Chapter 451. Hachiman's Cuckoldry
"Waaaaah————ye!!"
Her hair standing on end with rage and her eyes blood-red, Ram's mana erupted from her body.
"You bastard! You cannot, cannot—no, you absolutely must not do this! Stop it right now! Close that filthy mouth of yours! You pair of wretches, GUAAAA!!"
Ram's reaction was violent. Valuing her sister more than herself, seeing Hikigaya Hachiman defiled in such a manner—and her own sister effectively "cuckolded" in this bizarre, unexpected way—Ram had reached her limit of endurance.
Even if Rem were to lose to someone worthy like Anastasia or Emilia, Ram might find it hard to accept, let alone her sister losing so preposterously to a man.
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka... this twisted Hachiman-fanboy who appeared out of nowhere had effectively downgraded all the girls who loved Hachiman by a tier, all so he could personally "enjoy" the sensation of Hachiman!
It was bizarre beyond belief; before this, who could have possibly imagined such a thing?
If one said Anastasia used an IF line to overtake others on a curve, then Ayanokouji Kiyotaka at this moment was no less than a rocket taking off. By using his unique methods, he had successfully revealed a smile, his "flag" standing tall and unshakeable!
Neither Ayanokouji Kiyotaka nor Setsuna were people Ram intended to let go. Now was the time for the hunt!
Crash—
The glass window shattered as a snarling Ram harnessed the wild winds. Laughing maniacally all the way, she followed the map's directions and charged toward Advanced Nurturing High School at high speed.
...Having watched Hikigaya Hachiman's journey in Emilia's world, it was crystal clear that those "Genuine Things" who loved Hachiman had their own supporters. Those supporters, upon seeing this scene, would inevitably come looking for trouble.
While dealing with Priscilla's misfortune, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka swiftly departed from Advanced Nurturing High School.
However, he wasn't worried about Ram. He had already analyzed that Priscilla would never like Ram; Priscilla's "Great Fortune" would never bless her.
Without the help of Great Fortune, it would be extremely difficult for Ram to find him as he fled aimlessly—it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
What he was worried about were the likes of Ricardo and Garfiel.
As for Julius, that man who strictly adhered to the Knight's Code was likely gnashing his teeth in hatred for Ayanokouji right now, but constrained by his nature, he wouldn't come.
Or rather, it was because Ayanokouji hadn't yet crossed Julius's ultimate bottom line... Suppose he hadn't just made Setsuna scream, "Lord Hachiman, I love you so much~," but had also altered his own appearance to match Hikigaya Hachiman's.
If that happened, never mind Julius—even Reinhard would likely come and cleave Ayanokouji into pieces with a single strike.
As for now, no matter how good a person Reinhard was, with his best friend Hachiman being treated this way, he wasn't going to save Ayanokouji. After all, this was a case of "cause and effect." It was perfectly reasonable for Ayanokouji to die at the hands of someone supporting any of the candidates.
"The consequences of losing the memory that 'crossing over will be broadcast live' are severe... but it doesn't matter. If I am to duel Hikigaya Hachiman, these people would have become my enemies sooner or later. It's just happening earlier than expected, leaving me no time to prepare my defenses..."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was currently in the middle of a desperate escape.
He would have no reinforcements, nor could he ask for them.
Under these circumstances, if his father sent a team of mercenaries or the army to protect him, not only would they fail to stop a powerhouse of Garfiel's level, but the likelihood of misfortune triggering would increase.
A weapon might misfire, or a stray bullet could strike his head or heart, killing him instantly beyond all hope of recovery.
Despite this, Ayanokouji felt no fear at all; he only felt excitement.
A person truly knows themselves best. Seeing his future self and Setsuna using such a "special method" truly made the current Ayanokouji feel an incredible rush of excitement, and his emotions grew slightly more enriched.
This was absolutely a net gain.
As long as it benefited him in either gaining emotions or playing the game against Hikigaya Hachiman, the action could be judged as maximizing his interests.
"But..."
At the same time, Ayanokouji had something else on his mind.
With four cars crashing at once, and the damaged memory specifically being about the live broadcast—if he couldn't see that there was a mastermind behind the scenes, he would truly be underestimating his own title as the "Masterpiece."
"Just what is your purpose, Mr. Mastermind?"
.
.
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In stark contrast to the delighted Ayanokouji, inside the Royal Capital, the First Princess Flare was so enraged her eyes were nearly bursting. Her blood was flowing in reverse; she was practically sick with fury.
"Why? Why? Why? AAAAAAAGH—Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Keyaru, Setsuna, you lowlifes all deserve to die!! AAAAAGH!"
When her own death was broadcast earlier, it was shown in full detail.
But now, as Setsuna was being shown, some blurry pixelation had appeared, protecting Setsuna's privacy quite well.
This differential treatment dealt another massive blow to the already trembling Flare, causing her to vomit blood on the spot.
Even so, no guard was foolish enough to approach her, let alone help her up or treat her.
Her treatment was worlds apart from Setsuna's. In the Ice Wolf Clan village far outside the capital, Setsuna was being cheered and pursued by everyone.
Regardless of Ayanokouji's true motives, it didn't change the fact that he was going to save their village, and that was enough.
For some reason, they felt an aura from Ayanokouji—an aura of absolute self-confidence that made them believe he would inevitably unify the world.
As one of Ayanokouji's "harem," Setsuna would then be able to lead their village and their race to prosperity.
"Before that day comes, everyone pack your things. We go into hiding first."
Fearing the Kingdom might vent its shame-induced rage on them, the village chief immediately made the decision, ordering everyone to embark on a journey away from their homeland toward that legendary city where humans and demi-humans lived in harmony.
"Uuu..."
With her head lowered, ears drooping, and shyly covering her eyes—yet leaving a small gap to peek at the sky screen—Setsuna watched her future self being toyed with at will by Ayanokouji.
Setsuna was momentarily entranced. Her face was flushed red, captivated beyond control by Ayanokouji's unique aura. She murmured, "I love you, I love you so much... Setsuna loves you, Lord Kiyotaka..."
This love was cheap, unrelated to the heart or genuine feeling; she was simply drawn to that aura and power like a moth to a flame.
And having fallen for Ayanokouji, Setsuna began to feel a sense of disgust toward the Hikigaya Hachiman she had never met—because while "doing it," she much preferred to call out Lord Kiyotaka's name!
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