Naruto: I Became Orochimaru's Apprentice - Chapter 44: Ryuichi Cave

That afternoon, Roland received the most absurd gift imaginable—his stepmom handed him a System literally.That’s right. Not a game console. Not money. A real, cheat-like System... the kind usually reserved for transmigrators and chosen ones.Except Roland had transmigrated eighteen years ago, and nothing remotely “chosen” had ever happened since—until now.The catch? It wasn’t just any System. It was the “Mother's Little Tasks” System, formerly owned by his doting (mysterious) mother. And its first mission?[Mission: Go on a blind date.][Target Options: Yukino Yukio (Mom), Yukino Haruno (Elder Sister), Yukino Yuki (Younger Sister).][Warning: Once locked, your chosen girl can never marry anyone else.][Reward: 1000 Points, one self-selected supernatural ability from Mall]Roland: “...What kind of twisted matchmaking app did I just inherit?”After reading the mission, Roland was stunned. An arranged romance at 18 was already bad—but a binding rule that prevented the chosen girl from marrying anyone else? What if he failed the mission? Would she be alone forever?“And this is supposed to be a System?”“Mom! What the hell is this mission?” Roland asked, his face darkening.“It finally triggered! All those Points I spent transferring the System weren’t wasted,” his mother replied cheerfully, ignoring his outrage.“You set this up? Why?”“You’re nearly an adult and you’ve never even dated. Of course I’m worried.”“I’m only eighteen! I have college entrance exams next year!”“Exams don’t matter. But youth without love isn’t youth at all.”“...Is that something a mother should say?” Roland muttered. Most mothers pushed their kids to study harder—his acted like grades were irrelevant.“What kind of mom does this to her own son? And why is Aunt Yukio even on the target list? That’s just insane!”“Well~, I don’t know what kind of girl you like. The Yukino family has all three types—mother, elder sister, and younger sister—so I gave you options.”

Scarlett's world collapses when she is drugged and forced to marry an old, filthy-rich widower with five children.

Trying to escape her seemingly inescapable troubles, she accepts an offer of a one-year contract marriage with a mysterious gentleman. He promises this will get her out of her hostile-arranged marriage problems. She took the offer.

If everything goes well, she will be a free and independent woman in one year...

However, many things take an unexpected turn. The contract marriage made Scarlett's life feel like she was riding a rollercoaster. A mix of exhilaration, dreaded inferno, and joyful heaven.

****

Only a crazy person would accept his offer. And right now, she does not fall into that category. Her mind is still sane.

“Please don't get me wrong. I'm just trying to help myself. And at the same time helping you.”

Scarlett was even more confused.

“I know my problem is complicated. But, I think being married to a man I just met, without love, feels weird...” She said.

“This is not a real marriage but a contract marriage that you can set up to your advantage. And also mine.”

Scarlett listened silently; inside, she was shocked and a bit perplexed.

Xander crossed his arms over his chest while looking into Scarlett's eyes. He continued, “As I said before, I will help you, and at the same time, you will help me. I don't need to explain what my problem is. But, I assure you, if you agree to do a contract marriage with me, then your problems will be solved. So what do you think!?”

Scarlett was in no hurry to speak. She slowly raised her head and said, “So I can put any clauses I want in the contract?”

The man nods, saying, “As long as it doesn't hurt me.”

She offered a handshake to Xander, “Okay. You got a deal!”

……………………………………………………………

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