(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 47: Hazaki's Apology and Invitation

“My name is Hazaki, Hazaki Kaname. Care to join me for some tea?”

The person in question had approached me directly.

Certainly, as Shiina-san had mentioned, she was someone who exuded a distinct aura, a contrast from Shiina herself.

Both of them had short hair, but the addition of a perm completely altered the impression Hazaki left compared to Shiina-san. Well, part of the difference probably stemmed from my own perception, but, how should I put it—she felt a little… ostentatious.

“…Umm, Hazaki-san… I’m sorry, but who exactly are you?”

I adopted a tone of uncertainty, similar to the meek demeanor Takato often displayed. At my question, she tilted her head slightly, as if taken aback.

“Shiina didn’t tell you about me? You haven’t heard anything?”

“No, not at all.”

There was no need to pretend I knew her. But whether she took my words at face value or not, she seemed genuinely surprised.

“Is that so… I was under the impression she had mentioned me.”

For just a split second, a mocking smile flickered on her face, but it quickly transitioned into a polite one.

“I apologize. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Hazaki Kaname from the Fiancée Agency under the Third Division of the Japan Population Decline Countermeasure Polygamy Law Promotion Committee, also known as the NAZ Agency. I work in the same division as Shiina, who has been assisting you, Takeda-sama.”

“Ah, so you’re a colleague of Shiina-san’s. But… why would you approach me today?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Today, I reached out because I wanted to offer my apologies… to you.”

“Apologies…?”

What was there to apologize for? I couldn’t even begin to narrow it down, considering how many things I could think of.

“Yes, it concerns Kuzuryu-sama, the individual assigned to my care…”

“…I see. Alright, I’ll hear you out.”

I was curious to know what exactly she had to explain at this point. I already felt we were beyond the point where a simple apology would suffice.

“In that case, I’ll bring the car around. If you could—”

“No, let’s talk here. I happen to know of a nice café in this area.”

I gave her an innocent smile, devoid of malice, and she responded with a similarly artificial smile, one that felt just as put-on as before.

“…Understood. Please lead the way.”

We walked silently for five minutes until we arrived at a quaint café I had recently discovered. It served great coffee and cakes, and the setting was pleasant.

The reason I chose this place was simple. I didn’t want to be on her turf, nor did I feel comfortable getting into her car without knowing where she might take me. In reality, there was no advantage for her to try kidnapping me, and I doubted she would. But since she was in charge of Kuzuryu, I couldn’t rule out the possibility that she might be reckless. And reckless people were unpredictable—it was best to stay cautious, right?

It was one of the things I was taught as a child, after all. Like we learned in elementary school:  

“Never get into a stranger’s car!”

…Although now that I think about it, walking around with someone suspicious wasn’t exactly ideal, either.

The café was quiet, with just a few other patrons around, making it perfect for a conversation. I chose a four-seater table and made sure she took the sofa seat on the far side, as any gentleman would. Even if I didn’t like her, I would still show her some courtesy—it’s what gentlemen do, after all. Of course, the real reason was that it gave me the option to escape quickly if something happened.

“What would you like to order?”

“Just coffee, please.”

I ordered two coffees along with a recommended tart. Perhaps because the café wasn’t busy, the drinks and dessert came almost immediately.

“As expected of a place recommended by you, Kyoya-sama. This is delicious,” Hazaki said, taking a sip.

“I’m glad you like it.”

We exchanged a few meaningless pleasantries, surface-level and devoid of depth. After a sip of coffee and a brief pause, we finally shifted to the main topic.

“…So, about that apology?”

Thinking about it reminded me of how Shiina-san had recently apologized to me, as well. Was this agency going overboard with apologies to me or what?

“Yes, I wanted to offer my sincerest apologies for Kuzuryu-sama’s actions,” Hazaki said, bowing her head deeply.

“…I’m sorry, but I’m not sure I understand what exactly you’re apologizing for?”

“My apologies for the confusion. I may have been a bit too hasty,” she said, looking regretful.

“I’m referring to the time Kuzuryu-sama showed up at your place unannounced, without considering your schedule, and then said things that upset you. I truly apologize for that.”

“…Ah.”

Honestly, that incident hadn’t even crossed my mind until now. There had been so much happening that it got buried in the chaos.

“Normally, he himself should be coming to apologize, but I feared he’d barge in on you again without notice. So I decided to come in his place,” Hazaki explained.

If that’s the case, I wish you’d schedule an appointment before showing up, too. Of course, I didn’t say that out loud.

I gave her a single nod, which Hazaki seemed to interpret as my accepting her apology. Seizing the opportunity, she began defending Kuzuryu.

“That said, please understand, he didn’t mean any harm. He’s just… how should I put it? He’s incredibly clumsy, you see.”

“…Clumsy?”

That word hardly suited him. All I saw was a self-centered jerk.

“Given your limited experience with men, Takeda-sama, it’s understandable. But men are, by nature, all a little clumsy.”

“…Huh?”

Wait a second. Did she just imply that I—a man—knew less about men than she, a woman? That was… an interesting claim to make.

“Nowadays, men like Kuzuryu-sama—how should I put it?—those old-fashioned, masculine types you’d see in classic dramas are quite rare. For someone as mild-mannered and cautious as you, Kyoya-sama, I can imagine that might feel unpleasant at first. But!”

“…”

Hazaki, as if caught in the momentum of her own words, began speaking passionately, her tone almost reveling in her monologue.

“However, his masculinity—his forcefulness—is something essential, something this world is lacking. That is precisely why, Kyoya-sama, I ask: would you consider forming a genuine friendship with Kuzuryu-sama?”

“…Wasn’t I asked to become romantically involved with him instead?”

“Ah,” Hazaki sighed, pressing her hand to her face.

“That is one of his bad habits. What he means is that such a possibility exists, but he doesn’t intend for it to be taken so literally. He’s simply saying he wants to start by getting along with you, nothing more.”

Hazaki smiled brightly, as though trying to reassure me. But, honestly, nothing about it was reassuring. It felt more like the kind of thing a wolf might tell a lamb to entice it into walking closer.

“Then, could helping my incompetent older sister also be for my sake?”

“That was a terribly poor choice of words. My sincerest apologies. By ‘incompetent’, he simply meant to say that the intention is to provide her with a better environment than she has now… That aside, your sister is fortunate to have you. Even with her illness, she is still cherished. She must be very blessed.”

She muttered that last part almost under her breath, like a passing remark. It was… extremely unpleasant to hear. Although, judging by her tone, she probably hadn’t intended for anyone to take it seriously.

…Calm down, me. Put on a smile.  

Now was not the time to press her on this; the conversation wouldn’t proceed if I do. I’d save that for later.

“Even if you say ‘a better environment’, isn’t my sister already receiving considerable support from the government as it is?”

“Yes, that’s true. But that’s merely ‘good’ support. It’s not the best support, is it?”

“…And how exactly would you improve on that? Forgive me, but I find it hard to believe Kuzuryu or Takato could accomplish that.”

As if she’d been waiting for this moment, Hazaki lowered her voice conspiratorially.  

“Kuzuryu-sama and Takato-sama are both highly promising individuals. Their support may even surpass what you’re currently receiving, Kyoya-sama. And…”

“…And?”

“They also have the backing of a major corporation.”

A major corporation, huh? She didn’t name it directly, but she was likely referring to the Hazaki Group.

But still…

“I’m not very familiar with large corporations, but would this company happen to be larger than Hosho-san’s?”

The Hosho Group was one of the top five corporations in Japan. Matching them, let alone surpassing them, was no small feat.

At my question, Hazaki’s cheek twitched ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly.

“I couldn’t say they surpass the Hosho Group, but they’re certainly on par. Besides, as I’m overseeing this myself, there’s specific support I can provide that others cannot. And if you still have concerns, let me tell you something confidential—this arrangement even has support from a certain prominent individual. I can’t say who, though.”

“On par,” huh? She was certainly making bold claims.  

I couldn’t tell if she was bluffing or if there was actually something to back it up.

From her expression alone, it was hard to discern anything. Still, there was definitely something she wasn’t saying outright.

“I understand your point… However, I’m already engaged to Hosho-san. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to try to build a relationship with Kuzuryu? Not to mention, there’s Shiina-san’s watchful eye.”

I spoke while lowering my gaze in an attempt to appear hesitant.

“…There’s no need to worry about that, Kyoya-sama! Rest assured, I will provide you with my full support in that scenario.”

“…Does that mean you’d be switching roles as my handler?”

“Only if that is what you wish for, Kyoya-sama.”

That wasn’t something I wanted at all.

“And in such a case, what happens to my engagement?”

“Of course, we also have that covered. There are far more suitable women for you, Kyoya-sama. While your current fiancée may look impressive on the surface, that’s all there is to it. I believe there are other women who would better understand your cautious and thoughtful nature. Both Kuzuryu-sama, Takato-sama, and I can help you find such a person.”

“So, you’re telling me to annul my engagement?”

“It’s less about annulment and more about moving forward on new paths, don’t you think?”

Through it all, Hazaki maintained her bright, cheerful smile as she spoke.  

It was all just semantics. No matter how it was phrased, the underlying intent remained the same.

This was probably how they lowered people’s guard. It was almost like a new kind of cult recruitment tactic.

“Could I have some time to think about it?” I asked.

“Of course! This is a matter that will shape your entire life, Kyoya-sama! But rest assured, nothing about this will make you less happy than you are now! Please leave it all to me!”

Hazaki beamed with joy at my response.

“…And when would you need my answer?”

“Let’s see… I believe the deadline is tied to the fiancée vote, correct? When the time comes, we’ll prepare an appropriate venue for you to give your answer.”

“So, in about a week?”

“Yes! I’m confident you’ll make the best choice, Kyoya-sama. I trust you’ll find the right answer.”

With that, Hazaki gave a respectful bow and, after drinking the last of her coffee in one gulp, said:

“Now then, I’m afraid I have other appointments to attend, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Ah, alright.”

Without waiting for my reply, she promptly left.  

I glanced out the window and saw her pacing off, walking back the way she had come.

Was it safe now?

“…So? How was my impression of a weak, timid man?”

“You performed brilliantly and hilariously, Kyo-sama.”

Appearing from behind me, holding a coffee in casual attire, was none other than Kazari-san.