"Miss secretary, I know you're using me," Akira Fujimiya said softly, looking down at Hisako Arato in his arms.
"Young Master Akira, I…" Hisako raised her head, intending to explain.
"You want to help your eldest daughter without letting her paying any price, but that's impossible," Akira said plainly before she could say anything.
Hisako lowered her head, silent.
"According to the contract, your eldest daughter and I will definitely have a child—If she wants to control the Nakiri family and Totsuki Academy, she can't get away from me."
"Moreover, she needs something from me."
Akira said his eyes calm, as he continue, "I have a method to alleviate the side effects of the God Tongue. It is also because of this your lady behaves like that around me."
Akira spoke the truth without hesitation.
"..!!!"
Hisako couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Could the side effects of the God Tongue really be alleviated?
She didn't know how many books she had read, just to find a way to help her mistress....but she couldn't find any solution to her problem!
Unexpectedly, Young Master Akira could....
"This matter is a secret between her and me. The reason I tell you is because of your relationship with her. I trust you won't tell anyone," Akira said softly.
"Young Master Akira, can you completely cure the side effects of the Divine Tongue?" Hisako asked, her eyes wide.
"It's possible, but the method is a little… special. It requires marriage," Akira said after a pause.
"Marriage? Why?" Hisako's face showed pure confusion.
"Little secretary, you know medicinal food and a lot about herbs. Have you ever considered a possibility?" Akira asked, his gaze fixed on her.
"What possibility?" Hisako was stunned.
"If a person absorbs too many medicinal herbs, it may alter their physical constitution…"
"You mean…that you absorbed too many medicinal herbs, causing your physical condition to change, and the reason Miss Erina needs you is because of your physical condition?" She couldn't help but exclaimed.
"Almost."
"I've seen similar some descriptions in ancient texts. If what you are saying is true...then your condition is probably caused by absorbing excessive medicinal herbs or food from childhood, causing it to changed your body. Simply put…"
"I've become like a medicinal herb?"
"Yes."
Akira noticed Hisako nodding slowly, understanding the books she might had been reading.
There is no doubt that Shinto Hisako read the fake book.
It was clear that what Hisako had read thinking it was some ancient text— was fake!
This is just something he made up on the way.
Unexpectedly, Arato Hisako was able gave a scientific explanation for it.
Making it easy for him.
"Young Master Akira, you just said you need to get married. Could it be that the method you're referring to is…" Hisako's face turned red as realization dawned.
"Ahem. Kissing helps a little, but the effect isn't strong. Holding Miss Erina's hand works to some extent too, but I can't do that all the time," Akira said, coughing twice to hide his embarrassment.
"You… will marry Miss Erina?" Hisako asked cautiously.
"Sorry, my answer hasn't changed. The person I want to marry is Yukino Yukinoshita," Akira said firmly.
"But in that case, Miss Erina…"
"Secretary, I feel like I'm saving her, but I don't want to take on too much responsibility. I'm conflicted about whether to save her or not," Akira admitted, leaving the question to Hisako.
Hisako opened her mouth but could not answer immediately.
If she agreed to it — he might save her lady —Erina Nakiri but she would have to do...'that' with Akira but wouldn't gain the status that she should.
And If she refused…
Hisako thought of Miss Erina's mother, who had also possessed the God Tongue and suffered from severe anorexia. Even modern medicine couldn't help her, and she survived only with nutrient solutions before finally leaving them in pain.
Thinking of that, Hisako came to a decision.
Miss Erina must not suffer the same fate!
She lifted her head and looked Akira in the eyes, determination shining through.
"Young Master Akira, please save Miss Erina. She might hate me for it...But I want her to live happily without suffering from the side effects."
After a moment of silence, Akira nodded. "Okay."
Hisako exhaled in relief, feeling reassured that Akira agreed.
Then, a sudden realization struck her.
She had initially wanted to use Akira, to approach him strategically.
But now… thanks to him, Miss Erina might not have to go to the hospital, and...naturally, Hisako felt compelled to 'support' Akira.
Moreover, since both of them already have a superficial relationship, it is only natural to continue to develop it and make it better.
Thinking of this, Hisako blushed, reached out and hugged Akira, resting her head in his chest.
Akira noticing her movements had already guessed her thoughts, embracing her without hesitation.
After a long moment, Hisako lifted her head, determined,bring her lips closed to him and kissed him.
Akira responded immediately, his hand instinctively reaching downward.
Grabbing the soft thing under water—
This time, Hisako made no move to push him away.
.....
Lunch Time
Akira brought Hisako back to the villa.
Erina Nakiri approached, fists clenched, clearly woth the intention to punch the bastard—though she stop herself before she did.
After all, she still need this insufferable guy's help!
The blush on Hisako Arato's face had not yet faded and when she saw Erina, she instinctively lowered her head, hiding any trace of emotion.
Yet her actions spoke volumes.
Erina glared at Akira, her teeth gritted.
Akira smiled gently. "Miss Nakiri, what are you thinking? Do you need my help?"
"You—I…" Erina froze, hesitated.
"Miss Erina, please accept Young Master Akira help. Your health is the most important," Hisako urged quickly, noticing her hesitation.
"Hisako?" Erina blinked in surprise.
"I've taken care of you since childhood, and I know how terrible the side effects of the God Tongue are...And I don't want Miss to suffer the same fate," Hisako said, bowing, head slightly raised to meet Erina's gaze.
Hearing this, Erina remembered how her mother looked when she was sick and fell silent.
Anorexia alone was a devastating disease—Not to mention the anorexia brought on by the god Tongue!
Being hungry every day yet unable to eat anything could drive anyone to madness.
She had seen her mother's pain firsthand—her painful side!
"To be honest, I don't want the Nakiri family's wealth, nor do I want to force you into anything. It's just that I am the only one who can cure your illness, and this makes me worry about your condition," Akira said firmly, his smile gone, replaced by a serious expression.
'LIAR!'
Erina looked at him, her emotions complex—She want to scream at him but couldn't, the first part about not wanting her family wealth might be true but....not forcing her..yea right!
"I want to save you because of Yukino, because of Hisako, and because of you," Akira continued.
Erina lowered her head, her heart filled with complicated emotions, she could feel the truth in his words —Though she and Yukinoshita Yukino were rivals, if their positions were reversed, she would likely act the same way...right?
"I don't want to marry you because I've already promised Yukino. I must marry her first." Akira stated decisively.
Erina turned away, confusion and inner conflict evident.
She understood that to gain more time, she needed to further develop her connection with Akira—But Akira is already Yukinoshita Yukino's fiancé...
It's impossible to marry her!
This realization made her resistant to the thought—a mix of frustration and helplessness.
"Think carefully, Miss Nakiri," Akira said, then walked into the villa.
"Miss Erina…" Hisako's soft voice followed, understanding her lady's tangled emotions.
"Hisako, I'm sorry," Erina whispered.
"It's okay, Miss Erina. We still have time," Hisako replied, stepping forward to hug her gently.
Erina's eyes dimmed with unease.
She knew she didn't have enough time.
.....
Inside the villa,
Akira found Yuigahama Yui and Ebina Hina, who had finished their meal.
There were still some desserts on the coffee table, uneaten.
They weren't able to finished it all, it seem.
"We can't waste food," Akira said lightly, shaking his head, before picking up the leftover dessert and eating it himself.
"Thank you for your help, Akira-kun," Yui said, smiling warmly.
"Is Megumi's cooking delicious?" Akira asked,licking the cream that was on his finger.
Yui nodded.
"Her cooking is on the same level as the maids here. Most importantly, she considers both of our tastes before making it for us," Ebina added.
"Megumi is very considerate of the people who eat, which is one of the good points for her—This is what a true chef should be like, considering the guests and prepares the most suitable and delicious dishes for them," Akira said with a smile.
Ebina nodded in agreement.
After finishing the dessert, Akira went to check on Yukinoshita Yukino.
.....
Inside Yukino's room—
Miss Yukinoshita was eating slowly while looking at the video on the computer.
"Yukino, make sure you get enough rest," Akira reminded as he approach her.
"I understand. Don't disturb me, If you have time, go and accompany Yui," Yukino replied without looking up.
Akira chuckle at her behavior as he lightly kiss her cheek before he left, closing the door quietly,
Yukino lips curl up as she continue to eat her food, happily.
....
Inside Isshiki Iroha room,
When Akira open the door and checked on Isshiki Iroha.
Only to find — the cute devil-like Kouhai muttering his name in sleep, as if dreaming about themselves.
Akira smile before closing the door, not wanting to disturbed her sleep.
...
Next, Akira went to Saki Kawasaki's room.
To see that she was on a video call with her family.
Akira stepped in and greeted those on the call briefly.
Once the call ended, he hugged Saki, asking her what she did today and when he learned that she had not eaten anything, he took her hand and walked towards the restaurant outside so that they can spend sometime together.
Saki too hold his hand firmly, feeling comfortable with Akira holding her hand.
She didn't ask for anything else; this simple gesture was enough, as they both walked outside the villa.
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,755