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

# Chapter 583: "Who Emerges Victorious?" At a venue where the lower-ranked members of the family had gathered, Hozuki and Masaki stood by the wall, gazing absentmindedly at the party's proceedings. "There's just too much of a difference between the provinces and the capital..." Hozuki muttered. "...Indeed." Suzuran nodded in agreement. Even in the provinces, there were noble families, and social gatherings took place. Particularly, local nobles with ancestral homes in or around ancient cities, like Hozuki and the others, were relatively common. Hozuki, Suzuran, and Masaki had, of course, attended local social events. In their hometowns, they acted and were treated as respectable nobility. Since their debut in the social scene, they had become quite familiar with others at parties and had formed a certain solidarity as provincial nobility. However, upon gracing a central noble's party, they were starkly reminded of the difference in rank. Not just any noble could enroll in Fujihana Academy from the provincial middle or high schools as an external student. Simply being a noble was not a carte blanche for admission to Fujihana Academy. If it were, the student body would swell uncontrollably. Provincial nobles who enroll as external students do so because their families meet some standards, including a decent lineage, personal academic ability to some extent, financial capability for tuition and donations, and connections with the central nobility. Unlike them, the general external students are chosen purely based on academic ability. They are granted full scholarships and given accommodation and other living costs if necessary. The academic entry level for general external students at Fujihana Academy is among the top five in difficulty in this country. Although external noble students aren't required to have the same academic prowess, a certain standard is still necessary. Entry to the elementary section doesn't heavily weigh academics; it's largely decided by interviews. However, in essence, lineage factors heavily into admissions. Despite being admitted without an academic test, it doesn't mean they cannot study. Internal students, having received advanced education from Fujihana Academy since elementary, possess a much higher academic level than students from other schools in the country. While some might struggle academically, and internal students can progress in an escalator fashion regardless of academic prowess, the overall level of education at Fujihana Academy ensures that internal students are by no means of low academic ability. Hozuki, Suzuran, and Masaki, seen as standout figures at home, were sent to the central social scene with high expectations to showcase their provincial noble pride. Every year, provincial noble children, entering as external students, are imbued with confidence before being sent off. And that confidence is systematically shattered. The extravagant parties they hosted in the provinces paled in comparison to even the humblest home parties held in the capital. Fundamentally, the difference in wealth and connections is staggering. While provincial parties might rent out a hall at the civic center, the level of grandeur at a central family party is akin to renting out an entire international conference center. Moreover, in terms of academic ability, where they believed themselves to be at the top in their hometown, once at Fujihana Academy, their performance was merely average, or perhaps even below. It’s akin to a baseball prodigy in a small town failing to make even the substitute bench in a school known for its baseball prowess. Among a congregation of 'local champions,' it's inevitable that some will rise to the top while others remain average or fall to the bottom. "Hah... How many times have I been amazed and had my confidence shattered since coming to Fujihana Academy? Suzuran, you're still at the top of the class," Hozuki remarked with a touch of envy. "...I suppose. But gradually, I'm being surpassed by members of Sakuya's group," Suzuran admitted. "What the heck! Is that a jab at me? I’m getting surpassed and dropping in rank too!" Hozuki snapped. Agitated by Suzuran's remark, Hozuki retorted. While Suzuran's name featured prominently among the academically top-performing students, Hozuki hovered around the lower middle range. Though there were many ranked below Hozuki, among acquaintances from Sakuya's group, she seemed much like a candidate for the last place struggle. "You excel in sports, Hozuki. Meanwhile, I only have academics..." Suzuran pointed out softly. Taken aback by Suzuran's unusually subdued demeanor, Hozuki felt the sharp edge of her own retort soften. "Even if I'm good at sports, I'm not really at the top there either..." Hozuki pondered, as a certain figure floated in his mind. At his previous school, Hozuki stood out academically and athletically, particularly against the girls. Though he began losing out to boys over time, he still prided himself on holding his ground. Yet, that confidence was crushed at Fujihana Academy. Fast in short distances and just as swift in long ones, this person performed any athletic endeavor flawlessly, effortlessly, and excelled in ball games or any sport, showing astounding prowess. Regardless of what he tried, Sakuya Kujo—a true sports prodigy—outperformed even those who practiced daily in sports clubs. "Well, well, you both have your own unique talents. Unlike me, who isn't particularly outstanding in anything..." Karin interjected humbly. "What nerve you have, scoring better than me academically, to say such a thing!" Hozuki retaliated, pinching the slight softness of Karin's tummy. "Eek! Please don’t pinch me there!" Karin protested. "Suzuran pointed a soft yet accusing finger, "Despite this belly, you are more athletic than me! It's physically impossible!" Karin, subjected to Hozuki and Suzuran's playful yet relentless antics, was overwhelmed with a mix of embarrassment, ticklishness, and an odd sense of comfort, desperately trying to escape. But the duo wasn't inclined to let her slip away so easily. Though they often seemed at odds, Hozuki and Suzuran's banter was possible only because of their close bond. Their verbal scuffles weren't meant to harm each other but were expressions of a friendship familiar enough to allow such teasing. United in their playful torment, they cornered Karin further. "Wait! Stop it!" Karin implored. "Ahem... I happen to be here too, you know?" a voice interjected. "Ah..." Both Hozuki and Suzuran chorused, startled. Masaki, his cheeks slightly flushed, cleared his throat, bringing Hozuki and Suzuran back to reality about where they were. Although it was a hall for the lower-ranked families, their playful antics weren’t exactly fitting for the party setting. Moreover, they felt a tinge of guilt for having embarrassed Karin in front of so many people. "Hey, Osu Koji-kun," Hayami Zakuro greeted as he approached. "President Hayami," Masaki replied. Despite entering the high division, Hayami Zakuro hadn't yet gone through elections, hence he technically wasn't the student council president. However, to Masaki, he was very much the president. "I haven't had the election yet, so I'm not officially president," Hayami pointed out. "But you plan to run in the second term elections, don’t you?" As Masaki and Zakuro chatted comfortably, Hozuki and his group, regaining a bit of composure, moved further into the shadows to avoid more unwanted attention. "Oh, good evening. Kawamura-san, Kada-san, Yoshida-san," a familiar voice called out. "Oh, good evening..." "…Hey." "Good evening, Imadaoji-senpai." While retreating to a corner, the group encountered An. When they were first-years, they used to share meals through Sakuya’s introductions, but their bond wasn’t strong enough for casual social interactions without her presence. It was that awkward acquaintance feeling, you know they exist, but you don't really know them—a relational limbo many can relate to having experienced. "You don’t have to be so tense around me. Our social standing isn’t that different, and I’d appreciate it if you treated me casually," An remarked. "…Huh?" the trio chorused in surprise. Initially puzzled by An's words, as if a realization dawned, An clapped her hands, giving a rueful smile. "Is it my manner of speaking? I only speak like that when talking to Sakuya-tan." An’s familiar, informal tone surprised the trio. In fact, they found it more fitting compared to her earlier formal speech, which felt oddly out of place. "Is that so? I wonder why?" Hozuki asked, curious. "...I thought that was your natural way of speaking," Suzuran admitted. "Well… Kujo-sama is someone who doesn’t like being overly formal... She prefers a more relaxed interaction, but for someone like me, it feels intimidating. However, speaking formally makes her sad, so I tried talking more casually, and naturally, it just 'became like this!'" An explained, her tone friendly and as animated as always. Listening to An, the three nodded in understanding. Sakuya indeed disliked excessive formalities and preferred people to focus on interactions rather than protocol. While Hozuki and Suzuran spoke naturally due to their upbringing and personalities, Karin still maintained a sense of deference. “I initially thought you were goofing off…” Hozuki admitted. "...Thought it was a better story than expected," Suzuran mused. “Really? I don’t think it’s such a grand story though... Anyway, this is how I generally speak,” An concluded with a shrug. Just then, a vibrant and conspicuous figure made her entrance into the hall—the spirited beauty, Tokudaiji Azami, in a striking red dress. Upon spotting the group, she marched decisively toward them. “Oh, there you are! What are you all doing? Come on over here!” she called out. “Huh? Uh? What?” “Wait!” "...Alright," came their startled responses. With a chuckle, Azami briskly gathered them up and led them over to another hall. "Hold on. If they’re going, then we are—no, I’m coming too," Masaki insisted. "Osu Koji-kun, if I end up in a hall full of Doujou family members, it's going to tear a hole in my stomach," Zakuro protested. Having seen Azami pull the others away, Masaki followed suit. Though Azami had a word of caution, "You can come, but don’t expect us to be blameable if anything happens. You might as well continue chatting with the former president here." "No way! I was entrusted with escorting these three, and I'm definitely going!" Masaki declared. Not understanding Masaki's eagerness to move toward the Doujou family’s hall, Azami decided it was not her issue if they chose their actions and continued. She led Hozuki and An over to reclaim their place in the Doujou family's hall. "Good evening, everyone," Sakuya greeted as they arrived. "Sakuya-chi," Hozuki responded. "...Hey," Suzuran nodded. "Good evening, Sakuya-tan!" An beamed. Being ushered into a circle filled with many friends made Hozuki and the others feel at ease. They only now realized how tense they had been in the other hall. The gathering included not only elementary students and members from the lower-ranked hall but also a complete assembly of Sakuya’s group. Their sizable group, filled with prominent figures, drew considerable attention, even amid the expansive Konoe family party. "Hey Sakuya, why is he even here?" Ibuki, another guest, grumbled. "I don't recall you having the right to call me ‘him,’ Konoe Ibuki," Masaki retorted. "Now, now, both of you. Let's not fight, especially at a party," Enju interjected in an attempt to mediate. “Stay out of it, Enju! I need to settle this with him!” Ibuki challenged. “Bring it on, Konoe Ibuki!” Masaki fired back. The feud between Ibuki and Masaki escalated, with Enju trying to calm the situation. The mingling of Sakuya’s group with other individuals, particularly these combative figures, heightened the number of prominent attendants, making it all the more spectacular. "Alright, Sakuya, let's dance!" Azami cheered. With a visible reluctance, Sakuya hesitated briefly before nodding. “...Fine,” he finally agreed, pondering for a moment over a polite refusal but eventually giving in. “Look! Kujo-sama is about to dance!” one of the guests gasped. “I can’t wait to see!” exclaimed another. “Shh! I need to focus on watching!” urged a third. As Sakuya and Ibuki moved to the center of the hall, the surrounding crowd parted, illuminating them with a spotlight. The dance commenced, with attendees first dancing with their partners. Ibuki, known for his independent dancing style, couldn’t compete with the flawless moves of Sakuya, who, by adjusting to anyone, mesmerized the entire hall. “Wow!” "Isn't Kujo-sama just wonderful?" "I heard Kujo-sama dances with women too, right? I would love to have that privilege.” remarked one, with another retorting, “No chance. With time to spare, he’ll ask me.” “Oh, really?” “Yes, indeed!” As the dance progressed amidst such talks, thunderous applause heralded the end of the performance. “Kujo-san, shall we have the next dance?” asked another eager partner. “…Yes,” Sakuya agreed, ready for yet another. Resigned to his fate, Sakuya danced next with Enju. Once again, the hall resonated with excited voices. After that, he continued to dance with those who had declared themselves as prospective fiancés—Ibuki, Enju, Sakura, and Mizuki. He even shared a dance with his brother, Kujo Yoshizane. Normally, at this point, he would take a break or start dancing with the women of his faction... or so it used to be. But today was different. "Kujo Sakuya! May I have this dance?" A young boy suddenly appeared, extending his hand towards Sakuya. Sakuya hesitated for a moment but reluctantly accepted the offer. "Whoa, who is that?" "Does anyone know who that is?" "I know. That's the son of the Osu Koji family." "The Osu Koji family...?" Up until now, the race for Sakuya's fiancé was believed to be between those four: Ibuki, Enju, Sakura, and Mizuki. The abrupt appearance of an unexpected dark horse left those from the Doujou family present at the venue astonished.