The day had arrived. Yumi and Akuma's wedding. The entire Underworld—and some from Heaven—had been abuzz with gossip leading up to this moment. Yumi, the fiery demon daughter of Kikidori and Ere'ana, marrying Akuma, a demon whose name literally meant "devil." It was as if Hell itself was throwing a parade, albeit one with molten fountains and flaming confetti.
The ceremony was set in a grand hall in Hell, decorated surprisingly well for a place of eternal torment. Ere'ana had insisted on handling the decor, adding angelic touches like white lilies and glowing chandeliers made of light. Kikidori grumbled the entire time, muttering about how Hell wasn't supposed to look so "fucking pure," but he let her have her way.
Yumi stood at the altar, looking stunning in a dark crimson gown that shimmered like embers. Her hair was swept to one side, adorned with small jewels that resembled drops of molten lava. Akuma, standing beside her, wore a sleek black suit with red accents. His usual cocky smirk was replaced by a rare look of sincerity.
Kikidori, sitting in the front row with Kael on his lap, looked like he was ready to combust. "This is such bullshit," he muttered under his breath.
"Shh," Ere'ana hissed, elbowing him. "This is a special day for our daughter. Behave."
Kikidori scowled but stayed quiet… for now.
The ceremony began, officiated by an old, stoic priest who had somehow managed to survive both Heaven and Hell politics for centuries. The priest droned on about love and unity, his voice echoing through the hall.
Kael, now a curious two-year-old, fidgeted on Kikidori's lap. "Daddy, why is Sissy wearing a shiny dress?"
"Because it's her big day, kid," Kikidori said, patting Kael's head.
"Big day for what?"
"To make a huge mistake," Kikidori muttered.
Ere'ana shot him a glare so sharp it could've severed his horns.
Finally, the priest reached the pivotal moment. "If anyone here has any objections to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The hall went silent. Too silent.
And then, Kikidori raised his hand.
The entire room turned to him. Yumi's jaw dropped. Akuma's eyes narrowed. Ere'ana, her face instantly turning red with anger, grabbed Kikidori's hand and forced it down with an angelic strength that could rival Heaven's gates.
"What the fuck are you doing?!" Ere'ana hissed under her breath. Cussing was always rare for Ere'ana but she couldn't hold it in because what Kikidori was doing.
"Objecting! Isn't that what this part is for?" Kikidori whispered back, grinning smugly.
"Not for *you*! Sit down and shut up!"
Yumi glared at her father from the altar. "Dad, seriously?!"
Kikidori shrugged. "Just saying, it's not too late to back out, kid."
Ere'ana smacked his shoulder. "Enough!"
The priest cleared his throat awkwardly. "Very well, moving on."
The rest of the ceremony proceeded smoothly, though Kikidori's little stunt left an awkward tension in the air. When the priest finally declared Yumi and Akuma husband and wife, the hall erupted in applause—though Kikidori's claps were noticeably slower and more sarcastic.
"Woohoo," he muttered dryly.
Yumi and Akuma shared their first kiss as a married couple, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. Ere'ana wiped away a tear, her angelic heart swelling with pride. Even Kael clapped enthusiastically, though he didn't fully understand what was happening.
The reception that followed was a wild mix of Heaven and Hell influences. Ere'ana had arranged a heavenly feast, complete with glowing wine and food that looked too perfect to eat, while Kikidori had added his own touches—like a pit of fire dancers and a bar stocked with infernal brews.
Yumi and Akuma danced the night away, laughing and smiling as if nothing else in the world mattered. Kikidori, meanwhile, sat at the bar, nursing a drink and watching the festivities with a brooding expression.
"You're not even gonna give them a toast?" Ere'ana asked, sitting beside him.
Kikidori scoffed. "What would I even say? 'Congrats on ruining your life, kid'? Yeah, that'll go over great."
Ere'ana sighed. "You could at least pretend to be happy for her."
"I am happy for her," Kikidori muttered. "But she's still my little girl. And now she's married to some punk named Akuma? I'm supposed to be thrilled about that?"
"She loves him, and he loves her," Ere'ana said softly. "That's all that matters."
Kikidori grunted but said nothing.
As the night wore on, Kael eventually fell asleep in Ere'ana's arms, and the guests began to leave. Yumi and Akuma shared one last dance before slipping away to start their new life together.
Kikidori watched them go, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions he couldn't quite name. He wasn't ready for this—watching his daughter grow up, move on, start her own family. But as much as he hated to admit it, Ere'ana was right.
Yumi was happy. And that was all that mattered.
The End of Chapter 29