The sudden chaos left Allen blinking in surprise.
“What’s wrong with you lot all of a sudden? Don’t tell me you’ve already had that much to drink? That’s not good, you know. Drink, but don’t let it drink you.”
“Ow…! T-that sobered me up in an instant!?”
Magus, who had fell and smashed the table in grand fashion, shouted in disbelief. The rest of the gang staggered back to their feet, looking at Allen like they’d just seen a ghost.
Even the snake around Groh’s neck had its mouth agape in shock.
“Uhh, can I just ask this to make sure…? What exactly are you going to confess to the Goddess?”
"Of course, a confession of love?"
“H-he’s becoming defiant…”
Anyway, after everyone had cleaned up, the party around Allen started again.
Allen had prepared new drinks for everyone with his own money, but no one dared to take a sip.
Everyone was silent, creating an atmosphere like a wake.
Allen narrowed his eyes and shot a glare at them all.
"What? Is there something wrong with me confessing to Charlotte?"
“Well, it’s not a problem exactly…”
"This development was unexpected..."
Magus and Gloh looked at each other solemnly.
The other underlings were whispering to each other as well.
“Hey… did anyone bet on this happening so soon?”
“Nah, I think the earliest guess was like three years out.”
“I dumped all my money on the long shot: ‘Ten years from now, he gives in to the heat of the moment and takes responsibility afterward’…”
“You guys. Outside. Now.”
Truth be told, Allen wanted to dish out punishment right then and there, but it would only stall the conversation, so he let it slide for now.
Magus sighed and covered his face, looking up at the ceiling.
“Still, seriously? Honestly, we figured you’d stay oblivious forever, Demon Lord-san.”
“What changed your mind all of a sudden…?”
"That’s, well... a lot of things happened."
There was no way Allen could admit it was because they held hands and stared into each other’s eyes. Not only was it embarrassing, but he had the distinct feeling that another table would be smashed if he said it out loud.
Clearing his throat, he leaned back in his seat and continued.
“Anyway, I’m going to confess to Charlotte. You guys may know nothing about love, but even dead trees add color to a mountain, dig deep and offer some advice.”
“You’ve got a hell of a way of asking for help… not that it’s new.”
“...”
Magus gave a wry smile.
On the other hand, Groh’s face turned serious, and he remained silent for a moment.
“What is it, Groh? You’ve got something to say?”
“...I don’t know the details, but…”
“Let’s be frank. The Goddess, she’s got some kind of circumstance, right? You took her in knowing that. Didn’t you?”
"...That's true."
Allen frankly admitted it.
The others also averted their eyes uncomfortably.