Returnee from Another World - Zetro Translation

Chapter 80: Ties with Akuzawa

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“Don’t screw with me, *****! Are you saying I restarted my life just to make someone else suffer in place of my mother?!”

“If you seek to mend a frayed thread, it will entangle with another.”

“I’ve heard that before! Then what the hell did I sacrifice for?!”

“The price has been paid. All things have two sides. To mend two frayed threads, you must bind them to a new thread of your own making.”

I could see an aura of [Anger]’s red.

Did he sacrifice something? Did he gain something only to restart his life again? I mulled over these thoughts vaguely. But the red aura slowly faded, shifting to the gray of [Regret] and [Disappointment]. Seeing that gray aura, my chest ached with a dull pain. Fragments of memory flickered through my foggy mind. At the same time, I realized it was me yelling at ***** in anger, not him.

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“The number of cars in the parking lot suggests the number of believers has grown since last time,” I said.

“Yes, all thanks to the Founder’s divine influence. The worldly are flocking to seek salvation,” the believer guiding me replied.

Led by this believer, I was heading from the main hall of the Gospel Love Church to the sanctuary where Nishikuse and his group resided. This believer clearly saw me as just a guest. I prefer keeping those who know my secrets to a minimum, so I’ve been using the Mirage Coat to sneak in and meet Nishikuse discreetly. Nishikuse wouldn’t go blabbing that I’m Vepar’s agent, and his group wouldn’t admit they’re under my thumb either. In the end, I decided sneaking around was a waste of effort and showed up openly in broad daylight.

Nishikuse’s group had been spreading rumors of a miracle drug that cures all ailments, steadily growing their follower base. They avoid claiming specific effects to steer clear of being classified as a pharmaceutical—just sticking to vague health benefits, like a supplement. It’s no Poison of Muleduel, but the Healing Potion’s ability to regenerate wounds, missing limbs, or restore joint, hearing, or vision functions makes it a godsend in this world. For me, using Higashikawa as a front to quietly sell Healing Potions is a profitable deal. I’ve warned Higashikawa not to draw too much attention, though. He’s not an idiot—he gets it. So far, no gossip rags have sniffed anything out, and business seems to be running smoothly.

Truth be told, I don’t care that much. The stuff actually works, so legality’s not an issue. My only worry is getting caught up in a frenzy if the full effects become public.

But that’s not why I’m here today. I’ve decided it’s time to break up Katsuji Amasawa and Mizuki Amasawa, so I came to give Miki some detailed instructions. A phone call could’ve sufficed, but I was also curious about Satou Eikae, who I left in Nishikuse’s care. That’s why I’m here in person.

Since that day, Kyouka Amasawa’s been clinging to me. At this rate, she probably won’t be too shocked when she learns about Katsuji’s cheating. I’d subtly mentioned to her that Mizuki noticed Katsuji’s affair and is debating leaving him. Surprisingly, Kyouka didn’t show much [Anguish]’s gray when she shared that secret with me. Maybe it’s because Mizuki’s been radiating positive emotions. Mizuki isn’t seriously troubled by the affair—her dependency has just shifted to James Masuda, making Katsuji a nuisance. Even if I told Mizuki I’m sleeping with Kyouka, she’d probably accept it. She must’ve known what she was signing up for when she handed her daughter over to me. She might feel regret or guilt, but jealousy? Unlikely. Her indecisiveness is a flaw, but it also makes her obedient and convenient. Kyouka will likely end up the same—both are prone to drowning in sexual pleasure and clinging to men.

“Assistant Bishop, I’ve brought the guest. May I show them in?” the believer asked.

“Yes, well done. Let the guest enter. You may return to your duties,” came Higashikawa’s voice through the intercom.

The believer gestured for me to enter the sanctuary. I gave a slight nod and stepped through the door.

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“Understood. Everything will be done as Lady Sienna commands,” Miki said, sitting beside Nishikuse Eishin.

The plan’s unchanged. Lure Mizuki and Kyouka to the downtown area under the pretense of shopping, then let them witness Katsuji and Miki entering a love hotel. Timing’s tricky, but with Yukari or Shoko Oishi stationed nearby and me directing Miki via email, we should manage. The only question is whether Katsuji will agree to a divorce.

For that, I’ve had Miki prepare a story about her family being from Hakata. She’ll offer to cover apartment costs, deposit, and key money if Katsuji moves there with her. Spending money on Katsuji stings, but I’ve accepted it as a necessary expense. With that setup, he should agree to the divorce. In far-off Hakata, once Miki ditches him, Katsuji won’t have the cash to come back. I’ll make sure Mizuki and Kyouka move from their current rental, and if Katsuji returns, I’ll hint that his debts aren’t fully cleared to keep him in line.

“So, you’re lending out my woman for a while, huh?” Nishikuse said.

“Yes. Got a problem?” I asked.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just… I was hoping to mess around with another woman,” he said.

“Eishin, come on,” Higashikawa interjected.

“Keibun, this doesn’t concern you. I’m giving up my woman here, and she’s gotta deal with some filthy old man,” Nishikuse said.

I nearly pointed out that he only has Miki because of me, but I held back. After all, I didn’t exactly plan for her to be used like this. Nishikuse’s probably just asking if he can use the Aphrodisiac on someone else. Unlike the Healing Potion, the Aphrodisiac’s outright illegal if exposed—it’s potent enough to overwrite even the drugs Akuzawa Hitoshi used. I don’t want a mess if it gets out, but I’ve left that judgment to Nishikuse.

“I gave you the Aphrodisiac as compensation, didn’t I? And this woman too,” I said, glancing at another figure.

Satou Eikae. She looked completely different now. She was utterly enthralled by Nishikuse’s dick, exuding a seductive aura. She leaned against his plump frame, stroking his thigh. When I first met her, she was a worn-out, gloomy woman with no makeup. Now, she was striking—maybe not my type, but undeniably attractive by most standards. Dressed only in a white ceremonial robe, her nipples visibly poked through, hinting she wore no underwear. The grieving mother was gone, replaced by a lust-driven harlot.

After all Akuzawa put her through, this was her state. I orchestrated it, but I shouldn’t feel guilt. She’s just a stranger I met at a hospital. It’s not strange that cold-hearted me feels no pity. Yet, something nagged at me.

“Well, yeah, but… there’s this other woman I’m interested in,” Nishikuse said.

“So what? If she’s Vepar’s offering, you’ll have to give her up. I told you I don’t care who you use the Aphrodisiac on, but if it causes a scene, you’re responsible,” I said.

“Well, uh, this woman’s got a serious illness. I was wondering if Lady Sienna’s miracle drug could help,” he said.

I’d hinted to them about the Poison of Muleduel’s existence, but only as bait—I had no intention of handing it over easily.

“Her father’s loaded. If I cure her and make her mine, I’ll rake in a fortune,” Nishikuse said.

“Eishin, I told you to drop it,” Higashikawa cut in.

Curious, I turned to Higashikawa. “What’s that about?”

“Well, uh, the girl’s only thirteen. I told him it’s a bad idea,” Higashikawa said.

I sighed. “Nishikuse, you’ve got a knack for letting your bad habits take over. I warned you what happens to those who defy Vepar.”

“N-No! I’m not defying Vepar-sama! Look, my ring’s still pristine. I was just asking,” Nishikuse stammered.

“No minors. I told you that. If you can’t follow that, you’ll face consequences,” I said.

Nishikuse’s incorrigible womanizing never ceases to amaze me. He’s easier to handle than Higashikawa, but if anyone’s going to cause trouble, it’s him.

“By the way, what’s up with Kusunoki Seichirou?” I asked.

“You too, Higashikawa?” I said, surprised.

“No, I mean, I heard he pissed off Vepar-sama,” Higashikawa said.

“Oh, right. But Vepar decides his fate. Don’t ask me about his sins,” I said.

“What’s wrong?” Higashikawa asked, noticing my pause.

“Nothing,” I said.

That’s it. What’s been nagging me is the connection between Kusunoki Seichirou, Satou Eikae, and Akuzawa. I know the traffic accident ties them together, but doesn’t that mean Kusunoki and Kyouka are linked to Akuzawa too? Or maybe it’s just a coincidence that Akuzawa and Kusunoki’s motives aligned in Eikae’s case. Eikae’s face overlapped with Kyouka’s in my mind. I stood there, frozen, lost in thought.