Chapter 4: The End Justifies the Means
John Spencer POV
"My father called me, John. It seems our movement couldn't be hidden from him," Kaguya expressed her worry.
"You should express your ambition to take over Shinomiya Zaibatsu to your father when you arrive at the hospital," I suggested.
"Will it make things worse?" she asked.
It's understandable where her worries come from. She is not favored by her father, according to my observation. Despite knowing that her brothers attempt to manipulate Kaguya, her father didn't stop it; he even encouraged it. However, her unfavorable condition could change if Kaguya could convince Shinomiya Gan'an, her father, of the fact that she is his real daughter.
In canon, her father didn't want to meet her and ignored her because of his doubt about whether Kaguya is his real daughter or not. It's understandable; after all, she was born from a prostitute and not his concubine or wife. Despite her mother being a prostitute, it was surprising that Shinomiya Gan'an fell in love with this kind of woman. But because of constant doubt about whether Kaguya is his real daughter or not, this doubt undoubtedly led her to an unfavorable position.
It was like you recently slept with a woman who slept with many men, then she suddenly says she is pregnant with your child. But you doubt that the child is really yours. Let's be real: you are rich, handsome, and have a bright prospect. Then the prostitute says you have her child. Who wouldn't doubt the authenticity of this truth?
So, Shinomiya Gan'an's suspiciousness is understandable.
"Why do you think it would make it worse?" I returned the question to her. I wanted to see her sharpness without needing to rely on me continuously.
She was lost for a moment and didn't know how to answer my question, and I sighed in regret that Kaguya's mind didn't see the problem of why her father was avoiding her. I don't know whether it was because she was purely dumb or she didn't want to seek the answer and avoid it out of fear for the worst.
"If you fear your father so much, I suggest we stop here. The world doesn't revolve around you. If you don't even have the courage to face your own father, what qualification do you have to take over a huge corporation?"
"But... I never said I wanted to take over Shinomiya Zaibatsu. I just want to be free," Kaguya rebuked.
"Then tell your brothers and father, 'Hey, my family, I just want to be freed. Please leave me alone,' and see whether you will be freed or not." I mocked mercilessly at her attempt to retreat.
"When you try to break free from your brothers and begin to attempt to be independent yourself, you will undoubtedly position yourself as their rival. They will not give you a chance to be freed; never will. You only have two ends: compromise the power you have and surrender or crush them."
"Why is there no negotiation choice?" Kaguya asked with a weary expression.
"Naïve! Do you think your brother will trust you? You are already powerful enough to be a threat to them. Will they sleep better knowing the heir position that is supposed to belong to them is threatened by you? Let me tell you a secret. In World War II, when Hitler really wanted to stop his aggression after taking France, did Britannia trust him? No, they didn't. They gave up unrealistic fantasies and prepared for war with Germany."
"It's not about what you want, but what the world perceives about you."
"I have already said from the beginning: if you want to stop, you only have two choices: give up your power or continue to take control of your family business," I said.
"Can you give me some time, John?" Kaguya pleaded.
"Since you hesitated that much, let's start with my earliest suggestion: investigate Ai Hayasaka's past and see for yourself the cruelty of your brother. Farewell, Kaguya. May you be enlightened in our next meeting. I don't want to see you with this expression again."
After that, I left and shut down my Waifu App and prepared myself to leave my room.
I need to take care of something in the real world first before diving back into the game.
It has been three days since I played this shitty game non-stop.
I need to touch some grass.
...
Kaguya Shinomiya POV
"Is there something that you wanted to talk about, Miss?" In the past, Hayasaka wouldn't have asked this question as she was given free reign by me to enter my room at will. But now, it's obvious that she was suspicious about being allowed to enter my room once more.
After all, I don't want to be labeled a madwoman for talking to someone from my head. That's why I never allow anyone to approach my room, not even Hayasaka.
"I want to ask something from you, Hayasaka. No more hiding. I want your honesty above all else. Don't force me to investigate your past. You are my best friend, after all. I always see you as a sister."
As much as this approach sounds stupid and would lead John to roll his eyes for startling the snake from being vigilant, especially since I bluntly told Hayasaka that I would investigate her, but, I value our sisterhood. I don't want to sneakily snoop on Hayasaka's information behind her back. I want to be upfront about it. I want her to be honest with me and tell me herself what she is hiding from me.
"Is this question related to your previous behavior, Miss?" Ai Hayasaka sighed in resignation.
"In the end, I can't hide from you, Miss. I will resign myself from the position as your maid and attendant. I don't deserve to stand by your side. I have betrayed you; I have no excuse for it."
My expression sank as I heard this, and I stared at her in disbelief.
What I hate most is betrayal, especially the fact that most of my attendants were either spies or backstabbers who showed no hesitation in selling me out for my brothers' favor.
I don't understand why Hayasaka treats me like this.
"You betrayed me?" I asked incredulously.
"I did, Miss." Hayasaka bowed her head in shame.
In the end, John was right. I was too soft, too idealistic, and too trusting that everything would go my way and they would favor me. The freedom that I hoped for would be within my reach without me even needing to fight my brothers.
But guess what? Even when I was weakest, my brothers were still wary of me, even using my best friend to monitor me.
This feeling of betrayal hurts.
"Hayasaka... tell me the full story," I ordered.
"Yes, Miss." She obeyed.
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