Merry Christmas Everyone!
----
Azami stood confidently, arms outstretched, his voice filled with persuasion. "I truly admire you. Once I become the commander-in-chief, we can collaborate as father-in-law and son-in-law to create a perfect culinary world. You'll be my right hand, and after I step down, the position of commander-in-chief will be yours. Isn't this the perfect arrangement?"
He believed his offer was unbeatable, something no one could refuse.
But...
Sui shook his head, his expression calm. "I'm sorry, but your offer doesn't interest me."
"Why not?" Azami's brows furrowed, clearly puzzled. To him, this was an ideal deal.
"Because Erina isn't a prize to be traded," Sui replied evenly. "If I want her to marry me, I'll earn it through my own efforts, not by having her handed to me like an object."
He was certain that the Nakiri family would recognize his sincerity sooner or later. The proud and aloof Erina, despite her fiery attitude, had already shown signs of warming up. Over the past few days, she had been diligently learning household chores—laundry, mopping, and cleaning. Every time Sui came home, she would be at the door, ready to help him change his shoes like a devoted wife.
There was no need for Azami's approval.
Azami's face darkened at Sui's response. "How unfortunate. I truly respected you."
Despite the rejection, Azami forced a thin smile. "Nonetheless, I hope you'll reconsider. You can give me your answer anytime."
"I don't think there's anything to reconsider," Sui replied as he stood up.
"You may be underestimating my influence over Erina," Azami said, adjusting his tie. His voice, now flat, betrayed no emotion. "As I've said, she's a very obedient and sensible child."
"That's not for certain," Sui responded with a faint smile before returning to the kitchen.
As Sui re-entered the bustling restaurant, Sonoka approached him with concern. "Sui-kun, who was that guest? He didn't order anything, did he?"
Sui thought for a moment before responding, "It seems he was looking for the wrong person."
"Is that so?" Sonoka smiled softly. "Well, don't worry about him then."
"Right." Sui nodded, dismissing the encounter for now.
——
After finishing his shift, Sui returned to the Nakiri estate.
"You're back!" Erina called out, hearing the front door open. She hurried over, still in her slippers, smiling brightly.
She knelt down at the entrance, preparing to help Sui change his shoes—a skill she had recently perfected. Her movements were swift and precise, much like a dutiful housewife.
Sui couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "What should you call me?" he teased.
Erina's cheeks immediately flushed pink. Though she scowled at him playfully, she shyly mumbled, "W-Welcome back, dear."
"Good," Sui smiled, pleased. Watching the once-proud Erina kneel and help him with his slippers was an endearing sight.
"Did you come home early today?" he asked as she removed his shoes.
"Mm-hmm," she nodded, a soft smile forming on her lips. "There wasn't much work today."
Erina swiftly led Sui into the living room. "You've worked hard today. I've already prepared dinner. If you're hungry, we can eat right away."
"I'm not that hungry yet," Sui replied, settling into the sofa.
"Would you like some tea then?" Erina asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Seeing how eager she was, Sui nodded. "Sure."
Erina dashed off to the kitchen, quickly returning with a steaming cup of tea. "How is it?" she asked expectantly.
"It's good," Sui admitted, slightly surprised by how well-brewed it was.
Erina beamed at the compliment. "Should I give you a shoulder massage next? Or... maybe a leg massage?" she offered, her voice tinged with excitement.
"A leg massage?" Sui raised a brow, intrigued. "Is that a new skill of yours?"
Erina nodded, her face turning crimson. "W-Well... isn't that what wives usually do for their husbands?"
Her timid confession made Sui chuckle. "Alright, let's see how you do."
With that, Erina knelt in front of him again, using her soft, delicate hands to massage his legs. "How is it? Comfortable?" she asked nervously. "Hisako said this technique was really effective."
Sui couldn't help but smile. "It's great. Have you been practicing?"
Erina blushed even deeper. "I... I've been practicing for a few days now. I used Hisako as my practice partner, but she was so nervous she couldn't sit still. So I wanted to surprise you today."
Sui felt a warmth in his chest at her words. "Thank you for your hard work."
"It's nothing, as long as you like it," she whispered, her voice filled with shy happiness.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Sui's mind. "By the way, I met someone interesting today."
"Huh? Who?" Erina looked up, her curiosity piqued.
Sui hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No, it's nothing important."
"Okay," Erina said softly, not pressing for details. She returned to massaging his legs.
"By the way, Erina," Sui added after a moment of thought. "You should let your grandfather keep a close eye on the Ten Elites. Things might be changing soon."
Erina looked at him, a bit surprised by his tone. "Why? Did something happen?"
Sui smiled gently. "Just a precaution. But please make sure to tell him."
Though confused, Erina nodded obediently. "Alright, I will."
——
Over the next few days, Azami didn't attempt to contact Sui again. It was unclear whether he had given up on his plan.
In the meantime, Sui continued working at Shunkatei and Kirinoya, staying busy during the day. Before long, the vacation ended, and a new semester began.
"The vacation has ended, and a new semester has started. The host has received a new semester gift pack. Would you like to claim it?"