Chapter 469: Why Do I Feel Something Heavy on My Head?
Seeing Hachiman and Erina coming out, Hisako quickly approached them.
"Miss Erina, are you okay?"
Hisako had explained the situation earlier, so there were only a few customers left in the restaurant. Those who had finished eating and those who hadn't started yet had already left.
Erina nodded and, still a bit tongue-tied, replied, "I'm fine, thank you for your help..."
However, as she began speaking, she remembered the current state of her tongue and quickly stopped herself from saying more.
Hisako quickly noticed something was off with Erina.
"Miss, your tongue?"
Realizing she had been found out, Erina quietly asked for help, "Hisako..."
Hisako immediately understood. Her lady didn't want anyone to know about the current state of her "God's Tongue," where she couldn't even speak properly.
As she pondered why Erina was speaking so oddly, Hisako's face turned a bit red, coming to her own conclusions.
Miss, you really are something...
Though Hisako often helped Erina with manga, she was still inexperienced in these matters, even less experienced than Erina herself. After all, Erina had already had her first kiss, while Hisako...
At this point, Komachi came over to Hachiman. "Onii-chan, is Erina-nee okay now?"
"Yes, don't worry, she's fine," Hachiman said with a reassuring smile.
"That's good to hear."
Komachi sighed in relief. As long as Erina didn't hold a grudge against her brother, everything would be fine.
"Onii-chan, don't say things like that again. If Erina-nee really gets mad, it could be a big problem."
"Alright, alright, I get it. I won't say such things again," Hachiman said, ruffling Komachi's hair.
Indeed, he wouldn't say things lightly in the future. Actions spoke louder than words, after all.
Hachiman then grabbed a cup and filled it with warm water before handing it to Erina.
"Here, drink some warm water and take a rest."
Warm water was a remedy for everything, after all.
Erina gave him a slight glare but still accepted the cup and began sipping it slowly.
"Let's go, let's head back. Don't forget you still have to help my mom with treatment today," Erina said to Hachiman.
Hachiman naturally had no objections and nodded. "Sure, let's go."
At that moment, Komachi also recalled the earlier conversation about Hachiman and Erina's treatment, and she spoke up with some confusion.
"Onii-chan, when did you start treating people?"
Upon hearing this, Erina was also curious.
"What? Haven't you explained it to Komachi yet?"
"Not yet," Hachiman sighed.
"After all, this matter is quite fantastical. I'm afraid it might scare her."
"Scare me?"
Komachi blinked, looking utterly surprised.
"Onii-chan, what does that mean?"
Seeing Komachi's puzzled expression, Hachiman thought for a moment and decided to explain his situation to her.
"Komachi, I know you must have many questions, but this isn't the place to talk. I'll explain everything when we get back to Erina's place."
Hearing this, Komachi nodded.
Seeing this scene, Hachiman turned to Erina.
"Let's go, Erina."
The girl nodded in agreement, and they left the restaurant with everyone else.
---
On the other side, Alice also finished closing the shop for the day and returned to the Nakiri family's main residence with Kurokiba.
Business today was exceptionally brisk, with their shop's sales ranking at the top in the entire corridor district. After all, beverages sold like hotcakes in such a refreshing food festival environment.
"Ah, today really wore me out," Alice complained as soon as she stepped inside the house.
As soon as the girl spoke, she heard Kurokiba's voice, sounding tired and listless.
"Miss, I'm actually the one who's most tired, even though you've slacked off so many times."
Upon hearing this, Alice pouted in discontent.
"Man, Ryo-kun, you're really useless. It's your lack of effort that's to blame. If you tried a bit harder, maybe I could go spend time with Hachiman-kun."
"I wonder if Hachiman-kun has already gone back."
To such remarks, Kurokiba couldn't be bothered to argue. He was used to his mistress being like this all the time.
"I'm going back to my room to take a shower, Miss," Kurokiba said as he headed straight to his own room.
"I also need to take a good shower, I'm exhausted," Alice said, rubbing her shoulders as she walked towards her room.
Just then, Senzaemon and the others happened to walk out of the study.
"Ah, Grandfather, Aunt Mana, about tonight..."
Initially seeing Senzaemon and Mana, Alice greeted them with a smile. However, her expression froze when she noticed Azami behind them.
"Uncle Azami..."
Seeing Alice return, Senzaemon nodded with a smile.
"Ah, Alice. Has business already finished for today?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Alice nodded blankly, then glanced cautiously at Azami behind Senzaemon.
"Grandfather, what about Uncle Azami..."
Upon hearing this, Senzaemon chuckled.
"Haha, Azami just got back today. We were discussing some matters together earlier."
Despite Senzaemon's reassurance, Alice still hesitated, "But what about Erina..."
Alice knew full well how Azami had mistreated Erina in her childhood, causing her great fear. If the two were to meet...
At this point, Senzaemon continued, "Azami has already met Erina just now."
Relieved to hear this, Alice quickly asked, "Is Erina okay?"
Despite their usual conflicts, Alice still cared deeply for her sister in her heart.
Seeing Alice's anxious expression, Senzaemon chuckled again.
"Rest assured, Erna is fine. Hachiman-kun is with her, and as for Azami's situation, it will be explained later."
"What? Hachiman-kun is with Erina?!"
Upon hearing this, Alice widened her eyes.
Oh, you Erina, here I am so worried about you, and you sneak off when I'm not looking.
You know, a girl's vulnerable side is the most attractive. What if Hachiman-kun gets taken away by Erina?
No, I have to stop them.
With that thought, Alice was about to turn and run outside, presumably towards Erina's restaurant.
But just as she reached the doorway, it swung open again, revealing Erina entering.
Alice seethed with anger at the sight of Erina walking in.
Before she could confront her, she saw Hachiman following behind Erina, her angry expression quickly turning into a gentle smile.
Meanwhile, Erina initially looked puzzled seeing Alice running over in a huff, but before she could say anything, Alice put on a dramatic show right in front of her.
Then Alice heard herself speaking in a sweet voice, "Oh, Hachiman-kun, you're here. Welcome."
"Yeah, Alice, good evening." Though somewhat puzzled about how she knew he would come, Hachiman nodded with a smile.
"Yeah, good evening, Hachiman-kun."
Seeing Hachiman's smile, Alice felt a twinge of sweetness in her heart, a soft glow in her eyes. If there weren't others around, she would have embraced him right away.
After exchanging greetings with Hachiman, the girl turned to Komachi beside her and greeted her as well.
"Komachi-chan, good evening."
"Yeah, good evening, Alice-nee."
After greeting the Hikigaya siblings, Alice provocatively glanced at Erina beside her.
Hmph, just Erina, what can you do even if you're alone with Hachiman-kun?
Seeing this scene, Erina seethed with anger.
On one hand, she was angry at Alice for her smugness.
On the other hand, she was mad at Hachiman.
Damn fickle radish, we just kissed passionately, and now you're flirting with Alice.
And you said you wouldn't leave me behind. Why do I feel something heavy on my head?
---------
If you want to read 20 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Flaptzy