A few weeks after that meeting in Yokohama, the rhythm between Kazuya and Serafall had become curious—not intimate, nor distant, just… natural. As if a tenuous thread, which neither dared to pull, kept them constantly connected. And that was why the second meeting happened almost without them realizing they were calling it a "date."
The event was an anime festival in Akihabara, one of those immense conventions that occupied three entire buildings, filled with cosplayers, crowded booths, absurd lines, and that chaotic mix of energy that made Serafall's eyes sparkle. She arrived early, excited like a veteran fan who had been waiting for that day since the official announcement. Her disguise was simple: casual clothes, a cap, and an enthusiasm impossible to hide.
Kazuya arrived shortly after, more discreet than usual, as if trying to blend into the crowd, which didn't work so well, considering the contrast of his white hair with the colorful bustle around him. Still, he seemed more at ease than at the previous festival, since he also liked anime. Though those from this world were somewhat "bad"...
The whole day was fun.
Serafall guided him through the crowded corridors, stopping at booths she had followed for years, showing limited collections, rare miniatures, and merch from old series she had loved since before becoming a Maou. Kazuya watched her as she spoke, gestured, and pointed out every detail with a sparkle in her eyes that barely matched the feared and respected figure of the Underworld.
She didn't need to pretend anything there, among giant posters of classic anime and display cases full of action figures; Serafall was just a passionate fan.
He accompanied her in everything. He didn't complain about the lines, the heat, or the squeezed crowd; he just followed her pace, listening patiently and making pointed comments that made Serafall laugh softly. At some moments, he even seemed to be enjoying himself, especially when she insisted on dragging him to musical game areas or independent mangaka booths.
There was a moment when both stood observing a wall covered with fan arts. Serafall chose a simple illustration, but made with care, of a magical heroine from the 90s. Kazuya, without saying anything, bought the art and handed it to the artist, who nearly fainted upon seeing that someone had actually paid. Serafall laughed at that but carefully stored the drawing, folded between books and flyers.
Throughout the day, the two ate improbable snacks sold at themed booths: limited-edition curry inspired by a mecha anime, crepe decorated with edible glitter from magical girls, taiyaki in a strange shape that looked like a pixelated mascot.
Serafall tried everything without fear; Kazuya observed, evaluated, and ate in silence, with the resignation of someone who understood that it was part of the "experience."
There was also the moment of photos with cosplayers. Serafall suddenly pulled Kazuya into one of them—a group dressed as characters from a school anime. He tried to refuse but was dragged before he could finish the sentence.
The photo came out with Serafall smiling like a child and Kazuya looking at the camera with an arrogant expression, imitating a certain strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer from another world. She found it hilarious.
As the afternoon came to an end, they went to the rooftop of the main building. The sun was starting to set, tinting the sky in soft tones, and the view of Akihabara slowly illuminated by the signs was something that always left Serafall strangely nostalgic. She leaned her arms on the parapet, watching the movement below. Kazuya stood beside her, silent but comfortable. He didn't seem anxious or worried. Just... calmly standing there...
It was there that the two had a brief moment of peace; no crowd, no loud music, no fanboys running with bags. Just the light wind, the glow of the city lights, and the feeling that that day, despite being simple, had meant something important to her. And perhaps, on a more discreet level, to him too.
When they finally parted, already near the exit of the convention center, there was no dramatization or big words. Just an exchange of glances that made it clear the day had been good for both.
Serafall returned to the Underworld hugging a bag full of souvenirs and a smile that wouldn't fade.
Kazuya returned home with some items she had bought "by mistake for him," and a silent thought that repeated: he wanted to go on another date with her.
And so, without promises or definitions, the second date ended as naturally as it began.
But that was earlier.
At that moment, they were in the middle of the third and final date.
The third date started early, before the sun gained strength in the sky, when the air was still fresh and the world seemed quiet enough to keep secrets.
Serafall was already waiting at the gate, a white cap and dark glasses minimally disguising the figure of the most eccentric Maou in the Underworld. She swayed her body lightly, like an impatient child. Kazuya arrived a few minutes later, with the same calm air as always, wearing simple clothes and an almost imperceptible smile, but one she noticed.
"Today is the day!" She had said as soon as she saw him, and indeed, it was.
The Hakujō World amusement park, the largest in the world, stretched out ahead like an entire city made of colors, sounds, and movement. Towers and roller coasters drew the horizon like lines of pure energy, while the wind carried the sweet smell of cotton candy, buttered popcorn, and fresh paint from the newly inaugurated attractions. There was music everywhere; cheerful, noisy melodies coming from hidden speakers, and the distant sound of screams and laughter mixing with everything.
Serafall held the park map like a treasure. The colorful paper reflected the rising sun, with routes and icons of rides scattered in all directions. Kazuya looked over her shoulder, evaluating calmly.
"Where should we start?" he asked.
"Everywhere!" she answered without hesitation, her eyes shining as if the whole world was there to be explored.
And so it was.
Right at the beginning, they ran—or rather, were dragged by Serafall—to the "Leviathan Coaster," a colossal metal structure that rose like a steel dragon. She insisted it was destiny. "It has my name!" she said, laughing.
Kazuya, for his part, just smiled and joined the line with her.
When the cars shot off and the world turned upside down, Serafall screamed loudly, the sound mixed between euphoria and pure pleasure. Kazuya kept his eyes open the whole time, the strong wind hitting his face, and for an instant, even he laughed—a sincere, loose laugh that she heard even amid the roar of the tracks.
When they got off, her hair was messy, her cheeks flushed, and the smile wouldn't fade.
"That was amazing!"
"You scream louder than I expected."
"Of course! It's part of the fun!"
He just shook his head, but the amused look gave him away.
After that, the day turned into a succession of small moments, each seeming more alive than the previous one.
They went to the house of mirrors, where Serafall laughed until tears came at seeing Kazuya's distorted reflection, a stretched and elongated face like a skinny ghost. He pretended not to find it funny but took a photo of her when she tripped trying to exit the maze.
They then went to the Ferris wheel, which was even larger than the one in Yokohama. Serafall wanted to go in, but he suggested saving it for the end of the day "to see the sunset from up there."
She accepted, curiously, without arguing.
Next came the magical carousel, a childish attraction, but she wanted to go anyway. Kazuya didn't argue, mounted a golden horse next to hers, while the soft sound of music played and the lights blinked in circles. For a few minutes, everything seemed slower. The wind, the laughter, even time.
Serafall, with her hands clasped on the horse's bar, looked at the sky and smiled in a way Kazuya hadn't seen in anyone for a long time—not that kind of simple joy, without pretense, without ulterior motives.
Just the pure pleasure of being alive.
Between one ride and another, they stopped to eat. Caramel popcorn, stuffed crepes, blue lemonade served in shiny cups. She wanted to try everything, and Kazuya, already used to the Maou's infinite appetite, just followed with his calm pace.
At one point, they sat near the central square, where street performers were presenting. A magician did card tricks, and children clapped. Serafall watched enchanted, her chin resting on her hands, as if she had never seen anything so interesting.
"He's cheating with weak magical energy," Kazuya commented in a low voice.
She looked at him sideways, pretending indignation. "Don't ruin the charm, Kazuya-kun."
He smiled, one of those rare smiles that arose before he noticed.
Later, they went to the prize game area. Serafall tried to hit targets with a pellet gun, missed all. Kazuya, as the other time, hit on the first try. She huffed and crossed her arms, but he handed her the prize—a rabbit-shaped hat—and placed it on her head with a casual gesture.
"Now it's better," he said.
Serafall laughed, adjusting the hat. "You make it look so easy..."
"Maybe I'm just lucky."
"Or maybe you just want to impress me."
He didn't answer, but the silence was enough.
Time passed too quickly. When they realized, the sun was already starting to fall, tinting the sky with orange and golden tones. The park lights began to turn on one by one, reflecting in her eyes like stars.
They returned to the Ferris wheel, the same one they had saved for the end. The air was cooler now, and the sound of laughter and music seemed distant when the cabin began to rise.
From up there, the world was a carpet of colorful lights, the park pulsing like a living heart below them. Serafall fell silent, just watching, her fingers lightly gripping the railing.
"It's beautiful, isn't it..." she murmured, her voice almost lost in the wind.
Kazuya nodded, looking not at the landscape, but at her.
The reflection of the lights danced in her eyes. For a moment, time seemed to stop, and all that remained was that instant, suspended between sky and earth, between laughter and silence.
Serafall turned her face and looked back at him. There were no words, no need for explanations.
The cabin continued rising, slowly, to the top. Down below, the park shone, and each light seemed like a memory.
Serafall kept her eyes on the lights below for a while, her fingers tracing small circles on the fogged glass of the cabin. The distant sound of laughter mixed with the soft creak of the structure, and for a moment, it seemed the whole world was reduced to that suspended space, isolated from time.
Then she broke the silence, with a light voice but carrying a different tone, almost serious.
"Kazuya…"
He shifted his gaze from the window to her.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think… we should get married?"
She said it casually, like asking about the weather, but there was something in her eyes—a mix of provocation and vulnerability that made it impossible to pretend it was just a joke.
Kazuya arched an eyebrow, his expression impassive, but his gaze fixed on her for a few seconds too long. The Ferris wheel continued its slow descent, the wind passing between them like a warm breeze, carrying the sweet smell of the park.
Serafall tried to play it off, letting out a short giggle. "I mean, technically, it would be politically convenient, you know? As we had discussed before...."
"Are you really trying to justify a marriage with politics?" he asked, his tone calm, almost amused.
She blinked, unsure if he was taking it seriously or not.
"Maybe…" she answered with a sideways smile. "Or maybe I just want to see your reaction."
Kazuya tilted his head, crossing his arms. "My reaction?"
"Yeah. I thought you'd make a face, or laugh, or say something sarcastic, like 'I don't like formal commitments.'"
"Hmm." He looked out the window again, watching the lights reflect on the glass, and let the silence stretch.
Serafall stared at him, a bit nervous now, trying to decipher what was behind that too-calm gaze. "So? What do you think?"
"About what exactly?"
"About… marrying me, of course! After all, after three dates, you were supposed to give me an answer..."
He seemed to think for a moment, his gaze distant, before turning back to her.
"It depends," he said at last.
"Depends on what?"
"Whether you're asking as Maou, or as Serafall."
She blinked, confused. "Is there a difference?"
"There is." He leaned slightly forward.
"The Maou wants alliances, stability, power. But Serafall…" He paused, noticing the small tremor in her smile. "Serafall just wants someone to laugh with her while eating crepes and riding carousels."
Her heart skipped a beat, and the smile she tried to hold back escaped, shy and genuine. "And which one would you choose?"
Kazuya leaned back in the seat, his gaze drifting for a moment, as if truly pondering the answer. The wheel kept descending, the park spinning in a kaleidoscope of colors below.
When he finally answered, his voice was low, almost a murmur:
"I'd choose the one who made me laugh today."
Serafall blinked, surprised. "Is that a 'yes'?"
He looked at her again, and the corner of his mouth curved into a half-smile, that rare and lazy kind that always seemed to hide more than it said.
"Maybe."
She huffed, crossing her arms, pretending irritation. "You're impossible! That's not an answer!"
Before she could continue, Kazuya moved. Quickly, almost imperceptibly.
In an instant, he gently held her chin and pulled her close.
The kiss was simple, unhurried, without warning, without theatrics. Just the brief touch of two worlds colliding in silence.
Serafall froze for a second, her eyes wide with surprise, and then relaxed, responding without thinking, as if that gesture was something natural, inevitable. Her heart beat too fast, and the distant sound of the park completely disappeared.
When he pulled away, her gaze was still locked on his.
"That was…"
"An answer," he finished, serene.
Serafall brought her hand to her lips, her fingers lightly touching the spot where she still felt the warmth of the kiss.
"So you accepted?" she murmured, almost voiceless.
Kazuya let out a small sigh, resting his arm on the side of the cabin. "I accepted enough."
"What do you mean, enough?"
"I mean…" He glanced sideways, with a calm tone. "I'm not refusing. I'm just not turning this into a diplomatic treaty."
Serafall blinked, and then started laughing, a light, disarmed laugh that echoed inside the cabin.
"You really are impossible."
"You already said that!"
"And it's still true!"
She pushed him lightly on the shoulder, still laughing, her face flushed. But there was no more weight in the conversation. Neither seemed to care about formalities, or what "marriage" meant between an Underworld being and someone like Kazuya.
In the end, the gesture spoke for itself.
He hadn't accepted for politics. Nor for convenience.
He just found it… pleasant.
Having Serafall around was good, and she was beautiful.
And for someone who already had dozens of wives, alliances, names, and bonds that seemed to blend into eternity, this was different enough to be worth the silent yes he had given her.
Outside, the Ferris wheel reached the ground again. The cabin door opened with a soft click, and the night breeze entered, fresh and scented with sugar and electricity.
Serafall stood up first, still smiling, her gaze darting sideways as if to hide the blush.
"So, Mr. Kazuya," she said with false solemnity, "I think now we're officially… engaged?"
He followed her to the exit, hands in his pockets, the same half-smile on his face.
"If that means more days like this, I won't complain."
She laughed, the sound light and happy, and pulled him by the hand back into the illuminated park, where the lights blinked like artificial stars.
That was when she noticed something strange; she called: "Kazuya?"
He had suddenly stopped, his eyes fixed on some distant point, beyond the colorful lights and the animated glow of the park. The smile he gave her was soft, but... there was something strange about it.
"I'll be right back..." He said, in a low and calm tone, as if it were something trivial.
"What? Wait, what are you—"
Before she could finish, the wind blew differently. A flash of energy, and Kazuya simply disappeared.
Serafall stood still, staring at the empty space in front of her. The distant music of the park continued, the sound of laughter, the noise of the rides, but for an instant, everything seemed absurdly quiet.
She looked around, as if she could find him mixed in the crowd. Nothing. No detectable magical power trace, no energy signature; he had completely erased his presence, like a ghost.
"Kazuya..." She murmured, the name escaping almost like a sigh.
For a moment, she felt an uncomfortable pang in her chest, a mix of irritation and concern.
She crossed her arms, trying to contain the restlessness.
"You're not going to escape that easily, you know?" She said to the air, forcing a stubborn smile: "If this is some kind of dramatic test, I swear I'll freeze you when you come back."
Still, even speaking in that light tone, the wind seemed to carry something strange.
A premonition.
And that premonition was far worse than anyone could imagine.
The ExE Gods had invaded with full force through the [Dimensional Rift]!
It was time to solve the last problem of this world!
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