Chapter 4: Shady Adults Scheming in the Shadows
By the time the sun started dipping, we’d all gotten plenty satisfied.
“I’m home!” a voice called from the entrance, snapping me back to reality—this wasn’t my house.
Caught off guard! But our teamwork, forged by heart and body, was unreal.
The moment we heard the voice, we sprang into action.
Rino fixed herself up enough to head to the door, while the rest of us scrambled to clean the mess left from our antics. We had the place spotless in under ten seconds. People show their true colors when the pressure’s on.
And so, we greeted Rino’s mom, the lady of the house, with bright smiles.
◇ ◇ ◇
We sat around the table with Rino’s mom. Himari deftly explained, with tactful sugarcoating, why I had to stay over.
“Rino mentioned you’d have friends over,” her mom said, “but… protecting a girl and getting caught up in some family drama, huh? You’re Akio-kun, right? Don’t worry. Stay as long as you need until things cool off.”
Rino’s mom, Sanae-san, thumped her ample chest with gusto, welcoming me with open arms.
She was a stunning woman in a sharp suit. Petite, not much taller than Rino, she looked far too young to have a high schooler for a daughter. If you judged by appearances alone, she could pass for an older sister, just a few years apart.
Like Rino, she wore glasses, but there was nothing frumpy about her. She exuded the aura of a capable adult. Her green hair, longer than Rino’s, was tied neatly at the nape of her neck. She wasn’t a heroine in the original story, but genetics must be at play—she was well-endowed too.
“Uh, sorry. I know it’s kinda bad for a guy like me to crash at a girl’s place…”
“No other options, right? Don’t sweat it. Besides, if Himari-chan vouches for you, that’s good enough for me.”
“Well, that’s a relief…”
Himari’s trust level is off the charts, huh? Even with that pink hair, she’s got the good-girl cred. Seems parents think the world of her.
“Thank you, Mom,” Rino said, beating me to the gratitude.
Sanae-san chuckled, “Oh my, oh my,” at her daughter’s enthusiasm.
“Rino, you seem thrilled. Could this boy be someone special?” she teased.
“M-Mom! What’re you even saying!?” Rino huffed, her face beet red.
“Hehe, my bad!” Sanae-san giggled.
Rino puffed up in a cute little tantrum. Sanae-san watched her beloved daughter with a joyful smile. It was a heartwarming mother-daughter moment, but I couldn’t exactly blurt out that her precious girl had already been devoured by said special boy. A twinge of guilt hit me.
“We’ll come by to help out as much as we can, so please take care of Akio-kun,” Himari said, bowing.
“Y-Yeah, I wanna help Akio too! P-Please, look after him…” Haya added, dipping her head.
They’re going out of their way for me… A warm surge welled up in my chest.
“Oh my, oh my… Is Akio-kun some kind of lady-killer? Rino, you better step up!” Sanae-san teased.
“Mom!” Rino protested.
The mother and daughter bantered like sisters. I couldn’t exactly admit that the three girls weren’t fighting over me but cooperating to keep me satisfied.
“What do you do for work, Sanae-san?” I asked, steering the conversation away from dangerous waters.
“Hehe, I’m actually a secretary.”
“A secretary?”
“Yup. Surprising, right?”
“Not at all. That suit looks sharp on you. Really suits the vibe.”
Sure, she was about Rino’s height, but the suit fit her perfectly. Total career-woman energy—like she could handle anything. Just a vibe, though.
“R-Really? No one’s ever said that before. That’s sweet of you.”
“No way. You’re killing it in a job like that. Gotta be cool.”
“People always assumed I got hired for my looks,” she said.
“And you proved ‘em wrong with skill.”
“Exactly! I dodged the creeps, powered through the ridiculous demands, and earned the president’s trust!”
“You really went for it, huh?”
“I did! I worked my butt off! You get it, Akio-kun… You’re a good kid!”
Sanae-san’s smile softened, her usual polish giving way to something downright adorable.
“Akio-kun, you’re way too good at getting Mom to open up…” Rino muttered.
“He’s got a knack for listening, doesn’t he?” Himari added.
“Used to tune everyone out, but man, Akio’s changed…” Haya said.
While I chatted with Sanae-san, the three girls huddled together, whispering. What’s up with you guys?
◇ ◇ ◇
Before it got dark, I sent Himari and Haya home and settled in for dinner.
“Nothing beats having a daughter who can cook. Such a lifesaver!” Sanae-san said, savoring her meal. Why’d she stress the “can cook” part, though?
“Akio-kun, don’t you want a girlfriend who can cook? What do you think of our Rino? She’s a catch!”
“Haha, girlfriend or not, I’d love to keep getting along with Rino.”
I know Rino’s got more going for her than just cooking. Like that cute way she’s blushing and sneaking glances at me right now.
Anyway, it’s a relief I’m hitting it off with Rino’s mom. With her villainous vibe, I half-expected to get kicked out on sight. Until Erika’s mess gets sorted, I’ll keep making a good impression.
With Sanae-san around, I can’t get too cozy with Rino without raising suspicions. It’s a bit lonely, but after dinner and a bath, I quietly retreated to my room.
“Hm?”
I was wiped from all the satisfaction since morning, so I planned to crash early. But when I checked my phone, a new message caught my eye.
“…What the hell?”
I froze, stunned. The words didn’t make sense at first.
The sender was Erika.
“Come help me quick”A cry for help. What’s happening to Erika? My mind raced with possibilities, and I couldn’t tear my eyes from the screen.
◆ ◆ ◆
I, Takeru Saionji, was born a winner.
“Takeru, you’ll take over my company one day. That’s why I’m giving you a top-tier education. Don’t you dare let me down.”
“Yes, Father.”
The path to guaranteed success. Just by following Father’s orders, I could feel my own brilliance. Elite education widened the gap between me and my peers. The more I saw their incompetence, the more I realized how blessed I was.
“Takeru-kun, you’re amazing!”
“You can do that too?”
“Takeru-kun’s so dreamy…”
Most people were commoners. I couldn’t even imagine living on less than twenty million yen a year.
Commoners fawned over me. To their useless selves, that was their only purpose.
I attended a prestigious high school, then an elite university. Even there, commoners slipped in, constantly disappointing me.
If they knew their place, I’d graciously overlook them. But some dared to challenge me.
“Saionji, who do you think you are?!”
“Looking down on everyone’s gonna bite you in the ass!”
“Money doesn’t solve everything. If you can’t even think about how others feel, you’ll trip up one day.”
Commoners—no, plebs—their words were just the barking of losers.
Friends had to be chosen carefully. I was the one who decided. I had to learn what to cut loose.
And so, the capable me graduated university and joined Father’s company. Armed with refined education and surrounded by friends who’d serve my future, I was set.
Father, a titan of industry, wielded immense power in Japan. Even politicians bowed to him. I was promised the same position one day.
“Takeru, I’ve chosen your fiancée. Her family’s beneath us, but she’s a fine girl. Train her well and secure your foundation.”
“Yes, thank you, Father.”
I had a fiancée.
The phrase “beneath us” almost made me grimace. But it was Father’s choice—surely flawless. Seeing her in person would reveal what kind of woman she was. With my discerning eye, nothing could slip past me.
“Saionji-sama, I’m honored you’d come in person,” her father said.
“Enough pleasantries. I heard your daughter’s my fiancée. Show her to me.”
“The meeting was scheduled for later—”
“You defying me?”
“N-No, of course not! Erika’s been raised to please you—”
“Spare me the spiel. Hurry up.”
“R-Right away!”
An engagement arranged by our parents. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have reservations.
It wasn’t that I doubted Father, but I wanted to judge her myself. If she thought like a pleb, even I’d have to speak up.
“…Pleased to meet you. I’m Erika Koyama,” she said.
“?!”
It was the first time someone sent a jolt through my body.
Her gentle, refined demeanor. Her cultured poise. Above all, her beauty captivated me.
I’d never met a woman like her. Submissive girls, brainy girls, pretty-but-empty girls—I’d seen them all, but none were as perfect as her.
She’s… stunning. Truly stunning. I could love her with all my heart. I was certain of it.
“You—you alone are worthy of me! Erika-san, our future’s bright!”
“Um… it’s a bit overwhelming to hear that so soon. I’m sorry, but I haven’t agreed to this engagement. Could we talk—”
“It’s fine, Erika-san. You’re just nervous, right? I get it—sudden engagement’s a shock. Same here. But don’t worry. Once you see how great I am, you’ll fall for me. We’ve got plenty of time until you graduate university. Use it to become a woman worthy of me.”
“…”
Erika Koyama. I thanked Father for choosing her. I was destined for success!
◇ ◇ ◇
So why… why is this happening?
“If you were someone I could reason with, I might’ve opened up to you. But I know you’re not that person. I demand you end our engagement.”
The gentle, brilliant Erika-san is defying me… This can’t be happening.
No, no, no, no, NO! This is wrong! It’s all wrong!
“If this video goes public, you can imagine what’ll happen to someone as ‘excellent’ as you, right? If you don’t want trouble, agree to end the engagement. That’s all I want.”
I’m suffering, yet Erika-san coldly lists her demands.
This is inhumane! She must’ve been corrupted by bad influences.
Breathing the same air as plebs in the same space—it’s tainted even someone as perfect as Erika-san, making her act this way.
I need to train her before she’s ruined…
But behind her stood a hulking, dim-looking guy, his sharp eyes locked on me, ready to resort to violence if I made a move.
Damn brainless plebs!
With no choice, I tried to reason with her. “Listen, Erika-san! I fell for you the moment we met! I only did those things because I care about you. If I went too far, I’ll apologize. But please, reconsider ending the engagement. I’ll fix my flaws, I promise. I—”
“Be quiet.”
Her voice was so cold, it didn’t sound like her.
That single phrase froze my tongue. My teeth chattered. Those merciless eyes—could this really be Erika-san?
…Yet even those icy eyes couldn’t diminish her beauty.
“Young master…”
The useless bodyguard’s voice snapped me back to reality.
“…We’re leaving.”
Erika-san’s lost her reason. She needs time to cool off. I climbed into the car.
Staying here any longer, who knows what those idiots might do.
How do I train Erika-san? Father would know. He’s always shown me the path to success.
◆ ◆ ◆
“Father, listen! Erika-san’s been corrupted by bad company and turned delinquent! She set me up… She can’t get away with this!”
My only son, Takeru, burst into my office, ranting like a madman.
Seems he’s clashed with his fiancée. Honestly, just discipline her and be done with it.
I brushed it off at first, but as Takeru’s story unfolded, the blood drained from my face.
“Hold on. You were filmed assaulting someone?”
“Yes, exactly! They tricked me, recorded it, and threatened me with it. Father, how do I make them feel my authority?”
“You FOOL!” I roared, slamming my desk. Yelling didn’t quell my rage.
I questioned the bodyguard assigned to Takeru. The scandal was real. My head throbbed.
“What were you doing!? In broad daylight, in public… Who starts a fight like that!?”
“I-I was just following the young master’s orders…”
“You moron!”
I’d hired him for his reputation in martial arts, but following orders doesn’t mean abandoning your brain!
This is bad… If this scandal leaks, it’s a crisis for the company. I can’t let the media feast on this.
“Takeru, did Erika say she’d delete the video if you end the engagement?”
“Uh… delete it? I don’t think she said that…”
“YOU FOOL! You didn’t even secure that promise!? And what about the others who filmed it? Do you know who they are?”
“Well, I don’t care about women besides Erika-san, so I didn’t bother remembering their faces. They’re just plebs. Why waste my memory on them?”
“Idiot! You didn’t negotiate or memorize their faces? How much more can you disappoint me!?”
“P-Please forgive me, Father…” he whimpered.
This idiot son is dragging me down… Doesn’t he realize he’s endangering the company? Who the hell did he take after to be this dim?
I’d love to reeducate him, but the priority is securing the video. We need to identify the filmmakers ASAP.
“Wait! Akio Gouda! That’s the guy who came between me and Erika-san! Father, he’s the root of it all!”
“Akio Gouda, huh? You’re sure? Damn it… To think I’d have to commit a pleb’s name to memory…”
It’s all this idiot son’s fault.
Painful as it is, we need to deal with this Gouda guy quickly.
Plebs don’t understand how to handle information. We need to secure the video before they get any ideas.
There’s no end to “what-ifs.” If ending the engagement keeps them quiet, that’s convenient for us.
First, ensure safety. Then, secure the video. Once that’s done, the rest is easy.
As long as we eliminate our weakness, everything will go our way.
“Takeru, you’re grounded. Reflect on your actions. At least act remorseful to appease them.”
“Wait, Father! What about Erika-san? If you tell me how to train her, I—”
“YOU FOOL! Keep dealing with that woman? She could stab you in your sleep! I won’t allow an engagement with someone that dangerous! We’re done with her!”
“N-No way…” Takeru wailed.
Takeru collapsed on the spot, sobbing pathetically. No wonder women walk all over him when he shows such a sorry display.
Erika Koyama. I had high hopes she’d make a fine woman with proper training… Maybe I should’ve claimed her for myself instead of thinking about an heir.
…No, that’s right. With that beauty and that figure, I always thought she was too good for Takeru.
She’s a dangerous woman, threatening us like this. But taming a rebellious girl and making her mine? That’s not a bad deal.
I’ll train her so she’ll never defy me again, and while I’m at it, I’ll savor that delectable soft skin…
Uhyohyohyohyo! Not bad, not bad at all! The thought of breaking a woman who thinks she’s got me cornered sent a thrill through me.
Her defiant attitude? Just a spice to make this more entertaining for me.
That beautiful face, trembling in fear, succumbing to pleasure, groveling before me… Kukuku, I’m practically drooling.
“Get out! Your mess is piling more work on me!” I snapped.
“Ugh, uwaaahhh!” Takeru wailed, crying shamelessly like a child despite being a grown man.
He’s my son, but he’s insufferable. I ordered the bodyguard to drag him out.
Finally, some peace. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling deeply.
…Got too worked up. Need to cool off before I can even stand.
“President, I’ve arranged to search for the ones who filmed the video, as the young master mentioned,” Sanae-kun reported.
“Good, good. Quick work… Sanae-kun.”
The bespectacled beauty secretary finished her call and updated me. Without a word, she moved exactly as I’d have wanted—truly exceptional.
My pride and joy, Sanae Kuroha, is a calm, intelligent woman.
At first, I kept her close for her looks and figure, but she’s surprisingly competent. A capable, beautiful secretary is a status symbol. Her presence elevates my standing.
I reached for Sanae-kun’s rear. She swatted my hand away.
“President, that’s sexual harassment,” she said.
“Sorry, sorry. Just wanted to reward you for your hard work. I meant to pat your… ahem, shoulder.”
“Sexual. Harassment.”
She’s a bit too rigid, which is a hassle…
But one day, I’ll make her mine. She lost her husband young and raised her kid alone. She has to rely on me.
That’s why I pay her so well. If she wants to keep her position, she’ll handle any workload, no matter how unreasonable.
Overwhelm her with work, then sweet-talk her when she’s worn down—she’ll be molded into exactly what I want. I can’t wait for the day my perfect plan comes to fruition.
“Sorry, Sanae-kun, but Takeru’s mess means more work. Don’t expect to go home tonight.”
“…Understood.”
I’m fed up with Takeru’s idiocy, but more time with Sanae-kun works in my favor. I’ll corner her when the chance comes. The day she becomes mine is near.
Kukuku. I can’t wait to add Erika and Sanae-kun to my collection of beauties.
And that girl who filmed Takeru’s assault? If she’s got a face I like, I’ll have my fun sealing her lips… Uhyohyohyohyo!
◆ ◆ ◆
To me, Takeru Saionji is, in a word, a deeply troubling person.
A fiancé who appeared out of nowhere. That alone was disorienting, but his attitude troubled me even more.
“Anything Erika-san wants, I’ll get it for you. I’m exceptional—nothing’s impossible for me. Only an elite like me can satisfy you, right?”
“Uh-huh…”
Takeru-san was the first man I’d ever gotten close to, besides family.
That said, Mama restricted my interactions since childhood, especially with men—no talking for more than ten minutes. To me, ten minutes of conversation equaled getting close.
Takeru-san’s probably in the same boat, but my impression of this arranged fiancé wasn’t great.
Still, he’s the son of Papa’s important client. Papa told me to keep him happy. All I could do was smile and nod.
“Erika-san… what a beautiful smile. Don’t show it to other men. Beasts with bad intentions might target you.”
“Uh-huh…”
I nodded, my trained smile coming naturally.
My life was decided for me, and though I hated it, my body followed orders. Flirting to please men, ignoring my heart—it felt like I was a robot.
Our interactions were always empty. Takeru-san never listened to me, thinking gifts and bragging would make me happy. He kept misunderstanding.
Growing up in all-girls schools from middle school to university, he became my stand-in for what men were like. Including Papa, it’s no wonder I developed a warped view of them.
That’s why Akio-kun, who didn’t try to control me, felt so refreshing. I was drawn to him.
Rough yet gentle, seemingly indifferent yet caring.
Akio Gouda is a strange boy. He’s got an air beyond his years, but he leans on me and lets me lean on him.
Maybe that’s why I’m smitten with this big, younger guy. …Or maybe that’s just an excuse from a girl who fell for a high school boy.
“I’m the older one, so I’ve gotta step up,” I told myself.
I can’t just keep relying on him. For the first time, I felt like an older sister.
Akio-kun gave me the courage to stand up. I can’t keep bending to the fate handed to me. If I don’t fight my parents’ decisions now, I’ll never speak up for myself.
To stay by Akio-kun’s side, I resolved to face my parents head-on.
◇ ◇ ◇
“Erika… do you realize what you’ve done!?” Papa shouted.
I came home after a long absence and laid it all out.
What Takeru Saionji did to us. That we had proof. And that I wanted the engagement ended. I said it all in one breath.
“This is unforgivable! If you’d just done what Takeru-kun said… How do I explain this to Saionji-san…?”
“There’s nothing to explain. I just want to cut ties with Takeru-san. That’s all I want.”
“It’s not that simple! Because of your stunt, I… Damn it, where did we go wrong raising you? You used to obey me!” Papa ranted, clawing at his hair.
I watched my father with cold detachment.
Mama couldn’t stand it. She slammed the table, her voice shrill. “Go wrong raising her!? Don’t blame me! You barely looked at Erika. I put her in all those lessons, fed her well, gave her good company, and good experiences. If her upbringing’s wrong, it’s because you were too busy with work to care!”
Of course, Mama wasn’t defending me—she was just dodging blame.
“Who do you think’s been providing for you!? Your cushy life is thanks to my earnings!” Papa shot back.
…Here we go.
They tore into each other, their voices grating on my nerves.
People say parents get mad for their kids’ sake, but I couldn’t buy it. It was just blame-shifting, based on the assumption I was a failure.
A kid who follows their parents’ orders—that’s the “right” path? Then I don’t mind going the wrong way.
I’m not a child anymore. I’ll decide my own path. It’s scary to walk alone, but with people to support me, I can hold my head high.
“Papa, Mama, stop this pointless fighting,” I said.
“What!?” Papa snapped.
“Pointless!?” Mama shrieked. “After everything we’ve—”
“You’re meddling too much in my life. I’m grateful for raising me, but if you keep trampling my heart, I don’t care if you’re my parents—I’ll cut ties.”
“What!?” they gasped in unison.
“What are you saying!? You can’t do that!” Papa yelled.
“Calm down, Erika. Something’s wrong with you!” Mama added.
Their shouting only made my head colder.
“I’m not your tool. If kids must obey parents, then I have no choice but to cut you off. Taking responsibility for my own life—is that so wrong?”
“Ridiculous! No decent kid defies their parents!” Papa roared.
“Either way, if you won’t accept my terms, I’ll take this to the police. Is that okay?” I waved my phone.
“Wait!” Papa panicked. “That’ll make Saionji-san hate us! That’d be the end of the Koyama family!”
He cursed under his breath, then fell silent. I’d give him time to think.
A tense silence gripped the room until Papa’s phone rang.
“Damn it, who’s calling now!?” He glanced at the screen and paled—probably Saionji-san, informed by Takeru.
“Sorry, I need to step out. Oi, the tea’s gone cold. Brew a fresh one,” he barked at a maid.
“Yes, sir!” the maid replied, reaching for the teapot.
…I feel bad for the maids working here. Witnessing this family drama must be unbearable.
Some maids care about me like a mother or sister. For their sake, I wanted to settle this quickly.
“I’m fine with this,” I told the maid trying to refresh my tea.
It’s just lukewarm—not undrinkable. Throwing it out felt wasteful.
…Maybe that’s Akio-kun’s influence? Watching him eat everything served made me feel guilty about wasting a single cup of tea.
“Please, you’ll get me scolded,” the maid said.
“…Right. Then I’ll take a refill.”
Can’t trouble the staff. I let her pour fresh tea.
“You’ve grown, Erika-sama, speaking your mind to your parents. I’m happy for you,” she whispered, just for me.
“Thank you…”
I thanked her as she finished pouring.
It’s not just Akio-kun and the others on my side. Knowing the maids who’ve cared for me are rooting for me warmed my heart.
“Oh… how did it come to this…?” Mama muttered, ignoring me, biting her nails—a crude habit.
I tried to enjoy my tea until Papa returned, but Mama’s refusal to engage made the time awkward, unrelieved even by the tea’s aroma.
“Sorry for the wait…” Papa returned, looking haggard. No surprise—he likely got an earful.
“Erika, that phone… it’s got the video of Saionji-san’s son, right? The… evidence?”
“Yup. Clear footage of his verbal and physical assault. With this, the police would have to act, don’t you think?”
Papa’s shoulders slumped. “…Fine. I’ll accept your terms. That’s what you want, right?”
“Yes. Thank you, Papa.”
We settled it peacefully, though it hinged on Saionji-san not pushing further. I was relieved he wasn’t the type to force things.
I have my issues with my parents, but I didn’t truly want to cut them off. Ending this without resorting to extremes left me relieved.
“Erika, it’s been a while since we’ve gathered as a family. We’ve got tea and snacks aplenty. Let’s make this a family moment,” Papa said warmly.
“Sure, let’s eat,” I agreed.
That was my mistake.
Relieved the issue was resolved, lulled by Papa’s rare gentle tone, I let my guard down completely.
I’d never seen him smile so warmly with such a pale face.
“…Huh?”
A shattering cup echoed as my consciousness faded. Drugged. I realized it as my vision blackened.
Too late. Even now, I was still a naive kid clinging to fantasies.
◇ ◇ ◇
I woke to an unfamiliar ceiling… no, a familiar one.
“Right, I…”
After thinking the talk with my parents was over, I was drugged—probably sleeping pills.
I scanned the room. A single bed in a cramped space. A small window, too high to reach, gave no view outside.
The only door was locked. My phone and bag were gone.
“This is bad… I didn’t think they’d go this far…”
Himari-chan warned me, “You never know what they might do. Like, drugging your tea and doing something while you’re out!” I never imagined it’d actually happen.
“I said all that, but I still thought of them as my parents…”
I recalled being locked in this room as a kid.
The so-called punishment room. Where I was sent for misbehaving. Nothing but bad memories here.
“Thanks to Akio-kun, I can call for help…”
I pulled a phone from my cleavage. My personal phone, without GPS.
Good thing I prepared a second one for emergencies. I owe Akio-kun for suggesting, “Hide it there, and you’ll be fine.”
“…After this, there’s no going back.”
As I steeled myself to use the phone, a knock came at the door.
“Miss? Are you awake?”
“!?”
Crap. I dove under the covers, sending a help message to Akio-kun.
The door creaked open. I hid the phone in my chest, determined to protect my link to Akio-kun and the others at all costs.
◆ ◆ ◆
Erika’s message came: “Come help me quick』. Hiragana, short and urgent. She’s in serious trouble.
I replied, “What happened?』, but no response came. My anxiety grew, and I couldn’t sit still.
“No clue what’s going on, but I’ll head to Erika’s place.”
I know her address. Problem is, if her parents are the cause, they’ll likely turn me away.
If Takeru’s gone rogue and harmed her, her parents might be allies… but from what she’s said, that’s unlikely.
Erika said she’d come back if anything happened. Sending a message from a hidden phone suggests she’s been confined. Worst case, she’s being held captive.
I informed Haya and Himari about Erika’s emergency. It’s late, but I’ll need their help.
“Rino… she’s fine. Probably fast asleep.”
Rino and Erika have no direct connection. Springing an emergency on her would just confuse her.
Besides, she’s been keeping me satisfied since last night. She’s gotta be exhausted.
To save Erika, I might need to take drastic measures.
That’s fine. Akio Gouda’s the villain here. For Erika, I’ll bear any sin.
This is an eroge world, after all. Without that kind of reckless resolve, I won’t reach the one I want to save.
“Akio-kun? Where’re you headed this late?” Sanae-san asked.
I’d just stepped out of the guest room, ready to go, when I ran into her in the hallway.
Dressed to go out, I couldn’t exactly say, “Just hitting the bathroom.”
Plus… she’s fresh from a bath, hair down, in pajamas. Smelling nice, radiating allure, yet somehow cute. Hard to believe she’s a mom.
“Uh, just grabbing a drink…” I mumbled.
“We’ve got tea, coffee, juice—name it. Though I can’t offer alcohol to a minor, you know?”
“N-No, I…”
Damn. My half-assed lie just boxed me in.
What now? Erika’s on my mind, and I can’t waste time. Should I just push through?
“Or… is there another reason you’re heading out?” Sanae-san asked, her smile teasing, like she knew something.
“Like, say… going to see Erika Koyama?”
I was scrambling for an excuse when she dropped Erika’s name out of nowhere.
“Huh? How do you—”
I’d told her I was caught up in family drama protecting a girl, but I never mentioned Erika’s name. Himari wouldn’t slip up like that, and Rino doesn’t even know Erika.
So why did Sanae-san know? She answered easily.
“I’m President Saionji’s secretary. I heard everything he and Takeru discussed. So I know about Erika Koyama—and you, Akio Gouda, who protected her.”
“!?”
President’s secretary… Takeru’s dad!? No way I could’ve seen that coming!
I came to Rino’s to hide from the Saionjis, only to walk right into their inner circle? My location’s exposed, and any move to save Erika will get back to them?
What do I do? If Sanae-san’s the source, neutralizing her could keep my actions secret…
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell the president you’re here,” she said calmly, cutting off my dark thoughts.
“What’s that mean?”
“Simple. I hate that pervy old man.”
“Huh?”
Sorry, too simple. I’m lost.
My confusion must’ve shown. Sanae-san chuckled softly.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right? I’m not the obedient beauty secretary I seem.”
“So… you’ve got your own reasons for working for President Saionji?”
“My, you catch on quick.”
Her amused giggle made her seem far more mysterious than our first meeting.
Can I trust her claim that she’s not on the Saionjis’ side?
One wrong move, and I’m feeding info to the enemy—worst-case scenario.
“The enemy of my enemy is a friend… So, Sanae-san, you’ll help us?”
It’s a risk, but also a chance.
I can’t waste time. Erika’s brief message screams urgency.
But charging in alone doesn’t guarantee I can save her.
Our only weapons are my cheat-level body and Takeru’s assault video.
I need more leverage—something someone close to the enemy, like her, could provide.
“Akio-kun, are you trying to negotiate with me?” she teased.
“If you’re as capable as you seem, it’s worth a shot.”
“Ooh, that’s enticing.”
She’s way too seductive for Rino’s mom. I need to stay sharp, or Akio Gouda’s villain side might take over.
“I don’t know what you’ve got against Saionji, but we’ve got video of Takeru ordering his bodyguard to assault me. Multiple copies, not just on Erika’s phone.”
“Himari-chan… and that blonde girl, Haya-chan, right?”
I nodded silently. Haya didn’t actually film, but whatever.
“I’ve even got a medical report from the assault. If we save Erika, I’ll hand it all over. Will you help us then?”
“Hmm… multiple pieces of evidence could make a solid scandal. It might not topple the president, but it’d definitely hurt the company’s image.”
“Then—”
“But it’s not enough.”
Her words stopped me as I leaned forward, thinking we had a deal.
“I need stronger evidence. A son’s scandal isn’t enough.”
“Damn…”
Her target’s the father, not Takeru. We’ve only dealt with the son. We’ve got nothing on the dad.
Guess we’ll have to save Erika ourselves. With Himari and Haya’s help, we’ll figure it out.
“Don’t rush off, Akio-kun. We’re not done,” Sanae-san said, noticing my urge to bolt.
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t help. I’m a mother too. I can’t just sit by when a young girl’s in trouble.”
Her smile was seductive yet reliable.
“Besides the evidence you offered, I have a couple demands.”
“Demands of me?”
What else could I offer? I tilted my head but urged her to continue—for Erika’s sake, I’d give anything.
“Don’t involve Rino in this. I don’t want my daughter in danger. You understand a mother’s feelings, right?”
“Of course,” I nodded firmly. That was my plan all along.
“And don’t make Rino cry or hurt her. I trust you’ll cherish her.”
Sanae-san’s smile softened into a motherly warmth.
…If she knew Rino’s already part of my harem, how would she react? That mysterious vibe makes me think it’d end badly.
Man, how did the original Akio Gouda survive stealing Rino? Maybe he got wrecked after the story ended.
“Uh, that’s it? It’s all about Rino. I’m not really giving you anything…”
“Oh? My daughter’s safety is guaranteed. What better bargaining chip is there?”
Wait… was she planning to help from the start?
“Thank you!” I bowed deeply. It’s a hassle for her, but her near-unconditional help was reassuring.
“I wouldn’t have done anything if you hadn’t acted. Even now, our chances of success are slim,” she said, then continued, “But if a boy’s serious about saving a girl, a capable woman helps out, right?”
She winked, exuding that capable-woman aura.
“I’ll get the car. Come outside when you’re ready. Don’t let Rino notice.”
“Got it. Thanks, Sanae-san.”
As we prepared to head to Erika, Sanae-san’s phone pinged with a message. Her face darkened as she shared bad news.
“Erika Koyama… she’s been taken to President Saionji’s house.”
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