Chapter 347: Michiyo

The savory fragrance of simmering soup mingled with the aroma of freshly steamed rice, along with a faint trace of soy sauce drifting through the air, making the stomach of anyone who stepped inside instantly rumble with hunger.

The restaurant was modest yet orderly. Long wooden tables were polished smooth until they gleamed faintly beneath the light, while bamboo chairs were neatly arranged in rows. From the ceiling, cream-colored paper lanterns hung low, casting a soft, golden glow that warmed the entire room. In one corner, a wooden shelf displayed clay teapots and a small collection of handmade ceramic plates, each one carrying the touch of careful craftsmanship.

“Ohh, welcome! Hm? Lord Kuzan, you’ve come so early in the morning? Hungry already? Or could it be… did you forget to bring the lunchbox your wife packed for you again?” came the cheerful voice of a woman who emerged from behind the kitchen curtain.

Her hair was cut short and black, her body petite, her round face framed neatly by a pair of thin glasses perched on her nose. Her smile was warm and welcoming, yet her eyes sparkled with a playful mischief, as if she were always ready to tease.

“Haha! Lady Michiyo, you’re mistaken. I came only because I wanted to share a meal with someone. Look at this young man. Tell me, do you know this boy, Lady Michiyo?” Kuzan replied with a chuckle, nodding toward Aoki.

“Hello, Lady Michiyo! Long time no see!” Aoki greeted her brightly, his right hand waving enthusiastically, much like a child who had just reunited with an old relative.

“Hm… Do I know you? Wait a moment… You look familiar, but who could you be?” Michiyo narrowed her eyes, her hand lifting to her chin as if to dig through the folds of memory for an answer.

“It’s me, Aoki Sora, Lady Michiyo. It’s been a long time,” Aoki said a little awkwardly. His left hand rose to scratch the back of his head, and a stiff smile spread across his lips.

“Ah! Oh my goodness! Aoki! The mischievous little brat who once declared at the age of four that he would marry lots of beautiful women?!” Michiyo exclaimed, her eyes widening. Her lips curled into a wide grin, and laughter burst from her throat, echoing through the restaurant.

“Hahaha… That was such a long time ago…” Aoki bowed his head slightly, his face flushing red as his hand shifted from his hair to scratch his cheek in embarrassment.

“So that’s how it is—planning to marry many beautiful women, hm…” Kurisu, who had been listening, stiffened in surprise. Her shoulders tensed, and slowly she turned her head, her gaze narrowing sharply at Aoki. Her eyes grew colder, though filled with silent, piercing questions.

Aoki felt that gaze like a knife stabbing straight into his back. His face froze, his eyelids fluttered rapidly, and his lips parted without producing a single word. Inside, his thoughts screamed in panic: Oh no, this is bad.

He knew very well there were quite a few women who held feelings for him. And even though he was now only pretending to be Kurisu’s husband, the emotions the girl carried for him were far from make-believe.

And now, a humiliating secret from his childhood had been carelessly exposed. Aoki’s expression grew even more awkward, his breathing suddenly heavy as though the air around him had thickened.

“Yes! That’s right. Aoki really did say such things back then. Oh my, I can’t believe it’s really you, Aoki! It’s been ages!” Michiyo said again, her wide smile brightening the room.

“Yeah… it has been a long time…” Aoki answered, his awkward smile lingering, his voice soft, as if he wished he could erase the foolish traces of his childish boasts.

“And now, who is this beautiful young woman… Could it be?” Michiyo turned her eyes toward Kurisu, her lips curling into a subtle smile. Her gaze glittered with curiosity, even carrying a hint of playful teasing.

“Ah, yes. My name is Kurisu. I’m Aoki’s wife. It’s a pleasure to meet you—please take care of me from now on,” Kurisu replied with graceful politeness. She lowered her head deeply, then raised it again with a radiant smile. It was a smile both captivating and genuine, brimming with warmth yet carrying an undeniable firmness, a presence that filled the table with sudden silence.

“What! Aoki’s wife! Oh my goodness! It’s such a pleasure to meet you too! I never imagined this child would already be married!” Michiyo exclaimed, startled at first, before her expression blossomed into pure joy. She stepped forward at once, reaching out to clasp Kurisu’s hands tightly in her own. Her eyes shimmered with delight, her entire face glowing with a sincere happiness.

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