Chapter 74

New Year's Eve.

Yugen was slurping on New Year’s Eve soba with his family.

Incidentally, the soba was not boiled by Yugen’s mother.

It was a takeout order from a nearby soba shop they favored.

The familiar taste was reassuring.

But...

(I haven’t actually eaten Arisa’s soba before.)

Even Aria, as capable as she is, probably uses store-bought soba.

She might be able to make handmade soba, but it would be hard to beat store-bought.

However, when it comes to the soba broth, she would surely make it from scratch.

Since she can make such delicious miso soup, her soba broth must be delicious too.

"Brother, are you thinking about wanting to eat Aria’s soba?"

His sister, Takasegawa Ayako, asked with a sly smile.

"I haven’t eaten Aria’s soba before."

"I won’t deny that I want to try it."

"Well... I do want to try it."

It can’t be bad.

Yugen thought he would ask her to make it next time.

"What’s this... Is the daughter of the Amakusa family’s cooking that good?"

The one who asked Yugen was an old man with blue eyes and a sharp, chiseled face.

He had a sharp gaze and a hooked nose.

Takasegawa Sōgen.

The former head of the Takasegawa family and Yugen’s grandfather.

His father is of Nordic American descent, so his features are quite different from those of a typical Japanese person.

...Although he was born and raised in Japan.

Currently, he leaves most business matters to his son, Yugen’s father, and is ostensibly retired.

However, he is still involved in the “diplomacy” of the Takasegawa family.

Using his extensive network, he is active both domestically and internationally... though this might sound a bit too dramatic.

In reality, it’s more like he’s traveling half the time.

Of course, bringing Aria as Yugen’s fiancée shows that he’s not just playing around.

He likely sees it as beneficial for the Takasegawa family, not just for the sake of a great-grandchild.

...At least, Yugen wanted to believe that.

"I would love to try it. For you to say that, Yugen..."

Takasegawa Chiyako, Yugen’s grandmother, said.

Compared to the intimidating Sōgen, she has a gentle and typically Japanese appearance.

...Though she can be more frightening than Sōgen when angry.

"Aria’s cooking is really delicious! Mother, why don’t you come and live with us soon? Ah, but will you live together at first? Hey, Yugen, what do you plan to do?"

Takasegawa Ayayo, Yugen’s mother, asked him in a high-pitched tone.

She is a researcher of American literature, despite appearances.

"Now, now, Ayayo. Yugen hasn’t thought that far ahead, and it would be difficult for him to answer. ...Besides, it’s not officially decided yet."

Saying this, Yugen’s father, Takasegawa Kazuya, narrowed his eyes.

He is the current head of the Takasegawa family.

Basically, he seems to leave the final decision about marriage to Yugen.

...After all, it’s Yugen’s life, so it’s only natural.

"So, how is it going now? Yugen."

"It’s going well."

"That’s not what I meant. Do you have the intention to spend your life with her? ...Of course, it’s fine if you haven’t thought about it yet."

Kazuya said this while staring intently at Yugen.

Somehow, Yugen felt as if his emotions and intentions were completely seen through.

"...Yeah."

A few weeks ago, Yugen might have lied or given an ambiguous answer to avoid the question.

But he couldn’t do that now.

He didn’t want to lie about his feelings for Aria.

"I want to walk through life with her."

Yugen said this clearly.

He felt his ears heat up slightly.

Yugen’s strong words seemed a bit unexpected to Kazuya, who widened his eyes in surprise.

However, he quickly returned to a calm expression.

"Then..."

Kazuya was about to say something.

Probably something along the lines of, if you’re that enthusiastic, you could be more proactive...

But his words were cut off by Yugen.

"Aria’s feelings are important too."

It goes without saying.

Yugen added at the end.

"I don’t want to pressure Aria into marriage, even indirectly. ...This is my relationship. I want to resolve everything myself. So, I don’t need any unnecessary interference."

Yugen clearly conveyed his thoughts to his father and grandfather.

He was essentially telling them not to put any pressure on Aria, or more precisely, the Amakusa family.

Neither his grandfather nor his father are evil people, so they generally wouldn’t do such things...

But it can’t be said with certainty.

After all, they act to benefit the Takasegawa family and its affiliated companies, and might not always choose the most ethical means.

Especially if they have a noble cause, like supporting their son’s love.

The Takasegawa family, known for their “political power” as opposed to the “economic power” of the Tachibana family, has a strong tendency to engage in political maneuvers—essentially, pressure and lobbying.

That’s why it was necessary to make this clear.

"..."

Kazuya and Sōgen raised their eyebrows at their son’s and grandson’s unexpected defiance.

They didn’t seem upset.

Rather, their expressions showed curiosity and admiration.

From their reactions, Yugen judged that they wouldn’t force the marriage.

...They wouldn’t start a conflict between the next head and the current and former heads over Aria.

However, the atmosphere did become a bit tense.

Noticing this...

"Wow, brother! You’re really head over heels! I’m a bit jealous."

"I feel like I’ve lost my son, and I’m a bit lonely."

"Yugen, you’ve grown into a fine young man..."

Ayako teased, Ayayo mocked, and Chiyako sighed deeply.

Thanks to the three of them, the tense atmosphere cleared up.

After that, the Takasegawa family enjoyed New Year’s Eve.

Takasegawa Sōgen (grandfather), Takasegawa Chiyako (grandmother), Takasegawa Kazuya (father), Takasegawa Ayayo (mother), Takasegawa Yugen (eldest son), and Takasegawa Ayako (eldest daughter).

Finally, all the names of the main family members are mentioned.

There’s a bit of a naming rule: everyone born into the Takasegawa family has the character “bow” (弓) in their name.

Additionally, they take one character from their mother’s name.

Apparently, there’s a story about an ancestor who was skilled with a bow.

Next time, Aria will come to greet the family for the New Year.

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