Tactical Embarrassment

Andie POV
The sanctuary grounds were transformed. Strings of enchanted lanterns hung between trees, casting a warm glow over tables laden with food. The scent of grilled meats, vegetables, and Emi's special sauces filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation. In the sky above, Liluna, the dreamlike, slowest moon of Voluptaria, hung full and luminous, bathing everything in silver-blue light that seemed to make the world both more vibrant and more ethereal.

Her sister moons provided delicate accompaniment: Selune, a graceful waning crescent well past her passionate peak, and Azura, a slender crescent nearly ready to vanish into her new phase. Together they painted the night sky in layers of silver light that gave our celebration an almost cosmic significance.

I stood by the cooking area, helping Emi and Ryota manage the grills. Despite my attempts to focus on the task at hand, my attention kept drifting to the pockets of my hakama where two more rings waited, identical to the one that now adorned Miyako's finger. The weight of them was both physical and emotional, a constant reminder of what I hoped to accomplish tonight. Nothing quite like the pressure of orchestrating a double proposal under a magical triple moon system. Just another casual Thursday in Voluptaria.

"Earth to Andie," Emi waved a hand in front of my face, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "The skewers are about to burn."

"Sorry," I mumbled, quickly flipping the chicken skewers that were indeed starting to char. "Got distracted."

"Thinking about tonight's special plan?" she asked with a knowing smile.

I nearly dropped the tongs. "How did you—"

"Please," Emi rolled her eyes. "Everyone knows something's happening. You've been checking your pockets every five minutes, and Miyako keeps making these weird hand signals to Airi and Haruka. Plus," she lowered her voice, "Ruri and Noel have barely said two words to you all day. It doesn't take a genius."

Before I could respond, Ryota swooped in, grabbing a plate of freshly grilled meats. "These look perfect! You coming to join us, Andie? Or are you going to keep hiding by the grill all night?"

"I'm not hiding," I protested, though the nervous flutter in my stomach suggested otherwise.

"Sure, sure," Ryota grinned, clapping me on the shoulder. "Just don't wait too long. Night won't last forever, and you've got quite the audience waiting."

I glanced around at the gathering. Nearly everyone from our group was present, spread across the sanctuary grounds in smaller clusters. The jocks had claimed a table near the food, loudly recounting tales of the chassis race from yesterday. Kazuki, Sora, and Yuto sat with the Kimochi sisters, deep in conversation about something that had Miyuki gesturing animatedly. Haruka and the gyaru girls were admiring each other's yukata, making adjustments and sharing compliments. Keiko onee-chan was chatting with Noel, who, despite her diplomatic smile, kept shooting glances in my direction when she thought I wasn't looking.

And then there was Ruri. The silver pattern on her rabbit ears caught the moonlight as she sat with Mediena and Fryevia, nodding politely at whatever story the Eosashi was telling. Though she laughed at all the right moments, I could see the tension in her shoulders, the careful way she kept her back to me.

It had been less than twenty-four hours since my proposal to Miyako, and the contrast between yesterday's joy and today's careful distance was painful. Yet tonight, under Liluna, I hoped to bridge that gap.

"You should go eat," Emi said gently, taking the tongs from my hands. "I've got this covered."

I took a bite of the perfectly seasoned meat and nearly groaned with pleasure. It tasted exactly like the yakitori from that little stall near my old school, the one I'd discovered by accident and visited every week until we were transported here. Emi had outdone herself, using enchanted herbs from Kurenai that made everything taste like your favourite food.

With a grateful nod, I filled a plate and found my way to where Miyako was sitting with Airi and Hitomi. Her eyes lit up as I approached, the ring on her finger catching the lantern light.

"There's my fiancé," she said, the word sending a thrill through me. "We were just talking about how beautiful the moon is tonight."

"It's perfect," I agreed, settling beside her. "Liluna, the dreamer's moon. Ruri once told me that the Lunethnari consider it especially auspicious for... new beginnings."

Miyako squeezed my hand under the table, her eyes conveying understanding. Through our rings' telepathic link, I heard her voice in my mind: Are you ready?

As I'll ever be, I replied silently. When the time is right...

I'll know, she assured me. Haruka and Airi are ready too.

Our silent conversation was interrupted by Hitomi, who was examining the night sky with professional interest. "You know, these moons affect the magical currents. Kurenai says spells cast under Liluna often have unexpected effects, like dreams taking physical form."

"Is that why everyone seems extra... I don't know, glowy tonight?" Airi asked, gesturing around at the gathering.

She wasn't wrong. There was something magical about the scene, and not just from the enchanted lanterns. The moonlight seemed to enhance everyone's natural presence, making colours more vivid, laughter more musical, and every moment somehow more significant.

As the evening progressed, I made my way through different groups, sharing food and conversation. The gyaru girls showed off their yukata poses. The jocks challenged everyone to impromptu arm-wrestling matches (which Ryota suspiciously kept winning). Vinera and Viktora shared tales of unusual quest encounters from their adventuring days. Through it all, I felt myself relaxing, drawing strength from the community we'd built.

When dinner gave way to dessert, Emi's special moon cakes and star-shaped cookies, people began to spread blankets on the ground for stargazing. The three moons of Voluptaria created a spectacle unlike anything on Earth: Liluna in the centre, full and silvery-blue; Selune, the passionate moon, a waning crescent to the west; and Azura, the middle moon, a thin crescent to the east.

I found myself on a blanket with Miyako, watching as shooting stars occasionally streaked across the sky.

"It's time," she whispered, giving my hand a squeeze.

I nodded, feeling a rush of both fear and determination. "When Airi sets off the magical lanterns, that's your cue."

Miyako kissed my cheek and slipped away, heading toward the sanctuary entrance where Haruka and Airi waited. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what came next.

Around me, voices raised in delight as Airi released dozens of enchanted paper lanterns into the night sky. They rose slowly, glowing with soft multi-coloured light, creating a second constellation beneath the natural stars above. The perfect moment, magical, communal, and under Liluna's watchful gaze.

I stood, and the conversations around me gradually quieted.

Miyuki POV
I was explaining to Kazuki and the others about the potential applications of my Chronosophist abilities for navigating ancient ruins when I noticed everyone's attention shifting. Andie had stood up in the centre of our gathering, his face illuminated by the combination of enchanted lanterns, firelight, and Liluna's silver glow.

The enchanted paper lanterns that Airi had just released were floating upward in a mesmerizing display, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. Something important was about to happen, I could feel it in the air.

"Everyone," Andie called, his voice steady despite the nervousness I could detect in his posture. "If I could have your attention for a moment."

Conversations died down as all eyes turned to him. Mochi nudged me, a knowing smile on her face. Whatever was coming, my sister had already guessed it.

"I know this is supposed to be a casual celebration," Andie continued, "but there's something I need to say." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the gathering before settling somewhere in the distance. "I've always been a loner. I've been dense and weak at recognizing signals."

A chorus of feminine agreement rippled through the crowd. Hitomi's "You can say that again!" was particularly loud, eliciting laughter from everyone.

"Seriously," Haruka added from the edge of the gathering, "it took him years and a direct confession to notice Miyako was interested!"

Andie's face flushed, but he smiled good-naturedly. "I deserve that. But what I'm trying to say is... when I was on Earth, I would have avoided a gathering like this completely. I would have made an excuse to stay home, probably to play games or organise my figurine collection."

More laughter erupted, especially from the guys. Ryota called out, "Some things never change!" while Masato added, "Remember when we tried to get you to join the gym? You said you were allergic to barbells!"

"He once told me he had food poisoning to get out of a group study session," Sora called out. "Then I saw him at the convenience store buying cup noodles an hour later!"

"The cup noodles were medicinal!" Andie protested, which only made everyone laugh harder.

I noticed movement near the sanctuary entrance, Airi and Haruka had returned from inside, looking slightly out of breath and exchanging meaningful glances. Something was definitely happening.

Andie waited for the laughter to subside before continuing, his tone becoming more serious. "But coming to Voluptaria has changed everything. Changed me. And I've realised something important, I really dislike disappointing people. Especially," his voice softened, "disappointing people who love me."

The atmosphere shifted, becoming more attentive, more intimate. Even the most boisterous members of our group were watching with rapt attention.

"I'm not perfect," Andie said. "I make mistakes. I cause hurt when I don't mean to. I might not meet expectations." Several of the girls nodded at this, their expressions a mix of understanding and something more complex. "But I try my best to be the best version of myself, for my friends," the guys cheered, "for those I consider brothers," fists raised in solidarity, "and for those who hold... romantic interest." At this, nearly everyone turned to look at each other, a ripple of whispers passing through the gathering.

I felt a strange tightness in my chest. As a Chronosophist, I could sense the weight of this moment, how the past, present, and potential futures were converging. This wasn't just Andie speaking; this was a turning point for our entire group.

"Last night," Andie continued, "I proposed to Miyako." There were a few whoops and claps, though most had already witnessed or heard about this. "She has always been there for me, supporting me from the background, even when I was too dense to notice. But tonight..." he looked up at the sky, at Liluna shining brilliantly overhead, "tonight, I want to make something right."

He turned toward where Ruri and Noel were sitting. The two Velunari women had been uncharacteristically subdued all evening, Ruri without her usual flirtatious comments, Noel maintaining diplomatic distance. Even their long rabbit ears seemed to droop slightly.

"Ruri, Noel," Andie called, his voice gentle but clear. "Would you join me, please?"

The two exchanged a glance, uncertainty written across their features. For a moment, I thought they might refuse, but then Noel nodded almost imperceptibly, and they rose together. As they approached Andie, I could see the conflict in their body language, the careful distance they maintained, the way their ears twitched with nervous energy.

When they stood before him, Andie's voice grew more intimate, though still audible to all of us. "From the moment I met each of you, you've brought something irreplaceable into my life. Ruri, your boldness and joy show me how to embrace life without hesitation. Noel, your wisdom and grace teach me the value of thoughtful action. You've both become essential to who I am now."

He took a deep breath. "And I know I've hurt you. I'm sorry for that. It was never my intention."

Ruri's silver-patterned ears twitched. "Andie-kun, you don't need to—"

"I do," he interrupted gently. "Because in Voluptaria, I've learned that sometimes Earth rules don't fit. Sometimes we need to make new ones."

He looked up at Liluna again. "In Velunari tradition, all three moons align just once every three years. But tonight, beneath Liluna's gaze, I'll ask the moon to stand witness, because some things, and some hearts, can't wait for fate."

A collective intake of breath rippled through the gathering as Andie knelt before Ruri and Noel. I heard Mochi gasp beside me, her hand finding mine in the darkness.

"Ruri Lapis," Andie began, his voice clear in the hushed night. "From the moment you emerged from that moonpool, you've fascinated me. Your joy in living, your courage in the face of danger, your willingness to sacrifice yourself to save others, including me. You taught me that life should be embraced fully, with all its pleasures and pains."

Ruri's lavender eyes widened, her ears perking up as her composure wavered.

"Noel Canan," Andie continued, turning slightly. "Your diplomatic grace conceals a heart of extraordinary depth. You've shown me what true leadership looks like, not commanding, but serving. Your quiet strength has been a foundation for so many, including me. And when I look at how you balance tradition with progress, I see a path I want to walk alongside you."

Noel's cream-coloured ears with gold tips trembled visibly, her violet eyes glistening in the moonlight.

"Both of you have changed me," Andie said. "Both of you have taught me that love isn't diminished when shared, it's multiplied. In your culture, this is understood. And tonight, I choose to embrace that wisdom."

From his pocket, Andie withdrew two rings, identical to the one Miyako wore, each crafted from the same silvery metal that seemed to both absorb and reflect Liluna's light.

"Ruri Lapis, Noel Canan, will you marry me? Will you join Miyako and me in creating something new, something that honours both your traditions and the bonds we've forged in this world?"

The silence that followed was electric. Ruri's and Noel's expressions transformed from shock to wonder, tears gathering in their eyes. Just as they opened their mouths to respond, there was a soft pop of displaced air.

A figure appeared beside Andie in a flash of magical energy, teleporting via what must have been her ring's enchantment. It was Miyako, but transformed. She was no longer wearing her casual yukata from dinner. Instead, she was adorned in a breathtaking kimono I had never seen before.

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The fabric seemed to capture and reflect the night sky itself, shifting between deep cosmic blues and shimmering starlight with each movement. The gradient fabric shifted from delicate pink at the shoulders to deep crimson at the hem, decorated with subtle Sakura patterns that seemed to move with an inner light. Gold thread accented the edges, catching the moonlight and transforming it into something more vibrant. The obi wrapped around her waist was intricately designed from the same material, complex patterns forming what looked like constellations.

But the most remarkable thing was how the kimono interacted with Liluna's light. The fabric seemed to absorb the moonbeams and transform them, causing Miyako to radiate a gentle aura that shifted between celestial gold, lunar silver, and stellar midnight. She looked not just beautiful, but otherworldly, a vision of what our human and Voluptarian worlds could become together.

She stepped beside Andie, placing a hand on his shoulder as she faced Ruri and Noel. "As his Player 2," she said, her voice clear and confident, "I fully support this. Because love in Voluptaria isn't a limited resource, it's an infinite one."

Ruri was the first to break, a single tear tracking down her cheek as her composure cracked. "Andie-kun, you impossible, wonderful idiot..." she whispered.

Noel followed, her diplomatic reserve melting away. "After all this time, all these centuries of waiting..." Her voice trembled. "Yes."

"Yes!" Ruri echoed, her voice stronger. "By the Three Moons, yes!"

The entire gathering erupted in cheers and whistles. I heard several voices call out: "You earned it!" "Two more off the list!" "You lucky bastard!" "Now that's a moon blessing!"

Andie rose to his feet, his expression a mixture of relief and joy as the two Velunari women stepped forward. They embraced him and Miyako together, the four of them forming a tight circle as Andie carefully placed the rings on Ruri's and Noel's fingers. The moment the bands slid into place, a subtle glow emanated from them, matching the one on Miyako's hand, the enchantments activating and connecting all three rings.

"There's more," Andie said as they separated slightly. "As a symbol of our commitment, I've prepared gifts. Miyako, as my Player 2, would you do the honours?"

Miyako nodded, her smile radiant. "Haruka, Airi?"

The two stepped forward, each carrying a beautifully wrapped package. Miyako took them and presented one to each of the Velunari women.

"These are specially crafted kimono and yukata sets," Miyako explained, "created by Andie using an extraordinary magical fabric. There's... another gift as well, but that will be presented privately."

Ruri's eyes widened at the mention of the second gift, her ears perking up with unmistakable interest. Noel accepted her package with graceful reverence, her cream-coloured ears bobbing in an almost bow-like motion.

"Perhaps you'd like to change for the occasion?" Miyako suggested. "We can continue the celebration when you return."

Ruri and Noel exchanged glances, then nodded in unison. As they turned to head back to the sanctuary with Miyako, Airi, and Haruka, the rest of the gathering began to talk excitedly among themselves.

I turned to Mochi, finding my sister wiping away a tear. "That was..." she began.

"Beautiful," I finished for her. "And completely unexpected, yet somehow..."

"Inevitable," she agreed. "Did you see their faces? I've never seen Ruri speechless before."

We watched as the party reorganised itself, everyone buzzing with excitement and speculation. Keiko onee-chan was smiling proudly, as if watching her children take important steps in life. The guys were clapping Kazuki on the back, since he'd been one of Andie's closest friends from Earth. The gyaru girls were already planning what looked like some kind of celebration ritual.

"Do you think we should have seen this coming?" I asked Mochi quietly. "With how close they all became after Ruri's injury and recovery?"

Mochi shook her head. "I think love rarely follows predictable paths, especially in Voluptaria." She squeezed my hand. "But I'm happy for them. All of them."

About twenty minutes later, a ripple of appreciation moved through the gathering. Miyako, Ruri, and Noel had returned, each wearing their new kimonos. The effect was stunning, especially under Liluna's light. Each kimono had the same gradient pattern from pink to red, but subtle differences in the Sakura accents made each unique to its wearer.

Miyako's emphasized elegance, the blossoms arranged in gentle cascades that complemented her platinum blonde hair with pink highlights. Ruri's featured slightly bolder patterns that accentuated her curves, the flowers arranged to catch light in the same way her silver-patterned ears did. Noel's design was the most diplomatic, balanced and harmonious, with golden-edged blossoms that matched her cream-coloured ears with gold tips.

But the most remarkable thing was how the material seemed alive with magic. As they moved, the fabric shifted and glowed with inner light, adapting to Liluna's gaze. The three women were immediately surrounded by the other females in our group, everyone admiring the craftsmanship and enchantments.

"It's not just beautiful," I heard Ruri explain, her voice carrying with excitement, "it's protective! Andie enchanted them against assassination attempts and poisons!"

"And they enhance charisma during negotiations," Noel added. "Quite practical for diplomatic functions."

"Leave it to Andie to make even romantic gifts functional," Hitomi laughed, but her tone was admiring.

I watched as the celebration continued, now with a renewed energy. Ruri had regained her characteristic vivaciousness, her lavender eyes sparkling as she described something that made the other women gasp and then laugh. Noel had relaxed from her diplomatic posture, allowing herself to be drawn into the centre of the group rather than observing from the edges.

And Miyako moved between them with easy confidence, the three rings glinting in the moonlight as they talked and gestured and laughed together. Something new had been formed tonight, something that belonged uniquely to Voluptaria, not Earth. Something that felt, against all odds, exactly right.

Kazuki POV
The celebration continued with renewed energy; voices raised in laughter and song beneath Liluna's silvery gaze. I found myself in a circle of guys, watching as the women clustered around the newly engaged trio, admiring their kimono and rings.

"Well," Ryota said, clapping me on the shoulder, "I certainly didn't see that coming when we first arrived in Voluptaria. Did you?"

I adjusted my glasses, considering. "Actually, the statistical probability was higher than one might expect. Given the gender demographics of Velunari society, twenty females to one male, their cultural norms logically evolved to accommodate polyamorous arrangements. It's simply mathematics."

"Trust you to turn romance into an equation," Sora groaned.

"I'm just saying it makes sense," I defended myself, watching as Andie approached our group, a slightly dazed smile on his face.

"There he is!" Masato called. "The man of the hour!"

The guys erupted in cheers as Andie joined our circle, his expression a mixture of relief and happiness. I'd known him longer than most here, from our gaming days back on Earth, and I'd never seen him look quite so centred, so present.

"So," Ryota grinned, offering Andie a cup of celebration sake, "three fiancées. You've come a long way from the guy who couldn't even talk to girls without turning bright red."

"Remember in middle school?" Yuto chimed in. "When Miyako asked him to help with her computer, and he almost passed out?"

"Or when we tried to get him to join the weight room sessions?" Shohei added. "He said he'd rather fight a bear!"

Laughter rippled through our group, but it was warm rather than mocking. We'd all changed since arriving in Voluptaria, but perhaps none more dramatically than Andie.

"To be fair," I said, "I wasn't much better. Remember our first raid in Champions of Eternity? When we discovered Miyako was actually our guild leader?"

"And you spilled your drink all over your keyboard!" Sora laughed. "Good times."

Andie smiled, taking a sip of his sake. "Everything seemed simpler then. Just games and classes and trying to avoid embarrassing ourselves."

"And now look at us," Naoki gestured around at the sanctuary, the gathered survivors of Class 1A mixed with Voluptarian locals. "Fighting monsters, building magical vehicles, establishing guilds..."

"Getting engaged to multiple women," Tatsuya added with a grin.

"That part's still hard to believe," Andie admitted. "If you'd told me two months ago that I'd be proposing to anyone, let alone three incredible women..."

"It's not just about romance, though," I observed. "You've changed in other ways too. Back on Earth, you were always hanging back, letting others take the lead. Here, you stepped up when we needed you most."

The other guys nodded in agreement, their expressions growing more serious.

"After what happened at the graveyard," Ryota said quietly, "when we found the bodies... you were the one who kept us from falling apart. You and Miyako."

"And when Shinji went crazy," Masato added, "you stayed behind to face him alone so we could get to safety."

"Don't forget the sanctuary," Sora chimed in. "You literally built us a home out of nothing."

Andie looked uncomfortable with the praise, as he always did. "I just did what anyone would have done."

"But that's the thing," I said, understanding dawning as I looked at my oldest friend. "You've always been like this, putting others first, trying to solve problems quietly. The difference is that now you're not hiding it anymore."

"You're not hiding yourself," Yuto agreed. "The Andie from Earth would have run from tonight's moment. The Andie in Voluptaria embraced it."

A thoughtful silence fell over our group, broken only by the sounds of celebration around us. In the distance, Liluna continued her stately progress across the night sky, her light casting everything in dreamlike silver.

"So," Masato said, clapping his hands together with a mischievous grin, "now that you're engaged to three women, does this mean you'll finally join us for gym sessions? You'll need the stamina."

The tension broke as everyone erupted in laughter, Andie's face turning bright red.

"Some things never change," I observed, nudging him with my elbow.

"Speaking of change," Ryota said, "we need to properly celebrate this moment." He turned to the other jocks. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Masato, Tatsuya, Shohei, Naoki, and Kenta all grinned in unison.

"Wait, what are you..." Andie began, but he didn't get to finish.

With practised coordination, the jocks moved in, lifting Andie off his feet. Before he could protest, they were tossing him into the air, shouting congratulations as if he'd scored the winning goal in the World Cup.

"One! Two! Three!" they counted each toss, their voices carrying across the celebration.

I stood back with Sora and Yuto, laughing as Andie's initial shock gave way to surprised laughter. Across the clearing, I noticed the women had paused their conversation to watch, their expressions ranging from amusement to fond exasperation.

"Should we rescue him?" Sora asked.

I shook my head, smiling. "I think he's earned this moment. Besides, look at his face."

Despite his protests, Andie was beaming as the jocks continued their impromptu celebration, his laughter joining theirs as they tossed him up for the tenth time.

"Ten!" they shouted in unison, finally setting him back on his feet to thunderous applause from everyone gathered.

Andie staggered slightly, dizzy but grinning, as he rejoined our smaller circle. "Was that really necessary?" he asked, straightening his yukata.

"Absolutely," Ryota confirmed. "Traditional celebration for major life events."

"Since when?" Andie raised an eyebrow.

"Since now," Masato laughed. "We're making new traditions for our new world, remember?"

As the night continued, our conversation turned to memories of Earth, stories of our early days in Voluptaria, and speculation about what awaited us in Takejin territory. Through it all, I observed Andie, my friend who had always been content to fade into the background, now comfortably at the centre of our unusual family.

What struck me most wasn't just his engagement to three women, but how naturally he moved between different groups, connecting people, solving problems, building bridges. The nervous, hesitant gamer I'd known for years had become something more, not by abandoning who he was, but by embracing it fully.

As Liluna reached her zenith in the night sky, bathing our celebration in her silvery light, I raised my cup in a private toast to my friend. Whatever challenges awaited us in Takejin territory and beyond, I knew one thing for certain, we were facing them together, stronger than we'd ever been on Earth.

Andie POV
As the celebration began to wind down, people drifted back toward the sanctuary in small groups, their laughter and conversations fading into the night. I remained outside, finding a quiet spot to look up at the stars and moons of this world that had become home.

Liluna shone directly overhead now, her full-face casting everything in that distinctive silver-blue light that made reality feel slightly altered, more vivid yet more dreamlike. The magical lanterns Airi had released still floated high above, forming constellations of their own that mirrored the natural stars beyond.

I took a deep breath, letting the cool night air fill my lungs. The events of the evening still felt somewhat unreal. After days of tension and careful distance, Ruri and Noel had accepted my proposal. Miyako had supported it wholeheartedly. The rings connected us now, not just physically but magically, their enchantments binding our fates together in ways I was only beginning to understand.

Lost in thought, I almost missed the soft footsteps approaching from behind. Then came the gentle touch of arms encircling my waist, one pair, then another, and finally a third. I turned to find Miyako, Ruri, and Noel, all still wearing their magical kimonos that shimmered with inner light under Liluna's gaze.

"There you are," Miyako said softly. "We were wondering where you'd disappeared to."

"Just needed a moment to process everything," I admitted. "It's been quite a night."

Ruri's silver-patterned ears twitched with amusement. "Indeed, it has, Andie-kun. Or should I say, my promised one?" The word rolled off her tongue with obvious pleasure.

"I'm still not entirely convinced this isn't a dream," Noel added, her cream-coloured ears with gold tips bobbing gently as she stepped to my side. "Three centuries of life, and nothing quite prepares you for a moment like this."

We stood together in comfortable silence for a moment, watching as a shooting star streaked across the sky between Liluna and Selune.

"Thank you," I said finally. "For giving me another chance. I know I handled things poorly..."

"Hush," Ruri interrupted, placing a finger against my lips. "What matters is now, not yesterday's missteps." Her lavender eyes gleamed with mischief in the moonlight. "Besides, I should thank you for the exquisite gifts. Especially..." she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper near my ear, "the lingerie set. I'm wearing it now, beneath this gorgeous kimono. It makes me feel... powerful, somehow. I can't wait to show you properly... later."

Heat rushed to my face as Noel made a small sound of amusement. "What Ruri means to say, in her characteristically direct way, is that the enchantments in the garments are quite remarkable. I can literally feel the magical protection surrounding me."

"Speaking of remarkable," Miyako said, holding up her hand where her ring glinted in the moonlight, "should we test these properly? I've only tried the teleportation and telepathy so far."

Ruri's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! Let's see what these divine metal rings can really do!"

"Perhaps we should try the telepathy first?" Noel suggested practically. "It's the least... visible of the enchantments."

I nodded, concentrating on the magical connection that linked the four rings. Can everyone hear me? I projected the thought, focusing on including all three of them in the mental link.

Miyako's response came immediately, her mental voice familiar after our previous tests. Loud and clear, Player 1.

By the Three Moons! Ruri's mental voice was unmistakably hers, melodic, slightly deeper than expected, with that hint of sensuality that coloured everything she said. This is extraordinary! I can feel your thoughts, Andie-kun!

Fascinating, Noel's mental voice came through with diplomatic precision, though tinged with wonder. The range must be significant. I wonder if there's a distance limitation?

We can test that tomorrow, Miyako suggested. What about the Stats Mirror? I've tried it briefly, but I'm curious how it feels for you two.

Ruri's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Show me," she said aloud.

I focused on the ring's enchantment, willing a portion of my strength to flow into Ruri. The effect was immediate, her eyes widened in shock as the infinite strength that usually coursed through my body was partially shared with her.

"Divines!" she gasped, looking down at her hands in wonder. With careful precision, she reached out to touch a nearby stone bench, and easily lifted one end with a single finger. "That's... that's your strength? All the time?"

I nodded, smiling at her amazement. "It takes some getting used to."

"My turn," Noel said, her diplomatic reserve giving way to genuine curiosity.

I shifted the enhancement to her, watching as she experimentally lifted the same bench, this time with the entire thing balancing on one finger. "Extraordinary," she breathed. "No wonder you can transform entire cave systems with such ease."

"Let me show you one of my abilities," Miyako offered. She closed her eyes, focusing on her ring. "I'm sharing my Arcane Attunement, it allows for comprehensive magical sensing."

A gentle shimmer surrounded all four of us briefly, and suddenly my perception shifted. The magical energies that had always been invisible to me became visible, flowing currents and eddies of power surrounding us, concentrated in our rings, our clothing, even in the very air.

"Is this how you see magic?" Noel asked in wonder.

"Yes," Miyako nodded. "It's how I can recognise different types of spells and manipulate existing magical energies."

"What about your other abilities?" Ruri asked eagerly.

"I have Reality Mastery," Miyako explained, "which allows me to create an anti-magic field. And Probability Nudge, which lets me slightly alter chance events in my favour."

"What a practical combination," Noel observed. "Perfect for someone who needs to keep things under control."

"Andie, show them some of yours!" Miyako suggested.

I grinned, focusing on a nearby stick. With a thought, I activated my Wooden Puppet Skill. The stick rose from the ground and began to dance, performing a surprisingly elegant pirouette before taking a deep bow.

Ruri clapped her hands in delight. "Charming! What else can you do?"

Concentrating on my Mana Construction ability, I gathered magical energy in my palm, shaping it into a small, solid butterfly. The crystalline construct fluttered its wings before taking flight, circling around us once before dissolving into sparkles.

"Beautiful," Noel murmured. "Such precision in your energy manipulation."

"The rings are more powerful than I expected," I admitted. "The material, concordium, seems to amplify everything."

"Divine materials often do," Noel nodded sagely. "They exist partially outside conventional reality."

"Besides," Ruri added with a wicked smile, "infinite stamina has some very interesting practical applications."

"RURI!" all three of us said in unison, which set off another round of her musical laughter.

"What? I'm just being practical! We are engaged now, after all..."

A comfortable silence fell between us as we stood together under the cosmic tapestry of Liluna and her star court, four hearts beating in harmony, connected by magic and choice and the kind of love that transcends worlds.

"From today on," I said, looking each of them in the eyes, "with hope in my heart, I will never walk alone."

Ruri's silver-patterned ears twitched with emotion, Noel's cream-coloured ears with gold tips bobbed gently, and Miyako's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. As Liluna watched from above, the four of us stood together beneath the stars of Voluptaria, bound by threads of destiny that had been woven across worlds and centuries, now pulled tight into a perfect knot of belonging. Not exactly how I expected my isekai adventure to go when I first arrived, but somehow, it felt more right than anything I'd ever known.