(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 17: The Mysterious Woman

“It’s been a while, Hosho-san.”

Shiraishi-sensei spotted Hosho-san walking over from the university and called out to her.  

“Oh, Shiraishi-sensei.”  

Hosho-san noticed her as well and gave a soft smile.  

“It’s been a while, Sensei. What brings you here today—”  

Her words cut off as she noticed us, and her expression immediately stiffened.  

“…Oh, I see.”  

“Don’t let it show so clearly on your face. I know there are circumstances, but still.”  

“Well, since you’re the one saying so…”  

With what seemed like begrudging acceptance, she nodded.  

Did she really hate me that much?  

“Your bag looks heavy. Are you okay? Are you here alone?”  

Peeking from her bag was a stack of documents.  

“This much is fine. I can handle it myself.”  

“I see. Did you come here today just to take care of those papers?”  

“Yes, I came to submit some documents for the student council.”  

“Running a company and managing the student council? That must keep you busy. Are you feeling alright?”  

The concern in Shiraishi-sensei’s tone seemed genuine.  

What kind of relationship did these two have?  

…Could it be the same as with Akitsuki-san?  

No, please don’t let that be the case. Things were already complicated enough, and I still didn’t fully understand Shiraishi-sensei’s position in all this.  

Although… they did seem like it had been a while since they’d last met, so maybe not.  

While I worried pointlessly, their conversation carried on.  

“Yes, I’ve been doing well lately.”  

“And your medication?”  

“I’ve stopped taking it recently. I must’ve shown you some embarrassing moments back during my student days, huh, Sensei?”  

Her cheeks flushed slightly.  

Apparently, she wasn’t all icy stares and cold words—she could look like this too.  

“There’s nothing embarrassing about it. It wasn’t something you could help. But if you’re starting to heal, that’s wonderful. You’ve been through a lot recently, haven’t you? I’ve been worried since we hardly see each other at school anymore.”  

“It’s fine. Once it happens a second time, you get used to it. The next time, I probably won’t feel anything at all.”  

Wow, that was blunt.  

Her expression and tone had shifted back to her usual firm demeanor.  

Even Shiraishi-sensei could only smile wryly at the sudden change.  

“…I see. Still, if anything comes up, you can always reach out to me, okay?”  

“Next time, let’s talk when there’s no one else around, Sensei. It’ll be easier that way.”  

“Alright.”  

“Well then, everyone… Excuse me.”  

Without waiting for a reply from us, Hosho-san turned and walked into the school building.  

“She really doesn’t like me, does she?”  

“No doubt about it.”  

Kazari-san and I exchanged indifferent observations like detached spectators.  

“Well, Shiraishi-sensei?”  

“…What is it, Takeda-kun?”  

Even as she responded, she avoided making eye contact.  

“Do you really think she’s a ‘good girl’?”  

From what I’d seen so far, Hosho-san seemed more like the stereotypical sassy rich girl.  

Sure, I’d seen her blush and act a bit flustered, but her usual demeanor hadn’t changed much.  

Shiraishi-sensei let out a thoughtful hum, but didn’t immediately respond.  

“…From her behavior just now, I can’t deny that impression.”  

True. There wasn’t much to contradict that image.  

“But she really is a good girl, you know? She used to listen to everyone—men, women, it didn’t matter. She would always help those in need. And even now, she’s still like that with women. Back then, she’d never speak like that to anyone… but I guess…”  

“…Guess what?”  

“Even though she says she’s moved on, judging by her demeanor… it feels more like…”  

Shiraishi-sensei trailed off, lost in thought.  

After a moment, she smiled and said, “Well, let’s set Hosho-san’s situation aside for now.”  

“Wait, huh?”  

Ignoring my confusion, Shiraishi-sensei smoothly changed the subject.  

“Oh, by the way, Takeda-kun, you’re doing that Fiancée Vote thing right now, aren’t you?”  

“Uh, yeah. Pretty much.”  

Wait, what? Why was she bringing this up?  

Oh… did she not know about her and Akitsuki-san’s relationship being a secret?  

Or… could she be probing for information?  

“Do your best. I’ll be rooting for you from the shadows,” she said with a smile.  

—Wait, what—this wasn’t what I thought it was… was it?!

—Huh?  

“…Support… you said?”  

I couldn’t bring myself to ask her why. I just couldn’t.  

“Yes, support. You see, I’m one of those who doesn’t think the government’s much-criticized Harem System is all that bad. After all, if the system gains traction, maybe even an older woman like me might get a chance with a man, you know?”  

“…Shiraishi-sensei, I don’t think you’re at an age where you should call yourself ‘older’.”  

Wait, wasn’t she supposed to like women, though?  

“Oh, what a sweet thing to say—even if it’s just flattery, I’ll take it. Thank you. So, do your best, okay?”  

“…Sure.”  

“Well, all of your fiancées are a bit… eccentric, after all.”  

So she already knew about all of them.  

Well, I supposed that made sense, considering they were all connected to this school.  

“If I recall correctly, in the Fiancée Voting, all it takes is getting one person to vote in favor, right?”  

“Yes, pretty much.”  

“In that case, as your future teacher, I’d recommend focusing on winning over either Rio or Hosho-san.”  

Did she just suggest her own lover first?  

Why…?  

Rio Akitsuki and Ayaka Hosho? 

“…Why not Tachibana-san, you say?”  

My face must’ve given me away because Shiraishi-sensei chuckled and said, “You’re wondering why I wouldn’t suggest her, aren’t you, Takeda-kun? Your thoughts are written all over your face~”  

“Don’t you think it’s a little unfair not to explain?” I asked, unable to hide my irritation at her teasing tone.  

“Well, I did bring up the topic myself… but this is something you should hear from her directly. I’ll give you a hint, though.”  

“…That’s fine. A hint is enough.”  

“Tachibana-san’s issues are too deeply intertwined and complicated to resolve with the time you have. Even if you wanted to, one month just isn’t enough. Honestly, the others have their own baggage too, but hers is on another level entirely.” 

They had called her ‘black-hearted’ and said she had her quirks… but I guess there was still a difference in degree.  

“Well, the choice is ultimately yours to make, Takeda-kun,” she said with a smile as if to ask, Is that clear enough for you?  

It wasn’t clear at all.  

Not clear, but I doubted I’d get anything more out of her.  

“Then, just one last question. Shiraishi-sensei, why are you giving me this advice?”  

“…Hmm, maybe it’s for my own sake?”  

And with that, she excused herself, saying she had work to do.  

I didn’t even get the chance to ask any follow-up questions.  

Left behind, Kazari-san and I stared after her in stunned silence.  

“…In the end, I didn’t learn anything at all.”