Refuse Harem

Translator: Tsukii

Editor: Prius

Read at Watashi wa Sugoi Desu!

Chapter 207 – Dear Tenma, Are Men Really Such Troublesome Creatures? III

“Are you sure you are going to help me? My goal isn’t just to expand the sewer pipes. The water itself――”

“You don’t have to explain everything, I’ve read the proposal you wrote. Purifying water using bacteria is an avant-garde method, but it’s not impossible. I admit that it’s an interesting idea.”

“?! You read the proposal……?”

Vincent was a holder of three silver stars. Unlike students, he had the status that allowed him to see it. But that wasn’t what made it surprising; the plan Sophie came up with was currently in Lorenzo’s custody.

It was impossible to even touch it without going through him. This meant that Vincent went to the Institute of Medical Science and asked Lorenzo to view it.

Why did he go out of his way to interact with the person he hated so much? I thought his offer to “help” was just something that slipped out of his mouth as an extension of his competitive streak……

Seeing that wasn’t the case, Sophie nodded deeply.

“I understand. Then in return, I will continue to be your richu opponent.”

He still had his usual frown and looked to the side, but he didn’t make any particular objections. It seemed his behavior could be taken as consent.

“Then I will immediately ask Lorenzo-sama to reserve a special seat for you at the Institute of Medical Science.”

When Sophie told him she was going to do that, Vincent stood up from his sofa as if to say, “Wait a minute!”

“Why should I be under the command of the Institute of Medical Science!? I will never serve under that man, even if I die!”

“Eh…… But this is a national project centered around the Institute of Medical Science. If you’re going to be involved, I think some degree of status is necessary.”

Sophie was the one who presented the overall direction and took command, but a separate person would be needed to coordinate the tasks to be distributed to each department. Considering Vincent’s status as a holder of three silver stars, it would be appropriate for him to be that person.

But his occupation was merely that of a lecturer, and if he participated as a lecturer without being affiliated with the Institute of Medical Science, there was a possibility that friction would arise between him and the other researchers.

Even when Sophie explained the necessity of this as part of countermeasures, Vincent wasn’t convinced and instead snorted as if to say it was absurd.

“Are you really worried about such a trivial thing? Let me tell you, cooperation is of secondary or tertiary importance to silver stars. It’s all about ability and results. Consideration of the feelings of researchers is surely not even on the back of that man’s mind.”

“T-That sort of thing…… I think it’s been taken into consideration a little……”

“Do you seriously think so?”

“…………”

Sophie went quiet.

If Lorenzo had any consideration or concern for his researchers, there was no way the Institute of Medical Science could boast about working overtime hours on the level of a super-black company. He was a ruthlessly rational thinker.

“In the first place, why do I need his approval? You have more power than he does in the project.”

“If that’s the case, you would be treated as my subordinate.”

“Better than being under that man.”

He said it so casually that Sophie’s eyes went wide in shock.

“Isn’t that too shortsighted? You realize how much resentment a female Purple Star inspired, right?!”

If Vincent had the position within the Institute of Medical Science, even if Sophie made some sort of mistake in the future, Vincent wouldn’t be held responsible. However, being under Sophie was a different story.

“I have no intention of letting this business fail, but it is true there’s no guarantee how things will turn out.”

Reality was unlike richu, there was no rematch if one lost. Being looked at strangely even once could lead to irreparable consequences in a noble society and could even tarnish the family name.

“I can’t put those who are willing to help me in such a dangerous position. The idea that you would rather work under me than under Lorenzo-sama is far too dangerous.”

When Sophie seriously asked him to reconsider, he was silent for a moment then quietly muttered,

“You seem to fully understand the danger and influence of the power of ‘Purple Star,’ yet you seem indifferent to the damage it could cause you……”

“? Sorry, I didn’t hear you very well.”

Sophie asked Vincent to repeat his words since she was unable to hear him properly, but Vincent just turned his face away and snorted.

“Anyway, I refuse to be under that man. My family is a pure-blooded one in which every male member receives silver stars. There are no fools in our family who would listen to such nonsense. I don’t even have time to deal with such people.”

As Vincent spoke arrogantly without hesitation, Sophie felt it deeply.

The idea that knowledge is justice over what other people think is truly characteristic of a silver star……

Many nobles believed their pedigree was justice, but the silver star’s sense of nobility wasn’t as strong. However, their pride as a silver star surpassed that.

In a way, it was a welcome honesty, but it was also a dangerous thought.

Sophie couldn’t help but put her hand to her forehead and sigh, and for some reason, he began to stare intently at her thin face.

Having been involved in business negotiations with adults since she was a child, Sophie was used to being looked at with appraising looks. But Vincent’s eyes were a slightly different gaze.

“Is there something else?”

He stared intently at her from the front and Sophie instinctively felt like backing away.

“I have my fair share of experience with the annoyance of nonsense. But more than anything, I can’t leave you on your own.”

“Heh?”

What does he mean by that? Sophie tilted her head in confusion and behind her, Gerald moved slightly.

Since the incident with Remiel, Gerald’s ability to avoid danger had improved several levels. Considering the unexpected, Gerald reached for his sword but,

“The reason I think so is because you―― are an imperfect human.

“……Hmm?”

Eh, what did he say just now?

Sophie wondered if she heard things wrong. She felt like she had been subjected to some unexpected verbal abuse.

“I-Imperfect? Don’t you mean perfect?”

“Which part of you is perfect? You’re imperfect no matter how I see it”

Being emphasized once again, Sophie’s mouth gaping open and closed repeatedly.

Imperfect? Did he just say I’m imperfect? Eh? Why? I’m a beautiful girl with an adorable appearance who was born with such a lovely appearance like my mother, though? I’m a beautiful girl who is even intelligent thanks to memories of my past life, though???

Instantly, Tasuku inside her mind stood up and shouted, “Objection!”

“I-I’m terribly sorry. I don’t understand what you meant.”

Suppressing the emotions rising from within her like a tornado, enduring the twitching of her mouth, Sophie asked in a ladylike manner, and he continued while crossing his legs.

“I don’t know where you learned it, but you do have the knowledge and adaptability to convince that man. But inside, you’re probably pretty clumsy.”

Did he call me clumsy?????

The last time anyone called her that was when Tenma called Tasuku that in her previous life.

It sounded nostalgic in a way, but at the same time, it made her feel pathetic.

“W-Wait a minute! What do you mean that I’m clumsy?!”

“Your skill in richu is certainly among the best in the kingdom. I’ll admit that―― of course, that’s only if you’re careful.”

“What does that mean?”

“Sometimes you make moves that I don’t understand. When I look closely to see if there’s any hidden intention behind them, there isn’t. It’s just a bad move.”

At that time, Sophie had an expression that said, “No matter how I look at it, I made the wrong move!” but after following up with the thought, “Well, I guess it will work out somehow!” she ended up with an expression that said, “It worked out. I’m satisfied!”

“You’re the type that lets it all show on your face when you let your guard down, right?”

“…………T-That’s……”

Should be not true. Sophie instinctively turned her head to look at Gerald as if to confirm, but he quickly looked away.

Was that a silent affirmation?

Even while Sophie was in mild shock, Vincent continued to talk.

“Well…… humans tend to be attracted to people like that. Anyone would want to lend a hand to someone who seems like they might run off in an outrageous direction if left alone……”

“H-Haah?”

Although he said it with a slight flush in his cheeks, it was so sudden that Sophie could no longer take in what he was saying.

The word “clumsy” kept repeating in her head.

Clumsy clumsy clumsy clumsy clumsy…… eh, this is painful.

“Nothing excludes others like perfection. As annoying as it is to admit, that man is a good example of that.”

Was that his way of a follow-up?

Wasn’t it true that the basis of his thoughts was too focused on Lorenzo?

It already sounded like something between the lines.1

Ah, yes. I think it’s officially the sexual preference version of between the lines.

Sophie had no idea how it felt, but she forced herself to think it was that. Being treated as a clumsy person was such a shock that her mind started to escape reality.

As Sophie looked dazed out of shock, Vincent frowned.

“Are you listening to me properly?”

“Eh…… Haah? I’m listening.”

I don’t want to hear it anymore.

It was heartbreaking for Sophie Linier, the girl who was cherished since the memories of her previous life returned, to be judged in the same category as Tasuku.

I want to go home now……

But then Sophie suddenly realized that the original problem hadn’t been resolved.

“Um, Professor Vincent…… If you were to work under me, the suspicion of your taste in little girls would still remain……”

Rather than remain, it would only get worse. This wouldn’t avoid suspicion from the gold star students.

Although Sophie expressed concern for Vincent’s position, he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

“Are you going back to that topic again? You’re so persistent. In the first place, you are not a little girl. Isn’t it a bit presumptuous to call yourself a little girl at your age?”

At the unnecessary remark, Sophie thought to herself with a forced smile.

――I will definitely give the between the lines punishment to this man!


Want early access to Cannon Fodder, Melancholy of the Demon Army Officer, and I Was a Man Before Reincarnating, So I Refuse a Reverse Harem? Support the translator on Patreon!

Want to Read Ahead? Support Us on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments