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

I didn’t regret punching Takeshi-san, but it was a little awkward when I woke him up. “Why did you hit me, Akio-dono…?” He was a little groggy and affronted at first, before his mind rebooted, and rubbing his bruised stomach and aching head, he narrowed his brown eyes at me menacingly, cracking his neck and shoulders. “Oh, I get it. You devoured my little Michiru, and now…”

“That’s not it at all.” I interrupted, and as I was about to explain, Michiru, still dressed like a teru teru bōzu popped up, expression supercilious and prideful.

“Yes, honoured father, I now know the taste of a man! And it is bitter, yet somehow delicious, and…” she licked her lips, and while on Miyu it might have seemed seductive, on Michiru it was just… I guess it’s hot in a different way, maybe? Maybe…

“You… took my Michiru…” he groaned in pain. “…my precious daughter, now she’ll turn away from me…”

“I didn’t! Not yet…” I tried to get a word in, and he glowered at me.

“Not yet? So you took my daughter’s chastity, and you’re not even satisfied! Why, have your eyes on Kozue as well, do you?”

“No. No. No!” I was getting a headache, Takeshi-san was as difficult to deal with as Michiru, and I had a great deal of sympathy for Kozue-chan now and resolved to be even more understanding with her. “I didn’t have sex with your daughter, I swear! As for…”

I took a deep breath. Eri’s voice rang in my mind as she watched. It’s fine. Relax.

I know. It’s just… I was certainly extremely grateful that Eri was being so supportive, even though I wasn’t that she was so obviously disregarding her own emotions on the matter. But what was upsetting me here wasn’t what they thought, but it was really hard to verbalise. Especially since… I’m not supposed to feel guilty. Even when in this case, there’s good cause… but again, it’s not quite what Eri thinks.

Haru was watching me in silence, her thoughts quiet, but she did wink at me, and I realised anew that despite Haru’s lack of relationship experience, she was a mature, clever woman, and understood far more than she was saying.

Mature? That got a response from her. I’m still young, and I’ll never get any older. Honestly, I’m not an experienced woman… He expression flickered darkly for a moment, before she took a deep sigh, and I regretted my thoughts, but she shook her head minutely. It’s fine. I can’t avoid everything that reminds me of the incident, can I? Or I’d have to live in a cave somewhere. Oh, that won’t even work now, caves… yes, quite the mental image.

Sorry…

Again, don’t apologise for that. I don’t mean you shouldn’t apologise when you’ve genuinely screwed up, which you have, you will, and you’ll continue to do so. But… you’re not responsible for how your actions make me feel. I’m the one choosing to constantly peek into your thoughts. And I do that because it calms me. I have my own issues, see? Everyone does… so, be bold!

Bold, huh? Yeah, maybe… I felt that everyone else was missing the point. They thought I was guilty because I’d nearly added Miyu and Michiru to my lovers, and while certainly there was an element of that, it wasn’t the reason I felt pretty shitty… I don’t like it when Eri jokes about who she’s already expected I’d go for. Though honestly, I don’t think she’s joking. But I can’t refute her. I know I’m not hard-hearted enough to refuse everyone… and honestly, I don’t want to be, there are definitely those I admit I’m beginning to feel great fondness and desire for, but… all right, this is unproductive…

“My precious Michiru, used like a toy, degraded in every manner possible…”

Bold. Yes. A vein twitched on my forehead as Takeshi-san’s overactive exaggerations provoked me. I took a deep breath, flared my League, and yelled out. “All right, that’s enough.”

Everyone staggered, though obviously some dealt with the momentarily pulse of my existence better than others. As everyone gaped at me, I took another breath, calming myself, and eyed Takeshi-san. “Don’t make me punch you again. Honestly, Michiru is unstable precisely because of your overzealous, and quite frankly illegal and borderline abusive parenting style. But I get it. Ninjas are raised different. They weren’t wrong.” I ground my teeth together. “That changes. I think that’s another reason why the elders planned this mess. If they just stepped down or away from leadership, there’d always be those looking to them to maintain the status quo or protest every change. The damn snakes.” I was both impressed and disgusted as I caught a glimpse of yet another hidden reason behind their ploys, and I knew there were more I hadn’t fathomed yet.

“No…” I continued. “I’m telling you now, nothing irreversible happened with Michiru, nor with Miyu. So… we’ll sit down, talk about it like adults, and work out where we stand. And if needs be, I will consult with you, Takeshi-san, but that doesn’t mean you have a real say…”

Michiru eyed me rather hopefully, and Miyu merely smiled, a touch of shame on her features, but she nodded at me, and I was grateful she was quite an elegant woman with a calm mind, even if she did have her… foibles.

Yes, just… let me clear my mind a bit. That’s what I need.

“Now then…” Everyone was silent, so I took charge. “The ninjas are sorted?” I asked, and Takeshi-san, rubbing at his aching stomach, grimaced.

“As sorted as can be. My old man and the other old farts, as well as the Lotus sisters and Himawari, and several other key Chūnin, have been taken to the Ministry back in Tokyo. The holding cells there are made to trap Chosen, so they won’t be able to cause much trouble. Not that I think they will. What would they have to gain? And they don’t do anything without it serving a scheme, or better yet, multiple schemes at once. Honestly… those two sisters are probably very useful…”

“I’m sure they are. But not merely as bedwarmers. Quite frankly, no matter how attractive they are, they haven’t earned the right” I glanced at Yukiko, even as I smiled wryly at my arrogant, yet rather heartfelt, quip. “You’ve got ideas for them, don’t you?”

She nodded. “Yes. I think so. And if I can’t put them to use, others can.”

“Great. We’ll talk about that later. For now…” My Eyes shone. “…let’s get everyone through today’s Pilgrimage stops. More and more of us are maxing out the Class, it’d be great if the last day of Pilgrimage proper had everyone done, though I suspect there’ll still be a need for a few final top-ups.”

“Fine. You’re the boss, Akio-dono…” Takeshi-san grumbled, with one last glance at Michiru, who was grinning triumphantly. “But Shige-dono is going to be depressed…”

“Of course I cherish grandfather’s opinion. But… it is my life.” Miyu declared. “I am no longer Fujiwara Miyu, prize to be won, my own destiny out of my hands. I am Miyu, Vassal to Akio, and a woman with my own wants, desires and dreams.” She smiled at Michiru fondly, before turning the same one on me, face a little pink. “But I realise now, my lack of ability to communicate with men has led to trouble.” She bowed deeply. “I am sorry. I know you are, but… I also think I grasp why. If so… instead of any apology, I should say… thank you for thinking of me, of us.”

I felt a little of the guilt lift from my heart at her words, even though it stung for a different reason. I did, just… in that moment, when I weakened…

My own smile felt more genuine now, and Eri raised an eyebrow, before chewing on her lip, glancing at Haru. I bet they’re talking it out. Good. I love Eri dearly, and she’s… been making a real effort. But I think she’s slightly misinterpreted the lesson Yu-mi tried to teach her. I don’t feel better being accepted or forgiven, I feel happier when I’m understood.

I nodded. “Let’s go. I don’t want to keep Arisu-san waiting, though…” I glanced at Michiru and Miyu. “…first we need to scrounge up a change of clothes…”

***

Our group stuck together (once Michiru and Miyu were dressed in tracksuits we’d secured in the village, it was a look that was rather fresh on them both, honestly) and as we rapidly made offerings at the shrines and temples planned along the route, I could feel my Territory growing ever closer to completion. Every few minutes several further days were shaved off, and now there was barely over a thousand astral days remaining. It’s getting close, I can feel it.

Most of our party had the Kami-Blessed Class maximised, though Miyu and Michiru were still stuck at Level nineteen, but tomorrow, and if necessary, some final topping up before the Tengokusentou ceremony on the thirty-first, they’d manage. We’d reached Okayama, the final city of the day, with several true shrines, and after visiting them, the night air cold and crisp, the skies clear, we started running into other groups of Pilgrims who had finished and were awaiting the nightly training, especially when we took a detour to check out the Okayama Korakuen, a truly magnificent landscape garden and one of the best in Japan. Eri held one of my hands, Hinata the other, as if to affirm their affection, and we had an enjoyable diversion, and then we ran into Yu-mi, alongside her Korean recruits, though Eui and Suk’ja weren’t there, not was Violet with them.

“Oh, if it isn’t Akio, how wonderful!” Soo-ah, the slightly older, and if I was honest, rather seductively charming friend of Yu-mi’s, who had been very flirty and entertaining during our time in that club in Gangnam, smiled broadly. She had a beauty spot under one eye and a voluptuous figure which looked really good in the Adamant unfirm. Not that Yu-mi or any of her friends weren’t beauties, and they were all in different styles.

“The High Commander too.” Yu-mi snapped off a salute, the others following her after a moment. “Checking out the gardens too, are you? It’s a tourist attraction we didn’t want to miss. It’s been a hectic day, but…” She tapped under her eye, and I nodded, my own glowing.

“You’re done, Yu-mi.” I told her, much to her pleasure. “Though… Soo-ah needs one more Level, and Yeon-san…”

“Call me Ji-hye. It is strange, otherwise.” The pretty woman with short brown hair, and an oddly exotic cast to her features, insisted. “Mixing Korean names with Japanese words, it’s confusing. Besides, you are on first name basis with Soo-ah-unni and Yu-mi-unni…”

“Of course he is, darling.” Soo-ah laughed, her tone sultry and languid. Honestly, she reminded me of Aimi-chan a lot, not in terms of figure, but in temperament. “We shared a hot, steamy night in Gomdori-nim’s club…”

Eri was flushing now, Yu-mi too, perhaps remembering how drunkenly unguarded she was that night, and what I’d seen of her. Oddly enough, Michiru and Miyu were also red, and Soo-ah was too perceptive to let that slide.

“Oh, aren’t you two little charmers. You’re Miyu…-chan, I guess? A lot like us, yeah? Though you don’t call your grandfather’s company setup here a chaebol, do you?”

Miyu nodded slowly. “Indeed. Though our scale exceeds most of what you can imagine.”

“A proud one, yet you look so innocent. But it’s the innocent-looking ones who are fun.” She nudged Yu-mi playfully. “Like our darling Yu-mi here. Anyway, sorry to interrupt, you were saying, Akio?”

“Yeah, sadly Ji-hye still needs two Levels. Oh, and Nari, she needs one as well.”

As the last woman, the more boyish-looking but still cute Da-eun triumphantly pumped a fist, knowing like Yu-mi she’d met her goals for the Pilgrimage, Soo-ah shrugged, a charming sight in her pristine white shirt.

“The Gods of Japan are just jealous, Ji-hye darling, Nari dear.” She pulled them into consoling hugs. “How about a word from our commanding officer and High Commander?”

Hinata grinned, nodding to Yu-mi, who stood straighter. “Congratulations on your hard work! Though this is just the beginning. Tonight’s training is going to be…” she looked to me suddenly, gaze inquisitive, and I shrugged.

“Honestly, I don’t know… because we’ll be hitting Rank Four. I… think… it might be practical combat, expanding the Territory as fast as possible.”

The women seemed to show both excitement and trepidation at that, but Yu-mi, ever the capable woman, merely saluted. “You hear that? It’ll be putting what we’ve been learning into practice.” She smiled at Ji-hye. “You… especially need to give it your all. You know the plan, we’ve put it together, and if you can fulfil it, when we return to Korea in the new year… you can do it. Seize your dream of vindication. So… we’ll help you! And at the same time, expand Akio’s Territory to the farthest reaches we can!”

“Well said!” Soo-ah led the girls in clapping, and Hinata was next to speak.

“I knew you had the right stuff, Yu-mi. And I’ve got my eye on you too, Soo-ah. Definitely future Officer material, when our recruits swell. Honestly, compared to the Fae army we command, any efforts you trainees make is small, but… Adamant needs achievements. More to the point, you need achievements, and not simply so Akio pays you more attention.” She winked at me. “It’s all about the adherence. Tan’s been very helpful, even if she doesn’t have the expertise needed to come up with a concrete plan, her ideas are still a great guide. In fact… I want you to compete with the Adamant idols, girls… if you do, then I’m sure good things will happen!”

“A tough ask.” Yu-mi’s smile was fierce, and I once more marvelled at all the sides to her I was experiencing, that I didn’t know of.

“Stop staring at me like that, Akio, or I’ll blush.” Yu-mi did indeed have red cheeks. “I’m serious about Adamant, you know? We all are. Anyway, can we change the subject? The gardens sure are beautiful, well worth the visit, but… I could use a drink.”

“Your luck is in then.” Hinata giggled. “I’ve booked out the best hotel in Okayama. It’s not the biggest, but it’s one my grandfather recommends, and it overlooks the gardens here. It’s where everyone will be staying, since there’s no point overtaxing Arisu-san, as she’s got her work cut out for her tomorrow, we’re covering the most ground of any day at Pilgrimage. Anyway, the bar is all ours, the restaurant too. I daresay other groups bored of sightseeing are there already.”

“Sounds marvellous, High Commander!” Soo-ah drawled. “You know how to spend money. I like it!”

“It’s not just wasteful.” Hinata chuckled. “It’s part of the Pilgrimage. We have to be lavish, to appease the Kami. It’s tactical. Oh, I daresay you’ve stayed here before, Miyu, Michiru.”

The two of them nodded, and Miyu agreed. “Yes, I visited with grandfather, when he wanted to see the Okayama Korakuen. Michiru was with me, of course. It is rather nice.”

“Yes. And sadly, it was part of the Shiraishi house empire. Now… well, we can just say if our other recruits do their duty, it might return to them one day.” Hinata declared cheerily. “Now, shall we go?”

As everyone nodded, I glanced at Eri and Haru. Both of them had been quiet for a while, and there was definitely something up, but… I think this is one of those times discretion is the better part of valour…

***

“So… there’s definitely something off here.” Yu-mi narrowed her eyes. We’d moved through the restaurant and bar, which indeed was full of happy Pilgrims drinking and eating in groups. I’d been encouraged to lower my resistance to alcohol, and honestly, getting drunk sounded like a great idea, considering I could easily shake it off as soon as my Territory was about to finish its upgrade. Of course, due to my Fortitude, I still have to drink an absurd amount of alcohol regardless…

As Haru, drinking beer cheerfully, looked away, whistling, Eri’s expression twitched, and her cat ears materialised. Despite her greater efforts and talents with Shifting Cat, when her emotions were disarrayed, this still happened a lot, and Yu-mi knew it. Yukiko, who’d been quiet ever since we left the ninja village, nodded slowly, glancing at Miyu and Michiru, who returned her nod, and Hinata shrugged.

“Oh, it’s nothing, just some… relationship drama. All’s well that ends well, you know?”

“You think so, do you?” Yu-mi exchanged a glance with her fellow Koreans, and their expressions were rather amused, with Soo-ah going so far as to roll her eyes. “All right then…” Yu-mi declared, crossing her arms. “I don’t mean to be rude, but… tell us. It can’t hurt getting… if not an outside opinion, then… a more distant, neutral one.”

“Fine.” I began to speak, but Yu-mi stopped me.

“I’d actually like Eri to tell me. If that’s all right? We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Eri nodded, remembering how Yu-mi had helped mediate many of our misunderstandings. We’d definitely been a lot closer and even more in love since, but…

“All right. It’s not a big deal though.” She launched into the tale, and Miyu and I were embarrassed. Michiru was too, of course, though in her case the shame seemed to be turning her on. I just hope she’s not soiling the tracksuit. Though I suppose getting a change of clothes here is trivial…

“…so yes, Akio didn’t go too far, and it’s not like we didn’t expect Miyu-san to show interest in him eventually.” Eri finished. “So he has nothing to feel guilty about.”

There was silence around the table, before Soo-ah let out a dry chuckle. “Yu-mi, darling, what a disaster, yeah?”

Da-eun grimaced, her braids bouncing as she shook her head. “Oh no, that’s not right. Not at all…”

“Yes.” Yu-mi pinched her nose as if getting a headache.

“I don’t get it…” Hinata, who’d been largely content to let Eri speak, broke in. “It’s all fine. We like Miyu, Akio obviously likes her, she’s going to be a great asset to the cause… okay, Michiru’s an oddball, but Akio’s arms are big enough for everyone…”

If I wasn’t already dead… Haru’s thoughts came to me. …I’d certainly be dying of second-hand embarrassment here. But… this should be good. Better it doesn’t come from me, you know? Her mental tone was gentle. I… like being everyone’s friend, you see? It feels comfortable, comforting.Then her tone changed, to a mental smirk. You’re the only one I’ll be ruthless with, Akio. I told you, you got a sixty. But… you wondered why, when you thought you did so poorly? I think these women know perfectly well. They’ve got experience. Oh, don’t get me wrong… she added hastily. …not sexual experience, which is honestly quite amazing for party girls like them at their age, I guess Korea’s social norms are as strict as ours, when it comes down to it… that and… they all value themselves, you know? So their chastity and love aren’t cheap enough to give away recklessly. They’ve dated a little, had sone fun, but… understand how relationships work.

I see. I know Yu-m’s a strong woman. It takes great bravery to sacrifice for a family member. She’s also witty and kind. Eri likes her a lot too…

She does, so…

“And what do you say, oh, Imperial Princess? I still can’t believe we get to hang with such important figures. My uncle’s a big deal, but… politicians come and go, wealth can be gained and lost, but… Imperial pedigree lives forever, yeah? Well, not exactly true, Yukiko darling…” Soo-ah was as forceful as ever.

“I… didn’t have much to say. Akio’s love is his affair. I’m just grateful he cherishes me.”

“Yes, as I thought. You three are… to put it bluntly, darlings…” Soo-ah chuckled. “…useless at understanding him.”

“The worst trio for sure.” Nari-unni spoke up, her red hair giving her a slightly fiery air, somehow moderated by her very pretty heart-shaped face. “It’s almost funny. Oh, Sorry High Commander…” She snapped a lazy salute at Hinata after putting down her glass of champagne. “…I don’t mean to be insubordinate, but…” She then winked at me. “…I never thought I’d think you had it rough, but it’s a bit your fault too, yeah?”

I nodded. “I know, and that’s why I was upset. Not… not because I made a move on Miyu and Michiru. At least not totally. I mean, it’s not like… it won’t ever happen again, me pursuing someone I’ve taken a liking to.” I took a deep breath, and Eri observed me, her black eyes a bit frustrated, before she bowed to the Korean girls.

“I’ve… tried. I really don’t get jealous anymore. Well, not of the worthy.” Her cat ears hung close to her skull, vanishing into her black hair.  “And Akio knows he doesn’t have to feel bad, to keep apologising. He’s our Akio, we trust him to make the right decisions.”

“And that’s where you came so close…” Seeing Eri’s sad expression, Yu-mi got up and surprised her by enfolding her in a hug. Eri froze for a moment, considering she hated being touched by others, only me, my sis, and to a lesser extent, Shaeula, being able to get away with it. Yet she shocked me by accepting it, eyes shut.

“…you did good. I don’t want to say you haven’t.” Yu-mi told her soothingly. “But you overshot. You’re an extreme girl, you know? I think you’re great, and I’m proud to have you as a friend, but… you see Akio as supreme. You think he can handle everything. And you hate to see him sad. But sometimes, all he needs is to vent, to have you listen, not judge, and then you can forgive him if you want, or tell him he didn’t make a mistake.”

“Darlings, take it from us…” Soo-ah grinned. “Little Eri here is too wrapped up in being the perfect wife. Hinata, our dear High Commander…” the title was said with gentle affection. “…for one so young you are truly a genius, and I don’t even feel bad at letting you boss me around, but… you think Akio should just take the two cute darlings here, don’t you? And can’t even fathom why he’d have a problem if they are willing? Do you even get jealous?”

“I’m a girl, of course I do.” Hinata shrugged. “I want to spend time with Akio, and more lovers mean less time for me, but… he’ll solve it. And… we’re not playing by ordinary rules. Think about it. The average man has to work and sleep, so there’s almost no time left for spending time together with his wife. A few hours a day at best. Akio can shatter those limits already, as Christmas Eve proved. It’s tough, but… he’ll do better!” Hinata’s confident, unshakeable faith in me, which Eri echoed, nodding, still in Yu-mi’s embrace, made me both happy and rather frustrated. I’m not perfect, you know. Otherwise this mess wouldn’t have happened, but… I’m grateful nonetheless.

“Besides, think about it. On the timescales we’ll be living…” Hinata wasn’t done. “…Tan says it’s not unusual to get engrossed in something, and weeks just vanish. It’s not like it matters to her, that’s like us taking an hour out to read a book. So it doesn’t bother me.”

“I see. And you, darling?” Soo-ah pressed Yukiko, and she pushed at her glasses nervously.

“It doesn’t make me feel good, but… I don’t exactly say I care as much as I thought I would. Besides, I have no right to shut the door behind me.”

Yeah, Furuihonō’s words have really caused her to second-guess herself. He’s going to regret that… As I turned over enjoyable thoughts of how I was going to work the ninja bastard to the bone until he grovellingly apologised to Yukiko, the Korean girls continued.

“Yes. Totally the three worst choices.” Yu-mi repeated. “But you all mean well. Anyway… let’s make it clear. Akio, we want you to tell us how you feel and why. We’ll judge, certainly…” Yu-mi’s smile was wicked. “…but that judgement comes from a place of affection. First though, it’ll help if we put the pieces in place.” She released Eri, and sat down, taking a swig of champagne, before speaking.

“That’s a nice bottle. It would cost a fortune in Gomdori-nim’s club. Anyway… you know my story, everyone.” There were nods and murmurs of agreement, from me too. “I was prepared to marry Akio as a transaction to get his help for my dad, and for cousin Yu-jun. I didn’t want to, why would I? I’d been saving myself for the one I finally fell in love with, I liked my current, reasonably carefree life. But it was a life that without my dad’s support and money, I couldn’t have. But you were the perfect gentleman…” She winked and then turned to Miyu and Michiru. “…so you two should be quite proud, in a way.”

“I am infinitely grateful that my charms were to his liking.” Miyu politely answered, and Michiru, as ever, spoke up with great excitement.

“If Miyu-sama and Akio-sama find me unappealing, I might as well not be a woman!”

“Quite.” Yu-mi wasn’t the only one to laugh. “Anyway.” Another swig, perhaps to calm her own nerves. “…Akio turned me down, let me down gently, and in that moment, I felt regret, you know? I’m an idiot, sometimes.”

“You sure are, Yu-mi, darling, but that’s why we love you!” Soo-ah teased.

“Oh, do be quiet. This isn’t easy.” Yu-mi chided playfully. “After I was refused, I started to wonder if I’d made a mistake, if instead, it was just meant to be, you know? Natural human emotions. But I’m a proud woman. Undeservedly so, sometimes.”

“That’s not true.” Eri shook her head. “I admire you a lot.”

“Thank you.” Yu-mi’s smile was bright and cheeky. “Anyway, I thought about it. Approaching a man with so many lovers… is actually a lot easier than you’d think. If he was just together with you, Eri, I’d never have been able to do it. I’d hate to be a marriage-wrecker, the other woman, a slut. But… that doesn’t apply here. Even so…” Yu-mi looked me boldly in the eyes. “…you take commitment very seriously. If I had to guess, before hearing your side of it, it’s the root problem. So Akio, if I came out and asked you right now, to reinstate the engagement we have on hold… even though technically it never existed, so it’s just my conceit, as you turned my dad down…”

How do I feel about Yu-mi? I like her a lot. I don’t love her, certainly, haven’t spent nearly enough time with her, but I have a feeling I certainly could… And the fact that the same was true of Hinata, for example, doesn’t matter. She’s herself, and Yu-mi is Yu-mi. Still, I think…

“I’d say yes, I believe.” I nodded.

“That’s why I’m not asking. Not because I’m not interested.” Yu-mi added. “Because you’re not an idiot. You know I’ve fallen for you after all, fool that I am, or simply a woman chasing destiny. But that means I want you to accept me because I’m me. Not for a flimsy reason such as a promise or a bond.”

“We… feel the same way.” Miyu groaned, understanding. “Yet I am… rather terrible with men. So… I hardly knew how to broach my feelings. In a way, Ame-no-Uzume’s Dance, as terrifying and bitter as it was, was an opportunity. As were Akio’s promises, and feelings toward me as both the man in charge of my future, and as my master.”

Michiru agreed. “I… was too caught up in my desires, in wanting Miyu-sama’s desires, fulfilled. I… am very selfish, I know that. But I genuinely believe that Akio-sama will find joy in my body. I feel no less deeply for him than for Miyu-sama. If Miyu-sama is the woman I love most in the world, Akio-sama is the man!”

“Your father will be gutted…” I murmured, and she snorted.

“Honoured father should be grateful for your mercy. How dare he accuse you of such things, I came willingly, body and spirit!”

“We’re the same, Akio, dear.” Soo-ah added. “Don’t misunderstand. I don’t love you, how could I? But I came here fully prepared to fall in love with you over time. That’s the whole point of Adamant, isn’t it? At least from a practical standpoint. I know all about the mystical nature, where we’ll be Earth’s Valkyries… and that excites me too. But while we all have our own selfish desires…”

“I certainly do…” Ji-hye added. “…but I’m not a user. I’ll give back. And if that’s just as a sister of Adamant, I’ll do my duty. If… if it’s more… I knew before I came, Yu-mi-unni was quite clear.

“My dream could already be rekindled.” Nari shrugged. “But I like your sister’s bold ideas. I’ll do gymnastics on a greater stage, one where we go beyond human. Despite that… I’m also fully prepared to fall for you. Honestly, I think I have a bit of a crush already. Helps you’re hot! Everyone thought I was a lesbian, I played into that, to stop my family pressuring me to marry one of the rich idiots from Seoul. You’re a million times better, even with all your baggage. Though I wouldn’t dream of calling you that, High Commander!” She winked at Hinata, who giggled, nodding cheerfully, enjoying the frank confessions.

“As for me… Da-eun shrugged. “…I’m not as witty as Soo-ah-unni, or as driven as Yu-mi-unni, but I’m the same. No pressure, that’s not the point. We’re not asking you to suddenly desire us or love us. We’re only saying… just like Miyu-chan and Michiru-chan here, and indeed, those you already love…” She used the Japanese honorifics charmingly, upping her boyish appeal. “…it’s a choice between us and you. Yes, you have to take their feelings into account, otherwise you’re just a bastard, a playboy, but… everyone here’s smart enough to know what they are getting into. You’re not fooling us or tricking us.”

“Exactly.” Yu-mi agreed. “Eri, you get it? You’re right to be supportive, to soothe him, but… if he has a genuine hurt or regret, listen. Don’t try to heal him the same way every time. Some wounds are different and require other measures. And all strong relationships are founded on trust and honesty, on listening and talking! So…” Yu-mi’s smile was warm now as she looked at me. “…tell us what really bothers you about the whole mess, and if you want to fall for me, go right ahead.” She winked playfully, and I snorted, draining my glass of strong whiskey and pouring myself another generous half-bottle from the decanter.

“Honestly, right now you’re shining, Yu-mi. I can’t say I’ve fallen for you, but… I’m certainly looking back on my past decision with a certain amount of puzzlement.” I chuckled as she blushed adorably. “All right. Eri, Hinata, Yukiko… Haru, I’m leaving you out, you already know.”

“I do.” she affirmed. “Your reasoning is okay, from a standpoint of your own thoughts, but you made the same mistakes the three of them, and indeed Miyu-chan and Michiru-chan did. I’ll tell you what I’d have done in your position later, assuming you don’t figure it out.”

“Fair.” I nodded. “All right. Hinata’s right. I’ve learned. Love isn’t like a glass of whiskey. A limited amount.” I gulped a big mouthful, savouring it, before refilling it, starting to feel blessedly buzzed, which was relieving my stress. “I have endless amounts. Time and my attention do, so… that’s one reason why I’m reticent about simply accepting those who love me, and those… I rather like. At least for now. I believe I can solve those issues. Hinata’s right, Christmas Eve was both absolute hell, and… utterly delightful. I spent so much time basking in the warmth of those I loved, those I want to make happy, who make me happy… and I want more of it. I’m selfish, but… it’s also my selfishness to want to make those I love taste the sweetest life they can.”

Eri nodded at that, her expression proud, and Hinata and Yukiko seemed to agree.

“I… don’t know how yet, but Hinata made some valid points. Our lifespans will increase exponentially, meaning we’ll all have to find endless things to fill our time. And I don’t need much sleep, and work… we share that together. Just look at us all now?” I raised my glass, and everyone agreed, and a round of clinking and cries of ‘kanpai’ and ‘geonbae’ rang out. “I made myself a promise. I’d never leave anyone I love feeling sad or neglected. That’s why I have to be strong., be better, and… not be selfish and make reckless mistakes.”

I glanced at Miyu and Michiru, my feelings still a bit jumbled. “I guess I do see myself as your guardian now, Miyu. And you as my responsibility. But I also see the beauty of your dancing, the hard work you put in constantly, the way you’ve grown, blossomed, from when we first met so terribly. I respect you a lot, and… if I’m being frank…”

“You have to be frank.” Eri spoke up. “Sorry Akio.” She gnawed at her lip, feeling guilty. “In trying to understand you, support you, I realise I didn’t let you be honest, that I listened to what I thought you meant, not what you were actually saying.”

“And I’m going to let you feel that way.” I sighed. “Though, just as you gave me well-intentioned advice, out of love, I’ll do the same. It’ll be all right, so don’t feel bad for long. I like the loving, clingy, yet compassionate Eri. And just as you don’t want me to feel sorry, I don’t want you to linger on it. I was a little distressed, but…” I smiled warmly. “…I’m already feeling a lot better, I promise.”

“Okay then.” Eri nodded.

“I’ll… try and be more understanding too. But… I still need to understand why first.” Hinata asked, genuinely trying to understand.

“As for me… I guess I’m insecure. But…” Yukiko took off her glasses, brown eyes, which I noticed now seemed to be slightly redder than they used to be, staring into mine. “…you do love me, right? It’s not just… how did Yu-mi put it, a transaction?”

“It most certainly is not.” I insisted. “Kiko.” I used the nickname we’d toyed with for a bit and then discarded until we were more intimate, and she blushed.

“I see. I… was very happy Christmas Eve. I’m… honestly always happy now.” She glanced at Miyu and Michiru. “I’m… not like you two. I don’t love Tsukiko romantically, but… I guess, even though it feels strange and makes my heart ache with guilt sometimes, I’m happy she and I can love the same man. Motoko and Natsumi are the same too.”

“Yes. They are.” I agreed. “But in Miyu and Michiru’s case…” I grimaced. “It’s deeper, isn’t it? I… didn’t think it was right to come between that.” I wouldn’t regret loving another girl or two. Or rather, not enough to shake my resolve. Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m just putting greater pressure on myself, but… compared to becoming Astral Emperor, especially if it’s going to be so difficult… I can do it. Not just them, either. As Shiro says… what’s the difference between fifteen and twenty?  

“Look, I get it. I’m easy.” I chuckled, enjoying another fiery gulp of whiskey, enough to have made me roaring drunk, back in the old days before Statistics and Skills. Now it just tasted nice, had a fiery kick, and dulled the edge a little. “I also… don’t think that’s entirely my fault. I could have stuck to you, and only you, Eri. I could have. I would have.”

“I know.” Eri agreed. “But… that’s, in the end, not what we chose. Not what we wanted.”

“No, it isn’t. So we shouldn’t regret it.” I agreed. “It… does make it hard for me to stop, you know? Let’s be honest, all of you around this table… oh, excluding you of course, Haru…”

“Oh, of course.” Haru raised her mug of beer at me.

“…if I didn’t have any self-control, I could just scoop you all up now…”

“Oh, be still my heart…” Soo-ah chuckled. “…but you won’t, because you do have standards, don’t you?”

“Yeah. Hard as it is to believe. But… I know my standards are warped. And… it’s not that… I went too far with Miyu and Michiru. Though I did…” I shook my head. “I shouldn’t have given in to Miyu’s request to soothe Michiru. It… wasn’t my place to do it. And I certainly shouldn’t have listened to their pleas to teach them the Fae way of… damn it…” I tossed back the whiskey in one gulp, frustrated. “…I’ll just call it Fae sex, that’s what it is. It’s like trying to claim Dual Cultivation isn’t sexual. Worst thing is… I’m lying to myself that I didn’t know it. I mean, I’ve experienced it enough, though… honestly, with Miyu and Michiru, it was incredibly intense. It’s the disparity. Even though Miyu’s Chakras strengthened due to the Dance, she hadn’t time to fill up, so I caught them within me like flotsam in a whirlpool, and… I felt their feelings. I’m still glad I never crossed that final line, though.”

“Are… are we not good enough?” Michiru was downcast, and I shook my head.

“It’s got nothing to do with that. It wasn’t the right way or the right moment. If that was what you needed, I could have taught the pair of you properly, in a more suitable situation and environment, not… not that. Miyu… honestly, yes, I’m attracted to her…”

“Not me?” Michiru’s expression was mortified, and I sighed.

“You’re cute, Michiru, at least when you’re not being… well, yourself, but Miyu ticks an awful lot of my boxes, and… I guess I do feel rather possessive of her now. “

“Understandable. I feel… I feel happy to be possessed by a firm hand. But… I never said so. I was underhanded. I would like to claim that the leftovers from the Dance clouded my judgement, and they undoubtedly did, but… Michiru and I had premeditated it all. Instead of… simply speaking to you about it.”

“Yeah. I know it’s hard to…” I smiled at Yu-mi and the others. “I… can’t pretend anymore. “…but I also can’t be other than myself. Eri, you didn’t think I should feel bad because I stopped and they didn’t lose anything. That’s true, I suppose, but… I’m upset at myself because I didn’t stay true to myself. I let the moment and my Bonds, my Connections, strangle me. Honestly… I think this was extremely valuable an experience though, and… that’s the core of my guilt.”

“I see. So, I’m going to ask…” Even though I can see your thoughts and emotions, I still make mistakes, don’t I? Eri’s thoughts were contrite, but firm. I’m going to be honest since you are. It is blindingly stupid to be upset about Miyu-san and Michiru-san’s relationship. If it’s jealousy, it’s cute though. Just as you can love me, Hinata, Yukiko… Miyu-san can love Michiru-san and you, and Michiru Miyu-san and you. So long as everyone is happy and enters with eyes open… it’d be awkward if you only accepted one of them, for sure, but… yeah. I find it charming, I guess. You’re still the Akio I’ve always known, deep down. I’m also relieved. But again, I’m sorry I thought I was supporting you.

It’s fine. And it’s not a case of accepting or not, is it? I’m feeling sorrow because I… let’s be honest, ended up using them to my own benefit, and worse, in the heat of the moment, I didn’t think of their own love at all, only them, how I felt. It’s not even… well, shit, no lies. I do feel lie a bastard. I touched them naked, kissed them, Fae-fucked them, and they drank my cum…

A charming image. I get it. You feel responsible…

The worst thing is, I can’t take responsibility, Otherwise we can never have a true relationship. Through them I discovered the danger of a Path. It’s not merely using Bonds, it’s being almost constrained by them too. Like the Fae and their relationship with Oaths and Boons. So yes, I’m going to have to be careful what I promise now, who I tie with the Bonds that are essential to us all, and perhaps to Earth’s survival. I… hate that I had to take advantage of two naïve yet wonderful young women to see that. I mean, if I brought them in normally, I wouldn’t feel this way. I’d be fine with it, nothing but a faint trace of guilt. Because… not now, maybe not soon, but…

I know. I’m not merely trying to be annoying when I say I check out everyone. I know who is worth your love, and our support. I know who isn’t too, so be careful, okay?

“Akio… please say it out loud, now. So that we all know where you stand, and so… Miyu and Michiru…” She left off their honorifics, which was telling. “…can be honest too.”

“Sorry. I was pulled by the Bonds and Connections we shared. That’s not an excuse, though that’s also not the entire reason.” I swallowed, feeling shame. “I wanted you both in that moment as well. For a brief moment, I just wanted to take you both, and I didn’t even think of the possibility it could damage the love you shared, that it would rob you of any future choices but to be mine, due to the way you were raised, who you both are. And that’s my largest burden and feeling of sorrow. Miyu, your Dance was shameful and beautiful, and your passion… I felt it keenly. Michiru… you’re… uh… yeah.”

“Don’t do that to me!” she was so incensed that she was back to her previous more colloquial accent, still refined, yet less ornate. “You lusted after me, I know! If not, I’ll have to strip here and…”

“Michiru!” Miyu intoned, and she halted, face red, even as she was unzipping her tracksuit top, revealing a plain t-shirt (but no bra, nipples hard) underneath. “That does not help. Akio has been honest, so we shall too.” She smiled, taking my hand. “Just as the rather… brave… Korean seniors… have declared their true intent, so shall we. I genuinely do not regret the experience. It will remain a beautiful memory to me, and if you had taken my physical virginity too, I would have had no complaints, and… felt some measure of calm, I anticipate. Michiru… honestly, handling her alone is a trial. I love her dearly, but… I would very much like to share that chore with you.” She then winked, a charming gesture. “More to the point, I believe I could very much enjoy being one of your wives. And I would be a good wife to you too. After all, it is what I was raised for, though that is far from why I wish to do it. And… sadly, as Michiru is, I believe I too am a lewd woman, though not as extreme as her. You are… the perfect man to handle us, and… we both genuinely have feelings. But…”

She turned to Eri, Hinata and Yukiko and bowed. Michiru did the same. “…our cowardice and lack of understanding of him caused pain to you all, and to him. I thought… that how could he resist? And that he would be delighted to indulge with us. I was wrong, and belittled him, and you. Therefore… we shall step back. But…” She turned to be, black eyes staring into mine. “…for avoidance of doubt, Michiru and I… we are prepared to take that final step any time you wish, and much, much more. Our affection for you is great. You… find it hard, even now, to believe how so many of us can fall for you… but it is simple.”

“It sure is.” Hinata chuckled. “Akio, think of all the support you’ve given the two of them. How you’ve pulled them out of the depths of despair, given them purpose.”

“It helps you’re handsome and kind.” Yukiko agreed. “Even if you feel rotten. In your place, knowing that as Eri had, we’d understand and forgive… few would have hesitated to go further, claim them fully, so that there was no going back for them.”

“Just… be open. That’s all we ask. Oh, and… definitely don’t wallow. I’m no longer telling you not to feel guilty, it’s just…” she looked around, and everyone nodded. “I don’t think, honestly, you need to feel as bad as you do. I know you’re imagining one of us in the same situation, flirting around and messing with other men, but… at the end of the day, Akio, you’re the one we chose. And I’m the only one to gets to complain, sorry Yukiko.”

“It’s fine. You’re right. But… you actually don’t get to, considering you’re the start of all this, do you?” she replied, and Eri chuckled.

“No, I don’t. I made my choice that day, when I used the promise Shaeula got from Akio to make him love us both. Like everyone here. Oh, sorry Haru-san…”

“Oh, don’t mind me. I’m dead to the conversation, I promise. So, Miyu-chan, Michiru-chan, you talked of offering your bodies, but… that’s not what you wanted to say, is it?”

“No.” Miyu agreed. “Michiru and I, we will work hard, until you can see us without guilt, but with desire. And from your earlier words, see that it is indeed out choice, not forced on us by your actions, and also… that our love will remain intact and unbroken. And that… it is not through obligation or circumstance, but pure honesty. And… like our seniors here…” She nodded at Yu-mi, whose smile was rueful. “…we will declare that intent now, so there are no misunderstandings. But I can be patient. I will fill in the moat, seek aid from others, and charm you in due course. Without the aid of connections or bonds, since you clearly feel compelled to honour those. I shall not relinquish those I have though. Lovers’ Link is sweet. Even now, your care for me burns.”

“I am not patient, not like Miyu-sama, but…” Michiru grumbled, diction back to normal. “I am still grateful. And I regret nothing… or rather, nothing that happened. I regret what did not…”

“That’s Michiru-chan, it seems.” Haru smiled softly. “I guess I don’t need to go into details with what you should have done after all. You know it yourself. Calm them down, resist temptation and talk it over like adults. But… I guess a combination of, as you say, pull from your own Bonds, the lingering heat of Ame-no-Uzume’s Dance, Miyu-chan and Michiru-chan’s blatant appeal… sex appeal too, I guess… and I’ll not discount your own lustful ways, Akio… it’s impossible for you to remain a herbivore when you feast on fine steak most nights…”

I flushed, quite hammered now, as Haru made such a shocking analogy.

Don’t mind me. I’m just amused, honestly. But also a little proud. Because you’ve got the ideas in your mind, haven’t you? Of what you need to do…

“…and again, with Eri-chan here being a little too hung up on forgiveness… I get it was hard to resist. But you are a man who can be firm, aren’t you?” Haru finished off with words.

“Yes. And you can all be my witnesses. From now on, I’m not going to overpromise. Don’t mistake me!” I insisted. “I’m still going to help those that need it, offer aid, and… yeah, I have a bit of a white-knight complex, I know it. I don’t want to change who I am, but… no more blank cheques.”

“Wise. Though if you want to write out a last batch, we’re all right here, darling.” Soo-ah teased. “But no, we won’t be the ones to undermine your resolve.”

“There are those women I have affection for, even now.” I admitted. “And those who have it for me. I have to draw the line somewhere, I know that. But I need to approach them all fairly. That includes you all.” I bowed to each of the women at the table, barring Haru.

“I guess, I’m saying, I can’t be easy anymore. I haven’t even solved the problem of my split attention’s. So… only those who make a genuine, ‘small-c’ connection with me, I’ll consider. After all, as Haru says, I’m already stuffed with prime steak every night, why do I need to eat a half-frozen hamburger on an already full stomach?”

“Fortunately, we’re all quality meat.” Yu-mi joined in on the metaphor. “But… yes, I think it’s for the best. Take your time, but be strict, both with yourself, and those who pursue you.”

“Then it is well I have given up my defeatist ways.” Miyu laughed. “I would ask one favour though. One that is not onerous, I assure you.”

“Go on then…” I let her speak, and she took my hand, pressing it to her lips. When she was done, she sighed.

“That will sustain me for a while. No, at the Tengokusentou rededication ritual, I shall Dance, but… I was hoping afterwards you and the women I aspire to join, one day, when I am worthy and have caught your ardour and heart, can come afterwards to listen to me play the piano, and dance again. I need to appeal my many charms, I suppose.” She was scarlet now. “Even now, honestly with a man is rough, yet… as you will learn, so shall I.”

“I’d love to.” I smiled. “That’s a promise I don’t mind writing that cheque for.”

“Then it is… as you say, a date. Michiru shall be there too. I do find it amusing though, that you were wary and jealous of our affection. That is delightfully hypocritical…”

“Don’t I know it. I’m only going to ask one more time, I promise, do I need to apologise…?”

“No.” Miyu insisted yet again. “It was indeed magical for me, for Michiru. So even if you feel sorry, we will not. We have our pride.”

Fine then. I get it now. I need rules to live by, when it comes to women. This was… a huge wakeup call. I think… I think if I’d have gone all the way with them, I wouldn’t have been able to stop, and I’d start getting more and more greedy, needing less and less of an invitation to indugle. And that’s not fair to anyone. No… I needed to see everyone else, and those around me, with clear eyes. I’m not going to reject mutual love, but nor am I going to cave in and accept just anyone. There’s no need to rush. Once Pilgrimage is over… I’ll have time to think very carefully, and also talk very carefully with everyone, about this. And I think…

Lovers’ Link… it was far too good to neglect, but like I’d done for my sis and created Brother’s Bond, perhaps I needed to come up with a less… emotionally charged… Connection. Because, yes, as I shaped Connections, they shaped me in return. Perhaps it’s the Dao, like Daiyu talks about…

***

“So yes, we’re almost ready.” Yu-mi was saying, and Hinata was nodding eagerly, in her role as Adamant High Commander. Eri was sitting beside me, Yukiko on my other flank, leaning her head against me, contented, while Eri’s tail kept playing with my leg. I was extremely drunk, a rare experience, but… after finally being truthful and coming to a firm conclusion on just how I would have to approach relationships in the future, lest disasters like Miyu and Michiru, and their clumsy attempt to express their own emotions, happened again and again, and all trust and affection I shared, all Bonds and Connections, were shattered by constant sorrow and regrets.

Bonds and Connections are strong, but they can be severed. If allowed to tangle together carelessly. It was a painful lesson, but honestly… I’m saved by the fact that Miyu and Michiru don’t regret it. Otherwise I would be wracked by guilt. Now… now we move on, and don’t look back.

“Ji-hye here has no chance against her brothers in a straight fight…”

“Yes. My oppa-deul might be trash, as Violet-unni says…” Ji-hye’s scowl was quite intimidating. “…with their A-rank a fiction, but even B-rank have stats I can’t match. But… I can still win…”

“Yes.” As they talked, my glass was empty, but Miyu, moving as though she was in a kimono, even in a tracksuit, elegance personified, noticed, and refilled my glass to the brim. She then nodded at me and returned to her own seat.

“She’s got real girl-power, has Miyu.” Eri noted. “Now she’s set aside her shyness and insecurity, she’ll be a menace.” She then paused. “At least she’s a cute menace. Michiru is of a quite different sort.” Eri glanced witheringly at her, as she was clutching her leg, rubbing at it. She’d carefully been worming her way around the table until she was close enough, then she’d reached out for my groin with her feet, intending to give me a footjob, I presumed, but Eri had kicked her hard, and told her I wouldn’t be won over by mere physical pleasure. Which is true. I mean, after that, Eri’s tail dallied there a while, just enough to show off and get me hot and bothered. Ugh… wow, guess I’d best stop being drunk now…

“The thing is, Yeom Kang-Dae and Yeom Tae-Yong are both arrogant. I never liked them much…” Soo-ah was saying, as I purged the alcohol, instantly regaining my clarity. Of course, the downside of that was that my bladder instantly filled up uncomfortably.

“But here, we have the advantage of pooled resources and knowledge.” Yu-mi grinned. “And as your Marquise, I shall give my all to see you win!”

“That’s the spirit!” Hinata giggled. “So, light element seems the best bet for sudden disabling strikes. But…”

As they plotted, I rose to my feet. “Sorry, have to use the bathroom.” As I stepped out into the main area, I could see that the crowd was thinning out, many of them having retired back to their rooms, where they’d enter the Boundary, and then Arisu-san would transport everyone to my Territory to welcome in the upgrade.

Quickly reaching the toilet, I relaxed, letting out a thick stream of urine, feeling the relief. “It’s odd, I guess on the Material, even a Faeduine body is mostly Materially orientated…”

Behind me, the door opened, and with my expanded vision, I saw… the hell…?  Instinctively I turned, splashing the wall with piss, before my expression hardened.

“I think you’ve got the wrong room, young lady. This is the men’s toilet…”