After returning to the mansion, Erina remained visibly tense.
"Grandpa enjoys drinking, too. Maybe you could bring some of those fruit sake you have? Oh, and perhaps some of that tuna from last time. But... what should you wear?" she muttered in distress.
She was accustomed to washing Sui's clothes and knew exactly what he had in his wardrobe. Yet, after pondering for a long time, she still couldn't decide which outfit would be appropriate for the occasion.
Watching Erina fret like a young wife preparing to meet her in-laws for the first time, Sui couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. 'It's me who's meeting the family,' he thought, 'not her.'
"Erina, there's no need to be this nervous. It's just a simple dinner," Sui tried to reassure her. He suspected Erina had been spooked by the teasing from the people at Polaris Dormitory, treating an ordinary family meal as though it were an official introduction to her parents.
"No way!" Erina exclaimed seriously. "Even though you've already met my grandfather and aunt, this is the first time you're meeting my uncle. If you leave a bad impression, then... then..." Her face flushed as she trailed off.
Sui was speechless but realized that perhaps he should prepare some gifts to be polite.
After gathering the necessary items, the two of them headed to Senzaemon's residence.
Unlike Erina's European-style mansion, Senzaemon's home was a traditional Japanese-style house, complete with a serene courtyard adorned with rock gardens and carefully arranged bonsai. It exuded an air of elegance and tranquility.
"Ah, Erina! And that blue-haired boy from last time, Sui," came a greeting in halting Japanese as the door opened.
It was Leonora. Despite the time apart, she was still as strikingly beautiful as ever, dressed in a form-fitting lavender dress that accentuated her snow-white shoulders and her arms, as smooth and delicate as lotus flowers.
"Hello, Auntie," Erina greeted her nervously.
"Hello, Auntie," Sui echoed politely.
"Oh my, you actually called me 'auntie'! What a sweet boy," Leonora exclaimed, delighted. She affectionately patted Sui's cheek before ruffling his hair.
Sui was rendered speechless, finding his future mother in-law both adorable and a little overwhelming.
"Ah! Erina! Sui!" Alice called out, running up to them excitedly. She was dressed in a cool, white halter dress, her round arms and a large portion of her back exposed, showcasing her snow-white skin. Her long legs, graceful and shapely, were on full display, and her sandals revealed ten perfectly painted pink toes.
She stopped in front of them, blinking in confusion. "Erina, Sui, why are you two wearing your school uniforms?"
Just then, Senzaemon and Sōe Nakiri appeared as well. Senzaemon was dressed in his usual kimono, while Sōe wore a casual short-sleeved shirt.
Erina's face flushed deeply. Wearing school uniforms had been her idea—she thought it would make the occasion feel more formal. But now, seeing everyone in casual attire, she realized how out of place they looked.
Sui could only sigh internally.
"Isn't it the holiday season? Why are the two of you in uniform?" Leonora tilted her head in curiosity.
Erina's face turned an even deeper shade of red as she lowered her head, too embarrassed to respond.
"You're Sui, right? Alice talks about you all the time," Sōe said warmly, directing his attention to Sui.
This was Sui's first time meeting his future father-in-law. Sōe's features were quite similar to Alice's—handsome, with a rugged charm, particularly his strong eyebrows, which gave him an air of nobility.
"Hello, Sir," Sui greeted politely.
Following Erina's lead, Sui knelt down on the tatami mat in the foyer.
"Sui brought a gift," Erina murmured shyly.
Though slightly taken aback, Sui complied and presented the gifts he had prepared. One was a Sakeyashi Fruit he put in wine bottles, and the other was premium murble tuna belly—the richest, most prized cut, which he had not given to Polaris Dormitory.
"We're just having dinner, and you brought gifts? Isn't that a bit much?" Senzaemon raised an eyebrow, but he accepted the offerings. "Thank you."
"Wait, Erina, why are you making Sui give out gifts?" Alice asked, puzzled.
Erina's face burned with embarrassment, and she lowered her head, unable to answer.
"Oh, I see! You two think this is a formal visit to the parents!" Leonora giggled, covering her mouth as she laughed. "Erina is still as absent-minded as ever."
"Hee~" Alice joined in, winking mischievously at Sui.
Both mother and daughter looked incredibly charming as they laughed, their playful personalities shining through.
Seeing the serious outfits and awkward demeanor of the two youngsters, Senzaemon and Sōe couldn't help but laugh as well.
Erina's face turned crimson as she hung her head, feeling utterly mortified.
Sui could only shake his head. 'It really is just a simple dinner,' he thought. Erina had clearly been worked up by the comments from everyone in Polaris Dormitory, taking the gathering far too seriously.
"You're both so young—don't you think it's a bit early to be meeting each other's parents? Does Erina already want to get married?" Leonora teased, her eyes twinkling.
From her perspective, the two were simply enjoying their school days, and talk of marriage was premature.
"No!" Erina whispered, her voice barely audible through her embarrassment.
"That's not necessarily true. It's never too early for Erina to start thinking about such things," Senzaemon remarked casually.
Erina's eyes widened in shock. 'Is Grandpa really pushing me to get married so soon?' She couldn't help but steal a quick glance at Sui.
"Ah, Sui, could you prepare dinner for us this time? I've really come to enjoy your cooking," Leonora suddenly requested, her tone filled with excitement.
"Oh? I'd like to try it as well," Sōe added with genuine interest.
"Sui is amazing! Even more skilled than Erina!" Alice declared proudly.
"No way! I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself," Sui responded modestly, standing up a bit awkwardly.
"Better than Erina?" Sōe looked at Sui with newfound curiosity, sizing him up.
"Then I'll leave it in your hands," Leonora said, clasping her hands in front of her chest, her expression innocent and almost girlish.
Sui found her 'very' cute.