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Chapter 323: Chapter 319 ~ Dream

Yuuji awoke early, the soft rays of dawn slipping through the shōji screens and painting the room in pale gold.

Warmth surrounded him — not just from the futon beneath, but from the familiar, comforting weight of several sleeping figures draped across him.

The girls mustʼve moved during the night, whether consciously or not.

Aika lay sprawled on his chest, her face nuzzled into the curve of his neck, her soft breath tickling his skin. Her voluptuous figure pressed snugly against him, every slow inhale and exhale synchronized with his heartbeat.

To his left and right, Albedo and C.C. clung to his arms, their grips gentle yet possessive.

Erika had somehow migrated closer during the night, her hair tousled and one hand resting near his shoulder.

Rias, meanwhile, slept peacefully beside them, her crimson hair spread like silk across the pillow, her breathing slow and even.

For a moment, Yuuji simply lay there, smiling quietly at the sight. The soft rhythm of their breathing, the faint scent of floral shampoo and linen — it was a rare, peaceful moment.

He stirred slightly, and the girls began to wake one by one.

”Good morning, girls,” he said softly, his voice low and warm.

”Mmm… Hubby… so early…” Aika murmured sleepily. 

She squirmed a little, then decided against moving entirely, burrowing back into his chest and sighing contently.

C.C. cracked one golden eye open, gave a languid glance his way, and muttered, ”...Iʼm going back to sleep,” before promptly doing exactly that.

Albedo, on the other hand, stirred gracefully. She rubbed her eyes, her usual poise softened by drowsiness.

”Good morning, my love…” she whispered, her golden eyes half-lidded but glowing with affection. 

It was an unusually tender sight — Albedo rarely slept, usually relying on her Ring of Sustenance to continue her tireless devotion to him. Seeing her like this, vulnerable and still half-dreaming, made Yuujiʼs chest warm.

Erika sat up next, yawning and stretching, her hair in delightful disarray. 

”You woke up so early… what time is it, even? Five?”

She was usually the first to wake up for her regular morning exercise. Yuuji often slept in, usually because he had just slept after a long night with the girls. 

”Something like that,” Yuuji replied, smiling faintly. 

”I plan to visit Akeno and her mother for a bit — maybe make breakfast for them. Could you let Rias know to get ready for our date when she wakes up?”

Erika followed his gaze toward Rias, who was still sound asleep, her soft breathing calm and steady. She smiled, her voice dropping to a fond whisper.

”She was so nervous last night she barely got any sleep… and with all the crying after what happened, she wonʼt be up for a while.”

”Then Iʼll leave her in your care,” Yuuji said gently.

”Got it,” Erika replied, smiling faintly.

He leaned down, pressing soft kisses on the foreheads of Aika, C.C., and Albedo, lingering briefly as if to memorize the quiet peace on their faces. Carefully, he eased Aika off his chest and tucked the blanket around her before slipping free from their embrace.

Then, turning to Erika, he brushed a strand of her hair aside and kissed her softly.

Finally, he knelt beside Rias, his hand gently stroking her head as he whispered.

”Iʼll be heading out now. See you later, girls. Love you.”

”Mm… love you too,” Erika murmured, smiling.

Albedo, still half-asleep, reached out for him one last time and whispered.

”Have a safe trip, my love. I love you too.”

He smiled warmly. ”I will.”

After washing up, Yuuji moved to the kitchen. The faint aroma of roasted tea filled the air as he began preparing breakfast — rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki.

His movements were fluid and unhurried, every motion practiced, almost meditative. He prepared extra portions, neatly packed them into lacquered bento boxes for Akeno and her mother.

Once everything was ready, he changed from his to a white t-shirt, a cream outer collared shirt, and cream-colored pants, took one last look at the peaceful scene of his sleeping companions, and whispered a quiet spell.

”[Gate].”

A swirl of void and darkness enveloped him — and in the blink of an eye, Yuuji vanished, reappearing at the tranquil shrine where Akeno and Shuri awaited the morningʼs first light.

The moment Yuuji stepped through the whirling darkness of the [Gate], the quiet serenity of the shrine grounds shifted.

In perfect unison, six radiant Cherubim Gatekeepers and six demon lords materialized from light and shadow alike — twelve towering figures forming two columns on either side of the stone path.

Their arrival was silent yet overwhelming, the air thick with divine and infernal power.

As one, they lowered themselves to their knees, their voices echoing through the still morning air like a sacred chant.

””We welcome our lord.””

Those who were capable of speech, carried with them a voice and tone full of reverence and devotion of worship. Those who werenʼt, made sounds like that of a tamed beast before its master.

Yuujiʼs expression remained calm as he stepped forward, his footsteps light upon the stone, his presence radiating quiet authority. 

The faint morning mist curled around his figure as he walked between them toward the shrineʼs entrance.

”Anything to report?” his voice resonated, smooth and steady, yet carrying the weight of command.

The demon in the tattered bounty hunterʼs garb — a lean, shadowed figure with bandaged eyes and skeletal wings — bowed lower.

”None, my lord. There has been no magical disturbance within ten kilometers of this shrine. We have also detected no suspicious individuals in the vicinity.”

”Good.” Yuujiʼs tone softened slightly, but his eyes glowed faintly with golden light. 

”Remain vigilant. Should anything or anyone with ill intent approach…”

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the assembled guardians of heaven and abyss.

”Dispose of them.”

””As you command!””

The unified response thundered through the air like the clash of divine bells and infernal drums.

Yuuji gave a small nod and continued toward the entrance of the shrine, the faint whisper of his robes brushing against the stone as he passed.

Only when his figure disappeared beyond the sliding door did the assembled beings lift their heads.

Without another word, they dispersed with silent precision — the Cherubim spreading their wings to reinforce the barrier above, while the demon lords melted back into flame and shadow, each returning to their station.

Soon, the shrine was peaceful once again — but beneath that tranquil surface lay twelve titans of unimaginable might, standing guard under the First Lightʼs command.

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The morning light filtered softly through the paper windows of the shrine, painting the tatami mats in gentle shades of gold. 

Akeno and Shuri had woken up, but neither sat up. Still laying under the covers, the mother and daughter laid side by side just like they would in the past, their hands intertwined as if afraid that letting go would make this fragile miracle fade away.

”It isnʼt a dream… right, Mama?” Akeno whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she looked at her motherʼs face — warm, alive, and smiling.

Shuri gently cupped her daughterʼs cheek, brushing away a tear that had escaped down her smooth skin.

”No, my little Akeno,” she murmured tenderly. ”This time… itʼs real.”

She could barely believe it herself… 

After that night… She never thought sheʼd be able to see her daughter again. And to see her grown up so beautifully… It was the greatest miracle of her life. 

The air was serene, touched with the scent of incense and morning dew — until the soft sound of footsteps reached their ears.

A knock. 

Then, the sliding door opened quietly, revealing Yuuji standing at the threshold. The early sunlight framed him like a halo, his calm smile bringing warmth to the room.

The instant Akeno saw him, she sprang up and opened her arms wide..

”Yuuji!”

He approached with a smile and fell into her embrace, holding her close as her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Their eyes met for a brief, tender heartbeat before Akeno pressed her lips to his.

Shuri blinked in surprise, then covered her mouth, her laughter soft and lilting like chimes in the wind.

”My, my~ Akeno, youʼve grown bold, havenʼt you?”

”Ah-! M-Mama!” Akeno pulled back slightly, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, though she refused to let go of Yuujiʼs arm.

Yuuji chuckled quietly, his hand brushing a strand of her hair aside. 

”Good morning, Akeno. Good morning, Himejima-san.”

”Good morning, Yuuji-kun,” Shuri greeted warmly, still amused by the scene. 

”Iʼve prepared breakfast. You should both wash up first. Iʼll set up breakfast in the meantime.”

Akenoʼs eyes lit up instantly. ”Breakfast? Did you—”

”Yes,” Yuuji replied with a small grin. 

”I brought something special for both of you.”

Shuri blinked in surprise. 

”Oh, Yuuji-kun, you didnʼt have to go through the trouble of buying breakfast for us. I can cook something simple after we—”

Yuuji shook his head softly, his tone kind yet firm. 

”You misunderstand, Himejima-san. I didnʼt buy it. I made it myself.”

”You… cooked it yourself?” she repeated, genuinely taken aback.

”Yes. And you should rest as much as possible.” 

His gaze softened, filled with quiet understanding. 

”Even though your resurrection came without pain or burden, your body still needs time to adjust. Itʼs only natural.”

Shuri opened her mouth to protest, but Akeno quickly took her hands, smiling brightly. 

”Mama, you have to try Yuujiʼs cooking! Itʼs absolutely amazing — even better than some professional chefs Iʼve met!”

”Akeno…”

”Please~?” she pleaded, her voice playful yet full of warmth. 

”Youʼve worked hard enough, Mama. Let him spoil us this once.”

Shuri looked between her daughterʼs pleading expression and Yuujiʼs gentle, reassuring smile — and finally sighed in mock defeat.

”Alright, alright. Iʼll take your word for it, my dear.”

”Yay~!” 

Akeno hugged her mother again before leading her toward the bathroom.

As they disappeared down the hall, Yuuji smiled softly to himself and began setting out the breakfast heʼd prepared — delicate grilled fish, steaming miso soup, freshly cooked rice, and an assortment of pickles, all arranged with the elegance of a traditional Japanese meal.

The morning breeze carried the faint aroma of warmth and care throughout the shrine — a scent that made even the gods and demons standing guard outside pause, reminded of the humanity and love their master held within his heart.

Akeno and Shuri soon returned to the table, both of them looking refreshed. 

The table was already set—delicate plates of grilled salmon, rolled omelets, miso soup, freshly steamed rice, and a small selection of fruit arranged with the precision of an artisan.

Shuri blinked in disbelief. 

”Y-Yuuji-kun… you made all of this?”

Yuuji smiled modestly. 

”Of course. Please, have a seat. Everythingʼs still warm.”

They both sat down, and Akeno eagerly picked up her chopsticks, her eyes sparkling. 

”Youʼll love this, Mom. Yuujiʼs cooking is the best.”

”Oh really~? So heʼs better than me~?”

Shuriʼs eyes narrowed in fake, teasing anger. And Akeno immediately corrected herself.

”Eh? Of course, I mean heʼs the best only after you, mama~”

”Good.”

Shuri chuckled softly at her daughterʼs excitement and took a bite of the salmon. 

The moment it touched her tongue, her eyes widened. The flavor—perfectly balanced between rich umami and a hint of sweetness—was unlike anything she had ever tasted before. 

The texture melted delicately, as if each grain of flavor had been carefully coaxed into harmony.

”This… this is incredible…” she murmured, putting her hand to her lips in astonishment. 

”Iʼve never tasted anything like this before.”

Akeno grinned proudly, looking between her mother and Yuuji. 

”See? I told you.”

Yuuji chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. 

”Iʼm glad itʼs to your liking. I wanted your first meal back to feel warm… and alive.”

Shuri looked down, a faint shimmer of emotion in her eyes. 

”Thank you, Yuuji-kun… truly.”

After breakfast, Yuuji began clearing the table.

”Iʼll take care of the dishes,” he said gently. 

”You both should rest a bit. Spend a relaxing day together.”

But as he was about to leave, Akeno stood and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She looked up into his eyes, her expression filled with both affection and gratitude.

”Thank you for everything, Yuuji…” she whispered before pulling him down for a soft kiss.

Shuri smiled quietly from her seat, her eyes warm as she watched the two of them—her daughterʼs happiness was unmistakable.

When they finally parted, Akeno gave him a teasing little pout. 

”Now, go take care of Rias, okay? Donʼt make her wait too long.”

Yuuji smiled and nodded. ”Iʼll be back soon.”

Then, with one last affectionate glance at both Akeno and Shuri, he left the shrine—his figure fading into the morning light as he made his way toward his next meeting.

As the sliding door closed behind Yuuji, silence lingered for a moment in the room—only the faint chirping of birds and the rustling of morning wind filled the air.

Then, Shuri turned to her daughter, a curious expression forming on her face.

”Akeno… What did you mean earlier? Yuujiʼs going on a date with another girl?” she asked softly, tilting her head.

Akeno blinked, then smiled—a warm, serene smile that reflected both affection and understanding. 

”Ah… yes. With Rias. Sheʼs… my best friend. The king of the peerage Iʼm in. And… well, I guess you can say weʼre sisters.”

Shuri froze. 

”Sisters…?”

Akeno giggled, seeing her motherʼs confused look. 

”Weʼve been best friends for years. And weʼve recently added a new connection between us… Through Yuuji. There are others too! Amazing girls who I also become sisters with.”

Shuri blinked again, slowly setting her teacup down. 

”You mean… there are others? Other girls who love him too?”

Akeno nodded, her long hair swaying gently as she leaned back. 

”Mm-hm. Thereʼs Aika, Erika, C.C. Albedo, Rias, Koneko, Xenovia… And Iʼm sure a few others as well.” 

Her tone carried not a hint of jealousy—only affection and pride. 

”Theyʼre all wonderful girls, Mom. Each of them means something special to Yuuji, just like I do.”

Shuri listened quietly, trying to process it all. Her daughterʼs words werenʼt filled with conflict or insecurity—they were filled with warmth and certainty.

”And… youʼre all okay with that?” she finally asked, her voice soft but curious.

Akeno smiled wistfully, her eyes distant for a moment as she remembered all the moments they shared together. 

”Yes. Itʼs not something that can be explained easily. Yuuji has this… warmth that reaches everyone around him. He doesnʼt just love us—he understands us, protects us, cherishes us. Being with him doesnʼt make us compete; it makes us feel like weʼre part of something greater. Like a family.”

Shuri gazed at her daughter for a long moment, then let out a quiet, heartfelt laugh. 

”You really love him, donʼt you?”

Akenoʼs expression softened, her voice dropping to a tender whisper. 

”Mm… He saved me… And you.”

Shuri reached over, gently placing her hand over Akenoʼs. 

”Then Iʼm glad, Akeno. You deserve happiness. And… I suppose, if heʼs someone who can make you smile like this, Iʼd like to meet all of these ʼsistersʼ someday.”

Akenoʼs face brightened immediately, her wings flickering faintly with joy. 

”You will, Mom. Iʼm sure theyʼll love you too.”

The two shared a quiet laugh together, sunlight streaming through the window—warm and gentle, as if even the heavens themselves smiled upon the family reunion.

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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!! 

Also, if youʼd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~! 

Thank you~!