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Chapter 54 part 2 – Formation of the Inner Circle Begins

There is one candidate for bodyguard each for boys and girls.
One of them is probably Teruo-kun, considering the game’s setting. 

The rest, for the time being, are children who will be my brains during my school life.

And except for Teruo-kun, they are all girls, but there are good reasons beyond the fact that I am a girl.

To put it simply, the Ootori family and its conglomerate are very keen on having girls.

This is because boys have various paths to success, making it difficult to secure talented individuals, but since it is an era when girls entering the home is the norm, once talented girls are found, securing them is not difficult.

It is even said that the Ootori university and hospital are filled with girls, from scholars and doctors down to the lower ranks.
In reality, it seems to be about 30%, but because there are many girls, the world often says Ootori is third-rate or worse.

You could just say that’s the era, and from Ootori’s perspective, it’s unavoidable since talented boys are taken by the military, central bureaucracy, and major conglomerates. 

Ootori is ultimately minor.

As a side note, I can’t help but feel that the reason why Kouryuu-sensei stands out awkwardly at the Ootori hospital and university is mainly because of this.

“Reiko-sama, what are your plans from here?”

Though still a little inexperienced in tone, she uses mature language; she is my female bodyguard at school.
Her name is Shizumi Mitsuko. Nickname Micchan.

At my strong request, she wears her hair in a ponytail.
It’s the same in the game, and I think it’s a given for a kendo girl. 

But since her hair is still short, there’s just a little ponytail perched on top of her head, which is cute in its own way.

Her given name is a typical name for this era, but her surname is taken from fictional, invented, or ghost surnames.
This happens occasionally in this game, especially among the entourages of the Villainess.

There must be some significance to giving nonexistent surnames. 

Somehow, I can’t help but sense the game developer’s intent.

“You’re just going home for today, Mitsu.”

Says Sumeragi Yoshiko, called Ohou-chan by me, speaking somewhat roughly but not in child language.
She’s also from the nonexistent surname series and, naturally, a game character.

And as in the game, she’s an albino—with silvery hair, pale skin, and light-colored eyes.

And a genius.

Albinos are said to occur in about one in 17,000 Japanese people, yet she is set as a prodigy capable of scoring a perfect 100 on standardized tests.
Honestly, it makes me want to ask just how rare this character is supposed to be.

Despite being albino, her body has no particular health issues, but her eyes are sensitive to sunlight, so she always carries sunglasses outdoors. 

You could even say she’s a glasses girl.

Because of her albinism, she was abandoned by her parents and family, so the Ootori clan protects her and she lives in the dormitory.

Of course, both Teruo-kun and Micchan also live in the dormitory.

“Any missions?”

Though not exactly late, the one who speaks after the two of them is Teruo-kun, one of the potential romance interests.

He’s still as taciturn as ever.

“Long time no see, Teruo-kun. Looks like you’ve been trained well.”

“Yes. I’m evaluated based on what I’ve learned.”

His pragmatic attitude hasn’t changed.
That’s why he’s grown into a character who will do anything for Ootori, and in the game, he sometimes even acts to eliminate me—the Villainess who harms Ootori.

“Well then, for now, do your best with your studies.”

“An order?”

He stares at me intently.
Apparently, light words won’t work on Teruo-kun right now.

After all, I’m a member of the Ootori clan, and I’m a candidate to be someone Teruo-kun serves.

“It’s not an order, it’s a request. Get stronger and protect me.”

“…Understood. I will try my best to become stronger, I think.”

“Then do your best.”

“Yes.”

To my slightly refined lady-like phrasing, he responds with a respectful bow, though his words are sparse.
Still, he’s not yet fully polished.

The two of them watch the exchange between Teruo-kun and me.

Especially strong is the gaze from Micchan, with her short ponytail.

“Micchan, same goes for you. For now, focus on improving yourself rather than protecting me.”

“Mi-Micchan? Ah, yes, understood! Leave it to me!”

“Thank you.”

“…Milady, what about me?”

The silver-haired character, sitting next to me with a somewhat superior pose, speaks up.
The reddish, pale eyes beneath the slightly lowered sunglasses almost look fantastical.

And he’s probably sizing me up.

“Well, for now, gather as much knowledge as you can. I’m about to have a mental overload.”

“I pretty much know most things. Is now not the time?”

“At school, I want to avoid worldly matters as much as possible, so the real work starts when Oyoshi-chan can come and go in the mansion.”

“So, from age ten then… A four-year probation period, huh.”

(Wow, this kid actually said ‘probation period.’ More importantly…)

“Wait, younger than me?”

“Yes. I am mucchuu. No, actually only five years old.”

With a deliberately childish voice, she holds up six fingers with both hands, then quickly pulls one back.
The way she says “mucchuu” and her gestures are cutely age-appropriate.

But her body is that of a little girl, while inside she’s an adult.

“Your brain feels like it’s ten years older.”

“Add another five years, please.”

“Okay. Let’s say you are about the top of the imperial university then. And I have high expectations.”

“I’d rather you say Harvard level, but since I don’t really know much about Harvard, that’s fine. I’ll live up to those expectations. There’s no other way.”

“Only one path, just like me. Though it’s quite a different one.”

“Indeed.”

Despite her age and appearance, she’s unnervingly mature.

She’s probably a true prodigy, but you can tell she’s struggled with her appearance.
And somehow, even if only for the time being, she’s clearly someone easy to talk to.

My soul tells me this kid is also a villain character.

Shizu along with these three are my immediate close aides.
By the time the game officially starts, I want to have my inner circle firmly organized.