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

On Thursday after school, Anzu experienced quite a scare, but Friday more than made up for her misfortune with an abundance of luck. Sakuya, concerned for her, came to visit, and they shared a sweet, intimate moment alone. Anzu knew she wasn’t being taken seriously, but she thought she was owed at least the pleasure of embellishing such sweet moments in her imagination. “Haa! Haa! S-Sakuya-tan! Sakuya-taaan! Mmm!” On Saturday, she was unable to focus on anything, caught up in replaying the memories of embracing Sakuya, feeling her touch, and the lingering scent—she hugged her own body longingly as if trying to capture the warmth once more. This continued into Sunday. She couldn’t stop herself if she tried. The feeling of Sakuya’s scent and warmth still seemed tangible, and her chest ached. Trying to soothe herself, she wriggled in bed, but it only increased her longing. Tirotiroting♪ Tirotiroting♪ “Ugh!?” Startled by the sudden ringing of her phone at the bedside, Anzu jumped. Her heart still pounding, she checked the screen to see it was Matsunaga-Sanjo Kaya. Knowing she couldn't afford to make her wait, she quickly answered the call. “Hel...hello?” "Anzu! Come to the Matsunaga-Sanjo residence immediately. It’s work." “Oh…” Kaya hung up before Anzu could say anything more. Though Anzu was momentarily taken aback, she was used to it by now. Energized and too restless to calm down on her own, Kaya's call, in a way, was perfectly timed, prompting her to slowly prepare to set out. While Anzu was getting ready and during her commute, Kaya called five more times to hurry her along. Though this was typical, Anzu sighed and made her way to the Matsunaga-Sanjo house as quickly as she could. --- Upon arriving at the Matsunaga-Sanjo residence, Anzu was waved through without issue. Normally, someone from a lower-ranking family like Imaoji’s could never enter a prominent noble family like the Matsunaga-Sanjo household so easily. However, with years of familiarity, Anzu had essentially free reign there. “Imaoji-sama… my apologies for the abruptness of Kaya Ojou-sama at times.” “Haha… no worries at all…” The staff who greeted Anzu bowed apologetically. This was partly due to merely knowing each other for years, but there was more to it. From the beginning, Anzu had somewhat of a free pass at the Matsunaga-Sanjo house. Kaya had always been a difficult child, known for her hysterical outbursts, and even long-time retainers struggled with her. She attracted people seeking to exploit her family’s status, but no one endured her whims long. Anzu, however, alongside Sakuya and her friends, were different. Regardless of Kaya’s impossible demands or whims, they managed what they could, and were forthright about what they couldn’t. While others faltered under impossible expectations, Anzu and Sakuya’s group proved to be genuine friends, not sycophants. It didn’t take long for the Matsunaga-Sanjo household to start warmly welcoming Anzu. Initially seen as someone else merely trying to get close to Kaya, they came to regard Anzu as Kaya’s inseparable friend, treating her with the same respect they showed their own mistress. “Lady Matsunaga-Sanjo? I’m here.” “Apricot! Address me as Chief!” Anzu wasn’t surprised by Kaya’s scolding upon entering their usual room. “Oh, right… I’m here, Chief Kaya…” Kaya often, no, constantly indulged in extravagant notions, such as this Agent Apricot and Chief Kaya roleplay. While it might seem whimsical, Anzu secretly enjoyed participating as much as Kaya did. “Well then, Agent Apricot, I assign you the task of processing photos and videos for the ‘Sakuya Fan Club Bulletin.’ Don’t forget the confidential images and videos for our enjoyment!” “Ah... right…” Anzu answered wearily, though internally she wasn’t truly exhausted or bothered. It was part of a ritual routine. Anzu managed a student-run website related to Fujihana Academy, which had undergone numerous re-designs, relocations, and name changes. It now existed as a deeply underground “Sakuya Fan Club Bulletin” page, with Anzu handling most of the articles and image editing. The server was managed by the Matsunaga-Sanjo household, with their cyber team ready to address any unauthorized use of their content. Comprehensive controls were in place against hacking, information, or media leaks. Anzu took charge of all content creation as arranged by Kaya’s calls. Moreover, they edited confidential images and videos for their inner circle, referred to as the “Adult Trio”, using them for bargaining or trades. “I’m stepping out for a bit! Make sure it’s all done by the time I return!” “Yes, Chief!” Anzu saluted, watching Kaya leave. There was no telling when Kaya would return or what the workload entailed, making any promise to complete everything impossible. But Anzu knew Kaya wasn’t seriously demanding it to be finished by her return. It was all part of the playful pretense between them. --- Yesterday, Anzu had been called to the Matsunaga-Sanjo residence to work on the ‘Sakuya Fan Club Bulletin’ updates and edit secret videos and images. Kaya returned later, and together they carefully selected materials for the public and privately enjoyed the exclusive media files. Suddenly summoned and burdened with work before being left to take the initiative, and then merely given instructions upon her return—such tasks should arguably be paid work. Yet, while Anzu expressed exasperation and urgency vocally, she felt gratitude in her heart. Yes, gratitude. The sudden call and seemingly arbitrary task yesterday... it was likely to protect her. News about the squabble with the Shindo family must have passed from Lady Sakuya to Chief Kaya. Hence, Chief Kaya summoned Anzu to the Matsunaga-Sanjo residence to ensure her safety. Anzu understood this much. She had expected that by Friday after school, or at the latest by the weekend, the Shindo family would approach Imaoji’s family. Yet, nothing happened. Even after attending high school on Monday, there were no changes. Anzu anticipated Ikiri would confront her soon, but that didn’t happen either. Surely, Sakuya-sama and Kaya-sama had discreetly maneuvered things on her behalf. Such tranquility wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and Anzu spent Monday reassured by this. After classes, Kaya visited Anzu's club room after finishing at her university. “Anzu! How have you been lately?” “Huh? Lately... We met just yesterday, didn’t we?” Hiding her laughter, Anzu feigned ignorance. She understood what Kaya was implying: something must have transpired with the Shindo family on Sunday. Now, she was inquiring about Monday’s developments. Kaya, likely at Sakuya's behest, was trying to avoid explicitly stating it, resulting in this odd conversation. 'Such a terrible liar and evader,' Anzu thought amusedly but maintained a façade of innocence. “Even if we met yesterday, an entire day has passed since! Didn’t anything happen?” “Well... Not particularly. Ah—come to think of it…” “What is it? Something happened? My handling wasn’t thorough enough! I should've dealt with them more decisively!” Kaya was unraveled, revealing answers on her own. Anzu found it charmingly easy to read her, but pretended not to notice. “Oh, erm, actually... I was drawn for a reservation at the cafeteria today! Lucky, right? So, what’s this about ‘dealing decisively’?” “What!? Cafeteria!? Enough with the confusion, Anzu! Never mind, it’s nothing you need to worry about!” Finding Kaya's straightforwardness endearing, Anzu pressed further. “Oh, really? I thought it was about how you and Sakuya-tan dealt with the Shindo family on Sunday.” “Yes! The head of the Shindo family has been replaced, so there’s nothing for Anzu to worry about! Ikiri can attend school until he graduates high school, but now disgraced, he might leave soon.” “I see…” Kaya had divulged everything but was oblivious to it. She grew more self-satisfied with each disclosure, even revealing what Sakuya had supposedly warned her not to mention. “Really… I can’t believe Sakuya is taking on the Kanoue Yamabuki’s mentor role, which she rejected for so long, just to crush the Shindo family! It’s like selling herself! If she’d asked, I could’ve taken down the Shindo family with one hand!” “...What?” Anzu felt the world sway. Her throat dried up instantly, and her thoughts spiraled into confusion. The knowledge that Sakuya had essentially sacrificed herself to protect her filled Anzu with joy. Yet, the price paid was tremendous. Anzu recognized the complexity of their familial politics, despite Kaya’s simplification. For the Kujo family to meddle in Kanoue faction issues would normally be unthinkable. Despite Anzu and Sakuya’s close relationship, the status quo between the Kujo, Imaoji, and Kanoue families wouldn’t easily change. Breaking such norms required exceptional circumstances or conditions, and Sakuya offered herself as the price. To safeguard Anzu, Sakuya had essentially handed herself over, literally putting herself on the line, which comforted Anzu as much as it burdened her. This wasn’t a simple matter—it involved Sakuya's formal submission to the Kanoue family, under the guise of being a mentor to Yamabuki. Anzu had indirectly forced Sakuya into this. “Sak... Sakuya-tan!” “Anzu!?” Ignoring Kaya’s voice, Anzu barreled out of the room. She had no clear plan or course of action, merely driven by sheer impulse. Dashing through the senior high building toward the middle school, Anzu contemplated her destination. She might still catch Sakuya at the Gokitae Club Salon, or on her way back. Sakuya’s schedule wasn’t always precise, but around this time, she might still be on campus. With that hope, Anzu headed to the front rotary, then retraced the route to the Gokitae Club Salon located in the special building. The path she took was deserted, but hearing footsteps, she instinctively lunged forward without verifying the figure. “Sakuya-tan!” “Anzu? Is something the matter?” It was indeed Sakuya. She had noticed someone running and identified Anzu from the distinct pattern of her steps. Anzu, unskilled in discerning such things, just felt a vague familiarity with the sound. Somehow, she knew it was Sakuya. Sakuya caught Anzu as she lunged at her. Though Sakuya seemed petite and slender, she embraced Anzu as if cushioning her against a soft mat. “Sakuya-tan! I’m sorry! Because of me... Because of me...” That was all Anzu managed before breaking down. Sakuya just smiled gently and patted her back soothingly. 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