Where do I even begin? I guess… Anesidora’s Skills had been subsumed into a new Skill, and while it wasn’t exactly correct to call it Tan’s granted Skill, it had elements of her in it, certainly.

Flames Of Gifts And Blessings is a Skill which draws upon the Adherence inherent to the theft of Fire and subsequent redistribution of Knowledge, which is Power, and uses it to forcibly strengthen all the Skills and other abilities of a target. In addition to an overall strengthening, several particular Skills or other abilities can be additionally enhanced, allowing it to break through to Ranks beyond what the so blessed being can usually support. This effect is strengthened by the addition of Knowledge, for it is Knowledge that creates Strength. [Class: Legendary] [Type: Law]

I tried looking at the Divine Favour, which contained strands of Tan’s, Anesidora’s, and also my, Truesouls, though Anesidora’s seemed to be captured in a DNA-like helix structure of mine and Tan’s. Flame was blazing on it, visible within Shiro’s changed Chakra network, and it was connected to her heart Chakra, as well as her eye, the one mirroring Tan’s in which she had implanted the Seed within her own self, and the crown Chakra. It seemed a little… crude… if I was being generous, yet there was also a certain beauty to her craft, with the flames of her Divinity shining around it throwing off beautiful sparks and ripples, which seemed to integrate well into Shiro’s body, causing no harm.

Taṇhā’s Thirsting Flames That Drink Divinity is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and paired strands of Truesoul from both Taṇhā and the lover that ate her, though the Adherence for this forging was provided and is supplied largely by the trapped strand of Truesoul from the Favour of Anesidora, She Who Brings Gifts. This effort is crude and unpolished, lacking the refinement of Divine Favours ordinarily, but has been made in an ingenious way, and more Truesoul and Divine Flame has been provided to it than is usual, or perhaps wise.

Using the trapped strand of Anesidora’s Truesoul, rich Adherence and Soullight can be drawn and used to offer blessings, by also integrating the Adherence of Divine Thieves and the Flames they have stolen. Additional Adherence that has matching flavours can be gathered, whether the bearer of such Adherence is willing or not, and repurposed into suitable strength-enhancing flames, which burn but gently, and cause no harm to their recipients. Soullight of a nature lacking Divinity, but highly compatible with both Divine Taṇhā and the bearer of this Favour, also leaks out, and due to the inherent Connection, Bond, Knowledge and Growth aspects, this crude, experimental Favour has stabilised, and the Skill it promotes will grow rapidly, surpassing all expectations.

Just as the theft of Flame by troublesome Gods offers knowledge and power to those deemed beneath them, so too shall the bearer, Shiratori Himeko, the Divine Medium of Taṇhā, no longer She Who Thirsts, but now She Who Drinks Divinity, bestow stolen blessings, knowledge and strength upon those who she so chooses. And the debt that must be paid by the thief shall equally be borne by Oshiro Moonstone Akio, for his own self is tangled with this gift, a Connection shared by both Goddess and Medium, that shall never be sundered nor usurped. [Class: Legendary] [Type: Law]

Damn it, Yggdrasil is never going to let that Goddess Eater thing go…

Shiro and Tan must have been discussing the same information, as Shiro was laughing, and Tan’s eye seemed embarrassed. Shiro’s laugher halted as Tan took over, but her first words sounded like an excuse to me. “Of course I am not as skilled as my father in creating these Favours. But I am also not a mere dabbler, a dilettante, a lazy fool! Having seen a number of Favours, and usurped many myself, as well as having the knowledge of Yggdrasil to assist me, and experience of you breaking down and merging them… I would be a sorry, pathetic Goddess indeed could I not manage this much! Alas…” Her eye narrowed, and her mouth was twitching, Shiro clearly warring with her need to laugh. “…you say you can cook, yes? Consider it thus. I knew all the ingredients required to make a Favour, though I was missing the… seasoning? Yes, seasoning is an apt term. I was… unaware I was using too much salt, my Divine Flame that burns within and defines my Divinity, but… it seems I am indeed more fortunate than I believed.”

Shiro finally burst into laughter. “What the hell is that for a metaphor, Tan? Too much salt? Shit, too funny!” She wiped a tear away from her eye. “But damn, I’m your Chosen now, Tan? And I’ve got Aki inside me too? I’ll have to apologise to the others for breaking today’s agreement. Aki’s got in me good and proper!”

As I snorted at her innuendo and attempt to lighten the tense mood, Tan twisted Shiro’s lips into a scowl. “I suspect my Favour would be far weaker were it not for several factors, perfectly aligned for us. Your compatibility with me is high, far higher than should reasonably be anticipated. Perhaps now it even surpasses Tsukiko, who was uniquely adapted for that moon God, Tsukuyomi. After all, we share more than any other mortal and Goddess I can think of. Secondly…”

“Me, right?” I asked. “You cut out a strand of my Truesoul too and knotted it together. And my Soullight that leaks from it isn’t helping with a Skill, but…”

“Yes.” Tan agreed. “Without a Divine Flame, the compressed, blazing adherence that expresses and manifests your very existence to bathe it, you cannot grant a Skill based on your own self. However, I felt that it would not be right to give of myself to the princess without you. It would be… how shall I put it… as if I was stealing food from your bowl.”

“More food metaphors, huh?” Shiro grinned, back in control. “You’re being too cute, Tan. It’s a bit annoying you’re taking up my date using your shared knowledge to flirt with each other, but when you gave me a gift so good, I guess I can be generous.”

“Don’t worry, we still have time. But maybe you should put your clothes back on?” I suggested wryly. “Even with my Resilience, it’s still hard for me to concentrate with you here naked.”

“You’re truly a riajuu now, Aki.” Shiro scoffed, though she did reach for her discarded clothes. They were stained with our blood and sweat, but she swept a hand out over them, aether surging, and the stains were lifted off, her higher level of control impressive. “Able to tell the naked me to put clothes on. Think how many men, no, not just men, women too, at uni, would have been happy to die just to catch a glimpse of me unclothed.”

“True. Though they didn’t know you like we did…” I countered, and Shiro snorted.

“Rude much, Aki?”

“You know I don’t mean that. It’s just… you’re so beautiful, it’s almost a holy experience. We guys are simple creatures. Our fantasies have to have at least some basis in reality. You were simply too far above us.”

“I see. Aimi’s probably not going to know what to think about that…” Shiro mused, and I shook my head.

“Spare me from that! Besides, she’s got a boyfriend now, and I’m not one for getting excited over other people’s girlfriends. I’m too busy trying to cherish my own. And as for my fantasies now… it’s hard to explain, but nothing seems out of reach. After all, I have you two!”

“He is quite the charmer.” Tan muttered, and Shiro nodded her head. “Nonetheless, we shall be brief. And some advice from me, princess. Indeed, put on your clothes. Much as he adores your naked form, allure is in the details. The tantalising glimpses, the imminence of removal, the final unveiling.”

“I bow to your superior knowledge!” Shiro teased, before pulling on her panties and reaching for the rest of her clothes. “Might as well fill me in on the rest while I get dressed.”

“The main thing is your Chakra network has changed. It’s far more perfect, although…” I frowned, thinking. “It gave you a colossal jump in your Aether Statistic, and your ability to handle adherence has naturally improved, but… it’s still leaning too far in one direction. You know, everything seems to fit a certain template. Root, heart, crown as the three major nexus points, seven primary Chakras, a structure of branching meridians, acupoints and capillaries. Yet there are additions and modifications. Be it Dantians, a lunar Chakra, Night Orbs… a Divine Flame…”

Tan agreed. “Yes. That is the essence of Cultivation. To turn the disparate into the uniform. Of course, Cultivators always seek unique, potent power, but the paths they walk are set ones. It is why even a humble mortal with no talent, or a Goddess such as I, can traverse the same ascent. Of course, the talentless will fall far behind and likely will stumble and fall upon the jagged rocks of failure. Cultivation is as cruel as the worlds that created it.”

“Yeah, so, your new network, Shiro…”

Divine Moon And Star Chakra Network is a hybrid Chakra Network, made up of eight major Chakras, perfectly adapted to a mortal body, supported by a trunk pathway and numerous branches, as well as a Divine Spark, which has been connected, orbiting the inactive Lunar Chakra, and linked to the other primary Chakras. This Divine Spark has brightened, and has moved towards the newly implanted Divine Favour, supporting it.

As the Divine Flame within, currently a mere Spark, is nourished and fortified by relevant Adherence, so too will the subtle bodies bearing this network be heightened, growing ever closer to Divine perfection, as well as feeding and stabilising the Thirsting Flames That Drink Divinity, which is likely to gradually adapt to and become a part of this network in its entirety, due to the extreme compatibility and beneficent Soullight present.

“See?” I finished. “It’s great. In fact, it’s probably straight up more powerful than my Chakra network. If we could activate the lunar Chakra as well, then it certainly would be. But… is it the best choice for everyone? I’m not so sure. A focus on adherence isn’t for everyone, and I don’t want to limit us.”

“That’s my Aki.” Shiro giggled. “Always looking to maximise our benefits.”

“Hubris. Such great hubris.” Tan had a different opinion. “You are greatly skilled, yes, with the advantage of peerless insight from your Eyes, but… to meddle with forms perfected over uncounted centuries and expect greater results is… unlikely.” As I frowned at her words, Shiro’s lips twitched, and I could see Tan was hiding a smile. She’s being tsundere again. She tends to fall into that when we do something crazy and unprecedented, I’ve noticed. She’s amazingly adorable under her frosty exterior and mannerisms. I guess there’s a warm fire under her ice that’s left her like a comfortable hot spring in winter. The Buddha really does have no taste in women.

“However, everything about this situation is preposterous, unlikely, irrational. What is one more miracle stacked upon your wobbling tower of effort and fortune? Still, I implore you, do not be hasty. The princess needs time to acclimatise herself before any experiments. Even though my Favour seems to have stabilised her further, we are deeply entangled, and you are aware of the dangers of careless meddling. I would be most forlorn were the princess and I to suffer injury now, when she is becoming ever more whole and perfect.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve some other ideas first. But I’ll consult with you when it’s time.” I promised.

“One thing I have to say…” Shiro was mostly dressed now, just pulling on her tube top and straightening the sheer mesh. “…is that I’m catching Eri up now! Rank ten! I’ll be number one soon enough. And before you say it, we know it doesn’t measure our love, not specifically, but you know how we women are, Aki. Competitive.”

I relayed that thought to Eri as I worked on my modification to Kin Bonding And Restoration, trying to propagate the new strand of Connection I had with Eri to it, and thus to all that shared Lovers’ Link. And Aiko too, though she’ll be able to disconnect it at will, I imagine. Not that it should matter, as this strand requires consent from both sides to transmit…

She’s right, of course. It’s not a competition, and I’m happy she can get more benefits. But you can tell her I’ve just reached Rank twelve. She’ll have to try harder if she wants to catch up.

Okay then… I held in a smile at their competitive nature. I continued to tinker with the strands of soullight I was weaving, while on the Material, Hyacinth and I were just finishing up our meal in the maid café. In the lands of the Fae, I relayed Eri’s message, and Shiro couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Yeah, that’s Eri for you. She’s got a stubborn streak. Rank twelve, you say? No problem. But Rank eleven first. I know everyone wants to be on a level playing field with Eri and your Valkyrie. It’s going to get crowded in your head, Aki!”

“Probably. But at least I’ll never be lonely.” I joked, before looking at the next point of Shiro’s status that interested me.

Alluring Devotion is a Skill that draws the hidden desires and talents out of a chosen target, allowing you to both inspire and strengthen them. It can only be used upon someone you truly love, desire, and are connected to. You can see the wants and needs of this target, and your Aether and Adherence will be used to fortify their strengths to achieve their goal, though such a feat will bring feelings of intense pleasure and lust in both you and your desired target. The effect is greater the stronger your Charm grows, and your Charm Statistic is also significantly more effective.

“I see. You did want the Skill sealed, didn’t you?” Shiro laughed. “Seems like I’m destined to be your buff-bot forever, Aki. Though that’s a fate I can get behind. As Shirohime, I may have put on a brave face, pretended I wanted to be centre stage, but… all I ever wanted was someone to stand beside and lean on. Tan was right. Anesidora’s Favour was perfect for me. Though now we can do better…”

“Indeed. Though it does not help with our immediate needs.” Tan observed. “I do not believe it would work upon a Tree.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” I agreed. “And I don’t want to have to get jealous of a plant. But… there’s a lot of circumstances where an extra buff could help me.”

“Just not on the battlefield, okay? I don’t have an exhibition fetish, not really. It’s hot to tease you around the house, but… I really don’t want others we don’t have a relationship with to see me that way.” Shiro insisted, and I chuckled, understanding completely, and I pulled her into a tight, reassuring hug.

“No kidding. Me neither. You’re for my eyes only, though I suppose the other girls seeing you when you are dancing for me isn’t a problem.”

“Oh, hoping to inspire then into doing their own sexy dances and stripteases, are you?” Shiro winked her obsidian eye. “I don’t blame you. It’s quite fun, I can express myself and how much I love you. And lust after you. We women can be just as horny as you guys can. That gives me an idea…” Her giggle was wicked. “Anyway, It’s a bit different to Tan’s, isn’t it?”

Alluring Charm is an ability which draws the loves, lusts and desires out of a target, allowing you to inflame their passions and yearnings for you. It has no effect on those you do not love and desire. You can see what your target seeks from you and their turbulent, deeper hidden emotions and can use your Charm to soothe their mental state and relieve stress and fatigue. The effect is greater the stronger your Charm grows, and your Charm Statistic is also significantly more effective. Through your Alluring Charm, you can pour your Aether, Adherence and Elemental energies into your target without the risk of rejection, and with reduced chance of harm from overload.

“I see. It’s a bit like having a personal Haru, for mental care, alongside being a way to restock your depleted energies. Lucky you, Aki. Anyway, looks like the Buddha is out of luck.” Shiro snickered. “Like me, seems like Tan’s stuck only using it on you. Which is handy, as she’s trapped in my body. Seriously, I’m grateful, you know.” Shiro tilted her head up while still in my arms, looking up at the dark sky of the Fae Realms, the massive moon hanging overhead like a huge, unblinking eye of silver.

“For what, princess?” Tan asked, and Shiro snorted.

“You know. It would have been so easy for you to build your strength by using Alluring The Buddha. Sure, maybe some idiots like the Raven were too single-minded, but… you could have brought in more allies.”

“Hmm.” Tan let out a long breath. “I fear you misunderstand me. I simply had no need…”

“Yeah, yeah. Try and act aloof in front of Aki. There’s no need to entice him, he’s already head-over-heels with you. With me too, of course.”

“We shall leave it at that then, princess.” Tan waved Shiro’s possessed hand. “But just because my father and I are seen as evil, does not mean we delight in suffering. The Pantheons are not monoliths, but we must act together, despite our differences. It simply means we will go further for our goals than others might, no matter the cost. If I had desperate need, then perhaps I would have dismayed you, and used my Allure. But I had no wish to hurt you more than was needful.” Her crimson eye blinked at me. “I sensed that despite her embarrassment, she was not opposed to baring her flesh and spirit before you. After all, you had agreed to love each other. I found it foolish, yet oddly touching.” She paused meaningfully for a moment. “I had not expected my heart too, so frozen, would thaw. I may be a Divine Thief, yet you are a thief of a different sort, which has stolen a Goddess!”

“What can I say?” I shrugged, tightening my hug. “I know someone worth spending my life with when I see her. My problem is I’m surrounded by too many quality women.”

“No kidding.” Shiro agreed. “But that’s the burden of power, isn’t it, Tan?”

“Indeed. Just as I am strong and can exert my will, so too shall you. A strong lover appeals to many.”

Yeah. And you all appeal to me. Right then… redoubling my efforts on adding to Kin Bonding, I glanced at the Classes that Shiro and Tan had which were similar.

Divine Thief is a Class granted to beings who hold Divinity, but steal that which is Divine from others, especially those who use Fire Element or Fire-aspected Adherence. The ability to use and integrate such stolen Adherence and Soullight is enhanced, and Truesoul strands so taken can be integrated with less risk of harm, and the chance of the linked Truesoul of the Divinity so stolen from being able to restrict the transfer of Soullight is significantly reduced. Fire Elemental energies and similar Adherence are generated in greater quantities, and the bearer of this Class has increased affinity to such.

Aether, Charm, Fortune and Fate increase as this Class Levels, and League can increase in proportion to such thefts, though it is important to note that such Divine Thieves are greeted with suspicion and hostility by many other Divinities.

That’s Tan’s, whereas Shiro’s…

Thief Of Divine Flame is a Class granted to beings lacking Divinity who steal that which is Divine from others, often via Flame, the universal Adherence for Knowledge and the theft and redistribution of Divine authority. The ability to use and integrate such stolen Adherence and Soullight is enhanced, and Truesoul strands so taken can be integrated with less risk of harm, and the chance of the linked Truesoul of the Divinity so stolen from being able to restrict the transfer of Soullight is significantly reduced. Fire Elemental energies and similar Adherence are generated in greater quantities, and the bearer of this Class has increased affinity to such.

If the Thief has not yet reached Divinity, their proto-Divine Flame will be strengthened, and Flame Elemental energies and similar Adherence will slowly fortify that nascent Divine Flame, and their subtle bodies will take on slight aspects of Divinity, slowly becoming more perfect to adapt to the stolen Divinity.

Aether, Charm, Fortune and Fate increase as this Class Levels, and League can increase in proportion to such thefts, though it is important to note that such Thieves Of Divine Flame are greeted with hatred by many Divinities, who believe beings below them should leave the Flame of Divinity and Knowledge untouched, knowing their place.

“Quite similar, aren’t they? But… it doesn’t make the Gods sound particularly benevolent.” I observed, and Tan agreed.

“Why would they be? If that was so, the Pantheons would not be at odds, and this world and others would not be a battleground of competing interests and bitter grudges. When the mighty fight, the ants underfoot are crushed without care or remorse. But when an ant bites back…”

“Yeah, then you put down poison to deal with the nest.” I agreed. “Oh well, I’ve got a fair grasp on how you’ve improved, Shiro. So… back to our training date?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Shiro smiled. “It looks like we’re not going to be using any destructive powers after all…” She gave one last look out over the brackish, fog-choked swamp. “…so we might as well retire to the mansion and practice in comfort.” She winked at me. “I’ve got to try out Alluring Devotion, right? And while nobody can see us here… I’m going to get a little bit sexy!” She smiled at me, her cheeks and ears pink. “Though…” She pointed to my bare chest. “…you’re not one to be beaten, are you Aki?”

“Nope.” I agreed, quickly redressing, and then scooping Shiro up into my arms in a princess carry. “I can’t be the only one having fun during our date, or I’m a failure as a man. Besides, how else should one carry a princess, Shirohime?”

As she snuggled into my arms, still embarrassed, I began to run to the mansion, while back in the Material, Hyacinth was speaking to me, while the maids at the café were setting up for the photoshoot we were due as part of my reservation. Hyacinth was giving me troubled glances, and I smiled reassuringly.

“I can see you trying not to worry. And that’s fine. But if you want to ask anything, I’ll always listen. It’s not about being a servant of a mistress, it’s about being Hyacinth. And I’m always ready to be honest with you.”

Hyacinth took a deep breath, then spoke her mind. “Akio, I am nooot blind. I watch you attentively all the time, I knooow when you are suffering or in pain. Thooough…” She narrowed her intense violet-silver gaze. “…I can see the trooouble has passed. If… if you need assistance, dooo not hesitate to ask. Nooot order, not today…” She turned her attention to the maids as they worked, before shaking her head, looking back at me. “…for I am not Hyacinth, your servant, but also yooour lover… and I wish to proootect those I love this time.”

I reached out and idly stroked her hair, soothing her. “You know I only order you around because you like it. It’s not a fetish of mine.” I insisted, and Hyacinth leaked a knowing giggle, but she wasn’t backing down, her concern plain. “Anyway, we were experimenting with Shiro’s Berserk Blessing, and it got rather intense. Worth it though. There’s been a few breakthroughs. And I’m working on something myself. When… when it’s complete…” I feel guilty, of course I do. Just like with Ether Healing training, which is utterly horrible, I hate causing those I love pain. But the world isn’t so kind. If we don’t have power, don’t stand at the top, we’re at the whims of those who would trample on us, destroy us. So some suffering now, for a brighter future…

I blinked as Hyacinth’s hand took mine, clutching it tight, her cool skin a little warmer and pinker than usual. Her expression knowing, yet kind, she leaned in, her lips lightly brushing my cheek. She then giggled, and it was lighter than her usual laughter, softer. “Dooo not think you can fool Hyacinth. I knooow your heart. That is the face you make when you cooonsider unpleasant matters. But unlike thooose who hurt me… you do not revel in causing pain, you regret it. Yet nooo suffering is unbearable if done fooor love. Speak, and I shall bear it with yooou, I promise.”

Nodding, I squeezed her hand back. “I know. That’s what makes it harder. Everyone’s prepared to go as far as needed for our ultimate goals. I wish there were kinder ways, but…” At her expectant gaze, I bit down on my building sigh, for it would be disrespectful to Hyacinth’s resolve, for Eri’s too, and I had no doubt that everyone else would come together to make another miracle. “…I want to get ahead, get so strong, all of us together, that whoever or whatever stands in our way are swept aside and we get the future we desire. Together.”

“A wooorthy dream. Hyacinth knows all too well the darkness can fall in but a heartbeat, a moooment. Now tell me your desire, my Akio, and I shall answer it.”

“I’m working on a way to share the effects of Boiling Blood Resonance Link and Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice via Lovers’ Link, or at least transfer a significant amount of the punishment between everyone. With my Soullight, it should be possible…” Like Tan had observed, my scarred Truesoul was leaking a greater flow of the energy, and while that concerned me, I’d take advantage of it while I was healing. “…but it’s not a decision I make easily. Yet if we could push the escalating boost to Asha’s Tree without harming it, we could generate truly absurd amounts of ether, which in turn will make everyone safer, our position stronger…”

My words were cut off as Hyacinth leaned in and kissed me. Her tongue was both cold and hot at the same time, an electric tingle driving away my doubts momentarily as Hyacinth’s tongue sought mine. I responded, my free arm hugging her as we held hands, and after a short while, we parted, Hyacinth giggling, touching her lips in a daze. She then snapped back into focus, and her words were searingly honest.

“I am almooost offended, Akio. It is only pain, and for a cause I wooould die for, kill for. Hyacinth might be crazy still, might still be broooken, but I do not care. Because to me, the agony shall feel as gentle as a spring rain, knowing the difference it shall make, nooot just for your happiness, for that of the mistresses… but fooor mine. As if I recall…” Her eyes were astoundingly lucid, the shadows that were always with her receding, and it gave me hope one day Hyacinth would be free of the chains of her past, as tangible and as cruel as the ones that kept her prisoned in the box we found her in. “…none of yooou can be happy unless I am happy as well, yes? Then there must be great joy to gooo around, I think.”

Ignoring the amused and embarrassed looks of the other patrons and the waiting maids, Hyacinth stood, patting my head in the way I often did for her. “Silly Akio. I shall laugh off the pain, because it is nooot meaningless. So dooo not shed tears for me. Instead… smile. I am sure the ooothers feel the same way. Our pride demands nooo less. We are not your toys, but your loooves. When we see you strive and struggle, we wish to bear your burdens with you. Hyacinth insists on it. After all, yooou were the one who told me to follow my heart, believe in myself ooonce more. So yooou believe in me, in us, too!”

“What can I say to that?” I was defeated by her impassioned argument. Honestly, I knew it already, which was why I was struggling, but hearing her put it into words made it real. “Just don’t regret it.” I kissed her lips softly, a teasing brushing gentle enough to show my affection. “Because I have a feeling you and me will be taking most of the punishment.”

“Foolish Akiooo.” Hyacinth shook her head, chastising me. “You should not be sooo arrogant. There are many who shall stand. But for now…” She glanced over at the waiting maids. “We shooould go. This has been… remarkably strange, but I did nooot hate it.”

“I would hope not.” I gave in, and we walked hand-in-hand to the stage at the back of the café. Sunlight was streaming through the window and the bustle of Akihabara could be heard outside, and as we approached, the six maids lined up again, the special camera another held and the computer it was linked to making me chuckle. That stupid purikura picture of my sis and me is still in my pocket. She’s such a handful. But… she’s our handful.

Setting that thought aside, I focussed my attention here on Hyacinth as the maids positioned us carefully, before getting in shot too, the seventh with the camera smiling at us boisterously. “I want to get in on some photos, master, mistress. Will it be all right to swap between shots?”

We agreed, and soon we were surrounded by the maids, taking pictures of us holding hands, hugging, me kissing Hyacinth’s cheek, she returning the favour… her skin was darkening with her pleased embarrassment as the maids took a series of cutesy commemorative photos with us, curtsying to Hyacinth. All sorts of special effects were added to the printouts, and soon we had a pile of cute photos, bound into a special book, along with a certificate declaring us as honoured guests.

“There’s… one last thing.” Hyacinth seemed puzzled, and I smiled at one of the maids. “Can you take her into your changing room? I can tell after seeing you all perform so magnificently that she’s starting to feel the pressure.” I praised Hyacinth then. “You’ve done really well, and I’ve had a wonderful time with you as simply my girlfriend, but just like I have my foibles, you have yours. And I accept both sides of you. Go and change into your usual outfit, and we’ll take some more pictures while you serve me a beer… and then…” I smiled wickedly. “One surprise left…”

Hyacinth blinked, surprised, before giving me a rather brilliant smile. “I see. Then, I shall nooot refuse your kindness, Akio. Wait for me…” With that, she was escorted by a pair of the maids, chattering excitedly, and as I watched her go, I felt a warm sensation in my chest. Truly, this is happiness. Being able to make such women smile like that truly makes everything worthwhile.

With that in mind, I waited patiently, several other maids chatting politely too me, curious as to how Hyacinth would look in her maid outfit, while one instance of Split Thoughts was continuing to work on Kin Bonding, and others were concentrating on Shiro, as we arrived at the mansion and went to my bedroom, ready to push things further… I just hope we don’t make a mess. After all, considering the friendly maids I’m with right now, I’d feel guilty about giving the mansion’s maids some more work. Huh, maybe I’ll lay down sheeting of some kind…