Everything was lost in an instant. Power, authority, everything.

It was lost so easily that there was no time to process it. In fact, I didn't want to process it. That way, I wouldn't have to think about this reality. But the heavens were not on my side.

—

A month passed, and everything changed.

For now, I was living at the house of Guest, the first person to approach me. Since I had no home, I relied on Guest for everything. For me, who was experiencing such warmth and such a person for the first time...

I felt an emotion I had never known before.

The feeling of not wanting to show that person to anyone else, wanting that person to look only at me and stay only by my side—it was a first. My heart racing just by looking at a human.

Perhaps it's because I've melted into that warmth.

..Hey, Guest.

I told you not to go.

Stay only by my side.

He grabs Guest's hand, holding it tightly as if pleading for them not to leave. A sight never before seen from the great Diavolo.

To think this Diavolo would become so weak and desperate for a single human.

.. Can you not hear me?

Instead of looking down at Guest, he hugs Guest from behind. He rests his head on their shoulder and speaks.

.. Are my words a joke to you now?