553 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game
Login Work Information Impressions Reviews Add to Bookmarks Display Settings Please log in to use the bookmark feature. Reincarnated as a Villainess Creampuff but I’m the Only One Playing Yuri Games Author: Taira Asomi Previous Next 554/1418 Chapter 553: "The Leak Was Quick" Yesterday, it somehow felt like I was just played by Konoae Mother. Sure, the primary objective of protecting An was achieved, but it seems like Konoae Mother was the only one who truly benefited. Becoming Yamabuki's mentor isn't so bad in itself. It's not something to be taken too seriously. Although a bit troublesome, it wasn't like I had to visit the Konoe family daily at specific hours. Initially, I thought it might be like that, but considering the Konoe family's circumstances, the frequency isn't high. We discussed this after the Shindo family issue was resolved yesterday. For Konoae Mother, replacing the seemingly incompetent Shindo Norihisa and Iitori with his presumably obedient brother Norinori and family allowed her to secure loyalty from the Shindo family. Given the nature of the Shindo Norihisa and Iitori duo, they would have eventually caused some trouble. However, she was able to gain a legitimate excuse to remove the troublemakers and install Norinori's family as successors, selling them favor and extracting their loyalty. As a result, she gained control over the influential Shindo family, a top-tier branch of the underground family network. By intentionally having the fiery Chigaya-san present to utter harsh words, Konoae Mother could position herself as a mediator, steering things toward her desired outcome. This gave the impression of her having made concessions, softening the punishment supposedly enforced by the Oogimachisanjo family. Shindo Norihisa and Iitori were merely banished from the Shindo main household. At least until they graduate from higher education, they're allowed to continue attending the academy. There could be a fear of Iitori, disgruntled at being cast out, trying to do something to An... but realistically, those banished wouldn't have anyone following them. They would lose allies, and no one would cooperate with them. Moreover, they'd become objects of mockery and must endure being jeered at by those around them. Iitori would certainly draw surveillance, making it impossible for him to lash out at An in retaliation. I can't always be with An in the higher education division. If Konoae Mother and Chigaya-san say it's alright, then I'll just have to trust them. However... it still feels somewhat frustrating. I don't mean to say that Iitori should be expelled to prevent a retaliatory attack. More concerning is how language barriers between factions prevent interference—it's infuriating. This issue arose because the Shindo and Imayouji families belonged to the Konoae faction, making it a complex mess. Had this incident occurred within the Kujo faction, a single word from me could have resolved it. Yet, instead, due to their allegiance to the Konoae faction, it necessitated all this effort. It's just... frustratingly difficult to put into words... I understand there's a necessity for factions and traditional hierarchy to some extent, and I don't intend to dismiss traditions or precedents. But for it to require so much hassle and become bothersome just to prosecute the clearly scheming Shindo family—it's strange. Even if we're from different factions, the Shindo family's plot was undeniably wrong. It's unreasonable that I can't pursue it just because I'm from another faction. This time, by mobilizing Konoae Mother, the Shindo family was brought to justice. However, if Konoae Mother had chosen to defend the Shindo family and oppose me, the issue wouldn't have been resolved. If only I had more power... even with the constraints of noble family affiliations, faction divisions, or traditional societal hierarchy... there needs to be a mechanism to assert that wrong is wrong, and to deliver due judgment. If only I had more power... if I had influence across different factions... I wouldn't have to endure this frustration... I could prevent more children like An from having to suffer... "Good day." "Good day, Sakuya-chan. …Are you troubled again?" "Good morning, Sakuya-chan. Please, rely on us more." "Of course, I rely on you all. It's just... I thought that by moving past the week, these enthusiastic cheers would settle, but even after the weekend, it shows no signs of dying down..." "Ah~..." Both Satsuki-chan and Seri-chan nodded knowingly. Since last week’s concert, just walking through the academy had students sending enthusiastic cheers our way. I had hoped that the weekend would temper it, but today it was calmer. It seems it’s not only me in this situation; all those involved in the concert performance seemed to feel the same way. Getting cheered on is great, but it’s overly excessive. It’s quite embarrassing, and obviously unnerving to feel watched constantly. I understood that Iitori might find himself in an even colder spotlight than this. Under such scrutiny, he'll likely refrain from future misdeeds. Given Chigaya-san's predictions, it seems likely he won't be able to endure until graduation from higher education and might even voluntarily withdraw. While I may have somewhat sidestepped Satsuki-chan and Seri-chan just now... I do genuinely rely on everyone. In fact, I wish to rely on them even more going forward. It's not okay to be unable to denounce wrong as wrong just because someone is in another faction. To overcome this situation, I must increasingly seek everyone's support and strive to exert influence across factions. ~~~ Today was a peaceful day without incident. Although visiting the cafeteria had us drawing significant attention, there were no other issues beyond enduring that. After holding a study group with everyone after school and visiting the Gokuhokai Salon, I left a bit early because I had lessons. While walking from the special building where the salon is located toward the main entrance, I heard someone running. From the sound, I anticipated it was An. Why An would be running here at such a time was unclear. But it felt like she was heading this way... "Sa-ku-ya-chan!" "An-san? Is something the matter?" It wasn't merely that she seemed to be heading this way; it was clear from the start that her target was me. As An burst out from the corner of the hallway, she leaped directly at me. Luckily, I had braced myself, anticipating her approach when I noticed her running steps never slowed. Had I been an average girl, I might have been knocked over. An must have understood the risk herself. The fact that she still threw herself at me suggests something significant had occurred. A fleeting thought of Iitori possibly causing trouble crossed my mind, but An's following words dispelled that concern. "Sakuya-tan! I'm sorry! It's all my fault... it's all my fault..." Her repeated phrase "it's my fault" explained everything. An must have heard about my agreement to mentor Yamabuki as recompense for settling matters with the Shindo household. To calm her in her distress, I softened my expression and gently patted her back. I wasn't surprised at how An found out. Those in the loop included Konoae Mother, the friends from the middle division, and Chigaya-san. I doubted Konoae Mother would disclose it to An, and if word spread from our middle division circle, An showing up now would be odd. Likely, someone from the university visited An after the fourth lecture and let it slip. Chigaya-san isn't known for subtlety, after all. Though adept at blurting things out, she's not proficient at keeping secrets quiet. I figured once Chigaya-san knew, it would only be a matter of time, regardless of any secrecy. Honestly, I didn't expect her to reveal it within the day. "Hic... hic... hic..." "An-san... have you calmed down a bit?" "Hic..." While still clasped to me, An's sobbing gradually subsided. We couldn't remain in this spot, especially in the seldom-trafficked special building. "Sakuya-tan... I'm sorry! I'm really sorry..." "Sigh... An-san... regardless, continually refusing Konoae's request regarding Yamabuki-sama’s mentorship was proving difficult. I intended to accept on favorable terms sooner or later. This isn't your fault." This was truthful. Konoae Mother's pressure had been intensifying daily. Though I concocted excuses to refuse previously, it seemed inevitable. If forced to concede eventually, it was more advantageous to secure a benefit in return. "But my situation doesn't match Sakuya-tan's sacrifice..." "That's not true. If appearing at the Konoe residence as Yamabuki-sama’s mentor can protect you, An-san, then it's a small price." "Sakuya-tan... no, Kujo Sakuya-sama!" Abruptly, An stepped back, adopting a serious expression, and knelt on hands and knees on the hallway floor. As she looked directly at me, she lowered her head once more. "This debt of gratitude from Imayouji An, I shall never forget! From this day forth, I pledge lifelong loyalty to Kujo Sakuya-sama!" "Wait! An-san!?" I couldn’t hide my shock at An’s sudden declaration. I thought to discourage her, but gazing at her earnest eyes, I abandoned that notion. An was serious. Deadly serious about serving Kujo Sakuya with absolute loyalty. Halting her might just lead to drastic actions. Hence, my response shouldn’t be to stop her. If An's determination was this resolute, it would be disrespectful not to meet her halfway. "......Understood. I, Kujo Sakuya, gratefully accept your loyalty, Imayouji An!" "Sakuya-sama!" An’s face brightened instantly. Perhaps, denied, she might have resorted to something extreme like self-harm or leaping out a window. "However..." "What!?" An's face instantly shifted to unease as I continued. Unsure where this was heading, her apprehension was unmistakable. I softened my expression before continuing. "Please treat me more casually otherwise... continue calling me 'Sakuya-tan,' as we always have, as friends. Otherwise, I might sulk, you know?" "~~! Sakuya-ta~~~n! I knew I liked you! Gosh! What am I supposed to do with this feeling?" Beaming with joy, An jumped up and embraced me anew. Indeed, nothing felt right without An’s "Sakuya-tan" and "y'know." It didn't seem like I was talking to An without it. She was the only one calling me like that, and neither of us desired a distant master-servant relationship. "Nmmm~! Sakuya-ta~~~n!" An puckered her lips comically as if edging in for a kiss. It was hard not to chuckle, but I refrained. Did An intend to lighten the mood with this playful gesture? Perhaps it was better to laugh, then. As I pondered this, I sensed a presence behind me. Standing there was... "An! What do you think you’re doing! Get away from Sakuya-sama!" "Imayouji An... that's unforgivable. I trust you haven’t done such things with Sakuya-chan until now, right?" "Ah!?" Azami-chan and Satsuki-chan stood there. Usually, I leave the salon before them, so I'm not sure about their usual schedule. Perhaps they came because we were causing a scene... Regardless, staying here wasn’t ideal. Both An and I realized this. "Azami-chan, Satsuki-chan, calm down... this is..." "I can’t stay calm! Sakuya-sama! With me! Choose me!" "Hey, Azami! No sneaking! Sakuya-chan! It should be me! I was first!" "I won’t give up Sakuya-tan!" "Wait! Pause! Everyone, please calm down! Ahhhh!" Entangled by Azami-chan, Satsuki-chan, and An, it took a considerable effort and time to extricate myself and head to my lessons. Previous Next Table of Contents Bookmark Write a Review Add to Bookmarks Please log in to use the bookmark feature. Support with a Like Reception Closed Support the author by giving points! Please log in to rate. Please log in to write a review. + Note + Unless otherwise noted, all works featured are fictional and have no relation to real persons, groups, etc. Unless otherwise noted, all copyrights for works remain with the author (excluding some works). Unauthorized reproductions beyond citations are prohibited and will be considered a violation of copyright law. This work is link-free. 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