The Yukino Family mansion boasted a sofa that, while not quite as large as a bed, was certainly spacious enough to be used as one without any trouble.
Roland lay comfortably on it, cradling Yukio in his arms. Even if they rolled around in their embrace, there was no risk of falling off.
Roland really wanted to do just that, but seeing Yukio relax look in his arms and quickly drift into a deep sleep, he couldn't bring himself to disturb his beloved's rest.
Instead, he had to constantly monitor her Health Value. If it suddenly plummeted, it would mean the nightmare had returned, and he would have to wake her immediately.
In this tense yet blissful atmosphere, half an hour passed quietly with one woman sleeping peacefully while a young man keep looking at her like there is no tommorow.
To Roland's relief, Yukio's Health Value hadn't decreased during this time. Perhaps nightmares didn't occur during the day, or perhaps her deep sleep in his arms was allowing it to recover rapidly.
It made sense. Aunt Yukio's exhaustion stemmed not only from the nightmares but also from chronic sleep deprivation.
If Roland could ensure Yukio got a restful night's sleep, her Health Value should recover to the safe threshold of 60 points.
To create a comfortable sleeping environment for her, Roland held her tightly, afraid to move an inch lest he wake her. He could only secretly caress her delicate skin with gentle massages and snap photos of them sleeping nearly face-to-face once in a while.
Once he'd exhausted all the subtle gestures he could make, Roland began to ponder another matter that troubled him.
He had a growing suspicion about the true cause of Yukio's recurring nightmares.
If his hunch was correct, Yukio's "condition" might indeed be beyond the reach of modern medicine. Perhaps it was time to visit a shrine after all.
Of course, that depended on whether these shrines were genuine places of spiritual power, not mere tourist attractions. Otherwise, the trip would be pointless.
Roland needed a shrine with true exorcism capabilities.
Yes, exorcism.
By now, anyone smart would probably guessed what his suspicion was.
Since Yukio's physical health was perfect and psychiatric medication had no effect, the truth, based on her descriptions of the dream scenarios, could only be one thing:
A supernatural event.
Though this explanation might sound far-fetched, the saying goes: "When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
Roland dared to say this for two reasons:
First, in his previous life, he had read The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft. Aunt Yukio's dream descriptions immediately reminded him of Cthulhu-esque themes.
Second, the reward for successfully "conquering" Yukio included not only Points but also a Supernatural Ability.
This had always puzzled Roland. If supernatural abilities could be exchanged for Points in the Shop, why would the System specifically grant him one? Wouldn't it have been simpler to give him the corresponding Points and let him choose what he wanted?
Could Roland interpret this as the System fearing he might hesitate to exchange Points for a Supernatural Ability, thus ensuring he had one by gifting it?
But why would the System insist on granting him a Supernatural Ability?
Presumably, there must be situations where such abilities are essential for resolving problems.
Looking at the world as a whole, aside from mindless war where innocents deaths is the product, what problems truly required supernatural abilities to solve?
Wouldn't money be far more useful in this era?
But considering Yukio's situation, Roland began to suspect this world might be more complex than he'd imagined. Perhaps it wasn't just the slice-of-life anime world he'd always assumed, but one with elements of a supernatural revival or something completely different from what he had ever imagined?
Of course, these were just speculations. What if Roland was simply overthinking things, imagining conflicts with thin air?
He decided not to share his theories with Yukio, not wanting to needlessly frighten her.
Regardless, Roland still felt he should exchange for a supernatural ability as a precaution. Even if he was wrong, having one wouldn't hurt, right?
With that thought, Roland acted swiftly. He... promptly closed the System, then happily closed his eyes and rested, holding Yukio close to his chesth.
What was he thinking? He only had 500 Points, and even the most basic useful supernatural abilities cost at least 1,000 Points.
Laughable—he couldn't afford sh!t from this shop at all!
Roland decided to play it safe and focus on conquering Yukio first. Since the Supernatural Ability was only granted upon successful conquest, it meant he wouldn't need it during the process. Otherwise, the reward would be pointless.
This can't be how it works...
Roland: I need the Supernatural Ability to conquer her.
System: You'll get the Supernatural Ability after you conquer her.
Roland: But how can I conquer her without the Supernatural Ability?
System:You! Must! Conquer! Her! First!
(Shrugs)
====================
As Roland closed his eyes to rest, two hours passed quickly.
During this time, Yukio's Health Value steadily increased, suggesting the nightmare was unlikely to return for now at least with him by her side.
Watching her peaceful sleeping face, Roland breathed a sigh of relief and unconsciously drifted off to sleep himself.
After all, he had spent the previous night sitting upright against the headboard, caring for Haruno while she was on her period cramps. His sleep had been terrible, and now that he could finally relax with a fragrance of a mature ripe beauty nestled in his arms, drowsiness naturally overcame him.
As Roland slept, he completely missed Haruno's recovery from her dazed state and her exit from the room.
In reality, Haruno had long since snapped out of her daze. However, the lingering comfort from Roland's caresses still lingered on her body, causing her to impulsively slip her hand into her panties and waste some energy...
After spending some time changing the thoroughly soaked bedsheets and panties, she finally took a leisurely shower and emerged feeling completely refreshed.
Having experienced the morning's events, Haruno was in an exceptionally good mood. The Haruno of the past had never felt the need for a man, but now that she had truly possessed one, she realized how utterly delightful a man's touch could be.
It was like opening the door to a whole new world!
Of course, the main reason was that this particular man completely satisfied her. Not only could she tease him endlessly, but she could also bask in his perfect devotion. Could there be a more useful man in the world?
Exactly! She simply found Roland very useful—it wasn't as if she had developed any feelings for him.
How could a mere brat like him possibly stir her deep emotions? If anything, he was the one who had fallen for her!
Yet, as Haruno thought this, her gaze swiftly swept across the living room and locked onto sleeping Roland on the sofa.
The moment she saw his figure, Haruno's heart leaped with joy as if she was standing cheery blossom... then froze like she was dipped in netherworld ice water.
Roland, now in Haruno's line of sight, was lying on the sofa in a tight embrace with her beloved respected mother, looking like a loving couple. Her mother even had one leg draped over Roland while she sleep with her head in his arms.
That bastard Roland!
He'd just slept with her, and now he's sleeping with her mother?
Does that mean this bastard Roland is essentially slept with both of us mother and daughter in the family?
This is utterly depraved and blasphemous!
And why does her mother's leg seem to be positioned... wrong?
Roland's crotch is clearly forming a little tent!
How dare you touch that, you mother..?
Haruno gritted her teeth in fury. Even she hadn't touched that yet! Even if you adore your Little Roland, this is taking it too far!
Haruno felt deeply resentful. Her good mood from the morning had been completely ruined. She stomped over to the pair and yanked her mother's beautiful leg off the spot that should belong solely to her.
Then she glanced at the two seemingly soundly asleep, and a daring and dangerous thought surfaced in her mind as if it's a straight order from the goddess of lust.
Haruno eyed the zipper on Roland's pants. Come to think of it, she hadn't eaten all morning, and she was starting to feel a little hungry.