Chapter 3 Those Who Set Foot in the Forbidden Realms Experience Three Kinds of Hell.
The sun had just barely emerged over the horizon.
Mamako was excitedly moving down the hall of the inn—with stealthy steps—headed for Masato’s bedroom.
“I bet Ma-kun’s overslept again today. Mommy has to gently wake him! He’s such a child. Hee-hee.”
Time for a morning kiss on the cheek? Or maybe on the forehead?
But as she slowly opened the door to his room…
“Mm? Oh, Mom. Good timing, but remember to knock.”
Masato was already up.
And not just up. He’d already changed into his equipment. His pajamas and the blanket were neatly folded on the bed. The window was open, and the room was airing out. He’d taken care of everything.
Mamako looked at all of this, then back at her son. She stood there in shock.
“Come on, Mom. Don’t give me that look!”
“B-but…you’re up and about…and all on your own…”
“I can manage that much if I feel like it. Nothing cool about relying on you for everything. I figured I could do better.”
“You did…?”
“Yep. Ha! How do you like that? Go on, rejoice! Your son is growing up!” He flashed her an impish grin.
And Mamako puffed out her cheeks.
“Wait, why are you sulking?”
“Oh, no reason. Nothing at all. Mommy’s just feeling cross.”
“What do you have to be mad about here?! That literally makes no sense.”
“I’ll be cross if I want to be. I’m going to give you extra helpings of everything this morning, Ma-kun! Just you wait!”
“Is that supposed to be a punishment?!”
It was rare to see Mamako this vexed, but he didn’t have time to worry about that. Masato had something to talk to her about.
“A-anyway, Mom—I need to ask a favor…”
“Oh my! You want Mommy to do something for you? What is it?” Flash!
Every inch of Mamako began to glow. A Mother’s Light activated.
“Wow, that sure perked you up fast. I’m so lost… Fine, whatever—my point is…”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tie—the gift Mamako had given him for Christmas.
“I wanna put this on, but I dunno how to tie these things. Do you?”
“Your father always wears one to work, so I know the basics—but what brought this on?”
“Well, the receptionist at the guild always looks down on me, right? So today I thought I’d try dressing up. Make a good impression, see where that gets me.”
“I see… That makes sense. Leave this to Mommy.”
Mamako took the tie from Masato and tied it for him, making it so he just had to pull it over his head and tighten it.
“Ma-kun, could you bend over just a little bit?”
“Okay… Erk…”
That left his face headed right into her valley, but as long as he kept his eyes closed…
She looped the tie over his head.
“Now I just pull the thin end?”
“Let Mommy do it.”
She adjusted the fit, straightened his collar, fussing over every detail, taking her time…until it was all perfect.
Masato equipped a tie!
His mature appearance leveled up! Masato obtained the title New Hire!
“Wow, this game tracks some weird levels. Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome. You can ask Mommy for anything whenever you want, okay? Mommy is always here for you. Forever.”
“Don’t worry. Soon as I learn how to tie it, I’ll be doing it myself. Don’t need you doing this forever!”
“Hmph. Ma-kun, Mommy’s cross again!”
“That’s not something to get mad about! You should want me to grow up!”
“So mad!”
A mother’s heart is full of mysteries.
The party finished breakfast and headed to the Adventurers Guild.
Masato took the lead. There was no telling when that receptionist might be watching. The passersby were all potential clients. He had to keep it together, and his gait was as beautiful as it was swift.
The rest of his party was struggling to process this.
“My arms are killing me…,” Wise grumbled. “But anyway, something’s up with Masato. Porta, appraise him.”
“Okay! …Hnggg…it’s definitely the real Masato! He’s always cool, but today he’s extra cool! He seems so grown-up!”
“Porta, try appraising him more closely. There’s clearly something wrong with him. Masato is never this put together.”
Medhi’s comment was especially rude.
But Masato just laughed it off.
“It’s all part of growing up!” he said. “I can’t be a kid forever. You guys should follow my example!”
“Ugh, I hate it. You’re Masato! You’re supposed to be incompetent! …Mamako, please say something. This isn’t the son you know!” Wise slapped Masato’s back emphatically.
Mamako was trailing along at the back of the party, a deep frown on her face.
“Mamako? What’s wrong?”
“……Hmm? Oh, Wise? What is it?”
“That’s what I’m asking. Something on your mind?”
“Perhaps Mamako is merely worried about Masato. Does he seem off to you, as well?”
“Mama! Is Masato sick?”
“Well…” She gave her son’s back a long look, hesitating…then ran to catch up to him. “Ma-kun is always Ma-kun. Mommy’s adorable son. Nothing will change that. Right, Ma-kun?”
“Whoa!”
She’d put her arms around him tight. Her large chest squeezed up against him, but Masato was used to that now. It didn’t bother him.
“Telling you to stop doing that gets me nowhere, so I won’t—but at least try and keep it to a minimum, okay?”
“Oh, I will. The minimum necessary hugging.” Squeeze.
“That wasn’t a request to press against me harder! Also, once we reach the guild, I want us to be all serious business, so try and cooperate.”
“Okay, I promise. So until we get there…”
Mamako immediately started walking very slowly, and he had to drag her along. The girls stayed behind him, still scowling.
But his mind was made up.
“C’mon! Let’s defeat that receptionist!”
“Ma-kun, we can’t defeat her. We need to make friends.”
The party reached the guild. Inside, they found Demon Lord Hayato by the quest board. Despite Mamako’s powerful scolding the day before, he looked happy to see her. A very durable Demon Lord.
“Hero and party, good morning. I trust everyone slept well?”
“We certainly did. I’m relieved to see you alive and unharmed.”
“I appreciate your concern. Let us continue the trial—but first…”
Hayato eyed Masato and his necktie curiously. Masato looked mildly sheepish.
“Did you have a change of heart?” Hayato asked.
“Yeah, I guess. Figured I should try and do this right. Laugh if you wanna.”
“There’s nothing to laugh at. I’m impressed—it really feels like you’re trying to do your part for society. I’m proud of you, son. But the color of that tie isn’t exactly to my taste…”
“Just so you know, Mom picked it out for me.”
“W-well, it’s very nice! Beautiful, even! Ha-ha-ha!”
Mamako just smiled back at him. A lovely smile. Definitely a smile.
“S-so allow me to present you with a trial.”
Hayato took a posting from the board and handed it to Masato.
It read: INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO THE LOVELY ITEMS OUR COMPANY IS DISTRIBUTING!
Basically a door-to-door sales job, lugging these “lovely” items from house to house.
As Masato read it over, Medhi leaned in for a look. “That’s definitely not a job for a combat-class adventurer. Your father is winding you up. He’s saying if you can’t even handle a task like this, you aren’t worthy of anything greater.”
“Ah-ha. Dick move.”
“No, no, not at all. I was suggesting we handle this quest together.”
“Together? You mean, just the two of us?”
“That’s right. The Demon Lord quest is entering the middle act. You and I will face off directly on the job.”
“Heavens! The Hero vs the Demon Lord! On a sales run?!” Medhi gave a dramatic shout then stifled a laugh. “That’s more like the Masato I know. What a relief.”
“You think this is sad, huh? You would. But work is work. I’m gonna take my dad on with pride.”
“I’ve never worked in sales, either, so it’s uncharted territory for both of us. Will you accept this quest, Masato? If you can.”
“I got this. I’ll conquer the reception desk and earn the right to challenge the Demon Lord!”
Hayato slapped him on the back, and Masato headed into battle.
The receptionist was leaning back like an empress on her throne, radiating an aura of authority. “My, my, the boy from yesterday—Masato, was it? Have you learned nothing? Attempting another job you are wholly unqualified for? Ah, youth. Tee-hee-hee.”
“I’m not the boy I was yesterday. Today I’m here to win.”
“We’ll see about that. It’s up to me whether you’ve earned the right to challenge the Demon Lord! …Ultimate Art: Receptionist Search! Hngg!”
The receptionist looked Masato over: hair combed neater than the day before, expression resolute, and…a well-knotted tie.
She seemed nonplussed.
“Y-you’re actually… No, that can’t be right. You’re at the age where you think leaving the top button of your dress shirt undone is cool! But not only is it buttoned, you’re wearing a flawlessly coordinated tie! Madness!”
“That’s how I roll. Make your call! This round belongs to meeeeee!”
“No—noooooo!!”
Masato waved an arm dramatically, slamming the posting down on the counter!
The receptionist took one look at it—and buried her head in her desk. “Hmph…you win.”
“Awesome! I won! Victory is mine!”
“Well done, Masato!”
“You did it, Ma-kun! Mommy knew you could!”
Hayato and Mamako both rushed in and gave Masato a double-sided hug. Congratulations! Congratulations! Thank you! Words of praise and gratitude echoed all around!
Also.
“Uh, Masato only won thanks to Mamako’s taste in ties. Maybe I shouldn’t point that out, though.”
“And this posting is just as pathetic as the job we did yesterday. This was hardly even a challenge to begin with.”
“Um…the receptionist lady did a great job playing along! I’m glad!”
The girls in the peanut gallery offered their own commentary.
Only Masato and Hayato would be taking this quest. Which meant…
“Welcome! How many?”
“Four. I think a patio table would be lovely.”
“Right over here. I’ll just fetch your menus.”
Mamako and the girls were at a café. Relaxing at a table by the side of the road.
They were in Meema, the site of the World Matriarchal Arts Tournament. There was no active tournament, so they were just here to enjoy drinks and people-watch.
“Are you girls ready? I think I’ll just have tea.”
“I want a parfait! It looks so good!”
“I’ll have the tea and cake set.”
“I’m gonna have this pancake set. The tea’s gonna go perfect with this show across the street.”
All eyes turned to the other side of the street, where…
A middle-aged Traveling Merchant with a large bag on his shoulder was standing with Masato and Hayato, each of whom was carrying another large bag in both hands. They were on the job.
“I’ll go first and show you how it’s done. Watch and learn.”
““Yes, boss! Take it away!””
“Okay, then…”
The Merchant went up the front steps to one house and knocked on the door. “Hello! Pardon the intrusion. I’m here to introduce you to a few lovely ite—”
“We’ve got plenty. Go away.”
The owner of the house barely cracked the door open and immediately shot him down before slamming the door in his face. Harsh treatment, but the Merchant didn’t bat an eye.
“That’s how we do it! A thick skin is key here. Now go split up all the houses on this street between the two of you.”
““Yes, boss!””
The Merchant headed to another district.
New salesman Hero Masato and new salesman Demon Lord Hayato were off!
“It’s on, Dad! I’m gonna show you what this hero’s got!”
“Prepare to bow before the might of the Demon Lord, son!”
“Which of us will sell the most?”
“Fight!”
Masato took the houses on the right, Hayato the houses on the left. Both were off to a running start.
“I’m gonna win this! I have to!”
Masato ran up to the first door and knocked. “Yes?” A nice old lady! Promising. Masato put on his best smile…
But the old lady struck first!
“Oh, no, thanks. Pardon me.”
“Huh? No, wait—!”
She’d taken one look at the bag in his hands, knew he was a door-to-door salesman, and shut that door tight. His pitch failed.
“Argh, fine… Next!” Recovering, he knocked on the door to the right.
He heard someone running up, and the door opened—and was closed again instantly. All he heard was a voice behind it saying, “Go away!” Encounter failed.
“They’re rejecting me way too fast… Even metal slimes let you see ’em before they flee…”
This did not seem an impasse he could break through. He was already on the verge of tears.
How was the Demon Lord doing? He turned to check…
“Get the hell outta my face!”
“Bwuh?!”
The old man at the door had flung a bucket of water at him.
The drenched Demon Lord looked over at Masato. Both of them had tears in their eyes.
This job is worse than I imagined! father and son thought alike.
Meanwhile, problems at the café.
“Mama! Calm yourself! You can’t go over there!”
“Please, don’t stop me! I must be with Ma-kun! He’s trying so hard! How can I just watch?! Mommy will buy all the products he’s carrying!”
“Not allowed! Get a grip! …Argh, Medhi! Do something!”
“Don’t put this on me! I can’t exactly beat Mamako down, can I?”
“Fair. Then we’ll have to restrain her with brute force!”
The relaxed teatime people-watching had somehow transformed into a desperate scramble to keep Mamako from vaulting over the patio railing, wallet in hand.
Since Meema citizens had proven hostile, the Merchant led Masato and his father to the seaside town of Thermo.
As the tower dungeon loomed above, they began their rounds.
“We didn’t sell a thing in Meema, so…I at least want one sale here!”
“New contest, Masato: Let’s see who makes a sale first!”
“Yeah! And the contest ends the moment one of us manages it!”
“Naturally!”
Having lowered their hurdle significantly, their motivation was boosted accordingly.
Meanwhile, on the beach…
Someone else was getting really motivated—Mamako, in a swimsuit.
“Wise, Medhi, Porta… Would you mind letting me through?”
Her expression grim, Mamako took a step forward across the hot sand. Her boobs rocked, doing their best to escape her suit.
But the girls, also in swimsuits, couldn’t let her go. They desperately tried to block her path.
“No, we can’t!” Wise shouted. “Not one step farther!”
“Mamako, snap out of it! Please!” Medhi begged.
“We’re just here to play on the beach!” said Porta. “We’re not here to buy anything!”
“I only need a moment. I won’t be long! I’ll just buy one… Ma-kun, I’m coming! Hee-hee-hee…”
“She leaves us no choice!” Medhi yelled. “Bury Mamako in the sand! Everyone—charge!”
““Hahh!””
Between the three of them, they managed to get Mamako onto the ground and started heaping sand on her. “Eep! Her boobs are deflecting all the sand!” “How bouncy can one pair be?! So jealous!” Was it even possible to keep Mamako down?!
Oblivious to the girls’ struggles, Masato and Hayato set to work.
“I’ll take the houses over here!”
“Then I’ll take this side. Forward!”
Both knocked at the same time!
Masato’s side opened first. A middle-aged woman!
Oh, I know her…
Definitely one of the moms from Mom’s Guild. She’d helped with the tower conquest.
But all her memories of Masato were sealed away. She was looking at him like a total stranger.
“Who might you be?”
“Nice to meet you! Sorry to just drop in. I’ve got some new items to show you!”
“Oh, you do? A door-to-door sales pitch, hmm? Not really my thing…”
She’d mustered a vague smile and started to close the door. Another bust…?
No! Masato had spotted a change. This was a mother! Masato had adventured with his own mother long enough to know how these creatures operated.
“One moment, please! I’ve got some slightly unusual accessories to show you!”
“Accessories? Oh my, that is tempting. I suppose I could take a look, at least. Just a peep, mind you.”
“Okay!”
Brooches, earrings, necklaces, handbags—anything categorized as an “accessory” would always get their attention. That was a mother’s nature! Possibly all women.
Masato quickly got his bag open and pulled out the merchandise and explanatory notes. He was selling little crystal balls.
“Er…what are those?”
“Accessories for your room! Take a closer look, ma’am. These glow just by holding them up! Amazing, right? Like magic! Your children will be delighted. For the foyer, the bedroom, or one of each!”
He was hoping to make a sale, but then—
“Yo, got a sec?”
“Huh…?”
Someone behind Masato called out to him. He turned around to find a mohawk-sporting roustabout scowling ferociously.
Pocchi. Memories sealed—didn’t remember Masato at all.
“H-hello! Can I help you?”
“Don’t gimme that salesman crap. C’mere.”
He grabbed Masato by the scruff of his neck and dragged him away.
The street was now filled with rough-looking men—and another one was manhandling the Demon Lord, who looked just as crestfallen as his son.
They soon found themselves kneeling on the ground, surrounded by burly young roustabouts.
“Lemme make the introductions. We’re a bunch of nice guys hoping to become daycare workers. We protect this here town and all the children in it.”
“I have no idea what daycare has to do with this…”
“Dad, just hear him out. It’s a hundred percent true. Shocking, I know.”
“So there we were, on patrol, and we find you punks. Selling crystals. Bullshit artists!”
“What is your issue with our approach?” Hayato inquired.
“Not long ago there was a big mess here. A creepy salesman sold everyone crystals that turned out to be bombs!”
“That was you, though, Pocchi.”
“Wha—?! Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, man! I’d never do that!”
He’d yelled his way out of this one.
“So we’re gonna take you two over to the guard station! On your feet!”
“Don’t treat us like criminals… We’re innocent, I swearrrr…”
Work was interrupted for an interrogation.
The perils of the modern workplace.
In a fragrant room with mood lighting, Mamako let out a rapturous breath.
“Mm…no, not there…ahh…”
She was sprawled on a bed without a stitch on her as six hands assailed her body.
The instant they touched her sensitive spots, her back arched and her ample bosom, covered in sticky fluid, heaved.
No matter how she protested, the hands wouldn’t stop.
“You like it here? Heh-heh-heh. Then… Hyah!”
“Eep!”
“How about here?”
“Aah!”
“Mama! How’s this?”
“Nooo…!”
Wise, Medhi, and Porta’s hands were all slick with oil, assaulting Mamako.
An oil massage.
“You’re all so good! I’m making the oddest noises.”
“Thanks,” said Wise. “I knew your shoulders had to be stiff. I mean, hauling those two weights around all the time, who wouldn’t be super sore? …I’d like to blame a bad back on my boobs once in my life…”
“Some dreams are better left unfulfilled. It’s legitimately painful.”
“Tch, Medhiii! We know you’re second only to Mamako! Don’t rub it in.”
“Mama’s calves are also stiff! She spends a lot of time on her feet cooking and doing laundry!”
“I can only imagine,” said Medhi. “That’s why we’re giving her a full-body massage. Hyah!”
“Ohhhh!”
This was all designed to keep Mamako in place.
They were in a room somewhere in Yomamaburg. A beauty salon with large windows and a commanding view, and they had the whole place to themselves. The girls were giving Mamako the best pampering they could.
“Is this the spot, Mamako? Do you like that?” Wise asked.
“Y-yes! Perfect…ahh!”
“Heh-heh-heh. Your body doesn’t lie! Is that what we say here?”
After a particularly vigorous tour of Mamako’s nether regions, Wise took a break. Her hands were tired.
And as part of that, she opened the curtains, looking down at the city below—where Masato was going door-to-door.
He and Hayato had abandoned Thermo and resumed their father-son competition…but without results. The sun was about to set.
But Masato would not give up.
“…Geez, what is he doing? Talk about a pointless struggle—so dumb.”
“Indeed. No regard for us at all, totally obsessed with the task at hand.”
Medhi had sidled up beside Wise and was also watching Masato.
There was a sad edge to their grumbling.
“He’s been like this since his dad showed up. All this father-son brouhaha… You’d think they could spare us a little attention.”
“You miss him already, Wise?”
“That’s not what I said!”
“I miss him! It’s like Masato’s going further and further away, and we’re being left behind.” Porta had joined the two of them at the window.
“Yes! I know just how you feel, Porta.”
And there was Mamako. “Mamako, you can’t be here!” “They can see you from outside!” “Oh, that’s not a problem.” “I think it is!” The three of them had to physically block Mamako’s nude form from view.
Mamako looked over their heads at Masato’s toils. “…Ma-kun…,” she whispered.
He never knew. How could he? They were far apart. And her voice was very soft. A sad smile played across her lips, and she moved back to the bed, lying facedown.
“Mamako…?”
“I suppose…there’s nothing odd about it. Children grow up. They find things they want to do, things they have to do, and get absorbed in them…and we grow apart. That’s normal. A part of life. How things are meant to be. But…”
She still missed him.
She left that unsaid, keeping her head down to hide her gloomy expression.
And in that instant…
“““……?”””
A strange sensation swept over the three girls.
It was similar to how a blow to the knees can make your legs fold under you. Like their gazes had dropped several inches in a single moment—very odd.
Perhaps they’d just imagined it. Mamako didn’t react at all. Nothing in the room or out the window seemed different.
“Did something weird just happen?”
“I don’t know! But I felt kinda spinny!”
“Yeah, same here… Weird. Like, a sudden dizzy spell maybe?”
“Now that you mention it…perhaps that explains it.”
They left it at that and turned back to look out the window, where Masato was still hard at work.
“…I guess I just want him to mess up bad. Do something that lets us punish him.”
“I agree with you. That would be an excellent way to lift our moods.”
“I’d certainly like to see him be more like himself! …Um, not that I think messing up is…what Masato does, or anything…”
“Hee-hee. Maybe I should get in on that! I would feel much better if he did something that reminded us he’s still my Ma-kun.”
Not what Masato would have wanted to hear—and as they spoke, he sneezed. Perhaps the old wives’ tale was true: Sneezing means someone’s gossiping about you. The girls looked at each other and laughed.
All four of them. “Argh, Mamako!” “Contain yourself!” “They’ll see you!” “Oh my. Such a shame.” You couldn’t let your guard down with her around.
The sun had set, and work was done.
“Both the boy and girl teams survived the day,” said Wise.
“Time for the results of the Hero vs Demon Lord contest,” said Medhi.
“Um… About those results…,” Porta began.
The girls were looking said results in the face: Masato and Hayato, on a bench together, shoulders slumped.
“Neither of us sold a single thing…”
“And these unfortunate results mean our contest is a draw…”
“Draws suck…”
They were getting gloomier by the minute. Downright dismal.
Mamako was patting both their backs. “You two worked hard! But however tough it was, the workday is finished. It’s time to relax.”
“…True,” said Masato. “Work’s done. It’s all over.”
“Yes. The end of the workday is cause for celebration,” agreed Hayato.
Mamako’s praise comforted the two injured souls. Father and son lifted their heads and stretched.
“Let’s head back to Catharn,” Mamako said. “I need to get dinner started.”
“Time to fire up a transport spell! …Medhi, duel you for it?”
“You’re on.”
A quick round of rock, paper, scissors—Medhi won. Wise scowled but started the incantation nonetheless.
But then…
“Wait just a minute.”
Demon Lord Hayato interrupted her.
“Masato and I have further business to take care of. We’ll be staying behind.”
“Huh? Wait, Dad, what business…? There’s more?!”
“There is. Our labor is over, but our task is not yet done.”
“Ugh…” Masato buried his face in his hands.
Pretending to comfort him, careful not to let anyone see, the Demon Lord held out a hand—like he was going for a shake.
And there was a flyer folded up in his palm. Masato could just make out the word cabaret.
A-again…?
“Are you a man?”
The look in Hayato’s eyes said it all. He’d not yet lost this battle.
Masato…returned his father’s handshake, that same look in his eyes.
“Well, if the task needs completing…” Smile.
“Ladies, you all head back first. We may be rather late, so feel free to eat without us.” Smile.
“Hmm… All right, then…” Convinced, Wise started her chant again. Father and son saw her off with a smile…
“Hee-hee. Dear? Ma-kun?”
““Erk…””
Mamako’s smile, meanwhile, just proved she was deeply unconvinced.
“What task might this be, dear?”
“W-w-well, clearly, work stuff! Post-work bonding! Extremely necessary. We all do it!”
“That’s true, but…Ma-kun’s hungry. You want to fill your belly up with Mommy’s cooking, don’t you?”
“I mean, yeah, that is always tempting! But this is work stuff. That Merchant guy asked us to join him, and we can’t well refuse…right, Dad? That’s what this is!”
“Exactly! Masato is absolutely correct. That Merchant seems to like us! He was kind enough to invite us out, and he’s been a great help, so it would be rude to turn him down! Don’t you agree, Mamako?”
“In principle, yes. Hmm…”
Mamako wavered. An opening! Go!! Masato and Hayato made eye contact and took their best shot!
Together, they each put their arms around Mamako!
Father-Son Coaxing! A special father-son skill that worked only on mothers!
“Please, Mom. Just this once!”
“Please, Mamako. Just this once!”
“Oh my… Argh. You’re both incorrigible. I suppose I could make an exception.”
““Thank you! We love you!””
Cuddling made her so happy, it corrupted her judgment… This skill hit mothers where it hurt. They successfully made Mamako back down.
“Well, Masato. Let’s go be incorrigible!”
“Absolutely! Let’s see how incorrigible we can be!”
Dreamily, Mamako watched them go. The girls mostly seemed appalled; the boys were gone before anyone could change their minds.
Shoulder-to-shoulder, Hayato and Masato headed to the Yomamaburg entertainment quarter. Row after row of casinos, lights so bright they seemed liable to add color to the darkness of the night sky.
The streets were packed. Since the rules required parents and children to play together, there were plenty of older folks walking side-by-side with younger men and women.
Masato and Hayato walked together with pride, as father and son.
But then Masato paused.
“Something wrong, son? Not losing your nerve already, are you?”
“That’s not it. I was just wondering if we’re making a terrible mistake. There’s tons of issues with me being here—and the same goes for you, Dad.”
“Such as, a married man shouldn’t be doing this?”
“Pretty much.”
Masato gave him a searching look, but the Demon Lord didn’t bat an eye.
“Masato, I need you to listen to me. That argument is irrelevant. We’re just out for a good time. It’s all in good fun. This is one way that men enjoy themselves. In other words, it has nothing to do with love.”
“It doesn’t?”
“Not a thing. Completely unrelated.”
Hayato was very insistent, but this logic was pretty patriarchal.
“But if you still find yourself feeling guilty, then make it up to the one you love. Give her presents, help her with her work, get on her good side. That sort of attention is very important.”
“I see. This is highly educational.”
“Masato, later on, you just have to do right by Wise or Medhi. Or even Porta!”
“Wai— Why are we talking about them? They’re not part of this!”
“Just a little payback. Your fault for reminding me of my wife.”
“F-fair. Sorry. Shouldn’t have brought it up. I won’t do it again.”
“Good. Let’s get going!”
The Demon Lord pulled out the cabaret flyer, checking the map. Then he headed down a narrow alley between two casinos, Masato on his heels.
The farther they went, the more the bustle died down. The lights faded. The dubiousness went way up.
The only sound was their own footsteps, headed down the dark alley…until they found a sign standing in their path reading MAMARAID. A very discreet exterior.
An elderly gentleman in a perfectly tailored suit stood outside, smiling warmly. It was the casino owner who had once helped Masato’s party out.
“But his memories are sealed, so he doesn’t remember me.”
“We chatted briefly while I was working with him yesterday, but no, he didn’t remember you. So leave this to me! …Good evening, owner. Sorry it took me so long.”
“Not at all! I quite understand. I was aware the request was fraught with difficulties.” He bowed to Masato, too. Unfailingly polite to everyone. “Now, allow me to get your nightlife trial experience started. Do come in. I changed jobs from God of Gamblers to God of the Entertainment District, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the fruit of my labors.”
The doors to adulthood swung open…!
The interior was a dramatic departure from the drab exterior—everything was so gaudy, it was almost sickening.
Right inside they were met with the dazzle of a chandelier. The walls gleamed with gold. The floor was black and shiny.
And on it stood a row of beautiful women in ravishing evening gowns. Humans, elves, beastkin, angels, and devils, too. A cross-species cabaret lady buffet.
““““Welcome!””””
““G-glad to be here…””
Every single lady smiled at both father and son, who bowed their heads in greeting.
Masato was quickly blushing—and so was Hayato. They looked nervous.
“Why are you stressing this, Dad?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve never been anywhere like this! …Frankly, I’m not at all clear how these shops work.”
“Wait—you can’t drop a truth like that here! What the heck are we supposed to do?! I have no clue how this works, either!”
“No cause for alarm,” said the owner. “This establishment is set up to ensure the safety of our customers. It employs the same system as the casinos do. Anyone can enjoy the services here free of worry.” The owner clapped his hands and directed the pair’s attention to the girls. “Ladies, these customers are new to the cabaret experience. Take care to guide them through it. Make sure there are no awkward moments. You were all once the top earners at shops the world over, so I’m sure you’re up to the task.”
““““We are, owner!””””
“Pleased to hear it. Gentlemen, do enjoy.”
The owner left, and the girls gathered round Masato and Hayato.
A beautiful girl in every direction. Very close. Lots of skin. They all smelled amazing. Hands reaching out and taking his. Arms around his. Things pressing against him!
“I think I’ll sit with this dandy gentleman.”
“O-oh? Well, be gentle…”
“Then I’ll take this young charmer. Come! Two to the floor!”
“Th-thanks…”
“Where shall we sit? Open seating? No—a private room.”
“Naturally. They’re the owner’s guests! They get the red carpet treatment.”
“The harem course it is!”
““““Thanks for coming!””””
“D-Dad! This sounds like a whole thing! Are we still okay?”
“I dunno! But let’s go with ‘yes’! Have some faith!”
Both men had a knockout on each arm, plus more girls in front and behind. It was less “guide” and more “apprehend.”
The central section of the shop was a large open area. At the back were two doors—judging from the decor, very expensive ones. These must be the private rooms.
“Here we are. First, dandy gentleman, take the room on the right.”
“Er, wait, we’re in separate rooms?”
“That’s how the harem course works. Come on!”
“No, wait! Dad, don’t!”
He tried to stop it, but Masato was surrounded by cabaret girls and unable to move. He lacked the nerve to push a pretty lady out of the way.
Demon Lord Hayato looked extremely perturbed. “Godspeed, Masato!” he said, and the doors to his room slammed shut.
“Handsome son, yours is the room on the left. This way.”
“Urp… Uh, look…I dunno if I’m ready… I-I’d better go home! This doesn’t feel right for me!”
“Oh my. First time? In that case, we could set you up with one of our new girls. They might not be up to our standards, but sometimes, that helps you relax.”
“That’s not the problem—!”
“We’ll go get them. You wait in here.”
Masato was pushed into the private room. His escort blew him a kiss, and the doors closed.
These doors were bad news—they could be opened only from the outside.
It wasn’t exactly spacious, but the circular couch was clearly higher quality than the ones on the open floor.
There was a coffee table in the center with tumblers, champagne flutes, and other pricey-looking glasses. And a pitcher of water.
Clearly, the idea was to fill these with booze and sip away as you chatted with your female companions. Masato could imagine that much.
“…Yikes.”
He was really here.
Masato gingerly settled down on the couch facing the entrance. He wasn’t sure how to greet whoever came in, and got nervous about it, so he slid along the couch until his back was to the door.
Then he just waited.
“…I’ve gotta make it clear that I’m leaving. Just…gotta tell them. Yeah. I’m a man! I can speak my mind!”
He muttered this on a loop, like he was trying to conjure evil spirits.
Then there was a knock at the door. They were here!
Masato was a man! A very determined man! “…C-come in,” he said, his voice thin and reedy. He couldn’t decide what look he should have on his face and settled for staring at his hands. Already defeated.
The door behind him opened, and someone came in. By the footsteps…one, two, three…four.
They were being very quiet. No one said a word.
They said these girls were new…so maybe they’re also nervous…?
Masato was so anxious, he was about to die. Then someone flopped down on his right. Someone else took a seat on his left—in a much more dignified manner.
Two more took seats across from him. Four ladies in total.
Nobody spoke. They’d brought a bottle in a bucket of ice with them and set that on the table—he could hear the clink of ice settling.
Am I gonna have to speak first? Wh-what do I say?
He couldn’t take the silence any longer. Slowly, he forced his eyes up.
Legs came into view—women’s legs. The four ladies around him were each wearing a different-colored evening gown.
As he eyed their legs, the woman on his right suddenly stood. She got up, sidled close to him, then sat down again, arm around his shoulders.
She whispered in his ear:
“What the hell are you doing here? Maybe I oughta rat you out to Mamako.”
“No, please, have mercy— Wait.”
He knew that voice. His head snapped up.
Wise’s mom, the Queen of the Night—Kazuno.
“…Buh?”
“’Sup. How you been?”
Definitely Kazuno. And not just her.
Across from him on the right: Shiraaase. On the left: Porta’s mom, Dark-Mom Deathmother.
And on his left was Medhi’s mom, giving him her gnarliest glare: Medhimama.
“Huh?! Wait—what’s going on here—?!”
“That’s what we want to know, Masato. Why are you in a shop like this? You’d better have a good excuse.”
“Simmer down, Memama. That can wait. First, drinks and cheers. Gotta have a few in a shop like this! I’ve spent plenty of time in host clubs, so trust me on this one.”
“Kazuno! What is wrong with you? Explanations come first!”
“Head’s up, Medhimama!” Shiraaase said, intentionally aiming the champagne cork at her.
“W-wait—” Pop. “Ow!” It hit Medhimama smack in the forehead.
She wailed, clutching her brow. Ideal.
“Nice one, Shriaaase. Hey, Saorideath, gimme a glass. I’m thirsty.”
“Could we refrain from the odd names, please? Oh, why do I bother?” said Deathmother. “Masato, yours is nonalcoholic, of course. We’d heard you were underage and came prepared.”
“Oh, cool.”
Champagne and a champagne-like soda were poured and passed around.
“Then let’s drink to our reunion! Cheers!”
“““Cheers!”””
Glasses clinked, and everyone took a sip. The bubbles felt great going down.
Kazuno chugged hers and pressed herself up against Masato.
“Whoa, Ms. Kazuno?! Don’t do that!”
“Heh-heh, why not? This is a cabaret, and I’m a cabaret girl! This is all part of the job.”
“Yeah, but—!”
“Don’t worry. Enjoy the perks. How’s it feel to have a friend’s mom waiting on you?”
“Unspeakably awkward,” came Masato’s despondent reply.
“Pshaw. You know you love it. So? Why are you here?”
“Right! Explain yourself! You should not be in a shop like this at your age!” Medhimama had recovered from the cork to the head. She grabbed a fistful of Masato’s shirt, scowling like a thing possessed, and began shaking him. His brain hurt.
“C-calm down! I’ll explain! It’s basically for a work thing…that my dad brought me to! The whole idea was that you’re with your parent, so it’s safe to do a trial experience.”
“Some things are still off limits, parent or no! I can’t believe this. I won’t stand for it! Not at all! This should not be! Where is your father now? I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind. I might even— Gasp, cough.”
“Honestly, you shouldn’t talk that long without breathing. Memama, drink up.”
“Oh, how thoughtful, Kazuno. Don’t mind if I do!”
Medhimama chugged her champagne, wetting her throat, and turned to fire her machine guns at Masato again…
“Hic.”
Her face was red. Her eyes bleary. She cuddled up against him.
“Yikes?!”
“Masatooo! Hear me out… Hic… I’m suuuch a mess… Hic.”
Medhimama was instantly plastered. From one glass. “Heh-heh-heh.” Kazuno was definitely doing the Queen of the Night laugh. Clearly well aware Medhimama couldn’t hold her liquor. Diabolical.
“Masato, are you even listening? You gotta listen, or else I’m gonna bite your ear off! Maybe I will anyway!”
“O-okay, I’m listening! Listening hard! What is it?”
“It was awful! The whole thing—a total con! Only way to pay it back is this job… Hic… I can’t taaake it!”
“I’m so lost.”
“Allow me to interpret.”
“I can infooorm—as I am Shiraaase.”
Dark-Mom Deathmother and Shriaaase moved around behind Masato, resting their boobs on his shoulders.
“Wait, are you both drunk, too?”
“Oh, you sit still. Don’t fuss, just listen,” said Deathmother. “Your father asked us to come over—help with the Demon Lord quest, he said. But we arrived at the meeting spot ahead of schedule…”
“And decided to kill some time seeing the sights,” Shiraaase continued. “We wound up gambling in the biggest casino here…”
“Oh, I get it. You lost big, racked up a debt, and have to work it off here? Right?”
“Exactly. I got roped into it, too.”
“I can infooorm you that Kazuno and Medhimama did the deed, and Deathmother merely got dragged along. Just like their daughters always do.”
“Like mother, like daughter. Got it. Then…”
With the explanation over, he thought they’d go back to their seats. But Dark-Mom Deathmother and Shiraaase remained in place, leaning into him closer and closer. Very intimate.
“…Um, ladies?”
“Perhaps I’m drunk, too. I’m starting to enjoy this. You’ve always been there for Porta, so these are for you, on the house. Hee-hee.”
“I merely want to tease you, Masato. But, well…perhaps this once, I should be serious. I may be the mother of a five-year-old, but I still know a few moves. Hee-hee-hee.”
“Not so fast, Shiraaase. I’m gonna take young Masato for myself. So, Masato—it’s time you fooled around with a friend’s mom. Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha.”
“Ugh, Masatooo! You’re not listening! I’m gonna bite your ear off!”
Kazuno and Medhimama were both squeezing harder.
Masato was getting mobbed by the affections of four mothers at once. For a game played by mothers and children together, he’d managed the impossible—an all-mom harem!
Masato was beside himself…!
Yeah. I really wish they wouldn’t.
Okay, maybe not exactly “beside himself.”
Best to change the subject. He happened to have a specific concern.
“Q-question for you! A serious one, so if you don’t mind infooorming me?”
“That calls for me, Shiraaase! How may I be of assistance?” Ding!
“How is it even possible to run up a debt in the casino? This town’s got a special rule in place to prevent that. If children are going wild, it automatically drags in their parents. And if the parents are too far in, it brings in the kids…”
“This is true, but I can infooorm you we took the system offline temporarily to allow everyone to thoroughly enjoy themselves.”
“Ah, right.”
The conversation ended there. Back to moms all over Masato. The mom harem antics weren’t finished yet—
But wait.
“……Hmm?”
He remembered something.
“This establishment is set up to ensure the safety of our customers. It employs the same system as the casinos do. Anyone can enjoy the services here free of worry.”
The owner’s words.
“…Huh?”
Masato was covered in moms gone wild. Shiraaase’s daughter wasn’t playing this game, but the other three definitely had kids in-game.
Which meant…
“……Uh, I’m in trouble.”
The blood drained from his face.
Just then, there was a soft knock at the door.
“…Come in,” he said.
In came four girls dressed in full cabaret attire, with the loveliest smiles to match. Mamako, Wise, Medhi, and Porta.
Shiraaase remained unflappable no matter the occasion, but Masato, Kazuno, drunk Medhimama, and Dark-Mom Deathmother all froze on the spot, looking like disaster had befallen them.
The girls’ smiling faces bore down upon Masato.
The frozen group couldn’t move, let alone run.
“I guess they weren’t kidding about ‘mama raid’… Ah, such a short life…”
Masato abandoned hope and closed his eyes to the inevitable.
Thus…
“It seems this is as far as we go.”
Demon Lord Hayato’s voice echoed from somewhere. A magic circle appeared beneath Masato and his mom harem.
The girls’ smiles vanished. Everyone looked tense.
“Oh my? What’s this?”
“That’s the same pattern as the transport spells!” Porta yelled. “This is bad!”
“Masato’s dad is trying to let our moms escape!” said Wise. “Over my dead body! We’ve gotta stop this!”
Wise threw herself at Kazuno, but a moment too late. Kazuno vanished in a flash of light. “Bwah?!” And Wise landed face-first on the couch. Looked pretty painful.
“Damn it, Masato’s dad! What was that for?!”
“My apologies. I have need of your mothers elsewhere; I can’t have them taken away just yet. I’m afraid we must be off.”
“Yeah, right! No way my mom would ever be useful! I’m about to give her a piece of my mind! Bring her back!”
“And while Wise’s screeching has him distracted… Mother!”
Medhi had been sneaking up on her mother, but… “Augh…!” Just as her hands made a grab for her collar, Medhimama was teleported elsewhere.
“Oh no! My mommy’s gonna be taken away, too! Mommyyy!”
“Ah, my beloved daughter! You still call me that, despite my utter foolishness!”
Porta tried to leap into Dark-Mom Deathmother’s arms, to her mother’s evident delight. But before they could touch, Deathmother vanished!
Two left.
“Ms. Shiraaase, you’re not going anywhere. That’s not your role. You’re here to infooorm us of the situation, yes?”
“Mamako, if you say that, I would be only too happy to infooorm… Whoops, unexpected twist.”
Shiraaase picked up the champagne bottle and bonked herself on the head with it. Shiraaase died, and her coffin was teleported away without another word.
The four mothers had successfully fled. Leaving behind…
“Okay, okay! Nice work, Dad! I’m next, right? Take me away!”
Masato was all for escaping certain doom with a last-minute transport. He could see himself soaring away and was already flapping his arms in anticipation. Any second now…!
The magic circle vanished.
“……Wha?”
No more magic circle. No transport spell. No escape for him.
And the girls’ hands were already clenching his clothing. He was caught.
“Dad! What the hell?!”
“Masato, nice work resisting temptation. I’ve witnessed your growth firsthand—I feel within you the power to progress to the future. And as your father, I’ve accomplished all I wanted… Thus, it is time for the trial to proceed to the final phase.”
“We can talk trial stuff later! Get me outta here first!”
“Son, allow me to leave you a gift.”
A tiny magic circle appeared above Masato’s head, and a single blue feather fluttered down. As he gaped up at it, it landed on his face.
“That is the key to reaching my location—the ideal spot for a Demon Lord Dad to battle his Hero son… I’ll be waiting.”
“Yo! This is bullshit! You’ve gotta get me outta here! Daaaad! Help!”
Demon Lord Hayato’s voice was gone.
What now?
Masato’s hand closed around the feather, his expression as grim as it was determined.
“Guys, you heard the man! It’s time for our final battle! Let us put aside any worldly concerns and steel ourselves for—!”
“Ma-kun, we’re going back to our inn in Catharn for a nice little chat.” Smile.
“…Okay……”
His last-ditch effort to talk his way out of it had failed.
Feeling like a criminal headed to prison, Masato dragged his feet back to the inn. There, he was forced to make a full confession and was handed his sentence.
“Ma-kun, if you regret your choices, then make an offering to those you love.”
“I’m fine with cash, personally,” said Wise.
“But with your finances, it would be difficult to prepare enough gifts to satisfy us all,” Medhi explained, “so physical labor is the only viable alternative.”
“I’m not actually that mad, but I want to be like everyone else! Please do this for us!”
In the end, the girls lined up in the bath, and he was told to wash their backs.
The Hero’s party was known for its naked strategy sessions, so this time they were doing a naked atonement.
“I’ll get right to scrubbing…”
Masato bowed his head low to the row of backs and then lathered up a sponge.
Mamako first. Perhaps because of the oil massage, her back felt extra smooth today. He gently scrubbed away.
“Mom—no, Mother. I apologize deeply for causing you undue concern.”
“Oh my! How polite! I know at your age you’re curious about these things, but you have to remember how young you still are.”
“Yes…I’ll take a good hard look at myself and never make a mistake like that again.”
“Good. Then the matter’s settled…but if I’m being totally honest, I’d like to thank you. I feel much more secure now. Hee-hee-hee.”
“?”
He wasn’t sure what that meant, but he poured a bucket of warm water over his mother, making sure to get the suds out of her intergluteal cleft. One down.
Next was Wise.
“Ultimate Sage Wise. I apologi—”
“Spare me. Just get this over with… Besides, I’m not really that mad. Actually, I’m kinda into this.”
“Into it how?”
“That’d be telling. Go on, wash.”
“S-sure…”
Wise was laughing, and her shoulders were shaking. He quickly scrubbed her down and poured water over her, watching the beads form on her back. Youth sure made her skin gleam.
Next was Medhi.
“Beautiful Medhi, heart as white as snow. Beg pardon.”
“That strikes me as spiteful somehow, but I’ll overlook it. I took immense pleasure from today’s proceedings.”
“Again, why? What does that even mean?”
“Not telling. You might get more out of nice little Porta than a mean girl like me.”
“Hoo boy…”
Her hair usually hid the lovely nape of her neck, but now it and her back were on display. He ran a soapy sponge over it, rinsed, and was done.
Last, Porta’s little back.
“Princess Porta, healer of my heart and soul. Please, enlighten this poor fool. Why have my failings proved comforting or pleasing?”
“Because they were just what we’d hoped you’d do!”
“Oh?”
“Since your daddy got here, you’ve been all serious and mature, like a grown-up! Nothing like the old Masato! So—!”
“So when I screwed up again, you were all like, ‘Whew!’”
“Yes!”
“Ha-ha-ha. That certainly clears that up. Rahhh!”
He tickled her sides through the suds and she bent backward, giggling. “Eep, it’s slipping!” He quickly caught the shoulder bag, balanced it on her head, and the day was saved.
He rinsed Porta’s back, giving the other girls a highly disgruntled scowl. They were washing the rest of themselves, humming happily away.
“Well, I wasn’t trying to worry anybody. But…sorry, I guess.”
“Hee-hee. Apology accepted.”
“Hrmph…”
Masato had plenty to grumble about, but was also well aware he deserved a lot more anger here. Best to call it a tie. His reparations were now complete.
He filled a bucket with cold water, put his hands together, and stuck them in. Squirt, squirt. ““Wahhh?!”” Shots of very cold water hit Wise and Medhi in the back, and he slipped into the bath itself.
The main bath was quite deep, and he was immediately submerged to his shoulders. The hot water eased the tension of the day’s labor.
“Whew…that’s the stuff. Ahhh, paradise!”
“What the hell was that for, Masato?!”
“Perhaps you should be punished.”
Done washing up, Wise and Medhi both jumped into the bath, one on either side of him. They began twisting his arms and legs mercilessly. It hurt. Quite a bit.
Mamako and Porta followed and for some reason joined in on the punishment. For a few minutes, all was bedlam…
But then it fell quiet. Masato had stopped squawking.
He leaned back in the water, staring at the ceiling. Eyes unfocused.
The girls all looked baffled.
“Ma-kun, is something wrong?”
“Maybe.”
He held up a hand. In it was the feather the Demon Lord had given him.
An invitation to the final fight. His eyes narrowed.
“…Mom, you and me are pretty close now, right?”
“Yes. A happy family. Mom’s seal of approval!”
“You got the Sage’s seal, too. No doubts.”
“You’re so close, no one could possibly argue the point.”
“I agree!”
“So we’ve actually met the conditions to beat the game.”
“Oh…” Mamako blinked, her smile stiffening. The others got very quiet.
Eyes locked on the feather, Masato continued. “I’ve been all about enjoying our adventures here in this game. But then Dad shows up talking about the power to progress to the future, and work…and I got to thinking maybe it’s time I started planning for what comes next. Maybe that’s Dad’s goal here, you know?”
“O-or…maybe the Hero has fallen right into the Demon Lord’s cunning trap. Better be careful, Ma-kun—”
“Still,” he said, turning his gaze toward his mother. He smiled. “That wouldn’t be so bad. Call this battle with Dad the ending, beat the game, and head into the future. The next battle will be in the real world… At least, that’s basically what I’ve been thinking anyway. What’s your take on it, Mom?”
“M-Mommy…i-isn’t sure. I’ll…have to sleep on it…”
It was rare to see her without any answer. Or avoiding his eye.
“Geez. Just when I think you’re back to your old self, now you’re being all serious again.”
“Will you never learn? What business do you have making us this uncomfortable?”
Wise and Medhi each slapped him hard on the back. They were smiling.
“Fine, then! Do it your way, Masato. The Ultimate Sage has your back.”
“As do I. On one condition…”
“Namely?”
“Even if we beat the game and dissolve the party, our bonds remain. That much is mandatory.”
“And don’t go being all grown up on your own. That’s my condition! You leave us outta this stuff, there’ll be hell to pay.”
“Why not be bold, Wise? Just say you want to go out with him.”
“Huh?! Wai—Medhi?! Where’d that come—”
“I plan to swipe him right out from under your nose.” Grin.
“Why would I want in on your nasty melodrama?! …B-besides, that kinda thing just happens when it happens… Either way, you cool with those terms, Masato?”
“Sure.”
He raised a fist to strike a vow, and both girls bumped it. Promises made…
And both of them quickly put their hands together, squirting hot water in his face. “Argh!” “Ha-ha!” “Payback.” Still, a promise was a promise.
Everyone splashed water around for a minute, but then Porta came up to him, looking nervous. “Um, Masato! And Wise and Medhi, too—can I say something?”
“Mm? What’s up, Porta?”
“If we go back to the real world, I’ll still be in elementary school. Will you still play with me then? I’d really like to hang out or go places together!”
She looked so worried; Masato and the other girls were quick to nod their assent.
“Of course, Porta. You’re one of us. Hope you’re ready for lots of tickles!”
“Ummm, Masato, that sounds like a criminal charge waiting to happen.”
“You can’t just play. You’ve got to study, too. Masato and Wise would make useless teachers, so I’ll handle that aspect for you, Porta.”
“Wish I could disagree, but yeah…Medhi’s the right girl for that job. I’m more the makeup and cooking type. Definitely don’t want Medhi doing any cooking.”
“Then I’ll be like your big brother! …How’s that sound, Porta?”
“Great! I feel much better. I’m not worried anymore! I’ll help you out, too, Masato!”
“Thanks. Then let us exchange the vow of splashing!”
Everyone readied their hands. “Whoa! I-I can do that, too!” Porta tried to fire, but it didn’t go very far. She quickly changed tactics to shoving water with both hands.
As drops of water flew and voices yelped, the bathwater churned…but it wasn’t long before they all stopped.
Someone else should have slipped into the fray, getting closer to Masato than anyone—but not this time. Mamako still had her head down, lost in thought.
Mom…
Their adventures had made him better at reading her moods. He knew exactly what was on her mind.
Beating the game meant the end of their adventure together.
Their time here, adventuring with her beloved son—how thrilling had that been for her? Everyone knew.
And he’d just suggested they put an end to that joy.
But…it wouldn’t be right to take it back.
He was trying to move forward of his own free will. To live his life. No one had a right to stop that; not even his parents.
But it hurt to put it like that. He didn’t want to push his mother away. He knew it would be best if she could come to terms with it, so they could move forward together… He hoped Mamako would understand.
Masato stared at her until she finally looked up.
“…Ma-kun, can we talk?”
“Mm? Sure, Mom.”
She reached out her arms, beckoning him. Gesturing for a hug.
“Uh, here? Can we at least get dressed first…?”
“Kinda late to draw that line.”
“This is a job for the Hero Son. Have courage.”
“Masato! Go ahead!”
“Uh…okay. Fine.”
They didn’t seem to be mocking him—it was more like deep understanding.
He gave Mamako a solid hug.
Her breast felt warm against his cheek. And she could feel her son’s warmth, too. She savored the embrace.
“…Thank you, Ma-kun.”
“Uh, sure. Are we done yet?”
“Yes. I’m okay now. Mommy’s on board.”
She let go of him, and her smile was back to normal—filled with love.
“What matters most is how you feel, Ma-kun. That’s all Mommy cares about. I will miss…a lot of things. But Mommy wants to be there for you and give you a push into the future. Nobody loves you more than me.”
“Okay. Good. Just…promise me one thing. Dad may have started this, but it was my decision. So…don’t take it out on him.”
“Don’t worry about that. I won’t. I’ll scold him a little later for taking you to that cabaret, but that’s all. Hee-hee.”
“Y-yeah…you can go right ahead on that one. And Mom…”
“Yes?”
“Thanks for understanding. I’m…really glad you do.”
He got on his knees in the water and did a proper thank-you bow. “Oh my! So formal!” Mamako rubbed his head, which felt good.
His wish had been granted. His party was in sync. They knew what they had to do.
So Masato raised his head and turned to face his friends.
“All right, everyone—!”
“Tomorrow’s the big fight with the Demon Lord! Let’s make it a good one! Woo!”
“““Woo!”””
“Right to the bitter end, huh, Mom?! I’m the one fighting! You stay on support!”
Mamako would always be a scene-stealer.
“Okay, all this chatter means we’ve been in here a long time,” said Wise.
“Urgh…my head’s spinning…” Porta groaned.
“We’re not much better,” said Medhi. “It’s time we got out of this bath.”
“Masato, we’re getting out first. You know what to do, right?”
“Sure. Count to two thousand.”
The girls got up and left. He watched four backsides sashay away before settling back in the water to count…
“……Hmm?”
Something felt off.
He couldn’t put his finger on it. He was in the water, but it didn’t feel…buoyant. The problem wasn’t him—the water and everything around had gone quiet. No sounds at all. It lasted only for a fraction of a second.
“What was that?”
He had no idea…
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