Late afternoon.
Eriri returned home.
For some reason, she felt her head was heavy.
She had just arrived and was about to go look for Tatsuki.
"Eriri."
Sayuri called out to her.
"Mom, can we talk later? I want to go see Tatsuki."
Eriri opened the door; her right foot was just about to step out when—
"Eriri, I have something very important to discuss with you."
This time, Sayuri's tone was firm.
Eriri's entire mind was focused on Tatsuki.
She hadn't even married yet, but she was already ignoring her mother's words.
Sayuri felt a headache coming on and rubbed her temples in frustration.
"Huh?"
Seeing that Sayuri was serious, Eriri reluctantly came back.
"How about we take a bath together?"
Sayuri smiled gently, pulling Eriri along to take a bath.
"Huh?"
Eriri was a bit confused. Still, being pushed along, she didn't feel right leaving.
In truth, Sayuri did indeed have something very important to tell her—about Tatsuki.
From Sayuri's perspective, she understood Tatsuki's predicament.
She had also gotten along quite well with Kie and the others, learning about their experiences and feeling sympathy for their hardships.
She realized how amazing Tatsuki's deeds were—how he had saved an entire world and rescued those people.
There was no way she could say something like Everyone must part ways.
Sensing an unknown pressure on Tatsuki's shoulders, Sayuri decided it didn't matter what kind of relationship he had with those women—she could accept it all.
Her only worry was Eriri.
Eriri's personality had always been sensitive and fragile since she was a child.
She was concerned Eriri might not handle it well and cause a big scene.
If that happened—Considering Tatsuki already had enough pressure on him, would this add more stress?
Without even realizing it, Sayuri had begun to consider things from Tatsuki's perspective.
Moreover, she had truly hit it off with Kie, Tamayo, Kanae, and she also really liked the gentle and well-behaved Nezuko.
She didn't want to ruin this new and wonderful life they'd started.
With that in mind, she decided to guide Eriri emotionally, to tell her about all this in a calm way.
Even if Eriri truly couldn't accept it, at least she'd have time to buffer before facing Tatsuki in person. Knowing Eriri's personality, she wouldn't flip out as badly.
Worst case, they'd break up on peaceful terms and remain friends, which was better than things getting ugly.
As the saying goes, Honesty opens the heart.
Sayuri chose to reveal it all during a bath.
…
Nighttime.
Tatsuki took Nezuko, Tamayo, and Kie out for a while, wanting to test whether they could see evil spirits and if they could harm them.
The results were great—and surprising.
All three of them could see evil spirits and even the presence of demons.
Their bodies could attack evil spirits and demons, and their Blood Demon Arts could cause damage.
Nezuko's Blood Demon Art had grown stronger.
It was no longer just explosive blood; she could now manipulate her blood, using it in combat.
Tamayo's Blood Demon Art hadn't changed—she still used her blood to cast illusions.
What truly surprised him was Kie's Blood Demon Art, which was related to spatial abilities.
She could perform simple teleportation, short-distance travel, and even create small pockets of space.
She could even open two small portals at different points to link them—like creating a mini spatial door between two walls, letting a hand enter on one side and emerge from the other.
It was quite incredible.
Someone like Tatsuki, who had always stayed far away from gambling or poison, suddenly thought of some interesting applications for it.
But he didn't rush to test them. After sending the three back, he stayed behind to clean out more evil spirits and demons in the city.
He also confirmed that evil spirits and demons could be devoured through his Gluttony ability.
However, their purified raw energy was too little.
He spent his time eliminating evil spirits and demons while devouring them, gaining a total of 111,000 points.
Once finished, he returned home.
…
Late at night.
Eriri did not come looking for him, which surprised Tatsuki.
He disliked lying and deception. He wanted, as with Megumi before, to be honest with those who liked him.
His plan was to reveal his situation to Eriri tonight.
Yet Eriri hadn't shown up at all.
After a moment's thought, he guessed that Sayuri must have intervened.
"…"
He had originally expected a dramatic showdown, given Eriri's personality.
But unexpectedly, Sayuri stepped in to prevent that from happening.
Since Sayuri was going to tell Eriri, that meant Eriri would soon make her decision.
Most likely, she would either accept the situation or break up.
"Sigh…"
Tatsuki let out a troubled sigh.
"It's your fault for being such a flirt."
Kanae suddenly appeared, pouting.
"…"
Tatsuki blinked.
"I was lying on my bed minding my own business. Did you come out just to mock me?"
"Kanae, I'm hurt…"
He lowered his gaze, a distressed mood brimming just beneath the surface.
"I…"
The gentle Kanae, who had a kind heart, felt her single remark had hurt Tatsuki.
After all, mocking someone already worried would hurt anyone's feelings.
She hurried forward, intending to apologize and comfort him.
"Ya!"
But before she could, Tatsuki swiftly flipped her over, pinning Kanae beneath him.
"Gotcha, huh? Hahaha, my acting was so good I fooled even you, despite our shared feelings."
Tatsuki chuckled triumphantly.
"You!"
Realizing she'd been tricked, Kanae tried to struggle, but she couldn't get free.
He pinned her down tightly, and she couldn't even choose to phase out of her physical form.
At that moment, Tatsuki had forcibly made her body solid.
"You wanted to mock me and then escape? Not happening."
Tatsuki gave an eerie grin, making claw-like gestures with his hands, opening and closing them as he moved closer to her.
"W-what are you trying to do?"
Kanae's face flushed red as she frantically squirmed.
"Heh heh heh!"
With a low laugh, Tatsuki grabbed her slender waist, his nimble fingers rapidly tickling her.
"Ha…haha…hahaha!"
A tingling sensation spread from her waist through her whole body, making Kanae laugh uncontrollably.
"Hmm, you're pretty sensitive. Let's try this spot!"
His hands moved up to her underarms, continuing the tickling.
"Hahahaha!"
This time, her laughter was even louder, and her writhing more desperate.
"…"
Suddenly, her laughter cut off.
Tatsuki also stopped moving.
Because in Kanae's desperate thrashing, his hand had come to rest on a soft, full spot.
He subconsciously gave it a squeeze.
"!"
Kanae trembled but didn't say anything.
They couldn't see each other's expressions in the dark, but through their shared consciousness, they knew exactly what the other was thinking.
Only two words remained. "I want…"
Tatsuki slowly lowered his head.
Kanae, feeling his breath getting closer, trembled and closed her eyes.
"Mmph!"
…
Next door.
On the bed, mother and daughter were huddled together.
Eriri was snuggled against Sayuri's chest, while Sayuri gently stroked Eriri's hair.
A faint smile of relief curved Sayuri's lips.
After hearing everything, Eriri had initially been upset and at a loss.
But once she calmed down, she asked Sayuri to tell her more details.
So, in a soft voice, Sayuri related all the grand deeds Tatsuki had done, as told by Kie and the others—along with her own understanding of him.
Perhaps adding in a hint of personal bias, she gradually opened Eriri's eyes to Tatsuki's burdens and pressures.
After careful thought, Eriri made a decision.
She wanted to be with Tatsuki forever, no matter who else was around.
She imagined a life without him… and found it unbearable.
She couldn't accept that sort of life!
Sayuri was overjoyed, sensing Eriri's determination.
She realized that, even if she hadn't stepped in, Eriri would likely have chosen to accept him in the end.
Eriri's feelings for Tatsuki ran so deep they couldn't be removed from her heart.
Putting herself in Eriri's shoes, it made sense.
Tatsuki had saved her from a life of pain and remained by her side for so long.
If it were Sayuri, she would've fallen for him too without a second thought.
But… she herself was older, a mother—just a housewife.
In the darkness, a trace of melancholy flickered over Sayuri's face.
"Mm!"
A strange sound emerged.
Sayuri and Eriri glanced at each other in the darkness.
Of course they knew perfectly well what that sound was.
It was coming from Tatsuki's room next door!
Sayuri immediately recognized it as that of the gentle, gracious Kanae.
But… wasn't this going a bit too far?
Right now, Tatsuki was clearly turning Kanae into a completely different person!
"…"
Eriri shrank back, uncertain whether from shyness or some other emotion.
Sayuri was also extremely embarrassed because she'd involuntarily cast her perception outward.
She didn't dare to move an inch, fearful that Eriri might notice something unusual.
Letting out an awkward laugh, Sayuri felt dizzy and mumbled, "Tatsuki sure has… energy."
And the moment she said it, she regretted it.
'Shut up, Sayuri!'
'What on earth did you just say in front of your daughter?!'
What she never expected was Eriri's only response was a simple, quiet "Mm."
And then Eriri fell silent.
However, Sayuri felt a tiny movement from the girl in her arms.
"…."
Sayuri was utterly stunned.
Eriri—her own daughter—was… masturbating herself in her mother's arms, listening to the sounds coming from the next room?
'Alright, fine!'
'If each and every one of you is going this far…'
Then to hell with it! Forget morals!
…
Tonight, four people threw caution and propriety to the wind, each immersing themselves in the most thrilling pleasure.
Three women, with the same man in their hearts.
…
Early next morning.
Kanae's eyes were hollow and vacant, her exhausted body dissolving into motes of light merging back into Tatsuki.
Tatsuki's own experience had been excellent—so good he simply couldn't stop.
Most importantly, Kanae, being a spirit-like entity, was utterly pure.
And unable to resist in that state, even her last physical barrier had been breached.
If Tatsuki were to comment, he'd call Kanae "the best, forever!"
Except… the room was now a complete mess, and he'd have to clean it up himself.
After tidying up and making a quick breakfast, he ate.
Kanae was in no shape to eat; she was presumably already too full for anything else.
Tatsuki had specifically forbidden her from converting her physical sensations into energy, telling her to properly feel every moment.
Otherwise, it would've been a blow to his sense of satisfaction.
He had promised to meet Marin Kitagawa at the convention at nine o'clock, and there was still plenty of time.
Having dressed and made himself presentable, Tatsuki left home and rang the doorbell of Eriri's house.
The door opened—to reveal a worn-out Sayuri.
The instant she saw Tatsuki, she jolted, taking two steps back.
Her fearful expression left Tatsuki embarrassed.
"No… no way… absolutely not!"
Sayuri said, terrified, waving her hands as if rejecting Tatsuki.
"?"
Tatsuki was baffled.
He hadn't even said a word yet!
"Sayuri-san, what's the matter?"
"!"
Sayuri snapped out of the vivid daydream in which Tatsuki was overwhelming her.
Her cheeks flushed as she clutched the hem of her nightgown, forcing a stiff smile.
"You came for Eriri, right? She's exhausted today and still asleep—maybe come back later."
Then, she slammed the door shut with a resounding thud.
"?"
Tatsuki stood there, puzzled.
But then he figured Eriri might still be agonizing over her decision, so he let it go.
All he could do now was wait.
Tatsuki left.
"What… what am I even doing?!"
Inside, Sayuri sank to the floor, back against the door.
She and Eriri had actually spent the night on the same bed, satisfying themselves multiple times while listening to the sounds from the next room.
Their imaginations had run wild, each picturing themselves with him—
Both mother and daughter, lost in the frenzy, calling Tatsuki's name as they climbed to ecstasy.
How was she supposed to face Eriri now?
"M-Mom…"
Eriri walked out of her room, not sure how to look at her mother.
Embarrassment, shame, blame, and confusion swirled in her eyes.
"Eriri, I… let me explain—"
They were both fully awake now. Flustered, Sayuri stood up, wanting to explain.
Unexpectedly, Eriri threw her arms around her, whispering softly in her mother's embrace:
"I don't care if you're my mom… If you like Tatsuki too, then let's be together."
"Huh?"
Sayuri wondered if Eriri's brain had short-circuited!
***
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