"Hinata, hurry and thank Brother Natsume."
Rinka Hyuga patted Hinata Hyuga's little head and gently pushed her forward a few steps. "If it hadn't been for him that night on your birthday, something terrible might have happened to you."
"Th... thank you."
Hinata Hyuga glanced at Natsume, then quickly lowered her head again, struggling to force out those two words.
"Natsume, please don't mind her. Hinata is just that kind of girl—rather shy."
Rinka Hyuga gave an apologetic smile. "As it happens, you can try Auntie's cooking today."
She took out several food boxes and opened them, revealing an array of rather exquisite dishes.
Since Natsume wanted to take Hinata Hyuga out to have fun, he had suggested an outdoor picnic.
Though Rinka Hyuga had been somewhat puzzled, he was her daughter's benefactor, so naturally she agreed to his request.
Not only had she agreed, she had even cooked the food herself.
Ever since becoming the Hyuga Clan head's wife, she had never cooked for any man other than Hyuga Hiashi.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Natsume smiled sincerely. "I'm sure Auntie's cooking is excellent."
"You'll have to taste it first."
At his words, the corners of Rinka Hyuga's lips lifted, clearly putting her in a good mood.
"Of course."
Natsume picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of fatty meat, and tossed it into his mouth.
"Well? Does it suit your taste?"
Rinka Hyuga looked at him expectantly.
"It's amazing!"
Natsume gave her a thumbs-up. "Among everyone I know, Auntie's cooking ranks first."
"What a sweet talker."
Rinka Hyuga smiled gently. "Eat as much as you like. Don't stand on ceremony—just treat this like your own home."
She was the quintessential Yamato Nadeshiko.
Hinata Hyuga had clearly inherited her temperament.
But she was the eldest daughter of the main family.
That