I Favor the Villainess Chapter 54

Chapter 54
Even if it’s not in the tale

“Waait a moment!”

As I arrived at the ceremonial hall, Manarisama was just about to kiss Claire-sama .
I hurriedly stopped her, but it was truly within a hair’s breadth .

Everyone’s gazes gathered on me .
Their expressions turned uniformly into surprise .
No surprise .
I was in tatters .

“You’re slow”
“Ah, I met some unexpected difficulties”

After lightly apologizing to Misha who said I was worried, I forced my way towards Claire-sama and Manarisama .

“You didn’t run away . I acknowledge you for at least this much”

Manarisama said so with a displeased face .

“Who would escape . I’ve said I absolute won’t lose, right?”

Threateningly sticking out my tongue, I pulled Claire-sama’s hand to separate them .
Claire-sama looked at me with a complicated expression .

“You…”
“Claire-sama, please be at ease . I won’t hand over Claire-sama”

Breathing roughly, I declared to Claire-sama .

“Even if you say so, the match has already started . I don’t know what kind of an offering you brought, but my offering is a floss flower . There’s no better offering than it, is there?”

Saying so, Manarisama held out a shining flower .

“Even if you bring a floss flower, it’s first come, first served . I’m the winner no matter――”
“This is my offering”

Interrupting Manarisama, I took “it” from my bag .

“What is that… branch?”

It’s as Claire-sama muttered, my offering is a tree branch .
At first glance it’s a plain branch .

“Have you only managed to obtain such a thing?”
“No, I’ve been searching for this all this time”

While everyone, especially Manarisama, was suspicious, I said full of confidence .

“You’ll understand when I dedicate it”

Hurry up, I urged Manarisama .

Claire-sama is looking here anxiously, but I nodded to reassure her that I’m alright .

“Sure thing . Then why don’t we dedicate them”

Saying so, Manarisama stepped towards the love scales .
Although the love scales are made from old-looking wood, they have a sturdy appearance .
Rather than extravagantly, they’re decorated in a refined manner, they possess dignity worthy of a sacred treasure granted by God .

“Then, my turn . From within my heart, unto God’s judgment”

After reciting the passage from the Amour’s Poem a little theatrically, Manarisama reverently dedicated the floss flower to the scales .
The flower dedicated to the scales shined all the brighter .
It’s an appropriate offering to be extolled in the legend .
The scales tilted greatly .

“I’m next . I dedicate”

Not saying the line from the legend on purpose, I dedicated the branch to the scales .
There’s no sign of the scales moving .

“I knew it, I’m the wi――”

When Manarisama was about to finish, rumbling resounded .

“Earthquake!?”

The surroundings became noisy, but it’s not the ground that shook .
What shook was the love scales .

“What?”

Someone raised a puzzled voice .
Looking at the branch, it sprouted shoots .
That’s not all .
One after another roots sprang, the branch quickly grew, and in the twinkling of an eye became a large tree .
The scales greatly tilted towards it .

“Floss lost to a branch…? This branch… what in the world…?”

I said to Manarisama who muttered overcome with surprise .

“It’s called Intertwined Branch”

It’s a little different from Bai Juyi’s The Song of Everlasting Regret .
The Intertwined Branch is a rare drop from monsters called Intertwined Trees which inhabit the depths of the forest where the ceremonial hall is located .

The Intertwined Branch is a rare drop from monsters called Intertwined Trees which inhabit the depths of the forest where the ceremonial hall is located .
Intertwined Trees are very strong monsters resistant to magic, but as a matter of fact they do have a weak point .
Slimes’ secretion rots them .
With the help from my familiar Relaire, I’ve been devotedly hunting Intertwined Trees .
The branch only dropped just now .

“Weren’t floss flowers the best offering…?”
“Among the offerings known until now, floss flowers were certainly the best . But, I searched for a better offering”

I think everyone already noticed, but this is the fruit of the game knowledge .
In Revolution, there’s also a love scales episode .
Fundamentally, it’s okay if you can obtain a floss flower, but if you obtain the Intertwined Branch you can see a special still .
In other words, the Intertwined Branch is a hidden item .

To win using the game knowledge, I wonder if some people are uncomfortable with that .
Probably .
Even I at first didn’t intend to use the knowledge of the Intertwined Branch .
I felt it was unfair to bring into love the knowledge obtained through the unique situation of transmigration .
Even if the opponent was Manarisama whom I detest .

But, I realized .
No, I should say I was made to realize .
You can’t win at love if you say such pretty things .

It’s exactly as the song Love is War1 from my previous life says .
You can’t win love with just words .
If I really want to obtain Claire-sama, I can’t care about appearances .
That’s why, I intentionally broke the restrictions I imposed on myself .
I want to show Claire-sama my feelings no matter what .

“Claire-sama”
“…?”

I addressed Claire-sama who’s still overcome with surprise .
I straightened my posture, looked her directly into eyes and said .

“I honestly don’t care about such a match”
“Eh…?”

Claire-sama’s eyes shook in unease .
But it’s different .
That’s not what I want to say .

“I can’t love like in the story . As you’re aware, I can’t say important things without making light of them”

But, I continued .

“Even if I weren’t recognized by the God’s scales, I would still love you . Whoever lost, I would still continue loving you . That’s why――”

I knelt before Claire-sama and took her hand―― .

I knelt before Claire-sama and took her hand―― .

“Rather than a maid, would you make me your partner?”

Not with the passage from the story but with my own words, I wished to be loved by Claire-sama for the first time .

“… You truly are…”

Tears appeared in Claire-sama’s eyes .
I don’t know what type of tears they are .
But―― .

Claire-sama smiled .

“Hahaha! Ah, I completely lost!”

When the atmosphere started getting good, Manarisama’s cheerful laughter resounded .

“Manarisama . We’re at a good spot so please read the air”
“No way . As I thought, you’re great . The best”

Saying so, Manarisama hugged me .

“Hold on, Manarisama”
“No, I thought you’re good, but I didn’t expect you to go to such lengths . Mmhm, you’re for sure fit to be my partner”

What is this person saying .

“O, Onee-sama, what does this mean…?”
“Ah, sorry, Claire . From the start my objective was Rei . Rei’s reactions were fun, so I just teased her by getting close to Claire”

Te he, Manarisama stuck out her tongue and laughed .

Now that we’re on this topic, I remembered her setting from the setting materials .
Manarisama in the game fell in love with the protagonist .
That’s why Manarisama supported her .
Since I had a poor impression of Manarisama in this world, it completely slipped my mind .

“Hey, Manarisama . Please let me go”
“No way . I’ll take you back to Sousa like this”
“I refuse!”
“Mmhm, you’re even sweeter when you are displeased . I love such you”

Right as Manarisama said that, she forcibly brought her lips near me .

“Wait, sto――”

When Manarisama was about to steal my lips .

“Doooon’t!!!”

A loud shriek-like scream grandly resounded throughout the crowded ceremonial hall .

“Doooon’t!!!”

A loud shriek-like scream grandly resounded throughout the crowded ceremonial hall .

“Rei is mine! Don’t steal what’s mine!”

The person surprised the most by that voice was none other than me .
Its owner was Claire-sama .
Everyone is dumbfounded .

“C, Claire-sama…?”

When I nervously called out to her, although it’s too late now Claire-sama seemed to comprehend the meaning of what she blurted out .

“It, it is different! What I have just said does not mean――!”
“Claire-samaa!!!”

I couldn’t control the feelings welling up in my heart, so I instinctively embraced Claire-sama tightly .

“Hey, separate from me!”
“Don’t want to . I love you, Claire-sama!”

I am so happy I embraced Claire-sama and didn’t let her go .

“I dislike it! Se-prte-fro-m-me!”
“Didn’t you say I’m yours!”
“You are annoying! Forget it!”

We had a lively exchange .
The first like that in a while .

“Manarisama, excuse my impoliteness, but I think that’s it for the match?”
“Yup, looks like it”

Misha and Manarisama said so while watching us frolicking about .

“Love with the same sex is a thorny path . I’d wish a happier love for Rei and Claire, but――”
“But?”

Misha urged her to continue .

“But, it’s fine . Those two are unlikely to regret their love”

Saying so, Manarisama gave a broad smile like she became unbound by something .

“Se-prte-fro-m-me!”
“Don-t-wan-t-to”

Claire-sama and I didn’t hear the conversation between Manarisama and Misha as we could freely frolic about for the first time in a while .
But, it goes without saying that my heart was more satisfied than ever .

Even if it s not in the tale Waait a moment As I arrived at the ceremonial hall, Manaria sama was just about to kiss Claire sama . I hurriedly stopped her, but it was truly within a hair s breadth . Everyone s gazes gathered on me . Their expressions turned uniformly into surprise . No surprise . I was in tatters . You re slow Ah, I met some unexpected difficulties After lightly apologizing to Misha who said I was worried, I forced my way towards Claire sama and Manaria sama . You didn t run away . I acknowledge you for at least this much Manaria sama said so with a displeased face . Who would escape . I ve said I absolute won t lose, right Threateningly sticking out my tongue, I pulled Claire sama s hand to separate them . Claire sama looked at me with a complicated expression . You Claire sama, please be at ease . I won t hand over Claire sama Breathing roughly, I declared to Claire sama . Even if you say so, the match has already started . I don t know what kind of an offering you brought, but my offering is a floss flower . There s no better offering than it, is there Saying so, Manaria sama held out a shining flower . Even if you bring a floss flower, it s first come, first served . I m the winner no matter This is my offering Interrupting Manaria sama, I took it from my bag . What is that branch It s as Claire sama muttered, my offering is a tree branch . At first glance it s a plain branch . Have you only managed to obtain such a thing No, I ve been searching for this all this time While everyone, especially Manaria sama, was suspicious, I said full of confidence . You ll understand when I dedicate it Hurry up, I urged Manaria sama . Claire sama is looking here anxiously, but I nodded to reassure her that I m alright . Sure thing . Then why don t we dedicate them Saying so, Manaria sama stepped towards the love scales . Although the love scales are made from old looking wood, they have a sturdy appearance . Rather than extravagantly, they re decorated in a refined manner, they possess dignity worthy of a sacred treasure granted by God . Then, my turn . From within my heart, unto God s judgment After reciting the passage from the Amour s Poem a little theatrically, Manaria sama reverently dedicated the floss flower to the scales . The flower dedicated to the scales shined all the brighter . It s an appropriate offering to be extolled in the legend . The scales tilted greatly . I m next . I dedicate Not saying the line from the legend on purpose, I dedicated the branch to the scales . There s no sign of the scales moving . I knew it, I m the wi When Manaria sama was about to finish, rumbling resounded . Earthquake The surroundings became noisy, but it s not the ground that shook . What shook was the love scales . What Someone raised a puzzled voice . Looking at the branch, it sprouted shoots . That s not all . One after another roots sprang, the branch quickly grew, and in the twinkling of an eye became a large tree . The scales greatly tilted towards it . Floss lost to a branch This branch what in the world I said to Manaria sama who muttered overcome with surprise . It s called Intertwined Branch It s a little different from Bai Juyi s The Song of Everlasting Regret . The Intertwined Branch is a rare drop from monsters called Intertwined Trees which inhabit the depths of the forest where the ceremonial hall is located . Intertwined Trees are very strong monsters resistant to magic, but as a matter of fact they do have a weak point . Slimes secretion rots them . With the help from my familiar Relaire, I ve been devotedly hunting Intertwined Trees . The branch only dropped just now . Weren t floss flowers the best offering Among the offerings known until now, floss flowers were certainly the best . But, I searched for a better offering I think everyone already noticed, but this is the fruit of the game knowledge . In Revolution, there s also a love scales episode . Fundamentally, it s okay if you can obtain a floss flower, but if you obtain the Intertwined Branch you can see a special still . In other words, the Intertwined Branch is a hidden item . To win using the game knowledge, I wonder if some people are uncomfortable with that . Probably . Even I at first didn t intend to use the knowledge of the Intertwined Branch . I felt it was unfair to bring into love the knowledge obtained through the unique situation of transmigration . Even if the opponent was Manaria sama whom I detest . But, I realized . No, I should say I was made to realize . You can t win at love if you say such pretty things . It s exactly as the song Love is War1 from my previous life says . You can t win love with just words . If I really want to obtain Claire sama, I can t care about appearances . That s why, I intentionally broke the restrictions I imposed on myself . I want to show Claire sama my feelings no matter what . Claire sama I addressed Claire sama who s still overcome with surprise . I straightened my posture, looked her directly into eyes and said . I honestly don t care about such a match Eh Claire sama s eyes shook in unease . But it s different . That s not what I want to say . I can t love like in the story . As you re aware, I can t say important things without making light of them But, I continued . Even if I weren t recognized by the God s scales, I would still love you . Whoever lost, I would still continue loving you . That s why I knelt before Claire sama and took her hand . Rather than a maid, would you make me your partner Not with the passage from the story but with my own words, I wished to be loved by Claire sama for the first time . You truly are Tears appeared in Claire sama s eyes . I don t know what type of tears they are . But . Claire sama smiled . Hahaha Ah, I completely lost When the atmosphere started getting good, Manaria sama s cheerful laughter resounded . Manaria sama . We re at a good spot so please read the air No way . As I thought, you re great . The best Saying so, Manaria sama hugged me . Hold on, Manaria sama No, I thought you re good, but I didn t expect you to go to such lengths . Mmhm, you re for sure fit to be my partner What is this person saying . O, Onee sama, what does this mean Ah, sorry, Claire . From the start my objective was Rei . Rei s reactions were fun, so I just teased her by getting close to Claire Te he, Manaria sama stuck out her tongue and laughed . Now that we re on this topic, I remembered her setting from the setting materials . Manaria sama in the game fell in love with the protagonist . That s why Manaria sama supported her . Since I had a poor impression of Manaria sama in this world, it completely slipped my mind . Hey, Manaria sama . Please let me go No way . I ll take you back to Sousa like this I refuse Mmhm, you re even sweeter when you are displeased . I love such you Right as Manaria sama said that, she forcibly brought her lips near me . Wait, sto When Manaria sama was about to steal my lips . Doooon t A loud shriek like scream grandly resounded throughout the crowded ceremonial hall . Rei is mine Don t steal what s mine The person surprised the most by that voice was none other than me . Its owner was Claire sama . Everyone is dumbfounded . C, Claire sama When I nervously called out to her, although it s too late now Claire sama seemed to comprehend the meaning of what she blurted out . It, it is different What I have just said does not mean Claire samaa I couldn t control the feelings welling up in my heart, so I instinctively embraced Claire sama tightly . Hey, separate from me Don t want to . I love you, Claire sama I am so happy I embraced Claire sama and didn t let her go . I dislike it Se pa ra te fro m me Didn t you say I m yours You are annoying Forget it We had a lively exchange . The first like that in a while . Manaria sama, excuse my impoliteness, but I think that s it for the match Yup, looks like it Misha and Manaria sama said so while watching us frolicking about . Love with the same sex is a thorny path . I d wish a happier love for Rei and Claire, but But Misha urged her to continue . But, it s fine . Those two are unlikely to regret their love Saying so, Manaria sama gave a broad smile like she became unbound by something . Se pa ra te fro m me Don t wan t to Claire sama and I didn t hear the conversation between Manaria sama and Misha as we could freely frolic about for the first time in a while . But, it goes without saying that my heart was more satisfied than ever .

Chapter end