The dinner celebration lasted until nearly eleven o'clock that evening.
By then, all the women had eaten and drunk their fill, now lounging contentedly on the sofas with satisfied expressions gracing their faces.
Little Paimon was particularly adorable with her slightly protruding belly contrasting against her petite frame, creating an endearing sight that warmed the heart.
Victor shook his head, dismissing any inappropriate thoughts that might have crossed his mind.
At that moment, Tsunade nudged Victor's elbow. "Do you have any sake here?"
Rather than answering immediately, Victor glanced toward Shinobu beside him. Truth be told, he'd never paid attention to the manor's beverage inventory, such domestic matters weren't his concern.
Shinobu shook her head apologetically. "I'm afraid we don't stock alcohol, since none of our household members are particularly fond of drinking."
"You don't drink?" Tsunade's disappointment was evident. "You're missing out on half of life's pleasures without alcohol!"
The legendary Sannin had hoped that if the cuisine here was so exceptional, perhaps the sake would be equally remarkable.
Tokisaki Kurumi gracefully rose from her seat, stretching in a way that accentuated her alluring curves to their fullest advantage.
"It's growing quite late. I should be returning home as well."
Hearing this, the other women began expressing similar sentiments about departing.
"It's so late already, why don't you all stay the night and return tomorrow morning?" Victor quickly suggested. "I have plenty of guest rooms available for everyone."
His manor was spacious enough to accommodate all the present guests comfortably.
"Wonderful idea!" Paimon was the first to respond enthusiastically. "Lumine! We're accustomed to sleeping outdoors during our travels, so why not enjoy a comfortable bed for once? Besides, if we stay, we might get to enjoy another delicious breakfast in the morning!"
I can see right through your ulterior motives!
In Paimon's priorities, food always ranked exceptionally high, she'd barely finished a hearty meal yet was already anticipating tomorrow's breakfast.
Lumine considered the proposal briefly before nodding. "Very well, let's rest here tonight."
"Then I'll stay too!" Belle declared, raising her small hand enthusiastically.
However, Wise immediately interjected, "Belle, have you forgotten we need to open the shop tomorrow?"
"Can't we take a day off? Shops don't need to be open every single day!"
"But we also have other commissions to handle besides running the store."
Wise held his forehead, looking utterly exasperated. His sister had clearly forgotten about their pending client obligations.
"How about you return home alone, brother, and I'll stay here?" Belle promptly proposed a compromise that would satisfy both parties.
What a cunning little strategist!
Wise sighed in resignation. "Fine then, I suppose that works."
"I won't be staying," Tokisaki Kurumi announced with a wave. "I still have matters requiring my attention."
Bai Yuekui nodded in agreement. "We'll be departing as well."
After everyone had voiced their preferences, only Bai Yuekui, Xiadou, Tokisaki Kurumi, and Wise would be returning home. All the other women decided to remain for the night.
Shinobu volunteered to handle the guest room arrangements.
Meanwhile, Victor made his way to the kitchen, where he discovered Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato diligently clearing dishes and cleaning up.
"Thank you both for your hard work. I truly appreciate you taking time from your busy schedules to assist me."
Victor expressed his sincere gratitude to the pair.
Following his usual custom, he retrieved a bottle of enhancement pills, intending to present it to Erina Nakiri as a token of appreciation.
However, what surprised Victor was that this time, Erina Nakiri didn't immediately accept his offering.
"Mr. Victor, there's no need for a gift, but I do have a request to make."
Victor stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'm listening."
Erina Nakiri nervously fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, her hands trembling slightly as she spoke. "I hope to take up residence here and become your personal chef! Would... would that be acceptable?"
Although she received those priceless enhancement pills each time she cooked for Victor, Erina Nakiri found herself yearning for something more substantial.
She desperately wanted to deepen her relationship with Victor!
But to achieve that goal, she needed opportunities for regular, meaningful interaction with him.
Living here permanently would be the ideal solution!
She was well aware that Victor was destined to have many women in his life.
Despite knowing this reality, she couldn't suppress her growing feelings.
After encountering someone as handsome, powerful, and seemingly perfect as Victor, how could any other man possibly measure up?
As the saying went, "Once you've seen Yang Guo, your life is ruined", this perfectly described her current predicament.
Victor had already anticipated Erina Nakiri's intentions.
While he typically avoided entanglements with prominent families and their complex politics, Erina Nakiri herself was a different matter entirely, he wouldn't mind welcoming her into his life.
With this in mind, he nodded approvingly. "Of course, that's perfectly fine. I'll have Shinobu and Krul arrange a room for you shortly."
"Thank you so much!" Erina Nakiri's excitement was barely contained.
"I'd like to stay as well!" Hisako Arato summoned the courage to voice her own thoughts.
"I serve as the young lady's secretary. I wish to remain here and continue supporting her duties. Please, Mr. Victor, would you allow me to stay?"
"Absolutely no problem."
Victor readily agreed to Hisako Arato's request as well.
Having two people working together would actually be preferable, handling all the cooking responsibilities alone would be quite demanding for a single person.
The night passed without incident... or so one might assume!
The following morning, Victor emerged from his room feeling thoroughly refreshed and invigorated.
As he closed the door behind him, one could catch a glimpse of several elegant figures still resting peacefully on the expansive bed within.
"Lazy guy, do you sleep in this late every single day?"
By this time, Kiana and the other early risers had already gathered in the living room, chatting comfortably on the sofas.
Victor rolled his eyes at her comment. "Kiana, you have quite the nerve saying that to me! Don't think I've forgotten about your own past sleeping habits."
Kiana's cheeks flushed pink as she placed her hands on her hips defensively. "The past was the past, and now is now! Don't judge the present by ancient history! I don't oversleep anymore!"
"It's true, Kiana has been much better about waking up early recently," Theresa confirmed, supporting her beloved niece's claim.
"By the way, where are Shinobu and the others? Are they still sleeping in as well?" Belle inquired curiously.
"Oh, they're still engaged in their morning training routine."
Victor delivered this explanation with complete seriousness.
Rin Tohsaka, seated across from him, couldn't help but roll her eyes skeptically.
"I suspect they're simply too exhausted to get up."
"Huh? Why would they be so tired? They enjoyed such delicious food yesterday."
Little Paimon tilted her head in confusion, her expression radiating pure innocence.
Lumine gently tugged on Paimon's cheek. "Don't ask so many questions, you little troublemaker."
"Hey! Paimon isn't a troublemaker!"
While everyone continued their lighthearted banter, Erina Nakiri and Hisako Arato finished preparing breakfast and presented it on the dining table.
After everyone enjoyed the delicious morning meal, the visiting women bid their farewells and returned to their respective worlds.
Eventually, only Belle remained behind.
"Aren't you planning to head home?" Victor asked.
"No rush at all. Since I've left the shop in my brother's capable hands today, I thought I'd relax here for a while longer."
Belle scooted closer to Victor on the sofa.
"Since I have so much free time today, don't you think you should make the most of it?"
Victor smiled warmly, understanding her subtle hint perfectly. "Well then, beautiful Miss Belle, would you be willing to accompany me on a shopping excursion?"
"That sounds perfect!" Belle sprang to her feet and grasped Victor's hand. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
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