(Chastity Reversed) The Legitimate Wife War: How I, a Harem-Hater, Ended Up Creating an Ultra-Eccentric Harem with a Villainess, a Sadistic Beauty Teacher, a Scheming Classmate... etc. - Chapter 125.2 - A Call from Tachibana-san

Now that she mentioned it, recently when I was in the common areas, either one or both of them were usually with me.

It’s not like we’re doing it intentionally, but I wonder if Tachibana-san has thoughts about that situation?

“Kyo-kun has it tough too.”

Mizuri-san’s words seemed less like she was speaking to me and more like she was just letting them slip out.

“…Tough? What do you mean?”

“Well, both Hosho-san and sensei are women, so they inevitably have feelings of jealousy toward the other fiancées. At home, that shows sometimes, and they clash occasionally—that must be tough for you. I don’t really have those kinds of feelings though.”

Ah, so that’s what she meant. I understood what she was getting at.

It’s true that recently they’ve been discussing things like who gets to sit where.

“I think it’s much better than before when we were fiancées but barely talked to each other. Besides, I was prepared for this level of trouble when I accepted the arranged marriage system.”

“…I see, you’re strong, Kyo-kun. …But I don’t think there’s any need to make things more difficult than they already are.”

More difficult than they already are?

What did she mean by that?

“What I’m saying is, there’s no need to solve my problems and make me fall for you.”

“I don’t have that intention. Besides, regardless of whether the other two have fallen for me or not, I haven’t acted expecting anything in return from my other fiancées.”

“Kyo-kun would say that, wouldn’t you? That you did everything for your own sake.”

Actually, it really was for my own sake—I needed to continue the arranged marriage system because I wanted to save my sister.

Mizuri-san laughed dryly.

“Why don’t we just end this here without talking about anything?”

“That’s obviously impossible. Just now, Tachibana-san said [my problems]. By saying that, you’re admitting that you have some kind of problem.”

“So you won’t let me end this… sigh.”

“Obviously not.”

“I figured… but you really are sharp, Kyo-kun.”

“…”

Her tone seemed almost theatrical.

Despite wearing the same smile as always, it felt terribly cold, and like she was waiting for something.

“Well, I didn’t really figure it out myself—I already knew because I heard it from Setsuna.”

She dropped her smile and stared at me with a serious expression.

She was making a face that said she wouldn’t miss my true intentions.

“…What are you talking about?”

So I smiled back at her too.

I had somewhat predicted this when she invited me here.

“Recently, I’ve been aware that Setsuna has been following me around. She was probably worried about me—Setsuna is kind like that. I know she failed to shake off her tail and was seen near my house. And today, you suddenly started looking at me more often… so I figured she consulted with you yesterday or today.”

Well, actually it wasn’t a consultation but more of a confrontational approach.

And also, Aoyama-san—Mizuri-san apparently noticed you tailing her.

When we talked this morning, you said you definitely hadn’t been caught, right?!

“What consultation are you talking about with Aoyama-san? What about? But if you’re having some kind of trouble, I’d be happy to help.”

Here I continued to play innocent.

I couldn’t cause trouble for Aoyama-san.

“I know you won’t admit it… ah, I never thought Setsuna would find out. I thought I was being pretty careful.”

“…”

“Setsuna told you about the wounds, didn’t she?”

“Wounds? I haven’t heard anything about wounds.”

“You really are a good person, Kyo-kun.”

I hadn’t wanted to believe it.

But it seemed Aoyama-san was right. The wounds really did exist.

Tachibana-san had actually been subjected to violence by someone.

Anger welled up inside me, but I kept my composure.

Because she hadn’t said anything yet.

“…Hey, Kyo-kun.”

“What is it?”

Mizuri-san’s face showed a hint of hesitation and embarrassment.

“My wounds… are you curious about them?”

“If you have wounds, then I’m very concerned about whether you’re okay.”

This was a golden opportunity, if you could call it that. If I could see them, I’d know for certain whether abuse was actually happening.

And personally, I was worried about whether she was in pain, and I wanted to arrange for medical care if possible.

“…Then… would you like to see them?”

Unlike her usual energetic tone, her words came out soft and subdued.

Tachibana-san said this and reached for the ribbon of her uniform.

…Eh, right here? Right now? She’s going to undress?

This is outside, you know?