(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.

I had a terrible time.

I was interrogated to the point of exhaustion.

In the end, without delving into the specifics of the conversation, I explained that what had happened was linked to Hosho-san’s past. Upon hearing that, the two of them didn’t press further. “Well, in that case, it can’t be helped if she doesn’t want to talk about it,” was the conclusion they reached.

At the same time, however, they requested that I wait until Hosho-san was ready to open up on her own.

Even though their attitude toward me was the same as always, I could sense their concern for Hosho-san.

…If only they’d show me even a fraction of that kindness, though…

—

And so, a few uneventful days passed.

There was still no sign of improvement in my relationship with Hosho-san.

That said, my upcoming date with Tachibana-san this weekend was fast approaching. Since the fiancée vote would be held in March, I had to have at least one date with everyone before then, which meant the schedule was tight.

…But considering the voting itself, I still technically had two more chances left.

For now, I guess I’d just have to juggle apologizing to Hosho-san while doing my best with the others.

It was frustrating to already feel like I was at a disadvantage from the get-go, though.

…Alright, I’d manage.

Thinking about the future suddenly gave me a sense of determination.

I cou handle it.

I would handle it!

With that resolve, I charged full speed ahead, preparing for tomorrow—

“—Excuse me, can I have a moment of your time?”

“…Huh?”

A shadow suddenly blocked my path.

I heard a voice so unpleasant that it sent shivers down my spine.

I regretted turning around instantly.

“…Kuzuryu… Seiichi.”

The last person I wanted to see right now stood before me.

The guy who’d caused the commotion that had led to my interrogation earlier.

The guy who’d ruined my date with Hosho-san.

And the guy who’d shattered her feelings.

Now, that very guy was standing right in front of me.

“Ah, good! You remembered my name! That makes me so happy!”

…Happy? Seriously? Was something wrong with his head?

“Seiichi-kun, springing out of nowhere like that seems to have confused him a bit, don’t you think?”

The voice came from behind Kuzuryu. It was Takato… if I remembered correctly.

I’d only seen him from a distance before, but up close, he really was quite small. Kind of like the “small animal” type. He didn’t seem very confident, either.

Just as Kurokawa-san had warned me, it checked out.

“Ah, Ko, you’re right. You always cover for me when I fall short. I’m grateful for that.”

“…It’s fine. After all, I’m your true partner.”

What was this bizarre exchange between the two of them?

Was this some kind of comedy skit?

And wait—didn’t Takato just glance at me when he said “partner”?

What was that about? Why direct that look at me?

“Haa…”

Seriously, what was all this about?

“…Hold on. Don’t just leave. We haven’t even started talking yet,” Kuzuryu demanded.

“Why? I have nothing to discuss with you,” I replied.

Even as I tried to walk away, they positioned themselves in front and behind me, making it difficult to pass.

I could push my way through if I really wanted to, but if they used it as an excuse to start something, that would be a problem.

Ugh, what should I do?

While I struggled internally, oblivious to my feelings, the two continued their conversation.

“Should I call you Takeda-kun today? No, that feels a bit too formal. How about I call you Kyoya-kun instead?”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

Why on earth did you think that was a good idea?

This was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. They were strangers to me.

“…Come now, don’t be so cold.”

Wearing a suspiciously friendly smile, Kuzuryu approached me.

Just looking at it was terrifying.

As I stood there, unsure of how to handle this—

“Stop it, Seiichi-kun!”

Takato glared at Seiichi with resolute eyes. Within his gaze, I could feel a strong determination to stop him at all costs.

“Kyo-kun looks troubled. Seiichi-kun, you’re already so friendly, and you’ve got a good-looking face to boot… Whether it’s becoming friends or eventually family, you need to approach things step by step… right?”

After finishing his words, Takato turned to look at me.

“But even if that happens, I’ll still be your senior, okay?”

…Huh?

Wait, what were we even talking about here?

Was this some kind of “I’m Hosho-san’s ex-fiancé” type of story?

If that’s what he was trying to say—

“Haa?”

It wasn’t just absurd—it was downright unpleasant.

When Kuzuryu glared at me, I returned the glare directly.

“…Sorry, sorry. Ko seems to have gotten ahead of himself in this conversation,” he said.

Ahead of himself? More like completely off the rails.

“Remember the other day? Kyo—ah, Takeda-kun had no choice but to go out with that conniving woman, right?”

“That never happened, though.”

“Eh?”

“I’m telling you it didn’t happen.”

I never went on a date with some conniving woman.

“But you did go on a date with that conniving woman, Sayaka Hosho! It hurt Ko too, seeing someone like her ruin things. That’s why I stepped in to save you!”

Seiichi declared this confidently, as if it were the absolute truth.

Ah, in their twisted little world, was that how things had played out?

“…Which is why this time I’m going to save you!”

“Thanks, but I’m fine, really…”

“I understand. Takeda-kun, you’ve had to bear the burden of your incompetent, sickly sister. You’ve had to work so hard, even going so far as to use your own body to protect her. But you can rest easy now. If you join my harem, you won’t have to participate in this cruel system anymore. I’ll even help your incompetent sister. I’ll take on that burden myself—what’s wrong? Why do you look like that?”

Huh?

What did this guy just say?

Incompetent? Sickly… sister?

Did he just insult Mio-nee—my sister?

This guy, who ruined other people’s happiness, dared to talk about Mio-nee like that?

Mio-nee, who always put others first. Mio-nee, who worried about whether she’ was a burden to us.

“…Don’t insult my sister.”

But it seemed he didn’t hear my mutter.

“Huh? What’s wrong? Why do you look so scary all of a sudden?”

Kuzuryu stepped back, as if intimidated.

But I didn’t care. I gradually closed the distance between us.

Before I knew it, I was close enough to reach out and grab him.

I raised my hand to deliver a punch square to his face, but—

For a brief moment, Mio-nee’s face flashed in my mind.

Even in a society that favored men, right was right and wrong was wrong. If I hit him first, I’d be in the wrong.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down.

I glanced around casually. A few suspicious people seemed to be watching the scene.

Ah, so that’s what this was.

…Tch.

“When someone insults your family, it doesn’t exactly put you in a good mood,” I said.

“I-I see. Well, I suppose even if it’s a woman, that might make sense… A-anyway, back to the point. Takeda-kun, I want you to join my harem. With that, you can save your sister, and you’ll be freed from that conniving woman. Isn’t that a great deal?”

“…Even if we assume that’s true, wouldn’t that give you no real benefit?”

“Heh, that’s not true. There’s merit for me as well. It will help rebuild my company… Oh, and unlike those other women in the harem, I’ll genuinely love you too… though only after Ko, of course.”

Ugh, disgusting.

I feel like I was going to throw up.

Still, I’d learned what I needed to know.

“…Something like this can’t be decided right away.”

“I understand that. Oh, right, the fiancée vote period ends at the end of March, doesn’t it? Give me your answer by then.”

“Good idea, Seiichi-kun! That gives him more than two weeks. Great suggestion!”

Yeah, yeah. Let’s stroke his ego, why don’t we?

“Is that all you wanted? If so, I’m leaving.”

“Oh, here’s my contact information,” he said, shoving a piece of paper into my hand.

“See you around!”

“And I won’t let anyone take my place as Seiichi-kun’s number one!”

They got into a car with contrasting smiles on their faces.