"The Idea of a Woman Stealing Someone Else's Partner is Ridiculous," I laughed. But After Being Reborn, I Became a Victim of Such a Woman. However, My New Fiancée was Absolutely Amazing. - Episode 14
I got treated at the infirmary and finally made it home.
I’m definitely telling my dad…!
That guy must be crazy—hitting a girl’s face, especially one who isn’t even married yet! Not that I’m planning to get married, but still.
In my past life, men who fell for cunning women were often portrayed as naive fools. I used to laugh, thinking, “No way someone could be that dumb.”
To my past self who laughed… Yeah, guys who get stolen by cunning women are completely hopeless. Their heads are empty!
“Hahh… Hm? Oh, a letter arrived… Ah!”
There was a letter in the mailbox.
I was feeling awful just a moment ago, but after seeing the sender’s name, my mood instantly lifted.
Honestly, all my good moods lately are thanks to these letters.
Ichijou Kouga… Well, I write it as “Ichijou-no-Go” in short to avoid certain issues. It’s a letter from the captain.
When he visited the other day, I told him I’d answer any questions if he wrote me a letter. And guess what? He actually did!
He asked about my spiritual abilities, the kind of research I do, and what I study.
He also asked if I could send him another one of the protective charms I gave him before.
I included one in my reply, and he later wrote back saying, “It was really useful. However, when multiple demons attacked at once, it took time to activate. Also, after capturing one demon, the others became more aggressive. Would it be possible to add a suction feature?”
Originally, the charm was meant for self-defense—to create an opening when attacked. But I could see how fighting multiple enemies at once would be tough.
That made sense.
Besides that, we also discussed practical uses for spiritual techniques in daily life.
For example, he said the fire-starting spell I created was “incredibly useful for camping. Can I teach it to other team members?” That made me really happy!
The small light spell I developed was also “super helpful when searching for targets on moonless nights.”
His letter was filled with praise, and I couldn’t help but feel great.
My admiration for Kouga keeps growing.
Kouga, you’re the best! I love you! I’d even marry you at this point!
…Well, our social statuses are too different, so that’s impossible.
But still, having someone who understands my research is reassuring.
Maybe if we get closer, he could introduce me to a good job?
I don’t think Kouga would limit my career options just because I’m a woman… probably.
Feeling excited, I went inside, changed into my home clothes, and opened the letter.
“Hm hm… I see… That makes sense… Okay, then next is…”
The first part of the letter was feedback on the previous charm I sent.
Last time, I gave him a navigation charm.
It remembers the path you walk and guides you back using small glowing lights, like fireflies.
Before, they used to tie red strings around trees as markers, but thanks to this, they saved a lot of time.
However, the light orbs were too small, and several of the ten-plus team members lost sight of them.
Also, during the daytime, the lights were hard to see.
Since I originally designed it for solo night walks, that feedback made a lot of sense.
It needed improvement.
I leave combat-related spells and charms to the professional researchers. My focus is purely on support techniques.
Hearing this kind of feedback is really useful for my research.
“…Huh?”
As I was taking notes, I noticed something at the end of the letter.
It said, “The expedition is over, and I’ll be returning to the capital soon. If it’s convenient, would you be willing to cook for me again at the Maido Hall? Replenishing my spiritual energy would help me on my next mission.”
Ah… I almost forgot, but apparently, my homemade meals are packed with spiritual energy.
After my dad insisted, I got my spiritual energy levels re-examined.
Turns out… I have the same—or even higher—spiritual power than the noble daughters of the Guardian Ten Families.
Spiritual power is ranked by levels, with Level 1 being the highest and Level 6 the lowest.
And I… was Level 1.
That’s way too much! I was shocked.
In the capital right now, the only women with Level 1 spiritual power are from Kouga’s noble family, Ichijo no Go.
Yet, here I am, just some distant branch family member, and I’ve got Level 1 power.
Apparently, the main branch of our family—Kujou-no-Go—was in an uproar when they found out.
I thought I’d suddenly get a bunch of marriage proposals, but instead, my dad got a request from the main family.
They basically said, “Can you somehow arrange an engagement between your daughter and Lord Kouga of Ichijo no Go?”
Like hell that’s up to me!
I mean… I don’t hate Kouga.
He never treats me as “just a woman.” But at the same time, he’s always considerate and respectful.
He’s kind, honest, and sees me not as “a woman,” but as a person—Yuukizaka Mai.
If I became his wife, I’d probably be really happy.
But… since I was a guy in my past life, can I really be happy as a woman?
And even though I appreciate being treated as a person, part of me also feels uneasy that he doesn’t see me as a “woman” at all.
I’m so complicated.
But still, I feel safe with him.
It’s confusing.
Besides, whether or not he chooses me is up to Kouga.
“Well, if he wants to come over just to eat for his mission… Hmm… Guess I should just talk to my dad about it.”