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

Chapter 556 "Meetings Here and There" The room was pitch dark. In the disorienting blackness, a girl's voice rose, prompting the desk she sat at to illuminate, casting light upwards to reveal her face. "The time has finally come..." Propping her elbows on the desk, she intertwined her fingers, resting them lightly under her chin as though to conceal her mouth. It was Tokudaiji Azami. "Indeed..." Another girl's voice rang out, causing the desk in front of her to light up as well, illuminating her in the gloomy room. "Sakuya-chan is finally..." "The moment has arrived, hasn't it?" Voices continued to rise, and in response, each girl's desk lit up. Seven girls seated around a round table emerged into view, illuminated by the glow. "Sakuya-sama's 'Noble Unification Plan'... it is finally underway." "Sakuya-chan will rule as the supreme leader—hahaha!" "Yuzuriha, please! We were just setting the atmosphere, and you just shattered it!" Azami's anger flared up at Yuzuriha's seemingly inappropriate remarks and demeanor. The other members chuckled wryly, mediating between Azami and Yuzuriha. "Now, now, Azami-chan... More importantly, we need to focus on our discussions for what's coming next." "R-right... Ahem! Let's get back on track..." Azami wasn't particularly invested in the theatrics; she simply felt the mood required it, and Yuzuriha's interruption warranted a rebuke. However, the discussion mattered more than the atmosphere, and they needed to delve into that now. "In any case, we must ensure that all members are fully aware that Sakuya-chan has finally taken action to unify all the factions and schools." "Exactly... As Satsuki mentioned, we need to thoroughly inform everyone about what's next, including Sakuya-sama’s fan club, allied groups, and even the hidden members." "We’ve been preparing for the day Sakuya-chan would lead." Everyone nodded in agreement with Renka's words. The outwardly recognized Sakuya group consisted only of the seven present here. But that was not all. They believed that one day, Sakuya-sama would unite all nobles, factions, and schools and reign as an empress. They had been diligently preparing for that day. Quietly, they gathered Sakuya sympathizers, formed an organization, and steadily infiltrated various places. They weren’t mere event enthusiasts but genuine loyalists who revered Sakuya-sama, swore allegiance, and were willing to risk their lives. They formed a hidden network that continued to grow underground. Everyone understood that Sakuya would, in the future, stand at the helm of noble society—or even the country itself. Many thought that day was still far away. While the Sakuya group had an extensive network and connections, these were primarily among children. They had no sway over the parent generation, who decided family policies. When these children matured, became adults, and inherited their families, only then would they truly control noble society and, by extension, the nation. At least, that was the general expectation. However, with Sakuya-sama's talents, waiting that long was unnecessary. Not only factions and schools, but even some current family heads were growing infatuated with Sakuya-sama. With a decisive catalyst, support for Sakuya-sama would snowball. The Sakuya group had worked tirelessly to ensure readiness for that moment. Ready for whenever Sakuya decided to take action... Yet, the kind-hearted Sakuya-sama didn’t want to rule others by force. Until now, she had shown little interest in such matters and had been lenient with dissenters. But, following the An incident, she resolved to unify noble society. Their role was clear—to consolidate all factions and schools under Sakuya-sama, elevate her to the pinnacle, and realize the society she envisioned. They would do whatever was necessary for that. "We must inform Rindou and Ri about our decisions here afterward." "Maybe it’s time we let those two join these meetings?" "Yes, I think it's about time!" While the main members were seven of Sakuya's peers, there were others involved in these meetings. From time to time, Kaya and An participated, as well as underclassmen. However, they rarely invited the kids from lower-ranked families like Akikiri, even though those from prominent families like Rindou, Ri, or Yakan sometimes joined. "What about Akikiri-chan and the others?" "I think we should let the kids from non-main houses remain in the dark for now..." At Tsubaki's words, Seri offered a soft, understanding caution. Seri empathized with the non-main family's children. Even being called to such a meeting felt overwhelming and out of place to her. She hesitated to involve even the fifth years in such affairs. "And what about Hagiwara Shion?" "Hmm..." At Akane's words, they all muttered in thought. They knew Shion was infatuated with Sakuya. They didn't see her as an enemy. As a rival in love, perhaps, but as someone boosting Sakuya's success, she was unequivocally an ally. However... "Hagiwara Shion might be a bit... capricious and unreliable, so it might be best not to include her." "Hahaha..." Azami's words drew wry smiles from everyone. It felt ironic for Azami to point that out, yet no one dared to voice it aloud. Even Satsuki refrained from making such remarks. "What about Oshinomachi-sanjo-sama?" "Oshinomachi-sanjo-sama is definitely too loose-lipped. Considering the recent incident with An, we can't share anything with them until after we've made our move. Forewarning them could lead to interference and potential failure." Tsubaki's question was met with Satsuki’s practical response. They had no intention of staging a coup, but the way Satsuki phrased things made it sound like they were plotting such a move. Although it wasn't a coup, revealing their plan to incorporate key families into Sakuya’s faction prematurely would invite counteractions. Keeping it under wraps until the last moment was undoubtedly prudent. "Priority should be given to integrating certain families and methods before Sakuya-chan instructs us. If we only start after being told, our value will surely diminish." "Right. We've been quite inactive lately." "Ugh..." Yuzuriha's words hit home as everyone clutched their chests in realization. It was a critical blow that left no room for rebuttal. Though they were always beside Sakuya, attending to her and protecting her, when asked what they had actually accomplished for her, the answer was rather underwhelming. Preparatory work and behind-the-scenes maneuvers were things Sakuya could manage on her own if she so desired. Their existence wasn't irreplaceable, and they were only assigned duties through Sakuya-sama’s benevolence. Others could easily take their place, and their contributions might not have significant value to Sakuya-sama. "And isn't Sakuya-sama a bit too fond of An in this whole affair? It seems like..." "Yes, it appears as though An is the heroine in all of this..." "Could it be that Sakuya-chan..." "Is An's favorite..." "Don't say it!" Yuzuriha, unwilling to hear those words, quickly clamped Seri's mouth shut. Observing the resolution of the incident and Sakuya's response, one might think it a romantic tale of two people in love—overcoming social statuses and familial bonds in a classic love story. "Even if they didn't feel that way initially, they could easily be swept away by the atmosphere and momentum..." "..." It's common for obstacles to fuel a budding romance. Upon later reflection, one might wonder why they were so infatuated with such a person. The presence of barriers and opposition tends to strangely heighten emotions. While not saying Sakuya and An are this way, the presence of tragic heroism or hardship might intensify emotions between two people as they overcome challenges together. "At this rate, Sakuya-sama might be swooped away by An!" "Sakuya-chan isn’t that impulsive, and nothing drastic will happen immediately, but we can't completely dismiss the possibility of rising feelings." "We must somehow direct Sakuya-chan's feelings towards us..." "Why don't we just boldly take Sakuya-chan for ourselves?" The conversation shifted, as it often did, from establishing the Sakuya faction to a heartfelt exchange of feelings and strategies about Sakuya herself. --- At a certain café, three women of varying ages sat by a window. The café had closed, ensuring no uninvited visitors wandered in. Passersby, however, couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of the trio, resulting in collisions with lampposts and each other. "The reason I gathered you two is urgent—An is dangerous!" "Huh?" Ayame and Momiji, called upon by Kaya, tilted their heads in confusion. The statement made no sense. "Please explain properly." "I am explaining properly!" Kaya believed she was being clear, though Ayame and Momiji struggled to follow. Ayame, with the persistence of a tutor, eventually extracted the full story from Kaya. "Wait, are you saying Sakuya-chan likes An!?" "Sakuya-sama offering herself up for An... truly?" "Now you understand the gravity of the situation?" Kaya leaned back triumphantly, though the time for pride was not now. Annoyed by Kaya's smug face, the two immediately retorted. "Kaya, this isn't the time to act all proud." "I feel like we've been fading from relevance too... If we let them step ahead again, it spells trouble..." "You're the only one who's fading." "What!? Both of you know that's my biggest insecurity!" Ayame was deeply concerned about this. Being older, her chances to meet were limited, unlike the others who saw each other daily at home or school. Meeting only during Tsubomi-kai lectures was a distinct disadvantage. "And an older woman setting her sights on a middle schooler..." "Hey! There's someone even older who likes Sakuya-chan!" "Oh? Who might that be?" Kaya asked but couldn't provide an immediate answer. Surely there were such people, but none who were conspicuous enough to instantly come to mind. "Let's focus on what's important here!" "Right..." Reprimanded by Kaya, the two quieted down. Though usually the adults in the room, at least this time, Kaya's words rang true, and they had veered off-topic. "We can’t let An steal Sakuya-chan away! So let's seriously brainstorm how to win over Sakuya-chan!" "(I'd rather sneak into Sakuya-sama's room and...)" "(I’m at such a disadvantage, maybe I should ambush her on a dark street after Tsubomi-kai...)" Momiji and Ayame, with serious expressions, began muttering their thoughts. Satisfied that they were contemplating earnestly, Kaya too pondered her next move. "How about secretly slipping something into Sakuya-chan’s lunch... then taking her unconscious to my place?" "Kaya, that's a crime!" "You can't forcibly assault Sakuya-sama!" "Then what should I do? And stop reading my thoughts!" "You weren’t thinking—Kaya, you were speaking out loud! Criminal!" "Instead of trying to forcibly take her, focus on winning Sakuya-sama's heart, not just her body!" Their discussion ultimately led nowhere, dissolving into chaos until Hidori stepped in to restore order. Please log in to write comments. +Notice+ Unless otherwise specified, all works posted are purely fictional and have no connection to real persons or organizations. Unless otherwise specified, the copyrights of the posted works belong to the author (with some exceptions). Unauthorized copying beyond citations by anyone other than the author is prohibited and constitutes a copyright infringement. This work is open for linking. Feel free to link (introduce) this work. 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