Chapter 67

That day, I curled my hair more meticulously and perfectly than usual. Last night, I used a sheet mask that cost 10,000 yen per piece, and my skin was now plump and radiant.

There's not a single flaw in my appearance today!

After taking some stomach medicine from the bottle and washing it down with water, I took out my favorite fan from the chest. It's getting hot, so it's not unnatural to have it.

The delicate and beautiful Western fan, with its black frame adorned with butterfly patterns and its purple and wine-red panels featuring floral designs, seemed like the perfect prop for a battle.

I gripped it firmly.

I am an actress, I am an actress... Actress! Actress! Actress!

Alright, let's go! Onward!

The question is when to take action. I'd rather avoid the classroom during break when it's crowded.

After school, then. Mankah and her friends don't leave immediately after classes end, so that might be the best time to catch them.

If I can catch them properly, that would be great.

"Rika-sama, that fan is really beautiful."

"Thank you. I like it too."

I played with the fan in my hand.

Today, Mankah laughed at me through her nose when our eyes met.

I can't wait any longer. I need to settle this before my white hair increases.

I waited impatiently for after school to come.

During that time, I secretly took more stomach medicine. I'm scared to do this alone, so I'll have Shizuka and Kikuno stand by my side.

Finally, after school arrived.

I stood up from my seat, fan in hand.

"Shizuka, can you come with me? I want to talk to Mankah and her friends."

Shizuka's eyes gleamed.

She quickly called her best friend Kikuno on her phone. She's even more determined than I am.

Other students started gathering around us.

"Shall we go, then?"

When I smiled, everyone else smiled back, their lips curling up.

As we stepped into the hallway, Mankah and her group of girls approached us without us even having to look for them. The flow of students leaving had momentarily paused, making it the perfect timing.

I opened and closed my fan as I met Mankah's eyes.

"Koushouin, I want to pass through here. Can you move?"

Mankah laughed at me provocatively, and her followers giggled.

The students around me suddenly became tense.

I snapped my fan shut.

"Mankah, who are you talking to like that?"

"Huh?"

I took a step forward.

"Mankah, when did you start talking to me like that? I'm a member of Pivoine, and you're just a regular student."

I pointed at Mankah with my fan, my eyes narrowing.

Mankah's confident gaze wavered.

"The authority of Pivoine has become quite light in this academy, hasn't it? After all, you, a mere student, can treat me like this."

I moved closer to Mankah.

"Or are you saying that the Mankah family is of higher status than the Koushouin family? I didn't know. When did my family become inferior to the Mankah family? Is this the consensus of the Mankah family? To look down on the Koushouin family? If so, I'll have to discuss it with my father. After all, we need to consider our future actions, don't we?"

I smiled at the pale Mankah.

"I don't like conflict. That's why I've been lenient with your behavior. But recently, you seem to be getting a bit too cocky. Don't you think so yourself?"

"..."

"Mankah, is this a declaration of war against me? If so, I'll use the power of Pivoine and the Koushouin family to fight you with all my might."

What will you do? I touched Mankah's cheek with my fan and whispered in her ear, tapping her cheek with the fan to urge her to speak.

"..., I'm sorry, Rika-sama."

Mankah, pale and looking down, answered with a pained and regretful expression.

I smiled as seductively as possible.

"Oh, if you understand, that's all I need. I don't want to crush you, Mankah. As long as you don't bother me, that's fine. Do you understand?"

"...I understand."

"Mankah's friends, is this acceptable to you? If you have any complaints, feel free to speak up. But be prepared for the consequences."

The fan snapped with a sound.

Mankah's followers also looked down, showing their submission.

"I'm glad you understand. From now on, please act with restraint. Goodbye, everyone."

I made a black smile like Ensho and turned my back on them, flipping my skirt.

My followers also said goodbye and followed me.

As I walked, I felt a gaze and looked up to see Tachibana passing by, looking at me with a disapproving expression before leaving.

"You did well, Rika-sama! I feel so much better!"

"Mankah's face! It was satisfying!"

When we returned to the classroom, the other students started cheering and celebrating.

But their voices barely registered in my mind.

What was that look?

That disdainful look from Tachibana. What was that all about!

Who do you think caused me to do this!

You're a fool, Tachibana!

"I'm going to Pivoine!"

"Rika-sama?!"

I ran out of the classroom.

I really didn't want to use the power of the Koushouin family.

But it was the only way, so I had no choice.

If we ever fall, the power I wield will come back to me. I don't want to be treated like a little princess then.

The principle of prosperity and decline. Pride does not last. I don't want to be in a city under the waves!

I've been worrying about this for so long, and he doesn't even care!

Tachibana should be the one to turn completely white!

When I arrived at the salon, Tachibana and Ensho were drinking tea and relaxing. I walked up to them.

Tachibana looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Tachibana-sama, I have something to say."

"...What is it?"

"Can't you take responsibility for your own actions? Can't you control your followers properly?"

"It's not like I called them. They're just making noise on their own. I don't even acknowledge them as my followers."

"Can you say that so irresponsibly? That's not the kind of attitude a future successor of the Tachibana Group should have."

"What did you say!"

"Isn't that the case? If you can't even manage a few people, what kind of future can you have?"

I glared back at his glare.

Ensho stepped in.

"Come on, Koushouin, calm down. You're getting too worked up."

I glared at Ensho.

"Ensho, don't push the responsibility of supporting your best friend onto me. I've done enough. I'm tired of cleaning up after you."

"Hey!"

"Yasuya. Yeah, sorry. I caused trouble for Koushouin."

Your apology lacks sincerity.

"Then, I'll take my leave. Goodbye."

I left the salon, skipped my after-school activities, and went straight home.

When the excitement of defeating Mankah and the anger towards Tachibana subsided, I suddenly became scared.

I said something terrible to Tachibana.

I was so excited that I lost my judgment. To pick a fight with Tachibana of all people!

I messed up. I really messed up.

What a mess...

But it's their fault, right? I'm not to blame!

I went home and immediately buried myself under the covers, trembling.

Eventually, I gave up and fell into a sullen sleep.

When I woke up, I ate crispy salad crackers out of frustration.

I was trying to be more approachable, but thanks to the clueless Tachibana, I'm heading straight back to being the snobbish Rika-sama!

Damn it, I'll even open the Kit Kat!

...That embarrassing actress mode is completely a black history.

Who was I trying to be? Just thinking about it makes my whole body itch.

Really. Why did Tachibana have to see that?