Even though Mafuyu Kirisu didn't get the reference, the meaning behind Rei Ao's actions was already blatantly clear.
After her initial shock, Kirisu rose to her feet, biting her lip in anger and sorrow.
"Rei Ao, how can you all be so reckless?!"
Such chaos, so far removed from normal social conventions – it needed to be curbed. Otherwise, it would lead to serious trouble in the future!
Rei Ao wasn't at all surprised by Mafuyu saying that. In fact, he'd made a point of displaying everything so openly, just waiting for her to speak up.
Ever since their somewhat ambiguous "accident," their relationship had stalled because she'd deliberately avoided acknowledging it, trying to keep a lid on things. Now was the best time to break that stalemate.
He didn't argue back or protest – instead, he nodded calmly.
"Kirisu-sensei, I think you're absolutely right. Stringing along multiple partners is a classic 'scumbag' move. It's disgraceful, and no one should endorse it. This is indeed just fooling around."
"Yes, Rei Ao, as long as you understand. Teacher hopes you'll develop a healthier relationship."
Hearing his words, Mafuyu breathed a sigh of relief. She assumed Rei Ao intended to change his behavior – a prodigal son returning to the right path.
But Mai and the others exchanged looks. They knew Rei Ao far too well; no way would he genuinely speak such pure-hearted words. There had to be a catch.
A faint, unreadable smile tugged at Rei Ao's lips.
"Indeed, Kirisu-sensei, you're correct in everything you've said. But I have a question for you."
"Ask away. As your…sensei, I'll help you however I can."
Originally, she wanted to say she spoke as someone "experienced," but realized she was still single and had no qualifications to make that claim. So she ended up citing her role as a teacher instead.
"Well, Sensei, it's clear our current relationship isn't very 'healthy.' But if we all truly love each other, and each of our families gives their blessing, wouldn't that mean there's no problem?"
"Huh?"
Mafuyu froze, then shook her head. "That's impossible!"
Who on earth would have parents who'd agree to something so bizarre?
"Oh, really?"
Rei Ao gave a mischievous smile and gestured to Mai and the others.
"In that case, Kirisu-sensei, how about you listen to what they have to say?"
Mai rolled her eyes at Mafuyu, then spoke up first.
"Rei Ao's right. We've already told my mom about our situation, and she's aware and approves."
Not only was she aware; she also took part in it.
"?"
A question mark all but popped above Mafuyu's head. Next was Futaba:
She said calmly, "I have no parents. But the person who does have the right to make decisions for me knows about it and has tacitly allowed it."
It sounded awkward, but it fit her current circumstances.
"??"
Mafuyu interpreted the "person with decision-making rights" as a guardian, and her internal question marks multiplied.
Then Tohru spoke, brimming with confidence.
"Hmph. If my father dares oppose us, Rei Ao can just clobber him 'til he agrees."
She wouldn't go easy on that old man. She wanted a father-daughter relationship tempered by fists if necessary.
Mafuyu: "???"
Another… powerhouse father? Next was Yukino, who lowered her head and spoke softly:
"My…my older sister and mother approve as well."
Mafuyu: "?????"
Finally, Sora latched onto Rei Ao with both arms and shouted, "I love Master the most!!!"
Mafuyu: "!!!!!"
In just a few dozen seconds, each person said a sentence that left Mafuyu's brain completely frozen.
Honestly, after Mai's comment alone, she had already been in shock. She never imagined there could be so many parents out there who agreed to something so absurd, and not just one set – multiple!
"Oh God! Someone tell me this is just a dream!"
She now deeply regretted her attempt to force the matter.
Being almost thirty, her worldview was being shaken to its core, as if someone were force-feeding her a radical new mindset. But she still refused to give in and muttered, "But how can any of you possibly be happy this way?"
Rei Ao laughed.
"Why wouldn't we be?"
"First of all, I'm financially independent and not short on money."
"Secondly, my body is strong, full of energy."
At that, Yukino and the others all looked away in embarrassed silence.
"Marriage is just a formality for us, anyway."
Mai and the rest found no words to refute that. All of them were already "molded into Rei Ao's shape," and none were mere ordinary humans anymore. That was just an undeniable fact.
"It's mutual consent. We love each other. Can't we have a bright future?"
"…!"
Rei Ao's words snuffed out Mafuyu's last flicker of defiance. If they were already fine with "We love each other and don't mind even if marriage is purely optional," she had zero standing to oppose them further. Hence, her mind went blank and she just stood there, dazed.
Seeing her lost and hollow expression, Mai asked worriedly in a low voice, "Rei Ao, do you think this might be too much of a shock for Kirisu-sensei?"
"Sooner or later, we had to lay it all out. Better now than later, so she can get used to it."
He shrugged nonchalantly.
"Let her be for a while."
…
In the study, all was silent. Fumino and Rizu exchanged looks, shock plainly in their eyes. The moment they heard Mafuyu's raised voice, they'd started paying attention to what was happening out in the living room.
The more they listened, the more frightened and astonished they became. They never expected Rei Ao would truly reveal such a relationship to their famously strict teacher and leave her speechless.
"Stop spacing out."
Ilia tapped her book on the desk, drawing Fumino and Rizu back to reality.
"Ahem, Ilia-sensei, I…I have a question," said Fumino, clearing her throat, unable to suppress her curiosity.
"Ask."
Ilia's face was placid; she knew it wouldn't be a school-related query.
"Well…" Fumino looked uncomfortable. "Ilia-sensei, just now, outside…Rei Ao-kun said 'everyone'… Does that also include you?"
It was a somewhat impolite question, but Fumino couldn't help wanting to confirm.
"Yes."
Ilia answered succinctly.
"I knew it…"
Fumino already suspected. Sora was involved, so obviously Ilia wouldn't be exempt. And, factoring in the people in the chat group, Rei Ao had so many around him that Fumino couldn't begin to count. Yet she still couldn't understand, "How can everyone be so harmonious?"
In her view, love should be exclusive.
To that, she received an intriguing look from Ilia, plus these words:
"Any woman who's experienced Master's power will come to understand."
"Huh?"
Fumino was clueless, but Rizu—who had secretly watched some live streams—blushed bright red.
~~~
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