Chapter 414: The Tsundere Begins to Become Conceited
"Wait, Ryoko, are you serious?" Megumi asked in surprise as she watched Ryoko reach out her hand, seemingly serious about wanting the Butterspice.
Ryoko, who usually had a gentle and composed demeanor, stuck out her tongue playfully and smiled. "I'm not kidding!" she said with a mischievous grin.
Her long, red hair cascaded over her shoulders, revealing her smooth, white forehead. Her slim waist and full chest made her white shirt cling to her figure. With her gentle temperament, she exuded the warmth of a caring older sister.
Sui was at a loss for words. Since when did Ryoko start making such playful jokes?
"I don't have another one with me right now," Sui said, smiling. "But I'll let you know when I do."
"Okay, I'll be waiting for my butterfly," Ryoko replied with a lighthearted smile.
After chatting a bit more, everyone returned to their kitchen stations to prepare for the next lesson. Before heading back, Ryoko and Yoshino stole one last envious glance at the Butterspice perched delicately on Megumi's braid. The envy was clear in their eyes.
"I'll definitely ask Megumi to lend it to me for a few days when we're done here," Yoshino muttered softly.
Sui couldn't help but chuckle to himself. If Yoshino did ask to borrow it, she'd probably be disappointed. The Butterspice, once recognizing its owner, would always return to Megumi, even if it was borrowed for a time.
As soon as class ended, Ryoko and Yoshino dashed over to Megumi, pestering her to go outside with them and play with the butterfly. Sui found it amusing. It seemed like these two really had fallen in love with the Butterspice.
Later that afternoon, Alice came rushing over.
"Sui! Where did Erina get that butterfly hairpin!? Did you give it to her?" Alice asked, puffing her cheeks in frustration. She looked a little like a pouting child who was jealous of a friend's new toy.
Leaning forward, she placed her hands behind her back. Her full chest almost strained against her white shirt, and her face was so close to Sui's that their noses nearly touched. Her beautiful burgundy eyes sparkled right in front of him, and Sui could catch the faint, pleasant fragrance that Alice always carried with her.
Watching Alice pout like a child asking for candy, Sui stifled a laugh. In fact, he had bought three Butterspices the day before—one was always meant for Alice. However, he decided to play along and feigned ignorance.
"Butterfly hairpin? What are you talking about?" Sui asked, pretending to be puzzled.
"Huh? Didn't you give it to her?" Alice was taken aback for a moment, then pouted angrily. "Look at this! Erina's been acting so smug!"
She pulled out her phone and showed it to Sui. On the screen was Erina's social media post.
Normally, Erina only posted serious photos related to her work. But that morning, for the first time, she had shared several candid shots from her day at school.
The photos showed her in her crisp white chef's uniform, gracefully preparing ingredients during class. Her angelic face was calm and focused, her profile almost perfect. But what caught everyone's attention was the stunning butterfly perched on her hair, its wings spread elegantly near her ear, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to her appearance.
In other photos, Erina was wearing her school uniform, leaning casually against the hallway railing. Her slender legs were wrapped in black stockings, and she had a gentle smile on her face, full of youthful vitality. The same butterfly rested on her hair, its wings fully spread, further enhancing her beauty.
Sui glanced at the photos and chuckled inwardly. He could easily tell that these pictures were taken by Hisako, Erina's loyal assistant. When had Erina become so confident and... conceited?
The comment section under Erina's post was buzzing with activity. Since it was rare for her to post personal photos, her followers were in an uproar over the beautiful shots.
——
"Erina-sama is so adorable! I feel like my heart is melting!"
"That hairpin is stunning! It looks like a real butterfly. Where did she get it?"
"Wait, isn't that an actual butterfly? But I've never seen one that beautiful before. Does anyone know what species it is?"
"It's probably just an elaborate accessory. No way that's a real butterfly."
"Could it be a gift from her boyfriend?"
"Boyfriend? Erina-sama with a boyfriend? Impossible!"
"But I have a friend at Totsuki, and they said she's been hanging out with a boy a lot lately..."
——
Sui even spotted a comment from someone using the handle "Food Hunter," who was clearly Rindō.
"So beautiful! I'm overseas right now, but Erina, what gifts do you and Sui want from me?"
"See? Erina's being so secretive! I asked her where she got it, and she wouldn't tell me!" Alice fumed, her cheeks puffed up in annoyance. "Sui, do you know where she got it?"
"I don't know," Sui replied with a smirk.
"Really?" Alice's face fell in disappointment. But before she could fully deflate, Sui added, "But I do have another one."
He raised his hand, revealing a butterfly identical to the one in Erina's photos resting on his palm.
It was the third Butterspice Sui had bought the day before. It had been hidden beneath his collar, waiting to be given.
Alice's eyes lit up in awe. She gingerly took the butterfly from Sui, her expression filled with wonder. "Wow! It's a real butterfly! It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, unable to tear her eyes away.
"Do you like it?" Sui asked, smiling.
"Yes!" Alice nodded eagerly.
"Then it's yours," Sui said warmly.
"Really? I knew you were the best, Sui! Way better than that stubborn Erina!" Alice cheered, jumping up in joy. She threw her arms around Sui's neck, the sweet scent of her perfume filling the air as she pressed against him.
Sui couldn't help but chuckle. At that moment, Alice reminded him of a little girl who had just received her favorite toy.
"By the way, this butterfly is also an ingredient," Sui added with a playful smile.
"Ingredient?" Alice repeated, eyes wide with surprise. Then she pouted and lightly punched his shoulder. "Well, I'm not going to eat it!" she declared with a huff.