Chapter 26

In a certain place in Japan.

A Japanese-style residence.

A sign on the large gate reads "Takasegawa."

In a room with tatami mats, a family of four was having dinner, all dressed in traditional Japanese attire.

"Recently, how have things been with Amakita's daughter, Yugen?"

At the dinner table, it was Takasegawa Kazuya who asked Yugen this question. He is Yugen's father. Being a quarter Western, he has a slight Western appearance, and the blue eyes he passed down to Yugen clearly prove his heritage.

Kazuya was present at the arranged meeting with his grandfather, but he himself doesn't seem particularly enthusiastic about Yugen and Airi's marriage. Therefore, Yugen was a bit surprised to be asked about his relationship with Airi by his father.

Incidentally, Yugen's grandparents, who are the most enthusiastic about the marriage, are currently traveling in America. They have decided to retire and frequently travel abroad, especially enjoying America. Perhaps it's natural, given that Yugen's great-grandmother (his grandfather's mother) is American.

"Amakita? ... We went to the pool yesterday, and it's going pretty well."

Yugen answered casually while sipping miso soup. His mother's miso soup isn't bad, but...

(Airi's is better.)

He already felt the symptoms of being addicted to Airi's home-cooked meals. Although going back to school after the summer break is a hassle, he wants to eat Airi's cooking. It's a very complex feeling.

As if sensing his thoughts, Yugen's mother—Takasegawa Ayu—asked:

"Which is better, Airi's cooking or mine?"

"Amakita."

"Answering so quickly! Oh, you're head over heels! Maybe we'll get to see our grandchild soon."

After the grandparents, Ayu is the one who most strongly advocates for Yugen's marriage. Mostly, she just enjoys the romance and drama.

One might want to say, "What are you doing at your age?" but... due to her youthful appearance, she looks younger than her age. However, mentioning her age in front of her is taboo.

"Mom, you're not that good at cooking... It's not that hard to surpass that level, is it?"

Saying this with a sigh was Yugen's younger sister, Takasegawa Ayumi. She is currently in her second year of junior high school. Her personality is a bit cheeky, but even without the bias of being a younger sister, she has a cute appearance. Her clear blue eyes are particularly striking.

"But if it's that good, I might want to try it. I'll give it a fair evaluation."

"Already acting like a mother-in-law... I'm disappointed."

"Of course I'm curious whether you're being sincere or just flattering him, big brother."

Ayumi said this nonchalantly while eating pickles. However, since Yugen and Airi aren't actually going to get married, there's no real possibility of her becoming a mother-in-law.

"But, big brother. If you like her so much... why are you still calling her by her last name?"

Her younger sister hit a sore spot. Yugen considers himself perceptive, but Ayumi is also the type who can read people well. This makes it hard for him to let his guard down.

"Changing the way I address her... it feels a bit awkward."

"Hmm."

Fortunately, Ayumi didn't probe further, though she did smile cheekily.

"Well... Yugen, even if things are a bit awkward now, if you both try to like each other, you will. Arranged marriages aren't as bad as you might think."

"Right. At first, I was worried about whether I could live with Kazuya... but when I looked, I found so many nice things about him."

Yugen and Ayumi exchanged glances, as if to say, "Here we go again."

Kazuya and Ayu, their parents, were married through an arranged marriage, so they are quite positive about it.

They probably plan to suggest a match for Ayumi in some form, though they won't force her.

"Is that so?"

Perhaps because she has seen her parents and Yugen, who is engaged, getting along well, Ayumi isn't particularly negative about arranged marriages.

Yugen himself doesn't actually dislike the idea of an arranged marriage. He just thinks it's too early at fifteen. If it were after university, he wouldn't have objected.

"By the way, Yugen... there's a summer festival in the neighborhood in a week, right?"

Kazuya suddenly said this. Yugen immediately understood his father's intention.

"Are you suggesting I invite Amakita?"

"You catch on quickly. I'm not forcing you, though."

However, it would be strange not to invite a girlfriend to a local festival. It will naturally lead to inviting Airi.

"Sure... but is it okay with Ayumi?"

Until last year, Yugen and Ayumi went to the summer festival together. Yugen asked his sister if she would be fine without his escort.

"I have friends, so it's fine. But introduce me properly. I only know your beloved from pictures."

"Sure, sure."

While giving a casual response...

Yugen thought he would have to call Airi again.

So, the next part is the summer festival chapter.

Incidentally, the heroine will visit the protagonist's home.

If you find it interesting, want to know what happens next, or are eager to read the heroine's yukata description,

please bookmark and rate (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ below the table of contents to ★★★★★).

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This chapter has no dere level.

The summer festival chapter is planned to be an important episode in terms of dere level.

If you are curious about the dere level, looking forward to it, or want it to reach 100% soon,

please bookmark and rate (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ below the table of contents to ★★★★★).

This will increase the dere level of the characters you like (individual differences apply).