Stealing Spree

Before long, the ex-fiance couldn't handle it anymore as he excused himself, thanking the family for the meal.

At least he knew how not to ruin the night. He's already too thick-skinned to come here after their canceled engagement. But then again, he must've been forced to do so because of his family and Otoha’s mother.

Still, I won’t label him as a good guy. Part of him was still hoping to get connected to the Kaneko through Otoha, after all.

Anyway, by the time the questions ended, the former tension was replaced by merry laughter. I had them all eating out of my hand with stories of Grandpa's peculiar habits and his love for the outdoors.

Of course, some of the stories were exaggerated and if ever that old man heard it from them, I'd definitely get scolded. However, I doubt they'll tattle about it to him so I'm safe.

"By the way, I know there's some tension earlier and I may not be the best of character but when it comes to Otoha, I promise to take care of her to the best of my abilities. That's my promise to you, Uncle... and Auntie."

Intentionally avoiding any further provocation, I turned my charm up to eleven. "Auntie, you're as beautiful as Otoha. A frown doesn't suit you. If there's anything I can do to get your approval, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

Her mother looked at me for a moment as if trying to gauge whether my words were genuine or mere flattery. But she was not one to be easily swayed. She didn't answer me and just stood up from the table before turning to her husband, "I'm tired. I'm going to bed first."

Upon saying that, she turned to the door, her aide following behind her.

As the door to the dining hall opened and closed, all of us watched her back until it disappeared behind it.

"Father, is Mother going to...?" Otoha couldn't help but ask.

"Don't worry. She'll come around. Onoda-kun, you still have a lot to prove. Don't get too complacent. At the very least, stay true to your words of making my daughter happy. I'll also get going." With that, Otoha's father also left the room, leaving us with her brother Hidekazu.

"Hmm... I say you scored at least an 80, Onoda." Hidekazu smirked as he leaned back in his chair, watching as his sister's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink. "You're headstrong but like Dad said, there's still so much for you to prove. And you still have to win over Mom."

I chuckled, "Indeed. Thanks for the reminder, Onii-san."

"Mhm. I'll leave you to it. But Onoda. Can I talk to you later?"

"Sure."

"Great. Otoha, he's in your hands now. Don't let him pull any funny business," Hidekazu teased as he too got up from the table, leaving us alone in the grand dining hall.

"So, how would you rate my performance?" I asked after moving my chair close to Otoha.

The other servants in the dining hall had already left and only Hitomi remained. Naturally, my question was also directed at her.

Otoha looked at me with a mix of relief and admiration. "I'd say it was a perfect 100. And that's me holding back, Ruki... Even without my help, my mother would've had no choice but to acknowledge your charm."

"My charm, huh? She was frowning when she left. And here I thought I could make her smile when I told her it didn't suit her beautiful face."

I playfully shook my head, acting like I lost. That made Otoha laugh.

"Pfft. What do you expect? She wanted to tear you down but you fought back flawlessly."

Hitomi also interjected, "I agree, Ruki-sama. You did it with such finesse, madam can only back down."

"Thank you, Hitomi," I said, smiling at her. "But I can't take all the credit. Otoha's support was crucial. It's like we're a duo of charm and wit. There's also Hidekazu."

Otoha nodded but then she remembered how her brother spoiled that she was the one who made the dessert. "It seems I have to have a talk with Hide-niisan about keeping secrets."

"Well, I think it's fine. I'll find out either way. You think I don't have someone spying on you?" I smirked.

Otoha's eyes widened slightly before shifting her gaze behind us, realizing who it could have been, "Huh? Wait... Hitomi-nee, are you going to tell him?"

Hitomi nodded without any change in her expression, " If he didn't find out, yes. You've been working hard practicing for the past week, Otoha-sama. Your efforts should not go unnoticed."

The girl pouted but at the same time, a genuine smile peeked through her lips. "Fine. But I'm already glad Ruki liked it... I also asked Nao for tips."

"Oh? Great idea. That girl loves to help. She also keeps sending me sweets she makes in her free time. Next time I'll bake some with both of you."

"No... If that happens, all you have to do is watch over us, Ruki." Otoha blushed, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"Only watch over? What if I want to pamper you?"

"Uh... As long as you won't turn into a backseat chef," Otoha sweetly giggled.

"If I did that, I'd definitely be scolded by both of you. Oh, why not let Hitomi join too."

"That's a great idea! Hitomi-nee. Next time let's bake something together." With her eyes sparkling, Otoha looked over at Hitomi again.

"N-no... How can I?" Caught off guard, Hitomi stuttered. That was a rare occurrence in itself.

Otoha and I shared a laugh which made Hitomi blush from slight embarrassment.

Our conversation continued like this, light and teasing. The tension from before had completely dissipated, replaced by warm smiles and sweet laughter.

Honestly, I also never expected to tide through it smoothly. Moreover, the mention of the eccentric old man was the one that turned things around. If not for that, we'd still be sitting here with her mother questioning my qualifications or what I can offer.

In a way, my goal of convincing her was not over yet. There'd be a round two. Maybe tomorrow or some other time.

But at the very least, she would stop opposing us now. Instead, she'll probably direct her efforts in finding fault with me. I was expecting her to bring up the other girls who were caught in a photo with me. Surprisingly, she didn't even use that in an argument.

Either she's keeping it as some sort of trump card in the future or there's still a mother side in her.

Afterward, Otoha proposed going to her room. As for Hitomi, she excused herself for a while. She hadn't eaten dinner yet, after all.

On our way there, Otoha clung to my arm like she always would. With how huge their mansion was we couldn't help but pass by other servants who would curiously look at us.

They would bow at us and I would nod at them, greeting them politely. That's the way to get easily accepted in this kind of household, giving a great impression to the servants who will surely gossip among themselves.

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