(Titus's POV)
As usual, the crack of dawn nudged me awake. After freshening up, I sauntered downstairs, finding the house deserted. Curiosity piqued, I ambled into the backyard. There, amidst the fields, I spotted a figure toiling away.
"Titus, check it out! Our potatoes are sprouting already!" Rin's excitement bubbled over as she proudly displayed the fruits of her labor. Ever since settling the score with Kirei, Rin had developed an unexpected penchant for farming.
"Indeed, they look splendid," I acknowledged.
"Ah, I almost forgot. Get changed; breakfast in five," she rushed off, heading for the kitchen.
"She's really taking this 'wife' thing seriously," I mused. Sometimes, it was hard to reconcile this diligent Rin Tohsaka with the fiery, tsundere personality I knew. Though our marriage was merely a strategic pact, she embraced the role wholeheartedly. Cooking thrice a day, tending to chores, and greeting me upon my return became her routine.
While she did dedicate some time to sharpening her magecraft, it was secondary. Most hours were spent with her sister Sakura, mastering domestic arts—an amusing contradiction to her proud, money-driven nature.
Oddly enough, she seemed to relish it when I gave directives. Perhaps these were hidden facets of Rin I had overlooked.
Returning indoors, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with Rin, affirming my satisfaction with her culinary skills. Soon, it was time to depart. As I slipped on my shoes, I caught Rin, cheeks flushed, nervously fidgeting.
Inquiring, I prompted, "Is everything alright?"
"Can you… come back early? I want to catch a movie with you…!" Rin's request tumbled out in a rush.
"I was actually planning on an early return—to take you shopping and then out for dinner," I countered.
If there was one aspect of married life I detested, it was shopping. Waiting endlessly while your partner browsed for what seemed like an eternity. Tamamo and her deliberations were one thing, but Nero? Hours spent selecting dresses only to dismiss them all. Yet, Rin was a different breed, deciding in minutes. So I wanted to give her some time.
"Really? Yay!" Rin exulted, launching herself at me. In an instant, her arms encircled my neck, and a kiss landed on my cheek. "Thank you, Titus. I love you!"
I nodded, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead before making my exit.
"Just when will she be forthcoming…" I sighed inwardly.
Rin's displays of affection or hints at her feelings were not lost on me. Yet, something held her back from baring her heart. Well, if life taught me anything, it was the folly of rushing into matters of the heart.
I materialized right into my office, spotting Caren by my desk, armed with a stack of papers. Adopting her had somehow made her my de facto secretary.
"Hey there," I greeted her, settling into my seat and diving into the paperwork.
"Father, you can let these papers handle themselves," Caren reminded me. Out of my trio of self-proclaimed adoptees—Olga Marie, Gilgamesh, and Caren—she was the only one who called me "father."
"Right," I chuckled, running my hand through my hair. I commanded my pen to fill out the papers independently. Sometimes, I forgot I held absolute control over everything here—I didn't need to lift a finger.
Turning to Caren, I noticed her in a different red dress, looking quite stunning, except for one thing...
"Why aren't you wearing your skirt, Caren?" I questioned, a disapproving glare in her direction.
She twirled around, striking an odd pose in what seemed like an attempt at seduction.
"Got erection, Father?" Caren asked casually.
My eyebrows shot up. Sure, I had a soft spot for pantyhose, but only when worn by a woman I was involved with. Caren was still a child to me, and I couldn't fathom why she'd purposefully ditch her skirt.
"And who's the target of this seduction?" I inquired.
"You, Father," she replied.
My eyes widened. None of my kids would ever talk like that, especially not after knowing me for some time. I should've reprimanded her, but she was different. Like Kirei, she had a screw loose—calling me "father" while trying to seduce me.
Moreover, her past mirrored Sakura's.
Caren had been entrusted to a stern priest by her father, who disapproved of her mother's choices, deeming Caren unworthy until her baptism. For years, she labored in his church, denied education to prevent what he termed "wickedness," only instructed to pray. Yet, Caren had embraced this life. When stigmata adorned her body during her baptism, the priest relented, releasing her to the Holy Church.
Accepted by the devout Cistercian Order at Citeaux Abbey, Caren's stigmata unveiled her unique abilities as a potent spirit medium, rendering her invaluable to the Church as a daemon detector. She found refuge, education, and the authority to assist in exorcisms. Despite her involvement, she never officially crossed paths with her father.
I found myself in a bit of a fix; scolding her just wasn't my style.
"Ahem, I won't be swayed. I prefer women with maturity, not those who reveal too much," I stated firmly.
"Oh..." Caren mumbled, glancing downward.
"Anyway, focus on learning and enjoy your meals. You'll grow into a remarkable woman someday, Caren."
"Okay," Caren nodded, offering a faint smile, "I'll start wearing skirts."
"Excellent!"
That's the way you guide youngsters. People might assume I was merely stalling, but truth be told, when she matured, I'd likely find someone more suited to her age. My girls often used to say things like 'I'll marry daddy when I grow up,' but soon they'd forget their promises and move on with their lives.
I rose from my seat and opened my arms. Caren's face lit up, and she enthusiastically jumped into a hug. Wrapping her arms around me, she buried her face in my chest. I allowed her the moment as I gently stroked her head.
"I love you, uh, Dad... *sniff*," Caren confessed. Did she just sniff?
"I love you too, my dear," I replied, a bit perplexed.
'Kids grow up so fast. Look at her, already 15,' I thought, reminiscing about her childhood, only to realize I'd adopted her just a few days ago.
"Then..." Caren blushed, looking at me with rosy cheeks, "Can you grant me a little wish?"
"Sure thing, sweetheart. What's your wish?" I asked.
"Can you impregnate with me?" Caren corrected herself with a shy smile.
"Of course! Wait, what?" I widened my eyes in surprise, but before I could react further, she darted out of my office.
"Children really do grow up fast," I chuckled, passing a helpless smile. Maybe they just have a knack for surprising you.
Leaving my room, I made my way to another chamber. A gentle knock preceded my entrance, revealing Olga Marie engrossed in front of a computer screen. Behind it, a giant globe spun, resembling our Earth.
After exchanging greetings, I inquired, "What's the progress report?"
"I can now simulate 2000 years in just 5 minutes," Olga explained, detailing her findings.
Before delving further, let me clarify.
Earth and everything around it adhere to certain laws, including time. For you, 24 hours make a day, just like for everyone else. However, once you depart from Earth, the laws of physics undergo change. The farther you move away, the more distinct these laws become, leading to time dilation discrepancies between individuals on Earth and those distant from it.
This holds true for the Moon Cell, a digital universe. The farther you stray from its core, the slower time runs for its inhabitants. This area is termed the 'Far side of the Moon.' Put simply, it's so distant from the Moon Cell's core that time flows significantly faster compared to the 'Near side of the Moon.'
For instance, in the 'Far side of the Moon,' a thousand years might pass, while merely a second elapses on the 'Near side of the Moon.'
Hence, the room where I stationed Olga Marie exists in the 'Far side of the Moon,' and those 5 minutes she mentioned actually amount to 500 years. She'd been here for nearly a million years, unaware of this discrepancy.
Regarding the simulation, it was akin to a project like CHALDEAS, emulating the real world. I crafted this world to simulate reality, seeking the whereabouts of the Whore of Babylonia. Olga Marie's task was to compress time as much as possible while rectifying discrepancies that deviated from human history.
"Excellent work, Olga Marie," I praised the young girl, gently stroking her hair. "You've done me proud."
Besides possessing remarkable Moon Cell aptitude, she was diligent and intelligent. I couldn't fathom what kind of blinders her father wore to overlook such a bright child.
"Thank you, teacher," Olga beamed, glancing at her watch. "Oh, it's time for class."
"Right," I nodded, extending my hand. Olga nodded in return, holding my hand with rosy cheeks.
We teleported outside a classroom, and I instructed Olga to enter first before joining a few minutes later.
I began teaching a small group of students, including Olga Marie, Caren, Reines, and a few others. Future Crypters such as Kirschtaria Wodime and Ophelia Phamrsolone were also part of my class.
As for the other Crypters, Kodock was just a 7-year-old child, and Beryl Gut was nowhere to be found since I had already removed him from this universe. Daybit's existence remained shrouded in mystery. Scandinavia Peperoncino served as my Executioner, but Hinako Akuta's whereabouts eluded me. Much like Daybit, it seemed she didn't exist in this world.
"Let's begin the class."
---
Seated beside Rin, we were engrossed in a movie, but today felt different—she was closer than usual, nestled comfortably against my side. With my right arm draped around her, she fit snugly into my embrace.
The movie promised a family-friendly romance, but that was an illusion shattered by unexpectedly explicit scenes following a seemingly innocent kiss. I wasn't a fan of these cringe-worthy films, yet inexplicably, I found myself oddly engaged.
"Is it just me, or is it getting warmer in here?" I pondered, contemplating the sudden rise in room temperature despite it being December. Then, I noticed Rin emanating a soft pink aura. Strangely, I started feeling the heat too. Blame the mood—it was undeniably set.
In that moment, watching this overly romantic movie with my stunning wife, fresh from a shower, nestled in my arms—what more could one ask for?
My gaze inadvertently trailed to her partially unbuttoned shirt, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her womanly curves. And there it was—my hand, already resting on her softness. As the mood flowed, I daringly slipped my hand beneath her shirt, gently exploring her contours, feeling the curve of her breast.
"Hm~..." Rin emitted a soft, subdued moan, her cheeks flushing pink, yet she remained absorbed in the TV show.
'What the...' I was bewildered beyond belief. Continuing, I unbuttoned her shirt to expose more of her chest. They weren't as developed as Sakura's, but they had the perfect matureness of a woman.
'I want more...' I felt the arousal building within me, and slowly, my other hand slipped beneath her pajamas. First, my finger explored her small garden. I think she was keeping it minimal.
But my fingers ultimately traveled until they reached the final destination. Without waiting further, I went in.
"Ah~!" Rin moaned loudly this time, yet her eyes stayed fixated on the movie. My excitement grew, but so did my confusion.
Rin not only moaned but also instinctively spread her legs, as if it were the most natural thing for her. My finger roamed inside her until it came to a halt.
'Yup, she's a virgin.' I smirked, realizing her inexperience mirrored my own current state.
I wanted to enjoy this play, but I was getting more confused. Was she apathetic to touch or something?
"Rin..." I called out, finally gaining her attention.
"Hm?"
"I-I'm fondling your breast and down there." I confessed, to which Rin just nodded.
"O-Okay. Enjoy however you want..." Rin replied nonchalantly, until she slowly turned, catching sight of my hand on her breast and in her trousers. Then, she looked at me again. Slowly, tears started welling in her eyes.
"Sniff* Titus... I'm sorry... ahhh!"
And she started crying.
---
After a few minutes, I managed to calm Rin down. Guilt lingered, as I questioned myself for taking advantage of her vulnerability. What puzzled me more was her tearful apology instead of anger.
Once she composed herself, I asked about the reason behind her reaction. Rin hesitated but eventually shared her secret, revealing, "Actually, I think, just like Sakura, I am also possessed by another person..."
The possession began during our initial encounter. Rin confessed that, at first sight, she found herself drawn to me for an unknown reason. Initially, she didn't mind unintentional kisses or love confessions. However, she soon realized that being near me transformed her into an entirely different person. Oddly, she became apathetic to touch, not even noticing if I touched her intimately.
She recounted an exception: feeling a touch when Shirou shook her hand. But with other men, she wouldn't let them lay a finger on her. Fearful of my rejection, she wanted to cure this peculiar ailment promptly.
"Pff! Hahaha!" I burst into laughter, earning disapproving glares from Rin. "Oh, my dear tsundere wife, what gives you any idea that I would abandon you? Did you forget just what kind of women I had already lived with? If I compare your struggle with their shenanigans, you are definitely the most adorable one."
Compared to the trials I faced with Nero, Tamamo, and Scathach, Rin was the most level-headed. She was undeniably the supportive one in my life. If she hadn't given me her pendant, I might not have survived to witness my final moments with Tamamo. And without the treasure key she brought, I would never have discovered the Whore of Babylonia. She even proposed marriage directly, skipping the usual dating and courtship process.
Rin was my greatest friend in this life and quite possibly the first girl I fell for.
"Moe~! Be serious now," Rin pouted, cheeks puffing cutely.
"About that other person within you," I began, scratching my head. "Actually, there was another Rin Tohsaka in the Moon Cell Holy Grail war." I proceeded to explain the existence of another Rin in the Fate/Extra world.
While that Rin Tohsaka was blonde in reality, she resembled the current Rin with dark hair. She, too, inexplicably fell in love with me, for reasons even I couldn't comprehend. Unlike my previous self who retained memories with each reset, she couldn't.
Although I had witnessed Rin in the Moon Cell assisting my previous self and confessing her love, intimate moments between her and my former self were absent from my memories.
"Man, are you some kind of pussy magnet?" Rin asked, puzzled.
"Beats me," I replied, starting to question it myself. "Anyway, Rin, the thing is, you aren't possessed by anyone. There might be some influence from the Moon Cell, but your feelings and current memories belong to you and no one else."
Even Nero and Tamamo used to ponder whether their love for me originated in the Moon Cell or in this world. Eventually, it didn't matter. Their memories and affections were theirs, regardless of origin. There was no point in dwelling on this matter.
Moreover, I had already examined Rin's soul and found no anomalies. My theory was that during my reincarnation in this world, I somehow implanted Blond Rin's memories into the current Rin's subconscious mind.
"Is that so..." Rin muttered.
"Whether you love me or hate me, it's all you. As for me," I smirked, "I definitely want to whack your body."
"Pervert..." Rin passed a smile finally.
"So, I'll ask you this, Rin. Do you love me?" I inquired, prompting a blush from Rin as she slightly tilted her head in affirmation.
"Then I'll wait for you to make up your mind. I won't rush." I knew she needed time to accept these feelings, and I respected that. I had waited for others before, and I would do the same for her.
Rin smiled and shook her head. "Jeez, I can guess why the blond version of me fell for you. You're too good to be left behind." She then blushed, adding, "Thanks, Titus." Drawing closer, she hugged me, finding comfort in my embrace. "I love you so much that I want to… devour… you... zzzz..."
And she drifted into sleep.
"Maybe I can find some peace for now," I smiled, leaning down and closing my eyes with Rin in my embrace.
While the terror of the Whore of Babylonia loomed, it didn't mean I couldn't relish this life.
[Volume 4 Ends]