On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Six

“That was a fascinating performance.” Beside me, Hinata was smiling broadly. “Fae music does tend more towards the classical, but some of the songs sounded almost modern, though strange.”

Yeah, that’s because they are based on some anime songs. Though I’m a bit too embarrassed to say so. “Tillyae and her senior musicians are often sent to the Material by Nie Ling, and they’ve learned how to read our sheet music, as well as interpret by ear. I suppose wind has a natural affinity for music, as sounds are just vibrations in the air. I know Arisu-san has some plans, but…”

“But what? Now I’m curious!” the little Sylph Estalian hiccupped by my ear. She was sitting on my shoulder now, very tipsy from the great deal of alcohol we had consumed watching the performance of the musicians, as well as a pretty light show, the Fae equivalent of fireworks, which had danced above the surface of the lake.

“…it’s just that to propagate the suitable image of Kobolds and Dwarves, she’s decided to target the wider public via music. Several idols from Adamant will be invited, alongside a European band that apparently specialises in songs about Dwarves, to make a carefully staged documentary. Now that we are overcoming the issues with filming here in the Astral, it’s doable.”

“And what does that achieve?” Ffionnan asked, giving me half her attention, while she watched the stalls exchanging goods for Etherites and other treasures, giving our coins back for change.

“It’s a proof of concept, as well as repaying a favour.” Hinata pointed out. “The Kobolds are a lynchpin of our efforts, and not just them.” Her brown eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained, and I found her so cute I couldn’t help but hug her, Estalian hopping to my other shoulder to avoid being squashed, the beat of her wings blowing cool air across us. Hinata enjoyed my embrace but kept explaining. “The Goblins too, and all the underappreciated and underutilised Fae races. We’ll show them that we can offer them the respect they have long been denied, solve their issues, and at the same time, acclimatise humans to accept them. It’s no good just telling people that the Fae and other spiritual beings are just like them, in many ways, wanting to live and love. But showing…” Her smile was teasing and greedy, and I loved it. “…now that helps us kill multiple birds with one stone. I’m all for efficiency.”

“It is not a very… Fae… mindset.” Ffionnan shook her head, coins chiming, and I was amused to see a number of mortal coins in her hair too, yen, dollars, even pounds and euros. Yeah, she’s adapting, Hinata’s turned her into a proper capitalist Princess. But that’s good for us. What we need is to get ahead of the curve. Making Ffionnan fabulously wealthy with her share of the profits later is fine, but now we need to be at the top, and that requires help and investment…

“We can be quite indolent. Stagnant, even. But times have changed. And will more.” She then asked Hinata a question. “I understand coins. But usually they are the value of their materials, such as silver, gold or even bronze. Your coins are… made of ordinary metals.”

“Not entirely.” Hinata giggled. “Otherwise they would be easily forged, but the Mortal Engineers came up with a device that basically imprints a hidden code within, and all official vendors who accept our coins have a linked device. I won’t explain how it works as it’s a trade secret…” She winked, still snuggling her head against my free shoulder. Estalian wasn’t interested in talk of money, but she did perk up when Hinata discussed the magical device.

“…but the value of our coins isn’t intrinsic. Its extrinsic, like all fiat currency. And that’s the beauty of it.”

“Fiat currency?” Hearing it was money, Ffionnan’s interest sharpened, and Hinata chuckled.

“Don’t worry, your investments will earn you an awful lot of that. Ours, Japan’s, and perhaps even that of other countries too. You’ll never lack for wealth. Basically… with the Night Parade, we can’t persuade them to do more than barter. That’s inefficient. Here… we assign a value to things, and we take in what we need and pay out with our coins, the value of which is based on power. Our power. So long as we are strong, the coins can be redeemed. It’s basically a promissory note, saying we owe the bearer of the coin the value of it. And you’ve seen it in action.”

Ffionnan nodded again. “Yes. Though to me, who considered wealth to be gold, trinkets, treasures…”

“Those are still valuable, of course.” Hinata pointed out. “But you can convert fiat money into those simply by virtue of buying them.” She pointed as several yellow Etherites were handed over by a type of Fae I hadn’t seen before. Is that… a hedgehogkin? Spiky…

“See? In return he’s getting a barrel of luxurious Fae beer. He’s happy, and we convert the Etherites into products and devices that increase our own power. Now, fiat currencies do have a lot of issues, no system is flawless, such as inflation and hoarding, but… we also have means to combat that.”

“I’m very impressed.” I kissed Hinata’s forehead softly. “That’s all advanced theory, probably university level stuff, right?”

Hinata agreed. “Yes, but… I study in my free time. I want to be the one who builds a fair economic system from first principles. Perhaps it will even replace the ones we have now, when you rule.” She then winked at me. “Besides, with my stats, understanding even graduate-level material isn’t that difficult, so long as I have an interest.”

“It’s boring.” Estalian insisted cutely, pulling at my hair with her hands. “The arts of mystery and aetheric energies are far more profound!”

“I wouldn’t bet on that.” Hinata countered. “After all… we’re building power with money. The Pilgrimage is the very definition of exchanging wealth for tangible gains in our strength, and our abilities with aether. Kami-Blessed is a useful Class as it offers good Statistic growth in the stats that matter. And for those like Kana, Marika-chan and others who are shrine maidens and priests, I’m sure the benefits are even more pronounced. Likewise… the Black Wolf plan to secure worldwide sites of value for us, depends on us having money to buy the land.”

As they discussed it, I enjoyed the moment. We strolled towards the exit of the Spring, only for Shiro to casually walk in, and my eyes widened in surprise. What is she wearing?

“Now that’s the reaction I’m looking for.” Shiro grinned wickedly, dark eyes flashing with amusement and pride. She leaned back, stretching, making the most of her explosive figure. “Seems like it was worth listening to Aimi and Hina and going all out. Be grateful, this is the fourth outfit I tried on.” She suddenly paused, pale cheeks reddening slightly. “Shit, makes me think. No more cheap t-shirts and bulk-buy jeans for me. I have a wardrobe full of fashionable clothes now.” She then paused, eyeing Hinata in my arms. “You look damn fine, Hinata. If I’d have turned up in jeans I’d have felt like a loser.”

“Thanks. You look amazing.” Hinata was generous with her own praise. “And you couldn’t wait to start your date, could you? I still have a few minutes yet.”

“Sorry about that.” Shiro shrugged, which in what she was wearing was a treat to the eyes. She was in a white tube-top, though it was high quality and cut with a deeper neck, to show off her cleavage, and red mesh material then extended below it, covering her belly, though it was still visible through the mesh. She was also wearing a white mini skirt, hugging her figure, and red fishnet stockings. Her usually unbound silver hair was styled into an impressive braid, giving her a fresh look, pairing with her outfit in an almost sporty fashion, a little reminiscent of tennis wear, just a hell of a lot sexier.

“Got to go with the Christmas theme, right?” Shiro teased, spinning around, the short hem of her skirt lifting a little, offering tantalising glimpses of her thighs, but avoiding showing anything too lewd. “Besides, while I like white, Tan loves red. So we compromised. Call me Mother Christmas, as I’m bringing you a beautiful gift, already wrapped!” She pointed to the ribbons in her hair, and also tied around her wrists like bracelets, completing her look.

“A present I’d be happy to receive…” I chuckled. We spent a brief time chatting, all of us together, before Hinata left with the two Fae Princesses, though she had to drag Estalian off. With them gone, Shiro let out a relaxed sigh, leaning against me as Hinata had earlier.

“All right then. A date in the Astral sounds good enough. We compromised, you know, so you best spoil us, Aki.”

“I know.” I praised Shiro, and by extension Tan. “Not everyone can have a Material date, I simply don’t have time. And I really wanted to take Hyacinth somewhere…”

“She deserves it. She works hard.” Shiro agreed. “Me, I can go to Akiba with you any time I want, and I have memories of many good times there. And Tan’s not one to worry about the now. She thinks about the future.” Her smile was suddenly wickedly teasing, in a different way to Hinata’s, sexier, more sultry than cute. “She’s not saying anything as this is my time, but she’s watching. And she’s also thinking. Shit, Aki, she’s the sort of girl your parents probably warned you about. Once you’ve broken her in, she becomes a clingy, desperate woman. No escaping her now. Nor me.” She kissed my lips, and as I responded, she became more aggressive, and after a deep exchange of tangling, damp tongues, we parted. “But despite that, we’re both capable of patience. So…” She squeezed my hand she had just seized. “Leave this one to us! We’re both not ordinary, so the sort of date we want is… productive!”

“A gamer girl at heart, yeah?” I teased, and she grinned wickedly.

“You know it, Aki. I’m all about the grindset.” She tapped her forehead. “And Tan’s determined to have you become Astral Emperor, so she’s coming up with endless ways to strengthen you, your Territory and us. Speaking of… you haven’t peeked at your ether stocks yet, have you?”

“No. I wouldn’t do that.” I promised. “Though… I will be spending a small amount at midnight. It’s a present for someone. I’ll do it without looking though, I promise, as I’ll instruct Shaeula to handle it.”

“Great. I trust you, Aki. You know, you’re holding up well against my Berserk Blessing, but… now it’s time to prove you’re a real man. It’s time for some intensive training!” She pumped a fist, and I grinned. Yeah, a very Shiro date indeed…

***

“Thank you for today.” Daiyu spoke up as we entered our home. “You allayed my foolish fears, and…” She halted as I kissed her cheek tenderly.

“Your fears weren’t foolish, they were very natural. Unfounded, as there’s no way anyone can ever replace you in my heart, even if I end up loving other Cultivators, you’ll still be as special to me as you are now. But… your culture is rather cutthroat, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Do you remember when I suggested my father would have sold me as a slave to you, just to get your precious Spirit Water, even though I was a daughter he certainly loved and respected?”

I nodded, and she sighed. “I was not exaggerating. I am not saying he would have led with such an offer, we Cultivators can be miserly, and hate parting with things we value, but… in the end, the worth of others is far inferior to our own. With one exception…”

“Dao Companions, right? Don’t worry. I can’t wait for the future when you find your own Dao. I’m sure it will be brilliant. Me, I suspect I already know mine.”

“Yes, the Dao of Infinite Love.” Daiyu teased, and I blinked, surprised.

“That was merely a joke.” Daiyu beathed softly, a quiet laugh. “Though I do believe the depths of your love is infinite, which is both delightful and troubling to us all. No, Connections and Bonds, I know. And a Dao Companion is indeed a connection. Now… I am actually rather weary after voicing my fears. So I shall rest. Besides…” She nodded at a shadow, hiding behind the doorframe, but I could see a pale hand clutching it, as well as some long strands of black, green and purple. “It seems someone is both eager and apprehensive.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” I agreed with a wry chuckle. “Anyway, I’ve had fun with you today, Daiyu, I hope you have too.”

“Yes.” she insisted, as earnest as ever. “I know that my heart and spirit must be polished. I was never meant to be a solitary figure, I see that now. For the lonely are the easily broken. Yet true connections are not so easily severed and we can draw upon each other’s strengths.”

“Yeah. And whatever happens when Su Caihong and Su Liena are awoken… it won’t change that the Incorruptible Jade lives on. As do you.”

Daiyu nodded, her slight smile back. “Yes. Though I am still a Cultivator. I shall not let you go unrewarded for your deeds in aiding them. They must offer compensation, be that knowledge or fealty. Besides, Hinata would be most displeased if you were not rewarded for your work.”

We exchanged a quick kiss, and Daiyu strode past the hiding Hyacinth, making her twitch. Daiyu turned her eyes on her, and after seizing her wrist, dragged her out of hiding. “While your shyness is unusual, I cannot bear to see you wasting your precious time upon it.” Her advice was delivered strictly, but with a kind tone. “Every minute of this is precious. So… be bold.” She then pushed the back of Hyacinth, slight satisfaction on her face.

Hyacinth stumbled forwards, hands going to her cheeks, which were not her usual pale white, with almost a tinge of grey, but were now a healthy pink, setting off the lovely purple of her eyes, with little flashes of silver deep within. “That’s a good look on you…” I praised, after appraising her with my eyes.

Hyacinth was wearing a fairy-like dress, a far cry from her usual maid costume. It was black, with deference to her standard attire, but layers of ruffles in red, white and gold gave it the feel of a fashionable Christmas Tree. She was wearing earrings as well, and her hair was also decorated with pretty, bright hairclips. Clearly, she felt uncomfortable in such finery, yet I felt it suited her surprisingly well, and said so. “You look beautiful, like a Princess of the fairies. Not Fae, but fairies like I heard about in my childhood.”

“Nooo, I am not so special.” Hyacinth managed, her tone tremulous, but I simply patted her head warmly, careful not to mess up her hair.

“I disagree. You’re as special as anyone else. And today I want to show you a good time, at least for a brief while, not just as thanks for all the care you’ve shown us, but… because I’ve come to love you too.” My stroking of her hair became firmer, and her expression melted, her eyes moist.

“I looove you too, Akio.” Hyacinth cried out softly. “Though… Hyacinth still wooorries, still has fears.”

“I know. Everyone does.” I assured her. “My foolish sis, Daiyu… I’m sure even those who seem composed, like Hinata, aren’t immune to the fear of things going wrong, of the happiness we’ve gathered being taken away. But that’s why we trust each other, help each other, to prevent that from happening. But today… set that aside. Because for the next couple of hours, I’ll be the one spoiling you!”

Hyacinth agreed nervously, and soon I swept her away. My spatial element had recovered enough for one short jump, so to save time I swept her to the same place I had taken my sis earlier, though the presence of Hyacinth in my arms was completely different. As we appeared in the quiet alleyway, I mused that the feel of Akiba on Christmas Eve was completely different now that it was the early afternoon, not before the dawn. I straightened my shirt, and offered a hand to Hyacinth, who took it after a moment of shy hesitation.

“All right then. We should go.” I led her through the decorated streets. The big electronic displays on the sides of the tall buildings were showing Christmas-themed anime and blasting out similar music, and the streets had filled up. There were still plenty of couples on dates, but now a lot of single guys had come out with their friends to have at least a little fun while school was on winter break. We attracted attention quickly, Hyacinth especially eye-catching, but some of the whispers were about me.

“Hey, he’s back! That’s Oshiro-sama!” one guy who was probably a senior in high school told his friends. “He was in the arcade earlier with a beauty. Now he’s got another one…”

“I recognise her…” another boy widened his eyes, before pulling up a still image of the press conference I had held in Britain. “That’s her, right?”

Hyacinth heard the crowd talking about us, and her expression went dangerously blank, but I leaned in, whispering in her ear, my quiet breath making her face heat up. “Don’t mind the onlookers. Maybe it’s easier to go out in disguise, like we’re idols or celebrities, but Arisu-san and Keiko-chan have both said that’s an exhausting way to live. I want us to have as close to an ordinary life as is possible. Sure…” Of course, if I was here with Shiro in her outfit she’s wearing now, and any perverts tried to get an upskirt shot, then they’d soon be without a phone, and nursing broken fingers…

We kept walking, and yes, some were taking sneaky photos of us, or recording videos, but so long as there was nothing scurrilous, I considered that the price of being famous, and more importantly, of having a great number of adorable, wonderful girlfriends. “…sometimes it’s desirable to show off our wealth and power, but I think if we miss the quieter joys of life, then we’ll be sorry.”

Surprising me, Hyacinth nodded, seeming to understand. “I have seen it. Mistress Shaeula doooes demand respect, and any whooo do not give it…” Her fingers flexed, as if strangling an imaginary foe. “…shall be punished, yet she alsooo adores the simplicity of your lives now. As… as dooo I. Power… to be regal, Kingly…” Her violet eyes, shimmering with silver, were distant. “…Hyacinth has seen many whooo claim to be the rulers of all. They were wrooong. And all made mistakes.” She then peered into my eyes, an expression I had never seen on her before leaving me confused. “Yooou are no different. Everyone begins with the best of intentiooons, I believe. I… sometimes worry you shall gooo astray. Power is a terrible poooison, Hyacinth has seen it.”

“I see.” I tightened my grip on her hand. We had almost reached our destination, and I could see a number of girls in costume outside, though due to the time of year, their outfits were also rather more festive. “Don’t worry. I have all of you to keep me grounded, don’t I?”

Hyacinth nodded fiercely. “I shall nooot fail again. Hyacinth swears it… not upon the Moon, but… upon ooour bonds.” I felt Lovers’ Link surge with warm yet also deeply insecure emotion, and I resolved to spend more time acclimatising Hyacinth to an ordinary life. I’m always so damn busy. I know it’s mostly my own fault, but that’s no excuse to just sit around whining. I’ll make time…

We approached the entrance to the most famous maid café In Akiba, and on seeing us, one of the maids, dressed in the rather risqué anime-style that Hyacinth now favoured, though the addition of sparkly star earrings and tinsel around her neck added festive flair, rushed over, face red. “It’s true! When I saw the reservation book I thought it was a joke… oh.” Her flush deepened. “Where are my manners? Master, mistress, welcome home!” She curtsied surprisingly well, and that was a cut above the usual cutesy deference maids usually gave at these places.

I only know that because I’ve been here with my friends a few times. No other reason.

As the other maids outside also offered greetings, Hyacinth’s tense expression relaxed, and a small smile crept onto her lips. “Nooot terrible. A maid should never break character, a servant must always be displaying their mooost perfect behaviooor!”

As the poor girl, who was likely a student at uni, as a lot of girls made easy money this way (including some final year high schoolers, if their schools allowed part-time jobs, which admittedly, many didn’t) seemed confused, I patted Hyacinth’s shoulder comfortingly and gave the girl a wry smile. “Don’t take it to heart. Hyacinth here prides herself on her nature, even though she’s transcended it, it’s still precious to her.”

“Indeed.” Hyacinth agreed. “I apooologise, today I am nooot here as master’s maid, but… as Akio’s mistress. I can have boooth if I wish, I know that nooow.”

Again, I heard squeals from the crowd, and I was amazed that Hyacinth was pulling off a regal demeanour of her own, helped by her elegant yet flashy dress, of course. Seeing that we were forming a crowd that was stopping traffic at this major intersection, I suggested we go inside, especially as there was a street concert scheduled for later on this evening.

“Oh, you mean Red and White? Of course you’d know them.” one maid was chatting eagerly as we were taken upstairs. “They were at the concert, and everyone knows you had a hand in organising that. Plus… Kanda-myōjin was shut and some long-distance photographs are circulating of who was there…”

I nodded, and as we entered the top floor, with a fine view out over Akiba, a few of the other tables were already occupied, most of the patrons gawking at us, though one couple was gazing at each other lovingly and paid us no attention, which brought a smile to my face. Having a Christmas Eve date here, huh? Well I’m not one to talk, but it’s usually a place more popular with guys, though Aimi-chan and Hina-chan don’t dislike maid cafés.

My smile cramped though, as the maid that brought us up joined with five more, and they lined up, before curtsying to us, the hubbub even making the lovey-dovey couple pay us attention.

“Master Akio, mistress Hyacinth, welcome home!” they chorused. That done, one maid raced over, showing us to our table, and when we were seated, at the prime spot by the window, the menus were presented to us.

“I’ll have a beer for now.” I didn’t even look at it. “Hyacinth? Don’t get anything too exotic though, as…”

“Master, it’s in hand, your request has been met. How could we refuse to serve such a noble master and mistress?”

Hyacinth nodded, approving of her spirit, and the girl suddenly giggled, unable to keep her character. “Normally we remind our dear masters that photography is forbidden without express permission, but in this case… I think you’ll have to tell us that instead!”

“Don’t worry.” I laughed. “I know how it works. Hyacinth, you don’t mind taking some commemorative photographs later, do you?”

Hyacinth, who was reading the menu, pointed to a small, brightly coloured festive mulled wine, a seasonal offer, then shook her head. Seeing that, our server waved to another maid, who quickly hurried to the kitchen.

“In that case, master, mistress. We shall leave you to your privacy, though if you need us, please call.” As she departed, Hyacinth watched her go with puzzled eyes.

“Just what is this, Akiooo?”

“I’d have thought it was obvious. Today, you’re getting a taste of what it’s like to be served by maids, though… in a fun, not a serious way. Since it’s an amusing facsimile, you’ll be less stressed. Besides, I like to pamper you, and show you more of the mortal world. And also…” I couldn’t resist teasing the serious Hyacinth. “…to show you just how deep my appreciation for maids goes, not that it is the only reason I adore you, far from it.”

The maid returned and placed down our drinks, and I took a draught of the golden, foaming beer, sighing contentedly, while Hyacinth sipped at her fiery red mulled wine, staining her lips. “I see. Hooow thoughtful you are, Akio. I do… always feel so conflicted, when I dooo not serve, but… that is a weakness Hyacinth must ooovercome. As for loving the servants, I dooo approve. But…” her eyes narrowed. “You did resist me sooo when I offered at first. Mooost annoying!”

“Loving the servants, I’m not sure you mean that in the way I do. Loving you though, totally. Our meeting was certainly meant to be. I mean, you were delivered to me just like a Christmas gift, though the chains were an odd kind of wrapping paper. Anyway, you said it yourself, you can be both servant and my lover. But on special occasions like this, you’re my woman.”

At my words she bowed her head, hiding her face with her hair, a surprisingly cute gesture. “I did nooot believe I would survive the box. Perhaps I did nooot. Much of what was left of me perished in there. The dark, the looonliness, the regret, the anger, the hatred… yet you gave me a name. I am Hyacinth. Yet… Hyacinth is alsooo who she was before, even if… even if not all is remembered.” She finished her wine, her expression distant. “I sympathise with that fooox. Be kind to her, Akiooo. I too have done much… much evil. I remember. Just a little… and while I died in ice, the cooold solitude of the box… she died in fire, burned away. I dooo not know which was crueller.”

“It’s not a competition.” I finished my beer and pulled her close. She resisted, but only weakly, clearly wishing for comfort that ordinarily she would never seek nor accept in public, but now that I had persuaded her on this day she was purely, simply Hyacinth, the woman, not the servant, she relented. “And it’s probably not comparable. I don’t… know your past, Hyacinth. Though I’m also not a fool. You occasionally say things… things that sound like you know more than you are letting on. I’m not going to pry, if you ever want to talk, I’m always here. But… like you said, Hyacinth is here now. That’s who you are to me, to us.”

“It is who I wish tooo be.” she agreed softly. “I feel… complete again. Yet… I have ooone regret. Akio…” She looked up into my eyes, and now silver was overwhelming the violet, her eyes like molten mercury. “…if the time comes, I will settle it. But…” Her words failed her, and I knew what I had to say.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there. Whatever decision you need to make, whatever answer is the right one for you, I’ll support it. I promise.”

Her reply was a fierce kiss, and while I was a bit embarrassed, those around us looking on with various emotions, some curious, others a little offended at our public display, I set that aside. I’m well used to it now. I’ve grown bold these past few months…

“Somehow…” Hyacinth’s eyes were back to their violet-silver hue now. “…it calms me. Hyacinth is a bad servant, but… the joooy of the master is a servant’s joy, and… the joy of a husband is surely the joooy of the wife. Both are the same.”

“To you, maybe.” I patted her back and head, before she calmed down and returned to her seat. “Oh, that reminds me… I didn’t want to bring up bad memories, but the migration of the Seelie Court… the swamp that’s on our borders now, do you recognise it?”

Hyacinth paused for a minute, narrowing her eyes. In the end, she wasn’t certain. “Perhaps. Such vile marshes and booogs are not uncommon in the shadow of Pandemonium. Yet away from the Court, the lands become wicked, twisted… it cooould easily be a burrow of the Wild Hunt, perhaps. If… if it is the Brackish Mire, which extends for vast distances, then… many dangers lurk there.”

“So, probably not worth venturing in to do some Levelling. Got it.” I chuckled, amused, as it was one place Shiro had suggested. “The coastal region’s still adequate for grinding right now. I know that additional Way-Wardens are patrolling the border, and the Fae Stone wards are in place. If there is an incursion, our Territory can send support quickly too… but…” My grey eyes gleamed with excitement as I noticed the maids returning. “…enough gloomy talk. I’m on a date with my dear Hyacinth at Christmas, so we should just have fun!”

Hyacinth followed my gaze, and what the maids were bringing surprised her. A massive platter, upon which a fragrant curry and other maid café staples were arranged, as well as a huge glass, easily the size of a two-litre jug, full of brilliant brightly coloured liquid, from which a double straw jutted, was placed down on our table. The forks were unusual too, far too long to be used easily. The maids stepped back, grinning, and once more curtsied, chorusing out to us. “Master, mistress, please do enjoy the unique true couple’s meal! But first…” A seventh maid stepped in, and took a picture of us, Hyacinth looking surprised but not unhappy, me smiling wryly, and on either side of us, three maids giving the traditional sideways peace sign with their hands.

“To commemorate the day master and mistress came to our café! Now then… and everyone can join in, you other masters and mistresses too…” she spoke to the other guests. “To bring happiness and romance to the food… say it with us… moe… moe… kyun!” As everyone, including me, sang along, only Hyacinth slightly perplexed, the maids made heart shapes with their hands. When that was done, the maids giggled.

“We’ll let you eat it. Oh… but I’d be far too embarrassed to share this. And you’ve made it even worse…” one winked at me. “That idea with the forks is seriously dedicated. I’m jealous.” She winked at Hyacinth too. “Master loves you very much.”

“I knooow.” Hyacinth’s pale skin was flushing. “But I see hooow it works. Akio… even as a mistress, you still understand me…” The long fork in her hand trembled. “I can still serve, withooout shame, without making it seem I dooo not value you as a man!”

“So, uh…” the maid asked. “…we can have the picture, right? And some more later? For… publicity for the café, and also…”

“I’m surprised. I thought most of you didn’t like photos of you as maids getting out. It’s not the most dignified job.” I asked, and she shrugged.

“Maybe not, but… this is a once in a lifetime event. Or maybe not. You did say you’d be going to the concert in Akiba. So… will you be taking another woman? Or visiting with more?” Follow current novels on NovєlFіre.net

“I’m with Hyacinth now.” I insisted, and the woman bowed, apologetic.

“Sorry, that was rude of me.”

“To answer you though, yeah, I’ll be in various places in Tokyo all day. But I live in the present, and right now…” I picked up my own fork, and with my other hand grabbed one end of the two-headed straw, which had a body that was shaped like a heart.

“Got it.” The maid departed, and I smiled at Hyacinth, whose frown returned.

“Relax. She’s just excited. And she’s hardly had the training you have. It’s just a job to them, a way to earn some pocket money or tuition expenses. But putting that aside, how does it feel? To be the one who is served? Now…” I scooped up a forkful of curry, before presenting it to Hyacinth. “…take a bite. I bet it’s tasty. After all, the maids poured all their love and service industry spirit into it!”

Hyacinth gingerly ate from the fork, nodding, a smile on her lips, as she thrust her fork at me. I took a bite, enjoying the spicy, slightly sweet taste. Mom’s curries are generally just spicy, but Japanese curries tend to also have a hint of sweetness. Neither way is bad. Anyway… I remember mom telling us the story of the feast in Heaven and Hell… It wasn’t often we got into trouble as kids, but when my sis had a fierce argument with another girl in elementary over some classroom toys, mom told us that selfishness was wrong, and used that parable to prove her point. And now I’m replicating the Heaven of that story, feeding Hyacinth…

We continued to swap bites, Hyacinth’s expression having melted, a little drool leaking from her mouth, which I doubted was from the delightful curry or other dishes. I went to take a drink from our glass of fruity beverage, and seeing that, Hyacinth also clamped her lips down on her straw, and we drank together, the brilliant juices colouring the transparent straw, forming a heart as we sucked on them. That done, Hyacinth giggled, her free hand to her pink cheeks.

“This is fun, Akio. I dooo love it. I looove you too. How do you know Hyacinth so well? Even… even she never understood me. If she had…. Then perhaps sooo many things would have been different.”

She again, huh? I can’t be certain, but… “I doubt it’s too late. Is it?”

Hyacinth paused, hand trembling, a little food dropping from it, but I caught it with aether. “I dooo not know. She surely lives, yes… but the weight of time, ooof sorrows, and of evils, both great and terrible… although…” Her eyes regained their strength, and she quickly scooped the food I was holding in the air onto the fork and jabbed towards my mouth. “Hyacinth has hooope. And that both frightens and delights me. Hooope was the first thing tooo fade.”

As she fed me, and took bites in turn, interspersed with us drinking from the large glass of juice together, she reminisced. “There is nooothing worse than seeing one you looove destroy themselves. I swear…” She was serious now. “…I shall nooot let you walk such a path. I shall take all Woe and give back Weal. I shall not allooow those whooo would guide you into the swamps of regret and despair have their way. I shall wring their necks, choooke them and destroy them. I shall take upooon myself the darkness, the guilt, the Woe… and leave you light, peace and Weal…”

Her Oaths, for I could tell she was swearing something binding, were enough to make my heart clench. They were dark and savage, and heartfelt, a deep pledge of loyalty, but…

“Wooorry not, Akio…” Hyacinth interpreted my feelings correctly. “All Oaths come in threes, as does Weal, and Woooe. And I shall nooot forget that I looove and am loved. By you, Akio. And by thooose who welcome and support me, the other mistresses. I take Woe, for it is hooow I can be true to my name, the name yooou gave me, and the ooothers believe me to be. Nooot because I wish to serve, but… because I wish to return Weal a thousandfooold to you, who I looove. Mistress Shaeula has said it… she believes you are the full moon to her new. To me… you are the dark sky itself… always with roooooom for me… and for many ooothers. Never doooubt that.”

I felt emotional at her words, and the pure look in her eyes. More determined than ever to help Hyacinth resolve her past regrets, which even with her fragmented memories, were obviously eating at her, I reached out, taking her hand. “I never do. Nobody knows you better than I do.” I promised. “But there’s a lot of you I don’t know. And that excites me.” She tilted her head, confused at that, and I grinned seductively. “Because if I love you so much now, then knowing there’s a lot more of you I’ll come to love hidden from me is a delight!”

Hyacinth paused, stunned, her grey skin flushing redder than I’d ever seen it, before she blinked at me, as if rebooting. Then she laughed, not her usual chuckle, or wicked giggle, but full-throated, wheezing gales of it. When she calmed down, she took my hand, entwining our fingers, as lovers would. Staring at it, her blush spread to her ears and neck. “Yooou truly are dangerous, Akio. Mistress Eri is right. We were surely booorn for you. If… if ooonly Hyacinth knew the words to say, back then… but… Hyacinth ooonly knew how to serve, and looove through serving. And I do not regret that. I looove to be of use, to be needed. But… that will nooot be enough. Servants dooo not turn aside their mistress when they misstep.”

“Don’t worry. If you don’t have the words, I’ll help you find them.” I kissed the back of her hand, and she nodded.

“Please dooo. I… no, not toooday.” She sighed, before returning the gesture, kissing my hand, a soft imprint of her lips left behind, perhaps from the mulled wine. “The past is nooot for this day. This day is fooor us, our love. But one day I shall ask, and I knooow you will listen.”

“I will. Now then… shall we keep going?” I asked, and Hyacinth nodded.

“Yes. I wooould affirm the Hyacinth you see, Akio, and know that shooould it be needed, my words are nooot the improper words of a servant, but the heartfelt pleas ooof a lover.”

I had no answer for that, only offering her some food on the fork, but that was enough. For now. Yes, everyone has their wounds and worries, but… Hyacinth has perhaps the deepest of all. And they aren’t wounds Ether Healing can fix. But… love and patience can. And that… if there was a Skill for it, I’m confident it would be my highest Ranked one!

***

“So yeah…” Shiro grinned wickedly. “We had considered grinding some Levels. Just the two of us… well, three of us, I suppose, though only two at once. That new stinky swamp…” We were on top of the Spring, looking out past the crystalline menhirs to the distant border of Shaeula’s domain. “…but no, Tan reckons that a few Levels won’t do much for us. Stats are great, but Skills are what she wants to work on.” Shiro was suddenly leaning in conspiratorially, and I couldn’t help but glance at her cleavage, which made her smile turn smug.

“Like I said, now she’s had time to process your lovemaking, she’s become remarkably clingy. I guess women who’ve been single a long time get like that.”

“I find your insolence rather irritating, princess.” One eye turned crimson, as did a portion of Shiro’s hair, faint flames flickering to life as Tan was unable to let her words slide unopposed. “Teasing me is bold. Pay her no mind…” She addressed me, but Shiro was still smiling knowingly. “…yes, I do confess I think of you often, but that is only natural. I have invested my hopes and dreams in you. And I have lost something precious… no, not lost, willingly conceded, but you are not the sort of boorish man who would take such a precious offering and repay with ingratitude, are you?” Oddly, I heard a little worry in Tan’s usually composed voice.

I see even Tan has her worries. Not even a Goddess is immune to that. “Don’t fret.” I patted Shiro’s (and Tan’s, I supposed) head, the scattered flames oddly cool to the touch. “You can feel it, can’t you? Through our bonds, through Lovers’ Link? Besides, Shiro’s just messing with you. She’s always been terrible at showing genuine affection and giving praise. She’s happy for you.”

“Shit, you got me there, Aki. Who wouldn’t be? It’s a love story crossing millennia! But… Tan, despite how we met, despite everything, you’re an irreplaceable friend to me. Hell, you’re even sharing a body with me right now. So… when you’re happy, I am. But it’s just so… so entertaining, seeing this hidden side to you!”

“I see.” Tan was silent for a moment, before letting out a hot sigh, smelling of cloves and sandalwood. “I suppose that is true. But do not think she speaks the truth!” Tan addressed me suddenly. “Yes, I am… still rather disbelieving that I lay with you, became yours. But I am not my sisters, I am a woman of virtue. My thirst was quenched, yet… I am still Taṇhā the Thirst, and now I merely desire a different drink…”

“Her pride’s towering.” Shiro chuckled. “But she’s also proud of you, Aki, and she thinks you’ve got what it takes. She dreams of going back in triumph with you, hand in hand, showing her father, her sisters, and especially the Buddha, that she’s a prize, and also that her taste in men is the best. I can’t argue with her.”

“Well then… less nonsense, princess. It serves little purpose and wastes our limited time.” Tan insisted, and Shiro disagreed.

“It amuses me, and besides, showing a bit of vulnerability makes Aki want to protect you more, right?” She winked her obsidian eye at me. “Anyway, yeah, she’s dreaming of a grand future, so you best be ready to fulfil it, Aki. There’s no escape from Tan, after all. Nor from me.” She leaned in, kissing me, and after we parted, she stepped back, clapping her hands. “All right then. Skill boot-camp. Even with both our dates, and time flowing faster here in the lands of the Fae, it’s going to be tough to see results, but… maybe we’ll see another Aki miracle?”

“I’ll do my best.” I chuckled. “Just… don’t expect too much from my elemental reserves, okay?”

“Not a problem. Your course of action, as per Tan’s longer-term strategy to propel you to Astral Emperor, is to work on Boiling Blood Resonance Link, and Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice. They synergise too well with me and my buffs, which is our trump card right now. You’re going to freak out Christmas Day, I promise.” Seeing her looking so smug, I couldn’t help but grin, and she put her hands to her hips, puffing out her chest proudly.

“As for me, I’m going to work on my buffs, obviously, especially Berserk Blessing Of Blood. So you’ll need to keep up. As for how I’ll keep supplying them, I’m also working on allowing excess aether and elements from Tan to leak into me safely, basically giving me an aether cheat code. Oh, and also drawing on some of her Skills via partial Divine Possession.”

“Yes.” Tan took over, surprising Shiro. The expression Tan twisted her face into was odd as well, a mixture of extremely alluring and oddly teasing. “But have no fear. The Skill I shall make her practise is Alluring The Buddha, as you call it. She is quite unskilled, but… with practice, we shall further steal your heart!” She then twisted Shiro’s lips into a bitter pout. “I do so despise that name. I feel it is a tribute that worthless fool does not deserve, and… our allure is only for you now.” With that, Shiro was back in full control, and she guffawed loudly.

“See what I mean? She’s absolutely fallen. I’d have called her an ice queen that’s melted, but she was already fiery. But she’s not wrong, Aki.” Shiro pouted, grumbling. “I hate the name too. I know power has no sin, and if I had a Skill called ‘I’m a shit-eating ugly bitch’ which was super powerful, I’d use and accept it gratefully, the name of a rose, and all that, but… still, I don’t want a skill that screams I’m going to NTR you, Aki.”

Feeling her annoyance, I couldn’t help but pull her close. “I know. I’m not exactly fond of some of mine either, but maybe there’s hope for negotiation.” After all, I’m fairly certain Alluring The Buddha is a singular Skill that only Tan and Shiro possess, so there’s a chance…

My Eye flared, but there was nothing crossing my vision. Biting down on a sigh, I gave Shiro a cheeky swat on the bottom, making her sexy skirt flutter. “Tan’s right. Time’s wasting. I have to say though, Tan’s oddly good at dating…”

“How so?” Shiro asked, puzzled, and my return smile made her flush an adorable crimson, her skin red now, not her hair and eyes.

“If you’re practising sexy dances for me as part of your training, it’s going to be a pleasure for me. I’ll have to think of something equally worthy to do for you two, to make your Christmas Eve one you’ll never forget.”

At my words, Shiro’s blush deepened, and she fanned herself with one hand, suddenly shy. “Shit, Aki in with the charm offensive. Be still my heart. Forget? No way I could ever, and neither can Tan. After all, this is the first Christmas Eve of our dating lives. But yeah, show us, Aki. Show us that you can turn anything into a memorable occasion!”

“Challenge accepted. Okay, let’s go then.” Grabbing Shiro in a princess carry, I leapt down from the hillside, soaring through the air. All right then. Time to train. But while I’m doing that, how can I keep Shiro entertained, in a way that feels appropriate for a Christmas Eve date? That…? Yeah, that could work…