626 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game
# Chapter 626: "The Promised Crochet Doll" "Good morning." "Good morning, Kujo-sama!" The day after the cultural festival, I arrived at the academy, noticing many students had come earlier than usual. Naturally, the group of kids was all gathered as part of their post-event tradition of arriving early. "Good morning, everyone." "Good morning, Sakuya-chan." "Good morning, Sakuya-sama!" It seemed that everyone had been talking about yesterday's cultural festival. After putting away my belongings, I joined the conversation. "I heard that Class 2-3 was number one in sales during the festival!" "Well, that's to be expected." "Of course, we have Sakuya-chan, and our handmade items almost sold out completely!" "I'm not sure how I'm related to that, but it's good that most of the products sold." When we were working as clerks, there weren't many items, so we didn't sell much. However, after we restocked, sales picked up considerably. In the end, our sales earnings were substantial, with most products selling out. Some unnamed items left for sale were picked up by our classmates, leading to an almost sellout. Although most products nearly sold out without our classmates buying at the end, their purchase of leftovers definitely contributed. Naturally, we didn't reach a sales total of eight million yen. Since this is an academy event, profit and sales figures aren't the main focus. Some products were even sold at a loss, with prices lower than the cost of materials. Not all products used the same amount of materials, but fundamentally, silver clay itself is costly. Variations in size and décor mean we couldn't establish a uniform price, and even with the expenses removed, selling silver clay accessories at that price likely incurred a loss. As I've reiterated, since this is an academic event not aimed at profit, it doesn't matter if we sell at a loss or not make a profit. The items are made as a volunteer effort by our classmates, without factoring in labor or design costs. This is why I mentioned before the festival that everything was 'a great deal.' "The classes that opened cafes apparently had a rough time." "Oh, really..." Honestly, I wasn't too interested. I had assumed it was doomed to fail. Even among them, Class 2-1's café was the worst. Still, it seemed other classes also faced similar struggles. Just from looking, it was evident; there were no customers anywhere. Apparently, all the cafés experienced some crowding in the morning. Friends, acquaintances, and family obligations likely brought people in early. But as word of the cafés' failings spread and people completed their rounds, new customers almost stopped coming. According to what I've heard, Ibuki and the others' café had the worst flavor and variety, but the other classes were not much different. Although I hadn't checked them myself, it seems from rumors that they were all quite terrible. We decided to minimize expenses on décor, focusing instead on the quality of the tea and snacks. Meanwhile, the classes opening cafés this year reportedly spent quite a bit on interior decoration. While they procured decent furnishings, it burdened their budgets, critically impacting the quality of the food and beverages offered. Though snacks sourced from outside sold relatively well, the brewing methods for tea were poor, and choices often clashed, showing clear deficiencies. "It seems like the fate of the cafés turned out just as Sakuya-chan had predicted." "The tea from Class 2-1 was horrible..." Yuriba-chan's mention seemed to remind everyone of that dreadful tea experience, causing them to frown. Even with quality tea leaves, brewing them incorrectly ruins everything. The choices of pairings with desserts as listed on some menus didn’t seem well thought out from the start. "By the way, Sakuya-sama... what have you been doing?" Azami-chan asked, eyeing my hands curiously. In my hand were yarn and a crochet hook. Since I sat down, I'd been fiddling with them, which probably piqued her curiosity. "I'm making the crochet doll I promised everyone. It'll take some time, as I’m just starting now, so please be patient." "Wow! You're making it now!" "Take your time; I'm in no rush!" "I'm looking forward to it!" Their positive responses were welcome, but I intentionally started crafting at this moment and place. The reason being, if I had commenced before the festival, I risked suspicions of embezzlement or accusations of prioritizing personal projects over festival items. If, during the production stages of festival items, I had made something like this, even if I bought separate tools and materials, others might assume I used class resources. While one might say to stand firm against baseless accusations, one must avoid actions that give rise to doubt from the beginning. In such matters, it's less about the unjust accusations and more about not doing anything suspicious. Acting wisely to prevent misunderstandings before they arise is essential, and throwing tantrums while being accused doesn’t resolve anything. Even if the tools and materials came from personal funds, creating one's personal items when classmates are focused on festival projects doesn't sit well. True, what you do in your private time is personal freedom, but deliberately choosing actions or timing that provoke discord is inadvisable. At this point, we've returned the festival tools and materials, and the event concluded yesterday, so no one has grounds to comment on my personal projects. A noble daughter should exercise such consideration, ensuring she remains beyond reproach through attentiveness. That's why I deliberately spread out my materials and tools in front of everyone, making it clear that I wasn't embezzling anything or using items meant for the cultural festival. "Sakuya-sama, aren't you not even looking at your hands while crocheting?" "And you're really fast, aren't you?" "I'm not very good at knitting, so it's a bit embarrassing being watched so closely." I've dabbled a bit, but I can't claim to be proficient in knitting. "What? Isn't this one almost complete already?" "Oh no, it still needs a little more time." Everyone's getting ahead of themselves. There's still some work to be done before it's finished. The metal piece to make it a keychain can't just have yarn threaded through it or it will fray and fall off. The metal needs to be embedded within the crochet so it won't come loose or wear through any single point. Once the stuffing is adjusted and packed in, and everything is sewn up... "There, one is finished." "You finished before morning classes even started..." "Well, it is Sakuya-chan..." "Haha... I've long since stopped being surprised by anything like this." Something feels off about everyone's reactions... I thought they'd appreciate matching designs, but maybe it's not as well-received as I'd hoped? "By the way, is this a character from something?" "...It's Kumanyan." "Eh?" "My original character, Kumanyan!" Everyone was scrutinizing the crochet doll I made. Kumanyan is my original character, a blend of a bear and a cat. I even snuck a few in as embroidery on handkerchiefs for the festival. "Oh! Is that the one you made with beads too?" "I saw it embroidered as a bear on things!" "I think I recall it on the silver clay crafts as well!" Looks like the team leaders have remembered seeing bits of Kumanyan on some of the items I made. Although, I never formally introduced it as 'Kumanyan'; people probably just thought of it as a bear motif. "Yes, I secretly included it in some of the festival products." "Wow! An original character by Sakuya-sama! That's amazing, truly amazing!" Being praised like that by Azami-chan actually makes me feel even more embarrassed. I shouldn't have come up with an original character... Though it's hard not to resemble something else when creating bear characters, which are quite common. "And here you are talking and your hands are swiftly working on the second one, Sakuya-chan..." "No matter the absurdity of this world, saying 'because it's Sakuya-chan' makes it all make sense..." "I see..." Isn't everyone being a bit harsh? I'm just trying my best to complete one for everyone by the end of the day. "I'll ensure they're all finished and ready to give out by the end of today..." "There you go, 'because it's Sakuya-chan.'" "I see..." What's that supposed to mean? --- Thanks to diligently working during breaks and lunch, I managed to complete eight crochet dolls by the end of the day. Although I could wait and give them out at the salon where Five North Society members gather, I wanted to hand them out all at once after completing them all. I'm glad I finished in time. "I'll give these to everyone before you leave." "Yes!" Everyone seemed incredibly eager. It's just a crochet doll I'm gifting, but... "Um... well then..." "Please, start with me!" Azami-chan eagerly stepped forward. I suppose it doesn't matter who receives one first, but if there’s a preferred sequence, I’m happy to oblige. "Sorry for the wait. Here’s the promised crochet doll." "I'm incredibly grateful and honored!" Huh? What’s with that reaction? "Next is me!" "Satsuki-chan, here you go." "I’ve received it!" Why are Azami-chan and Satsuki-chan acting so theatrically? These are just simple little crochet dolls, and they can take them more casually. Despite my thoughts, every group member who received one reacted in a similar manner—grand and ceremonious. "I've received it!" Everyone placed a hand on their chest, bowed, and accepted the dolls respectfully. Their gestures and expressions were over-the-top, just for these tiny crochet dolls... "Isn't this a bit excessive..." "Absolutely not, Sakuya-sama!" "Right! You've graciously bestowed us with something handmade by Sakuya-chan!" "This represents both our friendship and loyalty!" Hmm? Yuriba-chan’s comments feel a bit off, but well, if this is how they want to play, I’ll join in. "Very well… Let it be known that your efforts please me!" "Yes!" "Giggling" "Haha!" "Ahaha!" When I played along, they all made serious faces and bowed, then burst out laughing. Ah, how nice... It feels good to have relationships where we can joke around like this. After handing out the crochet dolls, I took Azami-chan and Satsuki-chan, feeling quite pleased, and headed to the Five North Society’s salon. And then... "Good day... What is going on here?" "Tch!" Upon entering the salon, we found some chairs and tables overturned, and one of the members was crouched on the floor. Standing over him was Ibuki. It seemed like someone was prostrating themselves before Ibuki. When we walked in, he clicked his tongue audibly and turned his face away. "Sigh..." Another time-consuming issue related to Ibuki... Since entering middle school, or rather in the second year, hasn’t he been getting worse? He seemed somewhat better before, so what has changed? Like to Support Support is currently closed. Show your support to the author by awarding points! Please log in to rate. *You must log in to write comments. ▲ Back to Top Share via X (formerly Twitter) or LINE Share on Twitter LINE +Note+ Unless otherwise noted, the published works are purely fictional and unrelated to any existing persons, organizations, etc. Unless otherwise noted, the copyright for the published works belongs to the author (except some works). 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