My Wife in The Web Game is a Popular Idol Chapter 1 Episode 14

Chapter 1

Episode 14

TLed by: TanoshiKara

"I should head back soon"

Right as the cityscape, visible from the window, turns dark.

I, having come over to Saitou's house to game, told Tachibana and Saitou of my intent to head home.

This information might be unnecessary, but Saitou's room is really messy; There are light novels and manga strewn about, and it is so bad that one would have trouble finding their footing.

It is true that this resembles the room of a high school male, but......

"Eh? Is it not too early for you to be going back? You will usually game until it is way later, right?"

"Yeah, I have plans tonight," I answer Saitou, who is lying on his bed, reading a light novel.

It is Saturday today. I have plans tonight to play an online game with Mizuki-san and her friend.

"Plans, you say, but you do not have anyone else to play with besides us, right?"

"I heard those words a few days ago, though. ......It is Mizuki-san"

"So you were not rejected by Mizuki-san"

"I did not get rejected, I say. It is quite the pain to explain, huh...... I shall make you two believe me"

I take out my smartphone and show the two of them my chat log with Mizuki-san. 

Displayed on the screen is the message I received in the morning earlier this week; The one that begins with "I love you", and goes on to the point where we recognized each other as husband and wife.

"Is this......for real......?"

"It is. Do not tell anyone else, okay? I still cannot believe it, but......"

" "............ug" "

Saitou and Tachibana's entire bodies tremble after staring at my smartphone.

"This is a l-lie, a lie! Life is too unfairrrr!"

"M-Mm-My calculations indicate that............a, a, a, a, a, a!!"

They shouted abruptly just as I was wondering if something was wrong.

As if that were not enough, the two of them even let out pitiful howls. I feel bad for saying this, but they looked extremely unsightly with how they sent spit flying everywhere and had their heads in their hands, and their eyes wide open.

I grasp the doorknob, my face stiff, as if to escape.

"Wait now Ayanokoujiiiiii!" Tachibana said in a hoarse voice much like a zombie's.

"Whoa, what is it!"

Tachibana latches on to my waist.

"As if I would let you go like thissss! You telling us guys to game together while you play husband and wife with a popular idol!?"

"Well, yeah...... There is no helping it, you see"

I cannot do anything about that, you know.

Tachibana continues to restrain me, tightening his grip while I try to open the door to leave the room.

"You shall not pass!"

"Ugh, seriously, get away from me! I must hurry or I will cause trouble for Kurumizaka-san as w----Ah-"

As I say those words, I realize that I dug my own grave. In my panic, I have given away unnecessary details.

"Y-You, do not tell me......you are gonna play an online game with Nana-chan too?"

"......"

"That is right, huh!? I will take your silence as a yes, you know!"

"......T-That is wrong, okay?"

"That ain't wrong! Ayanokouji-kun is bad at lying, so I know almost immediately! Urgh, damn it, a flower in both hands, huh!? I am so jealous you damn piece of crap!"

"......According to my calculations, the probability that jealousy will drive us insane is----a thousand percent!!"

Right after he declares this, even Saitou throws himself at me, his eyes bloodshot.

The two of them are about to pounce on me......!

"Wa-, stooopppp!"

□

"Sheesh, you are late, Kazu! What were you doing up until now ٩(๑`^´๑)۶" An angry Rin shot me a message as soon as I logged in.

That is slightly cute of her, which makes me break into a smile.

In the end, I was around twenty minutes late because of Saitou and Tachibana.

"Sorry," I replied as I booted up the voice chat app on my computer.

Selecting the talk room that Rin created beforehand, I then entered the room by clicking on voice chat. There are three people in the room: [Kazu], [Rin], and [Sturmangriff].

............Who? There seems to be someone who is well-versed in some kind of European language here.

"You sure are late, Kazu. We were waiting the entire time, you know?" Rin said, trying to play it cool.

Quite the difference in air from that rather cute chat message she sent earlier.

......Well, it is not for me to retort, I guess. She probably has her own reasons for doing that. Besides, I am curious about that Sturmangriff-san. Well, I know who that person is, but I must ask.

"Erm, who is Sturmangriff-san?"

"Hi, hiiii! It's a meee! Nana Kurumizaka!"

An energetic and loud voice resonated from my headphones. The volume of her voice is impressive.

"Hey, Nana. Your voice is loud. Lower it"

"Ah, sorryyy"

It seems like Kurumizaka-san, who usually speaks loudly, has the same enthusiasm even in voice chat.

I decided to nonchalantly ask the origin of the name.

"Kurumizaka-san. Why the name Sturmangriff?"

"Erm, you see, that is the name of the cat I have! How does it sound? Cute, right!?"

I did think for a second that Kurumizaka-san was waiting for a retort, but I understood from her energetic tone that she was serious.

When I was brooding over how to respond, Rin moved the conversation forward.

"Nana's naming sense is different from that of normal people. Pay her no mind"

"That is not true! I am normal!"

......She is not normal for sure. Also, I searched up the meaning online, and it seems to mean "Charge" in German. I wonder what in the world Kurumizaka-san plans to have her cat do.

"Sturm----Nana has already finished the tutorial. Sorry to bother you, Kazu, but can you come to the starting village?"

"Understood. I will be there soon"

Seems like Rin found it a pain to call her player name. Rin called her by her real name; I should do the same.

Doing as told, I rode my horse, arriving at the starting village after several minutes.

From what I heard while riding to the village, it seems like Kurumizaka-san finished the tutorial, but she has not gotten used to the controls yet. Therefore, they are fighting weak monsters around the village until Kurumizaka-san gets used to the controls.

Feeling the need to meet up with them, I had my character walk to the plaza at the center of the tranquil village.

Waiting for me there was [Rin], a cute Elf with blonde hair and a bow on her back, and [Sturmangriff], a muscular middle-aged Beastman supporting an axe on his shoulder.

......

"......Say, Kurumizaka-san. You are memeing, right?"

Black Plains allows for quite a detailed character customization. No matter how I think about it, the character Kurumizaka-san created has his strength raised to the extreme, making him a meathead. There is no mistaking that his intelligence is at its lowest value.

"Memeing? Eh, this kitty is cute, right?"

"Let me say this. Kurumizaka-san, your sense is whack"

"Ehhhhhh!? Even Kazu-kun would say that!?"

I think that anyone would have said that. After all, it was obvious that she was absolutely serious about calling a character with a memey character customization cute.

"Since we have ascertained Nana's weird sense, let us go hunting"

"Boooo, Rin-chan and Kazu sure are meanies"

Kurumizaka-san follows Rin and leaves the village even after voicing her dissatisfaction, which makes it seem like she was pouting.

We soon arrive at the grasslands inhabited by monsters.

"Ah, look! There is a big, cute cat there!"

"That is a Sable Cat. Be careful, that is the strongest monster around here. Nana cannot win against it right now, so do not approach it--------"

"This kitty is extremely cute! Look, it is clinging to me like it is having fun"

"No, Nana! You are being attacked! Hurry up and run away!"

"Eh-? Erm, how do I run again--------Ah-"

[Party member: Sturmangriff-san has been defeated]

The chat box displays a death notice that is most heartless. It happened less than five minutes after we left the village. She died standing still, much less charging.

"Nana......" Rin muttered Kurumizaka-san's name as if she was put off.

"Sorry, Rin-chan"

I should finish the enemy off for now.

The "min-maxed" [Kazu] wrecked the Saber Cat with a swing of his sword.

By the way, the Saber Cat is not cute at all. It only looks a little like a cat, has a physique resembling a human's, and its face is heinous. There are even giant teeth sticking out of its mouth.

"Let us calm down and move on. Kazu, if you would please"

"Alrightt"

Somewhat catching her drift, I went around in circles, only defeating monsters that Kurumizaka-san would struggle against.

"Ah, even I may be able to win if it is something like this"

An incredibly brawny, middle-aged beastman swings a great axe, fit for his build, to hit a tiny weasel. However, seemingly unaccustomed to normal attacking, the weasel dodges the attacks sometimes. The game does not have a click-to-target system, so a beginner like Kurumizaka-san might struggle.

"......This is beyond my expectations; Nana is......No, I shall refrain from saying anymore"

I know what Rin is thinking. Kurumizaka-san might just be hopeless at games. Well, it might just be a lack of gaming experience, though.

While Kurumizaka-san was having an uphill battle with the weakest monster, Rin and I slowly hunted the monsters in the area. There was no merit to it, but being able to hear Kurumizaka's seemingly merry voice was a reward on its own.

"The two of you are in sync, huh," Kurumizaka-san said all of a sudden.

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you two giving each other commands just by using the other person's name?"

"I guess...... There is the reason that the monsters around this area are weak, so no complex coordination is needed, but......"

"Rin and I have done this together for a long time, so. We know what the other person wants without the need to think"

"Exactly. The kind they call a mental connection," Rin declared somewhat proudly.

"Ohh~, that suree is amazing," Kurumizaka replied, clearly impressed.

Tens of minutes pass as we chat about random topics just like this, 

"Sorry. I have something I need to do. I will be away for a bit"

Kurumizaka-san stops hunting and leaves her seat while still logged in.

As she is still in the voice chat, she will probably be back soon, or so I thought when an alert sound came from my smartphone, which I placed on the table.

I check my smartphone.

There was a message from Kurumizaka-san.

[I have set the stage up all nice and good! Now that the two of you are alone, it's your chance!]

I guess I don't need to ask what the chance is for. It is probably the name-calling matter. It was requested that I call Mizuki-san "Rinka".

I sent a reply to Kurumizaka-san.

[It's too sudden. I haven't prepared myself yet]

[It's fine! You were able to call her Rin without hesitating, right?]

I realize now that she had pointed it out; It is true that I was calling Mizuki-san "Rin".

[All that's left is to psyche yourself up! Easy, easy!]

As if it’s easy. If I become conscious of it, I’ll get nervous the next time I call her "Rin".

"What's wrong, Kazu? Getting quiet all of a sudden"

"A-Ahhh, erm...... Rin, the seagulls are flying, you know?"

"Seagulls? Where? Since when did Black Plains have seagulls?"

[............]

Kurumizaka-san sent me her wordless criticism.

I have no retorts.

............ What is it, I wonder... There has always been that strange feeling.

A hazy feeling swirls in my chest.

The doubt of whether I would have gotten along well with Mizuki-san without Kurumizaka-san spurring me on...... And, the fact that Mizuki-san loves me so much that she wants to be my wife in real life as well......

"Yeah. It is just as I thought"

"Kazu? Seriously, what's going on?" Mizuki-san asked, puzzled.

Ignoring Mizuki-san, I sort out my thoughts.

The things that happened this week, all of my memories with Mizuki-san, flash through my mind. It was truly a packed week; It was hectic, and it drastically changed my everyday life all too easily. And, Mizuki-san was always at the center of it all.

If she truly has feelings for me, then shouldn't I be upfront about my true feelings as well? That is what it means to be equals. The honest relationship that Rinka Mizuki (Rin) wished for......

After making up my mind, I slowly opened my mouth to start the conversation.

"Rin......No, Mizuki-san. Could you listen to me for a bit?"

"......What is it?"

It seems like she caught on to something after hearing my serious tone.

I could hear the nervousness in her voice.

"......I honestly thought of Mizuki-san as nothing more than an online friend that I got along well with"

"--------ug-"

My smartphone rang. It was a message from Kurumizaka-san.

She was listening in on the conversation as I had expected.

I could tell what she wanted to say.

I turned off my phone and continued the conversation.

"I do have feelings of adoration for Mizuki-san, but I do not know if these feelings are romantic"

"I......see......" Mizuki-san replied with a shaky voice.

It felt like she was stunned.

However, that is not the end of what I wanted to say. I have not told her my true feelings yet.

"However, I want to reciprocate Mizuki-san's feelings. No, I want to do more than that; I want to learn more about Mizuki-san and have an even more intimate relationship with you. ......I guess people call this taking responsibility? I want to be able to face Mizuki-san in real life as well"

"......Eh?"

"That is why, as the first step...... Can I call Mizuki-san 'Rinka'?"

While I was nervous, I managed to say it without freezing up.

There was silence for a while.

Just as the possibility of it being turned down flashed through my mind, I heard Mizuki-san's voice.

"Of course you can. But, erm......"

"What is it?"

"From what I am hearing, it seems like Kazuto-kun likes me as well though"

"Erm......I cannot deny that I have feelings of adoration for you as an idol, or rather...... Mizuki-san would not like it as well, right? Saying OK because an idol confessed to me"

"That would be extremely displeasing. I think that a purely romantic relationship is possible for us because online games do not involve any unnecessary information. Therefore, I am absolutely opposed to a romantic relationship that was established because I am an idol"

Mizuki-san rattled on, her tone a little harsh.

"......But, I am certain. Kazuto-kun likes me"

She then said, in a kind tone.

"......Eh?"

"You are still confused, so you do not understand your feelings. But it is alright. I understand Kazuto-kun better than Kazuto-kun himself. There is no need to worry"

"......"

H-Hey, hey...... It seems like the conversation is headed in a weird direction.

"I've heard about it before. There are men who do not realize that they are a husband even after their marriage"

"We're not talking about that right now. In my case, an intimate online friend and a popular idol whom I adore are the same individual, so I am quite confused, and so......"

Furthermore, she has an abnormal level of romantic feelings for me. Not being perplexed is way more unlikely.

"I'll wait then"

"W-Wait?"

"Yes. I'll wait until Kazuto-kun has sorted out your feelings and has come to terms with having a relationship with me"

"T-Thanks......?"

Those might be the most relieving words I have ever heard. I wanted some time to confront my feelings.

"That said, I was shocked at first. Kazuto-kun was saying that you did not know whether you liked me or not after all"

"Well, yeah......"

"However, I understood after hearing what you said after that; Understood the fact that Kazuto-kun really likes me"

"Ermmm, Mizuki-san? Aren't we going in circles?"

Rather than going in circles, it might be a contradiction. What I said was that I do not know whether I like her or not, but I would like to get along cordially with her in real life as well. It was for that reason that I asked if I could call her 'Rinka'.

Despite that, Mizuki-san stubbornly interpreted it as me having romantic feelings for her.

"Well...... It's not a problem even if Kazuto-kun's feelings aren't that of love, but one of friendship or adoration"

"Eh?"

"It's simple. I, your bride, merely need to become the girl whom Kazuto-kun can fall in love with"

"Erm, sorry. I'm now unable to understand what you're saying"

"It is not difficult. Simply put, we married each other before you fell in love, so you merely need to fall in love with me going forward"

A-Ahh. I see. I see, I see. Even I, with my mind going through a mini-panic attack, could understand; Understand the fact that, even in this situation, Mizuki-san means to be my bride.

"I'm elated that Kazuto-kun decided to tell me your true feelings. Although it is true that it was not the answer I was hoping for......I, nevertheless, managed to learn about Kazuto's undoubtedly true feelings"

"Mizuki-san......"

"Oh my, did I mishear, perhaps? I thought that you were going to call me by my first name from now on"

"......Rinka"

"......"

I tried murmuring her name. However, she did not reply.

"Uh, Rinka? You went silent all of a sudden......did you perhaps dislike it?"

"No, I'm sorry. That surprised me; I was so happy that I held my breath"

"W-What's up with that......"

I have never heard of someone who was so happy that their first name was called that they held their breath. I guess that is how much she loves me. ......I get embarrassed just thinking about it.

"Kazuto-kun. You were brooding over me the entire time, huh"

"It was not like I was brooding over you......"

"I disagree. It is 'brooding over' at that point"

"......"

I ran out of things to refute her with.

"There is no need to think about it that deeply. After all......it is just me having fell in love with Kazuto-kun on my own"

"----Hu-"

'Just me falling in love with Kazuto-kun on my own' ......Oh, how priceless those words were. She was not scheming anything, and she was not drawn to me by my looks and status. I could really tell that she loves me.

"And...... Nana is listening in on this conversation as well, right? Although she's pretending that she's not here"

"A-Ahahaha. Guess I got found out."

Kurumizaka-san got back into the conversation with a reserved laugh. It seems like she threw in the towel after hearing Mizuki-san's confident tone.

"There was a bit of noise after all. I don't know what's going on, but I feel like there is some scheming going on"

She's sharp. It seems like, as her cool appearance suggests, her mind is sharp as well. I don't think everything has come to light, but there is a high chance that she would even realize the connection between me and Kurumizaka-san.

"I'm sorry, Rin-chan. It's not like I did this with ill intentions in mind"

"It's fine. Whenever Nana does something strange, it has always been for my sake"

"Rin-chan......"

Kurumizaka-san curled up apologetically......

"But, let's see... If you truly mean to apologize...... Would you mind being a little considerate?"

Being a little considerate? What does that mean? 

I did not know what she meant, but it seems like Kurumizaka-san understood.

"Of course! I would be happy if the two of you get even closer than before. With that......Kazu-kun, I leave Rin-chan in your care"

"Eh, what do you mean by leave Rin-chan in my----"

*Tuhdedu*♪

Sturmangriff left the chat room...... It seems like idols have the trend of cutting the call without listening to the entirety of a conversation.

"Well then, Kazuto-kun. You shared your true feelings with me after Nana left her seat on purpose. I cannot think of that as a coincidence"

"N-No......erm"

"I shall have you spill everything. About the conversations you had with Nana behind my back......Everything, every last word"

"......Erm, can I type everything in the chat?"

"Why?"

Because the Rin in-game is warm and easy to talk to...is something I can't say......

"I thought that it would be easier to explain if it were typed out"

"......I see, I guess there is no helping it. Let's do that"

[Kazu! Since we've come this far, I expect you to hide nothing from me!]

Ahh, yeah. I prefer this better. This feels more comfortable. Alright, let's reveal everything. Now is surely the time to do that.

[About what happened during lunch break earlier this week, it was actually Kurumizaka-san who called for me]

[Nana did!? Don't tell me you were cheating on me with my best friend......?]

[No, you're mistaken! Please do not immediately link everything to cheating]

Rather, cheating, she says...... It seems like Rinka means to act as my wife, no matter what I say. I do think that it's weird, but strangely, I don't hate it. Is it because I told her my feelings on the matter......?

This might not have any weight since it is coming from me, an Online Game Goner, but there is something I am certain about. Humans can come to an understanding, without any conflict occurring, if they do away with all the unnecessary information, and have their true feelings clash......

[Then, there's nothing going on between you and Kotone, and you and Nana, correct?]

[......She grasped my hands first]

[Kazuuuuuuuuu!!]

I'll take back what I said earlier. There is no need to say anything unnecessary.

[Even though we have yet to hold hands...... To think that Nana would steal Kazu's first… °(´∩ω∩`)°]

[You're blowing it out of proportion! That was merely her being lighthearted, just like she would when grasping the hands of her fan, so you don't have to worry!]

[I have decided! I shall manage your relationships from now on! I'll check your friend list as well! Give me your daily schedule too!]

[What is this, a restricted society!? I might choke and die from suffocation!]

Having such a wife in real life would surely make life troublesome. Ah, she means to be my wife in real life as well... This is really bad!

These thoughts flowed through my mind as I typed out my reply to her messages.

Even though we were connected to the voice chat, we exchanged our thoughts in the game chat, just like we did in the past.

Believing that we will still be together even in the distant future----.

--------

Thank you very much for reading, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!