The next morning, I headed to Babyls with Ameri. As usual, we parted ways upon arrival—she went off to the student council while I made my way to our temporary classroom. Strolling through the dark stone corridors adorned with singing gargoyles, I let Kira out to keep me company. His ears perked at the echoing laughter filling the building.
I have to admit, this school is quite fascinating. The air at Babyls is always thick with demonic energy, but there's also a youthful lightness to it that makes you want to stay.
As we passed near the garden, we heard voices and laughter. Kira glanced at me, then darted toward the sound like he'd just spotted the performance of the year. I had no choice but to follow.
What I saw felt like a gift from fate: young Alice was being used as a dog by a green-haired girl while Iruma laughed uncontrollably beside them.
I discreetly pulled out my phone and snapped several pictures. These would definitely come in handy someday—for light blackmail or maybe a birthday slideshow. Options were endless.
Alice must've noticed me.
"Cale, what are you doing here? You didn't see anything, right?" he asked, anxious.
"See what? Anyway, pleasure to see you, Iruma—and you too, playful young lady."
"N-nice to see you, Cale," Iruma stammered, clearly flustered.
"Hi, Red! I'm Clara! Let's play!" she shouted, bouncing on her heels.
From what I knew, Clara was basically a walking bubble of chaos, but I'd rather spend time with her than with the cannon-fodder goons crowding the halls. Plus, she could entertain both herself and my spirits. That's a two-for-one deal.
"Sure, but first, let me call some friends."
Clara's eyes widened as three glowing lights emerged from my chest, materializing into three different beings.
"Let me introduce them: the fox is Kira, the little fairy is Blanca, and the panther is Onan. Guys, this is Clara, Alice, and Iruma. Play nice."
Without hesitation, Clara scooped up all three and, from her bottomless pocket, pulled out a collection of playground equipment—slides, swings, balls, even an inflatable ogre-shaped bounce house.
While my spirits had their fun, I approached Iruma and Alice.
"Hey, Iruma, how's your new butler working out?" I teased.
"F-fine... I mean, Alice isn't my butler," he said, face flushed with embarrassment.
"Cale, stop pestering Master Iruma," Alice grumbled, arms crossed.
"Geez, Alice. If we weren't old friends, I'd say spring fever hit you hard," I sighed dramatically.
"You bastard!" Alice growled, conjuring a fireball—until Iruma waved frantically to calm him down.
Before we knew it, Clara had pulled us into another play session that left us all exhausted.
"Seriously, does she run on solar energy or what?" I muttered.
"I'm spent," I said, panting as I collapsed on the grass.
"Tired already?" Clara asked, as fresh as ever.
Seeing us completely drained, she reached into her pocket and handed out drinks and cookies like it was nothing. Iruma, curious, asked:
"What is that?"
"It's my family's specialty. I can make anything I've seen appear."
"Well, if it isn't Clarin," said a demon walking over.
"Yocchin!" Clara squealed, rushing to him.
"Good girl. Found some new owners?" he said, patting her head.
"Yep!"
"Owners?" Iruma echoed, horrified.
"Anyway, got anything to drink for us?"
Clara pulled out more drinks and snacks from her pocket, handed them over, and the demons left, laughing.
"You know, when I give them food, they're happy. And they even play with me!"
"But you're the first ones to really play this much with me. So... would you play with me again?"
"Of course!" Iruma said without hesitation.
"No, Master Iruma, you'll catch her stupidity," Alice grumbled.
"Azz-Azz is back! Let's play more!" Clara shouted, pulling out a life-sized inflatable dragon.
From a distance, I watched the scene. It was clear they were taking advantage of her, but I wasn't close enough to Clara to step in yet. Besides, a bit of conflict might help her mature.
The next day, we met up again. Clara, as expected, started pulling out games like there was no tomorrow. At one point, I decided it was time to shift gears and launched my plan. I'd plant the seed in Iruma—get him close to the piano and eventually start a band. I already had a few other candidates in mind, but that would come later. For now, I'd focus on the first and easiest prey.
"Clara, could you give me a violin?"
"Here you go, Red!" she chirped, handing it to me with a grin.
"I'll play something to help you relax."
I began to perform the Devil's Sonata. The attention of all six present immediately locked onto me. The wind and the sounds of nature complemented the performance, while Blanca helped amplify the music with an enchanted glow. It felt like the melody came from another realm.
As I watched Iruma's and Clara's eyes sparkle, I gave them a soft smile and moved around them, Blanca dancing beside me in a trail of golden sparks. My hair flowed in the breeze, catching the light.
When I finished, Clara, Iruma, and even Alice burst into applause.
"Woooow, Red, you're amazing!" Clara exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder.
"You play beautifully, Cale," Iruma added, starry-eyed.
"Seems your practice is paying off, huh, Cale?" Alice said, arms crossed, but with a hint of a smile.
"Yeah, I've worked hard. Say, Iruma, do you like music?"
"I do! I loved it."
"That's great. Would you be interested in playing an instrument? Maybe the piano? I'd love to perform with you. Please?"
"Alright, I'll give it a try," he said, clearly caught in my trap.
"I think we'll be great friends," I said with a smile.
[To be continued...]