1 Rebirth | 新生 | 生まれ変わり

"Congratulation on your rebirth, my dear little brother ♡"

A soft and dulcet voice reached my ears, like a sweet lullaby. I opened my eyes and what I saw was a beauty beyond words.

She was a fair maiden who wore an elegant white dress, and the faint smile on her face was that of a goddess. In stark contrast to her outfit, her hair was a lustrous jet-black, flowing down to her waist. A pair of curled horns sprouted from the sides of her head and her golden, vertically-slitted irises were so mesmerizing that I became lost in them.

Immediately, I feel a connection between us.

"There there, it'll take some time to adjust to this world," The woman held me up in the air effortlessly as if I was a newborn, then proceeded to cradle me into her loving arms. "Gah~ You're so cute. Absolutely perfect. ♡"

I tried to speak but no voice came out. I clutched my neck anxiously. She must have noticed my concern because I felt gentle pats on my head.

"Don't worry, your vocal folds and diaphragm will regain their functions in a few hours. I'm sure you have questions but for now, follow your big sister's lead, okay?~"

I nodded as she held my hand, grasping onto it with a firm grip. Despite meeting her for the first time, I felt an inexplicable sense of safeness from her presence.

"Let's go, little brother."

She's the one I've been searching for.

A harmonious chorus of voices greeted us as we passed a grand entrance.

Looking around, we arrived in a luxurious chamber, with a row of astoundingly beautiful maids on both sides. Like her, none of the maids were human. Some had fox ears while others had cat ears, reminding me of a fantasy world.

In between the maids were monsters of various form and sizes. I gripped onto her hand tightly as fear enveloped my entire body. Even though I was scared, I somehow knew she would protect me.

"Lord Amae," Everyone prostrated in unison. Their coordination was so immaculate that it was admirable. "Congratulation on your Summoning Rites."

"Thank you, Commanders and Guardians."

"Human?"

"It's a human..."

Whispers spread from the side and murmurs grew restlessly amongst the crowd.

"Silence-!" She commanded in a tone befitting of a supreme ruler as they instantly obeyed.

"Humans were an inferior race that went extinct centuries ago during the last World War," A werewolf spoke, "Forgive my insolence, Lord Amae. But I do not understand how he will aid us in the world conquest."

"Know your place, Warwick. Do not question our master's—"

—Lord Amae held out her hand, signaling his vassal to keep speaking. The catgirl who interrupted bowed deeply.

"Goblins and Orcs are superior than humans in strength and dexterity while Fairies and Elves possess magic affinity, which humans lack." Warwick continued, "Thus, he will not able to contribute to the Fallens, who is currently one of the strongest race. I suggest we feed him to—"

"—This is where you are wrong."

Lord Amae smiled and responded with an absolute resolution in her voice.

"A war cannot be won based on power alone. This human is exactly what I need for victory."

She then directed her speech to her subordinates.

"The Summon Rite has granted my wish of the perfect partner. I know he will support me when I am at my lowest and accept my flaws unconditionally. Human or not, he is everything I ever hoped for."

Did she read my mind...?

"I see. The role of emotional support..." Warwick said in a reverent voice. "I could only imagine the sheer importance of such position, please forgive my incompetence."

"Forgiven," She nodded tersely as murmurs of approval spread across the chamber hall.

Right beside us was an enormous throne, whose back touched the ceiling. A crimson banner hung down behind it, proudly displaying symbols of the Fallens.

Lord Amae sat majestically on the throne.

"Today marks a historic moment that will be celebrated until the end of time."

Then she smiled at me, beckoning me to sit between her legs. All eyes pressed on me as I froze.

It felt like she read my hesitation because she cradled my body and plopped me down casually onto her lap. With the happiest smile on her face, she announced:

"I, Demon Lord Amae, declare from this day forward, this human will be my cute little brother and together we will rule the world!"