LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 4 - When I Went to the Matchmaking Meeting, My Classmate Appeared [2]
After the initial meeting, my mother and Tsukimisato-san’s mother left with a rather cliché phrase often used by matchmakers, saying, “The rest is for the young ones to take their time.”
Once we were left alone, Tsukimisato-san and I left the room and walked through the garden. This Japanese garden, which covered two-thirds of the property, seemed to be one of the highlights of the restaurant. Seeing the scene of azalea flowers in full red bloom, I couldn’t help but appreciate its charm.
However, I couldn’t fully appreciate the beauty of the garden at that moment. There were more pressing matters on my mind—the fact that Tsukimisato-san, who had come as my arranged meeting partner, intrigued me far more.
“Those azaleas are beautiful, aren’t they? I heard this sight can only be seen during this season,” Tsukimisato-san casually mentioned.
“We don’t have time for a small talk,” I replied.
“That’s right. Since it’s an arranged meeting, it’s better to discuss things that will help us get to know each other better, right?” Tsukimisato-san responded.
“Are you kidding, Tsukimisato-san? As intelligent as you are, you should know by now that I have no intention of taking this arranged meeting seriously.”
“I’m honored by your praise. But, of course, I understand.”
Tsukimisato-san smiled wryly and faced me directly. The playful atmosphere had ended, and now it was time for a serious conversation. She seemed to understand that.
Receiving Tsukimisato-san’s gaze, I spoke bluntly, “Let’s get straight to the point. Tsukimisato-san, are you really satisfied with this arranged marriage?”
“Why would you ask such a thing?”
“I have my reasons. Tsukimisato-san, even though you’re a beauty and have a pleasant personality, anyone would want to be with you, regardless of gender. You have a magnetic charm that draws people to you. In school, there’s always someone by your side.”
“I’m honored by your praise. But why would that make you doubt me?” n
“It’s because you had so many options. If you’re really serious about becoming my fiancée, it seems rather unnatural to me. It feels out of place.”
Tsukimisato-san remained silent, maintaining her calm demeanor while urging me to continue.
In response to her silent request, I spoke again, “We haven’t had any interaction between us, right? In reality, I know you would rather marry someone you really love than being in an arranged marriage, wouldn’t you?”
When I asked, Tsukimizato-san’s expression changed. I couldn’t quite understand why, but she appeared extremely dissatisfied.
“…Don’t you remember?”
“What do you mean?”
“…If you don’t know, it’s fine,” Tsukimisato-san replied.
I raised an eyebrow at her puzzling question, and Tsukimisato-san pursed her lips in a sulky manner. Despite saying it didn’t matter, it was clear she wasn’t satisfied with my response.
As I was still feeling puzzled, Tsukimisato-san returned to her previous expression and answered the earlier question.
“You seem to be doubting me, but I am satisfied with my engagement to Yamabuki-kun.I was the one who proposed this political marriage in the first place.”
My eyes widened at the unexpected answer.
“You?”
“Yes. When my grandfather told me that he was thinking of merging with the Yamabuki Group, I thought that would be the best option.”
“Why?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Tsukimisato-san spoke with a soft smile.
“It’s because I want to get engaged to Yamabuki-kun.”
A smile that charms everyone who sees it. A reply that delighted all who heard it.
What I felt when those were directed at me was… disappointment.
There is no interaction between me and Tsukimisato-san. However, the fact that she wants to get engaged means that the reason for that is not mine. It means that she is focusing on the benefits of being engaged with me, not me.
In other words, in Tsukimisato-san’s mind, there’s nothing else but the merger between the Yamabuki Group and the Tsukimisato Group. Our engagement is just a byproduct of that.
Certainly, this is what an arranged marriage is all about. But that’s not what I’m looking for.
What I’m seeking is someone with whom I can connect on a deeper level, someone who can heal my loneliness.
I can feel my initial interest in the arranged marriage fading away. I start to feel foolish for even having that initial interest.
In the end, is Tsukimisato-san the same as them…?
I naturally let out a sigh. It seems I was expecting more from this arranged marriage than I thought. That’s probably why the disappointment of being betrayed is so great.
“No.”
I said, feeling awake.
“I don’t think we can build a proper husband and wife relationship. It would be a quick divorce even if we get married, and that’s not the outcome we want. Our engagement is for the sake of the merger between the Yamabuki Group and the Tsukimosato Group–to symbolize that merger. If we get engaged but eventually divorce, it would be counterproductive.”
“If you and I were to get engaged, the final result would be detrimental?””
“Yeah. If we, the symbol of the merger, get divorced, the relationship between the groups will be strained. I don’t want that.”
I firmly stated my refusal.
In response, Tsukimisato-san nodded quietly and made a proposal, saying, “In that case…”
“If you and I were to get divorced, we’ll place all the blame on me, and the Tsukimisato Group would take full responsibility,” she proposed.
“……huh?”
“Then, in that case, I promise that the Tsukimizato Group will transfer all its shares and businesses to the Yamabuki Group at no cost,” she said.
“Haaaaaaaaa!?”
I couldn’t help but be surprised. This is because Tsukimisato-san’s proposal was too advantageous for the Yamabuki group.
“It’s practically an acquisition with no cost! The Tsukimisato Group has nothing but disadvantages in this!”
“That means I have the determination to do just that.”
“It’s a mess! In the first place, there’s no way you could make a promise like that on your own!”
“It wasn’t a decision I made alone. My grandfather also agreed.”
I was speechless.
This is insane. I can’t even find the words to respond.
I was so confused that questions fell out of my mouth.
“Why are you willing to go to such lengths?”
“Earlier, you mentioned that I don’t seem to be sincerely interested in becoming your spouse, right?”
Tsukimisato-san’s lips curled into a soft smile. However, her sapphire eyes were as serious as ever.
“I’m serious. I want to marry you, Yamabuki-kun.”
My father’s words come back to me as I look at her eyes that were crystal clear.
――But what if the arranged marriage partner could solve your complex?
The interest that had faded is revived. The hopes that had vanished appeared in my face again.
Even though she has incredible disadvantages, Tsukimisato-san still wants to be engaged to me. She is serious about this arranged marriage..
If that’s the case, could my father’s words be correct? Perhaps Tsukimisato-san is the partner I’ve been seeking all along?
The moment I thought that, the moment I started holding out hope, my defeat was probably decided.
I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with someone because I don’t trust humans…I don’t think anyone I’d want to marry will ever appear…
With such excuses running through my mind, I averted my gaze and reluctantly said:
“If you’re so determined, it would be rude of me to decline.”
“Does that mean you agree on being engaged to me?”
“…If you understand, please don’t ask.”
When I answered bluntly, Tsukimiri-san burst out into a bright smile. My eyes are glued to her child-like, innocent smile, something I’ve never seen before.
“Thank you! I’m so happy!”
“Oh, that’s good.”
I don’t know why, but my heart was pounding and my face felt hot.
Amid my confusion at my own unusual reaction, Tsukimisato-san smiled brightly and raised her index finger.
“Then let’s change the names we call each other.”
“What do you mean?”
“Since we’re getting engaged, wouldn’t it be weird if we keep calling you by your last name?”
“……”
“Isn’t it weird if you keep calling me by my last name?”
Tsukimiri-san is still the same. She was smiling brightly, but at the same time, she was radiating pressure. “I’ll never give up on this stance, okay?” I felt like she was subtly telling me something.
I tried to put up a resistant expression, but I couldn’t seem to resist the pressure from Tsukimisato-san.
After staring at her for a while, I relented.
“……Renge”
“Yes, Hidetsugu-kun♪”
When I turned away and called her name in a defiant manner, Tsukimiri-san–no, Renge-san’s cheeks relaxed like a cat basking in the sun.
That smile was adorable, and to my surprise, my body temperature rose even more.