(Yuuta POV)
The moment we stepped through the entrance of the haunted house, I began questioning my decision.
The cheerful sounds of the Halloween celebration gradually faded behind us as we entered a narrow corridor illuminated by flickering red lights. Artificial cobwebs covered the walls, broken picture frames hung at strange angles, and somewhere in the distance, a woman could be heard crying.
Well, at least I hoped that was a recording.
Elena walked between us, holding my hand with one of hers and Erza's with the other. Her little pumpkin bucket swung gently at her side as she looked around with sparkling eyes, seemingly fascinated by the terrifying decorations.
"Papa! Look! Skeleton!"
"Y-Yeah, sweetheart. That's a skeleton."
"Papa! It moving!"
"Hahaha! Of course it is! It's probably just a machine!"
At least, that was what I kept telling myself.
We continued walking until we reached a room decorated like an abandoned hospital. Rusty-looking medical instruments were scattered across the tables, bloodstained curtains hung from the ceiling, and several beds stood against the walls with white sheets covering mysterious shapes.
I swallowed.
Okay, Yuuta. Calm down. It's just a haunted house.
I'd faced demons, monsters, and creatures capable of destroying entire cities. Surely, a few people wearing Halloween costumes couldn't frighten me.
Right?
"Mortal."
Erza's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Hm? What is it?"
She was looking at me with a strangely amused expression.
"Why are you gripping my hand so tightly?"
I immediately loosened my grip.
"W-What? I'm not!"
"Oh? Then why does your hand feel so cold?"
"It's the atmosphere! This place is freezing!"
Erza glanced around the room before looking back at me.
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
I narrowed my eyes.
She was enjoying this.
And then, as though she'd suddenly remembered something, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Oh my. How could I forget?"
"Forget what?"
"My brave husband is a little afraid of ghosts, isn't he?"
I froze.
Shit.
She remembered.
Of course she remembered!
Out of all the things my wife could have forgotten, why did she have to remember something so embarrassing?
"W-Who told you that? I'm not afraid of ghosts!"
Erza tilted her head.
"Really? Because I distinctly remember someone refusing to watch a horror movie without holding my arm."
"That was different!"
"And if I recall correctly, you particularly dislike those sudden... what do humans call them?"
She paused thoughtfully.
"Ah, yes. Jump scares."
I stared at her.
Oh, come on!
Not only did she remember my fear of ghosts, but she also knew exactly what frightened me the most.
"Erza, listen. Whatever you're thinking, don't."
Her smile widened ever so slightly.
"Thinking? I'm not thinking of anything, mortal."
Somehow, that answer made me even more nervous.
Before I could respond, Elena suddenly tugged at my sleeve.
"Papa! Papa! Look!"
I turned toward her.
"Hm? What is it, sweetheart?"
She pointed toward one of the hospital beds.
"Someone sleeping!"
I followed her finger and noticed a human-shaped figure lying beneath a dirty white sheet.
"Oh, that's probably just a decoration, Elena."
I leaned forward to examine it.
"See? Nothing to be afraid of. It's just a fake—"
BANG!
The figure suddenly sat upright, throwing off the sheet as a pale-faced woman with tangled black hair lunged toward us.
"AAAAAAAH!"
"AAAAAAAAH!"
Unfortunately, the second scream belonged to me.
I jumped backward so violently that my vampire cape nearly wrapped around my face. My foot caught the edge of a nearby prop, and I stumbled straight into Erza, grabbing her shoulders for support.
For a moment, I genuinely thought my soul had left my body.
Then I heard laughter.
Not from the ghost.
From my own daughter.
"HAHAHAHA! Papa scared! Papa scared!"
Elena was practically bouncing with delight, pointing at me while the actress returned to her bed.
I slowly turned toward Erza.
She was covering her mouth with one hand.
Her shoulders were trembling.
"Erza..."
"Pfft."
"Don't you dare."
"P-Pardon me, mortal..."
She looked away, but it was already too late.
A soft laugh escaped her lips.
"Your expression was rather amusing."
I stared at her in disbelief.
"My own wife! Laughing at her husband's suffering!"
"Perhaps you should stop pretending to be fearless."
"That was a jump scare! Anyone would've reacted like that!"
"Of course, mortal. Whatever helps you feel better."
I sighed.
This was betrayal.
Absolute betrayal.
Even Elena had joined the enemy.
"Papa!" she exclaimed, raising her little hands. "Elena protect Papa!"
I looked down at my adorable daughter.
Finally!
Someone in this family cared about me.
"Oh, sweetheart! You're going to protect Papa?"
"Yes!"
She puffed out her cheeks and pointed toward the bed.
"Bad ghost! No scare Papa! Elena scary witch! WAAAAH!"
The actress, who had been quietly watching our family, played along by covering her face.
"Oh no! A terrifying witch! Please don't curse me!"
Elena giggled triumphantly.
"See, Papa? Ghost scared!"
I crouched beside her and gently patted her head.
"That's my brave little princess. Papa feels much safer now."
Erza folded her arms.
"How fortunate. My husband requires protection from a four-year-old."
"Erza, please. My dignity has already suffered enough tonight."
She merely smiled.
And honestly, that smile was almost worth the embarrassment.
Almost.
Thankfully, the rest of the haunted house wasn't nearly as terrible.
Well, that's what I'd like to say.
Unfortunately, whoever designed the attraction seemed to have a personal grudge against people who disliked jump scares.
There were hands suddenly reaching out from behind curtains, creepy dolls turning their heads when we passed, and a man dressed as a zombie who emerged from a dark corner at the worst possible moment.
Naturally, I handled everything with exceptional courage.
By which I mean I only screamed twice more.
Erza, on the other hand, remained completely calm throughout the entire experience. At one point, an actor dressed as a demon jumped in front of her, roaring loudly.
She simply stared at him.
"How disappointing."
The poor man stood there awkwardly for several seconds before slowly retreating behind his curtain.
I almost felt sorry for him.
As for Elena, she was having the time of her life. Every time someone tried to scare her, she responded by raising her little hands and shouting, "WAAAAH!" right back at them.
By the time we finally reached the exit, I was convinced that my daughter had somehow frightened more monsters than the monsters had frightened her.
The moment we stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted us, along with the cheerful sounds of music and laughter.
I released a long sigh.
"Ahhh! Freedom! Beautiful, wonderful freedom!"
Erza glanced at me.
"Mortal, you make it sound as though you've escaped a battlefield."
"Trust me, Erza. That place was worse."
"Hmph. How dramatic."
Elena raised her pumpkin bucket.
"Papa! Elena brave!"
"Yes, sweetheart! The bravest witch in the entire world!"
"And Papa scared!"
"...You didn't have to add that part."
Erza laughed softly.
I looked at my wife and daughter, both clearly enjoying themselves at my expense, before finally giving up and laughing along with them.
Well, what could I say?
If making my family happy required sacrificing a little of my dignity, I supposed it wasn't such a terrible price to pay.
Besides, the night wasn't over yet.
By the time we finished exploring the Halloween attractions, the streets had grown even more crowded. Music echoed through the neighborhood, colorful lights illuminated the buildings, and families were gathering near the central square for the evening's final celebration.
Apparently, the organizers had arranged a large Halloween party, complete with food stalls, decorations, games, and a stage for the costume parade.
Naturally, Elena wanted to go.
And naturally, I couldn't refuse her.
However, the moment we arrived at the square, I noticed something rather unusual.
There were familiar faces everywhere.
"Wait a minute..."
I blinked, looking around the crowded area.
"Don't tell me..."
Near one of the food stalls stood a familiar elderly butcher, dressed in a rather ridiculous werewolf costume. His apron was covered in fake blood, and he was laughing loudly while handing out grilled meat to several children.
"HAHAHA! COME HERE, LITTLE MONSTERS! WHO WANTS SOME MEAT?"
"Uncle!" Elena shouted excitedly.
The butcher turned around.
"Oh! If it isn't my favorite little troublemaker!"
Elena hurried toward him, proudly showing off her costume.
"Uncle! Elena scary witch!"
"Hahaha! Of course you are! The scariest witch I've ever seen!"
He handed her a small Halloween treat before looking toward me.
"Yuuta! Good to see you, lad! Enjoying the festival?"
"More or less, Uncle. Although I nearly died inside that haunted house."
The butcher burst into laughter.
"HAHAHA! Sounds like you had a good time!"
Before I could defend myself, another familiar voice called out.
"Yuuta?"
I turned around.
Standing a short distance away was Sara, accompanied by Fiona, Erika, Rika, Elga, Loid, and Jenny.
And yes, every single one of them was wearing a Halloween costume.
Sara had chosen a dark military-style vampire outfit, while Fiona wore an elegant witch dress. Erika had gone with a rather intimidating demon costume, complete with little horns, and the others had each chosen outfits ranging from spooky to downright ridiculous.
I stared at them.
"...Seriously?"
Sara raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just didn't expect the Agency to participate in Halloween."
Fiona laughed.
"Come on, Yuuta! Even we deserve a night off!"
Erika folded her arms.
"Besides, it's not every day we get to see you dressed like Dracula."
"Hey! What's wrong with my costume?"
"Nothing," Rika replied with a grin. "It suits you."
For some reason, I didn't trust that smile.
Elena immediately ran toward them, raising her pumpkin bucket.
"Aunties! Look! Elena got candy!"
The women gathered around her, complimenting her costume and admiring the growing collection of sweets. Within seconds, my daughter had become the center of attention.
Honestly, I wasn't surprised.
She had that effect on people.
Erza approached the group as well, exchanging greetings with Sara and the others. I watched them for a moment before turning toward the rest of the square.
And that was when I spotted someone I definitely hadn't expected to see.
"Allen?!"
Standing near a table filled with Halloween desserts was none other than Allen Manstar.
The Demon King himself.
He was wearing a dark, elaborate costume that made him look even more like a villain than usual.
Allen turned toward me, holding a cup in one hand.
"Oh? Yuuta. Fancy seeing you here."
I stared at him.
"What are you doing here?!"
He glanced around the square.
"Celebrating Halloween, obviously."
"...Obviously?"
"What? Is a Demon King not allowed to enjoy a festival?"
I opened my mouth.
Then closed it.
You know what?
Fair enough.
Tonight was Halloween.
If there was ever a day when demons could walk around openly without attracting suspicion, this was probably it.
"Well, just don't cause any trouble."
Allen smiled.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
For some reason, that smile didn't reassure me in the slightest.
As we continued through the square, I noticed even more familiar faces scattered among the crowd. Members of the Agency were chatting with civilians, shopkeepers were distributing sweets, and several acquaintances we'd met throughout our adventures had gathered to enjoy the festivities.
Miss Clara had even set up a small stall selling her pumpkin bread, while the butcher uncle was loudly arguing with someone over who had the better Halloween costume.
It was chaotic.
It was noisy.
And somehow, it was wonderful.
I glanced toward Erza, who was watching Elena excitedly show her candy bucket to Sara.
"Well, would you look at that? Everyone's here."
Erza nodded.
"It seems so."
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?"
She looked around the square before turning toward me.
"For once, I suppose I agree with you, mortal."
I smiled.
Coming from her, that was practically a declaration of love.
A little later, the organizers announced that everyone should gather near the main stage for the final Halloween celebration.
The square gradually filled with people as families made their way toward the stage. Orange and purple lights hung between the buildings, illuminating the costumes and decorations scattered throughout the crowd. Children sat on their parents' shoulders, proudly displaying their candy buckets, while friends gathered together to take photographs before the celebration began.
Somehow, we found ourselves standing near the front.
Sara and the Agency members had gathered a short distance away, laughing and chatting among themselves. Miss Clara was distributing the last of her pumpkin bread, while the butcher uncle was loudly boasting about his werewolf costume to anyone willing to listen. Even Allen stood among the crowd, looking surprisingly comfortable as he enjoyed the festivities.
I couldn't help smiling at the sight.
Honestly, if someone had told me that I'd one day see all these people celebrating together, I probably would've laughed in their face.
After everything we'd been through, it was strange seeing them like this. There were no weapons drawn, no enemies to fight, and no terrible disasters threatening to ruin our evening. People who would normally have countless reasons to argue were standing beneath the same decorations, enjoying the same music, and sharing the same ridiculous celebration.
For tonight, at least, everyone seemed willing to forget their troubles.
And I was perfectly happy with that.
"Papa?"
A small voice interrupted my thoughts.
I looked down and found Elena tugging at my cape, her pumpkin bucket hanging from one arm.
"Hm? What is it, sweetheart?"
She raised both hands toward me.
"Papa! Up!"
"Hahaha! All right, Your Highness!"
I crouched and lifted her onto my shoulders, carefully holding her legs as she settled into place. From her new position, Elena could see over the crowd, and her eyes immediately widened at the sight of the decorated stage.
"Wooooah! Papa! Elena so tall!"
"Of course! You're taller than everyone now!"
"Even Mama?"
I glanced toward Erza, who was standing beside us.
"Hmm. What do you think, Erza?"
Erza looked up at our daughter.
"Perhaps. Although I believe someone is cheating by sitting on her father's shoulders."
Elena giggled.
"No cheating! Elena big girl!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes!"
Erza shook her head, but a small smile appeared on her face as she reached up to straighten Elena's crooked witch hat.
I watched them for a moment, feeling an unexpected warmth settle in my chest.
Earlier tonight, Elena had been so excited about collecting candy that she'd practically dragged us out of the house. She'd frightened an elderly shopkeeper, proudly announced that her mother was a real dragon, and somehow managed to become the bravest member of our family inside a haunted house.
And now, here she was, sitting on my shoulders with her bucket full of sweets, looking happier than I'd seen her all evening.
"Papa?"
"Hm?"
"Elena happy!"
I chuckled.
"I can see that, sweetheart."
She leaned forward slightly, wrapping her little arms around my head.
"Papa, Halloween very fun!"
"Really? Did you enjoy yourself that much?"
"Yes! Elena got candy! And pumpkin bread! And Elena scared ghost!"
"Hahaha! That's right. You certainly did."
"And Papa scared too!"
"...Sweetheart, can we please forget that part?"
Elena burst into laughter.
Beside me, Erza covered her mouth, clearly enjoying my suffering all over again.
I sighed.
Honestly, these two were going to be the death of me someday.
Still, when Elena leaned down and planted a small kiss on the top of my head, I immediately forgot about my wounded pride.
"Thank you, Papa!"
I blinked.
"Hm? For what?"
"For Halloween!"
Her answer was so simple that I found myself momentarily speechless.
Then she turned toward Erza.
"Thank you, Mama!"
Erza looked up, visibly surprised.
"Elena?"
"Elena love Papa and Mama!"
For a moment, my wife said nothing.
Then her expression softened, and she gently stroked Elena's cheek.
"And we love you too, little one."
I smiled at them both.
You know, I'd spent most of the evening worrying about whether Elena was enjoying herself. Whether her costume was comfortable, whether she'd collected enough candy, and whether the haunted house might frighten her too much.
But hearing those few words made me realize that none of those things had mattered nearly as much as I'd thought.
She wasn't happy simply because she'd received candy.
She was happy because we'd spent the evening together.
And somehow, that made the entire night feel even more special.
"Mortal."
I turned toward Erza.
"Hm? What is it?"
She was looking at Elena, who had already become distracted by the colorful lights above the stage.
"Thank you."
I blinked.
"...What?"
Erza glanced at me.
"Must I repeat myself?"
"Wait, wait. Did you just thank me?"
Her expression immediately cooled.
"Don't make me regret it."
I quickly shook my head.
"No, no! I'm just surprised. That's all."
She looked away for a moment before speaking again.
"I wasn't particularly interested in this celebration when you first mentioned it. Dressing up in ridiculous costumes and wandering around asking strangers for sweets seemed rather pointless."
"Well, when you put it like that..."
"However," she continued, ignoring me, "Elena seems to have enjoyed herself."
I followed her gaze toward our daughter.
"Yeah. She really did."
Erza remained silent for a few seconds.
Then she looked at me again.
"And... I suppose I enjoyed myself as well."
I stared at her.
For once, I didn't feel like teasing her.
Instead, I simply smiled.
"I'm glad, Erza."
She looked slightly surprised by my response, as though she'd been expecting another ridiculous joke. But when I reached for her hand, she allowed me to take it without protest.
We stood together beneath the colorful lights, watching our daughter wave excitedly toward the stage.
After a while, Erza moved a little closer.
"Next year..."
"Hm?"
She hesitated.
"Next year, we should do this again."
I turned toward her.
Erza kept her eyes on the stage, pretending she hadn't said anything particularly important.
I smiled and gently squeezed her hand.
"Of course. Next year, and the year after that."
"Hmph. Don't make promises you can't keep, mortal."
"Hey, this is one promise I intend to keep."
She glanced at me, and for a brief moment, the cold expression she usually wore disappeared.
"Good."
Before I could say anything else, a cheerful voice rang out from the stage.
"All right, everyone! Are you ready for the final Halloween celebration?"
The crowd erupted into excited cheers.
Elena immediately raised both hands.
"YEEEEES!"
I laughed and tightened my hold on her legs.
"Careful, sweetheart! Don't fall!"
The host chuckled at the enthusiastic response before raising his microphone again.
"Then let's hear you! Are you ready?"
This time, the cheering grew even louder.
I looked around the square.
Sara and the others were waving toward us from the crowd. Miss Clara stood beside the butcher uncle, laughing at something he'd said, while Allen watched the celebration with an amused smile. Everywhere I looked, people were enjoying themselves, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the Halloween decorations.
And standing beside me was Erza, her hand resting comfortably in mine.
I looked up at Elena.
"Well, my little witch? Are you ready?"
"Yes, Papa!"
"Did you have the best Halloween ever?"
"BEST HALLOWEEN!"
I chuckled.
"Then let's finish it properly!"
Elena raised her little pumpkin bucket above her head.
"EVERYONE! READY?!"
A few people nearby heard her enthusiastic shout and laughed, raising their hands in response.
Erza looked up at our daughter with a fond smile.
"Such a noisy little witch."
"She takes after her father," I replied.
"Unfortunately."
"Hey!"
Erza laughed softly, and I found myself laughing along with her.
Then the countdown began.
"THREE!"
The crowd shouted together as Elena eagerly joined in from my shoulders.
"TWO!"
I looked toward Erza, who was smiling beneath the orange and purple lights.
"ONE!"
I felt her fingers tighten around mine.
And together, surrounded by our friends, family, and everyone who had gathered to celebrate, we shouted—
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"
Orange and purple confetti burst above the stage, drifting through the air as music and cheers filled the square.
Elena squealed with delight, stretching her little hands toward the falling confetti. I laughed and held her securely while Erza reached up to catch a piece that had landed on our daughter's hat.
Around us, everyone was celebrating.
Sara and the Agency members were cheering, Miss Clara waved happily from the crowd, and the butcher uncle's booming laughter could be heard even above the music. Allen raised his cup with an amused smile, while countless other familiar faces joined in the celebration.
For a moment, I simply stood there, taking it all in.
I'd experienced plenty of unforgettable days in my life. Some had been wonderful, while others were memories I'd rather never revisit. There had been times when even imagining a peaceful evening like this would've seemed impossible.
Yet here we were.
My daughter was laughing on my shoulders, my wife was standing beside me, and the people we'd come to know throughout our journey were celebrating together.
No fighting. No running. No worrying about what tomorrow might bring.
Just one ordinary, wonderful evening with the people I loved.
"Papa!"
Elena's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
She leaned forward, her little face appearing upside down above mine.
"Next Halloween, Elena want more candy!"
I burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Of course you do!"
"And Papa come too!"
"Naturally!"
"And Mama!"
Erza looked up.
"Of course, little one."
Elena smiled so brightly that I couldn't help smiling back.
"Promise?"
I glanced at Erza.
She met my eyes, and this time, neither of us needed to say anything.
I reached up and gently held Elena's little hand.
"Promise, sweetheart."
Erza placed her hand over ours.
"We promise."
Elena giggled happily before raising her free hand toward the sky.
"YAY! ELENA LOVE HALLOWEEN!"
I laughed, feeling Erza's fingers slip back into mine as our daughter continued cheering.
And as I stood there beneath the falling confetti, I realized something.
Someday, Elena would grow older. Her little witch costume would no longer fit, and perhaps she'd stop asking me to carry her on my shoulders. There might even come a Halloween when she'd rather celebrate with her friends than drag her parents from house to house collecting candy.
But that was something for the future.
Tonight, she was still our little girl.
And I intended to treasure every moment of it.
I looked at my wife, then up at our daughter, and smiled.
Happy Halloween, my little family.
Let's make many more memories together.
And to everyone who joined us on this little adventure—
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 🎃
With love,
Yuuta, Erza, Elena, and the entire cast of I'm Not Your Husband, You Evil Dragon! ❤️