He held Kohina's hand and pried her fingers open one by one.
"This is an order."
"My final order."
"And this isn't abandonment."
"It's letting you fly."
Kagetane Hiruko's white-gloved hand gently stroked the top of his daughter's head.
"All Daddy can teach you is how to struggle in this rotten quagmire."
"But this lord..."
Kagetane Hiruko looked up at Haimo, a fanatical light gleaming in his eyes.
"What he can take you to is the sky above the clouds."
"A truly new world."
"Go."
"Go to that lord's side."
"Become his blade."
"Go see the sights Daddy can never reach."
"For monsters like us, that is the most perfect ending."
With that said.
Kagetane Hiruko stood up and pushed Kohina toward Haimo without hesitation.
His movement was resolute, without a trace of reluctance.
Because he was a madman.
A pure madman who lived for a twisted ideal.
To him, having Kohina follow a being on Haimo's level was far more worthwhile than having her play cat and mouse alongside him in this Tokyo Area doomed to destruction.
As for familial affection?
Before the grand art of destruction, it was merely an insignificant embellishment.
Kohina stumbled two steps and stopped in front of Haimo.
She turned back and looked at her father.
Then she looked at Haimo.
Conflict and confusion filled her little face, and at some point, the twin swords in her hands had drooped to the ground.
Watching this, Haimo did not immediately accept Kohina. Instead, he turned to Kagetane Hiruko.
"..."
Kagetane Hiruko likewise did not look at the child whose face was filled with helplessness.
He faced Haimo again.
And bowed once more.
"I leave Kohina in your care."
"Your Majesty the Demon King."
"I look forward to seeing what colors you paint onto this blank