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"To be ranked first in a prestigious school like Totsuki, your future prospects are limitless. You're bound to become a nationally renowned chef, right?"
"Yes, he's really promising. Far better than us country chefs who barely make the cut."
The group of uncles looked at Sui with admiration.
"Hahaha, after you and Megumi get married, we can safely hand over Shōkeien Ryokan to the two of you."
The burly uncle who had helped them carry their luggage earlier burst into laughter and joked heartily.
"Isn't that a bit premature? I'm planning to take Megumi to Tokyo to open a restaurant in the future. How could we stay in this little restaurant in a rural town? But still, it's a good idea."
The others joined in on the teasing.
"Everyone, please stop saying such things. You're troubling Sui-kun."
Megumi's face turned bright red. Even though she knew they were just joking, her anxious tone made it seem like she was about to cry.
"Everyone, please don't tease our guest like this."
Masako couldn't help but smile. "He hasn't even admitted to being Megumi's boyfriend yet."
"That's right. You'll scare the poor boy away,"
Megumi's grandfather added, though he couldn't deny that Sui seemed quite suitable for his granddaughter.
Afterward, everyone tried the dishes prepared by Sōma, Ryoko, and Yoshino, and they were equally impressed.
"Totsuki's students are truly amazing!"
"Yes, I never imagined Megumi would have such talented friends."
"Haha, it's nothing."
Sōma scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly.
Since Megumi had finally returned home and brought her classmates along, her relatives and elders were overjoyed, and the dinner table was lively with conversation and laughter.
"Come on, let's have a toast."
The burly uncle handed a glass of wine to Sōma with a grin.
"Huh? But we're underage. Isn't it bad for us to drink?"
Megumi hesitated. Being a good student, she knew that minors were not supposed to drink alcohol.
"What does it matter? I started sneaking my dad's wine when I was twelve. Men on the coast can't be so timid. If we're afraid of a little wine, what a shame!"
The uncles all began to chime in noisily.
As fishermen from the small town, they were generous and uninhibited.
"Then I won't hold back."
Sōma took the glass and downed it in one gulp. But the strong liquor made him cough violently.
"Hahaha, you're no match for us yet, young man!"
One of the uncles clapped him on the shoulder and handed a glass of wine to Megumi. "Megumi, you should join us too!"
"I… I'll pass."
Megumi blushed and stammered.
"It's okay. Everyone's just having a good time. A little won't hurt."
Yoshino giggled, her face flushed as she had already had a bit to drink herself.
Megumi looked over at her mother.
Masako smiled gently. "It's fine today. Let's just enjoy ourselves."
With her mother's approval, Megumi took a few hesitant sips.
Soon, Sui and Sōma found themselves compelled to drink even more.
Especially Sui, who seemed to be a favorite among the uncles because of his perceived connection with Megumi. They kept refilling his glass.
Sui was at a loss but had no choice but to keep up.
By the time dinner ended, it was already 11 p.m.
Sōma, Ryoko, and Yoshino were all looking drowsy.
"Megumi, please show everyone to their rooms."
Masako Tadokoro smiled kindly. "I'll take care of the rest."
"Thanks, Mom."
Despite feeling a bit tipsy, Megumi forced herself to stay alert.
"Let's have everyone stay upstairs,"
Masako suggested.
Although there were plenty of empty rooms in the inn, she thought it would be too distant to place them there. Instead, she decided to have Sui and the others stay at their home.
After all, it was the countryside, and their house was spacious with many unused rooms.
"Mom, aren't you going to rest?"
Megumi asked.
Her grandfather had gone to bed, as had the neighbors and employees, leaving Masako alone to clean up.
"It'll take some time to tidy up here."
Masako smiled, looking slightly tired. "You go take care of our guests and let them rest first."
Then she leaned in close and whispered in Megumi's ear, "Megumi, you can't just let boys stay in your room overnight."
Megumi's cheeks turned bright red. Her mother clearly believed she had a special relationship with Sui.
But she nodded obediently and said, "I understand."
She then led Sui and the others upstairs and began assigning them rooms.
"We'll head to bed now."
Ryoko yawned, clearly exhausted. She walked into her room, said goodnight, and immediately went to sleep.
"Goodnight, everyone."
Yoshino, also slightly drunk, waved and collapsed onto her bed.
"Sui-kun, you can stay in this room tonight."
Megumi said with a smile as she opened a door for him.
"Thank you."
Sui replied. "By the way, Megumi, where's your room?"
"I'm right next door."
Megumi smiled. "Sui-kun, would you like to come in for a bit?"
"Sure."
After a moment of thought, Sui agreed.
He followed Megumi into her room.
Her room was neat and tidy, no different from a typical girl's room.
A small bed was against one wall, and a desk by the window held comic books, stuffed toys, table tennis paddles, and a photo of her with her mother and others. She had a similar photo in her dorm room at the Polar Star Dormitory.
"Ah, I haven't slept in my own room for so long. I really missed it."
Megumi sighed as she sat on her bed.
"Megumi, you've lived here your whole life, right?"
Sui asked, looking around the room. It was the first time he'd been in a girl's room, aside from Erina's.
"Yes."
Megumi smiled and nodded.
The two sat on the carpet and chatted for a while.
As time passed, the atmosphere became more intimate.
"Sui-kun…"
Megumi's cheeks were flushed, and she softly called out his name, the wine making her a little tipsy.