I was Reincarnated as the Scum Older Brother of the Protagonist in a Romance Battle Game, But I don't want to Die, so I'll do my Best - Episode 30

During Golden Week, there was a staff meeting after school, so all students, including club members, were forced to leave by 4 PM.

I gave up on meditating at the power spot behind the school and went home to change into my tracksuit. Then I headed to a nearby park for some physical training.

It was quite a large park, and just running around the perimeter was a good distance.

As I jogged lightly, I thought about the staff meeting and chuckled wryly.

“It’s probably going to be chaotic. Well, Minagawa-sensei knows my situation, so I don’t think she’ll just dismiss me.”

“Everyone will surely be surprised by tomorrow’s member announcement. Hehehe, I’m actually looking forward to it a little.”

Thinking such pleasant thoughts, I worked up a light sweat for about an hour before returning home.

“I’m home.”

Michiyo-san didn’t reply…

“Oh, right, she said she had multiple required seminars at university today, so she’d be home a bit late…”

I put my sweat-soaked tracksuit in the laundry basket, changed my underwear, washed my hands, and headed to the living room.

“Maybe I’ll make instant noodles… Let’s see… eggs, eggs… huh?”

When I opened the refrigerator, looking for eggs…

“Joji-sama, instant food is bad for you. I’ve prepared omurice, salad, and soup, so please warm them up and eat.”

There were two wrapped plates in the refrigerator, and a mug of corn soup.

“Hehe, Michiyo (Michiyo) saw right through me… ‘You always try to just eat cup noodles when you’re alone! I’ll make something, so put that away!'”

“That’s a nostalgic memory… In my previous life, when I was living with my ex-girlfriend, I’d often get scolded when I came home late from work and tried to have cup ramen for dinner.”

I took the dinner Michiyo-san had prepared out of the refrigerator, put everything but the salad in the microwave, and pressed start.

While waiting, I was choosing dressing for the salad when…

Trill, buzzz, trill, buzzz, trill…

My smartphone rang and vibrated subtly on the table, moving slightly.

I picked up the phone and checked the name displayed…

“Father?”

The incoming call showed “Father.”

“It’s probably about that…”

“Yes, this is Joji.”

“It’s me. Are you home now?”

“Yes, I was preparing dinner.”

“I see. Has Tachibana-san not returned from university yet?”

“No, she hasn’t.”

“I apologize for the sudden notice, but please come to the main family residence on May 3rd. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“That’s a precious day off before the secret realm test… I wanted to use it for training… But I guess I should try to finish the conversation quickly…”

“Is the discussion regarding Takeru and Miyashita-san’s engagement?”

There was a slight pause after my reply.

“Did Takeru tell you? Or did the young lady from the Miyashita family?”

“No, I inferred it from the situation of both families and the relationship between Takeru and Miyashita-san. If I’m mistaken, please forgive my presumption.”

“No, it’s fine. Your inference is correct.”

“Then, I understand the discussion, so regarding this visit home…”

“No, you still need to come back once. You are, after all, the legitimate heir of the Kitano family. It would be strange not to be present at the family engagement discussion.”

“After all…”

“Understood. If it’s an order from you, Father, I have no choice but to obey.”

“Hmm, I’ll arrange for airline tickets for both you and Takeru.”

“No, that’s not necessary. You always provide living expenses, so I have enough for my own travel. Please only arrange Takeru’s.”

“I don’t intend to rely on the Kitano family more than necessary… especially with what’s to come.”

“I see… You’ve changed, too. Have you finally awakened to your responsibility as the legitimate heir of the Kitano family… But it’s late.”

“This person intends to cut me off, regardless of the outcome… I need to gain enough power quickly so I don’t have to rely on the Kitano family’s strength.”

I pretended not to hear my father’s last words and hung up the phone.

“If I let my guard down, a death flag will immediately appear at my feet… I need to devise various strategies.”

I placed my smartphone on the table, prepared the salad I’d started, and enjoyed it along with the omurice and corn soup Michiyo-san had prepared.

I thoroughly washed the dishes I’d used and put them in the dishwasher. In the meantime, I prepared the bath and started the washing machine before taking a shower.

“I’m so late!!”

“Oh, welcome home, Michiyo-san.”

“What?! What are you doing, Joji-sama?!”

I was on my way to the veranda with a basket of finished laundry, intending to hang it.

“Huh? What do you mean? I was just going to hang the laundry.”

“No, no, no! That’s my job! Joji-sama, please relax in your room!”

With a desperate expression, she snatched the laundry basket from me, her brows furrowed in a sulk.

“R-Right, you are… Ah, I guess I’ll just study in my room then.”

Defeated by Michiyo-san’s intensity, I tucked my tail and fled to my room.

“Even so, a lot of detailed settings have been made for the minor characters I didn’t know about… Is it a hidden setting?”

The main story and system remained in my head, but specifications and settings that were discarded during the development process probably wouldn’t come to mind immediately.

However, as the development leader, I had reviewed all the submitted documents, so I might recall some things.

“Given this situation, I should assume that Joji’s parents also have some kind of hidden setting… It’s best to prepare for anything that can be anticipated from the Kitano family’s movements in the future story.”

That evening, I summarized all my countermeasures in a report, including potential questions and answers with my parents and Takeru… And before I knew it, it was past 2 AM.

I hastily brushed my teeth and promptly went to bed, preparing for the next day.