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It took the kits getting tired for the party to start fizzling out. More than it already was, at least.
All three children had weariness in their eyes, with Ryko and Shizuku yawning cutely more and more often. Both sisters insisted they wanted to stay up, yet their infant brother was far more honest with himself as he fell asleep in his mother's arms. Said mother, Kasato, took the opportunity to wipe the cake he willingly spread on his face.
The women, most of your wives included, spoke of how cute he was and went to dote on him. It wasn't long before Ryko and Shizuku also fell asleep, becoming cute bundles of fluff while near you and Ayane. They were also taken, with Risae taking care of both her own daughter Shizuku and her half-kinsdaughter Ryko. A few of the women also doted on them, leaving you with only the men and Herta and Ayane.
You, on the other hand, spoke of a sensitive matter with the kitsune in-laws. Sumiko's and Ai's attention shifted from the kits as you revealed your capabilities in making aluminum, even gifting Hisashi a sample as proof.
Ayane advocated for your interests as you cleared the air, insisting on making you an equal partner to the Trading Firm. Herta tried to back you up where she could.
"And so the truth is revealed." Hisashi tried to joke, but ended up with a serious expression. "My boy, do you realize what sort this could imply for global trade?"
"Yeah, I know." You replied. "Now, about those deals..."
While nothing was set in stone, both you and your kitsune family were more than happy to iron out mutually beneficial trade deals.
"We'd be fools not to accept such a generous offer from you." Eisho said after it was agreed that they would find and facilitate buyers for the aluminum.
You could tell that the kitsune had ambitions to act as middlemen, wanting to export the aluminum to other regions. There was discussion of what exactly that would entail— your in-laws said they'd wait for you to make your final decision on what the prices and mass production would look like. They would adjust their prices for aluminum export accordingly with the insider knowledge you'd directly give them.
"How interesting." Sumiko's gaze held a rare amount of respect while she stared at you. "I can commend your innovation and long term scheming," You think you see Ruby face your way as Sumiko said that last word, "But I hold my final judgement of your character. No matter what occurs, your ruthlessness shall be tested in the future. Don't make my Master regret any hopes he has for you you."
"He saved our daughter and our grandkit. Then he cured a curse that plagued our families for nearly a millennia." Hisashi said to his first and only slave-wife. "I believe my trust is well placed in him."
"... Very well, my love. I shall trust you in this matter." Sumiko's voice became softer as she spoke to Hisashi. You swear you see a faint blush on her face as she met his eyes.
