Chapter 45
Hearing Senzaemon's words, Erina gave a small, elegant nod toward Mineo Takamine.
"I understand."
"In that case, I will go mountain climbing with Mineo-kun tomorrow morning."
"Alice and I will arrive early to meet you."
"Good, then it's settled."
"Let us eat first. After dinner, I must head back early to attend to some matters."
"Understood."
After a period of light conversation, Mineo enjoyed a lavish dinner with Erina's family. Once the meal concluded, Senzaemon arranged for a driver to escort Mineo home. Afterward, the grandfather summoned Erina to his study.
"Erina, what do you think of Mineo-kun?"
At her grandfather's question, Erina's heart skipped a beat for a fleeting moment. However, a look of confusion quickly crossed her face as she asked:
"What do you mean, Grandfather?"
"I mean, how would you evaluate Mineo-kun's personality?"
"Mineo-kun's personality, is it?"
Erina gently bit her lower lip, lost in thought for a few seconds. Then, she looked up and spoke in a soft voice:
"In my opinion, Mineo-kun is a very impressive man. His skills as a chef are beyond question, and his personality is also very kind..."
"Then, do you, Erina, enjoy the feeling of being with Mineo-kun?"
"Wha... eh...?"
Erina's head snapped up to look at her grandfather. In that moment, she saw him wearing a knowing smile.
Instantly, Erina's pale, porcelain skin turned a deep shade of crimson. The haughty young lady of the God's Tongue began to feel a rush of tension and embarrassment.
"Grandfather... wh-why would you suddenly ask something like that! M-Mineo-kun and I are really just... just frien—"
"Erina, were you about to say that your relationship with Mineo-kun is truly just that of ordinary friends?"
Senzaemon took a slow sip of his tea, then offered a warm, gentle smile.
"I don't actually have any other hidden intentions. Don't be so tense, Erina. I have watched you grow up since you were a small child."
"Erina, the truth is, you don't have many friends by your side. Whether it is a simple friendship or a more complex one, it doesn't matter. Previously, I was only ever worried about whether you would feel lonely because of that."
"To see you have a good friend makes me happy from the bottom of my heart. Mineo is a fine young man; at the very least, I like him quite a bit..."
"Since Mineo-kun has invited you to go climbing tomorrow, wake up early. Don't keep Mineo-kun waiting for long."
"If you have acknowledged someone, maintain that relationship well. I hope you can soon become more mature and become a chef who is loved and respected by those around you..."
Erina felt that her grandfather was acting a bit strange at this moment. Does Grandfather intend to make Mineo-kun his grandson-in-law? Is it possible Grandfather values Mineo-kun so much because he intends to... set us up...???
No... it shouldn't be like that... maybe it's just my imagination. Yes, I must be overthinking things.
Erina tried to calm herself down internally, but strange images and thoughts continued to pop into her mind uncontrollably. In an instant, the young lady's face grew even redder. It seemed... that when she was with Mineo-kun, she really did feel very relaxed and comfortable.
In the past, whenever outsiders dealt with Erina, they always acted with utmost respect and obedience. Even her secret admirers only dared to steal glances at her from a distance.
From childhood to adulthood, only Mineo could show such a carefree side in front of her. Mineo said what he wanted to say and did what he wanted to do.
Recalling how this man once even dared to say that she might be a man in disguise—a crossdresser—she felt a pang of regret for not hitting that "bad man" with her little leather shoes back then!
When facing the outside world, Erina always maintained the image of a poised and noble young lady. But when meeting Mineo, she was finally able to show her truest self.
Grandfather's words were right; being with Mineo-kun really did feel very relaxed and pleasant. That was why she liked the feeling of being together, eating together, and chatting with Mineo.
After leaving her grandfather's study, Erina returned to her room alone. Whatever she was thinking about, it was clear that the young lady's face remained as red as a cute, ripe apple.
A few minutes later, Alice burst in, carrying several sets of clothes and shoes.
"Erina, look! Which outfit do you think I should wear for the mountain climbing tomorrow?"
"Are these white sneakers good? For the socks, should I wear ankle socks or the medium-length cotton ones?"
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