Chapter 218: Hot Spring Trip
"Have you decided on the location?"
Ryuji didn't mind the idea of a little getaway.
Life had been smooth and peaceful lately, and sometimes it was necessary to take time to relax and enjoy it.
Besides, hot springs were a quintessential part of Japan's culture. Bathing was more than just a habit—it was a tradition.
So far, Ryuji hadn't visited a hot spring resort yet.
"I've already picked a place."
This time, it was Yukino who answered.
"Yukinoshita Hot Springs. It's not far from here, and we can even reserve it for ourselves!"
She made it clear that they wouldn't have to share the space with strangers, which was ideal for their group.
"Yukinoshita?"
Ryuji gave Yukino a curious look. The Yukinoshita family had always been known for their involvement in real estate.
But now…
He hadn't expected them to have ventured into the hot spring business.
"Surprised?"
Noticing his gaze, Yukino shrugged nonchalantly.
"Ever since you arrived, and now that I've become a sorcerer, my mother has been expanding the Yukinoshita family's business. Before, our family often faced boycotts and obstacles from competitors, but now people are practically lining up to cooperate with us."
The Yukinoshita family had once been referred to as a "chaebol," but in reality, they were merely a local business with some financial weight.
Naturally, when their ventures clashed with the interests of others, they faced resistance.
But now…
They didn't even need to seek partnerships. Other families and businesses approached them every day with cooperation offers.
The reason?
The presence of a sorcerer in the Yukinoshita family.
"Still feels strange…"
Yukino sighed softly, a mix of emotion in her expression.
She never imagined she would one day become the key figure supporting her family's future.
However, Yukino was also very clear about one thing, she owed it all to the man standing in front of her.
If it weren't for Ryuji, she might still be the same ordinary girl as before, with no influence or strength to speak of.
With that thought in mind, Yukino's eyes softened as she looked at Ryuji with a hint of gratitude and admiration.
"I see," Ryuji said casually, not dwelling on the matter.
The status of the Yukinoshita family was of no particular concern to him. Even if they became one of the most powerful conglomerates in the country, it wouldn't affect him in the slightest.
At the end of the day, strength was what truly mattered in this world, not wealth or influence.
"But is the hot spring large enough? Make sure there's enough space so it doesn't get crowded."
If they were going, Ryuji wouldn't leave anyone out. Aside from the members of the Service Club, there were others like the Ichika sisters who would certainly be invited.
"Don't worry!"
Yukino immediately reassured him, understanding his meaning.
"This hot spring hotel is a new project my mother launched. She plans for it to become a symbol of the Yukinoshita family in the future, so it's designed to be spacious. Accommodating dozens—or even a hundred—people at once wouldn't be an issue."
As she finished speaking, she glanced at Ryuji with a knowing look.
"A hundred people might be a bit much!"
Ryuji coughed awkwardly, trying to downplay the exaggeration.
"Ahem!" Changing the topic decisively, he said, "In that case, make the arrangements and let me know the date. By the way, has anything interesting happened at school recently?"@@novelbin@@
"…"
The girls exchanged glances, clearly aware of Ryuji's attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere.
It was Hana who eagerly raised her hand and spoke first.
"A really pretty girl just transferred into our class recently!"
"Huh?"
Ryuji raised an eyebrow at the unexpected news.
The other girls, however, looked at Hana first, then turned their gazes toward Ryuji with a strange, knowing expression.
"…?"
Ryuji, who had been curious, froze under their collective stares.
"Wait, what's with those looks? This is Hana's story, not mine!"
He genuinely had no idea what was going on.
"No way!"
Due to certain past incidents, Arisu and Masumi had started frequenting the Service Club during lunch breaks.
At first, it had been a bit surprising for everyone, but they quickly got used to it.
In fact, compared to everything else, the girls now handled such situations with calm acceptance.
Shrugging, Arisu spoke bluntly, "Well, it's not like it's surprising. After all, Ryuji-kun does have a way of making these cute girls flock to him."
Thanks to Ryuji, Arisu's heart condition had been completely cured.
She no longer needed a cane to walk, and she could move freely without any restrictions. The once delicate and fragile girl now radiated an air of confidence and vitality—a true little tyrannosaurus with a sharp tongue to match.
"…"
Ryuji didn't respond to her comment.
Instead, he calmly walked over to where Arisu stood.
"Uh…"
Thinking she might have pushed him too far, Arisu started to get nervous. While she enjoyed teasing him, she had no intention of actually angering Ryuji.
But before she could say anything, Ryuji raised his hand and started ruffling her neatly styled hair.
"What wings? What do you mean by that? And what's with this nonsense about cute girls flocking to me? You're slandering me!"
Her once flawless hairstyle was now completely disheveled.
"Ah! My hair!"
Arisu gasped in horror, trying to fix the mess as Ryuji grinned at her reaction.
Seeing the two bickering playfully, the other members of the Service Club couldn't help but chuckle.
By now, they'd spent enough time with Ryuji to know his personality well. He wasn't the type to get genuinely upset over trivial things.
"Hmph!"
When Ryuji finally let go, Arisu's previously elegant hairstyle had turned into a chaotic mess.
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