Chapter 1: Karuizawa and the Ojou-samas

“Eh, we’re staying at the same hotel?”

On the way to Karuizawa by car, I asked Shizune-san again.

“That’s the plan, but is there a problem?”

“No, I just assumed Hinako and the others would be staying at a villa or something…”

This time, I’d been told in advance that I’d be staying at a hotel, but I thought Hinako and the others would be at a different place.

It’s Karuizawa, after all. The combination of wealthy people and Karuizawa inevitably brings the word “villa” to mind. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that.

“That was the original plan, but Ojou-sama…”

Shizune-san glanced at Hinako.

Hinako, already looking sleepy, slowly opened her mouth.

“Villas… got boring.”

“So, we decided to use the hotel instead. Ojou-sama will stay in a higher-grade room than us, but it’s the same hotel.”

You can get bored of villas…?

“By the way, it seems Tennouji-sama and Miyakojima-sama will also be participating in this summer seminar.”

“Oh, really?”

I already knew Narika would be there since she was the one who first told me about the summer seminar, but hearing that Tennouji-san was coming was news to me.

Knowing that familiar faces would be there softened my mood.

This summer seminar might end up being livelier than I expected.

“Did Hinako participate in the summer seminar last year?”

“No, she’s been to Karuizawa many times, but this is her first time attending the seminar.”

Shizune-san answered while keeping her eyes on the road.

“This seminar is hosted by Kiou Academy, so it’s a great opportunity to receive high-level education. However, in Ojou-sama’s case, due to the fatigue from her acting, she usually studied at the mansion. But recently, Ojou-sama has been in good condition, so Kagen-sama gave his permission for her to participate. Staying at a hotel is thanks to that as well.”

“Now that you mention it, Hinako hasn’t had a fever lately, has she?”

“Even the doctors were surprised. They said that, even for psychogenic fevers, it’s rare for her condition to improve so suddenly. They said it’s proof she’s found a good emotional anchor.”

When I glanced at Hinako, she was already dozing off. The air conditioning had made the temperature comfortable, so she must have let her guard down.

“Mmm… traveling with Izuki… hehe…”

Hinako was mumbling in her sleep, drooling sloppily.

I gently patted her head.

Am I really being a proper anchor for Hinako?

It’s hard to feel certain, but maybe I don’t need to.

Whether I feel it or not, I’ll do my best for Hinako’s sake.

“By the way, Izuki-san, thank you for suggesting the summer seminar.”

“No, I only heard about it by chance while talking with Narika.”

My suggestion led to our participation in this seminar. To be precise, I’d heard about it from Narika’s mother and casually brought it up, which sparked Hinako and the others’ decision to join.

Thinking that my words led to this group trip made me feel like I was part of the Konohana family, which warmed my heart. Of course, I’d never say something that self-important out loud, even if I thought it.

Just then, my phone vibrated briefly.

A message had arrived.

Taishou Katsuya: Yo! It’s the mountains, baby!

Taishou had posted a photo of lush, green mountains.

It must be a selfie. His cheerful grin was front and center.

A second message came right after.

Taishou Katsuya: I’m tagging along on our company trip, climbing mountains! It’s crazy fun!

Glad he’s having a good time.

I replied, Looks fun, I’m jealous.

As soon as I sent it, another message came from someone else.

Asahi Karen: Yo! It’s the beach, baby!!

Asahi-san had posted a photo of a sparkling sea.

Those two are so in sync.

The perfectly timed messages made me chuckle.

As I was thinking that, a second message from Asahi-san arrived.

Asahi Karen: Check out this swimsuit! Kinda sexy, right?

“Pfft!?”

I instinctively looked away from the screen.

I only saw it for a split second, but it was burned into my mind. Asahi-san in a light blue bikini, slightly pulling down one strap with a seductive smile in a selfie.

That girl is just so… carefree, or something.

“What’s wrong, Izuki-san?”

“N-nothing…”

I tried to brush it off as Shizune-san looked at me curiously.

“Izuki… you looked happy seeing a girl in a swimsuit.”

“Hinako!?”

Hinako, who’d been fast asleep moments ago, was now staring straight at me.

What timing to wake up…

“Izuki-san, I understand that you’re a guy and like that sort of thing, but could you at least pick the time and place?”

“No, it’s not like that! It’s from a friend!”

That was completely unexpected, so please don’t blame me.

“Even though you see me in a swimsuit every night…”

“W-wait!”

It’s true, but that’s a dangerously misleading statement, and my face twitched.

The car jolted for a moment. I could feel the driver’s intense agitation.

“…One photo is fine.”

“Huh?”

“Next time… I’ll let you take a picture.”

Hinako said, her cheeks faintly flushed.

In that moment, instinct overpowered reason. What poses should she do? My mind raced with possibilities.

I shook my head vigorously to banish the impure thoughts.

That was close…

“Izuki-san. I trust you understand…”

“Y-yes, I’m fine. I understand.”

Of course I wouldn’t do anything like that, so please don’t worry…

Anyway, it’s great to see Taishou and Asahi-san enjoying their summer breaks. I should probably tell Asahi-san to be more careful later.

“The beach, huh…”

After sending Asahi-san a vague “Looks nice” message, I muttered under my breath to change the subject.

“Izuki… do you want to go to the beach?”

“No, I just thought I haven’t been in a while…”

That’s a lie. Honestly, I’d love to go.

As if seeing through my feelings, Hinako paused to think for a moment.

“Shizune… can we go to the beach?”

“The beach? This year, Kagen-sama mentioned inviting guests to our private beach, so it might be a bit difficult.”

As expected of the Konohana Group. They even have a private beach.

“A public beach would be possible from Karuizawa, but… Ojou-sama, didn’t you say you don’t like the beach because it’s too hot?”

Thinking back to how she was before we left, that does seem likely. But…

“If I’m with Izuki… I want to go.”

“Understood. I’ll look into it.”

Shizune-san, perhaps used to Hinako’s remarks like this lately, responded promptly.

I, on the other hand, am still not used to it.

She says such adorable things…

To hide my sudden fluster, I averted my gaze.

◆

The car pulled into the parking lot.

Next, we were supposed to check in at the hotel’s front desk, but before that, I had something to take care of.

After waiting near the front desk for a bit, a sleek black car pulled up.

Hinako and Shizune-san stepped out.

“H-hey, isn’t that Konohana-san?”

“Oh, Tomonari-kun. What a coincidence.”

“Yeah, right? Uh… want to hang out together?”

“Yes, please.”

Hinako, in full Ojou-sama mode, gave a refined “ufufu” smile.

It’s the same as when we go to school. No one can know that Hinako and I live in the same mansion, so we took separate cars and met up here at the front desk. To outsiders, it’d look like we just happened to run into each other at the hotel.

This feels so contrived…

I pushed down the complicated emotions swirling in my chest.

Ahead of us, as we stepped out of the cars, stood a classical, elegant hotel built along the mountainside.

“Whoa… it’s huge.”

“Hotels in Karuizawa are designed to blend with the scenery, and they have all sorts of interesting concepts. It’s nice to use something other than a villa once in a while.”

Now that she mentioned it, I don’t think I saw any tall buildings on the way here.

When I think of luxury hotels, I picture the kind in city centers, but Karuizawa’s hotels are built to harmonize with nature, with quaint, charming exteriors. Quaint, but the interiors were pristine, rivaling the Konohana mansion where we usually stay. The front desk was adorned with antique furniture intricately carved with delicate patterns.

“Please wait here for a moment. I’ll handle the check-in.”

Shizune-san headed to the counter.

While we waited, we drew curious stares.

“Look, it’s Konohana-san.”

“If she’s staying here, does that mean she’s joining the summer seminar this year…?”

Since the seminar is hosted by Kiou Academy, there seem to be a lot of students from the academy here. Hinako, who’s never attended before, is attracting attention.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Shizune-san returned.

In her hand were two card keys.

“This hotel has three tiers of rooms, each in a different location. The main building here is one-star, a building up the hill is two-star, and the one even higher up is three-star. Ojou-sama and I will stay in a three-star room, while Izuki-san will stay in a two-star room.”

“Two-star? Not one-star?”

Shizune-san, as Hinako’s maid, will likely stay by her side. Since there are only two card keys, it seems Hinako and Shizune-san will share a room.

With others around, I can’t stay in the same room as Hinako. I’d assumed I’d get the cheapest room, but…

“As her caretaker, it’s better for you to be as close to Ojou-sama as possible.”

That makes sense.

Due to the layout, I ended up in a room one tier higher than expected.

“As you may have noticed, there are several Kiou Academy students staying at this hotel. Even if you’re separated from us, please behave appropriately.”

“Understood.”

“…Well, I trust you these days, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

That trust genuinely makes me happy.

Honestly, I wasn’t too nervous about it. It’s been almost four months since I started living at the Konohana mansion as Hinako’s caretaker. My days at Kiou Academy and experiences in high society have steadily built my confidence.

“Now, Izuki-san, after dropping off your luggage, let’s meet back here at the front desk. We need to check in at the seminar venue.”

“Got it.”

After climbing a gentle slope for a while, we reached a fork in the path.

“Izuki… I’ll come visit your room later.”

“Sure.”

Since our rooms are separate, visiting a friend’s room shouldn’t seem odd to anyone.

When I nodded, Hinako’s eyes widened slightly.

“Hinako?”

“This kind of thing… it’s my first time, so it’s kinda fun.”

She flashed a soft, unguarded smile—something she never shows in her acting mode—and turned on her heel.

I watched her back as she headed up the hill to her three-star room.

Come to think of it, Hinako’s life has been pretty constrained until now. Shizune-san said her improved health was why she was allowed to join the seminar, so she probably spent past long vacations just resting at the mansion.

A trip with close friends. That’s how Hinako seems to see this summer seminar.

“…Guess I’ll have fun too.”

I’ll work hard on my studies, of course, but since we’re in Karuizawa, I want to enjoy it with Hinako.

I don’t have much travel experience myself, so I totally get how she feels.

(…Hm?)

Just then, I felt a gaze from somewhere.

I turned around, but there were only a few other guests, and I couldn’t pinpoint the source.

Must be my imagination. With that thought, I headed to my room.

“Wow… this room is amazing.”

I took off my shoes at the marble-tiled entrance, slipped into the provided slippers, and stepped onto the soft carpet. The bedroom and living area were combined, a fairly standard layout, but it was spacious. Unlike the simple furniture you’d find in a business hotel, everything here was top-notch, with intricate, elegant designs.

Beyond the terrace stretched a lush mountain path. It wasn’t untouched wilderness but a refined, manicured landscape. The balance of pristine cleanliness and harmony with nature created a comfortable atmosphere.

It was far more sophisticated than the room I usually stay in.

And yet—I couldn’t fully appreciate it.

(Compared to Hinako’s room… it’s kinda small.)

I’ve really been spoiled.

In terms of size, Hinako’s room is probably bigger, and the furniture here is likely several steps below what’s in the Konohana mansion.

Of course, for me, this room is more than luxurious enough, but I’m starting to understand how the Ojou-samas can look at a place like this without batting an eye. I’m not sure if I should be sad or happy about that.

For now, I took only my valuables out of my suitcase and left the room.

After putting my shoes back on and returning to the front desk—

“Oh, Tomonari-san?”

“Izuki!?”

Familiar voices rang out.

There stood a girl with blonde vertical rolls and another with long black hair tied back, reaching down to her thighs.

Tennouji-san and Narika.

“You’re both staying at this hotel?”

“Yes. The summer seminar venue is a bit far from my villa, and this hotel has a good reputation.”

“S-same for me, more or less.”

For these Ojou-samas, having a villa seems to be a given.

Both of them were dressed completely differently from how they look at the academy, in summery outfits.

Tennouji-san wore an off-shoulder blue short-sleeve blouse with a white skirt.

Narika had on a sleeveless white collared shirt tucked into green shorts, her long, healthy legs standing out.

Seeing them like this, they’re truly stunning. Maybe it’s the fresh outfits, but I was reminded of how I was captivated by them when I first enrolled at Kiou Academy.

“If you’re here, that means Konohana Hinako is staying at this hotel too, right?”

“Yeah.”

When I confirmed, Tennouji-san flashed a bold grin.

“There’s a test on the last day of the seminar. We couldn’t settle things during the academy’s exams, but this time, I’ll make things clear, Konohana Hinako…!”

Tennouji-san’s eyes were blazing with determination.

“I-I have to score well too, or Mother will be upset…!”

Narika seemed desperate in her own way.

I’m probably closer to Narika’s mindset.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Izuki-sama.”

As we chatted, Shizune-san and Hinako arrived.

“Here you are, Konohana Hinako!”

“K-Konohana-san. It’s been a while.”

Tennouji-san, who sees Hinako as a rival, and Narika, who became friends with her after practicing tennis together, had contrasting attitudes. Narika still seemed a bit nervous, but that’s just her usual self, so it wasn’t awkward.

“I look forward to spending the seminar with both of you.”

Hinako gave a gentle bow.

Hinako’s Ojou-sama mode acting was, as always, breathtaking. Her graceful bow, like delicate petals softly unfurling, made the onlookers catch their breath.

The only one who could rival Hinako’s refined elegance, Tennouji-san, let out a “hmph” as if scolding herself for being momentarily captivated, then shifted her gaze to Shizune-san.

“You’re the head maid of the Konohana family, correct?”

“Tsumuri Shizune, at your service.”

After introducing herself, Shizune-san bowed deeply to Tennouji-san.

“Thank you so much for your help with Izuki-sama’s matter.”

“That’s my line. The Konohana family sure hires excellent maids, don’t they?”

Narika tilted her head slightly at the brief exchange between the two.

But I understood the meaning. …When Tennouji-san learned my true identity, she once told me over the phone that she felt responsible. At the time, instead of contacting Kagen-san, the chairman of the Konohana Group, Tennouji-san deliberately reached out to Shizune-san and skillfully negotiated on my behalf. As a result, I was spared from being fired as a caretaker, thanks to Tennouji-san’s protection.

Both of them are my benefactors.

I owe them more than I can ever repay.

“We’re heading to the venue now. Would you like to join us?”

“Yes, since it’s a rare chance, I’ll come along. How about you, Miyakojima-san?”

“Ah, yeah! I’ll go with you guys too!”

We all left the hotel together, heading toward the summer course venue.

Along the way—.

“…?”

I stopped in my tracks and turned around.

“Izuki, is something wrong?”

“No… I just felt someone’s gaze on me.”

While answering Narika, who tilted her head, I scanned the surroundings.

No familiar faces. …Maybe it was just my imagination?

Well, when you’re walking with such stunningly beautiful young ladies, it’s no surprise that eyes would be drawn to us.

It’s only natural, I suppose.

◆

The summer course venue was a ten-minute walk from the hotel.

The building had the appearance of a large cottage, but inside, it was set up like a conference room with long tables lined up in rows. It was an environment conducive to focus.

When we reported our arrival at the reception, we were handed a schedule.

Apparently, textbooks would be distributed during the first class. That meant today’s business was done.

“Shall we head back, then?”

Shizune-san turned on her heel, and we followed.

As we left the venue, countless eyes were fixed on us.

(I see. Since the summer course includes participants from other high schools…)

While the summer course is hosted by Kiou Academy, it isn’t limited to its students. It seems many students from some of the country’s top preparatory schools are also attending.

That’s why Hinako stands out even more than usual.

Even at Kiou Academy, where the elite gather, Hinako is a standout. To the average person, she’s the kind who’d make all ten out of ten people turn their heads.

And since I’m standing next to her, I’m probably caught in their gazes too.

I tried my best not to let the tension show on my face.

…To be honest, Shizune-san in her maid outfit is drawing quite a bit of attention herself this time.

“The summer course starts tomorrow. Until then, let’s have some free time today.”

Shizune-san said to me and Hinako.

We didn’t have any plans for the rest of the day.

I glanced at everyone’s faces, wondering what to do…

“I have plans with my family today, so I’ll take my leave here.”

“I actually have to accompany my father to a business associate’s meeting later. …We’ll all be able to hang out together starting tomorrow.”

It seemed Tennouji-san and Narika both had plans.

“Well then, see you both tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

As I said this to them, Tennouji-san nodded and then looked at Hinako.

“Konohana Hinako, this time, I’ll be the one to come out on top in the exams!”

Hinako, receiving Tennouji-san’s pointed finger, responded with a gentle smile, saying, “Please go easy on me.”

We watched the two of them walk away.

“So, what should we do?”

Shizune-san asked.

I hadn’t really thought of anything. It was already past noon, and with the summer course starting tomorrow, I didn’t want to burn too much energy.

I turned to Hinako, wondering if she had something in mind, and was about to ask when—

“…I’ll leave it to Izuki.”

“Huh, me?”

Hinako nodded.

I don’t know the first thing about enjoying Karuizawa… but Hinako seemed to be looking forward to this trip.

In that case, maybe just strolling around together leisurely would be enough for her to have fun.

“How about we just wander around the area for a bit?”

“Mm!”

Hinako nodded again with a small bob of her head.

Her expression softened. Good, she seemed excited about it.

“Before that, Izuki-san, I think you should grab a jacket. Karuizawa is cool, and that outfit might feel chilly once the sun sets.”

“You’re right… I’ll run back to the room and get one.”

So the reputation of this place as a summer retreat isn’t just for show.

Speaking of outfits, though, Shizune-san is still in her maid uniform even here. I wanted to ask if she wasn’t feeling hot, but looking at her cool, composed face, it didn’t seem to be an issue.

Not wanting to keep Hinako and the others waiting, I hurriedly headed back to the room.

And then—.

“…Hm.”

I felt that gaze again.

I’d been telling myself it was just my imagination… but this time, it felt different.

My sixth sense was screaming. The source of the gaze was right behind me now.

In a high-class hotel like this, there shouldn’t be anyone desperate enough to resort to petty crimes like pickpocketing.

Determined to finally see the face of the person approaching step by step, I relied on the sound of their footsteps, waiting until the very last moment before spinning around with force.

But just before I did—.

“Guess who?”

My vision went dark.

A small pair of hands covered both my eyes.

Hearing that voice, I pictured a certain girl’s face.

“Yu…ri…?”

A cold sweat broke out over my entire body.

Please, let it not be her.

That’s what I thought, but it was impossible.

Because there’s no way I could mistake that voice.

The voice I’d heard right beside me for nearly a decade, from childhood until now—.

“—Long time no see, Izuki.”

The hands covering my eyes pulled away.

When I turned around, there she was—my childhood friend, standing right in front of me.