Paradise of Infinity: 358

Title: Karaoke is NOT For Singing?

“Do you like it, my Sister?” inquires Hansel, making Gretel trill. The latter closes her eyes, revealing a blissful, relieved look as red overtakes her fair cheeks. The girl puckers her pink lips before whimpering a pleased whine. Despite all that, Hansel interlocks her fingers with her sister, revealing no envy but only delight for Gretel’s joy.

“I have two hands,” chuckles the deep but soothing voice. To the Sisters… or Brother and Sister in public, the voice is the source of warmth that perhaps only a familiar Succubus can match. Subsequently, a hand falls atop Hansel’s head, rubbing it gently until the two Sisters share the same expression.

“H-How is it possible?” Ray gasps. “I know they like head pats… but to this extent? No, how did you do it? Teach me.” The Succubus’ pink irides flash as Nik shrugs. It’s well into the evening of the second vacation day, with the amber sky revealing shades of dusk.

“I just pat them,” Nik smiles. “It’s not my fault Hansel and Gretel like mine more.”

“That’s not true!” Ray crosses her arms before glancing at the twins. “Is it?”

“Well…” Hansel and Gretel glance at each other before admitting reluctantly, “Yours are better… Big Sister…”

“No need to patronize me,” Ray deadpans before she scowls. “You know my Bloodline is of the Epic Rank—AND I’m a progenitor. Still can’t beat your head pats.”

Nik chuckles as he retracts his arms, much to the twin’s indignance.

“I was thinking—” Nik clears his throat when Ray cuts him off with a knowing look.

“To have me become your progenitor instead of your current one?” She rolls her eyes.

“Yep,” Nik sips on his juice. “I would rather have you take the benefits of me devising any Bloodlines than a stranger.”

“Nope,” Ray rejects. “You’ll cause a war between us Progenitors, Nik. Do you think any progenitor will let a rare variant like you into another’s fold? Even if your bloodline is of the Uncommon Rank, the facts are that you’re competent. No Progenitor will accept such slights without lashing out.”

“How will they attack?” Nik inquires.

“Wouldn’t know,” Ray shrugs. “And I don’t care because I’m not sticking my ass into a beehive. Besides, you should plan on being a Progenitor, too. That’s where I can help you.”

Nik deflates before sighing. He accurately tosses the juice cup into the nearby trash as they keep walking Tokyo’s evening streets.

“We’re being followed again,” Nik grunts. “You three are too eye-catching.”

“Says the chick magnet,” Ray snorts, already aware of a few guys trying to talk to her… from a few streets back.

“I don’t attract girls like you do. Remember? Still an Uncommon Rank bloodline,” Nik shrugs. “Still. We’re done for the day, right? How long will your Familiar need to hatch?” He’s already exhausted for the day after Ray’s Familiar ‘sucked’ him off for all he’s worth. Of course, unknown to Ray, Nik copied the familiar egg to see if he could hatch it. Although… he feels his chances are dim if the egg is already conscious enough to prefer his Chi AND able to drain Nik.

“Where are you going, Nik?” Hansel questions. “Can we join you guys?”

“Oh, sorry. I’m going out with Saki,” Nik smiles. “I figured spending more time with her should help her settle down. Thanks for taking me out for shopping.”

Ray shrugs. It’s not like she had anything better to do, and she was curious about the items Nik needed to begin the development of his Scars of Infinity.

“Be careful,” Ray nods, cautioning. “There’s still one of us left out there. We know nothing about them.”

As Ray states, there’s another Host left after the events of the Nippon Speed Line. Ray and Nik aren’t aware of the first thing about this Host except for his existence and probable stay within America since Nik used to compass.

Nik nods before smiling at the twins. “You two know where to find me if you want more of my subpar head pats.”

“Did you hear that, my Sister?”

“Yes~!”

The twins brighten up as Nik leaves for a specific direction—

“Hello? Are you a foreigner? Do you need help finding a restaurant?”

—not before getting hit on a few times in the subtlest manner possible.

<<<>>>

Recent separation from her parents could only bother and upset Saki for so long when everyone within Nik’s immediate vicinity took well to her. It was a warm and comforting feeling since everyone in her school either looked down on her, found her a bother, or lusted after Saki. Although… Saki admits that woman’s gaze… June, was it? Yes. June looked a little weirded out before eyeing Saki to no end.

It would have scared Saki if not for the peculiarly talkative and inviting girl, Jin, wearing June’s ear off about something. Still, Saki wonders while sitting in her chair outside the Ty Sisters’ Mansion…

What was all that about?

Like Nik’s recent guests, Saki found accommodation in the Ty Sisters’ mansion. But the girl feels a little guilty about being a burden to those bundle of excited and cheerful identical sisters.

“Ready for the big night?” A womanly voice snaps Saki out of her thoughts.

Ready?

Saki blinks as she looks up at the blonde woman garbed in a Nun’s habit and shades on her face. The woman sits beside Saki as the latter notices the beer can in the woman’s hand.

“You’re Saki, right?” The foreign woman questions with a deceptively adequate Japanese accent. First Irina-Sensei, and now her… are all blonde bombshells good at different languages? The woman speaks before Saki can feel a little about herself. “I heard you got it rough from your parents. Believe it or not, I’m not like that cunt, Revy. I’m going around and talking with other women to understand them. Crazy stuff, really.”

The woman drinks before exhaling with a loud, satisfied huff. “I’m Eda, by the way. Don’t think we’ve been introduced.”

“Nice to meet you,” Saki scrunches her shoulders and nods meekly, making Eda pat her back. “Cheer up, it won’t hurt.”

“It won’t hurt?” Saki blinks, unable to understand Eda.

“Yep,” Eda grins. “It’s like a sting. You won’t even notice after a few pumps. Of course, alcohol helps.”

Saki's lips open before she feels her cheeks blazing. “What?” she sputters. “What are you talking about?”

“Didn’t you get ready for the night?” Eda tilts her head. “Everyone knows about it. You know? You and Nik—going to a Karaoke. I figured I’d have the talk about the birds and bees before you take one for the team.”

“K-k-karaoke is for singing and food!” Saki squeezes the words out despite her embarrassment as Eda scoffs a chuckle.

“Sure~!” Eda’s tone drips with sarcasm. “Singing into a hard mic in your hand, yeah? Giving it a firm squeeze, moving it up and down… sure. Just singing.”

Saki lowers her head.

“Are you saying Nik-Sen… Nik likes me?”

“Hmm? Why won’t he dig a babe like you?” Eda questions rhetorically.

“But… there are so many beautiful women around Nik… I think he’s being nice and helping me settle after what happened.”

Eda sips her beer before extending the can to the girl. “Started drinking yet?”

“N-no.”

Just when Saki tries to accept the can, Eda takes it back. The latter grins. “Good. Drinking’s shit. We like to drink to not feel like one. No need to bother yourself with it.”

“Then why offer it!” Saki slightly snaps before lowering her head. “I’m sorry…”

“So?” Eda doesn’t mind Saki’s temper. “You know everything? What goes where and other stuff…”

Saki’s cheeks turn beet red as she nods. “I… know…”

“But,” the girl persists. “I don’t think Nik thinks about me like that. It felt safe when he hugged me that night. I… I don’t want to burden him further. He’s also engaged to so many women… they are all incredible. Did you know that they can manipulate elements? It’s straight out of fantasy!”

“We’re all fiction, babe.”

“Huh?” Saki goggles.

“Yep,” Eda crushes the empty can before setting it beside her. “Chances are… everyone in existence is a fiction in another’s world. Who’s to say you aren’t the dream of millions in another world? Hold your chin up and be proud when you kneel.”

Saki’s amazement turns into embarrassment by the end of it until Eda snickers, “To pray. What were you thinking?”

“N-nothing!” Saki grouses before questioning. “About that… are you saying I’m in some manga?”

“Who knows?” Eda shrugs. “Won’t matter even if you are. The point is to not feel down, even if someone can breathe fire or shoot lightning. Nik wouldn’t have banged Revy cause she can do none of it. Let me tell you… you’re a 100 times better than that sloppy cunt.”

Though Saki feels guilty about thinking good about herself due to Eda downplaying Revy, it’s encouraging nonetheless.

“So… w-what should I say to Nik… you know… to give him a hint I’m prepared…” Saki swallows a lump before questioning as Eda cups her chin.

“Hnn,” the nun grunts. “Touch his thigh or something. I’d just grab his collar and kiss him.”

Eda smirks, unable to stop sending the young girl to the ‘right’ path.

“Of course…” she drags her words as she stands. “If you’re serious about rocking Nik’s world despite knowing the kind of man he is…”

Eda notices Saki perk up.

“You know… to set yourself apart from the rest…” Eda licks her lips.

“Tease him,” Eda wags her brows. “Show him stuff. Make it accidental. Spill things on yourself and employ games. Make him unable to contain himself… as they say, the Lord forgives those who don’t initiate shit but provoke it.”

“I haven’t… heard of that saying,” Saki blushes as she thinks about several things. Ideas… Fantasies…

“Don’t sweat it. Religion updates to our needs. You best be sure a church wouldn’t have existed in Roanapur if Religion had access to the Holy Spirit,” Eda dismisses Saki’s concerns as she picks up her crushed can. “Remember… make it fun. You’ll love the feeling of making him impatient.”

Saki glances away before nodding. A weird smile unintentionally seizes her lips as her vision threatens to swim.

“Thank you,” the girl nods as Eda smirks and leaves.

‘Ah…’ Eda exhales with a satisfied smirk. ‘Nothing better than to guide a lost lamb. Who should I seek out next? Hmm? That tomboy sulks around a lot. Let’s see what’s up with her.’

Well, it was either screwing with others or getting screwed…

Eda would prefer the latter.

Unfortunately, Nik’s been preoccupied. Not that she minds. The nun is more than happy to ‘teach’ things to the new crowd.

“Where the fuck did you run off to?”

“Yo, Revy!” Eda beams. “Let’s drink. I’m bored.”

“... sure… wait! No! Fuck! Don’t act like we’re friends!”

“Hmm, why’d I do that? Not like we’ve humped each other before. Come on. Show me where Nik hides the good stuff.”

“He doesn’t hide anything, bitch. Drinks don’t get him off…”

“But it gets you off,” Eda persists. “Where did YOU hide the good stuff, Revy.”

“Tch… I’d rather teach those girls about shooting.”

“I’ll watch. With whiskey.”

“All I have is rum.”

“That works!”

<<<>>>

Saki appears in a well-lit room after a warning from Nik that he’s booked a room. However, her heart instantly drops the second she looks around. Only knowing about Karaoke by eavesdropping on her classmates, Saki realizes how much she underestimated the experience.

An oppressive air settles on her after she looks around. She’s alone in a room with Nik. Not only that, but the room is also on the smaller side. She glimpses at the mic resting on the central table, promptly feeling embarrassed by Eda’s recollection.

Damn, that Nun filled her head with nonsense, didn’t she?

‘Or maybe… she didn’t…’ Saki bats her eyelashes before peeking at Nik.

“You look good,” Nik compliments with a smile. She looks good. Well, Saki hopes so. She would have felt hopeless if Nik hadn’t thought so after Saki spent time picking the denim overalls that transitioned into a slightly form-fitting skirt over her yellow top.

“Thank you…” Saki smiles before looking around.

“Let’s sit. I ordered a few things—mostly snacks.” Nik sits beside Saki, adding. “I wanted to try everything this place had to offer. So, let’s eat our fill and enjoy singing.”

Saki blinks as Nik continues by offering her a gift-wrapped box.

“Eh?”

“A gift,” Nik grins. “It’s nothing special… but I hope you like it.”

Overwhelming excitement fills Saki’s heart as she shakes her head. “You shouldn’t have!” But her hands are already on the gift. It doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or not…

A gift!

Saki almost feels like singing out of pure joy!

A bright smile appears on her face for once as she tears the wrappers away before opening the familiar box and finding a pair of spectacles resting within them. The red frames reflect in Saki’s eyes before she looks at Nik.

“I remember you had a similar pair on you when I ran into you back then,” Nik beams. “I hear that lenses can be an inconvenience. So… I hoped you would use them when you aren’t wearing your lenses.”

“That’s why you asked about my vision,” Saki gasps, prompting Nik to nod.

“So…” Nik clears his throat. “I admit I’m not well-versed in gifting things yet.” It’s true… Katara, Suki, and others didn’t have such a culture where the man brings a gift for a date. Although there were several other gestures involving the adoption of fatal risks to prove their love…

Nik preferred gifts for dates over the former.

“It’s…” Saki stares at the glasses as his words fill her head. To think he even remembers her before she started using makeup… Her eyes redden as sweetness fills her heart. But she also feels innately annoyed. He’s kind and sweet…

Why did he have to be THIS sweet…

No wonder so many people like him.

“I love it,” Saki snivels before rubbing her eyes. “I love it, Nik. I’m not crying because I hate it or anything. I don’t know why I’m crying!” Saki sobs as tears drop on the glasses.

“I’m sorry for crying,” Saki looks at Nik, almost asking him not to feel angry when she finds him grinning at her.

“No need to be sorry, Saki. Just let it all out. I’m glad you loved it so much.”

His sheepish expression suddenly makes Saki smile as she accepts the handkerchief from the man.

“Here, have some water,” Nik flips his hand before bringing a glass of water from his Scar of Infinity.

“Thank you,” Saki drinks some water before schooling her expression. But she promptly curses herself internally after finishing the water.

‘I was supposed to spill it on myself!’

The orders soon arrive as Nik hands Saki the remote and the Mic to take the lead.

‘Chance!’ Saki gulps as she glances at Nik eating from a bowl of chips.

She stands with her heart almost bursting out of her bosom before suddenly acting as if she tangled her feet.

“Kya!” she screams.

‘Kya? Ahhhh! Is that the best I can do? That sounded so fake!’ Saki admonishes herself. However, she ensures to pump her back up just enough to make the skirt ride up her thighs and almost expose her butt. Saki’s sure her special black panties are exposed to Nik as she glances back with expectations.

Well, she expects Nik to avert his gaze before peeking again. Saki wants Nik to reveal a look of conflict… to desire her…

Yet…

*Munch*

*Munch*

*Munch*

She watches the man munch away one chip at a time as he gives her a thumbs up. “A person learns by falling. Don’t mind it, Saki. Let’s sing and have some fun!”

“O-Oh…” Saki clears her throat as she stands. Well… a life lesson was the last thing she fantasized about.

Saki suddenly feels something amiss.

She gazes at the happily eating Nik before recalling peculiar information traveling around the two mansions…

‘Why would others joke about not bringing any food if going out on a romantic date with Nik?’

Saki suddenly feels ominous about her date…

She isn’t stupid enough to not put two and two together!

No wonder Nik already ordered all the snacks… he might have expected Saki to refuse.

So… Saki realizes…

Other women were never her ‘competition.’ No…

They were all united against the common enemy…

Food.

***

Alternate Title: The Future God of Head Pats and Chin Scratches; No Trauma Can Stand Against The Patting One; Ray Wishes; The Progenitor War?; Ray Won’t Stick Her Ass in a Beehive… But She Would Stick It On Nik; The Rare Moments When Epic Fails To Uncommon; Surely… Men Like Ray’s Head Pats More *Comment If You Want Muscle Daddy Head Pats*; Ray’s Greedy ‘Daughter’; Who’s Going To Be Ray’s Familiar; Copied Familiar?; Eda Guides a Lost Lamb; Eda’s Cracked Religion; June and Jin Know About Hentai Characters… Oh, Lord; Eda To Saki: Kneel Proud, You’re a Throat Goat; Eda Goes Down On Her Knees To Pray… Nik; The First Nun of Nik’s New Church; The Religion of Eroism?; Eda Must NOT Guide Casca; Eda’s Religious Crusade; Helping One of The Team; Eda And Revy Do Be Humping Buddies, Nik Has Evidence; The Karaoke Date; Saki’s a Fiction; Wait Until The Authors Become Aware and Realize They Are A Fiction in Another World, Too; Eda Nears The 4th Wall; Saki’s Got Millions of Fans… Now They Must Read Her Get Fucked… Again; The Same With Casca *Cue Guts Theme; The Gift; Happy Tears; Saki Shows Hentai Thoughts; Saki Gets on Her Knees; Nik Continues Munching; Shit’s Serious If The Man Eats Like Goku/Luffy and Fucks Like Vegeta/Zoro What About Sanji? He Gets No Bitches SMH; Nik: Lemme Munch; Nik: Nah, I’d EAT; Nik: I Alone Am The Eating One; Saki Realizes The Truth; The Harem Persists Against The Common Enemy; The True Reason For the Lack of Inner Conflicts Between Harem—External THREAT; Any Food To Nik’s Harem: You Merely Distract Him. He WANTS Me; Food Laughs Smugly Mitsuko And Other Mother’s Cooking Skills: A New Challenger Approacheth*; TBH Ray Must Eat More Due To Her Bloodline…