Volume 4 Chapter 68 Demon King
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After we finished the cake, a brief moment of lingering bliss transitioned into recreation time. Suu-chan pulled out four stick-shaped remotes and booted up the game console with practiced ease.
”Heh, Big Sister here is quite the gaming enthusiast, you know,” I said, striking a pose.
”Suu is an enthusiast too. Because I’m a Lady,” Suzuki-chan replied.
”Oh? Then let’s see those skills of yours.”
”Mm. Challenge accepted.”
When I played along and provocatively acted out a character, Suzuki-chan rose to the bait. I wondered if she was just naturally competitive.
”Mom,” Makoto-kun said.
”Hmm?” Akari-san replied.
”Do ‘Ladies’ really play games too?”
”No, I think it depends on the person,” Akari-san said. “Suu-chan’s gaming is just Mio-senpai’s hobby rubbing off on her. Misato-san’s is just… well, a hobby.”
”I see,” Makoto-kun said.
Makoto-kun tilted his head, seemingly puzzled by the definition of a “Lady.” (The way he looks up at Akari-san is so cute it hurts…) Wait, was Akari-san subtly dissing me just now? Or was it my imagination?
”What should we play?” I asked.
”Hmm, let’s go with tennis,” Suzuki-chan said.
”Works for me. Do you like tennis, Suzuki-chan?”
”Mm, love it. I’m a pro,” Suzuki-chan replied.
”Well, Big Sister is a pro too! Prepare to be dazzled by my play style,” I said.
Suzuki-chan chose tennis from the usual party game lineup.
”Wait, Misato-san, I thought you didn’t really play these kinds of games?” Mio-senpai asked.
It was true. I usually stuck to single-player dating sims or character-driven RPGs. I’d never had much luck with these lively party games. (And please don’t think I don’t have friends. It’s just that my friends aren’t the type to play party games-I have plenty of online strategy buddies, so don’t get the wrong idea!)
”Actually, I’ve been dabbling,” I said.
The truth was, after Akari-san showed me that video of Makoto-kun and the others having a blast, I’d run out and bought the game that very same day. I’d practiced like a woman possessed, dreaming of the day I could finally play with Makoto-kun. That choice wasn’t a mistake. (This is my chance to show Makoto-kun how cool his Big Sister is!)
”Let’s pick teams,” Suzuki-chan said. “We need pairs.”
It looked like we were playing doubles. Suzuki-chan dragged Totsuka-san into the mix to fill the slots, even though he’d been planning to just watch. She grabbed a cup full of disposable chopsticks-wait, was that a chopstick holder?-that had been repurposed for drawing lots. She let Makoto-kun draw first. Apparently, the order was by age, not Suzuki-chan’s favorites.
”Red,” Makoto-kun said.
”Blue…” Suzuki-chan muttered.
”I’m blue too…” Akari-san said.
”I guess I’m just cheering then,” Mio-senpai said.
”Me too,” another added.
”Looks like I’m red, then,” Totsuka-san said.
Darn it! I really wanted to be Makoto-kun’s partner. (I was already imagining it: the friendship blooming into trust, then respect, then love… making epic plays, high-fiving, and naturally brushing against his soft skin…) Well, there would be plenty of chances later. For now, getting on Suzuki-chan’s good side-since she was so fired up to compete-was the shortest route to winning Makoto-kun over.
”Papa, I’m winning today. I’ll win and become a Lady,” Suzuki-chan said.
”I don’t plan on losing just yet,” Totsuka-san said.
Suzuki-chan was burning with “Defeat Papa” energy. (Totsuka-san, aren’t you being a bit childish?)
”(Suzuki-chan, Suzuki-chan, it’s a shame you aren’t paired with Makoto-kun, right?)” I whispered.
”(Mm, it’s fine. This is a strategy. Makoto-kun is an ally,)” Suzuki-chan whispered back.
”(An ally…?)”
”(Mm. Papa is strong, so Makoto-kun is acting as a spy.)”
”(A spy!?) “
So even if he was on the other team, he wasn’t necessarily an enemy? Seriously, do kindergartners these days really engage in such cunning tactical maneuvers?
”If that’s the case, then I’ll defeat the Dem-Totsuka-san and take Mio-san back!” I declared. “I’ve been entrusted with this mission by the lonely hearts club at the office! I even have the President’s permission!”
”Mm! Defeat Papa!” Suzuki-chan cheered.
”Go for it, Makoto-kun! Fuuka-chan and Kyouka-chan are cheering for you too!” Akari-san called out.
Whether it was the people we love or the enemy that needs to be toppled, Suzuki-chan and I might have been destined to work together.
”Mom,” Makoto-kun said.
”Hmm?” Akari-san replied.
”What does ‘take back Mio-san’ mean? Did Mitsuhisa-san do something?”
”Hmm, he must have done… something,” Akari-san said. “Mio-senpai used to work at the same company where Mom works now, but she quit when she got married to focus on raising you kids. Everyone there loved her, so they’re all like, ‘We’ll never forgive Mitsuhisa-san for snatching Mio-senpai away!’”
”Hmm… is Mitsuhisa-san being bullied?” Makoto-kun asked.
”No, not at all,” Akari-san replied. “He’s just being teased. Actually, by using Mio-senpai as a reference, he’s been working on parental leave, work-life balance, and remote work policies. He’s got a lot of support from the married employees and he’s really popular with the women in the office.”
”Oh… wait, but what about Misato-san…?” Makoto-kun asked.
”She’s an exception,” Akari-san said.
Thanks for the thorough explanation, Akari-san! In reality, it was less about “representing the company” and more about being a “proxy for all the single guys back at the office.” It was mostly just petty jealousy. And since it was Mio-senpai’s own choice to leave, we were technically barking up the wrong tree, but if it weren’t for Totsuka-san, she might have even gotten married to-
Wait, did Makoto-kun just call me by my name? I need him to say it again! “Misato-oneechan,” say it one more time! (If I win this match, I’ll make him say it! I’ll record it! I HAVE TO WIN NO MATTER WHAT!!!)
”Alright, Makoto-kun. Give it everything you’ve got, okay?” Totsuka-san said.
”As long as the gamepad holds up, we’re good,” Makoto-kun replied.
The tennis match began, with everyone carrying their own secret reasons for wanting to win. It was a one-set match, first to four points.
”Nice shot, Suzuki-chan! Yeah!” I cheered.
”Yeah!” Suzuki-chan replied.
”…Makoto-kun, that volley just now… you should’ve aimed for the opposite corner. Are you really a spy?” Totsuka-san asked.
”The gamepad’s just acting up, I swear,” Makoto-kun said.
”Liar,” Totsuka-san replied.
The game was a see-saw battle that got way more heated than expected. In the end, raw ability won out, and the match ended 5-3 in favor of the Men’s Team.
”I’m not handing Mio-senpai over to anyone,” Totsuka-san said.
”Mitsuhisa-san, you were amazing!” Mio-senpai cheered.
”You worked hard, Makoto-kun!” Akari-san added.
”Muu… Papa is too strong…” Suzuki-chan muttered.
”As expected of the Demon King… even against his own daughter, he shows no mercy…” I said.
”…Demon King?” Makoto-kun asked.
”Ah…”
Crap!! Makoto-kun immediately latched onto my slip of the tongue. Wait, but for some reason, Makoto-kun looked… excited?
”Hey, Takanashi-san…” Totsuka-san warned.
”I-I’m sorry! It’s just a habit! But listen, I don’t think you should keep secrets from the youngsters!” I said.
”Don’t you dare try to turn this on me,” Totsuka-san said. “Makoto-kun, stop looking at me like that.”
”I look the same as always,” Makoto-kun replied.
”Papa is a Demon King?” Suzuki-chan asked.
”Guh…” Totsuka-san groaned.
”Mitsuhisa-san!” Mio-senpai laughed.
Totsuka-san-no, the Demon King-staggered as his own daughter pierced his heart. Mio-senpai gleefully rushed to his side to “tend” to him.
”Mom,” Makoto-kun asked.
”Hmm?” Akari-san replied.
”Why ‘Demon King’?”
”…Why don’t you go ask Auntie Misato about it later?” Akari-san said.
”…Okay, I will,” Makoto-kun replied.
Wait, Akari-san!? You just completely dodged the question! Now the Demon King’s wrath is going to be focused entirely on me! Why couldn’t you give him a detailed explanation like you did before?! And stop trying to make Makoto-kun call me “Auntie”! (But, thank you for giving me an excuse to talk to Makoto-kun!)
We kept playing, switching pairs and steadily narrowing the distance between me, Suzuki-chan, and Makoto-kun. Before we knew it, the clock had ticked past 5:00 PM.
”Dinner’s almost ready!” Mio-senpai called out from the kitchen.
It was the perfect stopping point. Suzuki-chan powered down the console, and without being told, the youngsters went to wash their hands and help set the table.
”They’re such good kids…” I whispered. I was genuinely impressed by how efficiently they moved. If someone called for me… yeah, I’ll start doing better tomorrow.
”Usually Suzuki-chan helps with the actual cooking too,” Akari-san said.
”Oh? What does Makoto-kun do then?” I asked.
”On weekdays, he usually watches over Fuuka-chan and Kyouka-chan,” Akari-san said. “Since Mitsuhisa-san and I are either working or busy. On holidays… he’s usually folding laundry or helping out with other things.”
”Makoto-kun doesn’t help with the cooking?” I asked.
”Not in the Totsuka kitchen,” Akari-san replied. “It’s not exactly the most spacious place…”
”Ah, right. That makes sense…”
I glanced toward the kitchen from the dining table. It was a standard layout along the wall: two gas burners, a prep area, and a sink, totaling about two meters in width. You couldn’t call it spacious even if you were being generous. If two kids were in there, they’d be constantly in Mio-senpai’s way.
”Come on, we should wash our hands too,” Akari-san said.
”Right!”
After washing up with Akari-san, we found the table already set.
”Whoa, that’s an impressive Salisbury steak!” I said.
”Hehe! It’s Labor Thanksgiving Day, after all. I made Mitsuhisa-san’s favorite!” Mio-senpai said.
The menu was centered around a soft-boiled egg “Moon-viewing” Salisbury steak, with a side of potato and winter vegetable salad, and corn potage. A perfect lineup of kid-favorite hits.
”…So, Totsuka-san, how old are you again?” I asked.
”I’m thirty-six. Got a problem?” Totsuka-san said. “If you do, I’m confiscating your steak. I’ll eat it myself.”
”No problem at all! None whatsoever!” I said. “Wait, you already have four on your plate, do you really plan on eating more? Those are pretty big!”
”I can eat any amount of food Mio makes,” Totsuka-san said.
”Truly the Demon King…” I muttered.
”That’s one more confiscated,” Totsuka-san said.
”Noooooo!”
I clutched my plate-which had two steaks slightly larger than a fist-and guarded it for dear life.
”Misato-san, you have no manners,” Akari-san scolded.
”…Sorry,” I said.
Akari-san scolded me. In front of the kids… ugh…
”Is it time yet…?” Suzuki-chan asked. She didn’t care about our bickering; she just wanted to eat. She sat perfectly upright, hands already together, waiting for the “Itadakimasu.”
”Sorry, Suzuki-chan. Misato-san was being noisy,” Akari-san said.
”Suzuki-chan, I’m sorry,” I said.
”Mm. I forgive you,” Suzuki-chan replied.
”Well then, since Misato-san is technically our guest of honor, she can do the honors,” Akari-san said.
”Wait, the honors? Technically?” I asked.
”Just say ‘Ready, set…’” Akari-san prompted.
”Uh, ready, set…”
”””””Itadakimasu!”””””
”Itadakimasu! Wait, I missed it!” I cried.
Darn it… This perfect little family… I pulled myself together and broke the soft-boiled yolk, sliding my chopsticks into the meat.
”Oh, wow… that’s good…” I whispered.
I knew it was going to be good, but the moment it hit my tongue, it was a whole different level. The meat had a perfect chew, and the coarsely chopped onions added a great texture. Plus, there was cheese inside! The combination of the runny yolk and the sauce was enough to rewrite my entire personal history of Salisbury steaks.
”Mio-senpai, this is insane. Like, seriously legit. I’m beyond ssu,” I said.
”Thanks! How about you, Suzuki-chan? Makoto-kun?” Mio-senpai asked.
””……””
They must have had a “don’t talk with your mouth full” rule, because both of them just gave a thumbs-up with their left hands while chewing away. Meanwhile, Fuuka-chan and Kyouka-chan were eating meat tofu instead. I thought they were doing a good job with their spoons… but then they’d purposely grab the food with their hands to show it off to the adults before eating.
The dinner table was full of warmth. By the time we finished, I was rubbing my stomach in pure satisfaction.
”A shame I couldn’t confiscate any from Takanashi-san,” Totsuka-san said.
”Totsuka-san, you get to eat Mio-senpai’s cooking every day. You can survive missing out just this once,” I said.
I was honestly exhausted by the Demon King, who was rubbing his stomach the exact same way I was. (You’ll get fat if you keep eating like that, you know? …Though, honestly, his ability to stay in such great shape is pretty incredible. Truly a Demon King.)
”But seriously, Mio-senpai’s food is incredible… I wish I could eat this every day too…” I said.
”Eheh, I’m glad you liked it, but I’m Mitsuhisa-san’s wife, you know?” Mio-senpai teased.
”Darn it… if only the Demon King weren’t here…” I muttered.
Monopolizing her is just unfair!
”Wait… but Akari-san eats this every day too, right?” I suddenly realized. There was someone sitting right next to Makoto-kun who wasn’t Mio-senpai’s husband, wife, or child.
”…Well, I’m Mio’s best friend,” Akari-san said. “And since our kids are getting married, we’re practically relatives. Right, Suzuki-chan?”
”Mm. Suzuki is marrying Makoto-kun. Akari-san is family,” Suzuki-chan nodded firmly.
”Then I’ll get married too!” I declared.
”…To who?” Totsuka-san asked.
”Um… well… AHA! Akari-san!” I shouted.
Wait, was this the discovery of the century!? If I married Akari-san, I’d eventually get to eat Mio-senpai’s cooking! And more importantly, I could become Makoto-kun’s “Father”! If I were his father, it wouldn’t be weird at all for us to live together, play together, sleep together, or even take a bath together!
”Akari-san, we don’t even need to worry about the law. A common-law marriage is totally fine by me!”
”No,” Akari-san said flatly.
”Come on, please!” I begged.
Things were really starting to heat up now!
——–
”Demon King…”
”…Boss”
””…””
”I’m sorry.”
”No, I’m sorry too.”
—
Summary:
Suzuki and Misato compete in a heated tennis match while the children reveal their secret tactical alliances. The group gathers for a Labor Thanksgiving dinner featuring Mio’s legendary cooking, which inadvertently leads to Misato slipping up and revealing Totsuka’s office nickname. A playful debate about family roles and future marriages ensues over Salisbury steaks, leaving Misato to propose an unconventional living arrangement that is immediately shut down
—
Trivia:
- Mio’s workplace popularity was the catalyst for Totsuka’s company-wide policy changes
- Suzuki-chan and Makoto-kun’s marriage promise is the ‘legal’ basis for Akari being considered family
- Misato’s secret training regimen was specifically designed for this one gaming session
- Totsuka’s appetite for Mio’s food is a major character point showing his domestic soft sid
—
Character Insight:
Misato transitions from a mere guest to a chaotic ‘family’ aspirant, showing a desperate but earnest desire to belong to the domestic circle.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Suzuki – Suu-chan, five-year-old eldest daughter of the Suzuki family and Mio’s child, is a doll-like girl with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots—fiercely protective of Maa-kun, whom she calls her “Official Wife” candidate, often clutching his arm or covering his eyes to “protect” him. Clutching a pink candy tin, she’s stoic, tomboyish, and shy with strangers, yet deeply devoted to her sisters and a core member of the Sheep Group. The only child who can replicate the tunnel somersault, she races with Maa-kun, interprets results as next-year class placement, and craves physical “recharge” through their runs. Jealous of Jun, she somersaulted with him to win his heat. She shares a cherished memory album with Maa-kun, embodying the close-knit bond between the Suzuki, Totsuka, and Akari families.
• Makoto – Four-year-old Rose-class boy, 93 cm, 13 kg, in white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30-year-old salaryman reborn as the kindergarten’s “Boss,” calm and logical, mediating fights and handing out hand-cream. Nicknamed Maa-kun, mistaken for Akari’s son, he looks up to her, plays “spy” in games, helps with chores, and watches younger siblings. Uses coin tricks and adult wisdom, earns respect despite being teased by Mitsuhisa; Suzuki-chan adores him. His hidden ace: a transmigrated mind and preternatural coordination—often blindfolded yet sits perfect seiza, protects Suu-chan, runs Jun, and quietly governs the class.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• Akari – Light, 28, is a poised, observant single mother of Makoto and newborn Maa-kun, with long dark-brown hair and subtle makeup that mirrors her son’s features. Estranged from her parents, she works full-time in IT, lives beside her best friend Mio, and serves as a loving yet strict guardian—teasing Misato about her single status while monitoring her behavior, described by Light as tsundere. Outwardly shy and modest, she’s secretly a mischievous shogi player, now more confident in casual attire for Sports Day. She mentors Suzuki with candid photos, navigates parent circles with quiet finesse, and holds a unique role as the mother of the protagonist, balancing kindness, affection, and playful wit in all her relationships.
• Misato – Misato Takanashi, 28, a former manga‑artist hopeful now among the ‘Single Aristocrats,’ usually in street‑style hoodies but dresses elegantly for her first meeting with the boy she admires. She obsessively watches shota, hides it behind a harmless façade, and quietly observes his birthday story. A ‘non‑haver’ among married friends, she’s a fan of Maa‑kun, struggles with age and single status, works an office job, loves Makoto’s domestic life, and secretly games to impress children.
• Mio – Mio-senpai, a refined postpartum woman with baby-faced charm and a G-cup silhouette, is wife to Mitsuhisa and mother to twins Fuuka and Kyouka, an older kindergarten child, and a beloved figure in her community. Once a Totsuka council chair and former office worker, she retired to nurture her family, now celebrated for her serene grace, creative culinary skills—especially her famed Salisbury steak—and philosophical insights on aging. Stylishly dressed in gray, she wields a high-end DSLR, capturing intimate family moments while teasing them on film, and shares warm, affectionate grill-side time with Mitsuhisa. A homebody who avoids crowds, she quietly mentors Maa-kun in UV hair-drying, confides in neighbor Akari, and is admired by former colleagues and Misato alike as a “winner” in life’s social hierarchy—her seductive aura and maternal warmth radiating from a life of quiet, elegant fulfillment.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio, wife of Mitsuhisa and mother of the twins, is a hardcore gamer who regularly supplies hand-me-down consoles to the protagonist’s household, while Mitsuhisa, a diligent man who studies for certifications and exercises, occasionally engages in baby talk with their children; Mio attends parent-teacher conferences, quietly concerned about her daughter’s growing attachment to Makoto, and though Mitsuhisa is polite during house visits, his reserved demeanor reflects the family’s quiet, tech-saturated dynamic.
• Kyouka – Younger twin daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, a petite, lively girl who shares her sister’s mobility and drooling habit while practicing crawling; active, energetic, and often leads the pair in play.
• Fuuka – The younger twin daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, with soft curls and bright eyes, is now belly‑crawling and quietly explores her world. She loves playing “airplane” with her father, giggling as she stretches her tiny arms toward him, while remaining the quieter, more observant twin.
• Fuu – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Currently learning to swivel their head and grab objects.
• Kyo – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Shared traits with Fuu-chan.
• Mitsuhisa – 33-year-old, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, Mitsuhisa is a high-ranking corporate president nicknamed the “Demon King” by subordinates—fearsome at work, tender at home. A devoted father of three daughters—Suu-chan, Fuu-chan, Kyo-chan—he’s on modified childcare leave, working remotely as the family’s photographer, documenting their growth with quiet devotion. He grills Mio-san’s meals, play-acts with his girls, favors the twins, feels neglected by Suu-chan, and keeps emotional distance from Akari. Unsettled by former teammate Makoto, he still joins ball-toss competitions, fiercely competitive yet quietly protective. Suzuki’s father, he balances corporate authority with tender, meticulous parenthood.
• Takanashi – The Takanashi family name, carried by Misato. The family name of Misato. She is often teased by her friends Akari and Mio regarding her age and status.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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