Chapter 69

The Lady’s Counsel, A Husband’s Way of Accepting Love
A few days later, Akio was invited by Sylvia to their private chamber in the central mansion—their “nest of love.” She told him, “As your family, and as your wife, there’s something important I wish to share with you.” But it wasn’t just Sylvia waiting there. Ayane, Kina, Celestina, and Leonora were also gathered, their expressions a touch formal yet warmly gentle.

“Akio… the other day, we had a long discussion among ourselves about how we wish to be with you from now on,” Sylvia began, speaking as their representative. Her tone was calm, but her eyes carried a firm resolve.

Akio waited, a little tense, uncertain of what might be said.

First, Sylvia expressed their gratitude for Akio’s deep care for Ayane, assuring him that all the wives respected his wishes.

“Until the day Ayane turns twenty, we too will watch over her warmly and support her. And, Akio, we’re truly happy that you think so dearly of her.”

Ayane nodded deeply, blushing with a shy yet joyful smile at Akio. Relieved, Akio returned her look with one of quiet gratitude, glad his feelings had been understood.

Sylvia then continued.

“On that foundation… Kina, Celestina, Leonora, and I—Sylvia—wish, as your wives, to stand by you in both heart and body, day and night, and grow our love together with you.”

“Right! So, be ready for that, Hubby!” Kina said with her usual energy.

Leonora turned red, murmuring, “To be at your side, Akio-dono… is an honor.”

Celestina gave a graceful smile, adding, “I shall do my utmost to be your comfort, Akio-sama.”

Sylvia then put forward a practical proposal. The “order of nighttime relations” would be discussed and decided together, with Akio’s wishes respected so that no burden would fall on anyone. More importantly, they wished to set aside regular “date days,” where each wife could spend time alone with him.

“We know how much you shoulder in this world, and how tirelessly you work for this town. That’s why we wish to be the ones who bring you true rest, and the strength to face tomorrow. That doesn’t mean only sharing the night, but also talking deeply, laughing, and sometimes sharing worries. Each of us longs to build that bond of heart with you.”

Her words sank warmly into Akio’s chest—filled with love, sincerity, and gentleness.

Looking around at each of his five beautiful wives, Akio drew in a deep breath, as if steadying himself against the swell of emotion.

“… Everyone… thank you. I… I really am the happiest man alive.”

Tears glimmered in his eyes.

“For an ordinary man like me to be loved this much by women as wonderful as you all… even now, it feels like a dream. I want to answer your feelings with everything I have. No—please, let me answer them.”

His voice rang with strength, drawn straight from his heart.

“The nights, the dates… if that’s what you want, I’ll gladly embrace it. I swear I’ll love and cherish each of you with all of me.”

At those words, joy and relief blossomed on their faces. Ayane especially felt her respect and affection deepen, seeing Akio’s care for her balanced so faithfully with his devotion to the others.

On that day, a new shape of family was affirmed between Akio and his five wives—a promise for the future. The bonds they had woven in this other world grew stronger, more radiant, and more beautiful still.

And so, the tale of Akio’s “great family” would continue—each love respected, each heart supporting the other—painting their lives in ever-richer colors.

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