I'm in a real religion, why are all the people who confess to me girls?

Logically speaking, upon hearing such a thing, a normal person should be quite surprised, or at the very least curious. However, Principal Fujiwara's reaction was somewhat... too calm.

"Would you like some snacks? Unfortunately, I was in a bit of a rush when I came and forgot to prepare any. I always said that drinking tea without snacks feels a bit strange."

Principal Fujiwara whispered in Amane's ear.

However, because it was a tea room, everyone could hear it clearly.

The imposing aura that Ayanokoji Atsuomi had been building up for so long was somewhat diminished by Principal Fujiwara's words.

“Ms. Fujiwara… calling you that makes me feel like I’m getting confused with President Fujiwara Mayu. I’ll just call you Ms. Mayumi. Don’t you think what they’re talking about is weird?”

Amane didn't care at all that Ayanokouji Atsuomi and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka were still talking, so she didn't control her volume.

Seeing this, Ayanokouji Atsuomi frowned. He began to regret agreeing to the woman's request for the principal to sit in on the class in order to bring his bodyguard in.

Without bodyguards... Atsuomi Ayanokouji wouldn't dare step into the school at all.

No one knew better than him the hatred that Amane harbored for him. If there were no bodyguards, once that guy went crazy, all his efforts would be in vain. Even if Kamogawa and the others carried on his legacy and made the White House great, it would have nothing to do with Ayanokoji Atsuomi. Therefore, he dared not gamble on whether this guy, who had been tormented to the point of mental breakdown and eventually became extremely crazy, would kill him.

"There were some things I didn't understand, but my task was just to listen in. Rin-nee didn't give me any specific instructions. Oh, right, Rin-nee did remind me about you, Amane."

Principal Fujiwara seemed to have suddenly realized something, and looked as if he had just understood.

"My business?"

That Rin-nee must be the new chairperson, Fujiwara Rin.

Fujiwara…

They looked like a family. Speaking of which, the conversation between Ayanokouji Atsuomi and Ayanokouji, and the chairman's instructions to Principal Fujiwara about Amane's matter, seemed a bit unreasonable no matter how you looked at it.

"She said if you, Amane, intend to kill Mr. Ayanokoji Atsuomi, then let me strangle you unconscious, put you in a bag, and bring you to her."

Then, in an extremely illogical way, Principal Fujiwara casually touched around and pulled out a longbow and a huge... body bag??

"Eh—!!!"

Amane exclaimed in surprise, then quickly took several steps back to distance herself from Principal Fujiwara.

"Don't worry, I'm very professional in this area... cough cough."

Principal Fujiwara plucked the bowstring, and the bowstring produced a clear, resonant sound that echoed rapidly through the air.

Just hearing the sound, Tianyin knew it was a fine bow; if used to tighten the noose, it would quickly suffocate someone…

Amane broke out in a cold sweat. She had previously felt that the emotional president, Fujiwara Mayu, was not very reliable.

Now, it seems like the sisters are all a bit unreliable.

"What a beautiful bow, but... is this bow really meant to be used against Miyako Amane?"

A mocking expression appeared on Ayanokouji Atsuomi's face.

"You are indeed very clever, Mr. Atsushi."

Principal Fujiwara smiled gently in Ayanokouji Atsuomi's direction, then pulled Amane back to his side.

After Amane and Fujiwara's interruption, Ayanokouji Atsuomi's previously threatening words became irrelevant.

"First of all, I need to point out that an agreement signed by a ten-year-old child is not legally binding."

"How ridiculous! You're actually talking to your father about legal validity?"

Ayanokouji Atsuomi revealed a furious expression, and his fingers began to tap rhythmically on the table. Ayanokouji Atsuomi began to put pressure on Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

"Do you treat me like a son?"

Before answering this question, are you confident in your ability to be a father?

"You know my answer perfectly well, don't you?"

"Then you should know my answer, so don't ask these things that we both know the answer to. Also, no matter how much you pretend, you're already out of place in this society. Do you see that guy next to you? Even with a beautiful appearance, a brilliant mind, and unparalleled violence, so what? Even if she tries to learn to appreciate tea like a human, at first glance she's still a monster in human skin. Without a family background, she could never live a normal life. Kiyotaka, you're the same..."

Ayanokouji Atsuomi took a deep breath, and his expression became visibly serious.

"What do you think has allowed you to live peacefully until now? Do you really think it's because of your own abilities? Don't be naive!!! Without me, the best you'd end up would probably be becoming a dog in this big family, and you know that better than I do."

Ayanokoji Atsuomi's roar echoed in the tea room.

Amane turned her gaze to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

"As expected, expecting you to understand me is an impossible dream. I hope you can open your eyes and see clearly that I am not the same person I used to be! I have integrated into this life, and you don't need to worry about what I will become in the future. Even if I become a dog, that's my choice, and I will take responsibility for all the choices I make. So, I only have one reply to you: please go back to where you came from."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka also retorted loudly in a stern tone. In addition to refuting the annoying Ayanokouji Atsuomi, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was also reiterating his attitude to Amane.

"Fine! Fine! You think your wings have grown strong enough to fly on your own after only a few years? You don't really think I can't take you away from here, do you?"

Just as Ayanokouji Atsuomi was getting furious, Amane moved her body slightly towards Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

"If you can take Ayanokoji Kiyotaka away, then give it a try."

Chapter 45: You're not behind on your bill, are you?

In order to make things a little easier for Horikita Suzune, Amane and Ayanokouji made a promise: in exchange for Ayanokouji leading the class to A-class, Amane would provide protection for him, ensuring that he could study and live in the school for three years without any interference from outsiders.

Although Amane felt that Ayanokouji had always been suspected of slacking off, she had to keep her promise to Ayanokouji since she had made a deal with him. This was no longer just about protecting Ayanokouji from being taken away; it involved Amane's 'reputation'.

Due to the significant reduction in points for all classes across the school, many senior students have begun to reduce the points they provide to Tianyin accordingly. In fact, many people have already considered temporarily stopping the supply. However, given Tianyin's background and strength, and the fact that they all signed an agreement and put their fingerprints on it, even if everyone was initially reluctant, they could only maintain the minimum supply.

If Tianyin were to experience any credibility crisis at this time, even if Tianyin perfectly resolved the problem, the students who had made the agreement would use this as an excuse to break their promise to Tianyin.

Their current points are barely enough to guarantee their own survival, so what good would it do to earn a substantial income after graduation? The third-year students are doing well, as they are about to graduate, but the second-year students don't want to suffer through another year.

Tenon didn't believe that Ayanokouji hadn't left behind some strange contingency plan.

Therefore, whether to fulfill the agreement or for her own sake, Amane must take a stand against Ayanokoji Atsuomi and play the role of the villain who interfered in the family affairs of other people's father and son.

Ayanokouji Atsuomi pulled his legs out from under his body and began to move them slowly. After the numbness in his calves and heels had almost subsided, Ayanokouji Atsuomi sat cross-legged. Compared to his strict, serious, and meticulous attitude just now, Ayanokouji Atsuomi now had a more flamboyant and unruly demeanor.

"I admit, the Miyako family is indeed a behemoth, but it depends on who it is. If it were your grandfather or your idiot father, I might give them some face. But you... even if you're a genius among geniuses, so what? As someone from a prominent family, you shouldn't be unaware that your fate is 'arranged marriage,' right? Besides..."

Ayanokoji Atsuomi said, taking a photograph out of his pocket.

His composed demeanor clearly indicated that he had anticipated Amane's intervention, and presumably, Ayanokoji Atsuomi had made some preparations in private.

The photo was placed on the table; it showed a boy who looked about 70% like Tianyin.

Tianyin's expression changed immediately when she saw the photo.

As Amane's expression changed drastically, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji's fingernails suddenly pierced through the school uniform pants and into the skin of her thigh.

The person who could cause such a drastic change in Amane's expression suggests that Ayanokouji Atsuomi has acquired a formidable trump card. Can Amane still serve as a shield? ...

Just as Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was still considering his chances of winning, he heard Ayanokouji Atsuomi continue speaking with a smug look on his face.

"You probably don't even know this person, right? That's understandable, considering you've lived in the training room since you were a child, entering that place at the age of six. You've probably never had anything to do with the warm word 'family' in your life. Let me introduce him. His name is Miyako Kei, your father's illegitimate son and the only male in the third generation of your family. He's also your younger brother whom you've never met. If nothing unexpected happens, he will be the heir of your Miyako family..."

"Miss Mayumi, look! I didn't expect my little brother to look so much like me, we're both just as cute~ Although Dad isn't very reliable in other ways, he does have that girl-charming look... Kei? Sounds pretty good."

Seeing Amane showing off to Fujiwara, Ayanokoji Atsuomi couldn't keep up with Amane's train of thought for a moment.

Is appearance more important than family inheritance rights?

As expected, she was just a little girl who knew nothing. Even if she was a genius, she was still just a woman. Her naivety and sentimentality would eventually teach these dreamy girls what the nightmare of reality was.

After showing off the photo once, Tianyin put it back on the table. After hesitating for a moment, she put the photo into her pocket.

After all, it's a photo of my own brother, so I should keep it safe.

"By the way, Ayanokouji... cough cough, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, what did you just say?"

Amane's question almost made Ayanokouji Atsuomi, who was drinking tea, throw his cup at Amane's face.

So you only heard the first half of what he said?

"Hmph, I'm telling you... the future inheritance of the Miyako family won't be in your hands. Once your grandfather and that incompetent father step down, you'll lose all your current status. So, you alone aren't enough to stop me from bringing Kiyotaka back. Your reputation has no value to me."

Ayanokouji Atsuomi seemed to completely disregard Amane, but Amane rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment before taking a small badge-like object from inside her school uniform and placing it on the table.

"No wonder the old man insisted on giving me this. It seems he already knew about that guy's illegitimate child. Now, could you please do me a favor, Ayanokoji Atsuomi?"

The moment Ayanokoji Atsuomi saw the token, he jumped to his feet.

However, he did not question Tianyin about why such a thing existed. It was quite common to entrust the family's inheritance to a genius. Although it had the nature of gambling, once the bet was placed, there was no way to change it.

"I never expected Mr. Bangdian to have such courage, daring to gamble the future of the family on his granddaughter. I truly admire him, but..."

Seeing Ayanokouji Atsuomi's hesitant manner, Amane frowned. This Ayanokouji Atsuomi was like squeezing toothpaste, releasing little by little. Who knew how long it would take to make him give up? Rather than wasting time here, it would be better to just reveal his trump card.

"I didn't expect you to admire my grandfather so much. Why don't you two chat for a bit? Give me your phone."

Ayanokouji Atsuomi instinctively handed over his phone, and Amane quickly entered a number and dialed it.

But it rang for a long time and still couldn't make a call.

The scene fell into a deathly silence.

"I thought you could actually get in touch with Mr. Bangdian. Your acting skills are still so convincing; you almost fooled me."

Ayanokoji Atsuomi smiled as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

Amane pondered for a moment, then looked at Ayanokoji Atsuomi with a pitying gaze.

"Could it be that your phone bill is overdue?"

Chapter 46: The Person Who Stirs My Heart

"What a joke! How could my phone be out of credit! Even if I had countless debts, my most important communication tool would never be out of credit!!! The value of intelligence lies in its timeliness. As long as you have an intelligence advantage, you can be invincible in any situation. Only a fool would let his phone be out of credit!"

As if a switch had been flipped, Ayanokouji Atsuomi launched into a long, rambling explanation of his ideas to Amane.

"What? Your call log shows no one has called you in almost six months, right? The reason you think you're not in arrears is just because you don't have anyone to contact, so you're saving money, aren't you?"

"..."

Ayanokoji Atsuomi sat down as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.

Today was an incredibly unlucky day for him. First, his supporter, Kamogawa, was involved in a car accident after having dinner with his famous father. Then, his trusted lieutenant, Tsukishiro, was shot and killed in the street by a red-haired girl, an incident that even caused a huge uproar in the country.

The murderer has not yet been caught, but that's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that the politicians, businessmen, and adopted orphans who were willing to provide him with test subjects—the children—were all taken care of by Kamogawa. It was Kamogawa who recommended Sakayanagi Arisu's father to him. Now that Kamogawa has suddenly passed away, all the financial conglomerates that provided him with funds and the political families that provided excellent materials have cut off contact with him. Although it is obvious to everyone that Miyako Masatomi has no chance of inheriting Miyako Kuninori's position, the fact that there are two dragons in one family is still quite daunting, and it is understandable that those who are fickle are wavering.

If he could rebuild his lost network of connections, Tsukishiro's death was what brought him to the brink of collapse several times. Tsukishiro had taken control of the intelligence and assassination organizations that had served Naoe, Ayanokoji Atsuomi's former teacher. Ayanokoji Atsuomi only needed to allocate funds to usurp the intelligence network that Naoe had painstakingly built up over most of his life. His relationship with Tsukishiro was both that of superior and subordinate and that of a partner.

Those intelligence agents had a one-way communication with Tsukishiro. Tsukishiro's death made Ayanokouji Atsuomi suffer the same tragic fate as his teacher Naoe. Not only did all the money he had spent go down the drain, but he also lost his ability to protect himself. Now, he has to bring unreliable security personnel he hired to enter a school, which shows Ayanokouji Atsuomi's weakness and fear at this time.

Now he is nothing more than a desperate loser who wants to use his past accumulated power to intimidate others and reclaim his last remaining asset, which is his only success, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

He certainly had several other options, but right now only Ayanokoji Kiyotaka could help him restore the reputation of the White House.

Having fallen to such a state, naturally very few people wanted to contact him. What frustrated him most was the recent serious incident at Gaoyu, where someone leaked Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's information. This brought Ayanokouji Atsuomi, who had been keeping a low profile, back into the spotlight, where he was criticized for his White House project, which he claimed was designed to destroy humanity and create violent children. The public pressure was overwhelming, and Ayanokouji Atsuomi, who had suffered an undeserved calamity, had no choice but to come here, hoping to retrieve the pawns he had once discarded.

This year was an epic disaster for him.

While Ayanokoji Atsuomi was reminiscing about his bad luck this year, Amane was also busy; she used Principal Fujiwara's phone to make a call.

"Hello, this is the Prime Minister's Office. Is there anything you need me to convey?"

Because the phone number was an internal number, the other party knew the moment the call connected that they had something important to discuss with Kuninori Miyako.

"Aya~ It's me!"

"Oh, it's Tianyin... cough cough, Miss Miyako, are you in some kind of trouble?"

When Liang Tian gave Tianyin his phone number, he said it was for emergency calls, but he never expected Tianyin to use it so quickly.

Liang Tian suddenly became nervous.

"Atsuomi Ayanokouji wants to talk to the old man..."

Amane's tone was quite casual and frivolous, showing absolutely no respect for Ayanokoji Atsuomi, not even the tone one would use when speaking to an elder. Liang Tian immediately knew what had happened and quickly switched to a serious tone.

"Ayanokoji Atsuomi? Well, as you know, Lord Miyako is extremely busy with many affairs of state, and not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can be summoned. Could you please ask Mr. Ayanokoji Atsuomi for me if he really has something he needs me to convey?"

Tenon deliberately pressed the speakerphone button so that Ryata's voice could be heard by Ayanokoji Atsuomi.

In an instant, Ayanokouji Atsuomi's face turned as dark as liver. Seeing this, Amane placed her phone directly in front of Ayanokouji Atsuomi and then beckoned Ayanokouji Kiyotaka to leave.

Principal Fujiwara originally wanted to go with Amane. She had been researching new cakes and milk teas and wanted to talk to Amane about it. However, she had just stepped outside when she remembered that her phone was still there. Helpless, she could only stay with Ayanokoji Atsuomi with tears in her eyes.

After smiling and waving to Principal Fujiwara, Tenon closed the tea room door amidst Ayanokoji Atsuomi's bowing and apologizing while talking into his phone.

Is this all we need to do?

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had a sense of unreality. Ayanokouji Atsuomi's moves were so unpredictable that if he were to face him alone here, he would most likely be forcibly taken away by his opponent.

Since the chairman of the board who could provide him with protection had resigned, there was no other "power" in the school besides Amane who could stop Ayanokoji Atsuomi from acting recklessly.

"It should be fine, right?"