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Chapter 372: Chapter 368 ~ Serene Hanami

Yuuji settled into his seat as the train hummed to life, its steady rhythm carrying them smoothly along the tracks.

Beyond the window, the world flowed past in a blur of color—rolling fields brushed in soft green, clusters of trees swaying gently in the spring breeze, and the occasional glimpse of distant hills bathed in warm sunlight. It was the kind of scenery that invited quiet admiration, a fleeting yet breathtaking portrait of the countryside in bloom.

And yet… Yuuji didnʼt look at it.

His attention remained fixed on the woman seated beside him.

Mira rested her head lightly against his shoulder, her soft hair brushing against his cheek as the train swayed. Her hand was entwined with his, fingers interlocked in a gentle but firm hold—as though reaffirming, in the simplest way, that she was there with him. She leaned into him without hesitation, entrusting her weight, her warmth, and her presence entirely to him.

Yuuji, in turn, welcomed it without a second thought.

There was a quiet contentment in moments like these—unspoken, yet deeply felt.

On his other side, Aika sat cross-legged on her seat, her posture relaxed and unrestrained as her attention flickered between her phone and the occasional glance at the others. A faint smirk played on her lips, no doubt entertained by whatever conversation she was having.

Across from them, the twins sat close together, their heads occasionally tilting toward one another as they excitedly typed away on their own phones. Soft giggles escaped them now and then, their expressions bright and animated—likely reliving fragments of yesterdayʼs hanami, sharing those memories with friends who werenʼt there to witness it.

The atmosphere was light. Comfortable.

They were all dressed for the season—spring in its gentlest form. Light fabrics, soft colors, and clothing that flowed easily with every movement. Yuuji wore a simple cotton shirt paired with long pants, understated but fitting. The girls, on the other hand, wore one-piece dresses that swayed subtly with the motion of the train—except for Aika, who stuck to her usual preference of a T-shirt and pants, casual yet somehow still eye-catching.

Even so, their natural beauty was difficult to conceal.

The loose fabrics only softened their silhouettes, not hiding the grace and curves beneath. Mira, in particular, drew the eye—not through anything overt, but through the quiet elegance she carried. A thin belt rested loosely around her waist, subtly emphasizing the gentle contrast between her slender figure and the soft fullness of her form.

There was a timeless allure to her presence—one that seemed almost otherworldly.

And in truth, it wasnʼt entirely imagination.

After being nurtured by Yuujiʼs [Divine Essence], and in Miraʼs case, further transformed by the [Potion of Eternal Beauty], their appearances had reached a level that could only be described as transcendent. Mira, especially, possessed a beauty that felt less human and more divine—something that could captivate anyone who so much as glanced her way.

It was precisely why she rarely ventured out.

The world, for the most part, remained unaware of just how breathtaking she truly was. Aside from a small circle of close friends, no one had seen her as she was now. If they had… anonymity would have been impossible. Fame, attention, endless scrutiny—it would have followed her wherever she went.

And so, to preserve this simple outing—to keep it quiet, peaceful, and theirs—Yuuji had taken precautions.

A subtle layer of magic rested over them all.

[Seeming].

A gentle illusion that softened their features, returning them to how they once appeared before their transformations. They were still undeniably attractive—far above average—but no longer so striking as to draw every eye in the room.

Just enough to blend in. Just enough to be left alone.

Their destination helped as well.

The place they were heading to for their own hanami celebration lay far from the crowded parks and bustling city spots. It was secluded, tucked away in a quiet corner of the countryside—a private piece of land introduced by Mira.

It belonged to a friend of hers, someone she had known since her school days.

Nijou Aki. A name spoken with a quiet fondness.

The land had been passed down to her, and she had generously lent it to Mira for the occasion. It was the perfect setting—peaceful, untouched, and free from prying eyes.

More importantly…

It meant everyone could join.

Alice, Aria, Est, and Ophis, the girls who might otherwise have drawn attention or required caution, would be able to spend the day freely alongside them.

By the time the train slowed to a stop and the doors slid open, the gentle lull of the journey came to an end.

Stepping onto the platform, Yuuji gathered their belongings with practiced ease. Though what he carried was only a portion of what they had brought—most of it remained neatly stored within his inventory, unseen and weightless.

Their journey, however, wasnʼt over yet.

A few more kilometers awaited them on foot.

The countryside greeted them with open arms.

The air was crisp and clean, carrying with it the faint scent of grass and blossoms. A soft breeze brushed past them, cool against the skin yet pleasantly warm under the sunlight. The world felt slower here—quieter.

More alive in its stillness.

Sakura trees began to appear more frequently as they walked, their branches adorned with delicate pink petals that danced gently in the wind. Every now and then, a petal would drift down lazily, carried by the breeze before settling softly upon the ground—or occasionally, upon them.

A serene, almost dreamlike, scenery.

”This… this is amazing!”

”Mm…”

”Wow… Nee-san, your friend must have quite the background to own a place like this.”

”Fufu~ She does come from a rather well-off family,” Mira replied gently. ”Unfortunately, her parents passed away in an accident shortly after she graduated from college. She inherited this land from them, but since she wanted to open her own clinic, she moved to the city and arranged for someone to take care of it in her stead.”

A soft, nostalgic smile touched her lips as the image of her dear friend surfaced in her mind—memories of laughter, shared dreams, and the quiet strength that had carried her through loss.

Come to think of it… she did mention sheʼd have some free time soon.

Mira made a mental note to reach out later. It had been far too long since they last met.

Clapping her hands lightly, she turned her attention back to the group.

”Alright, girls—please help lay out the mat. Yuuji, Aika, letʼs prepare the food.”

””Yes~!” / ”Yes.””

”Alright.”

”ʼKay.”

They found the perfect spot beneath a large sakura tree, its wide branches offering cool shade while delicate pink petals drifted lazily through the air like falling snow. The grass beneath them was soft and vibrant, swaying gently with each passing breeze.

Yuna and Nina quickly got to work, pulling a large picnic mat from the shoulder bag Yuuji had been carrying. With practiced ease, they spread it out across the ground, smoothing out the edges until it lay perfectly flat.

Nearby, Yuuji set down the rest of their belongings at the base of the tree. With a subtle motion, he accessed his inventory, producing several more bags that appeared one after another, as though plucked from thin air, and placed them neatly beside the others.

Then, the preparations began in earnest.

One by one, the contents were unpacked and arranged across the mat—each item carefully placed until what started as a simple setup transformed into an abundant feast.

There were bento boxes filled to the brim with onigiri, golden-brown karaage, neatly rolled tamagoyaki, and glossy sausage wieners nestled beside vibrant vegetables. Plates of freshly made takoyaki sat steaming gently, their savory aroma drifting through the air.

Beside them stood an elegant tiered box, its compartments filled with an assortment of delicate Japanese desserts and cakes. Alongside it were cookies, buttery croissants, and an array of pastries—some lovingly prepared by Yuuji himself, others from Aikaʼs famed Rose Café.

Large thermoses of miso soup and hot tea completed the spread, accompanied by several bottles of fresh water.

And of course, for the adults, several cans of beer for Aika, and one large and one small sake bottles for Mira. 

It was, without exaggeration… a banquet.

”Wow! This is amazing! Iʼm so excited!”

”Thank you for cooking everything, Yuuji, Mom. And thank you for bringing these pastries and cakes, Aika-nee.”

”Mm, youʼre welcome.”

”Fufu~ Youʼre very welcome.”

”Hehe, go on and eat, girls. You can worry about your weight later.”

Just as they finished setting everything in place—

A soft, golden ripple shimmered into existence beside Yuuji, distorting the air like sunlight reflecting off water.

From within it, four small figures leapt out one after another, their energy bursting forth like an excited storm.

”Master~! Wow! Thereʼs so much food!”

”Amazing…”

”Master… I want the cakes.”

”Yuujiʼs cookies… and Aikaʼs pastries…”

Alice, Aria, Est, and Ophis all stared wide-eyed at the feast before them, their gazes especially drawn to the desserts. Their eyes sparkled—each a different hue, each filled with pure, unfiltered excitement.

Before they could rush forward, Mira gently stepped in.

With a warm laugh, she pulled all four into a soft embrace, hugging them close as she affectionately patted their heads one by one—even Ophis, the Dragon of Infinity, who in this moment looked no different from an ordinary little girl being doted on.

”Alright now, You can have dessert after you eat your proper meal, okay?”

Mira said softly, her tone both gentle and firm. 

”Yes, Mama!”

”I understand.”

”Uhn…”

”Mm.”

They nodded obediently, their earlier excitement settling into patient anticipation, though their eyes still occasionally drifted back toward the sweets.

Mira chuckled softly before stepping back.

”Alright then… everyone, letʼs eat.”

””Thank you for the meal!””

And just like that, the gathering began.

Laughter and conversation filled the air as they ate, voices overlapping in easy harmony. The gentle breeze carried the scent of food and blossoms alike, while sakura petals continued to dance around them, drifting through the scene like natureʼs quiet celebration.

Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the countryside, beneath a sky painted in soft spring hues.

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”Ugh… Iʼm so full…”

”…Me too.”

”You girls really overdid it…”

Yuuji let out a quiet sigh, though the smile on his face betrayed his fondness as he looked down at the twins sprawled across the picnic mat. Both of them lay on their backs, hands resting over their stomachs, completely defeated by the feast they had so eagerly devoured earlier.

”Ufufufu~ There, there…”

Mira chuckled softly as she gently rubbed their stomachs, her touch soothing and affectionate, like a caring mother tending to her children after a long, satisfying meal.

A short distance away—

”Zzz… Zzz…”

Aika had already succumbed entirely.

She lay flat on her back, fast asleep, her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and her lips parted slightly as she breathed, completely unaware of the world around her.

After eating, she had casually opened three cans of beer. That alone had already left her slightly tipsy. But then, curiosity got the better of her.

She had tried Miraʼs sake.

At first, it seemed harmless—smooth, refined, almost deceptively gentle on the palate. But cup after cup, she drank without restraint, never realizing just how strong it truly was.

Seventeen percent. Twenty-three percent.

Far stronger than what she was used to.

And so, the inevitable happened.

Meanwhile, Mira—who had been drinking the same sake, and in even greater amounts—sat there as composed as ever. Only a faint blush on her cheeks hinted at her intake, lending her an even more alluring, mature charm.

”Well… shall we head back?” Yuuji asked, turning toward her with a helpless smile.

They had eaten their fill, relaxed beneath the sakura trees, and enjoyed the peaceful countryside to their heartsʼ content. Around him, even the four little girls had fallen asleep, scattered comfortably nearby after indulging in far too many sweets.

”Mmm… yes, letʼs go home.”

Mira nodded, though her gaze lingered thoughtfully on the sleeping group.

”Though… perhaps we should wait for them to recover a little—”

”Itʼs fine,” Yuuji said gently. ”I can teleport us home.”

Mira blinked in brief surprise before a soft, amused smile curved her lips.

”Oh, thatʼs right… I almost forgot you could do that. Ufufufu~”

She stepped closer to him, naturally slipping her arms around his and holding him close. Leaning in, she rested against him, her voice lowering playfully near his ear.

”Then… shall we go home, dear?”

Yuuji turned toward her, their faces now only a breath apart. His fingers intertwined with hers without hesitation.

”Of course… my dear.”

With a simple thought, the scattered bags, containers, and picnic mat vanished one by one into his inventory. A faint shimmer of magic followed as a barrier formed around them, muting the outside world and shielding them from sight.

Then—

A large, golden-white magic circle bloomed beneath their feet, intricate patterns glowing softly against the ground.

In the next instant, a flash of light swallowed them whole.

They reappeared back home.

Working together, Yuuji and Mira carefully carried the twins to their rooms, tucking them into bed so they could rest comfortably. The four little girls, still fast asleep, were gently returned to Yuujiʼs [Kingʼs Treasury], where they could sleep peacefully.

Finally, only Aika remained.

Yuuji lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to her room.

”There we go…”

He laid her down softly on the bed, adjusting her position so she could rest properly. Mira followed, pulling the blanket over her and tucking her in with practiced care.

”Ufufufu~ Even though sheʼs such a lightweight, she still drank so much. What a troublesome girl.”

Her words sounded like a scolding, but her tone was anything but harsh—gentle, indulgent, like an older sister who couldnʼt help but dote on someone she cared about.

After a moment, she turned toward Yuuji.

A soft blush still lingered on her cheeks as she approached him slowly, a different kind of warmth now reflecting in her eyes.

She slipped her arms around his neck, drawing closer until her body pressed lightly against his. There was no hesitation in her movements—only quiet confidence and something deeper… something long held back.

Yuuji responded in kind, his hands settling naturally at her waist, pulling her closer.

”Hm? Whatʼs wrong, Mira?”

For a moment, she simply looked at him.

There was a softness in her gaze—something vulnerable, yet filled with quiet longing. Her heart tightened gently in her chest just hearing him say her name.

”Fufu~ …The girls are all asleep now,” she murmured. ”Itʼs just the two of us… my dear.”

Her arms tightened slightly around him as she leaned closer.

”And I think… itʼs time I finally receive my reward… for being so patient all this time~”

There was no bitterness in her voice—only a teasing warmth layered over years of quiet restraint.

She had waited.

Through everything… she had waited.

And now, she no longer wished to hold back.

Yuujiʼs expression softened, his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes.

”…Mm. Iʼve been waiting too.”

Leaning in, he pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to her lips.

”Mmnh…”

”I love you… Mira.”

Her breath caught.

A faint shimmer of tears gathered in her eyes—not from sadness, but from a happiness that had quietly built up over time, now finally overflowing.

”I love you too… Yuuji-kun…”

The feelings she had kept so carefully within her heart… could no longer be contained.

She leaned in and kissed him again, softly, tenderly, pouring everything she felt into that simple gesture.

And without another word, the two quietly left Aikaʼs room together. 

Making their way, side by side, toward her room.

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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 ~! 

Thank you~!