In the narrow forest, moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting mottled shadows across the ground.
Using the moonlight, Shinki finally got a clear look at the newcomer.
It was Himejima Suzaku.
She was still wearing the crimson school uniform he had seen during the day.
Her stockings tightly outlined her long, slender legs.
“Shinki-kun, it’s been a long time.” “What do you mean, a long time?
Didn’t we just meet ten hours ago?
So, what is it?
Are you here to help the Himejima family stop us from leaving?” Shinki narrowed his eyes as he looked at Himejima Suzaku.
In Akeno’s memories from the original story, when she recalled her mother’s death, Suzaku had never appeared.
Until they were truly safe, he had no intention of lowering his guard.
“Cousin Suzaku.” The awakened Akeno looked at Suzaku, tears of grievance welling up in her eyes.
“I won’t hurt you.
In fact, I’m here to help you escape.” Suzaku gently shook her head.
When she looked at Akeno, the smile on her face carried a trace of sorrow.
“Really?
How am I supposed to believe you?
If you take off your clothes and prove on the spot that you’re not carrying any weapons, then I’ll believe you.” Shinki spoke with obvious suspicion.
The mission was almost complete.
He had no intention of letting everything fall apart at the last moment.
He couldn’t help it.
He had watched too many spy movies in his previous life, and being a transmigrator only made him even more cautious.
“If that’s really what you think.” Suzaku nodded.
Under the moonlit sky, a faint blush appeared on the girl’s cheeks.
She knew Shinki was right.
At a time like this, no one could be trusted so easily.
Taking a deep breath, she reached up and began unfastening the buttons of her jacket.
The moment that certain something bounced free, Shinki’s eyelids twitched violently.
Just as he narrowed his eyes and instinctively began making visual measurements…
“I believe Cousin Suzaku wouldn’t lie to us.” Akeno’s voice suddenly rang out.
Suzaku let out a sigh of relief, and the hand resting on her undergarment stopped moving.
At that moment, all three women keenly noticed the trace of disappointment in Shinki’s eyes.
Contempt.
“What a pervert.” Akeno pouted slightly and muttered under her breath.
For a brief instant, a hint of disdain and annoyance flashed through her eyes.
However, no one noticed the subtle change in her expression.
“Akeno, thank you for trusting me.” Suzaku quickly straightened her clothes again.
She didn’t waste time on unnecessary words and immediately got to the point.
“The Clan Head has dispatched Main Family exorcists.
Every major transportation route out of Tokyo has already been sealed off.
If you use public transportation, you’ll be discovered immediately.” “Then what are we supposed to do?” Akeno instinctively grabbed her mother’s sleeve.
A bitter expression also appeared on Shuri’s face.
It truly felt as though there was no escape.
“I can help you get out.” “Really?” Akeno immediately looked up.
“But I have one condition.” After thinking for a moment, Suzaku spoke.
“What condition?” Shinki glanced at her sideways.
At a time like this, she still wanted to negotiate terms?
“It’s simple.
The Five Great Noble Houses have already lost their way.
Anyone who violates the ancestral teachings or clan rules is ruthlessly expelled or isolated.
The Himejima family has exiled countless people without talent, leaving them to fend for themselves.” The Five Great Noble Houses were deeply traditional.
Anyone who broke the clan rules faced the harshest punishments imaginable, and even their family and friends could be implicated.
“If this continues, the Himejima family has no future.
Aunt Shuri, you and Akeno have experienced that yourselves.” A sorrowful expression appeared on the girl’s face.
“I don’t have the strength or talent to protect either of you.” “That’s not true.
I’ve never blamed you, Cousin.” Akeno shook her head.
“I know you’re kind.
You’re different from everyone else in the family.” “Akeno…” Suzaku’s eyes reddened.
Then her gaze grew firm, filled with determination and resolve.
“After realizing what our family’s rules truly meant, I’ve always had a dream.” “I want to keep strengthening my abilities and talents until I become the next Clan Head.
Then I can carry out reforms and abolish the system that tears loved ones apart.” At this point, Suzaku turned to look at Shinki.
“You are an exception.” As she spoke, she slowly closed the distance between them.
Before long, Shinki found himself backed against a tree while the girl’s warm breath was only inches away.
“I’m very sorry.
I’ve been acting overly familiar with you this whole time, so you probably think I’m a strange woman.” Suzaku spoke with complete sincerity.
“This incident involving the Himejima family has dragged you into our affairs.
But I’ll prove to the family that it doesn’t matter if a member of the Himejima family possesses unusual powers…
so, I want to marry you!” Without warning, Suzaku grabbed Shinki’s left hand and pressed it against herself.
“C-Cousin…” Akeno murmured in disbelief.
“My, my…
even at a time like this, Suzaku is still so bold.” Shuri lightly covered her lips, her eyes shining with surprise.
As for Shinki, he was completely stunned.
What kind of bizarre development was this?
Was having girls throw themselves at you the latest trend these days?