While the hidden talent show brought plenty of excitement to Kaito’s birthday party, many of the guests were simply enjoying the chance to mingle and converse.
With such a vast number of attendees—including those Kaito knew but hadn't formally exchanged contact info with—the venue often played host to unexpected reunions.
"..."
"..."
In one corner of the hall, two demons stood facing each other. Both wore strained, sour expressions, looking as if they had just swallowed something incredibly bitter.
One was a member of the family living in Kaito’s home. She was a beastman-type demon with a cat-like appearance who worked tirelessly as Anima's assistant—Caraway.
The other was a beastman-type demon resembling a wolf, characterized by copper-colored hair, lupine ears, and a tail. She was dressed in a rough, punk-style outfit—Lycorisian.
The two had once been rivals with adjacent territories in the Demon Realm, and this moment marked their first meeting in quite some time.
"...So you showed up, idiot dog."
"...I really have no luck today. To think that of all people, I’d run into this idiot cat..."
"That’s my line. I never expected you to be an acquaintance of Miyama-sama..."
"We’ve met briefly, enough for a greeting, at least..."
Perhaps because they were former enemies who had clashed countless times, a heavy, sharp tension hung between them. Both Caraway and Lycorisian maintained piercing gazes.
"Hssss..."
"Grrrr..."
Involuntary growls of intimidation escaped their throats, but after a short while, they sighed almost simultaneously.
"...Given the occasion, let's skip the fighting."
"...Yeah. Picking a fight in a place like this would be nothing but a nuisance."
Even though they were former rivals who claimed to hate one another, the truth was that their relationship wasn't actually that toxic. In their own way, they acknowledged each other’s strength. On top of that, both possessed enough common sense to lower their guards, realizing that brawling at Kaito's birthday party would cause trouble for Kaito and everyone else.
"...Regarding the territory, I'm grateful."
"Don't be ridiculous. I only did that because I wanted to expand my own sphere of influence. It certainly wasn't for the sake of a stupid cat."
"Right, right. If that's the story you're sticking to, I'll leave it at that."
In response to Lycorisian, who insisted her actions were purely selfish and never meant to help Caraway's kin, Caraway flashed a knowing, wry smile.
"...Do you have no intention of returning to your former position?"
"None. That incident made me realize something clearly: I'm just not suited for the top spot. Looking back, I can tell I was overextending myself. I was constantly wound tight, and I only vented that stress through a desire for power. In my current position, I can do things more freely. It's easier on my mind, and honestly, it’s more fun."
"...I see."
It was a realization she’d come to after serving as Anima's assistant and becoming part of Kaito's household. Caraway truly felt her nature was better suited for a supporting role. She understood now that back when she ruled as a Viscount-class High-ranking Demon with numerous subordinates, she was always on edge, had no mental leeway, and suffered from terrible tunnel vision.
In contrast, as an assistant, she could focus on the finer details, which she found far more fulfilling and better suited to her personality.
"Well, you always were the type to overthink the little things."
"You're doing better than I am, Lycorisian. I always thought you were a lone wolf, but are you actually suited for leadership?"
"In my case, I've just come to terms with it. I have no intention of fussing over every little thing. I just figure that if people want to follow me, they can do so as they please."
"Hmm, so like the War King-sama type?"
"No, I think the War King-sama is the type who looks rough but is actually incredibly attentive. He looks after his subordinates well and is deeply loved. He is a person truly fit to stand above others, beyond comparison to someone like me. In that regard, he truly lives up to the title of King."
Just as Lycorisian said, Megiddo appeared rough and crude but possessed an exceptionally sharp mind. Since he loathed wasted effort and flowery language, he often chose simple, direct actions, but he considered every move carefully. Furthermore, provided the person was to his liking, he was the type to be quite nurturing. He provided combat instruction to even his lowest-ranking subordinates without discrimination, and consequently, he was idolized by his forces.
"I see... regardless, it's definitely not for me. I'm the type who gets bogged down by details."
"You appear carefree, but you worry too much about the wrong things. Indeed, trying to manage everything yourself would eventually suffocate you. In that sense, serving Kaito might actually be your true calling."
"Yeah. I'm having a lot of fun every day."
"Is that so? Well, that's fine then... I'll come to crush you if the opportunity arises, so you'd better stay on your toes."
"I'm the stronger one right now, though."
"Only for now..."
"From here on out, too..."
"..."
"..."
After glaring at each other in silence for a moment longer, they simultaneously turned their heads away with a huff.
"...She’s as infuriating as ever."
"...That’s my line."
Serious-senpai: "Ah, right. They met during the Harmonic Symphony, but they hadn't exchanged contact info, so she wasn't at the shipboard party... For better or worse, they really do seem like frenemies."
???: "Well, it’s that kind of relationship."
Serious-senpai: "True... ngh, guh, wh-what?! My body is moving on its own...!"
???: "Hmm?"
Serious-senpai (Absolute Lovey-dovey Mode): "...Now then, everyone, let us begin. Next time: Lovey-dovey Guaranteed! (Wha?! My mouth is moving on its own again!?)"
???: "...So you've reached the point where you can force the next development to be lovey-dovey, huh..."