Chapter 125: A New Hobby and Inviting Haruna Over as a Guest
"Senpai, why did you suddenly go quiet? Was there something strange about that lady?"
After the meal, Yuigahama Hana took her leave first, and only then did Mai ask Ren about his unusual behavior.
Ever since coming down from the CEO's office, Ren had become much quieter. It didn't seem like he was troubled by something, but more like he was deep in thought about a certain matter.
"Nothing strange about her. It's just that I seem to have developed a new hobby under Renée's influence."
Ren snapped back to reality and spoke slowly, tapping the table with a somewhat inexplicable expression as he shared some of his thoughts with Mai.
[Yuigahama Hana, 32 years old, delicate widow, single mother, has a thirteen-year-old pink-haired beauty for a daughter. Has accepted reality and doesn't want to find a stepfather for her daughter, worried about her daughter being bullied or neglected. However, inner loneliness often troubles her late at night, keeping her awake.]
His System always understood human hearts, always providing effective help when he needed it.
Though Ren didn't think he'd developed the same tastes as certain historical figures, Renée's influence was still present—otherwise he wouldn't have glanced at Hana a few extra times.
But what was with that strange status display?
He had merely let his thoughts wander in other directions due to the influence, and the System had already laid everything out perfectly for him.
Widow, single mother, outwardly gentle and strong but inwardly harboring inexplicable loneliness and solitude.
Wasn't this clearly telling him there was an opportunity?
Ren originally thought he would scold the System loudly, but as his Harem members increased and various beauties kept appearing, he realized after some thought that he wasn't actually that resistant to the idea.
From peers to juniors, he currently had no senpai, no caring older sister figure, and certainly no wealthy aunt. When it came to expanding his Harem, Ren had plenty of time and energy.
"A new hobby? What is it?"
Mai couldn't imagine what inspiration Ren could have drawn from what just happened, showing a slightly confused yet adorable expression. In front of Ren, she didn't force herself to maintain her perfect facade.
"You'll find out later. Are you going home tonight?"
Ren smiled without answering. This new hobby was still in its earliest stages, and he didn't plan to talk about it now. Besides, Mai and the others might not understand anyway.
After all, it was easier to deal with peers—getting along was simpler. If there were to be a sister with a significant age difference, it would probably be somewhat awkward.
"I don't want to go back."
Mai maintained a stern expression, still holding some resentment toward Renée in her heart.
"Then come to my place."
He hadn't had time to deal with the new house yet. While he had acquired a manor, it was in the suburbs, quite far from the city center. Actually living there would increase commute times, so in the city, Ren would still take Mai and the others to his large apartment—815 square meters could accommodate many people.
Though he hadn't voiced his thoughts aloud, someone still learned about what he encountered today.
"Ren, I've heard a saying: 'A widow's door gathers many troubles.' If you interact with Aunt Renée too frequently, Mai might notice."
In the evening, while bathing together, Yuno sat in the tub letting Ren rest his head against her soft chest as she gently massaged his temples, speaking in a soft tone.
"I thought you'd mention Aunt Yuhihama."
Ren knew he couldn't hide things from Yuno. They shared a trust and intimacy that allowed them to know each other's most private thoughts. Among everyone, Yuno was the only person Ren would voluntarily consult about certain matters.
Though she could see through almost all his actions, his innermost secrets remained his own. At first, Ren found it strange—being constantly observed felt inappropriate. But after getting used to it, he gave Yuno his complete trust.
Yuno cherished this trust, so she kept some of Ren's past and potential actions from Hitori and the others, even offering him advice.
"If it were just a single mother, it would be normal pursuit, so no need for concern. But Aunt Renée is different. Should I cover for you?"
After finishing the massage, Yuno hugged Ren. Her ability to catch him in the act was something Ren couldn't defend against, but with her help, it would be hard for anyone to discover if he had a lover outside.
As long as it was for Ren's benefit, she was willing to be an accomplice.
"No, let things take their course. Besides, she's just a mother worried about her daughter. Don't misunderstand her intentions."
"Okay~"
After that, Ren returned to his peaceful daily life, as did Hitori and the others. Still in high school, their days were filled with school, after-school club activities, and Band activities—every day was very fulfilling.
Soon, summer vacation arrived, and Ren and the others finally had time to hold the long-overdue welcome party.
Previously, Renako and Mai hadn't known about this. They felt quite embarrassed but also saw it as an opportunity to deepen their bond with Hitori and the others.
Though they had gotten along well over the semester, their relationship had hit an awkward point. Being juniors, Renako and Mai naturally stuck together for support, creating an invisible barrier between them and Hitori's group.
After the welcome party, that subtle barrier disappeared. Though embarrassing, it was undoubtedly a great chance to strengthen their bonds. After going through hardships together physically and emotionally, it would be strange if their relationship didn't improve.
Through this, Renako and Mai also learned how Hitori and the others interacted with Ren in private, which subtly spurred their competitive spirit.
As teenage girls, they could be brave and bold for love, but only to a certain extent.
Unlike Hitori and the others, who were like an old married couple with Ren—if embarrassment could bring better experiences for him and them, they would always blush and endure it sweetly.
Shamefully doing what needed to be done.
This fostered a virtuous cycle of competition—if the senior could do it, why couldn't they?
Thus, Renako and Mai also began experimenting: keeping their stockings on, wearing uniforms other than school or casual attire, and exploring everything they could do beyond the confines of the bedroom—all while filled with bashful excitement.
"Renako, it's been a while since I last saw Haruna. Next time you come over, bring her along. She still doesn't know where I live yet."
During summer vacation, there was no need to worry about oversleeping and being late the next day. Renako and the others often stayed over at Ren's place. Tonight, it was Renako's turn. After an intense and satisfying time, Ren chatted with her about everyday matters.
Ren never forgot to maintain good relations with his girlfriends' families, and he systematically visited their parents or younger sisters.
However, he always visited them. Just a couple of days ago, Futari had insisted on coming over to his place to play for the day. Since Haruna was also his sister-in-law, he didn't want to show favoritism, so he thought of inviting Haruna over as well.
"I'm not sure if she has time~ I'll ask her tomorrow, or you could ask her yourself, Senpai? Haruna quite likes you."
Renako wrapped her arms around Ren's waist, looking too lazy to even open her eyes. Her fair skin glowed with an alluring blush, still glistening with sweat under the light, making it look incredibly smooth.
Of course, she liked him—after all, the gifts he gave were always things she adored.
Every time Ren visited, he never forgot to bring presents. Initially, he had asked Haruna to help style Renako, but later, he stopped mentioning it and even gave Haruna an extra set of cosmetics and skincare products on top of the original gifts.
Not only that, Ren also gifted her a handbag and a shoulder bag. After asking Renako for Haruna's measurements, he sent over several custom-made outfits. All of them were exquisitely crafted, though without any visible brand logos, so Haruna could wear them without appearing too flashy.
With such straightforward tactics, Ren spent less than 100 million yen. Over the course of a semester, despite meeting infrequently, Haruna's affection for him rose to 89—just one step away from becoming lovers.
As for inviting Haruna over, it was naturally a simple matter. The next day, after returning home, Renako took the opportunity to sleep with Haruna for the first time in a while and casually mentioned Ren's invitation.
Haruna, of course, excitedly agreed. She had never been to Ren's place before, though she had heard about it from Renako.
She'd heard it was incredibly luxurious, far beyond what their own home was like, and that there were even twin maids.
As for the matter of Yuno, neither Renako nor Ren had mentioned it to her yet. This time, inviting Haruna over was part of Ren's plan to reveal to her that he was maintaining a Harem.
Futari already knew, but she was still young and didn't fully understand. Nevertheless, she was tight-lipped and had never said anything to her parents.
Inviting Haruna was a bolder attempt—after all, she was about to enter high school and understood much more than Futari.
The next day, Haruna woke up early with excitement and eagerly shook her older sister awake.
"Sis, stop sleeping! When are we leaving? Is Ren awake yet?"
"Mmm~ I'm so tired~"
Every time she returned from Ren's place, Renako needed to catch up on sleep. If left to her alone, whenever Ren was in the mood, she would end up tearfully begging for mercy.
So today, she had no intention of going with Haruna. After all, Haruna and Ren were already quite familiar with each other.
"Huh? Sis, you're not planning to go?"
Haruna was very surprised to learn of Renako's thoughts. Was her sister suggesting she spend time alone with Ren today?
"Yeah, Haruna, you can go by yourself. Ram-senpai will be here in twenty minutes. I'm going back to sleep~"
Still drowsy, Renako picked up her phone to check a message, then yawned, turned over, pulled the blankets tighter, and fell back asleep.
Hmm...
Though she had no ulterior motives, Haruna felt inexplicably shy. Spending time alone with her handsome, wealthy, and doting brother-in-law—how could she not be excited? She even dared to let her imagination run wild.
Well, going alone was fine. She was familiar enough with Ren that it wouldn't be awkward.
Unable to wake Renako, Haruna decided to go by herself.
"Good morning, Sister Ram."
Once in the car, Haruna greeted Ram. Ren didn't always come alone; occasionally, he brought Ram and Rem along as drivers, so Haruna had met them a few times.
"Morning. Isn't Renako coming?"
Ram was puzzled not to see Renako.
"Sis said she wanted to sleep and didn't want to go. Do you think Ren will be upset?"
Haruna explained somewhat nervously. It felt like everyone should be present for such occasions, but for some reason, Renako was as lazy as a pig today, never getting enough sleep.
"The master won't be upset. Let's get going."
Ram shook her head and glanced at Haruna, who had deliberately dressed up and applied makeup to look pretty.
As an older sister herself, with a younger sister of her own—and though both were maids to Ren, they could also become mistresses—Ram knew full well that Haruna visiting alone was like a lamb walking into a tiger's den.
Perhaps Renako was too naive to see it, but as someone who shared Ren's bed and stepped up to share the burden when the mistress was overwhelmed, often even competing with Rem, Ram was well aware of whether Ren had any intentions toward Haruna.
And what if, against all odds, Haruna herself had ideas?
Thinking this, Ram quietly drove Haruna to the house. She wouldn't interfere unnecessarily—if anything, it just meant there might be one more mistress to serve in the future.
About twenty minutes later, Haruna arrived at Ren's home, her face full of curiosity as she took the elevator up. The entrance hall, larger than her own room, left her both stunned and delighted.
Her family background made her susceptible to such displays of wealth. To avoid appearing uncultured, she put on the airs of a socialite she had seen online and in dramas, calmly maintaining a reserved expression as she followed behind Ram.
Upon entering the living room, I found Ren sitting naturally on the sofa in his bathrobe reading a book. What sat on the coffee table wasn't a Lafite from '82 nor tea worth hundreds of thousands per ounce,
but a bottle of cola.
"Brother-in-law~"
It was early morning, and sunlight spilled over Ren, draping him in a golden radiance as if he were wearing a brilliant outer garment, making him appear like a holy child descended to the mortal world.
Seeing this, Haruna couldn't help but soften her voice, forgetting all about formalities as she settled beside Ren with deep affection and delight.
"You're here. Where's your sister?"
Ren set aside his pastime book, carefully inserting a bookmark before turning to look at Haruna, whose face was slightly flushed with joy.
"She said she wants to sleep and won't be coming today."
"So it's just the two of us then?"
Noticing the 89 favorability rating in Haruna's status bar, a smile also appeared on Ren's face.
Today, Haruna had deliberately applied light makeup. Her lipstick-coated lips appeared far more delicate and supple than usual, her long eyelashes fluttering gently with each blink. The perfume she wore
blended with her unique maidenly scent without being overpowering.
After all, even Renako no longer bothers with makeup when visiting here, yet Haruna had taken the care to apply it.