Chapter 155: Invitation from the Shiki Family

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Translator: Soafp

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On the same day that Ginji and Sora were enjoying their fireworks date, Aika also attended an ikebana exhibition, dressed in a kimono. Unlike a personal showcase, this event was more of a social gathering under the pretext of viewing the works of up-and-coming ikebana artists. Wealthy patrons from both Japan and abroad were in attendance, and Aika naturally drew significant attention.

“Aika-sama grows more beautiful each time I see her. A kimono tonight? Magnificent.”

“I hear your achievements are astounding. I’m envious… The Shiki family is surely secure.”

“Your father must be overjoyed…”

“Ohh, so this is kimono. I’m glad I could see one in Japan.”

Gracefully responding to the praise, Aika left the old estate and boarded the waiting car. From her clutch, she took out her smartphone and checked her messages. One was from Mio—apparently, plans for a summer exchange with a sister school had been finalized. Aika issued a few quick instructions before checking another message.

“How long until we arrive at the hotel?”

“Approximately ten minutes. Both Masaomi-sama and Leona-sama have already arrived.”

“Make it fifteen. I’m going to recheck the theme of today's kimono.”

“Understood.”

She reviewed the stylist’s explanation again—why this pattern, this obi, this color. Aika's mother, a former model and now an entrepreneur running multiple brands independent of the Shiki family, had grown up abroad but was also well-versed in kimono culture. If questioned, Aika had to be prepared to answer.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the hotel. At the top-floor restaurant, she was guided to a private room.

Taking a deep breath in front of the door, she knocked, entered, and smiled flawlessly.

“Father, Mother, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“Oh, Aika, don't apologize. We just arrived early. Come now, let's enjoy dinner. It looks like we'll finally have time for the three of us.”

“I wish I could've attended the exhibition myself, but thank you for helping out.”

“No need to thank me. Everyone was very considerate.”

Her parents, clad in suits and dresses, warmly welcomed her. Masaomi wore a subdued-toned suit, and Leona wore a refined, casual one-piece dress. Over dinner, they discussed the exhibition and interactions with the attending wealthy guests. At one point, Leona, with the same emerald eyes as Aika, brought up a new topic.

“Aika, did Sora choose your kimono for today?”

Though the sparkling non-alcoholic wine in Aika's glass trembled slightly, her expression remained as sweet as ever.

“No, I asked the stylist this time.”

“I see… Well, my daughter looks stunning in both dresses and kimono. But tell me—where is Sora? She hasn't come by the estate recently, has she?”

Leona's cat-like emerald eyes narrowed.

“Sora has been wanting to quit being my assistant, so we're keeping some distance.”

“Did you know about this, darling?”

“Yes, Aika told me. Sora is currently seeking her own path. It’s admirable. She's even stopped cross-dressing and is growing into a lady.”

“Mother, Father—since it's been a while since the three of us could sit down together, perhaps we could leave her out of the conversation for now.”

Aika tried to steer the conversation, but Leona gently touched her lips in thought.

“…You’re right. I’m sorry, Aika. But please understand—Sora is a dear niece to me. I work with your uncle and need to know how she's doing.”

“Exactly. Sora is important family too. Speaking of, have you met with your brother lately, honey?”

“Briefly in France. He was busy, as always. We're planning a joint visual art piece next.”

“Tell him to contact us too. Really, he should come back to Japan to see Sora. Ah—sorry, Aika.”

“No problem. She is, after all, my very important cousin.”

They moved on to other topics and didn’t mention Sora again. After dinner, Aika excused herself.

“Father, Mother, I'm sorry—I'm exhausted from the exhibition…”

“Of course. Rest well. Fatigue becomes a weakness. But wait—one last thing. Sorry, darling.”

“I'll wait. Can't interrupt a conversation between women.”

Outside the door, Leona gently stroked Aika's cheek.

“Mother?”

“I heard about your grades at school. They've slipped quite a bit, haven't they?”

Aika's face turned pale, but Leona pulled her into a light hug.

“Don't worry. That's all I wanted to say. This isn't a weakness. You don't need to raise your grades—just maintain your current ranking.”

“I-I can do it. This was just bad timing with my other commitments—”

“Aika.”

“…”

The cold tone made Aika tremble.

“Listen to me. It's fine as long as your grades don't fall any further. …Goodnight. Take care of your hair.”

“…Yes, Mother.”

As Aika left, Leona returned to the room and sat beside Masaomi, accepting a glass of wine.

“That stylist Aika used today shouldn't be hired again. I understand they wanted to tone down the colors for the ikebana theme, but they completely missed how it clashes with her hair color.”

“I'll handle it immediately.”

“Still… how cruel of you, darling. Are you keeping me out of the loop?”

“About what, honey? I'd never disregard you.”

“Sora. She became top of her grade, didn't she?”

“Yes. It was a surprise.”

“Quite the surprise… That she could fall in love. You and Aika knew, didn't you? Tell me.”

Masaomi sighed at Leona's words.

“I can't hide anything from you. How did you figure it out?”

“A mother's intuition. I thought she might've broken under the pressure of her mother's legacy—but she came back stronger. When girls her age change that dramatically, it's always love. So—what kind of boy did she choose?”

“A bright, straight-shooting young man. For his age, he sees a great deal. Still rough around the edges, but given the right environment, he'll grow. Whether he can withstand Sora's brilliance is uncertain—but I believe in his potential.”

“If you're praising a man, he must have promise. Then, darling, I have a favor to ask…”

Leona leaned close, kissed Masaomi, and whispered something in his ear.

“Good grief… You can't let Aika see that expression. Such a dangerous woman… I love you, honey.”

“And I love you, darling.”

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The next morning, after spending the night together (no physical intimacy), Ginji and Sora sat down to eat breakfast they had made together—until Sora's phone rang.

Her face soured instantly.

“What's up? Another message from the Shiki estate?”

“In a way, yeah. Not from Aika, but from my aunt. She's back in Japan and wants me to come to a dinner with some important guests. I really don't like how forceful she is… Even Dad didn't like dealing with her.”

“Leona, huh? She does seem intense. You can just turn it down, can't you?”

“I wish. But refusing might make things worse. With the art festival coming up, I'll just show my face and get it over with. Aika probably doesn't want to see me either. Alright—message sent. Let's eat.”

“We've got parts arriving today too. Busy day ahead.”

Just as they were about to start their homemade Japanese breakfast, Sora's phone buzzed again.

“Ugh!”

A very unladylike groan slipped out.

“What now?”

“They said I have to bring you along too…”

“…Wait, what? *Me*?!”

The two exchanged bewildered looks.