Chapter 231: The Master's Mother Is the Mistress
Perhaps because of just that one sentence, Mari couldn't enjoy her breakfast at all. Combined with her slight drowsiness, the food tasted bland and unappetizing, as if she were chewing on wax.
She seemed afraid that her little secret might be discovered.
Mayumi even asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell? Maybe you should rest at the hotel today."
This left Mari with no choice but to force a smile in response.
Yet, she kept vigorously poking the half-eaten grilled sausage on her plate with her fork, as if treating it like a certain someone.
Thus, the breakfast concluded amidst awkwardness and silence.
Afterward, Mari naturally returned to her room to rest.
After all, she had barely slept all night because of that foolish couple...
As for Mahiro, he chatted with Mayumi for a while, sharing some heartfelt thoughts and reminiscing about the past.
Then, he also left the hotel.
He needed to return to Misaki Island to settle the large group of people stored in his ring.
Mayumi didn't say much about this, but she fixed him with a resentful gaze, puffing out her cheeks and muttering under her breath:
"You're such a playboy."
"I wouldn't call it being a playboy—I'd call it being universally loving."
As he spoke, Mahiro grinned cheekily and walked up to her. Ignoring the surprised looks from the hotel staff, he gave Mayumi a deep kiss.
The two drew warmth from each other's bodies, and just as the surrounding temperature seemed to rise, their lips finally parted.
Mayumi then set aside her sulkiness and reluctantly bid him farewell.
"Be careful on your way. I'll have the Saegusa family's plane waiting for you on the tarmac."
"Alright, thanks then."
"Hmph, smooth talker."
Finally, the two parted ways.
Mayumi returned to her hotel room and stood by the window, watching Mahiro and Est gradually disappear into the distance.
Winter in Japan is cold.
And Hokkaido, located near the Tropic of Cancer, is even colder than other regions.
That's right—he was currently on Hokkaido Island, aboard the Saegusa family's plane, flying toward southern Japan.
Originally, Mayumi and Mari had planned to travel abroad for a vacation.
But the current situation had trapped them within the country, forcing them to settle for a holiday in Hokkaido instead.
According to intelligence gathered by the Saegusa family, along with daily world news reports—
The outside world had descended into complete chaos.
Europe, of course, was no exception. The flames of war continued to spread, even reaching the New Soviet Union and the Great Asian Union, prompting the USNA to join the conflict.
Asia, Europe, and Africa had all become a boiling cauldron of war.
In addition to this, there was another crucial piece of intelligence—
The Great Asian Union seemed to be experiencing internal turmoil.
Led by remnants of the Kunlunfang Institute, the Dahan faction clashed violently with the Union. It was said that a man named Gu Jie had instigated the conflict.
However, there were also reports that Gu Jie had been suddenly assassinated after inciting the internal strife.
Rumors suggested it was the work of the Yotsuba family.
When Mahiro learned of this intelligence, he wasn't particularly surprised.
After all, the Yotsuba family held an indelible grudge against the Kunlunfang Institute, or rather, the Dahan faction.
And since Gu Jie—or rather, the man known as Jiedo Heigu—was affiliated with the Kunlunfang Institute, how could the Yotsuba family possibly let him go?
It must have been Maya who took action.
A few hours later, the plane successfully arrived at Misaki Island.
The children responsible for patrol duties on the island weren't surprised by his sudden appearance, but rather happily gathered around to greet him.
To them, Mahiro's existence was like that of a deity.
They didn't expect to see him daily—just having occasional contact with him was considered immense fortune.
It was even something worth boasting about to their companions.
Afterwards, Mahiro first settled Shadow Garden—
The main gathering place, the ancient royal capital Alexandria, was placed in the empty area behind Arcadia, closely connected to Arcadia City.
The thunderous roar during its descent and the commotion caused by the magnificent mountain range that descended like a divine miracle,
Though grand and astonishing, didn't affect any residents of Misaki Island.
Because they clearly understood this meant Mahiro had returned and was working.
However...
"This island seems a bit small now. Perhaps it's time to expand it slightly."
Mahiro looked at the edges approaching the cliffs, rubbing his chin as he began planning future modifications for Misaki Island.
Even though Misaki Island itself was considerably larger than Southern Shield Island, it was ultimately just an island.
If he visited more worlds and brought back more things, this island would likely become insufficient.
As for Arcadia Trading Company, he placed it within the bustling city of the Cursed Children.
Surprisingly, Eta's architectural aesthetics made the building blend seamlessly even if placed in a modern technological city.
Instead, it added a touch of vintage elegance and luxury.
Regarding the Seven Shadows—
Both Zeta and Delta, the beast girls, were placed in the Cursed Children's area.
After all, the city had many children who had developed animal ears due to mutations from the Gastrea Virus.
Though not true beast-kin, neither Zeta nor Delta felt any dislike toward these adorable children.
Most surprisingly, Delta quickly became friends with the children.
Is this the affinity of canine species?
As for Eta and Sherry, he assigned them to Shiba Heavy Industries' research institute.
Yes, you read correctly—Shiba Heavy Industries had also moved to Misaki Island.
He didn't know what came over Miori, but after he placed the National Guardian Machine at Shiba Heavy Industries' research institute, this woman moved both headquarters and research institute back here.
He learned about this from the staff.
They said Miori wanted to ensure the secrecy of modifications, hence moving back here to prevent spy infiltration and research data theft.
After all, no place in the world was safer than current-day Misaki Island.
Maya alone possessed the power of a Strategic Class Magician and was among the world's strongest mages.
Secretly, there were unknown numbers of armed forces.
Their overall strength had long surpassed that of the Ten Master Clans.
However, both Eta and Sherry were overjoyed upon learning they could acquire new knowledge.
Especially Sherry—during previous exchanges with Eta, she felt like she had opened a door to a new world.
Not to mention now being able to access technological systems completely different from before.
Rose and Claire were still studying at Shadow Garden, together with Princess Iris and Alexia.
Receiving guidance from Aurora.
As for the remaining members like Alpha, Mahiro hadn't yet decided how to arrange for them, so they temporarily stayed by his side.
He went with them to meet Maya.
However, when he found Maya, he discovered that she wasn't the only one present.
There were also Miya and Miyuki.
The three of them gathered together—were they having a tea party?
What surprised him most was that the two sisters from the Yotsuba family were unusually sitting at the same table, peacefully enjoying black tea.
Thinking about it carefully, this made sense. After all, they had already fought, the injuries on Maya had been healed by him, and there were no other grudges between them—it was time for reconciliation.
"Mahiro-nii!"
Seeing Mahiro suddenly appear, Miyuki felt both surprised and delighted, quickly rising from her seat to make space for him.
But Mahiro pressed down on her shoulder.
"Miyuki, you can keep sitting, it's fine."
He was about to ask for another chair when the old butler Hayama had already provided one for him.
Hayama's attitude toward him seemed to have undergone a subtle change.
Mahiro detected something unusual.
Meanwhile, Miyuki noticed the several distinctive girls accompanying Mahiro.
It went without saying that these were people Mahiro-nii had brought back from other worlds this time.
But just as she was about to greet them, she made eye contact with one of the girls.
It was Alpha, with her beautiful long golden hair.
"What a beautiful person..."
Not only Miyuki, but even Alpha had the same thought the moment she saw Miyuki.
Both were stunned by each other's appearance.
"Miyuki, come try the authentic American coffee I specially brewed!"
Just as the two were staring at each other, a sudden energetic voice broke the silence between them.
Lina, wearing a short skirt maid outfit, suddenly ran out from the villa, her fair legs tightly clad in black garter stockings that accentuated their slenderness and strength.
She came to the garden carrying a tray.
But the moment she saw Mahiro, Lina abruptly stopped in her tracks, her fair face visibly reddening, instinctively wanting to turn back.
However, a leisurely voice called out to stop her.
"Lina-san, isn't it enough that you don't greet me when you see me? Why are you running away?"
Why am I running? Don't you have any idea?!
Can I wear this kind of clothing in front of you?!
Lina muttered to herself, but suppressed her feelings, forcing a slight smile as she asked:
"Yotsuba-san... wh-why did you suddenly return?"
"This is my home—do I need to inform you when I come back?" Mahiro deliberately retorted, then said:
"Anyway, I happen to be thirsty too, let me taste your handiwork."
This was originally brewed for Miyuki!
Lina glared at him slightly angrily, and though somewhat reluctant, she left the American coffee from the tray.
The rising steam carried the rich aroma of coffee beans, clearly premium quality just from the scent alone.
"Your skills are commendable, at least your taste is impeccable."
Mahiro praised: "Just like your outfit, it suits you well. Please keep up the good work."
"..."
Lina puffed her cheeks in anger, turned around without a word, and went straight back into the villa.
After such a long period of contact and being held captive for so long, Lina had gradually forgotten about her affairs with the USNA. Moreover, since all her former Stars team members were here, she no longer had any intention of returning.
She had successfully integrated into life at Arcadia.
She had even become good friends and close confidantes with Miyuki again.
But when it came to Mahiro, she never showed any favorable attitude.
After all, Mahiro had done such terrible things to her—forcibly and brutally taking her first time, then toying with her in various ways, causing her body to feel strange.
Then he forcibly kept her here, restricting her freedom and confining her...
And in the end, he always avoided showing up, leaving her feelings in disarray.
Even though Miyuki often came to Arcadia to counsel her.
She still couldn't accept it!!!
"..."
The current head of the Yotsuba family, Yotsuba Maya, set down her teacup and laughed softly at Lina's flustered retreat and Mahiro's teasing, amused expression.
Her demeanor and poise remained as elegant and captivating as ever.
"Your relationship is as good as always, isn't it?"
It wasn't mockery, but rather words tinged with gentleness.
"Is that so? I don't think so. Besides, Lina treating me this way is entirely my own fault."
Mahiro shrugged, completely candid.
So candid that he even chose to accept Lina's attitude.
What did it matter anyway?
"Never mind, let me introduce them to you first."
Mahiro opted to change the subject, and Maya gave a slight nod, tacitly permitting his action.
Though it was merely a habitual gesture on her part and didn't change anything.
Then, Mahiro proceeded to introduce each of them to Maya.
Aside from Omega, that is, Beatrix, everyone else could be said to have been raised by him.
Maya was slightly surprised to hear this, and even Miya looked at him with a hint of astonishment.
Had he taken in another group of spirits this time?
And these were like the kind from fairy tales, not the illusory spirits summoned through ancient magic.
But in reality, there were many spirits like Alpha—at least several hundred—along with numerous beast-kin and two vampires.
This instantly enriched the variety of species at Arcadia.
However, when introducing the members of the Yotsuba family to Alpha and the others, he found himself somewhat at a loss.
"This is my cousin, Miyuki Shiba; and this... my aunt, Yotsuba Miya; and the other is... my mother, Yotsuba Maya."
It was natural to feel awkward introducing Miya and Maya, given that their relationship had become somewhat unconventional.
But compared to that, Alpha and the others were the ones truly struggling with the situation.
Master's mother?
They had always regarded Mahiro, who raised them, as their master.
But the question was, what should they call their master's mother?
The group exchanged glances for a long while.
Finally, Beta suddenly stepped forward and said something that left everyone stunned.
"Nice to meet you, Mistress Maya. I am Beta, a subordinate of our master Mahiro."
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene fell into silence.
Miyuki, who was drinking tea, nearly choked and even thought she had misheard.
What had she just heard?
Mi-Mi-Mistress?!
Alpha somewhat awkwardly held her forehead and asked quietly:
"Beta, do you know what 'Mistress' means?"
"It means the master's mother, abbreviated as Mistress."
Beta replied with a smile.
Her words actually made Maya laugh. She lightly held her abdomen, covering her red lips with her pale hand as she trembled with laughter.
"Mmm~ You may address me like that from now on."
She seemed very pleased.
But was this appropriate?
It seemed... perhaps...
It actually wasn't a problem at all.
"Hayama, have someone bring more chairs so they can sit too."
Being called "Mistress" made her extremely happy, especially since Mahiro had referred to her as his mother in front of these girls earlier.
Thinking of this, her mood became even better.
As per her request, Hayama quickly arranged several seats, allowing Alpha and the others to join the gathering.
"By the way, there's something I should inform you about, little Mahiro."
Maya took a sip of black tea and said lightly, "You've been expelled from First High School."
"Oh."
Mahiro didn't have much of a reaction to this news.
It was normal—completely expected.
He remembered leaving during summer vacation, and now upon returning, it was already winter, nearly New Year's Day.
It would be strange if he weren't expelled, even as the young master of the Yotsuba family.
Moreover, he had already completed everything he needed to do at school, so there was really no need to go back.
Beyond that, Maya chatted with him about various trivial matters concerning the Yotsuba family and Arcadia, as if catching up.
Once she started, she became quite talkative, chattering incessantly.
But Beta and the others listened with great interest.
Because these were all stories about Mahiro.
However, one thing caught his attention.
"Speaking of which, where are Akame and Cornelia? I haven't seen them."
Not only were the assassination squad members missing, but Mine, Sheele, and Leone were nowhere to be seen either.
"Them? They went off to become idols."
Adopting a proud expression, Maya took a sip of her tea.
Miyuki, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, Mahiro-nii, Miss Akame and the others are amazing. In just a few months, they've gained countless fans and become national idols."
This idea was proposed by Tsukushi.
And the one who carried it out was the somewhat airheaded Akame—or rather, they all agreed on it and went off together.
Mahiro didn't have any particular opinion about this.
Let them have their fun if they want. Having something to do is much better than idling away on Ibishima Island.
Moreover, with the Yotsuba family backing them and their considerable strength, there's no fear of anyone daring to target them.
Besides, former assassins debuting as idols... that does sound rather amusing...
"Oh, and one more thing—Tatsuya has withdrawn from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion."
The one who said this was Miya.
Her tone was calm, as if she didn't particularly care about the matter.
"Tatsuya actually agreed to leave that place?"
Of course, it was impossible for him to be willing.
But the Yotsuba family brazenly pressured the military. Even Saeki Hiromi, commander of the Army 101st Brigade's Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, no matter how resilient or disdainful he was of the Ten Master Clans, couldn't withstand the pressure from the Yotsuba family.
In the end, he had no choice but to reluctantly let Tatsuya go.
And besides that, there was one more crucial piece of news—
"Your little girlfriend, Esdeath, is coming back, you know."
Maya's face wore a faint, teasing smile, like that of a bewitching enchantress.
"You called her back?"
"Mhm."
"What's the reason?"
"Because I plan to hold the New Year's gathering—the Spring Celebration—here at the Yotsuba main family estate."
Maya said this very casually, but Mahiro was deeply concerned.
His brows nearly furrowed into a figure-eight.
He asked somewhat doubtfully:
"You've already decided?"
"Mhm, it's about time to decide. After all, so many years have passed, and you've grown up now, little Mahiro."
Maya let out a deep sigh, as if relieved of some heavy burden.
And indeed, it was no small burden.
Because the Yotsuba family's Spring Celebration was somewhat different, in the past, it was merely a casual gathering for those who wished to return to the main family to pay their respects.
Just like Miyuki, who returned to the main family every New Year.
But the heads of the branch families had never been summoned to attend the Spring Celebration before.
Gathering all the branch families meant that something major was about to happen in the Yotsuba family.
And at present, there was only one major event for the Yotsuba family—
Selecting the next head of the Yotsuba family.
That was why Mahiro asked that question.
That was why Maya seemed so relieved.
"Whatever. I don't really care about this matter anymore, as long as you've thought it through."
Mahiro picked up his coffee cup and took a small sip.
He let the bitterness spread through his mouth.
He already had some simple plans in mind, and it was indeed time for the Yotsuba family to change.