Chapter 19

As I was dragged into the Tachibana family's car, I was immediately asked about the results of my spy activities.

"How was it? You did hear from Aira, right? I saw her go in, you know."

What is this?

This guy is a real stalker. He's dangerous.

And maybe he's just a bored person?

"Lady Aira promised to ask Lady Yurie later. She said she would contact us soon."

I absolutely can't tell him that we exchanged addresses.

If I do, this emperor-turned-stalker-in-training will definitely demand my address and send me relentless emails day and night.

That's what stalkers do.

"Is that so? Did she say anything else?"

Hmm, I shouldn't say that.

"What? Answer me."

Uh, don't glare at me, it's scary.

"Well, Lady Aira said that if you threaten and force people who don't want to help, Lady Yurie will get even angrier."

Oops, I said it.

But this is what Lady Aira said, not me, okay?

Tachibana looked bewildered.

"Who is the person who doesn't want to help?"

What, is this kid stupid?

A stalker and stupid?

A spoiled, stalker, and stupid kid?

"Hey, you. Were you just thinking something rude?"

"No, of course not."

So don't read my mind!

Tachibana stared at me for a while, then snorted.

"Alright, fine. When will Aira contact us?"

"Um, maybe next week?"

"How will she contact us? Are you going to ask the middle school?"

"Um... I'm not sure about that."

He hit a sore spot!

"What? You should have confirmed that. What do you want to do, wait until Aira's English class is over?"

No way.

Why do I have to go that far?

"No. If that's the case, I'll go ask Lady Aira on Monday."

I'll just bluff my way through this.

"Hmm. Alright, got it. Monday, don't forget."

"Yes, I understand."

Can I go home now?

"Oh, right. Do you have a cell phone?"

"No."

When you lie, never look up to the right.

That's what my brother taught me.

"Really?"

"It's my parents' policy."

Tachibana looked at me suspiciously.

Right, this guy can read minds. Stay calm, stay calm.

"Can I go home now? My driver is worried about me."

I want to retreat before I slip up.

"Ah, sure. See you on Monday."

"Yes."

As I was about to get out of the Tachibana family's car, Tachibana suddenly asked,

"By the way, who was the person who didn't want to help earlier?"

I smiled, mimicking Enjo's dark smile.

"Of course, it was me. Goodbye, Mr. Tachibana."

Leaving the stunned Tachibana behind, I walked to the Kichijoji family's car.

I said it, I said it, me!

...But what if I get revenge?

The bomb was dropped during dinner with my parents and me, excluding my late-arriving brother. My father asked with a smile,

"According to Sagami, Tachibana's Yasuya came to the English class to meet Reika?"

Geez!

I thought he was in a good mood for some reason, but this is why!

Sagami is the driver who came to pick me up.

He didn't help when I was kidnapped by someone else's car because he knew who it was.

And he reported it.

"When did you two become so close? I didn't know about this."

"No, Father. I hardly ever talk to Mr. Tachibana."

No way. I have to firmly deny this, or it will be too late to fix it later.

"What are you talking about? Yasuya came all the way to meet Reika. Maybe he likes you?"

Oh no, what a terrible misunderstanding!

Father is completely dreaming.

"That's impossible. It would be a bother to Mr. Tachibana, so please don't say such things!"

If this continues, he might start harboring ambitions like an engagement.

He's the type of person who would do that in a manga.

Oh, what should I do?

I wish my brother were here!

"Why are you so defensive, Reika?"

"Because Father is misunderstanding things!"

This is bad, I can hear the footsteps of doom.

I absolutely don't want to be the one humiliated at an engagement party!

"Come now, dear. Reika is still at an age where she's shy, so let's leave her alone."

Mother gently stopped Father.

But she's looking at me with hopeful eyes.

Please, spare me!

This is all his fault. Stalker Tachibana!

Feeling the need to vent my frustration to someone, I stormed into my brother's room when he returned from the cram school.

"So, Father and Mother have a terrible misunderstanding. What should I do, Brother?"

I feel bad for complaining to my brother, who must be tired from just getting back, but I need to let it out.

"If it's a misunderstanding, they'll calm down eventually. I'll also tell them not to stir things up. But, is your promise with Yasuya okay?"

I haven't told my brother what Tachibana wants to find out from Lady Aira.

I also didn't mention being threatened. I don't want to worry him.

I didn't talk about Lady Yurie because, even though he's a stalker, I don't think it's right to talk about someone's love life so casually.

"I think it will be fine."

"Alright, then."

My brother patted my head.

Sigh, talking to my brother always makes me feel better.

"Hey, Brother."

"What?"

"Will you take over the Kichijoji company in the future?"

"Probably."

"Please run it properly."

"What's that about?"

The only one who can stop my ambitious father is this honest brother!

Please, Brother, protect my peaceful future.