The time I spent absorbed in research alone… That was the most sacred and valuable time for me, and as long as I prioritized it, I was willing to spend my entire life in solitude. Or at least, that’s what I thought.
…So how on earth did things end up like this?
“Ku-ku-ku… You have answered my summons well. Kiwi!”
In the outskirts of the demon metropolis Delmond, in the VIP room of a restaurant specializing in witch cuisine, in a waiting room adjacent to it—
Standing there to greet me, exuding a red-black, ominous magical aura from his entire body and spreading his arms wide, was Agito, one of the top leaders of the Demon Nation.
Unlike during the Elden Recovery Operation, he was now wearing a tuxedo so tight it looked ready to burst from his muscular build.
“Considering a human’s lifespan, it’s true that you’re of marriageable age. It’s only natural for you to start looking for a partner. When I thought about how you’re surrounded by prominent beauties like Milphobia and Shes among the demon race, I felt I’d fallen behind…”
Agito flashed a devilish grin, one that seemed perfectly suited to a demon who preys on human weakness.
“Ku-ku-ku, it was worth having Old Man Hihi do some digging. Kiwi, to think you’ve yet to settle on a marriage partner!”
“Uh, well…”
But I hadn’t been searching for a marriage partner at all.
For some inexplicable reason, though, misinformation seemed to be spreading among the Demon Nation’s leadership—Agito, Urklow , and even Old Man Hihi—that I was making preparations for marriage.
…Who started this ridiculous rumor?
Honestly, I wanted to cancel the matchmaking meeting immediately, but—
“I’m overjoyed! The chance to welcome you into my lineage!”
Laughing heartily, Agito left the waiting room.
It was hard to tell such an enthusiastic Agito, “I don’t actually want to get married right now.” After all, he was likely doing all of this out of goodwill.
…Well, I’ll just get through today without issue and resume my research tomorrow.
I had spent two months on the battlefield without proper research time, and my to-do list was piling up.
The experimental trials of Word of Dark Healing had gone well, and I had gained new holy techniques from the elves. With these experiences, I should be able to upgrade the Black Healing Tome.
I’d already commissioned Inasa, a tengu, to write the new chapter, but it would still be up to me to draft the ritual formulas to insert and then leave the rest to the witches.
“Lord Alaya , your tie is crooked!”
Milphobia, my attendant, noticed the smallest imperfections in my appearance and quickly adjusted them.
“Even if Lord Agito is someone you know well, this is still a matchmaking meeting between high-ranking Demon Nation families. The Demon King and other influential figures will surely be watching how this unfolds… Please, do not let your guard down,” Milphobia cautioned while circling me, busy fixing my hair and dusting off my suit.
She always had a nurturing nature, but today she was particularly focused.
“You’re really putting effort into this, Milphobia.”
“I just don’t want any unnecessary rumors to tarnish your reputation, Lord Alaya . However…”
She trailed off mid-sentence.
“What is it?”
“It’s nothing,” Milphobia sighed before adding, “It’s about time. Let’s head to the meeting room. Lord Agito’s daughter should be arriving soon.”
She opened the door to the waiting room.
“Yo!”
A female voice, one I didn’t recognize, echoed in the room.
“Is this Kiwi Alaya ’s waiting room?”
The woman peeking in had striking features impossible to forget once seen.
First, her crimson skin caught the eye. Her tight-fitting clothes only covered her chest and hips, exposing her glossy, tomato-like skin without hesitation.
She also had two sharp, black horns sprouting from her head and large, slanted eyes with blazing red pupils.
It was—
“Oh, so you’re Kiwi Alaya ? Haha, you’re just like Dad described.”
“You—! What are you doing here!?”
Milphobia rushed toward her in astonishment, but the red-skinned woman deftly dodged and flashed me a sharp-toothed grin.
“Yo! I’m today’s matchmaking partner—Otokai, daughter of Demon Nation leader Agito. Nice to meet ya, Kiwi!”
Agito’s daughter had arrived at my waiting room alone.
“Honestly, I hate stiff formalities. Forget the meal—wanna hit up a club instead?”
“A club…?”
If I remembered correctly, clubs were flashy social venues currently trending in the demon metropolis—and also a source of societal problems.
The worst kind of chaos unfolded there: demons dancing wildly, fights breaking out, devolving into orgies. Injuries, diseases, and even unintended pregnancies were common results.
“Ha… interesting.”
In other words, a breeding ground for patients.
As a patron, I could heal endlessly with dark magic without having to wait in a clinic.
If Otokai was game, then—
“Very well! Let us go to this ‘club’ of yours!”
“Wait—what are you saying, Lord Alaya !?”
Milphobia shrieked, her voice rising in disbelief. In contrast, Otokai widened her eyes with delight, grinning broadly.
“Great! Best vibe ever! Let’s party, Kiwi!”
Loosening my tie, I decided to follow Otokai’s lead.
