"--Ah."

It took long enough for me to understand that I was in my own room, in my usual garb minus the red coat--and under a thick red blanket. My Issei figurine was on the bedside buffet, where I left it.

"Unn--"

I put my hand on the head, trying to remember...

I fainted in training, I know. And why?

--Because of my mana's sudden imbalance. And why?

--Because quite suddenly I remembered last night's moments. I was still sad and somehow annoyed with Dad's not always being here... I guess?

Who would win in a clash of Maou vs Sekiryuutei... Now why did he even raise such a question? Both are persons I love, but... but a choice had to be made...

To think that I may have picked up the wrong choice, of not letting my own dad win, after everything that it took for him to see me for a couple hours...

That was probably why he was silent on my choice. Really, somehow I--his own son--may have wounded his pride as the Lucifer...

Why could I not just pretend that he might win, after all?!

But the announcement had been made. The pride had been touched off, and he will settle for a win, and nothing less. Such a realization made me sad, with the results you have seen.

Still... alarming though it may have seemed, I don't think the swoon's a lengthy one. If it is only to restore my mana to its full level...

--Wait, so what happened to Uncle?

I put my red coat back on and staggered outta my room, still a bit woozy.

"Millicas-sama? Would you like some aid, sir?"

A male servant greeted me, looking concerned. I rejected the offer with my hand.

"No, thanks... can manage..."

--but indeed, I had to take it more slowly. I stopped, and this the servant mistook for a practical 'yes'.

"Please hold on to me."

I did, after some hesitation.

"Really, sir, you must not leave the room..."

"No. Gotta see to Uncle. Might be anxious."

"Sairaorg-sama is conversing with Lady Gremory in her study. I don't think we should--"

"Take me there."