Chapter 2 | “The Little Girl Falls for Ramen”
“—How about your favorite, ramen, for dinner, Akihito?”
A few hours after Emma-chan burst in, with all the moving boxes unpacked, Kanon-san proposed dinner.
It’s impressive she recalled my favorite food.
“…A-kun, you like ramen…?”
“Uh, yeah…?”
Wait, have I… never told Charl…?
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Charl puffed her cheeks slightly, shooting me a pouty glance.
Does she think I was keeping it from her…?
Saying it wasn’t worth mentioning here would probably land me in hot water with everyone.
“…Ramen used to be my favorite, but now your cooking tops it, Charl. I was so happy eating your food, I didn’t think to mention it.”
I hurriedly came up with an excuse.
Of course, it’s not a lie.
Until recently, ramen held the top spot, but Charl’s cooking has claimed it now.
“A-kun, that’s not fair…”
Charl’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away.
Her lips curved into a smile, so despite her words, she seems delighted.
“Are we intruding?”
“Onee-sama, shall we retreat to my room?”
They must’ve thought we were getting all lovey-dovey.
With warm smiles, Sophia-san and Kanon-san rose to leave.
Meanwhile, Emma-chan, perched on my lap watching cat videos, seems completely unbothered.
“You don’t have to go…”
I quickly stopped the two, who were about to slip away with knowing grins.
We were discussing dinner plans, and we can’t hold things up because of us.
Especially since Emma-chan would throw a fit.
She’s quite the little foodie, after all.
“Since Akihito’s so taken with Charlotte-san’s cooking, I’d love to ask her to whip something up—but you must be exhausted today. Let’s go for ramen.”
Teasing me on purpose, Kanon-san made the suggestion.
She’s been nudging us toward ramen from the start, but it’s likely not because she craves it.
It’s only because it used to be my favorite, so she’s pushing for it.
“If it’s something A-kun loves, I’m all in.”
Now in a better mood, Charl agreed with a radiant smile.
She clung to my arm, resting her head on my shoulder.
She doesn’t seem to mind that her mother is right there.
If anything, it feels like she’s flaunting it.
“I’m in too. I want Emma to try ramen as well.”
When Sophia-san said her name, Emma-chan glanced up, puzzled.
But noticing Sophia-san’s gaze wasn’t on her, she must’ve decided it didn’t involve her and returned to the phone.
Come to think of it…
“Is ramen not really a thing in England?”
Not knowing much about foreign food culture, I asked Charl.
“Of course, they have it in England. Especially in London, where we lived, it was quite popular, and I think there were plenty of shops. I used to go a lot with—”
She cut herself off, as if realizing something, and glanced at Sophia-san.
“You used to go with your dad, didn’t you? He loved ramen too. But we haven’t gone since Emma was born.”
Sophia-san offered Charl a gentle smile, sharing the memory.
Charl probably stopped to avoid upsetting Sophia-san.
For them, ramen seems tied to memories of their father.
Since Charl arrived, we haven’t eaten out much, so it never came up, but I could’ve stumbled into a sensitive topic.
Now that things are good with Sophia-san, it seems okay, though.
“…”
Not wanting Charl to feel down, I gently took her left hand in my right.
“Ah…”
She looked at me with joy, as if she understood my intentions.
I’m genuinely glad this lifted her spirits.
“Since it’s decided, shall we head out? To the usual place.”
Urged by Kanon-san’s gentle smile, we set off for ramen.
◆◆◆
“—Sophia-san, thank you so much.”
At the ramen shop, I thanked Sophia-san for driving us.
The new house’s parking lot had two cars, both apparently hers.
One was the eight-seater minivan she drove us in.
The other was a fancy foreign car I’d never seen before.
Charl said they had a standard family car in England, but Kanon-san mentioned Sophia-san used to drive luxury cars like this one.
Charl probably never saw it because Sophia-san kept her CEO status under wraps to avoid suspicion.
“Thank you, Onee-sama.”
“I’m truly sorry…”
Following my lead, Kanon-san thanked her, while Kaguya-san looked apologetic.
She’d been like this the entire car ride.
For a maid like her, being driven by a business partner’s CEO must’ve felt awkward.
Before we left, Kanon-san made her wear casual clothes, and Kaguya-san has been fidgety ever since.
Honestly, her demeanor and outfit are quite the rare sight.
“It’s fine, I wanted to drive. I bought this car in Japan for moments like this.”
Apparently, Kaguya-san was supposed to arrange a limousine, but Sophia-san insisted on driving.
Since Sophia-san outranks her, Kaguya-san had to relent.
“Mom can be a bit forceful sometimes…”
For a moment, I thought Charl wasn’t like that—but then I recalled she can be surprisingly forceful too.
Not quite the same, but they’re definitely mother and daughter.
“Onii-chan, carry me!”
From inside the car, Emma-chan called out to me from her car seat.
I feel a bit bad for Sophia-san, but I’m thrilled she wants me to carry her even with her mom around.
I’m losing to Akihito-kun…
Yup, Sophia-san noticed and looks a bit stunned.
I feel a tad guilty.
“—Tomato ramen?”
As we headed inside, Charl tilted her head curiously at a ramen photo on the wall.
“Akihito loves the tomato ramen here.”
“Tomato, so it’s light and refreshing?”
It’s natural Charl would think that.
Tomatoes often evoke fresh, light dishes like salads.
But this place’s ramen is different.
It’s light with the tang and sweetness of tomatoes, yet still rich and flavorful like true ramen.
The garlic is bold, but the tomatoes make it easy to eat, so it’s honestly delicious.
“Think of it like Italian cuisine. The flavor’s close to tomato spaghetti.”
“That sounds intriguing.”
I’m glad Charl’s excited about it.
Emma-chan, in my arms, is squirming with anticipation too.
And so, we entered—.
“Kaguya, sit with us this time.”
As Kaguya-san tried to stand behind Kanon-san and wait, Kanon-san urged her to sit.
“But…”
“If you stand, you’ll disturb the other customers, right? And Charlotte-san and the others won’t be able to eat comfortably. So, join us.”
Regular customers aren’t used to seeing a lady with an attendant, so someone standing and waiting would draw eyes.
Sophia-san aside, Charl would feel uneasy if Kaguya-san didn’t eat too.
That’s why Kanon-san insisted she join us.
—Well, we’re already drawing attention, though.
“Hey, look… that table’s unreal, right…?”
“No way, it’s a table full of beauties…!”
“So gorgeous… are they celebrities or something?”
“Wow, too stunning! Can I get an autograph!?”
Sophia-san, Charl, and Emma-chan are undeniably striking, and Kanon-san’s quite the beauty too.
Even Kaguya-san, who often seems stern, is generally seen as beautiful.
With so many gorgeous women and girls together, it’s impossible not to stand out.
“Who’s that guy surrounded by them…?”
“I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere—oh, he’s that guy from that video…!”
“Hey, isn’t he the one from that clip?”
“Whoa, really!? Should I post about it on SNS…!?”
Seems I’m drawing attention for a different reason.
That video must’ve spread quite far.
Some people are aiming their phone cameras at us, while others are typing furiously.
“…Should I stop them?”
““““Eek!?””””
When Kaguya-san glanced their way, the nearby customers paled in unison.
She’s just protecting her precious lady, so it’s understandable.
“No need to be so aggressive. Let’s handle this calmly.”
Kanon-san stood, offering the customers a gentle smile.
But instead of approaching them, she walked toward the familiar shop manager.
“I’m sorry for causing a stir.”
“Oh! If it ain’t the little lady! You’ve grown up, even prettier than before!”
Recognizing Kanon-san, the manager flashed a big grin.
Seems Kanon-san hasn’t been here since middle school, because of that incident.
“And you brought the kid and the maid girl too!”
The manager cheerfully looked at me and Kaguya-san.
We both bowed, and he waved enthusiastically.
He’s as friendly and warm as ever.
Still, Kaguya-san’s not in her maid outfit today, unlike back then—how’d he know?
“Man, I thought you’d stopped comin’ since I hadn’t seen ya in ages!”
“I’m sorry. A lot happened… but I’m finally able to visit again.”
“Gotcha, life’s got its ups and downs, huh! Are the others friends? They’re awfully pretty!”
“The girl next to Akihito is his girlfriend. The other two are her mother and little sister.”
“Whoa, Kanon-san!?”
Even if he was kind to us back then, did she really need to share all that!?
“Well, damn! Here I thought the kid would end up with you, little lady, but wow, he snagged a real beauty!”
The manager grinned, looking at me and Charl.
It’s like he’s reacting to a relative’s kid getting a girlfriend.
Since Kanon-san brought me here when I was little, he probably sees me, Kanon-san, and Kaguya-san as a set.
“…”
Charl smiled but squeezed my hand tightly under the table.
It’s not shyness.
She probably didn’t like hearing he thought I’d end up with Kanon-san.
“They’re a great match, right?”
“Hell yeah, no doubt! The kid’s grown up fine!”
Even though we clearly don’t match looks-wise, the manager agreed with Kanon-san.
He’s such a great guy.
“By the way, Manager.”
When the conversation paused, Kanon-san straightened up.
Now for the main issue, probably.
“What’s up?”
“I’m sorry, but could you ask the customers not to take photos of us or post about us on SNS?”
Confronting them directly could stir up trouble.
Kanon-san must’ve gone to the manager because it’s proper to let the shop handle it.
It’s far more peaceful than sending Kaguya-san.
“My bad, didn’t think of that! Leave it to me!”
“Thank you.”
Kanon-san bowed deeply to the manager, who agreed readily, and returned to us.
The manager went straight to the customers, asking them politely.
Of course, he didn’t scold them—just made a humble request.
“He’s very courteous…”
Watching the manager make his rounds, Charl looked surprised.
“His tone and look might make you think he’s a rough, hot-headed guy, but he’s great with people.”
He knows how to connect with others and is popular with customers.
I heard once that some people come just to chat with him.
Well, he’s the one who said it, so I can’t confirm that.
“Now, let’s decide what to order.”
“Here, Akihito-sama.”
At Kanon-san’s words, Kaguya-san handed me a menu.
Kanon-san and Sophia-san were already browsing theirs.
“What do you want?”
I held the menu so Charl and Emma-chan, on either side of me, could see, and asked.
“A-kun, have you decided?”
“I’m going with tomato ramen.”
Besides tomato ramen, they have soy sauce, tonkotsu, soy-tonkotsu, and other standard types, plus tsukemen.
But I always go for tomato ramen here.
“There’s a cheese version of the tomato ramen too.”
Charl pointed at a photo of tomato ramen topped with a large, golden slice of cheese.
“Yeah, that’s great too. It makes the flavor milder.”
“Is it quite different?”
“Yup, it feels like a whole different dish. Also, for tomato-based ramen, I recommend getting a rice replacement after the noodles.”
With tomato ramen, you can get extra noodles, but you can also swap them for rice to make it like a risotto.
The rice comes with garlic or cheese options, so it’s highly recommended.
“My stomach can’t handle that much…”
True to her slender frame, Charl’s a light eater.
Eating rice after ramen sounds daunting for her.
“…”
After pondering for a bit, Charl glanced at Emma-chan.
“Emma, what do you want?”
Since Emma-chan can’t finish a portion alone, Charl probably plans to share whatever she picks.
“Mhm, same as Onii-chan!”
Without hesitation, Emma-chan pointed at the tomato ramen I chose.
She can’t read katakana, but she must’ve guessed it’s red from hearing “tomato.”
“Good, then I’ll share with Emma, so I can try the rice replacement too.”
“Right. Kanon-san, have you all decided?”
I looked at Kanon-san across from me, with Sophia-san and Kaguya-san on either side.
“I’ll have the cheese tomato ramen.”
Kanon-san always ordered the cheese version when we came here.
Choosing the same thing as before feels nostalgic.
“Hmm, I’ll go with the regular tomato ramen, since Akihito-kun loves it.”
Sophia-san picked the same as me.
The issue is Kaguya-san.
She’s still uneasy about eating with her master.
“Kaguya, are you saying you can’t follow my orders?”
Kanon-san asked with a smile.
Of course, she understands Kaguya-san’s feelings.
In high society, masters and servants rarely eat together—Kanon-san’s the exception here.
Still, she’s being considerate of us and the setting.
“No, it’s not that…”
“Get used to it. There’ll be more occasions like this going forward.”
“Understood…”
If Kanon-san plans to go out with me and Charl, we’ll eat out sometimes.
Since Kaguya-san’s always by Kanon-san’s side, it’d stand out if she didn’t join us.
We’d honestly prefer if she ate with us.
“Don’t overthink it. If your master wishes it, that’s what matters.”
Unable to stand by, Sophia-san smiled and agreed.
Considering she drove herself despite having Kaguya-san, it makes sense she’d side with Kanon-san.
Maybe Sophia-san drove to set this up?
By taking on Kaguya-san’s role as a servant, she’s already broken tradition.
Doing something so unconventional first shows Kaguya-san she won’t mind if she eats with us.
Perhaps that was her way of easing Kaguya-san into it?
“As Onee-sama says, if anyone questions you, just say you’re following my orders. Ignoring my orders would be the real problem.”
“Then… I’ll take you up on that.”
Kaguya-san nodded slowly.
“Hehe, that’s the spirit. Let’s eat together.”
Kanon-san nodded happily.
Maybe she’s always wanted to share a meal with Kaguya-san.
“Is Kaguya-san special to Kanon-san?”
Curious about their exchange, Charl whispered to me.
“They’re master and servant, but Kaguya-san’s been caring for Kanon-san since she was little, so I think she’s special to her.”
“Since she was little…? Kaguya-san seems pretty young, though…?”
Given her apparent age, it doesn’t quite add up.
No wonder Charl’s puzzled.
“Kaguya-san’s family has served the Himeragi household for generations. So she’s been looking after her since they were students.”
“It’s like something out of a manga…”
Impressed, Charl gazed at Kaguya-san.
Her eyes sparkled with interest, probably because she loves manga and anime.
Already fascinated by Kaguya-san’s maid status, she seems even more drawn to her now.
After that, Kaguya-san chose tomato ramen.
She avoided picking the same as her master, Kanon-san, and went with what most of us ordered.
When the ramen arrived—.
“Mhm…!”
Emma-chan, eyes gleaming with excitement, held out a small bowl to me.
“Emma, I’ll give you some of mine, so hand me the bowl.”
“No…! I want Onii-chan’s…!”
When Charl reached out, Emma-chan shook her head and pulled the bowl back.
“Mine’s the same as A-kun’s, you know?”
“I want Onii-chan’s…!”
It’s not about the flavor—she wants it from me.
“Then, want some of mine?”
Thinking it’s not fair to take from me, Sophia-san offered.
“No…!”
But Emma-chan shook her head again.
“…”
Because of that, Sophia-san looked a bit crestfallen.
“Emma-chan, give it to me.”
“Mhm…!”
When I reached out, Emma-chan happily handed me the bowl.
She’s got a clear preference, I suppose.
“A-kun, you won’t have enough…”
“It’s fine. I can get extra noodles if I need to.”
While passing the portioned bowl to Emma-chan, I reassured Charl.
Emma-chan’s a big eater for her age, but she’s still a kid and can’t eat too much.
The manager would probably let me get extra noodles.
“Oh, then take Emma’s share from mine, A-kun. That way, I can try the rice replacement too.”
Right, Charl had planned to share her portion with Emma-chan when ordering.
As I was thinking—.
“Mhm…!”
Emma-chan held out her bowl again.
“What, you already ate it!?”
“It’s yummy…!”
She must’ve loved the taste and wolfed it down.
At this rate, could it be…?
“Emma, have some of mine—”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll give her more of mine.”
Curious about something, I gave Emma-chan the same amount again.
“A-kun…”
Charl shot me an apologetic glance.
Probably ‘cause my share was dwindling.
“It’s fine, don’t sweat it.”
“Then, here…”
Charl tried to pile twice what I gave Emma-chan into my bowl.
If I took that much, Charl’d be left with nothing.
“No way, I can’t take all that.”
“But…”
“It’s cool. I’ll just order another bowl.”
Emma-chan looks like she’s ready to chow down some more.
She might polish off nearly a full portion, so I’d better grab another bowl.
Meanwhile, Emma-chan’s staring at me expectantly, her bowl empty.
“Alright, alright…”
Charl scooped a smaller portion into my bowl.
Considering how much she usually eats, it’s a fair amount.
“Onii-chan…”
“Yup, hand me the bowl.”
Catching Emma-chan’s sneaky glances, I took her bowl with a grin.
She’s a kid—she should eat her fill without holding back.
“Here ya go.”
“Mhm, thanks…!”
Emma-chan’s face lit up, and she blew on the ramen before digging in.
While she ate, I ordered another tomato ramen.
“Akihito-kun, you’re such a good guy… You’d make an amazing dad.”
“Totally. He’s my pride and joy as a little brother.”
For some reason, Kanon-san and Sophia-san started whispering, watching me with warm smiles.
Their gazes are kinda ticklish.
“—Hey, is that guy really the one who betrayed his teammates…?”
“That’s what they say, but… he doesn’t seem like the type, does he…?”
“Yeah… He seems super kind—no, he is kind…”
“Maybe it’s just some baseless rumor…?”
The people around us are stealing glances and murmuring too.
I can’t quite catch what they’re saying, but Charl’s beaming beside me, so it’s probably something nice.
As long as they’re not hostile, I’m good.
—I kept serving Emma-chan ramen while eating from my new bowl.
Oh, and Emma-chan? She finished a whole portion, so she must’ve loved it.
The rice swap was too much for her, but downing a full portion is impressive.
I’m stoked that Emma-chan loves something I’m so crazy about.
