When Shichen got back it was afternoon; by dinnertime everyone had gathered in the kitchen, and he went around introducing everyone again.
He was so thorough that by the time he finished, he was a little thirsty.
When Yatogami Tohka and the others came home from school earlier, they'd already met Frieren and the new group—but only briefly.
They were used to Shichen bringing home new "family," so there wasn't much to say; they'd arrived the same way themselves. And they knew his nature—he only brought back people who'd had it rough, and they were all good women—so they accepted the newcomers quickly.
The only snag was what Illya called Shichen, which a few people just couldn't get used to.
"Dad, have some water." Illya, sitting on Shichen's lap, picked up a glass and held it to his lips.
"Thanks~." He opened his mouth and let her feed him.
The glug-glug of his swallowing sounded not only through the kitchen but in a few people's chests.
"Shichen-dono…" Tohru looked aggrieved.
She did already know Illya's situation, but she still struggled with it.
Shichen hadn't explained the whole Divine Fragment thing; he'd only said his power was scattered across many worlds and he had to recover it.
Illya, he'd said, was a manifestation of that power.
Either way, Illya could fairly be called his daughter—and Irisviel, her mother.
But after just a month away, this felt suspiciously like the house had been "stolen" out from under her.
"Tohru, what's wrong?" Shichen pretended not to get her meaning.
There wasn't much he could do; before heading to that world, he'd never imagined any of this. And all Tohru could do was accept it. He just hoped it wouldn't make her suddenly want a child of her own—having one the normal way wasn't on the table yet.
"It's nothing…" Tohru pouted, deciding not to make a scene.
She was a little jealous, but Illya and Irisviel's case was at least somewhat acceptable. If there'd been an actual blood tie, she wouldn't have been able to take it.
"Get used to it," Frieren said, oddly mature as she patted Tohru's shoulder.
"Mm…" Tohru nodded lightly. She didn't know why Frieren was being so kind, but it wasn't a bad thing. And since Frieren was the first person Shichen had met, Tohru wanted to get along with her anyway.
"Didn't expect a real elf to show up," Kasumigaoka Utaha said, eyeing Frieren with interest—especially that long silver hair and those pointed ears.
"Utaha, Yoshino and I are spirits too," Tohka reminded her.
"I know, it just feels… different~"
Compared to Tohka's kind of "elf/spirit," Utaha was more familiar with someone like Frieren. She'd never been into fantasy novels, but seeing fantasy standing right here made her want to read some. Her current book was almost finished—time to research a new theme. She figured she had a leg up on other writers: they made things up; she'd seen it with her own eyes. How could they compete?
"Shichen, I want to sit on your lap too…" Kanna said, eyes sparkling.
Sakura was already on his other knee; since she'd just arrived, he was playing favorites a bit.
"Ahem—how about later, when we play games tonight?" He could barely handle those pleading eyes.
"Okay…"
"Kanna, if you want the spot, I'll give it to you," Sakura offered.
"It's fine—just team up with me for games tonight."
"Deal."
Kanna's group had gotten out earlier, so they already knew Illya and the others and had gamed together for a while. Sakura's game sense was sharp; Kanna liked her right away.
"Kanna, are you just abandoning me?" Est complained.
"Nope. You're too noob," Kanna said without mercy.
"Grr! Just watch—Illya and I will stomp you!"
"Hmph! We're not scared!"
"Alright, alright—eat first. After dinner, do whatever you want," Shichen cut in.
"Okay~"
Dinner was peaceful enough. Irisviel watched everyone with a soft smile. So many people, such a big family—she loved it. She'd felt stiff and out of place at first, but she could tell they were all good women; she trusted they'd get along.
Artoria didn't say a word, but she ate plenty—and even got into a friendly rivalry with Tohka. Most of the food went to those two.
After dinner, while Tohru and Chisato tidied up, Tohka and Artoria sat facing each other, shared a look, and nodded—mutual recognition. One had finally found a kindred spirit; the other finally didn't have to feel embarrassed about her appetite. Tohru could pack it away too, but she was a dragon—that was different. For Tohka, Artoria felt more like a peer.
Shichen sat grinning at the harmony. Nothing beats a peaceful home.
"Shichen." Hoshino Ai walked up to him.
"What is it, Ai?"
"Could you come with me to a shoot on Saturday, the day after tomorrow?"
"So much work?" He let Illya and the others go and drew Ai into his arms.
In just a month she'd filled out a bit—not fat, just more shape; she'd been too thin before. Looked like Tohru had been feeding her well. Now she finally had the build someone her age should have—still pretty ordinary overall.
Leaning against him, Ai blinked and didn't even try to pull away. "It's not that busy—it's just my second gig. And, well, it's autumn now."
"If I show up, they'll probably rope me into shooting too."
Before he left, he and Ai had done a shoot together—summer wear—and it had gone great. A model like Shichen was rare; even when he said the next shoot's timing was uncertain, the magazine let him decide. They liked Ai too. She'd been skinny, but her face really popped on camera. That time had been childrenswear; this time, now that she looked a bit more mature, she could do a teen-girl line.
"That's perfect—then we can shoot together," Ai said, delighted.
"What, afraid to go alone?"
"No, I just want to be with you." She winked.
"Small body, big schemes."
He flicked her forehead. "We'll talk when you've 'grown up' a little more."
"Hmph! Just you wait—I'll grow up big, fast."
Shichen: "…"
He had a feeling she wasn't talking about height—déjà vu.
"Ai, you're going to 'grow up' too?" Illya blurted.
"What's wrong—Illya, you want to 'grow up' as well?"
"Mm-hmm!"
"But my 'grow up' probably isn't the same as yours."
"Really? Dad, do you like tall girls?" Illya asked Shichen, puzzled.
"Alright, that's enough." He pulled Illya over and covered her mouth.
"Eh?"
Ai blinked, catching on. "Illya—don't tell me you mean…?"
"You hush too. Go upstairs and play," Shichen said, giving Ai a light swat as a warning.
"Illya's your daughter, you know. Didn't think you were such a doting dad," Ai teased with a laugh.
"Big talker. Illya's the one getting cheeky—it's not like I taught her," he said, pretending to swat her again.
Ai stuck out her tongue and darted away. "As if."
"…Not wasting breath."
"Hehe~ Illya, let's go play—I want the details."
"Mmph!" Illya's mouth was still covered.
"No blabbing. Got it?" Shichen said sternly.
"Mm." Illya nodded.
Only then did he let go. "Alright—off you go."
"Okay~ Sakura, Yoshino, let's roll."
"Sakura's on my team," Kanna said, scampering after them on short legs.
"And me!" Est chased after them too.
In a blink, the little rascals were gone.
"Shichen-dono, we're done washing up," Tohru called—dishes finished.
"So, what now?" Irisviel asked.
"Nothing planned. Do whatever you like," Shichen said.
"Really? Then let's go take a bath."
"Mm?"
That line made everyone else look her way.
"W-what?" she stammered.
"Iri, what did you just say?" Tohru asked, suddenly serious.
"B-bathe together."
"You mean… you and Shichen-dono bathe together a lot?"
"Y-yes. Is that a problem?"
~~~
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