Chapter 3: The Perfect Ojou-sama

As usual, after finishing my servant duties in the morning, I headed for Hinako’s room.

Lately, the water used for cleaning has gotten colder. The Konohana estate is always beautiful, but I now know that behind its pristine appearance lies intensive cleaning.

Cleaning the carpets and ornaments apparently requires specialized knowledge, so I can’t do it yet. I figured there must be other people doing difficult jobs that I don’t know about, and I was unconsciously benefiting from their hard work.

As for the members of the Konohana family, who benefit the most from these efforts, it wasn’t that they were oblivious. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Both Kagen-san and Hinako were keenly aware of the people supporting them from behind the scenes, which is likely why they strive to live each day with such dedication.

And Hinako, for all her quirks, works harder than the average person.

If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be strange for her to have a few worries. …Having reached that conclusion before bed last night, I knocked on her door.

“Hinako, I’m coming in.”

I didn’t expect a reply, but I called out just in case.

Alright, time to start the day by waking Hinako up. Or so I thought—

“Yes.”

I was surprised to hear Hinako’s reply from the other side of the door.

No way, she’s already awake?

That Hinako?

…Hmm? Did she just say, “Yes”?

In that single moment, my mind was flooded with questions.

Did I mishear? Maybe I’m still half-asleep. Thinking that, I opened the door.

“Good morning, Tomonari-kun.”

The amber-colored princess stood there, bathed in the morning sunlight.

The curtains were open. The bedsheets were perfectly made. Her nightgown was wrinkle-free, and her long hair was neatly combed. Not even a hint of drool was on her lips, and she was even wearing her slippers properly.

“It’s another refreshing morning, isn’t it?”

“…Huh?”

Am I dreaming?

All the tasks I was about to do were already finished.

No… that’s not the problem here.

What’s going on?

Why is the perfect ojou-sama version of Hinako here?

“Tomonari-kun, is something wrong?”

“Ah, no…”

I suddenly became nervous and was at a loss for words.

“Fufu.”

Seeing my confusion, Hinako smiled beautifully.

“You’re quite amusing today, Tomonari-kun.”

Her doll-like, exquisite face bloomed into a soft, flower-like smile.

I found myself captivated by that face, a sight I should have been used to.

(S-So cute…)

She’s always cute, but…

No, what am I thinking?

I instantly pushed those inappropriate feelings, unbecoming of a caretaker, into the back of my mind. …That was close. I was so shaken by this turn of events that my reason was nearly blown away.

“By the way, Tomonari-kun…”

As I desperately tried to calm myself, Hinako fidgeted and said.

“Um… I’d like to get changed soon…”

“M-My apologies!!”

I rushed out of the room.

After closing the door, I pinched my cheek… It hurt.

This isn’t a dream. I resorted to such a cliché reaction because that’s how much I suspected the scene I just witnessed was a dream.

“Izuki-san, what happened?”

Just as I was wondering if there was still a slight chance this was all a dream, Shizune-san, who was passing by, called out to me.

“Sh-Shizune-san…!! Hinako has become an ojou-sama…!!”

“Ojou-sama has always been an ojou-sama, I believe.”

“That’s not what I mean!!”

Since I couldn’t explain it well, I just pointed at the door. Shizune-san tilted her head slightly, then knocked.

“Ojou-sama, excuse me.”

It would be bad if she was changing, so I took a few steps back from the door.

I could hear their exchange through the open door.

“Oh, Shizune, good morning. Would you mind helping me change?”

“…Eh?”

Shizune-san was almost as surprised as I was.

“O-Ojo… Ah, changing… Yes, I will… help…”

“Fufu, you’re amusing today too, Shizune.”

I could almost see Hinako’s elegant smile.

The door closed, and Hinako changed from her nightgown into her school uniform.

After waiting for a few minutes, the door opened again, and Hinako and Shizune-san came out.

“Tomonari-kun, you waited for me. Shall we head to the dining hall together?”

I couldn’t reply with “Yeah” or “Yes,” and just walked silently beside Hinako.

Shizune-san quietly whispered in my ear.

“Izuki-san, what is going on?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Shizune-san was unusually flustered, but I was at my wit’s end too, so I had no room to worry about her. Unable to even feign composure, we walked down the hallway with our mouths agape.

On our way to the dining hall, we passed a maid carrying an empty glass.

The maid bowed deeply as usual in greeting.

“Good morning, Ojou-sama.”

“Yes, good morning.”

CRASH!!

The maid dropped and shattered the glass.

Hinako expressed her concern for the maid, then started walking towards the dining hall again.

This time, we passed a maid carrying a vase.

“Good morning, Ojou-sama.”

“Yes, good morning.”

CRASH!!

The maid dropped and shattered the vase.

This is bad. The damage is spreading.

The maids who had committed the blunder in front of Hinako were all staring at her with such astonishment that they forgot to apologize. Even Shizune-san, who should have been scolding them, was silent, still not having recovered from her shock.

CRASH!! SLAM!! THUD!! BAM!!

The mansion is unusually lively this morning.

Hahaha… I wonder what the total damages are. I hope everything goes back to normal after I sleep and wake up.

Walking with a vacant mind, I found myself in the dining hall before I knew it.

There was already someone at the table.

“Good morning. It’s rare to see you at this hour.”

Kagen-san glanced at us while eating his breakfast.

Before Shizune-san or I could return the greeting, Hinako spoke.

“Good morning, Father.”

“…”

Kagen-san, who had been about to eat his salad, froze completely. He stiffened like a stone statue, and then, with a movement that seemed to creak like an old machine, he slowly turned to look at Hinako.

“Kagen-sama, please, calm down.”

“…I’m fine. I won’t lose my composure. I am responsible for the lives of the eight hundred thousand employees of the Konohana Group. I can’t set a bad example for my subordinates by getting flustered over something like this.”

Kagen-san said this as if convincing himself, and as he declared, his expression returned to normal.

But… Kagen-san…

Your fork…!!

Your fork is shaking so much the salad is flying everywhere…!!

The tablecloth around Kagen-san is soaking wet.

“…Shizune, explain what’s happening. Briefly.”

“According to Izuki-san, she has been in this state since she woke up this morning. The cause is unknown, but she was her usual-self last night, at least.”

Kagen-san’s gaze shifted to me. It seemed he wanted an explanation from me as well.

Perfect. There was one theory I wanted him to hear.

“I don’t know if this is the cause, but… for the past few days, Hinako seemed to be struggling with her acting. It’s possible that her role in the play has affected her usual persona, causing this strange behavior.”

“Strange behavior…”

Kagen-san repeated my words.

It’s obvious she’s become strange just by looking at her. The problem is the details. What state is Hinako in right now? I tried to guess for myself.

“…Maybe she can’t switch back from her ‘perfect ojou-sama’ act?”

Hearing my guess, Kagen-san thought for a moment.

“…If that’s the case, she can go to the academy.”

Indeed, as long as she maintains her perfect ojou-sama persona, there’s no issue with appearances.

However, I was surprised by his judgment. Kagen-san is the type to look before he leaps. I didn’t think he would let the currently unpredictable Hinako appear in public.

“There’s not much time left until the cultural festival. I want her to attend every rehearsal without fail.”

“But with Hinako’s skill, she could take a day off and…”

“In a team environment, a leader’s behavior can make it either heaven or hell. Hinako’s absence would undoubtedly have a negative impact.”

Is he worried not only about Hinako but also about us students in Class A?

As Kagen-san said, if Hinako were to be removed from Class A right now, a drop in morale would be unavoidable. Everyone tries not to show it, but they must be at least a little nervous about performing a play that’s getting so much attention as the main event of the cultural festival. There are surely many problems that are being prevented simply by Hinako’s presence.

“Izuki-kun. As her caretaker, can you support the current Hinako at the academy?”

Kagen-san’s eyes were fixed on me.

“…I’ll try.”

“I’m counting on you.”

And so, I ended up heading to the academy with Hinako, the perfect ojou-sama.

◆

Hinako’s demeanor didn’t change even in the car. Right after we started moving, she said, “I’m in your care,” to the driver, which nearly caused an accident.

Hinako watched the passing scenery with a cheerful smile, as if to say she was looking forward to the academy. As I silently watched her profile, Shizune-san, sitting in the front passenger seat, beckoned me over with a little gesture, and I leaned closer.

Shizune-san spoke in a low voice, quiet enough for Hinako not to hear.

“Once you’re inside the academy, our surveillance won’t reach you. Please report to me regularly.”

“Understood. I’ll be as cautious as I was on my first day as her caretaker.”

“That would be best. While you two are at the academy, we will investigate Ojou-sama’s symptoms here.”

It seemed we had both regained some of our composure.

“You two are sharing a lot of secrets today.”

Hinako suddenly said.

Hinako looked at me and Shizune-san, puffing her cheeks out adorably.

“I won’t pry, but… it feels lonely to be left out.”

“Ugh.”

“Kuh.”

Shizune-san and I groaned at the same time.

My heart aches. …So this is the perfect ojou-sama.

A talented woman excelling in both academics and sports, admired by all, yet also possessing a pure, innocent heart like the first fallen snow, untouched by filth. The closer I got to that clean and pure aura, the more I felt the wicked parts of myself being purified.

The car stopped a short distance from the academy.

It was my turn to get out first.

“Izuki-san, please keep an eye on Ojou-sama at all times.”

“Yes.”

The car left me behind and headed for the academy.

As usual, the plan was to walk a bit and meet up with Hinako near the academy gate. However, a strange feeling of unease came over me, and I walked faster than usual towards the meeting point.

(It might just be a groundless fear, as Kagen-san thinks, but…)

In reality, as long as Hinako stays like this, there are no problems. If there is a problem, it’s that those of us who know her true self are severely shaken, but there’s virtually no external issue. No one at the academy would notice the change in Hinako.

In fact, the current Hinako might be, in the truest sense, perfect.

With the current Hinako, there’s no risk of her lazy nature accidentally slipping out.

The current Hinako is, without a doubt, perfect.

For the Konohana family, that is…

“Konohana-san.”

I spotted Hinako just past the school gate and called out to her.

“Mornin—”

“—Good morning to you, Konohana Hinako!!”

Before I could get close to Hinako, someone else appeared in front of her.

It was our student council president, the epitome of the blonde hair ringlets… Tennouji-san.

“It seems you’ve been chosen as the lead in the play again this year. It’s frustrating, but I believed that you, my rival, would surely get the part!! As student council president, I will do my best to make the cultural festival a success, so please shine as brightly as you can!!”

Tennouji-san encouraged Hinako.

What a nice person. With so few days left until the cultural festival, she probably came to support Hinako now, when she might be physically and mentally exhausted.

At Kiou Academy’s cultural festival, the lead role carries a momentary weight of responsibility comparable to that of the student council president. Tennouji-san, who is currently experiencing that heavy responsibility, must have wanted to support Hinako. As rivals who push each other to be better.

A perfect ojou-sama would surely notice Tennouji-san’s kindness.

However, Hinako was blinking her eyes rapidly.

“Ugh… Tennouji-san in the morning is so sparkly, she’s bad for my eyes…”

“…Huh?”

Tennouji-san’s eyes widened.

I was probably frozen with a similar expression on my face.

What was that line just now…?

Did Hinako say that…?

“Sleepy… I wanna go home…”

“UOOOOHHHHHHHH!?”

I yelled at the top of my lungs to cover it up. …I don’t know if it worked.

(I-I was wrong…!!)

I had thought Hinako was stuck in her act and couldn’t switch back.

But that’s not it.

Her perfect ojou-sama persona and her true self have swapped places—!!

Looking at the still-frozen Tennouji-san, I made my brain work faster than ever before.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? —How do I smooth this over!?

This was the biggest crisis I’d faced since becoming her caretaker.

“…K-Konohana-san is practicing her acting right now!!”

Aware of my own twitching face, I explained.

“In this year’s play, she’s playing a lazy character. It’s different from last year, so she’s using her time during the day for practice… apparently.”

I spouted some nonsense in my panic, but at least it was a coherent excuse.

Please, fall for it…!!

“What an admirable spirit…!! Such dedication!!”

Thank goodness Tennouji-san is so easy to persuade…!!

A sigh of unconcealable relief escaped my lips as I managed to fool her.

“W-Well then, we’re heading to class!”

I glanced at Hinako, who was still rubbing her sleepy eyes. To prevent any more slip-ups, I took her hand and quickly moved away from Tennouji-san.

However, instead of heading straight for the classroom, we hid in some bushes deep in the garden and contacted Shizune-san.

“Shizune-san! We have a problem! Hinako is slacking off!”

“Isn’t that business as usual… No, not today of all days.”

I filled Shizune-san in on what had just happened.

After a moment of thought, Shizune-san gave me instructions.

“Kagen-sama is in a business meeting and won’t be reachable immediately. …If you’re managing to smooth things over, please continue to stand by Ojou-sama’s side.”

“…So it’s okay to stay at the academy?”

“As much as possible.”

Shizune-san must also understand that this is a tightrope situation.

I ended the call. …I also want to live up to Kagen-san’s trust as much as I can.

It’s terrifying, but I’ll watch the situation a little longer.

“…Which way was the classroom again?”

As we entered the school building, Hinako said, looking around restlessly.

The real Hinako is hopelessly self-indulgent; she won’t even try to do things she’s capable of if she doesn’t feel like it, nor will she even try to think about them. She’ll reluctantly get motivated when she absolutely has to, but it’s clear that now is not one of those times for her.

In short, the real Hinako is lazy and wants to be pampered.

“This way.”

“Nghh…”

I led Hinako by the hand to the classroom.

Our interaction is exactly like when we’re at the mansion, but I must not forget… this is the academy. I can’t call her “Hinako” like I do at the mansion.

(The stares are painful…!!)

Countless gazes pierced through my entire body.

The perfect, unattainable flower, Hinako, was being led by the hand by a male student. It might even look like we’re holding hands. I want to explain the situation immediately, but it’d take forever if I explained it every time I felt a stare. In any case, I’ll have to explain it to my classmates, so after that, I’ll just have to hope the rumor spreads on its own.

“Nhehe… Izuki’s hand is warm…”

Hinako smiled a carefree and innocent smile, like a child.

Contrary to the tense situation, my heart grew calm. To me, this Hinako is an easygoing companion with whom I can show my true self.

I started to feel like I was back at the mansion, the tension leaving my shoulders, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to be tense again.

◆

“—And that’s the situation.”

Once we reached the classroom, I quickly explained the circumstances before any unnecessary misunderstandings could arise.

“I see, she’s practicing for the play…” Taishou murmured as our classmates gathered around.

“…If I hadn’t heard that, I think I would have fainted.”

Taishou and the other classmates looked behind them.

Hinako was dozing off at her desk.

The same Hinako who always sat with a perfectly straight back, her usual composed and dignified expression fixed forward, was now resting her chin on her desk, half-asleep.

The model student of Kiou Academy, who everyone looked up to, had overnight become a lazy person who nonchalantly did things everyone at the academy refrained from. Looking at my dumbfounded classmates, I couldn’t help but wonder if showing them Hinako in this state was actually counterproductive.

“Um, Konohana-san. I’m sorry to interrupt your acting, but there’s something in class I really don’t understand. Could you please teach me…?”

A female student approached Hinako. Her request for help with her studies was likely genuine, but it seemed more like she wanted to check on Hinako’s condition.

Hinako, being the academy’s top student, often helps other students with their studies.

That’s the usual scene, but today…

“No… sleepy.”

Hinako glanced at the female student, then immediately lowered her head.

A murmur went through the classroom.

“W-Wow… It doesn’t seem like acting at all…!!”

“Konohana-san is serious this year…!!”

Thank goodness everyone in class is so gullible…

(…No, it’s not that they’re gullible.)

The current Hinako is tolerated because of the reputation she’s built up until now. Because she has always shown a well-mannered and noble image, no one would ever suspect that this is her true nature. Everyone is convinced that she wouldn’t be like this unless she was acting.

The current Hinako is being supported by the trust she has built up over time.

But just because it’s built up, it doesn’t mean that it won’t come crashing down.

If this state continues, everyone will eventually start to suspect. …Could this be her true personality?

(She has to go back to normal before that happens…)

I broke into a cold sweat as I watched Hinako, who had fallen into a deep sleep at some point.

“I get that she’s practicing for the play, but,”

Asahi-san said, looking at Hinako’s slumped back.

“What’s she going to do during class?”

That’s… what is she going to do?

The question no one could answer was soon made clear.

◆

First period, Japanese language.

Fukushima-sensei, who is also Class A’s homeroom teacher, started the class as usual, but after a few minutes, she noticed something was wrong.

“U-Um, Konohana-san…?”

Fukushima-sensei paused the lesson and called out to Hinako.

Hinako had been slumped over her desk ever since class started.

To be precise, she’s been like this since before class started…

“I-I’m sure it’s not what it looks like, but… you’re not sleeping… are you? For the Konohana-san to be sleeping in class… that’s impossible… right…?”

Fukushima-sensei approached Hinako’s desk, asking for confirmation over and over.

However, Hinako, without noticing Fukushima-sensei’s approach,

“…Zzz.”

I think I heard something that sounded like a snore.

Fukushima-sensei rubbed her eyes with both hands. She rubbed, looked at Hinako, rubbed again, looked at Hinako again, but no matter how many times she checked, the scene before her didn’t change…

“…Excuse me. It seems there’s something wrong with my eyes, so I’ll be leaving early.”

Fukushima-sensei left the classroom.

The students started to murmur. Even so, Hinako didn’t wake up and remained sound asleep.

Th-This is bad…

My stomach started to hurt as Hinako caused trouble so early on.

For now, I’ll go explain the situation to Fukushima-sensei. It’s just too pitiful to leave her like this.

I left the classroom and hurried after Fukushima-sensei.

“Fukushima-sensei!”

“Tomonari-kun, could we please talk later? I’m on my way to the eye doctor.”

“No, actually…”

I explained the situation to the dejected Fukushima-sensei.

“S-So that’s what was happening…”

Upon hearing that Hinako was practicing for her role, Fukushima-sensei wiped away a fallen tear with her finger.

“I’m so glad… It wasn’t that my class wasn’t worth listening to…”

This is bad.

Hinako’s image is so good that no one even considers the idea that she might be at fault.

When a perfect model student suddenly acts like a delinquent, does the other party automatically assume they are responsible…? I feel like I’m watching a psychology experiment.

Fukushima-sensei somehow pulled herself together and resumed the class.

…After that, I repeated the same thing for all three classes until lunch break.

◆

When lunchtime arrived, Hinako remained seated at her desk and, with a leisurely motion, took out her lunchbox from her bag. Usually, we’d gather on the roof of the old student council building to eat alone, just the two of us, but it seemed she wasn’t doing that today. Considering that the current Hinako was the same as the one at the mansion, it was only natural that she’d want to avoid moving even a single step if possible.

“So Konohana-san was the type to bring a bento…”

“I totally thought you always had a chef come over or something…”

She should have been carrying her bento box with her as usual.

I wonder how that rumor started… Maybe they imagined a style where she’d just bring the container and have a chef fill it with food?

Just as I’d thought during my exchange with Fukushima-sensei, Hinako’s image was so overly perfect that people tended to have noble and unnatural assumptions about her rather than simple, everyday ones. They just couldn’t imagine Hinako as a worldly person.

Was this, too, the power of her perfected acting…?

As I was thinking about that, Hinako came over to my desk, lunchbox in hand.

“Izuki… Feed me, you know, ‘aaahn’…”

“Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!?”

I panicked so much I ended up trying to cover it up in a weird way.

The gazes pierced my entire body like spears. Taishou’s eyes were pleading, “Are you a traitor?” Asahi-san was, for some reason, looking incredibly sad. Kita was wide-eyed in astonishment. Suminoe-san was glaring at me as if to say, “Are you a traitor?” Why??????

“I-Is there a scene like that in Hamlet!? Ha, ha, ha, hahaha…!!”

I laughed to try and brush it off, but my forehead was drenched in a cold sweat.

I wonder if there was a scene like that? a few of my classmates started re-reading their scripts. Please! Let there be one! Even something similar would be fine!

(Shizune-san…!! Help me, Shizune-san…!!)

I can’t hold on… much longer…!!

My heart…!!

◆

“You had it rough, didn’t you?”

After school. The moment I got into the Konohana family car, Shizune-san’s first words were ones of sympathy. Her words were simple, but her face was filled with pity. It seemed that this time, she truly understood the stress I was under.

“Were you able to cover it up successfully?”

“Somehow… But I don’t think it’ll last long.”

Answering Shizune-san’s question, I glanced at Hinako sitting next to me.

“What is it, Tomonari-kun?”

Sometime during the day, Hinako had returned to being the perfect ojou-sama.

Today, I skipped student council duties to meet up with Hinako early. Work was piling up, but I wanted to prioritize Hinako right now. If only I could somehow figure out the cause…

“I spoke with the doctor, and it’s certainly something mental. The young miss has always had a constitution where her mental state easily affects her physical condition…”

Shizune-san whispered into my ear in a small voice. All the while, both she and I were observing Hinako. Usually, Hinako would be sleeping in the car, but now she sat with her back perfectly straight. Just like when she was attending classes at the academy.

“How are things with the play?”

Shizune-san asked.

We had two challenges right now. One was to cover up Hinako’s strange behavior so no one would notice. The other was to lead the play to success. Neither of which could be neglected.

However, regarding the play——

“There are no problems at all.”

I recalled the rehearsal held in the classroom after school.

Hinako participated in practice as usual. When she was playing Ophelia, she seemed to be able to act as the perfect ojou-sama just fine.

And her performance of Ophelia’s other side… the lazy personality, was more polished than ever before. Thanks to that, my classmates were now convinced, “Her practice during the day is really paying off!” At this rate, we’d probably be able to hide Hinako’s condition for a while longer.

“The set for the play is also nearing completion. A classmate in charge of directing seems to have visited Shakespeare’s theater in London, and they plan to recreate the authentic atmosphere.”

The scale of this was as ridiculous as ever. Apparently, a few classmates had gone to inspect the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s plays were once performed. Among the guests who would come to Kiou Academy’s cultural festival, there would surely be some who were familiar with the authentic atmosphere. They wanted to impress them.

Hinako’s acting, despite already being praised as perfect, had become even more refined. I strongly felt the enthusiasm of my classmates today, who wanted to ride this momentum. It’s only in hindsight, but perhaps it was worth it to have Hinako come to school, even if it was a bit reckless.

(…The fact that she can act as Ophelia normally means that, for Hinako, acting in the play is a separate thing, right…?)

Originally, Hinako had two states. The perfect ojou-sama, and her lazy state.

I had been worried that her Ophelia performance might get mixed up and become a mess, but that fear turned out to be baseless.

This meant that what Hinako was struggling with wasn’t the play. The play was merely a trigger, and she was probably wavering between the perfect and lazy personas she had been playing until now.

There was no doubt she was worried about her acting, but she recognized the acting for the play as something separate.

“We’ve arrived.”

Hinako said, looking out the window.

The car stopped. It seemed we had arrived at the mansion.

The driver opened the door, and we got out of the car one by one.

As we headed towards the mansion, a gardener who was tending to the garden noticed Hinako and bowed beautifully.

“Welcome home, Young Miss.”

“Yes, I have returned.”

Hinako replied with a breathtakingly beautiful smile.

Perhaps Kagen-san had explained the situation to the servants. There were no blunders like the vase breaking this morning, but the gardener was still completely astonished with his mouth wide open, and then,

“…………Beautiful.”

With just that one word, he breathed out all his emotions condensed into it.

I get it… I really, really get it… that feeling.

Even though I should be used to seeing her, the current Hinako exuded an exceptional beauty. It was packed with a different charm from her usual cuteness.

After passing through the entrance and entering the mansion, my eyes met with Shizune-san’s.

What should we do now? As we exchanged glances, Hinako looked at us.

“May I go to your room now, Tomonari-kun?”

“Eh!?”

I was reflexively surprised.

“N-No, right now is a bit…”

“Why is that? We always do, don’t we?”

That’s true, but!!

I have a strong reluctance to letting this Hinako into my room.

Can my heart take it…!?

My heart is being worn down in a different way than when I’m at the academy…!!

(…Wait a minute?)

A brilliant idea came to mind, and my head cooled down.

By deliberately spending time as we usually do, couldn’t Hinako return to her old self? I could have her sleep in my room until dinner, we could have a lazy dinner, take a bath together… and in the process, wouldn’t her original lazy personality come back?

There’s hope.

“…Well then, shall we go to my room?”

“Yes.”

Hinako smiled like a sunflower.

…It was hope, but a hope as dazzling as the sun. If I’m not careful, I’ll get burned.

I headed to my room with Hinako… This time, it seemed I didn’t need to hold her hand. The current Hinako was a perfect ojou-sama, so there was no way she’d get lost.

Once we arrived in my room, I immediately went to my desk.

“W-Well, I’m going to study, so you can relax on the bed, Hinako.”

“? On the bed, you say?”

Hinako tilted her head curiously and sat down primly on my bed.

…What’s going on?

With Hinako here on my bed, my heart pounds…

Thinking about it calmly, a girl my age has come into a guy’s room, so isn’t it natural to be nervous? When it’s the lazy Hinako, I’m not this conscious of it, but with the current Hinako, I can’t escape these normal anxieties.

I’ll just concentrate on studying. With that thought, I furiously scribbled formulas in my notebook.

Just as my head had cooled down a bit, a lock of smooth, amber-colored hair came into the corner of my vision.

Right next to me, Hinako was peering into my notebook.

“Hinako!?”

“I’m sorry, did I interrupt you?”

I just shook my head wordlessly.

My heart is racing. My heart… my heart is going to burst…!!

“Ah, this formula is a little incorrect.”

“Eh?”

“The correct way is… like this.”

Hinako picked up a mechanical pencil and fluently wrote in my notebook.

It should have been a pretty difficult problem, but she apparently noticed the mistake with just one look. The intellect she usually showed at the academy was still intact.

“…Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

After putting down the pencil, Hinako stared straight at my face.

“You’re always working so hard, Tomonari-kun… I find that… very admirable, you know.”

“……!”

My heart started to beat even faster.

My mind could only think of Hinako. In my blank mind, I felt like I could be immersed in happiness just by gazing at her face.

(Calm down, me…!!)

There was an emotion about to explode around my heart. I desperately tried to hold it back.

My pride as her caretaker. A man’s desire not to be so easily swayed… And above all, the lazy smile of the real Hinako that flashed across my mind.

If I were to harbor such feelings for the current Hinako, wouldn’t that be a betrayal to the real Hinako?

I can’t say for sure that I don’t feel that way.

As I was desperately clutching my chest, there was a knock on the room door.

Shizune-san entered through the opened door.

“Dinner is ready.”

It’s that time already.

I closed my notebook and headed to the dining room with Hinako.

Honestly, I was saved by Shizune-san’s arrival. Being alone with Hinako right now is dangerous.

“You’ve come, both of you.”

When we arrived at the dining room, Kagen-san was already seated.

I thought it was a coincidence, but Kagen-san hadn’t started eating yet. It seemed he was waiting to have dinner with us.

The reason, of course, was probably that he wanted to see how Hinako was doing.

I sat down near Kagen-san with Hinako. Then, the waiting servants started moving, and dishes were served one after another.

Dinner began.

Today seemed to be Italian. I watched Hinako as I ate the classic appetizer, Caprese.

As expected, Hinako’s manners were perfect. I’ve recently gotten over my own awkwardness, but seeing Hinako and Kagen-san’s movements still feels like they’re on a different level.

First-class etiquette is as splendid as a musician playing an instrument. The silver cutlery held in their left and right hands draws beautiful trails of light. The faint sound of clinking dishes was reminiscent of a violin’s melody. Watching their movements, the knife, fork, glass, and even the food on the plate seemed to shine. The first-class cuisine was further perfected by first-class etiquette.

“Hinako, how are rehearsals going?”

Kagen-san asked while taking a light sip of wine.

“They’re going smoothly. I believe that Grandfather will be satisfied as well.”

“I see, but don’t let your guard down. The head of the family, is insistent on attending this time. You should think that not even one in a million failures will be permitted.”

Kagen-san’s eyes on Hinako sharpened slightly.

The old Hinako would have probably whined with a languid look on her face. After that, she would have complained a bit in my room or gone to bed in a sulk.

However, the current Hinako——

“It will be fine.”

Hinako replied in a dignified voice.

“I am, after all, a daughter of the Konohana family.”

“…”

Kagen-san’s eyes widened.

In her, there was a future shining brightly, befitting the heir to the Konohana Group.

◆

After dinner, I continued studying.

Hinako wasn’t there. Usually, we’d spend time together after dinner until she went to bed, but that wasn’t the case today.

(She’s finished her homework, but there are some things she wants to study on her own… huh.)

That’s something the usual Hinako would never say.

Thinking about it again, Hinako as a perfect ojou-sama is incredibly powerful. Because her movements are calm and elegant, it’s hard to get that impression, but she’s actually constantly active. She’s always doing something without taking a break. Even at the academy until now, someone must have been calling out to her and she was responding during every break.

I put down my mechanical pencil and took a breath. Thanks to Hinako teaching me, I was able to reach today’s quota early.

I recall Kagen-san’s expression during dinner.

Within Hinako, there was undoubtedly the vessel worthy of succeeding the Konohana Group. What did Kagen-san think when he saw that?

(…For Kagen-san, the current Hinako might be the ideal.)

And Kagen-san might not be the only one who thinks so.

How many servants had been captivated by Hinako in just one day… Isn’t it fine like this? There must have been more than a few who felt that way.

A Hinako who can be a perfect ojou-sama from start to finish, with no front or back.

There are surely some people who see that as the ideal.

(…Is it just my ego to think that things aren’t fine as they are?)

When I finish studying… when I finish what I have to do, I start thinking about all sorts of things.

Just then, I heard a knock on the door.

The one who appeared from beyond the door was Shizune-san… She’s been visiting my room a lot today. Given Hinako’s condition, it’s certain that neither of us are in our usual state.

“Izuki-san, ojou-sama is calling for you.”

“? I’ll be right there.”

Hinako is studying in her room right now, but did she have a reason to call me?

While wondering, I headed to Hinako’s room.

When I knocked and opened the door, Hinako was standing up from her chair. The study materials on her desk were put away. It seemed she had just finished studying.

“Hinako, do you need something?”

“Yes. I was thinking it’s about time to get in.”

Get in?… What?

As I tilted my head, Hinako giggled, “Oh, you.”

“The bath. We always get in together, don’t we?”

She said something outrageous as if it were a matter of course.

I did think that maybe we should just go on as usual, but…

We’re getting in…!?

With the current Hinako, in the bath together…!?

Is it okay to get in…!?

◆

“…Phew.”

Steam crossed in front of my eyes and nose.

When I lowered my legs, I heard a splashing sound. The familiar scent of roses. On the edge of the vast, spotless bathtub, Hinako and I sat down.

“This is calming, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah, it is.”

I’m in—————–!!

A sense of guilt is welling up endlessly!!

What should I do… I can’t look at Hinako.

In the corner of my eye, I saw the white swimsuit Hinako was wearing, and I involuntarily averted my gaze. Something I’ve seen so many times now feels like something I shouldn’t be looking at.

…It’s no good!!

I can’t take it!!

“H-How’s the water temperature!? Isn’t it a little hot!?”

“…Now that you mention it, it does feel a little hot.”

“I-I’ll go adjust it!!”

My body felt hotter than the water. I felt like I was going to go crazy if I stayed like this, so I forcefully put some distance between myself and Hinako.

I lowered the water temperature by one degree on the panel near the changing room… The temperature was actually the same as always. There was no need to lower it.

My head didn’t cool down in such a short time, and I walked back to Hinako’s side as slowly as an ox. Hinako’s back was so delicate that it made me want to protect it. A single lock of damp, amber hair fell over her shoulder. A dripping water droplet trickled down her beautiful skin.

Putting a little more distance between us than before, I sat down next to Hinako.

Hinako, finding it strange, moved closer to me.

I instinctively moved a little away from Hinako.

Hinako moved closer again.

I tried to move a little away from Hinako again——

“Tomonari-kun.”

Hinako stared at me intently.

“Why won’t you come close to me today…?”

“——!”

Hinako was looking at me with a face like a lonely child seeing off their parents.

I had no intention of making Hinako sad. But with the current Hinako making that kind of face, it was all I could do to maintain my sanity.

(Calm down… I thought the same thing during the Management Game…!! I have to accept this Hinako too…!!)

At that time, I thought so after seeing Hinako seriously managing the company.

Hinako has two sides, and if I want to support her as her caretaker, I have to be there for both of them. I want to understand both Hinakos, and I want to be trusted by both of them.

“Could you wash my hair like you always do?”

“……………………Yes.”

I was so flustered that I ended up using polite language without thinking.

The stage where I could calm down just by telling myself to has long since passed.

Shintou Mekkyaku… From here on, I must empty my mind.

[Note: Shintō Mekkyaku (心頭滅却) is a Buddhist phrase meaning “eradicating disturbances from the mind.”]

If I can’t, my heart will burst.

I moved behind Hinako and gently lifted her soft, silk-like hair. The white skin that had been hidden by her hair was revealed. I’ll ignore the nice smell that wafted even before using shampoo, and the sensuality I felt from the nape of her neck. Don’t mind it, don’t mind it, don’t mind it.

“Ah… that tickles a little.”

Please, stop…

Don’t make me any crazier…

Right now, I’m seriously considering asking Shizune-san for a potion that would make me impotent…

“You’re always helping me, Tomonari-kun.”

Hinako suddenly said in a calm tone.

“…You can wash your own hair, can’t you?”

At least, the current Hinako could…

I’m always taking care of Hinako. But sometimes, I’m not confident if I’m really helping her in the true sense of the word. By washing her hair like this, how much of her heavy life am I able to support?

“Tomonari-kun.”

Hinako gently grabbed my arm and turned around.

“Please look at me more.”

“H-Hinako…?”

I was bewildered as Hinako brought her face closer.

My face was reflected in Hinako’s eyes.

Hinako’s face was probably reflected in my eyes too.

“Look more closely… then won’t you understand?”

“W-What…?”

To a bewildered me, Hinako proclaimed.

“You’ll understand just how much you’re saving me.” Hinako said smiling.

I was speechless.

“I know you’re always thinking about me, Tomonari-kun. You didn’t go to the student council today just to be by my side, right?”

“That’s…”

The reason I couldn’t immediately affirm it was because I didn’t want to be a person who imposes their kindness on others.

In reality, it was just as Hinako said.

“I know… just how hard you’re trying to stand by my side, Tomonari-kun.”

Hinako said, gently clasping her hands near her chest.

As if cherishing a treasure held there.

“Everything, everything, it all gets through to me… I wanted to tell you that.”

In Hinako’s eyes, only I was reflected.

The one monopolizing those eyes was none other than me.

I’m sure it’s the same for me.

Right now, only Hinako is reflected in my eyes.

“I’m going to wash my body now.”

Hinako stood up.

As she headed towards the shower, Hinako looked back at me once.

“…Though I’d like you to wash my body too, actually.”

“N-No, that’s really–!?”

“I’m joking.”

Hinako giggled.

“Thank you for everything.”

Her heartfelt gratitude was conveyed.

The person in front of me was supposed to be Hinako wearing the mask of a perfect ojou-sama, but those words were definitely from her heart. The current Hinako was supposed to be an act, a fake, but the emotions that came out of her mouth were undoubtedly real.

…She’s not a fake.

Even though I was trying to accept Hinako’s two sides, somewhere in my heart, I might have still been prioritizing one over the other.

But, that’s wrong. Both of them are the real Konohana Hinako.

The perfect ojou-sama within Hinako is an act, but not a fake. I finally understood that. That performance she has kept up for so long has accumulated memories, and those memories have formed a whole new set of values… allowing her to say things her true self can’t, and feel things her true self can’t experience.

For Hinako, the role of a ‘perfect ojou-sama’ may have been something far grander than I ever imagined.

So grand… that it could threaten to overwhelm her true self.