After breaking up, my ex asked me to win her back

Saijo Midori, Saijo Riko, the twin daughters of the Saijo family.

They looked remarkably alike, with the same facial features, the same long hair, and the same dresses, even their expressionless faces were identical.

The only distinguishable feature was probably their hair accessories.

Midori's hair accessory was a red crown, while Riko's was two stars.

This was what Saijo Mari told him.

"Thank you so much for your trouble."

"Not at all, if there's a family emergency, it can't be helped. Please be careful on your way."

"Midori, Riko, say goodbye to the teacher."

""Goodbye, teacher~~""

The two little girls, one on each side, clung to Saijo Mari's legs and said in a drawn-out voice to the elementary school teacher who had taken them out.

Having picked up his sister, Kagura Hikaru and the others walked in the direction of the Saijo family's home.

On the way, Saijo Mari introduced Kagura Hikaru to her two younger sisters.

They seemed a bit shy, just quietly saying hello and hiding on the other side to peek.

"I'm sorry, my kids are really...," Saijo Mari apologized with embarrassment.

Kagura Hikaru: "..."

These two kids, they're not your children, right? Why do you speak with that motherly tone?

Is this the so-called 'eldest daughter is like the mother'?

The Saijo family's house was close to the elementary school the twins attended. There was no need to take the train; a mere ten-minute walk was all it took to reach the destination, a beautifully decorated three-story bungalow, resembling a mini villa.

It seemed that the Saijo family was well-off.

At least, that was the case before the incident occurred.

But as soon as they arrived home, Kagura Hikaru and the others saw several neighborhood ladies gathered at the Saijo family's front door, whispering to each other. When they saw Saijo Mari approaching, they flocked to her like bargain hunters to discounted merchandise, bombarding her with questions:

"Mari, what did your father do? I heard he was taken away?"

"It was something called the National Tax Agency, right?"

"I've heard of this organization in dramas; they investigate taxes!"

"It couldn't be embezzlement at work, could it?"

Their 'enthusiasm' was hard to handle.

Saijo Mari instinctively shielded her two sisters behind her and responded with a forced smile, "I'm sorry, I don't know anything, I'm sorry..."

"You can't be unaware; after all, you are the eldest daughter in the family."

"Don't be so harsh, Mari is still in high school. What would she know?"

"Hey, hey, don't walk away, we're not done talking..."

Kagura Hikaru stepped forward to block the gossiping aunties, gave Saijo Mari a signal, and she quickly walked to the front door, took out the keys, slipped inside the house, with Kagura Hikaru following her in.

As soon as the door closed, the noise from outside was cut off.

Finally, peace and quiet.

"Thanks for just now, Mr. Kagura."

In the living room, Saijo Mari poured Kagura Hikaru a drink and sat next to him, "Also, thank you for leaving early with me; that was very considerate."

"It was no trouble at all, I didn't do much," Kagura Hikaru said nonchalantly, taking a sip of water.

"You're too modest. You also took care of the sports festival matter for me, didn't you?"

"Speaking of which, the Disciplinary Committee went to Tsukinomori Girls' Academy, and they're willing to temporarily lend us the equipment. There should be no problem in dealing with the sports festival."

"Really? I can't thank you enough!"

"I was just passing along a message, if you want to thank someone, go thank President Ayakoji. She was the one in charge of communicating with Tsukinomori."

The two chatted idly for a while, but soon the conversation uncontrollably slipped onto the topic of Mari Enterprise.

Saijo Mari had briefed her sisters about the situation to some extent.

It was unclear whether they truly understood, as they maintained a calm demeanor but from the way they blankly stared at the financial news on television, it was evident their minds were elsewhere, likely worried about their family's situation.

Perhaps during their parents' arguments, they and their older sister Saijo Mari had already sensed that the family was about to undergo a crisis, but obviously, none could have imagined it would escalate to this extent.

"What are the consequences of being caught by the National Tax Agency..." Saijo Mari said with a somber tone.

"It depends on the conviction, but for attempting to flee the country with the transferred assets, imprisonment is inevitable, and there'll likely be a heavy debt burden to bear."

"Mr. Kagura... you really don't mince words, do you? I thought you'd comfort me."

President Ayakoji, after meeting you, said you didn't seem like a girl of strong character, but I disagree with her," Kagura Hikaru glanced at her, then turned back to the television, "Whatever the outcome, don't give up or run away. Face it seriously. As classmates, we will also help within our capacity."

"Is... that so," A gentle smile slowly spread across Saijo Mari's face as she pursed her lips, "Thank you, Mr. Kagura, I'll do my best!"

"Mhm."

"And then, once the debt is paid off, we'll..."

"Hmm?"

"It's... it's nothing...!"

Kagura Hikaru stayed at the Saijo family for half an hour before saying goodbye and leaving.

On his way home, passing near Tsukinomori, he happened upon Uka's Discipline Committee members, neatly moving sports equipment onto a rented truck.

"Kagura." Ayakoji Chiyoko suddenly approached from behind.

She too was carrying two hurdles in her hands.

"Are you heading back now?"

"Yeah, I just came from Saijo Mari's place."

"...How is she?" Ayakoji Chiyoko asked with an air of disinterest, and even in a rare tone that was somewhat sarcastic, "After knowing the truth, she didn't cry in your arms, did she?"

"...Do you have something against Saijo Mari? Or are you dissatisfied with me? The Saijo family has just gone through a rough patch, don't be maliciously joyful about their misfortune."

"Me? Take pleasure in their disaster? Impossible."

Right, right, that's the attitude.

Although she didn't show it on her face, that mocking atmosphere could be sensed from a distance.

Does she still want to argue?

Kagura Hikaru didn't want to continue the conversation, handed over his shoulder bag to her, and went to help the others move equipment.

Ayakoji Chiyoko stood there expressionless, silently slinging Kagura Hikaru's shoulder bag over her shoulder.

She seemed to have indeed said too much.

Even if she disliked Saijo Mari, she shouldn't have spoken like that.
Experience more on empire

But what reason did she have to dislike her? After all, the other party hadn't done anything distasteful.

Moreover, from a logical standpoint, she should try to foster good relations, as having her on her side could bring in a significant number of votes.

Ayakoji Chiyoko was perplexed by her own sudden irritation.

In fact, she didn't fully understand why she and Kagura Hikaru argued in the first place.

At first, it seemed to be because Kagura Hikaru defended Saijo Mari, and a rush of inexplicable anger surged within her.

Then they naturally fell into a cold war.

Now, too, whenever she heard the name 'Saijo Mari' from Kagura Hikaru's mouth, she felt frustrated, and her heart rate increased.

It was odd indeed, and perhaps she should get her heart checked at the hospital soon.

That's how Ayakoji Chiyoko kept pondering to herself.

The usually astute girl was completely off the mark this time.

When she realized the truth one day, her feelings would probably be entirely different from now.