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

### Chapter 582: Rindou's Resolve Before the Konoe family party began, the younger members of the Kuga household had gathered together. "Hey, Rindou, are you sure this is okay?" Akigiri asked anxiously, to which Rindou answered confidently. However, her hands trembled slightly as she held a nervousness within. Was everything truly going to be okay? Even Rindou couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. "Rindou, is it really alright for me to have this dress?" "Of course! I bought it for all of you, didn't I? We went shopping together for it, after all." Rindou had decided to bring along members of the lower grades who weren't originally invited to today's Konoe family party. She had always wondered why some members of the faction led by Sakuya were excluded from invitations. The Konoe family had declared Sakuya as a potential fiancée, yet they seemed to disregard her involvement far too much. Rindou, who constantly felt this way, had resolved beforehand to bring everyone along this year, even those who weren't invited. To ensure they were dressed appropriately, she took the entire group to a Kuga family boutique to have custom-made dresses crafted. The preparation for the party, including transportation, was meticulously arranged at the Kuga residence. Once everyone was dressed and made up, they would head to the venue in Kuga's cars. Compromising here would mean sending the people Sakuya cherished in shabby clothing, makeup, or vehicles, which would disgrace Sakuya herself. Failure was not an option; there could be no room for missteps or negligence. "Uzuki, you look adorable!" "Hehe, thank you! Kikyo, you look cute too." Ah, their carefree laughter. Despite the impending confrontation with the Konoe family, those below the ranks were scarcely aware. But standing on the front lines was Rindou's task. After all, it was her decision to bring the uninvited members along… (Please lend me strength, Sakuya...) Each of them got into Kuga's cars, and Rindou gazed skyward with determination in her eyes, conjuring the image of her beloved elder sister. When she did so, imagining Sakuya watching over her filled her with strength and confidence. Right now, she felt she could accomplish anything. Once she had resolved herself by looking up to the sky with that fearless smile, Rindou climbed into the car and headed towards the Konoe's party hall. --- Upon arriving at the venue, they stepped out of their cars at the rotary. Though the surrounding environment buzzed with murmurs upon noticing them, Rindou maintained her fearless smile and walked with poise. Her esteemed Sakuya would never be swayed by the mere glances or whispers of those around her. Like the finest and most formidable of young ladies worldwide, she would confidently walk straight down the path. Therefore, Rindou too aspired to do what Sakuya would do, mirroring her past actions exactly. Even so, when she felt her confidence wavering, she bolstered herself with the thought that "Sakuya will surely help in critical moments." Sakuya never abandons those in need. Even if things spiraled out of control beyond her abilities, she had faith that Sakuya would ultimately resolve everything. This thought calmed her heart and surged through her with confidence, encouraging her to do her utmost. "Good evening, Sakuya!" "Good evening, Kujou-sama." "Sakuya-neechan, good even....Ah! Good evening!" "Good evening, everyone." Greeting her esteemed Sakuya, who stood beside Konoe-sama exchanging pleasantries, Rindou tried to steady her composure. While Sakuya could put fear into anyone when angry, her usual demeanor is gentle and exceedingly kind, making one's heart tremble to the point of collapse. However, Rindou couldn't afford to falter here. "Haven't some of the members following me not been invited?" "Indeed. However, these individuals are my companions and Sakuya's protégés! Isn't excluding them disrespectful to the Konoe family? Thus, I decided to bring them all! Is that alright, Konoe-sama?" With a swift glance, Sakuya realized that there were indeed members present who hadn't received invitations. Likely, she remembered every guest personally. It made Rindou want to exclaim, "As expected of Sakuya," but she restrained herself. "What...? Wait! Such arbitrary actions can't be allowed! The host decides the guest list, not you! To do so on your own..." "Oh? Are you sure about that? These are dear companions of Sakuya-sama. Are you saying you'll disregard them, Konoe-sama? That would surely sour Sakuya-sama's impression, wouldn't it!" "Wh—!? N-no...but..." The babbling man standing next to Sakuya paled at Rindou's words. By simply being beside Sakuya, the difference in stature was glaring. While Sakuya commanded an overwhelming presence, instilling fear in all the guests, this insignificant man paled to insignificance. With this realization, Rindou felt fearless. "Then, I'll take these members over to the main venue with the responsibility of both Sakuya and myself!" After concluding their greetings with Sakuya, Rindou made her way towards the hall. However, at the entrance, staff checking invitations blocked their path. "We cannot allow entry to those without invitations..." "These are Sakuya Kujou's cherished members. Do you understand what refusing them would mean...?" "—!?" "We shall...please wait here while we confirm!" The staff turned pale, hastily radioed for their superiors, and guided Rindou's group to a separate room. 'We let them through because we were threatened' would disqualify them as guards, but ignoring the name 'Kujou Sakuya' was not an option. They likely intended to hold them in the separate room while awaiting verification from their superiors. Even so...Rindou thought. Just the mention of 'Kujou Sakuya' was enough to make everyone bow and alter their attitude. If it had been under 'Rindou Kuga,' they would have undoubtedly been turned away. The influence wielded by the name 'Kujou Sakuya' evoked a mix of awe and trepidation. However, it also sparked a flicker of mischief within her. In high society, it's already a well-known fact that Rindou Kuga serves under Sakuya Kujou. Thus, it's not strange for her to act under the name 'Kujou Sakuya'. This name alone can bulldoze its way through any unreasonable demand. Its weight and influence are considerable. But if anyone were to misuse the name 'Kujou Sakuya'... it would spell disaster. Rindou had no intention of such mischief. Still, the recent incident made her keenly aware of the name’s power and convenience. If one were to lightly depend on this name's influence in casual situations, they might easily fall prey, entrapping themselves in deep mire. Anytime, anywhere, any demand—by invoking 'Kujou Sakuya', everything could be prioritized and bend to one's will. It's a seductive power, difficult to resist. Sakuya-sama, despite possessing such influence, has always exercised restraint. This is why she's earned such trust. If used recklessly, such a reputation would quickly tarnish. (I must ensure not only myself but also the others are properly managed to avoid abusing the power of 'Kujou Sakuya'...) Rindou pursed her lips firmly. The allure is potent. Acting with integrity and justice, maintaining fairness—this is the path Sakuya-sama has walked, and those who follow must not stray from it. "You kept me waiting, Rindou. What's going on here?" "Good evening, Yasuko-sama." After a wait in the separate room, Yasuko Konoe entered. Unlike the insignificant rock that had simply stood next to her Sakuya-sama, Yasuko exuded a formidable presence matching that of Sakuya. Rindou, having been by Sakuya-sama’s side and receiving her guidance, couldn't afford to appear disgraceful. Gritting her resolve, she faced Yasuko head-on. "I've often wondered why the Konoe family doesn’t properly invite Sakuya-sama's attendants to your parties. Doesn’t that seem as though the Konoe family is neglecting Sakuya-sama?" "Is that so? We do invite all of Sakuya's real attendants. Isn't it more likely that you underclassmen are just amusing diversions?" Yasuko's previously pleasant gaze sharpened, and the sheer pressure alone was enough to make Rindou wish to flee. However, she stood firm. To back down now would mean conceding defeat before the challenge even started. Running from Yasuko Konoe would make any claim as Sakuya's successor laughable. "Perhaps that’s how it seems to you, Yasuko-sama, who knows little of our connection. But we are indeed Sakuya-sama's attendants. At a party where Sakuya-sama is a main figure, not inviting her attendants is an oversight on the Konoe family's part." "....." "....." Yasuko Konoe gazed directly down at her, a sight that was terrifying and caused Rindou's legs to weaken. Nonetheless, Rindou mustered every ounce of courage, meeting her gaze firmly. "Heh, I see. That's our fault, then. From now on, all of Sakuya's group will be invited. Please enjoy yourselves today as well. Is that satisfactory?" The pressure abruptly disappeared as Yasuko's shoulders relaxed and she bowed slightly. Yasuko Konoe had acknowledged her mistake and apologized. "Y-Yes!" It took a moment for Rindou to comprehend, but once she did, she hurried to respond. It was enough. She had achieved what she’d set out to do. As she felt the tension ease... "As expected of Sakuya. She’s chosen her pawns well. You should be careful, Rindou. I’ll overlook it this time, but if you ever misuse Sakuya’s name, I won’t be as lenient." The moment Yasuko, releasing the most pressure felt yet, whispered this into Rindou's ear and exited the room, Rindou collapsed on the spot. "Rindou! Are you okay?" "Kuga-sama, are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine..." Reassuring the anxious members rushing to her side, Rindou managed to speak, though not without difficulty. Her legs had given out; she couldn't stand. "Honestly... the families of the Five North are all monsters..." Even as a member of the Seven Pure, Rindou found herself utterly outmatched. The Five North families were cut from a different cloth. Yet among them, Rindou had never encountered anyone who could truly surpass Sakuya-sama. The true titan is undoubtedly Sakuya-sama, who has stood her ground among such monstrous figures since her elementary days. Rindou held firm in her belief that Sakuya would, in the future, surpass even the indomitable Yasuko Konoe. --- As the party commenced, each house, starting with the most prominent, made their formal greetings to the hosts. Yet an unusual scene unfolded. Despite Ibuki Konoe, the heir, addressing the Doujou family as their representative while still a second-year in middle school, the surprise lay elsewhere. Even the lower ranking half-family members of the Doujou family were not to be underestimated. Facing the Doujou family members required careful tact, even for adult nobility. Naturally, entrusting this task to a mere middle-schooler as the party host would raise concerns. Yet there was someone, outside the Konoe family, adeptly handling them. "Next is the Nakain family..." "Almost all the higher-ranked houses follow that pattern..." "Just how influential are they?" The true star of the party wasn't Ibuki Konoe, who was supposed to receive the formal greetings, but the beautiful girl quietly standing beside him. The Five North families, Seven Pure families, and ministerial houses, one after another, greeted and bowed to the beauty, Sakuya Kujou. It was as if they were demonstrating to all present that the one truly receiving the attention wasn't Ibuki Konoe. Rumors had circulated across the social circles, suggesting that in prior parties, many families had acted with deference to Sakuya Kujou, transcending factions and affiliations. Those who hadn’t witnessed it firsthand might have doubted such a scenario. Yet, here it was again, validating every claim. There was no denying it now. In the grand event of the Konoe family, which holds an unquestionable prominence within the nation’s society, top-tier families consistently bowed to Sakuya Kujou. There isn't a Doujou head unaware of this fact. It highlights who among them is the leader of the next generation, to whom they should align themselves. This was the occasion to showcase and broadcast that truth. "Greetings, Sakuya-sama." "Good evening." One by one, yet another faction of the Doujou family that had maintained a reserved stance succumbed to Sakuya Kujou. Witnessing this, the remaining factions, eager not to be left behind, proceeded to greet Sakuya Kujou in succession. The Konoe family's party on this day transformed into an exhibition of allegiance to Sakuya Kujou. Thus, the scene was set: a grand stage where the nobility pledged their fealty to Sakuya, marking her supreme influence within the social hierarchy. The narrative around the event further solidifies the implications, suggesting the influential sway Sakuya holds over high society. Her presence had turned a simple party into a momentous occasion, a testament to her eminence and the allegiance she commands.