The Maiden Ameri arc is a pain in the ass. Just. Sorry for how choppy/messy this is gonna be. I've been trying to figure out how to write it for the two weeks I wasn't able to write, and I keep thinking of any and every arc but this one. FML, man.

Also, when it comes to Irumeanie's first appearance, the manga is much better at showing/expressing Opera's feelings than the anime. The anime is practically a disservice in comparison.

This chapter was a struggle and took three days to write, so please let me know if you enjoyed it!

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

A couple of days passed without Iruma being able to resolve his misunderstanding with Ameri. It was frustrating, but they had their own schedules so he hoped he could explain himself properly before long.

Then Kerori dragged him out behind their classroom, forced him into a dress, and they ended up accidently getting caught up in their struggle with one another. So of course, with his miserable blend of luck, he got caught by Ameri who was creeping around a corner just as he accidently shoved Kerori on the ground.

Being caught not only twice by someone he respected in girl's clothes, but shoving a girl down as if he was going to do something perverse-

His social life was over. He'd never get to explain himself, and Ameri would label him a pervert forever.

If Iruma didn't feel like throwing up from this whole mess, he'd have the mind to label Kerori a bitch and never look back. Unfortunately, the incident and his annoyance at the Akudol slipped right out of his mind the moment Ameri mentioned the suspension of his Battra.

Ameri's explanation was sound, and he was so caught up in how… not in trouble he was, that it took him being grabbed from behind and dragged off to be fitted for a uniform that he finally realized what was happening.

He felt pale and way out of his depth as he was thrown into the Student Council. He felt like a delinquent being chaperoned everywhere as everyone stared and whispered.

Why did this sort of thing keep happening to him?!

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

The first morning is a blur as Iruma learns the schedule he'll be keeping for the next several weeks on the fly. Wake-up routine, paperwork, exercise, cleaning and gardening, being forced to fix his posture- these were all high energy things and tolerable.

But the single red bean for lunch is pretty much where he emotionally snapped. He didn't give a shit about Ameri's reasoning for this forced fast. He cried to himself while clenching his knees. He wanted to eat! He could endure anything as long as he had food..!

Ameri took down a demon going into their wicked phase, who'd been about to eat another smaller demon. Iruma… could admire her strength and grit. He couldn't really complain about anything- he wasn't privileged enough for it. So he mentally examined her words, re-evaluated how the day had gone so far and was left speechless. Ameri was so strong and cool.

She was amazing.

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

After school Sullivan tried to spoil him, but Ameri thoroughly blocked him from delivering what he wanted. Iruma was impressed with her ability to say no to him and get away with it. She was definitely on the same level of respectability as Opera-san.

After a short misunderstanding, Ameri reminded him that it was their usual day to read Hatsukoi Memory.

The next few hours felt so much more comfortable and peaceful as he read to her. Iruma had the realization that Ameri had two very different sides to herself, and as she mumbled something under her breath.

Then her cup broke.

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

A few weeks passed, and Iruma had gotten better at understanding the flow of the Student Council's routine. He missed Opera's cooking, his grandfather's affection, and the peace of being able to care for his classmates by brushing their hair. He hadn't even had the time to take care of his daily routine with Asmodeus and Clara. His time was completely taken over by the Student Council.

The more he discussed various papers with teachers, Kalego-sensei in particular, the more amusement Iruma got out of it.

Kalego-sensei seemed entirely annoyed and put-off while having to deal with official business when he was involved.

Iruma also didn't mind greeting everyone as they got to school, or feeding the plants in the garden (and really, the gardening part kept him sane), and his posture had greatly improved.

It was the constant lack of food that was getting to him. He had no idea how his senpai could deal with being so hungry all the time. They offered him a Magic Circuit puzzle, but he just didn't have the energy to deal with it. After his two senpai got into a small spat, he couldn't help but ask why they'd ended up in the Student Council.

In the end, it's due to Ameri's charisma, and he can understand their feelings towards her.

Iruma vaguely acknowledges that Ameri is called out over the speaker.

It isn't until some time later, when Ameri has yet to return, when a Broadcast Division member frantically locates them to inform them that they'd never called for her. The Council Members immediately run to where she'd been summoned, only to find her knocked out on the floor.

When she comes to, she isn't the cold and strong Ameri they know- but a cute modest girl they don't know.

Iruma, along with the rest of the members, are baffled by this shift and immediately have a teacher look her over.

Momonoki-sensei asks her various questions while Kalego observes from behind. Iruma stays by Ameri's side through this, as he wants to make sure one of His- no, someone he respects- will be alright.

Momonoki-sensei pulls him aside after her examination and explains how the strange Magic is working, to cause her to be in Maiden Mode. It's messy, but it should eventually unravel.

Iruma is relieved to know that Ameri will be alright. He just needs to find the one who caused it.

A few days pass, as their schedule is completely upended by Ameri's new way of taking care of responsibilities.

Everything is so much slower- she's still diligent in her work, but she is cute, attempts to spoil them a little, and generally does her best.

Cutely.

It is a slow draining frustration- Iruma doesn't mind it so much, but he can see how it's killing his senpai inside. Ameri notices their silent frustrations and worries as well as she apologizes for the trouble she's causing. They immediately perk up and tell her everything is fine, as she takes their words at face value and returns to her work.

They all collapse the moment she's out of sight. "We're not okay, are we..?"

No.

No, they were not. Especially once Kalego-sensei warns them their Battra could be dissolved just like any other.

And then, Ronove Lumiere just had to throw a pile of shitty glitter on their mess and challenge them in a dissolution match.

Iruma feels a small amount of satisfaction when he slaps the bastard's hands away from sniffing and touching Ameri's hair.

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

Iruma is stressed.

He's used to it, but something is slowly building in his gut. He doesn't know it, but the sheen of his hair is fading, and his eyes are losing their brightness.

He hasn't had time to interact with his classmates, to receive affection from Asmodeus and Clara, to receive Mana from Kerori-

He hasn't been eating enough.

He has been part of the Student Council for nearly four weeks now, and the past three nights he has abruptly woken up nauseous.

It's a familiar feeling- not to this degree, but he knows it's because he's hungry.

He gnaws on his lower lip as he grips the edge of his covers by his face, to the point that his fingertips and knuckles turn white.

Iruma takes in an unsteady breath and tries to breath out his hunger. It's a forced self-hypnotism he's taught himself, from those days in the Human Realm when the weather was too bad to forage, and his parents hadn't come for him for weeks with a new job.

The winter was the worst time for it. He'd go so far as to eat tree bark. It was miserable, and the water took so long to boil so it could soften. It made his stomach hurt, but he could eat anything if it kept him alive.

'Eat.'

Iruma swallowed thickly. 'I can't-'

'Pup. You will EAT. WE are STARVING.'

Iruma froze before taking in a quiet breath. '...We?'

'You, Gluttony, and I are all reliant on what YOU provide. I can guide you to forage, but I cannot FEED you. YOU feed US. WE are STARVING. WE can't TAKE this ANYMORE. You are nearly out of MANA. You will DIE, pup.'

Iruma pushes himself up. He feels dizzy- Hermod isn't wrong. He'd suspected he'd been expending far too much energy for what little he was eating, but he forgot that he was connected to others.

He carefully slipped into some shoes and out into the hall. He glanced around, but Hermod urged him.

'I am the Lookout, You Follow.'

Iruma nodded, and followed the urgings of his wolf. Not once did he pass even a shadow of anyone as he made his way to the closest door to outside. He swiftly snuck into a small alcove of bushes and slightly overgrown grass where he immediately began feasting on the plant life beneath and around him.

The nausea that had begun to plague him ebbed off, allowing him to consume more and more. He immediately felt more energized, his muscles singing at the offering of something to use as calories for his overworked body.

He sniffs, and realizes that in his frenzy he's started crying. It's been a while since he'd last had to forage for food, so it's no surprise that this would make him think of back home a little too much.

The taste of green is familiar despite the tang of flavor that denotes just how different the Netherworld is.

Iruma doesn't know that Western and Quichelight have followed him while using Anti-detection Warding glasses. Hermod knows, but doesn't care. So long as they don't stop Iruma, they can observe in horror all they want.

They are hungry, and they will not allow Iruma to succumb under the watch of their paws.

After a half an hour of eating while moving from place to place as to not so obviously decimate the bushes and grass in the area, Iruma stands to return to his bed.

There is a rustling, and Iruma's eyes gleam gold in the reflection of misdirected light. There is silence.

Iruma sniffs the air, scents the fading trail of his two senpai, and frowns.

Iruma silently slips back into bed after ten minutes, having washed up a bit from the dirt and grass, and immediately falls asleep.

His senpai don't mention anything, and Iruma continues his foraging throughout the day and night at Hermod's insistence.

xXx-xXx-charm-xXx-xXx

The preliminary speeches for the dissolution match begin.

Iruma calls Asmodeus and Clara and asks for help with their investigation, they have too much work, and Iruma needs all the help he can get.

He's surprised when Ameri pulls him gently to get his attention and to ask him for a moment.

He goes alone with her, and is told to wait in a room.

Time passes, and Iruma gets nervous before Ali reveals himself for the first time since his stint with the Student Council began.

Iruma understands Ali's frustration with him, but he sincerely asks, "Please help me understand the Magic the president's affected by!"

So Ali explains some of the ways Magic can affect others. In this case, the Magic that was possibly used to modify a part of her personality is losing its effect, and that they just need to wait it out.

There's a knock on the door, and Ameri returns in her regular clothes. Iruma's spirit rises for a moment, before Ameri collapses in embarrassment. He places a cloth over her shoulders as she wallows that she'd hoped dressing like she used to would help her.

The two of them settle against the wall, and Ameri speaks her mind. "If things continue as they are, I'll lose this election. Because of me, everyone's having a hard time…" She continues to lament, and explains that Iruma is the only one she can say these things to.

She knows of all the work they've done in her place.

She smiles sadly, "I like everyone in the Student Council. They sincerely care for me, and their loyalty is precious and makes me feel warm inside. But, their respect and care is for my previous image!" She turns to him as fearful desperation causes tears to spring in her eyes, "I… I'm scared! I can handle everything in school, and it's not because I'm not confident I can do it! I'm just scared of failing! And because of me, you guys will be mocked because of my incompetence! I'm afraid of not living up to everyone's expectations!"

Ameri crawls over to him, and Iruma shifts back onto his backside, nervous and concerned about her intensity as she looms closer to him.

"Instead of allowing you guys to be mocked, I'd rather run away and resign, return to being a normal student, and enjoy our peaceful days drinking tea and eating cookies while reading." She smiles with a small flush, "If you can accept the current me as I am, then I'll stay like this forever, and together side by side-"

Iruma gently pushes her back and states with conviction, "That's just an empty idea, all I'm interested in is ambition." He flushes. These are her own words being returned to her. "You're always honest to your ambitions. To seek out your ambitions, to overcome difficulties- that's what people like about you most! Just do what you want, and make sure it's what you want." He shifts to his knees, "If you can't do that with the Student Council, it's fine to resign. I say this, because everyone has said they are following Ameri, not the person who is president."

Ameri sniffles, But I'm very timid now and can't give instructions-"

Iruma smiles, "That's alright, we'll support you!"

Ameri waffles, "But…"

Iruma gently cups her face to make her look at him, "Raise your head, because it's fine. Despite the change in your personality and appearance, you still chase after your dreams to make them come true. You are a wonderful girl!"

Ameri flushes, and Iruma abruptly realizes he's cupping her face. They're both flustered with his forwardness, but she is relieved. She extends her hand, "I'll do my best, can you have my back?"

Iruma takes her hand, "Of course!"

A few days pass, and the final match for the Dissolution process begins.

Iruma doesn't know it, but it's in that moment, as Ameri regains her confidence, after the Magic slips away-

Ameri realizes that perhaps, she is a girl in love.

xXx-xXx-quiet-xXx-xXx

For the weeks Iruma is living at Babyls full-time for the Student Council, a disquiet creeps in.

Opera doesn't notice it at first- it's a familiar thing they'd lived with unknowingly for years.

It's around the third week that they realize just why they're so bothered by Iruma's absence, and it makes them call an immediate date night.

They don't want to acknowledge the possibility that they've become attached to their Ward. He isn't their child, and it makes their stomach roll with guilt that they could ever make room for another when they'd lost their own kit.

That they were still processing their previous circumstance.

They run a shaky hand through their hair as they stand at Kalego's door. They take in a deep breath and taste the air.

They needed something. They didn't know what they wanted. They had to tell them.

Opera knocked, and Kalego was swift to open the door and step aside. The smell of food awoke their hunger, yet they pursed their lips as they made their way over to the table.

Kalego frowned and placed a gentle hand against Opera's lower back, "What's wrong?"

Opera's skin felt stretched thin. They didn't know. They actually did know. The words were a jumbled mess.

Shichirou stepped over to them in concern, "...Opera..?"

Opera took a deep breath as tears welled up in their eyes, their voice was weaker than they wanted. "I remember."

Kalego's hand stayed firmly in place on their back as Shichirou's eyes widened while he asked, "What do you-"

Opera took a step forward and buried their face into Shichirou's chest as they clung to him and dug trembling nails into him, "The curses abruptly came undone in an agonizing cacophony of noise and I remember everything and it hurt so much and I just don't understand why and I feel so guilty that maybe I love Iruma-sama more than I ever had the chance to love my own child and I'm scared I'll never find them because what if they died and that's why I remember and I just-" Their voice broke into a keening whine as they lost some of their strength as Shichirou held them to his chest.

Shichirou glanced at Kalego in a small panic. Kalego himself was still mentally processing and sifting through Opera's confession before he moved around to sit on the nearby couch. Shichirou followed his lead and gently coaxed Opera into the other's lap.

Opera was loose-limbed as they allowed Shichirou to pass them off to Kalego, swiftly burying their nose into the crook of his neck while whimpering softly and nudging him as if begging for forgiveness. Kalego had no idea why Opera was asking such a thing from him, but he sighed softly and responded to their urgings by nuzzling their face and gently wiping away their tears.

Shichirou went off to brew some calming tea as he contemplated Opera's present circumstance. He also prepared a small plate of finger foods so that they could coax Opera to eat. They seemed slightly thinner than they should be and Shichirou was concerned.

Kalego took in a deep breath, "You are mourning."

Opera nodded with a sniff, "Why else would I be freed of that weight, unless my child had perished at the hands of the humans who used me?"

Kalego frowned, deeply unsettled. He understood their logic entirely, yet his inner dog was obstinate to the idea.

The pup still lives.

How would Keroberos know, if he hadn't had contact with the pup since they were brought into his blood?

The dog didn't answer, but merely took in a deep breath and chuffed, as if the answer should be quite clear.

Kalego closed his eyes in annoyance at his blood. Their inner dogs could be so temperamental.

Shichirou settled nearby and handed over a small plate to his partner. Kalego took it from him and set it in Opera's lap before picking up a small slice of meat, "Eat, Opera."

Opera's eyes cracked open, but there was little desire there, "No."

Kalego placed the offering against their lips, "Your pup still lives, now eat." There was a grumbling under his tone, the sort that meant his dog was pressing against his skin instead of contained deep within his bones.

Opera was obstinate for a moment in a glaring match with him before they opened their mouth and allowed him to feed them.

They glared at him the whole time they chewed, but Kalego simply glared back and continued to feed them until the small plate was empty.

Opera huffed softly as they swallowed their last bite before they shifted to be more comfortable between the couch and Kalego. They exhaled heavily as they hid their face into his neck again.

Shichirou hummed gently as he took the small plate from Kalego and set it beside him, "I apologize for being a little lost, but we haven't had the chance to talk for a while." He looked at Kalego, "Iruma-kun is the Chairdemon's grandson?"

Kalego nodded, "He's one of my students in the Misfit class."

Shichirou nodded as he fiddled with his mask. "Opera… how long has Iruma-kun been living with you?"

Opera was quiet for a long moment. They probably shouldn't speak of the specifics, but they couldn't get around Shichirou's Buzzer. "Since the evening before the entrance ceremony."

Kalego stiffened beneath them, "What?!" Shichirou started at the tone of his voice, as Opera flinched deeper into his neck and began whining again. Dammit.

Kalego took in a deep breath before exhaling on a count. He pulled his dog back, but it was getting difficult. He shifted Opera closer to himself and nuzzled them in an attempt to calm them from his anger. He wasn't angry at them, but at the Chairdemon.

Shichirou shifted uncomfortably, "So Iruma-kun was immediately enrolled into school without having the chance to decompress and get used to your household?"

Opera nodded.

Shichirou leaned back slightly. That was…

That was definitely something the Chairdemon would do.

"You aren't usually quick to warm up to people." Excluding Kalego and himself…

Opera exhaled as they nodded, "I am not."

Shichirou frowned, "Kalego-kun..?"

Kalego was thinking. "He's a weird kid, but his classmates warmed up to him pretty quickly, considering their backgrounds."

Shichirou tilted his head, "What do you mean?"

Kalego hummed, "...Iruma is strangely… kind. I've noticed that his classmates desire his attention and approval."

That wasn't normal, but perhaps led to how Opera could become attached to him. He had charisma.

Shichirou nodded, "I see…" He looked to Opera and handed over the cup of tea he'd brewed earlier. They adjusted themself so that they could take it from him and drink it properly.

Shichirou took an extra moment to think, "I won't say I understand the situation fully, but since you are the Chairdemon's Security Devil, and because Iruma-kun is now a part of your house, it would be natural for you to care for him and possibly become attached. Especially if he's able to cause others to gravitate towards him…" He shifted his mask a bit, "If it isn't too much, could you explain in further detail about what happened when you recovered your memories?"

Opera was contemplative for a moment before they nodded. They set down their tea for a moment before they shifted themselves out of Kalego's lap and sat properly beside him. They were still pressed against him, but they weren't sitting on an awkward angle anymore. They picked up their tea and took a deep drink before holding it in their lap, "I was nearly done washing the dishes after dinner when I was struck with a piercing pain in my head. I felt the Curses activate, and I panicked. I know I knocked over several dishes as I tried to keep my bearings, but I believe I collapsed at that point. I was screaming and crying, but I couldn't see the world around me anymore because Memories and feelings were being shoved back into my brain and it was… It was terrifying. I couldn't make sense of anything for some time, before I slowly began to feel a light pressure on my shoulders. I heard gentle humming from above me, before Iruma-sama called for me. He tried to coax me to the living room, but I needed to get to my nest. I… I took him with me."

Shichirou blinked, "You brought Iruma-kun into your nest?"

Opera nodded as they continued, "I know it wasn't wise, but after we settled at the end of my nest I… I eventually told him that I'd had a child, and he comforted me. I don't know how I would have handled the situation if he hadn't been there, but I…" They rubbed at their eyes, to try and not cry over it again. "I think it helped to have a child of similar age as my kit there, so I wouldn't fall into a Wicked Phase from the stress of it all."

Kalego was baffled. Iruma had no signs whatsoever of dealing with such heavy information. He was still the fluffy student that had somehow grabbed everyone's attention. How had he managed to not become stressed by that sort of information, no matter how unspecific it was?

Opera took in a deep breath before exhaling softly as they set down their tea and gently grasped their partner's hands, "I need something from you two, I just… don't really know what it is." They looked between the two of them, awkward and soulful, "Please dote on me."

Kalego blinked. …Oh. "Of course."

That was easy enough.

xXx-xXx-rough-xXx-xXx

Iruma was greeted with a welcome back party the moment he left the Student Council and returned home. His grandfather was more than happy to dote on him, asking him if he needed anything. Opera was also rather excited to have him home, no matter how much they dialed it down, as they gave him one dish after another while asking after his wellbeing. He was full of positive emotions as the two poured affection upon him.

He knew for certain now that Sullivan and Opera really loved him, if they missed him so much while he was at school.

However, Iruma was getting slowly confused by a few scents he was picking up off of Opera. He could swear he could smell Kalego-sensei on them, but they shouldn't have much of anything to do with one another, right..?

There was also another scent- one that was faintly familiar in a passing sense. It took him a while to connect it to the room with Opera's nest. That lingering scent of fresh greenery belonged to the demon who'd made it for them.

Their scents were skin deep on Opera, and he managed to keep a straight face until he had time for himself in the bath. He flushed, sinking into the water as he tried his best to keep his mind from wandering too far into undesired territory.

He didn't need to know, he didn't want to know, but who was the owner of that third scent!?

It was driving him crazy! It was familiar! He Knew that scent, as if it were somethingsomeone he'd known long, long ago, before he could remember.

He rubbed his face harshly with water before huffing while running his hands through his hair.

'...Do I smell like that when Kerori gives me Mana..?'

He'd die of embarrassment if he carried her scent like that.

He doesn't know that he tends to carry his classmate's scents on him after grooming them.

Iruma got dressed for the night and flopped onto his bed with a sigh. Ali came out of the ring to tease him a little, "A big welcome home. Hm~?"

Iruma chuckled softly as he shifted to his knees, "Yeah, everything's been so busy lately, that I can't even relax after getting home."

Ali snickered, "You must have it rough!" Ali then teased Iruma some more by transforming into Irumi and informing him of the special video on Kuromu's website. Iruma couldn't help but bury himself into his bed in embarrassment as Ali continued on, "Performing as an Akudol, the Student Council, dissolution election, those were all valuable experiences, weren't they?"

Iruma sighed as he shifted and flopped back under the covers, "That's true but…" He was dozing off, "The cause of Ameri's change in personality, Wicked Phases, there's so much about demons… that are unfamiliar to me… I need to learn… more…"

Iruma fell into a peaceful slumber as the past several weeks caught up to him.

He has no idea he won't wake up the same.

xXx-xXx-wicked-xXx-xXx

"Good Morning~ Iruma~Kun~!"

Iruma buries his face into his pillows. He doesn't want to wake up. Sure, any other day he'd happily sit up and take whatever drink and snack Opera probably brought with them to wake him up, but dammit, he wanted to sleep in a bit more!

He clicked his tongue as he pushed himself out of his amazingly comfortable bed and glared at his frozen grandfather, "You're seriously making quite the ruckus so early in the morning, gramps."

Opera looked white as they dropped their tray.

Iruma glared at the mess before Opera and Sullivan swiftly cleaned it up before leaving him. Opera's voice was shaky as they stepped out, "Breakfast will be ready shortly, Iruma-sama."

"Uhn."

The door shut. Iruma stretched languidly for a moment before shuffling off to get ready for the day.

Hermod and Ali were quiet, but that was fine. He went to clip his ears down before pausing.

His hair was darker. How was his hair darker? He shrugged, used Cherusil on the clips to make the color match, and clipped them down. He stretched out his tail and massaged the kinks out before wrapping it around his waist.

The day I no longer have to hide pieces of myself can't come soon enough.

He stretched one more time before going downstairs to the table. He normally wore a white shirt, but he just wasn't feeling it, so he went with a black v-neck t-shirt. He kept his usual shirt in his bag just in case, but otherwise enjoyed his breakfast while reading a lame ass newspaper while Sullivan cried.

He almost felt bad for making Opera nervous, but eating was all that was really on his mind, so he asked for seconds and continued reading.

Soon enough it was time for Asmodeus and Clara to pick him up, so he had the carriage prepared for them. He passed off his bag to Asmodeus, and patted Clara on the head.

He missed them, and he'd dote on them in whatever way he liked without restraint.

He was quietly pleased by the scene he made after arriving at school. Clearly everyone knew something was different today, but that was all the better for him. Let them gawk.

After arriving in the classroom, he immediately felt a chill, but settled into his seat and kicked back. Asmodeus was quick to begin massaging his shoulders, which felt great cause his wings were making his shoulder blades ache pretty badly. He hadn't had the chance to groom them- he should visit Sabnock's soon. He'd missed the chance to go during the past month.

"Alice, I'd like some tea."

Asmodeus pulled back, flustered. "Ali- Yes! Of course!"

The pink haired demon scurried off to make the desired beverage. He was swift to heat up some water for his master, but he couldn't help but think over what might've led to this change.

Suddenly he remembers the moment Kerori pulled him and Clara aside during their investigations.

"Have you two been around Iruma lately?" Asmodeus and Clara shook their heads in the negative. "So you haven't even had the chance to have him brush your hair or anything?"

Again they shook their heads. Kerori pursed her lips in thought, and Asmodeus couldn't help but ask, "Why are you asking?" Was she just as jealous as they were about not getting enough attention?

Kerori was quiet for a moment longer before looking between the two of them, "I'm concerned. Iruma's hair has been getting duller, and I'm afraid he'd not getting sufficient food or Mana."

Asmodeus straightened. Iruma-sama's hair was becoming dull? He… he hadn't taken the time to notice. He was overwhelmed with the chance just to sit with him in class, that he hadn't really

looked at his friend. "What do you mean?"

Kerori rubbed her arm awkwardly, "It's just- I know his food is being restricted while with the Student Council. If he's not hanging out with anyone outside of class, then I'm pretty sure he's using up all of his energy and Mana everyday just to keep going. I'm worried he might be-" She paused, before shaking her head and looking up to them pleadingly, "If you get the chance, try to give him your Mana through passive contact, okay? I'm really scared for his well-being."

Asmodeus finished preparing the tea and made his way back to the classroom.

He'd forgotten about her worry, and now Iruma-sama had fallen into a Wicked Phase. He'd have to pay closer attention now, to see if his hair was dull or if his eyes seemed to lack brightness. They were dangerous signs of fatigue that could be deadly.

He handed the cup to Iruma, and the boy took it with a small thanks.

Iruma hummed as he took a sip before setting it down and shifting before looking over to Clara who'd been called over by Lied, "Clara, it's cold." He patted his lifted bent knee. Clara was flustered by what he was clearly asking, but came over anyway. She waffled, but Iruma was impatient and pulled her into his lap. He patted her head, pleased that she was close to him while sipping tea, before glancing at Jazz, "What? We're not making an exhibition of ourselves for your entertainment."

Jazz disagreed, and Asmodeus shuffled over with a blanket to try and help him stay warm.

Iruma's nose wrinkled as something unpleasant wafted in, "Something reeks."

Of course, he knew about how the other classes were too lazy to bring their garbage to the dump. He himself moved them half the time- why everyone was acting like he had amnesia was beyond him, but whatever.

He glared at the pile of trash and Cast La Fire to incinerate it. He was annoyed that his pack was being disrespected. "I don't like this at all. This is my class, and my territory. If Ranks are so important, they're disrespecting us, when we have several fine demons of good Rank. I'm tired of others seeing us as a laughing stock, so we're moving out of this barn and into a castle."

He grinned as he set his plan into motion.

He put on his usual white shirt and shifted his jacket to his shoulders, before parading his class through the school.

Others would come to respect them. Iruma wouldn't let his pack be treated so poorly from now on.

He called a meeting with Kalego, who was bewildered by his behavior.

Seriously, they were demons. They did bad things, how was anything Kalego was saying they'd done wrong, wrong?!

Of course, it wasn't until Iruma challenged Kalego that he got close enough to pick up the man's scent, and those mingled with his.

How did no one else notice it? Did people just not pay that much attention to him? He reeked of Opera and the other scent he didn't have a face for.

He wanted to shake the man for answers, but at Kalego's counter-offer of three days for full faculty approval, he took his hand and slapped it with a smile, "No take backs, purge ya!"

Irumeanie was a man on a mission, and no one was going to keep him from obtaining his goal- not even his reluctant classmates. The pack would fall in line as he made use of their unique abilities. He'd convince them while using their desires against them.

By the end of the day, after getting their first signed permit, Jazz could only flush in amazement at Iruma's cunning.

While unrestricted, the guy really knew how to manipulate their emotions, didn't he..?

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Irumeanie knew there would be a few easy wins for him. His first order of the day was to manipulate his grandfather by acting cute while asking to have his paper approved.

Easy peasy screamy wheezy.

After arriving at school, he passed various sheets off with instructions to each classmate. He explained the plan to each one, and everyone agreed on the targets assigned to them.

"Iruma-kun?"

Irumeanie turned to the janitor he helped daily. "'Sup old man?"

The janitor was getting a little more feeble these days. "I need help lifting some things-" "I'm kind of busy right now…" "And the planting-" "What?! But there's no more room!" "It's fine! It's fine~!"

Irumeanie grumbled, but agreed to help out anyway. It wasn't as if he disliked gardening anyways. The timing just sucked a little bit, but oh well. It seemed he had a slightly better eye for these sorts of things than the janitor.

Irumeanie dismissed everyone to their assignments, and he went to assist the janitor. The sun was a little brighter than usual, so after working outside for a few hours, he made his way back to their classroom where he plopped down on the floor with a tired sigh to cool off as he closed his eyes for a bit.

There was a rustling of paper, and Irumeanie turned to the sound.

He blinked at the few pieces of paper being held out by the lavender haired demon- 'Ah, right.' Irumeanie reached over, "Thanks Purson-kun."

The other boy nodded before disappearing. Irumeanie blinked. The guy was quiet, but as he checked the four papers over, he'd done a good job. He nodded to himself.

He didn't know what ghosts liked, but he'd try and find something good as a reward.

Maybe a horn decoration? He had horns, and he seemed capable of touching things.

Irumeanie nodded to himself as he started a small pile, and added his grandfather's paper to it.

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Irumeanie doesn't remember falling asleep, but when Kerori screams, he jolts awake in a slight daze.

Kerori is flustered as she snaps out her question, "What are you doing!?"

"Napping." He pulls himself out of his papers and reorganizes them. He was aware of some of them, but clearly some of the guys had found the fact he was sleeping on the floor funny and buried him in their pages.

Once he realigned all the pages they'd collected, along with the six Kerori brought, he was pleased by their progress.

Kerori frowned, "Wouldn't it be easier for me to convince some of the teachers if I showed them my other side..?"

Irumeanie frowned as he kept his eyes on their papers, "You don't want people to know you're 'Kuromu' here, right? It's fine to stay as you are."

He doesn't notice her surprise or blush at his response. He has no idea of the oddly dignified aura he's giving.

He's simply focused on his goal, but Kerori gains more respect for him because of his words.

"Well, this is a critical point, especially considering those two teachers." He stands up and pulls out his phone to call Quichelight, "It's do or die, so I'll be going to the front lines."

It was time to request further help from the Student Council.

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Irumeanie is confident he can get Ameri's help.

He'd nervous. He hasn't seen her for nearly a week, but he knows he can convince her.

Ameri greets him in the usual room they use to read, though today it's for business.

He intently observes her, and she seems just as nervous as he is. Good.

"I understand what you're here for, but I need to understand why you're doing this."

Irumeanie nods, "I understand you can't just give your support without basis. And while it's true that our class is full of abnormals, I want everyone to see how outstanding they all are!" He stands to get closer to her before trapping her in her seat with his passionate speech, "I find myself jealous of how free-spirited they all are as they follow their desires! I understand the value of Royal One, and I want everyone to acknowledge that we're worthy of it! That we are outstanding demons as well!"

Ameri is flustered beneath him, and she nods at his explanation. "Alright, I'll give you a letter of recommendation!"

Irumeanie is pleased, and the moment he gets what he desires and has a moment to himself, he slips down the wall and collapses while tugging his tie off to open his jacket and cool off. "I was pretty nervous, but it's all or nothing now-"

He eventually collects himself and returns to class where the others are waiting, "We got 'em, just one more to go!"

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Through the miracle of being a total pushover and a generally good guy, Iruma obtains Royal One.

He had no idea the school staff had come to rely on and appreciate him so much, since the majority of people he'd ever helped had done nothing more than say 'Thanks' and leave him behind his whole life. He can't help but laugh at the irony of his victory.

When he goes home for the night, there is a buzz of excitement in his veins. He can't wait for those doors to be unsealed tomorrow, and to enter his new classroom.

They all fought for it and earned it together.

Sullivan and Opera were hesitant to ask, but Irumeanie was quietly more than happy to take a selfie with his family. Though honestly, he still couldn't figure out why everyone was so jumpy around him. So what if he was more unrestrained than usual? Was he really that scary like this..?

Well whatever.

Irumeanie settles into bed, contemplating all of the ways he could spoil his classmates tomorrow. He'd have to ask for some hand and arm massages, with all the hair brushing he'd need to do.

His chest is a little tight, and there's a building warmth and-

He sniffs and rubs at his eyes harshly. He shouldn't cry over it but-

Irumeanie can't help but grip his chest as he clenches his teeth while covering his eyes. He allows himself to be overwhelmed for a moment by the faculty's gratitude towards him. That his kindness had been reciprocated for once. That he hadn't even asked, but they'd known he'd need more than what he'd calculated for, and had been more than happy to support him.

Kalego wasn't wrong, he and his pack needed to put more thought behind their actions.

But… He'd never had such an outpouring of support towards himself.

It was the biggest, most heartfelt gift he'd ever received.

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The interior of Royal One is fantastic, but it doesn't amount to much. That's not to say he isn't grateful- he's incredibly grateful that he and his pack managed to obtain this space.

But he wasn't interested in the furnishings, but what it meant to be able to enter this historic classroom.

The opulence can wait.

There is only one thing he's interested in, and it is that seat.

He doesn't know why it draws him in, but the moment his eyes settle upon that gold and red throne, he is magnetized.

A hush falls over the room as he speaks lowly to himself, "Looks like there's something good here after all."

Irumeanie hops into the Missing Demon King's seat, and looks over his pack with pride. They are mesmerized, and he can't help the grin on his face.

The seat feels like his rightful place.

It's like he's found something he's dropped, no matter how fleeting the feeling is.

He Has Returned To What Is His.

Irumeanie leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees while interlocking his fingers under his chin. There is a mischievous smirk on his face, his eyes piercing as he looks over his pack. "So who wants their reward first?"

The stillness and awe is broken. The Misfits scramble to figure out an order of assembly. They fight and nearly start throwing Magic around before Irumeanie snaps his fingers. The Misfits freeze, and Iruma huffs, "Alice and Clara are first and second. We'll follow the rotation we had scheduled before I went to the Student Council. Sound good?"

The Misfits nod, and Iruma hops off the King's seat.

"Let's find a more comfortable room."

Nap room number two fits them all, and Iruma takes two hours to get through all of them, as Jazz and Gaap take turns massaging his cramping arms and hands.

Eventually, everyone falls asleep despite the regular school hours. Their excitement over their victory and sleeplessness getting to them.

Irumeanie's still a bit confused about Purson, but he manages to snatch the ghost before he can escape, and trap him despite being glommed between Asmodeus and Clara.

Iruma can't see him when he wakes, but he can still feel the pinch of cloth between his fingers.

xXx-xXx-sober-xXx-xXx

The next day greets Iruma with an embarrassing amount of social regret and emotional exhaustion.

Ali pops out of the ring, particularly energetic. "Good morning, Iru-boy! You're fi~nally back to normal! You to~tally had me panicking! I used up way more Mana than I thought! Even I'm amazed at how terrifying my power was!" He couldn't help the slightly manic laughter he let out as he poked the now (seemingly) docile teenager. "Se~riously! You scared me so much I couldn't come out-"

Iruma snatched him with tears in his eyes as he emotionally cried out while shaking Alikred, "Why'd you go and do something like that!? 'Cause of you I-I did all the m-mean things! I wanna crawl into a hole and die! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO!?"

"Ah, so you do remember everything." Damn. He'd hoped the kid wouldn't remember his four days of terrorizing the school with his altered personality.

Iruma finally let Alikred go and started getting ready for the day while having something of a panic attack. He grumbled complaints and regrets to himself the entire time as he got dressed. The flush of embarrassment wouldn't leave his face and ears as he made his way down to breakfast. "G-good morning, Oji-chan, Opera-san… I'm so, so sorry-!" Sullivan cut Iruma off with a glomp hug as he sobbed into him and hugged him tight.

Opera dabbed their eyes from behind him. They came close to his side and patted him on the head gently, "It's good to see you well this morning, Iruma-sama."

Iruma nodded, tears of embarrassment still in his eyes, but it wouldn't keep him from eating Opera's amazing cooking.

Asmodeus and Clara were over the moons that he'd returned to normal, as he profusely apologized to them as well.

He got to school and immediately went to formally apologize to Ameri for the abrupt kabedon while being pushy- ('Wait, that's what he's apologizing for-?!'), and for causing such a ruckus.

Eventually Iruma drags himself back to Royal One and prostrates himself on the ground while apologizing to everyone for working them all so hard the past few days.

The Misfits are confused as to why he's so sorry for everything when they all got such a great reward out of it, but…

Jazz extends his hand as a peace offering to Iruma, "It was fun, right?"

Iruma can't help but feel a flush of excitement as he looks at his classmate in wonder as he confesses, "...Yeah, it was."

Lied snatches Iruma's arm to drag him towards the throne, "Iruma-kun, over here!"

Iruma can't help but be surprised, 'I got closer to everyone..?'

Lied sets him on the throne before pulling back and joining in as the others start to praise him while he cries from embarrassment.

"Yo, your Majesty!" "That's my seat tomorrow, Iruma!" "Now make a pose-"

The class eventually calms down enough for them to gather around him and take a class photo to remember this moment by.

Iruma is fourteen when he obtains the Royal One, and gains full respect from his Pack.

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