As promised, Iruma and Asmodeus found Clara shortly after arriving at Babyls.
To call it "playing together" would be generous. It was more like Iruma dominating every game without breaking a sweat. No matter what they played, he never hesitated—and never lost.
"As expected of Lord Iruma. I'm not even worthy to compete!"
"No breaks, Azzy Azzy! Keep going!"
After a while, Clara clapped her hands and tapped her skirt pockets. Instantly, drinks popped out.
"Here! For Iruma-chan and Azzy Azzy!"
Asmodeus gratefully accepted one and gulped it down—his reward after hours of energetic play.
But Iruma didn't drink. He stared at the bottle silently, lost in thought.
Clara tilted her head, puzzled.
"Huh? What's wrong? Why aren't you drinking?"
Then, she clapped again with a spark of realization.
"Oh no! Iruma-chan's tall—one bottle isn't enough! Wait, I'll get—"
"That's enough, Clara," Iruma interrupted gently. "One is more than enough."
"Okay, but I've got snacks too!"
Clara eagerly produced a pile of wild, magical demon snacks on a picnic blanket, watching them with excitement.
Iruma sat down, intrigued. This was his first time seeing demon-world treats. A lollipop that bites you back. Chocolate that howls like a wolf. Bread that sprays blood when chewed.
He inspected each with curiosity like a child at a strange candy store. Eventually, he selected the least dangerous-looking ones and gave them a try.
Asmodeus raised an eyebrow.
"Lord Iruma… have you truly never seen these before?"
These were the most basic snacks even a noble like him had grown up with. Yet Iruma acted like they were all brand-new.
Iruma didn't even try to hide it.
"I haven't. Not once. That's why they're so fascinating."
"Whaaaat?!"
Clara froze, stunned. A tall, handsome demon like Iruma, unfamiliar with snacks? It broke her brain.
"Then eat more! I'll get lots more—"
She reached into her pockets again, but Iruma quickly stopped her.
"Clara, that's enough. Really. We haven't even finished the first batch."
To someone like him, anything he imagined could become reality. A mountain of magic coins or food was just a passing thought. He didn't need gifts.
Meanwhile, at Babyls...
The freshmen had it easy lately. No classes, just lunch and go. Time to settle in before being sorted into official classes.
Iruma used the downtime to quietly spread his awareness across the entire campus. Every corner, every whisper, nothing escaped him.
As a being above desire, he no longer craved anything—only small joys. Watching people, playing, relaxing… that was enough.
It didn't take long before he spotted Clara, happily wandering the halls, mumbling about finding him to play again.
Huh. She's about to overhear something she shouldn't…
Iruma didn't interfere. Shielding her forever would only trap her in a lie. Let her wake up, even if it hurt.
She turned the corner just in time to catch three familiar voices.
"Ugh, that honor student's such a busybody."
"And hanging around with her? What a joke."
"Why would anyone want to play with that weirdo Clara?"
Yu smirked knowingly.
"Duh. It's easy. Just say a few nice things and she'll hand over anything. But the honor student? He'll get bored eventually."
"You're a genius, Yu!"
Typical demon behavior. Iruma wasn't surprised. He simply watched from the grass, staring at the sky.
Let them live a little longer… no need to end it before Clara gets here.
Moments later, Clara came bounding around the corner, excitement still sparkling in her eyes.
"There you are!"
Iruma caught her gently—by pinching her cheeks. Her silly squirming made him chuckle.
Clara recovered and quickly patted her pockets.
"These are my favorite snacks! Juice, books, dolls—I brought everything!"
She shoved the pile in front of him.
"So… so please, play with me again... okay?"
Her smile trembled. Iruma could feel it—pain hiding behind those bright eyes.
Rejection. Isolation. Loneliness. Rumors. Sadness... She's holding back so hard, just trying to smile...
Sitting cross-legged, Iruma looked at her warmly.
"Clara… I don't need these things."
Clara froze.
"But… these are my favorite snacks. My favorite juice. I brought them all for you…"
She looked desperate. But her mask was cracking.
Iruma reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"Don't be sad, Clara. Even without those, I'd still play with you. Because spending time with you makes me happy."
"You don't have to give me anything. I enjoy fun, and you—Clara—you bring joy."
He smiled.
"But… I do love playing wild games. So… would you keep playing with me?"
What the hell am I saying? I didn't even think before blurting all that out...
Under his hand, Clara blushed so hard she looked ready to explode. Her tail practically hit the stratosphere.
She jumped up, spinning like a wild monkey.
"I'm so happy!! It's the first time! First time a demon ever asked me to play!!"
"First time! First time!"
"What do I do?! Iruma-chan!!"
Just then, the trio of demons walked by—and spotted Clara bouncing around with Iruma.
Yu called out lazily:
"Hey Clara! I'm thirsty! Get me some juice again!"
Iruma rested his chin on his palm, smiling.
"Let's see, Clara… show me your courage."
Clara's eyes darkened into a grin. She stood tall.
"Iruma-chan, just watch~"
She marched over to Yu, who raised three fingers.
"Three ice-cold—"
Before he could finish, Clara summoned a giant vending machine from her pocket—and slammed it onto him.
"YUUU!!" x2
As Yu lay unconscious under the machine, Clara shouted:
"You want a drink? Insert coins next time. Bye-bye!"
The other two demons looked ready to retaliate—until a chill ran down their spines.
Iruma was still seated, half-lidded eyes sparkling. He waved gently… but it felt like a threat from a god.
If you lay one finger on her… I'll rip you apart.
They paled and ran, dragging Yu with them.
"You'll regret this, Clara!!"
But Clara didn't care. She turned, beaming, and sprinted back to Iruma.