Facing Miko's escalation of the provocation, Shura Anyakonsen-shou responded with honest straightforwardness.
"To be honest with you, Ei-san's skills in cooking are truly breathtaking…
It's said that only the Kiana family's God-Slaying Cuisine and the legendary coffee held by the Astral Express Navigator can compare…"
The cheeky fox didn't understand the meme in Shura Anyakonsen-shou's words, but she knew full well how terrible Ei's cooking was.
God-Slaying Cuisine…
Oh my, this little one seemed upright and honest on the surface, but apparently he wasn't all that straightforward either…
Miss Miko leaned close to Mr. Cid's ear, her soft voice carrying a warm tickle that was slightly distracting.
"Actually… I also know a thing or two about Ei-san's cooking skills. How about I teach you a little…?"
Facing Miss Yae's sudden intimacy on their first meeting, Mr. Cid silently took a step back.
I make sure to build a good relationship with dango milk before even thinking about hugs—let alone with a fox spirit I just met?
"No need for that. Speaking of which, let's first discuss how to pull Ei-san out…"
Mr. Cid's expression remained normal—almost stern, even.
But there's a saying:
Direct acceptance is boring; resistance makes it interesting.
Just like how the old uncle would seal little Hu Tao in his embrace, enjoying her initial struggle before her helpless surrender—that was the most enjoyable part.
And now, the roles were reversed.
Mr. Cid had become the little Hu Tao—resisting Miko's verbal temptation, yet not resisting completely. At least deep down, he really was tempted.
To be moved by the fox's allure while still maintaining rationality and restraint—but without outright fleeing—this tacit, half-hearted "wanting but refusing" resistance only excited this cheeky fox even more.
What bad intentions could a pink-haired fox possibly have?
She just wanted to watch the mighty Shura Anyakonsen-shou almost give in, only to say "In your dreams~" and see his disappointed expression~
"That blockhead can stay sealed a bit longer. Why don't we first sort out the relationship between the two of us~
Speaking of which, you heartless little thing have really tormented me quite badly.
And when you're free, you're always playing with kids, hmm…
Could it be that you would prefer if I turned into a childlike form to interact with you?"
Not just anyone qualified to make the Guuji feel playful.
If you hadn't cow'd me so much and weren't genuinely interesting, I might not even bother teasing you.
And indeed, after being frustrated for so long, now that Miko had relaxed, she was letting herself go a little wild.
But at this moment, Mr. Cid became serious and switched into Shura Anyakonsen-shou mode.
"Guuji, please don't phrase the relationship between us in such strange ways. Perhaps to you it's just a joke,
but to me, relationships between people—or between people and youkai—must be taken seriously.
You don't need to turn into any childlike form. I admit I enjoy being around cute children,
but what I like isn't just their cuteness—it's the pure, beautiful emotions they have.
If you want to build a good relationship with me, all it takes is seriousness—or rather, honesty."
At this moment, Shura Anyakonsen-shou looked somewhat like he had a heart sealed in concrete.
Everyone has a bottom line, and clearly, the old uncle's bottom line was children.
Even as a joke, he wasn't willing to accept it.