Chapter 230: Return
Having completed all that needed and could be done in this world, Mahiro naturally embarked on his journey home.
He took along the entire Shadow Garden, along with the White Tower housing the vampires and Yukime.
In addition, there were three others: Sherry, Claire, and Rose.
But speaking of Claire, one couldn't help but mention Cid.
That guy had also left this world, right after defeating Diablos.
"A portal to another world? Entrusting himself to the pitch-black vortex, sinking into the world of darkness..."
Cid gazed up at the dark portal about to close and actually leaped straight into it.
The moment the passage sealed shut, his figure vanished completely within.
As for where he would be transported or whether he could return, he didn't care.
Neither did Claire care anymore.
Because her little brother had grown up and no longer needed his big sister...
In the darkness.
He didn't know how long he had been drifting in that void-like space before the subtle sensation of weightlessness finally disappeared completely.
This was probably the first time he clearly felt the peculiarity of returning.
It wasn't as uncomfortable as he had imagined, just a slight sense of dizziness.
But as the weightlessness faded, he realized he seemed to have appeared in a warm place.
Everything before him remained pitch black, but unlike before, he could glimpse a sliver of moonlight when he opened his eyes.
By that moonlight, he understood that he seemed to be leaning against someone's back.
A cascade of wavy black hair like a waterfall, with a familiar, elegant fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose.
"So I've been transported to Maya again, haven't I?"
Mahiro was already familiar with this pattern.
After all, the previous two times were just like this—waking up to find himself in Maya's embrace.
Not to mention the wavy black hair.
Who else but Maya had such quintessential black hair?
So, he instinctively wrapped his arms around the other's slender waist and reached out to grasp a certain "lethal weapon."
But then, he slowly formed a question mark in his mind.
Something wasn't right.
Something felt off...
This size, this texture seemed a bit unusual...
Should he squeeze again to check?
"Mmm..."
A soft murmur echoed by his ear, startling Mahiro.
This was really wrong!
This wasn't Maya—she wasn't this small, and that voice...
His movement had awakened the other person, who immediately grabbed his wrist.
Simultaneously, a strong Psionic Light surged forth.
Bathed in that bright Psionic Light, Mahiro slightly raised himself and saw the other's face clearly.
Soft, beautiful black hair adorned with shimmering particles of light spread out like a galaxy, with two strands in front gracefully resting on the girl's full chest.
Her face was flushed crimson, and her wine-red eyes held an indescribable mix of embarrassment and anger.
"Mayumi???"
"Huh???"
Hearing her name called, Mayumi froze for a moment before turning to look at the person who had "night raided" her from behind. The shame and anger in her eyes instantly turned to surprise.
"M-Mahiro? Why are you here?!"
Mahiro: "..."
Damn, this time it sent him directly to Mayumi's place, right onto her bed.
Is there some randomness to this?
Well, it doesn't seem to make much difference anyway.
As long as it's not in some strange woman's bed.
"Wait... don't!"
Noticing Mahiro moving again, Mayumi quickly pressed down on his hand, her face full of shyness and panic.
"What's wrong? It's been so long since we last met. Don't you want to get intimate, Mayumi? Are you shy?"
"Of course not, it's just... not convenient today..."
Mayumi glared at him reproachfully, her cheeks flushing red.
But her eyes shimmered with moisture, less like blame and more like a coquettish protest.
Their meetings were already limited, and after such a long separation, how could she not miss Mahiro?
However, her gaze kept drifting toward the nearby bed.
The slightly raised blanket clearly indicated someone was lying there.
"Who is it?"
Mahiro whispered close to her ear.
"It's... it's Mari... mmm!"
"Sc-school is on break... so Mari and I are... traveling together..."
Mayumi breathed lightly, pressing her lips tightly together, forcing herself to endure the sensation to finish her sentence.
"Oh, so it's Watanabe."
"..."
Mahiro glanced at the completely still neighboring bed, a subtle smile curling at the corner of his lips: "It's fine, we'll just be gentle and quiet."
"How could that possibly work... don't..."
"Mmm... be gentle, or I won't be able to hold back..."
A pale pink nightgown was tossed out from under the blanket, gradually slipping to the floor.
From under the covers, a fair, delicate foot tensed up, pearl-like toes curling together as they pressed lightly against the sheets in a completely futile struggle.
The transparent nail polish gradually took on a faint cherry blossom hue.
However, just as they were expressing their long-pent-up feelings, the neighboring bed also showed some movement.
The long-still blanket was slowly pulled up, covering over the head.
Mari turned her back to them, gradually curling up, trying to keep her breathing as even as possible.
Her bright pupils, hidden beneath the blanket, shimmered in the darkness, gradually filling with indescribable surprise and embarrassment.
Actually, she had been awakened when Mayumi released psi-waves preparing to use magic.
At first, she thought something had happened to Mayumi.
But just as she was about to get up and ask, she overheard their conversation.
Especially when she heard it was Yotsuba-kun, her heart nearly skipped two beats.
To think he had silently appeared in their room, and right on Mayumi's bed! 12ds
As Mayumi's close friend, she had naturally heard about Mahiro's ability to traverse worlds.
Although she always found it magical and unbelievable, and even wanted to witness it herself someday...
She had never heard he could teleport right into someone's room!
After all, she was sharing the room with Mayumi.
What if she accidentally ended up in her bed?
And then if she accidentally mistook herself for Mayumi... she would truly have no face left to see her best friend!
Just as Mari was letting her imagination run wild, she heard those blush-inducing sounds coming from next door again.
The best time to speak up had already passed.
To avoid making things awkward for both Mayumi and herself, at this point she could only play ostrich and bury herself under the covers.
How could this foolish couple do such things while she was still here...
Mayumi, you're really spoiling him too much!
Mari complained silently in her heart, while her body unconsciously grew warm.
The night passed without incident, the moon setting as the sun rose.
Happy times always pass quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the morning sun had already risen from the horizon.
A ray of morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains into the room.
And at this moment.
Mayumi lay weakly collapsed on the bed, her slightly bent legs trembling involuntarily.
Her pale arm covered her eyes, the wine-red pupils beneath her arm somewhat unfocused.
She couldn't gather her thoughts for a moment.
They did it.
She really did it. Even though Mari was right next door, she had spent a wild night with the suddenly appearing Mahiro.
Recalling what happened last night, the crimson blush on her cheeks deepened further.
As if it could drip blood.
How embarrassing...
But even so, even after working hard all night, Mayumi still remembered to urge him in a soft voice.
"...Alright, you're satisfied now, right? Can you leave?"
"Eh? I originally thought only men would be like this after getting what they want. Heartless—I never expected women to be the same, kicking people out right after..." Mahiro said in a deliberately plaintive tone.
"Stop joking around. If Mari wakes up soon, I won't be able to explain..."
Being teased like this by him, Mayumi naturally couldn't stop feeling embarrassed, and she knew she was being somewhat unreasonable.
But there was no other way.
If Mari really discovered that she and Mahiro had done such things in the room...
She wouldn't be able to face anyone!
How would Mari view her then? She'd definitely think she was that kind of woman!
"Alright, alright, I know, I know. I'll leave now. Let's meet at the restaurant later~"
Mahiro naturally understood what Mayumi was worried about—he was just making a small joke.
He would never actually do anything to embarrass Mayumi.
Besides, Watanabe-senpai had probably already reached her limit, right?
Thinking this, Mahiro got up from the bed, quickly dressed, then took a deep look at Mari who was still buried under the covers next door.
He knew perfectly well that Watanabe Mari had woken up last night.
But there was no turning back once the arrow left the bow—since they had started, they might as well go all the way. He just never expected this senpai to actually endure it all night.
Quite impressive...
"...I'll see you out."
Seeing him preparing to leave, Mayumi breathed a slight sigh of relief.
She originally intended to sit up, but as she tried to rise using her normal waking posture, she immediately felt an unusual soreness throughout her body and a distinct pain in her lower abdomen.
This forced her to lie back down in defeat.
"Mmm... It's all your fault."
Mayumi fixed him with a resentful gaze.
Perhaps because they hadn't seen each other much recently, she felt he seemed slightly larger than before.
Leaving her with this soreness in her back and waist...
"Alright, alright, it's my fault. You've worked hard all night, so rest a bit longer and get some more sleep."
Mahiro smiled gently as he tucked her in.
Before leaving, he didn't forget to give Mayumi a light kiss before exiting their guest room.
Walking through the empty corridor, his figure soon disappeared from view.
Staring at the closed door, Mayumi remained lying in bed for a long while before finally deciding to get up.
Pushing aside the covers, she revealed her pure white, completely naked body. Slowly supporting herself on the bedside, she picked up the robe discarded on the floor and draped it over herself.
But as she tied the belt, glancing down at the red marks on her body, Mayumi couldn't help but blush and murmur quietly:
"Hmph, you're always this excessive."
Her delicate nose twitched slightly as she straightened her robe and fastened the belt.
Though her words were full of complaint, in her heart she actually felt quite happy.
Even though there were so many other girls around him now—she'd even heard he'd made moves on Kitayama and Mitsui—he still hadn't forgotten about her...
He was just a bit too promiscuous...
But this also proved her judgment wasn't wrong—Mahiro truly was an exceptional person.
Comforting herself with these thoughts, Mayumi went to the adjacent bed and gently shook Mari.
"Mari? Mari?"
"Mmm... Mayumi? Let me sleep a bit longer..."
"Alright then, I'll go take a bath first. Remember to get up for breakfast later."
Seeing that Mari seemed genuinely asleep, Mayumi's rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down. Feeling relieved, she turned and walked toward the bathroom.
Unbeknownst to her, the moment she turned away, Mari opened her eyes.
Secretly watching Mayumi's slightly unsteady figure disappear behind the bathroom's glass door, Mari also breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
It was good she hadn't been discovered pretending to sleep...
As the two had previously arranged, they met in the hotel restaurant, pretending it was a chance "encounter."
However, when they actually met, Mayumi noticed there was an additional girl beside Mahiro.
It was indeed a young girl.
She appeared about the same age as her younger sisters, but slightly shorter.
Her features were exquisitely delicate, like a porcelain doll, with flowing silver hair reaching down to her waist.
Her jade-like small hand clung tightly to Mahiro's large hand, unwilling to let go.
"Mahiro, wh-who is she...?"
After a moment of staring at the girl, Mayumi finally managed to break her gaze and ask.
Mayumi was completely stunned by the girl's beauty.
Yes, it wasn't the cute prettiness of a child, but beauty that could be judged from a woman's perspective.
Despite her somewhat youthful appearance, she exuded an inexplicable dignity and elegance, along with an ethereal, transcendent aura.
Even in terms of looks alone, in her memory, only Miyuki could possibly rival her.
She was completely different from those he had brought back before.
Could she be Mahiro's daughter with someone from another world?
Mayumi couldn't help but entertain such a bold thought. If that were really the case, then she herself...
At this thought, Mayumi's hand unconsciously drifted to her lower abdomen with a hint of melancholy.
All these subtle movements were noticed by Mahiro.
So he stepped forward, gently took Mayumi's hand, and comforted her:
"Don't worry. Although I'm not entirely sure what you're thinking, it's definitely not what you imagine."
"Her name is Terminus Est. She's an elf."
"...An elf?" Mayumi blinked, stared at him for a moment, then curiously examined the girl called Est with her gaze.
Even Mari became intrigued and couldn't help asking:
"The elves you mentioned... are they like those in fairy tales? The long-lived ones who live in forests?"
"Well, pretty much. But Est is somewhat different from them. She's my weapon."
"That's right, I am Mahiro's sword."
Est nodded in agreement.
Though her tone remained as calm and even as ever, one could still detect seriousness in it.
But... a weapon?
Mayumi and Mari looked at each other, finding it hard to believe.
Even though they knew Mahiro had no reason to deceive them, such a claim was simply too incredible.
Mahiro had expected this reaction and said:
"Well, it's normal that you don't believe me. I'll give you a proper demonstration when I get the chance later."
His tone was like a child showing off his favorite toy.
And since he had said that much,
there was really no need to dwell on it further.
Then they entered the dining room to have breakfast.
Seeing the variety of dishes displayed on the surrounding counters, Est gently tugged at Mahiro's sleeve and asked:
"Do they have tofu here? I want to eat tofu."
"Does little sister Est like tofu dishes very much?"
It wasn't Mahiro who spoke, but Mayumi.
She slowly bent down, smiling as she asked Est.
Mayumi wasn't the jealous type—quite the opposite, she had an exceptionally broad-minded nature.
So, anyone Mahiro trusted, she was naturally willing to accept as well.
It was just this "little sister" address...
If he remembered correctly, Est's age was probably measurable in thousands, or even tens of thousands of years...
Was it really okay to call her "little sister"?
"Yes, I like tofu very much," Est nodded in response.
Well, it seemed the person in question had no objections, so he didn't need to worry about it anymore.
So Mayumi took Est's small hand and led her to the breakfast buffet counter to look for Est's favorite tofu dishes.
To outsiders, they appeared like young sisters.
"How lovely~"
Mahiro rested his chin in his hand, watching this harmonious scene with an inexplicable sense of relief.
It was worth noting that although Est seemed gentle on the surface, she was actually a very particular and proud elf.
Others found it nearly impossible to get close to her.
Even in the previous world, the only one who could get along with her harmoniously was probably Alpha.
Who would have thought that now, she would accept Mayumi so easily?
Perhaps she sensed the kindness radiating from Mayumi?
"Hmph, what's so lovely? I never expected you, Yotsuba-kun, to be such a person—flirting around outside. I'm starting to regret letting Mayumi be with you."
Mari muttered quietly, standing up for her dear friend.
But instead of refuting her, Mahiro nodded in agreement.
"Watanabe is right. I am indeed a fickle person, and I know I've let Mayumi-senpai down.
But I will do my utmost to love everyone equally. Everyone holds the same place in my heart."
"Are you trying to say everyone is your 'wing'?"
"I didn't expect Watanabe-senpai to be so knowledgeable."
Mahiro chuckled, while Mari glared at him with dead-fish eyes and snorted softly before letting out a heavy yawn.
"Watanabe-senpai, you have heavy dark circles under your eyes. Did you not rest well last night?" Mahiro asked with a kind smile.
"If it were any other time, she would have retorted, 'Who do you think is to blame for that?'"
But this time, she swallowed her words and stammered, changing her response—
"N-Not at all, I'm just a little sleepy, that's all."
"Is that so? Then you can go back to your room and catch up on some sleep later."
Mahiro had no intention of exposing her and simply smiled quietly.
Watching Watanabe-senpai's slightly flustered expression and the faint blush spreading across her cheeks, he suddenly realized that teasing this senpai occasionally could be quite amusing.