[CH.30] The Villainess's Junior (Part 3)
"Wow!"
"The villainess as described in society is a bit different. I can't bully people, and I don't have the power to outsmart the protagonist."
Kuhou-san continued, "My father... my father was a domineering man, the president of a fairly large company known for its power harassment. Our family life was just like that, so I'm definitely a villainess."
"That's..."
"And then, my father was taken over by a trusted subordinate. That alone would have been fine, but... the revenge of that person brought harm to our family, and my mother and I were left in dire straits. My arrogant and domineering father couldn't change his ways, he found another woman, and he abandoned us... We, who were supposed to be wealthy, quickly fell into poverty."
"That's quite a story."
"My mother was strict when it came to manners, but she couldn't work... But she started part-time jobs to make ends meet. It was tough. I also attended junior college on a scholarship and worked part-time to cover my living expenses. Now, I have a stable job and enough free time to sit here and write while sipping coffee."
"So, Kuhou-san, is writing novels a hobby for you?"
"It's a low-cost hobby. I fell into poverty, and I couldn't climb back up, but I hope the protagonists of my stories can find happiness. If more people read those stories, maybe the villainess version of me can be saved too."
"That's right. I'm sure they'll find happiness."
Kuhou-san shook her head.
"My stories haven't been going well lately... and I haven't been in the rankings for a while."
Romance novels featuring noble daughters from another world are considered a challenging genre on that well-known website. They can skyrocket in popularity at times, but with high demand and supply, Kuhou's works don't seem to make it into the rankings.
"I'm a weak person. Just now, if Hanamura-san hadn't helped me... I'd probably still be in a panic."
"Well... if it had continued like that, I think one of the store employees would have helped you."
"With these timid feelings, if... my father were to approach me, I'd probably cower and not resist."
"Is there a possibility he'll approach you?"
"Because I'm still his daughter. My father is the eldest son of the Kuhou main family... and he might come saying he'll marry me off. That's what scares me. So, I want to get a job and become strong as an independent woman."
I see... so that's the situation. In that case, there's only one thing I want to say to you, Kuhou-san.
"Kuhou-san, you've become stronger."
"Huh? I don't think so."
"But didn't you start having proper conversations with the service team since that incident the other day?"
"Well, that's because Hanamura-san coached me on what to ask."
"But thanks to that, you're now able to have meaningful conversations with the strong men on the service team. That's a form of strength, isn't it?"
"...I guess you're right."
"You don't get scolded anymore, and it seems like you're handling equipment inquiries more confidently lately."
One often doesn't realize their own growth. Sometimes, it takes someone else pointing it out for you to understand.
"Moreover, you've started going around with the manager and Nishina-san and even said you helped close a deal."
"...I was mostly being supported by them."
"Starting off with their support is perfectly fine. That's how you gain experience. With experience, your level goes up, and Kuhou-san, you'll become even stronger."
Kuhou-san listened to my words with a sense of realization. It seems she could feel the progress herself.
"You don't have to become strong on your own. I, the manager, and Nishina-san are here for you. Let's become strong together."
"Yes! Thank you so much!"
"If your father starts giving you trouble, I'll support you too! So keep getting stronger, Kuhou-san, and don't worry about him!"
"Hehe..."
Kuhou-san's laughter used to be more restrained, but now it sounded like she had broken out of her shell.
"Indeed, Hanamura-san, you're still as kind to everyone as ever."
"Huh?"
"Just joking, hehe. I was thinking, what if Hanamura-san turned out to be the prince who dotes on the villainess? But that's just a joke."
Even though I'm far from being a prince, hearing that kind of beautiful smile and remark can make you feel like you want to be one...
Feeling like I had deepened my connection with this beautiful and talented junior, it was a good morning.
"I'll continue to rely on you, Onii-chan!"
"Yeah, you can count on me!"
I may have spoken those strong words, but... if this younger, beautiful girl can smile because of them, I feel like I need to become stronger too.
Let's all become stronger together.
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