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Tonight, celebrations can be heard across the whole Netherworld as demons celebrate the end of yet another year. One such celebration is happening at the Babel Tower. Home of the Demon King of the Netherworld.
This celebration has become a tradition for Demon King. Ever since he got to spend it together with his class from Babyls days. Back then he wished to be able to meet with them for a real drinking party. Even after completing their education, the demons proceeded to all meet on this day.
Demon King Iruma sat on his chair at the giant dinner table. Food has been piled in front of him to enjoy. His appetite has only grown since his high school days. As he ate, he also paid attention to his friends.
Clara somehow managed to take out a giant sake cup from one of her pockets. Iruma could only watch as she passed it to Sabnock and he downed its’ entire content.
“That’s some good stuff. Got any more?” Sabnock asked afterward. Happy grin on his face.
Clara removed two Sake bottles from her pockets and passed one to Sabnock. She opened the other one and took few gulps herself.
“Clara try to control yourself” Alice scolded Clara from his spot at Iruma’s side.
“Let her, Azz. Today is a day to celebrate.” Iruma intervened before an argument could start between the two. They have been soulmates since they were all young. Friendship has turned into more for them. This is precisely why Iruma knows that both can be rather stubborn. Alice means well but there is nothing wrong with letting go once in a while. He definitely needs it.
“You are right Iruma-sama” Alice nods as he passed another plate toward Iruma. Clara just grins and continues to down her bottle. Iruma takes a bite from the newly provided steak.
In the corner of the room he spies Purson and Allocer talking about the latest girl trouble they have encountered. While glaring at Caim, who is showing off his newest baby pictures to Agares and Gaap. Iruma still can’t believe that the biggest pervert in the Misfit class managed to become a family man. Love changes people. Iruma knows this. Back when he still lived in the human realm, he couldn’t imagine having a family or friends like this. Survival was all he could concentrate on. But, his Grandpa saved him. Gave him a family and an environment where he could become ambitious and climb his way up the rankings.
While he was lost in thought he didn’t realize Clara has abandoned her drinking contest with Sabnock and instead she decided to drape herself over Iruma’s back. Her hands moved around him and squeezed his stomach. “Irumacchi you’re so soft and squishy. I love hugging you.” The squeezing was mildly uncomfortable on his half-full stomach. But he couldn’t say no to her when she smiled at him. “I also love you.” She put her head on his shoulder and whispered those words into his ear.
“Please keep the PDA down to a minimum. Some of us are still single.” Purson complained, as he downed another cup of devibeer.
“That’s because you never show up to dates. Kerori already set you up so many times.” Sabnock informed.
Purson looked down. Pressing his index fingers together he finally spoke again. “I do. They just can’t see me.” Iruma did feel bad for his friend. He has gotten better at speaking up for himself but only with those he knows. Usually, you can only ever see him if he lets you, and he is not the best at letting strangers in. He is the master of infiltration after all.
Sabnock laughed. “That actually explains a lot. Just don’t expect her to set you up anymore.”
“We could go on group dates? We can always achieve everything if we work together.” Allocer suggested. It was true in a way. They got the royal one by working together. They survived a war by being able to count on each other. Now they are able to create a safe Netherworld for everyone. Each one of them counts. Purson nods to the idea.
“Oh oh, I will set it up. I will give you the funniest date. You will have so much fun. I have perfect game ideas for this.” Clara let go of Iruma and went over to Purson and Allocer, jumping excitedly.
Gaap joined them as well. Iruma heard him mention that they will need to get Agares to join them. Agares lifted his head up, glared and then went back to sleep.
“I remember when we all got drunk on relax juice” Iruma turns his head toward Lied. The young demon sat himself across from Iruma, crossing his legs.
“I thought Opera was going to kill me that morning” Iruma speaks in between bites.
“We did cause a lot of mess. I apologise for not being on my best behaviour then. Iruma-Sama” Alice looked down as he said this. Iruma patted his cheek and whispered, “Don’t. It’s okay. Not your fault.”.
“It’s nice to know we can still meet like this. Even with all the new responsibilities as 13 Crowns and families. I don’t think we have changed much.”
“You mean how it’s been years and you still haven’t confessed to Elizabetta.” Jazz pointed out laughing.
Lied went red upon this comment. Iruma really hopes that Lied does eventually find his courage. He’s pretty sure that Elizabetta has also been waiting for it.
“I have…”
All eyes turn towards Lied and then move to Elizabetta. Who is currently discussing the latest Devidol debuts with Kerori.
“We have been dating for the past few months.” Elizabetta explains. “I might have had to tie him to a chair to get it out of him though.” She laughs and a small shudder goes through all the guys in the room. They really don’t want to know anymore. After all they have all been in the torture class with her.
“So maybe some things have changed.” Jazz comments.
Everyone grins and raises a toast to the new couple.