Sui was left speechless. Who was the one really blushing here?
However, the two of them were indeed in a rather ambiguous position. Rindō was pressed tightly against Sui from behind, and he could distinctly feel her graceful figure and surprising elasticity.
Due to her years of outdoor adventures, Rindō had an exceptionally fit physique, especially her legs—slender, toned, and full of explosive power.
At that moment, Rindō knocked on Sui's head playfully with her small fist and teased, "Little guy, if you dare have any improper thoughts about me, I'll beat you to death!"
Sui sighed helplessly but quickly adjusted his attitude. He didn't notice the faint blush that had crept onto Rindō's cheeks behind him.
"I've already taught you how to keep your balance going downhill. Now, give it a try," Rindō said as she stood up, placing her hands on her hips and watching him closely.
Sui attempted to ski again, but it was still a bit shaky since he was just starting out.
"How clumsy!" Rindō exclaimed, skiing over and tapping him on the head like an older sister. "I'll show you again."
She pressed her body against his once more, holding his wrists with both hands. Her long, elegant legs intertwined with his to help him adjust his posture properly. After a few more tries, Sui began to get the hang of it.
"You're improving! Not bad, not bad," Rindō said with satisfaction. "Next, I'll teach you how to use force for lateral sliding."
The two continued practicing together until the afternoon.
During this time, Rindō maintained close physical contact while teaching Sui. Although this method was highly effective and helped Sui grasp the correct postures and techniques quickly, it was also quite intimate. Even the normally bold Rindo found herself blushing occasionally, strange thoughts flitting through her mind.
But Sui seemed completely oblivious.
"That's enough for today," Rindo finally said. "Tomorrow, I'll teach you how to handle curves." She smirked, adding, "But don't you dare have any improper thoughts about your senpai, or I'll beat you to death!"
She waved her small pink fist in front of him, knocking on his head once more.
Sui couldn't help but feel speechless. It seemed like the only one who was preoccupied with such thoughts was her, not him. How many times had she said that already?
In the days that followed, Sui and Rindō practiced skiing together every day, making steady progress. Life was peaceful and enjoyable.
During this time, Sui frequently visited the hot springs with Erina. Though the tsundere would always blush with embarrassment, she never objected. Occasionally, he would also bathe with Alice. Sui still had complicated feelings towards Alice. While he felt a bit guilty towards Erina, especially since he had accidentally crossed the line with Alice before, he knew he had to take responsibility. However, he had grown fond of her over time and knew he would eventually need to take responsibility for his actions. Unsure of his next steps, he decided to keep his relationship with Alice hidden from Erina for now.
As for Tohru, Sui wasn't as concerned. Being a dragon, her perspective and lifespan were far different from a human's. He knew she might remain unchanged even as those around him aged and passed away, but if he ever had the means, he would not let that fate befall those he cared for.
With his system at hand, he hoped to find a way.
——
In the following days, many of their companions began leaving.
Eishi, Isshiki, and Kuga were among the first to depart. After teaching Sui for four days, Rindō also left.
Before leaving, Sui asked what her plans were for the holidays.
Rindō responded with her usual flair, "I'm going to explore the world, of course! I'm a woman of the wind—I can't stay in one place for too long."
Sui just shook his head in exasperation.
Erina had a lot of work lined up for the holidays and, though she wanted to spend more time with Sui, she eventually had to leave as well.
Alice returned to Northern Europe but mentioned she might invite Sui to join her in a few days.
Initially, Sui had planned to return to Totsuki with Erina, but an invitation from Megumi to visit her home made him change his plans. He decided to head there for a while and return later.
"By the way, Megumi, where's your home?" Sōma asked.
"It's not far, just a small town by the sea. I wonder how everyone at home is doing," Megumi replied with a nostalgic expression.
After packing their luggage, Sui, Sōma, Megumi, Yoshino, and Ryoko left the hotel, took a boat, and then a car to Megumi's hometown.
Megumi's home was in a small fishing village located in northeastern Honshu, where her family ran a restaurant called 'Shōkeien Ryokan'.
When they got off the train, Megumi's family was already waiting at the station.
"Megumi!" A woman who looked quite similar to Megumi, wearing a brown down jacket, waved excitedly to them.
"Oh, Mom!" Megumi called out joyfully as she ran toward her.
"Wow, Megumi's mom looks so young and beautiful," Yoshino whispered.
"Yeah… I never got the chance to see what my mom looked like," Soma said quietly, touching the back of his head, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.
Sui also observed Megumi's mother. Though she was in her thirties, she looked much younger, like she was in her twenties. She had the same dark hair and brown eyes as Megumi, with delicate features, fair skin, and a gentle smile that resembled her daughter's.
"These must be your classmates?" Megumi's mother asked warmly.
"Hello, Auntie," everyone greeted her in unison.
"You must all be tired from the journey. Please, come and rest at our home," Megumi's mother said kindly.
A burly man standing beside her silently picked up their luggage and chuckled, "The car is just outside. Let's get going."
"Megumi, your mother is as gentle as you are," Yoshino commented.
Megumi smiled brightly. "Yeah, my mom's always been like that."
Soon after, they all headed to Megumi's family inn, 'Shōkeien Ryokan'.
As they arrived, several elderly men, some of whom were employees of the inn and others old family friends, were waiting to greet them.
"Megumi's back! Let me see how much you've grown!" one called out.
"She's looking prettier than ever. Did you bring your boyfriend this time?" another teased, glancing between Sui and Sōma.