then she hesitated to say her next word.
Ma
Kaa-san tilted her head with a puzzled look.
I cheered her Do your best! Inside my heart.
I didn’t know whether my feeling reached her or not. However m
......Mama?
Reina resolved herself and conveyed her feeling.
Kaa-san stiffened.
......a?
Kaa-san rubbed her eyes that almost shed out tears. And then she answered with a smile that was like sunflower.
Yep! Mama will wait for Reina-chan’s call!
After that Reina moved her gaze to Tou-san.
Err......please tell Reina other story after your work is over, desu......papa?
Tou-san’s body shook as though he had been hit by lightning.
Tou-san also became tearful.
Yeah! For some reason papa get really motivated to work now! Yooosh, I’ll finish up my work in a flash!! I’ll leave a good result while also aiming to go home in time!!
What’s with you so suddenly, strange father.
The morning breakfast was filled with laughter.
I wonder why. All the meals in this house until now were already fun, but now it became even more fun that before.
I looked at Reina and thought inside my heart.
Thank you, Reina. For becoming our family.
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