The bedroom was steeped in warmth and quiet, Draconis and Mai tangled together in a haze of affection. Their lips parted slowly, lingering in the silence that followed—a silence so deep, they could almost hear each other's heartbeat.
Draconis's face stayed calm, but Mai, for all her usual queenly composure, couldn't hide the flush blooming across her cheeks. Even a star could look shy after a kiss like that.
"That's your reward," she teased, trying to regain the upper hand in their little romance.
Draconis met her smile with one of his own, eyes so gentle it was almost unfair. People always say love shows in your eyes—right now, his gaze was overflowing.
"If that's all I get, it feels a little stingy."
He murmured, fingers wandering with playful intent. Mai gasped, her face going scarlet.
"H-hey, I never said you could go there…" She tried to sound steady, but her voice trembled.
"Exactly. So I figured I'd take the initiative." Draconis grinned, stealing another kiss, savoring the sight of her blushing, beautiful face.
Mai's eyes shimmered with a hint of mischief and vulnerability. "Stop staring—it's embarrassing."
She covered his eyes with her hand, but he just laughed softly.
"Mai…"
"Mm?"
"Will you marry me?"
With her palm still shielding his gaze, Draconis felt a strange peace settle over him. His hands slid back to her waist, gently tracing the curve of her body.
"W-why are you asking that all of a sudden?" Mai's heart thudded hard, her composure crumbling under his directness.
Draconis's smile deepened. He'd never imagined himself seriously falling for someone, let alone saying the words out loud. He'd spent most of his life keeping things ordinary, blending in, avoiding real connections—preferring solitude, even if it meant sitting in silence.
He'd never felt lonely, not really. If anything, he hated the fake smiles and forced socializing that came with pretending to fit in. But life never lets you escape people forever; sooner or later, you're forced to play along.
So he'd worn his mask, faked his smile, tried to look average. But everything changed after crossing into this world.
Now he was a devil, surrounded by people who mattered—Rias, his master, comrades who'd become real friends. He had power to ignore social rules, to be himself. Yet, thanks to contracts, he still had to interact with others.
Draconis had changed. He showed his real emotions more often, stopped pretending. The smiles came easier now, and for the first time, they were genuine—because the world had given him reasons to care.
Maybe this was where he belonged all along. Compared to his old life, this world was vibrant, alive.
He let out a soft breath, gently moving Mai's hand aside so he could look her in the eyes.
"My life used to be empty and dull. But now, I think I came to this world just to meet you."
Mai tugged his cheek, a tiny frown creasing her brow. "Right now, you should say just me."
She knew he was a devil, that his master and companions were important too. He'd always been honest about that. But when it was just the two of them, she wanted to be the only one.
Draconis let her pull his face, grinning as her queenly aura returned.
Mai blinked, then smiled. "That's better. This smile suits you. When I first met you, I wanted to punch that fake grin right off your face."
She released him and snuggled close, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Sleep. And keep your hands to yourself," she ordered, full royal authority.
Draconis didn't argue. Devils might indulge their desires, but they could control them too. Right now, he preferred the sweetness of simple affection.
He could feel the contract pulsing with energy, fueled by Mai's emotions—by her love, mostly.
He understood, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Mai closed her eyes, pretending to sleep, but when she felt his kiss, a soft smile curled at her lips.
The power flowing through their bond grew even stronger.
Draconis couldn't help but grin. This felt like cheating.
Not wanting to waste the emotional energy, he began channeling it, syncing with his Sacred Gear, keeping the flow at a comfortable level as he meditated with Mai in his arms.
By dawn, Mai was still nestled against him, fast asleep. Draconis opened his eyes, golden patterns flickering in his irises—his gaze now a dazzling gold.
He hadn't slept, but he felt more energized than ever.
Carefully, he slipped out of Mai's embrace and stretched. The night's cultivation had paid off—his magic was stronger than ever.
"You're up early?" Mai murmured, her voice sleepy. His movement had roused her.
"Sorry. Did I wake you?"
She shook her head, smiling. "I slept plenty."
"I'll go grab breakfast, then I've got to head out."
Draconis climbed out of bed. With a flash of magic, black-toned clothes materialized on his body. Mai watched, propped up on her elbows, and laughed softly. "You really do look handsome."
"Obviously."
Draconis leaned down, kissed her lips.
"I'm heading out. Wifey, don't forget to get ready."
"…Hey, I haven't agreed to marry you yet." Mai's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't hide her smile.
Draconis just waved, grinning. "Heh. It's only a matter of time."
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