After the battle with Chthon ended, life at the manor finally returned completely to peace.
Calling it peaceful was not entirely accurate, though.
This vast estate, blending ultra-futuristic technology and magic, had never truly been quiet since gaining more than a dozen wives.
Still, compared to the dimensional invasions, descending gods, and world-ending spectacles from before, the current liveliness was warm enough to make one smile.
The sunlight was perfect. At three in the afternoon, it streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows of the manor's main building and spilled across the spacious, almost extravagantly luxurious living room.
The air carried the fragrance of black tea and desserts, mixed with occasional laughter, cries of surprise, and a certain... decidedly unpleasant gambling atmosphere.
"Tsunade! How did you lose again?!"
Marie Rose's voice came from beside the enormous gambling table in the center of the living room, carrying a trace of helplessness and sympathy.
With both hands braced against the table, her large eyes beneath her short pink hair were wide open as she watched Tsunade boldly push out yet another stack of chips.
"Haha, it's nothing! I'll definitely win it back next round!"
Tsunade folded her arms. The Strength of a Hundred Seal was not activated, but the expression on her face that declared, "I absolutely will not lose," was more righteous than any ninjutsu.
The towering pile of chips in front of her had dwindled to a thin layer, while the chips before Mei Terumi across from her had already formed a small mountain.
"Tsunade, you've lost seventeen rounds in a row."
Mei Terumi elegantly raised her teacup and took a sip, a faintly amused curve on her lips.
"Want me to lend you some? The interest will be calculated... according to casino rules?"
"Enough nonsense! Again!" Tsunade slapped the table,