After the well-fought battle in the heavens, Maou and the others returned to Japan. As they made their way through the portal, Maou knew he's about to reach a new dead-end. He got too lost in his own train of thoughts. How did he feel about Chiho? Can he reciprocate her feelings for him? Sariel told him what it meant to love another person who's at equal footing with you. Emi noticed Maou giving himself a weary shrug to himself. That earned him a nice, hard smack to the head.

She asked, "Devil king, you okay?"

Maou rubbed the back of his head, glaring at her. "Without the pain in my head, then yes, I'm fine. Just thinking about stuff"

Emi took a deep breath and sighed, scratching her head. "It's about Chiho, huh?"

Maou became flustered, and he started waving his arms up and down, eyes darting around.

"…No, no, NO, NO!"

"Maou, you can't fool me," she crossed her arms, scowling at him.

Maou looks away.

"I don't really know how to reciprocate her feelings, but I think it's time I talk to her about it," his voice sounded down. Confused, even.

She nodded, "Well, just make sure you word everything nicely. You know how Chiho is. But-", Emi paused for a quick second, recollecting her thoughts, before smiling. "I think you'll make the right choice"

"Emi…," a glimpse of a radiant light passed through his eyes for a moment, and a warm feeling flooded through his chest.

Once they landed back in Villa Rosa Sasazuka, Maou felt weak, and his mind turned to mush. That smile that Emi gave him. Where has he seen it before? He remembered seeing it once after saving her back in Ente Isla, but he felt like he had recognized it earlier than that. He smacked himself, just to gather up a bit of composure in his system. Replying to Chiho's confession is what he needed to focus on right now. He quickly typed in a quick message to Chiho to meet up at the same café from their first date.

The following day at noon, Maou sat down on a table with Chiho next to the window, the same spot just like last time. The atmosphere was calming, and a soft, gentle jazz instrumental played in the background. The smell of brewed coffee wafted through their noses

"So, Chi-chan, how's your day?"

"Oh, it's been good. I'm so glad that everyone's safe and sound. Did anyone get hurt?"

"Oh, uhh, everyone's in good shape right now. I think I can finally chill in peace with no interruptions", he scratched his head, leaning back on his chair.

She tilted her head to the side, "Hey, I don't really understand how everyone thinks you're the 'bad guy'. Like, did you come to Japan being evil? There's no way"

"Japan just gave me an open eye", he laughed, then he slammed his palms down on the table.

"Anyways, Chi-chan, I called you today to answer your confession"

"Umm, confes-"

Chiho stopped, her breath hitched in her throat. Her mind was bouncing back and forth. Her heart was throbbing, as if a pro-boxer was using it as his own punching bag. She started to move herself back from embarrassment.

"Woah, wow, wait a minute, let me get myself together for a sec!", she took in deep breaths. She looked at Maou, and she clenched her fists.

"So…what's your answer?"

Maou stared Chiho in the eyes. He gulped.

"To be honest, Chi-chan, you've been there for us all the time. We really like you when you're around. You kept the group together. It's never awkward. I feel comfortable when you're around. I don't have to worry about getting my neck chopped off", they shared a laugh for a moment. "I've been thinkin' about this a lot, and I think I wann-"

And then it hits him. That smile.

The smile he was so eager to see. The memory played through his head of the journey he had with Ashiya. All the shenanigans that have happened when they arrived in Japan. It took him a moment to realize why the smile was so odd. The one radiant smile was what blew away the darkness from his heart. What made him feel uneasy after leaving the scene. Eliminating the hatred he had for humans.

He thought to himself, "so it was you…"

Maou looked up at her, taking a small sip of his water.

"Maou-san?," Chiho stared at him, oddly.

"I think… it's better if we stay as friends"

Tears began to fall from her eyes. Her mouth was open, but no words came out.

"I..."

"Chiho, it's just that, you're still young. I feel like I wouldn't be able to reach your standards at all. I don't think I'll be willing to pull a loan if we get married. But, no matter what, you're an important person in this group. It would be sad for all of us if I was the person to make you leave"

"…Thank you"

Maou's eyes began to widen in shock. What's this feeling inside his heart?

"Maou, you're the most wonderful man I have ever met. It just feels so hard to not make this like a one-sided love. But, I was really happy I was able to get an answer. I want to say thank you, but this feeling is just so frustrating," she finished, as she tried to wipe away her tears.

He rushed out of his seat and hugged her. Held her tight until the tears went away.

Later that day, Maou was walking Chiho back home. The atmosphere was cold, awkward. Chiho was being walked home with the man she just got rejected from.

She looked up at him and asked, "what are you gonna do now?"

He rubbed his head, "there is someone I really want to talk to and clear things up with. I'm focusing on that"

"Oh, really? Who?"

"I don't wanna say her name"

"So, it's Yusa-san," she chuckled.

He frowned. "Wait, what? How'd you know?"

"She's the only one who really hates your guts"

"Huh, that's true," he turned his gaze away from her.

Maou drops her off, and then they said their goodbyes. He casually looked up at the sky as he walked back home. One question flying around his head. 'How am I going to do this?'

"We need more fries, chop, chop! Maou, Emi pick up the pace!," Miss Kisaki yelled. If he knew any better, she might be even deadlier than a normal demon.

MgRonald's was being flooded with customers at seven pm. This was something that really the crew members weren't expecting. They thought it'd be a slow day, but they guessed things like to turn 180 sometimes. The meals were sent out flying. Burgers were being grilled with spatulas. More patches of fries being sent to the frier. Some of the customers complained about their meals. It felt like hell.

While all of this was happening, Maou has been thinking a lot about this week. Lately, Maou has been putting himself up with Emi. Nothing much happened between them, but they were being friendlier with each other. Maou knew they were just about to close up tonight and she had to pick up Alas=Ramus from Suzuno's place. He thought to himself, 'this has to be it'. No chickening out.

After the hell of a sudden night rush hour they had MgRonald's, they both quickly packed their stuff, setting out into the cold night.

Maou turned to look at her, "Hey, Emi, umm, ah, let's walk to the apartment instead of taking my scooter"

She frowned, "why?! We just had a hectic rush hour today. I'm really exhausted." Emi argued, stifling back a yawn.

"Well, my scooter is out of gas, so we gotta walk," he didn't wait for her and started walking down the street.

Emi blinked. Then she rubbed her face, sighing.

"I swear, you're the worst demon I have ever met. You're lucky that I'm tired. One of these days I'm going to chop your head off"

Maou smirked, "well, let's get home"

It was a dark, starry night. The sounds of crickets echoing through the quiet city. The street lights beaming down onto the sidewalks. Then a quiet tap, tap sound emerged.

"Why are you acting all weird?," she scowled at him, "Something's off."

"Me? What are you talking about? I told you the scooter ain't got no gas. Gas is pretty expensive"

"I swear there is no hope for you", he tried his best not to cringe at that.

Maou snuck a glance at her, and then turned his attention towards the sky, "the stars look really pretty tonight, don't ya think?"

She paused, then took a glimpse at the sky, "you know what? I think you're right."

As they walked, the mood was suddenly quiet. Maou's body began to stiffen up. His mind was boggling all over the place. He tried to think of what to say to start off a conversation.

Then it hit him again. Some place he's been wanting to visit. Some place no matter what will bring guilt to his heart.

He stopped walking and stared down.

Emi turned around and asked, "what's wrong now, idiot?"

Maou didn't respond.

"Look at this. You can't deny that you're not acting weird. What the hell's wrong with you?" she walked up to him, jabbing a finger on his chest.

"Hey, Emi," he whispered

"What?"

"Lets…", his body started shaking, turning his head away from her direction.

"Lets what?"

"Lets visit your farm in Ente Isla. Just you, me, and Alas=Ramus"

"Huh!?," she almost shouted.

This surprised her. Why does the devil king want to visit her farm? What are these intentions this devil had? Emi couldn't understand what was going on. She slapped a hand on her own forehead.

"Well I guess, we haven't had a family date in a while for Alas=Ramus." Emi points at him, " but if we go, can you stop acting weird?"

Maou raised his head and smiled.

"I don't know if I can promise that. I am the devil. It's my job to give you a hard time"

"Ugh," she sighed.

The next weekend, they took Alas=Ramus as they traveled to the farm. The place where she grew up and what kept her at peace. Emi never wanted to be a hero. She was just some normal farm girl who wanted to be like her father. The place was destroyed during the demon invasion. She lost everything that day including her father, whom she thought was dead. That is how she began to take revenge on Satan himself. However, her farm was back to normal thanks to her friends in Ente Isla. And now oddly Emi brings him to the farm which his army once destroyed.

Once they arrived at the farm, the breeze from the wind flourished throughout the land. The tall grass dancing along with the fields. The sunlight stretches over the horizon. They walked into Emi's house. Everything was still the same as she remembers it. This farm is something she holds dear to her heart. A tear fell out of Emi's eyes. Alas=Ramus noticed this and asked,

"Mama are you okee?"

"Yes, mama is okay. Mama feels really happy right now." Emi replied, wiping her tears.

On the other hand, Maou had a different reaction. Looking at Emi's farm filled him with nothing but regrets about how he handled his invasion. He could feel his own heart harden into stone. He felt like a failure. After they settled into the house, they went out on a family date. They went fishing and swimming by the river. Maou was the only one fishing while Emi was playing with Alas=Ramus. Swimming around and splashing at each other, Maou looked at Emi enjoying her time with Alas=Ramus. Seeing those emotions she didn't show around the others. Maou couldn't help but smile and nod his head.

Later that day, Emi was cooking dinner. She already packed food from Japan for Alas=Ramus. Whereas they were just going to eat the two fish he caught fishing. Then, they all sat down, a perfect picture of a happy family.

Alas=Ramus yelled out, "Thanks Mama! Thanks Papa!"

'Ah', they both thought, 'cute'

After dinner, Emi puts Alas=Ramus to bed in her bedroom. She walked outside and saw Maou staring down at the open field. She tip-toed up behind him, and once she was close enough, she asked,

"Hey, are you okay?"

Maou turned to look at her, and she just looked back at the field.

"Yeah, I'm doing okay. I just can't stop looking at the field"

Then out of nowhere, he asked, "you want to go walk around for a bit?"

Emi shrugged and gave a quick nod of her head as he stood up. They walked out to the fields in the dark.

The wind blew silently as they walked up the top of the hill. The stars flashed so brightly like diamonds. The sound of a howling wolf calling for its pack echoing through the forest. The grass brushing back and forth as the soft, gentle sound of water running down a river filled their ears.

They both sat on top, admiring the small, specks of light in the night sky.

"The stars are really bright tonight, right devil king?"

Maou kept quiet. However, he kept his eyes on her. The moon began to shine on Emi, illuminating her figure, making her skin glow in the dark. Her red, soft scarlet hair flowed along with the gust of wind, as she crossed her arm around her legs. Her eyes lost in the beauty in front of her. He gulped, clenching his fists before whispering.

"Hey, Emi…"

"What?"

"I'm sorry..."

Emi was shocked, but then she quickly regained her composure back

"You tried apologizing once. It's not gonna work on -"

Maou quickly cuts her off.

"No, I am so, so sorry that I ruined your life. I destroyed what was precious to you. I'm sorry you couldn't have a good childhood because of me. I'm to blame for all your hatred and loss of your happiness"

Emi just stared at Maou without saying a word. Then Maou realized what Suzuno told him after he told her about why he invaded Ente Isla. He started off once again.

"The reason I invaded Ente Isla was because my people were dying after I united the demon realm. I did all I can to build fear into people in order to get enough demonic forces for everyone. Of course, some of the demons didn't follow my orders. But I was never planning to wipe out humanity. I wanted to rule over them. In order to sustain a force to have my people live. I studied about humans a lot, tried to adapt to make everything go well. It really doesn't matter now since I'm just a failure. A failure to my people and to myself, the devil king"

Maou trembled, and water began falling out of his eyes.

"That's why Emi…I just wanted to apologize for what I did to you. To everyone"

Emi slowly stood up, gazing upon the moon.

"Thanks for telling me. I don't know…how I really feel right now"

Maou wiped his tears and looked at her quietly.

"With the things I have been through as a hero. I don't think once in my life I was able to do something for myself. Had the job to always help others. But why me though?", her voice cracked, and she started to shake.

"Why did I have to go through all of it? Why couldn't I choose the way I wanted my life to go. All the stress I put through in my head. I feel like some machine. No one's really there to save me. The one that did was the man I hated the most. I just feel useless sometimes..."

Maou quickly stood up and took Emi by the arms, and said,

"No, you're not useless, Emi. You are the hero. You protect the people who can't defend themselves. You are surrounded by people who love you no matter what. You are a better demon general than that hikikomori of a fallen angel. And lastly, you are the best mother Alas=Ramus could ever have"

She couldn't do anything but cry. Maou hugged her, holding her close. They stood there holding each other's pain as the wind whistled quietly. After the tears died down, she pushed him away.

"I don't understand. Why did you tell me all of this now?"

"Because it was you who took away the darkness in my heart" Maou replied

"How did I do that?"

"It was your smile"

Emi was confused.

"How does a smile have to do with anything with 'taking away the darkness in my heart?'"

"Well, I don't get it to myself either, but what I really trying to say is that…", he coughed, awkwardly, before saying, "I love you"

Emi froze. She couldn't comprehend what this devil just said. Maou poked at her cheek.

"Um, Earth to Emi? Are you ok-"

She punched him right in the gut, causing him to fall to his knees.

"Emi, what was that for!? That hurt!," He glared at her.

Emi began to rant, "you stupid demon! Poor man who can't be financially stable! Man who doesn't understand fashion! You selfish, cheap, chicken leg idiot!"

Maou felt a little degraded being roasted. This went on for five minutes. Then Emi stopped ranting and gathered her composure back. Maou stood back up, shakingly.

"So, I'm guessing that's a 'no'?" he asked.

Emi didn't respond. She crossed her legs and held her hands behind her back.

"I never understood how my mom and dad got together. But looking back at it now I guess I can understand. I can make that promise come true for Alas=Ramus"

"What are you trying to say?"

She took one last look at the moon, then she smiled at Maou.

"I love you, too," she chuckled.

He couldn't believe it. Did the Hero just say that she loved him? And, what exactly was she laughing at?

"Why are you laughing?"

"Because you cried to my mom before. Now you cried to me."

Maou felt a little embarrassed, but Emi quickly grabbed his hand.

"We both can start a new life together."

Maou just stared at her and blushed. They both smiled at each other.

"Yeah. Let's do this," he felt happy. Too happy. Even after pulling her in for a kiss, he was grinning.

She's so going to hit him again if she saw his face right now

Time skip ( 3 years)

In a tall corporate building, a tall muscular, handsome man entered the building. People stopped to stare and greet him. This man looked like a goddamn model, something straight out of a magazine. He walked up to the front desk and greeted the front desk attendant.

"Ah, good evening, Mr. Ashiya. How are you today?" asked the front desk attendant.

"I'm doing well. Thank you for asking. Is he in his office right now?"

"Yes, sir. He just finished with his meeting. I will let him know you are on your way"

"Thank you"

Ashiya walked quickly to the elevator to the 70th floor. Everyone stood up and bowed to Mr. Ashiya, others have turned to gawk at him. In front of him was a big office with the blinds closed. He opened the door.

"Maou- sama! Or should I say Mr. CEO ?" Ashiya shouted, teasingly.

Maou was looking over the city of Tokyo through the window, wearing an expensive-looking suit. He turned around and looked at Ashiya.

"Ashiya, please, no need to joke around. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you, " Maou laughed.

Maou and Ashiya were able to open their own company together. Ente Isla rewarded them expensive jewelry which they trade for currency in Japan to open their own company. The name they decided on was 'Maou INC'.

They gave each other a hug.

"So, why did you call me here today, Maou-sama?"

"Well, today is a special day for me. I've been thinking about these past few months."

Maou opened his top left drawer and showed Ashiya a small, black box.

He gasped.

"Sir is that-"

"Yep! It is what you think it is," he grinned

"But why tell me this sir? Shouldn't go tell her right now?"

"Ashiya, you have always been beside me even after we lost Ente Isla. You are the greatest comrade I could ever ask for. I don't think I would have survived this place without you"

"I am really flattered. So, what would you like me to do sir?"

" I want you to be my best man."

Ashiya couldn't stop but hug his king. No, not his king. His best friend. They both cried.

"Ashiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyya!"

"MAAAOUUUU- SAMMA! You can count on me!"

" Ashiiiiyyyyaaaaa!"

They both stopped, pulling away, and Ashiya looked at his watch.

"Well sir, I believe she is out now"

"Oh, shit, I need to get going!"

Maou started to dash out of his office.

"Maou- sama, don't forget this! And good luck!" Ashiya threw the black box towards him, and he caught it with one hand.

"Have fun with your date with Rika!" Maou shouted back as he sprinted down the hallway.

Maou just looked back to his apartment, as he got outside of the building. It started to rain. Maou thought to himself, 'man I just got this suit too-ahhhhhh!'

He sprinted past MgRonald's. He took a small glimpse and smiled.

"I wonder who works there now. The good old days"

Maou stopped at a crosswalk waiting for the stoplight to flash green. He looked around while his clothes were being soaked. Suddenly, a figure of a woman with an umbrella walked up behind him.

"You know, you should always bring an umbrella just in case it rains, idiot."

He jolted up, surprised, "Emi? What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean, what am I doing here? I knew your dumb ass would forget an umbrella"

"Let me hold the umbrella for you", she handed him the umbrella. "How was school?"

"It wasn't that bad. The classes were pretty short today"

"That's good to hear. Agriculture stuff sounds pretty tough if you asked me. But Emi, you remember this spot?", he chuckled.

She looked puzzled, "what's so funny? Of course I remember'

"I just remembered you tried…", by then, he lost it, holding onto his stomach for dear life, "killing me with a 100 yen pocketknife. Cops thought it was a lover's quarrel"

She elbowed him on the ribs, embarrassed.

"Maou, you're such a-," she couldn't help but laugh, too, "you're an idiot"

"I hope Alas=Ramus is doing okay?" he was bent down, holding his knees.

"No worries, Lucifer and Suzuno are watching her. She's waiting for us"

"Still can't believe me and Ashiya made that angel Head of Security, yet he wants to work from home. That boy's something else"

She giggled. "He's a no good demon general. But, you know, are you sure about Camio taking over your throne back in the demon realm?"

"Uh-huh. Besides Ashiya, that guy helped me unite everyone. He's definitely worthy of becoming the next ruler," he looked up at the gloomy clouds. "But, on the plus side, I get to live here and rule in the industry"

"With all the money we have now, why not move out of Villa Rosa Sasazuka?"

He shrugged. "Guess so, but I don't want to. That place has so many good memories. Same with this one, too"

"How?"

"Besides almost getting stabbed and Dullahan getting destroyed", Maou smirked at her. "I got to see you"

She blushed.

"Shut up, stupid", she elbowed him again, before changing the subject. "We should buy tickets for the Olympics to see Chiho"

"Oh, yeah", he took revenge on her and smacked the back of her head, "she's a pro-archer now. We gotta support her"

"What the fuck was that for!?, she screamed, rubbing her head.

Maou stared across the other side of the crosswalk.

"Emi."

"What?"

"Here."

Maou handed her the black small box.

Emi looked at him and then opened the box. In the box, was a silver ring with a red ruby.

"Oh my, this is gorgeous. When did you get this?"

"Uh, I had it for a while now. Do you like it?"

"it's beautiful, but our anniversary is not even here yet."

"This isn't for our anniversary"

"Then, what is it for?"

He took in a massive breath.

"I am asking you to marry me"

Emi was shocked. Her mind felt out of control. Her man was proposing to her in the rain!

"Alas=Ramus always wants us to be together forever, so I'm making sure I do just that. So I'm going to ask again. Will you marry me?"

Emi reached out and kissed him, hard, on the lips.

She replied, "of course I will. We're always going to be together 'til death do us part."

They both smiled and walked back together to Villa Rosa Sasazuka.

Author's Note: Hello! I hope you guys enjoyed reading my first fanfic. I had a really fun time writing this after the disappointment from the last volume of the series haha. I wanna thank Sicnarf123 for being an awesome editor for making this story better. If you have the time go check out his work. This story was how I picture how the series would end ideally. A lot of people were disappointed by the ending of the series, so I thought why not write this. I tried my best to make this ending feel like its canon to the series. Also, the reason I made the confession at Emi's farm because it's the place where she can really feel like herself. Not Emilia the hero, but Emilia Justina. The Umbrella scene... Iconic haha. This is my canon ending to the series which I am sticking with. I hope this can be yours too! Take care! Maou x Emi forever!