Erina blushed, hesitating as she approached the door to lock it. Just as she reached for the handle, she heard Hisako's voice, seemingly engaged in an argument with someone.
"Is Hisako still here? What if she hears us?" Erina thought, her face flushed with embarrassment and a hint of guilt. After a moment's thought, she decided to send Hisako away to avoid any interruptions.
Opening the door, she found Hisako leaning against the wall, her face frozen in shock as she stared at the person opposite her. Erina followed Hisako's gaze and froze in place, her violet eyes widening in confusion.
Standing there was a man who made her entire body tremble. Fear overwhelmed her, and she could barely muster a word.
Seeing Erina standing in the doorway, pale and motionless, Sui walked over. "Erina, it's just locking the door. Why are you so shy? No one will come in," he said, but then noticed her horrified expression.
Furrowing his brow, he asked, "Erina, what's wrong?"
Erina said nothing, trembling as she slowly backed away, her voice shaking, "O-Otoh-sama..."
A middle-aged man in a black trench coat stepped inside. His skin was unnaturally pale, his black hair streaked with a strand of white, and his dark eyes gave off an eerie, commanding presence.
Sui recognized the man and frowned. "Why are you here?" he asked, irritation clear in his voice.
"Sui," Erina whispered, retreating further behind Sui, clutching his sleeve with her small hand. Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with helplessness, a sight that tugged at the heartstrings.
Feeling the tremor in her hand through his sleeve, Sui gently grasped her hand in return. His gaze turned even colder as he stared at Azami, Erina's father.
Sui remembered that Rindō hadn't accepted Azami's offer, which left him with only five members of the Elite Ten on his side—not enough to take control of the council. So why was Azami appearing now, so confidently?
Erina, feeling Sui's reassuring grip, unconsciously tightened her hold on his hand and leaned closer to him. Seeing this, Azami's brow furrowed slightly. It was clear that in times of fear, Erina had come to trust Sui the most.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Azami forced a calm smile, his voice gentle yet laced with menace, like an elder trying to hide a grudge. "Ah, Sui-kun, I didn't expect to see you here. Are you… dating my daughter?" he asked, emphasizing the words "my daughter."
Erina glanced up at Sui, her eyes still filled with vulnerability. "Sui, do you know my father?" she asked, her voice weak.
"Yeah, we've met," Sui replied calmly, patting her small, sweaty hand. "Don't worry, Erina. You don't have to be afraid," he whispered, his tone soft and reassuring.
"Mm," Erina murmured, her face blushing as she gazed up at him with tender eyes.
Azami's smile remained calm as he spoke again. "It's been a while, Sui-kun. As Erina's father, I'm pleased to see the bond you two share. However," he added, his tone shifting subtly, "I've returned to set Totsuki back on the right path. I trust you'll support me in this?"
Sui's expression remained cold. "I'm not interested," he said flatly.
Azami's smile faltered slightly. "You rejected me before. May I ask why?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "As Erina's father, I expected you'd have no reason to oppose me."
Sui's gaze hardened. "There's no reason other than this: Erina is terrified of you, so I suggest you disappear from her life," he said sharply. "If you try to take over Totsuki, I'll make sure you're kicked out."
Azami's smile faded entirely, his expression turning cold and calculating. Straightening his coat, he said, "How unfortunate. I had hoped we could come to an understanding. But my main purpose here is to see my daughter, whom I haven't met in years. Blood ties remain, no matter the distance."
He took a step forward, his tone becoming commanding. "Erina, come here."
The authority in his voice caused a wave of fear to wash over Erina again. Her body trembled, and she instinctively took a step toward her father, as if compelled by his voice.
But before she could move further, a warm hand tightened its grip on hers, holding her back.
"I'm sorry," Sui said with a calm smile, "but the only man who will stay by Erina's side from now on is me." He looked at Erina and asked gently, "Isn't that right, Erina?"
Erina stared at him in disbelief, her heart pounding.
Azami's eyes narrowed, his cold gaze fixed on Sui. "I am her father," he said slowly, his voice dripping with disdain. "My blood runs through her veins. And you… who do you think you are?"
Sui met Azami's gaze fearlessly. "I'm Erina's man, her future husband," he replied confidently, then turned to Erina again. "Right, Erina?"
Erina's face flushed deeply as she nodded shyly.
Azami's expression darkened. His voice turned icy as he looked at his daughter. "Erina, you've always been a good and obedient child. Now, choose. Will you side with your father, or this… outsider? Will you betray your father and become a bad girl?"
Erina lowered her head, conflicted. Hisako, standing nearby, watched the scene with bated breath, nervous for her friend.
Then, something shifted in Erina. Summoning all her courage, she slowly raised her head and smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry, Father," she said softly, her voice steady. "I've already become a bad girl."