The night arrived slowly, but with that silent elegance that only absurdly expensive places could achieve.
In Malé, the capital of the Maldives—and not just any part of it, but the mainland area where only billionaires, mega-tycoons, and people who made time seem cheap lived...
The sea there had an impossible hue. Deep blue mixed with streaks of turquoise so pure they seemed edited. The city lights reflected on the water with almost mathematical precision, as if everything had been planned to be beautiful from any angle. Low, modern towers of dark blue glass and pearl white formed a discreet, elegant, minimalist horizon. The coastal avenue was too clean, too silent, with cars that seemed to float rather than roll. A scent of salty sea and sweet spices mingled with the warm air.
Discreet neon signs announced boutiques, art galleries, restaurants that required reservations a month in advance. Gigantic yachts were anchored in the distance, gleaming like pieces of fallen stars in the ocean. The wind carried that humid, slightly warm breeze that only existed in tropical regions after sunset.
And in the midst of it all, leaning against the metal railing that bordered the illuminated shoreline, was Kazuya.
The sea crashed against the rocks below with a constant, hypnotic sound. He was waiting for Morgan for a date he had promised her. He was dressed much more modernly than usual: a black shirt of lightweight fabric, sleeves rolled up to the elbows; dark tailored pants with an elegant cut; and a thin metal watch on his wrist, more for style than utility.
The wind tousled his white hair a bit, and he didn't bother to fix it.
From the other side of the avenue, soft footsteps sounded.
Morgan had arrived.
She walked with impeccable posture; her outfit was simple but deadly elegant: a tight black dress of matte, modern fabric with discreet cutouts on the shoulders and at the side of the waist. It wasn't short or long, just perfect in length; it followed her every step. Her long, silvery, shiny hair was loose, falling down her back like a veil of cold light. Her blue-green eyes reflected the avenue lights. Her skin seemed almost luminescent under the coastal illumination. On her feet, minimalist high-heeled sandals that made a soft click on the ground.
She stopped in front of Kazuya.
He looked up.
"Good evening, husband... the delay wasn't intentional," Morgan said, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Merlin decided to show up at the wrong time and dragged me into a useless conversation about economics."
"At least you escaped." Kazuya shrugged.
"I always escape."
She looked around, as if assessing whether the city was worthy of her presence.
"You chose a pleasant place."
"Good thing you like it..." Kazuya said with a slight smile.
Morgan approached and stood beside him, gazing at the sea for a few seconds. The wind gently stirred her hair.
"It's calm." She commented.
Kazuya tilted his head.
"Do you like calm?"
"I like what I can control." She replied simply.
A comfortable silence hung between them.
Then, Morgan nodded with her chin toward the front, where a row of fine restaurants lit up.
"Where are we going?"
"There's a new restaurant over there." Kazuya indicated with his hand. "The chef won three stars and is arrogant enough to think he deserves a fourth."
Morgan raised an eyebrow.
"Great. I hate modest chefs."
They started walking side by side along the avenue. The lights reflected on the ground wet from the tide. They conversed without haste, without tension, as if it were routine.
"Did you sleep after Da Vinci's experiment?" Morgan asked.
"Almost. Tesla lectured me beforehand."
"He does that to everyone."
"Except you." Kazuya gave a light laugh.
Morgan responded naturally.
"I think he fears turning into charcoal by accident."
"Or by non-accident."
She smiled discreetly from the corner of her mouth.
"Maybe."
They continued walking.
Wealthy people passed by them, but few looked. The world around seemed accustomed to extravagant beauty and impressive figures.
Morgan observed a lit yacht in the distance.
"I still don't understand why humans need such absurdly large vessels."
"Emotional compensation."
"Ah. Like Ozymandias."
Kazuya laughed.
"Don't say that near him."
"I don't." Morgan replied. "But I think it. Always."
As they crossed a short glass bridge over a shallow stretch of water, Kazuya looked at her.
"You seem strangely calm today."
"Maybe because I'm far from the others." Morgan replied. "And far from noise."
"Let me guess... Nero?"
"And Medb. And Ishtar."
"Ah."
"And also Artoria Lancer."
Kazuya sighed.
"Did she do something?"
Morgan crossed her arms while walking.
"She tried to ask me for love advice."
Kazuya widened his eyes slightly.
"About me?"
"About you." Morgan confirmed, impassive. "It was unpleasant."
He laughed.
"And what did you say?"
"'I don't get involved in incompetence.'"
"Classic."
"Thank you."
They passed by a small hanging garden, illuminated by golden lamps. The breeze was soft, warm, pleasant.
Morgan glanced at Kazuya sideways.
"You seem tired."
"Just lazy, according to Da Vinci."
"That's not a real diagnosis."
"I know."
Morgan took a deep breath, looking at the starry sky above the city.
"If you want to rest after dinner, it's fine."
"You won't complain?"
"I don't get mad over such small things."
Kazuya looked at her.
"You get mad over small things all the time."
"I choose when." Morgan replied calmly.
They approached the restaurant.
The chosen restaurant was a few meters ahead, but not at street level.
It was... below.
The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant had a discreet entrance on the surface: an elegant corridor made of light wood and tempered glass leading to a small reception illuminated by amber lights. From there, a spiral staircase descended to the heart of the establishment, completely submerged.
Morgan observed the entrance with a neutral air, but something sparkled in her eyes: perfectly controlled curiosity.
"An underwater restaurant." She commented. "Interesting."
Kazuya shrugged.
"I thought it would suit you."
"Suit me?" Morgan arched an eyebrow. "For what reason?"
"Because it's a beautiful place...."
Morgan looked away with an almost imperceptible micro-smile.
"That makes sense."
The hostess, an impeccably dressed woman with a trained smile, bowed.
"Mr. Kazuya. Your table is ready. You may descend."
Morgan gave a silent look of approval upon hearing his name without him saying anything.
Of course. He had reserved in advance, probably paying some ridiculous amount that would make even Gilgamesh raise an eyebrow.
They descended the stairs.
The lighting changed gradually as they went down: from warm amber to navy blue tones, as if they were entering the ocean itself.
And then... the dining room.
A curved glass tunnel, completely transparent. Schools of colorful fish swam above and to the sides, moving like fragments of living light. Rays passed with ghostly smoothness. In the distance, majestic sharks circled like steel shadows.
The floor was polished, discreet. The tables, few and impeccable, made of dark wood with metallic details, spaced out to ensure privacy.
Morgan stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
For a moment, she stood perfectly still.
And then she breathed slowly.
"It's... acceptable."
Translation: she was impressed.
Kazuya smiled from the corner of his mouth.
The hostess led them to the most isolated and most sought-after table: the one at the deepest point, where the glass curvature offered a perfect panoramic view of the entire surrounding reef. There, the restaurant lights were almost insignificant compared to the natural glow emanating from the marine creatures.
They sat.
Morgan crossed her legs with automatic elegance, adjusting her dress without looking. Her posture was straight, noble, impeccable, but there was a subtlety there, as if she were in a good mood.
Kazuya rested his arm on the table.
"Did you like it?"
Morgan replied while watching a school of silver fish passing right above.
"I liked it enough not to complain."
The waiter approached.
A young man, impeccable white uniform, discreet gloves, serious posture. He stopped exactly one meter from them, absurdly expensive restaurant etiquette, and bowed his head.
"Good evening, Mr. Kazuya, miss. It is an honor to receive you. Would you like to start with wine?"
Kazuya looked at Morgan.
She crossed her arms and said with aristocratic naturalness:
"Bring the rare wines list."
The waiter handed over a thick menu, navy blue leather with gold details. Morgan opened it without haste and leafed through it as if analyzing an enemy.
"Romanée-Conti 1945." She commented.
Kazuya raised an eyebrow.
"A classic."
"It costs more than some buildings in this city." She observed, without emotion. "Good. Humility doesn't suit either of us."
Before the waiter could say anything, Morgan closed the menu.
"We'll start with that."
The man froze for half a second, the typical reaction of someone who never expected to see anyone order a millions-of-dollars wine with the naturalness of asking for water.
"And... for the appetizers?"
Kazuya took the lead this time.
"Do you have the premium tasting menu?"
"Yes, sir. With caramelized lobster, beluga caviar, fresh scallop escalope, bluefin tuna carpaccio, and truffled butter."
Morgan tilted her head.
"Bring everything."
The waiter noted or pretended to note; in places like this, they memorized everything.
"And for the main courses?"
Morgan looked at Kazuya.
"Choose any. I don't care as long as it's the best."
He leafed through another menu.
"They have A5 wagyu sealed in white wine, grilled octopus with coral butter, saffron risotto with edible gold..." Kazuya looked at her. "Want to share the menu?"
"Yes."
Kazuya closed the menu.
"Then bring the full menu."
The waiter took a deep breath, maintaining professional composure.
"Immediately."
He stepped away.
The silence that remained was not uncomfortable.
The view was almost hypnotic.
A whale shark passed slowly above their table, illuminated by the external lights of the artificial reef.
Morgan observed everything with calm attention, without that hard and sharp gaze she used in Chaldea. There, far from everyone, far from the constant competition of the other wives, she really seemed... normal.
Or as normal as a faerie queen could be.
Kazuya rested his chin on his hand.
"You know I chose here because you like this type of place, right?"
Morgan turned her gaze to him.
"What type?"
"Silent..."
She thought for a few seconds, without haste.
"Yes." She finally replied. "It's pleasant. I don't have to deal with repetitive voices, useless disputes, or the impulsive behaviors of the others."
Kazuya smiled.
"What did they do this time?"
Morgan breathed, that kind of sigh that indicated she had many answers and no desire to list them.
"Medb tried to convince me that her 'wife value' is higher because she would buy you a pink castle."
Kazuya put his hand to his face.
"Morgan... please tell me you didn't—"
Morgan rested an elbow on the table and twirled the empty wine glass between her fingers.
"Rest assured." She said with impeccable naturalness. "I didn't buy any country. Yet."
Kazuya let out an almost relieved sigh.
"'Yet' doesn't help."
"But it's honest." She countered, as if it were the most reasonable comment in the world.
A golden school passed above them, reflecting in Morgan's blue-green eyes. She followed the movement for a moment, without losing posture, before refocusing on her husband.
"If you want to know..." she continued, "Nero tried to compete with me saying she would prepare an imperial banquet for you this week."
Kazuya made a face.
"And you?"
"I reminded her that there is no culinary title that describes her horrible cooking skills....."
"And she got mad?"
"Very." Morgan took that as an automatic victory. "But then she changed the subject to clothes. As always."
Kazuya rested his head on his hand.
"And Ishtar?"
Morgan rolled her eyes discreetly, but it was visible.
"She showed up yelling that 'the entire universe would support her absolute and unquestionable love.' I replied that neither the universe nor you asked for her opinion."
Kazuya laughed.
"And what did she say?"
"Nothing. Medb was distracting her too much."
"Fair."
The waiter finally returned, pushing a discreet cart so silent it seemed to float. On it rested the ancient bottle, sealed with precision, guarded as if it were a historical artifact. The Romanée-Conti 1945.
He opened the wine with careful, almost reverent movements, serving Morgan's glass first and then Kazuya's.
Morgan raised the glass, observing the dark ruby color with calculated attention. She brought it to her nose, tested the aroma, and finally took a slow sip.
For a second, her eyelashes fluttered.
"...Acceptable." She declared.
Translation: extraordinary.
Kazuya took his own sip and smiled.
"It's really good."
"It would be strange if it weren't, considering the price." Morgan commented.
Soon after the wine, the appetizers arrived with military precision: caramelized lobster in perfect small portions, beluga caviar on mother-of-pearl spoons, bluefin tuna carpaccio so thin it seemed like pink glass, fresh scallops with truffled butter.
The waiter removed the lids from the platters, releasing the soft aroma of sea and spices.
Morgan tasted the lobster first.
"Good balance." She said. "Less sweet than I expected."
"It's to highlight the natural flavor." Kazuya commented, tasting afterward. "But yes, I expected something stronger too."
Morgan tried the caviar. Her reaction was neutral... but she ate a second spoonful, so it was approval.
The scallops made her frown slightly, the kind of reaction from her when something exceeded the standard.
"This is really good." Morgan admitted.
"Better than Chaldea's kitchen?" Kazuya asked.
"When you cook, no. But otherwise. Yes. Just don't say that to Tamamo. Or to Ereshkigal. Or to Semiramis." She paused. "Or to Jeanne."
"So... I won't say it to anyone."
"Great."
They continued eating calmly, appreciating the comfortable rhythm the restaurant provided. Nothing rushed, nothing noisy, just the soft sound of the ocean filtered through the glass and the distant murmur of moving water.
Kazuya took another sip of wine.
"You're really enjoying it." He observed.
"Yes." Morgan set the glass on the table. "It's rare to have a moment that doesn't involve disputes. Or interruptions. Or Medb's dramatizations."
"Good thing you're enjoying it...." Kazuya said, smiling slightly.
They continued dining slowly, appreciating the atmosphere, the rarest wine, and the deep silence of the ocean around them. It was a tranquil night. Elegant. And, above all, without interferences.
________________
(A/N: This chapter officially marks the last moment of tranquility in the story — that classic DxD calm-before-the-chaos scene that feels almost too peaceful to last. Enjoy the vibe while you can, because the next chapter finally delivers what you've all been asking for: Morgan's Lemon. Yes, it's happening. Take a deep breath.
After that… the peace is gone.
The ExE Gods will finally show up and, honestly? It's going to be ultra, mega, ridiculously anticlimactic. Kazuya won't even break a sweat. With the power he has now, he literally snaps his fingers and all the ExE Gods turn into interdimensional meat paste. There won't be a big war like the one against Rizevim. Arc over. Moving on.
And the next arc, as I've been repeating since forever:
Kazuya is going to the world of Tensura.
Now… I need your opinion.
The way his entry into the new world is planned, he starts off knowing no one — no connections, no allies — a perfect setting to build something completely new. The Fate characters will still appear, but in smaller numbers, with the focus shifting toward new characters (and a few familiar ones). I want to write this part with a lot of detail, because the goal of this phase is to explore Tensura more freely.
And then the idea came:
A new harem in Tensura?
And maybe… making Rimuru Tempest a woman who reincarnated instead of the original male version?
What do you think of this possibility? Would you like this twist? Do you think it fits the direction of the story and Kazuya's style?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Did you enjoy the chapter? Then you should know that over on my Patreon you can read up chapters ahead for just 5USD! And yes—for that price, you also get full access to all of my content. That's right: cheaper than a snack… and with way more drama, action, and guaranteed emotional damage.
The link is right below. See you there!
My Patreon: patreon.com/Adam_Kadmon
Thank you so much for your support — you make all of this worthwhile.)