Epic Of Caterpillar

Chapter 2795 - 2796: The Key Is Subtlety

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I tried my utmost to act calm and composed, but my father nearly jeopardized my relationship with Frank, which I've carefully cultivated by presenting myself as a mysterious, captivating girl who occasionally whispers to him and behaves intriguingly.

Indeed, I've been drawing on all the anime knowledge I've absorbed in this world… It turns out I was a devoted anime fan here as well, so that extensive knowledge proved useful in embodying this archetype.

So far, Frank has been captivated every time, gradually beginning to question himself, his past, and the strange memories he's slowly recovering.

We must be cautious in how we help him, as being too forceful risks penalties. I tried once before and nearly got fully assimilated by the world.

Thus, the key to it all is subtlety!

Although Frank is a kind and approachable person, the girls around him are noticeably jealous, glaring at me with suspicious eyes.

It's truly frustrating.

Harumi and Erika are indeed quite attractive… Frank is fortunate that both are smitten with him, even if he seems somewhat oblivious to it. I suppose he's that type of "protagonist."

And his friend, the one who clearly dyed his hair blonde despite being a black-haired Japanese boy—what's his name again? Matsuo? Yes, he's a prominent member of the Amaterasu Clan, I believe.

He seems mostly neutral toward me, though whenever our eyes meet, he blushes slightly. Does he have a crush on me? Amusing.

Perhaps I can leverage that.

"Anyway, my father is a bit eccentric," I said. "I've been talking to him about you, Frank, and, um… your friends. He seemed pleased that I've made new friends here since transferring."

"Is that so?" Frank said thoughtfully. "H-Haha, it's kind of embarrassing that you'd talk to your parent about me… I mean, I'm glad you consider me a friend… I've been wanting to ask if you'd like to hang out with us for a while, Kireina. I know you have your own friend group, but… well…"

"Oh? I wouldn't mind!" I replied, seizing the opportunity. "But I hope your two friends are okay with that… Hahah."

"Hm…" Hiromi glared at me with sharp red eyes. "I don't know…"

"Ehh, I don't get along with girls like her," Erika said bluntly.

"W-What? Come on, girls, don't be like that!" Matsuo interjected.

"Yeah, what's wrong with Kireina?" Frank asked.

I've never done anything to them, so their hostility must stem from jealousy.

Perhaps because they're childhood friends, they don't view each other as rivals…

But me, a newcomer they barely know, who happens to be a highly popular beauty at school with a wealthy family? Naturally, they're quite envious.

"She's… Um, I mean, isn't she nice?" Matsuo asked, fumbling for excuses. He barely knew me, so he was just speaking vaguely.

"Matsuo, you don't even know her…" Harumi groaned, crossing her arms.

"Yeah…" Erika nodded.

"I don't know what's gotten into you two, but you shouldn't be so hostile… it's rude. I thought Japanese people valued good manners?" Frank said, visibly upset.

"I-I mean, yeah, that's true!" Erika nodded nervously.

"Hm, well, our parents are European, so we weren't raised with all Japanese customs…" Harumi said, rolling her eyes. "But fine, do whatever you want, Frank."

"Ah… why are you mad, Harumi?" Frank asked, as Harumi walked briskly away, using a hint of her vampiric strength to leave a cloud of dust behind and startle the other students.

"Haha, this girl acts like she has no emotions, but she's really in love with you, Frank," I giggled, patting his shoulders and smiling. "Haven't you realized already?"

"W-What?!" Frank gasped. "H-Harumi likes me? No way…"

"Hey, why are you talking about my friend like you know her, Kireina?!" Erika hissed, her tail raised in high alert, visible only to those within the Underworld. "Keep my friend out of your mouth!"

"Huh~ Hey, Frank, why don't you control this mutt over here? She really loves barking… well, at least she doesn't bite, hm?" I giggled menacingly, patting her head.

"W-What?! Don't touch me!" Erika snapped, about to push me, but I deftly sidestepped her with a martial technique, easily avoiding her hand.

"Eh?!" Her eyes widened as I glanced back at her, Frank, and Matsuo.

"Please, do you think such amateur moves could even reach me?" I giggled. "It'll be quite difficult for you to scratch my beautiful face."

"Tch! W-Who does she think she is?!" Erika fumed, steam practically rising from her ears. "Come here, I'm going to rip you a new one!"

"C-Calm down, Erika! Don't use your real strength against another student!"

"What's gotten into you out of nowhere? Geez!"

Frank and Matsuo restrained her from charging me like a feral dog.

It seems my father was right about werewolves being impulsive, aggressive, and reckless, quick to lash out over the slightest provocation.

"Hah… Well, Frank, let's talk after class. See ya."

I waved at him as I entered the school and joined my friend group, which was… well, composed of my wives, so it's more of a "wife group," actually.

"I guess those girls won't let you get closer to Frank, guu?" Rimuru said, looking a bit disappointed in me.

"Yeah, subtlety is key with these things," I sighed. "However, Frank has surrounded himself with friends who dislike other girls getting close. Maybe I should've shapeshifted into a male student instead? Would that have been easier for Frank?"

"Hahah, I don't think so," Zehe laughed at my odd idea. "He clearly likes you… And the two of you had something together, right?"

"Hm, yeah," I nodded. "I guess it was a small thing, but… wait, you girls aren't upset?"

"…? Why?" Brontes asked, tilting her head.

"Do you want us to act jealous too? Fufu, well, I must admit I'm a tiny bit jealous~" Nesiphae said, leaning her face close to mine. "I also want you to try to conquer me again…"

"N-Nesiphae… not here…" I said, flustered by my wife's domineering nature.

"Oopsie, sorry," she giggled coquettishly, stepping back.

"I don't think we could join that friend group either. We're too many, and all girls, so Harumi and Erika will get jealous too," Lilith said, sighing while munching on a sandwich. Whenever I saw her, she was always eating some snack. She seemed to adore this world's food.

"Unfortunately," I agreed. "But I've found a way for you girls to join the organization. I have three invitation letters… Though, my father suggested I invite Frank as well."

"Oh, for that exam?" Brontes asked. "Interesting. So, who are you choosing? You can only pick two out of the five of us, huh?"

"Yep, it's a tough choice…" I sighed, glancing at them as we walked through the high school. Students bustled through the corridors, heading to their classrooms.

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