Ayanokoji Kiyotaka now understood the entire sequence of events.
He was, instead, a bit speechless.
He had originally wanted Saotome Meari to experience a crushing defeat, become disheartened, and withdraw from the "gambling world."
But he never expected that Hanatemari's actions would instead cause Meari to rally and even intensify her desire to earn money.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka couldn't blame her, after all, she was doing it for Meari's sake.
However... there was one point where Hanatemari was solely responsible.
Ayanokoji was silent for a moment, then suddenly said: "Hanatemari, I understand your reason for doing this.
But when you were putting on that act, did you ever consider that if Saotome hadn't been burdened by your 1 million yen 'Special Contribution Fee,' she wouldn't have gambled everything, even her body, to participate in this matching party, would she?"
If it weren't for wanting Hanatemari to escape being livestock sooner, Saotome would probably still be in the casino earning money with her Three-Color Dice, instead of participating in today's party and wagering her overnight privilege in a gamble.
Hanatemari, who had been relatively calm, heard Ayanokoji question her like this and angrily shouted: "Was she doing it for me? She was clearly doing it for you, right!?"
...For himself?
Ayanokoji was stunned, not knowing where this statement came from.
"Let Meari tell you that herself; I don't want to!" Hanatemari huffily turned her face away.
Why is this person getting angry now...?
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka shook his head exasperatedly and stood up: "Alright, I've generally understood the situation. I promise you, I won't tell Meari about this; you can leave."
Seeing Ayanokoji dismiss her, Hanatemari, on the other hand, was stunned: "It's over already...? You called me here today just to ask about this? Weren't you going to ask me to spend the night with you?"
"Otherwise? Do you think I would covet your body?"
Ayanokoji sighed lightly and began to usher her out.
"Alright, you should go now. Tomorrow, I still have to have dinner with Meari. She'll definitely plead with me tomorrow, hoping I won't lay a hand on you... I'll agree to her then, and this matter will be over.
Just remember, next time, don't ever gamble your body again. Others aren't as kind-hearted as I am; you'll definitely be eaten until there's nothing left but bones."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't forget to caution Hanatemari at the end.
Even Ayanokoji himself felt like he was a great benevolent person, pushing away meat that was already within his grasp.
"Why are you having dinner with Meari tomorrow!?" Hanatemari was startled and quickly asked.
She hadn't heard this news!
"I bought Saotome's dinner appointment from Ochi Ren for money; it cost me 660,000 yen," Ayanokoji shrugged.
660,000 yen just for one meal...
Hearing Ayanokoji say this, Hanatemari fell silent, her eyes wavering greatly.
After a long while, she finally asked: "You're not keeping me overnight today because of Meari, are you? If... it wasn't me who came to your room today, but Meari, would you have kept her?"
"Well... I definitely would," Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't hide it in front of Hanatemari.
He still liked Saotome a lot; if Saotome fell into his hands, he definitely wouldn't let her go easily.
"I see..." Hanatemari Kazura murmured softly. She suddenly said: "In that case, I won't leave tonight."
"Are you joking?"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka felt it was utterly absurd and frowned: "I gave you a chance to leave, didn't I? What do you mean by this? You don't think spending the night is just simply spending the night, doing nothing, do you?"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was only thinking of letting her off the hook because she was Meari's "best friend." Did she really think he would be like the male leads in harem anime who do nothing?
The "bedding supplies" in his email weren't just for show.
"...I understand what you mean. Although I don't have much knowledge in that area, I do understand."
Hanatemari took a deep breath, her eyes firm: "Since I lost at the gambling table, I'm willing to accept the consequences of my bet, no matter what you do tonight."
"...Can I hear your reason? When you first came in, you looked like you were ready to die, so why are you willing to stay here now?"
"I've been in this school for three years, and unlike Meari, I understand the terror of gambling—when you think you have a very high chance of winning and bet everything on that gamble, that's when you're most likely to lose."
Hanatemari had a clear understanding of gambling.
She looked up and suddenly gave a bitter laugh: "Do you know? Originally, in the second gamble, Meari was planning to choose you in the confession. If I had chosen someone else, then the person in this room right now would be her. At that time, would you have let her go?"
Ayanokoji had just answered that question.
"Ayanokoji, so you understand, right? I chose you to protect Meari; I don't want to be protected by her this time."
Hanatemari Kazura also knew that her overnight privilege was worth a lot. If Saotome came to plead with him tomorrow, Saotome would definitely pay some "price," and these prices were very likely things she didn't want to see.
So... she would rather pay these prices herself.
"Are you really sure?" Ayanokoji Kiyotaka asked one last time.
"Mm…" Hanatemari Kazura nodded, her eyes sad but resolute: "I only have one condition, and that is not to tell Saotome Meari about this."
"I promise you." Ayanokoji Kiyotaka nodded readily.
He had given Hanatemari Kazura enough chances; if this 'sheep' was willing to jump into the pot herself, he couldn't possibly refuse to eat.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka led her into the bedroom and had her sit on the bed.
"By the way, should I take the initiative or should you?"
"You do it. I haven't tried it yet…"
Although she was prepared, at this moment, Hanatemari Kazura's cheeks still flushed red, and she shyly closed her eyes.
"...Then I'll begin."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka gently embraced Hanatemari Kazura.
...The scene that followed can only be understood, not spoken.
Fingertips entwined in red dust, lips a faint ash.
Bees stealing from the pistil, moist and flowing like water.
Gently caressing, the gentleman enters the silken tent.
The fisherman lost his way, stumbled upon a secluded peach blossom spring.
As the bed gently swayed, a flute played horizontally.
At first, like a dragonfly skimming the water, then a thunderous clash of swords and spears.
The Great Sage wielded his staff with heavenly might, the beauty raised her weary brows like drifting clouds.
Golden Lotuses grasped the monkey's tail, indulged in pleasure until the stars fell.
The warm mist between their lips lingered, their smooth skin glistened with sweat.
Almond eyes lowered, drunk together in a gentle embrace.
Peach blossoms bloomed plump, delicate orioles sang among the roses.
Dew gradually condensed at the end of July, winter jasmine replaced winter plum blossoms.
Green onions entwined in a kiss, binding two legs, the beauty still trembling.
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