Chapter 323: Chapter 319 ~ Dream
Yuuji awoke early, the soft rays of dawn slipping through the shōji screens and painting the room in pale gold.
Warmth surrounded him — not just from the futon beneath, but from the familiar, comforting weight of several sleeping figures draped across him.
The girls must’ve moved during the night, whether consciously or not.
Aika lay sprawled on his chest, her face nuzzled into the curve of his neck, her soft breath tickling his skin. Her voluptuous figure pressed snugly against him, every slow inhale and exhale synchronized with his heartbeat.
To his left and right, Albedo and C.C. clung to his arms, their grips gentle yet possessive.
Erika had sohow migrated closer during the night, her hair tousled and one hand resting near his shoulder.
Rias, anwhile, slept peacefully beside them, her crimson hair spread like silk across the pillow, her breathing slow and even.
For a mont, Yuuji simply lay there, smiling quietly at the sight. The soft rhythm of their breathing, the faint scent of floral shampoo and linen — it was a rare, peaceful mont.
He stirred slightly, and the girls began to wake one by one.
"Good morning, girls," he said softly, his voice low and warm.
"Mmm... Hubby... so early..." Aika murmured sleepily.
She squird a little, then decided against moving entirely, burrowing back into his chest and sighing contently.
C.C. cracked one golden eye open, gave a languid glance his way, and muttered, "...I’m going back to sleep," before promptly doing exactly that.
Albedo, on the other hand, stirred gracefully. She rubbed her eyes, her usual poise softened by drowsiness.
"Good morning, my love..." she whispered, her golden eyes half-lidded but glowing with affection.
It was an unusually tender sight — Albedo rarely slept, usually relying on her Ring of Sustenance to continue her tireless devotion to him. Seeing her like this, vulnerable and still half-dreaming, made Yuuji’s chest warm.
Erika sat up next, yawning and stretching, her hair in delightful disarray.
"You woke up so early... what ti is it, even? Five?"
She was usually the first to wake up for her regular morning exercise. Yuuji often slept in, usually because he had just slept after a long night with the girls.
"Sothing like that," Yuuji replied, smiling faintly.
"I plan to visit Akeno and her mother for a bit — maybe make breakfast for them. Could you let Rias know to get ready for our date when she wakes up?"
Erika followed his gaze toward Rias, who was still sound asleep, her soft breathing calm and steady. She smiled, her voice dropping to a fond whisper.
"She was so nervous last night she barely got any sleep... and with all the crying after what happened, she won’t be up for a while."
"Then I’ll leave her in your care," Yuuji said gently.
"Got it," Erika replied, smiling faintly.
He leaned down, pressing soft kisses on the foreheads of Aika, C.C., and Albedo, lingering briefly as if to morize the quiet peace on their faces. Carefully, he eased Aika off his chest and tucked the blanket around her before slipping free from their embrace.
Then, turning to Erika, he brushed a strand of her hair aside and kissed her softly.
Finally, he knelt beside Rias, his hand gently stroking her head as he whispered.
"I’ll be heading out now. See you later, girls. Love you."
"Mm... love you too," Erika murmured, smiling.
Albedo, still half-asleep, reached out for him one last ti and whispered.
"Have a safe trip, my love. I love you too."
He smiled warmly. "I will."
After washing up, Yuuji moved to the kitchen. The faint aroma of roasted tea filled the air as he began preparing breakfast — rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki.
His movents were fluid and unhurried, every motion practiced, almost ditative. He prepared extra portions, neatly packed them into lacquered bento boxes for Akeno and her mother.
Once everything was ready, he changed from his to a white t-shirt, a cream outer collared shirt, and cream-colored pants, took one last look at the peaceful scene of his sleeping companions, and whispered a quiet spell.
"[Gate]."
A swirl of void and darkness enveloped him — and in the blink of an eye, Yuuji vanished, reappearing at the tranquil shrine where Akeno and Shuri awaited the morning’s first light.
The mont Yuuji stepped through the whirling darkness of the [Gate], the quiet serenity of the shrine grounds shifted.
In perfect unison, six radiant Cherubim Gatekeepers and six demon lords materialized from light and shadow alike — twelve towering figures forming two columns on either side of the stone path.
Their arrival was silent yet overwhelming, the air thick with divine and infernal power.
As one, they lowered themselves to their knees, their voices echoing through the still morning air like a sacred chant.
""We welco our lord.""
Those who were capable of speech, carried with them a voice and tone full of reverence and devotion of worship. Those who weren’t, made sounds like that of a tad beast before its master.
Yuuji’s expression remained calm as he stepped forward, his footsteps light upon the stone, his presence radiating quiet authority.
The faint morning mist curled around his figure as he walked between them toward the shrine’s entrance.
"Anything to report?" his voice resonated, smooth and steady, yet carrying the weight of command.
The demon in the tattered bounty hunter’s garb — a lean, shadowed figure with bandaged eyes and skeletal wings — bowed lower.
"None, my lord. There has been no magical disturbance within ten kiloters of this shrine. We have also detected no suspicious individuals in the vicinity."
"Good." Yuuji’s tone softened slightly, but his eyes glowed faintly with golden light.
"Remain vigilant. Should anything or anyone with ill intent approach..."
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the assembled guardians of heaven and abyss.
"Dispose of them."
""As you command!""
The unified response thundered through the air like the clash of divine bells and infernal drums.
Yuuji gave a small nod and continued toward the entrance of the shrine, the faint whisper of his robes brushing against the stone as he passed.
Only when his figure disappeared beyond the sliding door did the assembled beings lift their heads.
Without another word, they dispersed with silent precision — the Cherubim spreading their wings to reinforce the barrier above, while the demon lords lted back into fla and shadow, each returning to their station.
Soon, the shrine was peaceful once again — but beneath that tranquil surface lay twelve titans of unimaginable might, standing guard under the First Light’s command.
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The morning light filtered softly through the paper windows of the shrine, painting the tatami mats in gentle shades of gold.
Akeno and Shuri had woken up, but neither sat up. Still laying under the covers, the mother and daughter laid side by side just like they would in the past, their hands intertwined as if afraid that letting go would make this fragile miracle fade away.
"It isn’t a dream... right, Mama?" Akeno whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she looked at her mother’s face — warm, alive, and smiling.
Shuri gently cupped her daughter’s cheek, brushing away a tear that had escaped down her smooth skin.
"No, my little Akeno," she murmured tenderly. "This ti... it’s real."
She could barely believe it herself...
After that night... She never thought she’d be able to see her daughter again. And to see her grown up so beautifully... It was the greatest miracle of her life.
The air was serene, touched with the scent of incense and morning dew — until the soft sound of footsteps reached their ears.
A knock.
Then, the sliding door opened quietly, revealing Yuuji standing at the threshold. The early sunlight frad him like a halo, his calm smile bringing warmth to the room.
The instant Akeno saw him, she sprang up and opened her arms wide..
"Yuuji!"
He approached with a smile and fell into her embrace, holding her close as her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Their eyes t for a brief, tender heartbeat before Akeno pressed her lips to his.
Shuri blinked in surprise, then covered her mouth, her laughter soft and lilting like chis in the wind.
"My, my~ Akeno, you’ve grown bold, haven’t you?"
"Ah-! M-Mama!" Akeno pulled back slightly, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, though she refused to let go of Yuuji’s arm.
Yuuji chuckled quietly, his hand brushing a strand of her hair aside.
"Good morning, Akeno. Good morning, Hijima-san."
"Good morning, Yuuji-kun," Shuri greeted warmly, still amused by the scene.
"I’ve prepared breakfast. You should both wash up first. I’ll set up breakfast in the anti."
Akeno’s eyes lit up instantly. "Breakfast? Did you—"
"Yes," Yuuji replied with a small grin.
"I brought sothing special for both of you."
Shuri blinked in surprise.
"Oh, Yuuji-kun, you didn’t have to go through the trouble of buying breakfast for us. I can cook sothing simple after we—"
Yuuji shook his head softly, his tone kind yet firm.
"You misunderstand, Hijima-san. I didn’t buy it. I made it myself."
"You... cooked it yourself?" she repeated, genuinely taken aback.
"Yes. And you should rest as much as possible."
His gaze softened, filled with quiet understanding.
"Even though your resurrection ca without pain or burden, your body still needs ti to adjust. It’s only natural."
Shuri opened her mouth to protest, but Akeno quickly took her hands, smiling brightly.
"Mama, you have to try Yuuji’s cooking! It’s absolutely amazing — even better than so professional chefs I’ve t!"
"Akeno..."
"Please~?" she pleaded, her voice playful yet full of warmth.
"You’ve worked hard enough, Mama. Let him spoil us this once."
Shuri looked between her daughter’s pleading expression and Yuuji’s gentle, reassuring smile — and finally sighed in mock defeat.
"Alright, alright. I’ll take your word for it, my dear."
"Yay~!"
Akeno hugged her mother again before leading her toward the bathroom.
As they disappeared down the hall, Yuuji smiled softly to himself and began setting out the breakfast he’d prepared — delicate grilled fish, steaming miso soup, freshly cooked rice, and an assortnt of pickles, all arranged with the elegance of a traditional Japanese al.
The morning breeze carried the faint aroma of warmth and care throughout the shrine — a scent that made even the gods and demons standing guard outside pause, reminded of the humanity and love their master held within his heart.
Akeno and Shuri soon returned to the table, both of them looking refreshed.
The table was already set—delicate plates of grilled salmon, rolled olets, miso soup, freshly stead rice, and a small selection of fruit arranged with the precision of an artisan.
Shuri blinked in disbelief.
"Y-Yuuji-kun... you made all of this?"
Yuuji smiled modestly.
"Of course. Please, have a seat. Everything’s still warm."
They both sat down, and Akeno eagerly picked up her chopsticks, her eyes sparkling.
"You’ll love this, Mom. Yuuji’s cooking is the best."
"Oh really~? So he’s better than ~?"
Shuri’s eyes narrowed in fake, teasing anger. And Akeno imdiately corrected herself.
"Eh? Of course, I an he’s the best only after you, mama~"
"Good."
Shuri chuckled softly at her daughter’s excitent and took a bite of the salmon.
The mont it touched her tongue, her eyes widened. The flavor—perfectly balanced between rich umami and a hint of sweetness—was unlike anything she had ever tasted before.
The texture lted delicately, as if each grain of flavor had been carefully coaxed into harmony.
"This... this is incredible..." she murmured, putting her hand to her lips in astonishnt.
"I’ve never tasted anything like this before."
Akeno grinned proudly, looking between her mother and Yuuji.
"See? I told you."
Yuuji chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I’m glad it’s to your liking. I wanted your first al back to feel warm... and alive."
Shuri looked down, a faint shimr of emotion in her eyes.
"Thank you, Yuuji-kun... truly."
After breakfast, Yuuji began clearing the table.
"I’ll take care of the dishes," he said gently.
"You both should rest a bit. Spend a relaxing day together."
But as he was about to leave, Akeno stood and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She looked up into his eyes, her expression filled with both affection and gratitude.
"Thank you for everything, Yuuji..." she whispered before pulling him down for a soft kiss.
Shuri smiled quietly from her seat, her eyes warm as she watched the two of them—her daughter’s happiness was unmistakable.
When they finally parted, Akeno gave him a teasing little pout.
"Now, go take care of Rias, okay? Don’t make her wait too long."
Yuuji smiled and nodded. "I’ll be back soon."
Then, with one last affectionate glance at both Akeno and Shuri, he left the shrine—his figure fading into the morning light as he made his way toward his next eting.
As the sliding door closed behind Yuuji, silence lingered for a mont in the room—only the faint chirping of birds and the rustling of morning wind filled the air.
Then, Shuri turned to her daughter, a curious expression forming on her face.
"Akeno... What did you an earlier? Yuuji’s going on a date with another girl?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
Akeno blinked, then smiled—a warm, serene smile that reflected both affection and understanding.
"Ah... yes. With Rias. She’s... my best friend. The king of the peerage I’m in. And... well, I guess you can say we’re sisters."
Shuri froze.
"Sisters...?"
Akeno giggled, seeing her mother’s confused look.
"We’ve been best friends for years. And we’ve recently added a new connection between us... Through Yuuji. There are others too! Amazing girls who I also beco sisters with."
Shuri blinked again, slowly setting her teacup down.
"You an... there are others? Other girls who love him too?"
Akeno nodded, her long hair swaying gently as she leaned back.
"Mm-hm. There’s Aika, Erika, C.C. Albedo, Rias, Koneko, Xenovia... And I’m sure a few others as well."
Her tone carried not a hint of jealousy—only affection and pride.
"They’re all wonderful girls, Mom. Each of them ans sothing special to Yuuji, just like I do."
Shuri listened quietly, trying to process it all. Her daughter’s words weren’t filled with conflict or insecurity—they were filled with warmth and certainty.
"And... you’re all okay with that?" she finally asked, her voice soft but curious.
Akeno smiled wistfully, her eyes distant for a mont as she rembered all the monts they shared together.
"Yes. It’s not sothing that can be explained easily. Yuuji has this... warmth that reaches everyone around him. He doesn’t just love us—he understands us, protects us, cherishes us. Being with him doesn’t make us compete; it makes us feel like we’re part of sothing greater. Like a family."
Shuri gazed at her daughter for a long mont, then let out a quiet, heartfelt laugh.
"You really love him, don’t you?"
Akeno’s expression softened, her voice dropping to a tender whisper.
"Mm... He saved ... And you."
Shuri reached over, gently placing her hand over Akeno’s.
"Then I’m glad, Akeno. You deserve happiness. And... I suppose, if he’s soone who can make you smile like this, I’d like to et all of these ’sisters’ soday."
Akeno’s face brightened imdiately, her wings flickering faintly with joy.
"You will, Mom. I’m sure they’ll love you too."
The two shared a quiet laugh together, sunlight streaming through the window—warm and gentle, as if even the heavens themselves smiled upon the family reunion.
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this Chapter~! Please comnt your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you’d like to read additional Chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!
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