Volume 1: Chapter 1 - Part 4Author: Geraint
After I removed the parasite that was draining the young girl's life force, the doctor suggested we bring her back to his clinic to ensure she was truly safe. We got into his car and drove back.
"I want to thank you for saving my daughter," the woman said from the backseat, cradling her unconscious child wrapped in a blanket. "But what exactly are you? You have supernatural abilities beyond this world."
I glanced out the window. "Well, I'm actually from another world. Lilith and I were fleeing the Demon Army when we accidentally got transported here."
"That sounds like something out of a fantasy story. I should be shocked, but after getting involved with Himiko, I've seen things no normal human should—ghosts, demons, and evil spirits. Here, they're called Yokai," the doctor said, his face pale.
The woman responded, embarrassed, "You're the only person I can turn to."
The doctor grumbled, "Listen, Seir, Himiko's always been a loner—never had friends growing up. I'm the only one she trusts, and that's been hard on me."
"Hey! I do have friends! I just don't want to put anyone in danger, so I chose to be alone!"
"What about me? How many times have I nearly died because of your demon extermination work?"
"Didn't I save you just in time? Stop whining—you're being uncool."
Their bickering continued, reminding me of the first time I met them—already arguing, even though I couldn't understand them then. I guessed they were lovers or something.
"Wait, you two aren't lovers?" I asked.
They glared and yelled, "We're not!"
We reached the clinic. The doctor checked the young girl again and confirmed she was fine. The mother visibly relaxed.
I returned to the ward where Lilith rested, watching over her.
"You really care about her. Is she your sweetheart or something?" the doctor peeked through the curtain.
"It's not like that," I sighed. "She's been by my side since I was born. We grew up together. She's my servant and family—the only one I truly trust."
"Did you come from a rich family in your world?"
"Rich? More like, I'm the son of the current Demon King."
The doctor's cheek twitched in disbelief.
"Seriously? Demon King?"
I smiled confidently. "Before arriving here, I fought my father, the Demon King, in a duel. I defeated him but failed to kill him. The Demon Army branded us traitors and chased us."
He trembled, backing away, pale as a ghost.
"What's wrong?"
"Are you really some kind of demon prince?!" His fear was obvious.
"Yes, but I don't eat humanoid creatures. That's disgusting."
He relaxed a bit. "Okay…"
"About the deal. I spoke with Himiko. She agreed—you'll live with them after your servant is discharged tomorrow."
I recalled their living conditions and doubted they could provide for us daily. It would be a huge burden.
"You made the deal. You're responsible."
He rubbed his forehead. "I'm not the one who asked for help—it's them."
"Yes, but you sealed the deal. I doubt they can support us. Have some pity."
"Fine! I'll handle the finances. But you'll live with them. I can't take care of you; I live alone and am always busy."
"Shouldn't you find a partner? You're about the same age as her."
He froze, then sighed deeply.
"Between us, since you revealed yourself—I used to date Himiko. But while I was studying abroad, we quarreled over the distance. She never contacted me. When I returned, I found out she had a child by another man, and we never officially broke up. So, don't remind me of the past."
His confession stunned me, and the room grew heavy.
"Sorry…"
"Goodnight," he said, closing the curtain and leaving.
The next day, Lilith was discharged—no sign of illness. The doctor drove us back with the mother and daughter, though tension hung between the adults.
The daughter, sitting beside me, fidgeted, cheeks flushed. I asked about her family.
"Shiina, where's your father?"
Her eyes widened, sadness washing over her. "I don't know…"
"What do you mean you don't know—"
Her mother interrupted angrily, "Her father ran away when I got pregnant. Don't mention that man again—I don't want to talk about that bastard!"
The doctor called her name quietly, and she looked frustrated.
We arrived at their home. The doctor left some money with us and told the mother to contact him if we needed more. After we said our goodbyes, he drove back to the clinic.
"Come inside," the mother invited.
We stepped into our temporary home.
(To be continued.)