At first, Takumi had thought Yuki's skill trait was just a simple "give dolls life and control them" thing. But seeing it in action now, it clearly also let those dolls use powers that matched their roles.
Wasn't this basically a budget version of the Rat Talisman?
If that really held up, then the development potential here… was huge! Takumi's gaze burned into Yuki, making goosebumps rise all over her skin.
"Kyaa~~ Onii-chan, the way you're looking at me… it feels like you're about to eat me alive!"
Normally she'd be all tough and full of attitude, but at the critical moment she realized she didn't feel nearly as confident as usual.
Takumi just smiled faintly and didn't answer.
"We should hurry up and finish dinner. I'm afraid I'll be having some dessert later."
"Mm? Okay." Yuki, who didn't quite get what he meant, nodded casually and sat down in a rush.
Only Maria followed his line of sight and immediately understood what he was thinking.
"Looks like it's finally time to make a move, Takumi-nii~" Maria muttered, quietly getting her camera ready.
This was precious footage for her personal collection—no way she was going to half-ass it!
Completely unaware she was about to walk right into the wolf's den, Yuki kept bragging.
Just this morning she'd been a totally ordinary girl, and now she'd gone and become a magical girl. Anyone would be thrilled for at least a dozen days straight.
While Yuki was bubbling over with excitement at the table, Asia took the chance to report on the tasks Takumi had given her for the day.
"Takumi-san, Miss Senjougahara has already picked up the key to the apartment building. She's in room 203. But she said it'll take a little time before she can move in, and Miss Tsukumo also called. She said you can come collect your payment anytime."
Asia gave her report with total seriousness, looking every bit the diligent little assistant.
Takumi reached out and patted her head. "Nice work, Asia. I'll probably need your help even more later."
"Um~ being able to help Takumi-san is my honor." A soft, content smile bloomed on Asia's face. This kind of life felt incredibly safe and peaceful to her.
She could be useful and be recognized for it by Takumi—and that made her genuinely happy.
As she shoveled food into her mouth, Mio joined in. "But seriously, Asia can't just stay an assistant forever, right?"
She wasn't jealous or anything! It just felt… off.
Takumi nodded slightly, agreeing with her.
"I've thought about that already. I've arranged for Asia to transfer into Kuoh Academy."
"Eh? That's your school, right, Takumi-san?" Asia lifted her head, a hint of longing in her eyes.
"Yeah, of course." With that confirmation, her smile grew even sweeter.
"Being able to go to school together with Takumi-san… that's really wonderful." Her ears were a little red, her voice barely above a whisper.
Two soft blushes bloomed on her fair cheeks, making her look even more delicate and lovely. Takumi had to take several deep breaths before he could tamp down the flutter in his chest.
"All right, I'm going back to my room first." He tossed out a random excuse and slipped off to get ready.
The cheerful noise outside gradually faded as time passed.
Scrolling on his phone, Takumi received a whole string of "goodnight" messages. He patiently replied to each one, and even chatted with Akizuki Kayoko for a bit.
Kayoko: "Airi told me you made some sort of deal with Marina?"
Seeing that message, Takumi couldn't help smacking his lips in amusement.
"Airi really can't keep her mouth shut. Here's what happened…"
After he roughly explained the situation, Kayoko sent back a long row of ellipses.
…
On the other end of the screen, she rubbed her forehead helplessly.
"Marina… she's just stubborn like that. But Takumi-kun, you're really awful, teasing her in that way."
Faced with her reproach, Takumi just replied with two smiling emojis.
Kayoko spat a quiet "You rascal," but there was already a hazy warmth in her eyes. Even if she wanted to scold him, she didn't really have the heart for it.
After all, ever since she'd let Takumi handle her assets, all three of her most sensitive portfolios had been thoroughly liquidated. His so-called investments left her absolutely drained—and the worst part? He showed no mercy, plundering her reserves with such enthusiasm that she'd nearly gone bankrupt... in more ways than one.
So even after hearing about what happened with Airi and Marina, Kayoko's heart didn't feel all that heavy. If anything, there was a little bit of relief.
She was at auntie age already. In her mind, she didn't feel worthy of Takumi anymore. Having Airi and Marina around made her feel a lot more at ease.
The real problem now was that Marina was trying to shoulder everything alone.
"Can Marina really handle it if you keep messing with her like this?"
"She held out just fine. This morning she never said a single word about surrendering."
"Don't tell me she fainted or something in the middle of it."
"…"
Looking at the long string of dots Takumi sent back, Kayoko was almost laughing from sheer exasperation.
"Sigh~~ this won't do. Her body's not going to hold up like this. I need to have a proper talk with her. She can't keep pushing herself like that."
She set her phone down with a sigh, then opened the door and stepped out.
Hearing the movement, Takumi put his phone away right on cue and stopped sending messages.
"Mm guess it's about time I made my move too."
After a lazy stretch, Takumi prepared for his first ever night raid.
The moment he stepped out of his room, he spotted Maria crouched in the corner.
"…"
"…"
Their eyes met, and the silence between them grew thick.
Maria immediately flashed an "OK" hand sign and whispered, "Takumi-nii, I'm just here to record the beautiful moment. I won't get in the way."
"If there isn't enough to go around later, I'll use you to fill up." Takumi glared at her and pinched her cheek in annoyance.
"Uuu~~ then hurry up and go already, Takumi-nii. As for me… we can save me for later♡."
Maria's face flushed as she shot him a lustful look. As a succubus, there was no way she could hate this sort of thing.
If it was just licking up whatever was left without overdoing it, she was more than happy to oblige.
Looking at how tempting she was right now, Takumi really didn't want to pull his hand back, but he did, reluctantly.
He tiptoed over to Yuki's room, feeling a faint tension rise inside him. He'd been through a lot of battles by now, but this was his first time launching a proactive night raid.
"Come on, Takumi-nii~ Hurry up already. You're nowhere near as bold as usual like this!"
"Shut it! Anyone would be nervous with a camera pointed at them!"
Takumi chopped Maria on the head with the side of his hand.
Right now he really did feel like someone trying to use the bathroom while another person stood there watching.
After a deep breath, he steadied himself and quietly pushed the door open.
A second later, he locked eyes with Yuki, who was lying on her stomach on the bed, masturbating.
"???"
"…"
They stared at each other and the scene turned awkward.
....
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