Outside the grand hall, Leno finally caught up to the two girls. Without giving them a chance to struggle, he pulled both into his arms.
If he still didn't understand what was going on at this point, then he really was an idiot.
He wanted to say something—anything—but the words just wouldn't come. Nojiko, tears streaming down her face, lifted her head and choked out, "Leno… do you despise us? If you do, just say so…"
"My dear Nojiko, what are you talking about? How could I ever despise you?" Leno hurriedly cut her off before she could go on. If he let her finish, this family might just fall apart on the spot.
Interrupted, Nojiko sniffled a few times in his arms before continuing. "Then why did you go to Robin first? Why not us? We were here before her!"
Leno's head throbbed. Wasn't I doing this for your sake? You're still underage!
He quickly tilted their chins up and gave each of them a deep kiss before speaking softly. "After all these years, hasn't my love for you been clear enough?"
"Then why…"
Looking at the two girls blushing in his embrace, Leno could tell from their trembling voices that their feelings for him ran deep—so deep it made his heart ache even as he felt a strange warmth inside.
What did I do to deserve girls like these? he thought, making a silent vow to himself—he would take care of them, and maybe even find them a few "sisters" to share their burdens someday.
"I'm just worried about your bodies," he explained gently. "It's bad for a girl's health to do that kind of thing before she's grown."
"We're already grown!" Nojiko raised her head stubbornly, pushing out her chest in defiance. "So, how big do you want us to be before you're satisfied?"
"Ahem—! I meant your age, not… that. Do you even know what 'eighteen' means?" Leno almost choked on his own saliva. This little troublemaker had some real nerve tonight. Maybe Robin's situation had set her off.
"It's not even two years away! Can't you wait, you jerk?!"
Before he could reply, she bit his arm hard. Even Kuina, who had been silent the whole time, followed suit and bit him too.
"Hiss—! Seriously, you two? You're even using Armament Haki now?"
"Bite him to death!"
Faced with two furious little tigresses, Leno didn't dare fight back and endured it quietly.
"Alright, alright—it just happened by accident, really. The mood took over, and before I knew it, it just… happened."
"Don't overthink it, okay? You two are already my promised wives. You couldn't run even if you wanted to."
"Hmph!"
After a long while of coaxing and comforting, the two girls finally calmed down. Nojiko wiped her tears, then looked up seriously.
"In that case, Kuina's already of age. You should take her tonight."
"!!!!"
Leno blinked, looking from Nojiko's serious face to Kuina's, who had buried her head shyly in his chest. He hesitated. "You're serious?"
"Don't act all pure! You're practically glowing with happiness inside. Ugh, you lucky bastard!"
Nojiko was truly furious tonight, overflowing with pent-up frustration. And this idiot still wanted to play innocent.
"You pervert, degenerate, bastard, idiot—" Her voice cracked as she began crying again.
Seeing her best friend cry, Kuina's tears started falling too.
"...."
Leno froze. What did I even say?
"Alright, enough. Don't cry. Seeing you cry makes my heart ache too…"
After a long while, the sobs finally faded. Leno gently wiped the tears from their cheeks and kissed both of them deeply once more.
He knew they were truly hurt tonight—and since things had already gone this far, it was his responsibility to face it.
Glancing back toward the hall, then toward a quiet corner, he thought for a moment before suggesting, "Let's head back to the ship and wash up. You must be hungry after all this. How about we eat on board tonight?"
The two girls exchanged glances, then nodded slightly. Their tear-streaked faces made it hard to go back now anyway.
So they didn't. They'd just have their own table.
Leno brought them to the Gale, which was docked in the plaza, then flashed back into the temple. Looking around at the others, he explained, "Those two had something on their minds. I'll stay with them for a while. You all go ahead and eat."
Aileen wanted to say something, but one look from her mother silenced her. Belle-Mère waved her hand with a smile. "It's fine, dear. Go take care of them. We're doing great here."
Leno nodded and left for the side chamber.
There, he found Robin pretending to sleep. With a small smile, he walked over and kissed her gently.
"Mmm…" Robin's eyes shot open, and she quickly turned her head away, flustered.
"What's wrong? Not pretending anymore?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tell them."
Leno brushed her cheek with his hand, smiling softly. "You don't need to apologize. It was bound to come out sooner or later. How's your body? Feeling better?"
Robin's face flushed as she nodded. "Mm… Kuina used her ability to help me recover. I'm much better now."
"Good. I'll have some food sent to you. Eat, then rest early tonight."
Listening to his gentle words, Robin's heart melted. "Okay… what about the other two?"
"You saw for yourself, didn't you?" Leno raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't mean to. I just—was worried. I didn't want them to hate me because of this."
So she had used her ability to peek. Leno chuckled softly. "It's fine. Don't apologize. I've already explained it to them. You'll all be my wives. I'll take care of each of you, always."
Before she could respond, he kissed her again, unable to resist her warmth. Feeling his body heat rising again, Robin panicked slightly and pushed him away.
"Alright, go. Go keep them company. Don't make them wait too long."
"Alright. Eat and rest early."
"Mm, I will."
Catching her breath, Robin watched him leave, her face glowing with longing.
By the time Leno returned to the ship, the food was ready—and the girls had even prepared wine. When he stepped aboard, both Nojiko and Kuina greeted him with bright smiles.
"Leno! Let's lift the ship. We'll eat in the sky tonight."
"No problem."
As the Gale slowly rose into the night sky, Nojiko stood, poured drinks for all three, and raised her glass.
"Tonight, we drink until we drop!"
"Cheers!"