When I arrived at Megiddo-san’s castle, our designated meeting spot, Ozma-san was already waiting at the entrance. There were still more than fifteen minutes until our scheduled time, but he was already there, leaning back and smoking a cigarette.
“Hey there, Miyama-kun. Welcome.”
“Hello, Ozma-san. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No, no, I just got here way too early, so don’t worry about it. Well, we can’t just stand around talking here—let’s chat while we head over.”
“Ah, right... Is it okay if I don’t stop in to say hello to Megiddo-sama?” I asked as Ozma-san started to lead the way. I had only used the castle as a landmark for our meeting and hadn't actually made any plans with Megiddo-san himself, but it felt a little rude to show up at his front door and leave without a word.
Ozma-san gave me a small smile. “Oh, the Boss is out today, so don’t worry about it. He seemed really impressed by the artwork displayed at the recent Shipboard Party. I wouldn't be surprised if he's off somewhere making a sculpture.”
“Ah, come to think of it, I remember seeing him at the Sinfonia Art Square in the North District a while back.”
“The Sinfonia Art Square is quite famous. There’s a similar place in the Hydra Kingdom that’s also very popular with young artists. It’s in a different city, not the capital.”
The Hydra Kingdom had a very progressive culture, and a lot of their art was quite daring. I wasn’t sure if "avant-garde" was the right word for it, but the atmosphere certainly felt close to Modern Art.
In any case, since Megiddo-san wasn't home, there was no reason we couldn't head straight to Ozma-san’s House.
“Is your place close by?”
“Ah, let’s see... Can you see that Small Hill over there?”
“Yes... Is it up there?”
“Yeah. To put it simply, that hill is Ozma-san’s Land. My house is right on top.”
“I see...”
So the entire hill was basically his front yard... That was impressive. But then again, Ozma-san was a member of the Six Kings' Executive and a Duke-class demon, making him one of the most powerful beings in the Demon Realm. It wasn't strange for him to own that much property. Honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised if he owned an entire mountain range.
“It’s a bit unexpected, though. I just assumed you lived here in Megiddo-san’s castle.”
“Agni-chan and Bacchus-kun live in the castle. But I prefer peace and quiet when I'm trying to relax. Besides, if you live in the castle, the Boss is always dragging the residents into his drinking bouts. He's constantly telling people, ‘I’m drinking, so come keep me company.’”
“That certainly sounds like him.”
“Speaking of the Boss, he seems to have taken an even greater liking to you lately, Miyama-kun. He talks about you constantly. Actually, I think he even mentioned liking you in a romantic sense... Is that, well, alright with you? I’m not sure I can stop him, but if his behavior ever becomes a problem, feel free to talk to me.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine... Though, actually, I’d always assumed you were the one who liked Megiddo-san, Ozma-san.”
I knew that Megiddo-san had taken a shine to me ever since the incident with his Destructive Impulse—mostly because he had openly declared it. He’d apparently been lectured by Kuro afterward, so he had stopped using the incredibly Strong Style approach he’d favored at first, which was a relief.
Regardless, I had wondered if Ozma-san, who had known Megiddo-san’s True Form for ages, might harbor some romantic feelings for him. But when he heard my suggestion, Ozma-san just stared at me, looking dazed as if I had suddenly started speaking in riddles.
“...Eh? You mean... in a romantic sense?”
“Yes.”
“...Why would you say something so horrifying, Miyama-kun? Look, I've pledged my absolute loyalty to Megiddo-sama as my King... but having a romance with a tyrant like that? The very thought is terrifying.”
He looked genuinely repulsed. The fact that his casual way of referring to himself as "this old man" had slipped into a more serious tone made it clear that this was his unfiltered, honest opinion.
“...If I’m going to be in a relationship, I definitely want someone quiet. I mean, you see how forceful the Boss is, right? Being with someone like that would be exhausting. Actually, are you going to be okay? He really seems to have set his sights on you, and he doesn't know how to quit.”
“...Ah, well, about that... To be honest, I don't even consider Megiddo-san to be that difficult to talk to. I have acquaintances who are much worse, so a little bit of forcefulness from him really isn't a problem at all.”
“...You’ve certainly grown thick-skinned, Miyama-kun. Honestly, I don't think I can compete with you when it comes to dealing with people like that.”
I could only offer a wry smile at Ozma-san’s words, which were spoken with deep, heartfelt admiration.
Machina: "Haa, it's a lamentable story. To think there's such a troublesome person who would make my Gentle and Beloved Child say such things... I'd really like to see that fool's face just once."
Serious-senpai: "...Have you no mirror?"