Confirming something with Nanami.

It turns out that Amelia, Cynthia and Aoi are the exact same in one regard. They’re the type to hate leaving important matters for later, so the three of them went to Amelia’s place to continue working on the finer details of their new business partnership.

Though Will supposed he shouldn’t feel like it didn’t concern him, because it did. He just had other matters to attend to as well, mainly continuing the work on the potion with Nanami.

“And remember,” Reina told him as she got ready to head out. “Ishtar is grounded. She’s not allowed to practice her new trick until after the potion is completed.”

Will nodded. “Don’t worry, she won’t do it.”

The great Spirit of Lust, Princess Ishtar, heir to Queen Inanna, was grounded and forbidden from practicing her own magic by the unanimous vote of seven women (which Will secretly dubbed the Harem Council). She wasn’t happy, but didn’t protest. The shame of the consequences of a temper tantrum saw to that.

Reina nodded in return. “Then we’ll be going.”

Reina, Anna and Ruth were going out together. They needed to take care of some miscellaneous business. Reina needed to get her ID renewed before it expired, Anna wanted to buy some things for her place and Ruth needed to check on the progress of some costumes for her dance group.

It left Will and Nanami to work alone, something he was thankful for. As the two worked on grinding and mixing and preparing ingredients, Will went ahead and asked Nanami an important question.

“So you truly are okay with me and your aunt…”

Nanami giggled. “Yes, very much so. I admit, it’s a little weird to think she and I have slept with the same guy, but when that guy is you, it stops being weird. It comes with the territory, doesn’t it?”

“Gee, thanks,” Will scoffed in playful offense.

“It was always clear that she cared about you,” Nanami continued. “At first she was wary of what you could do, but as she started training you, she began to have a better opinion of you. You’re the type to work hard without complaining, and that’s something she respects a lot. On top of that, you’ve shown her how far you’re willing to go for those you care about, and that resonates with her. She’s just the same.” Nanami giggled. “I was surprised when she admitted to being an idealist before, because she tries not to look the part in front of other people. She’d rather be seen as a pragmatist, but the truth is she wants to save everyone, and has a soft spot for people who work hard for noble goals.”

“I wouldn’t dare to call mine ‘noble goals’,” Will said. “Hers are, mine aren’t.”

Nanami grimaced. “Auntie has dealt with a succubus spirit before.” She swallowed. “A woman fully possessed, her body used to kidnap other women, keeping them in a basement as sex toys for herself. That was all she told me, but it was clear in her face the scene wasn’t pretty. I bet she’s happy to see you be a positive influence on Ishtar, someone who could very easily do worse than that.”

Will pursed her lips. “Ishtar’s not like that.”

‘I could be, Will. She’s not wrong. Perhaps I wouldn’t be kidnaping people, but you know I wouldn't have had problems robbing them of their free will. You’re the sole reason we live the way we do now, and I’m thankful. It’s better this way, for all of us, me specially.’

Ishtar sounded genuine, but he guessed she always was. She never lied, even when the truth was harsh. She was someone who would’ve used him to follow her instincts if he hadn’t resisted and **** her to find common ground.

Ishtar wasn’t a benevolent being, but neither was she evil. She was a being of purpose. Ishtar had goals, and she had very few qualms about her ways to reach them. Will’s methods worked, so she accepted them. Even now that she and Will were the closest of partners, Ishtar’s core remained the same, even if her goals had slightly changed.

Will sighed and shook her head. “I say that, but she’s agreeing with you.”

At least, that was how Ishtar saw herself, and maybe that was how she was at one point. Will was of a different opinion, believing Ishtar truly had changed in some ways since their first meeting. Still, her core was still there, much like how Will’s remained intact as well.

“See? Not many can resist the whisperings of lesser spirits, much less one like Ishtar. My aunt understands how impressive that is. As do I, for that matter.” Nanami leaned in and gave Will a short peck on the lips. “And as for sharing a boyfriend with her… I can’t help but be happy that she’ll enjoy herself with you, just like me.”

“You’re weird,” Will teased her.

“You’re weirder.”

“That’s true.”

They shared another kiss, this one deeper and longer.

“And how about you?” Nanami asked him after. “Are you happy to be together with my aunt now?”

“Yeah. It’s… strange, but in a good way. I thought she was beautiful from the moment I saw her, but training with her has made me come to admire her. Her strength, her knowledge, her kindness, her goals… She’s an amazing woman.”

Nanami smirked. “Isn’t she?”

“Now the question is… Would you share a bed with her and me?” Will asked teasingly.

“Oh. Hmm. I’ll… get back to you on that.” She giggled. “Somehow that possibility never crossed my mind.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t push you.”

“Thank you. I’m not sure my aunt would be comfortable with the idea, either, but who knows? I never expected to see her offering you her tits in front of everyone, but breakfast happened.”

Yep. That was fun.

From then on, Will and Nanami continued working diligently. Failures were carefully taken care of, removing the aether from the concoction before disposing of it, and those considered passable were poured into vials and their exact production process registered for future reproduction. All of that was Nanami’s idea. The girl was about as organized as Anna.

The next day, Will would meet Belphegor again and hand him the test samples. It was perhaps too soon, but he hoped the old man would have some information for them, too.