Chapter 32

──side Asaki──

「Asaki-san, it’s about time to depart. As I informed you beforehand, you are aware of the details about the other party, correct?」

「Yes, of course. Kaa-sama.」

Being informed by my mother that it’s time to leave, I head outside without resistance.

Today marks the fourth day since I started absenting myself from the academy, and I am heading to a certain famous hotel where my omiai partner awaits.

After the engagement with the Amano family was broken off, I anticipated that a new partner would eventually be arranged, but this development has come about with a haste that can only be described as my mother’s recklessness.

I hadn’t heard about this from Too-sama, so it’s likely something Kaa-sama decided on her own. In fact, it’s odd to hold an omiai while Too-sama, the current head of the Kujou family, and Ojii-sama, the previous head who still holds significant influence, are absent.

If Too-sama finds out about this, Kaa-sama will probably face some form of reprimand, but even so, an engagement involves another party.

No matter how much Too-sama or Ojii-sama oppose it, the more willing the other party is, the greater the impact of rejecting them. The Kujou family repeatedly proposing and then breaking off engagements would certainly harm our reputation to some extent.

That’s why Kaa-sama wants to finalize everything today, creating a situation where it would be difficult to refuse once Too-sama and the others return.

In reality, all I have to do is firmly refuse, so it’s a fundamentally flawed and shallow plan.

Kaa-sama probably anticipated that I would reject it. I remember her looking surprised when I agreed to meet the other party.

However, no matter who the other party is, I have no intention of accepting an engagement. Because I love only Shou-niisama.

My reason for going to this omiai is purely to not disgrace the other party, and also──

「Ojou-sama, please watch your step.」

「Yes, thank you.」

Lost in thought, I was cautioned by one of the servants. Since my thoughts are already organized, I bring my consciousness back to reality and get into the back seat of the car. Kaa-sama sits next to me, and for what feels like the umpteenth time, she started lecturing me.

「Asaki-san. I’m sure you understand, but this omiai is an important opportunity for the development of our family. I expect you to behave as a member of the Kujou family, so as not to offend the other party.」

In other words, she wants to warn me not to say anything disrespectful to the other party. Or perhaps she also means not to reject the proposal if the other party is willing.

In the end, Kaa-sama still sees me only as a tool of the Kujou family.

In fact, I’ve already obtained information that Kaa-sama had a hand in the engagement with the Amano family.

For the development of the Kujou family… it may not be entirely false, but she’s probably been offered, or made to be offered, some kind of benefit from the other party. For example, being welcomed as an executive in the other party’s company is one possibility that comes to mind.

「The Shijou family we are meeting today may be a step down from the Amano family in terms of status, but they are still a sufficiently prestigious family. Moreover, they are distant relatives of the Kujou, so if the talks go well, it will strengthen the unity of the Kujou family.」

「Understood.」

However, no matter how prestigious the other family is, I feel no attraction whatsoever. After all, Misaki-neesan is the next head of the Kujou family, and even if the family’s unity is strengthened, it doesn’t benefit me in any way.

In conclusion, I have no interest in this omiai itself. I only responded to Kaa-sama’s remarks with a bland nod.

「Moreover, I’ve heard that the other party is a very nice young man. He’s a bit older than you, but I think a man with a sense of security is good for Asaki-san, and you should be compatible.」

「Is that so.」

I’m not sure what she means by compatibility, but I suddenly thought of Shou-niisama.

Could he be considered to have a sense of security… given that he’s never rejected my sarcasm?

Well, I do test him to see how far I can go, so in that sense, I might be relying on him.

I remembered how I relied on Shou-niisama again recently at his house.

I know Shou-niisama tries not to have lustful thoughts towards me or Hikari-san, but sometimes his gaze does drift to my chest. It’s cute to see him try not to look, but it’s obvious when he awkwardly looks away.

So I took his arm and pressed it against my only weapon, this unnecessarily developed chest, and it seemed to have the desired effect.

It might be considered improper for a young lady before marriage, but if things were to go further, I’m ready to marry him immediately. So there’s no problem at all. In fact, it would be perfect if I could establish a fait accompli.

However, with the recent appearance of Natsu-neesama as a new rival, I can’t deny that I might be rushing things a bit. Although, at this point, Natsu-neesama is more of a comrade than a love rival…

「Madam, Ojou-sama. We have arrived.」

「Thank you for your hard work. Now, Asaki-san. Let’s go.」

After being informed of our arrival, the car door opens. I got out of the car, following Kaa-sama without any particular response.

We enter the hotel and sit on a sofa in the lobby, waiting for the other party to arrive.

「Hello, Kujou-san. I apologize for keeping you waiting.」

──After waiting for a few minutes without any conversation with Kaa-sama, a man addressed her. This person is probably the father of my omiai partner.

At first glance, he seems like a kind person. But surely he must be more than just that.

「No, we just arrived ourselves, so don’t worry. Asaki-san, this is Shijou Toshiya-san, the current head of the Shijou family. Now, please greet him.」

「I am Kujou Asaki, the second daughter of the Kujou family.」

Normally, I should say something like “I look forward to working with you today”, but unfortunately, I have no intention of doing so, nor do I expect it from them, so I simply stood up and introduced myself.

「How courteous. I had heard rumors, but you truly are a beautiful young lady. Masayoshi, greet them.」

Shijou-san turned around and spoke to a tall man. This person is probably my omiai partner.

「I am Shijou Masayoshi. It’s an honor to meet you.」

「Masayoshi-san, is it? Nice to meet you, I am Kujou Asaki.」

He smiled gently at me and introduced himself in a calm voice.

I see, as Kaa-sama said, he seems to be a nice young man. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll appraise you a bit.

He probably intended to offer a handshake, as I sensed him about to extend his hand, so I preemptively addressed Kaa-sama.

「Kaa-sama. Now that the greetings are over, shall we move to the designated room?」

「Oh my, is Asaki-san surprisingly positive about this meeting?」

「Haha, if that’s the case, I’m glad. Indeed, it’s not suitable to stand and talk here, so let’s we move to the room.」

It seems the Shijou father and son interpreted my words favorably. Unfortunately, I just want to quickly finish this omiai and go home.

「My my, Asaki-san is unexpectedly proactive.」

Kaa-sama follows the flow with such a comment. I considered leaving without a word, but that would have no benefit, so I’ll endure it.

To begin with, this whole discussion offers no benefit to me, so I have even less reason to feel enthusiastic.

Just as Toshiya-san was about to head to the reception, Masayoshi-san spoke up.

「Too-sama, I’ll go to the reception.」

「Really? Thank you, then please do.」

「I’ll be right back, so please wait here for a moment.」

With those words, Masayoshi-san headed towards the reception. I see, if he can do that naturally, he must be popular with women.

「You have a good son.」

「No, no, he probably just wants to show his good side to Asaki-san.」

「Don’t be so modest. A man who can be considerate in such small ways will surely make a good husband. Asaki-san thinks so too, right?」

「I suppose so.」

I nod in agreement, but needless to say, the premise is that it applies to anyone but me.

I’m not sure how my response was interpreted, but judging by the lively conversation between the parents, it seems to have been taken positively… Haah, I wish I could go home soon.

「I’m back. This person will guide us. Let’s go.」

Masayoshi-san returned with a hotel employee.

No, he’s an employee, but he’s probably someone in a managerial position.

His uniform is different from the hotel staff in the lobby and reception, and he carries a different aura.

Well, that makes sense. I convinced myself.

From what I researched, the hotel prepared for this meeting is actually owned by the Shijou family. So they must have decided that no discourtesy should occur.

The employee politely greeted Toshiya-san, then bowed to Kaa-sama and me, saying, “I will guide you now”, and started walking ahead of us.

While the parents seemed excited about this engagement, we, the main parties involved, had no conversation as we took the elevator to an upper floor.

Soon, the elevator arrived at our destination floor, and we were guided to a room right after exiting.

Now, it’s finally time for the omiai to begin. I apologize, but I will make good use of this situation──