"It's been so long, and Guuji Yae is still as haughty as ever."
"Oh, please, not as much as Miss Kokomi. Although your appearance is still as frail as a jellyfish, your words are quite venomous."
For some reason, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Yae Miko started clashing immediately.
This made Yuuko feel extremely awkward.
After all, both were guests, and he couldn't take sides.
However, Yuuko found it quite strange. He remembered that although the relationship between these two wasn't good, they didn't usually start arguing the moment they met, even during the Vision Hunt Decree period.
Did the war end, removing their common enemy, causing them to revert to their original relationship?
After all, both were chief priestesses of different shrines, serving different gods, so it was normal for them not to get along.
Driven by curiosity, Yuuko asked aloud:
"Um, may I ask, what exactly do 'Exquisite Fried Tofu' and 'deep-sea tongue sole' mean?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi smiled and explained, "Those are, of course, Guuji Yae's pen names. Only she would choose names so devoid of artistic meaning."
Yae Miko refused to be outdone: "Indeed, 'deep-sea tongue sole' is quite artistic, you know~"
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "..."
Yae Miko: "..."
As these two continued to bicker, Kamisato Ayaka, who was standing nearby, wanted to intervene but didn't know how to step in.
She could only wave her small hands frantically.
And she cast a pleading look at Yuuko: "Mr. Yuuko..."
Finally, Yuuko grew slightly impatient:
"Alright, if you're here to eat, shut up and stop arguing. Just eat properly."
Yuuko spoke with such anger.
Yae Miko immediately reacted, crossing her arms and softly huffing:
"Hmph, if Little Qian weren't here, I would definitely fight this deep-sea tongue sole for three hundred rounds."
After that, she truly stopped being venomous toward Sangonomiya Kokomi.
Watching this scene, Sangonomiya Kokomi, who had been furious moments before, instantly calmed down.
And she looked at Yae Miko incredulously.
In her opinion, how could a scum woman like Yae Miko be so obedient?
She actually quieted down immediately?
Was she... tamed?
Sangonomiya Kokomi couldn't help but take a deep breath, fixing her gaze on Yuuko.
In her view, Yuuko, this best-selling writer from Inazuma, was becoming increasingly mysterious... Sangonomiya Kokomi's direct gaze made Yuuko feel very confused:
"What is it, Miss Kokomi? Why are you staring at me?"
Yae Miko also said with dissatisfaction, "Miss deep-sea tongue sole, this is my Little Qian. Please don't get any ideas about him."
"Your Little Qian..." Sangonomiya Kokomi was speechless.
After a long pause, she finally apologized:
"I apologize. I was just thinking about something, which is why I kept staring at Mr. Yuuko. Please don't mind it."
Yuuko shook his head: "It's fine. As long as we can eat quietly, that's what matters. Let's start eating, or the food will get cold soon."
At this moment, Kamisato Ayaka also let out a sigh of relief:
"That's wonderful, you two have finally stopped arguing."
"I apologize." Sangonomiya Kokomi bowed slightly toward Kamisato Ayaka, then said:
"It might be rude to ask now, but may I ask who this young lady is?"
Before Kamisato Ayaka could introduce herself, Yuuko smiled and said:
"This is the Demoiselle of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayaka. She came along with us to visit."
"The Kamisato Clan... is she the Egret Princess of Inazuma's Shuumatsuban?" Sangonomiya Kokomi showed a surprised expression.
Kamisato Ayaka frantically waved her small hands:
"Egret Princess... that's just an undeserved title... I mainly came this time to follow Mr. Yuuko and broaden my horizons."
"Is that so." Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded, and simultaneously, her curiosity about Yuuko deepened significantly.
If Yuuko were truly just a best-selling writer, it would be impossible for him to be connected with so many famous people in Inazuma... The fact that the Raiden Shogun previously sent a letter requesting Sangonomiya Kokomi to properly host Yuuko already indicated that Yuuko's relationship with the Raiden Shogun was extraordinary.
Just now, Yuuko had stopped Yae Miko as if he were her master.
This showed that Yuuko's relationship with Yae Miko was also extraordinary, and perhaps Yuuko's status might even be above Yae Miko's.
And Kamisato Ayaka, the Demoiselle of Inazuma's Shuumatsuban family, even said she came to Watatsumi Island to broaden her horizons by following Yuuko... Clearly, Yuuko, this writer from Inazuma, was definitely not as simple as he appeared.
"What is it, Miss Kokomi? You're looking at me again."
"Nothing." Sangonomiya Kokomi withdrew her gaze and smiled: "Let's eat."
Just like that, the four of them finally began enjoying their dinner.
Among the four, Sangonomiya Kokomi was the only one tasting Yuuko's cooking for the first time.
Looking at the few modest dishes on the table, Sangonomiya Kokomi was actually not very interested.
But due to courtesy, she didn't show it.
However, after Sangonomiya Kokomi picked up one of the dishes and slowly chewed it in her mouth,
her eyes instantly brightened, and she couldn't help but praise:
"The vegetables are handled so well, and the seasoning is just right—sweet and sour, delicious! Mr. Yuuko's cooking is truly excellent!"
Yae Miko laughed proudly: "Of course, my Little Qian's cooking skills are top-notch~"
Sangonomiya Kokomi couldn't help but complain: "I was complimenting Mr. Yuuko. What does that have to do with Guuji Yae..."
"Because he's my Little Qian~"
Sangonomiya Kokomi rolled her eyes at Yae Miko, ignored her, extended her chopsticks, picked up another dish, and tasted it.
She found that every single dish was superb in flavor.
Now, Sangonomiya Kokomi added another point to her understanding of Yuuko.
Top-tier cooking.
"He is becoming increasingly valuable for investigation."
Having secretly thought this, Sangonomiya Kokomi continued to savor the meal, which was extremely delicious to her.
Perhaps it was because too many things had happened recently on Watatsumi Island.
Different people and forces had been targeting Enkanomiya one after another.
Because of this, Sangonomiya Kokomi had accumulated considerable stress, and now that she could enjoy such delicious food to relax, she naturally wouldn't pass up the opportunity.
So, as she ate, Sangonomiya Kokomi stopped worrying about etiquette and began eating heartily... After some time, the dinner finally concluded.
Sangonomiya Kokomi patted her slightly distended belly and sighed contentedly:
"It's been a long time since I ate such delicious food. Mr. Yuuko's cooking is much better than what our Watatsumi Island cooks make."
Without a doubt, this meal was very stress-relieving for Sangonomiya Kokomi.
It relieved much of the pressure she had accumulated during this period.
"You flatter me. My cooking skills aren't as good as you say." Yuuko smiled.
"No, Mr. Yuuko, you are too humble." Sangonomiya Kokomi shook her head, then wore a hesitant expression.
After a moment, she finally made up her mind and said:
"Mr. Yuuko, can I come here to eat in the future?"
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