As the mortal's head gently rested upon Shuten's lap, his fingers danced through the strands of their hair, a soft melody in the night. The allure of alcohol had proven once again to be a potent elixir, weakening the resolve of mortals and rendering them susceptible to manipulation. Shuten, the formidable demon lord of Mt. Oe, often found solace in the company of his comrades, indulging in the pleasures of drink. Yet, on this occasion, a mere mortal had sought his comforting embrace, their words and troubles pouring forth amidst the haze of intoxication.

"Unburden your troubled mind, mortal," he murmured lazily, his gaze lingering upon their hardly conscious form as he lay back on his cushion. How curious it was that a demon, known for his ruthlessness, could exhibit such unexpected hospitality towards a human. But Shuten cared little for the mortal in his grasp, simply finding amusement in the ramblings of inebriated souls—to which this mortal was revealing all their secrets to him.

“Such a weak and fragile thing,” he sighs, rolling his eyes at the being in his lap.