After the encounter with Semiramis, an entire week passed without any problems.
Just quiet days; or at least, the closest thing to quiet he could ever have.
Of course, peace didn't always mean rest. His other wives hadn't let the "Semiramis incident" slide so easily. One by one, they came with sweet smiles and razor-sharp questions; that kind of "cute jealousy" that, if not handled carefully, could escalate into a full-blown domestic war. In the end, he gave in. The following days were spent taking each of them on individual dates, trying to give everyone equal attention; something that, at the very least, demanded more energy than fighting ORT in his previous life.
But today was different.
Today was the promised date with Serafall Leviathan to discuss their political marriage.
The clock read 7:30 p.m. when he arrived in Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city: vibrant, modern, and yet somehow welcoming. The lights of the bay stretched out like golden threads reflected on the calm sea, while the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel slowly turned, painting the horizon in shades of blue and lilac.
The streets near Yamashita Park were packed; it was festival night. Paper lanterns hung from the trees, swaying gently in the sea breeze. Rows of colorful food stalls released the tempting aromas of takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakitori. The distant sound of taiko drums set the rhythm of the celebration, blending with the cheerful murmur of the crowd.
He walked through the flow of people, hands in his pockets, gaze vaguely distracted, taking in couples in yukata, families taking photos beneath the glow of the lanterns, and children running around with fox masks.
Then he finally saw her, near the park's artificial lake, beneath the soft light of the red lanterns hanging from the trees.
Serafall Leviathan was leaning against the wooden railing, watching the colored reflections dance on the water. But in that moment, neither the lights, nor the sea, nor the entire festival could compete with her.
She wore a dark-blue yukata with delicate snowflake patterns, the fabric shimmering faintly under the moonlight. Her long black hair, usually loose, was partially tied up in a simple bun adorned with a single white flower that highlighted the softness of her face. Without the over-the-top "magical girl" outfit, she looked like a completely different person; older, more mature.
Even from a distance, her eyes found his, and the smile that formed was pure Serafall: sweet, playful, and slightly teasing.
"Kazuya-kun!" She waved excitedly, the sleeves of her yukata fluttering like wings. "You're late, you know? I was starting to think you'd run away from our political date!"
Although they hadn't exchanged a single word since that last meeting at the bar (carefully arranged by Azazel), she knew him well enough to adopt a more relaxed attitude around him. There was no longer any reason to fear he might want to kill her or treat her the way he once treated Sirzechs. Besides, this casualness was part of the plan. She needed to get close to him.
She needed to marry him.
Ever since the battle against Rezevim's Army of Super Devils, the Underworld had sunk into an even deeper state of decline. The chaos left by that war (fought in the name of a "Devil") had spread a wave of distrust among the factions. For many, the mere fact that salvation had come from Chaldea, a human organization, was a source of shame and unease. After all, without them, everyone would already be dead.
But Chaldea's Director was human. And like all humans, his existence was fleeting, limited to a few short decades. What would happen when he died? If one day another monster like Rezevim arose among the devils, someone capable of destroying the world on a whim… who would save them then?
It was from these thoughts that the poison of doubt began to spread. Many started looking at devils themselves with resentment, fear, and contempt, as if any one of them could be the next trigger for another war.
Another factor worsening the devils' situation was Sirzechs' retirement; now as weak as an ordinary human, a fact known throughout the supernatural world. With the loss of their strongest fighter, the prestige of the devil race had plummeted. Without a force capable of representing the supreme power of their kind, they had fallen to the bottom of the supernatural hierarchy, held up only by Ajuka's influence and genius, the last remaining "monster" among them…
That was why, now more than ever, she had to seduce and win over the man standing before her.
Not out of personal ambition or whim, but because she understood the role fate had imposed on her. Someone had to ensure the Underworld didn't collapse again. And if the price was her emotional freedom, she would pay it with the calm acceptance of someone willing to sacrifice for what remained of a ruined world.
Even if it meant giving her body, she had to do it.
Knowing her thoughts, Kazuya chuckled softly at her "enthusiasm" and stepped closer until only a few paces separated them.
The bay wind passed between them, making her yukata ripple and lightly lifting the strands of his white hair.
"Run away? If I'd known you'd look like this, I'd have gotten here an hour earlier."
Serafall blinked, surprised for a second, then blushed faintly.
"L-like this…?"
Kazuya took another step forward. His intense, deep, luminous blue eyes reflected her entire figure.
"Beautiful," he said simply, with that calm confidence and natural charm that made every word impossible to ignore. "I never imagined a yukata would suit you so well."
She looked away for a moment, but the mischievous smile quickly returned.
"Hehe… you don't look half bad yourself, Kazuya-kun." She pretended to inspect him from head to toe. "All dark and elegant… not quite what I pictured for a 'political fiancé.'"
He wore fitted black trousers, a dark dress shirt with the top buttons undone, and a long, lightweight overcoat that swayed in the wind. The contrast between his white hair and blue eyes made him impossible to miss, even in the crowd.
Serafall sighed, crossing her arms, but her smile gave everything away.
"If the plan was to distract me before we talk politics… congratulations. It worked."
Kazuya gave a faint smile.
"Then we're even. You distracted me too."
She laughed, light and crystalline like waves lapping at the shore.
"You know, if you keep talking like that, Kazuya-kun, you're going to make me forget this is a diplomatic date."
"And who says it can't be both?"
For a moment, the festival noise seemed to vanish. It was just the two of them beneath the lanterns, the sea's reflection, and the cool Yokohama breeze wrapping the scene like a painting.
Serafall looked at him again, eyes sparkling with challenge and curiosity.
"So, Kazuya-kun… do you want to talk about the political marriage… or would you rather keep flirting?"
He smiled back with that same confident, teasing gaze that made the air between them feel warmer than it should.
"Let's start with flirting. Politics can wait."
She blinked, surprised by how direct he was, then let out an amused little laugh.
"You really are something, Kazuya-kun."
"I prefer 'persistent.'"
She shook her head, smile never leaving her face. The atmosphere between them had completely shifted. The weight of politics and alliances had evaporated, replaced by something lighter, more human, something that made her heart beat to a different rhythm.
"So, where are you taking me, Mr. Persistent?"
"Hmm…" He glanced around, taking in the lights and the festival bustle. "How about we start with food? That takoyaki smell is just cruel."
"You read my mind!" she exclaimed, practically jumping in place.
Kazuya laughed and naturally held out his hand. For a split second Serafall hesitated, then laced her fingers through his, feeling the gentle warmth of his skin against the cool night breeze.
They walked hand-in-hand through the glowing stalls, laughing, teasing, tasting street food, talking about nothing and everything, as if there were no political tomorrow waiting for them.
"I've always wanted to do this…" she murmured, watching a family trying to win prizes with colored rings. "Just go to a festival… without thinking about anything except which food to try next."
"You strike me as the type who'd try everything."
"Exactly!" she replied with a guilt-free grin. "Are you going to keep up, or just watch me eat?"
"Depends," he answered in that calm, teasing tone. "Are you sharing?"
"Not a chance."
They kept talking.
"So, Kazuya-kun," Serafall began as they walked down the main festival street again, the sweet scent of candied apples filling the air, "you've barely told me anything about what you like to do in your free time."
"Free time?" He raised an eyebrow as if the concept were alien. "Lately, just sleeping feels like a luxury."
She laughed, the sound blending with the voices and music around them. "Oh, come on, that doesn't count. Everyone likes sleeping! I want to know what actually relaxes you."
"Hmm…" He thought for a moment, eyeing the glowing stalls. "I like cooking. Sometimes. When the day isn't a complete mess."
Serafall blinked, genuinely surprised. "Cooking? For real?"
"What, I don't look the type?"
"To be honest… no. I pictured you ordering delivery and eating in silence like a brooding film-noir antihero."
He gave a low chuckle.
"Not too far off. But cooking helps me think."
"Well, everyone has their own weird way of thinking… actually, it kinda makes sense," she said, glancing at him sideways. "So what do you like making most?"
"Curry. It's simple, but you can tweak it however you want. I like that balance; you can make it spicier, milder, sweeter. It's… honest, you know?"
Serafall smiled softly. "You talk about curry like it's philosophy."
"Maybe it is."
"Then next time, I want to try it."
"You'll have to promise not to complain if I mess up the salt."
"No promises," she laughed. "But I'm pretty sure I'm worse than you, so we're even."
"Don't tell me you're one of those people who burns instant noodles."
"Burn?" She made an offended face. "Kazuya-kun, once I tried making pancakes and ended up with blue fire in the pan. Still don't know how."
"Residual magic," he teased, and she poked his arm.
"Hey! No supernatural stuff tonight, remember?"
"Right. Then I'll pretend you used acetylene instead of milk."
"Close enough." She laughed, covering her mouth.
They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes. The fireworks had quieted, but the festival was still full of life.
"And you?" he asked suddenly. "What do you do when you're not… setting pancakes on fire?"
"Me?" She thought, gazing at the lights reflecting on the water. "I like silly things, honestly. Watching old anime, eating dessert before dinner, stuff no one expects from me."
"So you're the dessert-first type."
"Exactly. Life's too short to wait until the end of the meal to be happy."
Kazuya smiled. "That's a dangerous philosophy. Start with dessert and you'll ruin your appetite for the rest."
"Not if you've got room for everything." She winked, teasing. "And I do."
"Wouldn't doubt it."
They approached a game stall whose grand prize was a huge plush bear. Serafall stopped, staring at it like a kid.
"I've always wanted one of those," she murmured, almost to herself.
"Then go for it," he said, handing coins to the vendor and offering her the cork gun.
"If I miss, you'll try for me?"
"Depends on the prize," he replied with a half-smile.
"The bear, obviously!"
"Then I'll try."
Serafall took position, aimed, fired. The first shot missed completely. The second hit the wrong stand and knocked down a different toy. She sighed, laughing at herself.
"Okay, I admit it. I suck at this."
"Step aside." Kazuya took the gun calmly, aimed, and fired once; clean, precise. The bear fell straight down.
"Wow." She looked at him, impressed. "Do you practice?"
"Reflexes," he said, handing her the bear. "Or luck. Hard to tell."
Serafall hugged the plush to her chest, smiling genuinely.
"Thank you, Kazuya-kun. It's been a long time since I had this much fun."
"Then it was worth coming."
"It was." She looked at him with softer eyes, different from the earlier playful glint. "You know… you're really not what I expected."
"And what did you expect?"
"An arrogant, difficult guy full of secrets."
"And I'm not?"
"You are," she admitted, laughing. "But you're also kind in a way that doesn't match the rumors."
Kazuya looked at her for a moment, then turned his gaze to the sea where the waves reflected the moonlight. "People like seeing monsters. It's easier to understand the world when it's split into heroes and villains."
"And which one do you think you are?"
"Depends on who's telling the story."
She was quiet for a second, then smiled. "Then tonight, I want to tell mine. And in my version, you're just the guy who took me out for yakitori and won me a bear."
He laughed softly. "I like that version better."
"Me too."
A little later, they sat on a bench near the waterfront with yakitori skewers and ice-cold ramune. The festival lights reflected on the water, creating a moving mosaic of colors that danced with the breeze.
They resumed walking side by side through the glowing festival streets, letting the natural rhythm of the crowd guide them. Lanterns hung overhead, casting golden and crimson tones across their faces, and the air smelled of sea salt mixed with the sweet perfume of crepes and cotton candy.
Despite having come with a clear purpose, Serafall found herself strangely relaxed. The yukata brushed lightly against her legs with each step, and the laughter around them gradually melted the tension in her chest. Kazuya didn't seem in any hurry to talk about anything serious; no alliances, no Underworld, no expectations. He just walked, hands in his pockets, a subtle smile on his face, as if time itself weren't pressing him.
And maybe that was exactly why she felt so at ease.
They stopped at a goldfish-scooping stall. Kazuya leaned in slightly, watching the lantern reflections shimmering on the water's surface. Serafall saw him smile, and for an instant that confident, impenetrable expression seemed almost… human.
"Want to try?" he asked, picking up one of the fragile paper scoops.
She hesitated, then smiled and leaned beside him. Their shoulders brushed; casual, but enough to make her heart race. The festival noise faded, leaving only the soft sound of water and the quiet laugh that escaped his lips.
Serafall tried to catch a fish; the paper tore instantly. Her indignant pout made Kazuya laugh for the first time that night; a real, carefree laugh, different from his usual calm, teasing tone.
"This is unfair," she huffed, crossing her arms and pouting playfully. "I have Maou-level reflexes and still couldn't catch one stupid fish."
"Maybe you're overthinking it."
"And you think you can do better?"
Kazuya didn't answer right away. He simply took another scoop, waited for the right moment, and with one precise motion lifted a little goldfish. He handed it to her with an almost innocent smile.
"Sometimes you just have to watch."
Serafall stared at him for a moment, unsure whether she was more impressed by the skill or the smile. She accepted the little plastic bag, feeling the warmth of his fingers against hers.
They kept walking, now with the goldfish swaying in her hand. They passed more food stalls, tasting yakitori and dango, exchanging seemingly trivial stories; odd preferences, daily quirks, memories of places they liked to visit.
Serafall spoke with enthusiasm, and Kazuya listened with genuine attention, occasionally dropping a witty remark or a smile that made her heart stumble. It was the kind of light, natural conversation she couldn't even remember the last time she'd had; no masks, no politics.
Finally, they stopped in front of the Ferris wheel, now glowing in shades of blue. The wind carried the salty scent of the sea, and the city lights shimmered on the calm surface of the bay.
She looked up, admiring the glowing cabins.
"It's been so long since I last did something like this…" she murmured.
"Then it's time to change that."
Soon after, they were inside a cabin, slowly ascending. From up high, the world felt distant; the festival noise, the vibrant lights, the murmur of the waves. Just the two of them, the sea, and the night sky.
Serafall rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the horizon. Kazuya was quiet, watching her instead of the view.
Neither spoke for a while.
________________________
(A/N: Consider supporting me on Patreon and reading up to twenty advanced chapters of each story.
For just $5.99 USD, you get access to all my content, including:
Over 30 chapters of Patreon-exclusive stories
Plus early access to future updates.
My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon
Thank you so much for your support — you make all of this worthwhile.)