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"Did you just say you're into me?!"
Hearing Max say that, Kahlua's eyes widened slightly, her pupils trembling as a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
She hadn't expected him to be that straightforward.
Just a while ago, this guy was thinking about killing her — and now he's saying he likes her? How does that even make sense?
Her embarrassment flickered for just a second before she frowned slightly."You're not afraid that Moka will be hurt?"
Max raised an eyebrow. "You mean?"
"Going after another woman," Akashiya Kahlua said flatly.
Max smiled a little. "Don't worry. I already talked to Moka about that. She agreed."
"…"
Okay, what was she supposed to say to that?
After a short silence, Max added, "Alright, how about this — I'll give you seven days. After that, give me your answer."
"…Alright."
Kahlua nodded slowly, then glanced up toward the second floor where the bedroom was.
Looking back at Max, she said softly, "I'll get going. Tell Moka I've got something to take care of. I'll come see her in seven days."
"Sure," Max said, nodding.
Kahlua turned and started walking toward the courtyard, about to leave, when—
"Wait."
She stopped and looked back, puzzled. "???"
Max smiled faintly. "Since you're here, at least take something with you."
"Something?"
Kahlua blinked in confusion.
Max went to the kitchen, pulled a bottle of his special tomato juice out of the fridge, and came back to hand it to her.
"Uh—this doesn't seem right," she said, staring at the bottle with a mix of surprise and delight.
She hadn't expected Max to gift her tomato juice.
Sure, she wanted it… but given their current relationship, she hesitated.
Seeing her bite her lip, unable to decide, Max's eyes softened as he chuckled.
"Come on, take it. I don't usually take back gifts. If you don't want it, just throw it away somewhere."
"Don't! I'll take it!"
The moment he said that, Kahlua quickly reached out and took the bottle from his hand, the corners of her lips lifting in a smile she couldn't quite hide.
Her happiness was obvious — and seeing that, Max was just as pleased.
You're happy, I'm happy.A perfect win-win.
"Alright, I'll get going. Thanks."
Holding the bottle close, Kahlua gave him a small nod before lightly leaping away into the courtyard and vanishing with a graceful bound.
Max watched her disappear, shaking his head with a small laugh. "Guess she's not one for using the front door."
What, you think I should've reminded her?Come on, does anyone need to be told how to use a door?
Leaving Max's place behind, Kahlua sped through the air toward Fukushima at a pace no normal human could ever hope to see.
Meanwhile, in another world—
A few hours earlier.
After wandering around Japan for a bit, Kahlua opened a portal back to her home world with a flicker of magic.
She visited a few familiar places, retracing her old steps.
And then she made a decision.
She would go find Max.
And maybe… try living a new life.
It was her own choice — just like that little thief girl once did.
Maybe this was what freedom felt like.
And when she made that decision, Max's "dex" lit up with her name.
Before heading straight to Earth, Kahlua took some time to visit a few friends —Lucoa, Fafnir, and the rest.
By the time dawn approached, she had said her goodbyes and opened another portal — this time, leading directly to Earth.
She didn't realize that, not long after she left, another dragon would follow her trail… opening their own portal to the same world.
When Kahlua crossed into Earth's atmosphere, far above her — separated by countless invisible barriers — a pair of golden eyes opened in the celestial realm.
"That dragon again," murmured a short-haired angel with a faint frown.
A soft golden light flashed in her pupils as her gaze pierced through layers of space, landing right on Kahlua's figure far below.
She watched for a moment.
Didn't seem like Kahlua was planning to cause trouble.
So, she withdrew her sight.
As long as she behaved, everything was fine.
Even if she came from another world — to this angel, all beings were equal: angels, demons, even dragons.
She didn't believe in prejudice.
That included the ghosts and monsters that lived on Earth.
If something exists, then it must have a reason to.
That was one of the world's basic truths.
Time flowed like water.
When the first ray of dawn broke through the night, Kahlua tracked Max's presence and used magic to pinpoint his location — Nerima Ward.
"There it is!"
She looked down at the house below, sensing Max's energy. Her heart fluttered with excitement and anticipation.
"Though…"
Feeling another strange aura beside his, Kahlua blinked her golden-red eyes thoughtfully.
At that same moment, in the bedroom—
"Hmm?"
Max suddenly opened his eyes, lying beside the sleeping Moka. A faint pulse of mental energy spread outward.
Sensing a familiar presence, he relaxed and smiled.
So, Kahlua was here.
Careful not to wake the peacefully sleeping Moka, he quietly slipped out of bed, put on a robe, and went downstairs.
Through the large glass doors, he saw her — already in human form, standing in the courtyard.
And she was wearing a maid outfit.
Not the traditional kind, though.
More like… an anime-style fusion of classic and modern.
Their eyes met.
Kahlua's golden eyes sparkled.
Max casually opened the sliding doors with a flick of his psychic power.
Kahlua stood there with a bright, cheerful smile.
"Max, I'm here," she said happily. "From today on, I'll be your personal maid."
It wasn't just about wanting to experience a new life.
Part of it was gratitude — Max had once saved her life.
"Welcome home," Max said warmly, smiling as he extended his right hand. "I'll be counting on you, Kahlua."
Kahlua blinked when she heard the word home.
Then she reached out and took his hand, her smile soft and dazzling.
It felt… nice.
When they let go, Max chuckled. "Come on in. I'll introduce you to someone."
"The one upstairs?"
Kahlua glanced toward the second floor — she could sense that other presence clearly.
It felt similar to the vampires from her world, but… different somehow.
"Yes," Max nodded. "Her name's Akashiya Moka."
He gestured to the sofa. "Sit, Kahlua."
She sat down gracefully, and Max took a seat beside her. Their eyes met again.
Then, with a serious tone, he asked—
"Kahlua, would you like to form a bond with me — a true familiar contract?"
"....."