The following morning.
Mayumi Saegusa woke up from her sleep. She combed her slightly messy hair and turned off the alarm clock that was still beeping.
When she finished getting ready and went downstairs to have breakfast, she found that Koichi Saegusa was still sitting at the head of the table in the dining room.
"Father? Aren't you busy with work today?" Mayumi Saegusa asked, puzzled.
At this time of day, Koichi Saegusa would usually be already at work. But today, he doesn't seem to have that intention; instead, he's leisurely sitting in the restaurant.
"I've been waiting for you. Please have a seat, Mayumi," Koichi Saegusa a smile.
Looking at the smile on his face, Mayumi Saegusa became even more puzzled. Although it's perfectly normal for a family to sit together at the dining table, it's rather rare in the Saegusa Family to see someone clearly having something to say but choosing a place like the dining room.
Mayumi Saegusa sat down, Koichi Saegusa began to speak.
"You seem to be getting quite close to that Course 2 Student from First High School who got in through connections lately?"
Upon hearing Koichi Saegusa's question, Mayumi Saegusa's heart sank. She and Yunyi hadn't kept their actions a secret, so it wasn't surprising that Koichi Saegusa knew. However, judging from his past behavior, he shouldn't have brought this matter up so quickly.
Just as Mayumi Saegusa was pondering how to answer, Koichi Saegusa continued speaking.
"Yesterday, he seemed to display some very strange Ancient Magic at school, but according to the information I have, he shouldn't be proficient in spells other than Kotodama Magic. Mayumi, do you know what's going on?"
Upon hearing Koichi Saegusa's question, Mayumi Saegusa felt a sense of relief. She had already thought of a way to deal with this issue when she suggested pretending to be a couple with Yunyi. However, according to the original plan, the discussion about this issue should have been held after the Nine Schools Competition.
"Father, Yunyi-kun's situation is somewhat special. As you probably already know, his family is not doing well right now. Therefore, many people in the family are pinning their hopes on him. However, he doesn't really like this atmosphere, and coupled with some unfortunate experiences, he doesn't want to reveal this technique to those people, so he has been keeping it a secret," said Mayumi Saegusa.
"Oh? Is that so?" Koichi Saegusa was somewhat surprised.
He pondered for a moment before continuing, "So, according to you, he should have kept it hidden forever. Why has he suddenly come out in public? Mayumi, this is related to you, isn't it?"
Koichi Saegusa's words sounded like an inquiry, but he had already concluded that this matter was related to Mayumi Saegusa.
"Yes, Father. Yunyi-kun and I are dating." Mayumi Saegusa didn't intend to hide anything and gave the answer directly.
"Do you think he's worth it?" Koichi Saegusa continued to press.
Mayumi Saegusa nodded firmly.
"Is he more worthy than Hirofumi-kun and Katsuto-kun?" Koichi Saegusa confirmed again.
"I think so. Father, I hope you can give me a chance. I will prove that Yunyi-kun is more worthy of my doing this than Igura-kun and Jumonji-kun," Mayumi Saegusa said firmly.
silence.
Upon hearing Mayumi Saegusa's words, Koichi Saegusa fell silent. He was weighing in his mind whether it would be a waste to arrange Mayumi Saegusa's marriage to someone from such a fallen noble family.
"If you just want to win him over, perhaps you don't need to do it yourself? I think Kasumi or Izumi would be more suitable."
A moment later, Koichi Saegusa spoke, giving Mayumi Saegusa an answer she did not want to hear.
Actually, this answer wasn't unexpected for her. As a daughter of the Saegusa Family, whether she was the eldest, second, or youngest, she would likely end up in a marriage alliance. However, being the eldest daughter gave her more leverage in such alliances, which led to the current situation.
Mayumi Saegusa head slightly. She had actually already thought about her answer to this question. But in her heart, she didn't really want to face it.
Just as Mayumi Saegusa was about to refuse Koichi Saegusa, Koichi Saegusa spoke first, "However, since you've already started dating him, let's leave it at that for now. But Mayumi, you only have one chance. Before you graduate, I want to see his worth. Otherwise, I won't agree. Understand, Mayumi?"
Koichi Saegusa's words stunned Mayumi Saegusa. She had never imagined that things would develop so smoothly.
Seeing the surprised expression on his daughter's face, Koichi Saegusa sighed softly.
" Mayumi, as your father, I also hope you can meet someone worthy of your feelings. However, for a family like ours, that might just be wishful thinking. Since you have your own ideas, I'll give you one chance to be willful. But only once. Mayumi, we are Saegusa."
Having said that, Koichi Saegusa stood up before Mayumi Saegusa reply. But before leaving the restaurant, he gave her one last instruction.
"Remember, it's until graduation."
Only after Koichi Saegusa left did Mayumi Saegusa relax. She hadn't expected things to develop this way, nor had she thought her father would actually relent. But what would happen next?
She and Yunyi were only pretending to be a couple; they weren't really dating. As Koichi Saegusa said, her marriage partner would inevitably be someone who could bring benefits to the Saegusa Family. But Yunyi...
With her thoughts in turmoil Mayumi Saegusa ate breakfast and left home. She didn't know whether she should see Yunyi. If she went, what should she say? If she didn't go, then what was the point of getting up early?
"You're putting on that expression that doesn't suit you at all. Mayumi, you really are a wasteful girl."
"Huh!?"
The sudden accusation startled Mayumi Saegusa. She quickly turned to look in the direction of the voice, and what she saw was the very person she had just been thinking about!
" Yunyi-kun, why are you here?!"