"Kaito, the lunch I made myself isn't bad, right?"
"Hmm! It's delicious! I skipped breakfast specifically to come and taste your cooking here. I just didn't expect you to cook it yourself."
It was currently 10 o'clock, not yet truly noon.
It's just that Kaito came without eating breakfast, and he indeed came with the intention of tasting the food here.
"Hehe, I'm also very happy that you're satisfied."
Akina smiled happily.
The food made on the island before was made by everyone together. Besides that, due to the limitations of ingredients and seasonings, it was fundamentally impossible to make dishes she was satisfied with.
Now, with Kaito's arrival, she had the opportunity to personally cook for Kaito to taste.
Fortunately, it seemed he really liked it.
While sighing with relief inwardly, she was also inwardly cheering with joy.
Akina put down the last dish and then simply sat opposite Kaito, brewing and pouring tea for him.
As for Ai, she had long run off to watch Yaichi. Now this young Ryuo was being interviewed by various media, constantly asking if he was confident in defeating the hidden master from China, Kaito.
So now, only three people were left here.
Kaito, Akina, and Baal, who was attached to Kaito's body.
"Master, is she the woman you mentioned?"
Baal inquired within Kaito's mind.
"No, it's someone else."
"Heh..."
"Don't mind it, don't mind it. This is all basic moves."
After responding to Baal, Kaito continued tasting the delicious food Akina had made.
Although it still fell far short of Baal's cooking, Kaito still enjoyed eating it. This authentic Japanese cuisine was much better than the so-called authentic food he ate in Shanghai.
Besides that, Kaito would also taste cuisines from other countries.
"Thank you, I've finished eating."
"Hmm, I'll have someone clear this away."
Akina went out, called a maid to clear everything away, and then the two sat facing each other again.
"Speaking of which, Kaito, don't you need to rest?"
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Hehe, don't all Shogi players need to conserve their energy before a major match?"
"Most people probably do, but do you think I need to?"
"It seems... indeed not."
Yes, someone as powerful as Kaito, how could ordinary people compare to him?
Ring ring ring...
"Ah, sorry, my phone is ringing."
Akina wanted to continue chatting with Kaito, but unfortunately someone inconveniently called. However, when she picked up her phone, her expression became both complicated and helpless. Finally, she apologized to Kaito, got up, and walked outside to answer.
At first, Kaito didn't pay much attention, but after hearing Akina's angry words, he became somewhat interested.
'Based on the call content, someone was pursuing Akina?'
'Good grief, because Akina had become single again, someone started pursuing her?'
'Well, if that were the case, it wouldn't be surprising.'
'Even without her current status and wealth, just her appearance alone would inevitably attract many suitors.'
Some people don't even care if you're married; they'll still pursue you!
"Sorry, Kaito, just now some trivial matters interrupted."
Akina re-entered the room. Clearly in a bad mood, but for Kaito's sake, she still maintained her usual smile. This was difficult for her.
"Tell me about it, what's troubling you."
"Don't tell me it's nothing. You were speaking so sternly outside, I heard it clearly."
Kaito pointed to his ears, indicating that even if she lowered her voice very quietly outside, he could still hear clearly.
However, Akina's reaction wasn't to want to complain, but rather to subconsciously become nervous.
"Well... Kaito, he's just... a very ordinary suitor. I have no relationship with him at all! Really!"
"Uh... alright, alright, I know. So, does this suitor have any background? That even with your current status, you can't completely cut ties with him."
"Well..."
'Fortunately, Kaito didn't misunderstand.'
This was the first thought in Akina's mind.
After slightly relaxing, Akina finally explained her situation.
This happened five months ago.
The person was a friend of a relative in her family. After learning that she had long been single again, he began pursuing her.
At first, he just kept coming to Hinatsuru Inn under the pretext of using the hot spring, and then deliberately created various opportunities to meet her.
Over time, he began a series of pursuits towards her, even trying to please her daughter, Ai.
However, Ai didn't pay him any attention at all; she often made faces at him and ran away.
As for his identity…
He was an extremely high-ranking politician, capable even of influencing certain relevant systems to some extent, including candidates for top leadership.
This person's identity was indeed that high.
And Akina's relative was her cousin. They were both classmates and worked in the same unit.
But her cousin's position was very low; he had relied on this man to rise.
This was also why Akina was troubled.
If she were ruthless enough, she might be able to cut ties, but her cousin might not fare well. Besides that, when expanding the hot spring inn, her cousin and this man had also provided countless favors.
So, whether due to relationships or favors, it was simply not easy for her to do so. Otherwise, once he got angry, even with her current identity and status, it would be very uncomfortable!
"I see. It seems you really are quite charming, Akina, to make this man do so much for you."
"N-no, Kaito, don't say that. From beginning to end, I have had absolutely no feelings for him!!"
Akina started to get anxious again...