Chapter 41
In front of Mineo, Senzaemon didn't show even a hint of the overwhelming majesty he usually displayed to the outside world. At this moment, he looked more like a kind, approachable grandfather.
After some light small talk about general matters, Senzaemon finally began to steer the conversation toward the main topic of the day. Looking at Mineo, he spoke slowly:
"Mineo-kun, I have heard from Erina and the others that you are a very capable and brilliant young man."
"Can you guess the primary reason why I specifically invited you to visit our home today?"
"Is it because of the fact that I possess the God's Tongue?"
"It seems you've guessed a part of it, but that isn't the most important reason."
Senzaemon offered a warm smile before continuing:
"To be honest, after hearing from Erina that you also possess the God's Tongue, the shock I felt in my heart was truly difficult to put into words."
"However, this world is vast and full of limitless wonders. Aside from our Nakiri family, I don't feel it is impossible for someone else to be born with the God's Tongue, or perhaps an even greater ability."
"The main reason for inviting you today is actually because you are a good friend to Erina and Alice."
"Honestly, being born into our Nakiri family, those two girls have enjoyed luxuries that ordinary people could never experience since they were small. But at the same time, they have also lost many things."
"Since childhood, neither Alice nor Erina has had a close friend they could truly share their hearts with."
"Two people separated by thousands of miles, strangers to one another, yet both sharing the blood of the God's Tongue, ending up fated to know each other through the internet... It makes me feel just how miraculous destiny can be."
"That my two granddaughters could get to know you and become your friends—personally, I feel very grateful."
Seeing the emotional look on Senzaemon's face, Mineo understood exactly what the old man was trying to convey. Alice and Erina were born into wealth and had been at the summit since the very beginning of their lives.
While gaining fame and status, they had lost the things ordinary people should have, especially friends. As the young misses of the Nakiri family, they spent their time mastering etiquette and cultural knowledge, making it incredibly difficult to have playmates.
Because friends were so hard to come by, once they finally had one good friend, Alice and Erina cherished them deeply. This was what Senzaemon wanted to say; he hoped Mineo would value and treat his friendship with his two granddaughters well.
Reflecting on this, Mineo looked up and smiled at Senzaemon.
"I think I understand what you are trying to say, Director Senzaemon. Regarding this, you don't need to worry at all."
"In my heart, I also deeply value and prioritize this destiny and my friendship with Erina and Alice."
"To be honest, I don't have many relatives or friends in China either, which is why I came here to manage the restaurant behind the Totsuki mountains this time—in hopes of being closer to Erina and Alice."
"I can feel that both Erina and Alice are wonderful girls... I will cherish them..."
Senzaemon had originally intended to just have a casual chat and express his hopes. But why was it that when this boy spoke, it felt as if he intended to take both of his granddaughters away at once?
Initially, Senzaemon thought Mineo had come to Totsuki for Erina's sake. But now, could it be that this brat was also eyeing Alice?
Instantly, a flicker of irritation rose in Senzaemon's heart. This boy was extraordinary; he had almost walked right into the trap of his words.
Senzaemon paused for a moment, then a second later, he spoke with a smile:
"If Mineo-kun also values this friendship, then I can feel at ease."
"By the way, Mineo-kun, the administrative procedures for you to join Totsuki have already been settled by Erina."
"She should have told you already, hasn't she? I heard they intend to invite you to serve in the Molecular Gastronomy Research Society. Of course, if you wish to transfer to another department, I can help arrange it..."
"I will serve in the Molecular Gastronomy Research Society."
Mineo answered with a smile:
"It doesn't matter where I am placed; actually, I'm just looking for a job to fill my spare time."
"However, since I've chosen to join Totsuki, I will take responsibility. I will do my best to teach the knowledge I possess to everyone."
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