Kujou Family. Theyre based in Kyoto which was the former capital before it moved to Tokyo. And because of that, the noble lineages based there could be said to be the elites of the elites. Theyre closest to the ones in power and oftentimes, they would have blood times to them.

According to my mother, while the Kujou Family also got hit by the recent abolition of the noble cliques, their influence remained not only in the government but also in the elite circles that normal people would have no knowledge about.

Marika is from the main branch but not within the direct lineage. Her father is the younger brother of the current Patriarch. Hes kind of an ambitious man whos probably scheming to become the head or at least, have the sway to the decision-making of the whole clan. Tying her with the Ichihara is one way for him to have another chip on the table.

So, in the end, it felt like the same situation with Otoha who was betrothed to someone from her mothers side. The difference is... Ichihara was seen as something like a giant conglomerate that could influence a lot in the construction industry. At least in this prefecture. But in terms of the national level, theyre just among those at the top of the ring.

Furthermore, my mother said that Mizuki, or more specifically, the Hasegawa Family which she belonged to was more influential than the Ichihara when it comes to that industry.

If I could get them on my side then... the pressure that the Ichihara could exert would lessen considerably.

That reminds me. This evening, after I come home from starting my side job to coach Ichihara-sans daughter, Mizuki will be picking me up to meet a client. Although I still dont have full details on who or what is the objective of that business dinner, its clearly tied up to what shes teaching me.

Perhaps, how to close a deal or get the most out of it.

While that dinner will probably have no connection to the main branch of her family, I can at least ask her about them while updating her on my decision to not back down against the two giant families for Marika.

Mom, I intend to steal her. And I... I know Im not that capable yet to make them kneel and give way to what I want. Thats why...

I understand, baby boy. This is the first time youre going to ask me for help, right? You didnt do it when you faced that old man Kaneko but now... you seem to finally understand that you cant simply will your desire and it shall be done for you. Im glad you realized that quickly.

Sounding a little proud of my decision to come here and ask her, my mother waved her hand for me to come closer. Then together with my father, they looked at me with warmth and affection.

Although theyre still keeping the real reason why they allowed me to do all this, theres no doubt that they would always take my side. In a way, I was just as spoiled as Ichihara Jun.

Uh. Yeah. I know my limits. However, upon knowing her and getting close to her... I just cant leave her with him. That girl... shes being used as a chip to buy their favor. She doesnt rebel against it and instead tries to build a connection and cultivate her relationship with the guy. However...

Let me guess, hes taking her for granted, isnt he?

Upon hearing that, I understood that theyre not really omniscient when it comes to whats happening around me. Theyre aware of my recent closeness to Marika but what led to it was probably a blank for them.

Most likely, its the same as before. Theyre monitoring me but theyre not close enough to find out everything. Some of it was only deduced based on the results of those observations.

Yes. He appears to have this knack to flirt and pick up other women behind her back. Not that I flaunt myself as some hero of justice. I probably ruined more lives than him but... I just cant help it... She deserves a lot more than the fate awaiting her as Ichihara Juns future wife.

Never will I see myself as one. I am more than a menace compared to what Ichihara Jun can be. My only saving grace is that... I started caring for the women involved with me.

Imagine if I was the same idiot and I stole Marika from him. Eventually, I would cut her off, leaving her with nothing but empty freedom. Shed be so lost on what to do. Shed be more pitiful.

Thats why I will always be thankful to my girls who facilitated this change in me. Nonetheless, I might not be the worst but I wasnt any better.

Ugh. I am overthinking again. Thats enough. I have to think about this positively. That way, I wont betray my girls trust in me.

Have you fallen for her already? After processing my words, my mother brought up that question.

I cant say I havent yet. But Im still reserving some consideration because if she jumped to me, it doesnt really mean her life will be better. It might even get worse than how it already is. At the very least, I want her to get her freedom of choice and live her life according to herself and not dictated by her father or anyone from her family.

Baby boy, Im glad youre now thinking things thoroughly. However, that girl... as shes from that prestigious family, thats the life of women hailing from that lineage even from a century or two ago. It wont change easily, especially because they continue their tradition of patriarchy. Otoha-chan is an exception because the old man dotes on her and his late wife was someone he cherishes a lot, enough for him to grant her wishes regarding their descendants.

I get what youre saying. Itll be difficult for me, right?

Yes. It will be. And you have the other girls to worry about as well. In this case, they can be dragged in if they find out their connection to you. In your school, the Kujou has many eyes. If Im not wrong, theyre already aware of the connection that girl made with you. The only reason theyre not doing anything is because they wanted the Ichihara to settle it. Maybe as part of the agreement.

I see... If its coming from my mother then it must be true. Theyre already aware but theyre leaving it to the Ichihara to settle. Since theyd already given away Marika by having her live among or close to them for more than two years already, they should've had a tighter grip on her.

However, one encounter with me changed the girls mind completely. Or better yet, it opened her eyes to the possibility of freedom of choice.

Im leaning towards trying to discourage you over this. However, thats not going to stop you, am I right? My mother continued and at this point, she was looking at me with a serious expression.

While it didnt feel like something has changed, she was probably trying to see if I changed my mind after hearing about all of that.

On her side, my father was also staring at me intently. Hes wearing his glasses now which brought back his dignified air as an outstanding lawyer.

I am still clueless about the extent of their influence but in this particular moment, I can honestly sense that if I say yes, theyre going to support me all the way.

Yes, it wont. However, I also cannot ignore the danger this will bring to my other girls. As much as I want Marika, theres no way I will risk endangering the others. Thats why... Im here to implore you, Mom, Dad... As powerless as I am at the moment, please help me tackle this problem.

Upon saying that, I bowed my head in front of them. If possible, I would even do a dogeza in front of them but knowing my parents, theyd probably stop me from doing that.