Chapter 236: A Lifetime Is Really Long
Yuuka ultimately had no choice but to agree to the transaction he proposed.
In return, Mahiro would honor his promise to revive her guardian, and Yuuka could continue her university studies.
She only needed to occasionally come to Arcadia to help.
He wasn't particularly urgent about managing Arcadia at the moment—the investment was more about securing Yuuka-nee's future.
The subsequent Spring Celebration proceeded as usual, though it was just a simple gathering with casual conversations.
Some reminisced about the past, while others shared their visions for the future.
As if deliberately, this year's Maya was different from before, speaking extensively about the past in front of the branch families.
Miya, standing nearby, helped supplement the stories.
This gave him a more systematic understanding of the Yotsuba family.
And about the tragic incident many years ago—the revenge against the Kunlunfang Institute.
Several days later, the Spring Celebration concluded, and the branch families bid farewell to the main family before leaving Misaki Island.
But the celebrations on Misaki Island hadn't ended yet.
"New Year Festival?"
"Yes, Mahiro-nii... would you like to come with me?"
In the room, Miyuki suddenly came to his door with a nervous heart and invited him to some New Year festival.
He specifically checked the date on his device.
Today was January 15th, meaning half a month had passed since New Year's Day.
What kind of New Year festival was this?
But seeing Miyuki's pleading yet somewhat reserved expression, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
So he agreed.
Miyuki's smile nearly broke through her composure, almost making her jump for joy.
But her well-cultivated upbringing since childhood prevented her from doing such things.
Finally carrying that excitement, she left Mahiro's office.
When night fell, Mahiro found the location according to the directions Miyuki had given him.
It was a shrine that had been renovated at some unknown time.
He didn't remember there being such a shrine here.
Ascending the long staircase and standing under the vermilion torii gate adorned with gold leaf, he could just make out the distant brightly lit areas, like scattered firefly lights.
But just then, three blades suddenly pressed against his waist.
It was Enju, Tina, and Asaka—the three little ones.
Unlike before, they were wearing pure white miko outfits paired with scarlet hakama.
Upon closer inspection, one could see they were holding toy swords, with the handles actually being magic wands—a toy called "staff swords."
However, he could clearly feel Asaka's slightly trembling hand.
"Are we really going to do this, Enju-san?"
Tina hesitated, voicing her unease in a small voice, while Enju puffed out her chest:
"What are you talking about? This move will definitely conquer men as a species. Alright Tina, Asaka, let's go according to rehearsal—"
Counting "one, two—" softly, the three struck cute poses and shouted in unison:
"Divine punishment to your heart, divine punishment~"
Mahiro: "..."
Seeing him remain silent without even turning around, Asaka began to panic.
Her eyes immediately reddened as she spoke in a trembling voice:
"S-sorry Mahiro-sama... th-this was all my idea! It has nothing to do with Enju and Tina!"
She was the first to step forward and take on all the responsibility.
But the moment she lowered her head, she felt a warm, large hand gently rest upon it.
"...Mahiro-sama?"
"Why so tense? I was just thinking about what kind of reaction would best match your efforts."
Mahiro spoke in a gentle tone.
"You don't need any particular reaction, because this magic isn't meant to harm—it's to make you feel our overflowing love!"
Enju remained as energetic as ever.
"Mahiro-san is as kind as always today."
Tina was the one who said this.
When Mahiro turned around, he saw Tina clutching her staff-sword to her chest, a faint smile gracing her typically expressionless face.
He couldn't resist reaching out to gently pinch her soft, elastic cheek.
"Then tell me, on which day am I not gentle?"
"I never said that... Please, Mahiro-san, stop pinching my cheek."
Seeing how adorable she looked, Mahiro let go after a brief moment.
However, he soon heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the shrine—many footsteps, accompanied by cheerful chatter.
Every voice was familiar to him.
"Mi...?"
Raising his head, he saw a large group of women clustered together, chatting and laughing as they walked toward him.
Led by Miyuki, there were Saegusa Mayumi and her two younger sisters, Watanabe Mari, Lina and her adjutant, Sakurai Minami, Mibu Sayaka, Chiba Erika, Shibata Mizuki, Kitayama Shizuku, Mitsui Honoka, Ayako...
Wait, was that Fumiya hiding beside Ayako, dressed in women's clothing???
Then came Tendo Kisara, Seitenshi, and Shiba Miori.
Akame, Kurome, Cornelia, Taeko, Tsukushi, Poney, Remus, Gin, Womyn, Seryu, Chelsea, Sheele, and Mine.
Only Esdeath and her group were missing—likely having left the burned island to continue their conquests.
Indeed, an event like this was hardly suitable for her. If it involved bare-handed battles against magical beasts, Esdeath would have been very interested.
Aside from them, there were also—
Alpha, Omega, Beta and Epsilon, Gamma supported by Nu, Delta confronting Zeta, Yukime and her two subordinates, Claire with the possessed Aurora, Rose, 559 (Victoria), and even Elisabeth and her maid.
No, even Muroto Sumire, Eta, and Sherry, who were usually buried in the laboratory, had come out!
It could be said that aside from Maya and Miya sisters, everyone was present.
And without exception, they were all wearing yukata, forming a beautiful scene against the night.
"Such a complete gathering? What's the occasion...?"
"Ah, Master!!!"
Mine instinctively turned her head and, upon seeing the figure she had been longing for day and night, could no longer control herself. She rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
"Master, Master, Master, Master... Mine missed you so much..."
Mine buried her small head in Mahiro's chest, her voice trembling with emotion.
Beta and Epsilon, who had initially moved to intervene, halted their actions.
They seemed to share that very same longing.
And how could they not feel the same?
During those days without Mahiro-sama, each day felt like a year, often involuntarily recalling the time spent in the cottage.
Hundreds of people, each with their own thoughts.
But at this moment, that yearning was identical.
Well, except for Mari.
Upon seeing Mahiro, for some unknown reason, her face flushed bright red.
Fortunately, the cover of night and everyone's attention being elsewhere prevented others from noticing.
"There, there, no more crying. Haven't we met now?"
"Hmph, bad master! Who's crying? I'm an outstanding idol now, I don't cry anymore."
Caught in the act of crying, Mine quickly broke free from his embrace, wiping her tears with her small hands before turning her face away, mumbling incoherently.
Her originally pink long hair was tied into a bun fixed on one side.
Oh dear, after going out for a while, little Mine has actually developed some idol self-consciousness.
But then again, Mine and the others are now incredibly popular idols in this world.
Each is famous for their exquisite looks, exceptional skills, and vocal talents—I heard they've already released several albums.
When Honoka saw them, she was so excited she asked for their autographs.
Oh, I think Lina asked for one too.
To this, Mahiro simply smiled faintly without saying anything more.
Indeed, he had spent very little time with these family members recently.
Without realizing it, the family had grown so large.
A strange mix of emotion and gratitude welled up in his heart.
But speaking of which...
"How did all of you come here?"
"I invited them, Mahiro-nii."
Miyuki stepped forward from the crowd.
Not just her, but also Mayumi and Mari among others.
"That's right. Miyuki-kohai invited us, saying Arcadia was holding a New Year's festival, so Mari and I came along," Mayumi said with a smile.
Even when seeing so many people, she remained as composed as ever.
It wasn't that she didn't care.
Quite the opposite—she chose to embrace everything about Mahiro.
"Yeah, but I'm really surprised you have so many women around you. How's your kidney holding up?"
"Eri!"
Erika stepped forward, lightly elbowing him while teasing.
But Sayaka stepped forward and stopped her with a single sharp word.
"Long time no see, Sayaka. You look beautiful today."
"Mm, thank you... but it hasn't really been that long. I know you're busy, but when... when I finish my studies, I can come help you here too."
Sayaka shyly lowered her head.
Her fingers kept fidgeting with her sleeves.
However, everyone present—not just people from the Mahouka world, but even Seitenshi and the others from Shadow Garden—were all contacted by Miyuki alone.
She only invited him last.
Seemingly wanting to give him a surprise.
She really went through a lot for this.
"A-Alright, Mahiro-nii, everyone's here now. L-Let's go enjoy the festival first!"
Miyuki took the initiative to link arms with him, pulling him down the steps without a care for the surrounding gazes.
Strangely enough, even those most prone to jealousy made no move to interfere.
The so-called festival was essentially a celebration jointly organized by the children and the Arcadia Trading Company, much like a typical temple fair.
Rows of activity stalls stretched along both sides, forming a seemingly endless path.
All of these were managed by the numbered members of Shadow Garden and the children of Arcadia.
The cries of vendors and the sounds of playful banter created a lively atmosphere no less vibrant than any other festival.
Yet curiously, throughout the festival, it was always Miyuki leading him around by the hand.
No one disturbed them.
Turning to look, he saw everyone else enjoying themselves as well.
Delta and Zeta were chasing each other as usual, eventually stopping after being scolded by Alpha.
Beta, Epsilon, Mine, Tsukushi, Shizuku, Honoka, Erika, and Mizuki gathered together eating candied apples and playing shooting games.
Taeko, Kisara, Sayaka, and Claire seemed to be exchanging insights.
Seitenshi, Alpha, and Mayumi formed a quiet group of noble young ladies, playing with Tina, Enju, and little Asaka.
Yukime, Gamma, Miori, and Victoria were huddled together, seemingly plotting something.
The foodies Akame, Kurome, and Omega (Beatrix) were busy sweeping through the food stalls.
Nearly everyone had something to do.
Except for Sherry, who was flusteredly tending to the drowsy Eta and Muroto Sumire who kept selecting food from various stalls.
"Mahiro-nii, let's go over there. I heard there will be fireworks tonight."
Miyuki's voice brought him back to reality.
"Alright, let's go."
With his nod, Miyuki happily pulled him along, breaking into a light jog down the street of stalls.
"Ah, Mahiro-kun..."
Seeing Mahiro leave with Miyuki, Honoka instinctively tried to follow, but was promptly held back by her close friend Shizuku.
"Honoka, have you forgotten today's purpose?"
"But... alright." Under Shizuku's calm gaze, Honoka ultimately relented, watching wistfully as they departed.
Yet Honoka wasn't the only one who wanted to follow.
The others felt the same, but they all restrained themselves.
Because this night belonged to Miyuki.
This had been agreed upon from the very beginning.
A gentle sea breeze whispered past, carrying the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Miyuki brought him to a sandy beach coast and spread out a blanket.
"Mahiro-nii, come sit down."
After carefully smoothing the blanket, Miyuki gently removed her geta and invited him to join her.
"Mm."
Mahiro simply nodded, taking off his shoes and settling beside her.
Just as they sat down, the distant sky suddenly erupted with the crackling bursts of fireworks.
As if everything had been perfectly timed.
Fireworks bloomed one after another in the high sky, illuminating the night while casting their glow upon Miyuki's pale face.
"Mahiro-nii, look! How beautiful the fireworks are."
"Mhm."
Mahiro replied calmly.
Yet his gaze never left Miyuki's excited profile.
He saw brilliant light sparkling in Miyuki's eyes, like an excited child.
There was also an inexplicable sense of abandon about her.
"Miyuki."
"Ah... Mahiro-nii, what is it?"
When he called her name, Miyuki's delicate body trembled slightly, as if she were very nervous.
Mahiro remained silent.
Letting the fireworks illuminate both their faces.
Only when Miyuki grew shy under his gaze did he finally speak:
"Miyuki, you have something to say to me, don't you?"
Miyuki opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Slowly closing her lips, she gently nodded and made a soft "Mhm" sound.
As if relieved, she turned her head to watch the continuous blooming of fireworks in the night sky.
"Mahiro-nii, did you know? They say wishes made under fireworks can come true."
"I believe that saying is about shooting stars, isn't it?"
"Hehe, it's the same either way."
Sitting sideways, Miyuki slowly stretched out her legs, allowing her yukata skirt to rise gradually, revealing her fair ankles and calves.
Since childhood, Miyuki had received the highest aristocratic education. As an elegant young lady, she really shouldn't be making such gestures.
Yet Miyuki did it anyway.
As if truly letting herself go.
"Does Miyuki have some wish?" Mahiro suddenly asked.
"Mhm, indeed I have one..."
"I see."
Mahiro suddenly reached his hand toward the fireworks blooming in the night sky.
With the surge of magical power and the diffusion of psion waves, the stars hanging in the night sky suddenly grew brighter and began to slowly swirl.
One.
Two.
Three.
Countless.
Thousands upon thousands...
Continuously streaking across the sky like a meteor shower.
"...."
Miyuki's eyes widened slightly.
"Then, may I ask Miss Miyuki to state her wish? As the messenger of the stars, I will definitely help you fulfill it."
"Then... I'll say it. I wish to give myself to you, Mahiro-nii."
"?"
Mahiro blinked curiously. "Can you tell me why?"
He knew this day would eventually come between him and Miyuki, but he hadn't expected it to be at such a time.
Miyuki pressed her lips together, gazing up at the swirling night sky as she spoke softly:
"Mahiro-nii, you should know this—after becoming the head of the main family, Miyuki has actually lost the right to choose her marriage."
"But Miyuki doesn't want to be embraced by someone else. If I could choose my marriage partner, I would want it to be you, Mahiro-nii."
"However, that's impossible now..."
"So, before Miyuki becomes someone else's wife, I want to first become your woman, Nii-san."
Sincere and heartfelt.
He didn't know how much courage Miyuki had mustered to speak these words.
But what he could tell was that Miyuki was crying.
Tears fell like broken pearls, pattering down her cheeks.
"Huh? I really shouldn't be crying at a time like this..."
Miyuki reached up to wipe her tears, but Mahiro had already extended his hand, gently brushing away the teardrops at the corner of her eyes.
"It's alright, I understand. But I would never allow what Miyuki is worried about to happen."
Marry Miyuki off to someone else?
What a joke.
He couldn't even imagine such a scene, and the consequences would be unpredictable.
He might even destroy the world in a fit of rage.
"No, Mahiro-nii, let Miyuki handle this herself. What Mahiro-nii needs to do now is just hold Miyuki close."
Miyuki slowly leaned into his embrace, resting her head against his broad chest and listening to the strong, steady heartbeat.
At times like this, any words would be superfluous.
And so, Mahiro reached out and embraced the girl in his arms.
Her slender figure was perfectly proportioned—curves in all the right places, neither too full nor too bony.
Truly worthy of being the ultimate research achievement of the Fourth Research Institute.
In response, Miyuki gently tightened her arms around Mahiro's neck.
"Mahiro-nii, please hold Miyuki, okay? Miyuki wishes this moment could last a lifetime."
"A lifetime is very long. Can Miyuki endure it?"
"Yes, as long as Mahiro-nii loves Miyuki, Miyuki will stay by your side forever."
Tilting her charming face upward, Miyuki shyly bit Mahiro's lips, her flushed cheeks adding to her beauty.
From her kissing movements, one could tell her inexperience.
Soon after, their lips parted.
Miyuki buried her face in Mahiro's chest. The sweet innocence of her first kiss made her heart race, leaving her entire body tingling with sweetness.
For a girl experiencing love for the first time, even a simple touch of lips was enough to leave her savoring the moment endlessly.
Meanwhile, Mahiro snapped his fingers with one hand.
Shangri-La activated instantly.
In the blink of an eye, the two vanished.
...
"My, my, they've left already."
After their departure, beneath the sound of rolling waves, a lazy, beautiful voice quietly echoed across the tranquil beach.
Maya, dressed in her crimson gothic long dress and high heels, strolled along the sand.
She eventually arrived at the empty blanket and sat down.
Her hand, adorned with bright red nail polish, gently brushed over the surface as she smiled faintly.
"Goodness, I really don't know why Miyuki would have such thoughts... As if I would ever do anything to disappoint that child."
"Then..."
"If you're so worried, why didn't you step forward earlier and follow them? My dear sister."
She looked up to see Miya standing beside her, gazing at the distant, churning sea.
So dark, so deep, so unfathomable.
Just like her current state of mind.