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

  It made her seem adorably flustered on the inside.

  "By the way!"

  Kaguya, who had finally mao 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, cheg to see when he'd be free.

  Early in the m, 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 st night and o 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 determio make Ryuji see her in a new light.

  "So, this is Totsuki Academy?"

  The pce looked even more impressive iy than in the ahe grandeur of Totsuki Academy was something else entirely.

  "Ryuji!"

  By the time they arrived, Senzaemon was already waiting at the entrah 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!"

  Senzaemourhe nod with a warm smile.

  It was among the iial circles that Shinomiya, Kaguya's father, was subtly hoping his daughter would marry Ryuji as a way tthen their family's position.

  So, seeing Kaguya apanying Ryuji was entirely uandable to Senzaemon.

  Privately, he couldn't help but feel a twinge ret that his own granddaughter hadn't secured a simir opportunity.

  "Apologies for the sudden visit. I was curious about Totsuki's reputation and decided to drop by. I hope it's not inve 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 postpo without a sed thought. He'd e with Erina and Alice to greet their esteemed guest.

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

  Behind them, Erina and Alice followed with mixed expressions.

  her of them was entirely sure how to feel about the visit.

  "By the way," Alice said, gng 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 assion, not a means to win someone's favor.

  That said, her petitive nature fred 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? The's see who es out on top!" Alice challenged.

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

  Totsuki had a special dining area fuests, ohat 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 o him, her eyes sing 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 fuya to visit Totsuki for a meal.

  "No, never."

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

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

  Ryuji nodded in uanding. Uher heirs, Kaguya's position was ueically, she was an illegitimate child, and that brought plications.

  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 ied, you always ask me. I'd be happy t you here," Ryuji said with a smile.

  Kaguya's eyes widened, a soft blush c 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, tent with the moment.

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

  Senzaemon wasn't oblivious.

  Even if Ryuji already had romantiterests, f a positive retionship with him could only be their family. He wasn't going to let an opportunity like that slip by.