I Became the Final Subjugation Target of That Era’s Light Novel

Chapter

“Ah, I see~ Shii-chan is Sota’s younger sister.”

The name of the ‘nun’ is Hagiwara Hana. As mentioned, she was a nun from the church in that world, but it seems she doesn’t have too many restrictions on wandering around.

Honestly, I don’t really understand why there is a foreign mercenary group in Japan, a country that has a functioning self-governing body. If it were a novel, I’d just assume the author decided so, but this world isn’t just a fictional setting. The backdrop is as I read in novels, but for this world to exist, it surely needs some logic.

So, there must be some political aspect I don’t know about lurking in the background. For now, I don’t want to delve too deep into it.

By the way, even though there are gaps between reality and illustrations, if I had met this person separately for the first time, I wouldn’t have recognized her right away. She was indeed an outstanding beauty, as described in the novel, but there are too many ‘beautiful women’ in this world.

… But how did Yuuki recognize her? She wasn’t even in her school uniform when I first saw her.

Just a feeling?

“You’re Sota’s friend?”

“… Right now, I’m Maid Kurosawa Koto Ne.”

I intentionally said that to create a bit of distance.

Speaking of which, ‘Sister.’

When I think about the age I was when I first read light novels, this character is certainly from the ‘sister’ genre. Usually, the protagonists of light novels are high school students, so if we consider a first-year student, just one year older makes them a ‘sister,’ and if they’re adults, they’re described as ‘overflowing with sensual beauty.’

Those ‘sensual beauty’ sister characters are often in their early twenties, university students.

… Sister, huh.

By my previous standards before reincarnating, they would still be children with blood that hasn’t dried on their heads, and they’re termed ‘sister.’

Suddenly, I feel a little tear rolling down my heart. Damn.

“Hmm, you’re a diligent child in your job. I like kids like that.”

Maybe it’s because she’s also a cosplay character; I feel a strange sense of camaraderie.

Now that I think about it, when the protagonist first saw her in a nun’s outfit, she was super embarrassed.

“S-Shii, you were working here?”

Nakahara Nanami, the name of my childhood friend, said this with a slightly shocked expression.

She’s an outgoing girl but academically excellent, and she was the kind of childhood friend who has a slightly strict side. In those days, light novels often had characters who would come to wake the protagonist in the morning or discover an erotic magazine under the bed — the characters that were supposed to do that.

The reason I say ‘supposed to do that’ is because the girl who wakes up Sasaki Sota in the morning is Shii, and the one who cleans his messy room is also Shii.

Due to her overly perfect younger sister, this girl couldn’t fulfill her duties as a childhood friend.

But that doesn’t mean she gave up on the protagonist either.

“It’s just a part-time job, young lady.”

I said politely on behalf of Shii.

“Uh, ah? I’m sorry!”

“It’s fine, Nakahara. It’s just a job. Serving coffee is all, and the only difference is the maid outfit. It’s wrong to look at it through colored glasses. Besides, Sota’s younger sister is here too.”

With a somewhat relaxed voice, but with a sharp edge, Hagiwara dug in.

“U-Um, I didn’t mean it like that?”

She completely asked with that meaning.

What goes on in a maid cafe isn’t something grand. It’s usually about taking photos together, singing songs, or drawing pictures with ketchup on omurice.

If they were to genuinely ‘entertain’ customers, the strict Japanese government regarding public morals wouldn’t just sit idly by.

“Yeah, yeah. Discriminating against people based on what they’re wearing is problematic.”

Hagiwara murmured with a voice that seemed to come from a deep place in her heart.

Well, if we’re nitpicking, it’s true that both Shii and I are doing illegal work, but there’s no need to point that out. I haven’t gotten into trouble so far either.

“By the way, I was really surprised when I found out Shii was working here.”

Looking at Nakahara, who started glaring at Hagiwara, Sasaki tried to change the subject.

However.

“… How would you like to order? Master, and ladies?”

I completely ignored that and asked.

If I’m not in a harem, I certainly don’t think I should take care of someone else’s social circle.

Shii didn’t even call me here asking for help.

Sasaki, who was alternating between a bright smile at Shii and a disappointed expression realizing I had absolutely no intention of joining those two, ordered his coffee.

Nakahara ordered a café latte and shortcake. And Hagiwara, being a senior, ordered just coffee like Sasaki.

Nakahara seemed a bit shocked that she ordered dessert all by herself. I mean, a café latte is still just a drink.

It’s not strange, but…

I once again politely bent at the waist, took the order slip, and headed back to the counter.

“Senpai, senpai.”

“… Yeah?”

“What did you think? The two of them, it doesn’t seem like they’re that close to you yet, does it?”

“… Yeah.”

I nodded in response.

And while watching me, Shii’s expression became a bit gloomy.

“Ah… Did I cause any trouble? Bringing three people over like this…”

“… No.”

I don’t think so.

Although the café was tucked away in a corner, it was actually doing pretty well and attracting a decent amount of customers.

It was when Sasaki and Shii happened to drop by the café when they met me again.

Who knows, when Sasaki gets a girlfriend someday, he might bring her here.

However, it was a little bothersome, to be honest.

“Don’t worry. It’s just customers.”

“Yes, right?”

Shii’s expression brightened again.

If only my little sister were like this…

…

Ah, no. If my little sister suddenly acted like this, it would be really terrifying. If she broke my computer or shoved my figure collection aside, there’d be no reason for her to act that cautiously.

Well, I can’t hear that annoying voice anymore, though.

“… Were you satisfied?”

“Ah, yes. But I still need to observe a bit more….”

“Then, that’s enough.”

I nodded and got back to work.

Shii quickly started helping me again.

… Meanwhile, the other two maids working with us were glancing over at Sasaki’s table, which had one girl and one boy, but it seems no one could hear their whispers, so it didn’t matter.

No, Hagiwara, the elder sister, might have heard it, but she was pretending not to, so I decided to let it be.

*

Shii and I work three hours on weekdays. Our working time ends just after eight.

Sasaki was waiting for Shii outside until then.

Nakahara and the elder sister were with him.

“Shii, let’s go together.”

“Ah…”

Shii looked back at me.

Normally, when she works, Shii goes back with me. Each time, I’d usually buy ramen for dinner. Typically the cheapest menu, though.

Of course, Shii has enough sense not to always eat off me.

When Shii says she’ll buy first, I always decline, but these days, it seems we have more days where we pay for our own meals.

Not going back with me means giving up that time together.

“I’m fine.”

“Ah, are you two usually—?”

At Sasaki’s question, I nodded.

“Um… then, would you like to go together?”

The childhood friend and the elder sister both looked at me simultaneously.

It doesn’t seem like they have that much suspicion. Both are inherently good-natured people. The childhood friend goes without saying, and as for the elder sister, although a bit mischievous, she was a keeper of peace.

Still, I didn’t want to be caught up in a harem member’s business.

If I were a man, I might’ve considered it. Although none of those girls from either side would like me romantically, there wouldn’t be a chance I’d be considered a ‘harem member.’

When I shook my head, Shii practically bowed down apologetically.

“I just happened to have a place to stop by.”

I said that.

“Really?”

Of course, that was a lie.

“Yeah.”

But I answered with conviction.

Even after hearing that answer, Shii still looked a bit anxious, so I waved my hand and left first.

Well, it was a path I had already walked alone many times before. It was Japan, after all. East Asia aside, it’s one of the safest countries in the world, so there’s no need to worry that much.

… Though I did have a stalker once. But that was just a case of bad luck at the time.

How many steps had I taken?

I heard tap tap tap behind me and someone gently poked my back.

“Hey.”

When I looked back, there was the elder sister… no, Hagiwara standing there.

“You know, it’s dangerous for a girl to be alone on a night road like this. Let’s go together until we reach the place.”

“……”

I looked directly up at her face.

And then I looked at Shii.

Shii was gazing at me with pity in her eyes.

I let out a light sigh between my lips.

*

On the way home, let’s grab a quick meal.

Sasaki said that, and Hagiwara and Nakahara agreed, so the five of us ended up eating dinner together.

The menu was pork cutlet, which was different from usual.

It was the pork cutlet restaurant Sasaki had given me last time.

There was still about an hour left until closing time. Probably aiming for the workers leaving Akihabara?

“You’ve become quite close with Shii.”

Sasaki said, looking at Shii, who was sitting next to me.

I nodded.

We face each other four days a week, and on Saturdays and Sundays, we practically see each other all day, so there’s no way we wouldn’t talk.

Of course, neither of us shared very detailed things about ourselves. There were just too many awkward topics for that.

“Aren’t you close with Sota?”

Nakahara inquired.

“Different classes.”

“Uh… I see?”

Nakahara Nanami is also in a different class. After barely reuniting, she often loiters around the front of Sasaki’s class to meet him… or so I read in light novels.

“We hardly meet, so how do the two of you know each other?”

Hagiwara asked.

“… We met unexpectedly.”

I answered briefly. There wasn’t really a way to describe it otherwise.

Their questions seemed to be subtly weighing me down or not. In some ways, they must have learned a tremendous amount of unknown facts about me from the exchange of questions that unfolded just now.

“Hmm.”

Hagiwara looked at me, tilting her head. Her well-kept hair slid off her shoulder like a shampoo advertisement model. Honestly, I was a bit impressed. My own hair is long, but I could never manage it like that. I could probably handle it, but I’d have a tough time enduring the process.

While gazing attentively at Hagiwara as she tilted her head, she suddenly asked, “Hey, are you—”

She looked like she was about to ask something, but then she quickly closed her mouth.

Everyone sitting there shifted their gazes towards Hagiwara.

… Did she notice something?

Maybe being a yōkai hunter from a long-established religious organization helped her catch on, I thought before quickly shoving it out of my mind.

Yuuki didn’t notice when we first met, so why would this person be able to catch on?

“Uh, no, nothing.”

She quickly shook her head, looking flustered.

Anyway, I didn’t think it would bring any good if I interfered, so I just quietly ate my pork cutlet.

It was as delicious as always.

How could meat combined with fried food not taste good?

… If it weren’t for my tuition worries, I’d eat here every day.

Letting out a small sigh, I focused on my meal.

No one seemed to ask me any more strange questions after observing the atmosphere.

*

The next day, during lunch break.

Today, the sky was quite clear. Although the rainy season hasn’t quite ended, it seems this is the end of the period when it pours down.

Should I wait in the literature club room or go up to the rooftop?

As I seriously pondered, I pulled out my phone.

[I’ll be on the rooftop today.]

After sending that mail, not long after, I received a reply saying [Got it].

…

Hmm, thinking back, I really do eat bread every day.

But it’s not like I’m snatching it. If we’re nitpicking, I’m closer to being the benefactor Yuuki is supporting.

Given that I’ve been getting bread for nearly a semester now, isn’t it about time for me to buy my own?

But if I abruptly say, “From tomorrow on, I’ll buy my own,” the somewhat sensitive Yuuki might get hurt.

Maybe I should test the waters a bit.

With that thought in mind, I put my phone back in my pocket and headed towards the rooftop.

The first-year classrooms are on the first floor. The same goes for the third-year classes. The new building is quite wide next to it, so there’s not much issue with space.

Of course, that said, we can’t put all the first and third-year classes on the first floor, so the second-year classrooms are on the second floor.

To get to the rooftop, I naturally had to pass through the hallway of the second-year classrooms. While it didn’t really take a long time, I wasn’t in a hurry to go up quickly.

If I exert myself just to rush up, I’d probably tire myself out before reaching the top since it’s still heading towards the middle of summer.

With my arms drooping, and my back hunched, I lazily made my way up, when—

“Hey!”

Someone called after me as I passed by the second-floor hallway.

“……”

I turned around to see who called me.

It was Hagiwara, who I met yesterday.

She looked a bit surprised to see me while standing near the stairs leading to the third floor.

Why?

I tilted my head.

“Do you have business upstairs?”

Hagiwara asked.

I shook my head.

“Nope.”

“Uh… then?”

Her eyes kept darting between me and the stairs.

No, why?

“Could you tell me where you’re going?”

“……”

I hesitated for a moment.

I didn’t want to say ‘to the rooftop.’ That would lead to questions like ‘why?’ and then the only answer I’ll have is ‘to eat lunch on the rooftop.’

And that… was a bit… awkward.

While I could eat alone without a care now that I was older, back in my teen days, it wasn’t exactly something to brag about that I had no friends. Very few students ate alone in the cafeteria. Unlike jobs or universities, making friends in high school wasn’t that hard.

It wouldn’t go as far as eating in the bathroom… but it would be an answer that felt somewhat embarrassing.

I was fine with it, but the worry that might fly my way afterwards was a little uncomfortable.

“Why?”

So I asked back.

“Huh?”

“Why do I need to tell you where I’m going?”

At my words, Hagiwara’s expression turned somewhat flustered, which was out of character.

In light novels, she was positioned as a ‘cool elder sister,’ but in reality, she’s just a teenager. Her life experience mainly consisted of school life and some part-timers, and that’s about it for her age.

“……”

Seeing Hagiwara forget what to say, I turned around in silence and began climbing the stairs again.

After all, it would be quite tiresome if I got entangled in unnecessary matters.

I’d rather leave Hagiwara in Sasaki’s hands and continue on with my life—

“Hey.”

This person sure is persistent, huh?

I turned back around again.

From the third floor up, there were other classrooms needed for school, like the music room, AV room, computer room, science room, and cooking room… In short, there would hardly be anyone during lunch hours.

Hagiwara’s voice lightly echoed in the hallway.

“If you were… back then, bleeding from your head and being helped by another girl to the infirmary, that’s you, right?”

“……”

Ah.

Now I get it.

This person has heard rumors about me.

But the rumor itself is already several weeks old. At first, it stirred up some noise and I caught some curious glances, but after a short while, it quickly faded.

If something really happened with my head, people might think, ‘Oh, he must have just misseen it,’ or ‘Seems the rumor got exaggerated.’

Those first-year kids who see me nearly every day would definitely lose interest by now, but for the second years, they won’t often get the chance to see me. So they’d just hear about me from the first-year kids, like ‘I heard there was such a person in the first year.’

How should I answer?

“That’s you, right?”

Seeing me not answer, Hagiwara seemed even more convinced.

At this point, denying it will just arouse more suspicion.

“Uh, I tripped in the bathroom.”

I replied.

“…… Is that so?”

After responding to me, Hagiwara looked back at the stairs I was about to ascend.

“But why are you going to the rooftop?”

“……”

Where did she pick this up… Well, there’s only the rooftop to go through the stairs, so I have no reason to head for another classroom.

Hagiwara was just staring at me.

Huh, wait a minute.

Could it be this person thinks I’m going up there to end it all?

“……”

Watching her serious expression seemed to suggest that’s exactly what she was thinking.

“That’s not it.”

I reflexively blurted that out, but now it seemed like my response only deepened Hagiwara’s suspicion.

What should I say here? Should I logically refute? Like, ‘It was weeks ago, so why would I suddenly think of ending it now?’

But saying that would only dig my own grave.

In the midst of all that inner turmoil and contemplation…

“… What are you two doing?”

I heard the voice of Yuuki coming up the stairs.

Both Hagiwara and I looked at him simultaneously.

Yuuki was holding bread in both hands, alternating his gaze between me and Hagiwara.

……

This is going to get tangled up, isn’t it?

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