Cid was… happy.

Really, really happy.

The happiest he ever felt in both of his lives.

Seven girls that he saved on a whim… Who would have thought that they would become the most important people in his life? Who would have thought that his dream would be fulfilled with their help?

That's… nice. It feels good. It feels good to be loved, to have someone who would just take you in their embrace and…

You know, it kinda reminds him of the shower. Back then when he only showered twice per week just because it is expected from an average student; he only realized later on that an hour in warm water is a good relaxation. Something similar happened now; he thought of relationships as one of the steps to become good Eminence, but it turns out that they're… good.

Is he being weird for thinking like that? Maybe…

What he knows is… He is willing to do everything for them if it makes them happy. And they think the same.

He inhaled deeply. A mix of their scents invaded his nostrils; he can't even compare it to anything. It feels good, and that's everything that he needs to know.

Alpha raised her head and looked at him with these moist blue eyes of hers. Her smile was as bright as the sun itself… Uh, he's being poetic again? But that's because Alpha really is his beautiful sun!

"I have waited long for this moment…" barely audible whisper from her, "When you would finally accept us… Accept me…"

"I…" he shivered under her gaze, "was dense."

"Yes, that we all know," she suppressed a chuckle.

"Uh, Boss?" Delta suddenly spoke, "These rings mean that you take us as your lovers, right?"

"Wives, Delta. The most important people in my life," he gently corrected her and scratched her ears."

"So that means we will make children, right?!" her spirits raised.

"Uh, yes, after we finish the ceremony we will… do the deed," Cid coughed.

"He-he!" Delta proudly puffed her chest, "See?! Delta was smart! Delta was in-tel-li-gent! Delta knew the best- OW!"

"Delta," Alpha stared at dog-girl after giving her a bonk on the head.

"Uh, ha-ha, yeah, your Ladyship, I am, um…" therianthrope nervously sweated.

"Alpha, don't bully Delta," Cid rolled his eyes.

Golden-haired elf turned to him.

"You're too lenient, Cid. Sometimes you need to beat common sense into her…" she gazed briefly towards the still whimpering dog-kin, "Literally."

"No beating anything into anyone today."

"As you wish, Cid," Alpha smiled sweetly at him.

"M-m-m…" he hummed in satisfaction.

Other Shades, even Eta, stayed silent and simply enjoyed the warm embrace. Their family surely was big. And children… Hmm, will he be a good father?… Huh? What are you saying, Hams? You will make sure to make the best preparations for Shades' pregnancy and a loot of books about children? Damn, even his Beasts are so supportive…

Hams and Todd were sitting at the table and drawing the runes necessary for safe and painless childbirth. Just in case. Of course, they were aware that Cid still was not ready yet to be a father, but better to have something like that than not to have, right?

As of now, they have managed to inscribe 'Pain Relief', 'Benefication', 'Healing', and a lot more that they deemed important for girls to have a happy, easy childbirth. Though…

They locked their gazes.

"Gamma is the better one," Todd spoke, his tongue tasting the air.

"Eta is scientific genius that uncovers the secrets of this world with mindset similar to that of our Human part," Hams puffed his cheeks.

"Gamma makes sure that her subordinates have a bright future and brings money and bread to the house. Her economic and managing talents know no rival," Toad blinked.

"Eta is the marvel behind Gamma's success," Hamster retorted.

"Eta wouldn't have money nor materials if it was not for Gamma's funding."

"Gamma wouldn't get this much money to begin with if Eta didn't sacrifice nights of sleep to provide inventions one after another."

They stared at each other for several moments before sighing and returning to their work.

What does their dialogue matter, anyway, if Human fawns over the blonde elf way more?

"…for the crimes that you have committed, you shall be subjected to punishment! All of your savings shall be confiscated for the betterment of other Heroes, and you shall be stripped of all your companions! You will have to prove yourself at the Waves…"

Akane didn't bother listening, if she's being honest.

Two days ago, she was summoned (or rather, kicked by Kageno) into this world. She was one of the four so-called Legendary Heroes that were supposed to stop the calamity that fell upon this world. Well, at least, it was supposed to be like this.

In truth, everyone actually despised Shield, it was plain as day. Even the guys she was summoned with were mocking the Shield, saying that it was worthless weapon unable of dealing damage and absolutely useless at high levels when damage was infinitely higher than whatever Shield can block. Apparently, they were from alternate versions of Japan, each of which had a game which include these four weapons, and all of them were quite similar in class setups despite being made in different years; one had MMORPG, another had just RPG, and the last one somehow got the VR version. Interesting.

Also their worlds had no magic at all, though it seems that even her world got magic thanks to… Kageno, yeah. If something weird happens, blame Kagenou; 95% chance he's at fault.

But she was no Shield, and everyone knew that. Moreover, she had no restrictions about being together with anyone, so they tried to bait her to come with them. Of course, she refused. Oh, they were also spied on by the maids, or whatever these servants were.

"…want to protect her good name, but you…"

The next day (which was yesterday) they got party members, or rather, party members chose them. She got none. Was fine by her, but at the last moment one woman changed her mind. She did not give a shit, though, and after receiving the starter money (by the way, they are Heroes, right? Why the hell does kingdom give such a small sum and no instructors, especially when they know Heroes should be weak early on?) ran away to explore the monsters of this world.

They were… disappointing. In just a day she explored most part of the forest surrounding the city… Thanks to Minoru… yeah, apparently, naming her pet goose after the dead classmate was not the brightest idea… Anyway, goose allowed her to travel on its back, gave air support, and a lot more stuff.

After looting the monsters (which apparently crowbar wanted to eat or something) she got back to the city and decided to stop in an inn for today. She felt too tired of all this bullshit; tomorrow she will go to the wild and make herself a nice house (crowbar shone in excitement for work).

Well, that's what she planned, at least.

For some reason, this same bitch (Akane is 100% sure that woman is bitch; she doesn't know why but she's sure) decided to sneak in Nishino's room late at night, but got bit by overprotective goose. Next thing she knows, a squad of guards appears and decided to apprehend Hero instead of whoever broke in Hero's room. Bullshit, you say? Yeah, bullshit.

That's why she took her trusty crowbar and went to the castle, to explain to these stupid officials that they were wrong, and the truth is actually the other way around.

Now the king is singing praises towards other Heroes for stepping in to protect the innocence of poor woman who almost got, uh… Got, yeah!

Akane had two things to say about that.

One: the Heroes in question sat in the corner like mice upon seeing cat and did not peek until guards came.

Two: Akane heavily doubts the innocence of that woman and especially the fact that she's poor, as it turned out the woman was, you will not believe it… Princess of this country!

Yeah, who would have thought!

In short, it was clear that they tried to frame the Shield. And if it was the Shield, it may have worked… But she was Crowbar.

And as Kageno said, 'There's no trick against crowbar'. Wait, no, that was not Kageno, that was this Green Serpent that visited them at some point…

Whatever; these words meant one simple thing.

"…Now, what do you have to say in your defense?!" king generated coolness will all his old might.

"I don't give a fuck."

In the next moment, her crowbar suddenly flew out of her hand and started beating the shit out of the guards. Some ninja-like women jumped down to stop it, only to be beaten in the process, too.

"Minoru, pack them up, don't wanna any shit to happen while I collect the goodi- I mean, important things and information," she coughed.

"S-Shield, what is the meaning of this?!" king paled at her actions.

"I am Crowbar, you degenerate," she retorted as she collected other Legendary Weapons, "Now I ask, and if you manage to give a full detailed answer, I shall let you go."

"D-Don't you dare to try! Heroes are supposed to save the world, and all four Legendary Weapons are to be present in order to do so! You can't-"

"Correct. Four Legendary Weapons should save the world," she could see king calming down as confident smile returned to his face.

She almost feels bad for twisting the contract like that, but they brought it upon themselves.

Thank you, Kageno, for your lessons!

"The world, not its denizens. Weapons, not their wielders."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Beatrix only knows why, Alexia felt an urge to find one average-looking boy and beat the shit ouf of him. Of course, she quickly suppressed such an urge, but, uh…

He did not suddenly find several women interested in him, did he? She doesn't know why else would she feel like that!

…Hold up, whose carriage is that? All black, with golden linings… And rose symbol? Is that?…

The carriage door opened, and a tall woman clad in black slowly stepped out of it. Her honey-like hair fluttered in the wind, and her gaze travelled across the street. Upon finding the Midgar Princess, however, a sense of warmth appeared in honey-like eyes.

"Hello, Alexia. I hope Iris does not overwork you."

"Q-Queen-"

"Relax, Alexia. I wouldn't allow my friend to act like that," she squinted with a smile, "Moreover, weren't you quite eager to get at my actions back when we were with Cid?"

"Y-You!" alright, that's definitely Rose Oriana she knows!

"Ha-ha, now this is Alexia that promised to offer her hand to eradicate the evil," Rose nodded with a smile.

"U-Uf…" Alexia pouted, "What are you here for, anyway?"

"Oh, Princess Iris sent an invitation to participate in peace talks."

"Y-Yeah, I forgot about that…" princess went silent.

They simply stood for a moment until Rose inquired for something she really wanted to know.

"Say, where is Cid?"

"Hell if I know! This guy just disappeared, and the only thing we know is Claire saying everything is fine! Hmph!"

"I see…" wait, why does Alexia feel like Rose really knows what's the deal behind that?

"C'mon, don't leave me out of the loop! Hello, Rose! Tell me!…"

"Uh, Alpha?" Cid found sky-like eyes staring at him with slit-shaped pupils.

"Now, since we have confirmed our love for each other…" Alpha inhaled his scent, "Isn't it the time for us to satisfy our carnal desires?"

Cid eyed the room. All Shades shared the same crazed look as they gazed upon him lying on the bed. Then he looked back at Alpha, who suddenly appeared even closer.

Well, they could do it after an official celebration, or they could do it now. And honestly? Cid doesn't mind now!

"You know, Alpha…" he started.

"Yes~?" she purred.

"All this time, I have allowed you to command me over for a bit, right?"

"Yes…?" she blinked.

Shades saw his eyes slowly turning red. The next moment, they all suddenly found themselves being dragged to the bed.

…seggs?