And so the years passed. Thanks to the work of the "Devils," the crime rate around the world had significantly decreased.
Now, a six-year-old girl was finishing her daily striking practice. Having barely managed to execute everything perfectly, she raised her bright green eyes to the man, expecting praise. From an early age, Deya had watched her brother train her older sister.
Seeing how the older girl rejoiced at his approval, the little one had, over time, become addicted to that feeling herself.
Her entire day was scheduled almost to the second.
Her brother's policy was simple: if she completed her tasks — she could choose her own reward. If she made mistakes — he could go an entire month without speaking to her.
His voice was mechanical, artificial, yet to her it seemed the most tender and warm in the world. Therefore, such a punishment was one of the hardest for her.
But the rewards were generous, too. If the little one did well — she could even ask her brother for a trip to another country. Deya hadn't asked for that yet, but despite her age, she knew: if she asked — he would do it.
The girl was pulled from these thoughts by her brother's large hand, gently stroking her head.
"You did well. What do you want this time?"
Despite the robotic voice, the little one, as always, felt as though warmth and care resonated within it.
After thinking for a moment, she said:
"I want the three of us to sleep together again."
Yuno, hearing these words, lowered her gaze in embarrassment.
There had been a time when she truly had often slept beside Ray — in the first months after he had taken responsibility for her. But over the years, she had transformed from a fragile, traumatized girl into a beautiful, strong young woman.
After everything she had endured, the touch of Ray and Deya was among the few that didn't disgust her. For Yuno, they had become her only safe harbor.
Despite her "brokenness," Ray still saw her as a child with a crippled soul. And Yuno hoped that one day he might see her as a woman. But she was afraid to make a move. Even if he never reciprocated her feelings — she was ready to remain his shadow forever.
Ray wasn't very fond of this idea. He was no idiot and was perfectly aware of Yuno's feelings. He had no desire to take advantage of a girl who had never known a normal life. Besides, he didn't think there was anyone in this world who could take Lily's place in his heart.
But he himself had established these rules. And they had been working for three years. So he had to fulfill his sister's wish.
"Alright. We'll do it tonight."
Over these years, the drive to restore even a drop of joy to Yuno had forced the man to seriously sharpen his cooking skills. As a result, by unanimous decision of all the women in the house, the entire kitchen had been left to him.
Ray didn't mind. He still enjoyed cooking. And his food had become a powerful incentive for the girls to push themselves in training, as good behavior could be rewarded with something delicious.
When they finished dinner, Ray made an important announcement:
"I'll be gone for about two weeks. There are matters I need to settle."
"During that time, Amelia and Alexandra will come to stay with you. They'll handle your training while I'm away. If I find out you've been slacking, a severe punishment awaits you."
"But if you're a good girl, I'll grant you any wish — within reasonable limits."
While the girls were clearing the table, Ray's phone rang. Answering it, he heard the voice of an old friend.