Tokyo's Most Affectionate - Chapter 110

Traditional Thoughts

“…”

Kurosawa fell into silence, unsure of how to respond. Despite the light and cheerful tone of their conversation, the content of their discussion was quite heavy.

He didn’t see Shiromiya’s beautiful and elegant face; instead, he saw through to what lay beyond.

It was a soul that had been bound for many years, suppressed for many years, expecting liberation and freedom, almost a crazed soul.

Suddenly, he recalled a remark made by Itsuragi.

The stricter the upbringing, the more repressed the thoughts and ideas. 

There were things she couldn’t do, and deep down, there was undoubtedly an impulse. Just a catalyst, and it would erupt.

His appearance was undoubtedly the catalyst that Shiromiya had been waiting for all along.

As long as he said “okay,” the monstrous flood repressed in the girl’s heart would be unleashed.

Moreover, that cage was already on the verge of collapsing, and the frenzied soul within was trying every means to break free.

Extramarital affairs, financial support—these rebellious and rule-defying notions, not in line with her status and personality, were expressed by her in a joking manner.

“Why are you not saying anything? Don’t take it seriously; I’m just joking.”

Seeing him remain silent, Shiromiya suddenly panicked. She reached out and patted his shoulder, forcing a smile.

The smile that should have been stunning and captivating on her beautiful face turned out to be somewhat bitter and strained.

“…”

Kurosawa opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he found himself at a loss for words.

Because of the existence of the system, there was one thing he could be certain of.

As long as a task could be triggered, it meant that the woman had feelings for him.

Today’s date task had a goal: “Shoot an arrow into her heart.” It wasn’t meant literally but emotionally.

Though the system didn’t explicitly say it was love, the principle should be similar.

In short, with the completion of the task, her feelings for him had moved beyond mere fondness. It might have evolved into affection or even love. That’s why she made such a statement.

She had resigned herself to the inevitable fate of being arranged by the family and marrying someone else in the future. 

Her current actions were, in essence, a cry for help, an attempt to grasp onto a lifeline in that powerless quagmire to avoid being completely swallowed up.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have made such an excessive joke. Please don’t be angry.”

Because he remained silent, Shiromiya was genuinely worried. She glanced around and leaned in a bit to apologize in a hushed tone.

Losing this hard-earned friendship with the opposite sex because of the earlier joke would be too distressing.

The apology was very humble, as if pleading for forgiveness.

“I’m not angry. I’m just thinking about something.”

Seeing her in this state, Kurosawa shook his head and spoke.

“What is it?”

Relieved that he finally spoke, Shiromiya breathed a sigh of relief and asked.

“Do you have the desire to financially support a man because of meeting me, or was it something you already had before?”

“Does it make a difference?”

“For me, it does.”

“It’s something that came up after meeting you.”

Shiromiya noticed that he was somewhat serious. After hesitating for a few seconds, she lowered her head slightly and replied in a soft voice.

The birth of this idea happened when Kurosawa rolled up his sleeves, revealing his beautiful and sexy left shoulder, along with that handsome and dignified posture holding the bow.

It had to be said that she was moved at that moment.

She knew that Kurosawa came from a very ordinary family background; otherwise, he wouldn’t need to work as a tutor.

The vast wealth gap planted a seed in her heart. As Kurosawa learned about her fate, it just burst forth.

Moreover, she was very aware of one thing: Kurosawa probably liked her. 

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have suddenly mustered the courage to talk to her before. 

Someone like him might indeed agree to be financially supported by her.

“Is that so?”

Kurosawa once again fell into contemplation.

In fact, he had a way to help Shiromiya break free from her fate, as suggested by Sato—make a name for himself.

However, he couldn’t easily give a response, saying he had a way to marry her. This statement carried responsibility and commitment. 

Moreover, his feelings towards Shiromiya were only goodwill, perhaps with a hint of pity. 

Getting close to her was just an attempt to make her happy and relaxed.

In reality, Kurosawa knew that his actions were quite selfish, but no one could resist the temptation of the system rewards, even if they were talents rather than actual money.

Having many skills didn’t burden him; on the contrary, these talents allowed him to have a completely different life.

Realizing that his actions were not commendable, subconsciously, he had tried to make the girl satisfied and happy during the date.

Trying to give as much as possible, rather than seeking something in return, helped alleviate the sense of guilt.

Even if they were to part ways in the future and stop dating, he wouldn’t regret not doing more, feeling guilty towards the person.

However, when faced with the reality, he discovered that he had been wrong.

No matter how well he did, no matter how much he gave, he couldn’t simply walk away from the other person with a clear conscience.

Throughout the dating process, as they got to know each other and spent time together, emotions would gradually intensify. The woman would cherish him more, and he would feel the same way.

Even in friendships, if the bond lasts, it’s hard to let go, let alone in a romantic relationship.

If one day he had to choose between Ichinose, Ninomiya, and the current Shiromiya, could he make a choice?

He went on dates with Ichinose, even with Ninomiya, and now with Shiromiya. For the rewards of the dating tasks, there might be other women in the future.

Juggling between several women simultaneously, perhaps his relationship with Shiromiya had just begun. 

However, who could guarantee that emotions wouldn’t progress?

His relationship with Ichinose also improved with each date and encounter.

“Are you considering it?”

Noticing him lost in thought, Shiromiya waited for a while, a bit impatient, unable to resist asking.

Could it be that the idea of “wanting to support you because it’s you” was the premise that made Kurosawa’s heart flutter?

“If I tell you that I’m not a good person, how would you feel?”

After much contemplation, Kurosawa looked up to meet her gaze and asked.

“What should I think? You weren’t a good person to begin with, and neither am I.”

Shiromiya, who had hoped for his agreement, was left speechless upon hearing this.

She didn’t believe that this guy was an honest and upright good man, which was why she couldn’t help expressing the idea of supporting him.

“What if I were a playboy, juggling relationships with multiple women?”

Kurosawa, realizing she might have misunderstood, hesitated for a moment and then mustered the courage to ask.

“Seriously?” Shiromiya looked at him.

“Seriously.” Kurosawa nodded.

“Um…” Realizing he wasn’t joking, Shiromiya fell into contemplation.

“I don’t mind if you use my money to pursue women, but you have to spend more time with me, the maximum time,” she said after some thought, gritting her teeth determinedly.

While it might be a bit uncomfortable, Kurosawa probably felt the same way. 

After all, she had to marry someone else and seek liberation and freedom in order to support him.

“Do you agree to this on the condition that you marry someone else and support me?”

“Yeah.”

“What if you didn’t have to marry someone else, but instead marry me?”

“Why bring up so many ‘ifs’…”

“Just because there are many.”

“If you can really make my grandfather agree, not only three ships, but even if there are four or five ships, I’m fine with it.”

Although it seemed a bit troublesome, Shiromiya didn’t mind indulging in fantasies. After pondering for a few seconds, she smiled.

Perhaps it sounded strange, but her upbringing had been very traditional from a young age.

In the tradition of Neon, they adhered to monogamy, but there were no strict rules regarding concubines.

Her view on marriage was that, even if her husband had extramarital affairs, as long as there were no illegitimate children, she didn’t mind. 

She just needed to maintain her position as the legitimate wife and focus on raising children.