Even after Asaichi finished speaking, the frown on Sakuna’s forehead didn’t disappear.
“Um… Koizuka-san, do you really hate Akizuki that much?”
“I think Konoe-san’s idea of a happy ending is to break up with the person seeking advice. Isn’t leaving them alone the best kind of happy ending?”
“Even so, it was Akizuki who came to consult, right?”
Sakuna still seemed unconvinced, crossing her arms and falling silent.
“Can’t we work on a different case? Also, I think readers of my novels wouldn’t care much for a scumbag like the one seeking advice.”
“But since it’s a real story, there’s bound to be some realism to it, right? Also, if we solve it, I could tell you about a case you might like.”
“…What if I don’t help?”
“Then I guess our contract ends there?”
Sakuna sighed dramatically and said, “I understand,” before continuing.
“I have a question about something I’ve been wondering while listening.”
“What is it?”
“When did they start dating?”
“They said it was two or three months ago.”
“Konoe-san is a kind and beautiful woman. She’s popular with women and has a lot of friends. Would she really date someone who’s only good-looking?”
The Akizuki Asaichi knew was a kind person. Whenever someone needed help, he was the first to lend a hand, and when some stupid boys were bullying girls about their looks, he would tell them, “That’s seriously lame, stop it.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty careless when it comes to relationships. But at his core, he’s serious and has a strong sense of justice… honestly, if there’s one flaw, it’s that he’d date anyone who confesses to him.”
“That’s a fatal flaw.”
“Apparently, he’s never confessed to anyone himself, but the first time he did, it was with Konoe-san.”
Sakuna still seemed doubtful, her frown deepening.
“It just feels kind of too late…”
“What do you mean?”
“I think Konoe-san knew about the terrible rumors about the person seeking advice before they started dating. Also, I’m sure people around her must have told her to stop. If that’s the case, then there must be a reason they’re together now. Did he say anything about that?”
“No, not really…”
“There’s a high chance the person seeking advice is hiding something. Maybe they’re emotionally abusive, or a violent scumbag.”
“I don’t think he’d do something like that… He’s actually pretty kind to girls, in spite of everything.”
“If it’s kindness just to cheat, then it would be better if he didn’t have it at all.”
Sakuna said this with an exasperated tone before continuing, “Alright, I’ll do some research on my end. There might be a side of him you haven’t seen.”
“Please do.”
“You should also do what you can.”
“Yeah, I’ll do what I can.”
“And if the person seeking advice turns out to be an emotionally abusive, violent scumbag, I’ll fully support Konoe-san.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
“And, either way, once this problem is solved, please tell me a sweet, heart-throbbing love story. Something where a disgusting advisor doesn’t show up.”
After being reminded, Asaichi shrugged and said, “Of course.”
