On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Sixty Six

Sitting in the Thames Foyer restaurant of the Savoy, overlooking the river, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, Motoko on one side of me, Natsumi on the other. They were both casually dressed, in smart t-shirt, jumpers and long pants, as the late autumn air in London was rather chilly. Hyacinth was sat with us as well, still in her modest maid ensemble.

“This is not bad.” Motoko said, taking a bite of the breakfast pastry. “Sometimes having Western food for a change is a treat.”

Natsumi agreed, nodding, her mouth full and cheeks puffed out like an adorable squirrel. The two of them were radiant this morning, as well they might be, after all the enjoyment we had in the bath and on the bed last night. On seeing their happy faces, Hikari-san had looked resigned, before asking Motoko if she had been satisfied. That was quite mortifying. Still, the reason that Motoko was so happy wasn’t purely down to our lovemaking, but that I had confirmed her Lovers’ Link had reached the same Rank as Natsumi. She had been a little down about the discrepancy, so that, coupled with becoming one with me again, had blown away the shadows of her anxiety.

“So, what will you all be doing today?” Tsumura-san, Motoko’s grandfather asked. “There is another meeting planned this evening, with some politicians and businessmen on the other side of the political spectrum. It wouldn’t do to place all our efforts in one direction. Until then, you should be free. Are you going to do some sightseeing? London is rather nice.”

“Well, actually, I’m going to visit my grandparents. I haven’t seen them since I was a kid, so I thought it’d be nice.”

“I of course shall go too.” Motoko said, and Natsumi echoed her. Hyacinth of course didn’t have to say anything, everyone knew she would accompany us.

“Yeah, I’d be more than happy for you to meet my family. Although…” I looked rueful. “…I’m not sure what I’ll tell them. Thanks mom, you’ve left me a mess to clean up.”

“I would have liked to come too.” Miyu said, surprising me. She was eating with her grandfather and Honoka-san, mostly a Japanese meal that the Savoy had laid on specially for their esteemed guests. “But Grandfather wishes to take us to see the same sights we did last time we were here, to observe what has changed.”

“I am looking forward to it, Miyu-sama! It is a lot of fun spending time together.” Honoka-san said cheerfully. Behind her, I detected that her bodyguard Koga-san was a bit annoyed, while Michiru-san seemed triumphant. Damn, those two ninja sisters sure are competitive with each other, on behalf of their mistresses…

“I have made the arrangements for you. The Savoy prides itself on being able to get anything a guest requires done with minimal fuss. Your Helicopter will be waiting at nine sharp. The distance is trivial, less than a third of Tokyo to Kyoto, so the journey will be swift.” Fujiwara-san declared, and I thanked him again. Yeah, we could catch a train, I checked the schedules and it’s easy enough, but this way there’s the convenience, and also I’ve taken to heart his words about safety from the flight here. Speaking of safety…

“You need to be careful out there. London is a big city, there are certainly Chosen around here and there.” I warned. “Miyu, you aren’t a fighter.”

“You need not fret, we will have Special Forces soldiers shadowing us. They may not be a match for those such as you, but they can buy us time. Major Sasaki will also be joining us.”

“As for us, well, we are staying here. I doubt we would be targeted, but there will be Special Forces in the hotel so… you can enjoy your day, grandson-in-law, Motoko. We intend to make the most of ours and have some much needed rest.” Tsumura-san said, and Motoko blushed prettily. As he laughed at that, I nodded.

“All right. Well, the beauty of having a helicopter on standby is that I can dash back if there’s trouble. But it shouldn’t happen, right?”

“Yes, the British Government is watching over us. If we were to come to harm on their shores, it would be a diplomatic disaster, and not what they need in these times of heightened tension with America and China. So, do enjoy your reunion.”

“Thanks.” I said dryly, still wondering how I would explain this to my grandparents. “Anyway, I’m not anticipating being there the whole day, so we should have an hour or two to look around London later.”

“Well, we can do that any time.” Natsumi said, having eaten her breakfast now. “But we can’t just meet your family casually.” Motoko nodded, as did Hyacinth, who was paler than usual, perhaps worrying they wouldn’t like her. I doubt that. Mom likes you just fine, Hyacinth. I don’t see why my grandparents should be any different…

“I would not mind seeing some sights, but… yes, Natsumi is right. This takes priority. After all…” Motoko smiled at me. “… on this trip, I can pridefully claim to be your fiancée!”

Yes, I suppose you can…

********

“So, this is the famous school, is it?” Motoko said, curious. “It has a reputation, even in Japan.” We were standing on the grounds of a private school. Since Motoko and Natsumi attended their own private academy, they were naturally interested in it. We had arrived at our destination after a brief, forty minute journey, and it turned out that this school had the best landing site for helicopters in the area, so here we were. The Savoy sure can pull strings since they got us permission to park here so easily. Or perhaps that’s the Fujiwara name in action?

We had been greeted by an impeccably dressed older man, wearing a suit I could tell was expensive from my own experiences. He had greeted us and offered a tour of the facilities, which we had declined, though since Motoko and Natsumi were interested, I made a mental note to see if we could make time if we were here again. This likely won’t be the only time I visit the UK. And in future, the itinerary may be more relaxed.

As we headed out, we were attracting some attention, as a group of boys of the same sort of ages as Natsumi and Motoko were playing Rugby under the watchful eye of a coach. However, Motoko and Natsumi were used to ignoring the inquisitive gazes of others from their upbringing and schooling, and Hyacinth, trailing along behind us like a proper maid, likely thought of them as mere bugs, so soon we were gone. Too bad. I know this school is full of the children of the rich and famous, who know high-class girls when they see them, but these two aren’t here for you.

“Well, I got the address from mom. Seems like they live in the same house as before. It’s a bit over a mile away, according to the map. Want to walk it?”

“Why not? This seems a pleasant little town.” Motoko said.

“Yes, it’s different to Tokyo. But… it seems all schools for the nobility are similar.” Natsumi observed, and I corrected a misconception, based on what I’d read.

“I don’t think it’s really a school for nobles, though there are likely a few noble kids here. It’s more for the rich and academically gifted, since I read they have some scholarships for poorer, talented students. And it now has both boys and girls in attendance, since the nineteen seventies.”

“Well, I am not sure I would be comfortable with that. School with the sons of nobility… it sounds stifling.” Motoko said as we headed off. There were a few people about, but they paid us little more than a second look as we passed them by, speaking in Japanese. We also saw other Japanese and Asian groups, tourists checking out the school, taking photos.

“If Hanafubuki did suddenly open to boys as well, it wouldn’t matter.” Natsumi giggled, taking my hand as we walked. Motoko quickly snatched my other, and seeing that, not to be outdone, Hyacinth grabbed the back of my jumper. “After all, we are already engaged.”

“I see. Well said, Natsumi.” Motoko agreed. “I suppose we can put up with them if we must, knowing that our lives are already decided, and we will want for nothing.”

We talked happily about nothing much as we headed down a hill, past an old Catholic church, and turned into a smaller side street. Soon we reached our destination, an old but well-kept end-terrace house, with a small but neat garden, the sound of a small waterfall tinkling away. Looking at it, I had a flash of memory from long ago. Yeah, this is definitely the place.

“I feel rather nervous suddenly, Natsumi. Do you?” Motoko said slowly, her footsteps dragging.

“It’s funny you should say that. I’m feeling a little worried myself.” She affirmed, only for Hyacinth to laugh uproariously.

“Why? Dooo not be foolish. There is nothing tooo fear. The mistresses are all good girls, I am sure yooou will both be loved!”

“You too. Don’t forget yourself.” I said to Hyacinth, patting her head. “Well, I’m probably the most nervous of all, having to untangle the mess mom left. But… I’m not ever going to lie and deny my relationships to you all. That’s one thing I can’t allow, so… we’ll just push through it. I’m sure my grandparents are reasonable, after all, they raised mom, and she turned out okay. Even if she’s a bit wild at times…”

Steeling myself, I went to the door and rang the doorbell, the chime sounding very loud on this quiet suburban street. My keen ears could pick up voices, as we waited there.

“Is it our grandson? Do you think he’s here?” a woman was saying, and a man answered a bit gruffly.

“Could be. Emily said he would be visiting today. I wish our daughter would call us more. There’s such a thing as mobile phones, isn’t there? Japan may be halfway across the world, but that shouldn’t matter… uh…” I could hear a chain being unlatched, and soon the door opened, revealing a white-haired man in his seventies, and a slightly younger woman with greying hair and clear blue eyes behind him. They were both casually dressed and rather handsome despite their advancing years, especially the woman, who had facial features very reminiscent of the two other women in my family, my mom and Aiko. They paused on seeing me, recognition on their faces, before I spoke, breaking the silence.

“Grandmother Evelyn, Grandfather Jack, it’s been a while.” I said in English. “Sorry I haven’t been in touch a lot more, but… well, you know how it is.” I apologised. “So, can we come in?”

“My boy, it’s been too long!” Jack said loudly. “You’ve got so big. And so handsome! Say what you like about your father, he was a good-looking man in his day. You take after him, it seems.”

“Don’t just stand there talking.” Evelyn said, realising that I had company. “He said we, dear. So, who are these lovely girls? And which one is Eri? They don’t look like the picture…” she said doubtfully.

“I’ll introduce you, but…” I glanced next door, and curtains twitched in an upper window,

“Yes, better come in, Akio.” Jack said, scowling. “We have nosy neighbours. It’s a bit different to Japan, I hear. Oh, we have slippers by the door. Don’t normally have much call for them here in the UK, but… well, considering who our son-in-law is, we keep a number of pairs handy, more out of habit than anything else.”

“Do excuse me then. I am coming in.” Motoko said, bowing politely, before taking off her shoes and slipping on a pair of fluffy footwear. Natsumi was next.

“Greetings to you. I am pleased to meet you.” She said, doling likewise.

“Hyacinth greets Akio’s noooble grandparents!” Hyacinth said, and her tone and looks startled them.

“A maid? And… not Japanese? That hair…” Evelyn said, reaching out and touching it, marvelling at the green and purple strands within the black. “Is this dyed? It’s gorgeous in a punk sort of way. I used to be a bit of a rocker myself, back in the day, when I was still young and pretty.”

“Uh, are you all right, Hyacinth?” I asked, marvelling at how mom definitely took after her own mother. As Hyacinth giggled, Evelyn released the hair, her cheeks faintly pink. She apologised, and with that shuffled off to make some tea, while grandfather showed us to the small yet clean sitting room. Soon, I was perched on a sofa, sandwiched between Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth, while cups of tea were steaming on a table in front of us, Jack and Evelyn in their own sitting chairs, eyeing us curiously.

“So, introductions.” Jack repeated. “I must say, they’re all very cute. So, which one’s Eri, your fiancée?” he looked a bit puzzled.

“I’m afraid Eri wasn’t able to make the trip. So I’m here with these three.” I started, steeling myself.

“This is Tsumura Motoko…”

“It is as Akio says. I am delighted to meet you, Mr Jack, Mrs Evelyn. I hope it is not too much of an imposition speaking to you so informally? But… I have great hopes you will find me likeable and accept me.”

“So polite.” Evelyn marvelled, eyes sparkling. “And such good English. My Japanese is terrible so I’m relieved! But… accept you?”

“This is Hori Natsumi.” I hurried on.

“Hello, I would ask the same as Motoko, grandfather Jack, grandmother Evelyn. Please feel free to call me Natsumi, as family.”

“Another very polite girl. You must have been raised right.” Jack observed. “But what’s this about family?”

Ugh, this is the worst part of being a harem man. Explanations… “And lastly we have Hyacinth. Just… Hyacinth. She’s a bit complicated, but she isn’t actually a maid so…”

“Charmed tooo meet you.” Hyacinth curtsied elegantly, flaring the hems of her long skirt. “I am Hyacinth, fooor that was the name Akio gave me. Dooo look kindly on me. And may this humble hooome be blessed.” As a surge of aether, fortunately not visible to my grandparents, left Hyacinth, sinking into the house around us, I nearly swallowed my tongue at her phrasing. All right, I should have expected that, but it’s like all three of them are taking me at my word I’ll explain they’re with me… but Hyacinth really dropped me in it. I don’t mind explaining I have multiple women, but how do I explain Hyacinth’s origins? My thoughts processed in a fraction of a second, before grandfather spoke up.

“You gave her a name? I’m confused.”

“Me too. I mean, they’re all lovely girls, even if this one is a bit out of place…” grandmother said, eyeing Hyacinth. “… but, and unless I’m a fool, I’m not mistaken… didn’t their introductions all sound very much like girlfriends?”

Thank god I planned ahead a little. Last night, when the business discussions had ended, over dessert we had made small talk, and I had asked about the articles in the press regarding the Japanese laws. “Uh, grandfather…”

“Call me Jack. I can’t get on with all your Japanese politeness. We don’t stand on ceremony in this house.”

“All right. Jack. Do you happen to have a copy of the Daily Sun from four days ago?”

“Huh?” he said, puzzled.

“I think we do.” Evelyn said, smiling. “He says he reads it for the sport, but I think he likes the gossip.” she whispered loudly to us. As she went and rummaged in a side cupboard, she triumphantly pulled it out. “So, why do you want it?”

“Yes, I’m more concerned about these girls here.” Jack said, and Motoko and Natsumi looked tense, their faces falling slightly. Jack was perceptive enough to pick up on that, and he waved one big hand as an apology. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. You seem good girls, and you were kind enough to accompany my grandson all the way out here, so…” as he rambled on, I flipped through until I found the article, before beckoning Evelyn over.

“Japan, land of perverts! New law passed allowing harems, has anime become reality?” She read the headline, and I grinned a little shamefacedly.

“Japan passed a raft of new laws recently after the Kyoto tragedy, orchestrated by the Chinese menace that the Daily Sun has long warned about. Most curious of all was a scheme to allow holders of a special passport to conduct multiple marriage and…” her eyes went wide. “…hold on a minute…”

Jack had frozen like a statue, only his eyes moving, back and forth between me and the girls sitting on the sofa with feigned calm.

“… Akio, are you saying…”

“Yes. I guess I am. Mom didn’t lie to you. I got engaged to my childhood friend a while ago. It had been a long time coming, honestly. She’s sorry she couldn’t be here this weekend to meet you both, but… Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth can be. Let me reintroduce them.” I took a deep breath.

“Jack, Evelyn, this is Hyacinth. She’s my fiancée. She’s… had a bit of a hard life, and wants to leave her past behind, so… well, Hyacinth is like a nickname I gave her.” I dissembled, sticking approximately to the truth. “But now she has adopted it. She really enjoys housework and chores and being helpful so… be nice to her, okay?”

“It is as Akio says.” Hyacinth allowed. “I dooo love the name. Hyacinth is Hyacinth, and nooow will always be, beside Akio and the ooother mistresses.”

“Then this is Tsumura Motoko, my fiancée. Her father and grandfather are important Japanese politicians, so she’s like the fancy girls that go to the famous school in this town, I guess?”

“I greet you again, grandparents-in-law.” Motoko was more composed now. “I dearly love Akio, and pray that you will be able to attend our eventual wedding.”

“And then we have Hori Natsumi. Her family is a pretty old one too, they specialise in traditional cloth and clothing. She also goes to the same rich girl school as Motoko. In fact… they’re very good friends, who do traditional martial arts together.”

“I’m very happy to say, like Motoko, I’m Akio’s fiancée. If you need clothing for the wedding, suits and dresses, hats, whatever, I’d be more than happy to help you pick them out. Hori dresses and wedding furisode will be on every bride!”

“So there you have it.” I finished. “Uh, before you ask, no, this isn’t a joke. I’m not heartless enough to come all this way on a rare visit to see my grandparents, only to prank you both. Nor would I mess the girls about so.”

“I… see. I did wonder why Emily stopped talking about Eri recently and became evasive. No, wait, do I see? No…” she clutched her head, eyes swimming, while Jack’s hands were shaking so much his porcelain cup was clattering, tea spiling into the saucer. Seeing that, Hyacinth deftly grabbed it off him.

“Nooo spilling!” she advised, humming to herself as she took it away to clean the saucer, making a fresh mug of tea for him.

“So… wait, this doesn’t add up. Not that our handsome grandson can’t find such lovely girls… not that.” Evelyn waved her hands incoherently. “… but how do you even know them? Last I heard, you were a freelance programmer in Tokyo. That’s good enough to be proud of, but…”

As Jack took the fresh tea from Hyacinth, he thanked her timidly, before rebooting. “Wait, even that’s not the issue. Even if we accept this, the law was only passed recently. You seem like you know each other longer than that?” He got to the heart of the matter, pointing out the problem.

“True. Well, not to brag, but… the law was passed with me in mind.” I said, and again their jaws dropped.

“What in God’s name…?” Jack crossed himself at the blasphemy he uttered. “… that makes little sense.”

“Sure, it doesn’t at first glance, but…” I rattled off my cover story, about how I had come up with a computer algorithm so valuable Japan needed to incentivise me to stay no matter the cost, and the girls backed me up, saying originally they were trying to keep me in Japan by proposing marriage, but that it quickly became a love match for us all, succeeding in the Government’s aims… Well, it’s not too far from the truth. I have knowledge and power that is priceless, at least for now. So…

********

“… really is a beauty! Impossibly so!” Evelyn was saying. Motoko and Natsumi had their phones out, showing my grandparents pictures of them and the other girls, safe ones to show, anyway. Hyacinth was bustling about, humming to herself, enjoying some housework, and was currently doing laundry. She did join in the conversation occasionally though, which pleased me.

“Yes, I do find myself in awe of Shiro’s looks. Sometimes, it is a little hard not to lose confidence, Evelyn, Jack.” Motoko was saying, calling them familiarly as they had requested.

“I know, right? We’re very pretty, I admit it. Almost all noble daughters are, thanks to centuries of good breeding and our polishing at Hanafubuki.” Natsumi chimed in.

“There’s almost no articles or pictures of your school.” Jack observed. “But the few mentions say it’s like the Eton of Japan. Even our town’s famous school can’t compare. To think you’re genuine young ladies! I’m still in shock. But I promise I won’t spill any more tea!”

“Good. I like cleaning, I dooo, but it wooould be a shame to stain the rug!” Hyacinth advised.

“So, there’s Eri, the childhood friend. Then this Shaeula, she’s so cute! A Princess you say? From which country?” Evelyn pressed.

“That doesn’t matter. Shaeula’s just Shaeula to us. A cheerful, cheeky little scamp with big dreams.” I laughed, keeping calm.

“It’s so unbelievable that it has to be true! So, a rich young tech heiress too, and another ordinary girl he met in Tokyo, who lives at the local shrine. My grandson, the playboy!” Evelyn sighed. “I still can’t believe it. But… well, Taichi turned heads, and you know our Emily was considered a catch!”

“I still can hardly believe it. What sort of computer wizardry did you discover that makes you this valuable? And rich.”

“Well, it’s complicated, and not really worth the time explaining. But… well, maybe you’ll read about me in some articles in the future.” Though probably not for the reasons I’m giving… “I collected a lot of advances of money from the Government and big business, and I met with some important people last night to discuss it.” I said, feeling a little guilty I wasn’t telling the full truth, but I had learned from my mistakes. I can still prepare them though. “So, I want you to accept some money. Mom would want you to be comfortable, now that the family is secure.”

“I don’t know. Taking money from our grandson hurts my pride a bit.” Jack muttered.

“Well, put aside your pride and do it for your family.” Motoko advised him kindly. “Peace of mind is a precious gift. And I believe you would wish to visit Japan, surely?”

“You’re right. I want to see our other grandchild, dear Aiko. How is she doing?” Evelyn asked, and I smiled, telling her Aiko was hoping to go to a Tokyo university to study sports science, as was her passion. Once we had talked about that, Hyacinth laid out cookies and cakes, as well as fresh tea, and talk turned to other matters.

“So, you are thinking traditional Japanese as well as Western dresses for the wedding? Both?” Evelyn was saying, looking at samples of Hori clothing on her phone. “It’ll be no expenses spared then.”

“Well, he is marrying a Princess.” Natsumi giggled. “Besides, Motoko and Hinata are important in their own right. And more importantly, I’ve always dreamed of seeing Motoko marry in clothing I made with my own hands. Me as well.”

“You really get on well with her, don’t you?” Evelyn pressed. “Isn’t that a bit… well, awkward, having to share the same man?”

“Not really. But then, our customs are a bit different, I suppose. Besides, I love Motoko, I love Akio, I like the others. Why worry if I am going to be loved and happy?” she shrugged.

Meanwhile, Motoko was talking to Jack, telling him tales of her Tsumura Arts. When she said cheerfully that I was skilled with weapons too, Jack looked at me askance. “An odd hobby there, Akio.”

“Not really? Aiko is Kyudo mad, she loves archery. I took it up later in life, but I find it fulfilling.” I looked at Motoko. “Besides, Motoko loves it, and I want to share in the hobbies those I love enjoy.”

Her face reddened, and Jack smiled at that. To cover her embarrassment Motoko explained. “Well, I confess, I wish to teach the Tsumura Arts to our children. I will not let them die out. And having Akio appreciate the Arts, knowing their value, it makes me very happy.”

“Thinking of children is a bit premature, right?” Jack snorted. “You should at least finish school, live a little bit first.”

“I know. Now is not the right time. But when that time comes, I want to be prepared.” Motoko replied, face still pink.

“I see. Well, it’s good to see that you are into Akio, it warms the heart of this old man.” Jack smiled. “Young love is rather touching, don’t you agree, Hyacinth?” he addressed her, and she grinned.

“Well, I am nooot as young as I look. But looove… it is a wonderful thing, I dooo agree. I never thought anyone wooould love me, that I cooould love again, but I was wrong.”

“It sounds like you’ve had a rough time of it. So… what attracted you to Akio?” he pressed her, and her smile changed, becoming a little sad.

“How cooould I not love someone who cares for me sooo? Hyacinth just hooopes she can give back enough to balance what she has received. That is my ooonly wish.”

“Nonsense.” Motoko said, a little angry. “Hyacinth, you are thinking about this all wrong. I too thought that I did not have anything to offer.” She spoke to Jack, and Evelyn was listening. “I pondered and searched my heart, and nearly gave up. But… it is not about who can offer what, or whether one is worthy. It is simply about whether one wishes to spend their lives together. And I wish to spend mine with Akio, and all of you.”

“Hyacinth doooes understand.” She said softly in answer to that. “But, I have tooo make up for the bad I did. I dooo not remember it well, but…”

“Nonsense.” Motoko disagreed. “That was not Hyacinth. You said it yourself, once you took the name Hyacinth, you became her, and were born anew. Hyacinth only has to be here with us, together. I would be sad if you were gone.”

“Me too! It wouldn’t be the same without any one of us. And sometimes we get new friends, like Kana…” Natsumi agreed. “And sure, I get jealous or worried sometimes, like when I think I’m not as beautiful as Shiro, or I don’t know Akio as well as Eri or Shaeula. But…” her expression changed. “… I just have to think about what we’ve shared, and our bond…” I felt a tingle in my Kin Bonding, as Natsumi’s warm, loving thoughts reached me, and Hyacinth froze. I think… she can feel it too, through me.

“… and I know, even if there are hardships, and times that we struggle, it’s worth it, and I wouldn’t change anything.”

“Nor would I.” Motoko approved. “Akio may well have chosen the harder path, trying to love us all, hold us all within his grasp, but I will fight to remain within his arms, and to keep us all filled with joy. If we are this happy now, how much more joy will we see in the months, years, decades to come?”

“Yes. Hyacinth…” I looked at her seriously. “I don’t care about your past. You know that. I know all I need to about the girl called Hyacinth. You’re playful, kind to your juniors like Motoko and Natsumi. Last night proved it. You don’t mind risking yourself for those you believe in, and … I know I can trust that you’ll protect them. I’m never letting you go. None of you.” I looked to Evelyn and Jack, my Majesty and Charm shining, making my words more believable. “This must be a lot to take in. I can hardly believe it myself. But… I’ve always been a bit hesitant when it comes to love. Eri… I should never have left her behind in Nishimorioka. Thank all the Gods I got the chance to rectify my mistake. And from there, well, my life changed thanks to… there’s no point going into details, but Shaeula entered my life, and I found I had feelings for her too. But loving two girls seemed horrible, selfish. Luckily… Eri and Shaeula are pragmatic, kind… they couldn’t bear to see the other suffer. So… we agreed to share. I felt bad, let me tell you.” I laughed, getting out my feelings. That was then. I’m now at peace.

I talked and I talked, telling my grandparents about Shiro and my long-buried feelings for her, of Kana and how she soothed my heart with her easy-going nature, of Hyacinth and how I first pitied her, only for her kindness and loyalty to win me over, of Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi, and how at first I tried to avoid them, only to somehow end up loving them. As the two of them blushed happily, I then mentioned one last girl, one who I hoped one day would be happy, even if she sought someone other than me, just so long as she was repaid for her service…

“That was some seriously heavy stuff, my grandson.” Jack said at last. Evelyn had teared up, mopping at her eyes with a handkerchief. “Well, for what it’s worth, you have my blessing. From the three girls you brought with you today, I can tell they are all ones I’d be proud to have in my family.”

“Thank you.” Motoko bowed. “That means a great deal to me.”

“Yes, I was worried. Explaining all this is hard.” Natsumi smiled. “But… well, we’re going to be true family soon enough.”

“I thank yooou.” Hyacinth finished for the girls. “All Akio’s family is kind. I like that. The wooorld is dark and cooold, but sooometimes there are good things to be fooound.”

“Oh Hyacinth! Call me grandmother! I’ll be your family! That goes for all of you girls!” Evelyn sniffled, blowing her nose, her eyes wet with tears. “Dear…” she addressed Jack. “We shouldn’t stand on pride. Not when we have a growing family. Before, a trip to Japan was too much, but… now I want to meet the others, see Emily and son-in-law Taichi again, see our precious granddaughter Aiko… meet all the families of these girls.”

“You’re right.” Jack sighed. “Akio, I’m proud of you. Well, I’d be just as proud of you if you simply brought this Eri girl to see us, and you lived a normal life, without this breakthrough you made that led to all this. But, just like we gave Taichi our blessing when he made Emily smile, just as you girls smile when you look at Akio and each other… well, we give you our blessing. Motoko, Natsumi, Hyacinth… welcome to the family.”

At that, the girls were incredibly happy, and as Jack went to the fridge, fetching a beer for me and him to toast with, Evelyn dragged out an old family album, full of pictures of mom, dad and me. “Take a look at this! Emily was a stunning young girl, here she is in her school uniform. And here’s Taichi when he first told us they were dating. Here’s Emily, her belly the size of a whale! And… look, wasn’t Akio so cute as a little boy, look at his red wellies!”

As the girls cooed over the pictures, I took a beer from my grandfather. Pulling the ring, we slammed the cans together. “Cheers. To my grandson and his insane bravery!”

“To my bravery?” I toasted back, a little confused. “Cheers!”

Taking a swig, the beer being a bit different to the Japanese beverages I usually enjoyed, I waited for Jack to speak. “Well, even one woman is hard enough to keep happy. And you’ve chosen a difficult road, Akio. If you make them unhappy, your life is going to be a living hell. Really, are you sure? You might end up hurting a lot of nice young girls…”

“I wasn’t sure.” I took another gulp of beer, enjoying listening to my grandmother talk them through old stories accompanied by faded pictures. Though I can do without her telling them about that time I fell in the nettles and wouldn’t stop crying for hours… “But the time for that hesitation is passed.” I had said it before, taking my cue from Shaeula. But now I knew she was right. I could do it. If I had to be a hundred times better than anyone else, so that I could make each girl happier than she’d be with anyone else, I’d do it. I cherish them all, and the thought of not being there for them, not able to protect them from what’s coming… fuck that. No, I’ll make them the happiest they can be. Sure, I’ll make missteps, there’ll be fights, tears and sorrows, but for every one of those I’ll make a hundred, no a thousand joys. “Jack, another toast. To all of the girls, the best in this world and any other, and their happiness!”

“I’ll drink to that! To happiness, theirs, and yours.” He said shrewdly, and I nodded.

“I’m already happy. If I asked for more, then I’d be an ungrateful bastard.”

“True. Finding a money-spinning algorithm, having the law changed for you so you can marry a lot of girls… this time tomorrow I’ll probably believe this is a dream…”

********

“This is a dream, right?” Jack said, looking at his banking app, Evelyn beside him, her face pale.

“Nope. That’s the least I can do, to make sure you’re both comfortable.” I know that auntie Hana has sent money to her parents as well, so… “But you need to make sure you visit Japan soon. Mom is dying to see you, and Aiko is jealous I’m meeting you again.”

“A hundred thousand pounds. That’s a lot of money…” Jack parroted, stunned.

“Do accept it. If you do not, we will all feel bad.” Motoko smiled, and that snapped them out of it.

“Of course. We wouldn’t want to be the cause of your sorrows.” Jack managed. “So… well, what’s your plans for the rest of the weekend?”

“Well, we are attending a function in London.” Motoko said cheerfully. “Business, you understand.”

“I want pictures of you in your dresses, dears!” Evelyn said, having been totally won over by the girls. Just like mom. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I guess. As the girls promised that, I said my farewells.

“Well, it was nice to see you again. Next time… well, it seems it won’t be so long, will it?” Jack said, and I shook my head.

“It’d better not be. Come visit soon. Mom will be expecting it.”

“Motoko, Natsumi, Hyacinth… look after my grandson. Don’t let the money go to his head. Many people have been ruined by lottery wins or sudden inheritances. And since it’s money he earned himself, he could go crazy.”

As the three promised to watch me, we said our farewells, and with that our visit had ended. As we walked back towards the school where our helicopter was, we talked a little about our day.

“Your grandparents are nice. They welcomed and accepted us so easily. I was concerned, I admit. I wanted to make a good impression.” Motoko said, and I nodded.

“They are, but humble and common. They never had much money. But from what I remember, and mom’s stories, they’ve always been kind. Besides, who in their right mind could dislike you three? If they did, I’d have to question their sanity.”

“Well, I am grateful nonetheless.” Motoko said solemnly, and Natsumi agreed.

“Yes, and it was fun hearing all about you as a young boy, Akio. Normally we miss out on that, but I think even Eri doesn’t know some of these stories.” She smiled impishly. “She’ll be quite jealous when I tell her.”

“I was happy tooo. Family… I dooo not understand it well, but I like it. It pleases me. Hyacinth knooows she is not easy to accept. But yooou, the mistresses, nooow family… I do not feel so alooone anymore.”

“Come here, you three.” Ignoring the stares from the odd passer-by, I held the three of them in my arms as I walked. As the school approached, I smiled happily, enjoying the moment of closeness with them. “Well, really, what could they do? We were all there, the three of you in the flesh. I feel bad we lied about a lot of the details, and when the truth comes out we’ll all have to apologise, but… they let their daughter follow her heart and marry a foreigner, and move to a distant land, despite knowing we were all poor enough we might never see her again. So… of course they are kind and accepting.” And I am very persuasive nowadays…

“It has been a wonderful day.” Motoko agreed. “Following on from a wonderful night…” her face was red, and I grinned.

“Well, we should have a couple of hours to look around London before our engagement tonight. After that… why don’t we have another wonderful night?” At that the three girls agreed enthusiastically, and as our helicopter took off a few minutes later, I glanced back at the hometown of my grandparents. This place holds memories for me… hmm, it isn’t just Japan I need to protect, it seems…