Hakugyokurou - Main Living Room
1:30 P.M.
Riku's POV
A few hours had passed since we discovered the gaping hole that had appeared in the center of Tokyo. Naturally, my fiancée and her family's arrival had been delayed, leaving us with an unexpected stretch of quiet.
During that time, Yukina had approached me for advice on filming techniques. She and the others wanted to record more performances for their fan channel, and her father had specifically asked me to help where I could. I'm not exactly the "director" type—usually, I just let things flow unless something's obviously off—but I gave them a few points anyway: be aware of your surroundings, stay open to each other's ideas, and speak up when something feels wrong.
After giving Roselia their filming advice, we tried to have lunch. "Tried" being the key word, because Yuyuko-san nearly devoured everything before it even hit the table. Luckily, Youmu and I managed to save a few ingredients and cook something light for everyone else—though I had to personally bar Yuyuko from touching the leftovers.
Now, we were gathered in the main living room, waiting for my fiancée's arrival. Aya and Hatate had joined her group, and from their last message, they'd be here soon. I took the quiet moment to check my messages when Marina's name flashed on my screen—an update on the lineup for the next CiRCLE live.
Most of the bands were newcomers, but one name jumped out immediately.
Kessoku Band.
Only four members. Barely a few months old. Yet, something about that name gave me a strange feeling—like they'd make waves sooner than anyone expected.
"Whatcha doing, Riku?" Lisa leaned over the back of the couch, curious as ever.
"Marina sent me the list of bands for the upcoming event," I replied.
"Already?" Sayo raised a brow.
"Yup. This time, she's handling everything herself. I'll just be on the sidelines."
Yukina looked thoughtful. "Is Marina-san capable of managing that scale alone?"
Kyoya chuckled from his seat. "Marina-kun is more than capable."
That made me curious. "Now that you said that, grandfather, how did you manage to pick her up in the first place?"
"She stood out from the applicants," he said simply. "She may have stopped performing, but her heart's still tied to music. More importantly, she has a gift—she connects with musicians on both a professional and personal level. That kind of empathy can't be trained."
"I see…" I nodded quietly.
Before I could say more, Youmu entered the room, bowing lightly. "Riku-kun, Kyoya-sama, Yuyuko-sama—they've arrived."
All eyes turned to the entrance as five people stepped in.
The one in front was a man in his late thirties, short wavy brown hair and dark eyes sharp enough to suggest a businessman's composure. His white suit matched the crisp confidence of someone used to boardrooms and contracts.
Behind him stood four girls—each dressed identically: a floral white blouse with green cuffs, a green skirt with faint flower prints, and pale pink socks.
The first had long maroon hair falling to mid-back, a pair of gold eyes that seemed to see everything, and headphones resting around her neck.
The second was a bright contrast—platinum blonde hair tied into short twin-tails with small ribbons, her pale orange eyes gleaming with energy.
The third had short blonde hair with neatly parted bangs and calm green eyes, exuding quiet balance.
And the last—
"Miyu? Is that you?" I blinked in disbelief.
Her face lit up in recognition. "Riku-san! What a coincidence!"
The sudden familiarity drew puzzled looks, especially from Rinko, who shifted slightly closer to me.
"Riku… you know her?" she asked, voice cautious.
"Well, yeah," I admitted. "She was at CiRCLE during Roselia's first live."
"She was?" Rinko's tone carried a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"I was," Miyu confirmed with a bright smile. "That performance was unforgettable. It was the first time I felt something so alive… I still thank the lord for letting me see it in person." She straightened and offered a polite bow. "Oh, I'm Sakurada Miyu. It's a pleasure to meet everyone."
Before anyone could respond, the tall maroon-haired girl stepped forward slightly, her golden eyes narrowing. "Miyu-san, you know this man?"
Her tone wasn't hostile, but her guard was obvious.
"Don't worry, Haruna-chan," Miyu reassured her. "Riku-san can be trusted. He's the owner of CiRCLE."
Haruna blinked, clearly taken aback. "I see. My apologies for my tone earlier." She bowed neatly. "I'm Kasuga Haruna, Miyu-san's classmate."
Her formality caught my attention—Sayo was already giving her an approving nod.
The next girl stepped forward with a burst of enthusiasm. "If our chairwoman's introducing herself, then I will too! I'm Shiratori Kurumi! Pleasure to meet you!"
Something about her grin screamed "trouble in human form."
Following her was the smaller blonde, who cheerfully waved. "I'm Takeshita Miiko! Great to meet you, nano!"
I smiled faintly. "So you four are Lyrical Lily then?"
Haruna tilted her head. "You know us?"
"Miyu mentioned being part of a DJ group," I replied. "And given your matching outfits… it wasn't hard to guess."
The man in front finally spoke, voice calm but firm. "I'm glad you've met my daughter ahead of schedule—it saves us time. I'm Sakurada Sena, head of the Sakurada Group. My wife couldn't make it due to a conference in Canada. We're here following the wishes of my mother."
His words sank in slowly.
My thoughts connected the dots.
The Sakurada Group. The arranged marriage contract. Miyu's presence here.
Wait a second—
I turned toward her, disbelief creeping into my voice. "Miyu… by any chance… you're my fiancée?"
The room went utterly silent.
She looked down, cheeks flushed pink. "Yes… I am."
For a few seconds, my mind went blank. Then came the chorus of reactions.
"Eh?" Rinko's voice cracked slightly.
"Eh?" Sayo followed, eyes wide.
"Wha—?" Yukina froze mid-breath.
"Ha?" Lisa blinked in disbelief.
"Eh?" Ako echoed, confused as ever.
"Eh?" Kurumi gasped, eyes sparkling with drama.
"Eh?" Miiko repeated like a skipping record.
Yuyuko-san simply smiled. "Ara~ how delightful."
I swear, that collective 'Eh?!' could've echoed across Gensokyo.
Only Youmu remained composed, though I noticed the faint twitch of her brow. Grandfather was quietly chuckling behind his hand, while I was still processing the absurd turn my day had taken.
And then—
THUD.
Haruna collapsed face-first onto the floor.
"Haruna-chan!!" Miyu cried, rushing to her side.
"Chairwoman collapsed~!" Kurumi announced dramatically, waving her arms.
"Guess she couldn't take the truth, nano…" Miiko muttered.
Sayo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "How are we supposed to deal with this?"
Yuyuko perked up, mischief glinting in her eyes. "I have an idea~ I could—"
"No," I said immediately, not even looking at her. "Whatever you're planning, the answer's no."
She pouted playfully. "You didn't even let me explain~"
"Because I know that tone," I replied flatly. "We're not turning this into another of your spirit-revival 'demonstrations.'"
Yuyuko giggled, conceding defeat.
Sena cleared his throat, bringing the room back to order. "The young Nagae is right. There are far more important matters to discuss."
Kyoya nodded. "Agreed. Once young Kasuga wakes, we'll begin the formal conversation."
Haruna, still half-conscious, groaned softly from the floor. "Please… someone remind me to faint after introductions next time…"
Lisa stifled a laugh. "Well, she's got humor, I'll give her that."
I leaned back, exhaling slowly. My life had gone from peaceful to chaotic in a heartbeat. I'd faced gods, spirits, and duels that shook worlds—but somehow, meeting my unexpected fiancée in front of half the room felt like the most exhausting challenge yet.
And knowing Yuyuko-san… this was only the beginning of the chaos to come.
1 Discussion Later....…
3rd POV
After a few minutes of rest and a glass of water, Haruna finally regained consciousness. Her first question, of course, was directed at Miyu—was Riku really telling the truth about being her fiancé? Miyu didn't even try to soften it. She nodded and explained that everything Riku said was true.
Haruna stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "I… see." The faintest shade of disappointment crossed her face, but she caught herself quickly, straightened her posture, and apologized for her earlier outburst. Riku waved it off without fuss.
Once Haruna had fully recovered, the formal meeting began.
Riku sat in the center of the low table, flanked by Kyoya and Mafuyu to his left, while Rinko and her parents occupied the seats on his right. Opposite them were Miyu, her father Sena, and Yuyuko, with Youmu standing quietly behind them, ever alert. On the sides sat Roselia and Lyrical Lily, serving as both witnesses and silent observers.
The atmosphere was balanced between civility and unease.
Riku began by asking the most direct question possible—whether the Sakurada family already knew of the existence of youkai.
Miyu nodded. "We found out a few days ago… when Aya-san and Hatate-san came to our rescue."
That drew a murmur from the group. Riku leaned forward slightly. "And what are your thoughts on that?"
Kurumi was the first to raise her hand—because of course she was. "I think they're awesome! Especially the trickster ones. Imagine a youkai that plays pranks every morning! That'd be so much fun!"
"Fun for you maybe," Miiko muttered, puffing her cheeks. "If I saw one appear behind me I'd scream, nano…"
Haruna, however, was more composed. "At first, it terrified me. The thought that something so powerful could exist unseen… but after some time, I realized they live their own lives, much like we do. They eat, they work, they dream. It's… humbling."
That made Riku smile faintly. "Good. That kind of understanding will serve you well if you stay in contact with them."
With the light discussion out of the way, Riku's tone shifted. "Then, about what Miyu's father said earlier—honoring his mother's wishes. What exactly did you mean by that, Mr. Sakurada?"
Sena's expression grew nostalgic. "It goes back several generations. My mother and your grandmother were very close friends—sisters in all but blood. They went through everything together… even fell in love around the same time. And before they married their respective husbands, they made a promise. If one had a son and the other a daughter, those two would one day be engaged. If not, then their families would remain forever tied in friendship."
Kyoya nodded, his tone carrying quiet respect. "That promise has been carried through both families for decades. Riku's grandmother and Miyu's grandmother always said that bond should never fade. The Nagae and Sakurada names were built on mutual trust—and love for art and humanity itself."
The revelation drew a quiet reaction from the younger members. Rinko lowered her gaze slightly, understanding dawning on her face. Sayo exhaled softly, while Lisa leaned back, clearly processing everything.
Sena continued, his voice steady. "Riku-kun, as the eldest son of the Nagae line, and Miyu as my only daughter… you two are the ones meant to uphold that promise. But," he paused, meeting Riku's eyes, "the decision is still yours to make. We won't force your hand."
Riku crossed his arms, thinking it through. "You're aware of the Nagae family's current situation then?"
Sena nodded. "We are. And if this engagement is finalized, your rivals won't be able to move against you. It would strengthen both our families in every sphere—social, economic, and political."
He scratched his head, his brow furrowed. "That's… a heavy offer."
Across the room, the two bands whispered among themselves.
"I think I understand now," Sayo murmured, ever the rational one.
Lisa frowned. "Yeah, but the real question is—will he accept it?"
Ako, predictably blunt, blurted, "Then what happens to Rin-rin?"
Miiko fidgeted, whispering to Kurumi. "This is intense, nano…"
Kurumi nodded solemnly, though her expression betrayed excitement. "Do you think Miyu-chan wants this?"
Haruna shook her head gently. "We have to trust her to speak for herself."
The chatter quieted when Yuyuko leaned forward, smiling that knowing smile of hers. "Well then, Riku-kun… what will your answer be?"
The room fell completely still.
Riku didn't respond right away. His gaze drifted from the table to the faint patterns of the tatami floor beneath him, as though weighing invisible scales. After a moment, he exhaled deeply.
"Before I answer… I want to know something first."
Kyoya tilted his head. "Oh?"
"Tell me," Riku said, voice firm. "The Celestial Family's plan."
The question shifted the atmosphere in an instant. Kyoya's expression hardened, while Sena and Yuyuko both exchanged a glance.
"Riku…" Kyoya began carefully, "there are things you might not need to involve yourself in yet."
"I know what you told me," Riku cut in calmly, "that I should trust you. And I do. But Kaguya already had an idea of what's coming. If I'm expected to take part in this, then I deserve to hear the full truth. Tell us the plan. Then I'll give my answer."
Kyoya sighed. The faintest trace of pride and concern flickered in his eyes. He looked to Yuyuko, who simply nodded once in approval.
Reaching into his pocket, Kyoya pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The faint electronic chime was almost too loud in the tense silence.
"It's me," he said quietly into the receiver. "Yes. We're at the designated place. Riku wants to know everything. …Yes, everything. Understood."
He hung up.
Yuto blinked from the side of the room, confused. "Um… Kyoya-san, who did you just call?"
Kyoya placed the phone down calmly. "Someone who can explain better than I ever could. The one truly behind the plan."
A faint ripple of energy passed through the room. The air thickened.
Before anyone could speak again, a crimson sliding door shimmered into existence at the far wall. The sudden pulse of power made several of the girls gasp.
"What the—?!" Lisa half-rose from her seat, eyes wide.
The door slid open with a slow, echoing creak. A pale light spilled out, revealing a woman seated regally upon a stone-like chair with intricate carvings. Wheels gleamed faintly beneath it, suggesting a throne and a wheelchair fused into one.
Her long blonde hair flowed like sunlight caught in water. Her eyes, sharp and bright, carried the knowing weight of ages. Draped over her was a yellow-orange tabard patterned with constellations—the markings of Matara-jin and other divine entities. Beneath it, she wore a green skirt and black boots, her head crowned with a three-pointed hat that seemed to hum faintly with celestial energy.
When the door sealed shut behind her, the air grew heavy. Her presence pressed down like gravity itself.
Rinko, Sayo, Lisa, and the rest instinctively tensed—their breaths coming short. Even Miyu's father, though used to powerful auras from business elites, had to brace himself against the invisible pressure.
Only Riku, Kyoya, Yuyuko, and Youmu remained perfectly calm. They had felt this before.
The woman's voice rang clear, resonant, and oddly melodic. "You called me… and I answered."
She turned her gaze toward Riku, the faintest smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "So, young Riku wishes to know our plans?"
The room held its collective breath.
"Very well," she said, her tone deepening as her aura pulsed outward like a heartbeat of light and shadow. "He shall have it."
The tension in the air was almost tangible. Mafuyu's breathing grew shallow as she clutched her brother's sleeve, her gaze shifting toward the mysterious woman who radiated a suffocating presence.
"Nii-san... who is she?" Mafuyu managed to ask, her voice trembling under the invisible weight pressing down on her chest.
Riku stood beside her, calm yet clearly aware of the effect this woman's aura had on everyone. "Matara Okina," he said firmly. "Leader of the Matara Family... and one of the Seven Sages." His tone dropped slightly as he turned toward her. "Okina-sama, kindly tone down your aura, as you can see."
Okina blinked, realizing that several of their guests were pale and clutching their chests. With a slow exhale, she let her spiritual pressure dissipate. The heavy weight blanketing the room lifted, and everyone gasped for air as if they had just surfaced from deep water.
Sayo rubbed her neck, still panting. "What was that all about?"
Haruna sank back into the sofa, hand pressed over her heart. "It was hard to breathe... it felt like my lungs were being crushed."
Riku gave a tired sigh. "Okina-sama does that a lot whenever she meets someone new. It's her way of... testing if they have potential to use magic."
Lisa raised an eyebrow, trying to regain composure. "And what's the result for us, then?"
Okina smiled faintly, her expression softening. "You girls have passed. Normally, when I release my aura, ordinary mortals lose consciousness almost instantly. But since you've been spending time with young Riku here, you've developed resistance."
Ako's eyes lit up, her voice nearly cracking with excitement. "Wait, does that mean we can use magic in the future?!"
Riku folded his arms. "That will depend entirely on you—if you're able to unlock it."
"Exactly," Okina added, her tone returning to its usual calmness. "Potential means little if one doesn't nurture it. But enough about that."
The faint smile on her face faded as she looked around the room, her expression turning serious. "Kyoya summoned me here because his grandson was asking about our plans. However, before we proceed—what we discuss in this room does not leave this room. Understand?"
Her words carried an unspoken authority. The girls exchanged uneasy glances before nodding silently.
"Good."
A faint ripple of golden light appeared behind Okina as a small door materialized in the air—no larger than a cabinet's hatch. She reached into it and pulled out a stack of neatly bound papers, setting them on the table in front of her. The rustle of parchment broke the silence.
Riku leaned forward and took the top document. His eyes darted across the page, and within seconds, his usual calm expression shifted into something sharper, almost alarmed. "Okina-sama... is this true?"
"Everything written there is factual," she replied steadily. "Those documents came directly from the Celestial Archives. If you still have doubts—see for yourself."
She handed identical copies to everyone around the table. The atmosphere grew heavy once more—not from her aura this time, but from the weight of the truth inked on paper.
The rustle of pages filled the room. Then came a series of quiet gasps and disbelieving murmurs.
"You're kidding..." Sayo whispered, her hand covering her mouth.
Lisa frowned, tapping the page with her finger. "Are you for real right now?"
Haruna's brow furrowed. "How did we not notice this sooner...?"
Yukina's voice came low, solemn. "Japan's population..."
Ako followed her line of sight, her tone wavering. "It's slowly decreasing..."
Yuto, who had been reading silently, exhaled through his nose. "And not just that..."
Satomi looked up, her voice barely above a whisper. "The male population has begun to drop..."
Miiko bit her lip. "And now... only forty percent of the total population is male..."
Kurumi's eyes darkened. "This is serious..."
Okina nodded gravely. "That's correct. For years, the Matara Family has monitored national data through various channels. What we discovered was alarming. At the start of the 2000s, Japan's population peaked at around one hundred and twenty million. But as time passed—especially after the early 2010s—it began to decline steadily. Birth rates plummeted. Mortality rose. And the most concerning aspect is the gender imbalance."
She gestured toward the chart printed on the final page. "Seven years ago, the male-to-female ratio was forty-nine to fifty-one. Now, it stands at forty-one to fifty-nine. If this continues, our calculations estimate that in fifty years, the population will fall to sixty million."
A long silence followed her words. Even the ticking of the antique clock in the corner sounded deafening in the quiet.
Sena finally spoke, her tone firm yet shaken. "Kurumi-kun is right. This is a very serious matter. But... why haven't we heard anything about it? Something this huge shouldn't be hidden."
Okina clasped her hands on the table, her expression unreadable. "Aside from us, only His Majesty and the Prime Ministers are aware. The government chose to suppress it to prevent mass panic. Imagine the chaos if the public learned that the nation's future was collapsing. For years, we've searched for a solution—but as you all know, humanity fears change. People resist what they don't understand."
She paused, her eyes scanning each of their faces. "However, nine years ago, the Celestial Families began formulating a contingency plan. After much deliberation, and just a few weeks ago, both the Imperial Family and the High Government finally approved our proposal."
A hush fell over the room. Riku straightened his posture, clearly sensing the gravity of what was coming next.
Okina reached into her robe and retrieved a sleek tablet, handing it directly to him. "Contained within is the plan that we propose for the nation's future."
The soft glow of the screen illuminated Riku's face as he unlocked it. His eyes flickered across the text—policy drafts, societal models, projected ratios, legal amendments. Behind him, Rinko leaned forward, curiosity winning over restraint.
Then both froze.
"What..." Riku muttered, scrolling further. "This is the plan?"
Rinko blinked twice, her expression tightening. "This might be out of character for me but..." She slammed her hand lightly on the table, her voice ringing through the hall. "This is goddamn absurd."
The girls of Roselia turned to her in shock. It was rare—almost unheard of—to hear Rinko curse aloud. Even Lisa's jaw dropped.
"What plan?" she asked, eyes darting between Riku and Okina.
Riku handed the tablet back to Okina, as if it had burned his hands. "You might want to explain this yourself, Okina-sama."
Okina sighed softly, placing the tablet on the table and locking eyes with each person present. "Absurd as it may sound, it's the only solution we could find to prevent population collapse."
Rinko's voice trembled with disbelief. "But... to legalize polygamy?"
The room erupted in unison.
"LEGALIZE POLYGAMY?!" shouted the members of Roselia and Lyrical Lily, their voices overlapping in disbelief.
The echo bounced off the polished walls of Hakugyokurou's grand chamber. Even the cherry blossoms drifting outside seemed to still in midair.
Yuto exhaled, a mix of realization and resignation settling in his eyes. "Now I understand why we were invited in the first place..."
Rinko turned toward him, frowning. "You figured it out, Dad?"
"Partially," he admitted. "But I need to hear more from them to grasp the full picture."
Okina folded her arms, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. "You'll get your answers soon enough. Me, Kyoya, and Yuyuko will explain the reasoning behind this initiative—how it's structured, what safeguards are in place, and why it's necessary. If you have questions, ask them along the way."
She looked at the gathered group—Riku, Rinko, Roselia, Lyrical Lily, and the few Celestial officials who sat in uneasy silence. "Am I clear?"
The teens exchanged hesitant glances but nodded nonetheless. The air was thick again, though this time not from magical pressure—only the weight of what was about to be revealed.
Okina smiled faintly, not out of amusement, but in grim acknowledgment of the storm that was about to unfold. "Then let us begin."
And as the curtains of Hakugyokurou fluttered under the evening wind, everyone knew—the discussion that followed would change everything they thought they knew about the future.
The air grew heavy again, though this time it wasn't from Okina's aura—it was from the sheer weight of what she had just revealed. The group sat in a strange silence, their minds still grappling with the revelation that polygamy would soon be legalized.
Kyoya cleared his throat, breaking the stillness. "When Okina proposed the plan," he began, "most of us were... wondering if she was right in the head."
Okina's eye twitched. "And I still take offense to that remark," she said sharply, crossing her arms with a huff.
Her tone drew a few awkward chuckles from the group, though the tension didn't fully lift. Kyoya coughed politely before continuing. "Anyway, Okina assured us that she was perfectly sane. She said she'd been thinking about this for weeks—three, to be exact—and had run every possible outcome through her head before finalizing it."
Yuyuko spoke next, her fan fluttering lightly in her hand. "And surprisingly enough, her plan wasn't as outrageous as it first sounded. In fact, it's... very reasonable, given the circumstances."
Several of the girls still looked unconvinced. Sayo, frowning slightly, raised her hand. "Pardon me for interrupting, but... if you're serious about legalizing polygamy, wouldn't that do more harm than good? I mean—"
Okina lifted her hand to stop her. "That, young Sayo, I am well aware of. You're not the first to ask. Which is why I created a set of strict regulations with the help of my servants—to ensure that this doesn't spiral into chaos."
Haruna blinked. "You made... rules for it?"
"Of course," Yuyuko replied with a soft smile, lowering her fan. "Okina, if I may?"
"Be my guest," Okina said, gesturing toward her.
"Thank you." Yuyuko's tone became steady, carrying the quiet authority of experience. "The initial condition of the plan is this: both male and female participants in a polygamous relationship must have been in mutual relationships for at least one year. Not flings. Not fleeting attachments. A real relationship built on trust."
The group leaned forward slightly, listening.
"And," Yuyuko continued, "if both parties are already engaged or planning to marry, their relationship must be serious and recognized by both families involved."
Yukina crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "So... in other words, a clean relationship. No tricks. No manipulation."
"Exactly," Yuyuko affirmed. "And that leads us to the second rule. It requires unanimous approval from the woman's family. For example—Riku-kun, who is in a relationship with Rinko-chan, but also engaged to Miyu-chan—must have the full consent of Rinko-chan's family. Without it, he must abandon that relationship entirely."
The words landed heavily. The girls' eyes widened in shock at how uncompromising the rule was.
Lisa was the first to speak. "Then that means any guy trying to build a harem is under insane pressure."
Okina smirked faintly. "Precisely. If one truly wishes to have multiple partners, then he must be prepared to shoulder the weight that comes with it. Honesty and loyalty are not negotiable."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Which brings us to the third rule—this one concerning the women involved."
Yuyuko picked up again. "The third rule states that there shall be no ranking among women in a shared relationship. Being the first doesn't make one the most important. Every woman must be treated equally—emotionally, financially, and socially. This is to prevent unnecessary jealousy or favoritism."
The girls exchanged glances and nodded slowly. Even those who opposed the idea had to admit—it was a fair point.
"If they follow that rule," Lisa murmured, "then maybe... maybe it could actually work."
"And now," Yuyuko said, her expression hardening, "we come to the fourth rule—one that primarily affects the men."
Okina leaned forward slightly, a sly grin forming. "This one is my favorite."
"The man," Yuyuko said clearly, "must have a minimum net worth of one hundred million—or more."
The silence that followed was brief but explosive.
"Eh?" Sayo blinked.
"ONE HUNDRED MILLION?!" Ako nearly fell out of her seat.
"That's so much nano!!" Miiko squeaked, clutching her head.
Haruna raised her hand nervously. "K-Kyoya-sama... is that in yen or...?"
Kyoya didn't hesitate. "In U.S. dollars."
The entire group—except the family heads, Miyu, and Rinko's parents—erupted in disbelief.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
Lisa's jaw dropped. "In U.S. dollars?! That's impossible! You'd have to be a billionaire in yen!"
Kyoya only smirked slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "Now ask yourselves this," he said calmly. "How could a man possibly build a harem if he can't even provide for his partners? If you want more than one wife, you'd better be capable of supporting them all."
At those words, the mood shifted. The girls glanced at one another, realization slowly dawning.
Yuto gave a low nod, rubbing his chin. "I see. So it's not just about allowing it—it's about responsibility. Okina-sama, if a man truly desires to have multiple wives, he must be willing and able to provide for them all."
Okina smiled faintly. "Exactly. Wealth, in this case, is a test of commitment. A man who cannot even stand on his own feet has no right to pursue multiple hearts."
But before the logic could fully settle, Sayo raised another point. "Wait a second! Wouldn't this just let rich old men take advantage of the law? There are plenty of billionaires who'd jump at the chance!"
Kurumi's face paled. "S-She's right... we could all end up married off to some wrinkly CEO or something..."
The girls shuddered at the thought. Ako looked like she was about to cry.
Okina chuckled softly. "Calm yourselves. That won't be a problem. The law is restricted to individuals born in the 2000s. Meaning anyone above that generation is automatically disqualified. And if someone does try to break my rules..." Her eyes glinted with quiet menace. "They'll regret it. I don't take kindly to rule breakers."
A chill ran through the room.
She went on, her tone firm again. "That said, there's a small leeway for economic class. If a man isn't from a high-class family, his net worth requirement is one hundred million yen. But if he is from a high-class family—whether known or obscure—then the requirement remains one hundred million U.S. dollars."
Miyu raised her hand slightly. "That sounds fair... but how many wives can one man have, exactly?"
Kyoya folded his hands, answering calmly. "Okina introduced a cap-and-tier system. A man with a net worth of one hundred million may have two spouses. For every additional wife, his net worth must increase by fifty million dollars. The upper limit is five."
Rinko's brow furrowed. "So if he wants a third, he needs one hundred and fifty million... a fourth, two hundred million... and a fifth, two hundred fifty million?"
"Correct," Kyoya said. "And all additional wealth must be earned legally. Fraud or manipulation will lead to immediate disqualification and severe punishment. Taxes will apply as usual—no special exemptions."
Lisa let out a low whistle. "You really thought this through."
Kyoya gave a short nod. "We had to. The future of our nation depends on it. After we presented the full structure to the Imperial Family and the government, they approved it unanimously. The law will take effect immediately after the Celestial Gathering in August."
Haruna frowned slightly. "So soon...?"
"Yes," Yuyuko replied, her tone calm but resolute. "It must be. Every year we delay, the population imbalance worsens. We can't afford to wait any longer."
But Kyoya's expression turned more thoughtful. "That said... even with these measures, we still need proof that the system can work. The policy needs a public figure—someone well-known and respected—to test it."
Riku, who had been listening in silence, felt every eye in the room shift toward him.
Riku's brow twitched, his tone caught between exasperation and disbelief.
"Let me guess—you want me to be your guinea pig again, right?"
Okina's laughter echoed through the room like a mischievous ripple. "Oh, come now, Riku. Don't act like it's the first time. You've survived worse than this, and it's not as if you ever get your ass handed to you, right?"
Kyoya leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying a faint weight of memory. "Besides, this isn't just some political experiment. This... will fulfill your mother's last wish."
The words froze Riku mid-sigh. His head snapped toward his grandfather, eyes narrowing in shock.
"Eh?"
Mafuyu blinked in confusion, the same surprise flashing across her face. "Our mother wished for Nii-san to... have a harem?"
Yuyuko sighed softly, her expression wistful rather than amused. "Well… Miku-chan did mention that she wanted Riku-kun to have one, but not in the way you're thinking. What she meant was that she wanted Riku-kun to live surrounded by warmth and love—something that would make him happy, no matter how heavy his duties become."
Riku's voice came out faint, as if the air had thickened around him. "For... me?"
Okina nodded, her tone losing its usual teasing edge. "Earlier, I said I was the one who proposed this plan, didn't I? That was only half-true. The one who truly conceived it... was your mother, young Riku."
That revelation hit him harder than any divine blow could. The noise in the room faded; his vision clouded with disbelief. His gaze dropped to the tatami floor, fists tightening against his knees.
Okina continued gently, almost like a grandmother soothing a shaken child. "Your mother planned this because she foresaw the pain you'd carry. She wanted to make sure that, even when she and your father were gone, you'd never have to walk through that loneliness again. Miku believed... that happiness isn't found in solitude."
Riku's throat tightened. He forced his voice through the weight pressing down on his chest. "So... she planned this ahead of time? When?"
"Nine years ago," Okina replied without hesitation.
Riku's eyes widened again. "That's... the same year I left Japan for the first time. So while I was away—"
"She was already moving the pieces," Okina said softly. "And she made me promise that if someone asked who came up with the plan, I would take the credit. She wanted to stay in the shadows."
Mafuyu's voice trembled as she spoke. "But why? Why would Mother discredit herself?"
Kyoya's expression darkened slightly. "Because she already had a target on her back. Any more attention... would have drawn the wrong kind of eyes. Miku was protecting you, even then."
The air thickened again—this time not from divine aura, but emotion. The silence stretched, only broken by the faint creak of Okina's wheelchair as she turned toward Riku.
"Now you know the plan's true origin... and its reason," Yuyuko said gently. "So tell us, Riku-kun—what is your decision?"
He drew in a slow breath, closing his eyes for a moment as if gathering his resolve. When he looked up again, his gaze was clear, calm, and resolute.
"After everything I've heard from you, Grandfather, and Okina-sama... I accept."
The girls stirred instantly—half in surprise, half in confusion—but before anyone could speak, Riku raised a hand, stopping them.
"But—"
He turned toward two specific figures among them.
"What about Rinko and Miyu?"
Both girls blinked, startled.
"Eh?" they said in unison.
Riku looked directly at them, his voice steady. "You two. I want to hear your honest answers. Once you make your choice, there'll be no turning back."
The weight of his words drew the entire room into silence. The faint hum of the wind outside was the only sound that dared intrude.
Satomi, who had been quiet until now, placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Riku-kun is right, dear. You have to think carefully about this. But at the same time—make a choice you won't regret. We'll stand by you no matter what happens."
Her words carried the soft strength of a mother's conviction. Across the table, Sena offered his daughter the same quiet reassurance. "Miyu, the decision is yours. Whatever happens, I'll support you one hundred percent."
Okina folded her hands together, watching the two girls with a faint, knowing smile. "So then... what's it going to be? Will you accept, or will you reject it?"
Her voice was calm, almost indifferent—but her gaze carried the gravity of someone who had seen countless fates unfold.
Rinko's eyes met Miyu's. For a moment, neither spoke. There was only the steady rhythm of their breathing, the soft echo of their thoughts bouncing between them. They didn't need words to understand what the other was thinking—years of shared battles, music, and quiet moments had built a connection far deeper than simple friendship.
Then, slowly, both nodded.
They turned back toward Riku, their expressions firm yet gentle, no hesitation left in their eyes. They were ready to speak—not out of pressure or obligation, but out of choice.
And in that quiet, suspended moment, the air around them felt alive—charged with the gravity of futures intertwining, the echo of promises yet to be spoken.
The room was silent. Every gaze rested on Rinko, whose trembling hands clasped tightly over her chest. But when she finally raised her head, her eyes carried none of that hesitation—only truth, stripped bare.
"Riku," she began softly, her voice steady despite the quickened rhythm of her breath. "I told you back at CiRCLE, didn't I? I truly love you with all of my heart. I want to spend our lives together, start a family with you, and grow old beside you. When I found out you were engaged, my world shattered. But after hearing what the family heads had to say... I felt that there was still hope left for me."
Her words landed with quiet force, trembling but sincere. She took one step forward, her gaze fixed on him. "So, to answer your question—I accept. I don't care if you have two, three, four, or even five wives. I just want to stay by your side forever."
For a heartbeat, the only sound was the faint hiss of the incense burning in the corner. Then, slowly, Yukina and Sayo's expressions softened into quiet smiles. Yukina's posture relaxed, proud and warm, while Sayo's usual composure faltered into a tender gleam of approval. Lisa blinked back a grin, tempted to throw in a teasing remark but deciding against it—the moment was too raw for banter. And Ako—dear, excitable Ako—was already wiping her tears, her voice trembling.
"Rin-Rin…" she whimpered, both touched and overwhelmed.
Roselia's bond, forged through melody and struggle, seemed to shimmer in that instant. They had always promised to help Rinko chase the love she'd once been too shy to voice. And now, that dream was within her grasp.
All eyes turned toward Miyu next. The air thickened with anticipation; even Okina's usual amusement faded into quiet observation. Across the room, Haruna, Miiko, and Kurumi waited anxiously, each holding their breath, uncertain whether their leader would accept or walk away.
Miyu stood motionless for a moment, then exhaled slowly and stepped forward. Her usual brightness dimmed into something gentler—vulnerable, yet certain.
"Riku-san," she began, her tone almost reverent. "I know we've only met three times. But from the very first, I could tell—you're the gentlest person I've ever met." Her voice softened, almost breaking. "When I was at CiRCLE that night, watching every band play, I could feel your dedication. You weren't just performing—you were reaching people. When I saw you play guitar in Vancouver, I fell in love with that feeling. The way you play... it's like your heart is speaking directly to everyone watching."
Riku's breath caught, caught between disbelief and something deeper.
"Miyu..."
She smiled faintly, tears forming but not falling. "When I learned from my father that I was engaged, I thought my fantasy of being with you had died. But when I found out that you were my fiancé, I was... overjoyed. It felt like the Lord himself had given me a chance—to pursue my feelings, to be near you."
Her confession hung in the air like the soft ringing of a bell.
"But then," she continued, her tone faltering slightly, "I saw how deeply you cared for Rinko-san. I realized there wasn't a place for me in your heart, so I decided to move on. Yet... my father told me not to give up. So I didn't. I held on to those feelings, day after day, until now."
Finally, she met Riku's eyes head-on, her own shimmering with quiet courage.
"Riku-san, I know you love Rinko-san. But I want to say this in front of everyone—Riku-san, I love you. With all my heart. And as for your question... I accept."
The words rippled through the room. Haruna's jaw dropped, Miiko covered her mouth, and even Kurumi—ever the joker—couldn't find words. Haruna blinked several times before a small, knowing smile crept onto her lips. The pure emotion in Miyu's tone left no room for teasing, only respect.
Riku exhaled, shoulders tensing with the weight of it all.
"Are you sure?" he asked quietly. "This will define everything from here on."
Before he could say more, Rinko stepped closer and placed her hand gently over his.
"You don't need to ask again, Riku."
Miyu nodded firmly beside her. "Rinko-san is right. You don't need to question us anymore, Riku-san."
For a moment, the two women—once rivals in silence—stood side by side. There was no malice, no envy. Only a quiet understanding. They weren't fighting against each other anymore. They were choosing to walk the same path.
Kyoya's deep voice cut through the moment, grounding everyone back to the matter at hand. "It seems the three of you have reached your conclusion." He looked toward the two family representatives. "Then what is the stance of the Shirokane and Sakurada families?"
Yuto adjusted his glasses, his tone steady but gentle. "We've supported Rinko's feelings since the moment she fell for your grandson. She's grown into her own woman now. Her decisions are hers to make."
Sena followed, nodding solemnly. "Although this was once only a promise between my late mother-in-law and the Nagae family's matriarch, my daughter's happiness comes first. If this is her choice, I approve."
Yuyuko's lips curved into a soft smile. "Then I suppose we can make it official now, can't we?"
Kyoya rose from the sofa, his aura commanding yet serene. The room instinctively quieted as he spoke.
"Then let this be known. I, Nagae Kyoya, alongside Saigyouji Yuyuko and Matara Okina, heads of the Celestial Families, stand as witnesses to the engagement of my grandson, Nagae Riku—with Shirokane Rinko and Sakurada Miyu." His voice carried the authority of both bloodline and conviction. "And let everyone present bear witness to this moment."
The declaration sealed the air with finality. Even Okina, who had been smiling faintly through much of the discussion, now looked quietly pleased, eyes glinting with both pride and nostalgia.
Miyu released a slow breath and stepped away from her father's side, crossing the space between her and Riku. Rinko joined her halfway, the two women moving in unspoken sync. The three of them stopped before Kyoya, the world seeming to narrow to just the space between their joined hands.
Miyu was the first to move. She reached for Riku's hand—warm, calloused, and hesitant. Her smile returned, soft but bright, like the first bloom of spring after a long winter.
"I know," she said gently, "that you and Rinko-san share a long past. And according to the rule, we must have a mutual relationship for at least a year before the engagement becomes official. So please... let's use this time to truly know one another."
Riku gave a quiet nod, his expression easing into something genuine. "Yeah. Let's get to know each other from here on out, Miyu."
Rinko stepped closer, her voice warm and calm. "I'd like that too, Miyu-chan. I want to know you more—if that's alright with you."
Miyu's smile widened, relief and joy intertwining. "Of course it's okay!"
That broke the stillness. The tension in the room softened into quiet laughter and relieved smiles. Roselia and Lyrical Lily exchanged glances—half in disbelief, half in admiration. Okina leaned back, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as if to say so the next generation finally moves forward.
For the first time in a long while, the atmosphere at Hakugyokurou was neither tense nor heavy. It was warm—alive with something that felt like promise.
And for Riku, standing between two women who had chosen him not out of duty but of their own will, it felt like the first breath of a future he hadn't dared to imagine.
The tension that had once filled the grand hall had given way to a warmer, more jubilant air. The news of the engagement had settled in, and as Riku, Rinko, and Miyu exchanged gentle words, their friends gathered around—each carrying a mix of joy, disbelief, and curiosity.
"Congratulations, Riku-nii! Rin-Rin!" Ako squealed, launching herself onto Rinko with the force of a small meteor. Her arms locked around Rinko's shoulders from behind as she nuzzled against her, eyes glistening with delight.
Rinko laughed softly, steadying herself. "A-Ako-chan… you'll crush me."
Lisa grinned, stepping forward with that trademark laid-back charm. "Congrats, you two. Didn't think our quiet keyboardist would beat the rest of us to the altar." She gave Rinko a firm pat on the back that nearly knocked her forward again.
Sayo adjusted her glasses before speaking, her voice measured but kind. "Shirokane—no…" she paused, catching herself, then smiled faintly, "Rinko. Riku-san. Congratulations on your engagement."
That small shift—using Rinko's first name—didn't go unnoticed. It drew a small, warm smile from Rinko, who bowed her head in appreciation.
Then Yukina stepped up, her presence calm yet commanding as always. "Congratulations to the two of you. Riku-san," she said, her eyes sharp but not unkind, "I expect you to take care of Rinko. She is, after all, a part of Roselia."
Riku met her gaze squarely. "You don't have to say it, Yukina. I'll protect Rinko… even if it's the last thing I do."
For a heartbeat, silence. Then Rinko's hand tightened around his sleeve. "Riku…" she murmured, voice trembling ever so slightly.
Meanwhile, across the room, the members of Lyrical Lily surrounded Miyu. The pink-haired girl turned toward them, her eyes wide with emotion.
"Haruna-chan… Miiko-chan… Kurumi-chan… I—"
Haruna raised a hand, cutting her off with a gentle smile. "Don't say a word, Miyu-san. It's your choice. And for that," she stepped closer and clasped Miyu's hands, "I congratulate you. You've earned it."
Kurumi leaned in, whispering to Miiko, "Wow, chairwoman took it easy."
Miiko snorted. "Yeah, I thought she'd flip a table or something."
"Shut up, you two." Haruna shot them a glare, though her tone carried more affection than anger. "I'll admit, I was this close to lashing out at Miyu-san. But…" she looked back at Miyu, her voice softening, "I chose to be better. And as her friend, I'll support her. That's what Lyrical Lily stands for, isn't it?"
Miyu blinked back tears. Miiko and Kurumi exchanged sheepish smiles before pulling all four of them into a hug. The warmth of their friendship filled the air—earnest, messy, but real.
Riku watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but smile faintly. "Now that's all resolved," he said, turning to the elders, "what's the next step?"
Kyoya stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm… for this, I'll need the parents' consent."
Yuto tilted his head. "Our consent?"
Sena folded her arms. "Ah, it's about that one, isn't it?"
Kyoya nodded. "Indeed. According to Nagae family tradition, once a formal engagement is declared, the fiancées must move into the Nagae Estate."
"Eh?! Move in with Riku?!" Rinko blurted out, her face turning bright red.
Miyu, on the other hand, looked more startled than embarrassed. "Then… I'll—"
Sena placed a firm hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Yes, dear. That means you'll have to move out of our home."
Haruna blinked. "Then what about school? Arisugawa is miles from here."
Riku shrugged, casual as ever. "I've got a car. I can drive Miyu to her school before I head to mine."
Kurumi crossed her arms. "And the headmistress? What happens if she finds out she's living with her fiancé?"
Sena smiled knowingly. "We already spoke to her. Miyu can stay enrolled—as long as she doesn't cross certain boundaries."
Riku chuckled lightly. "Ah, that kind of rule. Hugs and kisses only, huh? I think we can manage that."
"Good," Sena replied with a teasing glint in her eye. "You'd better."
Okina, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "Now that it's settled, I'll be sending a report to His Majesty later. I'll also inform the other family heads and a few key figures regarding the engagement."
Yuyuko, always serene, chimed in next. "And to all of you girls," she said, sweeping her gaze over both bands, "keep this quiet. Only tell those you fully trust. Understood?"
"Hai!!!" both Roselia and Lyrical Lily chorused, their voices overlapping like a choir of enthusiasm.
"Good," Yuyuko said with a nod. "Now that's all said and done, dinner won't be for a few hours. You're free to do as you please until then."
Riku turned toward Miyu. "Since we've got time to kill… I've got a favor to ask."
Miyu tilted her head. "A favor?"
"You mentioned before that you and your friends are a DJ group, right?" Riku asked, smiling faintly. "How about showing us what you can do?"
Yukina arched a brow. "An interesting request, Riku-san. I'd like to see that too."
The members of Lyrical Lily exchanged looks—half nervous, half excited—before Miyu grinned, all traces of hesitation gone. "Since you asked so nicely," she said, striking a pose that made Kurumi laugh, "then sure. Haruna-chan, Miiko-chan, Kurumi-chan—let's show them what Lyrical Lily can do!"
Haruna smirked, flipping her hair. "We can treat this as practice—and a chance to get feedback from professionals."
Miiko pumped her fist. "And performing in front of a TI legend? This is crazy exciting, nano!!"
Kurumi spun one of her headphones idly, glancing around. "Uh, where are we supposed to perform though?"
Youmu, who had been quietly observing from the side, stepped forward. "There's a studio here in the estate," she said in her composed tone. "I can take you there if you like."
Riku smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Youmu. Let's head there."
And with that, the small crowd of musicians followed her out—Roselia trailing behind Lyrical Lily, laughter and chatter echoing through the hallway. The adults stayed behind, the door closing softly behind the younger generation.
A long pause settled over the room once the sound of footsteps faded. Kyoya exhaled slowly, the weight of his role returning to his expression.
"Now that they're gone," he began, voice lower, "there's something that must be discussed… without them present."
Sena leaned forward slightly. "What's this about, Kyoya-san?"
----------
Hakugyokurou – Guest Room (Riku's Room)
8:30 P.M. – Riku's POV
The engagement turned out better than I expected—better, yet heavier. I'm now officially engaged to both Rinko and Miyu. Never in my life did I think I'd say that sentence out loud, and even now it feels unreal. Still, once the initial shock wore off, the day carried on as if the world had quietly accepted this new reality.
After the formalities ended, Miyu suggested showing us what her group could do. I agreed—partly to lighten the mood, partly because I was curious about her band. Lyrical Lily took the small stage in the studio: Miyu as the lead vocalist, Miiko on backup, Haruna manning the DJ booth, and Kurumi handling visuals. The song they chose was I Shall Be a Cat. At first, Roselia and I exchanged glances—then Yukina's composure cracked when the chorus hit. Before long, she was half-hypnotized by the melody, doing cat poses and softly meowing "nyaa" under her breath.
Lisa, of course, recorded the whole thing. She's probably saving that clip as blackmail material for the next decade. I'll admit though—Miyu's group has talent. Beneath their bright and playful tone, there's a kind of polish only dedication can bring. Once the song ended, Miyu turned the tables and asked Yukina if Roselia could play next. Naturally, Yukina agreed on the spot.
Roselia chose Brave Jewel. The first note alone silenced the room. Even Miyu and her band were transfixed as Yukina's voice filled the studio—strong, clear, refined. I could tell they'd grown even more since the last time I saw them perform. By the time the last chord faded, everyone was smiling. There wasn't any rivalry in that space—just admiration between artists who understood what it meant to chase perfection.
Dinner came after. Okina-sama had to leave early to report to His Majesty, but the rest of us stayed. The atmosphere eased into something warm and familiar. When Yuyuko-san invited us to stay the night, I didn't hesitate. It felt… right.
Now, I'm in one of the guest rooms. By coincidence—or maybe by someone's design—my room sits between Rinko's and Miyu's. The others made calls to their families to let them know they were staying over; all permissions were granted with the usual "be careful" attached. I brought my laptop with me, hoping to finish a song that's been haunting me for days. I already know what I'll call it once it's done.
Knock. Knock.
I paused mid-line, rubbing my eyes. When I opened the door, there they were—Rinko and Miyu. Both dressed comfortably for the night, faces soft under the amber light of the hallway.
"What brings you here, you two?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
Rinko smiled shyly. "Well, if it's alright with you, can we hang out in your room a little bit?"
Miyu nodded, her tone gentle. "We can use this time to get to know each other. Just us three."
I hesitated for a second, then nodded. "Sure. Come in."
They took seats on the bed, the sheets shifting quietly beneath them. I returned to my chair and tried to focus on the lyrics again, though the soft murmur of their presence made it impossible to ignore the warmth that settled in the room.
Rinko leaned forward slightly. "Even here, away from the estate, you still bury yourself in work."
Miyu tilted her head, curious. "Was it that bad before?"
Rinko sighed. "Last month, Riku nearly collapsed from overworking."
Miyu's expression fell. "That's… not good, Riku-san. You have to take care of yourself. There are a lot of people who care about you."
I chuckled faintly, closing the laptop halfway. "I know. Rinko already lectured me about it, so I'm pacing myself now. But I'm not really working tonight—I'm finishing a song. The lyrics are just giving me trouble."
That caught their attention. Both girls moved closer, curiosity sparking in their eyes.
"You're writing a song?" Rinko asked softly.
"Are you planning to perform it soon?" Miyu added, leaning over my shoulder to peek at the screen.
"Not sure yet," I said, then exhaled. "But… there's something about it I haven't told anyone. Promise me you won't tell anyone else, alright?"
They exchanged a look, nodded almost in sync.
"Alright," I continued. "The truth is… the reason I'm writing this song is because I've been getting these dreams."
Rinko blinked. "Dreams?"
"What kind?" Miyu asked quietly.
"I'm not sure how to describe them," I admitted. "It's easier if I show you."
I opened a folder and scrolled to one of my completed pieces, then turned the laptop toward them.
"The Heat of My Fingertips?" Miyu read aloud.
Rinko's eyes widened. "Is that… Remilia-san?"
"Yeah," I said, leaning back in my chair. "For years now, I've been dreaming of her—and the others too. The dreams feel vivid, almost real. I tried ignoring them at first, but they kept coming back. When I finally started writing about them—turning them into songs—the dreams stopped for a while… only to start again days later. Different faces. Different stories."
Rinko's expression softened, concern replacing curiosity. "Do those dreams… affect you in any way? Hurt you?"
I shook my head. "No. I asked Doremy-san about it."
"Doremy?" Miyu echoed.
"She's a baku," I explained. "A dream-eater. She told me the dreams aren't harming me, so there's no need to worry."
Miyu folded her hands on her lap. "How many songs have you written from those dreams?"
"Thirteen so far," I said. "Some have music, some are just words. I'm almost done with the fourteenth."
Rinko's voice dropped to a whisper. "Do you have a title in mind for this one?"
A small smile tugged at my lips as I turned back to the glowing screen. "Yeah. I'm calling it Phantom Pain."
The name hung in the air for a while. Neither of them spoke. Rinko stared at the half-finished lyrics with a kind of quiet awe, while Miyu looked at me as if trying to see the world I'd been dreaming about.
Rinko finally broke the silence. "That's… a beautiful name."
Miyu nodded slowly. "It sounds heavy, though. Like it carries something personal."
"It does," I admitted. "Each dream leaves behind an echo. The song's a way to process that."
I could feel the air shift—no longer casual, but intimate. Rinko's hand brushed mine for a second before she pulled it back, flustered. Miyu smiled faintly, then leaned her chin on her knees, watching the cursor blink across the unfinished verse.
"You know," she murmured, "it's strange how the mind works. You dream, you feel, and somehow… you turn it into something everyone else can hear."
"Maybe that's what art really is," I said, half to myself. "Trying to make sense of what you can't explain."
Rinko nodded, her eyes distant. "And maybe… those dreams are trying to tell you something."
I didn't respond. There wasn't really an answer. Only that feeling again—the faint pull between reality and something far beyond it.
The night settled into quiet comfort. Miyu hummed softly to herself, an unspoken melody filling the space between our breaths. Rinko leaned against the headboard, eyes drifting shut, her usual anxiety replaced with calm.
I returned my gaze to the screen, to the unfinished line waiting for me to complete it.
"To love, to be loved. To take, to be taken…"
The words came easily now. Maybe because they were both here. Maybe because, for the first time in a while, I wasn't writing alone.
Outside, the moonlight filtered through the paper screen, pale and steady. I typed the final line, saved the file, and closed the laptop.
For a moment, everything was still. No titles, no duties, no expectations—just three people sitting together in the quiet, breathing the same night air.
"Phantom Pain," I murmured under my breath again. "Yeah… that feels right."
Both girls looked up, and their small smiles mirrored mine.
The world outside could wait. Tonight, this peace was enough.
Meanwhile…
Hakugyoku Hotel – Stockholm Branch, Sweden
Third POV
Far from Japan's early summer warmth, the air in Stockholm carried a crisp bite of northern chill. Inside one of the upper rooms of the Hakugyoku Hotel, the faint hum of the city outside was muffled by thick glass and velvet curtains. Within that quiet space, three figures—Nino, Jaffar, and Ursula—had taken refuge. It had been a long, grueling escape from the Black Fang's headquarters, one that demanded two full weeks of careful planning, silent steps, and sleepless nights. Somehow, they made it—without Nergal's spies catching wind of their disappearance.
Now, ten days had passed since they'd been escorted into Sweden under the protection of Yakumo Yukari's arrangements. Yet, the one who promised sanctuary had yet to show her face.
Ursula sat by the window, one leg tucked beneath her as she stared into the dim city lights. The glass fogged slightly from her breath. "It's been ten days," she muttered, biting her thumbnail in frustration. "Ten days, and not a single word from Yakumo Yukari. I think I made a mistake… trusting her."
Across the room, Jaffar leaned against the wall, seated on the floor with his back to the bedframe. His daggers were in his hands, twirling soundlessly between his fingers. His tone was calm but carried that same quiet edge it always had. "Be thankful she convinced the Swedish government to let us in. Without her, our heads would've been on pikes before we even reached the border."
Nino, sitting on the edge of the bed with her spellbook open beside her, looked up at both of them. Her voice was gentle but firm. "Jaffar's right, Ursula. We owe Yukari our safety for now. Instead of worrying, we should rest—and re-stock our spells while we can. You and I are almost out of cards." She turned her gaze to the assassin. "How's your wound?"
Jaffar flexed his left arm slightly, the bandages faintly visible beneath his sleeve. "Healing fine. I'll be in shape soon enough."
Ursula sighed, brushing a strand of her violet hair behind her ear. "You're right. I just… don't like not knowing what comes next."
For a while, the room returned to silence. The sound of the wind brushing against the window was the only thing moving time forward—until a ripple of violet light shimmered in the center of the room. The air warped, folding into a narrow slit of darkness before blossoming into a familiar gap.
From it stepped Yakumo Yukari, her parasol closed in one hand, the faint curl of a smile tugging at her lips. "Sorry it took a while."
Ursula stood immediately, arms crossed. "We've been waiting for you for ten days."
"I know," Yukari replied, voice soft yet teasing. "I meant for you to rest during those ten days. You needed it. And I can see from your faces that it worked."
Jaffar's gaze sharpened. "So, what does the strongest youkai in Gensokyo want with us?"
Yukari's answer came not in words, but in action. She let something heavy drop onto the carpet with a dull thud. It was a large, black book—edges trimmed with dark silver, a deep violet gem embedded in its center. Its surface seemed to breathe faintly, and none of the symbols across the cover were written in any language they knew.
Jaffar immediately rose, daggers lowered but ready. His eyes narrowed. "How did you get that? Nergal kept it under the highest security."
Yukari's fan hid the lower half of her face as she chuckled. "His defenses mean nothing against my gaps. I retrieved it because…" Her smile faded, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "…something about this book feels profoundly wrong."
Nino leaned forward, curious but cautious. "What do you want us to do with it?"
"Take it to Japan," Yukari said simply. "Seek either Motoori Kosuzu or Patchouli Knowledge. They can uncover what it really is."
Nino frowned. "Can't you figure it out yourself?"
Yukari's tone turned airy again. "Oh, this kind of study isn't my forte, young lady. I meddle with boundaries, not with curses written by ancient lunatics."
Ursula exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Even if we agree, how exactly are we supposed to get to Japan? We're fugitives, remember? Runaways with blood on our names."
Yukari waved her fan lightly. "All arranged. For now, rest and resupply. Nino, Ursula—get your spell cards replenished. Jaffar, recover your strength. Your flight to Japan leaves in two weeks. And you won't be traveling alone."
The three exchanged confused glances. Before anyone could ask what she meant, the door creaked open.
Standing in the doorway was a man in his mid-thirties, tall, sharp-eyed, with long lavender hair tied back beneath a dark blue headband. His travel-worn cloak brushed against his boots as he smiled faintly.
"Uncle Legault!" Nino exclaimed, her face lighting up.
The man chuckled, stepping forward to embrace her. "Hey there, little Nino. Still as bright as ever."
Ursula crossed her arms again but this time with a more relaxed expression. "If you're here, that means you've heard."
Legault nodded grimly. "Yeah. So… the boss and the brothers are gone."
Her gaze dropped. "All that's left of the Fang is just us."
"Maybe," Legault said, resting a hand on her shoulder, "but you're alive. That means something."
Nino looked between them, her voice soft. "Uncle, why are you here with Yakumo Yukari?"
He leaned back slightly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, since I left the Fang, I've been freelancing as a mercenary. Yukari here is my current client. Said I'd be escorting some people to Japan. Didn't expect it'd be you three."
Yukari's eyes curved in quiet amusement. "I chose him because he knows you better than anyone else. With him and a fully healed Jaffar, you'll be more than capable of protecting yourselves."
Legault nodded in agreement. "Our flight leaves in two weeks. So get ready. Pack light—Japan's not exactly around the corner."
Yukari added, "When you arrive, the Hinanawi family will accommodate you."
That name froze the room. Ursula's eyes narrowed. "The Hinanawi? Are you serious? You do remember who killed their eldest daughter, don't you?"
"I do," Yukari replied calmly. "And I also have proof that the Fang wasn't responsible for Tenshi's death. You were scapegoats—used to justify a far greater scheme."
Silence followed, heavy but not suffocating. For the first time, hope flickered in Ursula's expression.
Nino hesitated, voice fragile. "Yukari… when we make it to Japan… will I get to see Riku again?"
That question softened Yukari's eyes. "That depends on him. But…" her smile deepened, mysterious and kind all at once, "I think he'll be very happy to see you again."
The girl's cheeks turned pink as she turned away, clutching her spellbook against her chest. Legault and Ursula exchanged small smiles, both well aware of the admiration Nino held for the young man. Jaffar said nothing, though a flicker of curiosity crossed his normally cold expression. He wondered what kind of warrior this Riku was—strong enough, perhaps, to rival him.
The air around them shifted as Yukari's parasol twitched open again. "Then it's settled," she said. "Prepare yourselves, all of you. Rest, replenish, and be ready when I call."
Nino nodded firmly. "We'll be ready."
"Good," Yukari murmured. Then her phone buzzed. She raised an eyebrow—few had the nerve, or the means, to message her directly. The name on the screen made her tilt her head in faint amusement.
"From Okina?" she said under her breath. "Now what could she possibly—"
She opened the message, and her eyes widened slightly. Then came the faintest curl of a smirk behind her fan, her tone low and delighted.
"Oh my," she whispered to herself. "Now this makes things far more interesting… ufufufufufu~."
The portal of violet light reopened behind her, swallowing the faint glow of the hotel's lamps as she vanished into it, leaving only the lingering scent of lilies and the weight of unanswered questions.
Ursula watched the air where Yukari had stood. "She's up to something," she murmured.
Legault shrugged. "When isn't she?"
Nino placed her hand on the book Yukari had left behind—the dark gem in its center pulsed once, faintly. "No matter what happens," she whispered, "we'll make it to Japan. I'll see him again."
Outside, the Swedish night stretched endlessly over the snow-dusted rooftops, stars glimmering like faint beacons above the frozen city. Somewhere far across the world, another story was already waiting for them to rejoin it.
To be Continued…