Holding the cute Last Order, after a brief discussion with Misuzu, they decided to name her Misaka Rei. (T/N: Rei means Zero.)
It signified both an end and a beginning.
Misuzu happily took Misaka Rei (Last Order) from Kaito's arms.
The "Papa" and "Mama" she was talking about were Misuzu and Kaito!
This title left Mikoto speechless even after they got home.
Calling Misuzu "Mama" was fine.
But calling Kaito "Papa"...
That was a bit much. She had agreed to her mother pursuing Kaito, sure...
But...
"What's wrong?"
Tap...
Kaito's warm hand rested on Mikoto's head.
"Ah, no, nothing. It's just... it all felt too easy?"
"Haha, it might have been difficult for you, but with me here, it's easy."
"Y-Yeah... Kaito-nii is really amazing!"
"Alright, the Misaka Sister issue is resolved for now. But there's still the main problem. I need to see the founder of Academy City."
"Okay... please be careful."
"Alright."
Mikoto wanted to go, but knew she'd only be a distraction for Kaito.
She didn't know if there would be a fight, but if there was, she'd definitely hold him back.
She knew her limits. So, she chose to stay, get to know the other Sisters, and help her mother arrange their living situation.
Index was amazed and excited, running circles around the Misaka Sisters.
For her, this meant suddenly having many older sisters!
Only Last Order, Misaka Rei, became her little sister.
Watching her run around the living room, snacking with cute rosy cheeks in clothes a bit too big for her, Index joined in the fun.
"Oh! Papa, where are you going?"
Running around, she ended up back at Kaito, latching onto his leg with a flying hug.
"Hehe, I'm going to get some tasty late-night snacks."
"Late-night snacks?"
"Yes, lots of tasty things. You stay here and be good, listen to Mama and your sisters, okay?"
"Oh!!! I understand (p≧w≦q)"
Her eyes sparkling with stars, Misaka Rei was caught by Index, who had just caught up, in her excitement.
"Kaito-nii, I want some too!"
"Haha, I won't forget you!"
Index had a huge appetite and wasn't picky.
Patting Index's silver hair, telling her to take Misaka Rei back to the living room, Kaito told Misuzu his plan, then left with Beelzebul.
"Brother-in-law, do you really like having daughters?"
While flying, Beelzebul couldn't help but ask.
"Yeah, I have a small dream. I want to be Airi's father."
"???"
'Who is Airi?'
Beelzebul didn't understand, but she felt it wasn't a good thing?
"Haha, isn't it cute? Besides, I love kids. Having a few more daughters isn't a bad thing, right?"
"Giving Hisui more sisters is also nice. They can grow up and play together."
'Hmm...'
Beelzebul fell silent.
Speaking of children...
Her sister had told her that if they were ordinary people, it would be fine. But now, for her and Kaito to have a child of their own was not easy.
Even if they used magic to help, the child might not be talented, and it wouldn't be the same as natural birth.
Besides, they wanted the "natural" process, not something magically induced.
So…
Having a daughter would be difficult for Baal.
However...
If Beelzebul joined in, the chances would double!
They were twin gods, identical inside and out. So no matter who gave birth, wouldn't the daughter be theirs?
That was Baal's logic.
Beelzebul had initially refused.
But after Baal's constant persuasion...
Gradually...
Now, seeing how much Kaito loved having daughters, she thought... having one might not be so bad?
Seeing Misuzu's happiness and excitement made her a bit envious.
Was being a mother really that great?
"Um... Brother-in-law, can, can you and my sister have a daughter?"
"Huh? Why the sudden question?"
"I-It's just curiosity! You two are married, after all!"
"Hehehe, we could have a daughter anytime. But Baal wants to get pregnant and give birth naturally, so who knows when that'll happen."
'Though, if it did happen someday, she'd probably be overjoyed.'
Thinking about it, that made sense.
One way gives the joy of surprise; the other gives the joy of a special process. The happiness felt from each is completely different.
"I-Is that so... What if it's a son?"
"We'll just raise him however."
"???"
'That's a big difference?'
"And if it's a daughter?"
"She'll be as wonderful as Hisui."
"Isn't that... a bit of a double standard?"
"You don't understand. There's a saying: 'Raise a son in poverty, raise a daughter in wealth'."
"Fine, I don't get it."
Beelzebul shook her head helplessly, closed her eyes, and thought about what it would be like if she had a daughter.
First Yunyun.
Then Akina.
Now Misuzu...
'Maybe having a child was indeed a good thing?'
"We're here. Let's go in."
"Ah? Okay. Need my help?"
"Do whatever you want. They won't dare move a muscle at first, anyway."
Kaito glanced thoughtfully at Beelzebul. Only when they reached Aleister Crowley's location did he warn her.
Then, they dispensed with formalities and barged in.
They walked straight to the cylindrical, cultivation-tank-like container where Aleister Crowley hung upside down and stopped.
From a distance, he looked a bit like a woman.
Up close, yes, definitely a man.
So, "Alester" does not exist.