............
Ah... man... what do we do about this atmosphere?
I've never seen someone with such a quiet sense of pressure before.
And as expected of Ryuguin's mother. Her facial deviation score is out of this world. She's way too beautiful.
As I was thinking about how to handle this unbearable atmosphere, a sharp, dry sound echoed.
The source of the sound was Ryuguin, who was smiling brightly with her hands together as if she had just clapped them.
“Now, everyone. Standing around here will only tire you out. Let’s go to my room. This way.”
...Well, we can't just stand here forever.
Led by Ryuguin, we were shown to her private room on the second floor.
The inside was quite a surprise. It was a Western-style room.
It was about 20 tatami mats wide.
A semi-double bed with a canopy.
Shelves lined with reference books, paperbacks, and manga.
A sofa and a low table in addition to the study desk.
Furthermore, there were shelves filled with cute stuffed animals and small items.
Stylish indirect lighting, a large TV, and a computer.
And the fresh scent of lavender.
It was a complete Western-style room, unimaginable from the Japanese garden seen through the window or the exterior of this mansion.
“R-R-R-R-Rion-san's room, the scent...! *Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale*”
I wonder if I should just hand this person over to the police.
Riran sat on the sofa as if she were used to it, and Leeza-san and I sat down as well.
Whoa...! This is incredibly fluffy. It feels like it was made specifically to turn people into lazy bums. Super comfortable.
Ryuguin sat next to Leeza-san and bowed her head apologetically.
“Sanada-kun, I’m sorry. My mother...”
“Ah, no. It’s fine.”
More than that, what concerned me were her mother's words.
‘Rion-san is the eldest daughter of the Ryuguin family. She has a mission to give birth to a child who will become the heir.’
Those words mean only one thing.
Her mother doesn't know that Ryuguin can only love women.
And that the person she is connected to by the 『Red Thread of Fate』 is also a woman.
Leeza-san seems to have realized this too, as she's been silent for a while now.
Now, how should I bring this up...?
A heavy atmosphere hangs over the room.
In the midst of that, Ryuguin straightened her back and spoke.
“...Actually, my mother doesn't know about my romantic orientation, nor that the person my Red Thread is connected to is a woman. I've been thinking I have to tell her someday, but...”
Well, that would be hard to say...
Hearing their interaction earlier, it seems her mother has some very rigid ideas.
Because she's the eldest daughter, she must give birth to a child to be the heir.
That means her romantic interest must be a man. Her Fated Person must also be a man. She won't accept anything else.
That was the impression I got.
“I’m sorry, Leeza-san. I was actually planning to persuade her before we met, but...”
“N-No. Rather, I’m the one who should apologize for visiting at such a strange time.”
That's right, that's right! It's your fault for barging in—ah, just kidding, I’m sorry. So please don't glare at me like that.
Then, suddenly, my sleeve was tugged.
The one pulling it was Riran, who was sitting next to me.
“Hey, isn't there something we can do...?”
“Eh, well...”
...I feel like it wouldn't matter if we intervened.
Or rather, there's nothing Riran and I can do.
This is beyond that level.
“Riran-chan, don't worry about it. This is something we have to overcome ourselves.”
“But... but, at this rate, the two of you...”
Riran looked down dejectedly while still clutching my clothes.
I understand why Riran is worried.
Because at this rate, the two of them probably won't be able to be together.
Whether it's the Ryuguin family's policy or her mother's pressure.
Ryuguin will likely be forced to marry a man her mother provides and be made to produce an heir.
Leeza-san might even be forbidden from contacting Ryuguin.
To be honest, even with the strongest color, the Red Thread between Riran and me, there are things we can't do.
I feel like situations like this greatly transcend what we are capable of.
While I was thinking about that, Leeza-san, sitting in front of me, cleared her throat with a “Cough.”
“Riran-kun. Thank you for your concern. But from here on, it’s our problem. It’s something we have to overcome ourselves.”
“Leeza-san... auhh.”
She got even more depressed.
Seriously, Riran is such a conscientious and good person.
“But, do you have any ideas?”
“Hmm... how about an elopement?”
“You're not at the age for that kind of maiden-like fantasy. Face reality.”
“My disciple is merciless...”
Don't mope like that, you're an adult.
“...I understand. I won't do anything for now. ...But, if anything happens, you absolutely have to rely on us. I am Rion's best friend, after all.”
“...Yes. Thank you, Riran-chan.”
The two of them took each other's hands and smiled. They really are close friends.
“Boy. I’ll rely on you too if anything happens. I’m counting on you.”
“Eh? I'd rather not, to be honest.”
“I wouldn't mind if you're okay with me tripling your monthly fees and tripling your training as well.”
Ogre! Demon! Beast! Female gorilla!
“Haa... fine, I get it.”
“Umu. That’s more like my disciple.”
I wonder if this is how a subordinate feels working under a power-tripping boss.
I could only let out a sigh to vent my sense of resignation.