It almost upset me how effortlessly she could say something so liable to incite loathing, while I was over here, fighting for my life to maintain my image. Jokes aside, I knew Shizuki picked me to be the villainess for a reason. As she once explained, she needed someone who would feel guilt yet not be crushed by it—a person of strong will and stronger moral compass, which this girl clearly lacked, but damn if she didn’t serve as a fascinating case study.
Pulled back from my reflections by a subtle change in the atmosphere, I noticed Mai’s sunny demeanor had shifted abruptly into a frown. “Hey. I’m offering you the chance of a lifetime; the least you could do is say something.”
“Pardon me,” I said. “I was just digesting your most…sudden proposal. Would you mind explaining why you seek such a union?”
“Goodness me, I have to explain even that?”
This was the first time since my ascension to high society feeling so lost in a conversation. Did all my interactions with intelligent, discerning people these past few months skew my perspective? Was I the one who was out of touch here? Without giving a verbal response, I tightened up my smile, urging her to explain.
“Fine,” she expressed with a sigh, “allow me to spell it out for you. Marry my brother, and you bring Akizuki and Sakurazaka together. That way, we can finally get the upper hand over those pesky Tsukinomiyas.”
“So, in other words, you envision our marriage as a stepping stone to foster more business ties, allowing for a seamless integration of both families into a single powerful entity, ultimately positioning ourselves as a rival to Tsukinomiya?” I clarified.
She turned her face up and looked down at me. “That’s what I said, isn’t it? Glad you’ve finally caught up.”
I would’ve “caught up” quicker had you said all that from the beginning.
Also, your plan is full of holes.
“Sorry, but I’m afraid I find myself unable to accept,” I disclosed.
She looked stupefied. “You’re rejecting my offer? An adopted daughter of a branch family, turning down the Akizukis? You’ll regret this!”
I…was a little stupefied myself. This girl was making Sayaka and Asuka look like tactical geniuses in comparison. I almost wondered if this was the way to make Nonoka hate me, by constantly irritating her with flawed arguments.
Oops, I got lost in my thoughts and ignored her again, making her even more displeased. Better end this conversation quick. “I was merely stating that it is not my place to be entertaining offers of my own marriage. Moreover, I can’t help but wonder if a union with an ‘adopted daughter of a branch family’—as you so eloquently put it—can truly give you the leverage you desire.”
Of course it wouldn’t be able to. A marriage arranged as a symbol of cooperation between the two families, I could understand. But the other way around, the idea of a marriage arranged to enable cooperation, just seemed like an utter crapshoot.
Mai took a second to digest my words before she turned bright red, as if she truly hadn’t considered this as a potential issue at all.
Crap, now I’ve done it.
I’d gotten so used to the nuanced exchanges and hidden agendas in most conversations that I’d replied to Mai with the same assertive clarity I would use with someone like Shizuki or Rikka to uncover their underlying intentions. The result was a complete loss of face for Mai—not what I set out to do. Now that it happened, what should I do? Simply apologize for my bluntness and move on?
“Mai, what’s going on here?”
A new, male voice interrupted us suddenly. I turned to see a young man, visibly older, striding toward us. It definitely appeared to be Kaito Akizuki, her older brother. He gave me a quick, assessing glance as he neared, to which I replied with a subtle nod. Coming to a halt in front of us, he acknowledged my nod—then unexpectedly thumped his sister lightly on the head.
“Ow!” Mai cried. “What was that for, brother?”
“Why don’t you tell me, Mai? Why did I hear my name and ‘marriage’ come up in the same sentence just now?”
“That was… That was just small talk!” Mai exclaimed, snubbing him with an indignant head turn.
Their exchange seemed more playful than confrontational, suggesting a strong relationship beneath the surface. The brother heaved a weary sigh at his sister’s antics before he turned to address me. “Ms. Mio, a pleasure. I am Kaito Akizuki, the older brother of that moody little miss over there. If Mai has said anything out of line, please know she means well. Still, I offer my apologies on her behalf.”
“Not at all,” I quickly said. “As Ms. Mai said, we were just chatting.”
By indirectly stating I had no intention of censuring Mai further, I hoped to bring this matter to an end.
The brother then—I suppose I really should call him Kaito at this point—narrowed his eyes appraisingly. “Clearly, this isn’t your first rodeo. Very well met, newest addition to the Sakurazaka clan.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “I heard it was Ms. Shizuki who vouched for your adoption. Is that true?”
“Indeed, it is,” I answered.
He hummed appreciatively. “Then we will have to keep an eye out for what she has planned, won’t we?”
I said nothing, revealed nothing on my face. I wasn’t faking it; I truly didn’t know enough about her plans to reveal anything in the first place.
Realizing he wouldn’t be getting anything from me, Kaito chuckled quietly. “No matter. Whatever schemes she’s concocting, they’re of inconsequence to us. We Akizukis are a cornerstone of the big four. Don’t expect that we’ll be content playing second fiddle forever.”
I smiled back at him. “I appreciate the advice.”
Our random encounter that night ended with a bland exchange of smiles.