Ameri clutches her phone tightly, her knuckles turning white as she listens to her father's voice—calm, authoritative, and completely unmoved by her request. She had expected resistance, maybe even the usual fatherly lecture about "staying out of adult matters." But his outright refusal? That was unexpected, and it stings in a way she hadn't prepared for.
"Ameri," her father's voice echoes from the phone, firm and final. "I understand your concern, but this is not a request I can honor. This matter is already under control and, frankly, out of your jurisdiction."
She clenches her jaw, inhaling sharply through her nose to keep herself from snapping back. "Father, you know that Kerori wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. We need someone trustworthy in Baal's circle. Do you even understand what's at risk here? There's a reason we're taking this so seriously."
Her father sighs, but there's no softness in it. Instead, it's filled with the weight of a truth he isn't willing to share. "Ameri, listen to me: your concerns are noted, but they're irrelevant to my decision. The situation is being handled. You, on the other hand, should focus on your studies and the responsibilities you've taken on at Babyls. You have your own challenges to face without involving yourself in affairs far beyond your rank."
The word rank hits her like a slap to the face, cold and unyielding. Rank—his polite way of saying she's just a student, not worth troubling with details. She opens her mouth to argue, but she knows it's futile; her father's voice has that uncompromising finality to it, the tone he uses when no further discussion will be entertained.
"Is that all?" he adds, and the question is so impersonal, so distant, that it feels like an insult.
Ameri swallows hard, biting back the frustration threatening to spill over. "Yes. That's all," she says, her voice tight. Without waiting for a response, she ends the call, the screen going black in her hand.
She stands there for a moment, the silence pressing down on her like a weight. Her chest tightens, emotions churning beneath the surface—anger, frustration, and a deep, simmering resentment that her own father would dismiss her so easily. But she forces herself to keep her expression neutral, to rein in the storm raging inside her.
A nearby student glances her way, sensing the tension radiating off her, and Ameri stiffens, gripping the phone so tightly she fears she might crack it. Without another word, she spins on her heel and strides down the hallway, her steps quick and precise, each one an effort to dispel the mounting frustration inside her. She doesn't want to lash out, not here, not with so many eyes on her.
Her heels click against the polished floor, a steady rhythm that she tries to focus on, letting it ground her, calm her. But it does little to ease the sharp sting of her father's words, and by the time she reaches her private office, her patience has frayed to a thread.
She opens the door, shuts it behind her with a firm click, and lets out an irritated sigh, raking a hand through her hair as she paces the length of her office. The room is neat, organized, every book and paper perfectly in place—a stark contrast to the frustration boiling over inside her. Her hands tremble slightly, and she clenches them into fists, her nails pressing into her palms as she takes deep, even breaths.
"Out of my rank…" she mutters bitterly, the words laced with sarcasm. It feels ridiculous, the way he had brushed her off, as if she were still a child with no concept of the dangers looming over them. Did he really think so little of her? Did he really believe she was too naïve, too untested, to understand the weight of what was happening?
She walks to her desk, gripping the edge tightly as she stares down at the papers scattered across it, each one a reminder of her responsibilities, her role as student council president, as someone her peers relied on. She had earned their trust, their respect. So why was it so hard to earn the same from her own father?
Her gaze drifts to a framed photo on her desk, one of her with her father, taken years ago. He has his arm around her, his usual stern expression softened into a rare smile. She remembers that day, the pride in his eyes, the warmth of his arm around her shoulders. It feels so distant now, like a memory from another life.
A knock at the door startles her, and she straightens, forcing the frustration from her expression as best she can. "Come in," she says, her voice steady but strained.
The door creaks open, and Kerori peeks in, her eyes wide and cautious, as if sensing the tension lingering in the room. She steps inside, closing the door behind her, and gives Ameri a concerned look. "Are… you okay?"
Ameri lets out a shaky breath, forcing a tight smile as she waves her hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Just… family stuff." She tries to keep her tone light, but the bitterness seeps through, and Kerori's expression softens.
"Is this about the favor I asked?" Kerori asks quietly, her eyes searching Ameri's face. "You… you don't have to keep pushing if it's causing you trouble. I can find another way. I shouldn't have asked you in the first place."
Ameri's jaw tightens, her fists clenching again as she shakes her head. "No, it's not that. It's… It's him. He just… he refused. Said it's being 'handled' by someone else, and that I shouldn't involve myself. That it's beyond my… rank." The word comes out as a sneer, the memory of it rekindling the frustration she'd tried to suppress.
Kerori's gaze turns sympathetic, and she reaches out, placing a gentle hand on Ameri's arm. "He's only trying to protect you," she says softly, her voice careful. "You're his daughter, after all. Maybe he thinks he's shielding you from something dangerous."
Ameri lets out a bitter laugh, shrugging off Kerori's hand as she starts pacing again, her anger simmering too close to the surface. "It's not about protection, Kerori. He doesn't see me as capable, as someone who could actually help. I'm just… just a child to him. Someone he has to keep out of the way." She stops, taking a shaky breath, her shoulders tense. "I'm not asking for special treatment. I just want him to see that I can handle this, that I can make a difference."
Kerori watches her, her eyes filled with understanding. She crosses the room, standing beside Ameri, her voice soft but firm. "You do make a difference. To me, to everyone at Babyls. You're a leader, Ameri. Your father might not see it, but… we do." She places a reassuring hand on Ameri's shoulder, squeezing gently.
For a moment, Ameri's anger ebbs, replaced by a flicker of gratitude. She looks at Kerori, a small, genuine smile breaking through the frustration. "Thank you," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means… a lot."
Kerori's smile is warm, her hand still resting on Ameri's shoulder. "We're all here for you, Ameri. And if you still want to pursue this… we'll figure something out."
Ameri's gaze hardens with renewed determination, a quiet fire sparking in her eyes. "Yes," she says, straightening, her chin lifted in resolve. "If my father won't listen, I'll find another way. Baal's plans aren't going to wait for his approval, and neither am I."
Kerori nods, her own eyes glinting with a quiet resolve. "Good. Then let's start planning. Whatever it takes, we'll protect each other—and the Netherworld."
Ameri watched as Kerori stepped out of her office, with a pensive expression. Her words had calmed her down, but only for a moment. The second she was on her own, Ameri's call with her father echoed in her mind, making her temper rise.
She marched out of the student council's room and angrily stomped towards her private steps into her private tearoom. Only to stop in her tracks, eyes widening in surprise. Seated comfortably in one of the plush armchairs near her desk is none other than Iruma. He's completely at ease, his feet planted firmly on the ground, his eyes trained intently on the manga in his hands. The very same series that had brought them together and revealed a world beyond their Netherworld chaos. He's so engrossed that he doesn't even look up right away, flipping through the pages with a familiar, focused expression.
Finally, sensing her presence, Iruma glances up, a soft smile brightening his face. "Oh, Ameri-san! I hope you don't mind—I let myself in. I needed a quiet place too, and I thought…" He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought maybe I'd find some calm here."
Ameri's initial surprise melts into a genuine smile, the tension of her day easing just a bit. There's a comfort in seeing him here, in knowing he felt her office was a safe space for him. "Of course, Iruma-kun," she says, chuckling lightly as she shuts the door behind her. "It's funny—I was looking for the same thing. It's been… a frustrating day."
She crosses the room and sits in the chair across from him, letting out a long sigh as she settles into the soft cushion. For a moment, they sit in companionable silence, the familiar, comforting scent of old paper and the sight of the manga between them bridging the space. She can feel the tension easing from her shoulders, and, for a moment, it's almost as if they're back in simpler times, where all they had to worry about was sharing favorite manga scenes and navigating the whirlwind of student council duties.
Iruma watches her with a gentle curiosity, his smile softening as he closes the manga and sets it on his lap. "You looked upset when you came in," he says quietly, his gaze sincere. "If… if you need to talk, I'm here to listen."
Ameri glances at him, his earnestness catching her off guard. There's a calm strength to his words, a warmth that makes her frustration feel less overwhelming. She sighs, resting her chin on her hand, and gives him a small, appreciative smile. "Actually… yes. I just spoke with my father." She pauses, her fingers tapping against the arm of her chair. "I asked him for a favor—to deploy a spy to keep tabs on Baal's ranks, as a precaution. But he… he refused."
She doesn't miss the way Iruma's eyes widen just slightly, the surprise evident before he quickly regains his composure. His face shifts into one of sympathy as he listens, nodding encouragingly. "What did he say?" he asks gently.
Ameri lets out a huff, her gaze turning distant. "He said it was already being handled and that it was… beyond my rank." She bites her lip, the frustration creeping back as she remembers the cold, dismissive tone her father had taken with her. "He wouldn't tell me any details. Just shut me down, as if I were… irrelevant."
Iruma nods slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I'm sorry, Ameri-san. That must have felt… dismissive." His tone is quiet but empathetic, and there's a sadness in his gaze, a hint of understanding. "It's hard when someone you care about doesn't see your strength the way everyone else does."
Ameri feels her heart ache just a little at his words, touched by the sincerity and wisdom beyond his years. "Yes," she admits softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know why it bothers me so much. I'm used to people underestimating me. But… when it's my own father, it's different. I want to make him proud, to prove that I can protect the things I care about."
Iruma listens intently, and then, after a moment, he reaches across, resting a gentle hand on hers. His touch is light, warm, grounding, and she feels her breath hitch just slightly. "Ameri-san," he begins, his voice filled with quiet conviction, "I may not understand everything that's happening right now, but I can see how strong you are. And I know how hard you work to protect those around you. Your friends, the school… even me. You're already doing so much."
A blush dusts Ameri's cheeks at his words, and she looks down, her usual confident demeanor softened. "Thank you, Iruma-kun," she murmurs, her heart pounding a little faster. His words touch something deep inside her, a part of her that craves recognition for the battles she fights every day.
Iruma, sensing her vulnerability, gives her hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it, leaning back in his chair with a small smile. "Actually," he continues, his voice thoughtful, "there's something I should tell you. My… my grandpa has already taken steps to address Baal's actions. He's placed someone close to Baal's ranks to keep an eye on things. So, even if your father refused, the issue is being looked into."
Ameri blinks, her eyes widening in surprise, and she can't help but let out a breath of relief. "Your grandfather… already knew?" She lets the words sink in, feeling a weight lifting from her shoulders. "I should have guessed. Lord Sullivan doesn't leave anything to chance." A small smile crosses her lips, her admiration for Sullivan growing as she takes in the news.
Iruma nods, smiling. "He doesn't tell me much, but I know he's doing everything he can. He cares about keeping the Netherworld safe… and he cares about keeping me safe." He hesitates, a shy smile tugging at his lips as he glances back at Ameri. "But I think it means a lot to him that you're looking out for me too."
Ameri's cheeks warm again, and she looks away, her gaze settling on the bookshelf across from her as she tries to mask her embarrassment. "I… I just want to do my part," she mumbles, her voice soft. "We're friends, Iruma-kun. And friends protect each other." She glances back at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Whatever happens, you can count on me."
Iruma's smile widens, his expression filled with a deep, quiet gratitude that makes her heart flutter. "Thank you, Ameri-san. That means a lot to me. Really." His voice is warm, and for a moment, the room feels lighter, the tension of the day dissolving in the shared understanding between them.
They sit in a comfortable silence for a while, both of them lost in thought. Ameri's frustration fades, replaced by a sense of calm, of reassurance. She feels her purpose solidify, a resolve to protect Iruma that burns stronger than ever. He has his grandfather's support, and now, she knows he has hers too—fierce, unwavering, and willing to defy anyone who stands in their way.
Finally, Iruma reaches for the manga again, flipping it open with a gentle smile. "You know, reading this really helped me relax today," he says, holding up the book. "It reminded me of how we first met. I remember how serious you looked, talking about all the heroic things in it. I was so… inspired by you."
Ameri chuckles, reaching for her own copy, and flips to the page where the hero makes his vow to protect everyone he loves. She holds it up, and their eyes meet over the familiar panel, each of them reflecting a quiet strength that speaks of shared goals and mutual respect. "I was serious, Iruma-kun," she replies, her voice warm, her eyes gleaming with a renewed fire. "And I still am. Heroes protect their friends… and they don't give up, no matter how tough the battle."
"Then… let's keep protecting each other, Ameri-san. Whatever comes our way." Iruma nods, his smile growing, his eyes shining with admiration. "You know, you were one of the first to know the truth about me," he says quietly. "That I'm… human. When you found out, I was afraid. I thought you might reject me, that you'd see me as an outsider, as something I didn't belong here." He pauses, his voice catching slightly as he recalls the fear and uncertainty that had once plagued him.
"But you didn't. You… you accepted me," he continues, his tone filled with awe and gratitude. "You saw past what I am and believed in who I could become. You were one of the first to see that I could be more than just some human pretending to be a demon. You believed in my potential… even when I didn't believe in it myself."
Iruma's cheeks flush slightly, but he holds her gaze, his voice growing softer but no less sincere. "Thank you, Ameri. For seeing me for who I am, and for believing in me. I wouldn't be here without you."
As Iruma's quiet words settle in the room, Ameri feels her heart skip a beat. The vulnerability in his voice, the raw gratitude, catches her completely off guard, and she finds herself momentarily lost in his gaze. She's seen Iruma brave dangers, lead his friends, and shoulder responsibilities with a gentle resilience, but this—this soft admission of his fears and gratitude—touches her deeply.
He's thanking her, she realizes, for something that feels so natural to her, something that was never a question. "Iruma-kun…" she murmurs, her voice barely a whisper. She swallows, gathering her thoughts, then leans forward, resting her hands on her knees as she meets his gaze earnestly. "You don't have to thank me for that."
Iruma tilts his head slightly, curiosity sparking in his bright blue eyes. "But I do, Ameri-san," he insists gently, his voice as steady as his gaze. "You were the first to see me as… more than just a human in the Netherworld. When I told you the truth, you accepted it. You saw something in me that even I wasn't sure of back then."
A blush rises to her cheeks as she remembers the awe and wonder she had felt when Iruma had first confided in her, revealing the secret of his human heritage. She had expected to feel disbelief or even fear at the revelation, but instead, she had felt an overwhelming sense of admiration. There he was, a human among demons, not only surviving but thriving, inspiring those around him with a quiet strength she hadn't seen before.
She clears her throat, trying to steady herself, and finds her voice, soft but unwavering. "I saw a young man with so much strength, so much kindness," she says, her tone filled with the sincerity that has always defined her. "You've taught me what it truly means to be a hero, Iruma-kun. To face fear and still keep going. To be both kind and strong, even in a world that's… chaotic and unforgiving." She pauses, letting her words hang between them for a moment, and Iruma's expression shifts, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
"Ameri-san…" Iruma's voice is a little shaky, touched by her words, and he glances down at the manga still resting on his lap. "I… I don't know if I'm that heroic," he murmurs, his cheeks dusted with a faint blush. "I just… I just want to help the people around me. To make their lives a little better."
A small laugh escapes her, and she shakes her head, her eyes shining with a mix of amusement and admiration. "And that, Iruma-kun, is exactly what makes you heroic. It's not about power or titles. It's about having the courage to care, even when it's difficult." She pauses, feeling her own cheeks warm as she gathers the courage to say the rest. "I think… I think that's why I've always believed in you. Why I know you're going to be a great demon, no matter what anyone else says."
Iruma's eyes widen, and for a moment, he's utterly speechless, staring at her as if he's seeing her in a new light. His hand hovers over the manga, but it's clear his thoughts are far from the pages in front of him. After a moment, he finally speaks, his voice soft and filled with wonder. "Ameri-san… you've always been so supportive of me, even when I didn't understand why. I guess… I guess I just want you to know how much that's meant to me. It's given me strength in ways I can't even explain."
The intensity of his gratitude leaves Ameri momentarily breathless, and she feels her heart pound with a mixture of pride and something else, something that makes her stomach twist in the best possible way. Her hands clench into fists, a fierce determination welling up inside her. She wants to protect this feeling, this bond between them, no matter what.
"I'll always support you, Iruma-kun," she says firmly, her voice steady. "No matter what challenges come your way, I'll be there. I may not be able to face every danger with you, but I'll do everything I can to help you… to make sure you have the strength to keep going."
Iruma's smile softens, and he reaches out impulsively, placing his hand gently over hers. The warmth of his touch startles her, but she doesn't pull away, finding a strange comfort in the simple, genuine connection between them.
"Thank you, Ameri-san," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I'm so grateful to have you by my side. I don't know how I would face all of this without friends like you, friends who see me for who I am."
They sit there, hand in hand, a quiet understanding passing between them. For a moment, the weight of the Netherworld, of Sullivan's plans, of Baal's threats, fades into the background, leaving only the warmth and reassurance of their shared resolve. Ameri's heart races, but this time it's not from frustration or anger. It's a feeling she doesn't want to name, but it fills her with a warmth she hasn't felt in a long time.
A soft knock at the door breaks the moment, and they both pull back, cheeks flushed. Iruma clears his throat, glancing toward the door, while Ameri straightens, brushing her hair back to compose herself. The door opens to reveal one of the student council members, who looks between them with a mixture of curiosity and amusement before delivering a stack of papers for Ameri's review.
"Thank you," Ameri says, her voice calm but with a new lightness to it. She takes the papers, glancing back at Iruma as the council member exits, leaving them alone once more.
"I guess that's my cue to get back to work," she says, a small, wistful smile on her face. "But… thank you, Iruma-kun. For coming here today. I think… I really needed this."
Iruma smiles back, his gaze warm and understanding. "I did too," he admits, his tone soft. He stands up, tucking the manga under his arm. "We'll keep looking out for each other, Ameri-san. And… I'll keep being the best Iruma I can be."
As he heads to the door, Ameri watches him, her heart swelling with pride and something she doesn't dare name. She knows, deep down, that this is only the beginning of the challenges they'll face, but in this moment, with Iruma's quiet strength giving her renewed purpose, she feels ready to take on anything.
Iruma pauses at the doorway, glancing back at Ameri, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He seems almost hesitant, like there's something on his mind that he's been holding back. Finally, he lets out a quiet breath, as though summoning the courage to speak.
"Ameri-san…" he begins, his voice soft, almost uncertain. "I… I wanted to tell you something. It's… it's about how I see you."
Ameri looks at him, caught off guard by his tone, her curiosity piqued as she stands in attentive silence. His gaze meets hers, earnest and open, his blue eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and sincerity that makes her heart skip a beat.
"You're not part of my 'pack,' Ameri-san," he says, his words gentle but steady. "Not in the same way as Lied, Sabnock, Clara, or the others. You're…" He hesitates, as if searching for the right words, and then his face brightens, his smile widening with a rare, quiet confidence. "You're my equal. Someone I admire and look up to. And… I think you'd be an incredible leader for the Netherworld someday. Someone who could even… join the Thirteen Crowns."
His words hit her like a bolt of lightning. My equal. The weight of the phrase sinks into her heart, filling her with a fierce, overwhelming pride. She had always aspired to be seen as a strong leader, someone capable and worthy of respect, but to hear it from Iruma—someone she admired and cared for so deeply—makes it feel more real, more profound, than she ever imagined. His belief in her feels like a gift, a validation that no title or rank could ever give her.
She opens her mouth to respond, but finds herself speechless, her throat tight with emotion. In all the visions she's held of her future, the ambitions she's fought for, she had always imagined standing in positions of power, yes—but never had she envisioned herself standing alongside someone like Iruma, someone who saw her not as a student council president or a peer, but as a genuine equal.
A surge of conviction rises in her chest, strong and undeniable, her admiration for him crystallizing into something deeper, something more profound. Her heart pounds with a fierce loyalty, one that transcends words, filling her with a clarity she can't ignore.
Without another thought, Ameri takes a step forward, her eyes never leaving his as she lowers herself to one knee, bowing her head in a gesture of solemn respect. It's an instinctive movement, but one that feels right, as if every part of her being is drawn to this vow.
"Iruma-kun," she says, her voice steady but filled with the quiet strength of her devotion. "Know that I am yours to command. I pledge myself to you, to support and protect you in whatever path you choose to take in this world. Whether as your friend, your equal, or something more." She lifts her head, her gaze fierce with conviction. "I swear this on everything I am."
Iruma's eyes widen, and he steps back in surprise, his face a mix of awe and disbelief. "A-Ameri-san…!" he stammers, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "You don't have to—there's no need to kneel! I-I'm not a king or anything. I'm just… me!"
But Ameri remains resolute, her gaze unwavering. "No, Iruma-kun," she says gently, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "You are much more than just yourself. You are someone who has the potential to change everything, to lead, to inspire… to become someone this world can look up to. I see it. I have seen it from the beginning. And I will be here, by your side, ready to stand with you through whatever comes."
Iruma blinks, his expression softening as her words sink in. He's speechless, his usual easygoing smile replaced by something deeper, a gratitude and wonder that he struggles to put into words. His hands fidget at his sides, as if he's unsure of what to do, how to respond to this level of trust and devotion. And then, slowly, he reaches out, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and grounding.
"Ameri-san…" he says, his voice a whisper. "Thank you. I don't think I'll ever understand why someone like you believes in me so much, but… I'll do everything I can to live up to that trust. I'll work hard so that one day… maybe I'll be worthy of it."
She looks up at him, her heart swelling at his words, and she feels a quiet pride settle in her chest. She knows he means it—that Iruma will push himself, not out of ambition or pride, but out of a pure, unshakable drive to protect those he cares about. And she, in turn, will be there to help him, to watch over him as he finds his path.
Standing up slowly, she places a firm hand on his shoulder, mirroring his gesture. "You already are worthy, Iruma-kun. And don't ever forget it."
He nods, his smile returning, this time with a hint of determination that shines through his usual gentle demeanor. "I won't. Not with someone like you reminding me." He laughs softly, his cheeks still tinged with a light blush, and for a moment, they both share a quiet, contented smile.
Ameri feels her cheeks warm under his gaze, her usual composed exterior melting in the presence of his quiet gratitude. She shifts slightly, the weight of the moment pressing on her, but there's nowhere she'd rather be. "I'll hold you to that, Iruma-kun," she replies, her tone light but carrying an undertone of earnestness, a reminder of the vow she's just made. "Because this… this dedication, this promise? It's not something I give lightly."
Iruma's eyes soften, and he gives a small nod, looking down as if to steady himself. "I know. I've always known how much… everything means to you. It's one of the things I've admired about you from the start. Your strength… your drive." He lets out a small chuckle, glancing up at her with a bit of his familiar, boyish charm. "You know, sometimes it feels like you're more of a hero than I am."
Ameri laughs, the sound breaking the tension and making the air between them feel lighter, as if they're both pulling each other back from a cliff edge. She places a hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow at him with a playful glint. "Well, maybe you're rubbing off on me, Iruma-kun. You've already turned half the Netherworld on its head—what's one more determined demon?"
He laughs with her, and for a moment, it's just them, sharing an easy silence as the weight of their earlier conversation settles into something comforting, a warm understanding that words can't quite capture.
After a pause, Iruma clears his throat, his gaze turning more serious, though his smile remains. "Ameri-san, there's… something else I want to say." He shifts, rubbing the back of his neck, the nervousness breaking through his calm exterior. "I know things in the Netherworld are getting more complicated, and I might not always know what to do, but… having you here, knowing you believe in me like this—it gives me strength I didn't even know I had."
Ameri feels her heart swell, and she finds herself mirroring his movements, bringing a hand to the back of her own neck in an attempt to hide the blush that's creeping up her cheeks. She had always known she wanted to support him, but hearing Iruma admit that her belief in him makes a difference—makes him stronger—is almost overwhelming.
"Iruma-kun," she says, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "I know it's not easy for you, having to navigate all of this… chaos. But even when you don't know the right path, trust yourself. Trust that you're capable of making the best choice for everyone who cares about you."
He nods, his smile growing wider, and she sees a determination in his eyes, a spark that reassures her as much as she hopes she's reassured him. His hand, still lingering at her elbow, squeezes gently before he lets go, stepping back with a shy smile.
"Thank you, Ameri-san," he says, the gratitude in his voice deep and genuine. "I won't forget that either."
The words settle between them, a quiet promise, a pact that feels like it's tying them together in a way that goes beyond titles or ranks. It's something rare and unspoken—a bond that they both feel but don't need to define. Ameri can feel it in the way Iruma looks at her, a mixture of respect and admiration, and she knows that she would go to any lengths to protect him, to ensure that he can fulfill the potential she sees in him so clearly.
They stand there for a moment longer, neither willing to break the silence, as if the weight of their connection holds them in place. Finally, Iruma, always the one to break the tension with his genuine warmth, lets out a small laugh. "I guess… I should get going," he says, looking a little sheepish. "Before we both end up late for our next meeting."
Ameri smiles, finding comfort in his easy demeanor, his ability to bring a sense of normalcy back to even the most intense moments. "Probably a good idea. As much as I'd like to keep you here, I wouldn't want the rumors spreading about the president and her… long meetings."
He laughs, and they share a brief, amused look before he turns to leave, waving over his shoulder with that gentle, reassuring smile that she's come to treasure. "See you soon, Ameri-san," he says, his voice light but filled with that unmistakable Iruma warmth.
As he walks out of her office, Ameri watches him go, feeling an uncharacteristic softness in her chest, a warmth that lingers long after he's gone. She stands there, alone in the silence of her office, her mind drifting back over the conversation, the pledge, the words they shared.
And as she takes her seat, a sense of purpose settles over her. Iruma is out there, facing unknown challenges with that unbreakable spirit of his, and she is determined to support him, to protect him, and to see him through every hardship that lies ahead.
She knows that there will be difficult days, moments where doubt and darkness may threaten to overshadow him, but she'll be there, a steadfast ally, a constant friend. And one day, if he's ever crowned, if he ever takes his place as a ruler in the Netherworld, she'll stand by his side, as his equal.
For now, though, she lets herself sink into the quiet, a small smile on her lips as she remembers the way he looked at her, the quiet reverence in his eyes that told her she was exactly where she was meant to be.