ιℓℓι¢ιт ∂єѕιяєѕ || 密欲望

The Demon Lord

Miyuki's POV

"Miyuki! Don't run!" My father scolded me as I dashed through the corridor to see the town's decorations for the Yōkō Matsuri, the grand festival in honor of the goddess Amaterasu.

"I can't stay still with the town in festive mode!" I called back, rushing off. 

My father, the head priest, sighed, massaging his temple. "No, a guest is staying over at our house. Behave yourself!"

"I will--" As I bolted out the door, I collided with someone's firm chest and fell to the ground.

"See, this is why I keep reminding--" My father's breath, along with everyone else's, caught as the imposing figure stepped into our house. 

I froze and looked up, realizing it was the demon lord standing right in front of me. "Are you okay?" he asked, extending a hand to help me up.

"Thank you—" My smile wavered as I looked up at him, taking a step back. It was him. This very 

person had taken the only memento of my mother for his medicine—the same family I had cursed in my anger.

"Forgive my daughter for her ignorance," my father said, regaining his composure. He grabbed the back of my neck and forced me to bow. 

"She's still learning her way." Though my father's tone was neutral, I could feel the tremor in his arm as he held me. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her."

"It's fine," Muzan replied, and I shivered looking up to see his cold face. I didn't know we were hosting the demon lord in our home.

"I hope I'm not imposing," Muzan said, his voice smooth. "I was really hoping to join the festival of the prominent goddess Amaterasu."

My father kept his head lowered, biting his lips, while I shot him a piercing glare. "It was her reason for my survival," Muzan continued.

"Of course, I'm grateful to have you in our humble abode," my father replied. 

As the high priest in the town, we were one of the richest families around. "This way," My father then proceeded to show him around, and I finally took a breath as they leave.

"Hana!" I called out sharply to the head maid. "Yes, Madam?" She quickly approached, bowing slightly. "Why didn't you inform me that our guest was Lord Muzan Kibutsuji?" I demanded.

"I did, and you simply didn't listen," she replied coolly.

"Really?" I shot back in disbelief.

"Really," she affirmed with a nod.

I shivered, rubbing my shoulder, still feeling the cold eyes of the demon lord on me. "Geez, I really hope I don't run into him again while he's here."

Later that evening, the town was ablaze with lights and laughter as the Yōkō Matsuri began in full swing. 

The air was filled with the scent of street food and the sound of music. I found myself wandering through the crowds,

"Miyuki, over here!" My friend Ryo waved me over to a stall selling sweet dango. I joined him, grateful for the distraction.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," He remarked, handing me a skewer of dango. "I wish it were just a ghost," I muttered, taking a bite.

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "What happened?" "Lord Muzan Kibutsuji is staying at our house," I said quietly and he gasped. "That rumoured demon lord? Why on earth is he here?"

"Apparently, he wanted to attend the festival," I replied, glancing around nervously. "I just can't shake the feeling that something's off."

Before Ryo could respond, a commotion near the main stage caught our attention.