This story switches between narratives, is done in segments, and will sometimes be taken from the character's pov (point of view). Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy this story.
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Itachi: Reincarnated as the Demon King.
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Chapter 16: Family reunion
The following day arrived, and Yuki was busy ensuring everything was in order. She inquired of one of the maids, "Do we have everything ready?"
"Everything is checked and loaded on the carriage, my lady," the maid reassured her.
Yuki climbed into the carriage, where Itachi and Leona were already waiting. The journey began with a small unit of knights guarding the carriage.
As the carriage traveled from one town to the next, the rhythmic motion lulled Itachi and Leona to sleep. Itachi wakes up and asked Yuki, "How much longer until we reach the Southern lands?"
"It takes a few days, but we will be using a magical transportation portal to get there faster," Yuki explained.
Itachi nodded in understanding and settled back, drifting off to sleep.
After a few more hours, the carriage finally arrived in Yuki's hometown.
"Welcome to Narnia," Yuki said.
"If I remember correctly, Narnia is located in the southern South region of the demon realm," Itachi noted.
"You are correct, my lord," Yuki replied.
"We're engaged. Call me Itachi," he told Yuki with a warm smile.
"I'll think about that," Yuki replied, still adjusting to the idea of their engagement.
As they drove around the town, they eventually reached Hayashi residence. Itachi gently picked up the sleeping Leona and stepped out of the carriage.
Itachi was taken aback by the sheer size of Yuki's family house; it was enormous, rivaling the Demon Kingdom in scale. Yuki walked up to the gates, and the guards allowed them entry. Suddenly, Yuki's younger brother came running toward her.
As he was about to jump and hug her, he spotted Itachi and froze.
"Who is this man, sister?" he asked Yuki.
"This is the Demon King, Lord Itachi," Yuki explained.
"D-Demon King!" he exclaimed, his voice loud.
"Be quiet, little brother," Yuki hushed him, trying to maintain some etiquette.
"I'm sorry, big sis. Let me introduce myself. I'm Allen Hayashi. It's a pleasure to meet you," the young boy, Allen, said.
Itachi chuckled and replied, "Likewise."
Allen eagerly grabbed Yuki's hand and pulled her, saying, "Let's go, big sis; mom and dad are waiting."
As they entered the house, Itachi could overhear the whispering of the servants. They were then warmly greeted by Yuki's parents.
"Welcome back home, my sweet daughter," Mr. Hayashi said.
Yuki's mom hugged her and kissed her forehead, expressing how much she had grown.
"What are you doing back home, my daughter?" Mr. Hayashi asked. "I thought you were serving the Demon King as his secretary."
"I am, Father," Yuki replied.
Yuki's mother looked at Itachi and asked, "And who might you be, young man?"
Since Yuki's parents hadn't attended the Coronation, they were unaware of the Demon King's identity.
"You shouldn't leave your work and come back without the Demon King's permission," Mrs. Hayashi said to her daughter.
Allen, observing Leona and said, "What a beautiful little girl."
But Yuki decided it was time to reveal the truth. "Mom, dad, listen up. This man is the Demon King," she stated, leaving her parents in shock.
Allen fainted, and some of the servants rushed to his aid, exclaiming, "Young master!"
Dinner was served, and everyone gathered in the dining room.
"I'm sorry, my lord," Mr. Hayashi said to Itachi.
"It's fine," Itachi replied.
"To think the Demon King would be joining us for dinner seems unrealistic," Mrs. Hayashi remarked.
"But here I am," Itachi replied with a grin.
Itachi then looked at Leona and said, "Eat your vegetables, Leona."
"But I don't want to," Leona replied sadly.
"You should eat your vegetables, Leona," Yuki said softly.
"No, I won't!" Leona shouted.
Curious about Leona, Allen asked, "Who might this young lady be, my lord?"
"She's my daughter," Itachi replied.
After dinner, Yuki went to talk to her mom and dad in her father's study. She explained to them the situation and the engagement with the Demon King as the only way for him to adopt Leona.
"I understand now," Mr. Hayashi said.
"But father, sometimes I feel like I have feelings for him," Yuki said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Then follow your heart," Mrs. Hayashi advised her daughter with a smile.
After her conversation with her parents, Yuki went to Itachi's room and knocked on the door. Itachi answered, finding Yuki standing there with a glass of warm milk.
"It's for Leona; I know she likes to drink it before going to bed."
"How very thoughtful of you," Itachi remarked, taking the cup from her and placing it on the night table.
The two shared a moment of silence before Yuki spoke, "How much more awkward could this get?"
"Not enough," Itachi replied, smiling.
"I should go. Goodnight, my lord— I mean, goodnight, Itachi," Yuki said, correcting herself.
Itachi smiled as Yuki left the room and closed the door.