Several weeks had passed since Serafall formalized the engagement between Sona Sitri and Daniel, and since then, the atmosphere in the house had changed subtly. Sona, now officially part of the harem, spent more time with Daniel, sharing not only romantic moments but also serious conversations, study routines, and paired training sessions. Both seemed closer, more comfortable... and with that unique familiarity only those in love possess.
This did not go unnoticed.
Mitsuru, who observed from a distance with a mix of elegance and discretion, couldn't help but feel confused by her own feelings. One night, in the comfort of her study, she sought advice from the only person who could give her a wise perspective: her father, Takeharu Kirijo.
"Dating someone like him... even with so many women around him? Doesn't it seem... illogical?"
Takeharu simply smiled calmly, without judgment.
"Mitsuru... you have lived by logic your entire life. But in matters of the heart, there are no equations. If you want him, follow that feeling. Only you can decide if it's worth it."
Her father's words resonated in her mind, making her frown with a slight blush. It wasn't a concrete answer, but... was love ever concrete?
Meanwhile, Tohsaka Rin, ever so proud and proudly tsundere, had her own dilemma. Every time she tried to have a private moment with Daniel, her words ended up coming out as:
"I-it's not like I want to talk to you in private or anything, baka!"
...only to then drag him by the arm to the school rooftop to eat together. Her attitude provoked awkward smiles, resigned sighs, and sometimes, electric sparks between her and the other girls in the harem.
Yukari, however, was a different story. More emotional, more impulsive... more obvious. Her jealousy was a burning fire impossible to hide, and despite the entire school already knowing Daniel had a harem, Yukari insisted on interrupting any display of affection that crossed her path.
"It's not appropriate to kiss in the hallways! We're at school!!"
"But Yukari, we weren't even kissing... she just held his hand..." Tamamo would reply, arms crossed.
"IT'S THE SAME THING!!"
The other girls just sighed. Daniel, sweating an anime-style drop, no longer knew how to react. But even with all that... the peace felt real.
---
With the end of the second semester's arrival, exams came... and went. To no one's surprise, Daniel got perfect scores in almost all subjects, earning him praise even from Sona, who smiled genuinely upon seeing his results.
The girls also did well, some on their own merit and others thanks to study sessions led by Daniel and Sona, who organized review groups almost daily in the mansion's living room.
And with the official end of the semester... came the celebration.
Daniel's house filled with laughter, soft music, the aroma of freshly made food, and quiet moments. Yasaka, although she didn't live there, did show up on her days off and, true to her playful kitsune nature, mercilessly seduced Daniel.
Every time he visited her in Kyoto, he would return with lipstick marks on his neck, cheeks, even shoulders. Marks impossible to hide... to the horror of his girlfriends.
"These marks... are from Yasaka, aren't they?" Tamamo asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I-it's obvious you two have fun..." added Sakura with a strained smile.
Daniel could only laugh nervously while promising them all "fair compensation." And yes... he kept that promise.
---
Finally, with the summer holidays at last beginning, the time came for a special trip:
Daniel would return to Mexico.
For the first time in a long while, he could spend an entire week with his parents. And for that, the girls decided to accompany him. From the quiet ones like Hikari, to the more expressive ones like Alya, they all signed up, determined to get to know their beloved's homeland.
The only one who couldn't go was Yasaka, due to her duties as the spiritual leader of Kyoto. Although that didn't stop her from saying goodbye with a long, deep, and fiery kiss... that left Daniel staggering as he boarded the plane.
"You'll have to make it up to me when you return, dear~" she said with a mischievous wink.
And with that, Daniel set off for his country, accompanied by his chaotic and growing harem, ready to live a week of family peace... if that was even possible with so many women around him.
The car finally stopped in front of a cozy house in northern Mexico, of traditional style, with a small, well-kept garden and the smell of home-cooked food escaping from the open windows. Sona Sitri, normally unflappable, slightly smoothed her skirt as she got out of the car. Not because she was afraid... but because this time she wasn't facing demons, politicians, or supernatural enemies, but something more feared by many: the parents of the guy she liked.
"I already told you they're nice..." Daniel murmured quietly, trying to calm Sona as he opened the gate.
"You say that," Sona replied, pushing her glasses up with a finger. "But you're not the one about to be analyzed by protective Mexican parents."
The girls behind them chuckled softly. Tamamo and Alya were especially amused.
Inside the house, they were greeted by Daniel's mother, a warm woman with maternal energy who quickly hugged her son, and by his father, a man with a serious but honest gaze, who offered his hand to Sona with a raised eyebrow and a smile that didn't quite reveal his intentions.
"So you are the famous Sona," he said.
"That's right. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Hernández."
"Please, call us César and Ana. And have a seat, dear. Let's talk."
The other girls settled on the sofa with concealed smiles, knowing what was coming. They had already passed this test. Now it was Sona's turn.
Once glasses of fresh water and some homemade snacks were served on the table, César got straight to the point.
"My son already told us that, without knowing, he ended up engaged to you because of a chess game..."
"Yes, sir. It was a friendly game, but... for my family, the only condition I set to accept a future husband was that he could defeat me at chess. And Daniel did it without even realizing."
"And that wasn't a trick?" asked Ana, with a sharp little smile. "Because Daniel isn't exactly the most subtle when he's interested in a girl."
The girls burst into stifled laughter and Daniel rolled his eyes in resignation.
"Not at all, Mrs. Ana. It was a clean victory. He even pointed out my mistakes at the end. It was... admirable."
"And tell me, Sona... do you like my son because he beat you at chess, or for something more?"
César's question fell like a hammer. The girls turned to look at her. Daniel swallowed hard. But Sona didn't hesitate.
"For much more. Daniel is brave, protective, and possesses a will I have rarely seen, even among demons. I was drawn to his strength, but also to his heart. I don't seek a figure of power in him, but a partner. He... makes me want to stop overthinking and simply live."
The silence that followed was almost mystical. Ana smiled with approval. César nodded slowly.
"A good answer," he said. "But I warn you... Daniel isn't easy to handle. He gets into trouble, surrounds himself with beautiful girls like he's in a shōnen manga, and also has a habit of picking fights with things I don't even understand. Are you prepared for that?"
Sona looked him in the eye without blinking.
"I am. Not only am I prepared... I want to be by his side. No matter what happens."
"Then you are more than welcome, dear."
And with that, the tension broke. Ana got up to hug Sona, while the girls applauded softly.
"She survived the Hernández interrogation!" Hibiki shouted playfully.
"You cried too when it was your turn, don't act all tough," Hikari retorted, nudging her with an elbow.
Daniel just smiled as Sona sighed with relief and took his hand without his parents noticing. She had crossed that border, and she didn't regret it.
The vacation in Mexico was, without a doubt, a resounding success. For Daniel and his future wives, those days in warm lands felt like a true dream come true. Laughter, affection, delicious food, and memorable moments filled each day.
The *quintas*, with their refreshing pools, became the group's favorite destination. Each day was a different adventure: from diving competitions, water fights, to seeing who made the best grilled meat on the weekends. Daniel and his father proudly defended their position as grill masters, while the girls decorated the table and prepared typical sides like *frijoles charros*, handmade tortillas, and *aguas frescas*.
At night, the family tradition of movie marathons returned in full force. The group huddled in front of the TV, with blankets and snacks, laughing at comedies, sighing at romances, screaming at horrors, and feeling pure excitement with action flicks. It was like having a multiple daily date, a mega family date where love and unity felt stronger than ever.
Even Sona, who was usually more formal, let herself be carried away by the warm and relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes she would lean her head on Daniel's shoulder while watching movies, other times she would help in the kitchen or simply watch with a smile, knowing that this family was already adopting her as one of their own.
But like all good moments... it came to an end.
On the last day, while the suitcases were being packed, laughter mixed with nostalgic sighs. Daniel's parents saw them off with strong hugs, promising they would always have a place there, and that they hoped to see them all—and more—back soon.
Back at the airport, waiting for the flight back to Japan, Daniel leaned against a column, looking around: his girlfriends chatting and checking tickets, Sona reviewing some magical documents in case something had changed politically... and he sighed.
"Back to the invisible war," he murmured with a tired smile.
Because, of course, the supernatural world never slept. There were still urgent matters to attend to: restless factions, disagreeing leaders, renegade members, and the ever-present possibility that something or someone decided to kick the board of balance once more.
Being one of those responsible for the fragile magical world's balance wasn't easy... but at least now, Daniel had an even more powerful reason to fight: his family, his loves, his people.
And that made every battle worth it.