"Maasan?" Tatsuo held the tanuki in his arms gently, as he looked at the Mongolian restaurant that was brought by Nifuji. "It's my first time trying a Mongolian dish."
"It's like a BBQ."
"Is it?" 2x
Tatsuo and Fuji looked at Nifuji at the same time, curiously.
"Yup, have you heard of Jingisukan?"
"Jingisukan!" 2x
The two were surprised and looked eagerly at the restaurant.
"I have heard it." Fuji's expression suddenly became solemn. "In the past, to eat, Genghis Khan's soldiers would use their helmets to barbecue meat." She was a bookworm, so she read a lot, and it wasn't surprising that she knew the origin of something weird.
"....." Nifuji.
Yet, even so, it surprised him that Fuji had known the origin of the Jingisukan,
"That seems interesting and delicious." Tatsuo's reaction was simple: he wiped his mouth, which was almost drooling, thinking of the delicious meat grilled using the unique, ancient Mongolian method.
Tanuki might not say anything, but it was already drooling on Tatsuo's arms.
Regardless, when Nifuji saw their reactions, he knew he hadn't brought them to the wrong place; Jingisukan was quite famous in this country, especially since it was a bit cruel, and the number of dishes here was quite small.
Ramen, sushi, karaage, and all others.
While there were many variations depending on the seasons, events, or other factors, the dish was essentially the same, but with a different taste.
However, he sighed in relief when they didn't seem to hate his choice, and even eagerly wished to try. "Should we go on now?"
"Yes." 2x
'Yes!'
As Fuji and Tatsuo nodded, the tanuki also made a note with its paws.
"...." Tatsuo.
While Nifuji and Fuji were okay, Tatsuo was so shocked that his sunglasses were about to fall off. His eyes widened as wide as he could, and he couldn't believe what he had seen, so he wiped his eyes several times until he realized what had happened was real.
"A-A Youkai!"
Yup, it was a youkai, but Nifuji didn't care much, as his system was more dangerous, considering how he could control and dominate the world with the economy.
"Stop saying stupid things. I am hungry." Fuji sighed as she picked up the tanuki.
"W-Wait! Are you not surprised?!"
"Irasshaimase!"
Yet as the restaurant door opened, Tatsuo's voice was swallowed by the chefs' welcome.
Nifuji wasn't sure how Tatsuo would cope with the fact that his daughter's pet was a youkai, but for one thing, he was hungry, and he wanted to eat first.
Also, while he knew that he was a bit of a glutton, he also sighed in relief inwardly, as the situation hadn't gone in the worst direction, but he also had to admit that while a normal harem protagonist might be troubled, he somehow had a feeling that he could handle this, especially when Tatsuo looked so innocent.
Despite Tatsuo's tough face, Nifuji could tell that Tatsuo's heart was as soft as a plushie.
However, while this was easier for him, as he knew that his relationship with Fuji was as smooth as it could be, especially when he was given permission by her father, but at the same time, it was also harder for him, as he couldn't answer the trust that was given by Tatsuo.
'But this is just a matter of emotion.'
The world is realistic.
Even if Nifuji knew that he might not be the best man, and the one who gave Fuji all of the love, as long as he showed his capability and success, showing that he could handle all of her problems, especially in the family, her family would be more or less supportive of him.
It was cold, but he knew as long as he had the money, everything was okay, yet somehow, while it might be a little too ungrateful, he wanted something more genuine.
The money, he knew, was important, so he wouldn't stop trying to get it, as he knew that in the current era, without it, his life would be miserable... no, it wasn't miserable, but had a limit of possibility.
So he had to work hard, but he also had to know when he could say he had "enough," or else he would become a slave to money, his attention fixed on those cold things that cared only about numbers.
Still, if it was before, he knew that he wouldn't have a "leeway" to say that something was "enough," especially when he worked in the sales department where he had to meet a certain target for his company.
Target, target, and target.
If one's skill was good and they felt the joy that came from sales, it might be okay, but this type of job wasn't for everyone, as not many loved to talk with people.
However, for the future, for their life, whether they wanted to or not, they had to grit their teeth.
In the past, Nifuji was like that, which was why he was grateful to the system, as he was given the freedom of choice.
Still, he knew that even if the system gave him a choice, he was the one who made the decision, whether he would treasure the one who gave their heart, or just treat them like a business, as they gave him money and abilities.
At this moment, he faced the battle of morality and reality.
Yet, Fuji was also the same since she could tell that Tatsuo loved Nifuji, and she was glad for that, but even so, she knew well their relationship wasn't like how Tatsuo imagined.
Currently, Nifuji might love her, but in the future?
What would happen if he grew bored with her?
Would she live in bitterness and face her parents' regret?
As her mind was in constant worry, thinking about the future that was different from what her parents wished, Nifuji, who stood in front, happened to notice her expression. Even if her face was as blank as ever, the worry in her eyes was impossible to hide, so he reached for her hand and grabbed it tightly.
"...Hirotaka?"
"What's wrong?"
"No, nothing."
Yup, nothing at all.
When his hand reached her, all of her worries vanished, which made her wonder whether she was so easy, but she knew that as long as they were together now, what the future didn't matter at all.
Poor, wealthy, sick, healthy, happy, unhappy, or many other situations that they might face in the future, at least for now, as long as they are together, it is fine.
Yet, without a doubt, watching them, Tatsuo sighed in relief, as he smiled brightly, and chased after them. "I want 400 gr of meat!"
"....." Nifuji.
"Slow down, Dad. Your blood pressure is going to become high."
Regardless, they had to watch out for Tatsuo so he wouldn't get cholesterol.