Chapter 4: The Caretaker

Konohana Hinako’s illness dragged on longer than expected.

According to Tsumuri Shizune, she should have recovered by Saturday, but Hinako’s fever only went down on Sunday morning. For now, she was to rest that day, and if her temperature was normal the next morning, she could go to Kiou Academy.

On Monday morning, Hinako, now back to her normal temperature, rode to the academy in the car, still looking sluggish.

“Are you sleepy?”

“Mmm… I took a nap at a weird time, so…”

Watching Hinako doze off next to me, I remembered what I’d decided on Friday. As her caretaker, I still wanted to ease Hinako’s burdens as much as I could. That feeling hadn’t changed.

“…Lend me your lap.”

“Alright, alright.”

Hinako rested her head on my lap. I gently stroked Hinako’s head as she looked drowsy, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Izuki… did you change or something?”

“Why do you think that?”

“…You seem kinder than usual.”

If that’s how she felt, then good. Without confirming or denying it, I kept stroking Hinako’s head.

“So warm…”

Hinako seemed more comfortable than usual, and we rode to the academy that way. I glanced toward the front passenger seat, where Shizune watched over us silently.

Arriving in the classroom, I took my seat. The students of Kiou Academy were full of energy even on a Monday morning. They must live pretty disciplined lives. It was a stark contrast to my old classmates at my previous school.

“Yo, Tomonari!”

“Good morning, Taishou.”

As I hung my bag on the side of my desk, Taishou called out to me. Since the tea party, I felt like I’d gotten closer to Taishou. I had made things hard for Shizune, but it made me realize how important it was to build relationships with classmates.

“Good morning, too, Konohana! You were absent on Friday, but what were you up to?”

“Good morning, Asahi. I was helping out with work at home on Friday.”

“Oh, that sounds rough.”

While chatting idly with Taishou, I listened in on Asahi and Hinako’s conversation. No one seemed to suspect that Hinako’s absence was due to illness. That was probably the right move to maintain appearances, but it still made me feel a bit complicated.

—Lunch break.

As always, I quietly slipped out of the classroom to eat lunch with Hinako.

“Hinako, open your mouth a bit wider.”

“Mmm…”

As Hinako opened her mouth a bit wider, I fed her some of the side dishes from her bento. Just as before, I was feeding Hinako her lunch.

…This kind of closeness feels off for family, somehow. Well, maybe my parents fed me when I was little, too. In any case, if this was Hinako’s way of unwinding, I’d stick with her as much as I could.

“…Hmm.”

Hinako made a small noise as she looked at the bento.

“Izuki… you can have this.”

Hinako offered me a piece with her chopsticks. What she held out was a juicy chunk of green pepper.

“…No. Don’t be picky, eat it yourself.”

“Ehh…”

If she could unwind just by having someone obey her orders, any caretaker besides me could’ve done the job. But it hadn’t turned out that way. What Hinako needed was a sense of security, like family.

I had to treat her in a way that made her feel safe to let herself go. To do that—I needed to care about Hinako even more than she cared about herself.

“If you don’t eat a balanced diet, you’ll get sick again.”

“…If I get sick, I’ll just sleep at the mansion. That’d be easier anyway…”

“Don’t say that.”

I didn’t want her to think like that, so I’d decided to do my best.

“I’m happier when you’re healthy, Hinako.”

When I said that, Hinako looked down and pulled her chopsticks back.

“…I’ll eat it.”

Looking nervous, Hinako put the green pepper in her mouth. Seeing her wrinkle her brow, struggling to chew, I couldn’t help but laugh.

After school. Back at the mansion with Hinako, I was, as usual, getting etiquette lessons from Shizune.

“Thank you for the meal.”

After finishing dinner at the table in my room, I wiped my mouth and stood up. This day, we’d been practicing table manners. I’d used every bit of knowledge I’d drilled into my head to finish all the dishes Shizune served, and she calmly graded my performance from beside me.

“You’re still a bit clumsy, but… at least you’ve learned the basics.”

“Thank you.”

“However, you’re still a bit careless. I told you to leave your seat from the left side.”

“Ah… sorry, I forgot.”

I’d remembered when I sat down, but after finishing the meal I’d let my guard down and got up on the right side instead. I still had a lot to learn. If I wanted to stay by Hinako’s side, I had to keep working harder.

“By the way, how does Hinako usually eat dinner?”

Curiously, I asked Shizune what I’d been wondering about.

“I always eat in my room while learning manners, but where does Hinako… and who does she eat with?”

“The Ojou-sama eats dinner in the mansion’s dining room.”

Shizune answered simply.

“…By herself?”

“Yes. Sometimes the servants assist her, but the only one eating is the Ojou-sama.”

I’d had a vague sense of it, but hearing it out loud made me feel uneasy.

“Um… then, could I start having dinner with Hinako from now on?”

“That won’t be allowed.”

She shut me down without hesitation.

“You haven’t mastered your manners yet, Izuki. Once you’ve learned everything, I’ll consider it.”

“…Alright.”

If learning manners meant I could be by Hinako’s side, I had even more reason to work hard.

“And, Izuki. Starting tomorrow morning, you’ll be waking Ojou-sama.”

“In the morning… me?”

“As I told you on your first day, your tasks will gradually increase. A caretaker’s job is to look after Ojou-sama from when she wakes up until she goes to bed.”

“…Understood.”

Hearing Shizune’s plan, I nodded.

The next morning.

Mornings at the Konohana house start early. I woke at six, changed into my academy uniform, and left my room right away. First was cleaning outside my room. I carefully wiped the door, the hallway, and the stairs, then finally put the cleaning tools in the center of the first floor. Guests rarely visit the servants’ living spaces, but if the area’s dirty, dust could get on the staff uniforms. It’s extremely rude to greet guests in dirty clothes, so we were told to keep it spotless.

I was on cleaning duty today. On days off, I could sleep a bit later.

At seven, the servants gathered in the dining room for breakfast and a meeting. About thirty servants were there. Night shift staff and those off that day weren’t present.

“There are no schedule changes for today. Please proceed as planned.”

At Shizune’s words, the servants responded, “Yes.”

Since working here, I’d learned that Shizune was actually the head maid, the highest position among Konohana family maids. The household operated with both a head maid and a head butler at the center.

At seven thirty, the servants finished eating and went to their posts. I also headed to Hinako’s room.

“Good morning, Izuki.”

On the way, one of the maids greeted me.

“Good morning.”

“Being the caretaker must be tough, but hang in there.”

“Thanks.”

The woman who cheered me on turned with slow, graceful movements.

“…Little by little, they’re accepting me.”

It’d been a week since I became Hinako’s caretaker. The servants were starting to recognize me.

Stopping in front of Hinako’s room, I paused.

“…I just have to wake her up normally, right?”

If I think about it, I’d never helped wake up a girl before. Still, Shizune isn’t the type to give unreasonable orders. I was being trusted with this job because she thought I could handle it.

“Excuse me.”

I knocked and entered Hinako’s room. Apparently, normally servants can enter the master’s room without knocking. But at the Konohana house, new servants are supposed to knock first. With all the modern appliances and gadgets, privacy is more important these days, so they updated the rules.

When I entered, Hinako was sleeping soundly on her canopy bed.

“Hinako, it’s morning.”

“Mmm… Three more hours…”

That’s way too much. If it were three minutes, I might consider it, but three hours isn’t happening.

“If you don’t get up, you’ll be late for the academy.”

“…I want to be late.”

“No.”

If she was late, all the effort to maintain her image would go to waste. If Hinako’s reputation collapsed because of me, I’d probably get fired as her caretaker. Then I wouldn’t be able to stay by her side.

“Come on, wake up.”

I pulled open the blackout curtains, and bright sunlight filled the room.

“Muuuu…”

Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, Hinako slowly sat up.

“Huh… Izuki…?”

“Yeah. Good morning.”

After I greeted her, Hinako stared blankly for a moment… then flopped back onto the bed.

Why is she going back to sleep?

“…Help me up.”

Hinako reached her hands out, asking for help. She wanted to be helped up? I smiled wryly at how needy she was.

“Alright, alright.”

I took her hands and gently pulled her up. As I supported her, Hinako gave me a gentle smile.

“Izuki… good morning.”

“Good morning.”

After exchanging greetings again, I grabbed Hinako’s uniform from the hanger.

“I’ll leave your clothes here. I’ll wait outside.”

“…Help me change.”

“…Huh?”

“Help me… change.”

Spreading her arms as if saying “undress me,” Hinako made her request.

“But… help you…”

“Hurry up…”

My job was to wake Hinako and take her to the dining room. But… was helping her change included, too?

Slowly, I undid Hinako’s buttons. Through the opening in her shirt, I saw her skin.

“…”

The sight was so stimulating that I got flustered. Hinako, with her eyes closed, let herself lean on me, completely defenseless.

“Calm down… calm down, me…”

Telling myself that, I helped Hinako change. Once all her shirt buttons were undone, her pink underwear was in plain view. I squinted as much as possible and managed to get her uniform on.

…Hinako doesn’t see me that way. She probably wants the warmth and trust of a family member from me. If I want to meet her expectations, I need to get rid of unnecessary desires. Just as I was thinking that—

“Izuki, are you there?”

“Yes!?”

I heard Shizune’s voice from outside the room. I was so startled that my voice came out weird.

“I forgot to mention, but Ojou-sama often mumbles all sorts of things when she’s half-asleep. Sometimes she’ll even say things like ‘help me change’… You didn’t actually take her seriously, did you?”

I totally did!!

What do I do!? Should I apologize? Or ask her to come help now? No, it’s too late. If Shizune saw me like this, my life as a man would be over.

“N-no, of course not! I, uh, obviously know better!”

“Of course. Sorry for doubting you. You’re not some animal in heat… I’ve come to understand your sincerity over the last few days. Like Ojou-sama, I trust you.”

Ouch, ouch, ouch… that trust hurts. Why does Shizune have to praise me at a time like this?

“Um… Hinako.”

“What?”

“Could you keep the fact that I helped you change today a secret from Shizune…?”

I asked, sweating nervously, and after thinking a bit, Hinako answered.

“…If you make this part of your daily routine, sure.”

“Huh?”

“Every morning from now on, okay…?”

Cut me some slack. I screamed in my heart.

“Midterm exams?”

In the now-familiar Kiou Academy classroom. As I sat at my desk, I repeated the question back to Taishou.

“Yeah. Since you just transferred in, I figured I should tell you. Midterms start next week.”

“Next week? That’s pretty early for midterms, isn’t it?”

“We start the school year earlier than other schools.”

I nodded at Taishou’s words. Shizune hadn’t mentioned anything, but… either way, I studied and reviewed every day. Even if the exams were coming, I’d be doing the same thing.

“By the way, here are some past exams. Before tests, they give them out in front of the staff room, so you should pick some up if you want.”

Taishou showed me a stack of papers. I skimmed through them… and broke out in a cold sweat.

—This could be bad.

I could hardly figure out how to solve any of the problems. Even with Shizune’s help, would I be able to solve these by next week? It wasn’t like I’d been slacking off until now, but I suddenly felt an intense sense of crisis.

Lunch break. As usual, I was eating lunch with Hinako.

“Izuki… I want to try that next.”

Hinako looked at her bento as she spoke. But I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn’t respond.

“…Izuki?”

“Ah… sorry. You want the hamburger steak, right?”

I picked up a piece of wagyu hamburger steak with my chopsticks and brought it to Hinako’s mouth.

“Ihuki… houfafa?”

“…Swallow before you talk.”

I couldn’t understand a word she said. After swallowing her food, Hinako opened her mouth again.

“Izuki… is something wrong?”

It seemed Hinako noticed something was off about me. I sighed and answered.

“It’s nothing serious, but the midterms look harder than I thought. It’s a little discouraging.”

To be honest, it was actually a big deal. If my scores were bad, I might get dismissed as caretaker. Social studies, economics, and English were subjects I could brute-force by memorizing. If I spent enough time, maybe I could manage. But… as for the rest, I was totally lost.

“Want me to teach you…?”

“Huh?”

“I might not look it, but I’m top of the class… so there.”

Hinako puffed out her chest, showing off.

“Come to think of it, you’re always teaching people in the classroom.”

“Yeah. My grades are the real deal… so there!”

Hinako made a triumphant face. To someone like me, who knew the real, unpretentious Hinako, it didn’t feel real, but she really was the brightest in the academy.

I was supposed to be working to earn her trust, but now I needed to rely on her for help… it was complicated, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“Could I ask for your help?”

“Leave it to me!”

Grateful for Hinako’s cheerful mood, I fed her some side dishes.

After lunch, I went back to my classroom and sat down. Relieved that I had a plan for the exams, I was soon approached by Taishou and Asahi.

“Hey, Tomonari, I heard you’re worried about midterms?”

Asahi said. Apparently, Taishou told her.

“Yes. Just as a reference, do you two have any tips for studying for tests?”

“Hmm, not really. If anything, I just study a little longer than usual, I guess?”

“I’m the same as Asahi. Maybe I review instead of just preparing in advance.”

Kiou Academy students apparently studied as a routine, even after school. So they could keep up with the tests without doing anything special.

“So, Tomonari, how did you study at your old school?”

“Let’s see… Sometimes I’d pull all-nighters. Or study with a group.”

“A study group?”

Asahi tilted her head, so I explained.

“We’d get together and study. Having people around helps keep you motivated, and you can share your strengths and help each other out sometimes.”

Though often, we just ended up chatting and not studying much.

“Why don’t we try that?”

“Huh?”

Asahi, excited, cut in before I could react.

“A study group! Let’s do it, sounds fun!”

Taishou and Asahi were both unusually fired up.

“Let’s get the same people as at the tea party. They all had good grades, right?”

“Great idea! I’ll go invite them right now!”

It started as just a casual chat, but now they were both really into it. But… what do I do? I was planning on getting Hinako to help me study…

“When are you free, Tomonari?”

“Uh, well… I haven’t decided if I’m joining yet.”

“No way! You’re not coming, Tomonari!? You started this!”

“Yeah! Since you suggested it, you should be in charge!”

I couldn’t really say no now. Well… I guess I could do both the study group and ask Hinako for help.

“…Alright.”

After school. Once etiquette training was over, I talked to Shizune about the study group.

“A study group?”

“Yes. For exam prep, I was thinking of studying together with the same group as the tea party…”

“It hasn’t been long since the last tea party. Do you really think there’s value in doing this as a group?”

Shizune gave me a sharp look.

“This time it’s specifically for the academy’s exams, so I thought it’d be useful to get help from people who’ve actually taken them.”

Though if that’s all, Hinako could just tutor me alone. So why a study group with the same people as the tea party? I had my own reasons.

“Also, maybe it’s selfish, but… everyone I met through the tea party is reliable. Asahi, Taishou, Tennouji, Narika… those connections are precious, and I want to value them.”

So, if possible, I wanted her to let me spend time with them. I hinted at that, and Shizune nodded slightly.

“Understood. I was planning to start a test prep curriculum tomorrow, but if that’s the case, I’ll adjust the schedule.”

I blinked in surprise at Shizune’s matter-of-fact reply.

“Thank you. You’d already prepared something for me?”

“No need to thank me. I’m just an outsider, after all. As you said earlier, the students themselves probably have the best ideas for preparing.”

Still, since she’d gone to the trouble to prepare something, I’d be wasting it if I didn’t use it. I’d do both Shizune’s test prep and the study group.

“Today’s etiquette lesson is over. Ojou-sama is waiting for you, so please head to her room soon.”

Thanking Shizune, I left the dojo. A caretaker’s after-school life is pretty intense. After prepping and reviewing classes, I had etiquette lessons over dinner, then more studying, and finally self-defense practice. Once that was done, I’d head to Hinako’s room, and we’d take a bath together.

The schedule was tough at first, but I was finally getting used to it.

“…But, before that.”

Remembering something, I went back to my room first. After grabbing what I needed, I headed to Hinako’s room.

“Mmm…”

I joined Hinako, who was already in the bath, and washed her hair. The whole time, Hinako kept grumbling in a dissatisfied tone.

“…Still upset?”

“I was supposed to be your tutor… mm…”

“Sorry for deciding on my own. But just because we’re doing a study group doesn’t mean you won’t tutor me, too…”

“…Not satisfied with just me?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Her mood wouldn’t lift. So, after rinsing her shampoo, I stood up.

“Wait here a sec.”

I stepped out into the dressing room and grabbed what I’d prepared.

“Don’t tell Shizune.”

I handed Hinako something from a cooler bag.

“What’s this…?”

“Ice cream. I bought it secretly before getting in the car.”

Because we pretend to live in separate houses, Hinako always gets in the car first, then I walk to a spot out of sight and join her. After school today, I used that time to buy a cooler bag and some ice cream, and hid it in my bag for later. Shizune gives me a small allowance for getting to school, so I used that.

“Hinako, have you ever had ice cream in the bath?”

“No, but…”

“It’s amazing.”

I’d bought one for myself, too, so I ate first. Hinako followed suit, eating her ice cream while soaking in the tub.

“So good…! Soooo good…! It’s amaaazing!!”

“Told you.”

Hinako’s eyes sparkled with excitement, looking deeply moved. Seeing how happy she looked, I couldn’t help but smile, too.

…Looks like I finally managed to cheer her up.

The ice cream was something I’d prepared originally just to help Hinako relax. My goal as her caretaker is to make sure Hinako doesn’t collapse anymore. If she’s been collapsing regularly until now, then the same old approach isn’t going to work. That’s why I felt I needed to try different things in my own way.

It’s these little things that matter. The tools I’d prepared ended up paying off.

“Ah…”

A piece of ice cream fell onto the floor. The bathroom floor was warm, so it quickly turned into a puddle… Hinako quickly scooped it up with her palm.

“Three-second rule.”

Hinako said proudly, but I frowned.

“No, if it’s liquid, that’s too much… Don’t do it.”

“…Three-second rule.”

That definitely doesn’t apply. Hinako looked disappointed and put the melted ice cream back on the floor.

“Just in case, don’t go using the three-second rule in front of people, okay?”

“Mmm… I’ll be careful.”

Her answer was vague, making me unsure if she’d really listened.

“Izuki… when’s the study group?”

“I haven’t set the date yet, but the sooner, the better. Either tomorrow or the day after…”

“…I’m coming, too.”

I figured she’d say that, given how the conversation was going. But unlike the tea party last time, now I felt uneasy.

“I never asked, but… was the reason you got sick last time because you joined the tea party, Hinako?”

I continued, feeling a twinge of guilt.

“If that’s the case, then this study group might be too much for you, too. It might be easier if you just went back to the mansion first.”

“Mmm…”

Hinako pondered my words before answering.

“Easier… isn’t always better.”

She said, few words but I think I understood what she meant.

“…I see.”

It might be easier to be alone, but that doesn’t always equal happiness for Hinako. Truthfully, I also wanted Hinako to connect with more people. Thinking of Narika and Tennouji, it seemed best for Hinako to have friends she could get close to.

“And… right now… I don’t want you not to be there, Izuki.”

Hinako said, and I gave a wry smile.

“Then let’s go together.”

“Mm.”

After school. As I looked over the students gathered at the round table, I spoke up.

“Well then, let’s start the study group.”

“Yay!!”

The first to cheer excitedly was Asahi. She wasn’t acting like it was a study group, but pointing that out felt unnecessary, so I kept quiet.

We’d returned to the same café we used for the tea party last time. The group sitting around the table was the same as before: me, Asahi, Taishou, Hinako, Narika, and Tennouji—six people in all.

“Still… when I think about it, this is a pretty impressive group. Having the top two students in the grade at one study group is reassuring.”

Taishou’s comment made me wonder.

“I think Konohana-san’s number one, but who’s number two…?”

“…That would be me.”

Tennouji, sitting to my right, replied with a displeased tone. She has a rivalry with Hinako. I whispered a quiet “Sorry” to her.

“Asahi, you get good grades too, right?”

“Well, yeah~. In this group, I think Miyakojima-san also did well, right?”

“Ehh!?”

Asahi’s question made Narika’s face tense up.

“I-I’m only good at PE and history…”

“History?”

“Our family values the way of the samurai. Because of that, I’ve been forced to study history since I was a kid.”

Narika explained, looking uncomfortable.

“But as for the other subjects… I’m pretty much failing all of them.”

The mood went quiet, and Narika looked down in embarrassment. Unlike Hinako, who excels in both academics and sports, Narika is only strong in physical activities.

“Um… sorry, I guess.”

“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Narika replied sadly. Because of many misunderstandings, she’s often feared, but that means people overlook her weaknesses, too. During the tea party, Asahi and Taishou still looked at Narika with respect, but now they watched her with friendly concern.

“Looks like… I’ll really have to step up this time.”

Tennouji muttered with a serious expression and looked at me.

“Tomonari-san. Have you thought about how the study group will go?”

“No… I just thought we’d all study together.”

“Then, why don’t we split into those teaching and those being taught? That should be more efficient. …I, Konohana-san, and Asahi will do the teaching.”

That meant those being taught were me, Taishou, and Narika.

“Tomonari-san, which subjects are you bad at?”

“Anything that isn’t memorization… Math’s probably the worst.”

I confessed honestly, and Hinako, sitting to my left, reacted.

“If you like, I can—”

“—Then I’ll help Tomonari-san study. I’m good at math.”

Hinako started to say something, but Tennouji’s clear voice drowned her out. In that instant, Hinako’s smile froze.

“Then, should I help Miyakojima-san? I don’t have a subject I’m especially good at, but I don’t have any I’m bad at, either. I can help you bring up your average.”

“P-please do!”

Narika replied stiffly.

“Then I’ll be with… Konohana-san?”

“…Yes. Please take care of me, Taishou-kun.”

“S-same here!!”

Taishou, though nervous, was clearly happy. Meanwhile, Hinako was softly smiling—while stomping hard on my foot.

Ow, ow, ow, ow…

Now that I thought about it, Hinako wanted to study with me since yesterday. Now that it’s Tennouji, not her, she’s in a bad mood. Even though we could study together at the mansion later… Ow, ow, ow, stop grinding your heel in!

“Well then, let’s get started.”

With Tennouji’s words, everyone began to study.

Two hours into the one-on-one studying. At my old school, study groups usually devolved into chatting after just thirty minutes, but here at Kiou Academy, everyone focused quietly on their studies. This is what it means to be raised differently. For me, seriously worried about the exams, this was a lifesaver.

“You okay, Miyakojima-san? Let’s take a break, yeah?”

“Ah, yeah… Please. Honestly, my head’s about to explode…”

Narika clutched her head, groaning.

“Taishou-kun. We should take a break, too.”

“O-okay!!”

Still nervous, Taishou’s reply was high-pitched at Hinako’s suggestion.

“Should we also take a break?”

Tennouji, teaching me math, offered. But I answered without taking my eyes off my notebook.

“…No, let’s go a bit longer, please.”

Thanks to Tennouji, I could now solve problems I didn’t understand before. I wouldn’t say I liked studying, but being able to feel my own progress was rewarding. I wanted to keep going a little longer.

“…Tomonari-kun, you’re pretty serious, huh.”

Asahi looked over at me and commented.

“Ah, I didn’t mean to tease you or anything. You just seem really earnest.”

“That’s right. It’s good to see someone so motivated.”

Tennouji agreed.

“You planned this study group, right? You’re not really the type to take charge, but… you’re good at supporting people and giving them a push.”

I had no intention of being a leader, so I was going to ignore that, but… the second half of her praise caught me by surprise.

“What’s with that look?”

“It’s just, you praised me so specifically, I’m not sure what to say…”

“Oh, I’m a good judge of character. All of my servants were chosen by me.”

Tennouji said, sounding proud.

“Tennouji-san, your servants are all really tough-looking.”

“They’re mainly bodyguards when I go out. At home, I have different ones by my side.”

Apparently, at the Tennouji house, even the daughter is allowed to choose her own caretakers, unlike at the Konohana house, where Kagen-san does the hiring.

“So, if you meet Tennouji-san’s standards, Tomonari-kun, you’ve got a bright future.”

“That’s right. It’d be a bit rude to see a classmate as a servant, but… if you wanted, I’d at least consider scouting you.”

“Working for the Tennouji family isn’t a bad deal… Tomonari-kun, you should think about it!”

Asahi said with a smile. But then, I felt a sharp, dangerous gaze. Hinako and Narika were glaring at me, eyes narrow and fierce.

“…W-well, I have no intention of doing that, so…”

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

Of course, Tennouji was joking, so she didn’t sound too disappointed.

“…Let’s take a break, too. There’s only so much you can focus, and you’ll think better after a rest.”

“…True.”

I planned on studying more back at the mansion anyway. I needed to pace myself and not wear out here.

“Hey, Tomonari. Where you going?”

“Since we’re on break, I want to stretch a bit, so I’ll go for a walk.”

I told Taishou and left the café. I wanted to do some stretches to clear my head, but felt awkward about doing it in a public spot, so I went to the less crowded area behind the school. Even out of sight, the back of Kiou Academy was spotless. While I enjoyed the fresh air, I started to stretch slowly.

“…I’m lucky, aren’t I?”

I thought about the study group members. Hinako, Narika, Taishou, Asahi, Tennouji… I had friends at my old school too, but these relationships aren’t bad at all. Everyone’s kind and reliable.

Being a caretaker seemed overwhelming at first, but before I knew it, I’d grown comfortable with this situation. Part of me wanted to support Hinako, but honestly, I just wanted to protect this environment, too.

—I’ll do my best to keep studying.

Just as I made up my mind, I heard footsteps from behind.

“Tomonari-san.”

I turned when I heard my name. It was Tennouji.

“Huh? You’re going for a walk too, Tennouji-san?”

“Yes. I thought I’d stretch a bit as well.”

Before I could reply, Tennouji continued,

“—But that’s just a front.”

She told me.

“There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“Something to ask…?”

I couldn’t imagine what it might be, but Tennouji began.

“Tomonari-san. Are you really the heir to a mid-tier company?”

The question seized my heart. My relaxed mood vanished, and I started to sweat cold all over.

—Did she find out?

Why? How? Did something leak out?

—Stay calm.

I tried to keep my composure and answered as calmly as possible.

“…Why do you think that?”

I couldn’t tell what she was getting at. Was she sure my identity was a fake? If so, it was already too late for me to do anything.

“It’s your table manners.”

Tennouji said concisely.

“…You mean, they were clumsy?”

“No, you were a little awkward, but you had the basics down. Still, to me… it looked like something hastily put together.”

She eyed me as if observing.

“Something about all your movements feels off. Your manners… it looks as if you just crammed in the knowledge, something you learned recently. It’s not how someone raised as an heir would act.”

I remembered her saying earlier that she had a good eye for people. Even Shizune never pointed that out, and I had no idea myself.

“I’m not accusing you of anything.”

As I fell silent, Tennouji spoke more gently.

“I was just curious. You’re a transfer student, so you probably never needed to learn those things before. That explains it. Still… you’re almost too good for that.”

“…Too good?”

“I mean your knowledge seems oddly advanced. You’ve worked really hard these past few days, haven’t you?”

She spoke as if she was sure.

“I just wondered if your reason for working so hard had something to do with your real circumstances. …If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t pry.”

 

She wouldn’t pry. I appreciated the consideration, but it made me wonder as well.

“…You don’t think I’m suspicious?”

Cautiously, I asked, and Tennouji answered with a gentle smile.

“No suspicious students could enroll here. I’m sure the academy did a background check when you transferred in.”

Come to think of it, Narika had mentioned they do background checks for new students.

So why had Tennouji brought it up?

“…It was just simple curiosity.”

Maybe seeing through how I felt, Tennouji added, “Maybe, you too…”

In a very small voice, she muttered something.

I didn’t catch it and tilted my head, but Tennouji pulled herself together and looked me in the eye.

“It’s nothing. …Let’s head back.”

“…Yeah.”

Returning to the café with Tennouji, we found Asahi and the others chatting happily.

“It’s lively in here,” Tennouji said as she sat down.

“Oh, Tennouji-san. We were just talking about the tea party at Konohana-san’s house.”

“Tea party? …Ah, you mean the annual social gathering hosted by the Konohana family in spring?”

“You really do know everything, Tennouji-san.”

“Well, it’s famous. I think it’s held the week after midterms, right? …I’ve heard it’s a huge event with lots of big names attending.”

Sounds like there’s a big social event hosted by the Konohana family soon. I had no idea.

“Have you ever gone, Tennouji-san?”

“My father has, but I haven’t. It’s for adults, and… the Tennouji and Konohana families have a complicated relationship.”

“Oh…”

Asahi seemed to realize how Tennouji felt.

“It’s not that we’re on bad terms. I just don’t like all the probing and scheming, so I always decline.”

Before the mood could turn sour, Tennouji spoke up confidently. As a commoner, I didn’t really get the whole “probing” thing, but the others seemed to understand.

“Miyakojima-san, have you ever been?”

“M-me!? Um, well, I think we get invitations… but I’m bad at those social events…”

Tennouji asked, and Narika answered awkwardly.

“So even Tennouji-san and Miyakojima-san’s families get invites, huh. …Must be nice. For a party that big, I bet there’s dancing and everything, right? I love dressing up for those, so I always join if there’s a social event.”

Asahi said with envy.

Then Hinako smiled softly and said, “Asahi, if you’d like, I can send you an invitation?”

“Wait, really!?”

“Yes. As Tennouji-san said, it’s mostly adults, but the hosts don’t have that intention, so please feel free to come. There’s a dance party, too, and there will be some people our age.”

“W-well… now that I’m actually invited, I’m kind of nervous. But it’s a rare opportunity… so, could I have an invite?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure it arrives in three days.”

“Alright! I’m going to go all out with my outfit for the day! Thanks, Konohana-san!”

“You’re welcome.”

Hinako agreed to send the invite without hesitation.

I leaned in and whispered to Hinako, “…Are you sure you can just decide that on your own?”

“Yeah. …That event is meant to show off the Konohana family’s influence, so I was told to invite people if I get the chance. …Though I’ve never actually done it before.”

You’ve never done it before?

But since all Kiou Academy students are from wealthy families, there’s no downside for the Konohana family.

“K-Konohana-san! Does that mean I can come too?”

“Yes. I’ll send an invite to you too, Taishou-kun.”

Taishou looked very excited.

“…Guess it’s fate.”

Tennouji murmured.

“Konohana-san, I’ll join in this time, too. …Since we’ve shared tea parties and study groups together, I feel like I can attend not as Tennouji’s daughter, but as a friend.”

She smiled as she said it.

“Tomonari-san, will you join too?”

“Um, I…”

When Tennouji asked, I glanced at Hinako.

Hinako smiled gently. Since I go to the academy as her caretaker, I figured attending a social event wasn’t out of the question.

“…Yeah. I think I’ll join, then.”

I tried to make it sound like I couldn’t promise for sure.

“…How about you, Miyakojima-san?”

“M-me!?”

I asked, and Narika jumped in surprise.

“I’ll… I’ll come if I can.”

At Narika’s usual non-committal answer, everyone but her looked a bit troubled.

Well, no point in pushing it, so I let the matter drop.

The study group continued, and—a few days later, the Kiou Academy midterms began.

The midterms at Kiou Academy were a bit different from my old high school. Each subject was ninety minutes long. There were more problems, so the tests were longer. They even included subjects like economics, which other schools don’t.

The midterms lasted three days.

On the last day, when the final test was over… I was finally able to breathe easy.

“…It’s finally over.”

The bell signaling the end of the test rang out, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

There were no classes today, so the students all went home looking tired.

I glanced over at Hinako. She was surrounded by classmates, chatting about how the tests went. Since it looked like she’d be a while, I headed to the bathroom alone.

When I finished and headed back to the classroom, I ran into a familiar face.

“Narika?”

“…Izuki?”

Narika turned to me, walking unsteadily down the hall.

Her eyes were completely lifeless.

“Haha, it’s over. …Both the test and me.”

“…Did it not go well?”

I’d suspected as much since the study group, but it seemed Narika really wasn’t good at studying. Except for PE and history, her scores were below average.

“How about you, Izuki?”

“…I think I at least managed to avoid failing.”

“Knew it. I figured you’d do fine. …Because you’re a traitor.”

“A traitor…?”

“You left me to work at Konohana’s house, then you shot past me in grades too… You really are my benefactor, huh? You never let me forget what a loser I am. …Maybe you just hate me?”

“No, that’s not it…”

“…It hurts.”

A simple, honest lament.

With a flood of negative energy pouring out, I wanted to avoid getting dragged in, so I turned to leave quickly.

“W-well, I’ll see you tomorrow…”

“Tomorrow… I’d rather take the day off…”

Don’t start sounding like Hinako.

I left Narika, who stared off into the distance out the window, and returned to the classroom.

It looked like Hinako was done talking with her classmates and getting ready to leave.

As usual, after Hinako got in the car, I joined her at the meeting spot.

“Good job on the exams.”

Once I got in the car, Shizune greeted me.

“How did it go?”

“Thanks to you, I managed to answer most of it.”

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘most,’ but based on the practice test the day before, your score shouldn’t be bad. All that studying paid off.”

“…Thank you.”

Being praised by Shizune, I finally felt the reality that the exams were over.

—Somehow, I made it through.

One hurdle cleared. But I couldn’t relax yet. I needed to keep studying from here on out, too.

The car headed for the Konohana estate. I was exhausted, so there wasn’t much conversation today.

“Oh, Ojou-sama. The day after tomorrow, on Saturday, you’ll be attending a dinner with Kagen-sama.”

I heard Shizune’s voice from the front passenger seat.

“The guests will be the president of Chikamoto Shipbuilding and several executives from Sea Japan United. Both are shipbuilding companies, and Chikamoto Shipbuilding has a partnership with a Konohana Group company. Sea Japan United is also in a capital and business partnership with Chikamoto Shipbuilding, so that’s why you’re attending.”

She explained while looking over some documents.

“Ojou-sama, when you were seven, you greeted the president of Chikamoto Shipbuilding at a social event. When they arranged this dinner, the other side specifically asked to see how you’ve grown, so your attendance was confirmed. Please be sure not to make any blunders.”

“Mmm… such a pain.”

“Please do your best.”

Used to this sort of exchange, Shizune delivered her line without missing a beat.

Hinako, sitting to my right, pouted.

“And, Izuki.”

“Yes?”

“On that day, I’ll need you to come close to the venue as well.”

“Huh?”

Not expecting that, I tilted my head.

“There will be more chances for you to attend social events from now on, so it won’t hurt to get used to the atmosphere. The dinner will be outdoors, so try observing from afar as a Konohana servant.”

“…Understood.”

On Saturday, the day of the dinner with Kagen and Hinako, I changed into the outfit Shizune gave me, ready to attend as a servant.

“A suit, huh,” I muttered as Shizune checked my appearance.

“Do you not like it?”

“It’s not that… I’m just not used to it.”

Unlike my part-time job uniform, these clothes feel a bit constricting. But the way I look in the mirror, compared to my usual school uniform, I look kind of cool. Partly because my hair is styled, but I guess it’s mostly because the suit is such high quality.

“By the way, that suit is from Italy’s top brand. It costs seven hundred thousand yen.”

“Eh?”

“Please handle it with utmost care.”

It was way more expensive than I expected.

Not a single stain is allowed. With that sense of duty, I left the mansion with Shizune.

“This is the venue.”

After about an hour by car, we arrived at our destination—a pension house.

“Shizune, is this also a villa of the Konohana family?”

“It’s more like a vacation home than a villa. This place is mainly used for events and such.”

In front of me stood a huge Western-style mansion, meticulously maintained. The front was as luxurious as any first-class hotel, and next to the building was a sprawling golf course.

“Please head to the front desk, Ojou-sama. We’ll wait outside.”

“…Okay.”

Dressed in a neat outfit for the dinner, Hinako gave a small nod.

From here, Hinako and I would be acting separately.

“…Izuki.”

“What is it?”

“I’m about to meet some man I don’t know.”

“Stop saying it like that. It sounds criminal.”

It was a joke that was hard to respond to, given the situation.

I thought that would be the end of the conversation, but… Hinako was still by my side.

“…Izuki.”

“What now?”

“…I’ll do my best.”

With a somewhat hopeful look in her eyes, Hinako said this as she stared at me.

If she’d just said that honestly from the start…

“Yeah, I’m cheering you on. Once this is over, let’s just relax at the mansion together.”

When I said that, Hinako quietly smiled.

“…Yeah. I want to eat ice cream again.”

Saying that, Hinako headed toward Kagen.

After she’d walked about five meters away, “…Ice cream?” Shizune muttered under her breath.

“Izuki-san, what’s with the ice cream?”

“…”

As her cold gaze landed on me, I turned my face away.

Hinako, you…!

After parting from us, Hinako entered the front desk of the vacation home alone.

She quickly found her father, Kagen. Like Izuki, he was dressed in a black suit, but his was not only top-class, it was also custom-made.

Konohana family servants are required to wear expensive uniforms to uphold the family’s dignity, but at the same time, there’s a rule that none of them may wear anything more expensive than what the head of the family wears. Izuki’s suit was about 700,000 yen off-the-rack, but Kagen’s was a custom piece worth over a million yen.

“It’s been a while, Hinako.”

“Yeah… long time no see.”

Hinako replied in her natural tone to her father’s words.

“How was your exam?”

“…No problem.”

“Good. As the daughter of the Konohana family, you must continue to uphold grades that won’t bring shame on us.”

With no emotion—almost as if relaying a business update—Kagen spoke.

“How’s Izuki doing? It’s been almost a month since he became your caretaker…”

“…He’s the best.”

Hinako replied with a slightly amused tone, which made Kagen widen his eyes.

“That’s unusual. It’s rare for you to praise your caretaker that much.”

“…I want to stay with Izuki from now on.”

“I see. Hiring a regular person with no ties to the Konohana family was an experimental move, but… I’m glad it seems to be working out.”

Without so much as a smile, Kagen delivered his words as matter-of-factly as a researcher confirming a successful experiment. Then, only his eyes shifted to Hinako.

“You haven’t been negatively influenced, have you?”

“…Negatively?”

“Even if you get along with Izuki, he’s just a regular person. There’s no need for you to be tainted by commoner ways.”

Not quite understanding what he meant, Hinako looked puzzled.

“Let’s move. Hinako, make absolutely sure you don’t make any mistakes.”

With a stern look, Kagen warned her.

In the next instant, Hinako immediately put on her mask.

“Yes, Father.”

“…Good girl.”

As the perfect Ojou-sama. As the most outstanding student of Kiou Academy, Hinako began her act.

A few minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the vacation home, and the guests for the dinner arrived.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“Oh, don’t say that. I’m here because I want to be. I hear today is a no-formalities occasion.”

While Kagen greeted the guests with formality, the men arriving projected a much more casual atmosphere.

There were five guests. Two were executives from Chikamoto Shipbuilding, and the other three were from Sea Japan United. They all appeared older than Kagen. In terms of family standing, the Konohana family was definitely top, but these men had confidence—probably from age and experience.

“Hey, it’s been a while. Do you remember me?”

The president of Chikamoto Shipbuilding spoke to Hinako.

“Yes. I greeted you at a social gathering when I was seven.”

“It’s been quite some time, but thank you for remembering. You’re still as polite as ever.”

The president said, sounding impressed.

“So this is your daughter, Konohana-san?”

“Yes. Her name is Hinako.”

As Kagen introduced her, Hinako bowed deeply and respectfully.

“I’ve heard rumors. I know someone whose child goes to Kiou Academy, and through them, I heard you’re called the perfect Ojou-sama at school.”

“I’m honored.”

Hinako bowed her head politely.

“Excellent grades, and a bright future ahead… With such a highly reputed daughter, you must be proud, Konohana-san.”

“Yes. Even as her father, I’m grateful she’s grown up so straightforward.”

Saying this, Kagen glanced around at the gathered guests.

“You must be tired of standing. Let’s move to the dining area. At Mr. Chikamoto’s request, we’ve prepared a table outside. I hope that’s all right.”

“Yes, it’s a lovely day. It’s not like we’re here for a big meeting—let’s just relax in the breeze.”

I watched Hinako’s dinner with Shizune.

“Izuki-san, what do you think? Of this dinner scene?”

“Well…”

I answered Shizune’s question without shifting my gaze.

“It’s like… all the manners are so subtle. Every movement is natural, but you can tell they’re paying attention…”

“That’s correct manners,” Shizune replied.

“Just enough to keep anyone from feeling suffocated, but strict enough that everyone can see the respect being shown. It might look superficial, but by following the same rules together, people build a stronger sense of unity, and that leads to trust.”

“Trust, huh…”

“Manners are often neglected these days, but there are still many places where they’re needed. Especially among the upper class. …Manners are a way to earn trust not through words, but through your behavior. It’s exactly because you can’t speak your true feelings that you need them.”

It’s a difficult topic. As a regular guy, it’s not easy for me to really get it.

“…Which is why breaking those rules is considered a huge breach of etiquette.”

Shizune pressed her lips together as she said that.

I fell silent too, and watched the dinner unfold.

So far, the dinner seemed to be going smoothly.

“Oh, you study at home too?”

“Yes. Though it’s not like I study all the time.”

After swallowing some finely cut vegetables with her knife, Hinako chatted with the executives.

At first, their gazes were gentle, like they were watching a beloved daughter, but gradually, admiration showed in their eyes. Beautiful, perfectly-mannered—Hinako really did embody the title of a perfect Ojou-sama.

“She’s a wonderful girl. I’d trade her for my hopeless son any day.”

The president of Chikamoto Shipbuilding said, laughing, to Kagen.

“You must be joking. Your son graduated from an excellent university.”

“Education and ability are two different things. He’s still immature—I can’t have him take over just yet.”

He said regretfully.

The Konohana family staff cleared the plates from the table and served new dishes.

“Oh? No meat today?”

“This is lunch, so we kept the menu lighter. If it were dinner, it would have been a bit more extravagant…”

“I actually have other business this evening. I would have preferred dinner if I could.”

The president and the executives laughed.

“Haven’t you wanted something a bit more filling, Hinako-chan? You’re still a growing student, after all.”

“No, I don’t eat much, so this is more than enough.”

With a practiced smile, Hinako answered.

Watching her graceful and polite demeanor, the president stroked his chin.

“She really is a fine Ojou-sama. With a daughter like this, I’m sure she could have her pick of marriage prospects.”

“As her father, I’d be honored, but we don’t have any plans like that at the moment.”

When Kagen replied, the president looked a bit surprised.

“Oh? I thought for sure the daughter of the Konohana family would already have a fiancé…”

“She did, but for various reasons that was called off. There’s no one at the moment.”

“Oh?”

The president’s eyes narrowed.

“As a matter of fact, I have an acquaintance looking for a match.”

For a moment, Kagen seemed like he was about to smile, but quickly suppressed it.

“May I hear more?”

“Yes. My acquaintance’s family does a lot of business overseas. Their company is mid-sized, but because they cater to the upper class, they’re seeking a match with someone well-mannered. Well, it’s just something I thought of… but I think your daughter would be a good fit.”

“I see. So it would be your acquaintance’s son?”

“That’s right. I believe he’s in his early twenties.”

Nodding along, Kagen thought about the Konohana family’s future.

President of a shipbuilding company, acquaintance whose business deals with overseas trade—it must be related to imports and exports. The business wasn’t huge, but since it targeted the upper class, it likely held a unique position in the market.

“We’ll consider it.”

“Haha, are you just saying that?”

“No, I’ll give it serious thought.”

To show it wasn’t just empty talk, Kagen lifted his cup to his mouth.

The plates were cleared, and today’s final dish was served.

“Dessert has arrived.”

“Oh, pastries! Every now and then, it’s nice to have such an elegant lunch.”

The president said “every now and then,” but Kagen had already researched that this man liked pastries. Sure enough, the president looked very pleased as he ate.

“Konohana-san, about what we discussed earlier—would it be all right if I let my acquaintance know?”

“Yes. I may be biased, but I guarantee my daughter’s character.”

Whether or not the acquaintance’s son was suitable for Hinako didn’t really matter at this point.

What mattered was expanding their network. Even if this arrangement didn’t work out, another one might come along.

“Hinako, so that’s how it is—”

Just as Kagen called Hinako’s name and turned toward her—

Hinako was in the middle of picking up a crumb of pastry that had fallen onto the table with her fingers.

The executives all froze, mouths half open. Unaware of the chill that had suddenly filled the air, Hinako quickly popped the crumb into her mouth.

—The three-second rule.

She was just about to say it.

But then Hinako remembered Izuki wasn’t there and that this was a formal dinner.

“…Ah.”

A small sound escaped Hinako’s lips.

“Hm.”

The president of Chikamoto Shipbuilding stroked his beard and spoke.

“…Seems she’s not quite as the rumors say.”

At that moment, I realized what Hinako had just done.

—Ah.

Almost at the same time, I let out a noise.

Hinako herself seemed to realize her mistake. But it was already too late.

The dinner continued as if nothing happened. At first glance, it seemed like everything was fine… but I noticed Kagen’s expression grew harsher for just a second.

“This is bad,” Shizune murmured beside me.

“What’s going to happen…?”

 

“I don’t know. But considering Kagen-sama’s personality, this is as close to the worst-case scenario as it gets.”

Usually calm, even Shizune looked tense.

We waited anxiously for the dinner to end. About ten minutes later, once the guests had prepared to leave, they exited the vacation home.

“Thank you very much for coming today.”

“Oh, it was a lot of fun. Sometimes you need this kind of break.”

To the formal thanks from Kagen, the president and executives responded cheerfully.

There didn’t seem to be any lingering tension… but the president suddenly spoke up, as if remembering something.

“Oh, and about that marriage arrangement, Konohana-san, please consider it canceled. I have my own reputation to think of, if I’m going to make introductions.”

“…Understood.”

“Don’t take it so hard. Honestly, it’s just about someone who wasn’t even here. More than that, I hope we can continue our good relationship going forward, both professionally and personally.”

“Yes, I hope so as well.”

After seeing the guests off, Kagen turned to us.

“Shizune.”

“Yes.”

“Who taught Hinako to do something so vulgar?”

“…”

Shizune hesitated.

Unable to bear the tension, I stepped forward.

“…I’m sorry. It was me.”

When I admitted it honestly, Kagen sighed, as if he’d suspected it all along.

“I’ve always wondered whether having a caretaker was really necessary,” Kagen said. “As you know, Hinako has a big gap between her true personality and the one she puts on. Because of that, the strain of acting is great, and she occasionally slips up. The caretaker’s role is to cover for her mistakes as much as possible… but perhaps that’s just a roundabout way of handling things.”

He glanced at Hinako.

His gaze was so cold, it was hard to believe he was looking at his own daughter.

“It was a mistake to allow her to show her real self at all. …It’s because she has this ‘true self’ that things like this happen. The caretaker just enables her to be spoiled.”

As if muttering to himself, Kagen then looked at Shizune.

“Shizune. From now on, make sure Hinako keeps up her act at all times, both in public and in private.”

“At all times, sir?”

“That’s right. Not just at the academy, but at home too. She must always act.”

“…If you do that, Ojou-sama will collapse again, I’m afraid.”

“Fix it.”

Kagen’s command was curt and harsh.

“If you let her off easy just because she collapses, this is what happens. It’s not like she has some chronic illness… I won’t tolerate it anymore. Do whatever it takes to overcome it. I’ll provide as much time and guidance as needed. …Being born into the Konohana family means you must uphold the family name.”

Hearing that, a vision of the worst-case scenario flashed through my mind.

—This isn’t about whether she collapses or not.

Making her act all the time, both publicly and privately, means sealing Hinako’s true self away completely.

“W-wait, please!”

Without thinking, I called out to Kagen. The look he gave me was icy cold. For a second, I faltered, but forced myself to speak, my voice trembling.

“I… I’m sorry for ruining the dinner. But still, this is—”

“It’s not your fault.”

“…Huh?”

“Most caretakers only last a short time. I assumed you would be the same. …I thought the effect you’d have on Hinako would be negligible. The fault is mine for deciding that, and Hinako’s for being so easily influenced—not yours.”

With deep regret written on his face, Kagen said this.

“Shizune. When we return to the mansion, pay Izuki.”

“…Understood.”

I tilted my head at this short exchange.

“Pay…?”

It is around payday, sure.

But why pay me today, out of the blue…?

“Hinako won’t be needing a caretaker anymore.”

Kagen glared at me with sharp eyes.

“Izuki. Your job ends today.”

Two hours later, I was standing in front of the big, closed gates, stunned.

“…You’ve got to be kidding.”

Kagen, who manages the mighty Konohana Group, moves fast.

As soon as we got back to the villa, I was ordered to pack my things. The dismissal was so sudden that I was given money in addition to my pay. “If you’ve got nowhere to go, use this for now,” Kagen said with an air that brooked no argument.

With a generous severance payment in hand, I was unceremoniously kicked out of the mansion.

In just a single day—in only a few hours, my whole life fell apart.

I probably can’t even go back to Kiou Academy. Just as when I transferred in, they’ll quickly process my withdrawal. The Konohana family is powerful—they can clean up anything.

“…Ha.”

A dry laugh escaped my lips.

“…Well, it was a dreamlike life from the start.”

Resignation washed over me.

If only all of this had just been a dream. Then—Hinako wouldn’t have to suffer like this.

“…Hinako.”

If things stay like this, Hinako will have even harder days ahead.

But now, I can’t say anything to Kagen.

—It’s all my fault.

Kagen said it wasn’t, but that’s not true. I’m the one who taught Hinako that silly “three-second rule.” And I knew just how fascinated she was by ordinary, commoner customs, but left it alone.

It’s my responsibility. Thinking that… I can’t do anything.

“Izuki…?”

As I wandered aimlessly around town, someone called out to me.

Slowly, I turned around. It was a girl I knew.

“…Narika.”

There stood a girl with long black hair tied to her thighs.

“What’s up? What are you doing here?”

“Just out for a walk. I told you, right? After beating my father, I gained my freedom. Now I’m allowed out sometimes—”

Proudly explaining, Narika suddenly looked at my face and stopped mid-sentence.

Her expression turned anxious.

“…Izuki, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Narika asked, clearly worried.

I tried to act normal, but… I couldn’t hide the turmoil in my chest.

“Actually—”

Not wanting to cause trouble for the Konohana family, I left out the confidential parts as I explained.

I told her three things: Hinako made a mistake in public because of me; I got kicked out of the Konohana family because of it; and now Hinako’s being watched more closely.

“…I see.”

After hearing everything, Narika said gravely.

“That Konohana-san, making a mistake in public… It’s hard to believe, but judging by your face, it’s true.”

Maybe I looked really down, because Narika looked even more concerned.

“The Miyakojima family isn’t as big as the Konohana family, but we’re still a prominent house. So I get it, sort of. I bet Konohana-san has had a hard time, too, in ways I never saw.”

“…Yeah.”

Even without me telling her everything, Narika understood the situation.

“What happened to Konohana-san?”

“I don’t know the details. But judging by what happened, I think she’ll be more restricted than ever. We probably can’t have tea parties or study sessions anymore.”

“I see… The Konohana family really is strict. Just one mistake, and they tie down their own daughter and kick you out too.”

Maybe Kagen doesn’t even think of Hinako as his real daughter. At least, none of his actions so far have shown any fatherly affection.

“It’s all… my fault.”

The words slipped out before I knew it.

“If I hadn’t taught her those things, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Now, I have nothing but regrets. I swore I’d do everything I could to fill Hinako’s loneliness. But this is what came of it. I only ended up making her suffer even more.

“I’m just an ignorant commoner… If this is how it was going to turn out, I never should have gotten involved with Hinako in the first place—”

“That’s not true!”

Narika said loudly.

It was so out of character for her that I looked up in surprise.

“That’s not true, Izuki. You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Narika…?”

“Think back to how I was before!”

Looking me straight in the eyes, Narika continued.

“I used to be forbidden from going out freely! But you changed my world! I still remember that day so clearly! I realized just how small my world had been!”

Overcome with emotion, Narika went on.

“If it weren’t for you, I’d probably still be afraid of the outside world. I wouldn’t know the taste of cheap sweets, how to shop, the bustle of the city, or the peacefulness of the park… I owe all of that to you. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am.”

With that, Narika lowered her gaze.

“I bet Konohana-san feels the same.”

She spoke sadly.

“To be raised without being taught anything but what’s necessary… That’s a very lonely life. I’m sure you didn’t just save me, but Konohana-san too, from that loneliness.”

After saying all that, Narika looked at me again.

“Be proud of yourself. That part of you… is… s-s…”

All at once, Narika’s cheeks turned red as she averted her eyes and finished.

“I… I think it’s amazing…”

For some reason, she sounded kind of down when she said that last part.

As if she’d settled for those words instead of what she really wanted to say—but even so, her words hit me hard.

—Is that so.

Even things that seem trivial to me,

Even things I take for granted and find boring,

They might be precious to Hinako and Narika—

“Narika… thank you.”

As I expressed my gratitude, my mind wandered back to my days at the Konohana family.

This isn’t conceit.

Even thinking about it objectively, I can confidently say this is one thing I absolutely wasn’t wrong about.

—Hinako never felt I was a nuisance when I was by her side.

Hinako had put a certain level of trust in me.

If that’s the case, I want to live up to that trust.

I still haven’t been able to truly respond to Hinako’s feelings.

“…Alright.”

I remembered the resolve I made to myself long ago.

Hinako, with such a small body, bears an enormous weight on her shoulders.

Someone needs to be kind to her.

If neither her parents nor the staff will do it—then her caretaker (me) will take up the role.

“I’m going.”

“…Where?”

“To the Konohana mansion.”

I told Narika, who had encouraged me.

“I’m going to… have a direct talk with them.”

The dark feelings had vanished.

With my confidence restored thanks to Narika, I headed for the Konohana mansion.

Watching Izuki run off without ever looking back, Narika smiled as she saw him off.

“…Hinako, huh.”

He must’ve been really flustered.

In the end, Izuki never even realized that he’d let something slip.

“Ahh… I… I just gave the enemy a helping hand…!!”

It was only natural to help someone who’d been there for you when you were in trouble.

No regrets. But this is a whole different matter.

Narika held her head in her hands.

Those two… what kind of relationship do they really have?

While Izuki was heading back toward the Konohana mansion—

In her room, Hinako was sitting on her bed when the door suddenly opened.

“Excuse me.”

From the other side of the door, the servant Shizune entered.

“Ojou-sama. How are you feeling?”

“…Not bad. Normal.”

Hinako answered lazily, then flopped onto her bed.

It was a day off, so she hadn’t gone to the academy—just attended the dinner. She’d had to put on her mask for a shorter time than usual. Still, sometimes the stress would catch up and she’d collapse.

Especially today, something troublesome had happened to Hinako.

That’s why Shizune had interrupted her work to visit Hinako’s room, just in case. She had to make sure nothing happened.

“Shizune. …Where’s Izuki?”

“…Izuki-san has already left the mansion.”

Hearing that, Hinako lowered her gaze.

“Izuki… he was my caretaker for a whole month, huh.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“…That was a long time.”

“Yes, it was.”

To Hinako’s vague words, not revealing what she was thinking, Shizune simply responded in her usual flat tone.

Hinako’s voice sounded both sad and indifferent.

Maybe Hinako didn’t care that much about Izuki leaving after all. That’s what Shizune thought—but—

“If having a caretaker won’t work, couldn’t you just hire him as a regular servant?”

Hinako asked.

That was a suggestion she’d never made for any caretaker before Izuki.

“I heard you’re short on gardeners…”

“Ojou-sama.”

“Or cooks…? Or someone just to clean… There’s lots of jobs… right?”

“Ojou-sama.”

With her voice just a little stronger, Shizune spoke.

“Kagen-sama has no intention of hiring Izuki-san again.”

Surely Hinako understood that perfectly well.

Hinako, when she’s wearing her mask, is hard to read—but in her natural state, her feelings barely show. That’s why Shizune only now realized—Hinako was so down that she was trying to avert her eyes from reality.

“…No.”

Hinako said softly.

“…I want to see Izuki.”

Upon hearing Hinako’s small wish, Shizune bit her lip and slowly replied.

“Kagen-sama would not allow it. …It’s best to give up this time. Upsetting him further will only make things worse.”

Hearing Shizune’s words, Hinako pouted.

“Whose side are you on, Shizune…?”

“I’m employed by Kagen-sama.”

Hinako’s mood soured even more.

“…Fine then. I’ll go find him myself.”

“You mustn’t.”

Ignoring Hinako’s sharp glare, Shizune bowed.

“I have to help Kagen-sama with work, so I’ll excuse myself now. …Just in case, I’ll have someone keep watch outside your door. Please, don’t do anything reckless.”

With that, Shizune turned on her heel and left the room.

Watching the door close with a click, Hinako let out a sigh.

“…Shizune just doesn’t get it.”

As if making a strong resolve, Hinako gripped her blanket tightly with both hands.

“When it counts, I get things done…”

With a spark in her eye, Hinako sprang into action.

After parting with Narika, I headed straight for the Konohana family’s villa.

Right now, Kagen-san was at the villa. After the dinner, he was supposed to go back to the main house, but he decided to check on Hinako’s living environment, and stop by the villa. He’d said he would work in his office for a while, so he’d be staying there for now. Since I don’t know where the main house is, I have to see him today, no matter what.

Returning to the mansion, I was glared at by two servants standing at the gate.

“What did you come back for?”

Their voices were cold… but there was a hint of sympathy in their eyes.

After working as Hinako’s caretaker for a month, the Konohana staff all knew my face. The two gatekeepers in front of me were the same ones Hinako and I would greet every day going to and from school.

“Let me in, please.”

“…No. If you want to come in, follow the proper procedures.”

They were telling me to get an appointment with Kagen-san before coming.

But I couldn’t just accept that and back off.

—Even if I play by the rules, there’s no way Kagen-san would grant me permission.

I ignored the two gatekeepers and headed straight for the gate. The gate was sturdy but had bumps I could use as footholds. I could climb over.

“Stop.”

As soon as I took a step toward the gate, the two servants approached.

“If you go any farther, you’ll be treated as an intruder. We’ll have to deal with you properly.”

They were basically saying they were worried about me.

But I had a reason I couldn’t back down.

“Sorry—!”

Bracing myself, I ran for the gate.

“What!?”

The two servants rushed me in surprise as I tried to climb over.

“You idiot!”

“Don’t underestimate the Konohana gatekeepers!”

They came at me from both sides.

If I got caught here, I might never see Hinako again. That anxiety made my mind race… or so I thought, but—

To my surprise, I was incredibly calm in this situation.

“—Huh?”

I was the one surprised enough to let out a voice.

But my opponents were even more shaken.

I dodged the arm coming at me from the right by a hair, slipped into the gatekeeper’s chest, and used my legs like a spring to throw his body. His back slammed into the ground with a loud thud.

“Ugh!?”

I turned away from the gatekeeper screaming at my feet, and looked at the other.

“W-what was that move…!?”

The remaining gatekeeper was too intimidated to move, probably never expecting I’d fight back.

Now was my chance.

—My body moved on its own.

In my mind, everything Shizune had taught me about self-defense played back at lightning speed.

The gatekeeper finally came at me, but it was too late. I closed in first, grabbed his arm, twisted it outward, threw him off balance, and swept his feet out from under him.

“Gaah!?”

The second gatekeeper went down just like the first.

“Y-you… where did you learn skills like that…?”

As the gatekeeper groaned, I looked at my own fists, recalling the past month.

I remembered what Shizune had said before.

Apparently, I have a real knack for self-defense.

“Sorry… I’m in a hurry!”

I climbed over the gate and entered the grounds.

The fallen gatekeepers shouted.

“Intruder! Stop him!”

After working for the Konohana family for about a month, I had a decent grasp of the mansion’s layout.

As soon as I got over the front gate, I hid in the bushes and quietly made my way around to the back, recalling the servants’ patrol routes and moving through the property without being seen.

“Damn, where’d he go!?”

“Search the main gate again!”

I could hear the servants shouting in the distance. Taking a quiet breath, I steadied myself to avoid getting caught.

“Okay, where do I get in…?”

First, I had to get into the mansion, but the main entrance was obviously a no-go.

Thinking about what to do, I remembered a late-night stroll I once took with Hinako.

Heading toward the back of the garden, I opened the service entrance. It led to a narrow, deserted hallway.

“…Thanks, Hinako.”

I quickly made use of our favorite spot and hurried inside.

“Is he here!?”

“No, not over here!”

Even inside the mansion, the servants were making a commotion.

It had turned into a huge mess, but I wasn’t going to back down. Kagen-san had no intention of talking to me anyway. If that’s the case, I’d just force my way in.

“Found him!!”

“Crap!”

Konohana family servants in black uniforms rushed down the hall toward me.

Panicking, I turned around and ran up the stairs to the second floor—where I ran into more servants.

“Grab him!”

They lunged at me without mercy.

“No way I’m letting you catch me!!”

I dodged the tackle by jumping diagonally back and kicked the servant in the back.

“W-whoa, ahhh!?”

The servant I kicked tumbled down the short staircase.

It was a short flight, so he wasn’t badly hurt.

“This guy’s tough!”

“Surround and restrain him!”

As the men closed in, I calmly recalled what Shizune had taught me.

If they swung their arms—

“What!?”

Before their fists could fly, I slipped inside their guard, maintained a clinch, circled behind, and forced them to their knees by striking the back of their legs with my foot.

“Stay still, you!”

I dodged the punch, grabbed his arm, twisted his wrist outward and locked the joint, and he instinctively fell to escape the pain.

“Gah!?”

That move was called a kotegaeshi.

Stepping over the servant lying on his back, I ran up to the fourth floor.

“Thank you, Shizune.”

Self-defense isn’t about taking down opponents, but about protecting yourself.

In other words—the true essence is to escape your enemies. It was the perfect skill for me now.

“Let’s see, the office should be…”

I headed toward the room where Kagen-san was.

The office was the first place I ever spoke with Kagen-san. I barely remembered the details, but at least I recalled the general direction.

“…Hm?”

At that moment, I thought I saw something strange at the edge of my vision.

I stopped and tried to figure out what it was.

“…Huh?”

Outside the window, something long and thin was hanging down.

It was… a curtain. For some reason, a curtain was hanging from the upper floor, swaying back and forth.

Is someone hanging out the laundry? It didn’t look like that at all…

As I tilted my head in confusion—a girl was coming down the curtain.

It was Hinako.

“Wh—WHAT!?”

What the heck is she doing!?

I hurried to stop her, but before I could, Hinako had already climbed down to the lower floor.

This is bad—if she falls, it’ll be a disaster.

I was almost to the office, but that could wait.

I dashed down the stairs and ran outside, calling up to Hinako above.

“Hinako! What are you doing!?”

Still clinging to the curtain, Hinako looked down at me.

“It’s dangerous—come down quick—”

“…I’m at my limit.”

“Huh?”

I had a bad feeling about this.

“Catch me…”

“Hey—”

Hinako let go of the curtain.

Her delicate body fell through the air.

Instinctively, I spread my arms and caught Hinako against my chest—

“—Guh!?”

The impact knocked all the air out of my lungs.

“…Nice catch.”

“W-what the heck were you doing… seriously…”

“Because I wanted to see you.”

Hinako said that with a relieved smile.

If she looks at me with that face and says that… I can’t even get mad.

“I have… a proposal.”

“A proposal?”

I tilted my head at Hinako’s words.

Just as I was about to ask what she meant,

“O-Ojou-sama’s been kidnapped!!”

From the mansion window, a servant who saw us shouted.

“D-damn!”

Reluctant as I was… I couldn’t just leave Hinako there.

Her “proposal” also had me curious, so I picked Hinako up and made my escape.

 

“…Kidnapped again.”

“…Can’t believe I’m the kidnapper this time.”

Come to think of it, we first met because of a kidnapping case. I never would’ve imagined I’d be the kidnapper now.

“…Looks like we shook them.”

Hiding in the bushes, I checked to make sure no one was around and breathed a sigh of relief.

“So, what’s your proposal?”

“…I’ll be the hostage,” Hinako said.

“So you convince Papa.”

“…That sounds less like persuading and more like blackmail…”

“Then blackmail him.”

As Hinako proposed her dangerous plan without hesitation, I hesitated to answer. After seriously considering it, I realized I couldn’t go along with that plan.

“…No way.”

“Why not…?”

“Even if we did that, it wouldn’t really solve the problem.”

It’d just look peaceful on the surface, while the real issue remained unsolved. And besides, Kagen-san is a man of power. Even if we pulled a trick, I feel like he’d just outmaneuver us with another.

“We’ll have to convince him somehow. That’s the only way.”

“Can you… really do it?”

“I will.”

It was confidence with no real basis. Even so, I declared it.

“I will absolutely persuade him.”

I want Hinako to feel at ease. I don’t want her to push herself anymore. I want to repay Hinako for giving me a place to belong when I had nowhere to go. If it’s for that, I’ll fight as stubbornly as it takes.

“Where do you think you’re taking Ojou-sama?”

At the sound of that familiar voice, I looked up and… broke out in a cold sweat.

“…Shizune-san.”

The head maid of the Konohana family—a woman who can do anything. The one opponent I never beat in a single self-defense lesson stood before me.

“Secure him.”

The moment Shizune gave the curt order, servants rushed at me from all directions.

“Ugh—!”

If they all grabbed me, I wouldn’t be able to move at all. I tried closing in on the slimmest servant, dodging a swung fist while aiming to slip out of their encirclement. These servants moved differently from the ones I’d faced before. Every one of them was calm, their coordination flawless. If Shizune brought them, they must be thoroughly trained.

Out of the four, at least one of them always tried to slip into my blind spot. Noticing this, I lashed out a backward kick without turning around. The sole of my foot struck the servant’s chest. The kicked servant cried out, and the three remaining in front of me gasped in shock. Seizing that opening, I closed in on the nearest servant and took him down with a shoulder throw.

But the next moment, I was grabbed from behind.

“Damn—!”

I just now realized there was a fifth servant who had silently gotten close. It seems all four who attacked first were decoys.

I struggled with all my might to break free, but it didn’t budge at all.

As I clenched my teeth, Shizune-san calmly walked over.

“You’ve come a long way in such a short time. You picked things up so quickly that I couldn’t help but train you seriously… and you’ve progressed even more than I expected.”

“If you’re going to praise me, I’d rather you step aside.”

“That I cannot do,” she said flatly.

“…Shizune.”

Hinako parted her small lips.

“I… from now on, I’ll be thorough with my acting.”

As she slowly approached me, unable to move, Hinako continued.

“I’ll never stop acting again. No matter when or where, I’ll perform perfectly. So… please. Let me stay with Izuki.”

Shizune-san was left speechless at Hinako’s request.

Thinking about how Hinako had acted up until now, such a request was unimaginable. Hinako understands better than anyone the burden of keeping up the act. Even though her free time is already so limited, she’s willing to give it all up just to be with me.

That’s exactly why—I have to turn her down.

“…Hinako, that’s not right.”

I said it clearly.

“I don’t want you to force yourself. That’s why I want to be by your side. Even if no one else allows it, at least I want to be the one person you don’t have to put on an act for.”

“…Izu, ki…”

I don’t want her to be with me at the cost of forcing herself. Hinako’s thinking earlier… for me, that’s putting the cart before the horse.

“So please. Don’t throw away what I want to protect by your own hand.”

Maybe it was so unexpected to Hinako that she stood there, eyes wide—her usually sleepy eyes now fully open.

“…Yeah.”

Quietly, but unmistakably, Hinako nodded.

“Okay. …I’ll trust you, Izuki.”

That softly spoken voice definitely reached my ears.

Hinako was gazing straight at me. In those eyes, I could see myself gazing back at her. …It was a strange sensation. Even without words, I felt like Hinako and I were connecting on a deeper level.

“I’m sorry to interrupt such a touching moment, but…”

Shizune-san spoke up.

The real problem starts now. I glared at Shizune-san, signaling my intent to resist—but—

“Izuki-san. You don’t have to worry, things won’t end the way you imagine.”

“…Huh?”

Shizune-san’s words, mixed with a sigh, made my eyes go wide.

“The achievements you’ve made as a caretaker will soon reach Kagen-sama’s ears. Until then, please wait here a little longer.”

“W-wait, what…?”

I had no idea what Shizune-san was talking about.

At that moment, I heard an electronic beep from Shizune-san’s direction. She pulled out her smartphone from the pocket of her maid uniform and checked the screen.

“Perfect timing.”

With that, Shizune-san put the phone to her ear.

After talking to someone for a while, Shizune-san looked my way.

“I’ve been called by Kagen-sama, so I’ll excuse myself. Both of you, please wait here a little longer.”

Letting her stern expression fade, Shizune-san returned to her usual polite demeanor.

“Shizune-san. …Whose side are you on?”

“I am in the service of Kagen-sama.”

Then, she added,

“…But I am on Ojou-sama’s side.”

Summoned by Kagen, Shizune knocked on the office door.

“Excuse me.”

Opening the door, Shizune entered the office.

Kagen sat behind a large desk.

“Kagen-sama, what did you need—”

“—Come here.”

At Kagen’s brief command, Shizune gave a small nod and stepped forward.

“What is all this?”

What Kagen showed her were several documents stacked on the desk.

“These are invitations to the social gathering hosted by the Konohana family… and their replies. Since you’re staying at this estate for a while, I had the ones sent to the main house forwarded here. I wanted you to review them as soon as possible.”

“Your judgment was correct. But…”

While sorting through the stack, Kagen spoke.

“…Explain these four invited guests.”

Kagen handed Shizune four invitations.

Shizune nodded, “Understood,” and began to explain.

“Asahi Karen-sama is the daughter of the president of J’s Electronics. J’s Electronics is one of the top five consumer electronics retailers in the country, and is also a major business partner for the Konohana Group.”

That was the first explanation done.

“Taishou Katsuya-sama’s family runs Taishou Movers, a leading company in the transportation industry. They also rank among the top companies in their field, and the Konohana Group’s banking and real estate divisions choose them as their business partners.”

That was the second explanation done.

“Miyakojima Narika-sama’s family runs Japan’s largest sporting goods manufacturer. At present, the Konohana Group hasn’t really entered the sporting goods industry, but if we can build connections here, it might be a good foothold.”

That was the third explanation done.

“And, as you know, Tennouji Mirei-sama is the daughter of the Tennouji Group. The Konohana Group and Tennouji Group are business rivals, but as groups of equal scale, they are extremely important connections. If we join hands, it would certainly generate major profits.”

That was the fourth explanation done.

After finishing the explanations, Shizune added one more thing.

“And, all four of them… are Ojou-sama’s classmates.”

Listening to Shizune’s explanation, Kagen pressed his hand to his forehead. His expression was obviously troubled.

“…Asahi and Taishou, we’ve never invited them before, but they’re not bad business partners,” Kagen muttered.

“As for Miyakojima, I knew her father, but she didn’t really attend social gatherings. But just now, her father said, ‘If my daughter will attend, I’d love to join as well,’ so he’ll be coming to the social event.”

It was quite the stroke of luck. Shizune nodded internally.

“As for Tennouji… of course, I’ve met the head of the family, but this will be the daughter’s first time attending. Up until now, our relationship was only superficial, but this might be a chance to build a stronger bond. The Tennouji family values people more than numbers… If things go well, we could outmaneuver other groups.”

The latter part sounded more like a monologue.

After reviewing the four invitations once more, Kagen let out a deep sigh and looked at Shizune.

“These are all valuable connections… Did Hinako invite all of them?”

“That’s correct.”

“Up until now, she’d never invited anyone… and now, all of a sudden, she’s made so many connections.”

With a tone of bewilderment, Kagen spoke.

“If I may be so bold…”

To the silent Kagen, Shizune spoke.

“If you’re pleased with Ojou-sama’s recent change… then it wouldn’t be wise to let go of the person responsible for that.”

“…The person responsible, huh.”

Kagen understood what Shizune meant.

“Compared to a shipbuilding company we barely have ties with, these four major corporations that could become important connections…”

Kagen weighed what was lost and what was gained.

He recalled the boy he’d only met a month ago and only hired on a trial basis. His feelings toward that boy had changed—what was once astonishment had become respect.

“…It’s obvious which to prioritize.”

The answer came immediately.

Letting out a sigh, Kagen said,

“Call Izuki back.”