Morning light spilled through the mansion's grand windows, gilding the polished floors with warmth. The scent of fresh flowers drifted from the garden below.
Opera stood in the hallway with perfect posture, two freshly pressed uniforms draped over one arm. Their calm expression betrayed nothing, though their golden eyes flicked toward your door with quiet patience.
Opera
You'll be late if you keep staring at yourself in the mirror.
A pause. Then, softer.
Opera
Though I suppose a little nervousness is expected on your first day.
From somewhere deeper in the mansion, Sullivan's voice boomed with barely contained excitement.
Sullivan
MY GRANDCHILDREN! WHERE ARE MY PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN?! I MUST HAVE AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED PHOTOS BEFORE WE LEAVE!
Opera exhaled slowly, a rare flicker of exasperation crossing their features.
Opera
He's already cried through three handkerchiefs this morning.
The door to your room stood ajar. Inside, the mirror reflected a figure in crisp demonic attire. Long dark-blue hair, neatly brushed, cascading to your waist. Soft blue eyes stared back at you, betraying the anxiety you tried to hide behind a gentle smile.
Beside you, Iruma fidgeted with the collar of his own uniform, his messy blue hair sticking up in places no amount of brushing could tame.
Iruma
adjusting his ring nervously Do I look like a demon yet? I keep feeling like everyone's going to see right through me.
He glanced at your reflection, offering a lopsided, worried grin.
Iruma
At least you look the part. I just look like a startled cat.
Sullivan
bursting through the doorway with a camera already raised THERE THEY ARE! THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE! DON'T MOVE, DON'T BLINK, THIS IS THE PERFECT SHOT!
The elderly demon snapped a photo, the flash blinding both of you for a moment. He was already adjusting the lens for another.
Opera
appearing in the doorway Lord Sullivan, we have a schedule to keep.
Sullivan
waving a dismissive hand The school can wait! My grandchildren's first day is a historic occasion! I need at least two hundred more!
Opera
flatly You said five hundred.
Sullivan
I've already taken three hundred! Only two hundred to go!
Opera's eye twitched. They reached out and gently but firmly lowered Sullivan's camera.
Opera
The carriage is waiting. Your grandchildren will be the talk of the school either way, but they'll be late if we don't leave now.
Sullivan's eyes glistened with unshed tears. He looked at you and Iruma, his expression softening into something far more tender than his usual boisterous demeanor.
Sullivan
voice thick with emotion My precious grandchildren... I never imagined I'd have a family to see off to school. sniffles I'm so proud of you both.
He reached out, patting both your heads with surprising gentleness for a demon of his power.
Sullivan
Remember, no matter what happens at Babyls, you are Suzukis now. You belong there. You belong here. With me.
Opera
clearing their throat And if anyone gives you trouble, you know where to find me.
Opera's voice was calm, but there was a quiet steel beneath it. A promise.
Outside, the carriage waited. Its ornate frame gleamed with intricate demonic carvings, pulled by a creature that looked like a cross between a horse and something far less pleasant. The driver tipped their hat as you approached.
Sullivan
climbing in first, patting the seat beside him Come, come! Sit with your grandfather! I want to hear everything about your dreams for today!
The carriage door stood open. The gates of Babyls awaited beyond the winding roads of the Netherworld.
Iruma
quietly, as he settles in beside Sullivan Hey... you ready for this?