(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.

Knock knock knock.

A gentle knocking sound came from the hospital room door, as if checking whether I was still asleep. They probably kept it soft out of consideration, though there was no way I’d stay lying down when Kyoya was coming.

My wonderful brother always showed such concern for my condition.

“Yes, come in~”

I was glad Kyoya came today.

I’d been feeling good since this morning.

Actually, I’d been feeling good for a while now.

Almost as if I wasn’t sick at all.

Apparently, my illness was classified as an intractable disease, and the treatment cost a fortune.

When I’d first heard I had this disease, even though I was young, I was shocked.

Ah, I’m going to be such a burden to the people I love.

I wanted to take care of my little step-brother more.

While I had many thoughts, there was this overwhelming sense of resignation.

Like, ah, maybe this was just my fate. Perhaps because I was more mature than others my age, I could think that way.

But I was the only one who gave up.

Both Grandpa and Kyoya worked hard for my sake.

They told me not to give up on living. That they would handle everything, so I should just smile and not worry about anything.

Grandpa stroked my head with his clumsy hands.

Maybe because we lived in the countryside, half self-sufficient with farming work, Grandpa’s hands were rough and calloused, all bumpy and sometimes painful, but those hands represented his awkwardness, and I didn’t hate them.

Grandpa passed away about two years ago, leaving just me and my step-brother. Still, Grandpa had looked so happy when he’d passed.

He’d left me just two last wishes:

– Live life to the fullest, and don’t lose to the illness.

– Watch over Kyoya; he could handle most things by himself, but he was not invincible. He had his weak points too.

That’s what it said, summarized.

The letter ended with these words:

“I was so happy to spend my final days with you two.”

Kyoya and I had cried all day… and then returned to our daily lives, though I heard Kyoya’s portion was half scolding.

Misfortunes didn’t come alone, however.

Around that time, my condition had worsened.

I’d tried hiding the pain for a while, but of course they’d noticed. I’d carelessly collapsed and had to be hospitalized, plus the treatment cost became enormous.

Before I knew it, Kyoya had arranged my hospitalization and had gotten me into a good hospital.

When I’d asked “How did you manage this?” he’d just smiled and said “Just focus on getting better for now.” Come to think of it, he’d mentioned winning the lottery back then.

I didn’t learn the truth until over a year later.

Kyoya had apparently registered for the harem system.

It pained me deeply that my existence had become his burden, but I couldn’t say that to Kyoya because he’d definitely get angry. I couldn’t say it. Well, I did say it and got scolded.

Kyoya, who rarely got angry, was seriously mad that time and it was really scary. It was always scary when usually calm people got angry.

Even after joining the harem system, Kyoya visited often.

Well, I was surprised when he came and suddenly announced, “I’m getting married.”

I was shocked to death, I mean, I wanted to be the one to make him happy!

I was supposed to be his wife!

We were not blood related! Not blood related at all! He was just my step-brother!

…But maybe there was still a chance? Could I become the legal wife?

Yeah, it seemed possible from what I’d heard.

It seemed likely, especially since things weren’t progressing much with the others.

He’d even asked me about how to go on dates with girls the other day.

Today, I put on light makeup with determination, and just a touch of perfume. So light it could be mistaken for fabric softener.

…Well, the makeup was subtle enough not to be noticed… Last time, I’d overdone it and had gotten scolded by both Kyoya and the nurses.

I thought it should be fine to dress up at least for the person I liked, but when I’d said that, the nurses got even angrier.

…Well, I guess getting caught was the real problem.

“Nee-san, I’m here~”

After the knock, Kyoya entered with a smile.

A bag, and something that looked like flowers in his hand?

He was carrying such things. His way of thinking was a bit old-fashioned, or maybe similar to Grandpa’s, making me wonder what era he was from, but that part of him was wonderful too.

Yes, he was handsome today too! Cute! Perfect!

He was wearing nice clothes, while I was just in hospital wear, which was a bit unfortunate.

“Thank you for coming all this way~ You look handsome today too!”

But here I acted like a proper older sister.

Because I wanted to come across as a cool, mature woman!

“Haha, thanks, that makes me really happy.”

His shy smile.

My heart just skipped a beat!

I saw somewhere that this phrase was trending lately.

Wait, something was odd.

Kyoya wasn’t closing the door like he usually did.

He usually closed it right away out of consideration for my condition…

“…While I came to see you today, Nee-san, I thought this would also be a good opportunity for something else.”

Hey, wasn’t this the way you started telling bad news?

“O-okay, what is it?”

But I kept on smiling.

A woman could keep smiling in front of the man she loved.

…Well, last time when Kyoya had suddenly announced he was getting married, my facial muscles had stopped working, but…

This time I wouldn’t make such a mistake…

“There’s someone I want to introduce to you.”

…Could this be?

A woman appeared from behind Kyoya.

My first impression was that she looked intelligent and cool.

When our eyes met, she bowed gracefully. Her manners were impressive.

“Wow…”

I couldn’t help but let out an impressed sigh.

“Is… is this person…?”

I hurriedly fixed my smile.

M-my voice wasn’t trembling, right? It was fine, right?

“Yes, this is who I wanted to introduce, Kazari-san.”

“I serve as Kyoya-sama’s maid. I’m Sato Kazari. I often hear wonderful stories about you from Kyoya-sama, about his beloved sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ah, just a maid?

Phew, I was surprised. I thought she might be one of Kyoya’s fiancées. I was relieved since that would have made her my rival.

“And also, someone very important to me.”

…Huh?

…Huuuh?

“Eh?”

Even Kazari-san next to him was looking embarrassed with a “Kyo-sama…” but. Eh, they were acting like lovers?

Wait, very important person?

“…Is she one of the f-fiancées?”

But I didn’t remember hearing that name…

“No, not a fiancée. As I just said, she’s my maid from the harem system. She helps me with various things.”

…Oh no.