Yukinoshita Haruno sighed and said, "You don't know the kind of pressure our family is under. When something happened to our mother last time, those so-called allies couldn't wait to tear us apart and grab whatever they could."
"Shiro Sakamaki's background isn't simple, and he himself comes from the supernatural world. If I become his wife, it will only strengthen our family's position."
"As for sharing… Do you know what those seemingly glamorous men are really like behind the scenes?"
"But still, that's not fair to you," Yukino said quietly.
Haruno let out a dry laugh. "Fairness? You think the world runs on fairness? The day you were born, you already surpassed most people. Is that fair?"
"Everything in this world comes at a cost. Compared to women who are forced to marry someone they don't even like, I'd say I'm lucky."
"At least, I get to be with the man I actually like."
---
Meanwhile, Shiro Sakamaki and Eriri wandered the venue leisurely, stopping now and then to check out students' food stalls.
Since the theme was flour-based dishes, most stalls featured cakes, breads, and pastries. Every time Shiro took a bite, Eriri made sure it came from her hand. He accepted each offering with a smile, consuming them all without complaint—though both of them were starting to feel a little full.
"That girl's technique is amazing!"
"Haha, stop talking and get in line or you'll miss out!"
"Hurry! I want another serving!"
Shiro and Eriri looked up, drawn by the excited chatter. Ahead was a stall with a long queue. Behind the counter stood a girl with turquoise hair and round glasses, kneading dough with practiced grace.
Shiro immediately recognized her: Nene Kinokuni, the soba noodle prodigy from one of Japan's most traditional culinary families.
Even Eriri was impressed and quickly pulled Shiro to line up.
Thanks to her prep work, Nene's process was streamlined. The dough was already prepared, the soup stock simmering, and her knife cuts fluid and elegant. Shiro and Eriri didn't have to wait long.
"Hello! Two bowls of soba noodles, please."
"Certainly. Please wait a moment," Nene replied politely.
She served them steaming bowls of kake soba, garnished perfectly. Shiro noticed a side setup with ice water and dipping sauce.
"Excuse me, is there a cold version of this soba?" he asked.
"Yes. We also offer chilled soba with a dipping sauce. However, since it's still morning, most guests prefer the warm version."
"I'd like to try the cold one too," Shiro said with a grin.
Nene paused. "Can you eat that much, sir? I wouldn't want to waste food."
Shiro laughed. "Don't worry. I've got a big appetite—ten servings wouldn't be a problem."
With a slight smile, Nene nodded and prepared a cold soba set, chilling the noodles in ice water and serving it with a special soy-based dipping sauce.
Shiro handed Eriri the hot bowl and kept the cold one for himself. He dipped the first bite, savoring the texture—firm and chewy from the ice bath. The sauce had depth but wasn't overpowering, and the cold temperature made the flavors pop.
Eriri, meanwhile, was lost in the comfort of the hot broth, her cheeks slightly flushed as she ate quietly, clearly loving it.
Shiro didn't bother with etiquette—he dumped the rest of the dipping sauce straight into the cold noodles and mixed them up before finishing them off.
Afterward, he sipped the hot broth from Eriri's soba and found it light but flavorful—perfect for a morning bite. The only downside was that he wanted more.
Returning their trays, Nene gave him a curious glance. "How was the cold soba?"
Shiro licked his lips. "Delicious, but I think I'd prefer a bit more volume."
"...I see."
Seeing her confusion, Shiro quickly clarified, "Oh, no no—it's not your fault. That's just how I eat."
To his surprise, Nene bowed seriously. "Forgive me for not meeting your expectations. If you return again, please let me know your preferences."
"You got it. Honestly, your soba was excellent. With skills like that, you'll definitely be among the Totsuki Ten someday," Shiro said with a confident grin.
(Inwardly, he thought: Well, I did watch the anime. Spoilers—she makes it.)
Nene gave a faint smile. "Then I'll take your words to heart."
The next customer called, pulling Nene back into her routine. Shiro and Eriri continued exploring the stalls until Shiro's phone buzzed.
It was a message from Nanami Aoyama:
> [Shiro Sakamaki-kun, are you available to start cleaning duties today?]
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