This Really Had Her in His Grip, Didn't It?

Fujino slightly raised his eyes. Naturally, he knew full well that the "friend" she was talking about was herself.

In Japan, this sort of thing was hardly new.

Affairs, mistresses, wives—there was all kinds of absurd stuff, sometimes exactly like plots from anime.

All one could say was that art came from life.

As for someone being able to accept the idea of sharing a husband, Fujino did not understand it, but he was greatly shocked.

Japanese values were a mess. Fujino had even heard that in Japan, a man having two or three wives was nothing unusual.

Japanese law did indeed allow only one marriage registration, but that did not stop wealthy people from taking several wives and concubines.

Besides the rich, there were also ruthless freeloaders who married four wives and relied entirely on them to cover the household expenses.

Yet it was unexpectedly effective. Their lives even seemed pretty good?

This arrangement was remarkably strong when it came to resisting risks and maintaining family order.

It was basically a mindset formed through a clan-like structure.

Realizing that his thoughts were gradually drifting off course, Fujino pulled himself back and sighed. "So, you did it because you couldn't afford to support him?"

"No."

Saegusa's face tightened, and she became extremely cautious. "I'm only telling you about my friend's story."

Fujino: "..."

Seriously, wasn't the "friend" excuse already completely overused?

Well, not in this era.

Still, it sounded awfully fake.

Even Genta could say, "The friend you're talking about isn't actually you, is it?"

Did she really think he would believe that?

Fujino knew what she was thinking. He stood up and sighed. "In that case, I won't say anything more, Miss Saegusa. I understand what you mean..."

"Still, although you did it with the intention of protecting him,