"Mrs. Yukinoshita, all the boys under eight are here…"
In the orphanage, dozens of children stood in several rows, nervously clutching their clothes and lowering their heads.
Most were thin and poorly dressed.
In this dangerous world, filled with disasters, ghouls, and demons, countless ordinary people died prematurely.
It wasn't rare for a catastrophe to leave behind an orphan.
As a result, orphanages were always full.
Even with financial support from families like the Yukinoshitas, they could barely manage.
Growing up in such a harsh environment, the children naturally failed to meet the standards of Mrs. Yukinoshita's discerning eye.
"Already been to three orphanages..."
Mrs. Yukinoshita frowned slightly.
She had only followed a fortune reading that suggested she add a boy to the household—she wasn't planning to invest much affection or resources in the adopted child.
But she also wouldn't just casually bring anyone into the Yukinoshita family.
Her gaze swept over the lineup of children, pausing on the last boy in the row.
"Hm..."
The boy's pale, porcelain-like skin stood out in the crowd.
His refined features sat perfectly on his still-youthful face.
Even though he wore the same shabby clothes as the other children, he carried an air of freshness and grace.
Even someone as strict and picky as Mrs. Yukinoshita couldn't help showing a faint trace of fondness in her eyes.
He was a bit shorter than the others, which was why she hadn't noticed him right away.
"But he's just a child—feed him well and he'll grow."
A few minutes later…
Inside the orphanage director's office.
After asking a few questions about the boy's background and personality, Mrs. Yukinoshita quickly made a decision.
"Asa, this is Mrs. Yukinoshita. She wants to adopt you. Would you like to go with her?"
The elderly director smiled kindly as she pulled Asa inside.
Asa had grown up in the orphanage. With his cute looks, mature demeanor, and steady temperament, he was well-liked by everyone.
Even the staff adored him.
Mrs. Yukinoshita?
Hearing that familiar surname, Asa's heart stirred slightly.
He looked up at the elegant, mature woman before him—a mix of beauty, nobility, and authority.
"The Yukinoshita family has always supported our orphanage, Asa. Being chosen by Mrs. Yukinoshita is a blessing for you," the director hinted with a meaningful tone.
She clearly hoped Asa would join the Yukinoshita household. At least then, he'd never lack food, clothing, or safety.
'The Yukinoshita family… so she's Yukinoshita Yukino's mother?' Asa thought, recognizing a faint resemblance in her face.
Ever since turning eight—when a succubus reaches adulthood—his need for yin energy had grown stronger.
In the orphanage, surrounded by people, he could only absorb moon yin energy in the evenings, and that wasn't nearly enough for his adult needs.
Hunting human women outside carried a huge risk of exposure—and could even endanger Ai and the orphanage.
He did care about the orphanage that had raised him, but it was time to leave.
At the Yukinoshita home, he could have his own room to train in.
He could also start checking in at a new location.
A powerful family like theirs probably had excellent security too…
After thinking it over, Asa made his decision.
"I'm willing."
He looked up into Mrs. Yukinoshita's eyes and nodded seriously.
Meeting his clear gaze, Mrs. Yukinoshita felt as if this boy carried all the blessings of heaven.
Her heart itched, and she suddenly felt the urge to hold him.
Ahem…
She suppressed the feeling. As head of the Yukinoshita family, she would never show a soft side in public.
"Mieko, handle the paperwork."
At that moment, Asa pulled out his phone and dialed Ai.
The ringtone went on for half a minute—no answer.
"Still performing, huh…"
He could only send her a text to explain the situation.
"Hope Ai won't lose sleep without me as her human pillow."
Once the adoption papers were done, Asa slung on his little backpack and left the orphanage.
Inside the luxurious car, Asa hugged his bag and curled up in the seat, staring out the window.
He looked like a kitten leaving its nest for the first time—full of curiosity, yet wary of everything.
The sight tugged at the heart.
Mrs. Yukinoshita glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
Her usually tense, refined face softened slightly.
"Put your bag on the seat," she said with her usual stern tone—but her voice was a bit gentler than before.
"Okay."
Asa obediently set his bag down, ending up sitting closer to her.
A faint, elegant fragrance drifted from her.
He didn't know much about her personality yet, so until he figured her out, he decided to keep playing the role of a well-behaved child.
Sitting upright, unmoving, he avoided making physical contact.
After all, he hadn't forgotten his hidden abilities—especially that LV3 "Tax-Evasion Hand"…
Once, he had accidentally brushed against Ai, making her gasp softly—a reaction he still remembered vividly.
And a mature woman like Mrs. Yukinoshita… well, better not risk starting anything strange before his new life even began.
The ride passed in silence, and soon they arrived at the Yukinoshita residence.
"From now on, this is your home," she said calmly.
Grabbing Asa's backpack, she stepped out of the car.
Asa followed—but an accident happened.
When getting out, he missed his step and stumbled forward.
"Oh crap—"
Thud!
Before he could react, he fell right into something incredibly soft.
"Madam!"
Mieko, the butler, gasped and rushed forward to help them.
But a surprised, almost delicate sound escaped Mrs. Yukinoshita's lips.
Seeing her slightly flushed face and parted lips, Mieko froze in shock.
This…
Was this really the strong, untouchable Mrs. Yukinoshita?