Ray was very hard to surprise, but Yuno's last words managed to do it. However, quickly composing himself, he smiled and said:
"Silly girl... You know my principles: someone who can cheat has no right to demand fidelity."
"It's not cheating. I'm giving you carte blanche. You have very good taste — I'm sure the girl you choose will be worthy of you," Yuno said, and after thinking for a moment, added:
"We both know how fragile human life is. If necessary, I'll cling to this life even with my teeth. But if suddenly I'm gone... I want there to be a girl by your side who can be your support. Besides, I can't give you a child. So we need someone who can."
Hearing Yuno's words, Ray opened his mouth to say something, but the girl continued:
"I know what you want to say. But before I met you, I thought there would never be a man in this world I would willingly let touch me. And I not only allowed it — I've waited for your caress for years. Right now, you think you don't want children. But that might change one day. We both know how much you love children."
"Even if you have strange parenting methods — I believe Deya will grow up to be a wonderful person. I almost wish you were my father."
"I wouldn't mind being your daddy," Ray said playfully. "But then I'd have to get a shotgun to scare off your suitors."
"Even if you were my real father, it wouldn't stop me from getting into your pants, Daddy," Yuno replied playfully.
"When you went out into the field, I was so afraid I might lose you. But despite the fear, I never tried to stop you."
"And now you won't have to worry about me," Ray said calmly with a chuckle.
"I believe you'll be able to walk again. But even if not — I'll be there to become your legs and everything you need," Yuno said firmly, and after thinking a bit, added:
"Take a closer look at Tami and Alexandra. Those two little ones are crazy about you. Among the 'Devils,' there are plenty who crave your warmth. I know you're afraid of loss. But maybe your love could make some of them retire. Besides, they've all undergone harsh training. If someone wants to kill them, they'll have to pay a very high price."
Ray had doubts about Yuno's words, but he understood what she meant. Just as Deya had become his main anchor, he had become one for Yuno — and could become one for many of her sisters.
Besides, he had learned one thing in his life: a woman is one of the most dangerous enemies. But if you can win her heart, soul, and respect, she will become the most loyal ally — standing by you no matter what. Doing so is very difficult, and not every man is capable of it. That's why Yuno was the one Ray was willing to leave Deya with.
The smile Lily had given him, despite all the horror she had endured, helped Ray understand this truth.
Yuno's willingness to be with him even after he ended up in this state was another proof that he was right. That's why he said:
"I understand you. I'll talk to them about it next time."
After that incident, their sensual blowjobs — from a caring "daddy's girl" — became something of a ritual. They didn't go further because Ray wanted to make their first intimacy special. But sometimes he felt that the little one enjoyed giving him pleasure even more than he did.
His girls divided the duties: Yuno helped Ray wash, while Deya fed him and read books. Her brother still tried to joke, but seeing him in this state, she felt a surge of hatred toward whoever had done this. However, despite her hatred, her main priority, like Yuno's, was caring for her brother.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Ray was recovering very quickly. If not for his spinal fracture, the accident might have passed without consequences.
Yuno eagerly awaited the day they would go all the way. Her expectant gaze made Ray proud — not every man could make such a beauty look at him like that.
Now their house had two kitchens. One of them was specially equipped for Ray, so he could cook from his wheelchair. His girls weren't ready to give up his cooking. Ray was also glad about this — now his cooking was one of the few ways to please his little ones.
After completing his full rehabilitation and finally arriving home, Ray's first act was to cook dinner. He still needed to get used to cooking in a wheelchair, so the girls helped him. Despite all the difficulties, their home was filled with a warm family atmosphere.
However, Ray's heart was full of anxiety. He had lost not just the ability to walk — along with it, he had lost the ability to vent his anger, fury, and hatred. He started looking for alternatives as soon as he woke up in the hospital, but his searches found nothing. The options of getting hooked on drugs or giving in to the white powder were not even considered by him.
He was afraid that one day, succumbing to an impulse, he wouldn't be able to turn back. All that was left for him was to work tirelessly.
He planned to continue training, though leg day was now free for him. Besides that, he continued to manage the "Devils." Even though he had lost the ability to go into the field personally — Ray still supervised operations and planned the development of their organization.
Even though Ray set himself the goal of pushing his body to its limits, hoping it would help him get rid of the nightmares tormenting not only his mind but also his soul — it didn't help.
Noticing his exhausted appearance, the girls began taking turns sleeping with him. Ray thought it was useless, but they were too persistent, so he had to give in. To his surprise, it turned out to be unexpectedly effective.
Yuno had trouble restraining her urges, but since Ray had asked her to wait, she was willing to do so. She knew he wasn't the type to turn back, given what had happened between them.
Just as Ray was finally beginning to adjust to his new life, fate dealt a new, unexpected blow.
He received news that Alexandra and Tami had died.
Upon hearing this, Ray headed to the main "Devils" base. Kira personally came to pick him up.
In the car, Ray asked:
"Tell me in detail how it happened."
"We found another pedophile. The girls volunteered to deal with him. They were watching him, waiting for the right moment. But yesterday he tried to kidnap a girl — they intervened and killed him."
"However, it turned out that the police were watching him. But their target wasn't him — it was one of the 'Devils.' He was just bait. Surrounded, the girls didn't try to fight their way out to avoid shooting at the police — they killed themselves," Kira said with pain in her voice.
"I knew they would come for us sooner or later... But I didn't expect it to be so soon. Those bastards will regret this."
It was obvious to Kira that the girls' deaths had hit Ray hard, and she said:
"I know you're hurting. But my daughter is also in a combat unit. We all understand the risks."
Ray didn't answer, lost in thought. After considering everything, he ordered:
"Prepare a room for filming. We'll shoot the second part of the 'Manifesto.'"
Ray was silent the whole way, deep in thought. Kira had things to say, but she decided to put them off for later, not pulling him from his thoughts.
When they arrived at the base, everything was already ready.