Does This Love Suit Your Taste? - Volume 1 Chapter 2.3

The First Kiss Tasted Like Lemon 3

“What more could you ask for? You’re the next president of a company, and with such a cute model as your wife, I can rest easy. Marvelous!”

“I’m not saying you have to become the president right away. Start as a regular employee and work hard from there. Of course, I’ll support you with all my might.”

“Even if you say that… I——”

I’m suffocating under the pressure from both fathers.

“You’re not planning to stay single for life, are you? Besides, just like us right now, you’ll need a child to carry on your legacy sooner or later. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity?”

“A c-child… That’s not important right now! And I’m sure Shirahime wants to marry someone she loves! …Right, Shirahime!?”

When Shirahime turned her eyes towards me, she blinked her dusky-lashed eyes while slightly blushing.

“Well… Toui-kun, I’m planning… to get married to you…”

No way, how can she look so alluring talking about an arranged marriage… And that dress, it’s quite revealing… I thought she was slender, but unexpectedly…

Wait, wait! My instincts are screaming to make a child!

“S-so… you’re planning to get married to me…”

Calm down and think about it. What would happen if I actually married S-Hime…?

『Welcome home, dear! You must be tired from work. Here, let me take your bag.』

『Rira, I’m home.』

『Do you want to have dinner? Or take a bath? Or maybe——Ahn. Wait, what are you doing…』

『Ahaha, of course I’m going to choose you.』

『Stop it, you’re so naughty… Ahn——』

Not good, my calm instincts are trying to make a child.

When I drank some water, my excited and heated body cooled down.

No, this isn’t the time to be thinking about weird stuff.

“But what about Mabuchi-san? Are you guys just going to take away his job because it suits you?”

“It’s not something you need to worry about. Mabuchi was originally a staff member at the high-end store I manage. I’ll have him return there.”

“No way…”

Seeing that I could no longer object, this old man began to wrap up the conversation on his own.

“In summary, Toui will receive Shirahime’s company in exchange for handing over Maison. If Toui marries Rira-chan, everything will work out perfectly. How about it, Toui? You kill two birds with one stone with just this one shop.”

“Toui-kun, could you please positively consider my daughter as your fiancée?”

The future of the Shirahime family, Maison’s financial troubles, and various other elements were intertwined in this settled discussion, but there was one crucial element that couldn’t be ignored.

“Give me a break… What’s this about killing two birds with one stone… What’s this about being positive… this is no joke…”

Even if the forbidden fruit of temptation were to grow before me, I have a firm resolve never to partake of it.

“I’m telling you. I’m going to take over this shop!”

Staring straight at the man, I slammed the desk and, with an unwavering will conveyed in my expression, I made my plea.

“I don’t care about becoming the president or marriage or any of that! This is my life! How my life turns out is not for you to decide! I’m not getting married, nor will I run a company!”

In contrast to my fury, Shirahime’s father calmly nodded twice. But even he wouldn’t say ‘just marry her’ after that.

My father also showed his impatience.

“S-Shirahime, give Toui some time. Toui, you really are stubborn!”

“I’ve been refusing all this time, who’s the one who can’t take a hint? What kind of deal is this? Where’s the part that’s supposed to benefit me? It’s all just your damn selfish convenience!”

“Listen, Toui. This place isn’t even yours to begin with!”

“Shut up! I promised I’d protect Maison for that person——”

As I was about to say more, the two from Shirahime’s side turned towards me. Their eyes, different from before, seemed to listen for what I would say next.

I almost spoke of my personal feelings too cheaply.

I touched the medallion earrings and restrained myself.

“…Anyway, marriage is seriously out of the question.”

“I understand how you feel, Toui-kun. Well, everyone, let’s all calm down for a moment.”

Shirahime’s father stepped in to mediate between us. Shirahime Rira also looks embarrassed.

“…What should we do, Papa?”

“There’s nothing we can do about this. We can’t force this on Toui-kun.”

“Sorry for having such a troublesome son…”

“Haha, he does remind me of someone from the past.”

While receiving a wry smile from Shirahime’s father, my old man turned away uncomfortably.

“…I’m stepping out.”

While my father took a sip of water, I stepped outside the shop to cool my head.

◇