"Join… the Himegami Society?"
The events of the day left the bedridden beauty reeling, her thoughts tangled. First, her ex-husband Muto had shown up, harassing her with his deranged behavior—clearly beyond saving.
Then came the bizarre Kawakami Tomie, who had stolen her close friend's husband. The thought of Mizuki Nishikino's husband being taken by Tomie filled Reina with guilt, as if she were somehow responsible for her friend's marital crisis.
And finally, Tomie's transformation into that grotesque, terrifying monster—Reina still couldn't believe her eyes or mind. The reality of her breathing, her heartbeat, confirmed it wasn't a hallucination. It was all real.
*Monsters like that exist in this world?* Her worldview shattered.
Now, a mysterious woman was talking about some "Himegami Society." What was that?
"The Himegami Society is a small organization that's recently started growing," Shima Izuki said, pausing to glance at the nurses passing by in the corridor. Seeing no one was paying attention, she smiled and continued, "Miss Reina, you're a perfect fit to become one of our members. By placing your faith in the Himegami Society, the organization will grant you the power to fulfill your wishes—"
*Organization? Members? Wishes?*
Reina instantly understood. It sounded like one of those shady religions or cults common in Japan, preying on people's money or worse. This woman's pitch might fool naive or uneducated women, but Reina was a schoolteacher, an intellectual. Did they really think she'd fall for this?
"I'm not interested. You can leave."
"So decisive? Convincing you won't be easy, Miss Reina," Izuki said, having anticipated this. After all, the Himegami Society's previous recruits were desperate, homeless women or illiterate housewives—never someone as accomplished as Reina.
That's why Izuki valued her. Reina was an exceptional woman, a prime candidate for the Himegami Society. If she could be recruited…
"Miss Reina, you may think the Himegami Society is some shady, illegal group. But after witnessing that monster just now, do you still believe your worldview reflects the truth of this world?"
Reina was speechless.
For an intellectual like her, Tomie's monstrous transformation was the most shocking blow.
"You know what that was?" Reina asked, frowning, still shaken by the memory of Tomie. "What *was* that thing?"
"I don't know, but I do know this world isn't simple. It's full of secrets we're unaware of. That's why we tread carefully to survive longer. Miss Reina, your illness may leave you with little time, but what about your daughter?"
"It's clear you love her dearly. But if you pass away, can a fragile little girl like her survive in this dangerous world?"
"…"
"You wouldn't want your daughter to face a tragic, dangerous life with no protection, would you?"
"…"
The red-haired beauty was deeply shaken. Tomie's transformation had already unsettled her, and Izuki's words struck her most vulnerable spot. Despite her frail body, Reina's expression remained resolute, but her eyes flickered with doubt.
Izuki seized the moment, accentuating her curves as she swayed to the bedside, locking eyes with Reina. She marveled at the woman's unyielding spirit, undaunted even in illness. *What a remarkable woman. That Muto really was blind.*
Such an extraordinary woman was worthy of the President's "baptism."
"Besides, if you join the Himegami Society, we're willing to help restore your health," Izuki said, leaning closer with a smile. "Rather than entrusting your daughter to others, wouldn't you prefer to raise her yourself and live a vibrant life?"
If given a choice, who would willingly abandon their life?
*Is she telling the truth? Can this strange Himegami Society really save me?*
Reina wavered again. After several deep breaths to steady herself, her voice was less firm. "What exactly is the Himegami Society? Can you really save me?"
"The Himegami Society has no harsh doctrines, so you can rest easy. We simply help women in need, granting their wishes and letting them experience true happiness. You're no exception, Miss Reina—"
Izuki extended her hand to the red-haired woman. "Join us, and we'll let you taste true happiness~"
Her tone carried a subtle, almost sinister undertone. She wasn't lying—being "favored" by the President was, in a way, a form of happiness. She'd experienced it herself.
Reina sensed something off about this woman. In the past, she'd have rejected her outright, no questions asked. A shady organization promising wishes and happiness? Classic cult tactics. But she couldn't refuse.
After the supernatural events she'd just witnessed, a sense of crisis gripped her. Staring at Izuki's outstretched hand, Reina finally parted her lips. "I can join the Himegami Society, but… I have one condition."
"Name it. If it's reasonable, I'll do my best to accommodate."
"No matter what kind of organization the Himegami Society is, you mustn't… harm my daughters. And, if possible, protect them." Even if it was an evil organization, Reina didn't care anymore. With her current health, she didn't have long. Could things get worse? She could accept anything happening to her.
But her daughters were her greatest concern, especially knowing monsters existed in this world.
*Without their mother, could they survive in such a world?*
She was deeply worried.
"No problem. That's not a difficult request," Izuki nodded. "The Himegami Society isn't open to just anyone. We're far more interested in you, Miss Reina, than in little girls."
"Once you join and undergo the President's special ritual, your condition will improve. Then, protecting your daughters will be up to you, their mother."
Hearing this, Reina sighed in relief. It was just a verbal promise, but she had no choice but to trust it.
She reached out and shook Izuki's hand.
"Then… I agree to join your organization."
"Welcome, Miss Reina. I'm Shima Izuki, secretary of the Himegami Society," Izuki said, smiling brightly. "You won't regret today's decision. I'll arrange the special ritual soon, and then…"
"You'll be like me, utterly enchanted by the organization and our great President~~"
"…"
*Thump, thump—*
Her heart raced inexplicably, a nervous tension rising.
*What exactly is this ritual she's talking about…?*