Chapter 164: Totsuki Academy

I have to admit, Kaguya's serious expression sometimes had an unintentionally funny side to it.

It made her seem adorably flustered on the inside.

"By the way!"

Kaguya, who had finally managed to calm her nerves, looked around and suddenly realized something. She frowned and asked, "Where's Ai?"

Last night, Ai had left to speak with Ryuji as she'd promised, checking to see when he'd be free.

Early in the morning, while Kaguya was still half-asleep, she'd received a message from Ai saying that Ryuji had agreed to take her out today. The excitement had been enough to keep Kaguya from sleeping at all after that.

But beyond that message, Ai hadn't shown up again.

"Ai?"

At the mention of her, Ryuji's smile widened.

"She's resting. She was a bit worn out last night and needed to catch up on some sleep."

After all, after spending the night with him, even Ai's exceptional stamina as a sorcerer had its limits. It would take a solid rest for her to recover fully.

"Oh, I see!"

Kaguya's expression softened, and she didn't think any further about it.

She assumed Ai had overexerted herself trying to help her. The thought made Kaguya feel even more moved.

I won't let you down, Ai!

This opportunity was hard-won by Ai, and with that in mind, Kaguya was determined to make Ryuji see her in a new light.

"So, this is Totsuki Academy?"

The place looked even more impressive in reality than in the anime. The grandeur of Totsuki Academy was something else entirely.

"Ryuji!"

By the time they arrived, Senzaemon was already waiting at the entrance with his granddaughters, Erina and Alice.

When Ryuji approached, Senzaemon's face broke into a wide smile.

"Mr. Nakiri!"

Kaguya, ever the perfect example of poise and manners, nodded respectfully at Senzaemon as she followed Ryuji's lead.

"Ah, Miss Kaguya!"

Senzaemon returned the nod with a warm smile.

It was no secret among the influential circles that Shinomiya, Kaguya's father, was subtly hoping his daughter would marry Ryuji as a way to strengthen their family's position.

So, seeing Kaguya accompanying Ryuji was entirely understandable to Senzaemon.

Privately, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that his own granddaughter hadn't secured a similar opportunity.

"Apologies for the sudden visit. I was curious about Totsuki's reputation and decided to drop by. I hope it's not inconvenient for you to host us on a weekend," Ryuji said, walking forward as he spoke.

There weren't many students around, given that it was the weekend.

"No trouble at all, Mr. Ryuji, not at all!"

Senzaemon had a meeting scheduled, but as soon as he heard Ryuji was visiting, he postponed it without a second thought. He'd come with Erina and Alice to greet their esteemed guest.

"It's an honor for us that you're interested in Totsuki's cuisine!"

Behind them, Erina and Alice followed with mixed expressions.

Neither of them was entirely sure how to feel about the visit.

"By the way," Alice said, glancing over at Erina with a mischievous smile. "Want to bet on whose dish Ryuji will like better?"

"I don't cook to please others," Erina replied sharply.

For her, cooking was a passion, not a means to win someone's favor.

That said, her competitive nature flared up, and she added, "But I won't lose."

Even if losing didn't bother her, the idea of defeat didn't sit well with Erina.

"Oh, is that so? Then let's see who comes out on top!" Alice challenged.

Alice was no less competitive than her cousin. Though she'd never managed to best Erina in a cooking contest growing up, the drive to win never left her.

Totsuki had a special dining area for guests, one that rivaled the atmosphere of a five-star restaurant.

"Ryuji, please have a seat," Senzaemon said, gesturing to the table.

Ryuji took a seat, and Kaguya settled next to him, her eyes scanning the room in wonder.

"Have you never been here before?"

Ryuji asked, mildly surprised.

As the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, it would have been easy for Kaguya to visit Totsuki for a meal.

"No, never."

Kaguya didn't hide anything and shook her head honestly.

"Most of my life, I studied at home," she admitted.

Ryuji nodded in understanding. Unlike other heirs, Kaguya's position was unique. Technically, she was an illegitimate child, and that brought complications.

Her current status as the "Ice Princess" was the result of relentless effort on her part.

That kind of life would leave little time for leisurely outings.

"Well, if you're ever interested, you can always ask me. I'd be happy to bring you here," Ryuji said with a smile.

Kaguya's eyes widened, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

Could it be that Ryuji didn't mind if she reached out to him, even for something trivial? If so, did that mean he cared about her, at least a little?

Her heart soared at the thought, and a radiant smile spread across her face.

That genuine, happy expression made Ryuji smile as well. He said no more, content with the moment.

Senzaemon, who observed the exchange, chuckled and added, "Mr. Ryuji, you're always welcome at Totsuki. It would be our privilege to have you visit whenever you like."

Senzaemon wasn't oblivious.

Even if Ryuji already had romantic interests, fostering a positive relationship with him could only benefit their family. He wasn't going to let an opportunity like that slip by.

***

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