NOVEL WEB Episode 36 - A Discussion Unrelated to Life
Episode 36: A Discussion Unrelated to Life
“W-what is it?” the novelist swallowed nervously, unconsciously shrinking back.
“What do you think about it?”
“Think about… what?”
“…”
Ogiwara-san pointed to herself.
“About my engagement to Niwa-kun.”
“…Oh, that.”
He tilted his head.
“Wasn’t it arranged when you were children?”
“Yes. My parents and Niwa-kun’s parents were close friends from university. Also, the family my mother was born into had a close relationship with the Niwa family… I heard she’s actually Niwa-kun’s grandfather’s niece.”
When mentioning “parents,” Ogiwara-san’s expression showed a rare hint of nostalgia. Her usually unapproachable, ice-queen demeanor seemed to thaw slightly.
“So because of that relationship, the engagement was arranged when you were young… is that right?”
The novelist nodded.
…
…What the hell!
Parents who were friends in the past! A beautiful fiancée! What was this guy, some romance comedy protagonist? How infuriating! Talk about losing at life’s starting line!
Though… come to think of it, I wasn’t even living in this country as a child. Most of my time was spent miserably in hospitals and child welfare facilities… Damn, why did I want to cry?
And—right, more importantly, he had that generic nice guy personality too. Could he just die? Just looking at him put me in a bad mood.
“…Liang-kun, you’re making quite a terrifying expression.”
“A-am I?”
“An expression that says ‘I wish someone would hurry up and die’… Could it be directed at Niwa-kun?”
“Ah, haha. That’s impossible, Ogiwara-san, you’re overthinking it.”
“It seems I’m right.”
Ogiwara-san looked slightly surprised.
“Normally thinking, is Liang-kun jealous for my sake? Wow~ I’m so happy.”
Could she not say such things with a completely blank expression?
“I’m really happy.”
Um… you’re… welcome?
…
“Anyway, it’s because I didn’t clearly refuse back then,” Ogiwara-san said softly.
“Some people might be dissatisfied with me because of that. Not refusing, not explaining, not getting angry, not giving reasons, not even showing embarrassment—they probably can’t understand someone like me.”
“That kind of attitude usually implies consent and acceptance. Plus, since I’m the daughter of a bankrupt family, it’s natural that people would think I’m after the Niwa family’s money.”
What had started as a playful arrangement between parents during childhood could have reasonably been canceled. Moreover, there had never been any attempt to cultivate feelings between the engaged parties, showing neither side had taken the engagement seriously.
…Yet now, having it announced by the groom himself at the birthday party made it seem more like someone behind the scenes was using this nominal agreement to threaten her, forcing her to continue living as an ojou-sama.
“Is that so?”
Though the novelist could understand her meaning, he found it somewhat puzzling.
“In public opinion, what matters isn’t the truth. It’s how people view things from their own position.”
“Though, it’s possible you actually like Niwa-kun… forget I said anything.”
Noticing the young lady was staring at him with a “what nonsense are you saying” look of disdain, he wisely closed his mouth.
“If one day the world came to an end and humanity was down to just Niwa-kun and Liang-kun, and I had to choose something to survive with, I would choose you.”
I-is that so?
“However, cockroaches would probably survive too, so such a troublesome choice wouldn’t arise.”
How cruel! To have your priority ranked below cockroaches by a girl was too cruel!
…
“For example, for the sake of wealth and privileges, not wanting hardship or trouble, not wanting to work hard, yet wanting to live luxuriously… making decisions about one’s feelings for such impure reasons. Liang-kun, what do you think about that?”
As if trying to see more clearly what expression the young man would show when faced with such a pointed question, Ogiwara-san unconsciously moved a bit closer to him.
Contrary to her expectations, the novelist’s answer came swiftly, almost without hesitation.
“First of all, that’s not really an ‘impure’ purpose, is it? Seeking wealth and power—that’s a pure intention. However, wanting to enjoy romance while believing you’re joining together for love, yet unconsciously chasing fame and fortune, constantly pushing your partner to advance; or conversely, two people who initially joined for benefit, later hoping to gain each other’s true feelings, even if it’s just an illusion… These complex and impure emotions are actually the norm for humans.”
“…I didn’t mean pure in that sense. I meant ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ as in love untainted by benefit—isn’t that what everyone yearns for?”
“Yes, because that kind of love looks so happy.”
“Probably…” the novelist added after thinking for several seconds.
“So, how to view it…”
“Does this question have anything to do with you, Ogiwara-san?”
“No.”
She denied it decisively.
Moreover, she didn’t appear to be lying… so why? Was it just a passing thought?
“…In my opinion, as long as you’re living for yourself, that’s fine.”
The novelist answered honestly.
“? What does that mean…”
“I mean, enjoying romance and passionate feelings with others is actually for the sake of keeping your own heart happy and your future life stable, right?”
“Ah…”
“Of course, pursuing material benefits like money or privileges is also for yourself. In that case, it’s fine—they’re the same thing to me.”
From the moment people are born, they must live alone in this world. Naturally, that’s a difficult thing.
Those who strive for that—
“I can’t deny… no, I should say I respect such people.”
“Even if it’s for ‘impure’… no, what might actually be ‘evil’ purposes?”
The novelist nodded.
“…Get out of here.”
After a moment of silence, Ogiwara-san said softly.
Why?!
“Don’t wait for anyone else, just go home right now and get lovey-dovey with that frivolous bitch… No, just thinking about you being sticky sweet with that woman makes me sick.”
Suddenly speaking so harshly was too much—
Just as he was about to say this, a commotion came from behind. It was coming from inside the annex.
…What happened?
The novelist had a bad feeling about this.
…
“…Tch.”
Where he couldn’t hear, the young lady clicked her tongue softly.