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

Thursday morning, as I passed by the bulletin board at the entrance, the results of the re-election for the student council members were posted. Under Vice President, it read "Namba Natsume." "Oh! Kujo-sama! I won!" "Good day, Namba Natsume-kun. Congratulations on your election as the student council vice president." As I was addressed, I found myself having to respond. Ignoring him when he called out from such a visible space, when Namba Natsume from the Ichijo faction was speaking so familiarly to Kujo Sakuya, seemed unimaginable. I had taken pains to obscure the relationship between me and Natsume from the Ichijo faction to achieve their perceived goal of expanding influence over the student council, intending to protect Natsume from their scrutiny. Yet, here was Natsume, speaking openly with me, risking everything being undone. Even so, ignoring Natsume when he spoke wasn't an option, nor could I engage in a lengthy, familiar conversation without potentially exposing Natsume's betrayal to the Ichijo faction. He might have been happy about his election victory, but Natsume was being far too reckless. "Yes! It's all thanks to you, Kujo-sama! From now on, I'll work for you as the student council vice president!" Hey! Doesn't he understand not to shout such things in public? "I-is that so... Well, do your best. Good day." Flustered, I quickly ended the conversation and briskly walked away from the spot. There might have been a better way to handle it, but I couldn't think calmly and slowly due to the situation and could only retreat. Natsume might have been too careless, yet I couldn't fathom why he'd say that. Perhaps there was some different aim he had in mind, but at that moment, I was too overwhelmed to ponder further, hastily making my way to the classroom. --- Throughout the day, I mulled over it, but I still couldn't grasp Natsume's intentions. Perhaps he was genuinely just so elated about being elected that he blurted out such things impulsively. One potential explanation could be that by openly associating with me in front of the Ichijo faction, Natsume was trying to deter harassment or interference from them or the Namba family. However, there was no need to flaunt our closeness just yet. For now, he could have maintained the appearance of being aligned with the Ichijo faction, which might have been satisfied with Natsume’s election as vice president. There was no need to reveal our hand prematurely when the situation was still uncertain. No one but Natsume himself could truly know his intentions. Even though I knew I couldn't reach an answer by pondering alone, I couldn't shake the thoughts from my mind as I headed towards the salon deep in thought. "Good day." As I entered the Fifth North Association salon, a quietness fell over the room. Recently, more members had started greeting me, but today felt off as I proceeded in... "Sakuya! What's going on?" "...Good day, Konoe-sama." For some reason, Ibuki and Enju blocked my path in the middle of the salon. "I'm at a loss as to what exactly you mean when you say 'what's going on.' Could you please explain in a way I can understand?" Ibuki must be somewhat intelligent, yet he's a fool. He's one of those who speak assuming everyone is already in on what they're about to say. Such people existed in my previous life, too: those who spoke without context, believing the other person understood everything as they did. Ibuki was definitely one of those, skipping directly to the point without explaining anything. "You supposedly directed Oshokoji Masaki to become the student council president, and you also instructed Namba Natsume to become vice president! We've got the evidence!" "What...?" Even if he claims to have evidence, it's completely unfounded. Firstly, the notion that I directed Masaki to become the student council president is false. In fact, it was Masaki who expressed his candidacy for president and sought my support. The cause and effect are reversed. Yes, I gave a supporting speech and declared my support for Masaki’s presidency, but I never instructed him to become president. As for Natsume, I only suggested running for vice president, but the ultimate decision was his. Even if I had pushed, he would have refused if he wasn’t inclined. I merely proposed it as a peaceful resolution to avoid conflicts with the Ichijo family and myself after his loss in the presidential race. "You have nothing to say because I hit the nail on the head!" Ibuki pointed at me, puffing himself up proudly. But his triumph was short-lived. His expression changed from smugness to anger abruptly, yelling louder about striking a chord. "The fact that Kujo-san gave a support speech for Oshokoji-kun is known by the whole school. Moreover, this morning, when the re-election results were announced, many students saw Namba Natsume-kun bowing his head in gratitude to Kujo-san." Following Ibuki, Enju chimed in from the side with such words. But their conclusions were entirely unfounded. "The cause and effect are reversed. Oshokoji-sama ran for the student council by his own decision, not because of anything I said. He asked me for a supporting speech and election cooperation, which I simply accepted." "Why would you support Oshokoji then? You could have refused." Oh, Ibuki is loud. Even without shouting, I can hear you. "Oshokoji-sama mentioned having no others to whom he could turn for assistance. I accepted purely as a favor. Besides, I owe Oshokoji-sama a personal favor, so I intended to repay that debt without any ulterior motives." "A favor? What favor to Oshokoji?" "Now, now, Ibuki. If you shout too much, you'll trouble Kujo-san. More importantly, Kujo-san, let's set Oshokoji-kun's case aside for now. What about Namba-kun, who's part of the Ichijo faction?" As it seemed Ibuki was about to get more heated, Enju managed to restrain him. Yet, with a rather unpleasant expression, Enju prodded further about Natsume. Even though I didn't particularly mind being accused about that part, Ibuki and Enju might have assumed I'd find it troubling and thus were persistently badgering. The truth about Natsume isn't particularly complicated. He ran for student council president under orders from the Ichijo family. But Natsume, realizing that opposing Masaki meant opposing the Kujo faction, deliberately lost the election to signal he bore no animosity toward the Kujo faction. However, if he only showed a lack of hostility by losing the election, he might be branded a traitor by the Ichijo faction. In such a scenario, the Namba family would likely disavow Natsume to secure their house's standing. So, by losing the election, Natsume not only showed his non-hostility toward me but swiftly approached me to convey his situation and seek protection. I guaranteed Natsume's safety, thinking that even if he didn't win the presidency, if he could be involved in the student council as vice president, it might satisfy the Ichijo family. Hence, I encouraged him to run for vice president. The results were posted this morning, and being elated at his victory, Natsume had made the blunder of publicly bowing to me in gratitude. In summary, that's the situation. Even if they pressed me on this, I wouldn't be hurt or bothered. There's nothing to hide, nor would there be any issue if the information spread. But for Natsume, it's different. Earning the vice presidency to escape scrutiny from the Ichijo family and faction was meaningless if his relationship with me became widely known. While Ibuki and Enju may think pressuring me on this is a weakness, they're merely endangering the innocent Natsume. Given that members of the Ichijo faction are present in the Fifth North Association, any confession here would certainly reach their ears. Remaining silent might result in undue suspicion or give Ibuki and Enju a sense of victory over me. "What's wrong, Sakuya? Why are you silent?" "I haven't given any instructions to Oshokoji-sama or Namba Natsume-kun. I merely supported them as acquaintances, that's all. Is there anything else? If not, good day." It might appear that I've been out-argued and am retreating. But that's fine. Speaking the truth would endanger Natsume. At this point, any damage to my reputation is of little concern. Not that my reputation can sink any lower. I'm committed to protecting Natsume, whose safety I've promised. I suspect that Ibuki and Enju are targeting this issue believing it to be my vulnerability. However, in doing so, they're endangering a boy who had no choice but to comply with the Ichijo family's conspiracy, one who came to me—a former adversary—seeking help with his head bowed. While his life might not literally be at risk, by attempting to prematurely uncover this, Ibuki and Enju are effectively killing Namba Natsume's status as a noble. Regardless of their awareness, revealing the connection between Natsume and me here would lead to such consequences. "Hey! Wait, Sakuya! There's more—" "Silence!" "(!)" "Eek!" As I attempted to pass through, Ibuki grabbed my shoulder. There was no way I could continue this conversation in a place under Ichijo's scrutiny. Applying a touch of intimidation, I sternly silenced him. Ibuki froze, and Enju stood with a dumbfounded look. Perhaps they hadn't expected me to raise my voice like that. Taking a look around the salon, I saw that everyone—from upperclassmen to lowerclassmen, boys and girls alike—had wide-eyed gazes or were completely rigid, some girls even trembling and clinging to each other. It was undeniably a tense atmosphere. While Ibuki and Enju's tactless approach to taboo topics initiated it, ultimately, I was the one who exacerbated the situation. "...Phew. It seems my presence here is best avoided. Aze-chan, Satsuki-chan, I'm sorry. I'm leaving for today. Take care, everyone." "Sakuya-sama..." "Sakuya-chan..." I informed the two who accompanied me to the salon, and exited. After bidding farewell to the members inside, I quickly left the scene. Ibuki and Enju likely didn't comprehend the danger they posed to Natsume. Without knowledge of the circumstances, that remains incomprehensible. At best, those present might have surmised or assumed that I ordered Masaki and Natsume to run for the student council and win. However, if my connection to Natsume had been exposed under the watchful eye and ears of the Ichijo faction, it would trigger an all-out attack on Natsume from them. The Kujo faction too would be unwilling to trust and protect Natsume. Deprived of anyone to rely on, his fate would be harsh. I don't particularly hold affection for Natsume, nor is he someone I feel compelled to protect. In fact, I rather disliked the "Namba Natsume" in the game. He was a playboy, often bad-mouthing Sakuya and manipulating information, seemingly to incite confrontation. However, Natsume in this world differs from the game’s "Namba Natsume"! That boy tossed aside pride and pretense to plead for help at the feet of an enemy of the Ichijo faction. I couldn't stand by and allow such a person to be publicly humiliated. Even if Ibuki and Enju were unaware, I couldn't overlook or permit their attempts to disgrace such an individual. "Momiji... I'm heading home for today, so please arrange for the car. Also, secure a room for a boy at Fuji Dormitory." After exiting the salon, I called Momiji to relay my instructions. Given that Ibuki and Enju addressed the matter as they did, I must act under the assumption that my connection with Natsume is now known throughout the student body. If the Ichijo faction learns of the connection between Natsume and me, it's uncertain how they'll react. Having Natsume as a guest apprentice, like Girikuka and Fuki, isn't feasible. As a male, Natsume could at most serve as a butler apprentice under a male master. A man serving a woman presents numerous issues of propriety. First, I'll have Natsume leave the Namba household and move into Fuji Dormitory. Securing his safety, however, remains limited to providing Kujo family guards and security personnel for protection. Just when I thought the election was over and things would settle, it seems that's not the case... Although Girikuka and Fuki seem to be managing well for now, resolving matters concerning Natsume will evidently take more time. Like and Support Submissions Closed Support the author with points! Please log in to rate. *Note: Please log in to write comments. ▲ Back to top Share via X (formerly Twitter) or LINE Twitter LINE Share +Caution+ Unless specifically mentioned, all published works are fictional and bear no relation to actual people or organizations. Unless otherwise specified, the copyrights of published works belong to the author (with some exceptions). Unauthorized reproduction beyond citations by anyone other than the author is prohibited, and doing so would constitute a violation of copyright law. This work is link-free. Feel free to link (introduce) it at will. This work is optimized for computers. 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