''...''

Dawn.

Usually, I'd sleep until at least seven or eight, but it's only around five at the moment.

I've been awakened by the sudden... disappearance of my daughters. I am, and Emy is, too. We hug each other for a good while, and now she's in the kitchen, and I am staring out the window for no particular reason.

Losing... well, not 'losing.' Separating from Elysia and Stella has got me thinking melancholically. I know it's probably just a momentarily thing, but I don't want to bury it.

As of now, we're rapidly moving toward an ending. For that, we're also working really hard every day. We spend special times together, hours upon hours... but what about these mundane scenes?

With so many different women from different circumstances in my life, I've realized that this ordinary life we're leading is just as great as our adventures.

So... let's see it.

For a day, let's try to capture these moments and burn them into my mind.

Having that decided, I softly move past the bed, where most of my harem is still lying in their sleep. The kitchen room has long become Emy's grounds, layered with cooking utensils and ingredients of all kinds, stoves, pans, and whatnot.

Emy herself is donning casual wear and topping it with an apron. The sight of her skillfully chopping vegetables beside the cooking pot and pan is unbelievably peaceful.

Unconsciously, I approach her from behind and wrap my arms around her waist.

''Emy.''

''Hm?''

''I love you.''

''Me too.''

Without a question, she turns around and lightly kisses my forehead.

''What do you want for breakfast?''

''Something... sweet.''

''Got it.''

An ordinary exchange.

I wouldn't think much of it normally, yet at this moment, I can't help but be amazed at how things have turned out. Did I ever dare to imagine that someone like Emy would want to adore me as her wife?

Certainly not.

After kissing her a few more times, I return to the bedroom.

As the clock ticks toward five and a half, a woman lazily rises from bed, sitting at the edge of the large bed with her fluffy cat ears drooping forward. Two sleepy eyes facing the rising sun, gleaming a bright azure hue.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

''Mhnya...!''

Anna stretches her entire body out like a real cat, bending her back while exposing her sharp, cutesy fangs. The ears have now moved backward like a plane, creating a sense of unnecessary aerodynamics.

Seriously, I never get bored of this creature.

''Sylvia...?''

They say cats are perceptive. As soon as she sees me approaching, Anna seems to have realized something and grabs my hand, looking apologetic. Without a word, I begin to pet her chin.

She leans in right away.

We continue like that for a while, and Anna herself is enjoying it, too. Some minutes pass, and amidst the purring, I can hear someone's morning groan on the bed.

Liana, now not in her signature twin-tail, rolls toward us like an egg, not wanting to be hatched.

Chuckling, I climb onto the bed and hug the big baby into my embrace. I've long used to having multiple scents floating around, so even if it's a bit jarring when they're too different, I can ignore it.

Liana mumbles something, finally opens her eyes, looks around a bit... and pauses.

''...''

An expression as if understood something. With that, she properly wraps her arms around my back, her head staying deep in between my breasts.

I wonder if this is her way of comforting me.

''Good morning, Sylvia.''

Gradually, the members wake up.

With a bitter smile, Tina also kisses my forehead before going into the bathroom for her usual routine. Sariel offers me a gentle hug like that of a mother before telling me that everything is going to be fine.

Surprisingly, Eva and Luna are the last to get up.

Luna, with her divine beauty, sleeps peacefully like she is praying and only opens her eyes when she smells the food coming out of the kitchen. Meanwhile, Eva curls up into a ball, monopolizing the quilt for herself. It is not until we are about to have breakfast that I finally wake her up with a long kiss.

Both of them console Emy and me in their own way.

I'm thankful.

The breakfast passes by with a more somber mood, but after a while of me trying to lighten it up, everybody seems to be returning to their usual selves.

''Well then, I'll go ahead and train, I guess.''

''Me too.''

''Do you want to spar today, Raeliana?''

''Sure. I'll beat your ass, lil Sariel.''

As usual, almost everyone prepares to leave for training. This time, I decide to stop them.

''You guys rest, too.''

It's not really a suggestion. It's a request.

''Please.''

'''' ... ''''

After exchanging a certain look, they promptly sit back in their seats. The sheer obedience they show is honestly adorable.

''Sylvia... do you perhaps want us to do something?'' Tina asks, her tone soft.

''Not really. I figured I want us to relax once in a while, you know?'' I reply. ''Just be yourself.''

And so, the morning begins in its earnest.

Usually, I'd occupy myself with something productive even if I'm not training, but not now. The more I look around the room, the more surprised I become at just how much is happening.

Gestures I haven't known they do.

Interactions I haven't yet witnessed.

Sights of themselves I haven't had a chance to appreciate.

No, really.

I didn't know how awkward it actually was between Tina and Emy. I thought they were more... intimate than this, but I guess not. On the other hand, Liana and Sariel have become much closer than before, seeing them starting to joke around with each other. I haven't really noticed that.

And Anna... is studying economics? I guess that carries over from when we were in the trial world.

Luna seems to be daydreaming for long periods. Is she maybe remembering something? Her melancholic profile is also beautiful, though.

Eva... she seems absorbed in the laptop. I guess she really wants to play games.

There's also a certain former succubus princess mopping the floor, but let's ignore that.

Taking in all of these scenes is quite satisfying. Like stroking flower petals, there's a certain sense of coziness welling up within me. I'm not sure if we can keep it going, but we have to try.

And... well... what can I say?

Watching them like this is kinda interesting. I am confident I can interpret my lovers' signals—most of them, at least—but now, I realize there are many more I need to learn.

Many are subtle, and many are honest, yet the latter might be difficult to notice.

''Um...''

Luna's one is not hard to see at all, though. When she openly stares at me like this, it's quite obvious that she has something to say.

Worry not, for I am a ladies'... lady?

Anyway, I leisurely walk over to her and extend my hand.

''Do you want a quick talk?''