"You've misunderstood what I meant." Ryoji could already guess what she was about to say.
It was nothing more than the fact that with his F-Rank Magic Power, the destiny he bore was minimal, and his influence on the world was practically nonexistent, making it impossible for him to become the world's strongest.
The title of the world's strongest carries immense weight, with every word and action capable of swaying international relations and shaping historical trends. These two concepts are mutually exclusive and cannot be achieved by a Blazer with F-Rank Magic Power.
But Ryoji's expression showed no sign of defeat.
"It's not a question of whether I can do it, but whether I will do it. I must become the world's strongest. If my Magic Power is lacking, I'll train my physical abilities to surpass everyone else… Anything that stands in my way, even fate, I will crush!"
Ryoji clenched his fist, his eyes shining with determination.
He even matched Kanata's tone, making a rather dramatic declaration.
"I refuse to live a life where I give up before even trying."
In his previous life as an otaku, after achieving financial independence, he spent his days indulging in food, drink, and leisure, aimlessly drifting through life without any goals or meaning— truly a waste of time.
But in this life, he had a grand ideal and the ability to pursue it.
How could he be shackled by something as laughable as the theory of fate?
If you give up before even trying, how can you ever succeed?
This is Ryoji's deepest secret.
Apart from his master, Senior Sister, and his attending physician, Kanata was the first person to know.
'Huh? On the first day of school, he had said something similar to draw attention, and many people had heard it, so never mind.'
"…I understand."
Looking at Ryoji like this, a spark of extraordinary admiration flickered in Kanata's eyes.
Never give up before trying.
Even if you try and still don't succeed, when you're old and reflecting on your life, you can proudly say that you didn't waste your time and have no regrets.
She gradually began to understand Ryoji's way of living.
What about her?
Caught between her family's expectations and her own desires, how should she choose?
No, there's no need to hesitate any longer.
"Hey, I've answered your question. Now it's my turn, right?"
Ryoji snapped out of his thoughts, shaking off his somewhat dramatic mood, and glared at Totokubara Kanata with annoyance.
"The atmosphere between Senior Sister and me was so good just now, and we were almost about to take the next step. But as soon as you showed up, Senior Sister ran off. How are you going to make it up to me?"
What a shame!
It was truly a shame just now!
The atmosphere was absolutely perfect. If he had just looked up, he could have easily kissed Senior Sister and their relationship would have naturally progressed.
But such a great moment was ruined by Totokubara Kanata.
What are you going to do to make it up to me?
"I see, that really is a shame…"
Totokubara Kanata stood up, walked to the edge of the bed, and then gently leaned over.
Ryoji's gaze sharpened.
Wow, it's really showing!
Her white dress was very form-fitting, hugging her curves tightly, and now that she bent over, it was even more breathtaking, as if it might burst at any moment.
Truly the largest in Hagun Academy, surpassing even Senior Sister and Stella.
She leaned in close to Ryoji's ear, her emerald eyes shimmering with a soft, shy light, as if she was also embarrassed by her actions.
"Given the circumstances, how about I compensate you with myself?"
A shy, timid voice whispered in his ear.
The voice was deliberately lowered, and the warm breath from her words tickled his skin.
At that moment, Ryoji was lying on the bed, and Totokubara Kanata was half-pressing on top of him. They were so close that her pink lips were right in front of him. If Ryoji just tilted his head up slightly, he could kiss the wealthy Kanata.
Ryoji: (⊙o⊙)
Huh?
Un un un??!
What did the wealthy Kanata just say?
And why does she look so shy that she can barely contain herself?
I haven't flirted with you, have I?
Although he had entertained such thoughts, he had been too focused on training his physical abilities and considering Senior Sister's presence to actually flirt with Kanata.
The two of them even had an unpleasant experience once, so there had been no opportunity for Ryoji to build any goodwill.
How did you suddenly just offer yourself?
Is my charm really so potent that it can make a wealthy woman give herself away?
Then why am I even trying so hard—why bother trying to make money—when this is so tempting?
Ugh!
His attending physician, Kiriko-san, really did say he had a weak stomach and was suited for "eating soft rice"!
So this isn't eating soft rice; it's following medical advice!
"But Senior Sister…"
Ryoji almost agreed immediately, but at the last moment, he hesitated.
If Senior Sister found out, wouldn't she slice him with her sword?
The Spiritual Item (Device) Narukami is not an ordinary kitchen knife; he really couldn't withstand a single Raikiri!
"If Touka doesn't find out, then it'll be alright."
Totokubara Kanata felt a bit uncomfortable from bending over, so she simply pressed down on Ryoji's body.
At the same time, her eyes sparkled as she encouraged him.
"I want to know what true love feels like, but I'm also bound by a marriage contract, so I can't simply dismiss it. Otherwise, it would definitely affect my family's business, so I can't openly date."
"And you don't want Touka to find out, so aren't we a perfect match? We can just date secretly and not tell anyone… Don't you think that sounds exciting?"
When Kanata said this, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Wow!
I didn't expect you to be this kind of wealthy woman!
Beneath that seemingly noble and elegant exterior, there's actually a heart that seeks excitement!
But to be fair, just thinking about having an affair with Senior Sister's good friend is indeed very thrilling.
Ugh, how can I be so shameless?
Kanata, how can you be so bold?
Japan's good friend, Totokubara Kanata!
"You must be short on money right now, right?"
Seeing Ryoji still hesitating, his gaze averted and his eyelids drooping with uncertainty, Kanata decided to play her trump card.
"I saw you splitting the spoils with Kusakabe Kagami yesterday. That should theoretically be against school rules, but I can help you keep it under wraps… And from now on, all your expenses will be covered by me!"
As the eldest daughter of her family and a powerful B-Rank Blazer, Kanata had a significant say in her family and could mobilize a considerable amount of funds.
As for what would happen afterward, they could think about that later.
Ryoji's gaze sharpened instantly.
He had to admit, Kanata's last sentence had struck a chord!
All his expenses covered by her!
Just listen to how bold that is! It's impossible not to admire her! And it made Ryoji's previously wavering conscience instantly quiet.
"I think this compensation is quite reasonable, and I have no complaints!"
Ryoji quickly switched sides, seriously stating that he accepted the terms.
"Then this is the initial compensation…"
Kanata's eyes glimmered with a soft light, her voice as delicate as a whisper, and then she leaned in, offering her cherry lips.
"Chuu~"
Exciting!
(End of Chapter)
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