Ichihara Juns face instantly darkened at the sight that welcomed him. Not to mention, our cheerful voice welcoming his arrival.

Even if it didnt sound like a mockery, with our current position, hed be more than a clown if he failed to pick that up.

No matter how poorly he treated Marika before, he still considered the girl as his future bride. And so, seeing her in this intimate position with someone else, its more than enough to send his mind reeling in all sorts of complicated emotions.

And theres no doubt that the most prominent among those was rage. Perhaps, jealousy as well.

Hes a guy born with a golden spoon. Everything he desired as a child was given to him. He was so spoiled beyond limits that he also treated most of the people around him as his possession. Even if he ended up becoming a troublemaker, theres always someone to wipe his ass. That further built up to what he was now.

Furthermore, even if others before me had stood up against him, he easily dealt with them through the use of his influence and followers.

Unfortunately, none of those worked against me. Maybe he just hadnt tried hard enough yet or he didnt know how to.

And since I backed my courage to oppose him with the necessary strength, he was put at a loss on how to deal with me. Hence, he couldnt find the right footing to confront me despite all the humiliation I served him.

I decided to do this to push him to the tipping point. Although Marika was opposed to the idea at first because she was concerned for my well-being, I managed to convince her that we couldnt let the guy believe that we were also avoiding a confrontation.

Its time to bring him down a peg. That way, hed stop with his petty tactics of using his influence and followers to deal with me. And in this way, I would also stop hiding behind the moniker of Junior-kun. I mean, Marika already sent him the photo I took in that padlocked room. Theres no reason to act like Im not the one who changed Marika anymore.

Close the door, Jun-kun. Or do you want others to see us like this?

Not waiting for the guy to lash out at us, Marika continued while still donning a bright smile at him.

However, I could hear the girls heart beating so quickly from nervousness. Of course, regardless of how perfect her acting skill is, shes not used to confronting someone, much less confronting the guy whom she tried to understand for the past two years.

Like the last time in this very room when she prevented him from entering that door, shes channeling all her courage from me.

As a result, after delivering those words, Marika lowered her head to stare at me. And with her lips parting open, shes expecting another dose of courage that would be delivered through a kiss.

And I delivered.

Under the guys bloodshot eyes, I kissed Marika in a way that the idiot would wish he had done before.

Seconds later, the door slammed shut and he kicked it without controlling his rage.

I heard a startled shriek from outside. Most likely from the followers who remained in the vicinity.

In fact, with how loud it was, Marika also had a similar reaction. Just that, it was dispelled almost instantly because of my kiss and the way I secured her in my embrace.

Marika, have you finally lost your mind? Who the hell are you to kiss someone else in front of me? Youre just my bride-to-be! Youre my property!

Ichihara Jun started with just his cold tone yet with how much hes grating his teeth, his rage eventually exploded.

Marika frowned a bit but I calmed her down with a gentle caress. And slowly, I placed her down to my side before standing up and facing the loud clown.

At first, the slit of his eyes trembled as he was refusing to move his gaze away from Marika. But when I smirked at him, he found himself drawn to it and he gnashed his teeth. This time, stronger than earlier.

I wouldnt be surprised if his gums bleed from the pressure.

Ignoring that, I responded to what he just screamed.

Big words for someone who hasnt done anything to earn it, senpai. Is it so convenient to call her your bride-to-be just because of what your parents arranged? And honestly, Marika-senpai is no ones property. Not mine and obviously, not yours. Shes her own self. She has her own choices. Neither you nor your families can dictate what she has to do.

As I delivered that, Marika slowly inched closer to me, bringing herself back in my brace. But well since I was standing already, her face got buried in my stomach while her arms wrapped around my waist.

When she raised her head to look up at me, the girl had this magnificent grin. Pretty much telling me how pleased she was to hear those words from me.

Contrary to her reaction, Ichihara Juns face crumpled even further. He looked like he was trying to process my words but at the end of it, he put his hand on his mouth as he started laughing hysterically.

Her own self? Are you joking with me? Shes nothing more than a bargaining chip for our family to fund the renovation of the Kujous ancestral grounds. When her family sent her here. They dont care about whats going to be her fate anymore.

Oh. So, thats the story fed to him, huh? Its different from what Marika told me. Nonetheless, whichever the truth, its undeniable that shes having the short end of the stick.

Besides, she decided to come here of her own volition. She was not ordered to do so. For that one, the girl would never lie about it unless someone claimed that it was their idea.

Call it coping but I still have some kind of hope on that side of her family.

I mean, look at those two loyal guards of hers. Even if theyre strict and they claim to be there to ensure that the wedding will go through, theres no doubt that their priority remains the girls well-being.

Someone from that side still cares for her.

Regardless of it being one person, it cancels out Ichihara Juns statement that no ones concerned about her state anymore.

So, what of it? If I say that I dont care about her origin or whoever doomed her to be betrothed to you and I will still take her, what can you do? Ask your daddy to help you out in dealing with me?

...

Ichihara Juns laughter stopped and he icily glared at me.

Unfortunately for him, I would never be intimidated by that.

After caressing Marikas head to assure her that everything was fine, I continued.

Look, you can keep believing that shes your property or bride-to-be. And I will keep reminding you that shes not, whether it be through my fist or humiliating you in front of everyone, be my guest. You also have a right to choose, after all. I wont discriminate.

Upon saying that, I raised my clenched fist and sneered at the guy before lowering myself down to once again plant my lips on the girl.

And then, while I kept my guard up in case he blacked out and threw his fists at me, I showered Marika with my affection, giving him a reality check that shed never come chasing after him anymore.

Those days were over.