The Villainous Uncle in the Adult Game Gets Unusually High Praise from the Heroines - Chapter 7

Originally, Tomoe-chan and Sakurako-chan weren’t meant to meet until the middle of the story. 

By that point, both would have been completely under “Takeshi Tendo’s” influence through his manipulations, essentially becoming his puppets. The original plot would have had him invite Tomoe-chan over to be with Sakurako-chan… that was how things were supposed to go.

But now, events were progressing in complete disregard of the original storyline. Even I couldn’t predict how things would turn out. I only knew that if I could get through this situation, things would become much easier for me. Not having to hide Tomoe-chan’s existence would be a tremendous relief—assuming I could manage it, that is.

“…”

“…”

And now, the two girls sat facing each other across the table. Tomoe-chan and Sakurako-chan. What complicated this situation was the possibility that they might already know each other. 

Though rarely mentioned in the original story, they attended the same school. Even if they weren’t acquainted, they might have at least seen each other before.

“I thought so,” Tomoe-chan began.

“…”

“When I heard the name Tendo, I had a feeling, but what a coincidence this is.”

“I don’t know you.”

“I know about you, though. That’s all, Tendo-san.”

It seemed Tomoe-chan knew about Sakurako-chan, but not vice versa.

“So then,” Sakurako-chan pressed.

“Hm?”

“What’s your relationship with Take-san?”

“Hmm?”

Tomoe-chan tilted her head thoughtfully.

“Aren’t you going to ask how we met?”

“Frankly, that doesn’t matter. Whatever happened is already in the past—there’s no point asking about it now.”

“I see.”

“So, what is it?”

“Take-san supports my dream and helps me out. That’s all there is to it.”

“Is that so?”

“…That’s all you’re going to say?”

Puzzled by Sakurako-chan’s unexpectedly understanding attitude, Tomoe-chan furrowed her brow. In response, Sakurako-chan explained, “Well, I had somewhat expected this.”

“After all, if Take-san thought it was okay to bring someone into this house, I knew they couldn’t be a bad person.”

“…Hmm. You trust him.”

“I want to. And as for you, I think you have quite a good character.”

“Don’t praise me like that, it’s embarrassing.”

“By the way, Tomoe-san. You want to become an illustrator, right?”

Tomoe-chan’s expression soured visibly at Sakurako-chan’s words.

“Yes, what about it?”

“Show me. You must have some work saved on the computer, right?”

“Well, I do, but why?”

“As a resident of this house, I have the right to verify that you’re not just here to waste time. You understand, don’t you?”

“What if I refuse?”

“If someone aiming to be an illustrator can’t even show their work to others… I’d say that’s quite a weak dream.”

“Haha, that’s cheap provocation.”

However, Tomoe-chan’s face was tense. It seemed like she had taken offense at those words.

“Fine, I’ll show you. That’s okay, right, Take-san?”

“Hm?”

“It’s your room after all. I thought I should check with you first.”

“Ah, yeah.”

“He said it’s fine.”

“I heard him perfectly well without your input.”

“Well then, shall we go? Come on, Take-san.”

“Got it.”

I nodded and walked ahead of them to my room. Once inside, Sakurako-chan looked around curiously, taking in her surroundings. This was her first time in my room, so everything probably felt new to her.

Ignoring her wandering gaze, Tomoe-chan quickly booted up the computer and displayed her artwork in full screen from a folder. It was probably the piece she had claimed as her masterpiece.

“Hmm…”

“Well? What do you think?”

Faced with Tomoe-chan’s confidence, Sakurako-chan responded with clinical detachment, “The way one hand is hidden seems unnatural.”

“Ugh…”

“Also, the character is too stiff and lacks dynamism. Was that intentional?”

“Urk…”

“Moreover, I notice some anatomical errors. If you flip the image horizontally, you’d see them clearly. Surely you didn’t do this deliberately?”

“Ugh…”

“And the art style looks familiar somehow. Is this perhaps copied from somewhere?”

“You’re saying all the forbidden words!”

Tomoe-chan looked like she wanted to cry. While she wasn’t actually crying, I could tell she was weeping on the inside. Seeing her like this, Sakurako-chan let out a resigned sigh.

“I’m not saying you’re bad. You have potential. However, if you’re claiming you want to become an illustrator with artwork at this level… well, that’s quite presumptuous.”

“I-I’ll get better!”

“Then put in more effort. There’s plenty you can do without being in this house. Practice sketching, quick drawings—there’s lots to study even with traditional media.”

“But…”

“Yes?”

“What you’re saying is correct. I can’t argue with that, but since I’ve been given access to this environment, I want to make the most of what I can do here.”

“Is that so?”

Sakurako-chan sighed again at Tomoe-chan’s words.

“As I said before, while you’re still inexperienced, I think you have potential. So don’t waste it. Work hard.”

“I know that.”

“Staying in your comfort zone, however, won’t create any sense of urgency, so let’s set a goal.”

“A goal?”

Seeing Tomoe-chan’s puzzled expression, Sakurako-chan continued, “The school festival. It’s in November, right?”

“Ah, that’s right.”

“They’re accepting submissions for the program cover. Let’s make getting selected for that your goal.”

“That’s…”

“Not confident?”

“It’s not that I’m not confident. I was just surprised by the sudden suggestion.”

“Then it’s settled?”

“Yeah. I understand.”

Tomoe-chan spoke with a determined expression, “While I’m here, I’ll focus on digital art, and practice traditional techniques when I’m not. My goal is to get chosen as the illustrator of the school festival program cover.”

“Don’t forget about your studies too.”

“I-I know that!”

“Good. Then I’ll acknowledge you… if that’s alright with you, Take-san?”

I nodded when Sakurako-chan looked my way. At any rate, it seemed she had accepted Tomoe-chan’s visits to the house.

That was a relief.