Helloo, I hope you're doing good, I admire your fics so much 🥺🫶💗
I don't know if I came too late for requests. Since I've been reading chainsaw man and The summer Hikaru died so I thought, what if Aruji were to make a contract with a demon in exchange for their body? The reasons could be whatever you see best (to stay longer with the butlers so they won't suffer a loss, maybe to save the butlers from an inevitable danger, to protect the butlers etc).
Some butlers may notice the difference or that there's something wrong, like Lucas, Ammon or Lamli (if I don't get it wrong Lucas and Ammon haw written the weaknesses of nobles including Aruji), they know it's the Aruji they know, nothing changed but there's something eerie on them, unusual likes, changes in attitude (for example how they see the nobles, not with that shy characteristic the Aruji in the game has, but something more firm and somehow dangerous...)
Sorry, it's getting too long, I wanted to ask for some headcanons on how the butlers would accept or not this change or get through Aruji "death" You can choose which butler do if it gets too long, also you can feel free to invite this request.
AAAH ANYWAYS, I love your works so much, keep it going 💗💗
[Akuneko HC] If Aruji made a deal with the demon and the body no longer contains Aruji’s soul
Hiiiii Nuljka! (Or should I call you by Niqufhje? 🥹 please lemme know how I should refer you 🥹🫶) and thank you so much for liking my fics 😭💖💖💖 it made my day! And you are just in time for the request hehe, so not late at all and WHOA that is such an amazing concept 😳 thank you so much for the interesting request!!
Haures’ part is thanks to @mailoveforu, and Ammon’s part is thanks to Inai! Thank you so much for helping me!
Arujisama has made a deal with the demon, their soul and body in exchange for the butlers’ lives to be saved from the grasps of their demons. Each time, whenever Aruji sees the butlers who were in great pain after using their powers, it truly ached their heart, and they wondered if they were to pass away, would all of the butlers fall into demonization? In that case, this deal will help the butlers, as well as keeping the facade that Aruji is alive for them. For their wish is to make sure the butlers are alive and well.
However, after being together with Arujisama for a long time, the butlers would know at an instant, about who this person in front of them was.
And these were the instances when they found out and how they would react: (First, Second, Lucas only, initially I wanted to write everyone but I couldn’t 😭 sorry)
“Arujisama……would you like another cup of tea?”
Berrien had found out when “Aruji” reached for another spoonful of sugar cubes, more than how they usually drink.
Berrien usually makes their tea the way they like it, perhaps he could have brushed it off as Arujisama changing their taste, but in the corner of his eyes, he knew that it was not Arujisama.
The way they hold the cup, the way they reach for the spoon, the way their brows would relax at the calming scent of tea, the subtle difference was no more.
After all, habits don’t change in one day, especially the small, subconscious ones.
Berrien knew that the most important person was no longer in this world.
He wished to question the individual in front of him, but the “Aruji” in front of him behaved the way just like Arujisama, almost like Aruji had been taken over by a being, perhaps, almost similar to a demonization, where the demon overtake their body.
His demon also confirmed the details after Berrien’s realization, murmuring that a new contract has been overwritten, and the humans would be left alone due to what the ring holder wishes to do, in exchange for their soul.
In Berrien’s mind, he already separated “Arujisama” from “( )-sama.” He called his most important person by their name, instead.
While Berrien’s teapot trembled in his hands, his demon told him to pull himself together, as the butlers still require this “Arujisama” to unlock their powers in order to avoid more deaths in Berrien’s family.
But at night, Berrien sleeps with his sobs, mourning silently of the Arujisama he once knew, as he desperately tries to remember all the details he knew of them, taking this secret to the grave.
“Arujisama…why…why would you leave…Arujisama…sniffles….please…bring our Arujisama back…please bring ( )-sama, back….”
“Aruji…sama…? O-oh…! You cleared your plate!”
Lono found out when “Aruji” started eating everything that was given to them.
The foods that Aruji would usually move it towards the corner, were already cleared.
And Aruji looked at Lono, while wiping their lips, “it’s delicious.”
Before, they wouldn’t taste it, because they know how much they dislike it, nor would they think it’s delicious. It has been a goal for Lono to help them eat the nutritions they need.
It wasn’t that he changed his methods, but it felt odd, and he didn’t feel like it was an accomplishment.
“A-Arujisama, would you like another serving…?”
“Aruji” looked blankly and smiled at Lono, “Sure, that would be nice.”
Even though it was the same tone and voice, it still feels off, and Lono served another plate for Aruji.
Lono would ask “Aruji” if something happened?
And “Aruji” would respond with, “Nothing out of the blue.”
Even though everything was normal, for some reason, there is an irking in the back of his head, like a lightning strike waiting to happen in the dark clouds.
“I wonder if my hunch is off…maybe I should cheer up Arujisama by making more delicious food….”
“Arujisama…did something happen?”
Bastien had found out from the way “Aruji” is with the horses.
Animals are rather sharp, they can sense if there was going to be a natural disaster coming.
When something is off, they would do whatever it takes to get away.
Arujisama usually combs the horses’ mane together with Bastien, and Bastien taught Arujisama how to interact with the horses.
It was a fun time where Arujisama was able to pat them and get along with them, and sometimes, Bastien would take Arujisama for horseback riding.
However this time, the horses seemed unstable, alarmed at the presence that came.
The horses’ eyes were widen, their tails tucked and they were snorting, stomping at the ground in protest and fear, not wanting “Aruji” to come near.
“There, there…”, Bastien would come closer to them, and the horses moved towards him.
They have never behave in such a way before, especially not in front of Arujisama.
“Arujisama…? Are you really Arujisama?”
Bastien’s eyes became more sharp.
He guards the horses behind him, as he stared at “Aruji.”
Even though the person in front of him is “Arujisama”, but why does it feel like someone else?
Bastien’s demon would then reveal the deal, as Bastien asked “Aruji” to go and leave him by himself.
Inside the horse stables, the horses calmly neighed and nudged Bastien while Bastien hugs them tightly, his shoulders trembled, as the horse’s mane wetted by his silent tears.
“Arujisama….I have yet to protect you…but you’re no longer here….”
“Arujisama…are you sure you’re feeling alright?”
Location: Mountain behind the Mansion
Haures had found out when he was jogging together with Aruji.
Haures, the usual Spartan trainer of the Palace, would go easy on Arujisama.
He would say, “Please don’t push yourself, Arujisama, I’ll follow your pace.”
The usual Arujisama would usually feel tired hiking up the mountain behind the mansion, they would pant heavily, trying to catch their breath.
Haures would walk alongside Arujisama, often asking if they need to pause here, or maybe he could carry them instead, and they would take more breaks in between.
He knew about Arujisama’s stamina and their limits, so that he knows when he needs to pause the session, and he would tailor a workout menu that’s suitable for Aruji’s current state.
But when “Aruji” joined him, they started to pick up the pace, running up the hill with no trouble.
Haures also picked up the speed, following behind “Aruji” and he would ask Aruji if they needed breaks now.
To which, “Aruji” would reply, “Do I need one?”
It’s true that Arujisama’s stamina would increase with their workouts, but yesterday, Arujisama was still having trouble with their speed, let alone running up the hill.
“Arujisama…are you sure you’re not pushing yourself…? I know what it’s like to want to improve faster, but please do be careful of your health…”
Arujisama seemed like themselves, but they glanced back at Haures, “I’m fine, Haures.” Without them having to take a breather.
It felt kind of strange to Haures, but he was proud of Aruji’s performance.
Yet, there was this same hunch, this uneasiness, whenever he goes out patrolling, that something wasn’t as it seems to be.
But if Arujisama wouldn’t tell him, then he wouldn’t continue to pry further.
“Arujisama’s health and stamina have gotten better…perhaps I should add a little more to their workout…”
“Arujisama…? Would you like me to give you some recommendations?”
Fennesz had found out when “Aruji” was reading something they haven’t read before.
A genre far different from what Arujisama usually read, Fennesz thought that perhaps, Arujisama wanted to try reading something different to fill their curious mind.
And so, he asked if Aruji needed help to find the books they needed, in which “Aruji” replied: “Sure.”
But Fennesz began to notice a subtle difference: Arujisama was reading faster than before.
Fennesz knew about Aruji’s reading speed when they were reading together, both of their hands tracing the words to see where they are at.
Fennesz treasured that time a lot, and he wish he could do that together with Arujisama again.
He would brush it off as something he must have thought too much about, but the more he observed, the more he noticed.
Even though the person in front of him looks the same, but other than the reading speed, the way “Aruji” closes a book would apply more force, despite the book is fragile, and they would rub their fingers on the pages to get them to part.
When Arujisama reads, they would treat the book with more care, because they knew the hard work both Fennesz and Flure put in when repairing them.
“A…Arujisama…? Um…I’m sorry if I’m wrong about this, but…”
The person in front of him doesn’t feel like Arujisama, and when he glanced at their eyes, he felt a sense of coldness and blankness, unlike the usual Arujisama.
Before he could ask, the demon in his mind already answered the question.
And Fennesz quickly backed away, almost tripped over by a chair, as he supported his body, leaning on a wall, he crouched down, trembling with tears.
“That’s a lie….what do you mean Arujisama’s no longer…here…and for our sake…sniffles…for my sake…to protect me…I’m the only one who got saved again……I couldn’t…protect my most precious person…again….”
“Huh, Arujisama…? I’m here to change the flower in your vase ♪”
Ammon had found out when he was coming into Aruji’s room to change the flowers.
He knew that Arujisama’s mood would be happier when there is a new flower, and they would ask what kind of flower it is.
And Ammon wanted to show the flowers he grew from the garden, the flowers that is specially for Arujisama.
He enjoys looking at Aruji, from their blissful, relaxed expression when smelling the flowers, to their shy, blushing expression when Ammon tells them about the meanings of the flowers he brought over, “an Adorable person” from daisies, “thankfulness” from pink roses, and sometimes, Ranunculus flowers, where he said, “Arujisama is full of charm.”
This time, he brought lilac, a sweet, pleasant scent that would cheer Arujisama up.
When he knocked and opened the door, Arujisama was sitting there, looking at the fire in the fireplace.
He placed the vase on the small table next to where Aruji was seated, and he wanted them to take a sniff at the flower, but “Aruji” looked at the flower and did not lean in.
“Thank you, Ammon.” They gave a polite smile.
Before he exited the room, Ammon heard a snipping sound, and when he turned around, he saw “Aruji” was plucking the petals from the flower, as if they wish for the flower to wilt faster.
“Who are you…and what have you done with Arujisama?”
When he saw the blank look in Aruji’s eyes, petals falling from their palm, he knew something was wrong.
The bright, gentle look from Arujisama’s eyes were no longer there when they enjoyed the flowers.
The Arujisama he knew wouldn’t harm the flowers he planted.
And his demon filled in the blanks during his realization.
But Ammon couldn’t accept the truth, he would keep denying that.
He couldn’t trust anyone anymore.
Because what do you mean the Arujisama he knew is gone?
And what do you mean he couldn’t see them again?
“I don’t trust you…where is Arujisama…where are they…!!”
“Arujisama…!! Stay behind me!!”
The angel alarm blared, and it was Boschi’s turn to head out together with Arujisama.
Usually Arujisama would carry their book and hide behind Boschi, away from the battlefield.
And Boschi would reassure them, “Don’t worry, Arujisama, this will be over soon.”
When Arujisama unlocked his power, the angel was a piece of cake to Boschi, ending in quick victory.
But it’s the consequences after that, where he suffered from great fatigue, and he tried to keep himself together. Winces slipped through his teeth.
This time, when “Aruji” went out together with a Boschi, they ran faster, reaching the town where the angel appeared.
“Aruji” stared at the shining, floating angel, the angel looked blankly back, two figures look kind of eerily similar to each other, for they are vessels.
And Boschi called out to Aruji to get behind him.
“Huh…why don’t I feel anything…?”
By the time the hunt is over, Boschi was expecting the wave of exhaustion.
His body no longer feels heavy, nor does he feel like he would faint over.
He felt like his normal self, and while he was glad about the relief, he knew that good things don’t come without a price.
Boschi looked back at Aruji, who seemed to look back at him, but he felt a chill down his back.
They were the same eyes he saw from the angel before he sliced down the angel’s wings.
At an instant, Boschi was on guard, his eyes glared at the figure.
His demon already asked for his life when he offered him with more power, there must have been something that Aruji gave in exchange for his relief.
And his demon laughed in his mind, telling him the cruel truth that happened, but don’t worry, since his Arujisama still lives, he’ll wait until they exhaust their life and reap Boschi’s life.
“Don’t shit with me now…! What d’ya mean ( ) is dead….?! If they’re dead, then I should be with them…!”
“Arujisama, please allow me to accompany you ♪”
It was the night where the butlers have to host a party in their ballroom.
Numerous nobles attended, and it was mandatory for Aruji to join as the representative of the butlers.
Even though Lucas did try to reason, knowing how Aruji wasn’t comfortable with this type of occasion, but his request was refused.
Lucas escorted Aruji to the venue. From previous instances, he knew how nervous Arujisama can be, from the shoulder tension, to the rapid blinking.
After all, Lucas is the doctor of this mansion, it’s important to make sure Arujisama’s well being.
Usually, Lucas would do the talking when it comes to introducing Aruji to the nobles, but the nobles skipped over Lucas.
“Arujisama….? Are you truly…?”
When the nobles taunted what the butlers and Aruji were doing, usually Lucas would apologize and excuse themselves, and held back his thoughts just to avoid conflicts that will involve Arujisama.
But Arujisama, who was usually timid in this situation, retorted them back, “I don’t see you fighting against the angels, and yet, you still have the audacity to taunt what they have been doing their whole life…!”
The noblemen flushed in embarrassment, as the other nobles murmured in agreement, for they have brought shame to their family with their pride.
Lucas thought how brave Arujisama was for standing up for the butlers, but when he wanted to compliment Aruji, they continued with their action:
“Aruji” poured wine all over the noblemen’s shirt. “Cheers to you too.”
It was something that the usual Arujisama would not do.
And the boldness felt foreign to Lucas, when the person in front of him was someone he has been observed for years they’ve spent together.
Arujisama had stood up to the nobles during their time in Rosetown, but it was a different one. Aruji was brave, yet gentle in their words and action, wanting the noble lovers to take back their words that were spoken about the butlers.
And “Aruji” was seen with a smile when they were pouring the wine all over the nobles, as if it was something to their amusement.
A smile, perhaps demons would rejoice in.
The realization hit him, for someone to be so drastic in nature, is either a possession, or…
Lucas’ demon confirmed the details.
He had to hold himself together throughout the party, and the usual composed Lucas, was seen downing wine glass after the next, trying to knock himself out so that the nightmare would end.
“Arujisama…it felt like there is a hole inside my heart…that could never be mended anymore….”
