Chapter 82: Chapter 82: I miss you every day! I miss you every day!
Evening
Eriri returned home, but for some reason, her head felt heavy.
As soon as she stepped inside, she was about to go looking for Nanashi when—
"Eri."
Sayuri's voice stopped her.
"Mom, can we talk later? I need to find Nanashi."
Without slowing her pace, Eriri reached for the door.
Just as she was about to step out—
"Eri, I have something important to tell you."
This time, Sayuri's tone was firm.
Eriri hesitated. Her thoughts were entirely occupied with Nanashi, making it hard for her to focus on anything else.
She wasn't even married yet, yet she was already acting like this.
Sayuri sighed, rubbing her temples as if nursing a headache.
"Huh?"
Seeing that her mother wasn't joking, Eriri reluctantly turned back, wearing a sullen expression.
"Come take a bath with me."
Sayuri smiled gently and pulled Eriri toward the bathroom.
"Huh?!"
Eriri was momentarily stunned, but before she could protest, she was already being ushered inside.
In truth, Sayuri did have something very important to discuss.
It was about Nanashi.
She understood the unspoken difficulties surrounding him.
Having spoken with Kie and the others, she had come to understand their experiences—the hardships they endured, the tragic pasts they carried.
And above all, she realized just how great Nanashi truly was.
He had saved a world.
And he had saved them.
How could she bring herself to say something that might drive them apart?
Sayuri could feel the immense pressure weighing on Nanashi.
At this point, she didn't care about the nature of his relationships. Whatever they were, she could accept it.
The only one she was worried about—was Eriri.
Since childhood, Eriri had always been sensitive and fragile.
Sayuri feared that if Eriri couldn't accept the situation, she might lash out.
And if that happened…
Would Nanashi, already carrying such a heavy burden, feel troubled by it?
Without even realizing it, Sayuri had begun to subconsciously prioritize Nanashi's concerns.
On top of that, she had also grown close to Kie, Tamayo, and Kanae.
She even adored Nezuko, who was both obedient and kind-hearted.
She didn't want to destroy the beautiful life they had all built together.
With all of this in mind, she decided to prepare Eriri emotionally before breaking the news.
She wanted to tell her in a calm and controlled way.
Even if Eriri couldn't accept it—
At the very least, she wouldn't explode in front of Nanashi.
At worst, they could separate peacefully and remain friends, which was far better than leaving a permanent rift between them.
After all, as the saying goes—
"Only by being honest can you truly open your heart."
And so, Sayuri chose to express her feelings in a simple yet intimate way—
By taking a bath together.
Nightfall
Nanashi had taken Nezuko and the other two out for a test.
His goal was to see if they could perceive and harm evil spirits.
The results were far better than expected.
Not only could all three of them see evil spirits and demons, but they could physically attack them as well.
Even their demon blood abilities inflicted damage.
Nezuko, in particular, had undergone a significant change.
Her Blood Demon Art had evolved—
It was no longer just simple blood explosions.
Now, she could control blood itself, using it as a weapon in battle.
Tamayo's Blood Demon Art, on the other hand, remained the same—manipulating blood to create illusions.
But the biggest surprise—
Was Kie's Blood Demon Art.
Her ability was spatial manipulation.
She could perform short-range teleportation, create small pocket spaces, and even open linked spatial portals.
For example—
If she opened a portal on one wall and another across the room, a hand placed inside one would emerge from the other.
It was an astonishing ability.
Nanashi, who had never been interested in gambling or cheating, couldn't help but imagine the possibilities.
But for now, he set that thought aside.
After sending the girls back, he continued his mission alone—
Hunting evil spirits and demons.
Through this, he confirmed something else—
Evil spirits and demons could be consumed using Gluttony.
However, the purified energy yield was disappointingly small.
Regardless, he devoured them while eliminating them.
By the end of the night, his efforts had earned him 111,000 points.
With that done, he turned back home.
Late at Night
Nanashi was surprised that Eriri hadn't come to see him.
He had never been one to lie or deceive others. If someone liked him, he would treat them honestly—just as he had done with Megumi.
Tonight, he had planned to talk to Eriri about his situation.
Yet, she hadn't come.
After thinking for a moment, he had a good guess as to why.
"…"
Sayuri must have done something.
With Eriri's personality, this should have turned into a Shura scene.
Yet, somehow, Sayuri had prevented it.
If Sayuri was the one to break the news, that meant Eriri would be making her decision soon.
It would likely come down to two choices:
Accept the situation—or walk away.
"Sigh…"
Nanashi sighed, rubbing his forehead.
This was a mess.
"Who told you to be such a fickle man?"
A soft voice spoke.
Kanae had appeared beside him, her arms crossed and lips puffed out in a sulking expression.
"…"
Nanashi blinked.
"I was lying here peacefully. Did you really come out just to mock me?"
He let out an exaggerated sigh and gave her a sorrowful look.
"Kanae, to be honest, I'm very disappointed..."
His voice was heavy with emotion.
"I…!"
Kanae, kind and gentle by nature, suddenly felt guilty.
Had she just kicked him while he was down?
Of course, anyone would feel hurt if they were mocked at a time like this.
Feeling remorseful, she stepped forward to apologize—
"Ah!"
But before she could react—
Nanashi suddenly flipped over, pressing her down beneath him.
"You fell for it~"
A smug grin spread across his face.
"I actually fooled you? Even though we share the same emotions?"
"You—!"
Kanae realized she had been tricked.
Angry and flustered, she tried to push him off, but he held her down with ease.
Even as she attempted to phase out of his grasp—
She couldn't.
She was completely materialized.
"You think you can just mock me and run away?"
Nanashi's lips curled into a mischievous smirk.
His hands formed claw-like shapes, inching toward her.
"W-What are you doing?"
Kanae's cheeks flushed as she struggled, panic creeping into her voice.
"Hehe~"
Nanashi's grin widened as he reached for her slender waist—
And started tickling her.
"Ha… haha… hahaha!"
A tingling sensation spread through her entire body, and she burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"You're pretty sensitive. Let's try here next~"
His hands moved up, brushing against her underarms.
"Hahaha! No—hahaha!!!"
Kanae's laughter grew louder as she thrashed, unable to fight back.
Then—
"…!"
Suddenly, the laughter stopped.
Nanashi's hands froze.
Because of Kanae's movement.
His hand had unknowingly landed on a soft, plump area.
On instinct, he gave it a slight squeeze.
"!!!"
Kanae's body trembled—but she didn't say anything.
In the dark, they couldn't see each other's expressions.
But they understood.
They had the same thought.
Just two words: "I want to."
Nanashi slowly lowered his head.
Kanae felt his breath growing closer and closer.
Her heart pounded.
She closed her eyes.
Her voice trembled.
"Mmh…!"
Next Door
Mother and daughter lay curled up together on the bed.
Eriri hid in Sayuri's embrace.
Sayuri gently stroked Eriri's hair, a soft smile on her lips.
After hearing everything her mother had said—
At first, Eriri had been sad and confused.
But once she had calmed down, she had asked Sayuri to explain everything in detail.
So, Sayuri had whispered to her—
Telling her bit by bit about the incredible things Nanashi had done.
Everything she had learned from Kie and the others.
And, perhaps selfishly, she had also added her own understanding of Nanashi.
Gradually, Eriri had begun to understand.
Understand his burdens.
Understand his struggles.
After a long silence—
She made her decision.
She wanted to be with Nanashi.
Forever.
Even if she wasn't the only one.
She tried to imagine a life without Nanashi—
And the answer was clear.
Unacceptable.
She couldn't accept it.
Sayuri felt relieved.
She could sense Eriri's resolve.
And she realized—
Even if she hadn't told her, Eriri would have eventually accepted it.
Because Eriri's feelings for Nanashi ran too deep.
Too deep to ever let go.
Sayuri thought to herself—
If she were in Eriri's shoes—
If someone had saved her from such a painful existence, stayed by her side for so long…
She would have fallen for them too.
Without hesitation.
But…
It was too late for her.
She was already too old.
Already a wife.
Her expression dimmed slightly in the darkness.
Then—
"Mm!"
A faint sound echoed through the night.
Sayuri and Eriri's eyes met in the dark.
They immediately recognized that sound.
"Ah~"
It came from Nanashi's room.
Sayuri instantly knew—
Kanae.
That gentle, graceful, and virtuous woman.
But…
Wasn't this a bit too exaggerated?
"…"
Eriri flinched.
She wasn't sure if it was out of shyness or some other emotion.
At that moment, Sayuri was also mortified.
Because her body reacts unknowingly without even realizing it.
Now, she didn't dare move.
She was afraid Eriri would notice something moist.
Desperately trying to fill the silence, Sayuri forced a dry laugh and muttered, "Nanashi is… very powerful."
The moment the words left her lips—she regretted them.
Shut up!
Sayuri!
What the hell are you saying in front of your own daughter?!
But, to her surprise—
Eriri only responded with a soft "Hmm."
Then, she said nothing more.
However, Sayuri felt a slight movement within her embrace.
"…"
Sayuri froze.
Her mind went blank.
Her daughter…
Listening to the sounds coming from Nanashi's room… while doing that in her mother's arms?
Good. Good. Good!
If this is how things are going to be…
Then to hell with morals!
That Night
Four people abandoned their morals.
Their reason.
Their restraint.
They did whatever made their body happy.
Three women, all thinking of the same man.
Early the Next Morning
Kanae's eyes were empty, lifeless.
Her limp body shimmered, dissolving into particles of light as she merged back into Nanashi's soul.
The experience?
Amazing.
So good that he couldn't stop at all.
But most importantly—
Because Kanae was a spirit, she was absolutely pure.
And when she could no longer resist—
Another first time was broken.
If you asked Nanashi to rate the experience?
Kanae—forever!
Though, looking around the disastrous state of his room, he sighed.
Emmm… looks like he still had to clean up by himself.
After tidying up, he made a simple breakfast.
Kanae, of course, was too exhausted to eat.
Or maybe… she was already too full.
Nanashi had strictly instructed her not to just convert energy—
But to fully experience it.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have felt any sense of accomplishment.
Checking the time—
The comic exhibition with Marin was at 9 AM.
Still early.
After fixing his clothes, Nanashi headed out.
At Eriri's House
He rang the doorbell.
A moment later, the door creaked open.
Sayuri stood there.
She looked exhausted.
The moment she saw Nanashi, her body shuddered, and she instinctively took two steps back.
That frightened expression left Nanashi feeling awkward.
"No… no… absolutely not!"
Sayuri frantically waved her hands, looking utterly horrified.
"???"
Nanashi was completely confused.
He hadn't even said anything yet!
"Sayuri, what's wrong with you?"
"!!!"
Sayuri snapped out of her daze at the sound of his voice—
And the phantom illusion of last night shattered in her mind.
Her face turned crimson.
Flustered, she gripped her nightgown tightly, forcing an unnatural smile.
"You're here to see Eriri, right? She's… very tired today.
She hasn't woken up yet. Come back in the evening!"
And with that—
She slammed the door shut.
"???"
Nanashi stood there, dumbfounded.
Then, realization dawned on him.
Maybe…
Eriri was still struggling with her decision.
He let out a breath and relaxed.
All he could do now… was wait.
With that thought, he turned and left.
Inside the House
"I… what am I doing?!"
Sayuri leaned against the door, slowly sliding to the ground.
Her eyes were hazy, her thoughts a mess.
She and Eriri…
Had touched themselves—multiple times—
In each other's presence.
Listening to the sounds from next door, echoing through the entire night.
And worst of all—
She had even imagined herself in Kanae's place.
She and Eriri had both reached their peak—
Dazed.
Thoughtless.
Both calling out the same name.
How the hell was she supposed to face Eriri now?!
"Mother…"
A soft voice called out.
Sayuri's breath hitched.
Eriri had emerged from her room.
But she couldn't look at her mother properly.
Her expression was a mess of shyness, shame, frustration, and confusion.
"Eri, I… please, listen to my explanation…"
Sayuri hurriedly stood up, desperate to justify herself.
But—
She never expected—
Eriri to hug her first.
Nestled in her mother's arms, she whispered,
"I don't mind… if it's Mom."
"If Mom likes Nanashi too… then let's be together."
"Huh?!"
Sayuri's mind went blank.
Did…
Did Eriri lose her damn mind?!