Cast(1)

--- Ren's POV, A few days after ---

Beneath the surface of this cringe-worthy plot, an inexplicable sensation clawed at me.

"This guy... Isn't he the polar opposite of me?"

An honest man. Someone driven to protect his country before himself, unburdened by the whims of lust or conquest. If I were the protagonist of such an era, could I even entertain half of such idealistic nonsense?

To put the people's safety over my own? What am I, Jeanne D'arc?

In the real world, you don't obtain something for nothing. You must make sacrifices somewhere, even if you can't physically see it.

I had experienced this firsthand. To be who I was, I had to chip away at my own humanity to such an extent that I sometimes stared at my reflection in the mirror, questioning if I had already become a monster or if I was well on my way.

The raw instincts and hormones of a male to take in and restrain, a mission to eliminate someone who might as well do the same to me, the desire to possess a woman exclusively, and the constant deceit that's been my companion since the day I left that woman's womb—these were the pieces composing my fractured self.

I often played the part of the honest and upstanding individual, but the truth was, would I hesitate to manipulate or eliminate any obstacle in the pursuit of my goals? The answer was a resounding no.

That's why this guy, this character in the show, was so remarkable. When I heard his nonsensical idealism, a grin tugged at my lips. If I could pull this off, perhaps it might be the missing piece, the aspect that would keep all these talented monsters from uncovering my flaws as they please.

Of course, that wasn't the sole reason for my involvement. This show, [Whispering of Cherry Blossoms], was an accidental twist that should never have come to light.

Thus, This choice served multiple purposes— killing many birds with one stone. If I could genuinely alter the future, this was the most immediate path to try and do so. This show, never mentioned throughout this world in the original version, meant that Masaya never pursued it. I understood well why.

But what happens when something meant to be nonexistent stubbornly attempts to "change" history? Will it go unnoticed, or will it shatter everything I thought I knew about this world?

I won't even delve into the fact that I'm going to make Honoka the Star of this show.

My task is to bolster my hold over her, to let her shine as brightly as possible. There are countless reasons to undertake this mission, and it's the one I feared for one single reason—because it would also demand that I shine just as brilliantly.

Though I'm fairly certain 'he' won't consider physically threatening my life right now, I can never be entirely sure. However, I do know he won't recklessly attempt to take my life; he'd opt for the subtler approach, wielding reputation and media.

I want to circumvent that kind of battle and instead obliterate him outright. I have no desire to feign any sort of goodwill or camaraderie with him. His very presence repulses me.

...Anyway, as dictated by the cruel title of the novel, [Whispers of Cherry Blossoms]. The story has to conclude with the main character forming an 'alliance' with the Female Lead 1 and ultimately marrying her, all in the name of "the people," despite the Female Lead 1's actually having really...strong feelings, for the MC.

Of course, this will lead to more conflict and death because, in the first place, the Female Lead 2 wouldn't back down that easily.

The morale behind this bullshit would be that no matter how much people of the past tried to forget every single desire of theirs, in the end, they have to latch onto something to stay alive.

Why? Because we're humans.

It goes against any pure Saint or Saintess that's ever lived on this planet. Many people would even be upset over this and complain...

Nonetheless, I hold a degree of confidence.

I'm convinced I can pull this off, adapting as the situation unfolds. In truth, it won't be particularly challenging, as the important roles in this show will revolve around mine, Honoka's, and Female Lead 2.

About that role, I'm prepared to suggest several promising candidates I've been keeping an eye on to Masaya, further minimizing the risk of failure.

At this juncture, I remained blissfully unaware of the unforeseen twists that awaited in this seemingly unassuming and cringe-inducing show—a production no one expected to watch.

--- A Week Later ---

It seems like Jinxing is a true skill one can use as long as you say or think the wrong things.

I found myself sighing as I checked once again the list of "confirmed" actors for the show.

This unexpected turn of events wasn't within expectations at all...

My thoughts were interrupted by a pair of luminous blue eyes fixated on me inquisitively.

"Ren...kun, what's been occupying your thoughts so profoundly?" a female voice inquired, snapping me out of my thoughts as I looked at her face, which was now close enough to me that our lips were barely centimeters away from each other...

Her ability to address me so casually almost tempted me into a fleeting smile—no, no!

I swear, this body...

"...It's related to the show we're part of," I began to explain, the weight of responsibility clear in my tone. "I've been cast as the main character, Kioshi Ozuru, while you play Lady Hana, the heir of a prestigious household—an incredibly significant role in this production, but..."

"What's with the super serious look?"

Those seemingly innocent words sent a shockwave through my already uneasy demeanor. I instinctively glanced over my shoulder...

And there she stood, precisely the person I had hoped to avoid: Ai Hoshino, also known as Female Main Lead 2, Lady Sakura.

"Ah! You're that impolite girl!" A retort resounded faintly as I clenched my teeth a little, my focus returning to the current predicament as I had no idea what Honoka Suzuki was even saying, to be honest, nor did I care.

Among the "samurai" characters in the show, the role of Supportive Character 3 was embodied by none other than... Hikaru Kamiki.

Seriously, Masaya...

This production had suddenly transformed into a potential bloodbath.

Cold sweat swept across my brow.

Despite my mounting apprehension, I mustered a cold smile and interrupted a small conversation that ensued between the two girls.

"Well, since this isn't our style, I am even more determined to make this a resounding success. How about you, Ai Hoshino?"

My subtle provocation appeared to have some effect, as her gaze sharpened, a glint of competitiveness sparking in her eyes while Honoki Suzuka just looked at me with question marks written all over her face.

Well, it's not like she'd ever understand even if I told her...

"We'll see," she responded shortly as she made her way to a spot to probably not be bothered...

As much as I longed for a more extended conversation, I recognized that the current moment was not conducive to idle chatter. It was merely the opening act of meeting the entire cast and engaging in polite small talk—necessary rituals to alleviate the tension of working alongside relative strangers.

---

Author's Note:

We will SOON explain all that's happening in detail. I simply packed many things in one chap to make you all understand where we're going here.