Two years later ~~~~~
It's been two years since I arrived in this world. I am now 12 years old, sitting in my study, going through a stack of documents related to the Fernandez territory.
A year ago, I asked my mother if I could help her with her administrative work. At first, she refused — but eventually, she gave in.
After all the achievements I had made as a so-called genius student, my tutors couldn't stop praising my intelligence. And since I began assisting her, the workload that used to consume her entire day had significantly decreased.
Because of that, we were able to spend more time together as a family, and we grew much closer.
These past two years have been insane — so many things have happened.
First, there was the kidnapping incident involving me and my sister, which escalated into a massive war.
Then there was Lilia, who awakened her bloodline — shocking everyone in the mansion.
I looked away from the papers and glanced at the girl standing on my left.
She's now 12 years old, with red hair tied into a ponytail and emerald eyes. What's different about her now are the two small horns growing from her head — and rather than making her look scary, they actually made her look adorable.
Her face, still youthful and cute, clearly showed that she would grow into a stunning beauty one day. Unlike the timid girl from years ago, she now stood tall and graceful.
She wore a maid uniform, and although her chest was still flat, there was a faint sign of growth. Her eyes, whenever they met mine, were always filled with love and devotion. She had completely changed.
Name: Lilia
Gender: Female
Age: 12
Race: Half-Human, Half-Demon
Talent: 9/10 (Bloodline Awakened)
Power: Bronze – Low Stage
Title: The Stalker, Demon of Love
Affection: 145%
Description: Entirely devoted to you. She wants to become worthy of you and strives constantly to improve herself.
Difficulty: You have completely conquered her.
Well… I might have gone a bit overboard to earn her affection.
During her bloodline awakening, her chances of survival were extremely low, so I had to purchase something called a Dark Pearl to help her succeed.
And because she had awakened her demon bloodline, there were numerous complications I needed to deal with. That's why I stood by her side through the entire ordeal.
My actions — using a priceless artifact to help her and staying with her through it — earned me an overwhelming amount of affection points. Maybe… just maybe, I overdid it a little.
Her love for me continues to grow no matter what I do.
As for her titles… I pretend not to see them.
I turned to my right, where another girl stood — orange hair, orange eyes, wearing a maid outfit.
Karina, who used to be clumsy and shy, was now radiating confidence and gazing at me with deep affection. A pair of soft white wings sprouted from her back.
Name: Karina
Gender: Female
Age: 12
Race: Half-Human, Half-Angel
Talent: 9/10
Power: Bronze – Low Stage
Title: Angel of Obsession, Angel of Love
Affection: 140%
Description: Entirely devoted to you. She wants to be useful to you and is determined to grow stronger for your sake.
Difficulty: You have completely conquered her.
Suddenly, the door opened, and two more girls walked in — one with black hair and the other blonde. They were the wolf girls.
They had changed a lot over the years. Both were taller now, the depressive aura they once carried had vanished, replaced by a ferocious presence that surrounded them.
"Master, you're always cooped up in your room. Why don't you come and play with us?" (Kaguya)
"Yes, we want you to take a break." (Kagura)
Kaguya spoke first, and Kagura followed her lead.
Name: Kaguya
Gender: Female
Age: 12
Race: Demi-Human (Black Wolf)
Talent: 8/10
Power: Bronze – Low Stage
Title: Battle Maniac, Combat Addict
Affection: 100%
Description: You are her light. Your words and support restored her confidence. She has sworn to protect you and become your sword. She considers her body and soul to belong entirely to you.
Difficulty: None — she is completely yours.
Name: Kagura
Gender: Female
Age: 12
Race: Demi-Human (Golden Wolf)
Talent: 8/10
Power: Bronze – Low Stage
Title: Nature's Beloved Witch
Affection: 100%
Description: In her heart, your position is irreplaceable. The shy nature she once had is gone. She's working hard to express her feelings for you.
Difficulty: None — she is completely yours.
Their feelings for me had grown immensely — mostly thanks to the support I gave them.
A year ago, when they were despairing over their failure to form their Mana Foundations, I was there to encourage and guide them, which earned me even more affection points.
Mother was genuinely surprised — having even one person with their level of talent would be a blessing… but there were four of them. She couldn't stop smiling for days.
Putting the documents aside, I checked the time. It was already late. I stood up and stretched.
"Since it's late, I suppose I don't mind taking a rest."
As I said that, Kaguya and Kagura suddenly came to my sides, each grabbing one of my shoulders — Kaguya on my right, Kagura on my left — their still-developing chests pressing against my arms.
"Girls… what exactly are you doing?" (Zeref)
"We're just giving you some support while you walk." (Kaguya)
"Yes, just support." (Kagura)
Kaguya answered, and Kagura quickly backed her up.
"Girls, do you think I'm so old that I need help walking?" (Zeref)
"We're just protecting you." (Kaguya)
"Yes, exactly." (Kagura)
Protect me?? Girls… who on earth is going to harm me in my own territory, surrounded by my army? Can't you come up with a better excuse…
Suddenly, I felt arms wrapping around me from behind, and a voice spoke:
"Oh, come on, don't just hug Master Zeref like that — he might get annoyed." (Lilia)
"That's right." (Karina)
Karina wasn't about to be left out. She hugged me from the front.
"Lilia! Karina! You two have no right to complain — you're always with him during training!" (Kaguya)
"Yeah! You're always following him. Give us some time with him!" (Kagura)
And just like that, their argument continued.
Hey… girls… I'm still here. Can you please restrain yourselves?
I sighed helplessly.
This was one of the side effects of their skyrocketing affection levels — they had begun openly displaying their affection for me instead of hiding it.
There had been countless times when my mother had teased me about it, and to make things worse, rumors had started spreading that I was a playboy.
I haven't responded to any of their feelings yet… but they insist on staying by my side. Of course, I won't push them away — but the time just isn't right yet.