(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 2: The Despairing Marriage Interview

As I opened the door to the waiting room of the hotel and stepped into the matchmaking venue, I felt like I could take on anyone.

A sadistic and beautiful female teacher, a stunning villainous debutante, and a mysterious classmate with a complicated past—bring them on!

“Thank you for having me!”  

I bowed my head energetically.  

Starting with a low posture usually made most things go smoothly—my grandfather always used to say that.  

The bow? A precise 60-degree angle.  

Alright then, who would be the first to speak?  

According to the pre-arranged information, everyone here had quirks—one or two at least.  

That being the case, I should start with whoever spoke to me first. After all, if they talked first, it meant that they had at least some social skills, right?  

…But nobody was saying a word to me.  

Hmm. Interesting. Could it be that… all of them lacked communication skills?  

Well, truth be told, so did I, hence this might be tricky for all of us.

Ah… this was going to be a long road ahead, wasn’t it?

“…Fufu.”

I heard a laugh. It didn’t come from in front of me, however—it came from right behind me.  

“What are you doing? There’s no one here yet,” came Kazari-san’s voice.  

“…Huh?”  

I quickly turned my attention back to the room, and sure enough, it was completely empty.  

“You’re really nervous, aren’t you? You’re acting just like you did the first time. Or maybe slightly better than back then?” She teased me with a knowing smile.  

“…And you’re one to talk. Back then, weren’t we both completely stiff?”  

“I’m not one for dirty jokes, you know. Well, this should help calm you down. Focus on the matchmaking meeting now, alright? I’ll leave you to it.”  

With that, she gave a graceful bow and closed the door behind her. Every bit of her movement felt just like a perfect maid.  

Apparently, the format of this matchmaking session was for me to wait for the three of them. Or maybe I just arrived way too early?  

Well, no point in complaining. I’d sit down and wait patiently. Sitting calmly might make me look more composed and confident anyway.  

After all, women had to prepare and get dressed up for such events—it took time. I’d just sip on some water and think about what to have for dinner later.  

Ah, this water was delicious.

…Fifteen minutes later.  

Three women entered, led by a sharply-dressed woman in pants.  

“Thank you for waiting. I’m Maiko Shiina, from the Japan Low Birthrate Countermeasure Polygamy Law Promotion Committee, Third Division, Fiancee Bureau—also known as the [Naz Agency]. I will be overseeing today’s proceedings and supporting the four of you in your engagements and eventual marriage life. Pleased to meet you.”  

Shiina-san bowed deeply with the perfect precision of a 60-degree angle.  

Then, as she straightened up, she flashed a friendly smile.  

“Alright! That’s enough of the formalities! Stay stiff like this, and we’re all going to die of awkwardness, so let’s loosen up a bit. Anyway, I’m just a moderately charming woman, so let’s not waste time on me. Let me introduce these three ladies who are far more beautiful than I am!”  

She suddenly shifted to a much lighter tone. And wow—calling yourself beautiful outright? That took guts.  

But thanks to her casual demeanor, the tense atmosphere eased up a bit.

“Alright, starting with the first person, sitting on the far left: Sayaka Hosho! She’s a debutante from the prestigious Hosho family and currently a university student at Shirayuri Academy. On top of that, she’s also managing one of her family’s subsidiary companies!”  

The woman introduced as Sayaka gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Her long, blonde hair was tied into a neat braid and ponytail, giving her an air of sharp elegance. She was a beauty with almond-shaped eyes that radiated determination.  

“I’m Sayaka Hosho. Pleased to meet you.”  

“Pleased to meet you!”  

Her greeting was minimal, almost formal. She didn’t even make eye contact with me—maybe she wasn’t interested?  

Ah, yes. She was not the type modern guys would feel comfortable with. Nowadays, most guys preferred gentle, reserved women who let them take the lead. Independent women like her might feel intimidating.  

Personally, however, I believed that  having strong convictions was a fantastic trait.  

Honestly? She was extremely beautiful.  

Well, now I understood the vibe here.  

“Next up! Mizuri Tachibana!”  

A high school girl in a uniform stood up and bowed politely. Her silky black hair was cut into a shoulder-length, choppy bob styled with outward curls. It had a glossy sheen, likely from some sort of hair oil or product.  

What stood out the most, though, were her eyes. Despite being the same age as me, her gaze felt oddly dark. She was smiling at me on the surface, but something about it felt… off. Like she was hiding behind a mask.  

Or maybe I was just imagining things.

“Tachibana-san here is a top student with outstanding grades, and she’s in the same grade as you. Starting soon, you’ll be going to the same high school together!”  

“I’m Mizuri Tachibana. Nice to meet you!”  

Her voice was like the chime of a bell—soothing and pleasant to hear.  

Wait, this girl was supposed to be the “black-hearted one”? She didn’t seem like that at all.  

“Nice to meet you!”  

Just like the previous woman, she didn’t seem particularly interested in me. Her gaze seemed directed at me, but her eyes were looking past me, focusing on something far beyond.  

She was adorable, though.  

“Alright, last but not least, Rio Akitsuki! She’s the eldest of the three and also happens to be a teacher at the same high school you’ll be attending.”  

Shiina-san didn’t seem fazed by anything, carrying on in her usual cheery tone.  

The last woman, seated on the far right, had short brown hair styled into a tidy bob and was wearing round glasses.  

“I’m Rio Akitsuki. I may be the oldest, but I’m only 22 years old. I teach at a high school. I look forward to getting to know you all.”  

“Y-Yes, likewise!”  

This must be the sadistic teacher type. So far, I didn’t see anything sadistic about her, but…  

Well, one thing was for sure—she was exceptionally beautiful. Actually, they all were.  

“And that concludes the introductions! This here is Kyoya Takeda, your future husband. He’s probably unlike anyone you’ve met before, so feel free to form your opinions as you get to know him!”  

Huh? What was with that introduction? That was basically a roundabout way of calling me an oddball, wasn’t it?  

“Well then, I’ll leave you young folks to enjoy yourselves from here on out.”  

With a bright smile, Shiina-san exited the room swiftly.  

Wait, what? ‘Young folks’? What was I supposed to do now with this awkward atmosphere?  

The room fell silent.  

But there was no denying it—I had to make this marriage work.  

Which meant I needed to take the lead.  

“A—”  

“—You’re just going to cancel the engagement eventually anyway, right? If so, just do it quickly. The longer this drags on, the more it wastes my time,” Hosho-san cut in sharply.  

“—I prefer women, so I’ll only interact with you when absolutely necessary,” Akitsuki-san added, saying the complete opposite of what I’d expected.  

“—Doesn’t really matter to me. Kind of a hassle,” Tachibana-san muttered indifferently.  

Hmm. I see. I see.  

Wait, what?!  

The atmosphere that followed? Oh, it was hell.  

Breaking News: None Of Them Were Even Trying To Make This Work.