Akashi couldn't help but bite lightly, and a shudder ran through him.
At the same time, the Lightning Poison Dragon Spin technique was activated.
In an instant, Yukiko trembled as though she had been electrocuted.
Seeing this, Eri grew even more displeased.
Wrapped in a gray yukata, the elegant Queen of Law stepped forward, her snow-white thighs exposed as she sat gracefully on the futon.
With a huff, she pulled young shota into her lap.
"Yukiko, come drink with me," Eri said coldly.
Her mood had already been sour ever since the earlier argument with Kogoro. Though she didn't want to show her irritation in front of Ran, Yukiko's shameless teasing of Akashi pushed her limits.
Unforgivable!
She's asking for it!
Meanwhile, Yukiko appeared as nonchalant as ever. Her delicate fingers picked at a freshly peeled shrimp, sucking out its juice with such finesse, it was almost seductive—like a mischievous little fairy toying with her prey.
That look on her face! That smug smile!
It wasn't just shrimp she was savoring—everyone knew she was hinting at something far saltier: Akashi.
The women around her were visibly irritated.
Ran, who usually respected her Aunt Yukiko, furrowed her brows at the provocative scene.
Without a word, she stepped forward and popped open a bottle of red wine.
Beside her, the little loli Haibara also held up a wineglass to help pour.
Soon, two glasses of wine were placed before Eri and Yukiko.
Yukiko immediately sensed the hostility.
"Hey, this seems a little biased, doesn't it?" she asked with a sly smile. "Ran, your mom's glass is barely filled, but mine's full. What are you trying to say?"
Eri, unfazed, took the bottle and topped off her own glass.
"Now it's even. Satisfied?" she said coldly.
Yukiko rolled her eyes, then playfully turned to Ran.
"Ran, aren't you going to drink with us too? This wine isn't strong—it's just like juice!"
Eri's eyes narrowed. "Yukiko, we're the ones drinking. Don't involve my daughter. She's not of legal age."
Yukiko waved her off. "She's practically grown. Besides, we're indoors. A little wine won't hurt anyone."
"It's boring with just the two of us," she added cheekily. "And I didn't even want to drink tonight. You called me out of nowhere, and now you expect me to drink alone?"
Ran, hearing this, didn't hesitate. She picked up the bottle and poured herself a full glass.
Yukiko's eyes lit up with mischief.
Heh, if I can get both mother and daughter drunk, Akashi will be mine~
I'll cuddle him, kiss him, and stick to him all night long!
A fire lit in her eyes—one of pure determination.
Meanwhile, Akashi, still unaware of what had sparked Yukiko's inner war, only heard the clinking of glasses and the sounds of cheers.
The drinking had begun.
But Ran… was way too earnest.
She downed her entire glass in one go, as if it were water.
The two beautiful women beside her only took polite sips.
Ran's lavender eyes sparkled.
"Sweet and sour—this tastes great! Drinking is easy!"
Of course, red wine went down smooth… but it packed a delayed punch.
Still chatting excitedly, Ran poured herself a second glass.
She didn't even notice her arm moving in a slightly wider arc.
After refilling, she clinked glasses with Yukiko once more.
This time, after another drink, she began giggling uncontrollably.
Her cheeks flushed a vibrant red, glowing adorably.
Akashi couldn't stay quiet any longer.
"Sister Ran, don't drink so fast! You'll get drunk. Eat something first, to help cushion your stomach."
Hearing his concern, Ran's eyes shifted to the little Shota.
She reached out and pulled him from her mother's arms, placing him on her own soft lap.
Akashi was speechless.
He just wanted to eat peacefully. Why was he getting passed around like a doll?!
Before he could even sit properly, something soft brushed against his cheek—a kiss.
The scent of wine lingered in the air.
"Akashi, are you worried about your big sister?" Ran whispered.
"Don't worry, I can handle my liquor. This is nothing!"
"Also… wow, Akashi, you're really cute! You feel amazing!" she gushed.
"I really like Akashi!"
Her slender hands squished his face into silly shapes.
"But you know," she continued, her eyes hazy, "I was really mad this afternoon. You secretly kissed me while I was unconscious!"
"You shouldn't kiss there… it's dirty… there's pee…"
Akashi, quick as ever, grabbed a crab leg and stuffed it into her mouth.
He was afraid she might say something truly catastrophic.
"Hehe… Sister Ran is drunk! Very drunk!" he said with a dry laugh.
"I'm not drunk! I'm totally sober!" she mumbled around the crab leg—classic drunkard logic.
But Eri had caught something important and leaned in with concern.
"Ran, you fainted this afternoon? What happened?"
Ran brightened at the question.
"I drowned while swimming with Akashi and passed out," she said matter-of-factly.
"Akashi saved me and dragged me to the rocks. He even gave me first aid!"
"He's my hero! He's super powerful!"
With that, she wrapped her arms tightly around him again.
So soft, so warm—it made Akashi feel both happy and suffocated.
Yukiko chuckled.
"That's right. Akashi is amazing."
But there was a strange look in her eyes—definitely not pure admiration.
Akashi shot her a warning glare.
Yukiko is always trouble when she's sober. Only the beaten-up Yukiko is well-behaved.
Meanwhile, little Haibara had fallen into silent contemplation.
Her eyes shifted between Ran and the small shota in her lap.
This doesn't add up.
How could a kid his size rescue someone from drowning?
It had to be that temporary antidote again—he must've reverted to his adult form and then changed back.
That bastard…
Even after using the antidote, he didn't come to see me!
Furious, she pinched Akashi hard.
"It was Akashi who lied and said I was bitten by a sea snake, then started sucking my blood! You're so bad!"
"Don't ever do that again, or I'll beat you up!"
Akashi was left dumbfounded.
Why the hell are you saying all that out loud?!
Yukiko looked like she wanted to ask where exactly Akashi had been sucking…
But Akashi quickly cut her off. "Let's eat! If we don't, the food will get cold!"
At that, everyone finally calmed down and turned to their dinner, picking up their chopsticks.