Epilogue
Once we confirmed that Takuma-san had left, we returned to the mansion where we usually lived.
“Feels kinda nostalgic, doesn’t it?”
I gazed at the mansion’s exterior from the garden.
Even though it hadn’t been two weeks, a wave of fondness washed over me.
Somehow, this mansion had become as dear to me as the home I used to live in, a precious place in my heart.
Still, the mansion’s scenery looked fresher than usual.
Maybe because it had been a mere ten days since we were last here, or perhaps—because I had changed.
“Hinako, how does someone become a student council officer at Kiou Academy?”
As we stepped inside the mansion, I asked Hinako.
“You want to…?”
“Well, I’m not that set on it yet…”
If I were to become an executive in the Konohana Group, building a solid record at Kiou Academy would undoubtedly help. But that didn’t mean I had to blindly charge down the path Takuma-san laid out. Especially now that I knew what kind of person Takuma-san was, I couldn’t trust his words unconditionally.
Takuma-san had said he’d follow my lead if I found a better option.
In other words—I might have to compete with Takuma-san moving forward.
I’d need to come up with a plan better than his. Not just think it up, but secure the means and position to execute it—competing on every front.
(…An obvious villain might’ve been easier to deal with.)
Takuma-san was the type to engage in discussion. That’s why he debated with Kagen-san this time, and though he seemed reluctant, he ultimately accepted defeat.
In other words, to overturn his opinions, I’d have to beat him fair and square. Since Takuma-san wasn’t the type to resort to crimes, hoping he’d self-destruct was unrealistic.
The wall was too high to climb. Aiming for the student council at Kiou Academy as a stepping stone to overcome it didn’t seem like a bad goal.
“Oh, but Tennouji-san seemed pretty interested in the student council, didn’t she?”
“Tennouji-san…”
For some reason, mentioning Tennouji-san’s name caused Hinako’s expression to cloud.
“…Izuki.”
“Hm?”
Hinako stopped walking and lowered her gaze.
But then, she clenched her small fists, and with eyes blazing with determination, she looked at me.
“I… won’t lose to anyone!”
Her face flushed bright red as she declared this.
…Lose to whom? At what?
I was puzzled, but Hinako, her face tense, turned on her heel.
“That’s… all!”
With that, she hurried off.
Probably heading to her room. But she quickly got lost and stopped. A nearby maid noticed Hinako standing there, embarrassed, and began guiding her.
I watched Hinako’s back, her ears red as well, in stunned silence alongside Shizune-san.
“…Is Hinako interested in the student council too?”
“…Who knows.”
◇
Watching Hinako’s retreating figure, Shizune could sense her state of mind.
She must have mustered all her courage to speak out. But as the tension and awkwardness swelled, she probably couldn’t bear to stay there any longer.
(The Ojou-sama might not be perfect anymore.)
Still not fully relaxed, Hinako started walking with her right hand and right foot moving in sync.
Now that she’d acknowledged those feelings, maintaining the facade of the perfect Ojou-sama would likely become even harder.
Perhaps those around her would start noticing the change too.
(But… she’s become more radiant than ever.)
No longer just the perfect Ojou-sama or the lazy girl, a new side had emerged—a maiden in love, caught in the space between.
Having known Hinako for so long, Shizune was certain of this.
The current Hinako was more vibrant than ever, brimming with rich emotions and a human charm that overflowed.
This change was a joy for Shizune.
But it was also a seed of worry.
“…I just hope she doesn’t go overboard.”
This, too, was something Shizune could be sure of, having watched over Hinako all this time.
Most likely, when it came to love… Hinako was a total klutz.
Suppressing the urge to sigh, Shizune glanced at Izuki.
If Hinako went wild at the academy, the only one who could rein her in was Izuki.
This boy was in for a rough ride. …In more ways than one.
