Chapter 22: Timeskip

            Two months had passed since Kosuke had defeated Barminius and autumn was in full swing. Said former demon lord had been imprisoned in the basement of the saints’ hideout ever since they returned to Morisumo. Up to this point, West Japan had only seen internal peace, at their borders to the east, demonic forces had tried to retake Kosuke’s territory, all attempts had failed. The demons were hesitant to now share power with humans, whom they had oppressed for all of history, still they were used to how demon lords kept their people in check, they had feared that if they disobeyed Kosuke, then they would be tortured and if they were lucky, killed.

Much to the demons’ surprise, within the first month of Kosuke’s rule, he improved their lives, not just the humans’. No longer did they have to fear for their lives just because their lord was in a bad mood, despite Kosuke being a teenager, he was much more emotionally mature then Barminius, and before making a decision, he would consult his council.

Kanako was close to living her dream of becoming prime minister, she didn’t specialise in anything in particular on the council, she always had something to say. Most of her days she was busy making documents, handling the registration of the citizens, approving licences and even dealing with some minor disputes over property, it was all very exhausting, but Kanako secretly enjoyed every moment. Minami worked closely with her, guiding her in the areas she could, because of this Kanako even started calling her; Minami-sensei.

After Kosuke’s speech in Ishidamu, Kanako had reunited with her father, who was a bodyguard for a supposedly ‘famous’ pop idol, who only Kotone had recognised. His tattoos that Shingo swore he had, they were fake tattoo sleeves he uses to intimidate anyone who might try to attack the idol. He had been pranking Shingo for years with them.

Shingo had become the fire marshal, while Yuzuru had become the chief of police and a general in the army. Something that the demons were surprised about, was that their service in the military was voluntary, some quit when they realised that they weren’t required to stay, although most did stay believing that was the only way to quench their thirst for violence now. Kageyama had also become a general, with him adopting imp children, he was able to gain the trust and respect of some demon generals from Barminius’ rule, some of which who had lost their own children to the evil society.

Asahi ran the most popular restaurant in all of West Japan, which is an impressive feat in it’s own right, let alone by a fifteen-year-old with a broken leg. Kotone and the pop idol that Kanako’s father worked for formed a trio with a hanmusume. Both Kotone and Asahi were on the council, their focus was on improving moral and the quality of life of the people of West Japan. They created the new guidelines for their respective industries. Hisakawa managed the realm’s technology and will be head of the education department the next year.

---

Kosuke had finished the pile of paperwork that was half a meter tall. “This is so boring.” He whined to himself. “I wonder how Kotone-chan’s album is coming along, I wonder if she will let me listen to it before it comes out.” He slid out of his chair and walked out into the hall, he immediately turned back and grabbed some papers off his desk. “Almost forgot my notes for the press conference.”

Shingo met up with Kosuke. “You really think that ‘fine’ idea is going to work?”

“Sort of, no amount of money can truly compensate for the people that have been killed, but we can’t just imprison every demon. That’s just how things were.” Kosuke told him bluntly. He checked his notes to partially rehearse to Shingo. “Okay, if someone has killed over thirty people, they must spend a month in jail for every thirty people they killed, plus every month pay the fines of thirty thousand yen to the government and forty thousand yen to the family of each person they killed. Anyone under the age of one hundred fifty is exempt. All peoples who took a life during Barminius’ reign must pay the fines. Sounds good, right?” He asked his best friend.

Shingo crossed his arms as he thought. “I guess, I still think it sounds a little low. Also do you have a thing for thirty?”

“It’s per person, so it’s going to add up. Minami-san will be paying about a million yen and she is a sweetheart. And no, the thirty thing was actually Asahi-san’s idea, go ask her.” Kosuke elaborated. He then realised something. “You knew it was her idea, you were there!”

Shingo ignored Kosuke’s last comment and continued the conversion unfazed. “I didn’t think about that. Are you sure the prisons will be able to house everyone?”

“That’s why the time is so low, not everyone will be able go in at once, some people will serve their sentence then others will go in. It’s weird to have people wait to go to prison, but it’s what we must do. There has to be some form a justice, and a few fees won’t cut it.” Kosuke said sternly.

“I hope you are prepared for a bunch of questions. Are you sure we should be using yen?” Shingo followed up.

“I am and for now. When things are more stable, in maybe ten years or so, I hope we can create a new currency, something more universal.” Kosuke took a deep breath after finishing speaking, his nerves were building.

“Now the big question, are you ready?” Shingo asked as they stopped in front of the doors to the outside.

“Yep!” Kosuke nodded, discarding his fears. He pushed the doors open, the sun temporarily blinded him, still he walked forward.

The saints all waited for him. As Kosuke approached the microphone, he felt a thud of something landing on his head. He reached up and touched a metallic crown. “If you are going to be emperor of the world, you’re going to need a crown.” Hisakawa told him, smiling warmly, almost like the way his mother used to.

“Thank you.” Kosuke whispered. He then spoke into his microphone and began the press conference.

---

That evening, Kosuke sat on the roof of the tallest building in the city with the rest of the saints. He held his crown in his hands, running his finger around the edge. It was made out of blessed metal. “You didn’t have to make this for me.”

Kanako spoke up. “After everything, you deserve it. You put so much thought into everything; you care about both humans and demons. So stop acting all humble and crap and just be happy, okay?!”

“Things are looking up Kosuke-kun. Maybe next year, we can take back the rest of Japan.” Kotone suggested cheerfully.

“We can’t be too hasty though, I have a feeling we will have to deal with bigger threats soon.” Yuzuru voiced his concerns.

“As long as I have you all with me, I’m sure we can take on any threats. Even ones from the deepest pits of Hell!” Kosuke shouted into the night sky. The world wasn’t saved yet, but this was certainly a start. Higher ranking demons had taken notice to what had happened to Barminius, and were biding their time.