In the morning, Kanda woke up and carefully separated himself from Manami, who was still tightly hugging him even in her sleep. Remembering their vigorous activities last night, he smiled wryly and gently pried her arms off him.
After finishing his shower and changing into fresh clothes, Kanda walked over to the bed where Manami was lazily stretching under the blanket.
"Manami, do you want to sleep more or... maybe follow me for breakfast?" Kanda asked softly, brushing some hair from her face.
Manami cracked one eye open, her face still flushed with sleepiness. "No... I'm still tired from last night's activities... I need extra sleep," she mumbled. Then, burying her face into a pillow, she added drowsily, "Please tell Aoi and Eris I can't make it for today's training, okay?"
Kanda chuckled and leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. Manami smiled faintly, squeezing the pillow tighter as she drifted back to sleep.
Shaking his head with a smile, Kanda left the room and headed downstairs.
When he arrived at the dining table, he noticed an odd atmosphere. Aoi was glancing at him shyly with a bright red face. Several maids under Claris's command were avoiding eye contact, their faces just as crimson. Kio sat slumped over the table with dark circles under his eyes, looking like a man who had fought a war and lost. Meanwhile, Manami's mother, Asami, was serenely sipping tea, her lips curled into a knowing smile.
Kanda blinked in confusion before sitting down. As he picked up some toast, he asked casually, "Kio, what happened to you? You look like you're carrying the weight of the world."
Kio snapped his head up, his eye twitching. "You dare ask what happened?!" he hissed, slamming his hands onto the table.
"Woah, calm down, man," Kanda said, raising his hands defensively.
Kio continued in a furious whisper, "It's your fault! Your fault! Although I know it's your business to do 'that kind of thing'... please, think about the other people living here! The walls are not soundproof!"
Several of the maids nodded subtly in agreement, their faces still burning.
"Hahaha, well, sorry about that, Kio," Kanda laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Aoi, twisting her fingers shyly, peeked at him and asked, "Um... Kanda, where's Manami? Why isn't she coming down for breakfast?"
Kanda scratched his cheek, looking a bit embarrassed. "Well... I might have been a bit too intense during our... uh, nightly activities. She's still tired and decided to sleep in."
Hearing his answer, Aoi's face turned the color of an overripe tomato. The maids, save for the ever-composed Maya and Claris, looked like they might spontaneously combust. Asami merely sipped her tea, smirking like a cat that had cornered a mouse.
"Geez, Kanda... at least hold back a little when you know there are others around," Kio grumbled.
"I'll... keep that in mind," Kanda replied, chuckling despite himself.
After breakfast, everyone dispersed for their own activities. Kio left to visit his friend's house, Aoi and Eris went to continue their training routine, and Asami prepared to return to her own house to collect more clothes and belongings, escorted by two maids.
Not long after, Jack and Raven arrived at the house. Kanda, having anticipated something serious, called Antonia to join them.
They gathered in the living room, where tea and snacks were already prepared. Kanda leaned back comfortably in his seat, glancing at Raven with a relaxed but curious expression.
"So... why have you two come to visit me today? Something about Madam J?" he asked.
"Yes," Raven answered immediately, her tone serious. "Although we haven't pinpointed the location of her headquarters yet, we discovered a suspicious facility. We believe it's their main production line for weapons. This lead was thanks to Jack's informant."
Kanda's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh? That's excellent news, even if we haven't found the main base yet."
Jack smirked slightly, pulling a small flash drive from her cleavage and placing it onto the table with a soft clink.
"All the information is in here," she said simply.
Kanda stared at the flash drive for a second, then at her. "I appreciate the intel... but seriously, from your cleavage? Isn't that uncomfortable?"
Jack only shrugged with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Best hiding spot. No one dares to search there."
Kanda chuckled and shook his head before handing the flash drive to Antonia. She immediately opened it on her tablet, her eyes scanning through the files.
"Kanda-niisan," Antonia said after a moment, "the facility is located in Kushiro Province, Hokkaido. That's about 1400 miles from here."
"Hokkaido, huh?" Kanda murmured thoughtfully, crossing his arms. "Far away, but it's a good lead. I expected the production to be closer to their headquarters... but we can't be picky. This is a big win."
Raven leaned forward slightly, her eyes sharp. "What are your orders, Kanda-sama?"
Kanda thought for a moment, tapping his finger lightly against his knee.
"First, we need transportation to get there fast," he said. "Antonia-chan, I'll ask if you can arrange something... if not, I'll reach out to Captain Kuune. Either way, let's have a backup plan ready."
Antonia nodded firmly. "Understood, Niisan."
"Next, I want this mission to be swift and efficient," Kanda continued. "We'll split into two teams. I'll lead one, Maya will lead the other."
Everyone listened intently as he outlined the teams:
"My team will consist of me, Claris, Raven, and two more battle maids from Antonia's forces. Maya's team will include herself, Hawk, Swallow, and two experts — either from Catia or our allies, depending on who's available."
"I'll start gathering candidates immediately," Antonia said, her fingers already moving quickly over her tablet.
Jack grinned and leaned back. "Sounds like it'll be a fun mission."
Raven, ever serious, added, "A direct strike on their supply chain... it'll hurt Madam J's forces significantly."
"When will we begin?" Jack asked.
"We'll move out tomorrow, 8 AM sharp," Kanda replied without hesitation. "Antonia-chan, focus on prepping transportation and weapons. I'll contact Captain Kuune. If she can't assist, we'll proceed using our own means."
"Got it, Kanda-niisan," Antonia said, determination gleaming in her eyes.
Everyone exchanged determined nods, the air in the room heavy with purpose.
After that, Kanda went to Catia's main ship with Raven, searching for Aoi and Eris first. He found them in one of the training rooms, practicing their close-quarters combat. Seeing their serious efforts, Kanda smiled warmly, leaning against the doorway and watching for a while before approaching.
"You've both improved a lot," he commented, clapping lightly.
Aoi turned around, beaming. "Kanda! You're here! Watch this!"
She performed a quick, flawless combo of attacks, which made Eris puff her cheeks slightly in frustration and immediately try to outdo her.
Kanda chuckled. "You're both amazing. I feel even more at ease knowing you're part of the team."
Eris stepped closer, a small blush on her cheeks. "We'll definitely protect you too, Kanda."
"I'm counting on you," he said warmly, ruffling their hair affectionately, making them giggle.
After spending a little more time encouraging them, Kanda asked them to keep up the hard work and left to find Kuune, guided by Melwin. Raven went off to meet her own friends.
Kanda and Melwin arrived in front of Kuune's room, and after a brief wait, they were allowed inside. Kuune sat gracefully on a chair, sipping tea, while the atmosphere of the room remained composed yet welcoming.
"You came, Kanda. Sit down," Kuune said, smiling.
"Thank you, Kuune," Kanda replied, taking the offered seat.
Without wasting time, Kanda leaned forward slightly, getting straight to the point. "Kuune, I'd like to request a spacecraft for a mission tomorrow. Can you assist us?"
Kuune set her teacup down, looking at him with her usual serene expression. "I understand. I can allow you to use one of our crafts, but I must insist—no weaponry installed. We cannot reveal Catian military technology to the residents of this planet."
Kanda nodded seriously. "I understand, and I respect your caution. We're only in need of transportation, nothing more."
"Good," Kuune said with a soft smile. "Melwin will arrange for the ship to be prepared. Use it wisely, Kanda."
"Of course. Thank you very much," he said sincerely, bowing his head slightly.
Melwin, who was standing beside him, added, "I'll personally make sure everything is ready before departure."
They spent a few minutes chatting afterward, talking lightly about the mission's purpose, Kanda's recent achievements, and even some light teasing from Kuune about his growing "harem," making Melwin and Kanda both flustered.
"You are surprisingly good at managing them all," Kuune teased with a smile.
"Well...it's not easy," Kanda admitted awkwardly, scratching his cheek.
Melwin giggled. "But Kanda is kind to all of us."
Kuune nodded approvingly. "A rare virtue. Continue cherishing them."
After giving his thanks again, Kanda and Raven departed, heading back to Earth with the spacecraft in tow.
Raven piloted the craft toward Antonia's mansion, where their mission would start. Once there, Kanda went to meet Antonia, who was meticulously preparing equipment with her maids.
"Antonia," he called out, causing her to look up from her checklist.
"Kanda! How's the transport?" she asked, a little tense.
"Handled. Catia lent us a ship," he answered with a grin.
"That's a relief!" Antonia let out a huge breath and immediately relaxed. "I was really worried we'd have to rent a civilian jet or something."
They discussed some last-minute mission details and finalized the equipment list. As the evening wore on, the preparation wrapped up.
Returning home, Kanda found that everyone had already gathered. Inside, Manami was sitting next to her mother, Asami. The atmosphere was light, and Manami's cheeks were noticeably pink as she chatted awkwardly.
Seeing Kanda enter, Manami quickly stood up. "Kanda! You're back! Come here!"
Dinner had been prepared by Kanda, mostly because Manami had insisted on showing her mother how amazing her boyfriend's cooking was. Even though the maids assisted, Kanda essentially guided them through each step while they eagerly took notes, marveling at his technique.
Just as dinner was about to start, Kuune, Durel, and Chaika arrived, drawn by the rumor of Kanda's cooking.
"I've been waiting to taste your cooking," Chaika said teasingly as she entered, her tail already swishing with anticipation.
They all gathered at the table, and once Kanda served the food, a chorus of delight filled the room.
Chaika practically sparkled as she ate. "Mmm! This is heavenly!" Her tail moved excitedly, betraying her emotions despite her trying to act composed.
Asami took a bite and nodded appreciatively. "Ichijou-san, this is restaurant-quality. I'm impressed."
Hearing the praise, Manami proudly puffed out her chest, almost bouncing. "Of course! That's my Kanda!" she declared loudly, despite not having lifted a finger in the kitchen.
Kanda just smiled wryly, amused at how enthusiastic she was.
The dinner continued warmly, with lots of chatter. Durel and Kuune also praised the food, and even Melwin shyly asked if Kanda could teach her cooking sometime. He agreed happily.
After the lively meal, everyone slowly retired to their rooms to rest for the big mission tomorrow.
Before Kanda could slip away with his girls, Asami caught him by the shoulder and whispered teasingly, "Ichijou-san, don't forget your protection when doing 'that thing' inside your room."
Kanda froze, while Manami immediately turned crimson. "Mum! Don't say that!" she yelped, waving her hands.
Aoi, Eris, and Melwin were just as red, fidgeting shyly as they followed Kanda up the stairs toward his room.
---
Inside the room:
Kanda hugged all of his girls close. They happily cuddled into him, relaxing from the busy day.
Kanda looked at Melwin warmly. "Melwin, I'm sorry that your turn will be postponed until after tomorrow's mission."
Melwin shook her head with a soft smile. "It's fine, Kanda. I can wait."
But Kanda tightened his arms around her slightly. "No... It's not fine. I made a vow to satisfy all of you. I don't want anyone feeling left out."
Melwin blushed, burying her face into his chest.
Manami, lying beside him, smirked. "Kanda, are you upset because you want to taste her tonight but can't?"
"Manami..." Kanda sighed, glancing at her with exasperation.
Melwin's entire face burned red at Manami's words.
"Well... I can't exactly deny it," Kanda muttered under his breath, making Melwin even more embarrassed.
Manami chuckled wickedly. "Even if you can't go all the way tonight, maybe we can show her what she'll be getting soon. You know... a little preview."
Kanda groaned. "Manami...I have a mission tomorrow. I can't afford to get too 'distracted' tonight."
Manami simply grinned playfully. "Just a little teasing won't drain your stamina, right?"
Eris and Aoi, faces flushed, exchanged nervous glances but didn't object, clearly a little curious themselves.
Melwin clutched onto Kanda's sleeve shyly but said nothing, her ears twitching.
Seeing their expectant faces, Kanda laughed softly. "You girls are really going to be the death of me."
They all laughed together, the tension melting into soft warmth as they cuddled closer, savoring the quiet, peaceful night before tomorrow's storm.
END OF THE CHAPTER.