Chapter 3: The Ojou-sama’s Worries

The next morning, I woke up at my usual time and quickly changed into the academy uniform.

After handling some light tasks as a servant, I headed to my room to grab my school bag, when I spotted Hinako walking toward me from the other end of the hallway.

This hallway leads straight to the dining room. She was probably escorted partway by Shizune-san.

“Fwaa… Izuki, morning…”

“Hey, good morning. Heading to breakfast now?”

“Mm…”

Hinako nodded sleepily.

“I wish we could eat breakfast together too…”

“Mornings are busy with servant duties, you know. Can’t help it.”

“…You don’t have to wake me up anymore…?”

“There’s a ton of other stuff to do. Cleaning, laundry, that sort of thing. Shizune-san’s pretty swamped too, right?”

Hinako let out a vague “Nmm” that could’ve meant anything, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Watching her, a question suddenly popped into my mind.

“By the way, I’ve been wondering for a while… Why’d you suddenly decide I shouldn’t wake you up in the mornings?”

“Eep!”

Hinako let out a strange little squeak.

Her face looked like I’d just poked a sore spot.

“W-Well, that’s…”

“And you used to ask for piggybacks or to be carried all the time, but you’ve stopped that too…”

Honestly, it stung at first. I wondered if I’d done something wrong.

But Hinako still seemed to trust me even after that, which made it all the more puzzling. What’s been causing this change in her lately?

“Th-Those things… I thought I should, you know, grow out of them…”

“Grow out of them? Is there some reason behind it?”

“There is, but… I’m not really sure myself…”

With a troubled voice, Hinako hesitated before slowly continuing.

“…If Izuki wants me to… I’ll do it.”

That answer caught me off guard.

How should I put it… It didn’t feel bad, to be honest. But still, it’s not something to take lightly. Too much physical closeness could be risky in all sorts of ways.

“It’s not like I want you to, exactly… I just thought if you become too independent, there’d be no point in having a caretaker around.”

“—!?”

Truth be told, Hinako still gets lost in the mansion, tries to nap every chance she gets, and keeps me plenty busy as her caretaker… But as I said that with a wry smile, Hinako’s face suddenly paled, like she’d just witnessed a tragedy.

She furrowed her brow, her lips twitching nervously.

Finally, with a look of determination, she said,

“…Carry me.”

“Huh?”

“Carry me…!”

It’d been a while since she’d made that request, and this time her tone left no room for argument.

A bit thrown off by her change in attitude, I moved to lift her with both arms. As we got close enough for our skin to brush, Hinako turned sideways and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Apparently, she wanted a princess carry. It was a tad embarrassing, sure, but I couldn’t deny feeling a bit happy that she’d asked to be carried again after so long.

I gently lifted her.

Hinako’s face, visible near my chest, was bright red.

“…You, uh, okay?”

“I’m fine, so… just take me to the dining room like this…”

Maybe she didn’t want me to see her flushed face, because she buried it in my chest.

But her bright red ears were still peeking out, impossible to hide.

“I… I want you to keep taking care of me, Izuki…”

She said it softly, clutching my collar tightly.

I couldn’t help but smile at her words.

“I’ve got no plans to quit being your caretaker, Hinako.”

“…Mm.”

Hinako replied meekly.

She was definitely different from before, but it wasn’t like she disliked me.

It almost felt like she was starting to see me as… a guy.

“…Nah, no way.”

I muttered under my breath, so quiet even Hinako couldn’t hear.

She probably just sees me as a dependable family member, nothing more.

Convincing myself of that, I carried her to the dining room.

Monday, after school.

While studying as usual in the café next to the dining hall, I noticed Tennouji-san’s pen had stopped moving.

“Tennouji-san?”

“Oh? …Ah, sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

It was rare to see Tennouji-san so distracted.

And it wasn’t just now. She’d seemed preoccupied with something else for a while.

“Is something wrong? You don’t seem quite yourself today.”

“…No, don’t worry about it. I’m perfectly fine.”

Saying that, Tennouji-san graded my answer sheet with a red pen.

“I’ve finished marking your quiz. You scored 98… You put so much effort into the advanced problems that you overlooked some basics.”

After grading my math quiz, Tennouji-san immediately explained my mistakes.

I quietly took notes as she went over them.

“Next, we’ll practice table manners… But let’s take a short break first. I’ll step out to the restroom.”

Tennouji-san stood and headed toward the school building.

Watching her go, I tilted my head again.

“…She’s definitely not her usual self.”

She said nothing was wrong, but that was probably a lie.

Her complexion looked fine, and her walk seemed normal, so it wasn’t a health issue. But she was clearly troubled by something.

Still, prying into something she wanted to keep private felt rude. I wanted to help without overstepping, but…

As I mulled it over, a familiar figure passed by.

I called out to the girl with long black hair tied back, reaching down to her thighs.

“Narika?”

“Hm? …Izuki! It’s Izuki!”

Noticing me, Narika’s eyes lit up as she hurried over.

Just calling her name got her this excited… She’s like an overly friendly puppy. I could almost see a wagging tail behind her.

“You called for me, Izuki!”

“Well, not exactly ‘called,’ just said hi… What’re you doing at the academy this late?”

“Oh, nothing big. I was pitching some of our family’s products for use at the academy. My family makes sports equipment, you know. The academy’s a big client.”

Narika’s family, the Miyakojima household, runs a sports equipment business.

She was probably trying to sell gear for gym classes.

“…So that’s what you were up to.”

“Yup, I’m a Miyakojima daughter, after all. You can praise me, you know.”

“Wow, impressive.”

“…That felt a bit half-hearted, didn’t it?”

Even so, Narika looked pleased.

“By the way, what’re you doing, Izuki?”

“Studying with Tennouji-san. Prepping for the proficiency exam and practicing manners.”

“Oh, really? Studying even after midterms? You and Tennouji-san are so diligent.”

“Yeah, well… Though my grades aren’t that different from yours, right?”

“…True, maybe I should study more too.”

To be honest, Narika’s grades are worse than mine.

She aces PE and history but barely scrapes by in everything else, though she avoids failing.

We both fell silent, running out of things to say.

Narika started fidgeting, like she might still have things to do.

“Sorry for holding you up. Catch you later.”

“W-Wait a sec! Wasn’t that the part where you invite me to join your study session!?”

“Uh… You didn’t say anything, so…”

“I thought you’d pick up on it!”

Narika shouted.

What am I supposed to do with that…

“Or… am I just too hard to invite…?”

“It’s not like that, really…”

“It’s fine, you don’t have to sugarcoat it… I overheard some classmates gossiping about that the other day.”

“…That must’ve been rough.”

“Yeah… It really hurt.”

Narika’s face looked like she might cry.

Dear God, could you maybe give Narika a slightly kinder life…?

“Well, we’re done studying for today, but I’m about to go over manners with Tennouji-san. Wanna join, Narika?”

“R-Really? Even someone as uninvitable as me can come…?”

“I don’t think you’re hard to invite, and I bet Tennouji-san would be fine with you joining.”

“Izuki…! You’re really my only ally…!!”

I’d prefer if she made more friends besides me, but that might be a pipe dream.

Still, for today, I was grateful Narika wanted to join.

I was worried about Tennouji-san. If she was struggling with something I couldn’t help with, maybe having Narika around would get her to open up.

“Oh, Miyakojima-san?”

Tennouji-san, back from the restroom, noticed Narika.

“Tennouji-san, is it okay if Narika joins us for the manners practice?”

“That’s fine, but…”

Tennouji-san glanced at Narika.

Narika hurriedly spoke up.

“J-Just for today! I’ve been busy with family business lately, but… well, sometimes I want to enjoy being a student too, you know…”

In other words, she’s lonely and wants to hang out.

Tennouji-san, perhaps picking up on Narika’s personality from past study sessions or tea parties, gave a gentle smile and nodded.

“That’s perfectly fine. Shall we make it a light dinner today, then?”

Narika’s face lit up instantly.

What kind of life was Narika living before we reconnected…? I was curious but too scared to ask, so I buried the question deep in my heart.

“What!? I-Izuki… You stayed over at Tennouji-san’s house!?”

While enjoying a snack at the café, I explained the situation to Narika, who gasped with wide eyes.

“Yeah, it just kinda happened.”

“That’s not something you just ‘kinda’ brush off…! I’ve always thought this, but between Konohana-san and Tennouji-san, how do you end up so close with such big shots…!?”

As a Miyakojima daughter, Narika’s no small fry herself, but she seems to think Hinako and Tennouji-san are on another level.

“When Tomonari-san stayed at my house, my father evaluated his manners and said he passed. So we’ll conclude table manner practice for now.”

“Got it.”

I nodded at Tennouji-san’s plan.

Today’s practice was like a final check. Messing up would mean restarting manner lessons, but after dining with Masatsugu-san at the Tennouji estate, I felt confident enough to handle a bit of pressure.

“Still…”

While eating, I glanced at Narika.

She wasn’t as polished as Tennouji-san, but Narika’s table manners were impeccable. She handled her knife and fork gracefully and sipped her soup without a sound.

“Narika, you’re… actually really good at this.”

“Hey! Are you mocking me!? Like I said, I am a Miyakojima daughter!”

Narika’s face turned red with indignation.

“Pfft.”

Tennouji-san let out a small laugh.

“My apologies… You two were just having so much fun.”

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

This was probably my chance to ask. Steeling myself, I looked at Tennouji-san and spoke.

“Um, Tennouji-san. Did something happen today? You’ve done so much for me, and if there’s anything I can help with, I’m all ears.”

At my question, Tennouji-san’s expression visibly darkened.

But then, as if resolving herself, she lowered her gaze and spoke.

“The truth is, I’ve received a marriage proposal.”

Her quiet words made Narika and me exchange glances.

I grew up as an ordinary commoner, so I’m not familiar with such matters. But through Hinako—and the Konohana family—I’ve learned a bit about them.

Marriage proposals aren’t necessarily bad.

But judging from Tennouji-san’s somber expression…

“Are you… not keen on this proposal?”

“No, it’s not that.”

Contrary to my assumption, Tennouji-san shook her head.

“As a Tennouji daughter, I’ve been prepared for proposals since I was young. It’s just… this came up rather suddenly, and I’m still processing it. I suppose I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

It was truly rare to see Tennouji-san so visibly shaken.

“Well… for people like us, it’s practically a fated dilemma.”

Narika said with a complicated expression.

“Have you had any proposals, Narika?”

“No, not yet. I’ve been told it’ll happen eventually, but… w-wait!! Don’t get the wrong idea!! I’d much rather have a love marriage, okay!? I’m not accepting any proposals!!”

“Uh, okay…”

Narika glared at me as she passionately declared this, leaving me to nod awkwardly.

“Besides, my parents aren’t too keen on proposals either. We talked about it once, but my mom and dad just said, ‘It’s too soon for you.’”

“Sounds like your parents really look out for you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?”

Narika looked offended as I averted my gaze.

I tried picturing Narika at a marriage meeting. All I could imagine was her sitting frozen like a statue, not saying a word.

“Tomonari-san… What do you think about my engagement?”

Tennouji-san asked, looking at me.

I thought for a moment before answering.

“My family’s never talked about engagements, so honestly, I don’t know much about them. But if it’s a good match for you, I’ll support you.”

It was my honest opinion.

Tennouji-san’s helped me so much, and I want to support her however I can.

“Thank you both. Talking to you has helped me clear my head a bit.”

Tennouji-san looked up and smiled.

“When I think about it calmly, accepting a proposal doesn’t mean my relationships will change overnight… I might’ve been overthinking things.”

I nodded at Tennouji-san’s brighter words.

“I enjoy spending time with you like this, so even if your engagement gets finalized, I hope we can keep this up.”

“M-Me too!”

Narika chimed in.

After that, Tennouji-san returned to her usual self, and we finished our meal before parting ways.

After saying goodbye to Izuki and the others, Mirei boarded the Tennouji family car waiting in front of the academy.

“Good work today, Mirei-sama.”

“Yes.”

A servant opened the back door, and Mirei got in.

As the car started moving, Mirei gazed at the passing scenery, her mind drifting back to their earlier conversation.

(Goodness… He’s so dense.)

Without anyone noticing, she let out a small sigh.

(If my engagement is finalized, I won’t be able to spend after-school time like this anymore…)

Once she has a fiancé, she’d hesitate to meet other men more than necessary.

School events might be fine, but private moments like these would inevitably dwindle. At the very least, they wouldn’t be able to see each other daily as they have lately.

(Still… Tomonari-san was awfully nonchalant about it… Couldn’t he have said a bit more?)

His words about supporting her if it was a good match were sincere, but they also felt somewhat distant, almost formal.

(And to think, he said that the other day…)

Izuki had told her it might be fun to work together.

Didn’t that mean—even after graduating from the academy—he wanted to stay by her side?

As her thoughts reached that point, Mirei suddenly noticed a strange feeling stirring in her chest.

“…This is odd.”

She had resolved to live for the Tennouji family.

She had believed that was her greatest happiness.

(What is this feeling…?)

It was strange.

She couldn’t believe her happiness lay at the end of this engagement.

Two weeks had passed since I started spending after-school time with Tennouji-san.

These study sessions were planned to continue until the next proficiency exam, making today the halfway point.

“Starting today, we’ll also begin dance lessons!”

With less than two weeks until the exam, Tennouji-san and I faced each other in the gymnasium.

“Sorry for making you go through the trouble of reserving the gym.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

I thanked Tennouji-san, who was dressed in the academy’s designated gym uniform.

Having completed table manner practice, we were starting ballroom dance lessons today. I’d received some basic instruction from Shizune-san, but compared to table manners, my knowledge and experience here were sorely lacking. Honestly, I wasn’t confident in this area.

“Let’s begin with the slow waltz.”

With that, Tennouji-san played music from a speaker set up in the corner of the gym.

A waltz melody filled the air.

“Come now, don’t just stand there. Hurry and come closer.”

“Y-Yes, ma’am.”

Ballroom dancing involves a man and woman facing each other, bodies close.

Realizing this now made my movements stiff and awkward.

“Closer.”

“E-Even closer…?”

We were already less than fifty centimeters apart, but I took another half-step forward. Tennouji-san matched me, closing the distance further. Our bodies pressed together, and I felt a soft sensation and caught a sweet fragrance.

“Take my right hand with your left. Then, shift your body slightly to the side…”

Fighting to keep my wandering thoughts in check, I followed Tennouji-san’s instructions to position myself.

I placed my right hand on her shoulder blade, and she rested her left hand on my upper arm.

“This is the basic posture called the hold. Now, maintain this while we dance slowly.”

“Uh, but I still don’t really know the steps…”

“There’s a saying: ‘Practice makes perfect.’ I’ll step back, so follow me carefully.”

Tennouji-san swiftly drew her right foot back.

Pulled by her movement, I stepped forward with my left. We repeated this exchange, slowly circling the gym counterclockwise.

“Now, a half-turn to the right… Good, now another half-turn…”

Focusing on keeping our bodies close, I found myself instinctively following Tennouji-san’s lead, dancing along with her.

We paused when the looping song ended.

“So? Not as hard as you thought, right?”

“Yeah… I think I’m starting to get the flow of it.”

“Even though I’m leading, you’re adapting quickly, Tomonari-san. Perhaps you’re naturally athletic?”

It’s true that I’m better at physical activities than manners or academics.

I’ve never been bad at sports, so maybe ballroom dancing suits me.

“Let’s start again from the hold.”

Following her lead as before, we danced once more.

Normally, the man leads in ballroom dancing. It must be harder for Tennouji-san, but she never showed a hint of frustration, guiding my movements with unwavering focus.

“…This takes more stamina than I expected.”

After dancing for about an hour, I wiped sweat from my chin with my gym uniform’s collar.

“Indeed. Normally, we’d take breaks to pace ourselves.”

Tennouji-san wiped her sweat as well.

“Let’s resume practice. Tomonari-san, the hold.”

“Yes.”

I straightened my back and spread my arms as Tennouji-san approached.

Recalling what I’d learned, I prepared to assume the hold—when I suddenly noticed something.

—It’s see-through.

Perhaps from dancing so long in a stuffy gym, Tennouji-san was sweating quite a bit. Her white gym uniform faintly revealed yellow undergarments beneath.

This… I absolutely shouldn’t stare.

Out of respect for Tennouji-san, who was kindly teaching me, I did my best to avert my gaze while maintaining the hold.

“Hey, where are you looking?”

She called me out as I stared off into the distance.

“Look at me properly. Dancing isn’t just about body movements—eye contact and expressions matter too.”

“I mean… that might be true, but…”

There was a reason I couldn’t look, but explaining it was tough.

As I tried to figure out how to hint at it, Tennouji-san grabbed my face and forced me to look at her.

“Like this. Look at me.”

Her face filled my vision, inches away.

Just below, her sweat-soaked gym uniform clung to her skin.

“Um… Tennouji-san, this is really hard to say, but…”

I couldn’t keep staring like this.

Steeling myself, I decided to confess.

“Your… clothes are see-through from the sweat…”

“My clothes? …!?”

Finally realizing, Tennouji-san covered her chest with both hands.

“W-W-Where are you looking!?”

“I’m sorry!”

You told me to look!

After Tennouji-san changed into a fresh gym uniform to replace the sweat-soaked one,

we resumed dance practice, waltzing for nearly another hour.

“…You’re starting to look the part.”

“Thank you.”

I executed a natural turn to the right and a reverse turn to the left with fluid motions.

The timing of opening and closing steps is critical. If you’re out of sync with your partner, the dance falls apart quickly.

The fact that I was dancing more easily than expected was thanks to Tennouji-san adjusting to my movements. Even when I opened my steps too wide, she adapted seamlessly. Her body must be incredibly flexible. Following her graceful movements seemed to loosen my own stiffness.

“Let’s call it a day. It’s our first session, and we might’ve gotten a bit carried away.”

“Yeah… I’m pretty much at my limit.”

We both caught our breath.

Using unfamiliar muscles had left me exhausted.

“By the way…”

As we packed up, Tennouji-san spoke hesitantly.

“…If my clothes ever become see-through again, please tell me as soon as possible. It’s… embarrassing to notice later.”

She fidgeted, clearly shy.

“Well, I mean… it’d be better if you noticed yourself. If I point it out, it means I’ve seen it…”

“That’s fine. I trust you’re not that kind of person, Tomonari-san.”

Being trusted so easily was a bit troubling.

Thanks to dealing with Hinako daily, I had some resistance, but even I have my limits.

Still, this was proof of Tennouji-san’s trust in me.

To honor that, I nodded.

After cleaning up the dance equipment and stepping outside the gym, orange sunlight bathed my face.

The sky was painted with the colors of sunset.

“I’m used to ballroom dancing, but I don’t think I’ve ever danced this long before.”

Tennouji-san murmured, lightly brushing her sweat-dampened hair.

“Does someone of your family’s status get invited to a lot of dances?”

“It depends on the person.”

As we walked, Tennouji-san explained.

“Unlike a simple dinner, a ball requires meticulous planning to host. Invitations are usually sent out with options to confirm attendance. Those who aren’t fond of dancing typically decline there.”

“I see. Unlike dinners, it’s easier to opt out, so people either embrace dancing or avoid it entirely.”

“Exactly. That said, if you attend a ball, it’s dishonorable to perform poorly or stand on the sidelines as a wallflower. It’s a skill worth learning as part of one’s refinement.”

I nodded in agreement.

“I don’t get invited to balls often, so I don’t know when my next chance will be… but I’d like to be able to dance confidently in front of others by then.”

Having learned the skill, I’d probably want to show it off.

If Hinako attends a ball, that might be my ballroom dance debut.

“…You can’t afford to be so leisurely about it.”

Tennouji-san said, lowering her gaze.

“If my engagement is finalized, we won’t be able to spend after-school time like this anymore.”

“…Really?”

“Of course. Once I’m promised to someone, I should dedicate my free time to them as much as possible.”

That made sense. With a fiancé, meeting other men privately so often would be inappropriate.

“That… would be lonely.”

The words slipped out.

Tennouji-san’s eyes widened as she looked at me.

“Lonely?”

“Yeah. Thinking about it now, I really enjoy doing things with you, Tennouji-san. It’s honestly sad to think that time would end.”

Hearing my honest feelings, Tennouji-san blushed and looked away.

“I-I see…”

Her reaction puzzled me.

Was that too forward of me?

“…Hehe.”

Tennouji-san, facing away, let out a small laugh.

“Uh, Tennouji-san?”

“I-It’s nothing.”

She hurriedly shook her head.

“Well then, Tomonari-san, until tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

We parted at the academy’s gate.

Her retreating figure seemed happier than usual.

“Hehe.”

After parting with Izuki and returning to the mansion, Mirei couldn’t help but smile as she headed to her room.

“…Hehehe.”

Her steps felt light. Despite sweating through dance practice earlier, the exhaustion seemed to have vanished, replaced by an odd, buoyant feeling.

‘I enjoy doing things with you, Tennouji-san. It’s honestly sad to think that time would end.’

Since parting with Izuki, his words had been replaying in her mind.

Each time, a warm feeling spread through her.

(The one feeling lonely…)

Placing a hand lightly on her chest, Mirei thought.

(The one finding this fun… it wasn’t just me.)

This bright, cheerful feeling wasn’t hers alone.

It was as if the emotions she’d unconsciously harbored were validated as real. Not a misunderstanding or an illusion—she and Izuki shared the same feelings.

(How can I keep these days going forever…?)

The thought crossed her mind.

If her engagement was finalized, her time with Izuki would shrink.

(That’s it. If I invited him to stay as a guest of the Tennouji family…)

Then, even with an engagement, she could still see Izuki.

They could have tea parties, study together, and practice dancing like always.

Her eyes sparkled as if she’d struck upon a brilliant idea—but then.

“…What a foolish thought.”

She snapped back to reality. It was impossible.

For her, perhaps, but for the Tennouji family, Tomonari Izuki was just a student. There was no justifiable reason to take him in as a guest.

“Mirei?”

A voice called from behind.

Turning, she saw her mother, Tennouji Hanami.

“Oh, Mother. Is something the matter?”

“That’s my line. You were standing in the hallway muttering to yourself, so I thought something was up…”

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking.”

Mirei brushed it off.

“Mirei, you’ve been so cheerful lately.”

“Pardon?”

“Haven’t you noticed? Ever since you started spending time with Tomonari-san after school, you’ve been happy every day.”

She’d only just realized how much fun she was having.

It hadn’t occurred to her that it had been showing for a while.

“Would you mind telling me? What kind of person is Tomonari-san to you, Mirei?”

“Why are you so curious about him, Mother?”

“Oh, come now. He’s someone who’s had such an impact on my daughter. Of course I’m curious!”

Hanami said with a delighted smile.

Feeling her mother’s affection, Mirei sighed and began to speak.

“Well… Tomonari-san is a very earnest person.”

Recalling their time together, Mirei continued.

“At first, he seemed a bit frail… lacking confidence. But he has ambition. You can see how much he wants to improve and how seriously he takes his days at the academy.”

When they first met, his posture was poor, and he seemed nervous.

But that impression was overturned by his dedication during the tea party a month ago, their study sessions, and his recent after-school efforts.

“His table manners, which felt forced at first, have become second nature. Of course, my guidance was impeccable, but his serious attitude made him a quick learner.”

Honestly, she hadn’t expected him to pick it up so fast.

He was likely studying at home too. That dedication was admirable.

“Even during today’s dance practice, Tomonari-san was so focused… I’m excited to see how far he’ll go.”

Was he reviewing the steps at home right now?

The thought made her inexplicably happy.

“It sounds like you’ve found a wonderful friend.”

“Yes. Being around Tomonari-san is so stimulating. I hope I can continue spending time with him—”

As she spoke those words, Mirei’s mind rapidly cooled.

She realized she cherished the days she’d lived thus far more than she’d imagined. The desire to voice such a wish nearly slipped from her lips.

But those days were already coming to an end.

From now on, she would have to spend her life with the partner her father and mother had arranged.

“…I can only hope my betrothed is such a person.”

Mirei spoke in a strained voice.

She couldn’t let it show. She couldn’t let her mother know that she felt even the slightest regret about this engagement.

“Mirei, as I’ve always said, you don’t need to force yourself to bear this burden. You have a habit of taking on too much, but in truth, you could be much freer…”

“There’s no need for concern, Mother.”

Cutting off her mother’s words, Mirei spoke firmly.

“I am living freely.”

“…I see.”

As always, Mirei spoke with poise, her breathtakingly beautiful smile captivating.

Yet her mother nodded with a faintly sorrowful expression.

“Regarding the engagement, we’re planning to arrange a meeting soon. So, Mirei… could you make some time in the near future?”

“Of course.”

Forcing down the emotions welling up inside her, Mirei nodded.

As a daughter of the Tennouji family, she wasn’t allowed to acknowledge these feelings.

—Even so.

If she were permitted to voice just one complaint.

She wished they had told her about the engagement before she met him–Izuki.

I’ve grown accustomed to dance lessons with Tennouji-san.

Social dancing involves close physical contact between partners. Because of that, I must have looked pretty pathetic at first, but seeing Tennouji-san’s serious attitude gradually erased the improper feelings I had.

“That will be all for today.”

Tennouji-san said, lightly wiping her sweat.

Glancing at the clock, I noticed we’d only practiced for an hour.

“You’re ending earlier than usual.”

“Yes. I’d like to continue a bit longer, but… I have an errand today.”

“An errand?”

I asked casually, but for some reason, Tennouji-san’s expression clouded.

“…It’s about the engagement I mentioned before. I’m meeting my betrothed today.”

Her face remained shadowed as she spoke.

“Um… Tennouji-san, do you have any reservations about this engagement?”

“Why would you think that?”

“You don’t seem very enthusiastic.”

Until now, I’d assumed Tennouji-san was eager about the engagement and planned to support her. There was a time she seemed anxious, but I thought it was just nervousness about the unknown experience, not dissatisfaction with the engagement itself.

But perhaps I was wrong.

I asked again about her true feelings, but–

“You needn’t worry. I’m approaching the engagement positively.”

Tennouji-san replied with a smile that seemed to deflect.

“Besides… given my position, I have no choice but to accept it.”

“Your position…?”

“Yes. Since we have the chance, I’ll share this with you, Tomonari-san.”

Tennouji-san looked at me with a serious expression.

“I am… adopted.”

Her words made my eyes widen.

Tennouji-san continued calmly.

“Though I was adopted, I was taken in by the Tennouji family as an infant, so I don’t feel it much… but the fact remains, I am not their biological daughter.”

With a slight hint of guilt, Tennouji-san spoke.

“Both Father and Mother treat me as their own. But the undeniable truth is that Tennouji blood does not flow through my veins. Because of that, I must strive even harder to act in a manner befitting a Tennouji daughter. Since I don’t carry their blood, I must at least carry on their legacy. This is my duty.”

Trying to process the overwhelming information, I sorted through Tennouji-san’s words.

In other words, because she is adopted, Tennouji-san feels she must not betray the Tennouji family’s expectations. She sees this as her obligation.

“W-Wait a moment.”

As I organized her story, I felt one of my assumptions crumble.

“Don’t tell me, Tennouji-san… you’re getting engaged out of duty?”

In response, Tennouji-san gave a faint smile and nodded.

“Yes. But this is common among people of our class.”

That may be true, but…

–Is that okay?

Is it really okay to leave things as they are?

My thoughts immediately turned to Hinako. Obeying your parents doesn’t guarantee happiness. My time with Hinako taught me that well.

But in this case, Tennouji-san herself seems content with her situation.

An outsider shouldn’t interfere. I knew that, but I couldn’t help but care.

“My case is a bit unusual, but… surely you of all people understand, don’t you?”

“Huh…?”

“After all, you’re adopted too, aren’t you?”

Her sudden words left me frozen, mouth agape.

“Do you remember what I said during the study session with Konohana-san and the others?”

Her words jogged my memory.

During a break at the study session, Tennouji-san had asked me, “Are you really the heir to a mid-sized company?”

“…You said my manners seemed superficial, not like someone raised as an heir.”

“Yes. At that moment, I suspected your background. I thought you were likely someone like me, striving to uphold a family name out of duty.”

From that, Tennouji-san concluded I was adopted.

But–unfortunately, she’s wrong.

She’s half-right. Like her, I’m working to uphold a family name.

But the name I’m protecting is Konohana, not my own.

I’m not adopted; I’m merely a servant employed by the Konohana family.

I can’t explain this to Tennouji-san. Doing so would violate my contract with the Konohana family.

My mind isn’t exactly sharp, but I could at least imagine how much trouble it would cause the Konohana family if I revealed my true identity here.

“…Please, keep this confidential.”

“Of course. …Heh, as expected, my intuition was spot-on.”

Tennouji-san smiled, clearly amused.

A sharp pang stabbed my chest.

It was the guilt I’d been ignoring all this time.

“…Izuki?”

Back at the Konohana estate, after a while.

Hinako, noticing I’d paused during dinner, called out to me curiously.

“Oh, sorry. What were we talking about?”

“Tomorrow… I want to skip the Academy…”

“That’s a no-go. Also, I’m pretty sure we weren’t talking about that.”

Hinako gave a cute “teehee” to brush it off.

Right, we were discussing our studies at the Academy. Since both of us diligently preview and review material, we share a lot of common ground despite our differing grades.

“Izuki… I want to eat this next…”

“…You can feed yourself, can’t you?”

“…I can’t.”

Calling out her obvious lie would be tactless, so I just said, “Fine, fine,” and brought a piece of pork sauté from the plate to Hinako’s mouth.

While Hinako chewed happily, I took a bite myself. …Delicious. The creamy mustard sauce had a smooth, rich texture.

“By the way, when do you study while you’re at the estate, Hinako?”

“After the Academy, when I get back… until dinner. Sometimes, they make me do more after that…”

The way she said “make me” was so very Hinako.

“Studying at night too… that’s quite a lot of time.”

“It’s not just Academy studies. …For dinners, I need to know Konohana Group’s performance to keep up with conversations… and when I attend meetings, I have to prepare what I’ll say in advance…”

Come to think of it, while Hinako and I live in the same estate, we’re not always together. Especially after school until dinner, I’ve been taking lessons with Shizune-san or Tennouji-san. During that time, Hinako must have been studying diligently.

Tennouji-san isn’t the only one bearing the weight of family obligations.

Hinako, too, studies daily for the sake of her family–

“…Doesn’t that ever make you feel fed up?”

I voiced the question almost unconsciously–and immediately realized my mistake.

I should know Hinako’s struggles, yet I asked as if it were someone else’s problem.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pity you. I was just… wondering how you, as the Konohana heiress, deal with your duties.”

Rephrasing, I saw Hinako let out a thoughtful “Hmm.”

“Studying is… honestly, a pain.”

Well, that’s obvious. No surprise there.

“But… I don’t like the idea of someone being sad because of me, so… sometimes, I feel like I have to try hard. …Though the family stuff can feel stifling at times.”

I see. So Hinako does feel suffocated by her circumstances sometimes.

It’s no wonder, considering she’s collapsed from exhaustion before. But hearing it directly from her made me realize the gravity of it anew.

“So… when you came to help me, Izuki, I was really happy…”

Hinako said with a joyful smile.

“It made me realize… my world isn’t just the Konohana family…”

Her smile was so radiant, it was hard to look away, like a shooting star.

Yet, in the back of my mind, another girl’s face lingered.

Tennouji-san said engagements are common for people of her class.

Does she… know a world beyond the Tennouji family?

That day, Mirei met her betrothed.

The meeting took place at the Tennouji estate, where she currently resided. Most first-time visitors were intimidated by the grandeur, but her betrothed showed no such signs.

His demeanor was refined, his words steeped in elegance and intellect. Indeed, Mirei thought, he was exactly the kind of match her parents would choose.

Yet, even so… her heart remained clouded.

“Well then, shall we call it a day?”

Mirei’s mother, Hanami, announced the end of the dinner.

The betrothed and his mother offered one final polite farewell before leaving the estate.

“Good work, Mirei~”

“Yes… thank you.”

After giving instructions to the maids about cleaning up, her mother turned to Mirei.

“So, what did you think of him~? It looked like you two hit it off~?”

“Yes, I suppose. He’s intelligent and seems like a good person.”

Mirei recalled the man who sat across from her at the dinner.

“He was well-groomed and had impeccable manners. …Not surprising for the heir to a major corporation. As expected of the match Father and Mother chose.”

“Of course, we only want you to be happy~”

Her mother said with a gentle smile.

“But… he’s very proper, or rather, refined and trustworthy…”

“Oh? What’s wrong with that~?”

“It’s not that it’s wrong, but… when someone is so perfect, I don’t feel like I need to teach them anything, or worry about them making mistakes…”

“…And what’s wrong with that~?”

Her mother looked puzzled.

Mirei herself was confused.

What was she even saying? Her expression grew complicated.

“By the way, just out of curiosity~… how does he compare to Tomonari-san~?”

“W-Why would you bring up Tomonari-san?”

“Oh, no reason~ Just wondering, no ulterior motives~”

Her mother’s attitude screamed ulterior motives.

Mirei sighed, exasperated by her troublesome mother.

“Comparing him to the heir of a major corporation is night and day. Tomonari-san still has plenty of rough edges… I have to teach him so much, and if we attended a dinner like this together, I’d probably worry about him constantly.”

“Oh my, sounds like your ideal type~”

Her mother said something, but Mirei didn’t quite catch it and decided to ignore it.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never asked… what does Tomonari-san’s family do?”

“I believe it’s an IT company under the Konohana Group. …I haven’t heard the company’s name yet.”

Now that she thought about it, she and Izuki had never discussed such topics.

Normally, among Kiou Academy students, such topics would come up within a week. Not for the sake of ranking each other, but out of genuine curiosity.

(In Tomonari-san’s case… it just shows how many interesting things there are about him.)

In both good and bad ways, Izuki was someone with so many topics to discuss that there was no time to talk about family background. For Mirei, that was refreshing and oddly comforting.

“An IT company, huh~ But for an heir, he’s refreshingly down-to-earth, or rather… approachable, isn’t he~?”

Her mother said, resting a hand on her cheek.

Though from a mid-sized company, Izuki was still an heir. Yet, he was undeniably down-to-earth.

Mirei knew why. She understood it shouldn’t be shared, but her mother seemed quite fond of Izuki. Surely, it wouldn’t cause harm, so Mirei’s tongue loosened.

“…Between us, he’s adopted, like me. So it’s no wonder he’s so approachable.”

She expected her mother to be understanding, given that Mirei herself was adopted.

But for some reason, her mother’s expression grew slightly more serious than usual.

“Say, Mirei. That means… they adopted Tomonari-san because they wanted an heir, right~?”

“Yes… that’s how it should be.”

Unsure of the intent behind the question, Mirei answered, puzzled.

“That’s odd~ I’ve never heard of a Konohana Group IT company struggling to find an heir~…”

“…What?”

Three days after hearing about Tennouji-san’s dinner with her betrothed, it was Monday.

As usual, I was heading to the Academy with Hinako.

“Izuki…”

“What’s up, Hinako?”

“The study sessions with Tennouji-san… how’re they going?”

As we left the estate and walked toward the gate under the sunlight, Hinako asked.

“They’re going well. At this rate, my grades should improve… and being around someone like Tennouji-san has toughened me up in a lot of ways.”

Tennouji-san has a unique presence, but she’s a quintessential upper-class student at Kiou Academy. Getting used to interacting with her has made me less intimidated by other high-society types. I’m sure I’ll handle the next social event better than the last.

“Tennouji-san’s studies are going well too… you might lose to her in the next exam, Hinako.”

“…Hmph.”

Hinako let out a slightly grumpy sound.

Still sleepy, she didn’t say much else.

“You two, enough chatting. Keep walking.”

“Sorry.”

I widened my stride slightly toward the car.

As we approached the sleek black car, the waiting driver bowed silently. I returned a light nod.

At that moment, Shizune-san’s eyes sharpened, glaring somewhere–

“–Intruder!!”

“What!?”

Shocked by Shizune-san’s sudden shout as she pointed outside the estate, I froze.

Instantly, Konohana security rushed to the spot she indicated.

A minute later, one of the guards approached Shizune-san and reported, “All clear.”

“…My mistake, then.”

Shizune-san said, her expression dubious.

“My apologies. I felt a gaze.”

“Tch, that’s all…?”

I never thought I’d hear the word “intruder” in modern Japan.

“Still, it’s strange. My instincts are usually spot-on…”

Shizune-san muttered.

“…If it wasn’t my imagination, they’re quite skilled.”

Her ominous words made me swallow hard.

Just what am I getting dragged into?

We got out of the car and headed to the Academy.

“Tomonari-san.”

While changing shoes at the lockers, Tennouji-san called out to me.

“Morning, Tennouji-san.”

“Good morning.”

It was rare to run into her here.

When I looked at her, she had a serious expression. Did she want to talk about something?

“Tomonari-san, I’ll be direct. Are you hiding something from me?”

Her question hit me like a vice gripping my heart.

I was shaken but couldn’t let it show.

There are two lies I’ve told Tennouji-san.

One, that I’m attending Kiou Academy under a false identity. Two, that I’m under the care of the Konohana family.

Neither can be revealed.

“…Not that I can think of.”

“…I see.”

Tennouji-san nodded, her face tinged with slight disappointment.

“My apologies for asking something strange.”

“N-No, it’s fine…”

Why would she suddenly ask something like that?

I was curious, but probing further felt like it might backfire, so I held back.

“Oh, and today’s lesson is canceled. Something urgent came up.”

“Got it. …Is it related to the engagement?”

“No, this is different.”

With a glint of something like anger in her eyes, Tennouji-san said,

“It’s something far more important.”

That afternoon, after school.

Opening my locker, I saw something unbelievable.

Inside was a single envelope.

On its surface, written in elegant calligraphy, are the words:

–A letter of challenge.