548 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game

Displaying the recorded video on his smartphone, Shindo Ittoki hastily exited the scene. But this wasn't the end; in fact, it was just the beginning of a more daunting challenge. After all, his opponent was... "Sakuya-sama! Sakuya-sama, it was terrifying... It was so scary!" As I watched Shindo Ittoki leave and was lost in thought, An suddenly leaped towards me, clinging onto me, trembling. It's no wonder she was shaking and crying after facing such an ordeal; any frail girl would react the same way. "It's okay now, An-san." For now, I wrapped my arms around An to calm her down, patting her back softly. An was sobbing, so I gently stroked her back, trying to soothe her, waiting for her to settle down. "Sakuya-tan! I love you! I truly love you!" "Oh dear... An-san, really. Hehe." After some time of patting her back and stroking her head, An spoke again, hugging me tighter. Her nerves were frayed from the frightening experience, causing her to act this way. The 'love' An spoke of isn't the same as what I might mean. It's platonic, a blend of gratitude for helping her, heightened by the stress of the incident. To prevent any misunderstandings, I kept my own emotions in check, laughing softly as I continued to pat her back. I have the mindset of an adult man from my past life, so I'm fine, but if I were a naive young guy, I might have easily misconstrued her words. To be honest, An is quite cute. Most of the girls around me are cute, but their allure is more in line with the elegance of nobility. An and Seri-chan, on the other hand, possess a charming normality. As someone who was a commoner in my past life, I sometimes feel a slight intimidation when interacting with noble ladies; there's a vast difference in values and common sense that makes me hesitant. Although I'm comfortable with peers in our group, I'm still not good at interacting with other ladies of status. However, with An and Seri-chan, there's no such barrier. It might sound disrespectful towards noble ladies, but An and Seri-chan appear really close to ordinary girls from my past life through my perspective. This allows me to relax and converse with them as if I were my old self. Though Seri-chan's family is on the lower end among the underground families, An's family holds a relatively high position. Yet, neither of them behave overly noble-like, allowing me to interact with them as I would with ordinary girls—even with the memories I hold from my past life. It's pleasant to interact normally with such adorable girls. Despite how wonderful it would be if An meant she liked me romantically, it's impossible. Unlike me, An, as a regular girl, surely doesn't consider women as romantic prospects. So, I refuse to entertain false hopes. Darn it! An is so adorable... I'd love to embrace her and make her mine. But it's not right to exploit a girl who's had a terrifying experience because of Shindo Ittoki. Instead, my priority is to comfort her. "Alright, An-san, we can't stay here forever. Let's change the scenery together." "Y-yeah, I’m sorry for spouting weird things suddenly! Ahaha..." An’s tone returned to her usual manner. But perhaps that normal tone is a facade—her previous tone is her true self. She probably feels the need to put on a different persona for me to converse comfortably, and there's something a bit sad about that. "...Shall we proceed?" "Yes..." Despite her agreement, An looked downcast and seemed lacking in energy. She timidly took my hand, stood up, and began walking. Whether it was the fear from being accosted by Shindo Ittoki, her embarrassment over what she said in her distressed state, or having shown her true self to me... I wasn’t sure. "...hah." I sighed, and it felt like a simultaneous sigh echoed from behind me. ～～～～～～～ It was improbable that An would be accosted again immediately after today’s incident, but to ensure her safety, I had her escorted home by a Kujou family car, with me accompanying her. Ideally, I would accompany her home, but I have several matters that require my attention afterward. To further ensure safety, I arranged for a Kujou family guard to be stationed at the Imaoji residence to prepare against any retaliation by the Shindo family. Generally, meddling in another faction's affairs this deeply is frowned upon, but given today's urgent circumstances, it can't be helped. I was thrown off my thoughts when An clung to me, but now it’s time to organize the details. Today’s incident began with Shindo Ittoki pressuring Imaoji An for a relationship. The Shindo family serves as vassal retainers to the Konoe family, with numerous branches across various ranks. The Shindo family itself holds a high rank within the underground hierarchy, with their chief holding the extreme position of Junior Third Rank. On the other hand, the Imaoji family has a position of Senior Fourth Rank, a clear disparity from the Junior Third Rank Shindo family. Today, I intervened just in time, but had Ittoki decided to hit or assault An, it likely would have been easily covered up. While the Imaoji family isn't low-ranked, they've met an unfortunate opponent. Moreover, both families belong to the Konoe faction and serve as vassals to the Konoe family. The Shindo family’s numerous branches also serve as influential vassals, giving them immense sway. The Imaoji family might have had no choice but to comply if Ittoki and the Shindo family flaunted the possibility of a forced marriage. From my standpoint, it's infuriating, but for the likes of Ittoki and the Shindo family, it's no joke. Such things are routine in noble society, where family rank holds absolute sway. What makes the situation even more troublesome is that both families belong to the Konoe faction. No matter how much of a Kujou family member I am, I can't interfere in the marriage issues of another faction. If it were a problem between families within the Kujou faction, my word would have sufficed to resolve it, but it's not my place to intrude on Konoe faction matters. Under normal circumstances. However, there are exceptions to every rule. Not everything can be rigidly decided or resolved purely by the book. Therefore, I have no choice but to devise a plan for this particular situation. Today, because I happened to be present at the scene, I could intervene, and since the incident just occurred, I can station guards at the Imaoji residence. However, as time progresses into tomorrow and the day after, it will become more difficult for the Kujou family to justify keeping guards there. More importantly, should the Shindo family formally propose a marriage to the Imaoji family, as I'm from a different faction, I would have no say. Thus, I must act before that occurs. Although I can't directly interfere with a marriage between the Shindo and Imaoji families within the Konoe faction, I can take action before any formal negotiations between the families take place. Ideally, I'd prefer not to resort to these measures, but this time, I have no choice. For this problem, I need to enlist the help of that person... "Ah, hello, I apologize for calling so suddenly..." I pulled out my smartphone and dialed the person in question. After a brief conversation and obtaining their agreement, I promptly made my way to meet them. ~~~ "Welcome, Sakuya-chan! I've been waiting for you! I can't believe you reached out to me first!" "Good day, Lady Konoe. Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice..." "Oh, there's no need to be so formal! Please, come right in!" Visiting the Konoe Mother—my least favorite person to meet—I bowed my head. Attempting to apologize for the unannounced visit, I was nevertheless ushered inside. Having confirmed earlier by phone that she was home today, I came to the Konoe residence. If it's an issue within the Konoe faction, it should be resolved by the Konoe family. "I came to see you today with a request in mind." "Oh? A request from Sakuya-chan... Normally I'd say I'd do anything for you, but it depends on what you need." As I was offered a seat and promptly began to explain the situation, Lady Konoe's cheerful demeanor shifted, her gaze scrutinizing me, as if assessing my value. Sweat slid down my back, but I maintained my composure. "I request that, should a 'false' engagement or marriage proposal arise from the Shindo family to the Imaoji family within the Konoe faction, you do not condone such 'false engagements or marriages exploiting status.'" "................" "................" I met the intense gaze of Lady Konoe unwaveringly. Here, showing any sign of weakness or wandering eyes would be detrimental. I must hold my ground firmly. "Isn't it a bit much to interfere in the marriage discussions of another faction?" Her eyes still narrowed, Lady Konoe spoke. She was right. It's as if Ibuki charged into the Kujou family and demanded that a marriage between specific families within the Kujou faction be stopped. Even if it were the powerful heir of the Konoe family making the demand, my parents wouldn't concede. There would be no reason for them to comply with such directives. On the surface, it's an unacceptably rude proposal, one that could easily lead to being thrown out in anger. Yet, I can't back down here. "I understand your point, Lady Konoe. However, I cannot simply retreat when it comes to a dear friend of mine. Please, take a look at this." "………What is this?" I showed her the recorded video. It felt like I was tattling, running to authority figures, but it was necessary. Without convincing the Konoe family, I can't stop the Shindo family. After all, I never promised Iittoki not to show this video. "I see... So, what do you want me to do?" As expected... In nobility, misconduct by Iittoki or his harsh intentions towards An isn't unusual. The likes of which, untouched by my direct involvement, are common everywhere. Highlighting just one instance would mean nothing to them; that's simply the audacity of noble society as it is. "I understand that such occurrences are commonplace within noble circles. However, whether Lady Konoe chooses to act regarding the Imaoji and Shindo families' matter or opts to let it lie isn't for the Kujou family to dictate." "..." "But! An-san is my friend! This isn’t just a matter of faction allegiances or about the houses involved! I wish to protect her as my dear friend! So, I humbly ask that you, Lady Konoe, act befitting the head of a major faction." "Well, fine." "!—" When I bowed my head and spoke, it took a moment before Lady Konoe lightly responded in agreement. Essentially, she agreed to prevent the Shindo family from bringing a formal marriage proposal to the Imaoji family. If that's so... "The Shindo family is insignificant, so if it's a request from Sakuya-chan, I don't mind granting it. Whether the Imaoji collapses or the Shindo falls means nothing to Konoe House." "........" While I struggled to accept Lady Konoe's words, they rang with truth. To the Konoe family, the fate of a few subterranean houses means little. With numerous second or third sons without inheritance, they can rebuild a collapsed house by placing a compliant heir from elsewhere as a proxy. There's no reason to sustain troublesome individuals or those who won't listen; superior houses have historically replaced the heads with compliant ones, rewarding them with household leadership. That hasn't been just Konoe Mother's perspective; it's how high-ranking houses, including the Kujou family, have always operated. Still, being told so brings an undeniable discomfort. Regardless of how frequent such arrangements are in noble society, it never sits right emotionally. "So, Sakuya-chan, since I've agreed to your request, what can you do for me in return?" "..." To a layperson, it would be obvious that Iittoki deserves punishment. I think so too. But to Lady Konoe, that incident wasn't meaningful enough to challenge Iittoki or the Shindo family. Even if the Shindo family exploits their standing, should Iittoki and An marry, it offers benefits to Imaoji. That's the way noble houses have survived. Therefore, for me to plead as a friend for Iittoki to be stopped means offering Lady Konoe something greater in exchange. I need to present a compelling reason and benefit for the Konoe family to act against the Shindo family, potentially souring relations at my request. "I will agree to the request you previously made of me to become Yamabuki-sama's tutor, as you have desired." Konoe Mother had previously asked me to become Yamabuki's tutor. However, this role isn't about being a traditional tutor or manners instructor. It's a more vague term, but essentially, it's akin to being a babysitter. Since Yamabuki is still an infant, it's likely just a pretext to bring me to the Konoe residence. I've declined the offer before, using various excuses. But now, the only bargaining chip I can offer Konoe Mother is this. For An's sake, I will... The moment I agreed, Konoe Mother's eyes widened before she pulled out her smartphone and started making a call. Normally, making a call in front of a guest without so much as an excuse would be considered rude, but if she's responding to my request, it's not something I should complain about. "...It's me. If the Shindo family or its branches make any move, report to me immediately. Also, ensure the safety of the Imaoji family at all costs, including their family members, household, and company employees." With just those words, Konoe Mother ended the call. I didn’t pry about who she called or whether the message was successfully conveyed. If Konoe Mother is taking action, it means she’s dealing with it properly. So, I have no choice but to trust her. "Hehe... with this, I've taken a step closer to having Sakuya-chan." "―!" Konoe Mother licked her lips like a serpent, sending a chill down my spine. --- This work is fictional and bears no relation to real persons or organizations. The copyrights belong to the author unless explicitly stated otherwise. 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