Chapter 715: , Mikoto's Determination!

PS: Yesterday, the Emperor stayed up late watching the U23 Asian Cup, full of anticipation, but the result was a crushing 0-4 defeat at the hands of the Japanese team—what's even funnier is that their average age was still one year younger than ours. Not a single starter from the first team showed up; it was just the second team's starters plus a few third-team substitutes. Even so, we still lost 0-4. All I can say is: the road ahead is long and arduous. Making it to the finals is already no small feat and deserves praise. The future is bright! The future is bright!

PS2: So this chapter is a 5800-word double chapter! Starting tomorrow, we resume two updates per day! That's all!

In Tokyo, another location: Hankyo Bridge Tower in Bunkyo Ward.

The door lock of Room 1802 emitted a cheerful electronic chime, and the heavy door was pushed open. Warm, bright lighting, rich food aromas, and the clear laughter of women surged out like a tide, instantly enveloping Shiihara Mikoto and Uesugi Sōsetsu at the entrance.

"Welcome back, Mikoto-sister!"

"Wow! Luggage! Gifts!"

"Sōsetsu-kun, you've worked hard too!"

Three youthful, beautiful figures bounced around Mikoto as they entered the tower.

Watanabe Minami displayed her pure, translucent fair skin and lively, sweet big eyes. She changed into a comfortable light pink lounge set, her long hair softly draped over her shoulders, curious to see what the forensic beauty had brought back from the U. S.

Ikeda Erina, meanwhile, had loose, wavy tea-brown hair brushing her ears. The tall beauty wore only a simple black knit dress that outlined her exquisite curves. Her mixed-heritage, three-dimensional features carried a captivating smile, and with every gesture, her chest seemed to shake the earth—she leaned against the wall and slowly pulled open the zipper of her velvet silver ankle-strap boots, revealing her perfect black silk long legs.

And the youngest, Saitō Asuka, was delicate and exquisite like a doll. She changed into a loose hoodie and pleated skirt, revealing a pair of straight, white silk-like beautiful legs, shyly hiding slightly behind the others, but her sparkling eyes were equally full of anticipation.

The last trace of fatigue from Shiihara Mikoto's long journey vanished amid this lively welcome, replaced by her radiant, captivating glow. She took off her coat, revealing the cashmere sweater underneath, smiling as she responded to everyone's hugs and greetings, while directing Uesugi Sōsetsu to drag in the heavy travel bags: "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

"Okay, okay, okay!" Uesugi Sōsetsu pulled the cart, muttering: "How did you buy so much stuff, Mikoto-sister? Do you have that much salary?" "Hurry, Sōsetsu, open the bags! I bought so many good things!" Her voice carried the playful pride of a household mistress: "Anyway, I'm now financially secure—no drought or flood can shake me. Naturally, I spend what I have. Sōsetsu, you won't abandon your Mikoto-sister, will you?" "Hard to say." Uesugi Sōsetsu couldn't help but chuckle bitterly, shaking his head.

Indeed, once a person secures a stable income—financially secure through drought or flood—they become willing to spend. And women, by nature, tend to buy large quantities of luxury fast-consumption goods. No wonder economic improvement always begins with rising female consumption.

Gifts were taken out one by one, and exclamations and laughter filled the living room as Mikoto began honoring the heroes.

Artisan chocolate from San Francisco was held delicately by Asuka, who examined it closely. The mini red wine from Napa Valley made Erina's eyes light up. The scented candles from Beverly Hills were carefully sniffed by Minami, and those hoodies emblazoned with exaggerated NBA and rugby logos were playfully compared by them, giggling. "Man!" Minami pointed at a certain basketball player on the design.

"Whatcanisay!" Erina laughed, mimicking: "Mamba out!"

"Wow! This is Air Jordan!" Asuka stared at the logo's braised egg, gasped, then pulled out another pair of shoes: "Wait, is this authentic Converse?"

"Hehehe, supposedly there's a foot fetish cult that's just Converse plus black stockings—Sōsetsu, are you into that?" Minami teased with a wicked grin. "Well… cults are cults, so maybe let's skip it." Uesugi Sōsetsu thought: You guys—what do you think I am? A perverted stocking fetishist?

Damn it, I'm so frustrated—this world still won't treat me gently?

The atmosphere at home grew increasingly lively.

Shiihara Mikoto glanced around at these three girls, younger than her, each with their own charm, then stole a look at Uesugi Sōsetsu smiling gently beside them, his eyes warm. A mix of satisfaction, superiority, and a secret competitive spirit welled up inside her.

She suddenly smirked slyly, like a fox that had long plotted its move, and pulled out several flat boxes wrapped in delicate lace paper from the very bottom of the travel bag. "Oh, and… special gifts!" Her voice trailed off, laced with allure.

Under everyone's curious gaze, she opened the box and took out the contents one by one—several typical "woodpecker"-style French maid outfits: black and white, loaded with lace, ruffles, and corset detailing. Matching them were several pairs of ultra-thin, cicada-wing-like black suspender stockings, shimmering with delicate pearl luster.

The air fell silent for a moment, then erupted into even greater noise.

"Eek!" Minami covered her mouth, her face slightly flushed, eyes wide open: "Marc Dorcel series?"

"This, this is… Shiihara?!" Erina's face also flushed, but she couldn't help lifting the corners of her mouth.

Asuka shrank inward, her ears burning red, yet she couldn't resist sneaking glances at the luxurious fabric.

"Exactly, this is the French Maid series from the French Maid collection! How do you like it?" Shiihara Mikoto picked up one piece, held it before her, her eyes flickering as she scanned each face, finally settling on Uesugi Sōsetsu—her gaze carrying a teasing, tempting challenge and an undeniable assertion of authority: "I picked these specially, you know… I feel… they'd suit our household perfectly. Tonight, everyone should change into these and celebrate properly?" Her tone was sweet and dripping with irresistible charm—her unique aura, blending purity and seduction perfectly, now fully revealed.

Uesugi Sōsetsu coughed, looked away, but his ears tinged red, his lips twitching with a helpless, indulgent smile.

As expected, my Mikoto-sister still cares for me.

Erina immediately decided to change, Asuka fidgeted a bit, but under Mikoto's infectious smile and urging, they both blushed, grabbed their outfits, and chattered as they ran toward the bedroom to change.

While waiting, Watanabe Minami, before changing, glanced around this beautifully decorated, open-view tower apartment and suddenly sighed: "Come to think of it, Hankyo Bridge is nice, but now that we've got more people, this 122-square-meter 3LDK feels a bit cramped?" She blinked, looked at Uesugi Sōsetsu, her tone tentative yet hopeful: "Sōsetsu-kun, when are we moving to Minato or Chiyoda Ward? Buying a bigger place—preferably with a yard!"

Uesugi Sōsetsu, sitting on the sofa resting, heard this and gave a wry smile, shaking his head. His expression carried the thoughtful, future-oriented mindset of youth, tinged with a hint of pressure: "Minami, don't get too far ahead. First, I need to finish my doctoral thesis at Tokyo University, graduate smoothly, secure the assistant professor position, then aim for associate professor… Only then might we consider that level of real estate."

His voice was gentle but rational.

Since the four of us (sometimes five when Mikoto visits) moved into Hankyo Bridge Tower, it's indeed felt a bit small—but for now, he has no plans to buy a new place.

In Japan, due to the emphasis on rental and sale equality, young people's views differ from Germans'. To them, since rent and mortgage prices are similar, why buy? Buying means losing rental tax deductions, having to pay mortgage and property tax, plus bearing the risk of depreciation and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, renting means you can move out anytime if you're unhappy.

Germans, however, find this Japanese mindset baffling: If rent and mortgage are similar, why rent? Owning your home is clearly more comfortable. And holding property means you won't be constantly uprooted—similar to a detached house or tower, it can even be passed down to descendants.

So Japanese people generally only consider buying property after marriage. Though there's plenty of housing, most unmarried people rent, while most married people buy.

If Uesugi Sōsetsu were to buy, he'd definitely want a large flat—this would cost a lot… If Mai's senior sister doesn't support him, his and Minami's salaries alone would clearly be insufficient to afford a large flat in central Tokyo.

At this moment, Shiihara Mikoto had already changed into one of the maid outfits: the black satin made her skin look like snow, the corset perfectly accentuated her slender waist and full bust, and the suspender stockings hanging from the skirt added endless allure.

As she adjusted the lace choker at her neck, she seemingly offhandedly said: "Speaking of the future… Sōsetsu, your grandfather, Bunken-san—has his reappointment term ended this March? Is he now 75 and officially retired?"

Uesugi Sōsetsu nodded: "Yeah, grandfather officially retired in April. He's worked his whole life—he deserves to enjoy his blessings now." His tone was full of respect, yet also carried a strange note: although grandfather is 75 and retired, currently… he has no great-grandchildren at all!

Over at my brother's place, treatment seems ineffective—so maybe I really am needed here?

But Minami here is having a child who would be given to the main family—how could the father-in-law and stepfather possibly agree?

"Yes…" Shiihara Mikoto whispered softly, her movements slowing.

Grandfather… retired.

She walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, Bunkyo Ward sparkled with night lights. Her reflection blurred on the glass—elegantly dressed, yet suddenly appearing lonely.

Thirty-two years old. She gently stroked her still-smooth cheek, but how long can this last? From behind came the cheerful laughter and playful teasing of Minami and Asuka changing clothes—Minami is 25, Erina is 26, Asuka is only 18… and she, Shiihara Mikoto, is already 32. Around Uesugi Sōsetsu, there's never a shortage of fresh, youthful blossoms. How long can her own allure—refined by age and experience, unique and captivating—still hold him?

She recalled last year, when she was summoned to visit the main residence in Bunkyo Ward, that stern yet pressing Uesugi Bunken grandfather, who had privately told her: "Miss Shiihara, Shiomaru-kun here will one day inherit the family name and responsibility. You've been by his side the longest, understand him best—if the chance arises… give our Uesugi of Yonezawa a healthy child, and that would be perfect. Don't worry—we'll handle everything." At the time, she just gave an awkward smile and didn't think much of it.

Now, those words struck her heart like a warning bell.

Her belly has shown no movement for months, and retirement means transition—meaning traditional expectations will naturally shift to the next generation.

And her age… the window for childbearing, like the most beautiful scenery outside this window—though dazzling, it is not eternal.

A powerful surge of emotion—mixed with crisis, resentment, and deep longing—gripped her heart.

Has Uesugi Bunken, now officially retired, still the ability to fulfill his old promise? Even if he does, how many years can he maintain it? Even if he can, will he still want to follow through then? What if the old man passes in less than two years? Then who will I turn to to fulfill it?

If, by then, other women—say Minami or Erina—have children, will Uesugi Bunken still agree to help me raise mine, guarantee my career, and offer support?

Isn't that just losing the child and ruining my career at the same time?

Thinking this through, Mikoto's earlier good mood vanished.

The playful noises from behind drew closer—the girls were nearly done changing. Meanwhile, Uesugi Sōsetsu was clearly pondering Minami's question about moving. Shiihara Mikoto took a deep breath, turned around.

This is the hardest step—but also the easiest. This is the best of times, and this is the worst of times!!

The smile on her face instantly blossomed again into that captivating, alluring and confident grin, yet in the depths of her eyes burned a dark and resolute fire. I can't wait any longer! Before Grandfather Uesugi retires… or rather, just shortly after, while this body can still bear life, in this final and most splendid "flower message"………

It must be me, Ishihara Mikoto, who plucks it with my own hands!

"Everyone, are you changed?" she called out, her voice sweet and honeyed, swaying as she walked toward the center of the living room, as if that moment of hesitation and resolve had never occurred.

But as she passed by Uesugi Muneyuki's side, her fingertips, whether intentional or not, lightly brushed the back of his hand, leaving a faintly cool and lingering sensation. Uesugi Muneyuki lifted his head from his thoughts, and in the next second, his breath hitched slightly.

Four women of vastly different styles yet equally stunning stood gracefully beneath the warm light, each dressed in a black-and-white French maid outfit. This is the most classic MarcDorcel, Frenchmaid series.

The maid costume originated in Britain and France, yet its flourishing development now lies in Japan. After the Japanese greatly simplified the maid uniform, the French re-exported it for domestic consumption, thus giving rise to the French maid outfit.

The intricate lace, layered frills, and tightened corsets outlined each of their figures to perfection. Below the knee-length skirts, elongated legs wrapped in sheer black suspenders stockings extended, the delicate lace trim at the stocking tops and the suspenders faintly visible, glowing with a soft, fine sheen under the light. Every subtle movement tugged at those heart-stopping curves.

Ishihara Mikoto stood at the forefront, as if she were the queen of this costume show.

She tilted her head slightly, the lace necklace at her throat accentuating the slender, fair length of her neck, the corner of her mouth holding that habitual fox-like lazy yet enchanting smile. As her gaze flowed, watery light shimmered, as if it could draw one's soul into its depths.

Watanabe Minami's pure and sweet face, clad in such an outfit, created a stark contrast. She unconsciously tugged at the frill on her chest, her cheeks flushed, long lashes lowered, daring not to meet Muneyuki's eyes, yet unable to resist stealing a glance. That shy yet eager-to-try demeanor made her all the more pitiable. For some reason, since that wedding night, Watanabe Minami has always felt that seeing her husband intimate with another woman feels especially stimulating and evocative.

Ikeda Erena's tall figure perfectly filled out the maid uniform, her tea-colored curls falling over her shoulders, her mixed-race features now flushed with a visible blush. She was more forthright than Watanabe Minami, but her eyes darted somewhat, her hands unconsciously clasped before her, fingertips slightly curled, yearning for Uesugi Muneyuki's affirmation and appreciation.

Saito Asuka's petite frame was nearly swallowed by the luxurious skirt, her head bowed, her small ears flushed translucent, her hands tightly gripping the sides of her skirt, like a sensitive doll mistakenly wandered into an adult game, flustered and uneasy, yet oddly adorning this rich and vivid scene.

I am now qualified to join the adults' game, mouth tooth!

However, aside from Ishihara Mikoto's deliberately crafted allure, which still seemed somewhat "natural," the smiles of the other three appeared somewhat strained, the flush on their cheeks not entirely from bashfulness, but more like a blend of tension, excitement, and a certain resolve.

A subtle, different tension—unlike celebration—permeated the air.

Uesugi Muneyuki's gaze swept over their faces and bodies; his initial astonishment was quickly replaced by an instinctive alertness.

So quiet it was—aside from the rustle of fabric and faint breathing, their eyes, aside from Mikoto's all-encompassing charm, seemed to be communicating something among the other three, yet also avoiding prolonged direct eye contact with him. It was the silent understanding between hunters before prey is surrounded. Something feels off.

Really off.

"You lot looking at me like this—how is it exactly the same expression as Mai Xuejie's 'who still has extra spirit power' look, mouth tooth?!"

"Gua, it's a trap, I want to escape, mouth tooth!"

The moment this thought flashed through his mind, he nearly instinctively wanted to rise from the sofa, find an excuse—say, to get a drink—to temporarily flee this suddenly perilous "land of gentleness."

"Huh? Want to run? Consort of the Small Surname Ikeda, hold him for me!"

A sweet, honeyed voice rang out, laced with a smile—it was Watanabe Minami, but she did not move, after all, she is physically inept.

It was Ikeda Erena who moved.

Almost the instant Uesugi Muneyuki's body leaned forward and his weight shifted, the seemingly bashful Ikeda Erena, who had been standing slightly behind to the side, moved with astonishing speed. Her long legs stepped out, the stockings rubbing to produce a faint rustle, and in just a few steps she lightly and precisely cut off his path to the kitchen or genkan. Before Uesugi Muneyuki could make any effective reaction, she had already pressed close like a nimble female leopard, one arm gently yet irresistibly looping around his neck, the other hand, at some point, having reversed to click with a "click-click," thoroughly locking the genkan door behind him.

The soft click of the lock engaging rang clearly in the suddenly silent living room.

Immediately, a soft breath blending a faint perfume scent and the warmth of a young woman's body enveloped him.

Ikeda Erena leaned slightly, using her height advantage to gently draw Uesugi Muneyuki's upper body toward her; he felt the back of his head sink into a suffocatingly soft and abundant warmth, his cheeks pressed against the fine fabric of the maid outfit's front and the violently beating heart beneath.

Her arm encircled his head, the pressure just right—enough not to hurt him, yet completely restricting his ability to lift his head or struggle: "Muneyuki! You thought we changed clothes for whom?"

Uesugi Muneyuki's vision was obscured, but his sense of smell and touch were magnified infinitely—the coolness of the stockings brushing his skin, the rough texture of the maid outfit's lace, and through the fabric, that racing heartbeat and scorching body heat.

"Eri, Erena Shīshō……?" his muffled voice came from her embrace, filled with incredulous astonishment.

Ikeda Erena did not answer, merely tightening her arm slightly, lowering her head, her scorching cheek pressed against his crown, her breathing somewhat ragged. The tall beauty could feel the body in her arms stiffen instantly, and that hesitant yet struggling force.

Freeze, don't leave!

"Yeah, you thought we changed into these clothes immediately for whom? Muneyuki? How old are you, still completely clueless?"

"Know, know what?" Uesugi Muneyuki said cooperatively.

"Heh heh, before it was just the elder sister taking you to dua lang, this time it's the same!"

Ishihara Mikoto paced forward slowly, her high heels tapping the wooden floor with a clear, rhythmic "tok, tok," like striking a human heart drum.

She stopped before the "restrained" Muneyuki, bent down, that stunningly beautiful face drawing near—so close he could see the tremor of her lashes and the cluster of dark, burning fire in her eyes. She extended a finger, lightly brushing his exposed, already-red ear, exhaling like orchids: "Muneyuki, tonight's 'celebration'…… has only just begun, bring your spirit! You are…… cough, cough, for now, the last hope of your Yonezawa Uesugi bloodline inheritance!"

Her voice remained alluring, yet now carried an unprecedented, unquestionable aggressiveness.

Watanabe Minami and Saito Asuka also slowly gathered around, the flush on their faces not faded, yet their eyes gradually firm, as if they had made some resolve. The warm light of the living room illuminated four figures wrapped in sexy maid outfits, their forms graceful, yet casting the "trapped" Uesugi Muneyuki as the sole prey ensnared in a beautiful net.

"Muneyuki, you wouldn't want your Yonezawa Uesugi clan to die out here, forced to find someone to adopt an heir, would you?"

"Mmm~mmm mmm! Wu wu wu wu wu wu~"