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

### Episode 580: "The Closer the Relationship...?" As the time to greet the guests drew near, I was waiting in the dressing room, passing time with Yamabuki. Koharu and Yuzu were helping me refine my makeup and adjust my outfit when Ibuki entered. "Ibuki, the greeting is about to start." "Yes." With my makeup fixed in no time, I stood with Ibuki before the entrance of the venue. The Konoe family's party was always large with numerous guests, making what was to come quite challenging. "Oh my! Sakuya! Such a passionate dress today!" "Good afternoon. Thank you." The madams, whom I befriended during my time at Grande, showered my dress with compliments. Personally, I hadn't associated red with passion, but societal perceptions about color are unavoidable. It's crucial to consider not just "how I perceive it," but "how it's socially recognized and interpreted." Even if I didn't intend it that way, any action contradicting the prevalent societal view is hard to justify. Etiquette, attire, and color choice are dictated by the 'shared understanding of common sense,' and it's wrong to deviate from it. "Sakuya, we wish you'd occasionally drop by Grande. Everyone has been lonely since your departure." "I apologize. I'll consider visiting if the opportunity arises." Such remarks were mere pleasantries, essentially a polite way of declining. Saying 'I'll consider it' or 'if there's a chance' was a soft refusal, understood by both parties as simple small talk. They likely didn't genuinely wish for my return. "Well, Konoe, we're looking forward to the party tonight." "Ah, enjoy yourselves." The madams concluded their conversation and headed to the venue. Although they mostly spoke with me, they politely acknowledged Ibuki before leaving. That's the elegance of age speaking. "Hey Sakuya... why do you associate with people like that? You should choose your company more wisely." Ibuki whispered this to me during a break in the crowd, irritating me with his words. Sure, the barrel madams love their chats, and they thrive on entertaining, unchecked rumors. Such talk might have unjustly tarnished someone's reputation over minor errors. But they don't solely spread negativity. People inherently love scandalous stories about others, which is inevitable. Yet, the barrel madams also ensure to spread positive news. As long as a person's conduct is good, they won't become the target of only bad anecdotes. If it seems they are, the fault might lie with them. While it's true they occasionally spread irresponsible gossip, the barrel madams are good-hearted within the cunning nobility society. Among the ocean of sly nobles and territory full of cunning spirits, they're rare for their straightforward and genuine concern. Think of them as the gossip-loving neighborhood ladies in a past life. Annoying at times, yes, but they would check on the well-being of local kids, readily offer advice, and lend a hand when needed. There's a difference between unpleasant gossipers and those who, though they love gossip, have kind hearts. The barrel madams belong to the latter. To have Ibuki dismiss them as 'that kind of crowd' or suggest I 'choose my company' was infuriating. "Do you think I should surround myself with flatterers like those around Konoe?" Angered by his disregard for the madams, I shot Ibuki a steely glare. "—!" His body trembled slightly as though startled by my defiance. Raised as a privileged heir, Ibuki probably wasn't used to opposition. While I usually held my ground to a degree, being mocked for my friends disrupted my silence. I wouldn't stand by for such offensive talk, not even at the risk of sparring with Ibuki. "Oh, Kujou. ...What's wrong with Ibuki?" "Good day, Takano." At the tense moment between me and Ibuki, Hoozuki appeared, immediately noticing Ibuki's uneasy demeanor. "...Nothing. Welcome, Hoozuki!" "Is that so? Very well then..." Ibuki quickly lifted his head, adopting his usual demeanor. But it was apparent, at least to Hoozuki, that he was masking it. Yet, seeing Ibuki pretend nothing was amiss, Hoozuki chose not to press further and entered the venue shortly after exchanging some words. "Good afternoon, Sakuya." "Good afternoon, Satsuki!" Despite wanting to gauge reactions to my challenge to Ibuki, the sprawling scale of the Konoe family party meant a steady stream of guests. Besides, meeting group members I hadn't seen much over the summer break was heartwarming, naturally making that my focus. "Good morning, Sakuya!" "Good afternoon, Azami." "Morning, Sakuya!" "Good afternoon, Sakuya." "Good afternoon, everyone." Suddenly, everyone had seemingly gathered as if on cue. Though most arrived in separate cars, it felt as though the entire class group had assembled at once. "Sakuya, that dress suits you! Bold colors and styles really complement you!" "Thank you, Azami. You look great too. We're matching, aren't we?" "Hehe!" I thanked Azami for her compliments on my dress. In truth, I don't think bold colors or styles truly suit me... I'm the type with a faint presence, preferring muted tones and subtle styles. Honestly, I dislike drawing attention with flashy colors, preferring dark hues to quietly blend into the background. Today's dress matches Azami's in a way, both being shades of red. While hers is more of a melancholic red, such details aren't of concern. As long as it brought a smile to Azami's face when I mentioned we matched, that was all that mattered. "About that, Sakuya..." "Azami, let's hurry! The initial greetings should be brief!" "Satsuki! Stop pulling!" "See you later, Sakuya!" "Yes, see you later." Satsuki grabbed Azami by the collar and started dragging her away, cutting short her eagerness to chat. Indeed, with the line of guests forming, I couldn't indulge in endless conversations with everyone. "Thank you for having us today." "Oh, glad you could make it! Enjoy yourself!" "Kujou, your dress is absolutely stunning today." "Good evening. Thank you. And your outfit is on the cutting edge of fashion, as expected of the Takano family." "Oh? You noticed? Ho ho ho!" As the others moved forward, the awaiting guests began their greetings. Most engaged mainly with Ibuki, offering me only brief exchanges. Occasionally, though, certain ladies would engage more, not out of a genuine interest in me but to draw out compliments they'd want to hear from me. Unwilling to simply take flattery, some would sulk if not praised appropriately, spreading rumors that would paint the Kujou family's daughter as lacking in manners if not appeased. It was essential to tactfully discern what compliments they expected, delivering them promptly yet succinctly. Mastering this balancing act was the art of such social encounters, and simultaneously its most challenging part. The Takano family, for instance, stems from a less prominent cadet branch of the Fujiwara Northern House, a Konoe-menryu lineage. While Kujou faction members are rarely dismissive around me, many from the Konoe faction underestimate or patronize me. Despite not being a top-ranking family among the feather families, the Takano's attitude exemplifies this. Their approach stems from a fundamental perception that 'the Kujou family ranks below the Konoe family.' They likely believe that even if they clash with us, the Konoe house will intervene on their behalf, backed by the entire Konoe faction if needed. For them, there's no greater satisfaction than acting superior to the lady of the prestigious Five Northern Families of the Kujou. Even if things turn sour, they assume the Konoe's backing will resolve any trouble. Hence, their behavior. Interacting with people like them is exhausting. Getting angry is pointless, and any misstep on my part would give them more ammo to chatter about. Yet, excessively humbling myself isn't an option either, which makes dealing with such people tiresome. Typically, one might expect Ibuki, as the Konoe heir and my partner at this event, to manage these individuals. But that fool hardly senses such nuances. Instead, he's basking in compliments from another gentleman, puffing out his chest arrogantly. I can't rely on him for anything. As I was deftly managing these encounters, a familiar yet unexpected group approached. "Sakuya!" "...Hey, Saku-nyan." "Good evening, Kujou." "Hey, Kujou!" I could understand Hoozuki, Suzuran, and Karin coming together, but what puzzled me was Masaki accompanying them. The combination made no immediate sense to me. "Good evening, everyone." "Ah, you're curious about Oshikoji? With just us, it's hard to figure things out sometimes, so we asked him to join us." "...Yeah. I requested it." "Is that so?" Hoozuki and Suzuran, noticing my puzzled look, quickly explained. Although they'd attended several local parties, they felt uneasy at this one with fewer familiar faces. That's why they enlisted Masaki, a top-ranked student from the external branches, to accompany them. "I can't just leave struggling students from outside the aristocracy alone." "I see. That's commendable." Though Masaki might seem a fool, he can at least behave like a proper noble. Hoozuki and Suzuran, being daughters of provincial branches, may not fully embody aristocratic demeanor. Masaki, with his innate boldness, can confidently manage these central aristocrats. While relying on Masaki irks me a bit, with us entering separate halls, I can't accompany Hoozuki and the others to protect them. From that standpoint, their choice to lean on Masaki is wise and understandable. "Good, good. Then you owe me one again, right? Surely you haven't forgotten how much you owe me, Kujou Sakuya?" "Huh? Is that so?" Indeed, I owe Masaki, and I don't intend to dismiss it. I won't be ungrateful and refuse to repay debts. But if he were to make any ridiculous demands, I'd have the right to refuse. "I acknowledge the debt, but should you make any unreasonable requests, I might not repay you." "It's fine. It's nothing difficult. When the student council elections come after summer break..." "Hey! Who do you think you are getting so familiar with my Sakuya! What are you asking for? You external houses should be honored to serve Sakuya selflessly! Get lost already!" "What?" While I was talking to Masaki, Ibuki barged in, placing himself between us and glaring at Masaki. "Ugh... so troublesome..." "...Yeah. Saku-nyan, we'll head inside first." "Sorry, Kujou. And, it's getting a bit crowded behind us..." "Yes. Go ahead. No need to get caught up in this. Until later." The trio of girls, not wanting to get involved in the escalating tension between Ibuki and Masaki, discreetly headed inside first. Waiting around might lead to unnecessary fallout. After ensuring they left, I stepped in to quell the argument between Ibuki and Masaki. "Alright, you two. It's wonderful that you're getting along, but the line's backing up. Continue this later." "Wha!? Who said I'd get along with this guy!" "I object to that, Kujou Sakuya. I have no intention of befriending Konoe Ibuki." With my intervention, both started parroting the same sentiment. "See? You're already agreeing on something. It's great that you share mutual understanding, but save it for the party itself." "Tch!" "Hmph!" With the queue growing behind them, Ibuki and Masaki withdrew for now. Both looked far from satisfied, hinting they might resume later. If they wish to confront each other elsewhere, fine by me, as long as I'm not dragged into it. Support with a Like Currently Closed Show your support for the author by allocating points! You must log in to leave a rating. ※ To leave a comment, please log in. ▲ Return to the top of the page Send via X (formerly Twitter)・LINE Send via Twitter LINE +Note+ Unless specified otherwise, the works presented are entirely fictional and bear no relation to actual persons or entities. Unless stated otherwise, the copyrights for the presented works rest with the author (certain exceptions apply). Unauthorized reproduction beyond quotes by anyone other than the author is prohibited and constitutes a violation of copyright laws. This work is link-free. Feel free to share the link (introduction) as you wish. This work is compatible with both PC and smartphones and will automatically display the appropriate page based on the device used. 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