Ryohei Tanaka stayed at the Hanazono residence for one night, taking charge of that day's lunch and dinner, as well as the next morning's breakfast.

The Hanazono family ate to their heart's content, their bodies and minds thoroughly satisfied. Their satisfaction with Ryohei Tanaka, their future son-in-law, grew exponentially.

If Ryohei Tanaka were to propose marrying Yurine right now, the Hanazono family would likely agree on the spot. They'd probably whip out the Rokuyo calendar (the Japanese version of the almanac for auspicious days), figure out a lucky date, and start planning the wedding process and dowry all in one go.

The temporarily hired shrine maidens and musicians also managed to snag two meals of glowing cuisine—something money couldn't always buy—and were immensely satisfied, working with even more enthusiasm and effort.

When Ryohei Tanaka left on August 14th, the Hanazono family was extremely reluctant to see him go.

His future mother-in-law, Yō Hanazono, repeatedly told him to come back often and that he was welcome anytime. Ryohei Tanaka naturally agreed with a smile before leaving the Hanazono Inari Shrine.

...

Luxury Villa in Komaba, Meguro Ward.

Click—!

Ryohei Tanaka, having driven back, pushed open the villa door. Before he even stepped inside, he noticed Lucoa waiting for him in the entryway.

Lucoa, who had been cosplaying as a courier just yesterday, seemed to have switched to a new role today—a newlywed wife waiting for her husband to come home!

She had braided her long, artistically highlighted blonde hair into a thick ponytail that draped gently over her shoulder, resting softly against her ample chest.

On her tall, voluptuous body, she wore nothing but a regular-sized, pure white, frilly apron.

It looked incredibly erotic!

"..." Ryohei Tanaka's gaze was involuntarily drawn to her. His eyes widened slightly, and even his breathing unconsciously slowed down a beat.

"Welcome home, Ryohei-kun!"

The corners of Lucoa's pink lips lifted slightly. She rested one hand under her proud curves and placed the other on top, her fingertips playfully tapping her fair cheek. In a sickeningly sweet, mature voice, she asked:

"Would you like to have dinner first? Or a bath? Or perhaps... me?"

She paused, then added with a grin, "Of course, I haven't cooked rice, and I haven't drawn a bath."

"...Then I don't really have a choice, do I!?"

Ryohei Tanaka, whose heart was racing from Lucoa's antics, couldn't help but retort.

He closed the door and locked it.

Yosuga no Sora taught us that locking the door when doing business in the entryway is crucial; otherwise, social death is imminent.

"Not necessarily~."

Lucoa lifted her left eyelid, revealing a mischievous smile.

"I'm not forcing you to choose one of those three options, Ryohei-kun. You could choose none of them."

"That's an option?"

Ryohei Tanaka, having taken off his shoes, looked up in surprise.

Seeing Lucoa's mischievous smile and her current attire, Ryohei Tanaka suddenly felt a surge of "fire" within him. He couldn't resist the urge to teach her a lesson.

So, Ryohei Tanaka went for it...

...

Three hours later—

In the World of Dragons and Spirits, the capital of a certain human kingdom.

A camel-like magical beast pulled an exquisite wooden carriage with an arched roof through the capital streets, finally stopping in front of a "rather large-scale" tavern.

"My Lord, My Lady, we have arrived at the Tulip Tavern."

The simply dressed coachman jumped down, turned around, and bowed respectfully.

"Finally here!"

Ryohei Tanaka got off the carriage impatiently, rubbing his butt with a look of melancholy.

"That was pure torture!"

Last time he visited this world, it was purely for gathering ingredients in the wild, and he hadn't really explored.

This time, Ryohei Tanaka wanted to taste the cuisine of another world and see the local sights.

So, after discussing it with Lucoa, they decided to find the capital of a human kingdom and ask a knowledgeable local coachman to recommend a high-end tavern.

There was no concept of "restaurants" or "hotels" here; places for dining were universally called taverns.

The coachman had recommended this Tulip Tavern.

"..."

"Hehe—!"

"I told you earlier, Ryohei-kun, if your butt hurt, you could have sat on my lap. But you refused."

Lucoa rested her hand on the carriage rail and disembarked elegantly. She retrieved a few coins from her spatial storage and placed them into the coachman's open palm. Then, she turned her head with a smile, looking at Ryohei Tanaka, who was still rubbing his behind.

"What kind of talk is that? Would it be appropriate for a grown man like me to sit on your lap?" Ryohei Tanaka squinted and shot a side-glance at Lucoa.

Even though this was the capital, the road conditions were terrible—bumpy and uneven.

The carriage's suspension system was garbage, or perhaps nonexistent.

The ride had been genuinely painful for his rear end.

Lucoa followed Ryohei Tanaka toward the main door of the Tulip Tavern, waggling a slender white finger as she spoke confidently:

"I could have temporarily turned you into a child, Ryohei-kun. That wouldn't be a problem, right?"

"A little boy sitting on a big sister's lap—that's perfectly normal, isn't it?"

"..." Ryohei Tanaka's hand froze as he reached for the wooden door handle. He turned to look at Lucoa with a strange expression and couldn't help asking:

"Lucoa, tell me honestly, are you a shota-con?"

"Hmm—! Am I? Maybe I am~."

Lucoa tilted her head in a feigned cute manner, a playful, almost devilish smile on her face.

She looked at Ryohei Tanaka eagerly.

"We'll know once we find time to turn you into a child, Ryohei-kun."

"...Please cease your criminal behavior!"

Ryohei Tanaka rolled his eyes at Lucoa—he really didn't want to experience "a small horse pulling a big cart"!

Although, his heart was strangely moved!

Oh no—!

I've become someone with a mind full of dirty thoughts!

Startled by his own thoughts, Ryohei Tanaka quickly pushed the distractions aside, grabbed the handle, and pushed open the heavy wooden door.

A rich aroma of food mixed with the smell of alcohol and the unique, boisterous atmosphere of a tavern hit him instantly!

"Welcome! Just two?" A maid in a uniform greeted them with a friendly smile.

"Yes. Please give us a quieter table."

Thanks to Lucoa, Ryohei Tanaka had mastered another language today.

While answering the maid, he looked around curiously at the interior of the Tulip Tavern.

The decor was quite rugged.

Weapons and taxidermied prey were nailed to the rough stone walls, and the long benches and tables were packed with customers.

Amidst the flickering candlelight—

People were tearing into roasted meat, ale was splashing everywhere, and the noise was deafening. It was a scene of hearty, unbridled liveliness!

~~~

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