Chapter 419: I feel like an adopted child

Sui was somewhat puzzled by Miyoko's reaction. It seemed like her jealousy wasn't directed at the butterfly itself but rather at Megumi.

"This was a gift from Sui, wasn't it?" Miyoko asked nonchalantly, taking a sip of tea.

"Mm-hmm," Megumi nodded shyly, her voice soft.

Miyoko's face betrayed a knowing expression. "It seems like Sui is quite good to you."

Ryoko leaned in and whispered in Sui's ear, "Looks like Miyoko might be interested in you."

Sui gave her a speechless look, only to find Ryoko gazing back at him with playful mischief in her eyes. Despite her teasing, Sui couldn't help but feel that there was something different about how Miyoko treated him lately.

Could she really be interested in me?

Honestly, Miyoko was a very attractive girl, with delicate features, a flawless figure, and long legs. She also had a great personality. Though she usually appeared cold, she was actually warm-hearted. Coming from the distinguished Hojō family in Yokohama, she was also their heir. Even in a school full of beautiful girls like Totsuki, it was rare to find someone as exceptional as her.

"Miyoko, do you want a butterfly like that too?" Yoshino asked, sticking her tongue out.

For a moment, the usually composed Miyoko looked flustered. She blushed and stammered, "I was just casually asking... It's beautiful, and it produces such valuable spices."

"If you want one, you might as well give up," Ryoko chimed in, grinning. "These butterflies are really special, and only girls close to Sui, like Miss Erina or Megumi, can get them. Yoshino and I asked him several times, and he still wouldn't give us one."

Ryoko emphasized the word "special," shooting a playful glance at Sui as she smiled.

"That's right! Sui is such a stingy guy!" Yoshino exclaimed in mock outrage.

Sui rubbed his temples. Perhaps he should just give them a butterfly as well to stop all this teasing. If not, they would definitely keep bringing it up. He noticed that Miyoko's jealousy had grown even more pronounced after Ryoko's comment.

After a bit more chatting, Miyoko suddenly turned to Sui and asked, "By the way, Sui, are you free in a few days?"

"Huh?" Sui looked at her in surprise, unsure why she would want to meet with him.

"Is Miyoko asking Sui on a date?" Ryoko teased, sipping her tea with a playful grin.

"Eh?!" Megumi exclaimed, her eyes wide in shock.

"No, no, that's not it!" Miyoko quickly blushed and explained, "Actually, my father wanted to ask Sui for a favor. The annual food festival in Yokohama's town is coming up soon, and he could use some help."

"Food festival?" Sui asked, intrigued.

"I've heard of it!" Yoshino chimed in. "It's supposed to be a big food event."

"Yes," Miyoko nodded. "It's a very popular event that attracts a lot of guests each year. Initially, it was an internal competition among the town's restaurants. Back when the economy wasn't doing well, every restaurant wanted to outperform the others to increase its popularity. They all created new dishes to see which ones tourists would like best."

"But as the economy improved, so did the restaurant business. Malicious competition became rare, and this event unexpectedly gained popularity with tourists, turning into a spectacle."

"However, even though it's now more of a public event, the restaurants in town still have a competitive streak," she added.

"So, you want me to help?" Sui asked.

Miyoko hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yes, my father hasn't been feeling well lately. But, of course, if you're busy, I understand. I just thought I'd ask."

In truth, her father wasn't actually ill. He had just been pestering her non-stop to ask Sui for help, which had been giving her a headache. Besides, she had her own personal reasons for wanting Sui to participate.

Just then, Sui received a new mission prompt:

New mission received: Help Hojō Restaurant win first place in the Chinatown Food Festival 

Reward: Gourmet Gift Pack 

Time Limit: None

A Gourmet Gift Pack? Sui's eyes brightened. He had been hoping to find the remaining Collectors Knife, and there was a chance it could be in this gift pack. This opportunity was too good to pass up.

Besides, Miyoko was part of his research group, and they had a good relationship. Naturally, he would want to help her.

"Sure, just let me know when it's time," Sui said with a smile.

"Really? Thank you so much," Miyoko said, her relief evident. Her father had been nagging her about it endlessly, and she had grown quite tired of it.

Later that evening, Sui and Erina were invited to dinner by Leonora, with Nakiri Soe joining the meal via video call.

"Sui! It's been a while. You look a bit thinner—make sure you're eating enough and studying hard in class!" Soe said warmly from halfway across the world, holding a glass of the wine Sui had sent him.

"Yes, I understand, Uncle," Sui replied with a smile. "Have you finished the wine I sent last time? Would you like some more?"

"Really? That would be wonderful! Sui, you're always so thoughtful," Soe said, clearly pleased.

"You're such a good boy," Leonora added with a gentle smile as she ladled soup into Sui's bowl. "Here, try some of the soup Auntie made."

"Thank you, Auntie," Sui said, quickly taking a sip. "It's delicious!"

"Haha, this boy knows exactly what to say," Leonora laughed heartily.

Meanwhile, Erina sat quietly in the corner, completely ignored. No one picked up food for her or offered her any soup. Her normally composed expression faltered as a faint vein throbbed on her forehead. She clenched her teeth, struggling to suppress her growing frustration.

Compared to Sui, who was being showered with warmth and attention, Erina felt utterly sidelined—like she was the adopted child in the family. It was infuriating!