Months bled into a year, and Iruma grew from a wailing bundle into a crawling, babbling toddler.
Delkira's heart felt a joy he had never known before. He was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, when he heard a small, sweet voice.
"Dada," the voice said.
Delkira froze. He turned to see his son, not crawling, but standing on his own two wobbly feet.
Tears welled up in the Demon King's eyes. He knelt, his arms outstretched.
"Come here, son," he choked out, the words thick with emotion.
Iruma took one wobbly step, then another, his eyes fixed on his father. He took a third step, then his legs gave out and he tumbled to the floor.
Tears started to well up in his eyes, but Delkira's voice was a soft encouragement. "
Come on, son. Come to Dada."
Iruma's face firmed with determination. He pushed himself up, his eyes bright. This time, he made it, falling right into his father's waiting arms.
Delkira scooped him up, a triumphant cry of joy escaping his lips. He held Iruma close, looking at Kyoko's picture, a silent message passing between them. Look at him, my love. Our son is growing.