Chapter 8 - Summer
I am unsure what direction this story is going. I'm sorry if things isn't the way you guys want to be since I am having hard time balancing the MC and the customers in the fic.
But I will try my best to provide great chapters.
- Zyon -
The weather is nice today. The sound of cicadas. The humid air. Ah yes, It's the start of Summer break for many people. It's been roughly two months since I opened the restaurant and all the crazy adventures have happened.
The people in my restaurant, currently consisting of my regulars except Trish, came to visit. Trish was out on a mission once again.
It was lunch time and thankfully Kie work was lessened with the help of Hancock and her sister wearing similar uniforms that serve the customers.
I was able to keep up due to the fact that I could create clones with my sacred gear to help me. Though they are hardly a perfect clone but still helped me quite a lot.
"How is everything going?" I asked Hancock.
"Everyone and Yasaka-san have been very helpful. Still wonder if I'm dreaming or not." She said and Kie heard this smile.
"I also felt the same way when Zyon-san helped my family." She said both turning to look at me and I gave them a smile noticing that both blush.
"It wasn't much of a problem at all. My parents wouldn't want me to turn a blind eye simply because it's not my business."
Of course the parent I'm referring to was my previous life but my current parent does impart some moral wisdom. However, my previous parents were kind and caring as well as selfless as we often give away food.
Soon the door flew open and I turned to look at four people.
"Ri-tan? So-Tan? Akeno-chan? Tsu-chan?" I exclaimed seeing Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri, Akeno and Tsubaki.
I went to greet them, but before I could get a word out, Rias stormed up to me, fire practically in her eyes.
"Zyon! Is it true? Are you engaged to Seekvaira?!" she demanded, her tone a mix of disbelief and frustration.
I blinked, momentarily stunned by her sudden confrontation. Before I could answer, a calm yet smug voice interjected from behind me.
"That's correct," Seekvaira said, stepping forward with her usual composed demeanor. Her eyes held a teasing glint as she crossed her arms.
"It was a decision by our families, but I've always been fond of Zyon. He's quite exceptional, wouldn't you agree?"
Rias clenched her fists, clearly annoyed.
"How come you get to be engaged to him while I'm stuck with Raiser? It's not fair!" I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Rias, don't worry. I was already planning on challenging Raiser to cancel your engagement. He doesn't deserve you, and I don't think your future should be decided by someone as selfish as him."
Her expression immediately brightened, the frustration melting into gratitude.
"Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Of course," I said firmly.
"You're someone important to me, and I won't let anyone force you into something you don't want."
Rias smiled, her usual confidence returning, but before she could say more, her gaze shifted past me, locking onto Hancock, who was arranging some plates with Marigold and Sandersonia.
"Wait a minute," Rias said, narrowing her eyes.
"She looks familiar... Have I seen her somewhere before?"
Hancock glanced up, her hands pausing as she clutched a tray. She hesitated for a moment, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
"I… It's my first time meeting you," she said softly, her voice carrying a touch of nervousness.
Rias tilted her head, studying her.
"You're... Boa Hancock, right? The pirate empress? What's someone like you doing here working in a restaurant?"
Hancock was taken back and confused about what she meant. I simply briefly explained what happened and the people in my restaurant. I'm not a die hard otaku and japanophile like Rias. I'm more of a casual person.
Rias's eyes widened, realization dawning on her.
"Wait... Zyon helped you? Just like he did with Kie and her family?" I shrugged, trying to downplay it.
"It wasn't a big deal. They needed help, and I was in a position to offer it. That's all." Kie, noticing Hancock's stupor state, stepped in with a warm smile.
"Yes, I am forever indebted to Zyon-san."
Hancock glanced at me, her hands clutching the tray tightly.
"Zyon-sama… truly is kind," she murmured, her blush deepening as she averted her gaze.
Rias stared at me for a moment, her expression unreadable, before breaking into a small smile.
"I guess that's in character for him."
I felt my face heat up slightly but managed to keep my composure.
"Let's not make this about me. How about I get you all something to eat? You came all the way here, after all."
Sona, who had been quietly observing until now, adjusted her glasses and nodded.
"That would be appreciated. I'm curious to see what you can do, Zyon."
"Leave it to me," I said with a grin, heading to the kitchen.
As I started preparing a meal for my unexpected guests, I couldn't help but think about the upcoming challenge with Raiser. It was easy for me and I wanted to try cooking some fried chicken and helping Rias is a priority.
I'm just waiting for the opportunity to challenge Raiser since I know his arrogant and hedonistic demeanor will trigger dissatisfaction from people around him. He was stronger but stagnated by the constant battles against weaker foes. As I was cooking, I heard Rias talking to Hancock and explained how she knows about her.
"I…That's certainly not me." Hancock couldn't believe she would throw herself to someone who clearly isn't capable of feeling anything for her. Not gonna lie, Luffy fumbled hard when it came to Hancock.
"True, you are a different person than Hancock but I'm sure you already contracted the love sickness haven't you?" I could hear Rias's tone teasing Hancock who was more docile than her older self.
"I…I have. I will do anything for Zyon-sama!" She said without hesitation and could guess would be blushing.
"Ara~ there quite a lot of competition for Zyon-kun. How about you, Sona-san? Planning on engaging with Zyon-kun? At this point, Zyon-kun is going to have all known female heiresses." Akeno said and now that I think about it. Yeah I think every heiress might come after me but let's not dwell on it.
"I-I do find Zyon-san to be a fitting fiancée as he is unlike the others. Though, I would only accept if he managed to defeat me in chess." Sona clearly blushing even if I can't see it. Should I lose if we play chess?
No that would break her heart. I did try and improve a lot when playing against Ajuka Beelzebub when I came to train under him.
"How come you're all fine with this?" Shizuka asked since she was a normal human. Her concept of marriage is traditional.
"That's because we have a long lifespan but low fertility. It is a necessity for us devils especially how things our population is at the moment." Seekvaira explained.
"Meaning we have a lot of time together in our lifetime." Rias said. I wonder what Kie feels since they are normal humans and eventually grow old.
To be fair, once they die, their souls would simply head to the afterlife where I simply take their souls and revive them. But that's easier said than done.
I can't exactly turn them into devils either since they have family and it would be a curse to let them see their family die from old age.
'Wait….don't I have wine of immortality and peach of immortality?' The restaurant has many odd Ingredients but as long as they are a type of food then it should be in my pantry!
'Problem solved!' I can't help but smile knowing this could at least give us time together if they choose to be with me.
"That…the more you know, I guess." Shizuka said.
Anyway, I made them their lunch, plating everything with care as the aroma filled the restaurant. Just as I was about to serve, the door chimed again.
"Zyon-kun! We're here!" Yasaka's cheerful voice called out as she entered with Kunou in tow.
"Ah, Yasaka-san," I greeted, setting down the plates.
"It's good to see you. Kunou-chan, you've grown a bit, haven't you?" Kunou grinned, her fox ears twitching.
"I have! And I've been practicing my transformation, too!"
"That's great to hear. You'll have to show me sometime," I said with a smile before gesturing to the others.
"Yasaka, we have some special guests today."
Her gaze shifted to the table, and her eyes lit up in recognition.
"Ah, Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri. It's been a while." Rias blinked in surprise, quickly standing to greet her.
"Yasaka-sama! It's an honor to see you again." Sona also rose, offering a polite bow.
"Thank you for allowing us to visit your territory." Yasaka waved off their formality with a smile.
"There's no need for that. Any friend of my anata~ is welcome here."
Rias's smile faltered slightly as her gaze shifted between Yasaka and me.
"Wait… Yasaka-sama, are you saying you're…" Yasaka chuckled softly, her golden eyes glinting.
"That's right. I'm part of Zyon-kun's harem." Rias's jaw dropped, and she gawked at me.
"Y-You… How?! When!" I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly.
"It's… a long story. But let's just say we've grown close over time." Akeno leaned forward with a teasing smile, her tone playful.
"Ara, ara~. Zyon-kun, you're full of surprises. Maybe I should join your harem, too." Rias spun toward her, scandalized.
"Akeno! You can't just—"
"Why not?" Akeno interrupted, her smile widening.
"Zyon-kun is kind, strong, and quite charming. Isn't that what you like about him too, Rias?" Rias's face turned crimson, and she stammered.
"T-That's not the point! I— I haven't even gotten my turn yet!"
Meanwhile, Hancock, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, tightened her grip on the tray she was holding. Her usual confidence seemed to waver as her expression darkened slightly.
"Zyon-sama," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Kie, who was standing beside her, noticed Hancock's change in demeanor. Her own smile faded as a subtle frown formed.
"Zyon-san… seems to have this effect on everyone," she whispered, her tone tinged with jealousy.
The tension in the room grew as the conversation continued, and I could feel the stares from Hancock and Kie burning into my back. Yasaka, noticing the shift, placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned closer.
"Zyon-kun," she said softly, her tone amused but carrying a hint of mischief.
"You've got quite the situation on your hands. How are you planning to handle this?" I sighed, placing the final dish on the table.
"One step at a time, Yasaka-san. One step at a time."
As everyone began to eat and the conversation shifted to lighter topics, I couldn't help but think about how complicated things were becoming. Between Rias's engagement, Hancock's quiet jealousy, and Akeno's teasing, this summer break was shaping up to be far more eventful than I had anticipated.
Rias suddenly clapped her hands together, her crimson eyes lighting up with an idea.
"How about we all go to the beach tomorrow?" she suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.
Kunou's fox ears perked up instantly, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement.
"The beach! That sounds so fun! Mama, can we go?" she pleaded, tugging at Yasaka's sleeve.
Yasaka chuckled, running her fingers through Kunou's hair.
"Of course, Kunou-chan. It would be nice to enjoy the ocean breeze and relax for a bit," she agreed warmly.
I considered the idea for a moment before turning to Kie, who had been quietly observing the conversation.
"Kie, you and your kids should come along. It'll be a great experience for them to see the sea," I offered.
Kie's eyes widened slightly, and she hesitated before nodding, a small smile forming on her lips.
"Thank you, Zyon-san. We've never seen the sea before. I'm sure my kids will love it."
I returned her smile and then shifted my attention to Hancock, who stood a few steps away, her arms crossed.
"Hancock, what about you? Would you like to join us?" I asked.
Hancock's expression wavered for a moment as she glanced away, a hint of reluctance in her demeanor.
"I… I cannot swim in the ocean because of my devil fruit powers," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with disappointment.
I stepped closer, my tone gentle.
"You don't have to go into the water. Just relaxing on the shore and enjoying the atmosphere can be just as fun. Besides, it wouldn't be the same without you."
Hancock's blush deepened, and she averted her gaze, clearly flustered.
"If… If that's what Zyon-sama wishes, then I'll come," she murmured, her usual confidence replaced with a shy demeanor that made her seem more approachable.
Rias smirked, leaning over to whisper to Akeno.
"Looks like Hancock is completely smitten, isn't she?"
Akeno giggled in response, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Ara~. It's adorable how she's trying to act all composed."
"Anyway, it's settled," I said, cutting through their chatter.
"We'll meet here tomorrow morning and head to the beach together."
Everyone nodded in agreement, the room now buzzing with anticipation for the trip.
As the meal continued, Kunou chatted excitedly about building sandcastles, Rias and Akeno debated over swimwear choices, and Yasaka offered to bring some homemade treats.
I leaned back slightly, watching everyone interact with a faint smile.
- Zyon -
The beach. It was a place for people to relax and have fun.
I rented a bus that managed to fit a number of people: me, Yasaka, Kunou, Rias, Seekvaira, Sona, Akeno, Tsubaki, Kie with her children, Hancock, and her sisters.
As the bus pulled up to the coastline, the sound of waves crashing against the shore greeted us. The salty breeze filled the air, and the golden sand sparkled under the bright sun.
Kie's children—Tanjiro, Nezuko, Takeo, Hanako, Shigeru, and Rokuta—were in awe as they stepped off the bus, their wide eyes taking in the vast expanse of the ocean for the first time.
"Look at all the water!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder.
"It's so blue!" Nezuko added, holding Hanako's hand tightly.
Kunou was just as thrilled, her fox ears twitching as she bolted toward the sand, leaving a trail of laughter behind her.
"Kyaa! The beach is amazing!" she shouted, her tails swaying energetically as she spun around.
Yasaka and Kie exchanged amused smiles, both giggling softly as they tried to calm the children down.
"Kunou, don't run too far!" Yasaka called out, her motherly tone gentle but firm.
"Tanjiro, watch your siblings!" Kie added, her voice carrying a mix of worry and excitement.
The older children nodded in unison, each one doing their best to keep the younger ones within sight.
Meanwhile, Rias, Akeno, Sona, Tsubaki, and Seekvaira had already begun unpacking their belongings, each one revealing swimsuits that seemed tailor-made to accentuate their features.
[ Image here ]
Moreover, Hancock and her sisters stepped onto the sand, each of them drawing attention in their elegant swimsuits. Hancock, in particular, wore a sleek red two piece bikini that accentuated her graceful figure. Despite her composed demeanor, I noticed a faint blush on her cheeks as she glanced around nervously.
"Are you sure this is alright, Zyon-sama?" she asked, her voice soft but laced with hesitation.
"It's perfectly fine, Hancock," I reassured her, offering a warm smile.
"Just relax and enjoy the day. You look amazing, by the way."
Her blush deepened, but a small, genuine smile tugged at her lips as she met my gaze.
"If Zyon-sama says so… then I feel more at ease," she said softly, her usual confidence returning.
Nearby, Yasaka had opted for a stylish yet modest white bikini that highlighted her graceful curves and fox-like elegance. She approached me with a teasing glint in her eyes, her hips swaying side to side
"Zyon-kun, don't stare too much," she said playfully, her tone light but mischievous.
"I might start thinking you're more interested in me than the ocean."
I coughed, averting my gaze, which only made her chuckle.
Kie, on the other hand, was far more reserved. She wore a simple light blue swimsuit that complemented her gentle features, but she clutched a towel around her shoulders, clearly self-conscious.
"Is this… really okay?" she asked, her cheeks flushed as she glanced at herself.
"I don't usually wear things like this, so…"
Before I could respond, Rias stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Kie's shoulder.
"You look perfect, Kie. Really," she said with a confident smile.
"Trust me, no one's judging you. Just have fun!"
Kie hesitated but eventually nodded, her expression softening.
"Thank you, Rias-san," she said shyly, still holding the towel but no longer hiding behind it.
I caught Hancock watching the exchange with an approving look before her gaze shifted back to me. She seemed more at ease now, her earlier shyness melting away as she noticed me glancing her way again.
"Zyon-sama… you're staring again," she murmured, though this time her tone was teasing rather than nervous.
"Can you blame me?" I replied with a grin.
Yasaka burst out laughing, stepping closer to join in.
"Ara, Zyon-kun, you're going to give these poor girls heart attacks if you keep flattering them like that," she teased, her tails flicking playfully.
"I can't help it if everyone looks amazing," I replied, scratching the back of my neck.
"Ara, ara~," Akeno teased, adjusting her sunhat as she glanced in my direction.
"Zyon-kun, are you sure you can handle being surrounded by so many beautiful women?"
I sighed, trying to maintain my composure despite the heat rising to my face.
"I'm here to make sure everyone has a good time, not to get distracted," I replied, focusing on setting up the grill for later.
Rias smirked, clearly not buying my attempt at nonchalance.
"Good answer, but let's see how long that lasts," she said, her tone playful.
As the group began to settle in, Yasaka and Kie guided the children closer to the shoreline, helping them dip their feet into the cool water. Their laughter filled the air, blending with the sound of the waves.