Sixteen years ago, in the Demon Country, also known as the Demon Clan, Kazuma—just twenty-four years old—returned home after a long day of work.
He removed his white cape trimmed with purple designs and tossed it carelessly onto a chair before collapsing onto the couch.
"Damn it. Being a lord isn't easy at all…" he muttered lazily while sighing heavily. "Paperwork every single day… managing the country's funds… endless meetings to maintain peace with other nations. And the worst part? Everyone fears the Demon Country They call us monsters and try to destroy us, when all i just want is for a calmer life for the people of this country…"
Kazuma rubbed his hair, exhausted. But just as he was about to relax, a voice broke through.
"Welcome home, honey!"
Kazuma froze for a bit as he turned his head to the right. His eyes widened as his wife Misaki stepped into the room, dressed in a revealing red costume with a Santa hat tilted on her head.
Kazuma's jaw dropped. "M-Mi-Misaki?! W-what the heck are you wearing?!"
She giggled mischievously, striding toward him with deliberate steps. She wrapped her arms around his neck and lowered herself to his lap.
"I've been waiting for you all day. Do you know how lonely it gets without you here? You should spoil me more, Lord Kazuma."
Kazuma stammered, his face turning red. But eventually a sly grin tugged at his lips.
"Oh really? Then why don't I give you the attention you're craving?"
Just as their lips were about to meet—
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"Ah! The kitchen!" Misaki yelped, leaping off him and dashing away. In her hurry, she accidentally kicked Kazuma in the face.
He sat there stunned, a funny expression plastered across his face.
"GAAH! This woman… she's going to drive me insane one of these days. How the hell do you kick someone on the face while they are sitting down and you're standing up?!" he muttered, rubbing his cheek.
Later, the two sat at the dining table, enjoying their meal together.
"So," Misaki asked with a teasing smile, "how was work today, Lord Husband?"
Kazuma sighed. "The usual. More documents, more conferences, more headaches. Met with some world leaders. Nothing worth celebrating."
Misaki puffed her cheeks in mock jealousy. "Tch. You spend more time with your work than you do with me. I need you around, you know. Especially since I'm preg—" She stopped herself mid-sentence. "I mean… lonely. Yes, lonely without you."
Kazuma raised a brow, suspicious.
"She's hiding something…" he thought. "Nah, it probably nothing."
Breaking the tension, Misaki added, "I've been feeling unwell lately. Maybe we should visit the doctor tomorrow."
"Hm? Okay. Fine by me," Kazuma said with a small smile. "I'm free tomorrow. I'll take you myself."
Misaki's lips curled into a grin. "Thanks, Kazuma. And after that… maybe we could spend the whole day together?"
Kazuma groaned dramatically. "We already spent ten nights together last week—and four times yesterday! I need a break!"
Misaki leaned close, whispering teasingly, "What if I promise you something special?"
Kazuma's face turned red, his mouth twitching into a goofy grin.
"…Deal!"
The next day, the two sat in the doctor's office.
The doctor scanned Misaki's results and looked up with a calm smile.
"Congratulations. Misaki is two months pregnant. And judging from the signs—it's a boy."
Kazuma froze, stunned. "Y-you're serious?!"
"Dead serious," the doctor confirmed.
Kazuma's expression shifted from disbelief to sheer joy. He shot up from his chair, eyes shining. "A boy?! I—I'm going to be a father!"
Misaki giggled at his reaction, covering her mouth with her hand "And I'm going to be a motheeer. Yes!".
Later that night, the two lay side by side on their bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Hey, Kazuma?" Misaki whispered softly. "What should we name him? You know, the kid.".
Kazuma scratched his head with slight confusion. "Hm. In all honesty, I've got nothing. What do you think?"
Misaki thought for a moment before her lips curved into a smile. "You know, for some reason, I feel this kid of ours is going to be extremely strong. He's probably going to be like you when you were younger.".
Kazuma smirked softly "Look like your motherly instincts are starting to kick in.". They both kept quiet before Misaki said "I've got it, we'll call him Alex.".
Kazuma repeated the name under his breath, smiling warmly.
"Alex… yeah. That has a nice ring to it."
The next day, Ranpo(Their long time teacher/ 38 years old) sat in their living room.
"WHAT?!" Ranpo shouted, nearly spilling his tea. "Misaki's pregnant?! That's good news!"
Kazuma scratched his head nervously, smiling. "Yeah… I'm going to be a father in eight months."
Ranpo laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder. "That's wonderful! It makes me proud to see my students living happily after all the tough times they've been through."
Kazuma straightened his expression, suddenly serious.
"Ranpo-sensei… I want to ask a favor."
Ranpo raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"When my son is born… I want you to train him. Treat him like your own grandson. I mean, you were like a father to me, Sensei, so please… help raise him strong. Okay?"
Ranpo's eyes widened. For a moment, he was silent—then he burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?!" Kazuma asked, almost pouting.
Ranpo wiped a tear from his eye. "You fool… that was my intention all along! Of course I'll train the boy! I'll shape him into a soldier worthy of both his parents. And if he inherits Misaki's demonic powers, it makes it better. He's gonna be unstoppable!"
Kazuma smiled in relief. "Thank you, Sensei… this means everything to me.". Ranpo replied with a soft smile of his own "You're welcome.".
That night, in the skies of the Demon country, a figure was floating in the air overlooking the land. It was about a thousand feet high into the air.
His long white hair spiked wildly in the wind. His piercing blue eyes glowed. He wore a slim armor.
It was Zodia, the God of War and Chaos.
"I sense it…Four powerful sources of energy in this country. Even the mere civilians and soliders among them have incredible strength. This country… this clan…"
His lips curled into a wicked smile.
"…If I take that immense energy for myself, no doubt about it, I'll regain all my strength back. At long last… I will achieve my goal.".
End of Chapter 13.