บท 57: My Hero
As the conversation wrapped up, Ritsuka looked at Bruce and Betty, reading the relief in their eyes. They seemed less focused on helping mutants and more on the sanctuary SHIELD was offering them—a place where they could finally hide from government interference. Ritsuka couldn't exactly fault them, though; both had been pushed to the brink by Ross and the government's relentless pursuit.
Ritsuka thought to himself, "They're glad to escape, more than anything. Bruce has a long way to go before he can become the hero we know from the movies and comics. And honestly, I still need to talk to Hulk directly. Bruce needs to understand that hiding won't fix things—Salter and I had to stop Ross just to make him listen."
Another thought crossed his mind, tinged with regret. "If just one scientist had tried to help these young mutants by developing a way to reverse the mutation, maybe we wouldn't see so many kids turning to darkness, or worse…"
Clearing his head, Ritsuka returned to reality, giving Bruce and Betty a confident smile. "Also, you two won't be working alone. I have friends joining this project—Da Vinci and Dr. Henry McCoy."
Betty's eyes lit up. "Henry McCoy? I remember him from Bard College. He was a senior when I was there!"
Bruce gave a nod of recognition. "Yeah, Ross mentioned him a few times—though not in a good way. McCoy's a mutant, isn't he?"
Nick Fury crossed his arms with an unimpressed look. "We didn't come here for a trip down memory lane," he interrupted, making Bruce and Betty shift awkwardly in their seats. Meanwhile, Salter, completely unfazed, continued eating her burger, using Ritsuka's lap as her personal throne.
Ritsuka leaned forward. "Fury, I think it's time to bring Magneto and Charles Xavier into this project. If we're developing something to help mutants with unstable powers, it's only right to consult them."
Fury sighed, giving him a dubious look. "You really wanna pull those two into this? Just mentioning mutant futures makes them lose it. That's exactly why I didn't bring them in to begin with."
Ritsuka nodded confidently. "I'll make them see my point. This isn't about politics—it's about saving lives. I'm sure they'll understand."
Ritsuka already knew that if the topic about 'mutants future' mentioned before them they will turn into serious political fight, its almost like they got possessed by comics counter parts.
Fury gave a slight smirk, clearly skeptical but somewhat impressed. "I don't know how you're planning to pull it off, but… I trust you'll manage. You always do, somehow."
Then, with a raised eyebrow at Salter's continued munching, Fury joked, "Another one for the burger fan club, huh? Alright, I'll leave you to it then, Ritsuka… and the 'king of burgers' over here."
Turning to Bruce and Betty, Fury motioned for them to follow. "You two, with me. And for god's sake, why are you both so quiet? What, are you loners or something?"
Bruce and Betty exchanged a slightly awkward look but followed Fury out, feeling as though they'd just survived a whirlwind. Before leaving, Fury looked back at Ritsuka, sighing. "Set up the meeting for Sunday. Those two mutant leaders are bound to need a bit of time to digest what you're pitching."
With that, Fury led Bruce and Betty away, leaving Ritsuka and Salter in relative peace—at least until the next big mission.
Salter glanced at Ritsuka, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. "Who was that other person Fury mentioned?" she asked, finishing her burger.
"That was Tony," Ritsuka replied with a smile. "He's a friend of mine, and he has a thing for cheeseburgers."
"Hmm," Salter mused with an approving nod. "The man has good taste, then." She wiped her hands as she finished the last bite. "Still, nothing tops a good homemade cake—especially if you're the one baking it."
Smiling at her words, Ritsuka wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer onto his lap until they were face-to-face. Gently pressing his forehead against hers, he let his telepathic abilities flow, sharing with her a flood of memories: his arrival in this world, the allies and enemies he'd faced, every battle, every hardship, and every victory before her summoning.
When the memories settled, Salter opened her eyes, a subtle smirk on her lips. "I see… So that's how things unfolded before I was summoned." Her tone was as dry as ever, but her eyes held a hint of approval. "Your performance this time was… acceptable."
Ritsuka chuckled softly, but the praise was short-lived. She narrowed her eyes, her expression hardening. "However, there's something I simply can't overlook…"
The sudden change in her demeanor made Ritsuka tense. "Uh… what's that?"
Salter's eyes glinted with irritation. "Have you no shame? You summoned that woman—the one wrapped in destruction—as your first Servant here, and not me? Your personal maid?"
Ritsuka swallowed, trying to keep his cool. "I'm sorry! Summoning isn't always under my control. Sometimes, certain conditions have to be met."
Salter crossed her arms with a dissatisfied look but eventually sighed. "Fine. I'll forgive you… this time. Besides, I scored my own points today." A small, triumphant smirk tugged at her lips. "After all, I arrived before that flame-haired woman, and now… I'm at your side once again."
Ritsuka smiled, his heart warming at her words. "Just like in our past life, Salter… I'm lucky to have you with me, always."
She looked at him with a steady, unwavering gaze. "Then take responsibility for that, forever."
With those words, Salter leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss. Ritsuka returned it, pouring all his love and devotion into the embrace as they lost themselves in the moment, the rest of the world fading away around them.
Salter gave Ritsuka a sly smile as she stood up. "Now, let's go meet everyone. I hope they enjoyed watching me kiss you in front of the whole world—I want to see the looks on their faces."
Ritsuka winced, suddenly remembering how his other lovers would react. He sighed, accepting his fate if there were repercussions, and tipped the hotel staff generously before heading out with Salter. Once they were far enough from prying eyes, Ritsuka opened a portal, and they stepped through to his apartment.
Inside, a familiar sign read "Fou's Delight Bakery" on the wall above the counter. Salter stopped and arched an eyebrow, reading it aloud. "So you named your bakery after that little beast?"
Ritsuka scratched his head, a little sheepish. "Yeah, he wasn't thrilled at first, but once I promised him 40% of the profits, he warmed up to the idea."
They walked in, greeted by the warm scent of freshly baked goods and the sight of a dozen familiar faces gathered in the main room. Morgan, Ereshkigal, Karen, Void Shiki, Archetype Earth, Artoria Avalon, Artoria Lancer, Tamamo Cat, Mashu, Fou, Scathach, Skadi, and even Hela—all were there, and all looked… serious.
{Fenris is actually become security guard and feasting all cakes in bakery every night, so yeah he is doing hard work every night}
Tamamo Cat's eyes lit up as she bounded forward, her tail flicking with excitement. "Master! Right on time! We waited for you so we could all have dinner together, like always."
But Morgan's gaze was fixed on Salter, a dark edge to her tone as she said, "So, you've come to this world, thief woman."
Salter crossed her arms, meeting Morgan's glare with a smug smile. "Thief? I haven't stolen a thing. Besides, Ritsuka loves all his lovers equally." She licked her lips pointedly, making Morgan's expression darken as she remembered the kiss she'd seen on live TV.
"How dare you flaunt that in front of me," Morgan snapped, her voice filled with barely contained irritation.
Salter smirked, refusing to back down. "Oh, I dare. Why wouldn't I?"
Mashu, sensing the rising tension, quickly stepped forward. "Um, everyone, please, let's try to keep things calm! Especially in front of Karen. Remember, we're trying to have a family dinner!"
Karen, still a little shy but used to the dynamic of her family by now, glanced at Salter with wide eyes. Her resemblance to Morgan was striking, and it didn't go unnoticed by Salter, who looked between mother and daughter in mild surprise.
Artoria Lancer cleared her throat, giving Salter a polite nod. "It's… nice to meet you again, my Alter version. I hope you'll feel at home here."
Void Shiki, with a soft smile, nudged Karen forward gently. "Go on, Karen. Why don't you introduce yourself? Salter will be part of our family now."
Karen, with a polite bow and a big smile, introduced herself. "Hello! I'm my mommy and daddy's daughter, Karen Fujimaru." Her hands rested neatly on her stomach as she bowed, her wide eyes filled with innocence. Salter, momentarily stunned, blinked at Karen, then shifted her gaze to Ritsuka, visibly processing the fact that Ritsuka now had a adopted daughter with Morgan.
Nearby, salter stepped forward to make Karen feel comfortable and calm. "Huh? Oh, um… H-Hello," Salter stammered, mirroring Karen's bow. Though she usually held an imposing presence, Salter's eyes wavered, clearly unsteady in this unexpected encounter.
Karen continued in her sweet voice. "My name is… is Karen," she repeated, seeming a bit nervous. "My friend is Teddy. Uncle Mega Red Helmet gave this to me..." She hugged her small stuffed bear tightly, her voice faltering as she repeated herself. Salter, at a loss for how to respond, glanced back and forth between Karen and Ritsuka, her uncertainty visible.
Salter tilted her head. "Hmm… why are you acting like I'm going to eat you or something?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Karen took a tiny step back, looking even more flustered. "Mama said you'd eat everything when you're angry…please don't take my sweets" she mumbled, causing Salter's eyes to narrow as she caught on to Morgan's influence in this misunderstanding. She shot Morgan a look, and Morgan's smirk said it all—Salter's name had clearly been used to keep the children in line.
"Don't worry, little one." Salter softened her tone, her usual bravado tempered in the face of Karen's innocence. "Ritsuka here will always take care of me, making sure I never go hungry." She smirked playfully at him. "After all, isn't he very strong?"
Karen nodded vigorously, her eyes lighting up. "Yes! Papa is super strong. Papa can gives energy to you and all my other moms when you're hungry!"
At Karen's innocent proclamation, Ritsuka blushed deeply, and the other women—Morgan, Ereshkigal, and even Void Shiki—looked away, their own cheeks faintly red. Morgan's gaze shifted to Salter with a steely glare. "What on earth are you making her say, troublesome woman?"
Salter shrugged, a smug smile on her lips. "I didn't say anything wrong, did I?"
Ritsuka, still blushing, scooped Karen up in his arms, chuckling awkwardly. "Alright, everyone. We shouldn't go another topic"
Karen glanced at her mother for reassurance, then turned back to Salter. "Mom says we're like a big family here, so… welcome."
Salter's eyes softened briefly as she took in Karen's resemblance to Morgan and her warm, welcoming nature. She gave the girl a small smile and nodded. "Thank you, Karen. I suppose it's a pleasure to join all of you."
Ritsuka, relieved to see Salter easing into the group, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and led her to the table. "Well, now that introductions are out of the way… shall we eat?" He gave the group a hopeful grin, trying to defuse any lingering tension.
Morgan's glare softened just a bit, though she shot Salter one last warning look. "Only because it's dinner… and because Karen's watching."
With a sigh of relief, everyone settled around the table. Salter, still sporting a bit of her smug look, relaxed beside Ritsuka, He set Karen down at the table and took his place among them.
As they began their meal, a peaceful warmth settled over the group. The table was lively, with each companion—old and new—sharing food, laughter, and friendly banter. Seeing his friends, family, and loved ones gathered, Ritsuka felt a deep sense of contentment. The bonds between them, forged through shared hardships and happiness, filled the room with a comforting glow.
For a brief moment, Ritsuka allowed himself to relax and enjoy the family he had found in this strange world, cherishing the moments they shared.
As the news flashed on the TV, J. Jonah Jameson's unmistakable voice boomed, condemning "Salter" and "Wolf" as "absolute menaces" to society. The screen displayed dramatic images of rubble and cracked streets, emphasizing every bit of exaggerated destruction in New York. Jameson leaned into his words, fists pounding the desk as he railed against the "recklessness" of Wolf and Salter.
"These two," he barked, "are responsible for leaving our streets in ruins! They're terrorizing the city, smashing windows, and leaving chaos behind them!"
Most of the room exchanged unimpressed glances and rolled their eyes at Jameson's sensationalism.
Ereshkigal leaned back with an amused smirk. "Does this guy realize half of that damage is from Abomination? Ritsuka and Salter saved more lives than he'll ever know."
Morgan chuckled, crossing her arms. "He has no idea who he's messing with. Maybe he'd think differently if he were on the receiving end of an actual menace."
Tamamo Cat giggled, waving her tail playfully. "Oh, if only he knew how much fun Salter and Master have fighting baddies! He's got no taste for good action!"
Even Mashu tried to stifle a laugh, gently patting Fou on her lap as he yipped in agreement. "He seems to think Ritsuka's a villain instead of a hero... If only he knew what they're really protecting him from."
Meanwhile, Karen's small face had darkened as she watched Jameson badmouth her dad. Her tiny hands clenched into fists, her normally cheerful expression growing serious as she glared at the screen. Her thoughts ran wild: Someone's talking bad about Papa… that deserves punishment.
Morgan, noticing her daughter's sudden mood shift, chuckled, giving her a reassuring pat on the head. "Don't worry, Karen. That man has no idea what he's talking about."
But Karen just huffed, a determined spark in her eye. She mumbled to herself, "Nobody talks bad about my Papa…"
Void Shiki, who'd remained silent, smirked. "If he keeps it up, maybe I'll take a stroll by his office. Just for a… friendly visit."
Scathach shrugged nonchalantly. "If he's looking to pick fights with people he doesn't understand, he'll get what he deserves." Skadi agreed too.
Artoria Avalon leaned over to Salter with a teasing smile. "It seems your antics have gained you an admirer. Quite the 'menace,' aren't you?"
Salter grinned and crossed her arms. "If he calls a little justice 'menacing,' maybe he ought to rethink his definition."
Soon after, the evening wound down, and everyone began settling in. As they got ready to sleep, Ritsuka looked around at his strange and wonderful family, grateful for the camaraderie they shared. He couldn't help but smile, knowing that each of them—despite their quirks and oddities—was right there with him, unphased by public opinion and unshaken by a loudmouthed reporter.
As everyone drifted off, Karen lay awake a little longer, her thoughts simmering as she thought of her dad's honor. She'd make sure that anyone who spoke badly about him faced proper justice…
As Karen silently pushed Morgan's hand aside and slipped out of the room, she was determined. Her tiny form floated through the air, her eyes turning a cold white as she focused on the city below. She scanned every inch of New York until, with a focused determination, she whispered to herself, "Found you. I'll be back once I teach that bad guy a lesson."
In a flash, she disappeared, leaving no trace behind.
Meanwhile, in the same quiet room, Morgan stirred slightly, her senses sharpening. She opened her eyes to find Ritsuka standing in the doorway, concern painted across his face. He had known something was off. He had noticed Karen's anger before in dinner, even in her sleep, and now she was gone. Morgan's gaze met his briefly before she looked away, not wanting to meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ritsuka," she said softly, guilt creeping into her voice. "Karen... she's angry. She'll use her powers."
Ritsuka, standing by the door, approached Morgan, his expression gentle but firm. He tilted her chin upward, his fingers softly tracing her jaw. "Karen will never act without reading the situation. I believe in her. You're one of the best mothers in the world, Morgan. Don't worry. I'll go check on her."
With a tender kiss on her forehead, Ritsuka teleported, his heart set on finding his daughter.
---
Elsewhere, Karen appeared above J. Jonah Jameson's house, floating soundlessly over the sleeping reporter. Her eyes burned with fury, but as she stared at him, her powers activated. She delved into his mind, the white light of her vision cutting through the night. As she read his thoughts, the fury began to ebb, replaced by confusion.
Jameson wasn't the enemy she thought he was. His thoughts revealed a different story—he didn't actually hate Salter or Wolf. The truth was that he had no malice toward them. Instead, he had been making them seem like menaces, hoping to keep them on the world's radar, knowing that the more attention they drew, the less likely dangerous organizations would target them seriously. Jameson had been trying to protect them all along, by manipulating public perception to shield them from greater threats.
Karen froze, guilt flooding her heart. She had been so angry, so determined to punish someone she thought had wronged her papa, but now she realized the mistake she nearly made. Without thinking, she had been ready to take drastic action, but her powers allowed her to see the truth. If she had done something rash, she would've regretted it forever.
Suddenly, she felt a familiar presence—her papa.
In an instant, she teleported, reappearing by his side on the rooftop of Jameson's house. The moon hung brightly above them, casting its soft light on the scene. She quietly sat beside him, her small figure almost lost in the vastness of the night.
Ritsuka turned his gaze toward her, his eyes soft with understanding. "Do you know what mistake you made, Karen?" he asked gently.
Karen nodded, her small voice breaking the silence. "I almost did something horrible, Papa…"
Ritsuka pulled her into his arms, holding her close as they sat together. She nestled into his lap, comforted by the steady beat of his heart. He stroked her hair as he continued, his voice low and reassuring. "It's okay, Karen. But remember, it's not about whether people recognize me or not. The world will always have its opinions, but you know what matters? It's what you know to be right. I don't do something because I want recognition or because I have some dream to be a hero. I did it because it's the right thing to do."
Karen looked up at him, confusion still lingering in her eyes.
Ritsuka smiled softly, his eyes filled with a quiet strength. "I didn't want to be a hero, Karen. That's why I acted like I did. So that no one would try to be me. I wanted them to stay away, to not throw themselves into the mess that comes with being who hero is. But even then, people will hate. They'll always find a reason to tear you down. But in the end, does it matter about people opinion?"
Karen shook her head slowly, her heart beginning to understand. "It doesn't matter…"
"Exactly," Ritsuka said, his voice growing firmer, yet still full of love. "Most people will only see the results, and they'll say it was because of luck. They won't see the pain behind the success. And pain doesn't mean struggle. Struggles are something we can fight through and anyone can do it with enough determination. But pain... pain is something we carry, no matter how heavy. That's the harsh truth, Karen."
Karen's eyes welled up slightly, her small frame trembling in his arms. "But… people won't know…"
Ritsuka smiled gently, kissing her forehead. "No, they won't. And it's okay. There will always be those who support you, genuinely. And that's what matters."
Karen nodded, wiping her eyes. "I understand now, Papa."
As they sat there, the moon glowing brightly overhead, Karen leaned into her father's embrace, feeling the safety and strength of his words settle in her heart. She had learned something important that night, not just about the world, but about herself, and the unwavering love her father had for her.
As Karen sat in Ritsuka's lap, nestled comfortably in his embrace, she looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "I won't try to use my power in the wrong way, Papa. Pinky promise!" She extended her tiny pinky finger, her face filled with sincerity and determination.
Ritsuka couldn't help but smile as he gently wrapped his pinky around hers. "Pinky promise," he affirmed, his voice warm with affection. The bond between them, simple yet strong, was undeniable.
Karen's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Papa, who is your hero?"
Ritsuka blinked, taken aback by the question. He looked down at his daughter, and for a moment, there was a pause. Then, with a soft chuckle, he spoke, "My hero? Well, that's a great question. I think... my dad is my hero."
He turned his gaze away for a moment, his voice growing quieter, more thoughtful. "He's someone I've looked up to every day for as long as I can remember... and... and my dad..."
His voice faltered, emotions swirling in his chest. He could feel his breath growing unsteady, his throat tightening. His father's memory—the memories of his parents—were a deep wound that he had carried for so long. He had learned to bury the ache, but in this moment, with his daughter asking so innocently, the pain rose to the surface.
Karen looked at her father, sensing the shift in his emotions. Her small face showed concern, and she nervously asked, "Papa... did I say something wrong?"
Ritsuka gently placed his hand on her head, trying to regain control of his emotions. "No, Karen... It's just..." He stopped, unable to finish. His thoughts were heavy with longing, a deep yearning to see his parents again, to hear their voices. The words simply wouldn't come.
Karen's eyes softened, seeing how deeply her papa was affected. She reached out and placed her small hand on his, her voice full of empathy. "Papa, I want to know about your parents. What were they like?"
Ritsuka took a deep breath, his voice shaking just slightly as he began to speak. "My father... his name was Takanori Fujimaru. He was a firefighter, a hero in his own way. He didn't take days off, not even when he was exhausted, because he was always focused on saving people. He fought fires, saved lives... even when it seemed impossible." Ritsuka's voice cracked slightly, the pride in his words mixed with sorrow. "My mom, her name is Mihana Fujimaru. She was a housewife, but she filled our home with love. She was the one who made sure I always knew that I was loved, no matter what happened."
Karen's eyes widened, her voice soft with admiration. "Wow... both of them sound amazing, Papa."
Ritsuka smiled, his heart swelling with pride as he spoke of them. "My dad was the strongest man I knew. He pushed me to be the best I could be, always showing me what it meant to be a good man. My mom... she was the one who gave me the courage to be who I am, to go out and face the world. They both shaped me in their own ways."
Karen nodded thoughtfully, her small hands resting in her lap as she absorbed everything her father had shared. "Your parents sound like heroes too, Papa."
Ritsuka chuckled softly, the sadness in his eyes momentarily lifting. "They were. They were my heroes, Karen. And they still are, in my heart."
Karen's face lit up with a bright, innocent smile.
"Wow, both are great, Papa," Karen said, her voice filled with admiration. She reached out to squeeze Ritsuka's hand in understanding, the warmth of her tiny fingers a comfort to him.
Ritsuka chuckled softly, his eyes distant as he thought of his mother and father. "You know, Karen," he began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips, "actually, my mother fell in love with my father because of his bravery in saving people in fire accidents"
Karen giggled cutely, her tiny hands clasped together. "That's so sweet, Papa!"
Ritsuka chuckled, shaking his head fondly. "Alright, now, let's get back before your mama wakes up."
With a wave of his hand, Ritsuka teleported, and soon, they were back in the comfort of their room. Karen yawned, her eyelids heavy, and she quickly snuggled up into Morgan's arms. Morgan, still fast asleep, instinctively pulled her daughter close, not waking as Karen nestled into her warmth.
Ritsuka, standing nearby, took a moment to send a quiet telepathic message to Morgan. 'Karen learned her lesson. She's okay now.'
Morgan didn't respond, but Ritsuka could feel her calm presence, knowing she was aware of everything. With a final glance at his family, Ritsuka sighed softly, his heart feeling a little lighter, knowing his daughter had found a bit more peace in her heart.
As the night drifted on, Ritsuka, Morgan, and Karen slept soundly, the warmth of family and love surrounding them. The world outside might be uncertain, but in this moment, Ritsuka felt as though he had everything he needed. His family, his heroes, were right beside him. And that, he knew, was enough.
----
(Ritsuka's POV, Dream Sequence)
Ritsuka's eyes fluttered closed as he drifted into sleep, the past rushing back in a wave of nostalgia and emotions. A dream formed, vivid and intense. His father's face appeared before him, his features softened by age, his once pitch-black hair now streaked with hints of grey. The image was so real, as though he could reach out and touch him, feel the warmth of his father once more.
It was the parents' teacher meeting. He was only eight years old—or perhaps even younger. The memory was blurry around the edges, but the emotions were still raw. He had failed the test miserably, knowing deep down that he would. It wasn't just the numbers or the calculations; it was his failure to meet expectations that crushed him. He could already picture the disappointment on his parents' faces, and the weight of it pressed against his chest.
Ritsuka remembered how he had come home, already dreading the conversation that would follow. His mother and father stood there, waiting for him at the gate, their faces full of love. The love he didn't feel he deserved at that moment. He couldn't bring himself to look them in the eye. The test was a disaster, and his failure was his alone to bear.
But then his father, that familiar face that had always been strong and steady, spoke softly, breaking through the shame and guilt that gripped him. "Ritsuka," his mother said, voice calm, despite knowing the weight of her son's sorrow.
Father's hand gently rested on his back, as though sensing the burden Ritsuka carried. His words were simple, but they echoed with wisdom. "It's okay to fail sometimes. After all, failure is a part of success. Try again next time. I know you can do this. Let's go eat your favorite cake, okay?"
Those words, so simple yet so profound, melted the ice around Ritsuka's heart. In that moment, everything seemed possible again. The failure didn't define him. His father's belief in him, the quiet strength, offered him a new beginning. From that day forward, Ritsuka vowed never to fail again—not because of the test, but because he couldn't let his parents down. Their faith in him became the driving force that shaped his life.
Suddenly, the dream shifted, and Ritsuka's eyes fluttered open. The vivid images of his parents, their smiles, their unconditional love, vanished, but the feeling lingered. He was in his room now, warm and safe, and as he looked down, he saw Karen sitting on his chest, her face alight with joy.
"Wake up, Papa. The sun already passed today!" she chirped, her voice like a melody.
Ritsuka smiled, blinking away the remnants of the dream. He laughed softly, his heart light as he gazed at his daughter. "Did I sleep too long today?"
"Yes," Karen giggled, her small hands gently poking his face.
Ritsuka, feeling a surge of affection, reached up and pinched her cheeks lightly, teasing her. "Karen therapy is the best," he said, his voice thick with emotion, but also filled with warmth.
Karen beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she snuggled closer, resting her head against his chest. "I love you, Papa."
The simple joy of that moment—the warmth of Karen's love, the comfort of her presence—was enough to fill Ritsuka's heart with peace. The sadness that had lingered in his soul since his parents' passing began to ebb away, replaced with the undeniable bond he shared with his daughter. And he had beautiful family.
And with that thought, he knew that his parents, wherever they were, would be proud of the father and husband , he had become.
As Ritsuka reveled in the warmth of his Karen therapy, a soft voice broke the moment.
"Karen, go freshen up already. I need to get my energy from Ritsuka."
Ritsuka blinked as Karen bounced off his chest with a smile. "Okay, mom! Papa gives lots of energy to mom. I'll go play with my mama!" With that, she skipped out of the room, leaving her father with a look of affectionate amusement.
Ritsuka turned toward Salter, who had appeared in the doorway, her presence commanding and yet, somehow, playfully mischievous. She stood there in a maid outfit, a strikingly elegant version, one that clung to her figure in all the right ways. The black dress with a lace trim and subtle accents of silver outlined her curves. The frills at the hem added a touch of softness to the otherwise bold, confident look. The outfit, paired with her familiar smirk, was nothing short of breathtaking.
Ritsuka couldn't help but blush at the sight.
Salter noticed his reaction, her lips curving into a teasing grin. "Hmm? What, my Ritsuka? If you have a problem with this outfit, then speak your mind."
Ritsuka felt heat rise in his cheeks. He stammered, "No, no problem at all, my King. It's... it's just... stunning."
Her smile widened at his flustered state. "Heh. Good response." She leaned in a little closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But be proud, my Ritsuka. You're the only one allowed to lay your eyes on me in this outfit. After all, I'm yours."
The warmth in her voice contrasted with the intensity of her gaze, leaving Ritsuka momentarily speechless. He felt as if his heart were pounding in his chest, the attraction mixed with the profound bond they shared.
Salter, still smirking, took a step closer. "Now, come. Let's get some of that energy you've been so generous with. And you need get fresh up service."
Ritsuka's heart was racing as she gently guided him toward the bathroom. "I... uh... I' m honored," he muttered, feeling slightly overwhelmed but thoroughly captivated by the playful yet loving side of Salter he so cherished.
As they disappeared into the bathroom, the sounds of the bathroom's chaotic morning remained, but for Ritsuka, everything felt alive in that moment. His heart, though full of the responsibilities of his past, was lightened by his family's love. Even in the most unexpected of ways, his bond with his all of wife's made everything feel possible
{Don't Worry i will upload this Sunday Bb and Salter r18 in new series okay}
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Ritsuka's POV
After a busy day of giving a bit too much energy to Artoria Alter, I made my way to the bakery, hoping for a moment of calm. Life had finally started to settle into a new rhythm, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I watched my servants—my family—enjoying a life that was, for once, peaceful.
Well, most of them, anyway.
One person in particular was still clinging to his sense of duty like a dog to a bone. Karna, the son of Surya. I had tried everything to get him to relax. Tried to convince him that he deserved to take a break, enjoy the simple pleasures of life. But no, that wasn't Karna. The man was practically a walking embodiment of duty. He'd find some way to work himself to exhaustion, even if it meant burning the candle at both ends.
So, my friends and I decided to take matters into our own hands. Every week, we "forced" him to take an extra day off. It wasn't as though he had a choice in the matter when all of us were involved. And while he usually spent the time with his girlfriend, Phoenix, I couldn't help but think: How dense can one person be?
I mean, seriously, Karna was a warrior, yes. But he was about as oblivious to Phoenix's feelings as a neutron star. It was like watching two forces of nature collide, both too proud to admit what was right in front of them. Phoenix, with all her fiery passion, and Karna, ever the stoic and steadfast protector. A tsundere girlfriend and a dense protagonist. If that wasn't a recipe for a story, I didn't know what was.
Then, there was the whole situation with Loki. He and Sitonai came to me for help with something unusual: getting Loki involved in the American elections. Of course, I called in a favor from Nick Fury to create fake profiles for Loki and enlisted BB to handle the online presence. That was one less thing for me to worry about, at least. With Sitonai by his side, Loki was starting to understand humanity in a way he hadn't before. Who would have thought the god of mischief would come to appreciate the human experience?
But the best part of the day—no, the best part of the week—was Fou. That fluffy little creature had turned into an overnight sensation. I could hardly believe it myself. Customers who came into the bakery couldn't get enough of him. People were constantly taking pictures, asking questions about the adorable, rare rabbit creature we'd somehow introduced into this world.
To be honest, it was all a bit ridiculous, but in the best way possible.
We even capitalized on Fou's newfound fame by creating special sweets in his honor. Every time I walked into the bakery, I couldn't help but smile. The energy was light, the atmosphere warm, and it all felt like a dream.
And Mash, ever the one to see the bigger picture, made Fou a social media account. Not just one, but multiple accounts across all the platforms. She posted his daily adventures, the adorable things he did, and suddenly, Fou was everywhere. It wasn't long before he became one of the most popular "influencers" in the world, with millions of followers.
I mean, it was insane. Fou had gone viral in a matter of days. He even broke a Guinness record for gaining millions of followers in such a short time. The little guy was unstoppable. He had his own brand now. Who would've thought that a cute rabbit from Chaldea could take the world by storm?
As I walked into the bakery and watched Fou hopping around, the shop bustling with happy customers, I felt this odd sense of contentment. We'd all come so far. The tension of the past seemed like a distant memory, and now, we were here—finding joy in the simplest things. And I couldn't help but be grateful.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.
We recently decided to expand our menu by adding a unique range of new sweets to our bakery, inspired by cultural recipes from some very talented people around me. Frigga, along with the Valkyries Ortlinde, Hildr, and Thrúd, came together to bring traditional Norse-inspired treats to life. Each sweet was filled with the flavors and spirit of their heritage, blending old-world charm with a taste that people here hadn't experienced before.
Sita, meanwhile, contributed traditional Indian sweets, rich with flavors and spices she remembered from her homeland. The authenticity and warmth in her recipes had customers coming back for more, and word spread quickly. Before she knew it, Sita had developed a bit of a following, which, of course, left her completely flustered. She'd blush and look away when people praised her, shy about the sudden fame. But seeing her bring those sweets to life, Rama could tell she was proud too. Ofcourse being her husband made him too Popular. Also he dye his hair colour to Black. So they look different. Ofcourse sita will take another turn to dye her hair when the time comes.
With all these new additions, our bakery's popularity took off, and business became more profitable than ever. Kadoc and Director Goredolf, both unexpectedly skilled in management, offered to take the business side of things into their own hands. They brought structure, polish, and high standards to the bakery that made it feel like a top-tier establishment. Kadoc, with his knack for strategy, and Goredolf, with his flair for luxury, were an impressive team. Every suggestion they made, from refining our presentation to targeting new markets, took the business to the next level.
And given that it's still 2011, these changes created quite the buzz around town. The bakery became the talk of the season, with everyone eager to try the rare sweets and curious about our story.
With New Year around the corner, I knew we'd have to prepare for even more demand. I could already imagine the bakery filled with laughter, people celebrating, and trays upon trays of sweets disappearing as fast as we could make them. It was a lot of work, sure, but seeing everyone so happy made every second worth it.
As I was organizing the bakery with Tamamo Cat, Fenris, in his small wolf form, padded over and nudged my leg, looking up with his intelligent eyes. "There's someone outside, waiting by the door," he said. Curious, Tamamo and I stepped outside, and there he was—a figure familiar to anyone who's followed Spider-Man's story. Flint Marko, who one day would become known as Sandman, stood by an old bike, looking uncertain and weathered by life. He glanced up, meeting my eyes, and seemed like he was about to leave when I stopped him.
"Hold on," I called out. "Is there something I can help you with?"
Tamamo Cat tilted her head with her usual playful curiosity, tail flicking. "Why're you waiting outside?"
Flint hesitated, shuffling his feet and looking at the ground. Then, with a quiet resolve, he introduced himself, explaining that he was looking for work. His eyes held a weary hope, a hope I knew well—the kind that comes when you've hit rock bottom and don't see many hands reaching out to help.
I smiled. "You're welcome to join us."
He blinked, clearly taken aback. "Could… could you say that again?" he asked, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
With Tamamo's encouraging nod, I repeated it. "You can work here with us if you'd like."
Flint's face softened, but then he glanced away, guilt in his eyes. "You should know…I've done things. I used to pick pockets, steal, I was…a criminal. I left that behind when my daughter was born, but she's really sick now. I need to support her, somehow, and I can't seem to find anyone who'll give me a second chance."
His voice cracked slightly as he mentioned his daughter, Penny. I could see the pain and desperation there—feel it, even. I looked him in the eye. "Flint, I understand. I'm a father too. I know how it feels to want the best for your daughter, to give her a good life. I know the world isn't always kind to people who want to change…but we're not the world."
Just then, Peter arrived for his night shift, waving as he walked over. When he saw us standing there with Flint, he grinned, recognizing him. Tamamo Cat bounced up, greeting Peter with her usual cheer. "Peter! You're just in time—meet our newest team member."
Peter's face lit up with surprise and excitement, and he immediately offered a handshake, exchanging numbers with Flint to help him settle in and go over everything. "It'll be great working with you, Flint!" he said.
I handed Flint an advance payment, insisting that he put it toward Penny's medical care. "Take care of your daughter. She deserves to see you being the father you've always wanted to be."
Tamamo added, her voice warm, "And bring her here one day when she's feeling well enough. I bet she'll be a bright star like her dad."
Flint's shoulders shook, and he looked down, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Thank you," he whispered. "You… you have no idea how much this means. No one's ever given me this chance. I almost forgot what it felt like to be…seen as human."
I gave him a firm hug, placing a folded staff uniform—a simple but clean shirt with the bakery logo—in his hands. "You're part of our team now. Come by tomorrow morning and start fresh."
Just as he turned to leave, Tamamo dashed inside, returning with a large bag packed with sweets and cakes. "Here, for your family," she said with a gentle smile.
Flint tried to refuse, but I nudged the bag toward him. "Go on, take it."
That night, Flint Marko went home to his family and told his wife and daughter about his new job at the now-famous Fou's Delight Bakery. The relief, the joy—they must have felt like miracles. And in that single act, his life, and his family's life, began to change.
Afterward, I made my way up to the rooftop, needing a quiet moment beneath the stars. I gazed out into the vast, shadowed night sky, thinking back to my own parents, wondering if they'd somehow find a way to watch over me, wherever they might be now. I whispered softly, hoping the stars would carry my words.
"Father, Mother…I hope you can see me. I miss you both. I hope you're proud."
A tear slid down my face as I looked up, feeling that ache deep inside, one only they could fill. But tonight, as I stood there with a smile.
***
Sorry for late upload but I was busy with my college project works. I mean you guys know how it feels
Anyway how is this chapter. I become emotional to write this chapter.
Also now my question
• Should I summon Ritsuka fujimaru parents to the story?
• Yes (I want to see how the family story goes when they see there son had so many lovers. I will try my best to bring family enjoyment in this story)
•No (No bro)
Peace out 😁
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