Based on my life experiences so far, I had developed a misandrist mindset... but...?
"Mother...!"
"Erika, I'm just glad you're safe."
The blonde beauty Erika and the silver-haired beauty Kyoka.
I, an outsider, mixed into the beautiful mother-daughter duo's intimate space.
It's a bit awkward, but more than that... it's a little scary.
"It's been a while, Toudo-kun."
Erika's mother, Kyoka Jougasaki, turned to face me and smiled gracefully, her silvery-gray hair swaying gently.
Her skin is fresh and her lips are glossy, making it hard to believe she is a woman with a daughter in her late teens.
With a monocle glinting on her right eye, she exudes a calm and sophisticated beauty that gives an impression of intelligence.
(As expected, it's scary~~. Ugh, I can't even swallow because of the tension.)
Even in front of such a stunning beauty, my heart doesn't stir.
On the contrary, something has been stuck in my throat since a while ago, and the turmoil in my chest won't stop.
I don't think I'm a delicate person.
However, even so, when I face her, I can't help but remember "that night"—being drugged and tied up without knowing it—and I can't maintain my composure.
"Lo-long time no see, Your Ladyship."
When I see a beautiful woman or a pretty girl in front of me, I immediately get flustered because I'm a bit of a hidden pervert, but due to the tension, my voice unintentionally trembles a little.
"Hmph. Even though you aren't officially married yet, you, Erika's fiancé, are already like family to me. You can call me Kyoka, not 'Your Excellency.' Maybe I'll start calling you Kai-kun from now on."
"Uh, um. Well then... Kyoka-san"
Seeing my suspicious behavior, Erika comes closer to me with concern.
On the other hand, Kyoka, with a smug smile, elegantly sipped the hot tea prepared by the butler standing beside her.
I forgot my fear of Kyoka because of her calm demeanor... and gradually, I started to get really angry.
This butler, even though there's a man who drugged she drugged right in front of her, what's with that attitude?
I'm not saying to the extent of Erika, but can't you at least show a hint of reflection?
Even though she's such a beauty, or maybe precisely because she's a beauty, it really pisses me off.
"It seems that Kai hasn't touched the tea or the snacks since earlier. Is he tired from the long journey, or perhaps...?"
Kyoka continued speaking with a cold smile.
"About the 'secret police' incident, are you trembling so much that you can't even eat properly?"
"Mother, just a moment...!"
Erika raised her eyebrows and slightly raised her voice.
"Hehe. I'm sorry for being mean. Well, you might be on the watchlist of 'Armed Secret,' which even crying children would quiet down for. I understand if a weak... man would be scared."
She lightly brushed off her daughter's protest, then, with a sharp remark, finished her tea from the teacup, seemingly satisfied.
(This bitch, she's demeaning me...!)
This attitude of looking down on me, a man, thoroughly, really bothers me.
I intended to be polite for Erika's sake... but after being treated like this, I might as well retaliate a little; I won't be punished for it.
"No, no, there's no need to worry, Your Excellency..."
I picked up the cup, tilted it, and downed it in one go.
"I was once drugged with sleeping pills in my tea, you see. Since then, I've been cautious. But seeing you drink it, I feel relieved! Wow, but this is delicious. As expected of a high-quality product, it has a great aroma, and it warms the body wonderfully!"
I deliberately placed the empty teacup on the saucer with a clatter, then leaned back in the chair, reclining as if to show off.
"Wait, wait, Kai!?"
"Hmm..."
In contrast to the flustered Erika, Kyoka maintains a calm expression, but her eyes seem to twitch slightly.
(Ugh, I just lost it and did it. This is really, really angry—scary!)
I saw the aura of anger rising from Kyoka's back and immediately started regretting what I had done. (I'll admit it, I really am a coward.)
An awkward silence continues.
(So this is what it means for the atmosphere to freeze...) I was half escaping reality when Erika broke the silence with an exaggerated cough, "Ahem."
"Ahem. Well then, shall we get to the main topic of today, Mother, Kai?"
"Ah, shall we do that?"
Kyoka shot me a sharp look, but she agreed and started talking.
Phew, that was close, I thought I was going to wet myself.
When I winked and said thank you to Erika, she lightly tapped my foot under the table.
I'm sorry, but please don't get so angry.
◆◆◆◆
"In other words, to summarize what you said, it is almost certain that I am being monitored by the secret police."
"Ah"
"Kai was previously summoned and interrogated directly by Deputy Director Washimine of the Security Bureau, but since his name doesn't seem to be on the authorities' watchlist, he should probably be fine, right?"
"That's how it is."
In just a few days after receiving the urgent consultation letter from Erika, Kyoka had fully utilized her connections with the marquis family and the business association she managed to investigate the secret police.
According to her investigation, it seems certain that Erika has been designated as a target for armed surveillance, while on my side, there was no indication that I was being specifically targeted for surveillance.
It seems that corroboration has been obtained from multiple sources, including a staff member within the secret police who is connected to the Jougasaki family.
(One might say that the Jōgasaki family, one of the "Three Great Families of the Empire," has roots even in national institutions. I definitely don't want to make them my enemy... Well, I did just pick a light fight with the head of that terrifying family earlier.)
"But why me?" Erika frowned.
"Since the 'Red Nobility Incident,' I've heard that the security bureau immediately marks anyone suspected of even the slightest connection to foreign forces, even if they are from high-ranking noble families... but I still haven't been able to gather solid information. I'm sorry."
I don't know why Erika is being monitored.
However, Kyoka continued, there is no doubt that danger is approaching.
"In any case..."
Kyoka compiles the stack of investigation materials submitted by the undercover agent.
"First, Erika, stay here for a while until things cool down. I'll contact the military academy on your behalf."
"But, Mother..." Erika tried to press on, but Kyoka ignored her and continued.
"Then, Kai-kun, you should actually go back to military school. If you take a break from military school at the same time as Erika, the authorities might cast unnecessary suspicions on you."
Fortunately, it seems that the information control is effective, and it hasn't leaked that you are the fiancé who is scheduled to marry into the Jōgasaki family.
"I see... I do want to be by Erika's side, but it can't be helped."
Kyoka seemed a bit surprised by my words, her eyes widening slightly as she stared at me.
Did I say something weird?
"Mother...!"
"...Why did you suddenly raise your voice, Erika?"
When Erika spoke with a hint of irritation, Kyoka faced her daughter with a frown.
"I oppose letting Kai go back to military school alone."
"...Why?"
"As I mentioned earlier, Kai has previously been summoned directly by the armed secret police and interrogated. Additionally, since Kai and I were buddies during the training trip, we often spent time together on campus. Therefore, it is quite possible that he is already under suspicion by the authorities."
"So, you're saying his name wasn't on the secret police's watchlist."
In response to her daughter's sudden rebellion, Kyoka slammed her finger on the table in frustration.
"But, that being said, since there is no evidence that he is not under surveillance, we cannot let our guard down."
"You can't prove that something doesn't exist. That's what they call a devil's proof," Kyoka replied with an exasperated tone.
However, Erika continued to assert her point without paying any mind to Kyoka, who was clearly irritated.
"Even if Kai hasn't been under suspicion yet, once the surveillance target, which is me, is gone, there's a possibility that the surveillance will shift to him next."
"But if he doesn't come back, people will start to suspect your relationship even more..."
"That's why...!"
Kyoka hesitated slightly when her daughter forcefully interrupted her words.
"Therefore, I think I'll go back to military school with him!"
"Erika, that's too dangerous..."
"If it reduces even a little the possibility of him getting into danger, then that's fine with me!"
Erika spoke so quickly and excitedly that she abruptly stood up and said, "That's all for the story!" before roughly leaving her seat and retreating into the mansion.Um, Erika-san. You're much more aggressive than I was earlier.
Or rather, could you not leave me in this awkward space?
Kyoka, who was sitting next to me, seemed to be slightly behind in processing what had just happened.
She made a difficult face and muttered something under her breath, "I was thinking of telling Erika about my divorce soon..." while pressing her temples.
"Um, for now, could I have another cup of tea?"
Unable to bear the awkwardness, I decided to ask the butler, who had been keeping her distance, for a refill of hot tea to diffuse the situation.
◆◆◆◆
Within the main residence of the Jougasaki family, there is a full-fledged art gallery.
What lines the art gallery are numerous artworks personally purchased by the successive heads of the family.
"Sigh..."
In front of a landscape painting depicting a beautiful countryside, Kyoka lets out a melancholic sigh.
The collections that usually soothe her tired heart after work.
However, today, that beauty seems to not resonate in my heart.
Kyoka shook her head and muttered to herself.
(Being troubled by my daughter's attitude... that's not like me at all)
To change her mood, she heads towards the "Dragon Statue" displayed at the back of the gallery.
The "Dragon Statue" was particularly valuable among the heirlooms that the Jōgasaki family had passed down through generations.
Whether it's true or not, they say it was crafted by an otherworldly being who descended from another world several hundred years ago.
Be that as it may, Kyoka has loved the "Dragon Sculpture" since she was a child.
The statue, boasting a size that reaches up to the ceiling of the mansion, overwhelms all who see it.
Some art critics have even remarked that the power and rawness of this statue's form evoke a sense of fear.
However, when Kyoka looks at that statue, she strangely feels a peculiar sense of reassurance.
Even now, she herself didn't quite understand why.
(Hmm, that is)
In front of the "Dragon Statue," there is a man who arrived first.
Overwhelmed by the size of the statue, it seems he hasn't noticed her yet.
For some reason, Kyoka felt an urge to suddenly leave the place.
However, before she could make that decision, it seems the man noticed Kyoka first.
"Ah... Kyoka-san"
"Ah, ah, Kai-kun. So you were here."
Kyoka, unable to turn back now, felt a sense of discomfort but decided to stand next to Kai and look at the "Dragon Statue" together.
After a brief silence, Kai started to speak hesitantly.
"There's something strangely captivating about this dragon sculpture..."
「...」
"At first glance, he seems intimidating, but there's somehow a comforting feeling about him."
"...Maybe."
The conversation ended there.
Kyoka had started to feel a little fondness for Kai, who shared similar feelings about the "Dragon Statue."
But at the same time, I fall silent, not knowing how to respond to him.
Kai was staring at the statue for a while, but then he seemed to notice something and opened his mouth again.
"Ah, I see. It's the eyes. This dragon has gentle eyes."
"Eye?"
"Yes. When I look closely like this, I feel a certain kindness deep within the eyes."
Kyoka looked at the face of the "Dragon Statue" again.
Now that you mention it, that's true.
The dragon's eyes in the statue lack the coldness of a reptile's and somehow convey a sense of warmth.
Like a mother I parted from in my childhood...
(Speaking of which, Kai-kun also lost his mother.)
Having accumulated feelings close to hatred towards all men through her bitter life experiences, Kyoka strangely felt no disgust towards the boy in front of her.
On the contrary, it's the opposite.
Kyoka was bewildered as she realized the strange familiarity and guilt she felt towards Kai.
"Um..."
"Is it a bit better...?"
The voices of the two overlap.
Since Kai said, "Please go ahead," Kyoka lowered her head slightly and uttered words of apology.
"Back then... I truly apologize. It's not something that can be forgiven even with an apology..."
When Kyoka, the head of the marquis family, suddenly bowed her head, Kai showed a flustered demeanor.
"Uh, Kyoka-san, please lift your head. I... I'm the one who should apologize for my rude behavior earlier."
"No, you don't need to apologize. The fault lies with me for being rude first."
The two of them bow to each other.
After a while, when they both looked up at the same time, they smiled shyly at each other.
For a while after that, Kai and Kyoka enjoyed casual conversations while looking around the art exhibition in the mansion.
Kai had no background in art, but he found Kyoka's explanation easy to understand and listened intently.
"Ka-kun, it's not my place to ask you this after what I did, but..."
At the end of the exhibition room, Kyoka suddenly makes a serious face.
"You probably know this, but the nobility in this country basically follow the system of 'polygamy' with one husband and multiple wives."
"Yes, it is said that in the 'Empire' noble code, healthy men are required to marry at least three wives..."
"Ah, that's right. The Jougasaki family, and I say this as the head of the family... is a well-off household. We are not in a position where we need to force ourselves to associate with other noble families anymore."
Kyoka seemed to be struggling to grasp what Kai wanted to say, so she remained silent.
"That's why, the first marriage was forced, but... for the other wives, you can choose whoever you like. The Jougasaki family won't impose any conditions on your choice. However..."
Kyoka gazed at Kai with pleading eyes and continued speaking.
"Just, if possible, even after taking another wife... I want you to not treat that girl, Erika, harshly."
Kai was listening to her words with a tense expression, but upon hearing her last words, he showed a gentle smile.
"Although things have gotten a bit strange, I've liked Erika for a long time and I love her. So, um, how should I put it... please don't worry. Kyoka-san, no, I guess I should say, my mother-in-law...?"
"Ah, thank you so much. Please continue to take care of that child."
When Kyoka said that, she rushed over to Erika, who was outside the exhibition room looking worried.
Seeing the two of them getting along so well, a sharp pain ran through Kyoka's chest.
Under normal circumstances, it would be natural to sincerely celebrate the happiness of my beloved daughter, who resembles me and has gone through various hardships.
If the woman sitting next to Kai were me... an impossible fantasy rises in my mind.
(What on earth am I thinking?!!)
Kyoka shook her head as if to shake off her thoughts.
(Mother-in-law... Yes... I am a mother, not a woman. I can't stand beside him.)
When I remember Kai's words "mother-in-law," I am struck by a feeling as if my chest is being tightened from deep within.
(I shouldn't think about it. I shouldn't think about such things...! "I want him to marry me too"... How could I think about such things regarding my daughter's husband? How filthy of a woman am I...!)
Kyoka, trying to hide her tearful face, staggered away from the two of them.