Chương 465: [465] A Married Daughter is Like Spilt Water
Chapter 465: A Married Daughter is Like Spilt Water
Upon entering the restaurant, a female waitress approached them promptly.
"Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation? We operate on a reservation-only basis, and without one, I'm afraid we can't accommodate you."
"Naturally, I have a reservation."
Hachiman smiled faintly and provided the seat number reserved by Erina.
Upon hearing the seat number, the waitress paused briefly, her eyes subtly flickering.
After discreetly sizing up Hachiman, the waitress's face softened into a sweet smile.
"Very well, please follow me."
"No problem."
Hachiman nodded and followed her with Komachi trailing behind.
"Here we are. Please have a seat."
In no time, the waitress led the siblings to a window-side table.
"Thank you."
Hachiman thanked her and sat down with Komachi.
Notably, after guiding them to their seats, the waitress hurried off towards the kitchen.
However, Hachiman didn't notice this and beckoned Komachi to join him at the table.
The table's location was excellent, offering a view through the window of the scenery outside.
The sky was gradually darkening, yet the street remained lively as vendors continued to profit until the nightly deadline of 9 PM for sales.
As dusk settled in, many stalls lit up, illuminating the streets below like daylight, bustling with activity.
Turning his attention back, Hachiman began to appraise the restaurant's decor.
It was indeed worthy of Erina's name. Despite being a temporary structure, the decor was exquisite, adorned with crystal chandeliers, plush velvet carpets, and accompanied by soothing piano music, exuding luxury to the fullest.
Guests here were all successful individuals in suits and evening dresses, as expected. After all, besides being one of the current Ten Elites, Erina also carried the title of "God Tongue," making her reputation in the culinary world undeniable.
As Hachiman observed, he recognized a familiar face not far from his table to the right. It was Mana Nakiri, with her apricot-colored long hair, delicate eyebrows, and violet eyes that exuded a hint of pride.
Realizing this, Hachiman decided to stand up and greet her. After all, Mana was not only his senior but also one of his future mothers-in-law, so it was both courteous and appropriate to say hello.
Accompanied by Komachi, Hachiman approached Mana's table and greeted her with a smile.
"Auntie, it's been a while."
Interrupted abruptly during her meal, Mana furrowed her brow slightly. However, upon lifting her head and seeing Hachiman, a smile crept onto her face.
"Oh, it's young Hachiman. It has indeed been a while."
Mana was still grateful to Hachiman deep down. After all, if not for his treatment, she might still be dependent on nutrient fluid. How could she now enjoy tasting such exquisite cuisine freely?
"Yeah."
Hachiman nodded and pulled Komachi closer to his side.
"Auntie, this young lady is my sister, Komachi Hikigaya."
"Komachi, this is Erina's mother, Mana Nakiri."
Upon hearing Hachiman's introduction, Komachi bowed slightly, her face adorned with a sweet smile.
"Hello, Auntie. I'm Komachi Hikigaya."
Seeing Komachi's mature demeanor, Mana's face softened into a faint smile as she nodded.
"Ah, hello."
Though not particularly warm, it was a form of acknowledgment from Mana towards Komachi.
At that moment, a graceful figure in chef's attire emerged from the kitchen.
It was Erina.
Earlier, Erina had instructed all the waitstaff to notify her immediately if Hachiman's reserved seat was occupied. Upon receiving the message from the previous waitress, Erina swiftly finished handling the dishes in her hands and hurried out.
Spotting Hachiman in the restaurant, Erina's face lit up with a joyful smile as she walked towards their table.
However, just before reaching their table, she quickly adjusted her expression to one of pride, similar to her usual demeanor.
"You, how could you arrive at this hour? I've been waiting for you for so long."
Her voice carried a hint of playful reproach, more akin to lovers' banter than actual complaint.
Upon hearing Erina's familiar voice, Hachiman turned to see the displeased girl who had somehow appeared beside him.
"Sorry, sorry. Because it's such a rare culinary festival, I took Komachi around to taste some of the other dishes," he explained.
Komachi chimed in, "That's right! Erina-neechan, Onii-chan took me to try lots of delicious food, so that's why we're a bit late."
"Erina-neechan, please don't be mad," added Komachi, her face showing a touch of innocence.
Seeing this scene, Erina hesitated. She wasn't really angry at Hachiman for arriving late; she was just a little disappointed. But now, seeing Komachi like this, she couldn't bring herself to be upset anymore. So, she relented, "Okay, I'll let it slide this time, for Komachi's sake."
"Yay! Erina-neechan is the best!" Komachi cheered, then sneakily flashed a "V" sign at Hachiman.
Seeing this, Hachiman chuckled and added, "Well, I appreciate Erina's generosity."
Erina responded with a slight hum, "Good to know."
But then, another voice chimed in beside them.
"Oh my, the moment Hachiman-kun shows up, even I, his mom, am forgotten. Truly, a daughter who's married off is like water thrown out of a bucket."
Turning towards the voice, Hachiman saw Mana, holding an opened folding fan to partially cover her face, smiling warmly at both Hachiman and Erina.
Upon hearing her mother's words, Erina blushed deeply and her speech became slightly stuttered, "Mom, wha...what are you talking about? Who...who's getting married off?"
Watching her daughter's reaction, Mana closed the folding fan and tapped the table gently.
"Isn't it true? This is clearly my seat, but Erina, the moment you saw Hachiman-kun, you completely forgot about me."
At this point, Erina had nothing to say because it was indeed true; after all, it was her mother, Mana Nakiri, who had personally arranged this seat. Yet, Erina had completely forgotten this fact the moment Hachiman approached.
"Uh... well... um..."
The young girl stuttered, unsure how to continue.
Seeing this, Hachiman intervened to diffuse the situation.
"Alright, Auntie, please don't blame Erina. She might have been a bit upset because I arrived late," Hachiman said.
Hearing Hachiman's words, Mana smiled faintly.
"Well, since Hachiman-kun has spoken, I'll forgive my unruly daughter."
Erina visibly relaxed, giving Hachiman a grateful look that said, "Thank you for understanding."
Seeing this, Hachiman smiled and turned his gaze to Mana.
"By the way, Auntie, how's your condition? Has it been worsening recently?"
Calculating the time since he last treated Mana, it had been almost three months, and the curse was likely to have worsened significantly.
Upon hearing this, Mana paused for a moment, wearing a resigned expression.
"It has indeed worsened a bit. Lately, I've been having trouble eating again. I guess I'll have to trouble Hachiman-kun again soon."
However, Erina interjected, "Why don't we let Hachiman treat you tonight? Since he's already here, he can stay at our place."
Mana brightened up at the suggestion, turning her gaze to Hachiman.
"What do you think, Hachiman-kun?"
Naturally, Hachiman wouldn't refuse such a request and nodded in agreement.
"I'm fine with that. So, tonight, I'll be in your care."
Seeing Hachiman agree, both mother and daughter smiled.
However, Komachi, who was standing by, was completely puzzled.
Since when did her Onii-chan start treating illnesses?
Before she could ask, though, the restaurant's door swung open again, and a man in a black trench coat stepped in, bringing with him a gust of cold wind.
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