(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 5: Japan’s Declining Birthrate Countermeasure Polygamy Law Promotion Committee, Section 3, Fiancée Agency

Nee-san’s eyes were terrifying.

Truly, they were terrifying.  

So much so that I instinctively sat down in a formal seiza position.  

“…I understand the situation now, I really do. But… I’m sorry, this was all for my sake, wasn’t it?”  

She lowered her gaze sadly.  

No, that wasn’t it. It wasn’t like that at all.  

“Well, that’s part of it, but I also saw the benefits for myself. By accepting this system, I got a live-in maid to help with everything, and I can maintain a normal—no, a rather luxurious lifestyle. And as you know, Nee-san, I don’t have any aversion to women. So, what others might consider as drawbacks don’t bother me at all. From my perspective, it’s not a strange arrangement. In fact, not accepting it would’ve been stranger. It’s something I absolutely should’ve accepted.”  

“Even so…”  

She still didn’t look convinced.  

And of course, she wouldn’t be. If I were in her position, I’d probably never be able to accept it either.  

In a way, it felt like I had sold myself.  

“Really, Nee-san, I don’t regret it at all. Just being able to save you is more than enough for me.”  

That much was the truth.  

“…I’m so sorry… Because of my frail body, you’ve had to suffer. I’m the one who needs to reflect on how much trouble I’ve caused.”  

She sank into a deep bow, her head nearly touching the floor.  

No.  

No, you don’t need to do that. That’s not what I want to see.  

“You don’t need to apologize. Just two words are more than enough—say ‘thank you’. That’s all I need.”  

Even so, her expression remained gloomy.  

“But even with that, you’re still not satisfied, right, Nee-san? Still, I think if you were in my position, you’d have done the same thing. Actually, you already did something similar before, didn’t you?”  

“…Before?”  

She tilted her head, looking genuinely confused. Did she really not remember?  

“Yeah, remember? Back when I almost drowned while playing in the river?”  

“Ah… Did something like that happen?”  

Ah, she remembered but was pretending not to.  

Yeah, I guessed that memory was one she’d prefer to forget.  

“Even though you weren’t a strong swimmer yourself, you immediately jumped in to save me. Honestly, it was thanks to you that I didn’t drown. To me, this is the same thing.”  

“…Except in that case, it’s more like we both ended up drowning together, isn’t it?”  

Her eyes became accusatory, as if to say, Did you really have to bring up that embarrassing story?

“Well, maybe it’s an unpleasant memory for you, but for me, it was nothing short of a lifesaver.”  

Even with the memories of my past life intact, I was still embarrassed by how carelessly I had gotten myself into that situation.  

I hadn’t realized how small and fragile a child’s body was at the time. Getting swept away was stupidly reckless of me.  

Well, I was just a high school student in my past life with zero life experience, so I guess it couldn’t be helped.  

“So this time, you could say I’m returning the favor. Maybe? It’s been 10 years, but I feel like I was finally able to pay back a bit.”  

“…Even so, I think you’ve gone above and beyond with the interest.”  

“Well, if I say it’s fine, then it’s fine! If you still can’t accept it, then how about this: the next time I’m in trouble, you can help me out?”  

“…Heh, making such a vague promise, huh?”  

“Well, only if you’re able to, of course.”  

“Alright, I understand. Whatever happens from now on, if you ever need me, I’ll do whatever it takes to help you. I’ll be your absolute ally. I swear it.”  

For some reason, it felt like her eyes were lacking a certain sparkle, but I told myself it was just my imagination.  

“You don’t have to take it that seriously, but I do want us to avoid any kind of falling out.”  

“Fufufu.”  

Her silence was unnervingly ominous.  

“Well then, can I ask for your advice about something right away?”  

“Hm? What is it? Even if I’ve been in the hospital for over a year, I can at least lend an ear. If it helps ease your mind, I’d be happy to listen.”  

Her advice had always been helpful.  

Not once in my life had it ever let me down.  

She was brilliant—a prodigy, really.  

In my past life, I was a mere generic high schooler, hence her insights were practically awe-inspiring, no matter how much younger she technically was.  

“Alright, then here goes.”  

“Ah, sit down on the bed first.”  

She shifted over slightly and patted the space beside her with her hand.  

Her fingers were as slender, graceful, and beautiful as ever.  

“Okay. So, about the system I accepted… I’ve been assigned fiancées.”  

“…Alright, I see.”  

“Three of them.”  

“…Th-Three? That’s… quite a lot right from the start, isn’t it?”  

“I met them in a matchmaking meeting recently.”  

“Young people these days move fast, don’t they?”  

Said the 19-year-old hospital patient.  

“I tried to get along with them, but… they’re all a bit eccentric.”  

“…A bit?”  

…Yeah, no, that was an understatement.  

“…Maybe more like… somewhat?”  

“Now you’re making me worried.”  

“Anyway, to get back on track—the matchmaking was a disaster, from my point of view.”  

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?!”  

“…Nee-san???”  

Do you have any idea how much the medical fees cost? This absolutely has to work!  

“Ah, sorry, sorry. So, what happened after that?”  

“Well, even though I thought it was a disaster, apparently, the Japan Low Birthrate Countermeasure Polygamy Law Promotion Committee’s Fiancee Bureau didn’t see it that way.”  

“Wait, what’s the name again?”  

“The Japan Low Birthrate Countermeasure Polygamy Law Promotion Committee’s Fiancee Bureau.”  

“That’s so long!!”  

“Anyway, as a result, I’m now being forced to live with them. So here’s my question: how do I get along with people I’m not on good terms with? And how can I close the distance with women?”  

“…”  

Huh? She stopped moving.  

“…Nee-san?”  

“Ah, sorry, sorry. It was such an overwhelming joke that I couldn’t process it. Could you say that again?”  

Wasn’t she just trying to escape reality a moment ago?  

“I said I have to live with three fiancées I’m not close to, so how do I get along with them?”  

I decided not to mention that they had outright said they weren’t interested in me.  

I still didn’t really understand what kind of people they were.  

“…Maybe you should divorce them and live separately. That might be the key to happiness for all parties.”  

“Please, let’s focus on how to make it work!”  

Stop trying to get me divorced at every opportunity.  

(T/N: Sorry for the delay, was too tired after college)