At this moment, the annoyed little golden retriever had her arms wrapped tightly around Shiro Sakamaki's neck, baring her sharp little canine teeth—though the display looked more adorable than threatening.
Shiro Sakamaki appeared to be struggling, but inwardly, he was enjoying the pleasant sensation of her soft body pressed against his back.
If anyone dares say Eriri is flat-chested again… I swear I'll blow their head off, he muttered inwardly. She may not look flashy at a glance, but there's definitely some substance there. Especially now—just out of bed in light pajamas—you can really feel it…
Eriri's measurements were 79.9 cm. Based on her height and waist, this was definitely more than just a "B cup." Numbers like that could easily leave half the high school girls in the dust.
"Alright, alright, Eriri—it's my fault, okay? Time's almost up. Let's get moving."
"What kind of adult still lazes around in bed all day?"
With a haughty snort, the little golden retriever muttered, "Hmph, mind your own business. Do you have any idea how hard it is to rush a manuscript close to deadline? It's brutal!"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Let me go change."
As he spoke, Shiro casually rubbed the spot on his shoulder where she'd just bitten him. Despite not actively defending himself, his body—fortified by the Dragon-Slaying Crystal—had still managed to absorb the impact. Still, it stung a little.
Eriri noticed him rubbing his shoulder and immediately looked guilty.
"Hey, Shiro-kun… did I hurt you?"
"Huh?" Shiro looked at her in surprise and smirked. "You? Hurt me? Not in a million years!"
"You jerk!"
Bang!
Annoyed, Eriri punched him in the stomach. But instead of making him flinch, her fist landed with a thud, as if she'd struck steel. A small recoil of energy bounced back from his body.
Surprised, she lifted his shirt and found his skin shimmering with a faint metallic sheen—like it was made of indestructible alloy.
"Hmph~ Little golden retriever, even if you trained for a hundred years, you still wouldn't be able to beat me!" Shiro said smugly.
Then, with a flick of his finger, he knocked on her forehead playfully before strolling out of the room, leaving Eriri covering her head and gritting her teeth.
"Damn it, I swear I'll get back at you one day!"
---
Downstairs in the living room, Sayuri sat elegantly, sipping her tea. When she saw Shiro coming down, a mischievous sparkle lit up her eyes.
"Hehe… Shiro-kun, Eriri looks very cute when she's sleeping, doesn't she?"
Shiro thought back to the sight of her just moments ago and nodded. "Yeah… really cute."
Sayuri's fan fluttered open with a snap. "So… if you had the chance, would you marry her?"
Shiro choked on his tea. "A-Ahem! Sister Sayuri, you're joking, right? It's not like that between me and Eriri…"
"Oh?" she smiled slyly. "Then what—are you planning to toy with her and run away after getting your fill?"
"I…"
Before he could respond, Sayuri's tone shifted.
"I'm her mother, Shiro. I know exactly how that silly girl feels about you."
Her voice softened, but the atmosphere grew heavier. "If you don't have serious intentions, then I hope you'll keep your distance."
Despite her usual cheerful facade, Sayuri's commanding presence filled the room in that moment. The elegance of someone raised in a prestigious household was on full display.
Shiro realized she wasn't joking anymore. Wasn't I just here to pick someone up? Why does this feel like a marriage proposal interview?
Still, he knew he had to give a proper response.
"We're both still young," he said seriously. "We've got a long life ahead of us—plenty of time to figure things out. If one day Eriri chooses someone else, I'll respect her decision."
Sayuri's gaze softened. Though he hadn't given a direct answer, his words spoke volumes. Saying "we've got a long life ahead" hinted that he intended to make sure Eriri would live as long as he did—something only possible if he found a way to make her transcendent like him.
She knew such a transformation came at a steep cost. No one would go that far for just anyone.
A comfortable silence fell between them—unspoken understandings lingering in the air—until Eriri finally came downstairs.
"Mom, what were you talking about?"
Before Sayuri could reply, Shiro called out, "Yo, Otaku Eriri! Took you long enough!"
"Hey! Don't call me that! Use my proper name!"
"Otaku Eriri is your proper name," he teased. "After all, it's—"
Before he could finish, Eriri rushed over and covered his mouth with her hands, flustered.
Sure, everyone here already knew her background and real name, but having it said out loud was still embarrassing.
Just then, Shiro caught a full look at her outfit—and was stunned.
A crisp white shirt, blue pleated skirt, sleek black stockings hugging her legs, and her signature golden twin-tails bouncing behind her. She radiated youthful charm.
Being so close, her soft scent drifted to his nose, and with their playful tussle, the occasional brush of contact made it hard to keep his composure.
Stay strong, he told himself. Don't lose it now.
Eriri, too, realized their movements might have been a bit much—especially in front of her mom. Blushing furiously, she quickly took a step back.
Sayuri, watching from the side, smiled knowingly. Perfect, she thought. If their bond grows deeper during this visit, then I'll really be at ease.
She may act carefree, but she took her daughter's future seriously—and Shiro seemed like a better match than anyone else.
---
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