"Mother, that's not a good way to live. We should try to obey our husbands with joy instead of... whatever it is you're doing. And also, you're wrong about men finding that side of you attractive." Ayane said. "Your personality doesn't work well in attracting men. And yes, I know what you're about to say." Ayane preemptively interrupted her mother's interruption. "That you were able to get father to love you because of who you were. But you know better than I that father is a man with... certain tastes when it comes to women."

"I... yes, that is true." Sumiko conceded. "Even though I was the eldest and the least desirable, Hisashi still wanted me and defended me..." Sumiko's eyes became soft, but only for an instant.

"I will admit to my own faults, but said failures won't control my future..." Ayane continued. "The love I hold for Master, and the way he now owns me, isn't it what you felt back then?"

"Ayane... even though I wasn't always there for you like my Master-husband was..." Sumiko said. "You've truly grown, haven't you?"

And so what was once a bad reunion ended up becoming a cheesy anime family reconciliation.

Not that it was a bad thing, of course. Even though you still felt a little annoyed at Sumiko (as did all of your wives and Yumi), and at the general state of things, you were still personally happy that Ayane could see her mother at least one last time.

"Oh, Ayane..." Sumiko seemed remorseful after sharing a heart-to-heart with her daughter for 15 minutes. "If I could go back in time and do things again..."

"Mother, it's... well, it's not alright. But I am willing to start over with you."

"I-" Sumiko seems at a loss of words. "Give me some time. I shall speak to my husband."

"Does father know you're still in the mortal world?" Ayane asked.

"Not yet, no. But I have been watching over him in his travels." Sumiko revealed. "Do not worry about the guards outside, I have asked some of my cousins to make them fall asleep, so you should be fine to leave." She bows. "I don't wish to cause more trouble in your life, Ayane." Sumiko sighed. "I hope this gift shall be enough, if you're willing to accept it."

She took out a white tulip, an actual tulip and not an artificial flower, and a note, which seemed to magically get some words in Japanese printed on it, which translated to "a dowry".

"Mother-"

"I have much to think of, and a Master to see again. N-not that I've been missing that idiot all these years! Ahem, Farewell." Sumiko said theatrically.

A sudden gust of wind enveloped the place, spiraling into a tornado of petals.

And just like that, she was gone.

"Well, that sure was a thing that just happened." Mel said after a beat.

"My hair is ruined..." Ruby whined.

"Master..." Herta just looked at you. To the outside observer it might seem like she was worried about something, but you knew her well enough to tell that she just wanted you to feed her your 'protein'. You couldn't help but smile at her.