Rina obediently began eating the omelet rice Erina Nakiri had made, her earlier grievances completely forgotten. Good food truly had a powerful effect on children. Renz nodded in satisfaction. So this was what it felt like to be a dad.
Essentially, he was a punching bag. Wasn't this exactly how he used to feel back on the team? Whenever his teammates argued, he'd jump in to mediate, to be the peacemaker. Yet somehow, by the end of it, the blame would always land on him. Sigh. Just smile and bear it.
At least his precious daughter, Rina, felt bad for him. That brought a mix of pride and comfort. What did it mean? It meant that in his daughter's heart, his position was higher than Erina Nakiri's. She understood him. She empathized with her dad. That kind of treatment was far better than what Erina Nakiri received, right? Hmph. Letting Erina raise Rina alone would surely end in disaster.
"Daddy, I want to sleep next to you tonight. I don't want to sleep with Mommy," Rina said while still eating the omelet rice her mother made, dropping a bombshell that froze both Renz and Erina in place.
How would they sleep tonight?
That question… neither of them had thought about it. They'd been busy all day, both adjusting to their sudden ten-years-later lives, focusing on work, jobs, and unfamiliar social circles. Sleeping arrangements had completely slipped their minds.
Yes, Renz was married to Erina Nakiri—but that was their future selves, not them. Psychologically speaking, Renz was still a full-fledged virgin. He was a professional esports player, after all. Forget about dating—he'd barely talked to girls back at the club.
What the hell? What now?
Erina, too, was at a loss. Ten years ago, she'd been immersed in culinary research, understanding little about romantic relationships—just a vague awareness of certain things. Renz had a virgin's mind, and so did she. Awkward.
Renz thought he was the one educating his daughter, but unexpectedly, his daughter's innocent words had educated him. He was caught completely off guard.
"No!" Erina blurted out, her face turning crimson. In just one day, she'd suddenly gained two children and now had to sleep in the same bed as a stranger. Even if he was her future husband, it was too much. The pace was way too fast! She simply couldn't accept it.
"Why?!" Rina protested, clearly upset. "Daddy already said it was his fault for picking me up late today. Can't I even get a small compensation?"
"I'm not your toy! I don't want to sleep with Mommy!"
Rina, having just finished her omelet rice, immediately "turned her back" on her mother. It seemed their relationship wasn't all that harmonious. They probably argued every day before, Renz thought.
Erina felt lightheaded. Of course, she wanted to sleep with Rina—to hold her close. But when she'd said "no," she hadn't meant Rina couldn't sleep next to Renz; she meant she didn't want to sleep next to him.
Argh! So hard to explain! Someone save me!
---
"Rina, Daddy's been very busy with work lately, so I won't be sleeping with you two," Renz said gently. He could clearly tell what Erina meant—her attitude was obvious. Truthfully, Renz felt a bit awkward himself.
It was his first time meeting Erina. Now he suddenly had a pair of adorable children. His wife, Erina, was undeniably beautiful—and not just that, she was also an outstanding cook. Sure, she had that tsundere personality flaw, but nobody's perfect. Honestly, after just one day, he found Erina... decent. Not someone he'd instantly fall for, but definitely not someone he disliked either.
Besides, he didn't mind Erina's stance. Sleeping together on the very first day would've been strange. In fact, her refusal only showed she valued herself and her dignity. Even if they did nothing, she still wouldn't accept sharing a bed. That kind of moral boundary was admirable.
Good. I can pull an all-nighter on games.
Renz hadn't experienced what the online gaming scene looked like ten years in the future. Just thinking about a folder full of new titles made him eager. Your emperor is back!
"Daddy has work?" Rina asked, surprised. "But Daddy's always with Mommy all day. How do you have work?"
"Today was… special. Normally, Daddy's never late to pick us up from school."
Oof. Another jab from his daughter. So, in the future, he really was a kept man? He couldn't believe it. How could a positive, ambitious young man like him end up living off someone else?
"Well, recently, the family had a small financial hiccup, so Daddy took on a temporary job," Renz said, coaxing her. "Once Daddy earns lots and lots of money, I'll have plenty of time to play with Rina."
Was this ability to coax daughters something all fathers were born with?
"Mmm, okay then…" Rina nodded, her expression troubled. "Then Daddy, you can be busy."
"Good girl," Renz said, patting her head. Her golden hair was smooth and soft. He smiled contentedly—until Erina suddenly pulled Rina into a tight hug. From school until now, Rina had been arguing with her. But with Renz, she was all laughs and giggles. Erina felt jealous watching him stroke their daughter's hair and rub her little face.
"Don't hug me, it's hot!"
Rina squirmed in her mother's arms, uncomfortable. Something was pressing against her awkwardly. Erina glared at Renz.
What the hell? You can't bond with your daughter, so you're blaming me?
Renz felt like he'd just been shot in the knee. Unfairly resented again. He sighed and shrugged, retreating to his exclusive gaming room.
Time to stream all night. Daddy's earning his secret savings.
Erina, still holding Rina, watched Renz disappear into the room. She stood up slowly. The dinner table was still a mess—Renz had left without cleaning up. Back in her old life, cleaning was never something a high-class lady like her had to do. There were always servants.
But in this future, she had no servants. And she couldn't possibly make two kindergartners wash dishes. Left with no choice, she rolled up her sleeves and faced the post-meal battlefield.
She paused when she saw the two cups of instant noodles on the table. Lost in thought.
Hmm… All the difficult problems I had today were solved by Renz. Yet in the end, his dinner was just a bowl of overcooked noodles.
Should I secretly make something for him and bring it to his room?
But wouldn't that be like… acting like a real wife?
What nonsense! I'm… I'm not a wife yet!
This would just be an act of gratitude. No—charity! Not even gratitude! Once I raise our daughter and son, I'll divorce him! Yes. That's right!
Erina Nakiri's heart waged an inner war of conflicting thoughts.
Meanwhile, from the kitchen, the soft sounds of chopping vegetables could be heard. Erina Nakiri carefully prepared the meal, her motions precise—like an artist working on her greatest masterpiece.
"Renz already ate one cup of instant noodles."
"This dish will only fill him up halfway."
"You stinky guy who stole my daughter… you'd better be grateful for this lady's charity."
Erina thought to herself.
---
What do you think Erina Nakiri will prepare for Renz? Will her actions truly be seen as 'charity' by him, or will they slowly deepen their unexpected bond?
---Support with power stones