Chapter 113

Kyoto.

The date went just fine, and without any problems or excesses at all. I was in a good mood, even if a meteorite had fallen on my head. And now me, Yasaka and Kunou were heading back to the palace.

The little vixen was sniffling sweetly in my arms, snuggling against my chest and mumbling to herself. Her mother walked beside me, resting her head on my shoulder and wrapping her arms around mine as we walked at a measured pace through a sort of public park with cobblestone paths, picnic lawns, and piles of vegetation.

Kunou was as active this evening as she had been during the day, always pulling me by the hand to one place or another. She was having fun wholeheartedly, not shying away from being active and mischievous, which made Yasaka and I smile. It was safe to say that Kunou now genuinely considered me part of the family. Not like a father, of course, but someone very close to him.

Yasaka also remained satisfied. She tried to act reserved, but under the onslaught of Kunou's enthusiasm, she still gave in and showed her foxy nature. Soft banter, teasing and flirtatiousness were on full display, which I'm sure made the foxy girl have a great time, relaxed and able to take her mind off her work.

In summary, I will say that Yasaka is a very pleasant woman. Even if Ama-chan hadn't arranged the whole thing, I think I would have found a good friend in the vixen. That is, I'd enjoy her company and her reactions to how I'd complain about this or that. In short, I'm quite happy with my current circumstances.

- "Thank you for the evening, Romani-san. It's probably the best evening I've had in years. And for Kunou too, I think," Yasaka said in a voice that didn't accidentally wake her daughter, "And you're in a very good mood tonight. Did something happen?"

- "An educational moment with the residents of my house. He lifted my spirits a lot,

 I smiled, "Do you think I could do something similar with Ama-chan? Well, as a sort of payback for our voluntary forced circumstances."

- "Although I should be against the idea, I'd honestly like to see it," Yasaka giggled, and then tightened her grip on my arm a bit more, "Romani-san, you... How do you..."

- "How do I feel about you and marriage now, Yasaka-san?" I asked, to which I received a silent shy nod.

The sight of a mature woman hiding her gaze and afraid to voice her question, just like a lovesick schoolgirl, makes me smile. However, I'm not going to lie to her. She simply does not deserve such treatment and should know the truth to avoid misunderstandings, illusions and empty dreams.

- "As I said at the time, you are a splendid woman, as well as a wonderful mother. And I have no doubt that almost every man in the world would be glad to take my place. I like you, I know that. I also know that you're close to making me fall in love with you. But as for love? That takes time."

I paused, not sensing an outward change in Yasaka.

- "Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about our relationship, its beginning and future development, but I can't promise guaranteed love. Caring for you and Kunou? Quite, but not love," I took a deep breath and looked at Kunou sniffling in my arms, "Are you ready for that? The answer is up to you. I just want that whatever happens in the future, you will not regret your choice, and you will understand me and my words."

Yasaka's response to my words was silence and deep thought that was visible on her face.

I was sincere in what I said. The only woman at this moment that I can safely admit that I love is Tia. Only her and no one else.

If I think of all the women who are interested in me besides Tia and Yasaka, I can make a small list of Akeno, Griselda, Morgan, Ravel, Le Fay, Rizevim, and Serafall.

Akeno is ambiguous, as her closeness gives me mixed feelings. Griselda is still far away, just to be simple friends. Morgan is more of a close friend, though something may work out in time. For Ravel and Le Fay, I'm more of a youthful love rather than something more. Rizevim is a Yandere, and that says it all, and Serafall's interest is driven by politics rather than feelings.

To summarize, receiving my love doesn't depend on power, influence, looks, or anything equally material. Tia gives me the feeling of... dependence. Dependence on her care, attention, and even trivial presence. And while others have failed to reach that bar.

- "I... understand..." Yasaka muttered after a while, "In that case, I'll think about what you said and make an informed choice."

- "I'll be glad I did."

We spent the rest of the trip in silence, though we didn't distance ourselves from each other. Yes, I know she's supposed to be kidnapped, but if I do anything about it, I'm risking the existence of this world, since I have to rely on Alaya's vague words until I get answers from her. However, if I am not the initiator, as in the case of Rizevim, then there should be no problem. Say, if Kunou or Yasaka herself contacts me and asks for my help, thus changing the course of events.

I could use Clairvoyance, yes, but what's the point? The future tends to change as soon as you see it, and I simply don't want to put sticks in my own wheels.

Anyway, all I have to do now is wait for the Kyoto arch to begin. Right now, the Diadora-themed arc is flowing, along with the gathering of young demons, Issei's little rampage, his discovery of the Juggernaut Drive, and the appearance of clone Ophis with Samael's poison feed. Well, now it's time to go home.

-0-

Emiya Residence.

Upon returning home, I found the current workers at the dinner table, whose mood was, to put it mildly, at rock bottom. And thanks to that, my mood returned to normal a bit, as such a sight simply can't help but do so.

Lancelot was practically crying as he ate his dinner. Gil, Archer, Medusa, and Mo-chan looked like they wanted to destroy humanity. Runeas was lying on the table and looked like a dried up corpse. Enkidu smelled of gloom and sadness. Artoria kept a nonchalant look with barely visible grease stains on her face, as if she had tried to scrub them off, but had failed miserably. Arthur's face was extremely disgruntled and tired, as was Le Fei, who had almost fallen asleep in a sitting position. Irina was crying crocodile tears while mouthing the word 'sin'.

They were served by Rea-chan and Elaine that was doing her maid duties. Heracles, Merlin, Griselda and Gabriel were in their rooms. It was getting late after all. Fou was sleeping on Tia's head, who was snoozing on the couch, apparently waiting for me to arrive. Morgan wasn't hiding her smile as she watched the Servants working and sitting in the living room, and Alaia was still unclear where she was.

- "How are you enjoying your first day on the job, my dear bees?" I asked with a smile on my face as I joined them at the table, to which I got the expected response.

- "Great. I've always dreamed of working with really smart and aware people." Emiya replied sarcastically.

- "You're not a saint, you're a demon..." Irina said.

- "You have succumbed to Morgan's bad influence after all, Master." Artoria added.

- "You're still immortal, aren't you? I can rip your belly open some ten times, Master, can't I?" Mo-chan interjected.

- "Romani's mean," Runeas muttered with her face pointed at the tabletop.

- "But what an experience! From now on, it's your budget that consists solely of your own savings and earnings. Yes, yes, even yours, Gil-kun. And no, the seal will not be lifted from the Gates of Babylon, nor will it be lifted from everyone else's powers. It doesn't apply to those who haven't misbehaved or fallen under a labor crackdown."

- "But if we are attacked, how should we defend ourselves?" Medusa asked.

- "You are always watched by the Hundred Faces, like Grandfather himself, who will be able to break the seal instantly. And you know very well that no one can pass by the Great Servant without being seen. Your places of work are located in the same neighborhood and in relative proximity to each other. So, there's no problem. Also, if something like this happens, I will return you from the Throne and fulfill one request within my capabilities. Is that okay with you?"

After hearing me, they hesitated. I'm sure they have some wish they'd like to fulfill. I am not a pervert, and so I promised them a small compensation in this form, though I might not have done so. And now their situation shouldn't be so horrible or humiliating.

- "Okay, I'm going to bed," I said and headed for the couch, where I picked up a sleeping Tia in my arms, who immediately snuggled into my arms and rubbed herself against my chest. Fou, of course, started to arise, but then quickly went back to sleep, "Get over it, it's your routine now. I didn't ask you to cause a debauch, did I?"

With that, I staggered off to my room.

I still have the visit to Heaven on my to-do list. Should I proceed with it as soon as possible or should I still wait? Who knows, who knows. I'll see how things go and make plans from there.

-0-

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