Chapter 262: CA [262]: Midnight in Orario
Late at night in Orario, aside from the bustling pleasure district, most areas had dimmed their lights, with only a few streetlamps casting a faint glow. The streets were nearly deserted, with hardly a soul in sight.
Inside the Hestia Familia's residence, the City of Ideals, Saeko quietly stepped out of Kayo and Tina's room, gently closing the door behind her.
"Are they asleep?" Altair asked, leaning against the wall with a warm smile.
"Yes, they're out cold," Saeko replied, letting go of the doorknob and returning his smile with a nod.
"Probably exhausted from today. They fell asleep fast."
"Even with their enhanced constitutions and my contract, which makes them far stronger than their peers, they're still kids. Up early to prepare for the store opening, dealing with crowds, and then running wild with the other children at the banquet, they'd be odd not to be tired."
"Exactly. When I was tucking them in, they were mumbling about how delicious the food was but they couldn't eat another bite," Saeko said, chuckling softly.
Altair, however, put on a mock scowl. "Praising someone else's cooking? I've been too lenient with them. They need to learn that only their big sister Saeko's food is the best."
"Oh, come on, Altair. I know you appreciate my skills, but the dishes at the Hostess of Fertility were genuinely tasty. Even I ate a ton," Saeko teased, seeing through his playful complaint and shaking her head with a light laugh.
"You've worked hard, Saeko," Altair said, his tone softening. He stepped closer and wrapped her in a gentle embrace. Saeko returned the gesture, her arms circling his waist as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"You've been managing everything for the Familia, taking Kayo and Tina to the dungeon, looking after Hestia. Those are things I should be doing, but you've taken them all on."
To Altair, Saeko's efforts were nothing short of remarkable. She handled the Familia's daily needs, from cooking to caring for Hestia, who practically relied on her entirely. When Kayo and Tina joined, Saeko took them under her wing too. Altair's role was mostly to enhance their equipment and abilities and guide them in the dungeon, but Saeko was the one holding the household together. She was, in every sense, the "mother" of their little family, nurturing their three "children."
"This is my choice, Altair," Saeko said firmly. "As a woman of the Tojo family, once I choose my partner, I follow him wholeheartedly. You're that person, so I'll stand by you in everything. A successful man can't always focus on home, so as the woman behind you, I'll take care of everything else. That's my greatest support for you."
Altair's heart warmed. He'd once told Saeko's unseen father in his mind, The Tojo family's upbringing is impeccable. Thank you for raising such an incredible daughter.
"But," Saeko continued, a soft smile gracing her lips, "as a woman, I do hope you'll spare a bit of your attention for me. I don't need to outshine Hestia in your heart, just enough to know I matter to you. That's my deepest wish."
Her smile grew content. "And you've never let me down. No matter what, I always see myself in your eyes."
"Of course, Saeko. You're always in my sight, and I'll always be watching over you," Altair replied earnestly.
"I believe you, Altair," Saeko said, her voice warm with trust.
Altair genuinely cherished Saeko. Back when the internet was new, he stumbled upon a bold anime that introduced him to her unique character. She became his first "waifu," a youthful obsession that left a lasting mark. Now, with her by his side, how could he not treasure her?
"Come on, Altair. It's late. Time to rest," Saeko said, patting his back.
He nodded, releasing her from the embrace, and they walked together to their bedroom.
Indeed, they shared a bedroom, but not a single bed. The room had two separate beds, much like a dorm. Kayo and Tina's room was similarly arranged, each with their own bed. Altair and Saeko each had their own bed too, except Altair's was often occupied by Hestia, who insisted on cuddling him to sleep.
Inside the bedroom, Hestia, exhausted from the day's antics, was sprawled across the center of Altair's bed in an unladylike starfish pose, already fast asleep.
"Goodnight," Altair said, pulling Saeko into another quick hug and sneaking a kiss when she wasn't expecting it. She giggled in response.
"Goodnight," Saeko replied, returning a quick kiss before slipping into her own bed.
Altair's bed required some maneuvering. He gently shifted Hestia to make room, careful not to wake her. As he settled in, Hestia instinctively snuggled closer, wrapping around his arm with a content smile as she slept.
With a resigned chuckle, Altair patted her head with his free hand, gave Saeko one last nod, and closed his eyes. After a long day, both drifted off quickly.
...
The next morning, Altair awoke to a familiar weight on his chest.
Hestia had climbed atop him again, as usual.
Glancing at Saeko's bed, he saw her blankets neatly folded, she was already up.
"Time to get up," he muttered, trying to move Hestia off, only to find both his arms pinned.
Looking down, he realized it wasn't just Hestia. Est was there too, clinging to him. Hestia was on his left, hugging one arm, her leg draped over his stomach. Est was on his right, one arm around his neck, effectively locking him in place.
Est is awake? She must have merged her original form with the Fire Spirit King's power, Altair thought.
"Est?" he called softly.
"Mm…" Est stirred, letting out a soft hum. Her eyes fluttered open, half-lidded, gazing at him drowsily.
"Altair," she murmured.
"Welcome back, Est," he said warmly.
He could sense a powerful force within her, rivaling his own curse power. Through their contract, he could wield or even merge with this power, though it required Est to transform into her sword form or reside within him.
"Mm, Est is back," she mumbled, nodding sleepily. Then, without warning, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
The kiss seemed to rouse her, but she made no move to get up, instead tightening her hold on his neck and staring into his eyes with quiet intensity.
"This is Est and Altair's new contract," she said.
"I understand," he replied.
Her movement stirred Hestia, who rubbed her eyes and sat up, still clutching Altair's arm to ensure he was there.
"Morning, Altair~" she yawned mid-greeting.
"Morning, Hestia," he replied, finally freeing his arms.
Hestia blinked sleepily, then noticed the silver-haired girl clinging to Altair, practically glued to his side.
She rubbed her eyes again, thinking she was seeing things, but the sight remained.
"This… this… you…" she stammered, mouth agape, staring at Est.
Oh no, I forgot about this, Altair thought, slapping his forehead. In the elementalist world, Est always woke up like this. Despite his protests, she insisted on "sleeping with her master," slipping into his bed, often without clothes. Rinslet had given up fighting it, eventually accepting it as Est was his contracted spirit. It became routine for them to share a bed.
But Hestia clearly wasn't used to this.
"Hm?" Est noticed Hestia's stare and turned to meet her gaze. Under Hestia's scrutiny, she tightened her grip, pressing her cheek against Altair's.
The motion caused the thin bedsheet to slip, revealing that Est wore nothing. Hestia's shock intensified, she was practically clinging to Altair bare!
This vixen came out of nowhere! Even I haven't done that! Hestia fumed.
"Who are you?! Where did you come from?!" she demanded.
"I am Altair's most important one," Est replied flatly, rubbing her cheek against his.
Hestia exploded. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
***
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