Volume 5 Chapter 23 Interlude: The Tatemiya New Year’s Eve
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The day after returning from District 5, December 30th at the Tatemiya household began with the rhythmic thud of the mochi-tsuki—rice cake pounding—long before the sun had fully risen. It was a yearly tradition that required the participation of the entire family.
Massive amounts of sticky rice, steamed in the main house’s kitchen, were transferred to the stone mortar set up in the center of the yard. The mortar, which usually sat quietly in the back of the storehouse, returned to its main spot for this one day. A century-old relic, polished to a mirror shine, it felt almost like a cursed object.
Ever since I reached junior high, pounding the mochi has been my primary responsibility. Once my younger brother entered junior high two years ago, we began to share the heavy wooden mallet between us.
”Riku, switch.”
I finished a batch and wiped the light sweat from my brow, calling out to my brother. Riku was sitting on the engawa, surrounded by his group members, showing off the rice cake he had just finished pounding.
”Got it. …Everyone, I’m heading out.”
He took the mallet from me and walked toward the mortar. Soft, encouraging cheers like “Good luck!” and “Do your best!” trailed behind him.
Last year, I had my own group members too. It was always Chifumi who would offer those warm words of encouragement. The others would just demand mochi with the desperation of hungry baby birds. Especially Sawa. Ah, I feel a sudden sting in my eyes…
As my gaze wandered, the group members noticed me and reacted in their own ways. Most bowed their heads, but one girl awkwardly averted her eyes—Marin Soramoto, Riku’s initial member. True to her name, she was from a Kuga branch family and someone who strongly supports Manaka. Her hair and fashion clearly mimicked Manaka’s style.
”Big brother! Come help us roll them!”
The chunks of mochi removed from the mortar were divided on a table nearby. Kotoha, who was rolling the rice cakes into shape between her palms—our family prefers the round style—called me over.
”Leave it to me! I’ll roll them into perfect shapes!”
I joined the girls, tumbling and rounding the warm rice cakes. We finished shaping the entire batch before Riku even finished the next round of pounding.
None of my own group members were here. For sorcerers, this was a vital end-of-year event, and Chifumi and the others were on standby for their own duties. Entering high school meant I had moved on to the next stage.
I spent the rest of the day alternating with Riku, pounding away in a rhythmic trance.
We started with the kagami-mochi, then moved on to plain white rice cakes, followed by batches filled with homemade red bean paste, mugwort, shrimp, and finally, a closing batch of natto1 mochi. By a little past noon, the work was done.
We washed the mortar and mallet until they sparkled and left them to air-dry. After a short break, it was time for the deliveries. I packed the mochi into containers and headed for Chifumi’s house first.
When I rang the bell, her mother appeared.
”Oh, Minoru-kun, welcome.”
”Good afternoon. We just finished pounding these, so I brought some over.”
”My, thank you. They look delicious… Chifumi, Minoru-kun is here!”
I heard the sound of Chifumi dashing down from the second floor.
”You’re fast. I thought it would take a bit longer.”
”Kotoha and the others helped with the prep.”
”You’re a mean older brother.”
”Don’t worry, I gave them their allowance.”
As we chatted, Chifumi grabbed the bag she’d left by the door.
”See you later, Mom.”
”Yes, have a good day.”
”I’ll be going now, Chifumi. Thanks for everything this past year.”
”Of course. Take care of my daughter, won’t you?”
After saying my goodbyes to her mother, I returned home with Chifumi in tow—a fair trade for the mochi. Once we reached the detached house, she immediately started unpacking her duffel bag.
”Back from a trip only to have a year-end sleepover? You’re busy, aren’t you?”
”It’s December. It can’t be helped.”
”Haha. True. Is Mitsuki-chan next on your list?”
”Yeah. I’m heading out.”
”Have fun~.”
I grabbed another set of mochi and headed toward the Onigahara estate. I had to repeat this four more times before nightfall. There was no time to dawdle.
By the time I returned home with Asari, the last one, the sun had already set.
”Ugh… so cold.”
”It’s warmer than District 5, but still chilly, isn’t it?”
”Let’s get warm.”
When I opened the door to the annex, the scent of the dinner everyone had prepared wafted toward me.
”Good work!”
”Yeah. That’s the preparation finished.”
”Great. First, let’s eat. It’s a hotpot night!”
The six of us sat around the chabudai and began to eat. As we nibbled on the fresh mochi, Risa asked, “Is this whole ‘trading mochi to bring home group members’ thing a common practice among sorcerers?”
”I’m not sure of the origins, but it’s understood that this is what a group leader does. It’s been done for a very long time.”
”Hmm. I wonder what the meaning is?”
”Who knows?”
This was a job for the dungeon data author. I looked at Asari.
”Um… I heard it started long ago by someone exiled from the capital. Mochi was a luxury, a symbol of wealth. Some interpret it as a sort of proxy—comparing the fresh, white, round rice cakes to beautiful group members.”
”Huh.”
”Oh, I see.”
Risa and Mitsuki tapped the table like they were hitting invisible buttons. Chifumi puffed out her chest, ready to show off her knowledge.
”By the way, it seems this custom doesn’t exist in the Imperial Capital. Probably has something to do with the fact that they use cut rice cakes instead of round ones there.”
”Ah… fair point. He didn’t know that.”
Risa didn’t miss the word I used.
”He? You mean Okuma-kun? Was he from the Imperial Capital?”
”Not Ryota. An acquaintance in my grade who lives in the capital.”
”You have friends like that? You?”
”I do. What do you think of me?”
In terms of duration, I’d known him longer than my childhood friends. We’d strangely hit it off since my rebellious days. Two crooked, wicked kids.
”A girl?”
”A guy.”
”Then I forgive you.”
I was forgiven.
”Wait, didn’t I mention him? He’s the one from the head house I’ve been in contact with.”
”…The Takegami family?”
”Yeah. He’s probably having a rough time starting high school over there. Unlike in the countryside, the sheer number of sorcerers is huge, and the competition is fierce… oh, that reminds me. I need to write my New Year’s cards.”
In this world, New Year’s cards were still a staple. It would be impossible to get them to the Imperial Capital by the first, though. Well, he wouldn’t mind.
”I’ve prepared all the tools. Let’s make them after we eat!”
Apparently, writing New Year’s cards was already on the schedule.
Once dinner ended, the production began. Chifumi carved the next year’s zodiac animal into a rubber sheet, and Yurina used a carving knife to refine the design. We mass-produced postcards using the rubber stamp and ink. That was the current state of New Year’s cards here. We all shared the original rubber plates.
Before the day turned, everyone’s cards were finished.
With that, the day’s work was done. After a bath, it was time for tonight’s erotic session.
I lined up the five girls on the futon, all naked, lying on their stomachs. The sight of five bottoms lined up in a row was magnificent.
”Ten round mochi,” I murmured, enjoying the sensation of every single hip with my entire body.
”Mochi is supposed to be a metaphor for belly fat… not our buttocks,” Asari murmured, her usual sharp wit failing her as she tsukkomi’d my behavior.
I knew that. But right now, it was all about the hips.
Mitsuki, perhaps shy about being watched so closely, squirmed around. Her hips were remarkably muscular. I tapped them firmly, ordering her to stay still, and began to grade them. Color, shape, softness, texture. Each was different, and each was wonderful.
One of the most important criteria was sensitivity. Specifically, how much they moistened when I stroked them. Currently, Asari and Yurina were the most responsive. Since we were dealing with their hips, I needed plenty of lubrication, or the union would be a struggle. It required preparation. I usually used lotion, but I was training them to produce their own, so I took advantage of every sleepover to keep the regimen going.
Comparing them, it was clear who had the most experience. For Yurina, it was a point of pride—a sense of being the “special” one—and she seemed prepared to go as far as splitting vertically for me in the future.
Recognizing her efforts, I chose Yurina to go first.
I quickly prepared for our union, mounted her from behind, and slowly inserted myself. The entrance was still tight, but they say it feels different once you’ve gained enough experience. Would she split vertically first, or would we hit the Double Breakthrough? I had a promise with Yurina: when we hit that milestone, she would give me her virginity.
I moved against her, nibbling on her ear.
”Ah… ah… meow! Minoru-sama! I love you!”
”I love you too.”
Whispering that in her ear while she peaked seemed to make her state even better. I released the first load of the day. The tip of the rubber was filled with a massive amount of sperm.
I removed it, had her clean up, and moved to Risa.
From here, we were going raw. I used my bare c**k, playing with her, freely releasing my sperm.
The reverse doggy style was Risa’s specialty. She had a technique for making me feel good that was a step above the others. My second e**culation, triggered by the sensation of her massive, bouncy hips, was released deep inside Risa.
One by one, I penetrated Mitsuki, Asari, and Chifumi, marking them all.
The members I’d ‘exchanged’ for mochi were marked with my seed that very day, establishing them as my property. That was the extent of today’s tradition.
I looked at them all again. Five beautiful, naked girls. I could feel my Mana deep inside all of them. Along with my seed, I released my Mana, filling their wombs. In the last half-year, my skill in transferring Mana through intercourse had improved significantly.
Yurina split the sperm from the rubber, drinking half and taking the rest into her body like an enema.
Whispering love to everyone, I went to sleep.
Since the fatigue from the trip hadn’t fully left them, and perhaps due to the mental exhaustion of sleeping away from home, the others soon began to breathe rhythmically in their sleep.
Leaving them all on the futon, I moved alone to the Doma.2
’Thanks for the hard work.’
”Kept you waiting.”
’Aye, it’s fine. We aren’t picky about time. Our priority is the time spent with you and the sisters.’
”Understood. Proceeding immediately.”
The roundtable discussion by the Aberrations began.
’First off, let’s introduce the newcomer.’
Guided by Hinoki (they/them), a small tuft of fluff drifted into the center of the group.
”This is Poplar, an Aberration of the Snow flies. Poplar is the leader of the swarm, the Queen. Everyone, please welcome her.”
’……Understood. Clam is asking, what is Poplar capable of?’
”Right. Poplar, tell us. When Anri-san utilized you inside the dungeon, you acted as a swarm and used light sorcery, right?”
’……Attacking as a swarm seems to have little effect unless the opponent is somewhat soft. It didn’t affect Pape at all, did it?’
Pape, present at the meeting, puffed out its chest.
Indeed, even in an incomplete state, Pape took zero damage. So, it doesn’t work on opponents with a certain level of defense.
”Even so, it has the effect of obscuring vision.”
’……Ultimately, it’s a suicide attack. The swarm individuals might be decimated, so she’d prefer not to use it often.’
”That attack method was only possible because, at the time, I gave the condition not to retaliate. …Is it difficult to increase the swarm?”
’……It takes a fair amount of time for eggs to be laid and raised. Inside that Otherworld, once they become adults, they live semi-permanently. Now that they’ve been subjugated by you, brother, lifespan shouldn’t be an issue.’
”And the light sorcery?”
’……The light sorcery can be used by each individual. Just one can illuminate the surroundings like dim light. By gathering and resonating, it’s possible to adjust the power and range of effect. Numbers are strength. It’s a pity, but Poplar and her swarm, with their current depleted numbers, cannot reproduce the power shown in that Otherworld.’
”Can’t be helped. For now, the top priority is increasing the swarm’s numbers.”
’……A proposal from Poplar. She would like permission to nest.’
”Nesting. As a Queen, that’s the kind of place you’d need. Where would you build it? Do you have a preferred location?”
’……If possible, in a tree hollow. Somewhere cool would be best.’
”Let’s check tomorrow if there’s a good spot on the premises. Is that alright?”
Buzz, the sound of wings grew louder for a moment.
’……She says she understands.’
”For today, please stay around the beams of the Doma.”
The sound of wings grew louder again. It seems she is satisfied.
Next is about the fragment of Hinoki’s power.
”How much does Poplar know about that seal?”
’……She doesn’t know the details. She knows that sorcery is activated periodically on the mountains of that Otherworld. She might know if she were an existence even higher than Poplar, who is Queen of the Queens.’
”Do you know why Risa was needed?”
’…………That is also unknown.’
”I see. That’s a pity.”
’Anything else you want to ask, brother?’
”Nothing in particular for now. Tomorrow, when I have some free time, I want to test Poplar’s ability, so please take it easy until then.”
’Understood. In that case, we’ll make ourselves at home.’
”Don’t be mean to the new recruit?”
’As long as I’m around, I won’t let anything like that happen.’
”I trust you.”
I exited.
I returned to the bedroom and went to sleep beside them all.
I confirmed that Minoru had started to breathe in his sleep, and in the Doma, mysterious sounds and lights began to flicker and dance, suppressed so as not to wake Minoru and the others sleeping in the back room.
Minoru is unaware, but when Aberrations communicate, it is more efficient to use their unique means of interaction. To humans, it might just seem like the buzzing of wings has gotten a little louder, or the light is flickering, but between the Aberrations, a dense exchange of information is taking place. Information regarding the seal of District 5 was shared among them, and the welcoming party for the newcomer by Hinoki and the others continued late into the night.
The next day was New Year’s Eve.
We all did a deep clean of the annex to prepare for the New Year.
We split up tasks—laundry, heavy lifting, plumbing—and also carefully cleaned the Water tank, which served as the sleeping quarters for the Aberrations. Hinoki and Clam are not much help with cleaning. In contrast, Pape and Poplar were significant assets. Pape moved like a cleaning professional, and the swarm of fluff used their own bodies to collect dust and wipe things clean. It was a surprise to see the Snow flies were so useful.
Once the cleaning settled down, we explored the grounds to scout for a tree that would serve as Poplar’s nest. We looked at the pine near the main house and the cherry tree near the gate, and ultimately settled on a sawtooth oak tree near the annex.
After that, we tested Poplar’s Ability against Asari and Chifumi.
Due to the swarm size issue, the light sorcery was difficult to activate. Looking forward to the future.
With all that, it was evening in the blink of an eye.
Tonight’s dinner is at the main house with the Tatemiya family members. Once we retreat to the annex, we’ll relax until the year turns.
”Alright, it’s ready~”
As I was mindlessly watching a music program on TV while munching on a rice cracker, Chifumi and Risa brought in portions of toshikoshi soba3 for everyone.
We ate while listening to the ringing of the temple bells at the end of the year.
””””””Happy New Year. We look forward to working with you again this year.””””””
Our group had safely welcomed in the new year.
—
Summary:
Minoru and his family engage in their annual mochi-tsuki ceremony on December 30th. Following the communal labor, Minoru travels to visit his group members’ homes to exchange mochi and bring them back to his annex. The evening culminates in a group intimate session where Minoru marks his subordinates with his seed, cementing his status and ownership within the sorcerer hierarchy.
The protagonist holds a clandestine roundtable meeting with his Aberration companions in the Doma to welcome a new recruit, Poplar. Following a productive planning session and a communal New Year’s Eve, the household successfully transitions into the new year with a traditional celebratory meal. The nature of the seal in District 5 remains an unresolved mystery that continues to influence their interactions.
—
Trivia:
The Tatemiya household mortar is over 100 years old and considered semi-cursed due to its long history.
The custom of trading mochi for group members dates back to an exile from the imperial capital, symbolizing wealth and status.
Sorcerers in the Imperial Capital traditionally use cut mochi, contrasting with the round mochi used in the countryside.
Minoru maintains a long-standing, somewhat antagonistic connection with a peer from a head sorcerer house in the Imperial Capital.
Yurina is actively training to produce natural lubrication to decrease reliance on synthetic lotions during intimacy.
The protagonist specifically requests that the Aberrations do not bully the new recruit.
The Aberrations communicate via complex light and sound patterns that appear mundane to humans.
Poplar requires a cool, tree-hollow environment to establish her nest.
The household members divided cleaning tasks including laundry, plumbing, and heavy lifting.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Tatemiya – Minoru Tatemiya is the protagonist and head of a prestigious family who specializes in electrical defensive sorcery. Leading a group of powerful women and witches, including Kotoha, he guides their search for powers. The Tatemiya household serves as the central setting and social core where this group returns to live, bond, and interact.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• Riku – The younger brother of Minoru, who is frequently the subject of gossip.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Chifumi – Minoru’s close companion and leader of the witch squad, this Majo is a competitive support sorcerer knowledgeable about customs. She uses ice and binding magic to restrain enemies, intercept attacks, and assist in dungeons. Possessing immense Mana, she acts as an older sister figure who mediates discussions and helps with chores, though hostility abruptly emerges whenever Minoru is threatened.
• Sawa – Voluptuous and bespectacled, this relaxed, IT-savvy Nieda student gamer is an original Shisei member, Onibara disciple, and core strategist who controls the management office’s security systems. Safely planning in hotel lobbies while eavesdropping, she belongs to Manaka and Mitsuki’s circles, bluntly reads childhood friend Minoru, and uses plant/mana magic to ease severe motion sickness.
• Manaka – An elegant, aristocratic Shisei High beauty whose style inspires Marin, Manaka Kuga is a respected sorcerer with a complex past. A former group leader and childhood friend to Minoru, this calm, authoritative strategist is a trusted advisor in his faction. Wielding spatial and sound magic, she manages security, coordination, recruits, and oaths while eavesdropping on the Naruse family.
• Marin – A strong-willed daughter of a Kuga branch family, she is Riku’s first companion and a follower of Minoru’s younger brother. As a devoted supporter of Manaka, she closely imitates her appearance and fashion, while harboring a deep resentment toward anyone who looks down on others.
• Kuga – The Kuga family name, worn on the garments of Manaka and Marin to symbolize their kinship, marks the farthest point from the narrator’s home. A member of this distant family also works as a hotel staff member, who reports Anri’s visit to the sealed dungeon.
• Mari – A former member of the Free Girls and childhood friend of Asari. She possesses an impressive physical build and resides in a typical suburban home.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• Rei – A subjugated electric ray Aberration residing in Minoru’s shadow and a dedicated member of the protagonist’s group. It functions as a radar detecting atmospheric shifts and sorcery to alert the party to enemy apparitions, while its Ability supports Tatemiya’s defensive sorcery. Though loyal to its allies, it reacts with visible hostility and fear toward new members.
• Yuu – Energetic and bubbly, this Futami twin is Mai’s sister, Yui’s twin (tied to Yui’s personality change), and a Mid-guard who guards the management office. Wearing a striped high-leg swimsuit, this Manaka group member coordinates activities with sharp commentary, loves meat, diffuses tension with cards, follows Yui in combat, and playfully teases Minoru before being eaten by the Phantom.
• Ui – Minoru’s proactive, carefree childhood friend is Yui’s twin sister and an original Shisei group member. A social private school student with a right-side white-dyed lock of hair, she brings a bright, hyper-enthusiastic, and bubbly energy to the chat room, frequently using star emoticons and cutesy slang. This ‘upper’ landmine-type girl provocatively and aggressively interacts with Minoru.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Kotoha – Minoru’s high-spirited, long-haired younger sister is an inquisitive elementary school student and a member of the Tatemiya household. Highly protective of her brother’s social life, she frequently interjects into his conversations and belongs to a friend group that includes Shoma. She also helps prepare the household’s rice cake ceremony.
• Minoru – Minoru Tatemiya (Majin) is a lean, black-haired student sorcerer, hidden Demon Lord, and calm, tactical protagonist with adult memories. An organized leader ruling the 5th District as a Dungeon Master, he uses space and illusion magic to control Aberrations. He responsibly manages his household, customs, and status while hosting Hinoki and guiding Majo allies (Mai, Risa, Mitsuki).
• Mitsuki – A tall, short-haired, dark-skinned Oni girl with a muscular build, this haughty transfer student and wealthy Sumo member is a powerful front-line vanguard in Minoru’s group. A Witch and assassin candidate, she wields Oni-fication, recovery magic, and a Kanabo. She is Minoru’s clingy childhood friend, rival, and protector who carries Anri, though she is absent from the current excursion.
• Onigahara – An older woman exuding disciplined austerity, she is a stern mentor from the influential Onigahara sorcerer family (formerly Koki) famed for Oni-fication. Beyond her distinct combat record and close, hierarchical bonds with dojo students, she manages group logistics and drives their minibus, actively preserving her lineage’s rigorous legacy of strength.
• Asari – A tall, long-haired, curvy (E-cup) Kasakura honor student and the newest member of Minoru’s group. Though often timid and nervous, this serious vanguard explorer adapts with wit, utilizing tactical memory and sorcerer history knowledge. She uses crystal barrier defensive sorcery in dungeons and helps test Aberrations. Polite yet “Free,” she is close to Mari and Nagase, and is Minoru’s devoted, pampered partner.
• Risa – A tall, well-endowed Naruse merchant student, skier, and Yukizuki sorcerer raised as Plain-folk. Bold and decisive, she is Aikawa’s sister and Anri’s protective yet opposing younger sibling who understands her sorcery. Sharing authority in Minoru’s group, this disciplined Onibara practitioner wields a grenade rifle, guides Yurina, cares for their mother, and distrusts Komoda and newcomers.
• Okuma – The family name of Ryota.
• Ryota – A loyal, outgoing middle-school student and well-connected sorcerer who often feels anxious socially. Minoru’s best friend, he maintains a slightly uncertain demeanor, planning separate activities but following Minoru’s guidance. This ‘Great Bear’ stamina leader heads a ‘Strong-Female’ squad, speaks for Tsuyo-Osu, knows Mitsuki, uses the Nagase house hideout, and trains at a shrine dungeon.
• Yurina – A stoic, black-haired Plain-folk student, sorcerer, and loyal member of Tatemiya’s group who assists with household duties. Wearing an apron, cat ears, collar, and tail, she is Risa’s sister, Chifumi’s protector, Anri-san’s trainee, and devoted to Lord Minoru. A Kendo vanguard with a katana and nightstick, she uses Severing Sorcery for support, though absent from the current excursion.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• Hinoki – Sharing Minoru’s consciousness, this sharp-tongued, non-binary Oni-fied centipede Aberration is a 30cm, sharp-eyed, metallic-shelled advisor and enigmatic household conduit guiding smaller creatures. Speaking telepathically from his shadow, they monitor seals and interpret insect swarms. They can also transform into massive reptilian forms using dungeon sorcery, venom, and chains.
• Poplar – The queen of the snow fly swarm and Minoru’s shikigami.
• Clam – Evolving from a clam via a stone, this newborn Aberration takes a large mollusk form or a toddler guise with limited speech. An advanced illusionist, she serves as a communication intermediary for water tank entities but often questions others’ abilities. Educated by Tempura and deeply attached to Asari, this unique Phantom frequently gets drunk on carbonated drinks.
• Anri – The fourth Naruse sister and Risa’s sibling, this private-school leader is controlled by Yukizuki Anri. Her family guards a District 5 dungeon. Wielding a spear and staff, she commands Aberrations, Poplar’s white-winged insect swarm, and mind incense. She mentors Minoru’s group with trip logistics, was kidnapped by Ogura’s group, and later brought premium meat as a dungeon apology.
• Pape – A dedicated mannequin Aberration with a completely blank, featureless face who serves as a loyal butler. It becomes invincible while motionless, can shape-shift, and wields magic dictated by its current attire. Deeply devoted to its master, it displays immaculate skill in managing household chores and traditional games, tailoring its unique abilities to perfectly assist others.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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