Though it was sudden, after some explanation, Shinki and Akeno came to understand Suzaku’s predicament.
Although Suzaku Himejima was the heir to the family headship and hosted the spirit beast Suzaku within her, she was still young, and her strength and seniority were insufficient to command respect.
After this incident, Shinki had also revealed that he possessed power outside of the Himejima family.
The conservative elders, worried that the Himejima family’s reputation in the country would be damaged, planned to secretly dispose of Shinki as well.
But Suzaku Himejima believed that if things continued like this, only resentment and pain would accumulate.
If this cycle repeated, the Five Great Families would inevitably fall someday, and their relatives would leave one after another.
Then, Suzaku Himejima made a request to form a marriage contract.
“Shinki-kun, now might not be the right time, but in just a few years, once my influence in the family grows, these tragic events will never happen again.” Suzaku Himejima’s goal was simple.
She wanted to reform the family and needed to set an example.
As long as she became the family head in the future, no matter what others thought, no one would dare say anything.
Actually, there was one more thing Suzaku Himejima didn’t say.
That was that the Suzaku inside her craved this man.
She craved…
everything about him.
She couldn’t bring herself to say that.
Suzaku Himejima didn’t want to either, or else she’d be seen as an even stranger woman.
“Fine.
If you can change the current situation, I agree.” Shinki nodded.
Why turn down a girl who’s offering herself?
Besides, it wasn’t like they were getting married right away.
There were still several years until Suzaku Himejima became the family head.
By then, he would surely become stronger by relying on the system’s quests and rewards.
“Thank you, Shinki-kun.” Suzaku Himejima breathed a sigh of relief and, caught up in her emotions, hugged Shinki tightly.
Her sensual body leaned against him.
Himejima Akeno: “…” Stay away from my little brother, you jerk!
As expected, cousins are the worst!
“Thank you, Shinki-kun.” Suzaku Himejima repeated.
“It would be great if I can help, Suzaku-san.” Shinki chuckled.
He felt like Suzaku Himejima had another goal.
What was this?
Though he and Suzaku Himejima could barely be called childhood friends, they had hardly spoken when they were young.
That they even knew each other was a coincidence.
Now, the heir to the Himejima family had suddenly become his fiancée.
It felt a bit unreal.
Was this a simp’s reward for loyalty?
But he’d never simped.
He could only chalk it up to a massive protagonist aura explosion.
“Shinki-kun, do you still have to call me senpai?” Suzaku Himejima looked at Shinki as she spoke, her tone sounding somewhat resentful.
“Alright, Suzaku.” Shinki gave a dry laugh.
Though she was his fiancée, he didn’t feel any genuine emotion.
Hearing that, a trace of a smile appeared in Suzaku’s eyes.
He felt like he’d been tricked.
“Never mind that for now, cousin.
How are we going to leave Tokyo?” Himejima Akeno felt sour inside, a jealous ache, and quickly stepped forward.
“By car.” Suzaku Himejima smiled apologetically at Akeno.
She knew her cousin also had feelings for Shinki, but sorry…
your big sister is going to take the first step.
After apologizing in her heart, Suzaku led them to a small road.
A closed-off van was parked there.
“Suzaku-nee, you’re finally here.” A petite girl, as small as an elementary school student, stood in front of the van.
Her eyes lit up when she saw Suzaku, and she ran over anxiously.
“Everything’s arranged.
Now take them out of the city.” “Mm-hmm.
I have to get back tonight, or Father will scold me.” The girl said softly, sneaking a glance at Shinki.
Hmm, kind of handsome.
And this whole thing about fighting against the entire family to help a girl—that seemed like something out of a novel.
Shinki also glanced at the little girl.
She wore a raincoat-like cloak and a turtle shell decoration on her back.
Her name was Tongmen Xuanwu.
She was the heir to the Tongmen family and hosted the spirit beast Xuanwu within her.
“Let’s go.” Suzaku Himejima got into the driver’s seat.
“I’m the heir to the Himejima family.
Those police won’t dare do anything to me.” Next, just as Suzaku had said, when they passed the city exit checkpoint, traffic police stopped them.
Suzaku Himejima casually said a few words to the leader, and they were let through immediately.
As the young family head, she held considerable power in the secular world.
The vehicle drove quietly, and after leaving Tokyo, it stopped at a gas station.
“Outside Tokyo, the influence of the Five Great Families is very weak.
If possible, please go as far away as you can.
But the borders are probably sealed too, so it’s best to live in some remote city.
I’ll contact you often.” Suzaku smiled.
At the same time, she handed them a backpack containing some supplies and money.
Then, after Suzaku said goodbye to Akari Himejima and Akeno, she came to Shinki.
“Take care.” “I understand.” Shinki said very simply.
“Shinki-kun.” Suddenly, Suzaku hugged Shinki’s body and left a light mark on his face.
Shinki silently savored the feeling.
It smelled quite nice.