บท 466: [466] You’re About to Become a Grandfather
Chapter 466: You're About to Become a Grandfather
The man had a pale yet strikingly handsome face, marred by a cold expression. His slicked-back black hair was streaked with a lock of white. He was clad entirely in black: a black trench coat, black suit, black shoes, and even black leather gloves, making him resemble a character straight out of a vampire movie.
Upon seeing this man, Erina's previously cheerful expression abruptly changed, her face paling with a hint of fear.
"Fa... Father..."
Mana Nakiri also looked slightly surprised, raising her eyebrows.
"Azami?"
Indeed, this middle-aged man was none other than Erina's biological father, Azami Nakiri, and Mana Nakiri's husband.
Hachiman, seeing his "father-in-law" suddenly appear, also raised an eyebrow.
He recalled that in the original story, there was a similar plotline. During the Academy Festival, Azami appeared at Erina's restaurant and initiated a coup, with half of the Elite Ten's support, to depose Senzaemon Nakiri from his position as headmaster. While his methods were extreme, Hachiman remembered that his father-in-law's ultimate goal was to save his wife and daughter.
But now...
Hachiman glanced at Mana Nakiri, who had been peacefully enjoying her meal, and thought of Erina, whom he had almost fully rehabilitated. A strange feeling washed over him.
It seemed like he had already done all the work for Azami.
Azami's "sinister" smile suggested he had found what he was looking for as he strode towards Hachiman and the others. Stopping in front of Erina, he spoke.
"Erina, I've come to take you back."
The appearance of her childhood nightmare reduced Erina to a frightened child. The high-handed, proud girl now clung to Hachiman's coat, hiding behind him in fear.
Seeing this, Azami narrowed his eyes, and it felt as though the temperature around them dropped several degrees. Nonetheless, he reached out his hand towards his daughter with a "gentle" expression.
"Erina, come with me."
Erina's fear intensified.
But at that moment, a warm hand clasped hers.
She looked up to see Hachiman smiling gently at her.
Perhaps it was this smile, or the warmth of Hachiman's hand, that helped diminish the fear in Erina's heart.
Feeling encouraged by Hachiman, Erina mustered the courage to speak to Azami.
"Father, it's been a long time."
Azami's expression grew even colder, his gaze towards Hachiman becoming hostile. It was as if he felt his cherished daughter had been taken by an unworthy suitor.
"Erina, it seems you've done something that displeases me greatly. I won't allow you to associate with such a commoner."
Azami's cold words reflected his disdain. Hachiman, dressed in a simple shirt and jeans suitable for the academy festival, indeed looked out of place compared to the well-dressed successful individuals around them. Azami naturally assumed Hachiman was just an ordinary person.
Erina instinctively retorted, "Father, I won't listen to you on this matter."
Azami's face darkened further at his daughter's defiance. He believed that the once "obedient and sweet" Erina had been led astray by Hachiman.
Just as Azami was about to lose his temper, a displeased voice interrupted him.
"Hey, are you ignoring me too, Azami?"
It seemed everyone was overlooking Mana Nakiri today. While it was understandable for her daughter to focus on her significant other, it was unacceptable for her husband to do the same.
Initially, Azami was annoyed by the interruption. However, the familiar voice prompted him to turn his attention in its direction.
And then he saw her—his long-missed wife, Mana Nakiri, sitting at the table.
Azami's eyes widened slightly in surprise, his voice uncertain.
"Mana? Is that really you?"
Mana responded irritably, "Who else would it be, you idiot? Can't even recognize your own wife?"
That familiar tone confirmed her identity for Azami.
"It really is you, Mana. Are you... alright?"
Seeing Mana casually eating, Azami was taken aback. In his memory, the worsening curse of the "God Tongue" had eventually rendered his wife unable to consume anything, leading her to lose faith in the culinary world and ultimately leave the Nakiri family.
To save his wife and future daughter, Azami Nakiri had rigorously trained Erina from a young age to hone her "God Tongue." His goal was to ensure she grew strong quickly, avoiding the same fate as Mana. Moreover, Azami's later attempts to reform the culinary world were partly driven by witnessing his idol, Joichiro, seemingly "fall from grace," and partly by his desire to save his wife and daughter. He believed that if chefs could rapidly improve their skills, they would eventually create dishes Mana could enjoy.
But today, seeing his wife eating normally—apparently enjoying food made by Erina—left Azami stunned.
Could it be that Erina's culinary skills had reached such a high level already?
If so, what had all his preparations been for?
This realization left Azami feeling confused and lost.
Seeing Azami in such a disoriented state, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a bit mischievous.
It seems, dear father-in-law, that I've already accomplished what you set out to do.
With that thought, Hachiman decided to play a small prank on his future father-in-law.
"You must be Erina's father," Hachiman said with a smile.
"That's correct!"
Azami's attention turned back to Hachiman, still viewing him as an intruding "wild boar."
Hachiman, unphased, smiled and said, "In that case, I should call you father-in-law."
"What..."
Azami was taken aback.
But Hachiman wasn't finished. "I have some good news for you."
"Congratulations, father-in-law, you're about to become a grandfather."
"What?!!"
Azami was stunned, Mana was stunned, and even Hisako and Senzaemon, who had come out upon hearing the commotion, were stunned.
The next moment, everyone's eyes shifted to Erina, more specifically, to her stomach.
Erina, initially bewildered by the sudden attention, thought, "Why is everyone looking at me?"
Then she recalled what Hachiman had just said.
Father is going to be a grandfather."
Being a grandfather means the daughter is having a child.
So, Father's daughter is... me?!?!
Realizing this, Erina's face turned bright red with embarrassment. She looked as if she were a boiled crab, with wisps of steam seemingly rising from her head.
"W-What nonsense are you spouting? Who's pregnant with your child?!" the embarrassed girl shouted at Hachiman.
But she forgot they were in a crowded restaurant.
Upon hearing Erina's shout, the diners around them started whispering.
"Miss Erina is already pregnant?"
"Really? I haven't heard anything about this."
"Is the young man next to Miss Erina her fiancé?"
"Hmm... He looks quite ordinary!"
"..."
Since those who received Erina's invitation were all people of some standing, they were familiar with Erina, the heiress of the Nakiri family. Therefore, hearing suddenly that "Erina is pregnant" naturally surprised them greatly.
As for Erina, upon hearing the murmurs around her, she covered her face and rushed into the kitchen.
"Miss Erina!"
Seeing their mistress run off, Hisako quickly followed.
At this point, Senzaemon spoke up, "Hachiman-kun, is what you said true? Is Erina really pregnant with your child?!"
For some reason, Hachiman detected a hint of joy in Senzaemon's tone.
Although Senzaemon's attitude seemed odd, this was all just a joke after all, and Hachiman wasn't about to confirm it.
"I apologize, sir. It was merely a joke. Erina isn't actually pregnant," Hachiman explained calmly. "I noticed Erina's unusual behavior towards her father just now, so I thought a joke might lighten the mood."
"But it seems I may have gone too far. I'll apologize to Erina later."
With that, Hachiman sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected Erina to shout so loudly.
"Come on, Onii-chan, that was too much," Komachi chimed in, chastising him. "Telling an unmarried girl she's pregnant? You'll ruin your reputation!"
What if Erina ends up hating Onii-chan in the future?
With that thought, Komachi hurried into the kitchen to comfort Erina.
"So, it was just a joke?" But Senzaemon shook his head regretfully, leaving Hachiman even more puzzled.
"Hachiman-kun, you better take responsibility for this," he continued, his tone suggesting that Erina really liked Hachiman, so there shouldn't be any major issues.
"I will take responsibility," Hachiman nodded repeatedly.
Just then, Azami couldn't help but ask, "Father, what's going on?
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