She tried to see through Rei Ao's intentionsbut his next words struck her like lightning.
"For instance, why is it that you, who are supposed to be their mother, are still avirgin?"
"!!!"
Mrs. Yukinoshita's body jolted. For a split second, her pupils shrank. Even though her heart was in utter turmoil, she forced herself to remain composed on the surface.
"Rei Ao-kun, do you realize you're talking nonsense?"
She was testing him to see if he was simply making things up. But Rei Ao wasn't falling for it.
"Madam, there's no need to pretend with me."
"If I wanted to, my sight could see straight through your clothes, down to your organs."
Not only thatif he wanted to, his heightened senses could pick up everything. For example, he could smell the faintest trace of blood that a normal person would never detect, which told him that she was on her period right now.
"You're a virgin, which is an undeniable fact."
"Think about it: if Yukino and Haruno found out that their own mother is still a virgin, how do you think they'd react?"
The fallout would be enormous. Even Eriri and Mai (other women in Rei Ao's orbit) hadn't handled such revelations calmly; they'd gone through quite a bit of angst before eventually accepting the situation.
"I imagine you'd rather not face a scene like that, would you?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita was stunned, staring at Rei Ao in disbelief. Could there really be someone with X-ray vision?
Under normal circumstances, she would've dismissed it as nonsensebut given what she'd already witnessed, it was hard to deny.
This man possessed abilities far beyond an ordinary person's comprehension: magic, superhuman strength, teleportation, mind-to-mind communication Any single one of those would be earth-shattering to a normal human. So, X-ray-like vision was not unthinkable.
Facing Rei Ao's half-lidded, smiling gaze, she felt as though he could see right through her, inside and out. A powerful sense of being scrutinized coursed through her, making her so uneasy she crossed one leg over the other to shield a certain area.
"Huh?"
Haruno noticed her mother's less-than-elegant posture and felt confused; she'd never seen her adopt such a pose in front of a guest. But she had no mental space to dwell on itthere was already an odd tension in the air, apparently because of her.
Haruno desperately wanted to ease that tension. She didn't want Yukino, Rei Ao, and their mother's relationship to grow strained on account of her. She was even thinking of how to interrupt this conversation when
"Fine!"
Mrs. Yukinoshita suddenly spoke up, instantly drawing everyone's eyes to her. Taking a deep look at Rei Ao, she clenched her teeth, attempting to steady herself against the sensation of his penetrating gaze.
"Fine, I agree to Yukino's request."
"I won't force Haruno into any arranged marriage. She's free to pursue whatever love life she wants."
"Not only thatI'll give her the right to choose for herself whether she wants to shoulder the Yukinoshita family's responsibilities."
Indeed, she had capitulated. No matter how cold or distant she might seem to her two "daughters," Mrs. Yukinoshita's heart wouldn't lie about the love she felt for them, both of whom she had taken in.
Because of the duties of the Yukinoshita family, she had been forced to select one of them to take her place in leading the household. Only one could have relative freedom, a reality that had always been a bitter pill for her.
But at this moment, she saw a different path. Perhaps Rei Ao was a turning point. Maybe, with his special abilities, the Yukinoshita family could change.
"Huh?"
Haruno was dumbfoundednever in her life had she seen her mother back down about this issue.
For a split second, her mind went blank, replaced by a feeling of total release, as though a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders and with it, an overwhelming sense of confusion.
She'd spent so many years pushing herself for her sister's sake, seeing Yukino's future as her own, leaving no room for her personal desires.
But now Yukino had a powerful, unique man to protect her. She no longer needed Haruno's protection.
So, what was left for her to work toward? As for love, Haruno hardly cared about menshe'd met all sorts and wasn't interested in any. Well, almost any. One exception existed.
Her eyes flicked involuntarily to Rei Ao. There was something distinct about him from the start. She'd initially assumed he was just a schoolboy in Yukino's class, someone she could manipulate as a "spy" by Yukino's side.
Then she found out he'd not only set his sights on Ms. Shizuka but had actually won her over. That flipped Haruno's impression of him upside down, from "helpless little lamb" to "big bad wolf."
And now? More than just a big bad wolfhe was like a superhuman who could even overpower her mother.
Every time she met Rei Ao, her perspective of him changed, each time leaving her more astonished. So far, he was the single most extraordinary man she'd ever encountered. But he belonged to Yukino.
""
Suddenly, in that swirl of thoughts, a lightbulb seemed to go off in Haruno's mind. Her eyebrows drew together. Wait, something's not right. Something feels off. Searching her memory for the discrepancy, she soon found it.
Her pupils widened in realization.
Didn't he also get together with Shizuka?
Yes! Rei Ao had captured Shizuka's heart. So how had he now gone and declared himself Yukino's boyfriend? Could they be putting on an act?
No, that was impossible. Knowing her sister, the emotion in her eyes was genuine, and that kiss was realtoo real. They'd gone at it for over ten minutes, nearly suffocating each other. That kind of intensity couldn't be faked.
The only conclusion Haruno could draw was:
Her gaze bored into Rei Ao with sudden intensity.
He's a jerk who's toying with women's feelings!
~~~
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Chapter 449: Aftermath, Erica and Fubuki thoughts about Trading...
"Mother, thank you."
Yukino felt relieved to hear her mother promise not to force Haruno into an arranged marriage.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Yukinoshita wanted to say that Yukino should also be thanking her own boyfrienda boyfriend who'd threatened her with X-ray vision and could read her thoughts.
And perhaps she should even thank herself, too. By taking such a remarkable man as her boyfriend, maybe the Yukinoshita family would benefit.
"If there's nothing else, then let's head back," Rei Ao suggested.
"Wait," Yukino cut in. "I'd like to stay here"
Given everything that had happened at the house, Yukino wanted to remain overnight.
Mrs. Yukinoshita spoke up at the same time:
"It's already quite late. If you don't mind, Rei Ao-kun, you're welcome to stay here for the night as well."
Her main concern was the possibility of more demons showing up. Having Rei Ao remain would ease her nerves.
"Sure," Rei Ao said. He wasn't in any rush to get home.
Later, Mrs. Yukinoshita led Rei Ao to the guest room.
"Rei Ao-kun, how's this?"
"Wow, your guest room looks fancier than most people's master bedrooms. This'll do fine."
"That's good. We've prepared freshly laundered clothes for you over here."
A small smile curved her lips.
"Thanks."
Noticing she hadn't left, Rei Ao asked:
"Aren't you going to rest, Madam?"
""
She hesitated, then said,
"About that secret of mine you won't reveal it, will you?"
"Heh."
Rei Ao grinned. So that's what was making her uncomfortable.
"I've already told youonce I promise something, I see it through. Unless you yourself tell others, no one will learn about yoursecret."
There was no way she would bring it up on her own. With that, Mrs. Yukinoshita let out the breath she'd been holding.
"If that's the case, then that's all I need to hear. Get some rest, Rei Ao-kun."
She turned away. Rei Ao watched her graceful figure swaying down the corridor, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Yukino, your mother sure seems lonely."
"Wow, so it was all real after all"
Back in her own world, Erica realized a full day had passed since she'd gone to Haruhi Sei's world.
That alone confirmed she had truly crossed between worlds. A turbulent range of emotions surged through her. Once she calmed down, she resolved to keep it a secret.
She had several reasons. Firstly, even if she told her family or people at the Bronze-Black Cross, trying to explain it without mentioning the chat group would be next to impossibleand they might not even believe her.
Secondly, there was no need to tell anyone else. No one else could follow her to another world, anyway.
The chat group was her own secret. Finally, Rei Ao and his trades She considered them to be her trump card. After all, if he could defeat Godslayers and rogue deities, how powerful must he be?
"If I could have him protect the Bronze-Black Cross or my family"
Erica's eyes flickered with ambition. She started making quiet plans. But she might've chosen the wrong target, for Rei Ao wouldn't be so easily swayed by anyone's schemes.
Elsewhere, Fubuki had also returned to her original world.
She still felt dazed, remembering the rush of that brief moment of overwhelming power. She murmured under her breath:
"Oh, how I wish I could keep that strength forever"
Alas, the price for such strength was more than she could pay so casually. Selling her body in return? She couldn't do that.
"Sigh"
Letting out a deep sigh, she returned to the Blizzard Group headquarters. The second she stepped in, she realized something was off: all her subordinates were staring at her in either shock or joy.
"What's with those looks?"
"Boss, you're finally back!!!"
The Blizzard Group let out a collective cheer.
""
Fubuki was taken aback at how they all clung to each other in celebration, while she stood there with a dark cloud overhead.
"What happened? Someone explain."
One subordinate stepped forward and recounted everything that had transpired during her absence.
Turns out that during the day she'd spent in another world, the Blizzard Group believed she'd gone missing. They searched desperately for herand in the process, they happened to cross paths with her sister, Tatsumaki.
Upon hearing that Fubuki had vanished, Tatsumaki flew into a rage, nearly tearing the city apart with her psychic powers in the search.
Being S-Class Rank 2, Tatsumaki was basically unstoppable. Unable to find her sister, she openly declared that if Fubuki wasn't located within three days, the entire city would "pay the price." Everyone was in a panic.
""
Fubuki listened in silence. A swirl of mixed emotions raged inside her. She never imagined her sister would do so much for her. She had always felt envy and jealousy toward Tatsumaki, but hearing this made her feel guilty.
"Soshould we tell her you're back?" the underling asked carefully, swallowing nervously.
"Yeah, I suppose so."
Fubuki dismissed them with a wave. After a moment's hesitation, she dialed the number she hadn't used in a long whileTatsumaki's.
"Hello?! Fubuki, is that you?!"
The call was answered almost instantly, revealing how frantic Tatsumaki had been. Warmth flooded Fubuki's heart.
"Yes, it's me, Sister. I wasn't missingI just went somewhere, but I'm back now."
""
Silence followed for a few seconds. Then Tatsumaki's voice cut in again:
"Hmph! A weakling like you shouldn't go wandering off on your own. Just stay put so you don't cause me trouble! Whatever, at least you're not dead. I'm busycan't waste time on you."
"Seriously, you have no idea how hard it is for me"
She scolded her a bit more before abruptly hanging up.
"Grrr!!!"
Fubuki accidentally crushed her phone in anger. She'd felt guilty a moment ago, but just a few sentences from Tatsumaki slapped her with all the usual labels she loathed.
Weak, powerless, holding everyone back
Fury flared inside. Any lingering guilt had disappeared.
"Just you wait! I'm going to surpass you!"
Right then, the hurtful words from her sister had only kindled her desire to grow stronger. She almost wanted to contact Rei Ao straight away and complete a trade to gain powerand then challenge Tatsumaki in a showdown.
Still, she managed to keep herself in check for now.
~~~
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Chapter 450: How to Educate Children... (Bonus Chapter)
In the chat group:
Mabel: "Something terrible's happened! Something terrible!"
Sui: "Is it really necessary to get all worked up in the middle of the night?"
Mabel: "It's Yukino! She's gone missing!"
Frieren: "Didn't Yukino live right next door to Rei Ao? How could she go missing?"
Tohru: "I checked. Indeed, Yukino's aura isn't next door right now."
Mabel: "Right?! Right?! I got up for a nighttime snackwent to peek at Yukino's roomher light was on, but she was nowhere to be seen! And I searched the whole place!"
Frieren: "So Yukino really disappeared?"
Rei Ao: "No, she went home."
Mabel: "How do you know?"
Rei Ao: "It could be that we went back together."
Back in Yukino's bedroom, she'd just climbed into bed when she felt someone on her right side. She turned and saw Rei Ao smiling at her, which made her tense.
"Y-you My mother and sister are in the next room."
"Heh, Yukino, why are you so jumpy? I only dropped by to let Mabel, who was looking for you in the group, know that you're fine."
Rei Ao: [Image]
He sent a snapshot of him and Yukino together.
Mabel: "Huh?"
Tohru: "Ah, so Rei Ao isn't home either."
Frieren: "I thought so. If Rei Ao's next door, there's no way Yukino would've disappeared silently."
Mikoto Misaka: "Wait, Yukino went home, so what are you two doing right now?"
Sui: "Right, it looks like Rei Ao is with Yukino."
Frieren: "Mmm-hmm. They're clearly lying in bed."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "Don't jump to weird conclusions. My sister and mother were attacked by a demon from another world earlier, and Rei Ao came to help. He's staying at our house tonight."
Frieren: "I see."
Fubuki: "A demon?"
Erica: "Wait, so your world has beings from other worlds popping in?"
Frieren: "Their world is somewhat special; it seems to have connections to other realms, so occasionally monsters and such come through."
Erica: "I see That sounds really troublesome."
Rei Ao: "It's nothing compared to the disasters in your worlds, with monsters and Heretic Gods. Just minor stuff."
