Around the same time, the main hall of Yunoya Inn had been hastily prepared as the venue for a press conference.
As reporters’ gazes converged in unison, Keiichiro appeared at the head seat in the back. The moment he did, the sound of camera shutters and flashes of light sliced through the air.
Hina stood close beside Keiichiro, her small frame almost leaning into him, and followed his lead with a bow before sitting down.
Dozens of reporters swallowed their words, staring intently at the two of them.
The atmosphere was heavy, and a thin layer of sweat dampened Hina’s palms.
Her heartbeat thundered loudly in her ears, and an unsettled restlessness coiled deep within her body.
“It is true that I stayed at a hot spring resort with an unmarried woman. If you call that reckless, I will humbly accept the criticism.”
Keiichiro’s low, resonant voice filled the hall.
Without once glancing at Hina, he bowed deeply before the reporters.
“However, I absolutely will not tolerate any words that demean her. That article contained certain details that differed from the truth. On that point, allow me to explain—”
Hina kept her knees tightly pressed together, listening to Keiichiro’s voice with her head bowed.
His tone held neither agitation nor anger. Yet, in every word, she could sense a steel-like resolve.
As the reporters scribbled furiously, one male journalist raised his hand.
“Viscount Saotome, let me ask plainly. Is the ‘mistress’ mentioned in the article this woman sitting beside you?”
Hina’s shoulders twitched slightly.
But Keiichiro remained unmoved, turning to face the reporter as he answered.
“She is someone precious to me. The word ‘mistress’ carries various implications, but I have no recollection of ever forming such a frivolous relationship with her.”
At his composed response, several reporters looked up.
“Several years ago, you publicly announced your engagement to the Katsuragi family. …Does this mean you were involved with this woman while engaged?”
A younger reporter asked, his expression slightly tense.
For a moment, the air grew taut.
Hina felt her heart pound heavily as she pressed her lips together.
She had grown so accustomed to their peaceful days that she had completely forgotten.
Come to think of it—Keiichiro had been engaged.
“The engagement was something my mother unilaterally arranged. I never publicly expressed my consent. However, I cannot deny that, formally, it could be interpreted as an ‘ongoing engagement.’ If that is the case, then I sincerely accept any criticism regarding my recklessness.”
Keiichiro continued.
“I met Hina several years ago, and since then, we have formed a special bond. However, I deeply regret not publicly acknowledging her and our child sooner. Moving forward, I will provide a proper explanation in my own words.”
At this, Hina couldn’t help but glance sideways at Keiichiro’s face.
His gaze was unwavering, fixed straight ahead without a trace of hesitation.
“Then, now that this matter has come to light, will it affect your relationship with the Katsuragi family or your future marriage plans?”
The atmosphere shifted slightly. Reporters’ eyes turned toward Hina and Keiichiro in unison.
Keiichiro took a short breath before responding.
“Regarding my ties with the Katsuragi family, discussions are still ongoing. Given the complicated circumstances, this is not something I can decide alone.”
After this preface, he paused briefly before lifting his head firmly.
“The reason I stand here today is because I wish to choose my own path—not one dictated by others. I will take responsibility for my choices and ensure due consideration for all parties involved. At the same time, I will strive not to lose sight of what must be protected.”
His words left the room momentarily silent.
“…And what about you? Do you have anything to say about your own position?”
Unexpectedly singled out by one of the reporters, Hina held her breath.
“…I—”
Her voice threatened to tremble.
Even so, she had to speak.
If she didn’t refute this, no one would understand. No one would be protected.
Clenching her fists on her lap, she stood as if severing her hesitation.
“I am a pharmacist. But Lord Shinomiya told me that if we married, I wouldn’t need to make medicine anymore. He also repeatedly imposed restrictions on my actions. Before becoming a wife, I am a person. I do not wish to be bound by anyone.”
Her throat tightened. Breathing was difficult.
Yet, the clarity of Hina’s words drew sharp reactions from the female reporters.
“Medicine exists to sustain lives. To have that taken from me would be like losing my reason to live. That is why… I chose my own path.”
Her voice rang clear, reaching every corner of the room.
For an instant, a stifling silence filled the hall. Seconds stretched like eternity, with only the violent pounding of Hina’s heartbeat echoing in her ears.
Unsure what else to do, she gave a small bow and sat back down.
The tension snapped at once—her knees trembled, her palms drenched in sweat.
“…There is one last thing I wish to say.”
Keiichiro spoke again, surveying the room.
“It is truly regrettable that false information has spread, causing confusion among many. If there is someone who deliberately spread these rumors with malicious intent… I will never condone such actions.”
His quiet voice carried not anger, but unwavering resolve.
“—I ask that you all refrain from being misled by false information. I deeply apologize for the disturbance this has caused.”
Finally, Keiichiro stood once more and bowed deeply.
Hina, too, rose beside him.
Suppressing her shaking knees, she bent at the waist just as he did.
Simultaneously, several camera flashes went off.
Some of the reporters watched them not as subjects to scrutinize, but as human beings, their expressions touched.
Hina glanced sideways at Keiichiro and let out a small sigh of relief.
It was finally over.