In the Demon Realm, a shared tradition dictated that everyone consume only the specific foods designated by the Six Kings—the absolute pinnacle of their world—on the first day of the year. Beyond that singular rule, however, the way each region spent the New Year varied significantly.
Within the Underworld King’s faction, a massive banquet was held at Kuromueina's Castle, drawing her vast family together. It had become a cherished annual event for Kuromueina to personally hand out New Year's Gifts to every member.
The World King’s faction celebrated by singing, offering their voices in gratitude for the past year and in prayer for the happiness of the next. For the spirits and fairies, song was a vital form of dialogue with nature; as such, the New Year's Singing of the World King’s faction was a renowned event that attracted crowds of spectators from across the realm.
In the War King’s faction, the holiday was marked by a faction-wide battle royale. This was an annual tradition where even the King, Megiddo, and his Five War Generals participated—a rowdy celebration perfectly suited to the battle-hungry warriors of his domain.
The Dragon King’s faction observed the day with a grand pilgrimage. Dragons from every corner of the world gathered before Magnawell to offer their formal greetings. On New Year’s morning, looking up at the sky would reveal an endless stream of dragons soaring toward the Southern Region.
The Phantasm King’s faction, by its very nature, held no collective gatherings. Instead, its members spent the holiday however they personally saw fit.
Finally, while the Death King’s faction had no formal rules for the occasion, they frequently spent the time emulating the New Year's traditions of the other world.
In the Northern Demon Realm, within the Land of Death where Death King Isis’s castle stood, cheerful voices could be heard echoing through the halls.
"You damn fox-eee!" "Curse you!"
"Nyahahaha! Both of you look absolutely ridiculous now, ssu."
Sirius and Rasal, two of the Six Stars who served as the Death King’s executives, turned their ink-stained faces toward their fellow executive, Vulpecula, their fury plain to see.
In contrast, Vulpecula looked immensely pleased with herself, a wooden paddle clutched firmly in her hand.
"Now, now~ I’d appreciate it if you didn't hold a grudge, ssu. It’s your own fault for being so weak. I just followed the rules and painted ink on the losers' faces... though there’s really no room left to paint on you two. Ahahaha!"
"G-Grrr, damn you..." "Don't take this opportunity to taunt us, you wicked fox..."
The three were playing Hanetsuki, a game from the other world, and Sirius and Rasal had been utterly trounced by Vulpecula. Their defeat was undeniable; their faces had been painted so excessively with ink that they were now entirely black.
"...Goodness, she really is talented." "I think it’s reckless to challenge Vul in a game like that, honestly."
"True. By the way, Spica... how is that coming along?" "It’s no use; this is quite difficult. Vul~ how are we supposed to play with this, I wonder?"
Polaris and Spica had been attempting other New Year's games nearby but were struggling just as much. Spica called out for help to Vulpecula, who was still busy gloating over Sirius and Rasal.
"Oh, for this one, you do it like this and then like that, ssu."
"...To think you can make it spin so beautifully with just a string. You really are dexterous, Vul."
Spica watched with an impressed expression as the skillful Vulpecula easily set the spinning top in motion, even managing to balance the rotating toy on the string itself.
As they played, Iris, the head of the Six Stars, approached the group.
"Everyone, the Zouni is ready. Isis-sama and Kaito have already taken their seats, so we are heading inside now. Oh, Sirius and Rasal—wash those faces before you show yourselves."
"As expected of Head-dono, you’re ahead of schedule. Well then, shall we head off to a pleasant meal?"
"Right, ssu! We can't keep Isis-sama and Kaito-sama waiting. Hey, you two Hanetsuki-losers, get ready and hurry up, ssu!"
"Gnnn..." "Ugh..."
Iris called out to the other subordinates who were nearby flying kites or playing with Kendama. Amidst the lively chatter, the group began heading back toward the castle.
In the dining hall of the castle, traditional dishes like Osechi and Zouni had been prepared, exactly as they were in the other world's New Year celebrations. The party was perfectly set.
Once the festivities began at the command of their King, Isis, her close-knit subordinates began enjoying themselves, chatting happily as they celebrated the start of the year.
"Ah—testing, testing, amplification magic test, ssu... Ahem! Well then, everyone! It’s time for the sixth annual Grand New Year Bingo Tournament, ssu!!"
Standing on a specially constructed stage, Vulpecula acted as the MC, her ten tails swaying as every gaze in the room fixed on her.
"Some of the prizes this time were provided by Kaito-sama, ssu! Kaito-sama! Thank you very much! Everyone, make sure you properly thank Kaito-sama, ssu!"
As Vulpecula bowed while wagging her tails, Kaito, who was sitting a short distance away, waved his hand with a warm, appreciative smile.
The excitement in the hall reached a fever pitch, and Vulpecula continued her announcement.
"Well then, as usual, Isis-sama will draw the numbers. Isis-sama, if you please!"
"...Yes... I understand... Then, the first is... 24."
"The first number is 24, ssu. Anyone who tries to be a jokester by calling 'Bingo' right now is getting hit with a snowball, so keep that in mind, ssu!"
As she drew the numbered lots from the box, Isis gazed upon the scene before her with a look of pure happiness. Her subordinates were all incredibly close, always lively and full of joy. Welcoming the New Year with these people, whom she considered her irreplaceable family, brought her immense peace.
After all, the sight spreading out before her now was none other than the fulfillment of her Second Dream—a reality where she was no longer alone.
??? : "The Death King’s faction is so close-knit, it’s really nice, ssu... A far cry from our place. Ah, by the way, Serious-senpai was pummeled by Kuro-sa—I mean, the Me-o—and is reportedly out for '4 Episodes Until Complete Recovery.' I guess it’s good she got a New Year’s break... No, seriously, the way she snapped was beyond normal, so let’s definitely stop teasing her about her popularity rank from now on..."