Kaito's alarm attacked at dawn again, but he silenced it with a swift slap—progress in mastering modern sorcery.
Downstairs, the kitchen hummed with familiar warmth. Sayuri was packing bentos, wearing a fitted office blouse tucked into a pencil skirt that accentuated her hips as she moved. Her hair was pinned up neatly for work, a few strands curling softly at her neck.
"Big day today?" she asked, sliding his lunch across the table. "Another shift after school?"
He nodded regally. "The greasy citadel demands my presence. I shall dominate the evening rush."
Sayuri's smile was tired but genuine. "Just come home safe. And eat properly—you're growing."
*Growing? I am eternal.* But the concern in her hazel eyes stirred that unfamiliar warmth again.
Akari emerged next, fresh-faced in a loose college hoodie and leggings, grabbing an apple. "Don't let the fryers explode or whatever," she muttered, ruffling his hair as she passed. The casual touch lingered.
Yui peeked in shyly, still in her pajamas—a cute oversized tee with a magical girl print and fuzzy shorts. "Ganbatte at work, onii-chan! Bring home fries?"
"If the citadel yields tribute," he replied solemnly.
She giggled and hugged him quickly before darting upstairs to change for school.
School unfolded predictably. Morning classes: whispers about his sudden diligence, Haruka sliding more notes his way with teasing smiles.
During break, she cornered him at his desk again. Today's uniform variation: blouse unbuttoned just enough to hint at cleavage, skirt perfectly regulation but somehow eye-catching on her toned legs.
"You're on fire lately, Kurogane-kun," she said, leaning in. "Coming to school, getting a job… What's the big secret motivation?"
Kaito met her gaze coolly. "Duty to my domain."
Haruka laughed, ponytail swinging. "There you go again with the dramatic lines. See you in PE—try not to show off too much."
PE was volleyball. Kaito's battlefield experience translated oddly well—precise serves, blocks timed like parries. Haruka spiked aggressively opposite him, competitive glint in her eyes.
After one point, she high-fived him across the net. "Not bad! You're kinda athletic when you try."
Her palm was warm, grip firm. *This one has warrior spirit. A potential ally… or rival.*
Lunch on the rooftop: Haruka joined again, uninvited but welcome. She unpacked a store-bought sandwich, legs stretched out casually.
"By the way," she said mid-bite, "where'd you get the job? I heard it's fast food."
"Burger Baron."
Her eyes widened, then she smirked. "No way. That's my part-time gig. I've been there a few months."
Kaito froze. *The class idol… serves in the greasy citadel?*
"You?" he echoed.
"Yeah. Pocket money for track gear and stuff. Parents are strict about allowances." She grinned mischievously. "Guess we're coworkers now. Don't slow me down during rush, newbie."
*Slow her down? I, who orchestrated sieges against dragon hordes?*
"I shall outpace you effortlessly," he declared.
Haruka's laugh rang out. "Challenge accepted!"
The bell ended lunch. As they headed back, she bumped his shoulder playfully. "See you at work, Kurogane-kun."
*This realm conspires against me.*
The shift started at five. Kaito arrived in uniform, visor in place. The evening crowd was building—families, students, tired commuters.
Reina greeted him with theatrical flair. Today: polo with sleeves rolled up, skirt paired with those distracting thigh-highs, purple hair tied in a high ponytail with a fantasy ribbon.
"Welcome back, valiant warrior!" she boomed. "The hordes gather once more!"
Before Kaito could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"Hey, newbie's here early. Trying to impress the manager?"
Haruka strolled out from the back, already in uniform—polo tied at the waist to show a sliver of toned midriff, visor perched jauntily. She winked at him.
Reina clapped. "Ah, Lady Haruka joins the fray! Together, our trio shall vanquish the dinner rush!"
Kaito's internal monologue raged. *The idol from the academy… here? Competing directly? This is no coincidence. The gods mock me further.*
Training shifted to drive-thru and assembly line. Reina demonstrated headset orders while Haruka handled burgers beside Kaito, flipping patties with athletic precision.
"Keep up," Haruka teased, sliding a finished burger his way. "Can't have the new guy dragging the team."
"I require no such urging," he retorted, assembling orders faster than yesterday.
Reina watched, amused. "Such rivalry! It fuels the quest!"
Rush hit hard around six—lines out the door, orders piling. Kaito moved like a general directing troops: precise, efficient, minor strength making heavy trays easy.
Haruka matched him, competitive fire blazing. "Bet I wrap more combos than you."
"Child's play."
They raced subtly—who cleared the board fastest, who handled complaints smoothest. A rude customer snapped at Haruka; Kaito stepped in with a calm, crimson-glinted stare. "Your order proceeds apace. Patience."
The man backed down, muttering.
Haruka shot him a surprised grin afterward. "Nice save. Didn't know you had scary mode."
*Scary? That was mercy.*
Reina mediated with dramatic announcements: "Behold our champions! The line dwindles!"
By nine, the rush ebbed. During lull, Haruka leaned against the counter near him, wiping sweat from her brow. The polo clung slightly to her athletic figure.
"You're not half bad," she admitted. "For a former shut-in."
"Your skills are… adequate," he replied.
She smirked. "High praise from the dramatic king."
Reina joined, handing out drinks. "A fine party we make! We should celebrate victories with milkshakes after closing."
Closing cleanup: mopping side-by-side with Haruka, Reina directing like a quest leader.
As they locked up, Haruka walked partway with him to the station. Night air cool, neon lights reflecting.
"Seriously, good shift," she said. "Didn't expect you to keep up."
Kaito lifted his chin. "Expect greater feats henceforth."
She laughed. "Cocky. I like it."
They parted. On the train, exhaustion hit, but satisfaction too.
*Two rivals now—one theatrical manager, one competitive idol. The citadel grows challenging.*
Home by eleven-thirty. Sayuri waited again, in the same silk robe, reading under soft light. She stood when he entered, hugging him gently.
"You smell like victory… and fries," she whispered.
He allowed the embrace. "The battle was fierce. But won."
She pulled back, cupping his cheek briefly. "Bed soon. You need rest."
Upstairs, Akari's door cracked open. "Night, idiot. Don't wake the house."
Yui's room light was off, but he caught a sleepy wave from her doorway.
Kaito collapsed into bed, mind racing.
School. Work. Home.
Three domains.
All filled with beautiful, complicated women.
*This conquest,* he thought, *may prove my greatest yet.*