Chapter 24 The Disappointing Hero Initiates Betrayal
When I conveyed the tale of their affair and pleaded for cooperation, Misa-chan easily agreed. Despite being the champion of the "Clueless Champion of Women's Hearts" competition, deceived by Kanae for years, even I, the contender for victory, could sense her feelings.
They had been together since our student days, and she had forsaken her education to reach the goal for the man she loved. Betrayed by him with an affair and scheming to have a child with someone else—such a plan naturally stoked my anger. The more affection there is, the greater the hatred.
In works of fiction, you often see statements like, "When women are cheated on, they feel more anger towards the person they cheat with than their partner." It's like that thief cat analogy.
And you know what? It's true. I truly felt it this time.
When I showed Misa-chan the video of Kanae and Takashi's plan for surrogate pregnancy, the killing intent in Misa-chan's eyes as she looked at Kanae... It might have been scarier than facing the Demon Lord.
If that had been directed at me... I might have wet myself.
"If there's anything I can do, just tell me."
Those words stirred deep anger toward Takashi and Kanae in me.
The expression she showed afterward, too.
Ah, I was convinced that this was the look of someone saying, "I want to join."
Anyway, I gained reliable comrades!
This will undoubtedly change her life and Junji-kun's life as well... But once involved, I am determined to take responsibility for that.
I will protect my comrades with all my might.
Comrades are not to be used but to help each other.
This is also something I learned in the other world.
...I was able to come back here thanks to that person.
...
...
"Hey! Don't say you asked me for help, that's nonsense!"
Mizuno retorts at Misa...
"Hey, Mizuno-san, we've always helped each other when we were in trouble since the old days. I still have the 'request' you made during high school, letters and messages. It's precious memories."
"Eh..."
"Come on, in the past, you often asked for money..."
"Wait, wait a moment, talking about this here..."
Misa-chan... It's a heavy burden for the weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings, Mizuno, to stand against you, who has now made up her mind.
When I consulted about involving Mizuno in this, Misa-chan was not only opposed but rather enthusiastic.
I didn't know, but it seems Mizuno used to bully Misa-chan in secret, collecting money from her in the past. Not just verbally, but there were also 'evidence' like messages and letters. Sloppy move.
Well, for the outwardly good Mizuno, it must be a past she doesn't want to be dug up.
Even if Mizuno falters, I press on.
"Hey, Mizuno, which is it? If you were asked by Misa-chan to make that video, you should know the truth, so I'd rather thank you and offer some reward..."
Come on, Mizuno. I've given you a path that's more advantageous, haven't I?
Are you going to defend yourself here, and protect the loser, or join the winner, in this crucial moment?
Are you going to choose friendship, and sink with them?
You're not that stupid, are you?
"So, so what! I'll say it now, I made it because Misa asked me to! After all, how can you make Higashimura-kun raise a child that was born from an affair, that's so pitiful!"
Mizuno said in a fairly loud voice, as if to show off her achievement to everyone.
There were some reactions from the surroundings, like "Oh", "Well, that's true...", "But why sumo...?"
Hahaha, you betrayed your friend, huh?
You're the worst, but that's fine.
"Mizuno-san, you did it for me...? Thank you so much"
I thanked her, and Mizuno answered awkwardly.
"Uh, no, it's just, as a human being, it's the right thing to do..."
Haha!
She's really the worst, I can't believe she's a person!
Say that while looking at me in the eyes, why are you looking away!
Well, in the end, her friendship game is just like that.
It's something that breaks easily over interests. The four heavenly kings, who were once enemies, becoming comrades – in a game, that would be an intense event, but this is just absurd
"Sho, Shoko, you..."
Just when Kanae was about to vent her resentment against the traitor Mizuno, at that moment──
"Hey, you guys, cut it out! What the hell is going on here!"
A furious shout came from the family seats. It was Kanae's father, Yanashima Gouki.
With the forceful reprimand of the eighth-dan (8th) kendo master, the venue fell silent. Looking around the venue, it felt like there were those who wanted to see this spectacle, those who looked too awkward and wanted to leave, maybe a three to seven ratio?
But, even if they leave, they'll probably ask, 'What happened after that?'
"Um, sorry for causing a commotion, everyone. Let's calm down a bit first."
After addressing the venue with the microphone, I spoke to someone among the venue staff who seemed like a person in charge.
"Sorry, is there a place where we can have a private conversation?"
"Yes, we will prepare one. How many people will be using it?"
The venue staff must have decided that it was impossible to continue the ceremony in this situation. Or maybe they had a manual for trouble at weddings? They didn't seem to panic, and they were calm.
"That's right... Can you prepare a place where I and the other party's family, the people involved... more than 10 people can have some space?"
"Yes, we have a venue that is not in use today, so please use that one."
I arranged the details with the staff, and then I spoke to Yanashima Gouki in a low voice.
"Father-in-law"
This way of calling him would probably be the last time today.
"What are you going to do, Tadayuki-kun?"
"Well, for now, I think it's hard to continue the ceremony as it is."
"That's right, it is."
His daughter's wedding was interrupted by a scandal. It must be unbearable for him as a father. I sympathize with him, but I won't go easy on him.
"Also, in this situation... it's also hard to accept the gifts from everyone..."
"That's true..."
"So, how about this: we let the people who want to stay and enjoy the food, and let them leave at their own timing, and then we return the gifts when they do."
"It's fine for Tadayuki-kun to decide."
"No, please let father-in-law decide."
"Me? Why?"
"...I don't want to say this, but if that video earlier was real, then the expenses for this ceremony will be borne by the Yanashima family. It's only natural, isn't it?"
"...That's, well, true."
It's a payment of several million. Even the composed Yanashima Gouki trembles slightly. Yet, it's commendable to acknowledge it.
"Then, let the party paying decide... Kanae is in that state right now. Wouldn't it be fitting for father-in-law to decide? Informing everyone of the interruption of the ceremony, including future instructions, should be under father-in-law's... the Yanashima family's responsibility, please."
This confirmation is necessary. I mean, he caused the interruption of the ceremony, didn't he? I'll make it clear where the responsibility lies.
Depending on whether he admit this fact here or not, the discussion will change later.
All I'm doing is making a suggestion. The initiative is all his.
If needed, I can just continue from here. If there's resolve to face humiliation, that is, on the other side.
Well, this is essentially the only choice.
"Understood, I will speak to everyone on behalf of myself."
The father-in-law stood up and bowed to the attendees.
"Despite your busy schedules, I deeply apologize for inconveniencing you all due to my daughter's misconduct. It's quite unreasonable, and I believe it's difficult to continue the ceremony in this state."
Amidst murmurs in the venue, the father-in-law continued speaking.
"As soon as preparations are ready, we will return the gifts received, please collect them at the reception. It may take some time for us to prepare, so please enjoy food and conversation in the meantime. The responsibility for this mishap solely lies with my daughter, and ultimately, the Yanashima family. Tadayuki and his family bear no fault whatsoever. It's entirely due to my shortcomings as the head of the Yanashima family. Please understand that aspect. I sincerely apologize for today."
As he finished explaining, the father-in-law crisply bowed his head.
Well, being able to speak so firmly in this situation, indeed, shows remarkable composure. However, that'll do for now. This scene has been recorded. Even if the other side tries to complain later on, evidence of acknowledging fault in the surroundings has been left behind. Resolving everything in today's discussion might be impossible, but it should prove useful in future negotiations.
"Tadayuki, let's go to a separate room."
"Yes, you're right."
"Kanae, come here."
"Um, Dad, it's not what you think."
"——I don't care, just come here!"
Kanae, who was hesitating, receives a verbal thunderbolt from her father-in-law. In short, he's Thunderous Father-in-law... Ridiculous, even for me.
The moment she's called out, Kanae's body jerks involuntarily.
Hahaha, it's like she was struck by lightning, seriously.
Father-in-law then turns towards Takashi.
"Kato, I... I'd like to hear your side of the story. Okay?"
"Yes..."
Hahaha. Takashi, you look like you're about to die!
Well, having the fact of the affair exposed and being betrayed by his wife, it's no wonder he looks that way.
But Mizuno's betrayal is because of you, right? Thanks to you trying to pin the blame on her, I had an easy time here. A useless enemy is like an ally, isn't that right?
Oh, by the way, is one of the two transformations you left behind turning your face pale? What kind of transformation will you show next?
Well, while we're moving, don't bother coming up with useless excuses.
Uwahahaha!
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