Chapter 55: The Threat To Kaoruko
[Ding!]
[Main Quest Alert!]
[Main Quest: Must complete the task. If the task is failed or refused, the system will disappear.]
[Main Quest 2: Without using force or evading, maintain a dominant position in front of Fujiwara Kaoruko for one hour.]
[Quest Reward: Advanced Drawing Skills]
Yuta had only completed one main quest before, which was the task of adopting the three sisters from the Takanashi family. The rest were side quests.
Upon realizing it was a main quest, Yuta reconsidered his intention to leave.
Maintaining a dominant position in front of Kaoruko without using force or evading—it was a challenging task.
Yuta looked at Kaoruko and asked, "You say you can help me?"
"Yes, isn't that exactly what you need right now?" Kaoruko replied with her arms crossed, speaking in a declarative tone.
Yuta shook his head, deciding to approach Kaoruko with a different attitude.
"I don't actually need your help. But since you've invited me here, I don't mind accepting your assistance. As you mentioned earlier, I am indeed somewhat interested in you." Yuta glanced at Kaoruko. "I must admit, Kaoruko, you are quite captivating."
In an instant, Yuta's demeanor shifted from the usual reserved attitude to one of strong assertiveness, giving off a commanding presence.
Kaoruko felt uneasy under Yuta's intense gaze. She had anticipated that Yuta might refuse or agree, but she had not expected this reaction. It made her realize that Yuta was not just a timid college student, but someone with considerable experience in the real world.
Despite her discomfort, Kaoruko maintained her composure, sitting calmly and meeting Yuta's gaze. She responded casually, "You may be mistaken. In my research, you are not indispensable. I will provide some training, but that doesn't mean you can command me."
Yuta smiled, leaning back on the sofa and maintaining eye contact with Kaoruko. "You're right. I might not be necessary for your research, and neither are others. But what about you?"
Kaoruko was unsettled by the current atmosphere, feeling as if she was trapped by an invisible chain. It was a distressing experience.
"I don't understand your point, nor do I perceive any threat from you. And I'm puzzled as to why you're behaving this way. Is it because of Aoi's influence?"
Kaoruko interpreted Yuta's behavior as a result of Aoi's influence, but she couldn't fathom the reason behind it.
"That's right," Yuta said firmly. "I'm the one making threats now."
"Threaten me?" Kaoruko frowned upon hearing this, wondering if Yuta was just putting on a show.
Yuta wasn't joking. He looked directly at Kaoruko and continued calmly, "Yes, I'm threatening you. Now that I know about your research, I have the means to either stop it or expose it publicly. If that happens, your entire plan would be jeopardized."
Kaoruko stared at Yuta coldly. Realizing that he was indeed making threats, she had to reassess him.
"I take back what I said earlier. You clearly have the social experience and mindset necessary for the real world," she remarked. Her tone wasn't mocking, but it certainly wasn't a compliment.
Yuta didn't want to resort to this, but given the situation, he had to act.
Allowing Kaoruko to continue with her research was unacceptable to Yuta, and his actions were not solely influenced by the system's task.
Originally, he had intended to discreetly disrupt her plans, but now he had to assert himself directly.
"It doesn't matter much to me whether I stay in or drop out of school, but it would have a significant impact on you," Yuta stated, cutting off any advantage Kaoruko might have gained by using her professor status to undermine him.
Kaoruko closed her eyes for a few seconds, then reopened them, looking at Yuta. "Speak. What do you want?"
"Alright, but before we proceed, I need to make it clear that just as you believe you've done nothing wrong, I don't think I'm in the wrong either," Yuta said. He was indeed threatening Kaoruko, but his goal was to ensure her research failed and prevent more young women from being involved.
Kaoruko remained silent, staring at Yuta. She hadn't anticipated being outmaneuvered by this young man.
Kaoruko had loved The Tale of Genji since childhood, and her repeated study of the book from her student days led her to become a professor in the literature department. The simple text no longer satisfied her, so she had long wanted to recreate the scenarios described in the book.
While some people were aware of her ambitions, if Yuta were to make it public, her plans would face significant backlash.
As Kaoruko pondered what demands Yuta might make, Yuta was also considering what requests he should make.
After thinking for a few minutes without coming up with a clear request, Yuta decided to maintain his assertive stance and said to Kaoruko, "Show me some sincerity. Let me see how much you value this research and how far you're willing to go."
Upon hearing this, Kaoruko made a decision, which was also her greatest concession.
Under Yuta's watchful eyes, Kaoruko moved to the edge of the sofa, leaning against it with her eyes closed. She placed one hand on the edge of the sofa and the other hand in front of her face, blocking her view.
"I'll only let you touch my shoulder. This is my greatest concession."
-------------
If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/EggZy