Mrs. Yukinoshita sat in the genuine-leather chair of her study, brows slightly knitted, concentrating on the final details of handing over the Yukinoshita family businesses.

Rei Ao was leaning against the window.

Moonlight was reflected in his iridescent eyes and a faint smile played at the corner of his lips.

Watching this normally dignified mother-in-law stare at the chat-group screen as intently as a schoolgirl first learning to use a smartphone, he could not help finding it a little amusing.

Shinomiya Kaguya: "Please be at ease, Mrs. Yukinoshita. I will keep the current management team in place and assign just one financial supervisor. Your life's work will not be wasted."

Their negotiations were apparently nearing completion.

Mrs. Yukinoshita let out a long breath and looked up at Rei Ao. "She says she'll keep my people."

" Kaguya always keeps her word," Rei Ao replied, walking forward and tapping lightly on the screen of her phone. "And with Hayasaka Ai assisting her, you truly have nothing to worry about."

Mrs. Yukinoshita folded her hands on her lap. "I never imagined the Yukinoshita holdings would pass on in such a manner…"

Her voice trailed off, her gaze moving to the portraits of successive family heads that hung on the study wall.

Rei Ao followed her eyes until they came to rest on her own portrait—formal and severe, utterly different from the slightly lost woman who had just laid down her burden.

"It isn't an ending, but a new beginning," he said softly.

"You are giving the Yukinoshita legacy a chance to continue, rather than letting it stay a shackle on you and the girls."

The study door opened quietly and Haruno poked her head in. "Finished talking? I brewed some tea."

Mrs. Yukinoshita quickly composed her expression, returning to her usual poise. "Come in, Haruno."

Haruno entered with a tray of tea, Yukino following behind. The two sisters sat opposite their mother while Haruno poured the steaming tea for everyone.

"Mother, is everything arranged?" Yukino asked, cradling her cup, concern in her eyes.

Mrs. Yukinoshita nodded. "It's essentially settled. The Shinomiya girl is far more dependable than I expected."

Haruno chirped, "That's because Rei Ao-kun is guaranteeing the whole thing!"

"Oh, right…" She suddenly turned to Rei Ao. "You and Yukino shouldn't go back tonight; it's so late."

Yukino frowned slightly. "Haruno-onee-san, we—"

"It's decided!" Haruno clapped her hands, brooking no refusal. "Mother agrees too, don't you?"

Fluster flashed over Mother's face; she took a sip of tea to hide it. "O-of course. It would be poor hospitality to let guests leave at such an hour."

Rei Ao caught the tiny awkwardness in her eyes but merely smiled and nodded. "Then we'll impose on you."

…

Late at night

The sprawling Yukinoshita residence lay silent, as though asleep.

Mrs. Yukinoshita stood before the bathroom mirror, towel-drying her wet hair. Hot water had left her fair skin faintly pink. The bathrobe collar had fallen open a little, revealing a delicate collarbone.

"Hope the soundproofing is good…" she muttered, cheeks burning as her mind unwillingly conjured certain nocturnal possibilities. As a mother I shouldn't imagine such things, but as a woman…

"You're being ridiculous—have some shame," she scolded her reflection, forcing away those untimely images. After arranging the robe so not a centimeter of skin was exposed, she drew a deep breath and left the bathroom.

The hallway was pitch-black save for moonlight spilling across the floorboards. She tiptoed toward her bedroom, lightening her steps when she passed the rooms of Yukino and Haruno.

"They should… already be asleep," she thought—but faint voices came from within. Shaking her head, she quickened her pace.

Opening her own door, she froze.

Rei Ao was standing in the center of her room, black hair tinged blue in the moonlight, iridescent eyes fixed on her.

"Eh?!" She gave a short, startled cry and instinctively clutched the front of her robe. "R-Rei Ao-kun? Why are you—"

He spread his hands helplessly. "Forgive me, Madam. Yukino and Haruno… kicked me out."

"K-kicked you… out?" Her mind blanked. "What do you mean?"

"Just what it sounds like," he said, gesturing at the firmly closed door behind him. "They locked the door and told me that tonight I should… come to you."

Mrs. Yukinoshita swayed, leaning back against the door, legs trembling beneath the robe. "Th-this is absurd. How could they be so… unseemly?"

She certainly hadn't raised her daughters like this.

…

Meanwhile, in the next room

"Sis, what are you doing?" Yukino hissed, trying to drag Haruno away from where she was pressed to the wall eavesdropping.

Haruno pressed a finger to her lips. "Shh—"

Veins popped on Yukino's forehead. "What we did isn't right! Forcing Rei Ao to… to woo Mother—that's outrageous!"

Haruno turned, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Actually, I've uncovered a secret, Yukino-chan."

"A secret?"

She leaned close and whispered, "We're not Mother's biological daughters."

"What?" Yukino's eyes went wide.

"To be precise, Mother is still… pure," Haruno smirked. "Shocking, isn't it? I was floored when I discovered it."

Yukino's worldview rocked. "Th-that can't be true! Why tell me only now?"

"Because it's more fun this way~" Haruno's ears twitched—she seemed to hear something—and eagerly glued herself back to the wall. "Listen, something's happening!"

"???" Yukino was completely lost, still reeling from the bombshell her sister had dropped.

~~~

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