The way these weirdos eat, you'd think I starved them. I suppose I should take it as a compliment that they rush downstairs the second the clock hits nine. I've gotten used to pushing Ash out of the kitchen an hour beforehand, or scolding Vinny to wait until everyone has their plate before eating. Moony and her fluffy siblings have more restraint than him. As I brought soup bowls out to the table, I was surprised to catch Yuki's scent on the stairs. Considering how he eats, it only made sense that he did so privately and took guard duty when the others were at dinner. Ricky was even with him. The last time Ricky took him off duty like this, it didn't exactly end well. Forgive me if I'm slightly apprehensive.

"Everything alright?" I asked carefully.

"Just fine." Ricky reassured me. "I have an announcement to make, and I thought it'd be easier if everyone was all together."

"But my brother's still not back." Vinny replied.

"I don't know how long it'll be until he's back, and I don't want to wait any longer. We've all done enough waiting recently." He said. I stepped aside to give him my spot at the head of the table. Ricky holds back from them, tries to make himself seem more inhuman than he really is, but I caught the glint in his eyes. "I've been doing some thinking lately. A lot's changed." Ricky glanced to me at his side. "I put Chris in charge because he knew how to lead, and he meant more to me. Everything I've built here has been a reflection of my life. Chris was important to me, so he needed an important role in the castle. But," He sighed, "demon lords aren't servants. And no one should make a servant of their spouse either."

I murmured his name, only receiving a soft look telling me so lovingly to shut up. Where was he going with this? "So, I've made a decision." He said, "From here on out, Chris will be the master of the house too. You answer to him the same as you'd answer to me. Understood?"

There was some silence. We hadn't discussed this at all. I'd never even had an inclination he'd thought about it. I guess it's funny, isn't it? It wasn't until I relinquished control that it was returned to me. Once the shock had subsided, small smiles lit up around the table.

Ryan scoffed, albeit jokingly, "Yes, Master."

"Masters." Ash corrected him.

"That's all." Ricky began to walk away.

I told everyone to start dinner, releasing Yuki to return to his post as well, before running after my love. He can be such a wonderful pain. Once we were alone, I just had to sweep him up in a kiss. "Always full of surprises."

"I surprise myself, and that's because of you, you know. You have a tendency to say these things that just stick in my brain and I can't shake it. Like when you said you wanted to rule the world as equals. Sitting in a throne right beside mine." He smirked, "So fucking cheesy. And I couldn't stop thinking about it either."

"The more you complain about the cheese, the thicker I'll lay it on." I planted a kiss upon his temple. "Thank you for this; This trust. And the future you've given me."

"This hasn't ever happened before, two demon lords ruling together. At least not in my lifetime. The future is definitely going to be interesting for us. That's for sure."

Ricky says this as if everything leading up to this point hasn't already been a rollercoaster. I'd be happy with everything slowing down, frankly. Our family may have grown, but it'd be a welcomed change if the castle remained quite for awhile. Once I get back from Ville's, no life altering events for at least a month. Is that too much to ask for?

—

I didn't plan to let much change and I doubt Ricky did either. He'd continue to take on the masterly duties pertaining to paperwork and politics, I'd worry about overseeing the servants. I leave for Ville's tomorrow, but for today, I'd help Vinny in the garden. All the magic and wonders in this world, yet nothing can change winter's brutality. He's done what he could to clean up the dead crops and revitalize the few worth saving.

Anything we'd stocked up over the warm months had rotted without Ryan's enchantments. He said something about being too far away for too long, though I'm not sure I buy that. Ezra was honest with me about what happened after Ryan was nearly beat to death in Devin's manor. He'd lost his hold on his magic. While I was away, he trained painstakingly to regain his grasp, which is what led to his magic fusing with his physiology. I never wonder about what happened to Devin. I trust Ville's "old friend" had taken care of him for good, but I do wonder if he realizes exactly how much damage he did to us.

We found a way to recover from the blows, we'll certainly manage the aftermath. We had good hunters, and not all of the garden was completely useless. The cranberry bushes were flourishing and the hazelnut trees managed to have something left on their branches despite the forest animals. It was all scraps, though. Ricky sent a letter and a handsome fee to a demon lord in a warmer climate, requesting they send supplies. When a carrier dove flew overhead, I'd assumed it was a response. I caught the letter as the bird dropped it, pleasantly surprised to find I was wrong.

Vinny stopped what he was doing to sneak a peak. "Hey! That's my brother's handwriting!"

I dodged his grabby hand, replying, "It's addressed to the master." Walking towards the castle, I added, "I'll let you know later, okay?"

He whined. Then, perked up. "But you're the master now too! Can't you read it?"

Shit. He's right. You know, I have a feeling this whole thing is quickly going to become an "go ask your father/ask your mother" type of situation with our grown-ass children. I'll admit, I was curious too. We haven't heard from Ezra since I left him and Yuu in Shimane. I scanned through it, the first bit being a lot of formal fluff, apologies for being absent for so long, yadda yadda. Then I got to the important stuff.

With help from Mother, we've found Yuu's village. It'll be hard for me to pull Yuu away. If we are to be gone for so long, I've decided to seize the opportunity. There's a tradition in Yuu's culture; To earn a feminine's hand in marriage, the masculine must defeat a member of the feminine's family in combat. If all goes according to plan, our union ceremony will take place in the village before we return home.

I may take my time in purposing. Though Yuu is happy to be with his family again, he's in a dark place. His sister, Yuna, has suffered a horrific attack from a hunter. I worry she may be married off for the sake of her own safety. Few chief's daughters are able to marry for love. I only tell you this in the hopes you'll consider giving her a place at the castle. Or, perhaps, helping her to find a safe home at the very least. The chief has his reservations about demon lords, but he trusts my judgment.

"Well?!" Vinny pestered me.

"I think it's better he gets to tell you in person." I said with a smile. "Besides, you'd just be upset you're missing it."

"Missing what? Chriiis!"

Back turned to him, I headed inside. "Get back to work! And don't forget, it's master now."

A groan followed as he moped back to frozen dirt and broken branches. I'm sad myself we'll be missing a wedding, but we'll throw a Hell of a party when they come home. As far as Yuu's sister is concerned, we're out of room as the castle. I can't take anymore heads to count. However, if she's anything like Yuu, I think I have a good idea of what to do with her. And, for once, it isn't dumping the problem on Ville.

Speaking of, the next few days seemed to fly by. The trip between our castle and Ville's palace seemed so much shorter than usual. I guess goodbyes will do that to you. Ryan was nowhere to be seen when we left. He didn't stick around to watch Angelo leave, but oddly it seemed as if Angelo expected as much and found comfort in the fact he'd remained unchanged.

"Back so soon?" Ville mused as he strutted in the room.

"I could use a portal back to Earth, if it isn't too much trouble." I replied.

"Is that all?" He remarked, "Well, I'm quite pleased to hear of a lack of catastrophes on your end." Ville paused a moment, presumably listening for anyone around. "...If it isn't too much trouble, would you be as kind as to run an errand for me while you're there? I usually bring back a few things for Rune. Coloring books, clothes, stuffed animals. You know. He likes Earth things. I, unfortunately, got a little... sidetracked during my last visit and ran short on time."

"It's no problem. I do remember Zombie saying something once about my existence here possibly upsetting the natural order. Is it safe to bring more Earthly possessions here?"

He waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, what does he know? I've been doing it for years. The important thing is that we keep the information contained to those who already know. Otherwise, it's not a big deal."

In that case, I might just bring back a few extra things for myself. I hadn't thought much about it before, considering what a risk it once was for me to journey the rift. Let's be honest—When I say for "myself," I really mean for my family. Ville so graciously provided us with a portal back home. Right before we left, I slipped in, "Oh, by the way, when I get back, I have a sex-crazed hellspawn from a parallel universe to introduce you to." Ville wasn't even shocked, only somewhat annoyed by my delivery.

—

a/n

i have my own ideas for what kind of earth gifts chris should get everyone but I'd like to hear your cute ideas pls 🥺

also decided not to end this story just yet bc it makes me happy to write and if even just one person is still commenting, then i'm gonna keep writing it <3