Chapter 23 – The Devil’s Reign Begins

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Hemari's Change

The next morning at school, something shocking happened.

For the first time, Hemari—who had always been hesitant, always hiding her emotions—walked straight up to Haruto in the crowded hallways.

And held his hand.

Everyone froze.

Whispers erupted instantly.

"Wait, isn't that his stepsister?!"

"I thought they weren't that close!"

"Didn't she always avoid him? What the hell happened?!"

But Hemari didn't care.

Her fingers intertwined with Haruto's, her grip firm.

Then—

She kissed him.

Right there. In front of everyone.

The hallway went silent.

Haruto barely reacted. His golden eyes studied Hemari's face.

She looked different.

There was no more hesitation.

No more fear.

Only devotion.

She smiled up at him. "Haruto, let's go to class together."

Haruto smirked. "Took you long enough."

The school was in chaos.

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The Countdown to Haruto's Birthday

Three days.

That's all that was left before Haruto's 18th birthday.

And it wasn't just any birthday.

For Haruto, turning 18 meant something deeper.

It meant he was no longer a boy.

It meant he was ready.

For what?

Even he wasn't sure yet.

But the moment he became an adult, things would change forever.

His power. His influence. His control over everything.

Hemari, Satsuki, Takashi, Ryosuke, even the Prime Minister—

All of them would be pieces in the game he was about to win.

And yet… something was coming.

A feeling in his gut told him that his past, his future, and his enemies—

They were all waiting for his 18th birthday.

The moment he crossed that threshold—the true war would begin.

Haruto simply smirked.

Let them come.

He was ready.

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End of Chapter 23 – The Devil's Reign Begins