Comfortable

The store was bright and far too human for Kiki and Koko’s taste. Mirrors lined the walls, pop music thrummed softly through hidden speakers, and racks of clothing in every possible color filled the space.

Maria took charge immediately, waving for the clerk to start pulling options. “Something practical, but modern. And no, loincloths don’t count as practical.”

The twins groaned in unison.

“Too tight,” Kiki complained, tugging at the waistband of a pair of loose linen pants.

“Too covered,” Koko added, crossing her arms. “Feels like I’m being smothered in cloth.”

Maria pinched the bridge of her nose. “It’s called modesty.”

“Modesty,” Kiki repeated, making a face. “Sounds like punishment.”

Alice tried to hold back her laughter as the two orcs stomped around in the baggy pants and cropped tops they’d been given. Despite their complaints, the clothes actually suited them Kiki’s earthy skin contrasted beautifully with soft beige, while Koko’s bluish tone looked striking against charcoal gray.

Yamaba lounged nearby, already wearing her new purchase, a neon orange oversized hoodie with jagged black gothic patterns. She had her hands stuffed in the pocket, the hem brushing her thighs. “Comfy and bold,” she said simply. “Two things your wives clearly don’t understand.”

Maria tilted her head, inspecting the twins. “Honestly? They look adorable.”

“They look miserable,” Alice countered, grinning as Koko scowled and tried to wriggle free of the waistband.

The oni clerk, Aki, leaned against the counter, her long tail swaying lazily as she watched the chaos unfold. “They remind me of tourists,” she said with a faint smile. “The first time I wore jeans, I almost declared war on them too.”

Kiki grumbled something about “cloth prisons” under her breath, while Koko tried to convince her sister that they could just cut slits into the sides for “freedom of movement.”

Maria clapped her hands sharply. “No cutting anything. You two are wearing those until I say otherwise.”

Both orcs groaned dramatically, collapsing against each other like overgrown children being denied dessert. Alice laughed until her sides hurt.

As the group moved on to the next round of outfits, Aki began pulling a few softer options loose pants tied with leather cords, cropped wraps, sleeveless vests, things that balanced orc comfort with modern decency. Slowly, the twins’ protests faded into giggles as they twirled before the mirror, comparing who looked better.

And for the first time, Alice could almost imagine them fitting perfectly into her world.

By the time the twins had tried on half the store, Aki looked like she was reconsidering her life choices. The floor was littered with discarded pants, tangled belts, and hangers that had somehow migrated under display tables.

Maria, however, was having the time of her life.

“Oh, that one!” she said, clapping as Kiki stepped out of the changing booth in a pair of loose, sand-colored pants that hung perfectly low on her hips. “That’s actually stylish.”

Koko followed behind her, tugging at the waistband of her own baggy black pair. “Too soft,” she muttered, but when she saw her reflection, she gave a grudging nod. “Looks… good, though.”

The graphic T-shirts they’d picked were another story. Kiki’s had a picture of an angry cartoon shark with the words Bite Me, Baby! in bright red letters. Koko’s had a glowing skull surrounded by mushrooms and text that read Mana Trip 199X.

Maria squinted. “Do you even know what those mean?”

Kiki beamed proudly. “No. But they look strong.”

Koko nodded. “And funny.”

Aki, tail flicking behind her, chuckled from the counter. “Honestly, that’s how half my customers shop.”

Alice was trying not to laugh as the twins turned around, inspecting themselves in the mirror. “You two look… normal. I mean, kind of.”

Then came the discovery that nearly made Maria faint.

Koko held up a jockstrap, her eyes gleaming. “This! This feels perfect. Not too much cloth. Good for… airflow.”

Kiki agreed instantly, holding another in her hands. “Soft. Stretchy. I like how it holds.”

Maria sputtered. “Those are those are men’s ”

But before she could finish, both twins had already disappeared into the fitting rooms, delighted squeals echoing from within.

When they emerged, smug and comfortable, Maria gave up entirely. “You know what? Fine. I’m too old to fight this battle.”

Finally, after an hour of chaos, Aki suggested, “Why not try something different? Something elegant.” She held up a long summer dress, soft linen dyed a bright sunshine yellow.

Koko’s eyes lit up. “Pretty,” she whispered, taking it eagerly.

Kiki crossed her arms. “Not battle-ready.”

Maria grinned. “Humor me.”

A few minutes later, the two stepped out side by side, Koko glowing in her new dress, Kiki sulking in her loose pants and shirt. The contrast was striking: one fierce, one graceful, both radiant.

Alice’s heart swelled as she watched them. “You both look amazing.”

Koko twirled shyly, her long hair spinning. “Maybe I like it,” she admitted.

Kiki rolled her eyes, muttering, “You look like you’re going to a mating ritual,” but the affection in her voice betrayed her smile.

Maria leaned toward Alice and whispered, “They’re adorable. Completely hopeless. But adorable.”

Alice just laughed, resting her head against Kiki’s shoulder as Koko fussed with the hem of her dress. For the first time that day, they actually looked like a family.

Aki was halfway through folding a pile of shirts when Maria returned from the register with an easy grin and a credit slip that looked like a small fortune had just been spent.

“Everything?” the oni clerk asked, blinking as she counted the bundles of jockstraps, T-shirts, and pants now stacked on the counter.

“Everything,” Maria confirmed, brushing a strand of black blonde hair from her face. “They liked it, so I bought it. Different colors, different cuts. Something for every mood.”

The twins froze mid-argument Kiki with another pair of loose pants draped around her neck like a scarf, and Koko halfway into her dress again. “All of it?” Kiki asked, stunned.

“Even the comfy ones?” Koko added, her eyes wide.

Maria just smiled. “Especially the comfy ones.”

Aki let out a low whistle, her tail flicking in amusement. “You just bought them an entire wardrobe. Most folks don’t spend that much unless it’s for a wedding.”

“Consider it an investment in public decency,” Maria said dryly. “If I have to see another loincloth in my kitchen, I’m declaring war on fashion itself.”

Alice burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Mom !”

The twins beamed, clearly delighted by their new hoard of clothing. Kiki slung an arm around Koko, puffing her chest proudly. “Many colors! We will look like heroes!”

Koko nodded eagerly. “Or kings!”

Aki chuckled, shaking her head as she rang up the last of the items. “Or fashion disasters. But honestly, I’ve seen worse.”

The group strolled leisurely through the glittering expanse of the mall, their many shopping bags swaying with each step. Kiki and Koko were in especially high spirits, pointing excitedly at everything from the glowing mana fountains to the moving staircases that still baffled them.

Alice smiled faintly she’d forgotten how loud the mall could be. Between the crowd chatter, the hum of holo-ads, and the faint jingling of magical charms being sold by kiosk vendors, it all felt alive.

They passed a pet boutique called “Mythic Companions”, its window filled with fantastical creatures in small enchanted habitats. The twins stopped instantly, pressing their faces against the glass.

Inside, a small creature the size of a housecat was batting lazily at a dangling crystal bauble. It looked like a chim kitten, lion paws, a fluffy goat-like body, and a short serpentine tail that wagged like a dog’s. Two tiny horns poked out from its head, and when it yawned, a little puff of smoke curled from its nostrils. Its tongue was forked, but its eyes were round and playful, one blue and one gold.

It gave a squeaky little chirp, pouncing at the glass, startling Koko backward.

“What is that?” Kiki asked, eyes wide.

Alice laughed. “That’s a house chimera. People keep them as pets now. They’re harmless… mostly.”

“Mostly?” Koko echoed, narrowing her eyes as the creature licked the glass, leaving a faint scorch mark.

Maria chuckled. “Just don’t feed it spicy food. They get how do I put this flammable.”

As they moved on, a cluster of these tiny creatures could be seen curled up on display pillows one shaped like a miniature dragon, another with a rabbit’s ears and a scaly tail. They purred and chirped in harmony, drawing delighted coos from children passing by.

Yamaba was still sipping her pumpkin spice latte as she walked, smirking. “You know… if one of those things ends up in your apartment, Alice, I’m not helping clean up the mess.”

Alice rolled her eyes, still smiling. “I’m not getting one. Two wives are enough chaos.”

The twins, however, were already whispering about which color chimera they’d name after Alice.

Alice spotted the glow of the food court ahead, a ring of neon signs and steam rising from dozens of open kitchens. The smell hit before they even got close fried noodles, grilled, and freshly baked bread all blending together in a dizzying wave of warmth.

She laughed softly. “We probably would’ve gone here if we hadn’t had shawarma earlier.”

Kiki and Koko both turned to her with identical looks of wide-eyed confusion.

“That was first lunch,” Kiki said seriously.

Koko nodded, deadpan. “What about second lunch?”

Maria snorted into her drink, while Yamaba actually chuckled. “I think they’re starting to get the hang of modern living,” she said.

“Fine,” Alice sighed, though her lips twitched in amusement. “Second lunch it is.”

They ended up at a small pizza stall near the center of the court, its counter lined with glowing mana ovens and floating holograms of cheesy slices spinning slowly in the air. The smell was irresistible buttered crust, sizzling cheese, and herbs so strong it made Alice’s stomach growl again.

The group claimed a table. Alice ordered a large half-meat meat with extra sausage, half-veggie pizza and drinks all around. When the tray arrived, Kiki and Koko stared at the steaming slices as if they’d been handed sacred relics.

Koko picked one up, holding it by the crust. “It bends,” she said, tilting her head.

Kiki leaned in and sniffed it cautiously before taking a big bite. Her eyes widened. Then shimmered. Then

“Oh no,” Alice murmured. “She’s crying.”

Sure enough, tears streamed down Kiki’s cheeks as she chewed, the slice trembling in her hands. “It’s… so good,” she mumbled, voice thick with emotion. “It’s… perfect. Warm and salty and soft and ”

Koko quickly took a bite too, and soon she was just as awed, humming loudly in appreciation. “This… this better than roasted basilisk liver!” she declared. “I want more.”

“Second lunch, third lunch,” Maria said with a smirk. “At this rate, I’ll be broke by dinner.”

Alice just laughed and leaned back, watching her wives devour the pizza with childlike joy, cheese stretching between their bites. Yamaba hid her smile behind her cup, murmuring something about how even demons from another world weren’t immune to the power of pizza.

Leo’s voice cracked across the food court like a lightning strike, sharp enough to make people stop mid-chew.

“Alice! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

Alice froze, a slice of pizza halfway to her mouth. She turned slowly. Leo was striding toward them from across the plaza, smaller, slimmer, and visibly changed, but his fury burned bright enough to fill the space around him. His old adventurer’s coat hung loosely off his now-narrow shoulders, and his shorter frame made the anger seem almost childish… except for the venom in his voice.

“You brought them here? You’re eating with them?” he spat, pointing toward Kiki and Koko. “You married orcs! You ” He tripped over the word, glaring at the crowd now watching the scene unfold. “You freaks! Parasites! You think I don’t know what they did in the dungeon?”

The twins stiffened immediately, the laughter gone from their faces. Kiki’s tusks bared, her hand inching toward her hip where an imaginary weapon would be. Koko, always the calmer of the two, stepped closer to Alice, wrapping a protective arm around her waist.

“Careful,” Koko said coldly, voice low but steady. “You speak to our wife.”

“Wife?!” Leo barked, his face twisting. “You mean hostage! You- you corrupted her! You think I don’t know what your kind does?” His voice cracked again, the high pitch betraying the changes to his throat.

The food court had gone silent. Even the nearby goblin cashier froze mid-transaction, ears twitching.

Yamaba was already standing, her expression unreadable, but there was a dangerous stillness in her movements, the same she’d shown when facing monsters, not men. “Leo,” she said quietly. “You should stop talking now.”

He ignored her, his rage blinding him. “And you ” he turned on Yamaba, finger trembling. “Where the hell have you been? Sleeping with them too?!”

Something in her eyes hardened, “You don’t get to ask me that,” she said. “Not anymore.”

Alice stood slowly, her pulse pounding in her ears. “Leo… stop.” Her voice was small but steady. “You’re making a scene.”

“I should make a scene!” he snapped. “You’re protecting monsters!”

Kiki growled a low, guttural sound that rolled out of her chest like thunder. Maria immediately stepped between them, her hand raised. “All right, that’s enough!” she barked, the kind of voice that stopped bar fights cold. “Leo, you’re going to turn around and walk away before I call security. And you two ” she shot the twins a look, “ don’t you dare rise to it.”

For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then Leo’s expression cracked, a mix of humiliation and rage twisting through it. “You’ll regret this,” he hissed, but his voice faltered halfway through the threat. He spun on his heel and stormed off, the sound of his retreating footsteps swallowed by murmurs from the watching crowd.

Alice exhaled shakily, sinking back into her chair. Koko reached for her hand, squeezing it. Kiki muttered something in their tongue that sounded like a curse and a prayer all at once.

Maria sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Well,” she said dryly, “breakfast, shawarma, pizza, and now drama. Guess that’s what passes for a full day.”

The apartment door clicked softly behind them as they stepped inside. The air felt quieter than usual muted, as if even the city outside knew better than to intrude on what lingered between them.

Maria disappeared into her room with a muttered “I’ll start dinner,” leaving Alice and her wives in the entryway. The twins began to unlace their new baggy pants, still giggling faintly about the day’s shopping, but Alice wasn’t listening. Her eyes had gone distant, unfocused.

Yamaba lingered by the doorway, arms crossed, her 2nd pumpkin-spice latte cooling in her hand. The smell was sweet and earthy, oddly comforting amid the awkward silence.

Alice hesitated before speaking. “Yamaba… I’m sorry.”

The elf looked at her. “For what?”

“For Leo.” Alice’s voice was small. “I didn’t mean for any of that to happen. I just… I feel like a bad person.”

Yamaba’s expression softened for a heartbeat, but she stopped herself before pity could surface. “Alice,” she said bluntly, “you dated for a month at most. And after how he treated you in the dungeon, I’m not surprised you left him. He deserved it.”

Alice blinked, startled by the firmness in her tone. “You really think so?”

“I know so.” Yamaba took a slow sip of her latte, her golden eyes flickering in thought. “He was cruel, reckless, and selfish. And Jolie…” She trailed off, her voice tightening. “I lived with her for a year. She was kind, gentle even. I thought she had more sense than that.”

The twins fell quiet for once, sensing the shift in mood. Kiki moved behind Alice, resting her chin on her shoulder, while Koko wrapped an arm around her waist. Their warmth pressed close, silent reassurance.

Yamaba looked down into her drink, jaw tightening. “Lionheart’s done,” she said at last. “Disbanded. Whatever we were, it's over. Too much damage to fix now.”

For a long moment, no one spoke. The only sound was the faint hum of the fridge and the twins’ soft breathing.

Alice lowered her gaze. “I never wanted it to end like this.”

Yamaba exhaled slowly. “None of us did.” She set her empty cup on the counter, the faint clink sounding final. “But sometimes things just end.”

She reached out, brushed a stray lock of Alice’s hair behind her ear, then stepped back toward the door. “Take care of yourself, Alice. And… of them.”

Alice nodded wordlessly as Yamaba left, the door closing softly behind her.

Alice sank onto the couch, still staring at the door Yamaba had just walked through. The apartment felt hollow without her there too quiet, too still.

Then, warmth pressed in from both sides.

Kiki’s strong arms slid around Alice’s shoulders while Koko knelt in front of her, resting her forehead gently against Alice’s chest. Their skin was warm, their touch grounding.

“Why sad?” Kiki murmured, her voice soft but puzzled. “You did good thing. We live because of you.”

Koko nodded, lifting her gaze, her golden eyes sincere. “If not for you, wife, we’d still be in the dark. Still in the cave. No stars, no sky… no shawarma.”

Alice gave a small, broken laugh despite herself, but her throat tightened again. “It’s not that simple. I just Leo, Yamaba, Jolie… everything fell apart. Because of me.”

Kiki frowned, her tusks glinting faintly in the light. “No. Because of Morgroth’s will,” she said firmly, tapping a hand against her chest. “He brought us together. He saved your Leo too.”

Koko’s voice softened as she added, “When we found you, Mama wanted to kill him. Thought he was enemy. You spoke for him. Said no. Said he mattered. So he lived.”

Alice froze, the memory flickering in her mind the moment of desperation, the words that bound her to the twins, the plea that had spared Leo’s life.

Kiki tightened her embrace, nuzzling into Alice’s neck. “If Morgroth did not want this, we would still be under rock. No stars. No pizza. No wife.”

Koko smiled faintly, wiping away one of Alice’s tears with her thumb. “So why cry, little healer? You did good. You gave life. You gave love. You gave us.”

Alice let out a trembling breath. The guilt didn’t disappear but the crushing weight of it eased a little under their warmth. Their faith in her was so simple, so absolute.

She rested her head against Kiki’s shoulder, whispering, “You two really don’t understand humans at all.”

Kiki grinned. “Good. Humans cry too much.”

That made Koko giggle. “But wife cries cute.”

Alice couldn’t help it she laughed, the sound small but genuine.

For the first time that evening, it felt like the world might keep turning after all.

Alice lay in her bed, nestled between Kiki and Koko, their bodies intertwined in a sensual embrace. The room was quiet, the only sound being the gentle hum of the streetlights outside. The soft glow from the streetlights filtered through the blinds, casting delicate gold lines across the tangled limbs and curves of the three women on the bed.

The air in the room was thick with the intoxicating scent of Kiki and Koko. Their musk had seeped into the sheets, and their skin glistened with the sheen of their night's passionate activities. The aroma was a heady mix of warmth and spice, causing Alice's pulse to race even before she fully awoke. Her chest felt tight, her skin prickling with the heat of arousal.

Kiki and Koko's scent was both comforting and alluring to Alice. It represented safety and love, but also temptation and desire.

As Alice tried to shift between her wives, she found herself pinned in place by their embrace, the small twin bed offering no room for escape. The girls' arms held her tightly, their hot skin pressing against hers, making her feel as though she were burning from their touch. The soft brush of their hair against her cheek carried the same wild, addictive scent that drove Alice wild with desire.

Alice's thoughts drifted to the careful nature of their intimacy. Though their love and affection seemed endless, it was always controlled and restrained. They allowed Alice to pleasure them with her mouth and hands, but never more. Whenever she tried to push the boundaries, they would smile, stroke her hair, and gently tell her that the time wasn't right.

Alice couldn't understand why.

Her love and need for them grew stronger every night, leaving her thoughts hazy with desire, but they would always hold her back with the same gentle reassurance.

Her heart ached just as much as her body, yearning for more.

She tried to convince herself that there must be a reason for their restraint. Perhaps it was some sacred rule or an unspoken tradition. But the uncertainty was driving her mad with desire. She could feel the hunger coursing through her veins, her body trembling with the intensity of her need, the scent of her wives only making it more unbearable.

Even lying there, half-asleep, Alice could taste their essence in the air, the heady, intoxicating mix of sweat and warmth that left her feeling dizzy. She breathed it in again, unable to resist, and her heart raced with a shameful, aching pleasure.

The room felt too small, too warm, the air thick and heavy with the perfume of her wives' skin. The sheets clung damply to her back, and their cocks brushed against her legs in a slow, teasing motion that sent shivers down her spine.

Alice no longer knew what she wanted, only that she wanted more.

Yet, when she turned her head, Kiki was sleeping peacefully, a faint smile on her lips. Koko murmured something soft and affectionate in her sleep, her fingers twitching as though still tracing patterns on Alice's skin.

Alice swallowed hard, guilt washing over her. How could she feel so frustrated when they loved her so completely? How could she feel so starved when she was surrounded by their devotion?

Closing her eyes, Alice pressed her face against Kiki's collarbone, breathing in her scent until her mind went blank once more.

The scent was like fire, and Alice knew she was already hopeless

Kiki and Koko, were still fast asleep. The room was quiet and warm, and the air was thick with the intoxicating scent of her lovers. Alice could feel the heat radiating off their bodies, their skin glistening with sweat from the passionate intimacy they had shared earlier. The scent of their arousal still lingered in the air, a heady mix of pheromones that made Alice's pulse quicken and her body ache with desire.

As she breathed in their scent, Alice felt a growing need between her legs. **** for relief, she carefully reached down between her legs, trying not to disturb her sleeping partners. She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath as her fingers made contact with her throbbing cock. Though relatively small, it twitched and pulsed at her touch, straining against the confines of her tight panties.

Biting her lip to suppress any noise, Alice slowly began to stroke herself. The soft material of her panties created a delicious friction against her sensitive skin as she ran her fingers up and down her shaft. She felt her cock grow harder with each passing moment, throbbing in time with her racing heartbeat. She longed to strip off her panties and feel the smooth skin of her cockhead against her fingertips.

As she continued to touch herself, Alice's breathing grew more ragged, her hips bucking slightly into her hand. The sensation of her cock rubbing against her fingers and the warmth of Kiki and Koko's bodies surrounding her only added to her growing ecstasy. She knew she was close to reaching her climax, her body trembling with the effort to remain silent.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alice's orgasm washed over her. Her cock pulsed in her hand, and she had to bite down hard on her lip to keep from crying out. Her body shuddered, and she felt an intense wave of pleasure wash through her, leaving her gasping for air.

For a moment, Alice lay still, basking in the afterglow of her orgasm. Then, as her breathing slowly returned to normal, she carefully withdrew her hand from between her legs and nestled back into the loving embrace of Kiki and Koko, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that masturbating while lying next to her wives was wrong, but in that moment, she couldn't bring herself to care.

Alice closed her eyes and let herself drift off to sleep, Alice’s heart was still slowing back to a steady rhythm when she felt a small shift beside her. A low, throaty sound half a chuckle brushed against her ear.

“So,” came Koko’s voice, her tone playful, sleep-rough, and far too knowing. “Did you have a nice little dream, wife?”

Alice froze. “K-Kiki?” she whispered, mortified.

Kiki cracked one golden eye open, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. “You think we sleep that deeply with you moving like that? Mmm… felt the bed shaking.”

Alice’s face burned crimson. “I-I didn’t mean to I just ”

Koko let out a soft, sleepy groan from the other side, rubbing her eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Alice stammered. “Go back to sleep!”

Kiki ignored her, stretching lazily and tracing a teasing line up Alice’s arm with one finger. “Poor little human, all wound up. You could have asked for help.”

“I didn’t want to wake you,” Alice mumbled into the sheets.

Koko blinked, realizing, then smirked. “Ohhh. That kind of fun.” She laughed softly, voice dripping with affection. “You’re adorable.”

Alice groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. “Stop teasing me!”

Koko only laughed harder, tugging the blanket back down to plant a kiss on Alice’s forehead. “We’re not mad, little one. Just surprised you didn’t ask. You looked so serious down there.”

Kiki rolled over, resting her chin on Alice’s shoulder. “Next time,” she murmured with a grin, “maybe don’t be so quiet. We like hearing you.”

Alice’s breath hitched mortified, aroused, and flustered all at once.

Koko’s voice softened, brushing her ear. “But also…” She kissed Alice’s cheek gently. “You don’t have to hide. Not from us. Ever.”

The teasing faded into warmth and laughter replaced by soft touches and quiet comfort. Alice melted between them, her embarrassment easing under their affection.

Outside, the first hints of dawn filtered through the blinds, bathing the three of them in golden light. The air was still thick with the twins’ intoxicating scent and now, a new kind of warmth lingered too: playful, forgiving, and deeply intimate.

Alice hummed softly to herself as she moved about the kitchen, still wearing her oversized nightshirt. The smell of frying eggs, toast, and something just slightly burnt filled the small apartment. She winced as smoke started curling upward from the skillet her first attempt at pancakes wasn’t going well.

Back in her room, Kiki and Koko sat cross-legged on the floor, the morning light spilling across the piles of Alice’s things. They were fascinated by everything the clutter of trinkets, the shelves of horror movie memorabilia, the posters of monstrous creatures.

Kiki tilted her head, lifting a small figurine. “These are her trophies,” she said solemnly, as though declaring an ancient truth.

Koko nodded thoughtfully, tracing her finger over a DVD case. “She’s a fierce warrior. Look she’s captured many stories of her victories.”

The twins spoke in hushed tones, treating every trinket like a relic from Alice’s adventures. Despite their curiosity, they were surprisingly gentle, setting each object down exactly where they found it. When one of Alice’s stuffed animals tumbled off the shelf, both gasped, fumbling to put it back upright, whispering apologies to it as though it were alive.

They continued exploring, touching, sniffing, occasionally debating the purpose of something strange (“What’s this metal box?” “A trap, maybe?” “No, it hums. Maybe it sings.”). Their movements were clumsy but reverent, protective of everything that belonged to their wife.

Then, the smell hit them.

Kiki’s nose twitched first. “Smoke,” she said simply.

Koko sniffed the air, eyes widening. “No food. Burnt food!”

They looked at each other, alarm turning quickly to laughter.

“Her hunt went wrong,” Kiki teased, grinning wide.

Koko stood abruptly. “Then we rescue her!”

The two burst out of the room, their bare feet thudding against the floorboards, ready to save their wife from her own cooking.

Alice’s laughter and curses echoed faintly from the kitchen.

When the twins arrived, smoke was curling toward the ceiling. Alice stood over a frying pan that looked like it had survived a dragon’s breath, holding a spatula like a sword against fate itself. The “eggs” were blackened into something that could probably be used as fuel.

Kiki tilted her head, genuinely curious. “Is that… food?”

Koko sniffed the air, wrinkling her nose. “Smells… strong. Like fire and sadness.”

Alice groaned, trying to scrape the remains off the pan, which now had a crust fused to it like obsidian. “I was trying to make breakfast. I think I just invented a new mineral instead.”

Kiki stepped closer, peering into the pan as though examining the aftermath of a battle. “Wife fights bravely, but pan wins.”

That earned her a glare and a weak laugh from Alice. “I can’t cook, alright? I usually just microwave stuff or order in. Or Mom cooks.”

Koko picked up the pan by the handle, inspecting the charred remains with something close to reverence. “A relic,” she whispered to her sister. “Proof our wife battled the fire spirit.”

Alice’s cheeks turned bright red. “You two are not keeping that.”

“Too late,” Kiki said solemnly, setting the ruined pan on the counter like an offering. “It will hang on our wall of victories.”

Alice buried her face in her hands. “There is no wall of victories.”

“Then we build one,” Koko declared proudly. “For the wife who tried to cook.”

Alice couldn’t help but laugh despite her embarrassment. The kitchen still smelled like smoke and failure, but somehow, with the twins standing there half-dressed, bright-eyed, and grinning at her like she was the world’s bravest fool it didn’t feel so bad.

Maria stumbled out of her room like a ghost of last night’s bad decisions, wearing only a rumpled nightshirt and panties, her hair a wild halo that looked like it had lost a fight with both gravity and ****. Her eyes squinted against the kitchen light as she groaned, one hand shielding her face, the other clutching a half-empty water bottle like a lifeline.

“What in Dice’s name is that smell?” she croaked.

Alice froze mid-scrape, caught red-handed beside the ruined pan. The twins, standing like guilty statues, perked up as if they’d just been discovered at a sacred ceremony.

“Breakfast?” Alice offered weakly.

Maria blinked blearily, then looked from her daughter to the smoke-filled kitchen, to the charred remains on the stove, then back again. “Sweetheart,” she rasped, “whatever that was died bravely. You don’t have to keep punishing it.”

Kiki and Koko tilted their heads in perfect unison, whispering something to each other in Orcish before Koko announced proudly, “Our wife battled the fire spirit and won.”

Maria just stared for a long moment. “…The what now?”

Kiki nodded solemnly. “She is strong. She conquered the blackened beast.”

Maria turned back to Alice, deadpan. “So. You’re letting the orcs handle your public relations now?”

Alice sighed, dragging her hands down her face. “They’re just being supportive.”

“Uh-huh.” Maria took another sip of her water, squinting at the twins two towering, muscle-bound women with tusks standing completely naked and far too much enthusiasm for five in the morning. “Well. They’re adorable. Terrifying, but adorable.”

Then she glanced at the pan again, grimaced, and muttered, “order takeout before someone burns down my kitchen.”

Kiki and Koko perked up immediately. “Take… out?”

Maria waved a dismissive hand. “Food that arrives without smoke. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

Yawning, she returned to bed.

Alice could only groan, cheeks flushed, as her mother shuffled past, muttering under her breath about needing coffee, aspirin, and possibly divine intervention.

Alice sat on the couch, hair messy and sleep still clinging to her eyes, the soft blue light of her panel phone glowing across her hand. The holographic display unfolded like a scroll of light, showing dozens of local eateries tied into the integrated network. Ever since the portals opened, no one used the old internet anymore. The System had replaced everything phones, computers, even streaming platforms turning the human world’s entire digital life into a single mana-based interface.

Kiki and Koko hovered on either side of her, eyes wide with fascination as they watched her scroll through the list of glowing menus. They had access to the System too, but only in the most basic sense; they couldn’t navigate menus, browse stores, or use the complex functions that Earth-born humans took for granted. To them, the interface was still like a spell they hadn’t learned yet.

“There’s so many,” Kiki murmured, voice full of awe.

Koko nodded, eyes darting between the floating icons. “And people bring you the food? No hunting? No barter?”

Alice grinned. “Welcome to civilization.”

The menu shifted as she flicked her wrist, dozens of listings glowing before their eyes

Mana Noodle Syndicate famous for their Mana-Infused Ramen, each bowl radiating with soft blue steam that promised a literal boost to energy and mood.

(And like most mana foods, it actually tasted incredible.)

The Spitfire Grill roasted wyvern skewers and flame-seared meat seasoned with volcanic salt, served out of a magically warded food truck.

Petal & Bone vegetarian meals made by druids, where every dish still grew faintly after being served.

Courier Crow Café pastries and roasted coffee delivered by trained crows that could find anyone within five miles.

Dimensional Slice a pizza joint that bragged about using dough aged in pocket-space for “perfect crust density.”

Alice scrolled through them, muttering to herself. “Huh… The Dimensional Slice one has good reviews. Oh, but Mana Noodle Syndicate’s cheaper tonight.”

Koko leaned closer. “The glowing bowl… that one. It calls to me.”

Kiki frowned thoughtfully. “But what if it glows because it’s poisonous?”

Alice laughed. “Nah. That’s just the mana. It’s perfectly safe well, mostly. I’ll get one for each of us.”

The twins exchanged a look, still suspicious but clearly curious. “And you don’t have to spend any points?” Koko asked.

Alice shook her head quickly. “Attribute points are for leveling, not lunch. I’d rather starve than waste them.”

The twins nodded solemnly at that, clearly respecting the sentiment as if it were some sacred warrior’s oath.

When Alice placed the order, a soft chime confirmed it:

[Order Confirmed. Estimated delivery time: 12 minutes. Payment processed: 83 credits.]

Kiki blinked at the screen. “It even tells you how long the hunt will take.”

Alice smiled faintly. “Something like that.”

The twins sat on either side of her, their golden eyes still fixed on the holographic interface, trying to understand this strange Earth magic that ran on mana instead of muscle.

Koko poked at the air where the menu had vanished. “Your world is strange… but wonderful.”

Alice leaned back into the couch, laughing softly. “Yeah,” she said. “It’s weird but it’s home.”

Marcus had delivered a lot of things in his life mana ramen, cursed jewelry, even one time a crate labeled "absolutely not haunted." But this was the first time he'd ever walked up an apartment stairwell while trying to ignore the sounds he was currently hearing.

The box in his hands steamed faintly, the scent of glowing broth and fried basilisk bites. The evening air was heavy with rain, and the faint neon glow from the bar’s signage below flickered against the walls as he climbed.

He was halfway rehearsing his usual delivery spiel when he heard it soft, rhythmic noises bleeding through the door above. Not the muffled sound of a TV or someone dropping something. Definitely not.

He froze mid-step.

(…No way. Please tell me that’s just the plumbing.)

But the sounds grew louder the closer he got. Breathless voices. Something creaking. Then silence followed by a very distinct thump.

He took a deep breath, deciding to mind his own business. “You’re just here for the noodles, man,” he muttered to himself. “Get paid. Get out.”

He reached the top of the stairs.

He adjusted his cap, debating whether to knock. Company policy said to deliver promptly. Common sense said run. But curiosity? That annoying human instinct that made people poke glowing things labeled "do not touch"? That one made him pause.

He swallowed. “Twelve-minute delivery guarantee,” he muttered. “You’re not getting written up over this.”

He knocked on the door.

Instant silence.

Then a flurry of shuffling. Something thudded over.

More whispering.

“Yeah, that’s totally reassuring,” Marcus said under his breath.

The lock clicked, and the door creaked open.

And then the smell hit him.

Warm. Musky. Heavy. Like sweat and spice, layered with something faintly metallic and wild. It rolled out of the apartment in a wave, thick enough that he almost staggered back a step.

Then Alice appeared.

Her hair was messy, her face flushed a bright pink, lips slightly parted and slick with moisture. There was a faint line of spit down her chin that she wiped quickly with the back of her hand, her movements rushed and embarrassed. Her oversized nightshirt was half-buttoned, and one sleeve hung loosely off her shoulder. Behind her, the air shimmered faintly with heat, and Marcus swore he saw movement shadows, maybe shapes but he wasn’t about to investigate.

“Uh… hey,” Alice said, voice a little hoarse. “You’re from the noodle place?”

Marcus blinked, trying to keep his voice level. “Yeah. Mana Noodle Syndicate, order for, uh ” He checked the tag. “ ‘Alice and Wives.’ So, uh… that’s… that’s you?”

Before Alice could answer, two towering figures appeared behind her, both unmistakably orcish. Kiki and Koko leaned in close to peer over her shoulder, their hair tousled, eyes bright, and grins far too mischievous. The musk grew stronger as they approached, each with impressive foot long cocks that glistened with spit, evidence of their recent activities.

The orc girls eagerly approached the door, their eyes lighting up as they saw the delivery driver. They were clearly excited for the food, but their attention was momentarily diverted by the new arrival. As they moved closer, the girls casually pressed their bodies against Alice, their cocks rubbing against her in a way that was both familiar and possessive.

One of the girls turned to Marcus, her voice sultry as she spoke. "Hey there, delivery man. Thanks for bringing us our food. We've been looking forward to it," she said, her eyes drifting over him appreciatively.

Alice (flustered, wiping her mouth quickly again): “O-oh! Right, sorry! Yeah, that’s us! You’re from the noodle place? W-we were just… uh… cleaning up.”

The other girl chimed in,kiki (grinning wide, leaning over Alice’s shoulder): “Smells better than cleaning. That food for us?” She then leaned in, rubbing her impressive length against Alice's side as she added, koko (sniffing the air eagerly): “Mmm, meat and spice! Wife, you called this magic food?”

Alice, who had been silent up until this point, flushed an even deeper red, embarrassment and arousal warring on her features. She managed to stutter out a greeting, her voice breathy. "H-hi there. Th-thank you for the delivery."

The orc girls giggled at her reaction, their cocks twitching in response. One reached down to idly stroke herself, her eyes never leaving the delivery driver.“Tiny one brings food fast. You strong for someone so soft.”

“Ha… yeah, I, uh thanks? Just doing my job.”

Kiki and Koko wasted no time in guiding Alice back to her knees, despite the presence of the delivery guy. Alice, her face flushed with embarrassment,: “Oh my gods… Kiki, right now?”,

As Alice began to work, the orc girls started up a casual conversation with the delivery man, acting as if the situation was perfectly normal. Kiki moaned softly as Alice took her impressive length into her mouth, bobbing her head to take her as deeply as she could. At the same time, Alice used her hands to stroke Koko's spit-slicked cock, her movements practiced and skilled.

“You’re cute when you panic.”

The delivery driver stood awkwardly in the doorway, trying not to stare at the scene before him. He fumbled with the receipt, his eyes darting between the hovering screen and the erotic display of Alice pleasuring her wives.

“Uh-huh. So… that’s all squared away. Enjoy the noodles-”

Kiki, her eyes heavy-lidded with lust, spoke to the delivery guy as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. "So, how's your night going? Busy with deliveries?"

The man swallowed, shaking his head. "Uh, yeah, it's been a busy night. Lots of orders." His voice came out strained, his gaze continuously drawn to Alice as she worked.

Koko hummed in response, her hips rocking gently into Alice's touch. "That's good. Busy is good," she murmured, her words punctuated by breathy gasps.

Alice continued her ministrations, her own arousal evident in the flush of her skin and the way her body moved. She may have been embarrassed, but it was clear she took pleasure in what she was doing.

As the delivery driver stood frozen in place, unable to tear his eyes away, the two orcs reached their climaxes. Kiki and Koko threw their heads back, groaning loudly as they began to spray their jizz onto Alice. Their impressive cocks pulsed, sending load after load of thick, sticky jizz onto her hair, face, clothing, and legs. The amount was staggering, more than any human man could ever hope to match.

Alice knelt there, accepting the shower of jizz, her body coated in the viscous fluid. The delivery driver watched in awe, his eyes wide at the debauchery before him.

Once the girls had finished, Koko casually reached down and wiped her cock clean with alice's hair, all while turning to the delivery man and striking up a conversation as if nothing had happened.

"So," she said, her voice still breathy from her orgasm. "What's it like being a deliverer? Is it fun? Do you meet a lot of interesting people?"

The man blinked, struggling to find his voice. "Uh, yeah," he managed to say, his voice coming out hoarse. "It's... it's a good job. I meet a lot of... interesting people." His eyes darted to Alice, watching as she remained still, covered head to toe in orc cum.

Kiki chuckled, her body still trembling slightly from the **** of her orgasm. "I bet," she said, grinning. "You must have some wild stories."

The delivery driver nodded numbly, his mind still reeling from what he had just witnessed. He knew he should leave, but his body wouldn't cooperate, frozen in place as he tried to process the intensely sexual scene.

Alice, her face and body covered in the orc girls' baby batter, simply knelt there, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She was clearly pleased with the state of affairs, basking in the aftermath of the encounter.

Finally, the delivery man managed to snap himself out of his daze. With a mumbled goodbye, he quickly turned and made his escape, his mind buzzing with the memory of what he had just witnessed.

Koko (calling after him as he flees): “He runs fast for someone carrying no spear!”

Alice (face bright red, slumping against the door once it closes): “You two are impossible!”

Kiki (teasing): “You like it.”

Koko (wrapping her arms around Alice): “You smell like fun. Noodle man looked jealous.”

Alice (half groan, half laugh): “You’re both terrible.”

Alice shut the door quickly, leaning against it as the muffled sound of the delivery man’s retreating footsteps faded down the stairs. The room still smelled faintly of musk, spice, and basilisk broth. She sighed, rubbing her temples.

Kiki and Koko were already picking at the takeout box on the table, slurping noodles directly from the container and giggling like children caught doing something they weren’t supposed to.

Alice just covered her face with her hands. “You two… I swear, one of these days I’m going to die of embarrassment.”

Kiki grinned, mouth full of noodles. “But wife dies happy.”

Koko nodded solemnly. “And full.”

Alice groaned, torn between laughter and mortification, and decided to let it go. For now.

The second time Maria woke up, it was to sunlight flooding through the curtains and the faint murmur of voices downstairs. Her head no longer ached, but her memory of the night before was fuzzy.

She stretched, squinting at the clock. “Midday already… perfect.”

Pulling on a robe, Maria shuffled down the stairs of her bar-house hybrid. The air smelled faintly of breakfast burnt breakfast, if the scent was anything to go by and she could hear movement in the kitchen. Pots clanging. Someone humming. Someone else giggling.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Maria froze.

Her daughter’s orc wives were sitting cross-legged on the floor, still wearing their oversized T-shirts and baggy pants from the shopping trip, enthusiastically eating out of takeout containers. Alice herself stood at the stove, poking at something blackened in a frying pan with a look of deep concentration and mild despair.

Maria sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Oh, good. We’re experimenting again.”

Alice turned, smiling sheepishly. “Morning, Mom.”

Maria raised a brow. “Sweetheart, it’s noon.”

Maria sat down at the small kitchen table, the wood still faintly sticky. She waited until Alice finished scraping the last of her burnt cooking into the trash before gesturing toward the empty chair across from her.

“Sit down, sweetheart.”

Alice hesitated, glancing nervously at her wives both still crouched on the floor, happily devouring noodles. Kiki looked up, cheeks puffed full of food, and gave a thumbs-up as if to say you got this, wife. Koko just smiled, oblivious to the tension.

Alice swallowed and took the seat opposite her mother.

Maria leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I’ve been thinking,” she began, her voice gentler than usual but edged with that practical tone only mothers could manage. “You’ve got two wives now. Orc wives. Which means you’re married, and that’s… well, that’s a big thing.”

Alice shifted in her chair. “Yeah… it’s still kind of surreal.”

“I bet.” Maria smiled faintly, though her eyes stayed serious. “But that also means you can’t really keep living here forever. You’re not a kid anymore, and if you’re going to live a married life, you need your own space.”

Alice’s heart sank. “I know, Mom. It’s just ” she glanced at her hands, twisting the hem of her nightshirt nervously. “I don’t even know where to start. I’m not with Lionheart anymore, so I don’t have the guild income, so it’s not like I can just rent an apartment yet.”

Maria nodded, listening quietly. “I’m not trying to kick you out, honey. You know that. But you’ve got a family now those two girls depend on you, and they’re… not exactly subtle.” She tilted her head toward the twins, who were now arguing over the last piece of food. “They need a place that’s theirs. And so do you.”

Alice sighed. “I just… I don’t know how to do this, Mom. I feel like everything changed overnight. I don’t even know who I am without the guild.”

Maria reached across the table, resting a hand over Alice’s. “You’ll figure it out. You’re your father’s daughter. You’ve always landed on your feet even when it looked impossible.”

Kiki suddenly spoke up from the floor, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “We build house! Simple. Wife hunts, we hunt, everyone strong.”

Koko nodded sagely. “We can find cave. Or big tent. Wife decorate.”

Maria chuckled softly. “Or,” she said dryly, “you could get an apartment. With plumbing. And walls.”

Alice laughed weakly, the tension easing just a little. “Yeah… maybe we’ll start with that.”

Maria smiled, squeezing her hand. “Good girl. Just promise me you’ll think about it. You’re not alone, Alice. You’ve got help me, the twins, maybe even that elf friend of yours. You’ll find your footing again.”

Alice nodded, grateful and overwhelmed all at once. “Thanks, Mom.”

Maria leaned back, stretching with a sigh. “Now, go make sure your wives don’t eat my frying pan next.”

The twins looked up guiltily from the counter, where Koko was inspecting the ruined cookware like it might still be edible.

Alice sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft hum of the street lights from outside barely cutting through her thoughts. Her panel phone floated in front of her, its glow casting pale blue light across the messy room. She scrolled absently through listings for jobs, apartments, and half-priced mana ramen deliveries, all things she couldn’t quite afford.

Her stomach turned as she sighed. “What am I even doing? I don’t have Lionheart anymore. I don’t even have a plan.”

From the floor, Kiki perked up where she was idly spinning one of Alice’s old healing charms between her fingers. “We hunt,” she said simply, as if it were obvious. “That’s what warriors do. You heal, we fight. We make money.”

Koko: “Wife. You worry too much again.”

Alice blinked. “...I mean, kind of? I just don’t know what we’re supposed to do now. I can’t just stay here forever. Mom’s already talking about rent.”

Kiki smirked and leaned forward, her amber eyes glinting. “Then we work. We hunt. We do what orcs do best we become adventurers.”

Alice’s head shot up. “Adventurers? You two?”

Both twins grinned in perfect unison, like they’d been waiting for that question.

Koko reached out, flicking her finger upward her system panel appeared mid-air, translucent blue with faint swirling runes.

[Status Sheet Koko]

Race: Orc

Class: Shaman

Level: 19

Traits

Spirit Channeling

Can call on spirits to empower allies or hinder enemies. Effects vary by intent and emotional state.

Totemic Surge

Places a temporary totem that radiates elemental or spiritual energy, granting buffs such as fortitude, clarity, or regeneration.

Blood Oath

Forms a temporary spiritual bond with an ally. Shares a portion of damage and healing, and increases their resistance while the link lasts.

Ritual Craft

Creates charms, fetishes, or painted markings that grant minor blessings or warding effects. Duration depends on mana and craftsmanship.

Alice stared at it, stunned. “You you got magic? Like, real casting magic?”

Koko smiled softly, her golden eyes glimmering like honey. “Little magic. Enough to twist fate a bit.” She reached out, drawing a glowing sigil in the air with one fingertip. It lingered like smoke before fading away. “I used to do rituals for the tribe. Now… maybe for our family.”

Kiki chuckled, then slapped her own chest with a grin, summoning her status panel beside Koko’s.

[Status Sheet Kiki]

Race: Orc

Class: Shieldmaiden

Level: 19

Traits

Oathbound Guard

When an ally within arm’s reach is threatened, Kiki gains a burst of physical resistance and becomes harder to stagger. The closer the danger, the stronger she stands.

Shieldwall Stance

Planting her feet grants Kiki a temporary barrier of hardened mana, reducing all incoming damage and making her immovable for the duration.

Warcry of the North

A guttural, powerful shout that rattles foes and emboldens allies. Mild fear effect on enemies; morale and stamina boost for party members.

Reprisal

When she blocks an attack with her shield, her next strike deals bonus damage,.

“See? I hit things. She burns them. We work together.”

Alice looked between the two panels, her eyes wide. “You… you two could actually do this. You could really be adventurers.”

Kiki leaned forward, resting her chin on Alice’s shoulder, voice low and teasing. “We could. But only if our wife joins us. You’re small but fast. Smart too. We need that.”

Koko reached out, brushing a thumb along Alice’s cheek. “And brave,” she added softly. “Braver than you think.”

Alice swallowed, glancing down at her trembling hands. The thought of starting over terrified her but seeing her wives so confident, so proud of what they’d become, sparked something inside her. A warmth she hadn’t felt since before Lionheart fell.

Alice: “...Alright. Maybe we’ll give it a shot.”

Kiki grinned wide. “Good. Because we already signed us up.”

Alice: “...You what?”

Koko smiled sweetly. “Guild registration was on sale.”

Koko giggled, eyes sparkling with pride. “Now we hunt with you.”

Alice rubbed her temples, overwhelmed but for the first time in weeks, she couldn’t help smiling. “You two are ridiculous.”

Kiki leaned forward, her tusked grin softening. “No. We are team.”

Alice exhaled, heart caught somewhere between laughter and tears. Maybe this wasn’t how she imagined rebuilding her life but looking at the twins, she realized it might just work.

The Guild Hall was alive with noise.

Hundreds of adventurers milled about the marble-floored chamber, humans, goblins, a few elves, even a hulking orc near the board arguing about contract clauses. The massive room smelled of parchment, ink, steel, and roasted meat. Banners of the Guild fluttered from the ceiling, the sigil of crossed swords and a golden coin gleaming under the chandelier’s light.

Alice hesitated at the doorway, hands shoved in her jacket pockets, feeling horribly out of place. She hadn’t been back here since Lionheart disbanded. Just stepping inside made her chest tighten with memories of laughter, banter, her old team leaning over the quest board together.

Now it was just her.

Her… and her wives.

Kiki and Koko were immediately drawn in by the spectacle.

Kiki’s amber eyes darted everywhere, wide with awe. “So this is where the warriors of your world gather?”

Koko’s nose twitched as she sniffed the air. “Smells like blood, oil, and food. I like it already.”

Alice managed a small smile. “Yeah, that’s pretty much the Guild experience.”

They made their way toward the registration counter, passing rows of tables where adventurers traded stories and polished weapons. The twins stared at the quest boards covered in glowing paper slips, each one pulsing faintly with the system’s mana interface.

Kiki: “So many hunts. How do they choose?”

Alice: “Usually by who’s dumb enough to risk dying for the least pay.”

Koko (grinning): “Then we’ll fit right in.”

When they reached the counter, the clerk, a bored-looking young man with circular glasses and a faint blue holographic earpiece, looked up from his panel.

“Next, please. Party registration, quest filing, or guild fees?”

Alice stepped forward awkwardly. “Uh… new party registration, actually.”

That made the clerk perk up a bit. “Ah. Exciting! First-timers?”

He gestured for her to step closer to the rune scanner embedded in the desk.

Alice hesitated, glancing back at her wives. “Yeah. First time in a while.”

The clerk nodded, bringing up a holographic form. “Alright, then. We’ll need your system IDs and class designations for verification. Party name optional for now but you’ll need one before we issue your first contract.”

Kiki and Koko leaned in close behind her, peering at the glowing form like it was a sacred relic.

Kiki (whispering): “Name of the pack?”

Koko (tilting her head): “Wife, you should choose. You are our leader.”

Alice sighed, scratching her cheek. “Yeah, about that… I haven’t exactly figured out what to call us yet.”

The clerk smirked faintly. “You’d be surprised how many people come in here with names like ‘Team Temporary’ or ‘We’ll Think of Something.’”

Kiki brightened. “We could call ourselves Wife and Fists!”

Koko gave her sister a dubious look. “Or maybe Blood and Tongue?”

Alice nearly choked. “Okay maybe something that doesn’t sound like a tavern scandal waiting to happen.”

The Guild Hall still buzzed with its usual chaos clattering armor, the scent of oil and ale, the hum of mana crystals overhead. Alice stood at the counter, fidgeting as the clerk scrolled through the registration menu. Kiki and Koko flanked her, visibly impatient and far too excited for their first taste of adventure work.

“Party name?” the clerk asked, tapping the floating holo-panel.

Alice frowned. “Still thinking.”

“You’ve been thinking for ten minutes,” Kiki teased.

Koko added, “If we don’t pick soon, I will call us Wife Pack.”

“That’s not ” Alice started, but then froze. Her ears picked up a familiar voice behind her.

A voice she’d hoped she wouldn’t hear again.

“Well, look who finally crawled back.”

The tone was sharp, dripping with venom. Alice turned and there he was. Leo.

He looked different. Narrower, paler. His hair was longer, his features softer almost pretty in a way that didn’t suit the boy she remembered. Jolie stood beside him, trying to avoid Alice’s gaze, her fingers fidgeting nervously with the edge of her sleeve.

Alice stiffened. “Leo.”

He crossed his arms, his expression sour. “Didn’t think you’d have the guts to show your face here again. Guess you've been too busy whoring around with orcs.”

The words cut deep, but before she could even react, Kiki growled low, the sound rumbling through the hall like distant thunder. Koko’s eyes flashed dangerously, but Alice raised a hand to stop them.

She met Leo’s eyes squarely. “You really need to grow up.”

The room went quiet.

Alice took a step closer, her voice steady now, shaking only with anger she didn’t bother to hide.

“You’re alive, Leo. You’re breathing. That’s what matters. I saved you, and you still can’t let go of your ego long enough to see that.”

She pointed at Jolie. “And that girl beside you? She’s been in love with you since you were kids. She’s still here, even after everything. Maybe stop trying to build a harem and realize you already have someone who actually loves you.”

Leo’s jaw tightened. His face went red not just with anger, but shame.

Jolie looked down, her shoulders trembling.

Alice turned away before he could speak again, returning to the counter.

“Put the registration under the name…” she hesitated, then smiled faintly. “…‘Orc Fuckers.’”

The clerk blinked. “Uh pardon?”

“You heard me,” Alice said. “Orc Fuckers.”

The holo-screen flickered as the name confirmed in bright text. The clerk hesitated for half a second before pressing “submit.”

System Notification:

Party registered successfully under the name Orc Fuckers.

A familiar voice chimed in her head, smooth and mocking Dice.

“Oh, finally. I was starting to wonder if you’d retired, dear. Slice of life this, family bonding that honestly, I tuned out for weeks. But this? This I like. I missed you.”

Alice exhaled through her nose, half laughing, half exasperated. “Yeah, miss you too, Dice.”

Dice’s laughter echoed faintly through her system feed.

“Oh, flattery. Keep this up, and I might just bless your next quest with an extra helping of chaos.”

Leo stood frozen where he was, lips parted, watching her walk away with her wives at her side, heads held high.

Alice didn’t look back.