The Passive Income System

{Before Amane Arrived}

'This is a first.'

Staring into the mirror, I ran a brush through my hair, still caught in the strangeness of it all.

Someone actually wanted to train with me without holding ulterior motives. That was new.

I mean, I'm ridiculously beautiful, my body is to die for, so it's no surprise when people approach me with… other intentions. It happens all the time.

My gaze flicked to my reflection, trailing over my crossed legs, the curve of my chest, my striking blue eyes staring back at me.

'I really am stunning… but I've felt his gaze. And I just don't get it.' Whispering to myself, I shook my head at the absurdity of it all.

He has multiple girlfriends, sure, but I couldn't help feeling a little irked. Just pride clouding my thoughts-I know that-but still. And the more I thought about it… well, I wouldn't exactly mind being part of his little harem.

Amane may look plain, but there's something about him. A quiet charm that sticks out way too much. And if I'm being honest, our kids would definitely be above-average!

'Okay, too soon, girl!'

Shaking off those ridiculous thoughts, I slipped into my purple training uniform, adjusting it to perfection. Snug in all the right places but loose enough to move freely. A quick spray of perfume, a light touch of makeup, just enough to enhance, not distract.

I paused, staring at my reflection again.

"Ah."

I was actually doing all this for someone else's attention.

Thank god Mom and Dad aren't here to see this.

Time slipped away before I knew it, and a text from Amane snapped me back to reality. He'd arrived.

I hurried over to one of the spare golf carts on the manor grounds, pushing aside any distracting thoughts before they made things weird. 

As I approached the front gate, I took a deep breath and steadied myself, making sure my head was in the right place. I parked, glancing into the rearview mirror for a last-second check.

Nothing out of place. Good. No reason to overthink it.

The gate began to open, revealing him standing there, clean, simple, confident. The combination was striking. He wasn't just attractive in the usual sense. There was something about him, an effortless presence that made it hard to look away.

'Perfect.'

And I didn't throw that word around lightly.

"Good morning, Saeko!" His smile was warm, genuine, and I swore I could feel it in my chest.

For a fleeting moment, my mind wandered, certain desires threatening to surface before I forcefully shoved them away. If I ever let those tendencies out, I might scare him off, and I wasn't about to let that happen.

'However, the urge to pin him down and-STOP!'

Amane's calm yet concerned voice finally pulled me out of my strange, spiraling thoughts.

"You alright, Saeko?"

I took a breath, forcing myself to stay composed. "Yeah, this is just a first, so I'm not really sure how to approach it."

"Wouldn't inviting me onto the cart be the first step?"

"...Probably, yeah." I patted the seat next to me. 

He slid into the seat beside me, his smile never wavering. Steady. Unfazed. Nothing like those desperate virgins who'd practically die for a chance to sit next to me.

Hell, some of them had even told me to my face, that they wanted to lick the seat I sat on.

Disgusting bastards.

However, having Amane under me while—?!

My head was in a strange place. Today was definitely going to be a long day.

I started driving, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

I asked him about a few things. How he got into owning land, his experience, and what even made him interested in the first place. Unsurprisingly, he got into it for the money. But surprisingly, his experience was nonexistent.

I'd assumed his father or grandfather might have taught him the ropes, but no—he was completely self-taught.

I could respect that.

The sword, beyond the basics, was something I had to teach myself. Of course, I had books, films, and guides to help along the way, but still, the responsibility fell on me. He, on the other hand, was diving straight into it—learning as he went. Some people learned best that way, so I couldn't fault him for it.

"Hey, I wanna know about your girlfriends. Wanna give me the details?"

The words slipped out easily, my curiosity outweighing my usual restraint. The more I relaxed, the more I could feel myself straying from my mother's teachings.

But I think she'd understand my situation.

I've seen her with Dad, after all.

"Sawako was my first. She was really shy at first, but somehow, we got close pretty quickly. I think it's because neither of us wasted time dancing around our feelings. I hate people who can't just be honest! Like, if you like someone, just say it!"

Amane crossed his arms, clicking his tongue in irritation.

"Pfft~."

Seeing his cute reaction, I couldn't help but find it amusing. 

Oblivious to my amusement, he kept going.

"Mahiru—well, actually, Ruby technically came next. Oh, and by the way, this isn't a ranking or anything—I love them all. They each have something unique I adore. That said… I do have stronger feelings for Sawako, but I think that's because she was first. Or maybe… I don't know if that's really the reason."

"Oh?"

Curiosity piqued, I leaned in slightly, watching his expression shift.

"S-Sorry, that's something I can't talk about. Not even my parents know about it."

His voice faltered just for a second, but it was enough. There was something in his eyes, something heavier than he was letting on.

"It's okay. We all have secrets."

I waved it off, cutting any awkwardness before it could form.

"Haha, thanks." He let out a short chuckle, but I could still see the unease lingering in his eyes.

Whatever this secret was, it had shaken him. I just hoped it wouldn't end up hurting him in the long run.

But no one—not even me—could force him to share it.