Chapter 130 – Three Souls… became One
Chapter 130
Three Souls… became One
Date : Day 23 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren and Ina stayed like that for several minutes, quietly embracing each other. The room was filled with the soft sounds of her breathing—gradually steadying from the ragged gasps of earlier—and the occasional sniffle that escaped despite her best efforts to compose herself.
Hyoren made sure Ina felt protected. Loved. Wanted.
He held her tightly, and his hand never stopped gently patting her head. His fingers moved through her soft orange hair with deliberate care, occasionally brushing against her flattened cat ears in a way that made them twitch slightly before settling again.
Beside them, Elise watched with a warm expression, her emerald eyes filled with quiet happiness.
She made no move to interrupt the moment between Hyoren and Ina. Instead, she simply observed—the kind of patient presence that spoke to the depth of her understanding and acceptance.
Eventually, Ina's hiccups finally subsided. She slowly pulled herself away from Hyoren's embrace. Her amber eyes were still red from crying, but her tears had already dried.
Using the back of her hand, she wiped the remaining moisture from her cheeks.
"Thanks, Hyoren... I'm okay now..."
Then she smiled brightly.
"And... Thanks for accepting me."
Hyoren smiled back softly.
"No. I'm the one who should thank you."
A faint self-conscious smile appeared on his face.
"I'm the greedy one here."
Finally, Elise joined them. The motion was natural—a seamless transition from observer to participant that spoke to the comfort she felt with both of them.
She wrapped her arms around both of them at once, pulling them together into a single hug.
"Now, now."
She giggled softly.
"We're family now. No need to act so stiff around each other. Fufu."
The atmosphere became peaceful and relaxed.
The heavy emotional breakdown from earlier already felt distant now—replaced by something lighter and more comfortable.
Soon, the three of them laughed together naturally.
At that exact moment, the bathroom door finally opened. Clearly, Jackey had been waiting for the perfect timing to emerge.
His orange hair was already completely dry, proof of just how long he had hidden inside the bathroom after finishing his shower.
He casually walked into the living room and immediately gave a huge thumbs up.
"Now Big Bro is truly my Big Bro!"
He laughed loudly. The sound was boisterous and genuine—carrying none of the awkwardness that might have been expected from someone who had been hiding in a bathroom during an emotional conversation.
"I lost the duel, but he still ended up marrying my Big Sis anyway!"
Then he raised both hands dramatically. His tabby tails spiraled in quick motion behind him.
"WOHOOO! TIME FOR CELEBRATION!"
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina burst into laughter at Jackey's proclamation.
Honestly, they were all grateful for the muscle-brained Cat-clan Beastkin. His sheer straightforwardness effortlessly dispelled whatever awkwardness still lingered in the room. The transition from tears to laughter was seamless—facilitated by someone who seemed incapable of recognizing the kind of social complexity that might have made such a shift difficult for others.
Ina nodded enthusiastically.
"We're family now. This definitely deserves a celebration."
She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"I still have some ale, beer, and snacks stored away... but I think we need to buy actual food too."
Elise shook her head. Her silver hair swayed with the motion.
"No need, Ina. I still have supplies packed inside my storage bag from our last quest."
She smiled gently.
"There aren't many fresh vegetables left, but I should still have enough ingredients."
Then her eyes brightened slightly.
"Let's cook together?"
Ina immediately clapped her hands excitedly.
"Good idea, Elise! Let's cook together!"
The two women moved together toward the kitchen in perfect harmony.
As if they had already spent years doing this together. The thought occurred to Hyoren as he watched them move.
Elise began pulling ingredients from her storage bag one after another.
The items emerged from the void with practiced efficiency. Cabbage. Potatoes. Carrots. Several mushrooms Hyoren didn't recognize. And large cuts of meat.
Meanwhile, Ina took out a large cooking pot from the cabinet and immediately started preparing the meal.
Ina filled the large pot with water before placing it atop the magic stove. She reached toward the runic dial on its side and infused a small amount of mana into it. A soft hum echoed from the stove.
A few moments later, Ina shouted from the kitchen.
"Jackey! Grab some chilled ale from my refrigerator and drink with Hyoren while waiting!"
Jackey instantly stood up.
"Okay, Big Sis!"
He walked toward a silver runic appliance near the kitchen.
The device hummed softly with magical energy—a constant reminder of the enchantment that kept its contents cold. It looked different from Earth's refrigerators, but the concept was essentially the same. The surface bore intricate runes that pulsed with a faint blue light.
Jackey opened it and pulled out two chilled bottles of ale.
Then he returned to the living room and handed one to Hyoren.
"Here, Big Bro!"
Hyoren accepted the bottle. The weight was comfortable in his hand—the familiar shape of a beverage he had come to appreciate during his time in Kresneger.
"Thank you, Jackey."
He uncorked it and took a long drink. The cold ale soothed his dry throat immediately. The taste was refreshing.
Then his gaze drifted toward the kitchen. Toward Elise and Ina.
The two women worked side by side naturally, occasionally laughing together while preparing ingredients. The sound of their laughter mixed with the clatter of utensils—a domestic symphony that seemed to fill the room with warmth.
The sight made Hyoren's chest feel strangely warm.
It's really nice... My dream of seeing those two cooking together beside me... it actually came true...
His eyes slowly lifted toward the ceiling.
I'm not being too greedy... right?
But then he shook his head.
No. I had already accepted both of them as my lovers.
Now his responsibility was simple. To love them equally. To treasure both of them sincerely. That was what a man should do.
Trying to push away the lingering emotions inside his chest, Hyoren turned toward Jackey and decided to focus on something more practical instead.
"Hey, Jackey. You're really joining our party, right?"
Jackey took another sip of ale before answering casually.
"Of course, Big Bro!"
He grinned widely.
"I was already getting bored of my hometown anyway. And after seeing how strong you are, I already decided I wanted to follow you around."
His tabby tail swished excitedly behind him.
"Especially now that my Big Sis is attached to you too."
He pointed confidently at Hyoren.
"That just gives me even more reason to stay!"
Hyoren nodded slowly.
"Okay then. Let me properly tell you about our party."
He raised his bottle slightly.
"Freedom Party."
Jackey's eyes immediately brightened with excitement. The name seemed to resonate with him in a way that suggested he had already begun to think of himself as part of something larger.
Hyoren began explaining their party structure.
"I'm the tank now. I will handle front-line and aggro. I also could use light magic. So I could heal. My light magic was still low, but it should be enough if we supplement with potions."
He pointed toward the kitchen.
"Elise handles scouting, ranged support, and mapping. She still needs to train her Mapping skill before we went to dungeon, but I think it won't be long."
Then he looked back at Jackey.
"And now you'll fill the role of frontline damage dealer. The role I left behind after switching to tank. Your whirlwind axes style was a force to be reckoned with. I couldn't wait to see you fight for real, Jackey."
Jackey grinned proudly.
"Sounds perfect already! We got a Tank/Healer, Ranger/Scout, and me, as a Warrior! A balanced party!"
Hyoren continued explaining. The information flowed naturally—each detail building on the previous one to create a comprehensive picture of their plans and goals.
He told Jackey about their current plan to spend some time grinding inside the newly opened Akela Dungeon. About gaining experience. Building teamwork. Getting stronger together.
Then his voice became calmer. More ambitious. The shift was subtle but noticeable—a transition from practical planning to something that carried greater weight.
"And eventually..."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"We'll leave Akela."
Jackey blinked. The statement seemed to catch him off guard—the kind of declaration that suggested a scope he had not previously considered.
Hyoren smiled faintly.
"We want to travel the world. Explore different territories. Different Nations. Conquer more dungeons. Become stronger."
His grip around the ale bottle tightened slightly.
"And someday..."
A quiet fire burned within his dark eyes.
"We'll reach Platinum Rank."
For a brief moment, silence filled the living room. The words seemed to hang in the air—carrying a weight that demanded acknowledgment beyond mere agreement.
Then Hyoren raised his bottle high.
"To Platinum Rank."
Jackey's booming laughter instantly echoed throughout the room. The sound was loud and genuine.
He raised his own bottle enthusiastically.
"To Big Bro! To Freedom Party! To Platinum Rank!"
The two men clinked their bottles together before laughing loudly.
Meanwhile, from the kitchen, Elise and Ina watched the scene with warm eyes while continuing to cook together.
Hyoren put down his ale, the bottle clunking softly against the table. Then he looked at Jackey.
"Hey, Jackey. Care to show us your status? We need to know each other's capabilities."
Jackey immediately nodded.
"Sure, Big Bro. Wait a bit..."
He rummaged through the small pouch hanging on his belt. It seemed he also owned a storage bag. Not long after, a metallic card appeared from the void—the guild card.
Jackey poured Aethell into it with practiced ease. The engraved runes lit up faintly, revealing the information hidden from public view. After that, he handed the card to Hyoren with a grin.
"Here, Big Bro!"
Hyoren took the card and read the information carefully.
Full Name : Jackey
Nickname : Jackey
Race : Cat-clan Beastkin
Age : 24
Date of Birth : 20th Solrise
Origin : Golden Cat Plateau, Theriarchic Union
Role : Warrior
Class : Dual Axe User
Guild Rank : Bronze
Guild Branch : Golden Cat Plateau
Party : None
Title : Whirlwind Axes
Level : 12
Experience to next level up : 3,607/6,561
Status :
Strength : 15
Vitality : 9
Dexterity : 12
Agility : 12
Magic : 5
Skills :
Axe Mastery Lvl 3
Throwing Lvl 2
Dual Wielding Lvl 2
Instinct Lvl 2
Dissection Lvl 1
Strong Legs Lvl 2
Unique Skill : -
Blessing : -
Hyoren let out a low whistle. Jackey was strong. The numbers confirmed what he had already suspected during the duel, but seeing them laid out so clearly drove the point home with undeniable clarity.
No wonder he could wield two axes so naturally. Level 2 Dual Wielding and Level 2 Throwing. The combination of skills spoke to a fighting style that was both versatile and deadly. Thinking back to Jackey's last attack earlier, Hyoren could already imagine how terrifying it would be in close combat.
His status and skill set practically screamed front-line warrior. And he even had a title.
Whirlwind Axes.
That kind of title was not given randomly. His twin axes were probably already well known back in his hometown.
Hyoren also noticed Jackey still had no party registered. His guild branch remained in the Golden Cat Plateau too. Though that would not be a problem for long. They could simply transfer his registration to the Akela branch later.
Especially with Ina helping. The Vice Guild Master would have no difficulty processing the paperwork for her own brother.
Hyoren handed the card back.
"You're truly strong, Jackey... I'm impressed."
Jackey smirked proudly, sharp canine teeth peeking out. The expression was confident without being arrogant.
"If you need something smashed, my axes are ready! Hahaha!"
His booming laughter echoed across the table.
Hyoren could only smile wryly.
Jackey was loud. Boisterous. Almost impossible to miss. His presence was the kind that demanded attention—not through any deliberate effort on his part, but simply through the sheer force of his personality.
But there was something refreshing about his straightforward nature.
With Jackey joining them, the Freedom Party had undoubtedly become much stronger. The thought settled into Hyoren's mind with a sense of satisfaction—the recognition that their party was evolving into something more complete than it had been before.
Elise and Ina finished cooking at almost the same time.
Ina carefully placed a small table in the middle of the carpets. The furniture was low—designed for sitting on floors rather than chairs—with a surface just large enough to hold the pot and the bowls they would need. After that, she put a portable magic stove on top of it.
Then Elise carried over a shimmering pot and placed it above the flame.
Hyoren looked at the dish with interest. The aroma reached him before he could fully process what he was seeing.
It seemed to be a variation of hot pot. Thick broth bubbled gently inside the pot while slices of meat, mushrooms, vegetables, and noodles simmered together. The liquid had taken on a deep amber color—the result of flavors melding together over sustained heat. The rich aroma instantly spread through the room.
Elise distributed spoons and bowls before sitting down on the left side of the table.
"Here. Simple meat and vegetable hot pot. Easy to make, but fitting for a celebration, right?"
Ina sat on the right side while picking up a bottle of ale. Her position created a natural arrangement—Elise on one side, Ina on the other, with space for Hyoren between them.
"Now, now. Let's celebrate and eat!"
The others also grabbed their bottles.
"Cheers!"
They drank their ale before immediately moving toward the hot pot.
Each of them scooped ingredients into their bowls. Meat. Vegetables. Mushrooms. Noodles soaked in thick broth. The portions were generous—each person taking what they wanted without hesitation or concern for scarcity.
Hyoren took a sip of the soup first. The liquid warmed his throat as it went down.
"Hmmm... this is delicious."
He savored the taste slowly.
"I'm already used to Elise's cooking... but this taste is new..."
He looked between the two women. The observation was genuine—the flavor profile was different from what he had come to expect from Elise's cooking alone. There was something additional here—a touch that was distinctly Ina's contribution.
"It's definitely the combination of you two, right?"
Then he smiled faintly.
“I love it.”
Elise and Ina looked at each other before giggling softly. The sound was harmonious.
Ina smiled warmly, her cat tails swishing behind her with obvious happiness.
"If you like it, then we will cook for you every day, Hyoren."
Elise nodded. Her silver hair swayed gently with the motion.
"Now Hyoren is finally honest. Fufu."
She smiled teasingly.
"But Ina is right. We will continue cooking for you if you want it..."
Before Hyoren could answer, Jackey suddenly spoke up. His stomach had already growled several times.
Seeing the three lovers staring at each other affectionately was simply too much for him. The romantic atmosphere was clearly making him uncomfortable—not because he disapproved, but because it stood between him and the meal he had been promised.
"I'm happy my Big Sis finally settled with a man... but can we eat already? I'm starving!"
For a second, the room fell silent. Then all four burst into laughter together.
Hyoren tried to stifle his own laughter before shaking his head.
"But Jackey is right. Let's eat, everyone."
The others agreed immediately.
And soon, the room became lively again. They chatted about random things while eating.
About Jackey's situation. About Golden Cat Plateau. The subjects emerged organically—one thought leading to another in the way that conversations tend to do when people are relaxed and comfortable.
"The dungeon there is good, but boring, Big Bro!"
Jackey chewed and swallowed the meat before continuing.
"It's only a Copper-tier dungeon, so the enemies are easy. No challenge! The income is pretty good though."
Then the topic shifted toward hobbies and future plans.
And unsurprisingly, Jackey became the loudest when they talked about the house they acquired earlier. His enthusiasm on the subject was immediate and unmistakable.
"Our future base is adjacent to a brothel, you say?! This is the best! WOHOO!"
Ina immediately smacked his shoulder. The impact was sharp—a physical reprimand that carried more embarrassment than actual force.
"Jackey!"
Her face flushed red from embarrassment while her cat ears twitched wildly.
"I know you can't keep your pants up, but stop being so crass!"
Jackey scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"But I can't help it, Big Sis..."
Elise giggled at the sibling interaction.
"Spare him, Ina. As long as he knows the limit, then let him do whatever he wants."
Hyoren nodded in agreement while sipping his ale. The motion was casual—an acknowledgment that he had no objection to Jackey's preferences.
"Elise is right. As long as he's responsible, why not?"
Ina stared at the two of them in disbelief before sighing deeply.
Her cat ears drooped slightly. The posture was one of resignation.
"You two..."
They continued eating while chatting leisurely. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxed.
Not long after, the pot was completely empty. The bottles of ale were emptied as well. The evidence of their celebration lay before them—containers that had once held food and drink now reduced to remnants and dregs.
Everyone leaned back with satisfied expressions after the warm meal.
Elise and Ina cleaned the table first, moving the empty pot and bowls aside before returning to the carpets. The work was done efficiently—two women who had clearly become accustomed to sharing domestic tasks working in tandem without needing to coordinate verbally.
Elise glanced toward the window.
Beyond the glass, the three moons of Kresneger already hung high in the night sky. Even the noise from outside had gradually faded. The streets that had bustled with activity earlier now lay quiet.
"What about we end the day here?"
Elise said softly.
"Today was definitely tiring..."
Ina stretched both arms high above her head. Several pops echoed from her joints.
"You're right, Elise. My body is sore all over. And tomorrow I need to start working again..."
She sighed dramatically before standing up.
She walked toward the shelves, grabbed a key, then handed it to Jackey.
"Jackey, you can use the empty room on the first floor until our house is ready. Room number ten. The one at the very back."
Jackey took the key obediently.
"Okay, Big Sis!"
Then he looked toward Hyoren and Elise with a grin. The expression was warm—carrying genuine affection despite its brevity.
"Big Bro, Elise, good night!"
After saying his farewell, he quickly retreated downstairs. His footsteps echoed on the stairs.
Hyoren watched him leave before chuckling faintly.
For a muscle brain, Jackey was surprisingly thoughtful. The man clearly understood the three of them needed privacy. His quick departure was not just about finding his own bed—it was about giving them the space he knew they required.
Hyoren stood up afterward. The motion was accompanied by a slight stretch.
"We'll sleep here tonight, Elise?"
Elise nodded.
"It's already too late to return to the inn... We'll waste one day of booking, but whatever."
Ina immediately smiled brightly.
"My bed is big enough for three people! Don't worry!"
Hearing that, Hyoren suddenly became aware of the sticky feeling clinging to his skin. The sensation had been present throughout the meal.
He still had not showered after the duel and all the walking they did today.
"Ina, I'll shower first, okay?"
Ina nodded casually.
"Sure. Just use the soap and shampoo there! Elise and I will shower afterward."
Hyoren nodded before heading toward the bathroom. His footsteps carried him across the room with purpose—a direct route to the cleanliness he craved.
The bathroom itself was simple, but extremely clean. Everything was neatly arranged without a speck of dust. The surfaces gleamed in the light from the magic lamps—reflecting the care that had been taken to maintain them. Towels were folded precisely on their racks. Bottles of soap and shampoo were lined up in orderly rows. Even the floor tiles seemed to shine with a level of cleanliness that bordered on obsessive.
Ina really is meticulous and neat...
It was not a trait which was easily known unless they started living together. The thought warmed Hyoren. Even now, his love towards the Cat-clan beastkin was still growing. Each new discovery about her—whether it was her domestic habits or her emotional vulnerabilities—seemed to add another layer to his feelings.
He quickly removed his clothes before pouring Aethell into the water magic tool mounted on the wall.
Then he stepped beneath the shower.
Warm water flowed over his body, relaxing the tension in his muscles. The heat seemed to penetrate deep into his tissue—loosening knots that had formed during the duel and the emotional conversations that followed.
As he cleaned himself, his thoughts naturally drifted.
We acquired a house... gained a new party member...
Then his thoughts shifted toward Elise and Ina. The transition was natural—the two women who now occupied such a significant portion of his mind demanding attention even in this private moment.
And... I have two lovers now...
Hyoren glanced upward quietly while slicking his wet hair back. The motion was contemplative—the kind of gesture that accompanied introspection rather than practical grooming.
Back on Earth, something like this would be heavily frowned upon...
But this world of Kresneger was different. Different cultures. Different morality. Different traditions. The realization had been gradual—accumulating through observations and experiences.
Having multiple partners is not only tolerated here... it's almost encouraged, huh… nobles harem… haha….
He fell silent for a moment.
Though... I don't think I'm going to add more women. No harem for me… two was enough…
He let out a small chuckle.
Balancing things fairly between Elise and Ina alone is already difficult. I'm not sure I could truly stay fair if there were more.
Hyoren closed his eyes briefly as warm water continued pouring over him.
I'll make sure I love Elise and Ina equally. No unfairness. No jealousy.
After finishing his shower, he stopped the water and dried his body and hair. Then he took fresh clothes from his storage bag—a simple shirt and loose pants for sleeping.
Once done, he exited the bathroom.
Not long after, Elise and Ina entered together. The two women walked side by side—their movements carrying the easy comfort of people who had already become accustomed to each other's presence.
The two women giggled softly while walking inside, looking completely relaxed.
Hyoren smiled faintly at the sight. It seemed the two of them had already become close enough to casually bathe together. The observation was not surprising given everything that had happened, but it was still pleasant to witness.
Rather than disturbing them, Hyoren simply sat down on the sofa to wait quietly.
***
The sound of running water finally stopped.
A few moments later, it was replaced by the rustling of clothes and soft giggles from inside the bathroom. The sounds were muffled by the door but still audible.
Not long after, Elise and Ina stepped out together. The door opened to release a cloud of warm steam that billowed into the cooler air of the main room—a brief fog that dissipated quickly but left behind the scent of soap and something floral that Hyoren could not quite identify.
Hyoren instinctively gulped.
Elise wore her usual emerald nightgown. The fabric draped over her figure with familiar grace—the color complementing her features in a way that he had appreciated many times before. Her silver hair hung loose behind her back, still slightly damp from the bath. She looked as beautiful as always. The observation was not new but no less true for its familiarity.
But the one who truly stole his attention was Ina.
Until now, Hyoren had only ever seen her wearing her guild clerk uniform or casual clothes that concealed her figure. The structured garments she typically favored had always hidden her shape beneath layers of practical fabric.
She wore a thin silk nightgown.
It was modest enough to cover her body properly, but the damp fabric clung lightly to her petite frame. The material followed the curves of her body in a way that dry cloth never could—revealing contours that Hyoren had never properly noticed before. The silk shifted with each movement—sometimes clinging, sometimes flowing—in a constant dance that drew the eye.
Ina was small. Probably only around one hundred fifty-five centimeters tall. The estimate was rough but seemed accurate based on how she stood relative to Elise. Petite and slender. But undeniably feminine.
Her wet brown short hair framed her flushed face beautifully while her cat tails swayed lazily behind her.
Elise and Ina quickly noticed Hyoren staring.
Ina stepped forward playfully before twirling once. Her silk robe fluttered softly with the movement—the fabric billowing out before settling back against her body. Her tails swished energetically behind her.
"Did I successfully captivate you, Hyoren?"
Her flirtatious smile had completely returned. The expression was familiar—the same confident curve of her lips that she had worn countless times before when teasing him at the Guild. But the context had changed dramatically, and with it, the impact of that smile.
Hyoren gulped again before slowly nodding.
"I didn't think you could captivate me more than you already did..."
His eyes unconsciously drifted over her again.
"But you truly can..."
He smiled faintly.
"You're beautiful, Ina."
Elise immediately placed her hands on her waist in mock anger. The posture was exaggerated—her elbows jutting out at angles that seemed designed to emphasize her pretended displeasure.
"So only Ina is beautiful now?"
She huffed dramatically while pouting.
"Favoritism already? Did you forget about your old lover?"
Despite her words, amusement sparkled clearly within her emerald eyes. The contradiction between her tone and her gesture was unmistakable. Even her ears betrayed her mood, her pointed ears twitched in amusement.
Hyoren immediately waved both hands in panic.
"Elise! Of course not!"
He straightened up.
"You're beautiful as always. And I love you so much. As much as Ina. I just..."
He paused awkwardly before scratching his cheek.
"I'm appreciating something I didn't notice before."
Ina giggled softly. The sound was light and genuine—the kind of laughter that came from someone who was pleased rather than mocking.
Elise eventually dropped her fake angry act before smiling warmly.
"Fufu. I know."
Then she glanced toward Ina again.
"Ina is beautiful, right? Today was the first time I bathed together with her, but honestly... I got jealous."
Elise gently touched Ina's arm.
"Her skin is so supple and fair. I guess desk work instead of field work really keeps your skin flawless, huh."
Ina smiled shyly.
"But your skin is flawless too, Elise. It's almost like you never go under the sun."
Elise smiled faintly at that before tracing the scar visible beneath the thin fabric covering her torso. Her fingers moved along the jagged line with a familiarity that spoke to acceptance rather than pain.
"I now have this huge scar though."
Ina gently touched the scar as well. Her fingers joined Elise's on the raised skin.
"But it doesn't reduce your beauty, Elise."
Her voice softened.
"It amplifies it. It's proof you survived against an impossible foe."
Elise's expression softened further.
She held Ina's hand gently, her fingers intertwining with Ina's in a gesture that seemed both intimate and reassuring.
"Thank you, Ina."
She smiled quietly.
"I already made peace with this scar... but hearing someone else say that still feels nice."
Then she giggled lightly.
"Hyoren said the same thing too. Fufu."
Afterward, Elise suddenly turned toward Hyoren again.
"By the way, Hyoren. I also discovered something interesting about Ina today."
Ina tilted her head curiously while her cat ears perked up.
Hyoren smiled.
"What is it?"
Elise reached toward Ina's tail and slowly ran her fingers through the soft fur. The motion was deliberate—her touch gentle but purposeful as she stroked along the length of the appendage.
"Her ears and tails are extremely pleasant to touch."
Then Elise winked mischievously.
"And they're very sensitive too. Fufu."
The moment Elise's grip tightened slightly, Ina immediately yelped. The sound was sharp and involuntary—a reaction that seemed to escape before she could suppress it.
"Elise! Why would you tell him that?!"
Ina pouted in embarrassment while her tails puffed slightly. But the pout only lasted for a moment before turning into a soft smile again.
Then both women approached Hyoren together. Their movements were synchronized—not through conscious coordination but through the kind of natural harmony that came from shared purpose.
He still sat awkwardly on the sofa, completely unsure what to do anymore.
Ina grabbed one of his arms. Elise took the other. Their fingers wrapped around his limbs with gentle but firm grips.
"Stop staring already..."
Elise's teasing smile bloomed.
"Take care of us now. Fufu."
The two women gently pulled him toward the bedroom.
Ina looked back over her shoulder with a soft smile.
"Take responsibility, okay, Hyoren?"
Hyoren simply let himself be led forward. The decision was easy—he had no desire to resist even if resistance had been possible. The bedroom door slowly closed behind the three of them. The sound was soft but final—a gentle click that marked the transition from one chapter of the evening to another.
Outside, the three moons of Kresneger, Azure, Crimson, and Ebony–continued shining quietly through the windows. Earlier tonight, they had witnessed the confession of two people.
And now—once more, they became silent witnesses–for three souls becoming one.