After the previous incident, Sui and Hinako's relationship became closer, more comfortable than it had ever been. As they strolled side by side down the road, Hinako appeared only two or three years older than Sui. To an outsider, they might have seemed like siblings with a close bond, or even a couple, and no one would question it.
"Sui, you're free during the holidays, right?" Hinako asked casually as she munched on a snack she had pulled from her pocket.
"Yeah," Sui nodded. "But I still prefer staying busy. Having nothing to do feels a bit aimless."
"Well then, how about coming to work at Kirinoya when you're free? I'll pay you three times the salary you get at Shunkatei!" Hinako declared confidently, puffing out her chest in a playful show of pride.
Sui couldn't help but laugh. Compared to Sonoka, who had only been running her restaurant for a short time, Hinako, who had been managing her business for over a decade, was indeed a woman of means. As a renowned female chef in the culinary world, her restaurant, Kirinoya, was a high-end establishment with a steady clientele, and her simple lifestyle had allowed her to amass quite a fortune.
"Alright, I'll drop by Kirinoya when I'm free," Sui agreed with a smile, though it wasn't really the money that motivated him.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Hinako beamed with joy. She stood on tiptoe in her wooden clogs, reaching up with some difficulty to pat Sui's head. Though she was older than him, her petite frame made the gesture almost comical.
Sui chuckled at the sight, feeling as though Hinako was more like a little sister at that moment.
"Want a snack?" Hinako asked playfully, holding up a piece of food between her fingers. "Come on, open up."
Sui sighed but opened his mouth, allowing her to feed him. He found it amusing but endearing.
The next day, Sui reported to work at Sonoka's restaurant.
"Sui-kun, there's a guest here who specifically asked for you," Sonoka said as she walked in with a soft smile.
"Asked for me?" Sui raised an eyebrow. "Could it be someone who's here because of my reputation?"
Though Sui wasn't as well-known as alumni like Kojiro Shinomiya or Hinako, who had graduated many years ago, he still had a certain level of fame. People like the Sendawara Sisters and Osaji Kita were avid fans of his culinary skills. His popularity had also surged when he helped Erina with food tasting, but he was surprised that anyone knew he was working here.
Curious, Sui stepped out to the dining area and approached a table by the window. The customer was hidden behind a menu, so Sui couldn't make out their appearance.
"Hello, I'm the deputy chef here. How may I assist you?" Sui asked politely.
"You must be the talented young chef everyone's talking about, right?" The customer lowered the menu, revealing a pale, handsome face and a refined smile.
Sui was startled when he saw the man's face.
"Do you know who I am?" The man, Azami Nakiri, noticed Sui's surprise, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity.
For years, Azami had been active abroad, and Totsuki had labeled him a taboo subject. It wasn't common knowledge among the current students, so Azami was perplexed that Sui seemed to recognize him.
"Yes, I do." Sui nodded, taking a seat across from him. "By seniority, I should probably call you 'uncle.'"
"It seems the Nakiri family has already filled you in about me," Azami said with a smooth smile. "No surprise, considering how far you and Erina have come. It's only natural you'd know."
"I know a little about you," Sui replied cautiously, though inwardly he was puzzled as to why Azami had sought him out. What exactly did his father-in-law want? From what Sui had heard, Azami had already started making moves to contact the other members of the Elite Ten. Sui's skills were on par with any of them, but as he wasn't an official member, he didn't hold the same authority. So, why was Azami looking for him now?
"Originally, I wanted to come here as an ordinary guest and win you over without revealing myself, but since you already know who I am, there's no need to keep up the act." Azami smiled elegantly, slipping off his black gloves and placing them on the table. "Actually, I came today to ask you for a favor."
Sui's eyes narrowed slightly. "If it's a reasonable request, I'll consider it for Erina's sake."
Azami laughed softly. "Don't worry, it's a favor that would benefit you as well."
He leaned in slightly, his tone more serious now. "I'd like you to take a seat in the Elite Ten."
Sui blinked, surprised.
"To be honest, I've been watching you for a while," Azami continued. "Your talent is remarkable, and I believe you'd be a perfect fit for the Elite Ten."
Sui was puzzled. Was Azami really here just to help him secure a spot in the Elite Ten?
"Of course, there's more to it than that," Azami said, his expression growing more intense. "Once you're in the Elite Ten, I'd like you to support me. Some of the current members don't agree with my vision, and I want you to help replace them."
Sui frowned. "I'm sorry, but I can't make that promise," he said flatly.
Azami smiled, seemingly unbothered by the refusal. "I understand. It's a bold request to make out of the blue. But considering your relationship with Erina, I'm sure you've heard a lot about me."
Sui nodded slightly. No matter what Azami's intentions were, he was still his father-in-law.
"But there's no reason for me to help you," Sui added.
Azami's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Oh, I think I have something that might change your mind."
Sui regarded him with suspicion.
"I can arrange for Erina to marry you," Azami said calmly. "I know my daughter's character well. She's a dutiful, filial child. If I ask, she won't refuse."
He leaned back slightly, his voice taking on a measured tone. "I believe in your talent, and I think you and Erina would make a great match. If you help me secure the position of commander-in-chief, I'll not only see to it that Erina marries you, but I'll also make sure the title of next commander-in-chief is passed down to you."
Azami's smile widened. "So, what do you say? As my son-in-law, you should be willing to help your father-in-law, right?"