Chapter 55
Watching Mineo lower his head and earnestly massage her ankle, a strange wave of emotion flowed quietly through Erina's heart.
But at that exact moment, Alice puffed out her cheeks and spoke up in a sharp, accusatory tone.
"Mineo-kun, this is going too far! How could you openly take advantage of Erina like this?"
"You can stop right now!"
Hearing Alice's words, Erina suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing her foot was still cradled in Mineo's hands. Since the pain from her injury had completely vanished, she hurriedly pulled her foot back, her face flushing with embarrassment.
After twisting the cap back onto the medicine bottle, Mineo turned toward Erina and flashed a grin.
"Don't forget to wire the payment, okay?"
"Wire... payment?"
Erina froze, blinking in confusion. Seeing her bewildered expression, Mineo chuckled.
"I'll have you know, I used a secret family heirloom medicine on you! Plus, you received an attentive massage from this handsome guy right here. Don't you think Lady Erina should provide a little extra compensation?"
"Since we're friends, I'll give you a discount... 10,000 Yen. Would milady like to pay by card or transfer? If you're using a card, this shop is equipped with an EDC machine."
"Mineo-kun, you...!!!!"
Erina felt a surge of pure irritation at his words. Her eyes, which had been softening just moments ago, were now burning with indignation. She had actually felt touched for a second, only for this annoying man to ruin it by talking about money.
Without a second thought, Erina swung her leg out, aiming for some close-quarters physical retaliation against Mineo's body.
Seeing the angry young lady trying to kick him, Mineo reacted instantly, reaching out to catch her ankle once again.
He really didn't expect Erina to be this type of person; getting treated for free is one thing, but not saying thank you and trying to kick him was another. He felt the need to give her a little "punishment."
Mineo smirked and extended his other hand, launching a lightning-fast strike.
"Laughter pressure point!"
He pressed his finger precisely against a specific nerve point on Erina's foot. Erina, whose feet were incredibly sensitive to begin with, reacted explosively the moment Mineo applied pressure.
"Mineo-kun... let... let go of my hand!"
"Let... let me go! Ahaha!"
Erina felt a mix of shame and utter restlessness. The ticklish sensation radiating from her foot made her entire body feel as if it were being jolted by electricity.
She tried to struggle with all her might, but her strength had abandoned her. Seeing the young lady on the verge of tears from panic, Mineo finally released his grip.
Seeing the usually haughty Erina looking like she was about to cry over the injustice, Mineo quickly spoke up.
"Alright, Erina, I was just joking. We have a great relationship; there's no way I'd actually ask for a fee."
"However, seeing as you have enough energy to try and kick me, it proves your injury is fully healed."
"Hurry up and put on your socks and shoes. I'm heading to the kitchen to whip up something for you both."
Erina's teeth ground together as she glared at Mineo with sharp intensity. She reached for her white cotton socks at the edge of the bed and pulled them on.
From the young lady's expression, Mineo could practically read her mind: she was furious and had no intention of speaking to him.
Satisfied that she was fine, Mineo headed down to the kitchen alone. Once he was gone, Alice sat down beside Erina, her expression clouded with displeasure.
"Did that feel really good?"
"What... what felt good... Alice, what are you talking about..."
Under Alice's piercing gaze, Erina felt a twinge of guilt. She didn't dare meet Alice's eyes directly. Alice, however, wasn't about to let her off the hook.
Alice gritted her teeth so hard it made a faint clicking sound.
"Erina, are you still trying to deny it? I saw it with my own eyes while Mineo-kun was massaging you—your face looked so happy and touched."
"My dear cousin, in all the years since we were kids, this is the first time I've seen you look at a man with such tenderness."
"Don't think for a second that I'm going to give up just because of this."
"Erina... Mineo-kun doesn't belong to you just because you're 'friends'!!!!"
Looking at Alice's jealousy-filled expression, a sudden realization dawned on Erina. A complex feeling of resignation settled in her heart.
To think that her cousin, who shared her immense pride, had set her sights on the same man. Could this be what Grandfather meant by an arrangement of fate?
Meanwhile, Mineo—who was already downstairs—had no idea that Erina and Alice were at odds. Humming a little tune as he started cooking, he suddenly received another notification.
Momo Akanegakubo: "Sensei, please help me look at this pattern! Isn't it just adorable?"
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