Renzou had been keeping that dungeon open ever since it appeared a few months ago, constantly using magic, which was already something absurd. What he did with his magic was prevent the gate from closing, holding it by using reconstruction magic, keeping the portal open constantly even before it prepared to close.
Keeping a dungeon portal of a level that only circle five and above could enter open for months was simply absurd for anyone below circle eight. That was the reason they needed to enter the dungeon today. Renzou could still hold that portal for quite some time, since he still had fifty-five percent of his mana, but it was better to get it done soon because he would also need to enter.
"I'll have to fight while keeping the portal open since there are three Nartheis of rank Ranvil level 3 maximum inside."
Enrico was standing in front of Renzou with a serious expression. Behind him, Yumeha and Rina were worried about their father's condition. Even with half his mana, it would still be dangerous considering that the rank Kairom Nartheis could awaken at any moment. Rina looked at her father's condition with great concern; she didn't want to see him in that state, like when he had to stay bedridden years ago.
If the Kairom rank awakens, my father will have to fight in this state alongside the other circle nines. That could be bad because even with the alliance between the territories, there could still be someone selfish—actually, half of them were selfish.
"Are you sure you'll be alright, Dad?"
"Of course, daughter. Even with half my mana, I can still beat many Ranvil ranks."
Renzou smiled at his daughter as he walked to take them to the dungeon. On the way, Aoi seemed a little disappointed that she couldn't meet her mother. Seeing this, Enrico approached Renzou.
"Emperor Renzou, may I make a request?"
"Of course, son-in-law. Unless it's something impossible, I'll do it."
"I heard Aoi's mother is very strong. Could you ask her to accompany us as well?"
Renzou became thoughtful for a moment while Aoi's eyes sparkled as she approached, nodding quickly. She would definitely thank Enrico later for fulfilling the promise.
"That's right, Emperor. You know my mother is a circle eight—she could be very useful."
"Alright, I just hope she accepts. You know she's been staying home more these past years."
"That's because she spent a long time training in seclusion. If not for that, she wouldn't have reached circle eight."
He nodded and raised his hand. Even with half his mana after months sustaining the dungeon's portal, he only needed a small percentage of his magic, and an entirely new portal was created in front of him. These months keeping that portal open may have been difficult because it was like carrying the weight of an entire continent every day, but it was good for him.
'Thanks to that, I managed to understand how a portal works and added the foundation of that knowledge to my reconstruction magic.'
He named this reconstruction magic Dimensional Reconstruction. Enrico beside him whistled impressed, which made Renzou feel his arrogance grow for a few seconds, especially since he gained a new advantage against circle nines without portal magic. Watching that magic, Enrico saw Renzou enter the portal for a moment.
'As always, circle nines are absurd… I can't wait to reach that level.'
"As always, my father is amazing. I wonder if he can teach me."
Rina had stars in her eyes as she put her arm inside the portal, and soon after, her head. Enrico took the chance to touch her back and tickle her. She shivered a bit and quickly pulled out of the portal, pouting.
"Ketsumei, why did you do that?"
"I thought it was funny."
She made a crying face for a moment, which disappeared quickly when he apologized and put a hand on her head. Even in that moment, she would use every second possible to take advantage, flashing a hidden smile toward Aoi and Yumeha.
'Sincerely, for the first time I'm getting irritated with my best friend's attitude.'
'How childish. No matter what she does, I'm still number one.'
"So what did you see, Rina?"
"I saw the gate of Aoi's house."
Hearing the portal close behind them, Enrico felt a presence behind him, very observant. In front of him, Aoi happily ran to hug the figure behind him.
"Mom, you came quickly."
"Of course, I had to meet my daughter's future husband."
A woman with a kitsune mask, drawn in perfect detail, presented herself in front of him, with Renzou behind, calling them to join him with a wave of his hand.
"Let's go. Honestly, I'm sick of keeping this portal open. Rina, Yumeha, come with me please."
"Right, Dad. It's very nice to see you, Lady Sayaka, we'll talk more later."
"Lady Inari, please take good care of the master."
"It's good to see you two as well. Don't worry, I'll take care of him."
Renzou went ahead with Yumeha and Rina. It seemed the three were leaving them to talk, likely at Aoi's mother's request. Excited, Aoi approached and clung to his arm, blushing.
[Why is she like this? When we're in Sanos—or anywhere, actually—this girl clings to you without any shame.]
'Maybe because she's in front of her mother.'
[…Eh. Makes sense.]
Sayaka's gaze was very serious. Her eyes and body moved around him even as the three walked toward the portal's location. They were already descending some stairs below ground level.
[She seems to be analyzing you too much… do you think she didn't like you?]
'Honestly, I don't think so. Getting along badly with the mother-in-law is always bad.'
[Well, I'll love it if that happens.]
Too bad, because ever since he started spending time with Aoi, he began to understand her emotions even with the mask. And judging by Sayaka's sparkling eyes, he already knew what it was.
'Looks like mother and daughter aren't so different.'
[What do you mea—]
"He's perfect."
Sayaka grabbed his shoulder in a restrained but excited way, while Aoi had a huge smile on her face. It seemed he passed the mother-in-law test without much trouble. Since she already said he was perfect, it was very likely Aoi had told her many things about him, so there was no need for a personality test.
"He's totally my type, daughter."
"I knew you'd say that, Mom. He's gotten even more handsome than he was two years ago."
'Just like each other.'