Chapter 98: An assassin requiring qualifications attacking from a blind spot

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Translator: Soafp

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An owl is perched on my head. When I tilt my neck, it beats me with its wings. It seems to be telling me not to move. When I respond with a “hoo-hoo,” it smacks me with its wings again, as if to say, “Don’t mess around.” So, I’ll obediently follow the wise creature of the forest.

Initially, I thought of talking at a café, but seeing how troubled Okajima-Senpai looked, I decided to take us to an owl café to lift her spirits a bit. I hoped that being comforted by animals would lighten her heart, even just a little.

“I’m sorry for talking about this when we’ve just met.” (Okajima)

“No, it’s what I asked for.” (Yuki)

Okajima-Senpai, having vented her bottled-up feelings and regaining a bit of composure, gently wiped away her tear tracks with a handkerchief. Even in such a situation, her consideration for me shows what a kind person she is.

In the end, it was regret. There’s nothing that can be done about it now. As she spoke her regrets through tears, I just listened, fully accepting her words.

No matter how much she regrets, there’s no solution.

There are irreparable things in this world. Whether it’s ruining your health from a lack of self-care, a small lapse leading to an accident, or thinking, “If only I had done this then.” The world is always full of such irreparable situations.

It could be the result of recklessly raising Himiyama-san’s affection level, or the catastrophe of trying to be a gentleman by greeting my mother with “Good morning” and “You look beautiful today” every day. There’s no undoing it.

And because I have the memory of a birdbrain, I keep repeating the same mistakes.

Even though I failed yesterday, I forgot about it and told my mother “You look beautiful today” again this morning, leading to a disastrous early morning.

Speaking of which, my mother seems more lively and beautiful lately, probably due to focusing on her beauty regimen. Maybe she met someone nice at work. As her child, it’s my duty to support my parent’s love life. I hope she finds happiness without any reservations.

“Do I really have such a birdbrain?” (Yuki)

“Well, with an owl perched on your head, you definitely seem like it…” (Okajima)

“I guess you’re right.” (Yuki)

“You’re really something, you know that?” (Okajima)

Okajima-Senpai chuckles. As expected of the wise creature of the forest; its effect is profound.

“I wish I could have met you a bit sooner.” (Okajima)

“I’m sorry.” (Yuki)

When I apologize and bow my head, the owl pecks at me for almost slipping off. My birdbrain self had already forgotten I was talking about being a birdbrain. Zashu Zashu (currently being pecked).

“No, it’s me. It’s my fault. I’m taking it out on you unfairly.” (Okajima)

“Please use me as a punching bag.” (Yuki)

“I would never do that. I don’t want to hate myself or be disappointed in myself any more than I already do.” (Okajima)

The conclusion was already reached. Nothing would change. Just the harsh reality of self-responsibility remains after all the suffering and struggling.

“Senpai, you’re a wonderful person.” (Yuki)

Precisely because there are so many people who blame everything but themselves, Okajima-Senpai’s strength in not shifting responsibility is dazzling. She must have been regretting her own choices all this time.

Maybe that’s why Kimura-Senpai liked Okajima-Senpai so much.

I can’t do anything about it, but I hope there’s a path where the two of them can find happiness.

After leaving the owl café, we parted ways. It was a meaningful time. I learned what I needed to know and decided what I had to do from now on.

But more importantly…

“What should I do…” (Yuki)

The problems are piling up. Although we barely managed to deal with the missing maid outfit, the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed. There’s still a chance that similar harassment could happen again. It’s one thing if I’m the only one affected, but I can’t overlook it if the entire class gets involved.

I don’t want to do something as tedious as hunting down the culprit, but in any case, it’ll have to wait until after the cultural festival. Given the current hectic situation, I don’t have the bandwidth to deal with anything else. Besides, it’s the cultural festival. Such a joyful occasion shouldn’t be marred by unpleasant incidents.

“——-!” (Yuki)

As I was thinking about all this while walking, I was attacked from behind by an assailant who had silently crept up on me.

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(…I can’t breathe!?)

My vision is obscured, and my mouth and nose are covered. I can’t breathe. Oxygen is rapidly leaving my lungs.

(Lick. Is this chloroform?)

Of course not. In the spur of the moment, I had an absurd thought, but there’s no mistaking that I’m in a critical situation.

I’ve only been attacked a few times before, but the perpetrator’s skill this time is on a different level. They’re definitely trying to suffocate me.

However, I, Yukito Kokonoe, am a man who trains his lung capacity regularly. I had a bit of time before I ran out of oxygen.

Yuri-san often says, “I’m going to kiss you now,” and when I refuse, she pinches my nose, forcing me to open my mouth for air, and then she kisses me anyway. This unfortunate training has proven useful now. I can only thank Yuri-san.

This is a public street. There are many passersby. People aren’t so heartless as to ignore a crime committed in broad daylight. The police should arrive soon. Until then, I’ll try to gather as much information about the perpetrator as I can.

(This scent… Rose de Mai? Perfume?)

A faint, sweet rose fragrance tickles my nostrils. It’s a rare rose cultivated for perfume, harvested only in May. The sophisticated scent suggests the person is an adult who can afford such luxuries.

(Sniff sniff… sniff sniff)

I sniff my nose like a stupid husky dog, while trying to find out more about the perpetrator.

I have to rely solely on my senses to gather information.

My arms are locked, unable to move, with only my elbows free.

(Who could be doing this…?)

I try to think of anyone who might hold a grudge, but honestly, there are too many to narrow it down.

The pressure increases. Fortunately, the soft grip means there’s no physical damage, but I’m running out of oxygen, and my lungs are reaching their limit.

Damn it, where are the police!?

Help, officers! Over here! Hurry, hurry!

“Fugo, fugogogogogo” (Yuki)

In desperation, I struggle to resist.

In the end, physical strength prevails. In international politics, strength is paramount. That’s the law of the world, and negotiations backed by force carry weight.

Remember this: nothing is solved by talks alone. It’s just empty theory. Military power trumps economic power.

“Fugogogogoough!” (Yuki)

I’m giving it my all to break free from the restraint.

If you’ve made me get serious, you’re something special (I’m pretending to be calm, but I’m actually desperate).

“Meeting you so early like this, could it be fate?”

“Fugogogouhyaaaaah!” (Yuki)

This is my full poweeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!

“I’m so happy that you’re so happy♡ Will you listen to me? I wish all my recent patients were as compliant as you. They’re always so difficult.”

A nurse? Finally, my head pops free.

It seemed that I was being hugged tightly.

Waiting for me, after escaping the hold, is someone I know well.

“Kurogane-san?” (Yuki)

“Huh? Yukito-kun, you don’t look so good. Is something wrong?” (Makina)

It was Makina Kurogane, the nurse who had been looking after me since I was a child. I’d only ever seen her in her nurse uniform, but now she was dressed casually. The outfit suited her well, as she is quite beautiful.

“Playing dumb won’t work!” (Yuki)

I sternly questioned the reason behind her sudden attack.

“I’m sorry, I was just so happy to run into you by chance.” (Makina)

“You’re forgiven.” (Yuki)

“How can someone your age be so incredibly forgiving?” (Makina)

The truth is, I did enjoy the experience. Yes.

“So, what brings you here today? Is it your day off?” (Yuki)

“Actually, I'll be temporarily working at your school for a while.” (Makina)

With my birdbrain, I couldn't quite grasp what she was saying, and I tilted my head in confusion.

“What?” (Yuki)