Chapter 58

Disclaimer : 

The characters, scenarios, locations, and images used in this fanfic are the property of their respective creators and/or rights holders. 

This fanfic is a non-profit work created solely for entertainment purposes, with no intention of infringing any copyright.

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— World: Draconic Deus

Earth, Japan, Tokyo:

Avalon Residence —

In the end, no one answered Kunou's innocent question.

Aiden tried to distract her with anything that came to mind, speaking with unusual fluency, and between him and the others, they managed to divert her curiosity about why he carried Yoshino/Yoshinon's scent.

As a nine-tailed fox-type Youkai, Kunou had noticed it clearly from the very first moment; that aroma enveloped every part of Aiden's body like a persistent veil, despite the fact that he had bathed at the motel with Yoshino/Yoshinon.

However, even though she could smell it without any problem, understanding what it meant was a completely different story.

To her, scents conveyed emotions, traces, and memories, but her young mind still couldn't piece together what it implied.

Yasaka, on the other hand, recognized it… but chose to remain silent, with an enigmatic smile that betrayed her absolute understanding of the situation.

Yoshino, for her part, was too embarrassed by the inquisitive gazes of Tohka, Origami, Mukuro, and Yuzuru, so she decided to switch with Yoshinon again, using the puppet as her refuge to avoid uncomfortable questions.

The important thing was that, in the end, they managed to change the subject without Kunou insisting too much.

To make sure the little girl wouldn't come back with her natural curiosity, Aiden called Sylphide to entertain her, and with her usual enthusiasm, she took Kunou's hand and led her off to explore the house.

Kunou followed without hesitation: after all, the house was large, with endless hallways and rooms full of interesting things.

Every corner seemed to hide some small mystery waiting to be discovered.

As the little one walked away, Yasaka, who had remained silent until then, let out a sigh before speaking.

"As they say, the quiet ones turn out to be the naughtiest… though I must admit I didn't expect you two to be so perverse."

She suddenly commented, with a playful smile that contrasted with her soft and elegant tone of voice.

Her feline gaze turned to Yoshinon, who was comfortably seated next to Aiden with a carefree air, and to Yoshino, who remained silent in her left hand, like a mere puppet refusing to enter the conversation.

"…"

Yoshino was too embarrassed to even respond that it was Aiden who had played with her body yesterday… and that the pervert was her other half.

"Heh… You know nothing," Origami replied with a slight smile, her tone expressionless but with a hidden spark of amusement in her eyes.

"Confirmation: appearances are deceiving, as they say. Although Yoshino is innocent… most likely, the pervert is Yoshinon. Or, viable alternative, simply blame the beast."

Yuzuru declared in her usual monotone voice, subtly teasing Aiden without even batting an eye.

"Nushi-sama, you shouldn't be so harsh on Yoshino-chan… although, fufu, Yoshinon is certainly an incorrigible pervert."

Mukuro commented with her usual calm, her tone serene yet playful, while her golden hair reflected the light with an ethereal glow.

"Eh?! Onee-chan, that's cruel!"

Yoshinon protested, puffing out her cheeks in feigned indignation, crossing her arms as if she were truly hurt.

She had thick skin, but even she could feel embarrassed when accused so directly.

"Confirmation: there was no falsehood in her words. Yoshinon, you are a hopeless pervert. In complete contrast to the shy Yoshino-chan. Doubt: from whom could you have learned to be this way…?"

Yuzuru added with her characteristic neutrality, casting a meaningful glance at Origami, as if she had already solved the mystery of her corruption.

"….."

Origami blinked, unfazed in the slightest, accepting the accusation without the slightest sign of embarrassment.

"Yes… it's all Origami's fault! Always giving those strange lectures on how to seduce Aiden."

Tohka exclaimed, frowning as she recalled all the nonsense Origami used to say when they still didn't have physical bodies and lived inside Aiden's soul.

"Hopeless pervert."

Tohka added with absolute determination, crossing her arms as if delivering an unquestionable verdict.

"Brainless girl."

Origami replied without hesitation, her tone cold and direct, as if merely stating an undeniable fact.

"Flat-chested!"

Tohka shot back immediately, with a triumphant smile, as if she had delivered the final blow in their verbal contest.

Origami maintained her impassive expression, but her next response was like a precise shot.

"I don't have a flat chest… They're perfect just as they are. They fit perfectly in Aiden's hands."

Then, she curved her lips slightly into a mocking smile before directing a gaze filled with malicious amusement at Tohka.

"Yours, on the other hand, is simply the result of eating like a pig."

"What did you just say…?"

Tohka blinked, but the spark of fury in her eyes grew like a flame about to ignite.

"Pig. Black hole. Bottomless pit. Glutton…"

Origami fired each word with surgical precision, her tone cold but sharpened with a hint of restrained resentment.

Although her expression remained impassive, it was evident that Tohka's comment had struck a nerve.

"Alright, alright… Can you stop fighting…? What does it matter what size your breasts are…?"

Aiden sighed, feeling completely out of place in the absurd discussion that had taken an unexpected turn.

Origami gave him a dark look, her expression completely unreadable, as if she were analyzing every fiber of his soul.

"A-I-D-E-N."

She spelled out his name with calculated slowness, each letter falling with an almost ominous weight, making Aiden feel a shiver run down his spine.

Then, she narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze turning sharp as a blade while she asked in a dangerously calm tone:

"Are you implying that I have small breasts…?"

The question hung in the air, laden with subtle menace.

Aiden wanted to tell her that he liked them just the way they were, that she had absolutely nothing to worry about, but then there was also Yasaka, whom he had only met a few minutes ago.

And while he was shameless with a thick skin, even he was embarrassed to say such things in public, especially in front of a woman as elegant as the leader of the Youkai of Kyoto.

"Y-Your breasts are perfect as they are…" he finally managed to respond, unable to find a better way out.

Origami narrowed her eyes a bit more, evaluating his response.

"Hmph! I'm sure you prefer big ones, like Mukuro's or Kazamachi's, right?"

She pouted slightly and turned her head with an air of apparent indignation, though the way she peeked at him from the corner of her eye betrayed that she was just testing him, waiting to see his reaction.

"….."

Aiden just stared at her, unsure of how to respond, feeling that any word could trap him even further.

"Question: Why involve myself in this absurd 'discussion'?"

Yuzuru suddenly intervened with her usual neutral tone, but with a hint of discomfort, as if she really didn't want to be caught up in such a senseless debate.

Then, she glanced around and added with a tired sigh, as if about to scold a group of unruly children:

"Reminder: We have guests. Refrain from discussing vulgar topics… please?"

Yuzuru looked at Yasaka, expecting her support in ending the conversation, but what she found was something entirely different.

Yasaka was watching the whole drama with interest, her golden eyes shining with an amused glint as she maintained her relaxed posture.

"Don't stop on my account… act as if I'm not here."

She commented serenely, bringing her cup to her lips and taking a calm sip of tea, as if she were enjoying a front-row seat to a play.

In reality, she was intrigued.

Not only by the dynamics between Aiden and the women around him, but also because Yoshino/Yoshinon had never mentioned anything about the peculiar structure of relationships in this house.

A structure that, by all appearances, seemed to be an undisguised harem.

Moreover, all the girls were 10/10 beauties, each with her own unique and captivating charm.

She couldn't help but think that many gods, devils, fallen angels, and all sorts of powerful beings would envy Aiden's luck, who had apparently won over these impressive women without even realizing the extent of his influence.

Aiden curled his lips, feeling even more uncomfortable under Yasaka's entertained gaze.

He felt like an animal on display in a glass cage, observed with curiosity by someone who found every one of his movements amusing.

…

In the end, Aiden managed to calm Origami, who, in reality, was only pretending to be upset.

It was a game they both knew well.

Origami enjoyed provoking him, watching him waver between discomfort and amusement, testing how far she could push him before he truly reacted.

She knew perfectly well how much Aiden liked her "small" breasts… otherwise, why would he suck them so much?

A faint glimmer of triumph crossed her gaze before Yoshinon intervened just in time, steering the conversation toward something far more relevant.

The puppet looked at Yasaka with curiosity and asked about the information she had given her—the one she needed to pass on to Amaterasu and the Shinto pantheon.

It was no small matter.

It concerned the Chaos Brigade and their plan to free Izanami-no-Mikoto from Yomi.

Yasaka's expression turned more serious, her playful demeanor dissipating like mist at dawn.

"The Shinto pantheon, under Amaterasu-sama's orders, has increased its surveillance. They have also deployed numerous Onmyōji to patrol every corner of Japan. On our end, the Kyoto Youkai faction has formed an alliance with the Eastern Youkai faction to extend our coverage. Thanks to these efforts, cases of abduction—both of humans and supernatural beings—have decreased significantly."

Her voice, though serene, carried an unmistakable weight—the tone of someone who bore the responsibility of an entire people on her shoulders.

Yasaka responded with her characteristic composure as she directed a calm gaze at Yoshinon.

"That's also why I was able to come see you… My workload has eased a little," she added with a slight sigh, allowing a trace of relief to seep into her voice.

The past few weeks had been more stressful than usual.

As a leader, she had multiple responsibilities: ensuring her people lived in peace, managing her faction, overseeing the security forces, maintaining strategic alliances, and containing any threats before they became real crises.

The list was endless, and at times, she felt as if she never had enough time.

But even so, she had no regrets about her role.

Her gaze softened as it landed on the small girl in front of her (Yoshino/Yoshinon), who had offered so much help without asking for anything in return.

She felt deeply grateful, not only for the valuable information she had provided, saying things like, "I just want to help a friend," but also for rescuing her daughter, Kunou, from the clutches of Tamamo-no-Mae's cult.

If not for her, Kunou would probably be possessed by Tamamo right now.

That thought made Yasaka's chest tighten slightly.

As for her feelings about Tamamo-no-Mae…

They were complicated.

Once upon a time, they had been comrades.

Tamamo was a powerful Youkai—perhaps the strongest in Japan during her era—and she always wanted the best for their faction.

But when she found herself "weak" in the face of the great supernatural forces of the world, helpless against the devils' [Evil Pieces], and witnessed her people falling into slavery, she took a path of no return.

Desperate for power, she sought it in places she never should have… and was corrupted by the Kegare of Yomi.

The darkness slowly consumed her until she was no longer the same.

But the Tamamo who had once been her friend… no longer existed.

Now, only a being consumed by the corruption of Yomi remained—

A distorted echo of the person she once was.

Yasaka closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before returning to the present.

"Truly, I appreciate all your help," she said to Yoshino and Yoshinon with a warm smile, conveying her sincere gratitude.

"You don't need to thank me, Yasaka-san. I just wanted to help my friend's mother… and now you're my friend too, so don't worry about it."

Yoshino spoke through the puppet, her soft and timid voice reflecting her sincerity.

"Besides, all that information was given to me by Aiden-san…"

She added in an even more reserved tone, averting her gaze slightly.

"Same as Yoshino," Yoshinon said casually.

Yasaka only laughed.

For some reason, she found this quite refreshing.

In the supernatural world, who does this kind of thing without expecting something in return?

Alliances always had a price, information was a currency, and favors were never free.

But in this group… things seemed different.

"But if it weren't for you, who knows what would've happened to my Kunou… Either way, since you don't want formalities, I'll respect that."

Yasaka smiled warmly, throwing a sidelong glance at Aiden.

There was something in her golden eyes that hinted at amusement—

As if she had found something entertaining in this group's dynamic.

"But if you ever need help with something, don't hesitate to come find me…"

Her smile took on a playful edge before she added in a teasing tone:

"I can also give you some tips on seduction… or even lend you some lingerie. Fufu~."

A sudden silence fell over the room.

"….."

Yoshino froze, her face instantly turning red.

"Now that would be useful!"

Yoshinon responded without hesitation, her usual lively tone making it sound as if she were seriously considering the offer.

"P-Perv!!"

Tohka immediately exclaimed, shooting her a sharp glare while frowning, clearly scandalized by the comment.

…

— World: Draconic Deus

Earth, Japan, Tokyo:

At a Karaoke —

(Long Shot - Mayu Maeshima)

"Don't lose the fire that holds your fate~♫"

"Ever again~♫"

The dim karaoke lights flickered in soft hues as the melody filled the room.

Aiden took a sip of his drink, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere while watching Miku and Kunou sing together on stage.

It was a curious and endearing scene.

He had decided to take Kunou to karaoke for some fun, but he also saw it as a great opportunity to get everyone out for an evening of music.

In the end, the group's energy turned the plan into a lively night full of laughter.

Yasaka had already left.

Although she had more free time lately, that didn't mean she was unoccupied.

There was always something requiring her attention—some political matter or an impending supernatural threat.

Even so, she left Kunou in their care without worry, trusting them completely (or rather, trusting Yoshino/Yoshinon).

Aiden looked at the little girl with a smile.

Kunou was thrilled to have met Miku, whom she deeply admired for her songs and stage presence.

She never imagined that Miku was Yoshino/Yoshinon's "big sister," but instead of unsettling her, that revelation only made her happier.

"What if I could right my wrongs and save you the pain~♫"

"It's not enough~♫"

"It's not enough for me to break the rule upon this world~♫"

The duo harmonized perfectly, their voices blending into a melody that filled the room with emotion.

"Yes, yes! You two sing amazingly!" Kotori exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically.

The excitement in her voice was evident. She loved that song, especially since it was from one of her favorite anime: Re:Zero.

"I will never gonna leave you, never wanna lose you~♫"

"We'll make it in the end~♫"

"Kunou-chan, you're adorable!"

Sylphide clapped energetically, radiating enthusiasm as she watched the little girl sing her heart out.

Kunou, embarrassed, turned red instantly, but she still didn't stop singing alongside Miku.

Despite her shyness, the sparkle in her eyes made it clear she was enjoying every moment.

"Not backing down for real, I won't trace someone else's life~♫"

"I know who I am~♫"

/Clap! Clap! Clap!/

The karaoke room erupted in applause.

Aiden, Mukuro, Nia, Kurumi, Tohka, Yuzuru, Kaguya, Origami, Kotori, Natsumi, Yoshino/Yoshinon, Leen, Sylphide, Leo Pemptos, Aries Prote… everyone cheered for the performance with smiles on their faces.

Even Salamander, with his serious personality, ended up joining the celebration with a subtle clap.

"Thank you, thank you~!"

Miku responded with a radiant, confident smile, bowing gracefully like a true professional.

Kunou, on the other hand, maintained her refined demeanor and responded with a slight nod of her head.

"Mm, thank you."

Her tone was polite and formal, reflecting the noble upbringing she had received, though the faint blush on her cheeks still betrayed her excitement.

"Ah… Kunou-chan is simply adorable~ She makes me want to have a little daughter of my own when I look at her."

Miku hugged her gently, softly stroking her hair as the little girl squirmed slightly, still embarrassed.

But then, Miku shifted her gaze toward Aiden.

Her smile took on a more… mischievous tone.

A playful spark gleamed in her eyes as a peculiar idea crossed her mind.

'Ufufu~… I definitely have to work harder to squeeze him dry to the last drop~'

The thought made her smile even more.

Before Aiden could notice the direction of her thoughts, Kotori abruptly interrupted the conversation with a determined tone.

"Aiden, you have to sing too!"

Her eyes gleamed with a mix of anticipation and resolve.

She wasn't going to take "no" for an answer.

Within seconds, the others joined in, increasing the pressure on him.

Aiden let out a small sigh, realizing he had no escape.

He took the microphone naturally, letting a confident smile form on his face.

If they were going to do this, he would do it right.

"If everyone wants to hear my voice… then get ready."

Murmurs of excitement filled the room.

Then, the music began.

(Period - CHEMISTRY)

"The strong bonds that unite our hearts~♫"

"Will never come undone~♫"

"We searched for so long and finally found~♫"

"This place and period~♫"

…

That day, they walked around a lot and had even more fun.

…

..

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A/N:

Here are some images:

[Image]

As always, thank you for reading my fanfic.

It really means a lot to me.

I love you, dear reader.

Peace out.

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