Christmas... it had been quite some time since the tradition was first introduced by the Hero, and by now, the people of this world celebrated the holiday without a second thought.
Lovers whispered of their affection, families gathered around smiling dinner tables, and merchants braced themselves for their most profitable season. Yet, on this Holy Night overflowing with so much joy, there was one who was consumed by sorrow.
In the Land of Death, located in the northern reaches of the Demon Realm, the Death King, Isis Remnant, kept her solitary castle. For her, Christmas had never been a happy occasion.
More sensitive to the weight of loneliness than anyone else, she had reached out to many people back when the tradition of Christmas first began to take root. She had held onto the faint hope that on this day, at least, she might find herself surrounded by smiles. But reality was merciless, and her invitations had only ever met with empty echoes.
—"I’m so sorry, Isis. I... I just can't get away on that day."
The kind Underworld King had apologized, looking truly regretful that she couldn't accept. Since the signing of the Friendship Treaty between the three realms, the Underworld King had been busy acting as a bridge to the Human Realm. She turned down Isis's invitation, explaining that as the representative of the Demon Realm, she was obligated to attend numerous events on that day.
—"I am truly sorry. On this day of all days, I simply cannot leave my kin to their own devices."
The World King, her closest friend, had declined with a pained expression. As an object of faith in many lands, the World King had to participate in the festivities of her own people on Christmas Day.
—"My bad. The hot-blooded idiots under me are making a racket. If I'm not there to keep a lid on things, they'll probably pull some reckless stunt."
The War King, who loved battle and banquets above all else, had flatly refused while scratching his crimson fur. On a day when everyone was prone to getting carried away, he had to deal with the restless energy of his subordinates.
—"No, it would be impossible for me. If I were to set foot in the Land of Death, the ice would give way beneath me. Besides, I must also attend to my own kin."
The Dragon King, who boasted a physical frame of such staggering proportions, replied that it would be difficult for him to even reach the castle. Furthermore, as he presided over a vast hierarchy of subordinates, he shook his head at the invitation, stating he simply couldn't make the time.
—"I’d love to go, but... days when the world is celebrating like this tend to be rife with trouble. I don't have much leeway."
The Phantasm King, who supported the peace of the world from the shadows, had declined with a look of genuine regret. She was constantly on the move during world-scale events like the Hero Festival or Christmas, flying across the realms to coordinate her vast network.
As the world expanded, the Six Kings became busier than ever before, and the days when all six of them could gather together had long since vanished.
Even as the world grew larger, Isis's world remained narrow and lonely. On Christmas Day, she was always painfully conscious of this, shedding silent tears in the Great Hall of her frozen, silent fortress.
To Isis Remnant, Christmas was nothing more than a lonely event.
The 24th of the Month of Heavens. On the night of Christmas Eve, Isis was pacing restlessly through her halls.
A massive table in the Great Hall groaned under the weight of a feast she had prepared with every ounce of her skill. This year was different; for the first time in her life, she had a reason to celebrate. She had spent the entire morning in a state of nervous agitation.
It had all started at the beginning of the month when Kaito, her beloved, had come to visit. During their conversation, the topic of Christmas had come up. After hearing about the Christmases Isis had spent in the past, Kaito told her firmly that they would spend this year together.
Those words had made her helplessly happy. From that day on, Isis had pulled every book on Christmas cooking from her library and practiced desperately. Thanks to those efforts, the meal—far too much for just two people—was her greatest masterpiece yet. Now, all she had to do was wait for him.
"...Kaito... where... are you?"
She whispered to the empty room, her eyes drifting to the clock. The appointed time had already passed, but Kaito had not yet arrived.
Kaito was usually punctual to a fault. This was the first time he had ever been late, and that fact only served to stir her anxiety. She knew he would never stand her up, but he was incredibly popular. Perhaps he had received other invitations he couldn't refuse. Maybe a Hummingbird would fly in at any moment to tell her he couldn't make it...
Just as her anxiety reached its peak, roughly fifteen minutes after the scheduled time, she felt Kaito's magic power appear outside the castle. Her expression brightened instantly.
"...Kaito! Oh... wait... so many... magic signatures?"
The magic signature appearing at the gates wasn't just Kaito’s. A significant number of powerful presences appeared almost simultaneously. Just as Isis tilted her head in confusion, the massive doors to the Great Hall swung open.
"Isis-san! I'm so sorry I'm late!"
"...Kaito! Wait... what...?"
Kaito rushed in, looking breathless and apologetic. But he wasn't alone.
"Isis—it's a little early, but Merry Christmas!"
"Pardon the intrusion. I apologize for arriving so suddenly."
"...Kuromueina... Liliwood..."
Following Kaito, Kuromueina and Liliwood entered the hall.
"Yo, Isis! I brought the booze!"
"Honestly, why do you bring such strong liquor? Usually, people bring champagne..."
"...Megiddo... Shaltier..."
Megiddo appeared next, hauling a large sake barrel, followed by Shaltier, who was sighing in exasperation. Simultaneously, a thunderous voice echoed from outside the walls.
"As expected, I cannot fit inside. I shall participate from out here!"
"...Magnawell... H-How?"
"I made sure the ice wouldn't break. Kaito-san asked me to."
"...Shallow Vernal!?"
Peeking through the massive windows was Magnawell. He had only been able to reach the castle because Shallow Vernal, the Creator Goddess herself, had accompanied them to stabilize the frozen land.
"But still, was it really okay for the God of Space-Time to toss her work aside? I mean, it's fine by me, but..."
"Since Shallow Vernal-sama is heading out, I could hardly fail to accompany her."
"...Well, I didn't really need to be here, but..."
"...Chronoa... Fate... Useless Meat."
"Wait just a minute, Reaper..."
Even the Supreme Gods of the God Realm appeared, and the Great Hall instantly became a whirlwind of noise and activity.
"Isis, I know it's sudden, but is it okay if we all join the party?"
"...Eh? U-Um, yes. Of course."
"In that case, please leave the catering to me."
"...Ein."
Kuromueina, Liliwood, Megiddo, Magnawell, Shaltier, Shallow Vernal, Chronoa, Fate, Life, and Ein... including Kaito, eleven guests had arrived, all asking to celebrate with her.
At first, Isis looked as though she couldn't believe her eyes. Then, slowly, tears welled up and she nodded with a radiant smile. It was the moment when Christmas, which had held nothing but lonely memories for her, changed forever.
The party was a lively, chaotic affair, and Isis was drowning in happiness. Spending Christmas with so many people made her feel as if the world were gently telling her she wasn't alone. Every time she lowered her guard, her eyes would moisten with joy.
During a lull in the festivities, Kaito stepped out onto the balcony to get some fresh air. It was then that Kuromueina approached Isis.
"...Isis, I have a secret. He told me not to say anything, but Kaito-kun was the one who gathered everyone."
"...Kaito did?"
"Yeah. Since about the 7th of the month, I think? He went around to everyone personally and pleaded with them to find time for this."
"...Eh?"
Hearing Kuromueina's gentle explanation, Isis stared blankly toward the balcony.
"He said he absolutely wanted Isis to have a happy Christmas... even today, he was running around until the very last second to coordinate all our schedules. Because it was his request, Shiro and Shaltier helped out too. That’s why we’re all here."
"...Ugh... Ahh... Kaito..."
"Go on, now’s your chance. I’ll keep an eye on the guests."
"...Yes!"
Isis's heart was a whirlpool of emotion. The sheer effort Kaito had expended for her sake made her feel cherished beyond words. She hurried out to the balcony.
She found Kaito there, gazing out at the falling snow with a peaceful expression. Her heart throbbed at the sight of his profile as she drew closer.
"...Kaito."
"Oh, Isis-san? Are you taking a break too?"
"...Yes."
Isis stepped up to him and, without another word, threw her arms around him, clinging to his warmth.
"Whoa... Isis-san?"
"...Kaito... Kaito... what should I do? ...I'm so happy... so blessed... I can't find... the words."
Tears were streaming down her face—warm, happy tears. She didn't know how else to express the joy overflowing from her soul. Kaito slowly returned the embrace, his voice soft and steady.
"...Isis-san, are you having a good time today?"
"...Yes."
"I'm having a lot of fun too. It's all because you invited me."
"...Kaito... No... everything... everything... is because of you... Thank you."
Kaito gave a small, sheepish laugh, realizing his secret was out.
"I guess I've been found out, then."
"...Yes."
"I was worried it might be overstepping, but I just... I really wanted you to be happy. I guess I went a bit overboard."
"...Kaito... No... I... am so... so... happy."
"...Then I'm happy too."
"...Kaito... I love you... I love you so much. What should I do? These feelings... they won't stop... I don't ever want to let go."
Safe in the arms of the man she loved, Isis buried her face in his chest, her heart finally at peace.
"Then, for as long as we have, let's stay just like this."
"...Yes... Kaito..."
"Yes?"
"...I love you."
"And I love you."
On this Holy Night, a miracle had descended upon the mistress of the ice castle. It was brought to her by the hands of her very own Santa Claus—a man who had carried more happiness into her life than she could ever hold.