CH 238

Chapter 238 – The Founder’s Hesitation

“…But as a matter of fact, I’m not opposed to Kagaya-san’s actions.” (Sayuri)

“Huh? …Are you serious?” (Torimoto)

I was dumbfounded. Sayuri gave me a bitter smile and continued.

“I am certainly the founder of the Maiden’s Rebirth Order. But originally, I was just a housewife. I’m not someone who is used to standing above others. I simply wanted to create this place for women who had suffered tragedies in the past.” (Sayuri)

“Sayuri-san… You’ve been deceiving yourself all this time, haven’t you?” (Torimoto)

I was vaguely aware. As the top of the religious order, the demeanor she had been showing was that of someone who had been broken. But that was because this was the founder figure that the followers desired, not the figure that Sayuri wished to be from the bottom of her own heart.

That was why when it came down to it, she couldn’t be cruel. She had the resolve, but her thinking as a founder and a person was being swayed.

She still had a warm heart in her. She probably hated men, was afraid of them, and wanted to kill them. But in the end, those feelings were only limited to the ones that were trying to harm her. Like the other believers, she didn’t hold the belief that she was opposed to every single man. She was just pretending.

If not for that, she would have never acknowledged me, even though I was the person who had once healed her injuries in the past.

She was just a normal person who couldn’t be completely ruthless and unfeeling. So the current situation was probably painful to her.

“What if you run away?” (Torimoto)

“Run…away…?” (Sayuri)

“I think you’ve tried your best, Sayuri-san. Even though you’ve been through such terrible things, you still suppressed your emotions and worked hard for the sake of others. I think it’s about time for you to put down that heavy burden.” (Torimoto)

“I….. I can’t. As long as there are voices calling for me, desiring my presence, I can’t just be selfish and run away.” (Sayuri)

What an awkward person. She’s so delicate and sensitive that one day she might break.

“Do you really think Yaichi-san and your children would have wanted you to continue on with your life, carrying the burden of anything and everything on your back?” (Torimoto)

“……I’m sorry. Even though I was the one who called you here… Could you leave me alone for a bit?” (Sayuri)

Her body was trembling slightly as she squeezed out these words.

I excused myself and quietly left the room. Shakuhara and Saniwa were waiting on the other side of the door.

“What took you so long?! Don’t tell me you were doing something indecent to Founder-sama!” (Shakuhara)

Come to think of it, I should try asking these two.

“I heard from Sayuri-san that there are some factions within the religious order, is that right?” (Torimoto)

“…Ah, that. It’s true. What’s even scarier is that I heard that there were some people who wanted to make you the head of the religious order. Gosh, that’s the worst, isn’t it Riwa?” (Shakuhara)

“Bueeh? Ah, umm… I, uh… think that it would be fine… if Torimoto-sama was the founder.” (Saniwa)

“Huuuh?! Riwa, are you sane?! Think about what would happen if this guy became the founder! He would definitely turn all the women into his sex slaves!” (Shakuhara)

“S-S-Sex slaves?!!” (Saniwa)

Hey, too loud! If anyone heard that, they’d definitely glare at me with murderous intent.

“Shakuhara-san, not all men look at women with indecent eyes.” (Torimoto)

“Anyway, there are some men who are better than others out there. Well, there are plenty of what you would label as vulgar men out there.” (Torimoto)

“See! Riwa, don’t get too close to this guy! He’ll eat you alive!” (Shakuhara)

“N-No, I’m not that delicious… er, I mean… I’m not attractive enough to be attacked.” (Saniwa)

“Hey, how insecure can you be? I always say this, but you’re cute, Riwa, so have some self-confidence! Torimoto, you think so too, right?” (Shakuhara)

Ah, why’d you have to bring me into this?

“I guess Shakuhara is right. I think Saniwa-san is an attractive girl.” (Torimoto)

“Bwueeeaah?!” (Saniwa)

“Your body figure is tall and slim like a model, and your face is small and mature, so I suppose you would probably fit in the category of a beautiful woman.” (Torimoto)

Any ordinary man would probably want to go on a date with her.

“Also, you have a kind personality. I also heard that you can do housework, so even though something like this might be said way too often, you’d definitely be a good wife.” (Torimoto)

“W-W-Wife?!!” (Saniwa)

Saniwa’s face instantly flushed a bright crimson to the point that I could almost see the steam rising off her head. Her eyes spun and it looked like she was about to faint, but Shakuhara hurriedly went to support her.

“Hey stupid, who said you could hit on her?!!” (Shakuhara)

“I wasn’t hitting on her. I mean, you were the one who asked me for my opinion.” (Torimoto)

“Then say it in a more subtle way! She doesn’t have any resistance to being praised by a man!” (Shakuhara)

No, no, I really didn’t know. Besides, rather than speaking my own mind, I just said what anyone would think objectively.

“Ugh, get a hold of yourself, Riwa!” (Shakuhara)

“Wuuuuu…” (Riwa)

It seemed that it really was true that she wasn’t used to being praised. Well, she did say that she wasn’t comfortable around men, so maybe it was her first time receiving a high evaluation from a man in such a straightforward manner.