The Case When Strange Things Started To Happen When I Reincarnated As A Guy Whose Life Ends After Attacking The Heroine - 64 - Days of Change

Chapter 64: Days of Change

The Nikaido family mentioned in Shirayuki’s story could undoubtedly be described as reaching the pinnacle of prosperity.

Despite involving themselves in shady dealings, the head of the household, Shozo Nikaido, desperately worked to expand the family’s influence.

Well, calling it “desperate” might not justify the unsavory methods employed, but through significant connections and leveraging those vast networks, the Nikaido family continued to grow.

“…Ah… What should I do… What should I…!”

In his home study, Shozo’s face was pale blue.

On the other hand, there was Hisui Hououin, who had quickly expanded her company with a keen eye and remarkable skill, without resorting to any shady dealings, despite losing her husband early on. 

Although Shozo already had a wife, Hisui was so charming that he desired her by any means necessary… Moreover, her daughter’s beauty promised a bright future, making her an enticing gift for his son.

“Women are weak-willed creatures. Taming them is too easy.”

What led him to think this way is unclear, but his lowered standards for women likely originated from forcibly taking away his current wife, who had a fiancé at the time.

However, Hisui was an incredibly formidable presence.

He had originally planned to approach her soon, but upon receiving news of her daughter acquiring a lover, Shozo immediately took action.

“I appreciate you making time for me today.”

“Not at all. I had thought we would have to meet sooner or later.”

Their meeting was pleasant.

However, her eyes were clearly filled with hostility, making him feel as if the scythe of the Grim Reaper was resting against his throat. 

The one who was outsmarted by Hisui, whom he had considered weak, was Shozo himself.

“Oh, you look surprised to know?”

“What… do you mean?”

“No need to play dumb. And I won’t give you time to think. I’ve already taken the necessary steps for this to become public.”

“Damn it!”

Shozo attempted to snatch the USB flash drive from Hisui’s hand, but he was easily restrained by a woman who had been waiting in the room.

“Thank you, Yocchan.”

“Not at all, it’s my duty.”

Despite being held down, Shozo didn’t resist. 

Despite being held down, Shozo didn’t resist. Yocchan, as the woman was called, seemed skilled in some form of martial arts, and Shozo could sense that she wouldn’t hesitate to break his bone if he made even the slightest move.

Facing Hisui before him, he was looked down upon and spoken to.

“There’s nothing I’d entrust to scum like you. Not Hououin’s fortune, not myself… and most importantly, not my daughter.”

Under the sharp gaze, Shozo couldn’t utter a word.

And so, with no results achieved, he returned home and revealed everything to his son, who eagerly awaited to hear the outcome… And today, everything came to an end.

▽▼

While having breakfast in the morning, the news came up.

It was about the wrongdoings within the company run by Nikaido, exposed to the public eye, and several executives, including a man named Nikaido Shozo, were arrested.

As for me, I paid attention, thinking this might be what Shirayuki and Hisui had talked about. However, the two of them seemed entirely unfazed, calmly eating their bread.

(Uhh… Though his face is hidden, the despair is palpable.)

His aura seemed to convey that this wasn’t supposed to happen, as if he wanted to dismiss it all as a bad dream.

After finishing breakfast, Shirayuki went to the restroom, leaving me alone with Hisui. As I approached her while she was washing the dishes, Hisui smiled and spoke.

“Worried about earlier?”

“More like… I was thinking that you really did it.”

“It’s obvious. It’s to protect our world.”

A world where safety and protection were taken care of behind my back. 

I couldn’t help but feel frustrated for not being able to do anything myself. Yet, I knew my capabilities were limited.

Whether it’s me moving away from my former family or posing a deterrent to that family, and even ending people like Nikaido who would normally interfere later on, all of this was possible because of the power named “Hououin.”

“I might make you more concerned by saying don’t worry, but I’ve told you, haven’t I? Whatever happens, it’ll be alright; I’ll protect you.”

Smiling, Hisui resumed washing dishes.

Standing behind Hisui, who was humming and seemed to enjoy washing the dishes, I slowly hugged her, wondering if it might be bothersome.

“Oh my… Ufufu♪”

“Just for a little while like this.”

“We can always be like this. It’s not impossible.”

Alright, then I’ll continue.

I held Hisui tightly, making sure not to stop her from working, and nuzzled my face against her neck as I indulged in seeking her comfort.

There are times when I want to be of help to Hisui and many instances when I want to do something in return… But deep down, my strongest desire for her is to be able to be spoiled like this.

“…Mom.”

“…♪♪”

Upon calling her “mom,” Hisui’s body trembled.

It seemed like her breathing became rougher, and her body felt warm, as if she had developed a fever.

In the end, I continued embracing her until Shirayuki returned. 

When Shirayuki came back, I let go of Hisui. However, I made a promise to spend time with her tonight.

“You seem rather passionate from the morning.”

“Well, she’s done a lot for me.”

As Shirayuki and I headed to school, we couldn’t help but talk about what happened earlier.

“I may be aware of the situation, but I can’t act like Mom does. Even if my mom trusts and believes in me, I’m still just a high school student after all.”

“Yeah, I get what you mean… It’s less about the scariness of adults and more about the realization that if you have vast connections and money, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

“Fufu, that kind of power does come in handy at times. But I swear, my mom has never been involved in any shady dealings. Everything she’s accomplished is the result of her own hard work.”

“I know. It’s really impressive.”

“Yes, I truly think so.”

After that, as we approached the school, we paused our conversation and headed to the classroom while talking about typical student topics. 

Our school life was pretty much the same as usual, with no significant changes. However, during the morning assembly, the teacher informed us of something.

“We’ll have an education trainee joining us for a short period. They’ll be responsible for physical education, and they might even teach all of you, so please keep that in mind.”

And that was the announcement made. 

Education trainees were not particularly unusual, so I didn’t pay much attention to it, but it seemed to strike Shirayuki as curious.

During the short break after the assembly, she approached me.

“I wasn’t aware that there would be an Education trainee.”

“Has there never been one before?”

“Yes, I believe this is the first time.”

I see, it seems this is an unprecedented situation.

Just hearing about something different from before makes me alert, but constantly thinking this way every time something irregular happens can be tiring. However, for me, it’s never a bad idea to be cautious, no matter how small the matter may be.

“But I find it a bit interesting, you know?”

“Huh?”

“We know the future because we’ve gone through it repeatedly… But with Touma-kun coming here, many changes are happening. It allows us to feel that we’re truly living in the moment, rather than just following a predetermined path.”

“…Haha, I see.”

“Yes♪”

Right…

While sticking to a predetermined path may be safe, I understand that it can also become boring because you already know everything in advance.

“You know, with this kind of situation, the teacher who comes in is usually a sleazy womanizer, don’t you think, Agent Shirayuki?”

“Hmmm, maybe so, Captain. But if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be best if that sleazy person’s life turned upside down?”

“I think that would be great.”

Let such a sleazebag face ruin, then.

Even so, I wonder what kind of person is really coming.