I Want to Completely Avoid Troubled Girls, but It Seems I’ve Reincarnated as a Background Character in the Most Dangerous Yandere Academy - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: A Master-Servant Bond Beyond Limits

Shigeo’s story continued without pause.

He spoke not only about the layout of the mansion but also extensively about the history of the Rukawa family.

It seemed they had risen to prominence three generations ago and had since built a powerful household.

“I thought it would be fitting for someone who can properly take care of the young lady, considering her personality.”

“Stop it,” Hyouka interrupted, her tone sharp. Was she blushing? She covered her face, hiding it from view.

This was enough. It was troublesome being treated like a fiancé without consent.

“I’ve spoken at length, but… what do you think? Would you approve?”

“Sorry, but my answer is no.”

Shigeo’s face twisted in shock.

“I see. May I ask why?”

“It’s too sudden, isn’t it? Proposing marriage after just a few days of knowing each other? It’s absurd.”

“We’re serious. Right, young lady?”

This outlandish proposal must be Shigeo’s idea, right?

Hoping so, I glanced at Rukawa.

“…That’s right. I want you, Shimizu-kun.”

“Don’t joke about this, Rukawa.”

“Oh? You think it’s a joke? Are you trampling on my feelings?”

Rukawa’s voice turned icy. Her gaze carried a dark, heavy aura.

“Tell me, Shimizu-kun, do you believe in compatibility or intuition?”

“To some extent.”

“I see. I strongly believe in them. From the moment we met and I knew we’d sit next to each other, I felt a powerful destiny pulling us together.”

“…”

Since the story’s fate exists, I can’t outright deny it.

“My freedom was hard-earned. It’s been ages since I’ve interacted with an ordinary boy. I’ve had enough of pretentious rich kids.”

An ordinary boy, huh?

That’s probably how Rukawa sees me. In truth, I’m someone who’s died once and come from another world.

“Rukawa, I understand your feelings. You’re tired of your closed-off environment and are dazzled by your newfound freedom.”

“What are you trying to say? Be clear.”

“I’m saying your feelings for me might just be a misunderstanding.”

“Huh? A misunderstanding? That’s impossible.”

Rukawa had little experience interacting with ordinary people.

Because of that, she had few points of comparison. Her limited options probably made me seem more appealing than I really was.

I suggested this subtly while observing Rukawa’s reaction.

“So that’s the kind of thing you say, Shimizu-kun?”

“I just thought it would be bad if you were acting on a fleeting passion—”

“You’re the worst!!”

“What?!”

“Don’t belittle my feelings! Am I impulsive? Love is blind. When you stare directly at the dazzling sun, it’s natural to lose sight of everything else!”

Her audacity was startling.

“I admit I might be inexperienced with the world, but so what? Isn’t it fine? I’m prepared to throw away shame and reputation for this once-in-a-lifetime love, even if it means eloping.”

“I-I see.”

Shigeo smiled warmly as he watched me flounder.

“Rest assured. We have ample funds, and I’ll always be there to protect you, whether at school or on your dates.”

Wait a minute.

It’s not just Rukawa who’s unhinged.

Shigeo might be equally, if not more, dangerous.

In the original story, he never revealed this side of himself. When he was with Rukawa, I thought they made a good master-servant pair and overlooked it…

“That’s how it is, Shimizu Issei-sama. If you marry her, the young lady will be free from troublesome ties.”

“So, will you date her with marriage in mind?”

Her pleading eyes made it hard to answer.

Rukawa probably didn’t want to let me go after falling in love at first sight. But I had my own circumstances. Dealing with the three top beauties was already challenging enough.

“Sorry, Rukawa. I can’t give you an answer right now.”

“Why? For what reason? Explain.”

“Well… I have prior commitments, and pushing this further would be…”

Even to me, my response sounded weak.

The fact is, being pursued by the three top beauties makes any deeper involvement with Rukawa risky. In a game like this, getting involved with her would almost certainly trigger a yandere escalation, putting my life in danger.

Not that I could ever say that out loud. Not to someone like Ruriko, who might understand.

“What’s the problem? If worst comes to worst, we can elope and leave the island and academy behind. Just you, me, and Shigeo supporting our lives—a world for the three of us. Don’t you think that’d be blissful? Your face is grim. No? Still need time? Then so be it.”

Rukawa exchanged a glance with Shigeo.

“That, please.”

“As you wish, young lady.”

Shigeo reached into his jacket.

He pulled out a syringe.

“Hey, what’s this about?”

“Just a little rest for you. When you wake up, you’ll be in a special room at the mansion.”

“You’re kidding me! How is that reassuring?!”

While I protested, Shigeo closed the distance.

“You mustn’t oppose or harm the young lady. That’s unacceptable, utterly unacceptable.”

I tried to turn and run, but Shigeo caught me instantly.

Pinned down, I couldn’t move.

“Don’t underestimate me. I’ve mastered self-defense for the young lady’s sake.”

There was no escape. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the needle drawing closer to my neck.

If it pierces me, it’s over.

Even if I’m not killed, my life would be no better than death if I’m forced into marriage under these conditions.

That’s not how I want to love Rukawa, even if I eventually do.

The needle was about to touch my skin when—

Shigeo stopped.

“Who’s there?”

Shigeo asked calmly.

“Kazuki Ruriko. Someone who cherishes Issei-kun more than anyone.”

A familiar voice reached my ears.

Ah, she finally arrived.

“…Ruriko!”

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Issei-kun.”