Help! I changed the gender of the male protagonist in the yandere game

The Renjo Trading Company is one of the leading merchant houses in the Island Country.

The current head of the trading company is named Renjo Senjuro, and since his grandfather's generation, he has been the "purveyor" to the nobles of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

The Renjo Trading Company deals in a wide range of goods, originally starting as a "money exchange shop." Later, they connected with the imperial family, becoming the imperial family's kimono supplier. After that, they continuously expanded their business in the commercial field, dealing in items such as kimono shops, tea merchants, medicinal herbs, ceramics, timber, mineral processing, and so on.

After taking on the heavy responsibilities from his father, Renjo Senjuro remained diligent. His skillful management allowed the Renjo Trading Company to possess first-class financial power among the many merchants in the country.

However, even so, generally speaking, a merchant group composed of ordinary people is in a completely different world from a demon-exorcising noble family.

But the reality is not so simple. Since Senjuro took over as the head of the trading company, the Renjo Trading Company has cooperated with foreign merchants at Nagasaki Port, using connections to gather craftsmen from mainland China.

Additionally, at the Dutch trading post in Nagasaki, they hired Western alchemists at great expense, using connections to order various weapons and enchanted tools for demon exorcists.

Unlike the insular Island Country, the weapon-refining techniques of both the immortal and demonic paths in the Central Plains region, as well as in Europe, had reached world-leading levels in the development of weapons and enchanted tools due to long periods of warfare.

After that, various weapons and enchanted tools equipped with new technologies quickly gained popularity in the demon-exorcising industry, becoming the first choice for demon-exorcising noble families to order customized weapons and enchanted tools.

“Hahahahahahaha…!”

Renjo Senjuro burst out laughing.

“It's been a while~ Miss Kagekiyama, Second Daughter, it's truly an honor to have you visit.”

His appearance is that of a middle-aged man wearing a mourning-like black kimono, even his collar and socks are black.

He has a rugged face and seems to be in his prime. However, Renjo Senjuro is at least fifty or sixty years old; he simply uses some kind of age-defying technique to maintain his youthful appearance.

Next to Renjo Senjuro sat two gaudily dressed women, possibly concubines or prostitutes, embracing the waist of the great shopkeeper.

The general public's evaluation of "Renjo Senjuro" is usually "fond of women," willing to spend a fortune for the courtesans in the pleasure district.

He also frequently changes his female companions. Katsuhana has seen him several times, and this lecherous old man changes women every time.

“Yes, it’s been a while since I've seen the shopkeeper.”

Katsuhana smiled slightly.

“Instead of staying in the Kyoto main store to oversee the overall situation, what are you doing here? At such an old age, running around like this, aren't you afraid of overworking yourself and ascending to heaven early?”

“Miss Katsuhana is as sharp-tongued as ever.”

Renjo Senjuro smiled wryly.

“Actually, the lord of Suo Castle is an old friend of mine, and I also have an acquaintance at the Kamizakura headquarters. I come to see her once a year.”

“Oh, so you're seeing an old flame.”

Katsuhana snorted through her nose.

“Alright, let's not talk about that.”

Renjo Senjuro said in a deep voice, “The items, I have already prepared them… but, I still want to ask, Miss Katsuhana, what exactly do you want to do with those things?”

As he spoke, he waved his hand abruptly, and the two gaudily dressed girls beside him convulsed, uncontrollably falling to the ground.

The two beautiful-faced girls twitched, red liquid flowing from their orifices, and then they fell silent.

“This room is sealed with a soundproof barrier, after all, it's a place to discuss business with guests.”

Renjo Senjuro revealed a cold smile, his gaze cast upon Hyakusuke.

“So… unnecessary people should disappear.”

Hyakusuke's heart sank. He did not expect the other party to be so cruel, killing two female companions just to prevent eavesdropping.

“Don't be fooled by him.”

Katsuhana said lazily, “This old guy likes to use this kind of wicked method to test other people's insight. These two aren't living people, they're just two dolls… but they're so well-made that they look no different from living people. Speaking of which, where did you get these? The price could buy a mansion in the best part of Kyoto, right?”

Hyakusuke observed carefully and noticed the spherical joints exposed under the two girls' kimonos.

“Of course.”

Renjo Senjuro carelessly destroyed the expensive dolls, laughing, “Human life is so precious, how can these dolls be treated lightly? These are just a few pieces of wood, no matter how good the material, they are not worth mentioning.”

He kicked them twice with his toe.

“Hyakusuke is my confidant, you don't need to test him again and again.”

Katsuhana, the Second Miss, quite nonchalantly put her pipe to her mouth and took a puff.

“Just say what you want to say, okay?”

Hearing the words “confidant,” Hyakusuke felt a little touched. Without this assurance, the following conversation might have put him in mortal danger.

“Alright.”

Renjo Senjuro didn't look at the dolls again, his pupils returning to their cold color.

“Miss Katsuhana, some of those alchemical tools are within the scope of imperial prohibitions… If my transaction with you is exposed, the risk on my side will be great.”

“You don't have to worry, I won't be so presumptuous as to challenge such a boring thing as 'creating unnatural life,' nor will I use alchemy to create artificial humans…”

“Very good.”

Renjo Senjuro nodded.

“That's enough to hear… By the way, the other items are also ready, they're all downstairs. I've already arranged the person to hand them over.”

“Hyakusuke, I need you to go downstairs and run an errand.”

Katsuhana instructed, “I still have some things to discuss with this old man.”

“Understood.”

Hyakusuke guessed that they must be talking about very "dangerous" topics, and he fled downstairs as if running away.

The Renjo Trading Company's clerk had been waiting for a long time, approaching with a smiling face, “Good day, sir. The items for the Kagekiyama family are ready, they are all in boxes. Would you like us to transport them back to your residence?”

“No need.”

Hyakusuke explained, “These items are quite valuable, I'll take care of them myself.”

He glanced at them, confirming that there were only two boxes, and after strengthening his arm strength with spiritual power, he could easily carry them away.

‘Besides, Katsuhana asked me, her 'confidant,' to carry the items, so she probably doesn't want outsiders to touch them. Listening to her conversation with that Renjo Senjuro, it should involve alchemical equipment such as artificial human technology.’

Hyakusuke wasn't sure what she was up to, and for now, he didn't really want to know.

“Mr. Hyakusuke.”

A sweet voice sounded from behind.

Hyakusuke turned his head in surprise, unexpectedly seeing a familiar face.

It was a girl wearing a narrow-sleeved kimono with a red plum pattern, like a plum blossom fairy, who ran over breathlessly.

“...We meet again.”

“Y-Yezue-san?”

Hyakusuke was a little surprised.

“Why are you here?”

Even if she ran away from home, this was too much, right?

“I didn't run away from home.”

Yezue said with a smile, “My grandfather asked a favor from an old connection and sent me here to learn business techniques. The Renjo Trading Company used to take care of my father, and he used to work here as a clerk.”

“I see.”

Hyakusuke smiled at the girl.

“Then it seems you've learned a lot during this time.”

“O-Only just started.”

After being praised, Yezue was a little shy, her face flushed red, and she kept twirling her index finger in front of her chest, looking coy.

“T-That… Mr. Hyakusuke, I heard that the Kagekiyama family is here to participate in this Grand Exorcism Festival? I, um, could I ask… how long will you be staying here?”

“We should be leaving after the Grand Exorcism Festival ends.”

Hyakusuke frowned slightly as he thought about the situation ahead.

He didn't expect a little girl like Yezue to come to such a "place of turmoil." If something happened to Kasumi Castle, even this child would be caught up in it…

“I-Is that so?”

Yezue's face showed unconcealed excitement.

Suddenly, someone coughed, interrupting Hyakusuke and Yezue's reunion.

“Ara ara~~ What exactly is going on here? I only walked away for a moment, and you're already entangled with another woman.”

Katsuhana's sweet, seductive, and mocking laughter rang out, and Hyakusuke's scalp tingled. Even Yezue, out of animal instinct, timidly hid behind him.

“Miss Katsuhana, Yezue is a child we rescued during the last mission. She's only twelve years old this year, so she can't be considered a woman…”

Katsuhana had a cold smile on her lips.

She thought it was a stupid thing to say.

It could only be said that her lover was too naive.

That's right, his understanding of women was too superficial—whether or not someone is a woman has nothing to do with age. As long as they dare to transform into a beast for love, and use any means for romance, then even a young girl can "transform" into a woman.

Right now, the little girl hiding behind Hyakusuke, pretending to be timid, had eyes that contained not only fear but also the animosity of a "newborn calf not afraid of a tiger." If this wasn't a rival in love, what was it?

“Miss Katsuhana, Yezue is the poster girl of our shop here, don't bully her too much.”

Renjo Senjuro walked down the stairs, speaking to defuse the situation.

“Alright.”

Katsuhana raised an eyebrow and took a puff from her pipe.

“Servant, it's about time… Take the things and put them in the oxcart.”

She spat out smoke in annoyance and walked out of the trading company first.

Hyakusuke didn't dare to say much, hurriedly bowed to Yezue and Senjuro, picked up the two heavy boxes, and chased after Katsuhana's footsteps.

…

On the oxcart.

Katsuhana's pipe "clanged" against the edge of the oxcart's window, pouring out the ashes inside.

Hyakusuke's heart also "clanged" in response.

He didn't know where he had angered Katsuhana. Guessing the Second Miss's mood was also a difficult task.

“You, come here for a moment.”

She beckoned with her finger.

“What are your orders?”

Hyakusuke could only approach and kneel down.

“Here, this is for you.”

Katsuhana pushed out a brocade box.

“Open it and see?”

Hyakusuke followed her instructions and opened the brocade box. Inside was an exquisite soft armor, the material not iron, but made of some kind of snake scales or reptile scales.

No, rather than soft armor, it was more like an inner lining "Mantiro," but the defended parts were increased, covering a wider area.

In addition, there were also elbow, knee, and shin guards.

“It's armor forged from the scales and snake bones obtained after subjugating the 'Snake Mikosaki' in the northeast… It used alchemy and special forging techniques, and was originally intended as a gift for my younger brother.”

Katsuhana said with a sneer, “But the craftsman's skill was somewhat flawed, not meeting the expected standard. I plan to exchange it for another gift… Anyway, it's a defective product, so it can't be wasted, so I'll reward it to you.”

“This… I really don't deserve it, such a precious thing.”

“It's nothing, you've become a Chunin, so I, as your master, should give you some allowance. This thing can at least save your life when you wear it, which is more practical than giving you some money.”

She stretched out her hand, signaling Hyakusuke to come closer.

“Come on, a little closer.”

Katsuhana's face also came closer, revealing a seductive smile that made Hyakusuke's nose itch.

Hyakusuke swallowed, not quite understanding what this punishment game was.

Click.

Before he could react, something was put around his neck.

“This…”

What was this? A dog-style collar was put around his neck.

“Very good.”

Katsuhana retreated, her eyes flashing cunningly, and a smile of mischief succeeded on her face.

“After all, it's my thing, so it's only natural to brand it, to avoid stray dogs from who-knows-where touching it…”

“B-But?”

Hyakusuke was somewhat resistant to being collared.

“What? Do you have an opinion?”

“N-No, I don't dare.”

He thought about it and resigned himself to his fate.

Katsuhana laughed "Kuku," her mood seeming very good.

“This is also an enchanted tool. In addition to physical defense, it also has other benefits, so it's also a benefit for you. Honestly remember this lady's grace, and you must repay me well in the future.”

“Yes, I will obey.”

Hyakusuke could only reply bitterly.

—Oh dear, aren't you angry?

Katsuhana smiled mischievously in her heart.

She thought, there isn't only one collar, but a pair.

…Next time, it'll be your turn to put it on me.