"The Idea of a Woman Stealing Someone Else's Partner is Ridiculous," I laughed. But After Being Reborn, I Became a Victim of Such a Woman. However, My New Fiancée was Absolutely Amazing. - Episode 16
Just as I finished cooking, I heard voices coming from the entrance.
Today, aside from Mrs. Ito, other helpers from the main family had come as well, so one of them must have greeted Mr. Kouga.
“Lord Ichijou-no-Go Kouga has arrived. The master is attending to him now, so Miss Mai, please go to the sitting room right away. We will take care of carrying the food.”
“Yes, understood. Thank you very much.”
Following the helper’s instructions, I quickly took off my apron and changed into a kimono that was handed down from the main family’s daughter.
I also put on makeup and carefully hid my temple.
Ugh… Hmm… It’s more bruised than I thought, but… it should be fine, right?
…For some reason, I just don’t want him to see this embarrassing injury. Is this what they call a woman’s pride?
“Alright, this should be good. Okay, let’s go.”
I clenched my fist to build up confidence.
Looking at myself in the full-length mirror, I actually looked quite cute. It should be fine.
Well, if someone says I look plain, I can’t argue with that.
Before opening the sliding door to the sitting room, I knelt down and said, “Excuse me.”
Once I heard a response, I slid the door open just a few centimeters, paused for a moment, then opened it all at once.
This was the etiquette I had been taught since I was born as Yuukizaka Mai.
After entering, I made sure not to step on the tatami border, knelt properly, and bowed my head.
“Thank you for coming today. I have prepared this meal with all my heart, so please enjoy it until the very end. May I serve the food now?”
“Despite the sudden request, I appreciate your warm hospitality. If possible, I would like to share this meal together with Lady Mai. What do you think?”
“Yes, of course. Mai.”
“Yes. I will join you.”
I nodded and sat next to my father.
The helpers from the main family then started bringing in the dishes one after another.
Mr. Kouga’s eyes widened at the sight of the table, which was completely covered with food.
“I heard you have no dislikes when it comes to food.”
“It’s not that… I’m just surprised by the amount and variety.”
“You don’t have to finish everything.”
“No.”
He shook his head, put his hands together, and quietly said, “Itadakimasu” before starting to eat.
My father and I also picked up our chopsticks, and the lunch proceeded in an indescribable atmosphere.
Since my father isn’t much of a talker during meals, the only sounds in the room were chewing and the sipping of soup.
“That was delicious. Thank you for the meal.”
“I apologize if it wasn’t enough.”
I thought I had made a little too much, but he finished everything.
What?!
Oh, well, I guess that makes sense.
In my previous life—after becoming an adult—I could eat this much easily.
My father eats less due to stress and frugality, and my body as a woman only needs about half of what a man does.
So, I completely forgot how much an adult man actually eats.
“Mr. Kouga, would you like some more?”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course. Since you have a physically demanding job, this amount must not have been enough. I’ll bring more right away.”
I walked over to the door, called for a helper, and asked them to take away the empty plates and bring more food.
The problem was that my father and I had almost finished eating.
It would be awkward if only the guest was eating.
So, I decided to add a chawanmushi (savory egg custard) for my father and me as well.
Again, my father and Mr. Kouga continued eating in silence.
It felt a little awkward at first, but he was eating so enthusiastically that it actually became pleasant to watch.
Seeing someone enjoy my cooking so much made me… happy.
Making a lot of food isn’t a hassle, and every time he takes a bite, his eyes light up. It’s kind of cute.
“Thank you for the meal.”
He put his hands together again for the after-meal greeting.
When I asked, “Would you like some more?” he quickly held up his hand and shook his head.
But somehow, he still looked a little unsatisfied.
“…Um…”
“Yes?”
“…Today, I have a request…”
“A request? Yes, what is it?”
Mr. Kouga seemed hesitant.
My father responded, but Mr. Kouga fell silent.
He wasn’t even looking at me to signal that he wanted me to leave.
Huh…? What’s going on…?
“I heard that Lady Mai does not have a fiancé.”
“Yes, last month my fiancé suddenly broke off our engagement because he became interested in another woman. After discussions between our families, the engagement was officially annulled.”
For a moment, I thought I saw my father’s lips twitch upward.
Wait, but… if he’s bringing up engagements… does this mean…?
Could it be…?
Is this really happening, Mr. Kouga?!
“If there are no other engagement proposals… then, would you consider entrusting Lady Mai to me? I may be a rough man, but I want to cherish her and let her live freely. So, if you could think about it… I would be grateful.”
“What…! Are you sure…? But our family still has debts left by my late wife…”
“If it’s just debt, I will, of course, help with that.”
My father’s face brightened.
Well, I could tell because I know him.
But more importantly—wait, is this really happening?!
Is this real life?
This feels like something out of a romance manga!
“…Lady Mai.”
“Ah, y-yes! I-I’m sorry! It felt like a dream, so I was completely dazed…”
“What happened to the injury on your left temple?”
My excitement immediately plummeted, and I felt my bl00d run cold.
I slowly turned to Mr. Kouga, only to see his sharp gaze locked onto me.
Or rather, onto the injury.
He wasn’t angry at me, but at the reason behind the injury.
H-How do I explain this…?
“Actually, a few days ago, my former fiancé hit me.”
“Why?”
“You may already know about Mai’s spiritual power…”
“So, after learning about it, he wanted to renew the engagement?”
“Exactly. She refused, and this was his retaliation. Although we settled it, I’m honestly worried about whether she should continue going to school until graduation.”
“Father…!?”
Wait, wait, wait! Dad, were you actually considering pulling me out of school?! You never told me that!