Chapter 18: A Conflict Erupts!
"La-la-la~"
"La-la-la-la~"
Hina led the way, singing in her own playful melody as she guided Yuuta and her older sisters forward.
"My stomach's growling," Sora complained, clutching her belly in discomfort.
Miu glanced at the energetic Hina and sighed. "There's no way around it. It's summer vacation, and the animated shows are airing non-stop until noon. It's already past 12."
Yuuta tried to console them, saying, "Well, at least this way, we won't have to deal with large crowds when we get to the restaurant, and we won't have to wait for a table."
Miu looked at the spirited Hina in front of her and added, "Let's just eat at home next time."
Sora agreed, "Yeah, it's too hot outside. Even this short walk is making me feel uncomfortable."
Yuuta, not particularly fond of going out either, preferred staying at home if possible.
"Mainly, I wanted to help you all get familiar with the area," Yuuta explained. "Do you remember the way now?"
"I do!" Hina eagerly raised her hand, asserting that she remembered.
Disregarding whether Hina genuinely recalled the route, Yuuta praised her, saying, "Hina, you're amazing!"
Hina proudly huffed. She was the cleverest of them all.
Upon arriving at a family restaurant, Yuuta ordered three servings of ice cream. "Here, this is a treat for Hina."
"Strawberry parfait! Thanks, Uncle!" Hina joyfully grabbed the glass in front of her, expressing her gratitude to Yuuta.
Small discussions continued among them, and Yuuta was pleased with the peace and the chance to enjoy a meal together.
As they all examined the menu, Sora whispered, "Uncle, things here are quite expensive..."
While Miu and Hina sat together, Sora was next to Yuuta. The seating arrangements were flexible, and Yuuta didn't mind whether he sat across from Hina or beside her.
"It's okay; it's fine to treat ourselves once in a while."
Satisfied with Yuuta's response, Sora nodded. Soon, the restaurant staff brought their meals. At that moment, Yuuta received a message from Sonoko Machida.
Sonoko used email, a method Yuuta appreciated because it meant he didn't have to answer phone calls.
The message was straightforward, reminding Yuuta about the newcomer competition.
If Yuuta had a good piece, he could consider entering. Winning could mean cash prizes and even the chance to adapt the work into an anime.
[Ding!]
[Ding!]
[A side quest has been activated. Side quests are optional and have no penalties for failure.]
[Protector of the Takanashi Sisters: Protect the Takanashi sisters from harm.]
[Quest Reward: One point of strength (already granted; an additional point of constitution will be awarded upon quest completion).]
Yuuta found it strange that he received such a quest and felt a subtle increase in his physical strength, making his grip on the spoon feel unusually strong.
"Such pretty girls!"
A loud voice suddenly erupted nearby. Yuuta and the others turned to see a young man who appeared to be a working adult, his face bright with excitement as he looked in their direction.
The man swiftly placed his hands on the table, leaning in toward Miu and Hina with an enthusiastic smile. "What beautiful blonde girls! And such adorable little ones! You're destined for stardom!"
"Thank you, but who are you?" Miu held onto Hina, turning to her older brother Yuuta. "Big brother, do you know this person?"
Yuuta furrowed his brow and cast a wary glare at the stranger who was showing unwarranted interest in Miu, unsettling him.
Without hesitation, Yuuta firmly grasped the man's shoulder and pulled him away. "I don't know you, please don't interrupt us while we're trying to enjoy our meal!"
The man winced slightly at the grip on his shoulder but paid it little mind. He continued to beam at Miu.
"I'm a talent scout, and I believe both of you would be perfect for advertisements. With a bit of grooming, you can make a lot of money! You can buy clothes, makeup, toys, and all the ice cream you desire. As big stars, you'll have countless fans, and everyone will want your autographs. You might even get on TV!"
The talent scout earnestly tried to persuade the two girls. Their undeniable beauty and charm made them promising child stars with a little polish.
Miu had been worrying about money, and upon hearing the talent scout's words, she glanced at Yuuta. "Big brother, can I earn money too?"
Hina chimed in, "Hina wants to earn money to buy ice cream!"
"Yes, you can! You can earn lots of money!" the talent scout eagerly concurred.
Yuuta had reached the end of his patience, especially after hearing the girls' innocent desires to earn money. With a burst of anger, he unleashed a profanity and then delivered a powerful kick to the talent scout's stomach, followed by a furious punch to his face, sending him crashing into one of the tables.
"I'll teach you a lesson!"
Sora, witnessing Yuuta's furious blows, clenched her fists and exclaimed, "Uncle is so cool!"
Beside them, Miu was filled with fear. She couldn't comprehend Yuuta's use of foul language, and the violence unfolding before her left her deeply frightened. She temporarily set aside her usual teasing of her sister for being smitten.
Initially fearful, Hina grew perplexed upon hearing her sister's comment. "Big sister, is Uncle beating up a bad person?"
Yuuta's rage toward this despicable individual knew no bounds. Whether he was a talent scout or not, anyone who dared to threaten his family deserved a harsh lesson!
Today, he was determined to make sure this man's face was adorned with bruises, teaching him why roses are so red!
"Go, Uncle!" Even with her eyes shielded by Miu's hands, Hina cheered Yuuta on with unbridled enthusiasm.
Miu was resolute in keeping her little sister from witnessing this violent spectacle, not wanting to set a negative example.
Miu couldn't believe her uncle possessed such a fierce side. While it was a bit terrifying, it also made her feel secure and protected.