The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best - Chapter 89

“Are you asking me to join a matchmaking party?”

Is this the reason Kaori was acting strange? I thought it was about the commercial, but it seems I was completely off the mark.

As soon as I got home, Kaori handed me the party tickets.

Adult men (aged 16) are required to participate in a matchmaking party every year on the second Monday of January (Coming of Age Day). Women’s participation is voluntary, but men face a penalty (a one-third reduction in the male allowance given this year) if they do not attend.

However, this does not apply if a man has five or more wives or if he meets the standard value appropriate for his age.

And while men have different party venues based on their age groups, women over the age of 20 can choose their preferred venue.

In my case, since I have a bit of a reputation, the mayor themselves came to deliver the matchmaking party tickets.

Originally, it would be my first time participating, but since I am already married to Kaori, I should meet the criteria at this point (age) and not have to participate.

“It’s okay, don’t worry, Kaori. I won’t participate.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Huh, is that not it? The mayor brought that over yesterday. But the fact that it was handed to me today means Kaori was anxious and hesitated to give it to me, right? I jumped to conclusions and moved the conversation forward. It’s very embarrassing.

“Um… so, Kaori’s been acting strange since yesterday… is it because of the commercial?”

“CM? The CM is a story for after the New Year, right?”

Kaori tilted her head. It seemed the CM matter was also different. I’m at my wit’s end. The path to being an understanding husband seems steep. So, I’ve decided to just ask straightforwardly.

Then Kaori turned red and apologized.

“I-I’m sorry.”

Kaori was just lonely because I stayed out overnight. On my side, it felt comfortable and reassuring, which made her feel it even more.

Kaori seemed quite surprised, as she didn’t realize that it was reflected in her words and actions.

But I was relieved. Haha, Kaori is shyly covering her face with both hands. She’s cute.

“I’m relieved. But I think I’ll still decline the invitation to the matchmaking party.”

At my age, having one wife is enough; it’s not a problem.

“Umm… I’m sorry, but it might be better if Taketo-kun participates.”

“Huh?”

I never imagined Kaori would say something like that, and I let out a voice that I thought was foolish even for myself. Kaori and Mil-san are laughing.

“Hehehe.”

“Hehe.”

“You’re making a face like, ‘Why?'”

According to Kaori, I have become so well-known and popular that the mayor personally delivers party tickets to me.

That’s why, if I refuse to participate citing my marriage, there will inevitably be women who think that Kaori, being married, wants to monopolize me and made them decline. If that happens, not only Kaori herself but also her company might suffer from bad rumors and reputational damage.

It seems that Mil-san shares the same opinion, listening to Kaori’s story and nodding in agreement.

“I see… I’m not really looking forward to it, but I’ll join. I can’t cause trouble for Kaori and her company.”

“Taketo-kun, thank you. Also, please take care of Mil-san at that time.”

It seems that the male protector can stay by the men’s side even during the matchmaking party, and Kaori was bowing her head to Mil-san.

“Madam Kaori, leave it to me.”

For a moment, I thought I saw a glint in Mil-san’s glasses, but maybe it was just my imagination. Mil-san responded in her usual calm manner and slightly lowered her head.

Speaking of reputational damage, what happened to the students?

Kaori had been taking care of the student who was suspended, right? That period was supposed to end today, if I remember correctly.

“Those kids worked diligently without a single one missing. They should have been properly disciplined… I mean educated, so I don’t think they’ll do anything strange anymore.”

“Th-that’s good to hear.”

I thought I heard “training” just now…

“Right, right, there are third-year students who can’t continue their studies for financial reasons, but we’ve decided to hire those who wish to work at our company as employees.”

Kaori’s company usually requires at least a university degree for hiring. Could it be that she is considering hiring someone with just a high school diploma because I consulted her about purchasing an apartment before…? Looking at Kaori’s face, she is smiling.

“Thank you, Kaori.”

“It’s fine. As long as you continue with your current attitude and dedication, no one will complain. Actually, those kids have more grit than we thought and have won over their subordinates. In other words, they achieved this on their own.”

“I see.”

But that’s because I was evaluated fairly without any bias, so, after all, I really owe Kaori my thanks.

Oh, before I forget, I should properly inform Kaori about the merchandise sale. I don’t want a repeat of what happened with Manager Aikawa.

“That seems like quite a big deal, so I recommend incorporating, but…”

Kaori is at a loss for words. I’m curious.

“Is there a problem or something?”

That was how they treated men. In other words, me. I couldn’t become a representative, let alone an executive. When I thought maybe I could be treated as a regular employee, they said that wasn’t possible either.

“Then, what about part-time jobs?”

Kaori nodded. I see, well, I kind of understood it since we couldn’t buy the income property.

Basically, for men who do not work and are considered tax-exempt, insurance systems like employment insurance and welfare pensions are meaningless. There are insurance systems specifically for men, and there is something called a men’s insurance card.

Maybe it’s because of the inheritance issues involving a man with multiple wives that I heard about before…

“I see… I’m just a part-timer…”

“That’s right. Oh, but if it weren’t for those regulations, Taketo-kun would have already become an executive at our company…”

Kaori hurriedly follows up. As expected, Kaori is kind.

“Kaori, it’s okay.”

But I know, we were all chatting and deciding together. The office also said we would decide together tomorrow.

Eventually, we might become a corporation, or rather, I hope our merchandise sells well enough that we can think it’s better for everyone if we do.

It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing we can do about this. It would be better for everyone if we could sell enough to incorporate.

I thought I would keep it a secret from everyone until the last minute.