Chapter 104: Alice's Arrival and Preparation to Transfer
In the Nakiri residence in Totsuki, Erina Nakiri sat in serene meditation, mentally preparing herself for an impending culinary competition.
"Hello, Erina, I'm back!"
Abruptly, the room's door swung open, and a vivacious voice filled the air.
Erina turned her head, her expression touched with surprise, as she recognized a familiar figure standing in the doorway.
"Alice, why have you returned?" Erina inquired, her voice carrying a hint of astonishment.
The visitor happened to be none other than her cousin, Alice Nakiri, the second young lady of the Nakiri family.
Alice sported short silver-white hair and wine-red eyes that exuded playfulness. Her European heritage endowed her with an even more voluptuous figure compared to Erina. Her alabaster skin, slender waist, and well-proportioned physique harmonized perfectly with the dress she was adorned in.
With a sprightly stride, Alice made her way over, taking a seat beside Erina, her face adorned with a cheerful smile.
"It's the holiday season, after all, so I've returned to visit Grandpa and, of course, you, Erina."
"And it's not just me; Mom and Dad are back too. Oh, and I've also acquired a new attendant."
"Guess what? I have an attendant now as well."
With her last statement, she directed a triumphant look toward Erina.
Erina's forehead displayed a few puzzled creases upon hearing Alice's words. However, before she could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, and the door swung open once more.
This time, a trio consisting of two men and one woman entered the room.
The man and woman constituted a married couple, Alice's parents, and also her uncle and aunt.
The man possessed meticulously groomed black hair, sharp, penetrating eyes, and particularly striking were his fiery eyebrows. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the "Nakiri International" organization - Soue Nakiri.
The woman, in contrast, embodied the essence of a classical Western beauty. Her long silver-white hair and porcelain, fair skin mirrored Alice's characteristics. She donned an exquisite gown and wore a precious gemstone necklace around her slender and fair neck. Her attire featured a deep neckline, capturing attention with its alluring cleavage.
This woman was none other than Alice's mother, known as Leonora Nakiri.
However, one should never underestimate her based on her gender alone. Leonora Nakiri held the esteemed position of being the head of the "Nakiri International Research Society," a research department within Totsuki. Rumor had it that even Alice's uncle, Soue Nakiri, contemplated handing over the operational reins of the "Nakiri International" organization to her, allowing him to focus more on external contracts and negotiations.
The final member of their group was a young teenager, approximately fourteen or fifteen years old. He sported an unruly mane of hair but appeared as if he hadn't slept well, with prominent dark circles under his eyes, giving him a somewhat lethargic appearance.
This must be the new attendant Alice had mentioned earlier.
"Uncle Soue, Aunt Leonora."
Upon witnessing their entrance, Erina, as the younger member of the family, rose to her feet and extended her greetings.
"Ah, Erina, it's been a while. You're growing more beautiful," Soue Nakiri's initially serious countenance transformed into a warm smile upon seeing his niece. However, his serious demeanor quickly resurfaced.
He produced two photographs from his pocket and commenced speaking with great enthusiasm, nearly as if he were delivering a sermon.
"But even Erina can't compare to my beloved Alice and Leonora. They are truly amazing, mother and daughter."
Observing her uncle's fervent state, Erina couldn't help but feel a bead of sweat forming. If anyone else had dared to imply that she wasn't as beautiful as someone else, she would have launched into a fiery counterargument. However, her uncle's unwavering devotion to his wife and daughter left her feeling somewhat powerless.
"Darling, step aside and let me greet Erina."
At this juncture, Leonora Nakiri approached, gently nudging her husband to the side and speaking Japanese with a distinctive Danish accent.
"Hello, Erina."
Due to her Danish background, Leonora's Japanese wasn't entirely flawless, resulting in her unique pronunciation.
"Hello, Aunt Leonora."
Erina had grown accustomed to her aunt's distinctive accent.
However, Soue Nakiri, chastened by his wife's abrupt action, sank to his knees, his countenance appearing pallid.
Leonora, who was well-accustomed to her husband's eccentricities, paid no heed to his reaction. Instead, she provided Erina with a correction.
"Come on now, didn't we tell you, don't call me 'aunt,' call me 'sister.' I'm still quite young, you know."
Erina couldn't help but feel somewhat helpless in this situation. Despite her aunt having become a mother, her figure and skin resembled that of a youthful girl. Paired with her lively personality, she seemed more like Alice's sister than her mother.
Just as Erina grappled with this thought, Senzaemon Nakiri, the family patriarch, arrived after receiving the news. Spotting him, Soue Nakiri swiftly reverted to his customary solemn demeanor, and alongside his wife, offered respectful bows of greeting.
"Father, we've returned."
"Grandpa, I'm back too!" Alice blinked her eyes and greeted her grandfather in a playful manner.
"Very well, you're all back. Please, take a seat," Senzaemon nodded and gestured for everyone to sit.
As soon as they had settled, the spirited Alice began to speak.
"Grandpa, this time I've returned to transfer to Totsuki with Ryo-kun. I'm determined to prove that I'm superior to this person here," she declared, gesturing toward Erina.
"Oh, Ryo-kun, come over and introduce yourself," she beckoned to the languid-looking boy who was still in the corner.
"Ryo Kurokiba, pleased to meet you," the young man introduced himself nonchalantly.
"Oh dear, that won't do. Show some manners and greet properly," Alice scolded, reaching out to pat Ryo Kurokiba's back, producing a loud patting sound.
"Haha, there's no need to be overly formal," Senzaemon chuckled heartily and waved his hand.
"Mr. Kurokiba, please take a seat as well."
Once Ryo Kurokiba had settled into his seat, Senzaemon continued, "Alice, you're aware that the transfer exams at Totsuki Academy are quite rigorous. If you don't pass, I won't be able to endorse your enrollment."
"No need to fret, Grandpa. Both Ryo-kun and I are highly competent. We'll breeze through the transfer exams without a hitch."
Alice exuded unwavering confidence in her words. However, she suddenly recollected something and turned her attention to Erina, who was seated beside her.
"Erina, what about your little secretary? Let her come and compete against Ryo-kun."
"Hmm, my Ryo-kun is undoubtedly stronger than your little secretary."
Yet, Ryo Kurokiba responded with a feeble voice, "Miss, we just got off the plane. Could I please rest for a bit?"
"What? What? Ryo-kun, you can't be like this. Get it together," Alice immediately grew displeased and patted his back once more, creating a resounding patting sound.
Observing her cousin's childlike behavior, Erina couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness.
"Today, Hisako is out attending to something I requested of her," Erina clarified.
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