Chapter 40 — The Master's Blade

Lena opened her eyes, immediately distracted from the carnage.​「Something smells like chicken!」​Rina, though, was still processing Jay’s swordsmanship.​【That type of accuracy should be impossible even for a master swordsman, but he made it look so easy.】​Jay focused only on his daughter.​「You're not hurt, are you, Princess?」​「I'm OK, Papa.」​Jay effortlessly cut the cage into tiny, harmless bits of metal.​「C'mon now, Saalin, it's gone now. ...Saalin runs into his arm...」​Saalin burst into tears of shame and relief.​「...Sad... I'm sorry, Jay. I'm sorry I couldn't protect Lena or myself, please forgive me! ...Jay hugs her...」​Jay held her tight, speaking with gentle authority.​「Listen, OK? It's all good. None of you got seriously hurt. Besides, I can't blame you for the fear of being locked in a cage, but I can tell you is: make sure you don't end up in one next time, OK? And I'll do my best so it doesn't happen. ...Chuckle... You heard?」​「...Giggles... Loud and clear! ...Lets go of Jay and cleaned herself up...」​Saalin looked at the blade Jay still held.​「But what's up with your sword?」​「Oh, this? I made it myself with the Mythril and Wyvern scales, and a magic stone for that extra boost.」​「You always go overboard.」​「...Laughs... Yah, I know.」​Saalin looked away, whispering her true feelings.​「...Softly... That's why I love you.」​「Err, what was that?」 Jay asked, genuinely missing the words.​「...Blushes... Oh, it was nothing!」​「A'ight, if you say so.」​​Rina, having witnessed his power, bowed low in a respectful plea.​「I know we just met yesterday, but Jay, I sincerely ask you if you could make a katana like that for me, please.」​「OK, buh Princess, what do you think?」​「You can give them to Ms. Rina. She's reliable!」​「OK. ...Goes to Rina... Here you go.」​Rina raised her head in shock as Jay handed her the katanas that had just caused a blood rain.​「Really? But aren't you going to use them?」​「You can ask Lena. I already got another set. Besides swords aren't my primary weapon」​「...Giggles... Yes, he does! Papa always makes three or four of the same thing!」​「...Chuckle... OK, I'll take it.」​Jay gave her a profound look, considering her status as a potential family member.​「Makes me wonder, though...」​「What?」Rina asked curiously.​「What more can I give ya? ...Smiles... Would you mind a kid?」​Rina's face exploded into a violent blush.​「W-w-what?!」​【What!】 Saalin thought, horrified.​「What do you mean, 'what'?」 Jay asked, oblivious to his error.​「You said you'd give me a child!」​【Err, that's why she's reacting like this! Sh*t, Jay, think of something!】​Lena stepped in to save him from a second accidental engagement.​「【Seems like I have to save Papa this time.】 He meant me!」​「Is it true?」 Rina asked.​「Yep... Yah, I meant Lena. ...Jay puts her down...」「I keep telling Papa to watch his words, but it seems he doesn't listen! But c'mon, Ms. Rina, let's go! ...Takes Rina's hand...」​「...Giggles... OK. ...Then they left...【But I wouldn't mind carrying his children.】」 Rina thought, following Lena.​「【I gotta thank Lena for that save.】 C'mon, Saalin, let's head outta here.」​「OK, Jay. 【Sighs, I'm so close, and yet ever so far.】 ...Then they left too...」
​Back Outside a Restaurant...
​Jay, Lena, Rina and Saalin rejoined the others.​「Hey, look, it's the others!」​Lena, seeing Iris, ran straight into her arms.​「Mama!」​「Welcome back, baby girl! You OK, right?」​「Yah! Papa healed me and everything after we came out of that place.」​Iris noticed a difference in Lena's scent.​「Now that you mention it, you do smell really nice! ...Grins... Say, Jay, aren't you being a real Father?」​「Tsk, of course I am! I'd never let my kid feel like they're not loved. I'm her Dad, ain't I? So it comes with the territory.」

​Jay's sincere declaration of paternal love triggered a powerful reaction in all five women who are in love with him.

​The Girls: 「...Blushes... I want his baby!」​「...Confused... What?」​「...Embarrassed... Nothing!」​「Nah, it ain't no—」​The Girls: 「WE SAID IT WAS NOTHING!!!」​「...Laughs... A'ight, I'll play along.」​Lena's stomach rumbled, breaking the tension.​「Not to be rude, but Papa!」​「Sorry 'bout that, Princess. We'll go right away!」​Lisa took the opportunity to ask about the fight.​「But Lena, how did Papa save you?」​Lena grinned, teasing Liani about her obvious affection for Jay.​「So it's 'Papa,' not his name? I see what Ms. Liani is doing!」​「Really?」Liani stammered.​「Yes! But Papa was awesome back there! He was like ...Imitates Jay... Lancer Technique 1st form: Bloody Mary! And then, and then he vanished, and the bad guys dropped on the floor!」​「Oh, really now?」 Liani asked, impressed.