"Please, I can't endure even half an hour with the activated seal as punishment, if I barely recovered after a whole five minutes before being sent to the front," Hyuga sniffled, looking up at me with a pleading gaze that made my heart skip a beat.
Those large, beautiful silver eyes of the girl who was (in some degree) indifferent to me, full of unshed tears, struck like a battering ram against my firm resolve to stay as far away from clan intrigues as possible. Memories of the unfortunate Hyuga branch members who ended up in our care after such "punishments" didn't help either. To be honest with myself, if Kanade weren't from the Hyuga clan, I wouldn't have even thought twice about the matter, but alas, such a situation wouldn't have arisen at all in that case.
The real question here is whether my unwillingness to get involved in a political mess is worth the health and well-being of a good girl who is in a very difficult situation. Considering that she has shown only kindness towards me and that she is less eager to carry out the clan head's orders compared to most other candidates, which is undoubtedly a plus for her.
"Alright, fine, you'll be my lover," I relented, unable to withstand the pleading look, "but there are a few... conditions!"
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The kunoichi who jumped on me immediately removed her mask and started covering my face with kisses, practically glowing with joy.
"W-wait, what are you doing!?" I pushed the girl away, removing her hands from my belt.
"I'm trying to get proof of our agreement," she sniffed happily, smiling.
"Proof? Just say that you're my lover and that's it," I sighed, tiredly rubbing the bridge of my nose.
Hyuga suddenly looked away and blushed so deeply that it was noticeable even under the dim light of the ceiling lamp.
"I'm a virgin…"
I stared at her in surprise — she's already... how old is she? She seems to be about four years older, so nineteen or twenty. Damn it! Suppressing the urge to smack myself on the forehead again since I was running out of coherent words, I shook my head — this is like a Brazilian soap opera!
"Alright then, before you ask for more proof, I have a few... conditions, let's say," I grimaced. "First, don't expect any children in the near future, as I can control that in any state, not to mention a special seal preventing any attempts to get viable seed. You can pass that directly to your clan head if you get the chance. Second, you won't try to use your charms to get anything from me; you'll say honestly and directly what you need, and I'll decide whether to do it or not. Agreed?"
"Alright, Ryo-sama!" Kanade prostrated herself. "I will fulfill any of your wishes!"
"Kanade-chan, are you kidding?" Looking at the girl literally sprawled at my knees, I felt a twitch in my left cheek.
"As you wish, my lord!"
I never considered myself a religious person, but the urge to pray was unbearable. Lord, give me the strength to endure this trial as well!
Dear readers, Volume 2 of Red Nara is finished. Volume 3 will have to wait, but I think at the end of next week or the week after (due to force majeure) I will start publishing the continuation. Thanks in advance to all participants.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon (+ 200 chapter)
patreon.com/Chill76