When the others found out about his date with Valença and Serenya, the next day Rina and Aoi immediately skipped ahead of their turns—it was supposed to be Yumeha's day, since Serenya had already moved hers up. So this date turned into one with all three. He wore an all-black kimono to make them feel more comfortable, especially since they were in a place different from Sanos.
[These girls don't respect the order. Only Seraphina is waiting, and because of that, she'll be the only one to have you all to herself.]
'If she's being that patient, I have to reward her somehow.'
All three wore outfits from Tsuyokuni, just like Valença and Serenya, and all of them wore the gifts he had given at the festival. Yumeha wore a black and blue kimono with cherry blossoms along the edges, her sash white.
"Master, let's go to that place."
"Of course, it's your turn to choose."
They were in Tsuyokuni territory, in one of the cities near the border between other lands. Today was a festival in Tsuyokuni called the Festival of Spiritual Lanterns, held three times a year for decades, decreed by the first emperor who wanted to celebrate the birth of his three daughters, who were born during those times of the year.
[You're unbelievable—you actually requested permission to leave the academy just to take the three of them out?]
'They deserve it. The only problem is that I won't be able to show them my special place, but I can do that in the future.'
Today, he would dedicate the entire day to them. It was a bit annoying to skip some training he had planned after Sir Júlio's knight class from Class S, after defeating the former instructor.
'His lessons about ego weapons will help all the students a lot.'
Shaking his head, he focused on eating the dango Yumeha had given him. Beside him, Rina had already taken them to a temple where she explained all about her country's gods. She wore a dark red yukata with black spiral patterns, her sash black, and on her back, a dragon symbol forming a circle.
"I should've shown something more fun too. Sorry."
"What are you talking about? I thought it was really interesting, and I'd like you to tell me more when we have time."
"Really? Then I'll do deeper research on the gods of Tsuyokuni."
Her eyes shone with excitement. He wasn't lying—he truly wanted to learn about the world's gods, and who better to tell him than someone from that territory? Seeing Yumeha getting jealous, he leaned over and bit her dango.
"You picked the right stalls, Yumeha. This is delicious—I'll try to make it myself someday."
"You'll make it? Then I have to be the first to taste it, Master."
"Of course you will."
Tapping her head lightly with his fingers, she walked toward Aoi, who was picking more dango to eat. Behind him, Yumeha touched her forehead with a happy smile.
"You're next, so tell me, future wife, what have you prepared for me?"
Aoi, who had just lifted her mask slightly to eat, nearly choked. Enrico was getting very good at making her feel butterflies in her stomach, but that wouldn't make her back down.
"It'll be a surprise, dear. It's just a shame we're not alone."
Getting close, she seemed to want to seduce him with her voice as she brought her lips near his ear. Turning toward her, he did the same.
"In the future, we'll have plenty of time alone."
"I'll admit, you're good."
Laughing, Enrico saw her ears turn red even as she tried to look calm, still wanting to be the one to make him blush somehow. She wore a mix between a yukata and a shrine maiden's outfit in purple and white, always leaving part of her legs visible whenever he looked at her.
[In my opinion, that one's the most troublesome. Are you sure you want her as a wife?]
'If I can handle it, there's no reason to refuse.'
[Unbelievable.]
From one perspective, Enrico was using their genuine feelings for him to make them stronger, but he had made a promise after thinking deeply about their relationship.
'I'll do everything I can to make them happy whenever it's within my power.'
Enrico thought of their bond in many ways, one being a new idea of a future pact where all of them would gain more power—giving them a better chance to survive what was to come.
'But that'll only be when I have the necessary strength.'
After walking past more stalls, the four began heading toward the place Aoi wanted to take them. Reaching a lake, they saw several lanterns being made through people's magic. Standing at the front, she looked excited as she held Enrico's hand.
"Let's make ours? Time's running out."
"Then we'd better hurry."
Looking back, he signaled for Yumeha and Rina to follow quickly. Each picked a floating lantern and began using their magic to decorate or enhance them so they would fly farther.
"Everyone, time's up! We'll start releasing them now."
The four quickly stood up and moved to where the release began. Filling the lanterns with magic, they started floating into the sky, rising higher and higher. Some lanterns drifted apart, but those four stayed together, climbing farther and farther away.
"Look, Master! They didn't separate—that means something good, right, sister?"
"That's good. I heard a story that if they stay together until the end, it's a sign you'll stay with those people forever."
"I didn't need that to know I'll stay with my dear forever."
Sighing with a small smile, he looked at the three happy girls. He hoped that would be true, for there was still a long road ahead that would take years to travel. After the festival, as they returned by carriage to Sanos, Aoi seemed to get a mischievous idea. She leaned close to Enrico, lifting her mask to reveal her red lips.
"As our first date, I have to give you a gift."
Grabbing his clothes, she kissed Enrico on the lips, making Rina blush and grow jealous in the back. Beside her, Yumeha shook her head confidently.
"She doesn't even realize she's late."
"What do you mean, Yumeha? Don't tell me you—"
While Enrico returned Aoi's kiss, Rina looked at them, thinking she had to hurry before she was left behind.
"My Ketsumei, I'm next."
Enrico pulled away from Aoi, whose face was red—she hadn't expected him to reciprocate so quickly and was caught off guard by the passionate kiss she'd received.
"Yumeha, hold Aoi for a moment."
"Alright, Master."
As he left Aoi beside Yumeha, Enrico moved toward Rina, who was caught by surprise when he began kissing her passionately. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the moment as her heart raced.
[Unbelievable.]