“Oh my, even though your mother always hoped Nanoha would come home more often during her free time, I never expected that the moment she returned, she’d bring her husband, and that their daughter would already be this old—Mom is truly… SHOCKED!”

In the old home in Uminari City, Nanoha’s mother, Takamachi Momoko, held a slightly confused Weiwei, beaming with a smile.

“Mom!” Nanoha was instantly mortified, instinctively pouting. “It’s absolutely not like that! Brother and I are just… and Weiwei…”

“Nanoha!” Takamachi Momoko shot her a look. While not severe, it carried the undeniable authority of a mother. She spoke seriously, “Why are you still calling him ‘Brother’? Shouldn’t you have changed your address by now?”

“Change to what address?” Nanoha asked, confused.

Takamachi Momoko’s serious expression instantly transformed into a brilliant smile. “Why, to… Anata (Darling).”

“Mom…” Nanoha could no longer resist, immediately blushing deeply and lowering her head, afraid to speak. Although she was an omnipotent hero in the Time-Space Administration Bureau, and an unmatched tyrant before her enemies, none of that mattered in the Takamachi household. No matter what, she was still just the youngest daughter. In fact, in this entire world, only her mother, Takamachi Momoko, could completely keep her in check.

Momoko’s words left Nanoha too ashamed to look up. Even Fate and Hayate wore expressions of awkward confusion, too guilty to utter a word. After staring blankly for a moment, Weiwei suddenly had an epiphany, finally realizing exactly who stood at the very apex of the food chain among everyone present!

Simultaneously, her admiration and reverence for Lin Luo immediately surged like the waters of the Yellow River, because up until this moment, Lin Luo was the only person present who could communicate with the terrifying woman, Takamachi Momoko, calmly and normally.

“Well, regardless of how she looks on the surface, Nanoha is actually quite a shy girl. Mother-in-law, perhaps you should let her off the hook,” Lin Luo said, calmly taking a few sips of the coffee in his hand, interjecting to ease Nanoha’s embarrassment.

It would have been better if he had stayed silent. The moment he spoke, Nanoha’s already lowered head buried itself even deeper, almost disappearing into her chest. Fate and Hayate’s expressions shifted like clouds across the sky, each harboring different thoughts.

However, Takamachi Momoko listened with great satisfaction. She covered her mouth and chuckled, “Oh my, Luo-kun really understands my Nanoha well. You’re right, Nanoha is indeed a very shy child. I remember when Nanoha was in the first grade, she accidentally wet the bed. Because she was too shy for anyone to find out, she locked herself in her room for a whole day… Ah, thinking about it now, she was so adorable.”

“Mom!” Nanoha instantly burst into tears, feeling moments away from death.

Beside her, Fate and Hayate covered their mouths to stifle their laughter.

So the great Tyrant actually had such embarrassing childhood history… What should they do? It was so cute!

Naturally, Lin Luo was also completely charmed by Nanoha’s adorable dark history, but out of consideration for Nanoha’s dignity, he couldn’t join Takamachi Momoko in laughing, pretending as if he hadn't heard, and gravely continued sipping his coffee.

After reminiscing for a moment, Takamachi Momoko continued, “But speaking of the past, ten years ago when Luo-kun was Nanoha’s tutor, coming to my house to help Nanoha study, I felt even then that you two were destined to be together in the future. This must be the legendary Shikami Project… Isn’t that right, Luo-kun?”

Lin Luo instantly felt a mouthful of blood rise up.

To think his daughter was the subject of a Shikami Project, and she could say it so frankly!

“Speaking of ten years ago, I suddenly realized that even after all this time, Mother-in-law, you are still as young and beautiful as ever. If I didn’t know better, I’d mistake you for Nanoha’s older sister,” Lin Luo quickly started changing the subject.

It had to be said that the words ‘young and beautiful’ were always the best compliments for a woman, no matter the time or place, especially for women who were no longer actually young. Upon hearing Lin Luo’s praise, Takamachi Momoko’s smile grew even brighter. “Oh dear, Luo-kun, you certainly know how to talk. My Nanoha is so lucky to marry a good man like you.”

“I think so too,” Lin Luo nodded shamelessly.

At this point, Takamachi Momoko suddenly remembered something and said with a touch of sentimentality, “Nanoha will surely be very happy with Luo-kun, and I, as her mother, am pleased. But this reminds me of my other daughter, Miyuki… Ever since her brother, Kyoya, married Shinobu Tsukimura five years ago, for some reason, that child’s mood has become a little down. Although she’s dated a few boyfriends since then, nothing ever progressed. She’s twenty-seven now and still hasn’t found anyone—she’s an old spinster… Sigh, will this child never get married?”

Pfft!

This time, Lin Luo truly sputtered. Calling his own daughter an 'old spinster'! What could he even say? He could only conclude that she was indeed the woman standing at the top of this world's food chain, the one who could tame even the Tyrant. However… Mother-in-law, you truly have a blind spot in your otherwise perfect wisdom! The reason Miyuki is depressed is because of her brother complex! If only you married this daughter off to your son, all problems would be solved! Why don’t you understand?!

“Luo-kun, what’s wrong?” Seeing Lin Luo spray a mouthful of coffee, Takamachi Momoko asked with concern.

Lin Luo quickly shook his head to signal he was fine, simultaneously wiping himself with the handkerchief she offered.

Observing Lin Luo’s composed demeanor, Takamachi Momoko suddenly had an idea and clapped her hands. “Ah, yes! A rare, wonderful man like Luo-kun being only Nanoha’s husband is such a waste! Since we are all family anyway, why don’t you marry my Miyuki too? Luo-kun, what do you think?”

“Eh?” Hearing this, the expressions of the trio immediately changed drastically.

“An excellent plan,” Lin Luo remained perfectly calm, giving Takamachi Momoko a thumbs-up, then cupping his hands. “Since this match is decreed by Mother-in-law herself, your humble son-in-law accepts with gratitude.”

“Nani?!” All three leaped up from their seats.

“Oh dear, I was just joking,” seeing their conflicted expressions, caught between wanting to react but not knowing how, Takamachi Momoko quickly waved her hand and said, “If you take it seriously, you lose, Nanoha.”

“Right. I was just joking too. If you take it seriously, you lose,” Lin Luo said with a smile, though his tone held a hint of disappointment.

The trio breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down. However… they had a faint feeling that the two opposite them hadn't been joking at all just now.

Could they have been serious?

The trio felt a flutter of panic, echoing recent events.

Lin Luo and his group of four, plus the two little ones, arrived on Earth that afternoon for their vacation. Although Alisa and Suzuka were, in a sense, Earth’s administrators, they managed much more than just Earth, and their main base was elsewhere. Even though they had been contacted upon arrival, they couldn't rush over in a short time, so naturally, their first stop was the Takamachi residence.

Since Nanoha was so dedicated to the Bureau’s work, she rarely returned to Earth, and her communication with her parents was mostly via communicator. In such a situation, both as a daughter and out of habit, she would naturally return to her own home first.

And fortunately, even though it wasn't a holiday, Takamachi Momoko wasn't working at the Midori Coffee Shop and was resting at home, allowing everyone to gather for a casual chat.

Honestly, Lin Luo really enjoyed this kind of simple, warm daily life. Especially now, it allowed him to temporarily forget many things and enter a completely relaxed state.

Since they arrived in the afternoon, the sun had already set after a brief chat. To properly entertain the children who rarely came home, Takamachi Momoko immediately got up and headed towards the kitchen to prepare dinner. She only took a few steps before turning back and saying to Lin Luo, “I might be too busy by myself. Luo-kun, could you come and help?”

“Hmm?” Lin Luo paused briefly, then nodded. “Sure.”

So, he also rose and headed to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Nanoha and the others went upstairs to sort out their rooms. Although given their means, staying in the most luxurious hotel would pose no problem, it was clear that no matter how luxurious the place, it couldn't compare to the comfort of home. Furthermore, since Nanoha’s brother had moved out after getting married, there were vacant rooms, more than enough space for the four of them plus the two little ones.

“Hey, Luo-kun, should we seriously consider that earlier topic?” In the kitchen, after Nanoha and the others had gone upstairs, Takamachi Momoko asked while preparing vegetables.

“You weren’t serious, were you?” Lin Luo felt sweat bead on his brow. Although he knew Takamachi Momoko asking for help wasn't just about help, he hadn't expected...

Takamachi Momoko smiled faintly. “Does my attitude look like I’m joking?”

“No,” Lin Luo shook his head, then frowned. “But I still don’t quite understand.”

“Sigh,” Takamachi Momoko suddenly sighed, saying mournfully, “For the past few years, even though I only saw her through the communicator, and even though she always smiled when talking to us, I could tell there was a stone weighing down her heart; she was under immense pressure. I don’t know what it was, nor did I have the ability to help her, so I pretended not to see it and worried constantly. But… this time, when she returned, I could feel that she completely relaxed, able to offer a smile that came from the heart, just like before. Even though I don't know why she changed so much, I think it must have something to do with you, Luo-kun. Am I right?”

Lin Luo couldn't help but give a dry laugh. “Nothing escapes your notice, Mother-in-law. Truly a case of not showing your true colors.”

Takamachi Momoko chuckled immediately. “What true colors? I’m just an ordinary housewife. But which mother doesn’t understand her own children?”

“That’s true,” Lin Luo agreed.

Takamachi Momoko continued, “Just like Nanoha, Miyuki is also troubled by her worries. For all the men I’ve introduced to her, she insisted that unless the man could defeat her in Kendo, she would refuse to date them. But given her skill, how many men could possibly surpass her in Kendo?”

As she spoke, Takamachi Momoko gave a wry smile. “Of course, I know she has such a demand entirely because of her brother. Because she loves her brother, and because her Kendo was taught by him… ultimately, she cannot love anyone other than her brother. But they are siblings, after all. No matter how close they are, they can never be together.”

No, she was just born in the wrong place. If this were the Moon, there would be absolutely no issue… Lin Luo thought to himself. But hearing this, he understood. This ordinary housewife was indeed a sage, missing only one small detail!

Then, Takamachi Momoko turned her gaze to Lin Luo. “So, when I saw Nanoha beaming that brilliant smile, I knew that if it were Luo-kun, you could surely help Miyuki lift the weight off her heart, just as you helped Nanoha.”

“Well,” Lin Luo scratched his head, feeling somewhat awkward. After all, he was officially Nanoha’s husband, yet here he was being asked to pursue her older sister. Even with Mother-in-law’s support, such a high-stakes maneuver made even a gentleman like him feel immense pressure. “While I’m honored you think so highly of me, having me help Miyuki with her issues seems a bit inappropriate, considering she is Nanoha’s older sister.”

As he said this, Lin Luo felt his moral integrity score jump by five hundred points.

However, Takamachi Momoko glared at him. “Luo-kun is joking again.”

“Haa~ When was I joking?” Lin Luo was completely bewildered. What he had said was common sense in the normal world! Speaking of jokes, asking your daughter to NTR your other daughter was the real joke here.

Takamachi Momoko’s lips curled into a smile full of hidden meaning. “Do you think I can’t tell? Nanoha isn’t the only girl who shares a super-friendly relationship with you, Luo-kun.”

“Uh!” Lin Luo immediately felt guilty.

“Take just now, for instance. When I mentioned marrying Miyuki to you, all three of those girls jumped up. Such an intense reaction… so youthful.”

“…” Lin Luo felt even more guilty.

Takamachi Momoko continued speaking as if no one else were there. “From my observation just now, while Nanoha doesn't deny her relationship with you, judging by her gait and expression, she isn't a woman who is a mother, but rather a complete girl. Clearly, you haven’t done anything intimate with her yet. It’s Fate, on the other hand, who already carries something of a womanly aura—quite captivating, in fact… Luo-kun, is that due to your efforts?”

Takamachi Momoko looked at him with a half-smile.

“…” Lin Luo was utterly humiliated, not daring to look at her.

Mother-in-law, you have transcended the human realm! Tell me quickly, what is your real purpose for coming to Earth?!

“Leaving Nanoha aside for a moment, since Fate has given herself to you, yet doesn’t prevent your relationship with Nanoha, it’s clear that besides the fact that they are exceptionally close, her dependence on you is also very strong. Perhaps this dependence has even surpassed love, making it impossible for her to leave you, which is why she stands by Nanoha’s development… Hmm, viewed from this angle, Nanoha must be similar to Fate.”

As she spoke, Takamachi Momoko seemed to completely transform into an emotional analyst, resting her chin in her hand, speaking thoughtfully. “Only Hayate remains slightly ambiguous. Although her reaction suggests she values you highly, I don't sense any obvious affection for you... How should I put it? Based on my experience, she certainly likes you, but due to some special reason, she dares not reveal this feeling. Perhaps… she hides it because she knows Nanoha and Fate both like you… Of course, I believe she won't be able to hide it for long. As long as Luo-kun makes a little move, Hayate will quickly fall into your arms. Luo-kun, you certainly have that ability, don’t you?”

By this time, Lin Luo was sitting there stunned, not even knowing how to respond.

He finally understood what it meant when people said there are always better people beyond the best. He thought he understood girls’ psychology quite well, but now… listening to Mother-in-law’s words was better than ten years of study!

“Um… aren’t you angry?” Lin Luo asked weakly.

“Why should I be angry?” Takamachi Momoko countered.

“I’m eating from Nanoha’s bowl, while also eating from Fate’s pot, and I have designs on Hayate’s plate—clearly playing the field with three women. Aren’t you at all repulsed?” After Lin Luo finished speaking, he didn't know if Takamachi Momoko was repulsed, but he felt that even if he were punished by the ‘boat’ (cheated on/betrayed), it would be well-deserved.

“Not repulsed,” Takamachi Momoko said with a smile. “Although loyalty is the most important aspect of love, sometimes, because a man is too excellent, women will relentlessly flock to him. Luo-kun is that kind of man. If Luo-kun chose only one, many girls would inevitably be heartbroken, perhaps remaining single for life. So… I only hope Luo-kun won’t let them down. It’s fine if you’re a little bit of a philanderer, even if you have to be a bit forceful. As long as you can bring them happiness… If Luo-kun can promise me this, I will not only give Miyuki to you, but I will also help you sort out your relationships with Nanoha and the others. Luo-kun, can you promise me?”

Hearing these words, Lin Luo’s eyes filled with tears.

Heavens above, Earth below! Finally, someone understood him in this situation! Mother-in-law… you are my true love! RQ