Chapter 159: Dinner at the Restaurant

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Translator: Soafp

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Leona narrowed her eyes as she watched Ginji run out of the venue. Masaomi noticed her expression and asked:

“Darling, why did you do that?”

“If Sora can push herself without giving in, this kind of thing will happen again. She needs to experience it. And I wanted to see how her knight would react… though it seems you already knew.”

“I should apologize to Momoi-kun. But if you’re saying this, then it seems I was the only one who misjudged Sora. You already noticed something about her, didn't you? Since when?”

“Who knows? You're just too kind. Now then, the real problem is…”

Leona’s gaze turned toward her daughter in the red dress, who was now surrounded by people.

After Ginji and Sora left, participants approached Aika, asking about Sora. Aika responded with a forced smile.

“Yes, we're the same age, so we're always together… I also know the man who was with her. We regularly video call with my uncle as well. Yes, we do have connections with the Shiki family.”

Now that Sora wasn't present, word spread that she and Aika were cousins. Naturally, the questions flooded in. It was deeply humiliating for Aika, but she had no way to avoid it. Eventually, Masaomi came to inform her about the upcoming dinner, and only then was she freed from the questioning.

Meanwhile, back in their assigned room, Sora and Ginji were slumped on the couch. Although they each had their own hotel room, Sora insisted on staying in Ginji's because she didn't want to be apart from him.

“Haa… Dinner at a fancy restaurant after all that? I've never been less hungry.”

“I wanna go home… But I'll try hard since you're here…”

Ginji loosened his tie and stared at the ceiling, while Sora clung to his arm. Although the earlier incident in the lounge had helped her recover a little, the damage from the venue still lingered.

“I don't know the proper manners for eating at a fancy restaurant.”

“Don't worry, just go with the flow. It's a private booking anyway. I'll teach you next time. For now, just let me stay like this…”

“…Yeah. Just hang in there a bit more.”

Sora clung to him as Ginji gently stroked her head. Feeling his warmth, Sora began to wonder.

She used to be able to handle hard times on her own. But now, she couldn't imagine being without Ginji. Would Aika laugh and say she'd gotten weaker?

“I wonder…”

“Wonder what?”

She looked up and saw Ginji unbuttoning his shirt. From this angle, the view was quite… excellent. Forget about strength—she'd sketch this scene later, faithfully giving in to her artistic desires.

Soon after, the hotel phone rang to let them know it was time for dinner. The two freshened up and headed to the restaurant.

“Welcome.”

They were guided to their seats by a host. No one else had arrived yet.

Ginji moved to pull out Sora's chair, but a staff member beat him to it.

Feeling a little out of place, Ginji sat down in the chair that had been pulled out for him.

“I thought I'd feel suffocated, but this place is actually pretty nice.”

“Yeah, it is. Might be a good spot to come back to, just the two of us.”

The restaurant had a Japanese-inspired design, with only private rooms. The large beams on the ceiling gave it a strong presence, and the lighting was soft and warm. The wooden tables had beautiful grain patterns, creating a calm atmosphere unlike the vibrant party venue downstairs.

“Excuse me. Would you like a drink or some water while you wait?”

The staff member asked with graceful mannerisms. Not sure what to do, Ginji looked at Sora, who nodded.

“Do you have any recommended non-alcoholic drinks?”

“Today we recommend a seasonal red perilla juice or cold matcha.”

“Then cold matcha.”

“Yeah, I'll take that too.”

“Certainly.”

While sipping their matcha, Aika, Leona, and Masaomi arrived. Aika had thrown on a cardigan over her dress. Leona and Masaomi looked the same as earlier.

“That looks tasty. Is it matcha? I'll have the same.”

“I'd like a Japanese sake cocktail. Aika?”

“…Just water for me.”

As soon as everyone was seated, the food began to arrive. Since there had already been a meal at the party downstairs, only a few dishes were served sequentially.

An appetizer—what Ginji described as “just a tiny bit of seasoned Kyoto vegetables on a white plate”—was placed before them.

“The vegetables here are delicious. Don't you think so, Ginji-kun?”

“Yeah. They've got a nice crunch.”

“Fufu, I imagine that's not enough for a young man. Shall I order you something extra?”

“No, I'm good.”

“…”

“…”

Aika and Sora stayed silent. Ginji chatted with Masaomi, who was oddly friendly, while trying to figure out what to do about the quiet Sora beside him and a clearly displeased Aika. The awkward atmosphere lingered, until during the soup course, Leona rested her cheek on her hand and spoke.

“Aika.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“You don't seem to be enjoying yourself.”

Hearing that, the knife in Aika's hand trembled slightly.

“N-no, I'm just nervous… it's been a while since a formal dinner like this…”

“Is that so… By the way, what do you think of Momoi-kun? You're in the same class, right?”

Aika had never mentioned that before, but with Masaomi's school connections, she figured it was no surprise they knew.

“…I haven't spoken to him much. But I do think he's an unusual person.”

“Ara, for you to say that, he must be quite special.”

“I didn't say that!”

Leona giggled while Aika denied it flatly. Ginji wondered if this counted as a charming family moment—but then noticed Sora staring at Aika with a blank expression, not even blinking.

“Haha, sorry Ginji-kun. My wife loves these kinds of conversations.”

“Ginji is… my boyfriend.”

Sora blurted that out at a totally awkward timing, typical of someone bad at socializing. Leona turned her gaze to Sora.

“Yes, I see. Having someone you trust is more valuable than anything. Sometimes, it’s worth more than family background or ability. Sora has always had good taste.”

“Mother… What are you saying? That girl has good taste? I've always been better than her!”

“…So, Sora—what are your plans for your art?”

Ignoring Aika's protests, Leona continued. Ginji sensed this was probably the reason she invited Sora here tonight.

“I'll keep going. I think I'm starting to enjoy drawing again. So I'll draw what I love.”

“That's wonderful. Uncle will be glad to hear that too.”

“Yes, and Aika is working hard at her art as well. It'd be great if you both developed a good relationship.”

“…”

“…”

Aika glared at Sora, who glared right back. Though, in truth, Sora's anger stemmed more from how Aika acted toward Ginji than anything art-related—not that Aika had noticed.

“If possible, I'd like to speak with you more, Momoi-kun. Do you have any interest in business?”

“My plan is to eventually take over my parents' company, so I'm studying for that.”

“Excellent. I'd be happy to support you if you're ever in need.”

“No, thank you.”

Ginji spent the rest of the dinner wondering when Sora would explode, but the rest of the meal passed without incident.

Later, after Ginji and Sora had returned to their room, Aika was summoned to meet with Leona again. This time, Masaomi wasn't there. Aika stood before her mother, who was sipping wine.

Leona set her glass down and spoke.

“Aika, stop trying to compete with Sora. At least, don't try to stand on the same stage as her when it comes to art.”

“Mother? W-why would you say something like that?”

Confused, Aika stepped closer, but Leona continued.

“I thought she'd be useful to you when she was still broken… but for you to try to crush her like that woman did… We're supposed to be the ones doing the using.”

This meant Leona knew everything Aika had done to Sora. Aika panicked and protested.

“I'm better than Sora! Everything will be fine without her!”

Placing a hand on her chest, Aika made her declaration. But Leona let out a sigh with a cold, doll-like expression.

“…Darling has started to notice the talent Sora is regaining. If you meant to crush her, you should've done it before this.”

“It's not too late. I'll prove I'm better than her!”

After Aika stormed out, Leona drained the last of her wine.

“…Such a tasteless child,” she murmured quietly.