632 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game
Saturday morning had arrived, and today was the day Shion had plans to spend time with Lady Sakuya. Although Sakuya might not view it as a "play date," to Shion, it was undeniably "a day to play with Lady Sakuya." “Alright! Let’s get going already!” “Yes, Lady Shion.” The members of the Hagiwara household quickly kicked into gear as usual, accustomed to matching Shion’s pace. ~~~~~~ Desperate to leave early, Shion was held back by the Hagiwara household staff. They concocted various reasons to delay their departure, aiming to arrive right on time for the appointment. Had they not intervened, Shion would have undoubtedly reached the Kujou residence hours in advance. And thus, the car from the Hagiwara house approached the gates of the Kujou estate. For Shion, the gates of the Kujou residence held a plethora of memories. Every time she visited, there was always an issue — from having to notify the main house to not having an appointment. The gatekeepers, who inevitably end up letting her through, seemed rather inefficient to her. However, today was different. Today, she was coming by special invitation from Lady Sakuya herself. It was the perfect opportunity to silence the gatekeepers who always fussed over appointments. “This is the Hagiwara family’s vehicle. I’ve brought Lady Shion.” “Yes, we have you on the schedule. Just a signature, please.” This time, unlike before, the gatekeepers had been informed about Shion’s visit. There's no way they would forget once they were told that Lady Shion from the Hagiwara family was coming. After getting the driver’s signature, the car passed through smoothly. From the backseat, Lady Shion peeked out the window. “See? I have a proper appointment with Lady Sakuya today!” “...” The gatekeepers stood formally at attention until the car departed. However, as soon as it had passed, they couldn't help bursting out. "Pfft..." "Hehe..." “Haha!” They had maintained their composure until the last moment. After all, they were professionals, skilled in carrying themselves with dignity as members of the Kujou family's service. But when the car was out of sight, they finally let their amusement loose. “Did you see that? Lady Shion’s expression!” “Yes! It was different from what we’re used to!” Up until now, they'd only seen her angry face or the triumphant look she wore after being allowed entry by Sakuya’s word. But today, Lady Shion had a different expression—still triumphant, but in a novel way. “She’s nothing like our Lady Sakuya, although they’re classmates!” “Our young lady is so graceful and serene, you’d never think she’s in her second year of middle school...” "She even speaks to us so kindly." “In contrast, Lady Shion is extraordinary in her own, unexpected way for a second-year middle school student.” “It's like attending to a spirited elementary school girl!” “But she’s rather endearing in that!” The gatekeepers felt an odd sense of affinity toward Lady Shion, much like watching an assertive young relative who’s just reaching that lively phase of upper elementary school. Those who served at the Kujou gate usually encountered people with impeccable manners. Even the children often behaved with an unnatural formality. However, Lady Sakuya’s friends were distinctively unique, especially Tokudaiji Azami, Oogimachi Sanjou Kaya, and Hagiwara Shion. Out of these, Lady Shion was undoubtedly the gatekeepers’ favorite. “If only our Lady Sakuya were a bit more age-appropriately lively.” “Then why don’t you serve the Hagiwara household?” “I’ll pass on that.” “Hahaha!” Unaware of such musings from the gatekeepers, Shion leaned back in her seat, smugly after closing the window. ~~~~~~ The Hagiwara car sped through the Kujou estate's garden at an unreal pace. Shion urged the driver to go faster, leaving no choice but to increase speed to some extent. As they reached the circular driveway, Shion didn’t wait for the door to be opened. She swung the door wide open herself, practically leaping out of the vehicle. Ignoring the Kujou family members lined up to greet her, she dashed straight toward the entrance and slipped inside, heading directly to Sakuya’s room at full tilt. Usually, she would bump into Lady Sakuya along the way. Today, as well, upon meeting Sakuya in the hallway, she expected to proceed directly to her room. Instead, she was led to a different room designated for their activities — a workspace for their crafts. Shion carefully observed Lady Sakuya’s demonstration, meticulously crafting her own ring with focus and precision. This wasn’t merely practice; what she created would become something of Sakuya’s. They had promised to exchange their handmade items, so Shion poured her utmost effort and heart into crafting a splendid ring. When Lady Sakuya praised the workmanship of her piece, Shion was moved by the ring and brooch Sakuya made for her. When they suggested freshening up before their meal, Shion hoped they might share a bath, but that wish was not to be fulfilled. After freshening up and changing clothes, Shion enjoyed a meal with Lady Sakuya. As expected of a Kujou-prepared meal, the flavors were exquisite. Although Shion had been used to this standard of quality since birth, she didn’t quite realize it; being the daughter of the affluent Hagiwara family, she was well-acquainted with the best of the best. She was adept at distinguishing quality, able to spot low-grade ingredients mixed into good food instantly. While others might be swayed by brand names alone, Shion could pinpoint any inferior flavor without hesitation. Yet even her discerning palate found today’s lunch exceptional. Nevertheless, Shion hadn’t come for the delicious food. She was there to enjoy her time with Lady Sakuya. Ideally, she would explore Sakuya's room and discover all the joys it held. On a previous visit, she had foolishly flopped onto the bed and lost consciousness. There were rumors about being overwhelmed by the “sacred aura” of Lady Sakuya, and although Shion had never really felt it before, she never thought it might happen. Or perhaps she believed she could withstand it, yet it proved to be too much. Reflecting on her previous experience, Shion decided not to recklessly dive into the bed this time. Ultimately, she'd like nothing more than to cozy up in bed with Lady Sakuya, but that's a goal for the future. She understood the importance of taking things step by step. Usually, Shion did things her way, without regard to procedure or order, but when it came to Lady Sakuya, her instincts were sharp and her sense keen. Repeating mistakes would only lessen her chances, so Shion opted for a cautious and cunning approach in this matter. “Sakuya, shall we perhaps make another accessory?” “Eh? Well… if that’s what you’d like, I don’t mind.” Lady Sakuya was perplexed by Shion’s suggestion. Who wouldn’t be? Shion had been adamant about going to Sakuya’s room to play, only to spin things around post-meal. Naturally, Sakuya couldn’t help but be confused. While Shion’s intention to visit Sakuya’s room was sincere, she noticed her lack of enthusiasm and promptly adjusted her strategy. Ensuring they returned to the workshop after their meal, as per Shion's revised plan, they resumed their craft. When they reached the stage of shaping and drying, Shion sprang her trap. “Lady Sakuya! I’m going to freshen up my makeup!” “Ah… alright…” Sakuya blushed slightly, feeling awkward. With her intuition, she guessed that Shion was hinting at a long visit to the restroom. Shion had deliberately phrased it that way for Sakuya to interpret it as such. Everything was going according to plan. Shion set aside her pride for the sake of gaining precious time and employed a bold little fib to liberate herself. Sensitive to such cues, Sakuya wouldn’t dig deeper or suspect anything. Instead, she would tactfully pretend not to notice. Shion intended to use that time to explore Sakuya’s room. Leaving Lady Sakuya in charge of the silver clay drying, Shion headed confidently toward her room. She knew the Kujou residence well enough to navigate it effortlessly. Upon reaching Sakuya’s room, she noticed something suspicious. “What are you doing here!” “Eh!?” “Um… who might you be?” Expecting to stealthily enter Sakuya’s room, Shion found two young maids instead. Young was an understatement; they appeared even younger than Shion. She had never seen maids like these at the Kujou household before. “Who are you two? And why are you in Sakuya’s room?” Between two girls donned in Kujou maid uniforms and Shion, a guest who was invited yet arrived separately from Sakuya, the latter seemed more suspicious. However, Shion's bold demeanor often confused people into compliance. Rarely did anyone dare to challenge her authority. “I... I’m Inada Umika.” “And I’m Matsumoto Fuki. We’re both here under Lady Sakuya’s guidance to learn proper manners.” “Hmmm? Trainees, are you? I am Hagiwara Shion!” Shion unabashedly sized them up, recalling a vague mention of new underclassmen learning etiquette from Sakuya. Not having been interested then, she quickly forgot, but now realized it was these two. A lightbulb went off in her head. “You both attend Fuka Academy, right?” “Yes.” “That’s right…” The girls replied, somewhat familiar with Shion through her reputation at the academy, and knowing that Sakuya was having a friend over. While they hadn’t expected someone as “famous” as Hagiwara Shion at the Kujou residence, they realized this was her. “And you both like Lady Sakuya, don't you?” “Yes!” “Of course!” They responded immediately and clearly to this question, and Shion nodded satisfactorily. “Perfect. Then I’ll let you join my ‘Lady Sakuya Honor Guard!’” “...Huh?” “‘Lady Sakuya Honor Guard’?” Bewildered, the two tilted their heads at Shion's grand proclamation. They might assume her ‘honor guard’ referred to the well-mannered attendants like Tokudaiji or Saionji, or possibly the official fan club. But wasn’t the fan club run by someone else? Their minds filled with questions. “It doesn’t matter what it’s called; it’s not official and can be changed anytime! My unit isn’t like the ordinary fan club that makes noise openly. We help Lady Sakuya from the shadows, in secret!” “Helping from the shadows…” “A shadow unit…” Umika and Fuki were intrigued by the idea, though they didn’t realize how rudimentary Shion’s squad was. Few joined despite her recruiting efforts, given Shion's public declaration of the group's stealth. Even when she marketed it quietly, it attracted only peculiar individuals. Though Lady Sakuya had many fans, most were casual admirers. Few had the dedication to protect Sakuya at any cost, save for those already established as her friends. Those who did join Shion’s squad were all eccentrically independent. If they were sociable and cooperative, they’d join the regular fan club. Naturally, only peculiar ones remained with Shion. Despite their odd personalities, their unique skills retained Shion’s interest. Yet manpower was lacking. Driving Lady Sakuya’s prestige even further required not only specialized abilities but sheer manpower. Shion’s squad needed reinforcements, hence her plan to recruit Sakuya’s nearby etiquette trainees. “Fantastic!” “If spreading Sakuya’s greatness and helping her in any way we can is possible, we’d be thrilled to assist!” “Yes! You two have potential!” Thus, the meeting of the two girls and Shion transpired. No one could predict how much this encounter would contribute to the squad’s future success — a story for another time. Later… the afterward was that Sakuya’s room was a little unsettled, with some articles of clothing missing, but Umika, Fuki, and Kaede tidied up so efficiently that Sakuya remained oblivious to what had happened. To support the story, you can bookmark your progress, but please log in first. Support with Likes: Currently unavailable. You can support the author with points! 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