"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 34

“Yuukizaka-sama, um… could you give me one of those special talismans too? I will make sure to repay you…”

“Oh, sure. Would you like just one?”

“Ah… Thank you so much!”

It has been a week since I gave Sayama-san a “self-defense” talisman… and now, more and more girls keep coming to me, one after another.

I think the number is almost in the double digits. Seriously?

I look down at the empty wooden box where I kept my pre-made talismans and sigh in disappointment.

Do the men of this country’s noble class really believe they can easily get back together with their ex-girlfriends?

Even though they were the ones who cheated, why do they think they still have a chance?

Well, at least that scumbag hasn’t shown up lately.

Maybe he found out who my fiancé is from his family.

It’s great that he finally learned his place.

“Excuse me. Yuukizaka-sama, may I have a word?”

“Hyoe…!? Ah, y-yes? What is it, Rokujou-no-Go-sama?”

The one speaking to me was Sayuri Rokujou-no-Go.

I remember she was influenced by the ideology of the “Future Happiness Association,” which sees talismans and spirit techniques as dangerous…

Is she here to complain because I’m giving out talismans? Huh? Does she want to fight?

“You are participating in next week’s Four Seasons Barrier maintenance, correct?”

“Huh? Ah, yes.”

It’s rare for her to approach me alone when I’m by myself… but this is about that event.

Oh, right.

After all, Sayuri-san’s family is one of the “Ten Guardian Families.”

“Will Rokujou-no-Go-sama also be participating?”

“W-Well… y-yes… I see. So you really are joining.”

“Yes. This will be my first time, so I would be very grateful if you could teach me. What kind of spirit techniques are used in barrier maintenance? How is it done?”

Now that I think about it, no one has explained the details to me yet.

In class, we only learned the basics of barrier-related spirit techniques.

Especially for girls, since depending on where they marry, they might have to participate in the Four Seasons Barrier maintenance in the future.

For families of the “Ten Guardian Families,” participation is basically mandatory.

Do we use basic barrier techniques for the repairs?

I hope they don’t just throw us into the real thing without practice…

“The experts handle the spirit technique construction. For example, the head of the Ichijou-no-Go family does that part. Our job is to gather in one place and send our spiritual energy to the designated repair areas. So, you don’t need to know the detailed techniques.”

“Eh! R-Really? I thought…”

I thought we would actually get to use spirit techniques…

Oh, I see. It’s more efficient for the barrier masters to set up the technique so that others just supply the energy to repair the damaged areas.

That makes sense… but it’s kind of disappointing.

“However… if you are going to marry into the Ichijou-no-Go family, you might need more knowledge about this.”

Oh.

I look up at Sayuri-san.

So, she has already heard about my engagement to Kouga-san?

“That’s true. I still have a lot to learn, so I’m excited about it.”

“I see. So, the engagement rumors are true.”

“I can’t say much until the official announcement, but…”

“That’s fine. However, you should be careful.”

“Huh?”

Sayuri-san’s attitude suddenly became softer.

It felt strange. She folded her arms and, with a slightly troubled and annoyed look, told me something shocking.

“Someone has been spreading rumors about you and your new fiancé. Most people have enough sense not to ask you directly… but some people lack class and don’t know how to behave.”

“That means—”

There are only two people I can think of who would do this.

That scumbag or that loose woman.

But I doubt it’s the scumbag.

His family probably put a strict warning on him.

That means… it’s her.

“But even if you say I should be careful, I don’t really know what to be careful about yet…”

“You were chosen for your spiritual power, right? Well, since your engagement is already official, there’s not much to worry about. You’re not hiding the fact that you’re engaged, are you?”

“No. Both families’ heads told me that I don’t have to reveal my fiancé’s name, but I can talk about the engagement if asked.”

So even if rumors are spreading, it’s not really a problem, right?

Or is it?

“Within the school, it’s fine. Given who your fiancé is, no one will make a big deal about it. But in high society, it’s a different story.”

“Eh… um… what do you mean?”

“Many women were once considered as candidates for your fiancé’s engagement. However, his mother opposed them all, and they had to give up.”

“But aren’t those women already married?”

Kouga-san is twenty-seven years old this year.

That means he’s twelve years older than me.

He even told me he had given up on marriage because of that.

Also, I heard he’s not comfortable around women…

“Yes, but that makes them jealous of you.”

“S-Seriously…?”

Ugh, the world of noblewomen is so annoying!

Wait, are they still bitter even after getting married!?

That’s terrifying!

“On the day of the Four Seasons Barrier maintenance, we will be repairing many damaged areas. Sometimes, hundreds of places need fixing, and there are usually three spiritual energy supply locations—one inside the country and two outside, or sometimes three outside. On that day, you should stay close to me or the head of your fiancé’s family.”

“Why?”

“Some people want to send us students instead of experienced women because they think we should get practice before we get married. I don’t know who suggested it, but the teachers are discussing it.”