Chapter 6: An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth, a Villain for a Villain
I thought if I could just convey my true feelings, Papa and Mama would understand.
I knew it was a naive thought. Even so, I couldn’t completely let go of the desire to believe in my real parents.
“Erika… Erika’s the one at fault for defying us…!”
“That’s right… It’s unacceptable that we should suffer because of Erika’s selfishness… If you’re going to be like that, you’ll take responsibility for this!”
But my hopes were shattered so easily.
In the car, Papa and Mama were muttering “Erika’s to blame” like it was some kind of curse.
It’s not true. Even if I thought that, hearing it over and over again wore me down.
And above all, the fact that I was forcibly put in this car, heading to a destination I knew all too well—that made my despair all the deeper.
“Papa, Mama. Are you really taking me to Saionji-san’s place?”
My voice trembled. It might’ve sounded a little tearful.
“It’s too late for whining now! If you’d just been obedient, it wouldn’t have come to this…! You can spend your life serving Saionji-sama and regretting it!”
“I should’ve given birth to a sweeter child! Where did we go wrong raising you…? At the very least, don’t ruin our lives!”
In the cramped car, Papa and Mama berated me harshly.
Oh… I’ve been abandoned by these people.
The relentless denial forced me to realize that the hope I’d clung to never existed in the first place. Family. That word meant nothing in the end.
Resignation gnawed at my heart…
Did Akio-kun notice my message?
If Shiratori-chan knew, she’d be furious, and Himuro-chan would probably panic and say, “We have to save Erika-san!”
The maids who’d taken care of me all this time showed me sympathy, and one of them even tried to save me, knowing it could jeopardize her own position.
“…”
I may not have been blessed with family or a fiancé, but there were so many kind people around me.
So it’s okay. Even if I give up on myself, I’ll never let them have my heart.
◇ ◇ ◇
“Uhyohyohyohyohyo! So this is the real Erika… You’ve gotten even prettier since we last met! And that body… Mmm, approved.”
Facing Saionji-san, the resolve I’d mustered crumbled all too quickly.
He’s Takeru-san’s father. I’d met him before, but his leering gaze and laughter made me shrink back.
I don’t think he laughed like this before… I want to believe he’s just not himself in this abnormal situation, but that feels impossible.
“Of course. Erika is the daughter we raised with care. So, um… if we hand over Erika, you’ll forgive us for this matter, right?”
“Not only will I forgive you, I’ll even give your company preferential treatment. Even if she couldn’t cut it as my son’s fiancée, this girl’s worth that much.”
“Thank you so much!”
Papa, treating his daughter like an object… No, this man isn’t my father anymore.
“Now, shall we sign the contract? Uhyohyohyo! The finest woman… heh heh heh, I can’t stop laughing!”
Watching my former father sign the contract without hesitation filled me with pity.
There’s no way people like this could be decent parents.
Even so, the thought of my life being stolen by them was so pathetic… I couldn’t forgive myself, and it stung.
“Just to be safe, I’ll need to inspect her body. No offense, but I don’t want to be stuck with defective goods. Could you wait here for a bit?”
“We’re grateful you’re making time for us this late. Please, take as long as you need.”
Seeing Saionji-san’s gleeful expression, my former parents leaned back in their seats, visibly relieved.
I was blindfolded and taken to another room.
“Uhyohyohyohyo! You can take the blindfold off, Erika.”
I did as told and gasped.
A sterile room without a single window. Various tools were displayed, their purposes unknown, but they filled me with instinctive terror.
Worst of all was Saionji-san, shirtless, his grotesque face scanning my body with a predatory gaze.
His expression and the bulge in his pants made it all too easy to imagine what was about to happen to me.
“Erika, take off your clothes.”
The command came naturally. Nothing like Akio-kun. A revolting sensation, like bugs crawling over my skin, gave me goosebumps.
“What’s wrong? Why are you freezing up? If you don’t hurry… this won’t just be about your responsibility, you know?”
The faces of everyone who supported me flashed through my mind. So many people were there for me.
No matter what happens… I’ll never let my heart break.
“Yes… I understand…”
I reached for my dress.
But my hands wouldn’t stop trembling… I couldn’t do it properly.
“Erika, I don’t care whether you’re a virgin or not. I’m not some small-minded man who’d complain about that.”
Saionji-san seemed to revel in my struggle, his grotesque face twisting further.
“But sensitivity matters. No matter how beautiful a woman is, if she’s not responsive, it’s no fun. Good sensitivity makes it feel better, don’t you think?”
It was phrased as a question, but I didn’t think he expected an answer.
“Ugh…!?”
W-What? My body suddenly feels… hot?
“It’s finally kicking in.”
“What… what did you…?”
“I served you tea when you arrived, remember? I made sure yours was spiked with something to make you feel good. One sip, and even the most stubborn woman becomes compliant.”
My body was burning… aching uncontrollably.
Saionji-san’s hand drew closer. Instinctive fear made me step back.
“Oh? Still resisting? Your body should be burning, craving a man by now… but that’s fine too.”
The grotesque man’s hand tore at my clothes.
“Now, Erika. Show me your true self.”
His vulgar laughter echoed through the room.
In the end, powerless as I was, all I could do was scream and cry in the face of this unbearable situation.
◆ ◆ ◆
“I never would’ve guessed Sanae-san was working as that Saionji guy’s secretary. And as an enemy… like a spy, right?”
“Yes. You can think of it that way.”
We were in the car Sanae-san had arranged.
We’d met up with Himari along the way. There was no reply from Haya, despite sending her an emergency message. She’d been fine until evening, so she was probably just exhausted and asleep.
“Keep it a secret from Rino, okay, Himari-chan? If you talk, I can’t guarantee your safety.”
“G-Got it…”
Sanae-san glanced at Himari in the back seat through the rearview mirror as she drove. Maybe Himari sensed the underworld pressure of a spy, because her voice was strained.
A spy, huh? Not exactly a term you’d expect in an ero-manga world.
Or maybe it fits in a different genre? A beautiful spy caught by the evil mastermind, leading to an erotic plot… wouldn’t be surprising in a manga like that.
No, stop imagining bad endings! If Sanae-san fails, it means we can’t save Erika.
“I hope Erika-san’s okay…”
“No clue. No contact since then. We gotta get to her fast, or I won’t be able to relax.”
Anxiety weighed heavily on me and Himari.
Erika had gone to talk to her parents seriously. It might take time, but she was determined to convey her feelings patiently.
“It sounds like Erika-san’s parents didn’t even entertain the discussion…”
“Probably not. At the very least, her phone’s been taken. Even if they sat down to talk, they likely shot down all her requests.”
I looked at the message from Erika’s backup phone: “Come save me quick』. It screamed emergency, like the talks had completely failed.
Erika’s parents. From what I’d heard, they seemed like the type who couldn’t stand their daughter straying from the path they’d laid out.
To them, Erika, seeking her freedom, probably looked like a rebellious, bad daughter.
“So what if she’s in a rebellious phase? Parents don’t get to decide their kid’s future. Having your right to freedom violated… that’s bullshit!”
Himari’s hand wrapped around my clenched fist. I hadn’t realized how tightly I was gripping it.
The warmth of her palm eased the tension a bit.
What am I getting worked up for? Stay calm. Cool it, Akio Gouda!
That scandal video of Takeru Saionji. To keep their clients happy, Erika’s parents would probably prioritize dealing with that.
They’d made Erika Takeru’s fiancée to curry favor in the first place. So, it’s about what Takeru’s old man would want. Erika’s parents would try to please him.
“Which means we’re next on their list.”
They probably took Erika’s phone. It likely had a GPS tracker, but that’s not the issue.
The problem is they could get info on us from it. I’m fine, but Himari and Haya are at risk.
Their next move would be erasing any other incriminating videos. And silencing anyone involved…
“Heh, perfect timing then.”
“Akio-kun?”
Seeing my villainous grin, Himari smiled back for some reason.
“Got a plan or something?”
“Nothing that fancy. Just thinking I’m not gonna let them ignore me.”
There’s stuff only a villain can do. Things a hero might hesitate over, a villain can push through. Whether it’s forgivable is another story.
“On the flip side, if they took her to Saionji’s place, that might work in our favor.”
Sanae-san pressed the accelerator.
“If she was locked up at the Koyama place, I couldn’t do much, but I can at least guide you around Saionji’s house.”
“Counting on you, capable beauty of a secretary.”
“I’m counting on you too, reckless delinquent.”
We confirmed our roles and headed to Saionji’s old man’s place.
◇ ◇ ◇
We arrived at Saionji’s house. House? More like a mansion.
The gate was locked, but Sanae-san’s title as “Saionji’s secretary” carried enough clout to get us in without question.
“Wait here a sec.”
After passing the gate, Sanae-san got out of the car and returned quickly.
“What’s up?”
“I disabled the gate’s alarm. If we manage to get Erika-san out, we don’t want to waste time on the way back, right?”
Damn, what a reliable woman. Her capable vibe just got stronger.
“But there’s no turning back now. If we screw this up, we could end up the bad guys. Akio-kun, Himari-chan, you ready for that?”
“No question. I’m not backing down till we save Erika.”
“I feel the same. Erika-san asked for help. If I did nothing, I’d never forgive myself.”
“Youth is something else.”
We parked the car and headed to the mansion’s entrance.
“Let’s keep this smooth for now. You two, stay quiet and follow me.”
We nodded silently.
The front door opened, and a bunch of maids greeted us.
“Welcome, Kuroha-sama.”
“Good evening. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve brought a new maid and a bodyguard.”
“Yes, we were informed. Please, allow us to escort you.”
“No need. Tonight, Koyama-san brought a new maid too, right? Saionji-san ordered us to wait in his room, so we don’t need an escort.”
“Understood. As you say, Saionji-san is currently finalizing a contract with Koyama-sama. Please, come in.”
The maids bowed and cleared the way. That many maids? It’s overwhelming.
“Let’s go, you two. Oh, and I’ll be moving around the mansion for work, but tell the other maids not to mind us since we won’t interfere with their tasks.”
“Understood.”
Sanae-san moved forward naturally, and we followed, trying not to let our nerves show.
I glanced back, but the maids really didn’t follow.
“Akio-kun, no looking around.”
Sanae-san warned me without turning. Does she have eyes in the back of her head?
“Sorry… Didn’t expect it to go this smoothly, though.”
“Well, I didn’t become the president’s secretary for nothing.”
She must’ve built enough trust to roam the mansion freely. This might make finding Erika easier.
“Let’s head to the president’s private room first. The worst-case scenario is they’re already… you know.”
An heiress bought with money, pinned down by a perverted old man… Damn, what kind of ero-manga plot is this?
It’d be unthinkable normally, but in this crazy ero-manga world, it’s not impossible. According to Sanae-san, Erika was literally brought here to be sold by her own parents.
If that’s the case, I’ll take some crazy actions too. If normal sensibilities won’t save her, I’ll smash through like a villain.
Wide hallways. Extravagant decor. The excess screamed the kind of wealth that could buy someone like Erika.
“Erika-san will be okay… So stay calm until we find her.”
Himari, walking beside me, cooled me down.
Her face was tense too, but she was trying to keep me steady.
“Yeah, you’re right. Gotta stay cool till we find Erika.”
And once we do, I’ll steal her back with a villain’s selfishness.
If this world prioritizes manga-like twists, things should swing in my favor as the “protagonist.” It’s worked so far.
I believe in you, convenient plot twists.
“Here.”
Sanae-san said quietly.
Saionji’s old man’s room, huh? She knocked and called out calmly.
“No answer. Is he not here?”
She opened the door slowly. The room was pitch-black, no sign of anyone.
“Looks like he’s not here… It’s a relief it’s not the worst-case scenario, but where was Koyama Erika taken?”
“Any other ideas?”
Himari’s question made Sanae-san pause to think.
“If they’re still in the middle of the contract, they might be in a meeting room… but she’s probably locked up somewhere. The president had his eye on me too, so he kept key info like that secret.”
“So we’re searching blind, huh?”
Sanae-san was helping us even though she wasn’t fully ready to rebel.
We’re all short on info. I should be grateful we got this far without a hitch.
“Then let’s move. Erika’s gotta be somewhere.”
“Let’s split up.”
As I turned to leave, Sanae-san called out.
“There might be clues in this room. I’ll search here and then check the busier first floor. Akio-kun, Himari-chan, you take the second floor.”
“Got it. We’ll contact you if we find anything.”
Finding Erika comes first. Sanae-san’s plan seemed solid.
Himari and I scoured the second floor. We passed maids occasionally, but thanks to Sanae-san’s heads-up, they didn’t stop us.
“This place is too damn big…”
We’d checked tons of rooms, but no sign of Erika. Dozens of doors, and nothing.
“Saionji-san’s not just after Erika-san, right? He’s probably done this to a lot of women.”
“Yeah. That’s why buying Erika isn’t a stretch for him.”
It’s like he’s the protagonist of an ero-manga.
“If you think about it, he might’ve locked Erika-san in a room you wouldn’t normally find. Like how you hide naughty stuff in secret spots.”
“Hm. So you hide your naughty stuff where your parents won’t find it…”
“I’m not talking about me!”
Himari playfully smacked my shoulder. Not the time for joking, huh.
“But yeah, in a mansion this big, a hidden room or two wouldn’t be surprising.”
Assuming that, how do we find it? Now every room we’ve checked feels suspicious, like there could be a hidden door.
Maybe that’s why Sanae-san wanted to search the old man’s room more.
Still no word from her, though. We can’t wait forever…
“Akio-kun? Why’re you closing your eyes?”
“Trying to sense Erika’s presence.”
You can’t rely on sight alone for this.
You pick up hints from faint sounds. Even if this world’s a bit different, if it’s like a manga, I should be able to feel something with my heart.
“Help! Akiーー!”
My eardrums barely caught Haya’s voice. Why’s she here? Doesn’t matter. She’s screaming for my help. That’s reason enough to move.
“This way.”
“You actually heard something!?”
Himari, who hadn’t been listening closely, didn’t hear it. She hurried after me as I ran.
Following the voice led to a room lined with bookshelves.
And there, an unnaturally open entrance. The hidden room’s door, no doubt.
Himari and I rushed in.
“Yo, you call me, Haya “
Seeing that familiar blonde side-tail, I knew Haya’s shout had led us here just in time.
The place was a creepy rich guy’s hidden room. Erotic tools scattered everywhere, not exactly kid-friendly.
Judging the shirtless old man who probably made this room and the burly foreign bodyguard about to pounce on a maid as enemies.
And Erika, the one we were looking for, was there, her dress torn, exposing her in a pitiful state.
The moment I saw her tear-streaked face, rage boiled in me like my head was on fire.
“Hey, if you’re thinking of touching them… I won’t hold back.”
“Who the hell are you! Where’d you come from!”
Saionji’s old man… Just as Sanae-san said, a total perv. The perv spat as he shouted.
First, I confirmed Haya and Erika were there, which was a relief. Why’s Haya dressed as a maid? I’ll let it slide for now.
And shielding Haya, a white-haired maid stood in front of the foreign bodyguard… Probably Erika’s maid from the pool.
Guess we weren’t the only ones who came to help. If you’re gonna do something crazy, these are the people I respect.
But I can’t let my guard down.
“Man… Men, I can crush without mercy.”
The foreign bodyguard, bigger than me, didn’t flinch at my arrival. He just grinned, showing off unnecessarily white teeth.
“Akio! You really came…!”
“Akio-kun! Even you… Why, how did you…!”
“Damn right. Your Akio Gouda’s here to save you. Leave the rest to me.”
Haya and Erika called out to me, tears in their voices. I flashed a villainous grin to reassure them.
“You’re Akio Gouda? Heh… heh heh heh. If I can take you and those girls down, all my worries are gone.”
The perv laughed his vulgar uhyohyohyo.
He probably thinks we’re moths flying into the flame, with that video evidence of his son.
I was waiting for that reaction. I knew showing up would make him take me seriously.
“Uhyohyohyohyo! That girl over there’s a fine one too. I’ll catch them all and make them my sex slaves!”
“Sex slaves, huh?”
Sex slaves, huh. That’s when you bind someone to a submissive, sexual relationship to use them for pleasure whenever you want.
That’s what he was forcing on Erika. And now he’s trying to sink his claws into Haya and Himari too.
I don’t have a single reason left to forgive this perv old man.
“You bastard… You think you can mess with Erika, with my girls, and get away with it?”
“Hmph, don’t get cocky, you little punk. What can you do alone?”
“Who says I need anyone else to protect my girls?”
I crack my knuckles. This might cost me socially, but it’s time to settle this with force.
Alright, let’s do this. Himari, I’m counting on you to watch my back.
I’ll deal with the consequences later. My only goal right now is to save my girls and hold them close.
“Hmph, you think you can take me on alone? I don’t know what makes you so chummy with my sex slaves, but Erika and those girls are all my property! Hey, teach this punk a lesson!”
“Okay, boss.”
At the perv old man Saionji’s command, the hulking bodyguard steps forward with heavy, deliberate strides. Like father, like son, huh.
Facing him, I can tell. This guy’s way tougher than the bodyguard Takeru sicced on me. He doesn’t even flinch at my glare, just bows his head.
“Gouda-san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.”
“Uh, yoroshiku…?”
He’s insanely polite for a thug! And his Japanese is way more fluent than I expected.
I return the bow. But as I lift my head, I’m sent flying.
“Guh…! You bastard…!”
A sharp pain spreads across my cheek. Guess I got punched.
Even if I let my guard down, that’s some serious power to knock me back like that. This guy’s definitely on another level compared to Takeru’s bodyguard.
I manage to land without falling, thanks to my killer balance.
“Hah! Hah hah hah! How’s that, you brat? Think a punk like you can stop me?”
Getting this much joy from landing one surprise hit? Makes getting punched worth it.
“…Gouda-san is no ordinary man. You’re the first to stay standing after my iron fist.”
“That so? You’re the first to make me cut the inside of my mouth with a punch.”
Unlike the gloating perv old man, the bodyguard stays cautious, not letting his guard down. Would’ve been easier if he’d gotten cocky.
I planned to let him make the first move, but that unblocked punch did some damage. Since we’re in their territory, I’d rather conserve my energy, but looking at the guy’s bulging muscles, it’s not gonna be that simple.
“Kuhehe! Still wanna keep going? Let me give you some advice—quit while you’re ahead. That guy’s a beast who once knocked out a world boxing champion in a street fight. No matter how many punks like you show up, you can’t beat him.”
The perv old man lets out a vile guhehe laugh, certain I’m about to get crushed.
“I got stronger after coming to Japan. Now I’m a karate black belt. My iron fist can shatter rocks.”
The bodyguard’s intimidating thrust punch slices through the air. The wind pressure alone is unreal.
“I get that you’re strong. But I can’t back down. I’ve got people to protect—”
“IYAAAAAAAH!!”
“Dangerous! Listen when I’m talking, you giant!”
Before I can finish, the bodyguard launches a roundhouse kick at my face.
I duck just in time, the kick whooshing over my head. Spotting my chance, I throw a counterpunch.
“Ow!? T-The hell, that was close! Countering like that is cowardly!”
He dodges at the last second. Cowardly? You’re one to talk!
I meant to land that hit, too. This guy might be the toughest enemy I’ve ever faced. Not that I’ve had much fighting experience as Akio Gouda, mind you.
“You’re strong.”
“You’re not bad yourself.”
“…Why’s a guy like you working as a bodyguard for a perv like Saionji? Don’t you know what he’s up to?”
Sometimes, you can understand a guy through a fight.
This foreigner isn’t just big. His karate basics are solid. That’s proof of serious training. He’s gotta be disciplined, body and mind.
So why’s he following orders from that perv? Feels like he’s being used, manipulated.
“Hmph, dumb question. The reason I’m Saionji-san’s bodyguard is simple.”
The bodyguard flashes a toothy grin, his smile almost friendly.
“Doing this job gets me tons of money. And tons of women! My favorite? Japanese women. Saionji-san keeps me satisfied. It’s the best gig ever!”
His lust-dripping answer leaves me speechless.
Hey, who the hell thought this guy was just being used? He’s gleefully on board with the perv’s ways!
“Especially that girl over there. So cute. After Saionji-san’s done, I wanna shove my magnum in her.”
“Oi, don’t you dare talk dirty about my girl!”
The bodyguard leers at Haya with a sleazy grin.
I’m fine with being the ero-manga protagonist, but seeing another one in front of me? That disgusts me. Ero-manga protagonists shouldn’t exist in real life.
“A-Aki… That guy’s scary…!”
Haya’s trembling, terrified from being ogled by this massive creep. Seeing her scared face, something snaps in my head with a pop.
“Ow!?”
I charge silently and swing. He dodges sideways, but I follow up with a kick.
“Guh! O-Off…!?”
It’s not some fancy karate kick. Just a street-fighting boot. But it’s got enough force to stab into his side, making him writhe in pain.
His body folds into a C-shape. As I approach, his eyes lock onto mine.
“HIYAAAAAAAH!!”
He must think I got careless. Despite his agony, he moves with surprising speed, throwing a thrust aimed right at my solar plexus.
Would’ve hurt if it hit.
“W-What!?”
The bodyguard’s eyes widen in shock.
I grab his extended forearm with both hands, gripping his wrist and near his elbow like I’m wringing a towel, locking it tight.
“…In some fighting manga, there’s a move where you crush an arm with just grip strength.”
I love manga. Not just ero stuff—other genres too.
With Akio Gouda’s cheat-level body, I figured I could pull off something straight out of a battle manga. Sure, fantasy stuff’s out of reach, but something grounded in reality? Maybe doable.
“Ngh!”
“NOOOOOOOOOHHH!?”
I squeeze his arm as hard as I can. A guttural scream echoes through the mansion.
Crushing an arm doesn’t mean blowing it up or tearing it off—not that gory. It’s about bursting blood vessels or muscles, right? Man, now I wanna reread that manga. Maybe this world has something similar. Gotta hit a bookstore later.
While I’m thinking, a loud POP comes from the bodyguard’s arm.
“Whoa, it worked.”
He collapses, arm dangling limp, screaming and curling up on the floor, his fighting spirit gone.
“Oi, get up.”
He curls tighter, shaking his head like a tantruming kid, muttering, “Please forgive me, please forgive me.”
“Huh?”
A villain doesn’t get forgiveness. Doing whatever the hell you want—that’s the ero-manga villain’s way.
Thinking you’ll never face consequences is fine. But begging for mercy when it’s your turn? Unacceptable.
You had your fun. When it’s time to pay, face it with your chest out. That’s a villain’s aesthetic.
“One more time. Get up. Or I’ll crush your skull.”
“Y-Yes! I’ll stand! I’ll do whatever you say, Gouda-san!”
He stumbles to his feet. I slam a punch into his face.
“Bwoh!?”
“Might as well add my punch to your list of favorites.”
He falls backward, staring up at me with terrified eyes. No way he’s getting up now, no matter what I say.
I step closer. Maybe it’s the pain or fear, but he doesn’t even try to defend himself, just squeezes his eyes shut.
“Only a protagonist can take down another protagonist.”
I stomp his crotch with full force. The deafening scream carries the sorrow of every man.
“Phew. Done.”
I check the downed bodyguard and catch my breath, glancing around.
Erika’s dress is torn, but it looks like we prevented the worst outcome.
“N-No… Impossible…!?”
The perv Saionji trembles, unable to believe it, shaking like a leaf.
He must’ve been convinced his trusty bodyguard couldn’t lose to a punk like me. For a company big shot, he looks pathetically weak right now.
“Alright, your turn. You ready?”
“Eeeeeek!”
The perv lets out a pitiful scream.
Has fear driven him mad? He charges straight at a wall.
“Oi, another hidden passage!?”
When he touches the wall, it shifts, revealing a passage.
Dammit! He had an escape route? I chase after him to grab him before things get messy.
“Haya! I’m leaving Erika to you!”
With that, I dive into the hidden passage.
“You idiots, bringing a nuisance like him! Take responsibility and do something!!”
“S-Saionji-sama!? W-What’s wrong!?”
Voices echo from ahead.
If he calls for help, it’ll be trouble. I speed up and burst out of the passage.
The hidden passage leads to another room.
It’s like a reception room, with two people—a man and a woman—sitting on chairs besides the perv.
“Wah! H-He’s here, Koyama-kun! Do something!”
Thanks to the panicking perv, I figure out who they are.
Erika’s parents, huh.
“K-Koyama-kun! Hurry and do something! You owe me, don’t you? Now’s the time to prove yourself! Take him… take him down!!”
The perv’s spitting as he shouts, looking utterly pathetic.
“N-No… I-I can’t just…”
Erika’s father stammers, glancing between me and the perv, frozen. Seems like the type who shuts down when things go off-script.
Her mother’s the same, too panicked to even speak.
These people… They sold their own daughter looking like this?
“Yo, you’re Erika’s parents?”
My voice makes them tense up.
“I’ve never been a parent, and I get that families come in all shapes. But selling your own daughter? That’s the lowest a person can go.”
My words make Erika’s father slam the table and stand.
“Who do you think you are, talking like that, you brat! You think you understand our struggles!?”
“Exactly! A defective, disobedient daughter is nothing but trouble, even if she’s ours! It’s only natural for a child to serve their parents!”
Their hysterical words stir something in me.
“For your sake… That’s why you sold Erika to Saionji? Knowing how she’d be treated…?”
“I have to keep our family legacy alive. As my daughter, Erika has that duty!”
“A daughter like that deserves to be sold. If she keeps defying us and dragging our family down, she should pay with her body!”
Talking to them directly, I finally get why Erika turned to me.
They’re impossible to reason with. No matter how you plead, they only see the world through their self-serving lens.
…Toxic parents.
They traumatize their kids, oblivious to their own cruelty, playing the victim while being the aggressors.
I can’t hold back the rage boiling up at their selfishness.
“Shut up! Stop spouting your bullshit excuses!”
My roar silences the adults.
If you’re gonna force your adult agendas on kids, at least hear them out.
“If you can’t give love, don’t call yourself a parent! Kids have no choice but to rely on their parents, no matter how awful they are. You can’t just swap them out.”
Kids can’t choose their parents. They can’t reject them either.
“Raising a kid might be tough. There’s probably a ton of struggles. But if there’s love, a kid can trust their parents. Rich or poor doesn’t matter. Just be adults a kid can believe in…”
The world’s not full of just adults. Not every kid grows up straight and narrow.
But if they’re given love… even if they stray, they can find their way back.
That’s what Akio Gouda’s shouting feels like.
“Not that scumbags who traffic their own kids would get that.”
“Y-You… How dare you—!”
“So instead of you, I’ll pour love into Erika!”
I pound my chest and declare it.
“I’ll listen to Erika. If she wants to go somewhere, I’ll go with her. If she wants to do something, I’ll do it with her!”
I’d hoped they could reconcile as a family.
But that’s impossible now. I don’t want to give Erika back to these people.
Then I’ll take responsibility. I made Erika my girl. No issue pouring family-like love into her.
“I’m taking Erika as my family. Got a problem? Come at me!”
“Y-You can’t just… We have a contract!”
“This contract?”
At the room’s main entrance, Sanae-san stands, waving a piece of paper.
“S-Sanae-kun!? W-Why are you here…?”
The perv’s eyes bulge as Sanae-san smirks seductively.
“Sorry, but I took the liberty of searching the mansion. And what do I find? Corruption, cover-ups, contracts for human trafficking like this… Evidence just keeps piling up. I was shocked.”
“Impossible! Those were all locked in the safe…!”
“Sorry. I’m just too good… I accidentally opened it♪”
Sanae-san’s playful wink leaves the perv speechless.
“It’s over, Saionji-san. Your corruption and unethical deeds will be exposed to the world. There’s nowhere left to run.”
Her words are the final blow. The perv’s eyes roll back, and he wets himself.
Still trying to deny it, his mouth flaps like a fish. His face turns red, then blue, then white.
“Ah… A-Aghghghghghgh!?”
He collapses, foaming at the mouth, completely out cold.
“The police are here too. Guess my job’s done for now.”
Sirens wail in the distance. Sanae-san must’ve called them after finding enough evidence.
“H-How did this happen… Where did I go wrong…?”
“I’m not bad, I’m not bad, I’m not bad, I’m not baaaad!!”
Erika’s father mutters in defeat, while her mother, unable to accept reality, spirals into hysterics.
“Himari, you get all that?”
“Yep, from start to finish, crystal clear. This camera Sanae-san lent me is top-notch—video and audio are perfect.”
Himari, who’s been behind me the whole time, gives a thumbs-up.
“Thanks to Himari-chan’s call, I made it in time. Without you two, this wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. I owe you.”
“No, we owe you. We couldn’t have gotten into the mansion without you.”
Sanae-san and Himari praise each other’s efforts.
“Akio-kun!”
I turn at the voice, and Erika throws herself into my arms. My body’s still aching, but I grit my teeth and stand firm.
“You okay, Erika? They didn’t do anything, did they?”
“I was saved before anything awful happened, thanks to Haya-chan and the others. And because you protected me… Thank you, really.”
“I told you I’d come running if you called, didn’t I? …Glad you’re safe.”
She’s strong yet fragile. I hold her delicate, familiar body close, savoring her softness, finally reassured she’s okay.
—And so the day ends. We successfully rescued Erika.
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