Just a few hours after dinner, Kenshin and Meyumi entered the lounge. All his wives instantly focused their gazes on them, each reacting in her own way.
Kasumi and Natsumi stared in shock, refusing to believe that Kenshin had recovered from his injuries and grief so quickly that he would pounce on the least favorite girl.
Makoto was a little surprised, but no more. Hitomi, in turn, was the only one who was glad about what was happening. She saw it as a good sign and was pleased that her husband wasn't wallowing in grief but relieving tension in the best way possible.
Aiya's reaction stood out the most. Barely sensing "her own" in Meyumi, she glared angrily at Kenshin, resolutely stood from her seat, and decided to leave.
"You beast!" she declared, trying to pass him. But Kenshin had no intention of letting her go anywhere and gently pulled her to him, ignoring her protests.
Aiya couldn't resist her husband's insistent displays of love for long and let him do as he wished. Kenshin seated his pregnant wife on his lap and began stroking her large belly, broadcasting an atmosphere of absolute serenity that made even the other girls feel peace and joy.
Keiko could only watch the displays of love and affection in surprise, recalling her own youth. At thirty, as a deeply ill woman, she considered herself old and could only remember her pregnancy period, envying this young girl.
Old memories reminded her once again how stupid and trusting young Uzumaki Keiko had been, easily falling for the charms of the handsome heir of a highly respected family. She had desperately wanted to marry him, but he wanted only one thing, and once he got it, the foolish, defiled girl became uninteresting to him, receiving only shame in return—which turned out to be the best gift of her life: a little red-haired treasure.
Over the past eleven years, Keiko's hatred had long faded, for the Uzumaki clan had been nearly wiped out, and to some extent, she felt joy at what had happened to her—otherwise, she wouldn't have given birth to her little red-haired gold and would be dead along with the entire huge clan.
Even so, the tormented woman who hadn't known love couldn't help sighing at the sight of the father's incredible affection and tenderness toward the unborn child. For a split second, she felt envy but immediately scolded herself for such unworthy thoughts toward her benefactor and his respected wife.
"Kenshin, do you love Aiya?" Karin asked joyfully, appearing beside them unnoticed. She was very curious about what was happening, as she had never seen romantic feelings up close. The Zosui thugs around her were emotionally cold and could only be rude and insulting.
"I love her very much..." Kenshin replied softly, stroking Karin's head. She smiled sweetly, then looked expectantly at Aiya's belly.
"You can touch it," Aiya said calmly, sensing the girl's burning curiosity.
Karin carefully reached out and placed her palm on Aiya's large belly, then squealed joyfully when she felt the baby's response. The fetus was fully formed and seemed to sense everything happening outside. That's why Kenshin put all his effort into giving his future son positive emotions.
"Sorry for being rude to you and Karin," Meyumi whispered, taking a seat next to Keiko.
"It's fine... Not many women would be thrilled if a man brought another into the home..." Keiko replied with a slight smile.
Meyumi didn't continue the conversation, as she still felt no closeness to this woman. She apologized only to resolve her past conflicts and start life with a clean slate. At that moment, all old grudges and disagreements seemed so insignificant, and the young blonde couldn't believe she had seriously worried about such trifles.
"Makoto, maybe you'd like to show Karin your collection of toys?" Kenshin said gently, nudging the two girls toward friendship.
Hearing his suggestion, Makoto's eyes widened in surprise, and she nodded joyfully, running to the far end of the room. The cabinet held a multitude of various stuffed toys, as well as classic games for teenage girls. The young short-haired brunette happily pulled out a huge stuffed bear and ran back.
Karin couldn't contain her immense surprise, widening her crimson-red eyes and staring at the large stuffed bear. She wanted one just like it at first sight, and Makoto, seeing her interested gaze, smiled and handed it to her.
"He's yours now—just don't hurt him," Makoto said in a calm tone, imitating adults and looking more amusing than serious.
"Th-thank you!" Karin exclaimed with shining eyes, hugging the teddy bear nearly half her size and running joyfully to her mom.
"Mom, look what they gave me!" she exclaimed, holding out the toy.
Keiko couldn't hold back a smile, feeling incredible joy from everything happening. On her very first evening in the new place, she felt at home. Stroking her daughter and praising the teddy bear, she caught Kenshin's gaze and nodded gratefully.
As evening drew to a close, Meyumi demonstratively pressed against Kenshin and received a well-deserved kiss, slightly embarrassing Keiko and greatly annoying Makoto.
"Kenshin, why don't you kiss me? Am I worse than the others?..." Makoto said sulkily, amusing everyone present.
"Of course you're not worse than the others," he replied softly, lightly pecking her on the cheek.
"No, not like that!" she said discontentedly, forcing Kenshin to frantically think of a way out.
"Is this enough?" he asked, gently pecking her on the lips, making everyone, including Aiya, laugh.
"Uh-huh!" she replied joyfully, turning her attention back to her new friend, chasing the small but very fast Karin and starting another round of tag.
Meanwhile, Kenshin said goodbye to everyone and, embracing Meyumi by the waist, headed to his room. Many didn't understand why he had decided to accept her into the family right now, but they knew that if it happened, the night was hers.