The night air was cool, the city lights below shimmering like scattered embers.
Zumi stood near the edge of the mansion roof, hands in his pockets, aura gently masked.
He felt Kaito approaching long before the door opened.
"Kaito," Zumi said softly. "Come here."
Kaito walked forward with his usual quiet discipline, but Zumi didn't miss it — the heaviness in his shoulders, the slight dullness in his eyes. His loyalty bar was still 100%, unwavering… but emotionally, the man was hurting.
Zumi turned to him fully.
"You're doing good," Zumi began, voice steady. "But you've been distant from everyone lately. Ever since Kasumi found her ambition again… and after you were scolded for not protecting the mansion properly."
Kaito didn't deny it.
He stared at the rooftop floor for a moment, then exhaled.
"You're right," he said quietly.
"I… haven't been myself."
Zumi didn't interrupt.
Kaito continued, his voice low — deeper than usual.
"I'm sorry for focusing so much on Kasumi back then. I should have protected the mansion first. I messed up. But…" He swallowed. "…I really liked her. More than I ever said."
His eyes lifted, filled with something raw.
"I thought I knew her. Thought I understood her. But I never asked the right questions. I never dug deep. I never tried to help her find her purpose again. And now…"
His voice grew smaller.
"…now I realize I didn't even know why she liked me."
Zumi said nothing, giving him space.
Kaito's fingers tightened at his sides.
"You helped her in one day," he said, half–in awe, half–in heartbreak.
"One day, Zumi… and she picked up her sword again. She smiled — really smiled. I haven't seen her that bright in years."
He looked down, forcing back the crack in his voice.
"And I'm happy for her. I really am. But…"
He let the truth out in a painful exhale.
"…I can tell she loves you more than she ever cared for me."
Silence hung heavy.
Kaito's shoulders trembled, but he didn't break. He was a warrior — even in heartbreak, he stayed composed.
"It makes me sad," he admitted.
"But I'm not angry. I'm not jealous. I just… feel like I failed her."
He turned fully toward Zumi, eyes sincere, shining faintly under the rooftop lights.
"She's happier now. With you. That's all I wanted for her."
His voice dropped to almost a whisper:
"But sometimes… it hurts to realize that I wasn't enough."
Kaito's confession hung in the night air, raw and trembling.
Zumi stepped closer — not with authority, not as a godly figure — but as a man who understood the weight of another man's heart.
"Kaito," Zumi said softly, "look at me."
Kaito raised his eyes.
"I need you to know something," Zumi continued, voice calm, deep, honest.
"Kasumi is beautiful. Strong. Loyal. I won't lie — she's stunning. Any man would see that."
Kaito swallowed, bracing himself.
"But I never touched her," Zumi said. "Not once. I never even flirted with her."
Kaito's eyes widened, confusion flickering.
"Why?" he whispered.
Zumi exhaled gently.
"Because of you," he said. "Because I saw the way you looked at her. Because I knew you cared about her deeply. And because I don't steal from my own family."
Kaito blinked, stunned into silence.
Zumi continued:
"All I wanted was to help her. To give her back the sword she'd abandoned. To help her find her fire again — so she could stand beside me in the empire I'm building."
His voice softened even further.
"But never at the cost of your heart."
Kaito's lips parted — but no words came. His throat tightened; his chest trembled.
For a moment, he wasn't a fighter or a guard.
He was just a man grateful to be considered.
"Zumi…" he breathed, eyes lowering. "I… I never expected that."
Zumi placed a firm hand on his shoulder — grounding him, steadying him.
"Kaito, listen. I respect you. Not as a subordinate, but as family."
Kaito's eyes glistened at the edges.
He took a shaky breath.
Then, after a long, quiet moment, he spoke again — the truth pouring out:
"You don't have to hold back anymore… not for me."
Zumi's brow lifted slightly.
"Are you sure?" he asked, voice gentle but firm. "I can tell you really loved her."
Kaito closed his eyes and inhaled deeply — a trembling breath that sounded like he was lifting years of weight… and finally letting it slip from his shoulders.
When he exhaled, it was slow… freeing.
"I did love her," he admitted. "But she's happier now. Happier than she ever was with me. And that's what matters."
His voice steadied.
"I want her to smile like that forever. And she only does it around you."
Zumi remained silent, letting the man speak his truth.
Kaito continued, the honesty coming easier now:
"The life I gave her wasn't enough. I was always busy. Always gone. She faded… and I didn't even notice. But you… you brought her back to life in a single day."
He opened his eyes and met Zumi's gaze with new clarity — clear, strong, resolved.
"So take her. Give her the life I couldn't."
The words didn't come from jealousy or defeat.
They came from acceptance. Maturity. Love without possession.
"I'll move on," Kaito said, finally smiling — sad but relieved. "She wants you. And I want her to be happy."
The wind swept softly across the rooftop as Zumi looked at him — truly looked at him.
What he saw wasn't a broken man.
It was a man who had grown.
"Kaito," Zumi said, gripping his shoulder with real brotherhood, "I'll take care of her — if that's what she chooses. And I promise you this: you will not be left behind."
Kaito's eyes widened.
"You're family. You're loyal. You've stood by me without questioning. You'll rise with me," Zumi said. "You have a future in my empire — a real one."
Something inside Kaito steadied.
Filled.
He straightened his back, shoulders no longer heavy with guilt.
"Thank you," he whispered — not to a god, not to a boss, but to his brother.
Zumi nodded once.
"Come on," he said quietly. "Let's go back inside. There's work to do — and I need you at my side."
Kaito smiled, the tension finally gone from his eyes.
"Yes, Zumi."
But before they descended the stairs, Zumi added:
"And Kaito…
don't underestimate yourself.
The right woman will come.
When she does, you'll know how to treat her right — because of what you learned here."
Kaito inhaled deeply, steadier than he had been in weeks.
"Then I'll be ready," he said.
And together, they stepped toward the door —
brothers in arms,
both carrying lighter hearts.
Kaito walked back inside after the rooftop conversation with Zumi — lighter, calmer, but carrying a new type of resolve in his steps.
Kasumi was in the kitchen preparing tea for everyone when she sensed it.
Something… different in his aura.
He wasn't tense.
He wasn't distracted.
He wasn't watching her with conflicted eyes anymore.
He felt free.
Kasumi turned slowly, her silver hair falling over her shoulder.
"Kaito…?" she asked softly.
He looked up and smiled — not forced, not pained…
Peaceful.
"Hey, Kasumi," he said, leaning against the counter. "Can we talk?"
She nodded immediately, wiping her hands and stepping closer.
"Of course. I've… actually been wanting to."
They stood side by side for a moment in silence before Kasumi gently broke it.
"You feel different," she whispered. "Lighter. Like… you let something go."
Kaito chuckled softly.
"Yeah. I guess I did."
Kasumi looked down, fidgeting nervously with her fingers.
"Kaito… I owe you an apology."
He blinked.
"For what?"
Kasumi inhaled, voice trembling.
"For hurting you," she said.
"For not realizing sooner how you felt… and for not being honest with myself."
Her eyes softened, guilt swirling in them.
"You're important to me. You always were. But… the way I feel for Zumi—"
Kaito raised a hand gently.
"It's okay," he said, smiling faintly. "You don't have to explain. I already know."
Kasumi bit her lip, tears glossing her eyes.
"I'm so sorry… I never wanted to hurt you. I didn't even understand what was going on inside myself until recently. I just… I feel something different for Zumi. Stronger."
Her voice cracked.
"I never wanted to break your heart."
And Kaito — instead of flinching — stepped forward and pulled her into a warm embrace.
Kasumi gasped softly, hands slowly gripping his back.
"Kasumi," he said quietly, "you didn't break my heart. I was breaking it myself by pretending things hadn't changed."
He leaned back slightly, keeping his hands on her shoulders.
"You found someone who brings out the best in you. Someone who gave you back your sword… your fire. I couldn't do that. But he did."
Kasumi wiped her eyes, her voice tiny.
"Still… you mattered to me."
Kaito smiled warmly.
"And you still matter to me."
Kasumi looked shocked.
"But…?"
"No 'but,'" he said. "We're still connected. Just not the same way. And that's okay."
She blinked, touched beyond words.
"So… what are we now?" she whispered.
Kaito took a breath… then smiled softly.
"We're family," he said. "We always were. That won't change."
Kasumi's eyes widened — then she lunged forward and hugged him tightly, burying her face into his chest.
"Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you for understanding. Thank you for still wanting me in your life."
He hugged her back with genuine warmth.
"No matter what happens," he replied, "I'll always support you."
For the first time in years… their relationship wasn't strained.
It was whole.
Later that evening, Kasumi entered the living room. Zumi was relaxing with the other girls — Jasmine leaning against him, Sakura beside her, Bethany and Carmella on the loveseat, Reina seated on the floor with a cushion, Bia and Serafina bickering playfully, Hina quietly reading.
When Kasumi entered, Zumi's golden eyes lifted instantly.
"Kasumi," he said warmly, "come here."
She approached with a soft, blossoming smile — one that hadn't graced her face in years until Zumi reignited her spirit.
Zumi stood up and guided her to a quieter corner of the room.
"I wanted to talk to you about your future," he said gently.
Kasumi straightened, attentive.
"As my empire grows," Zumi continued, "we'll eventually hire more staff for the mansion — maids, guards, attendants, even operatives."
Kasumi listened intensely.
"But I don't want you to remain just 'a maid,' Kasumi."
Her heart fluttered.
"You have strength. Discipline. Honor. And now that you've reclaimed your sword…"
His eyes softened.
"You deserve more."
Kasumi swallowed hard, emotions rising.
"Zumi… what are you saying?"
He placed a hand on her shoulder — firm, warm, reassuring.
"You will become the Head Maid," Zumi said.
"The leader of all future maids in this household."
Kasumi's breath froze.
"And more than that," he continued, his voice deepening slightly, "every maid under you will be trained as a Battle Maid — elite protectors of this home and my family."
Kasumi's lips parted, eyes widening.
"You… trust me with that?" she whispered.
Zumi smiled softly.
"I trust you more than you realize."
Her eyes trembled. Tears threatened to spill.
She bowed her head — not out of servitude, but respect.
"I won't disappoint you," she said, voice breaking. "I'll become strong. Strong enough to defend this family with everything I have."
Zumi lifted her chin gently.
"You already are."
Kasumi blushed deeply — but this time, not out of shyness.
Out of pride.
Out of purpose.
The girls were lounging around the living room — some on the couch, some sitting cross-legged on cushions, others leaning against the armrests — when Zumi guided Kasumi back into the circle.
Their chatter softened immediately, eyes shifting to him with curiosity because they could feel he had something interesting to say.
Zumi crossed his arms in that effortlessly commanding way of his, glanced around at all of them, and said:
"Girls… tell me. Have any of you ever heard of the legendary Combat Maid — Agareth?"
The girls blinked.
Bia raised an eyebrow.
Serafina tilted her head slightly.
Reina squinted as if digging through memories.
Leafa froze mid-sip of her tea.
Jasmine stopped braiding Sakura's hair.
Hina looked up from cleaning her dagger.
Bethany and Carmella leaned forward at the same time.
Kasumi's eyes widened with interest.
Even Aurora — half-asleep — perked up.
Gia wasn't home, but the atmosphere shifted instantly.
Then — in perfect unison:
"No…"
Kasumi opened her mouth.
"Not even in the maid academies. I've never heard that name."
Carmella slowly raised a hand.
"I… actually did hear it once," she said.
Every head turned toward her.
"In Wukong's memories — the ones he shared with us gods long ago — he mentioned her. Only once. On one of his travels."
Zumi's eyes lit up.
"Exactly," he said, pointing at her. "I remember now. Thanks, Carmella."
She blushed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"No problem…"
Zumi exhaled, eyes distant for a moment — retrieving a memory older than nations, older than some pantheons.
Then he focused on them again.
"Let me tell you about Agareth."
The girls leaned in.
Quiet.
Focused.
Almost reverent.
🌑 A G A R E T H
The Eternal Combat Maid — Mother of All Magic & Martial Might
As Zumi spoke, the AIR changed — thicker, warmer — as if the very story carried power.
He stepped around them slowly, his golden eyes glowing with divine recall.
"She was the first Combat Maid."
Serafina's lips parted.
Reina whispered, "The first…?"
"Before armies knew how to fight," Zumi said, "and before mages knew how to cast spells… Agareth had already mastered everything."
Kasumi felt her heart skip — a maid who mastered the blade before warriors even existed.
Her hands clenched in excitement.
"Every martial art you've ever heard of? She perfected it."
Bia's eyes widened.
"All? Even—"
"All," Zumi said firmly.
"Every blade form. Every weapon. Every spell. Every magical school."
Jasmine leaned forward, brows drawn.
"That shouldn't even be possible."
Leafa murmured, "Unless she existed before magic had rules…"
"She created spells by accident — some of which the world now calls ancient or forbidden."
Serafina let out a low whistle.
"So she didn't follow the rules. She wrote them."
Zumi smirked.
"Exactly."
Her presence, her aura, her movements...
He gestured with his hand, as though painting her form in the air.
"Too graceful to be human… too deadly to be divine."
Hina whispered, "God… I wish I could've seen her fight."
Kasumi nodded fervently, cheeks pink with admiration.
"Agareth could not be killed."
The room froze.
"WHAT." — that one came from half the girls at once.
"She had a blessing — or a curse," Zumi explained, "that made her invincible. Even gods couldn't kill her. No spell could break her. No weapon could pierce her."
Bethany gulped.
"That's… terrifying."
Athena wasn't present, but even the warrior-minded girls like Reina felt chills.
Zumi's voice softened.
"She could've served gods. Kings. Cosmic beings. But she didn't."
The girls leaned in closer.
"She chose a mortal," Zumi said. "A simple one. Someone who treated her like a person, not a weapon."
Kasumi's hand flew to her chest.
"That's… beautiful."
Carmella whispered, "That's loyalty."
Serafina closed her eyes for a moment.
"That is devotion beyond the divine."
✦ Her Final Act
Zumi's expression darkened — solemn.
"When enemies came for her master — gods, kingdoms, armies — she did something no one expected."
He paused.
The silence was heavy.
"She shattered her own spiritual core."
Leafa gasped softly.
"She surrendered her immortality… to save him."
"And obliterated the entire enemy force in the process."
Kasumi wiped a tear from her eye.
"That's the most loyal thing I've ever heard…"
Her Last Words:
Zumi recited them like scripture:
"I return to silence only once.
But if one worthy appears…
So shall I."
The girls shivered — not in fear, but awe.
Zumi paced slowly, his hands behind his back.
"They say she will return when someone appears… someone strong enough not to demand loyalty…"
He lowered his gaze.
"But to earn it."
Serafina opened her eyes — and they glowed faintly violet-black.
Bia sat up straighter.
Leafa touched her heart.
Kasumi stared at Zumi, breathless.
Bethany and Carmella exchanged wide-eyed looks.
Reina whispered:
"Zumi… this sounds like you."
Jasmine nodded in agreement.
"Someone whose charisma, strength, and heart could awaken her."
Zumi didn't deny it.
He simply smiled — a slow, dangerous, gentle smile.
"I don't know if she'll return," he said quietly.
"But if she does… she will join us.
Not as a servant."
He looked directly at Kasumi as he said it.
"But as the Supreme Combat Goddess-Maid of Elysium.
Kasumi
Her heart burned with inspiration.
"This… this is what a maid can become?"
Her legs trembled with excitement.
"She's… perfect."
Reina
Respect. Admiration.
"If Kasumi trains under me… maybe she could touch a fraction of that greatness."
Serafina
A dark, impressed smirk.
"Someone strong enough to stand beside us… interesting."
Bia
Eyes sparkling.
"I wanna fight her if she returns!"
Leafa
Hands clasped.
"A being older than nature itself… beautiful."
Jasmine
Quiet awe.
"A mortal who earned devotion from the immortal… that's the highest form of power."
Hina
Eyes wide, whispering:
"She's like a myth… but real."
Bethany & Carmella
Chills up their spines.
"If she returns… enemies are done."
Aurora
Finally awake, muttering:
"Damn… she sounds hot."
The entire room burst into laughter.
The living room was dim, lit by warm golden lamps and the soft glow of city lights leaking through the curtains. The girls lounged across the giant sectional couch, limbs entangled, warmth shared.
Zumi sat in the center — the anchor of their world.
Bia had draped herself over his left side, cheek pressed firmly against his chest, arms wrapped around him as if he were the only thing keeping her alive. Serafina lay curled into his right side, one leg thrown over his, her fingers lightly hooked into his shirt, as if any distance would wound her.
Their content expressions looked carved from bliss itself.
Leafa rested her head on his lap, eyes closed, humming softly. Hina leaned against Zumi's shoulder from behind, chin resting there, dark aura purring. Carmella and Bethany sat on the floor at his feet, quietly leaning into his legs. Jasmine stood behind the couch, massaging his shoulders without being asked — her stoic expression melted into tenderness.
Kasumi sat close by, directly in front of Zumi, kneeling on her cushion… staring at him with eyes full of fire.
The room fell into a calm silence as Kasumi shifted forward, placing her hands on her thighs, sliding closer until she was merely a foot away from Zumi.
She inhaled deeply.
"Master Zumi," she said softly.
The other girls looked at her with gentle curiosity.
Kasumi's voice rose — clear, unwavering, burning with devotion.
"Agareth… the first Combat Maid. The mother of magic. The eternal blade-servant…"
Her hands trembled with emotion.
"If such a being ever returns… If she ever awakens again…"
She lowered her head.
"I want to be worthy of standing before her. I want to be a maid she would look at and nod." Her voice cracked — not from weakness, but from overwhelming sincerity. "I want to honor her legacy."
Then her gaze rose — directly into Zumi's eyes.
"And more than that… I want to be the blade at your side."
Zumi's expression softened, and the couch fell silent.
Kasumi bowed fully, touching her forehead to the floor.
"I pledge my loyalty again… not as a maid, not as a fighter… but as Kasumi Kogane, who offers her existence to you."
Her words shook the girls.
Her voice was not dramatic.
It was absolute.
A vow spoken by soul, not lips.
She lifted her head — tears in her eyes, but smiling.
"Please guide me… shape me… until the day I can lead the future battle maids in Agareth's honor."
Reina whispered, "Kasumi…" Jasmine covered her mouth. Aurora wiped a tear. Even Serafina paused her cuddling to look up with faint admiration.
Zumi reached forward and brushed a thumb across Kasumi's cheek, wiping her tears.
"You already honor her," he said softly. "And you honor me."
Kasumi's breath shuddered at his words.
As the girls settled back around him, Zumi leaned his head back into the couch, eyes drifting up.
Celestia's words echoed faintly from earlier legends… Agareth returns when someone worthy appears. Someone who earns devotion, not demands it.
His hand gently stroked Bia's hair. Serafina kissed his jaw softly. Leafa hummed. Kasumi rested her forehead against his knee.
Zumi wondered in the quiet stillness:
"If she returns… will she choose me?"
His divine aura pulsed once.
Calm. Warm. Confident.
He didn't need the answer.
He already knew.
If Agareth sensed him… If the universe itself felt the shift in destiny…
Then her spirit was already watching.
A soft chime rang in Zumi's mind.
No one else heard it.
CELESTIA — Private Transmission:
Her voice wrapped around him with a calm, celestial echo.
"Host… a piece of the prophecy has begun to stir."
Zumi's eyes flicked slightly — enough for Serafina to notice and squeeze his hand.
"What is it?" he asked in thought.
Celestia continued:
"Agareth's spirit… is sensing you."
A subtle cold shiver ran through Zumi's spine.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Divine recognition.
"The loyalty within this household," Celestia whispered, "the devotion you have earned… has reached a level that echoes the ancient vow she once served."
Zumi exhaled slowly.
"What does that mean for us now?"
Celestia's answer was soft… but earth-shattering.
"She may manifest again."
His heart paused.
Bia lifted her head slightly. Serafina's eyes glowed faintly. Kasumi looked up in curiosity, sensing the shift in his aura.
Celestia clarified:
"Agareth's dormant spirit is searching for an anchor — a vessel strong enough, loyal enough, disciplined enough…"
Zumi's eyes drifted to Kasumi.
Still kneeling. Still devoted. Still burning with the desire to improve.
Celestia's voice lowered to a whisper:
"If Kasumi grows stronger… her body may become the perfect vessel for Agareth's awakening."
Zumi's breath stilled.
Serafina's eyes widened.
Kasumi blinked, confused, unaware of the revelation above her fate.
"The mother of all Combat Maids…" Celestia said softly. "…may one day live within your Battle Maid Captain."
The message faded.
Silence returned.
Zumi looked at Kasumi — who looked up at him with the softest, sweetest smile, unaware that destiny itself was curling around her.
And he smiled back…
Because he knew—
One day, the world would meet Agareth again. And she would be reborn under his house.