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

--- "Who Is That Girl?!" --- As I finally wrapped up the greetings, I started to walk through the party venue to reunite with everyone... "Hey! Sakuya!" "Sigh..." A massive sigh escaped me instinctively as two figures blocked my path. No, really... I didn’t intend to provoke or make any statements, but it seems that when people truly get on your nerves, this is the natural reaction. "Ah, Kujo-san. Quite the cordial greeting, huh?" "...Good day, Konoe-sama, and Takatsukasa-sama." All I want is to swiftly make my way to the oasis of my heart, where everyone is. Yet, why do these two make it their mission to get in my way? Not to mention, they have a knack for getting under my skin... If these guys weren't the scions of premier families, I can’t count how many times I would have punched them squarely in the face. "Do you... have any business with me?" "So, unless we have business, are we not even allowed to speak to you, Kujo-san?" This brat... That’s exactly what I'm saying! He’s riling me up on purpose, right? Is that it? Does he want me to punch him? Hmm? Should I? Should I do it? "Sakuya is my fiancée! What’s wrong with me, her fiancé, talking to her?" I keep telling you, we are not engaged! Are you an idiot? Are you asking for it? The Konoe family unilaterally declared me as a “prospective fiancée,” but Ibuki and I are not engaged or betrothed or anything, understand? "Ibuki and Kujo-san aren’t engaged, right? Ibuki and I did declare you as a ‘prospective fiancée,’ but more importantly... what’s up with that earlier, Kujo-san?" "What do you mean by ‘earlier’?" Suppressing my twitching lips, I asked back in a poker face. Of course, I understood what Enju was referring to with “earlier.” It was when many family heads bowed to me during the greetings. I can’t think of any other significant incidents referred to by “earlier.” "Do I have to spell it out for you? Or do you want me to?" "......" "I understand why members of the Kujo faction or houses within their circle might bow to you. But why did other factions’ leaders suddenly bow to you, Kujo-san?" Seeing Enju unfold his reasoning, curiosity in his voice, I was also equally curious about why so many family heads chose such a public scene to bow and seemingly pledge fealty to me. What was that about? It wasn't just limited to the Kujo faction or their circle; in fact, various other factions’ families were more involved in this. An act like this could be perceived as intending to switch factions in front of figures like Konoe and Takatsukasa—leaders of their clans. It's incredibly reckless… In disregarding established norms of the nobility, I'm also at a loss for understanding. How am I supposed to answer such questions when I am clueless myself? In fact, I’d love to know the answer too... "I’m afraid I simply don’t understand. I was just as surprised by the unexpected greetings." "Really? So you’re saying it wasn’t orchestrated by you, Kujo-san?" "I neither instructed nor caused anyone to act in such a manner." "......" "......" Enju scrutinized me, but I continued to deflect him with a calm demeanor. Honestly, I had no prior knowledge of any of this. Enju likely suspects I orchestrated it to provoke a response, but I gain nothing from such a spectacle. On the contrary, executing such a plan would have meant picking a fight with numerous other factions or clans, which would be unfavorable for me. There’s no reason, practical or otherwise, for me to pick a fight with other families. Enju should understand this as well. "That doesn’t matter! Hey, Sakuya! Dance with me later!" As I locked eyes with Enju, Ibuki stepped between us. Although he helped shift the tense atmosphere from Enju, his words hit rock bottom. Why should I dance with Ibuki at our party? If I danced with Ibuki, then for balance, I’d have to dance with Enju, Sakura, and Mizuki too. Why would I have to dance with men at a party we hosted? "Konoe-sama... our party is a ‘masquerade ball’... This evening, irrespective of names or grievances, we shall act as though rank or house hold no sway." "Oh! ...And that means?" Sigh... dealing with simpletons is exhausting... Nobility calls for a tactful turn of phrase, and those who don’t grasp subtlety are particularly vexing. "Even if you are familiar with someone for years, you may not recognize them behind a mask. But one feigns ignorance, interacting irrespective of real names or houses—that’s the essence of a masquerade ball." "In other words?" How exasperating to cater to this fool… After all this, he still doesn’t get it. I’ll just be blunt. That's the only way he’ll ever comprehend. "In other words, social standings, familial ties, and names do not matter tonight. Whether Konoe-sama or Takatsukasa-sama declares me, 'Kujo Sakuya,' a prospective fiancée, tonight, I am not 'Kujo Sakuya.' Therefore, being a candidate for engagement holds no bearing or reason for me to accept a dance." "..." "......" Finally, the point gets across... Absolutely tiresome... They may excel at academics, however, catering to idiocy is draining... In Japan, academic prowess often defines intelligence, but in reality, this is hardly the case. Once you enter society, it's not uncommon to find that those hailed as "exceptional newcomers" are quite inept. People who excel by rote learning for exams simply make it into prestigious universities. Yet they’re often quite unfit for practical use. They lack adaptability or independent thinking, merely adept at repetitive tasks akin to rote learning. Perhaps those who excel in academics are more suited to repetitive tasks in factories or assembly lines. Given their aptitude for repetitive academic exercises, logically, factory jobs that repeat the same procedures might suit them better. Enju may not be aware, but Ibuki fits this category, too. He’s proficient in rote memorization and repetitive tasks, fairly doing well academically. Yet, when it comes to thinking independently, he lacks the intellect, rendering him inefficient for any tasks that require independent thought. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say “lacking adaptation is lacking skill,” having no brain to think on one's own is akin to being foolish. "Hey! Wait! About the dance..." "Good day." I left Ibuki and Enju who seemed eager to continue speaking, quickly removing myself from the situation. Swiftly donning a mask, I transitioned from being "Kujo Sakuya" into no one in particular. Naturally, anyone who knows me would immediately recognize me as "Kujo Sakuya," but tonight, the unspoken rule is not to mention it. “Oh! Sakuya-chan! Over here!” “Sakuya-chan, come this way.” “Thank you, Chigaya, Ayame-sensei.” Navigating the crowd, Chigaya and Ayame-sensei waved me over. Joining them revealed a gathering of classmates and underclassmen alike. Our group, assembling en masse, seemed monumental in size. "Oh! Sakuya-chi!" "...Mm. Sakuya-nyan." "Kujo-sama." Hoozuki and their friends seamlessly blended into the group, interacting well despite seeming slightly distant from others during everyday interactions. However, tonight, they appeared relaxed, smiling warmly among new acquaintances. "It seems like everyone’s getting along quite well." “Yes, indeed! In truth, before today, we weren't entirely sure how to engage with the Dojo family’s young ladies, but enjoying the event together, it didn’t take long to break the ice.” "...Mm. Events like this are essential." “It's all thanks to Kujo-sama.” “Well now, you three are giving me too much credit.” While Hoozuki and their company credited me, I felt they went overboard. Events do often result in sudden camaraderie. It’s what often occurs during school festivals or sports days, where classmates bond rapidly. Conversely, such events also risk fostering conflicts, creating animosities. In reality, events do provide such bonding opportunities, but attributing the entire success to the organizer is excessive. If our group indeed managed to bond, it was thanks to everyone's mindset and actions, not solely my doing as the host. “Sakuya-sama, must be parched from all the greetings. Here’s a drink for you.” “Thank you, Momi—” “Oh! Hey! Momiji! Are you trying to scoop all the praise?” “That’s right! It's rather shameless trying to earn points with Sakuya-chan!” “What are you saying! As Sakuya-sama’s attendant, it’s only natural for me to..." Ayame-sensei and Chigaya began a commotion with Momiji, who offered me a drink. Just as I considered settling the situation... "Ah!" "Hold on!" "Oh no!" "Greetings, Kujo-san, I needed to talk about Shion—" "Whoa!" "..." Unexpectedly, Nishikiori approached as they engaged in their squabble, resulting in the glass in Momiji’s hand spilling its contents, predictably landing on Nishikiori’s head. “What a mishap! Nishikiori-senpai, come, let’s clean you up! I’ll help you out, Sakura chimed in quickly, grabbing Nishikiori and Momiji’s arms, directing them out of the hall and into a nearby lounge. Leaving the rest of us in mild bewilderment. “Well, perhaps we should enjoy the party too…” “Yes…” As the host, I might have had to address such issues, but with Sakura signaling her intent to manage it by winking at me before leading Nishikiori and Momiji away, I decided to leave it in her capable hands and continue enjoying the party myself. ----- Sakura, grasping the entire situation, swiftly escorted Nishikiori and Momiji to a lounge adjacent to the venue. This move aligned perfectly with a prior suggestion made by Sakuya to create a specific opportunity. To achieve this, Sakuya expertly contrived a scenario that resulted in a beverage dousing Nishikiori’s head. Sakura, acutely aware of the intention behind these events, knew everything was going according to Kujo-sama’s plan. Therefore, her task was simple: execute the specific instructions given by Kujo-sama. Hence, she brought Nishikiori and Momiji to a private room reserved for the Nijo family. “Momiji-san, is there a ‘dress’ ready in Nishikiori-senpai’s size?” “—! I’ll fetch it right away.” At Sakura’s quiet suggestion, Momiji, having grasped the underlying plan, went to procure attire. Within the Kujo family, some dresses are available for rent for such occasions. Additionally, emergency change options, for both genders, are also prepared. Undoubtedly, suitable dresses fitting Nishikiori should be found among those reserves. “Alright, Nishikiori-senpai! First, let’s get you into something!” “Eh? A quick wipe-down should suffice, right? It’s just one glass…” "No! It might stain, so get everything off! I'll also take care of any hair!" “Eh? Eh?” While Nishikiori struggled with befuddlement, the Nijo family maids assisted Sakura in preparing Nishikiori. Stripping him of everything, swiftly grooming stray hair, hence setting the stage. Despite being unaware of the motives behind this transformation, by the time everything was ready, Momiji returned with the 'dress.' “Thank you for waiting.” “Alright, let’s proceed with dressing and makeup!” “Yes!” The Nijo family maids honed their skills grooming Sakura regularly. Thus, they excelled even when handling a male makeover. Additionally, backed by Momiji, their formidable collaboration led to Nishikiori undergoing a complete transformation. “So, how do you feel, Nishikiori-senpai?” “You look splendid, Yanagi Ojou-sama.” “Eh...? What...? Ehhh?!?!” By the time realization dawned, Nishikiori had morphed into the flawless young lady known as “Yanagi Ojou-sama.” “What... is... this? I’m... adorable...” Yanagi Ojou-sama blushed, captivated by the mirror’s reflection. Slight manipulations disguised the fit of the somewhat free-size dress, remarkably well-executed despite being a hasty improvisation. Ingenious techniques also masked tanned skin with minimal exposure, shaping the dress to obscure and refine the silhouette. Before the mirror stood a flawlessly captivating young woman. “Nishikiori-senpai, no, Yanagi-senpai! Now, let’s return to the party!” "Uh... okay..." Despite being slightly bewildered, Yanagi Ojou-sama accepted the hand offered by Sakura, who was also in feminine attire and a dress. Together, they returned to the party venue, hand in hand. "Who is that beautiful young lady?" "Nijo-sama is accompanied by an exquisite young woman." "How intriguing... From the tailoring of that dress, she doesn't resemble someone from the lower family circles... Could there still be a young lady of such grace in the Dojo family we haven't seen before?" At the Kujo family's masquerade ball that day, a mysterious 'beautiful girl' was seen wandering around the venue with Nijo Sakura. Various families competed to gather information but ultimately failed to acquire any concrete details about this 'beautiful girl.' It became a significant point of discussion, as if she were a protagonist straight out of a fairy tale.