I'm a villainous in a Otome Game?!

Chapter 61

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush gardens of Eastwead Magic Academy. The tranquil setting belied the storm brewing in the academy's backyard, where five young women had gathered.

At the center of the tension was Martina, a noblewoman with a heart as kind as it was gentle. She stood awkwardly, her face a shade of pink that matched the roses in full bloom around them.

Around her, the members of her unintentional harem were locked in a heated debate, each vying for Martina's affections.

"Obviously, Matrina loves me the most," declared Shikari, her voice full of certainty. She stood tall, her arms crossed and a protective glint in her eyes.

"We've known each other since we were kids. We have a bond none of you can compete with."

Asuka, her hands nervously wringing the hem of her dress, glanced up timidly. "I-I know I'm not as brave as you, Shikari, but Martina has always been so kind to me. I think she cares about me too."

"Kindness doesn't equal love, Asuka," Horika said with a dismissive wave. She stepped closer to Martina, her confidence palpable.

"Martina needs someone who can protect her and be strong for her. Someone like me." Her tone was as possessive as the arm she wrapped around Martina's waist, causing the noblewoman to squeak in surprise.

Nanami, standing a little apart from the group with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face, couldn't hold back any longer.

"You're all so full of yourselves! Just because you're loud and confident doesn't mean you understand Martina at all!" Her voice softened slightly as she turned her gaze to Martina.

"Martina deserves someone who can challenge her and stand by her side, not just coddle her."

Martina, flustered and overwhelmed by the fervor of the argument, took a step back. "Please, everyone, there's no need to fight," she said softly, trying to calm the situation. "I care about each of you in different ways. This... this competition isn't necessary."

But her words seemed to fall on deaf ears as the debate continued to rage.

Shikari took a step forward, glaring at Horika. "And you think wrapping yourself around Martina is going to win her over? She needs someone who genuinely cares for her well-being, not someone who's just looking to claim her."

Horika smirked, her grip on Martina tightening possessively. "I know what Martina needs, and it's not a timid mouse or a hot-headed brat." She shot a glance at Asuka and Nanami respectively, her eyes glinting with challenge.

Asuka's eyes welled up with tears, and she looked down at her feet. "I-I just want Martina to be happy," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I don't care if she chooses someone else. I just want her to be safe and loved."

Nanami's hands balled into fists at her sides, her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"You talk a lot for someone who doesn't know Martina like we do. You're just trying to assert dominance because you're scared. Well, I'm not backing down."

The tension was palpable, and Martina felt her heart ache at the sight of her friends arguing. She stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Horika's arm. "Please, Horika, let me go. This isn't helping anyone."

Reluctantly, Horika released her, her possessive demeanor softening slightly at Martina's touch. Martina took a deep breath, summoning all her courage to address the group.

"Listen to me," she said, her voice firm but kind.

"I love you all dearly, but this constant fighting isn't fair to any of us. I've shared special moments with each of you, and those memories are precious to me. Shikari, we've been through so much together, and you understand me in ways no one else does. Asuka, your kindness and sincerity always touch my heart. Horika, your confidence and strength are admirable, and Nanami..." She turned to the tsundere, her voice softening.

"Your passion and honesty are something I deeply respect."

The group fell silent, each girl reflecting on Martina's words. The noblewoman took another deep breath, her cheeks still flushed with emotion.

"I don't want to choose between you. I don't think love has to be about picking one person over another. I care about all of you, and I want us to find a way to be happy together. Is that too much to ask?"

For a moment, there was silence as the words sank in. Then Shikari, always the voice of reason, spoke up. "Maybe Martina's right. Fighting like this is only going to hurt us all. We need to find a way to work together, to support each other, not tear each other apart."

Asuka nodded slowly, wiping away her tears. "I-I just want to see Martina smile. If that means sharing her love, then I'll do it."

Horika, though reluctant, sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Fine. I suppose I can try to play nice. For Martina's sake."

Nanami, still looking a bit flustered, grumbled but eventually conceded. "Alright, but only because I don't want to see Martina upset. Don't think this means I've given up."

Martina smiled, a weight lifting from her heart. "Thank you, all of you. I promise to do my best to make each of you feel loved and appreciated. Let's try to find a way to make this work, together."

With a newfound sense of camaraderie, the group began to discuss how they could balance their feelings and relationships. It wasn't going to be easy, but for the sake of the woman they all loved, they were willing to try.

As the sun set over Eastwead Magic Academy, the five young women sat together, their hearts a little lighter and their bonds a little stronger.

They knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Martina's love and their newfound understanding, they were ready to face whatever came their way.

"Hey everyone, class is about to start. I heard there's going to be a new student today. You might want to head to class now," a student approached them, informing the group.

"A new student?" Martina raised an eyebrow in bewilderment and curiosity.

"Let's head back then. We shouldn't keep them waiting, and I'm excited to see this new person too," Shikari said, smiling.

With questions buzzing in their minds, they headed back to their class.
_______________________________

Who could that new student be hmmm!??!?