True Magician

Chapter 113

Kyoto.

The date went just fine, and without any problems or excesses at all. I was in a good mood, even if a meteorite had fallen on my head. And now me, Yasaka and Kunou were heading back to the palace.

The little vixen was sniffling sweetly in my arms, snuggling against my chest and mumbling to herself. Her mother walked beside me, resting her head on my shoulder and wrapping her arms around mine as we walked at a measured pace through a sort of public park with cobblestone paths, picnic lawns, and piles of vegetation.

Kunou was as active this evening as she had been during the day, always pulling me by the hand to one place or another. She was having fun wholeheartedly, not shying away from being active and mischievous, which made Yasaka and I smile. It was safe to say that Kunou now genuinely considered me part of the family. Not like a father, of course, but someone very close to him.

Yasaka also remained satisfied. She tried to act reserved, but under the onslaught of Kunou's enthusiasm, she still gave in and showed her foxy nature. Soft banter, teasing and flirtatiousness were on full display, which I'm sure made the foxy girl have a great time, relaxed and able to take her mind off her work.

In summary, I will say that Yasaka is a very pleasant woman. Even if Ama-chan hadn't arranged the whole thing, I think I would have found a good friend in the vixen. That is, I'd enjoy her company and her reactions to how I'd complain about this or that. In short, I'm quite happy with my current circumstances.

- "Thank you for the evening, Romani-san. It's probably the best evening I've had in years. And for Kunou too, I think," Yasaka said in a voice that didn't accidentally wake her daughter, "And you're in a very good mood tonight. Did something happen?"

- "An educational moment with the residents of my house. He lifted my spirits a lot,
I smiled, "Do you think I could do something similar with Ama-chan? Well, as a sort of payback for our voluntary forced circumstances."

- "Although I should be against the idea, I'd honestly like to see it," Yasaka giggled, and then tightened her grip on my arm a bit more, "Romani-san, you... How do you..."

- "How do I feel about you and marriage now, Yasaka-san?" I asked, to which I received a silent shy nod.

The sight of a mature woman hiding her gaze and afraid to voice her question, just like a lovesick schoolgirl, makes me smile. However, I'm not going to lie to her. She simply does not deserve such treatment and should know the truth to avoid misunderstandings, illusions and empty dreams.

- "As I said at the time, you are a splendid woman, as well as a wonderful mother. And I have no doubt that almost every man in the world would be glad to take my place. I like you, I know that. I also know that you're close to making me fall in love with you. But as for love? That takes time."

I paused, not sensing an outward change in Yasaka.

- "Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about our relationship, its beginning and future development, but I can't promise guaranteed love. Caring for you and Kunou? Quite, but not love," I took a deep breath and looked at Kunou sniffling in my arms, "Are you ready for that? The answer is up to you. I just want that whatever happens in the future, you will not regret your choice, and you will understand me and my words."

Yasaka's response to my words was silence and deep thought that was visible on her face.

I was sincere in what I said. The only woman at this moment that I can safely admit that I love is Tia. Only her and no one else.

If I think of all the women who are interested in me besides Tia and Yasaka, I can make a small list of Akeno, Griselda, Morgan, Ravel, Le Fay, Rizevim, and Serafall.