Knock knock knock!

If you asked Albel what the happiest thing in winter was, it’d be lazing in bed, snuggling under warm covers for a morning nap.

But that simple joy was stolen by urgent knocking.

“What the hell? It’s dawn! Summoning ghosts or what?”

Albel grumbled, poking his head out of the blankets. Who dared ruin his sweet dream? He’d duel them to the death!

“Al, it’s Christmas! Come out and play!”

“Yeah! Snow’s falling. Let’s get a Christmas tree!”

Alicia and Lucia’s voices drifted through the door.

“Christmas? Whatever. Thanks.” Albel rolled his eyes. Damn it—I’m the Demon King. Why celebrate human holidays?

“Open up! No more sleeping!”

“Yeah! Isharis and Hecate are waiting downstairs!”

The knocking turned frantic. Alicia even kicked the door with her boots. Thud thud thud!

“Seriously, you guys are nuts.” Albel groaned. Were Isharis and Hecate really this free today?

He’d play dead.

Albel smirked. I won’t budge. What’ll you do? This door was custom-made by the top demon craftsman. Even Levatin couldn’t slice it open.

Damn. Should’ve added soundproofing.

“Albel, get your ass out here!” Alicia yelled, realizing he was faking sleep. She kicked harder, the noise shaking the walls.

“What’s all this?” A silver-haired girl approached. She smiled at fuming Alicia and a sighing Lucia.

“Al won’t open up! Isharis, was he like this in that world too?” Alicia pointed at the door, pouting like a fluffed-up cat.

“I wouldn’t know. We always shared a room,” Isharis teased, hiding a smile.

“Hmph…” Alicia growled softly.

“Kidding. Watch me get Al to open up.” Isharis ruffled Alicia’s hair, then knocked sharply on the door.

“Open up! SF Express delivery!”

Alicia and Lucia exchanged confused looks. SF Express? What’s that?

Inside, Albel’s eyes lit up. Was his Frigg body pillow from the Light Sanctuary website here?

“Where’s my package?” He swung the door open. Isharis grinned slyly. Alicia and Lucia stared, stunned.

Was this phrase magic? Like “Open sesame”?

“Right here,” Isharis beamed.

“Where? Where?” Albel peered past them. No package in sight.

“Right in front of you, Al. Your three wives. Sign here.” Isharis lifted her pleated skirt, pointing to her pale leg with a wink.

“Me too! Me too!” A bell-like voice chimed. Hecate dashed past, tackling Albel to the floor.

“Al darling, nuzzle~” She rubbed her cheek against his face like a kitten begging for treats.

*Thud!* Isharis tapped Hecate’s head.

“Ow!” Hecate yelped, sitting on Albel’s stomach. She clutched her head, giving Isharis big, pitiful eyes.

“Why’d you hit me?”

“No more time magic on us sisters. Next time won’t be so gentle,” Isharis warned, wagging a finger.

“Yeah. My sword’s freshly sharpened. Perfect for testing on you. You heal fast, right?” Alicia crouched beside her, grinning.

“Same here. Mistilteinn’s just been maintained. Needs a test subject,” Lucia added, eyes gleaming.

“No! I won’t be your target! Al, save me!” Hecate trembled, clinging to his neck like a scared rabbit.

“Hey. Is bullying her really necessary?” Albel patted her back, frowning at the others. Don’t pick on the youngest.

“Absolutely. Al, remember when I was bathing and suddenly appeared naked on you?” Alicia crossed her arms.

“And that time I flashed you downstairs—even with underwear on?” Lucia raised her hand.

“Once, my legs were covered in tally marks. Seemed odd, right?” Isharis tilted her head.

“I loved it!” Albel blinked, grinning. So those perks were Hecate’s doing? Brilliant!

“Huh?” ×3

“Uh… bad girl. Won’t you behave next time?” Albel lightly smacked Hecate’s butt as the others loomed closer.

“Wah… I won’t! I promise!” Hecate sobbed, wiping tears on his pajama collar.

“Happy now?” Albel sighed.

“We’ll see. Anyway—it’s Christmas, Al. Don’t forget you’re human too. Let’s decorate,” Isharis said pointedly.

“Fine, fine.” Albel gave in. No more sleep now. He’d spend time with his wives. Isharis rarely had free days.

“I want a super tall Christmas tree! Soaring into the clouds!” Alicia clapped, bouncing like a kid.

“Yeah! Covered in glowing stones—visible across the whole continent!” Lucia agreed eagerly.

“So, Al… can you chop down the World Tree for us?” Isharis covered her mouth, laughing.

“Forget it. Just kill me.” Albel rolled his eyes and dramatically flopped backward.