Epilogue

It had been about a week since my sudden dismissal as caretaker was revoked.

I was set to attend a social gathering hosted by the Konohana family.

“How does it feel to wear?”

“It’s fine.”

Tsumuri Shizune carefully checked my outfit.

As expected from the prestigious Konohana Group, the social gathering was said to be a dazzling affair. The venue was already filled with guests, and everything was ready for the event to begin at any moment.

“This time, Izuki-san, your official status… In other words, you’re here as the heir of a mid-sized company. If you’re not confident in your manners, at least try not to stand out.”

“Understood.”

As Shizune-san calmly went about her duties, I suddenly spoke up.

“Shizune-san. Again, thank you.”

Shizune-san turned to look at me, and I continued.

“You’re the one who suggested to Kagen-san to overlook what happened at the dinner and hire me again as caretaker, right?”

“…It’s true that I did make the suggestion, but it was your achievements that made it possible, Izuki-san.”

As she tightened the tie around my neck, Shizune-san spoke.

“Still, I was pretty anxious that day. I figured words alone wouldn’t be enough to convince Kagen-sama, so I was planning to show him the invitation I’d brought from the main house. But… before I could, you took such a bold action.”

“…Sorry.”

I still remember the words Shizune-san said to me that day.

I may be employed by Kagen-sama, but I am on Ojou-sama’s side. That’s what she told me. I’m sure she’d been running around behind the scenes for Hinako’s sake, in ways I’ll never know.

“Well then, I’ll return to my work.”

Having finished checking my outfit, Shizune-san said,

“Of course, you should stay alert during the social gathering, but if you have the chance, try observing the people around you. I think it’ll be a good learning experience.”

“Understood. …For me, this social gathering is practically training.”

“Naturally.”

Shizune-san replied.

“You need to keep growing, Izuki-san.”

With that, Shizune-san turned on her heel.

From now on. Those words put my heart at ease. At the very least, Shizune-san believed that my days as caretaker would continue.

A few minutes later, the social gathering began.

Big names from the political world, presidents and executives from major corporations, and their associates were all gathered. As I set foot into the glamorous venue, I instantly felt out of place.

“…I really don’t belong here.”

Shizune-san told me not to stand out, so I’d better keep quiet.

I averted my gaze and moved over to the wall.

“Hey, hey, Tomonari-kun!”

Suddenly, someone called out to me from behind, making my shoulders jump.

When I turned around, I saw two familiar faces.

“Asahi-san and Taishou-kun…”

“Yo.”

Next to the energetic Asahi-san, Taishou also gave a casual greeting.

Unlike me, the two of them seemed accustomed to the atmosphere, striding confidently through the hall to approach me.

“Oh, Tomonari, that’s a nice suit. Italian brand, right?”

“Yes. I got it just for today. Honestly, I’m not used to wearing it…”

“Ahh… I feel the same. But since it’s a Konohana event, we can’t exactly show up in something half-baked. Can’t hurt to be careful, right?”

Taishou was right.

Nodding, I looked at Asahi-san’s outfit too.

“Asahi-san, your dress is really gorgeous.”

“Right!? Well? Were you dazzled!?”

“Y-Yeah, I was dazzled…”

Asahi-san spun around and puffed out her chest, and I replied with a wry smile.

She seemed to be acting a bit more mature than usual, but I decided not to say anything.

“Tomonari, you can be honest. Like they say, even a horse looks good in fine clothes.”

“Ahaha! Taishou-kun, you’re so funny. Why don’t you come over here for a sec?”

Taishou was dragged away somewhere by Asahi-san, who pulled on his ear.

After watching them go, a blonde girl approached, as if passing by.

“They’re as lively as ever.”

Tennouji-san murmured with a sigh.

“Still, being able to act at ease in any environment is a kind of talent in itself.”

“…You’re right.”

For someone like me, shrinking at the edge of the venue, her words really struck home.

“I-Izuki…”

A familiar voice called out from behind me.

“…Narika?”

“Ugh… help me. What is with this dazzling place? It’s so bright… too bright…”

With a pale face, Narika let out a weak groan.

Tennouji-san sighed at the sight.

“Miyakojima-san… You know, you won’t survive in the world at this rate.”

“Y-Yeah, but that’s just how I am…”

“Honestly. …This is a good opportunity. Why don’t we try some shock therapy?”

“S-Shock therapy?”

“Come do the rounds of greetings with me. Fortunately, there are big names from every industry here. I’m sure you’ll toughen up after talking to a few.”

“N-No way! If I do that, I’ll die!”

Half-crying, Narika was forcefully dragged off somewhere by Tennouji-san.

They’re every bit as noisy as Asahi-san and the others.

“Everyone sure is enjoying themselves…”

Watching the girls walk off, I muttered to myself.

I felt a little thirsty, so I went to get a drink.

On the way, I spotted a man who wore his suit impeccably.

Working up my nerve, I called out to him.

“Kagen-san.”

Kagen-san turned to face me, and I bowed my head.

“Thank you very much for the arrangements this time.”

“…Oh?”

Kagen-san looked a little surprised.

“I thought you’d have at least a complaint or two for me.”

“It wouldn’t make any difference if I did… Besides, things turned out well for me, so I’m not about to shoot myself in the foot now.”

There’s no benefit in souring Kagen-san’s mood in this situation.

When I said that, Kagen-san fixed me with a calm gaze.

“I thought you were more of an impulsive type, but it seems you can keep your head about you. …Even so, that day, you tried to come running to me, didn’t you?”

Kagen-san muttered and turned on his heel.

With a wine glass in hand, Kagen-san started walking, beckoning me to follow—he seemed to want to change locations.

We headed to a balcony connected to the hall. After a short walk and turning a corner, we came to a quiet spot out of everyone’s sight. Kagen-san stopped there and leaned his elbow on the railing, letting out a breath. I silently stood beside him.

“Hinako is a genius.”

Suddenly, Kagen-san spoke.

“Apparently, she’s got the top grades at Kiou Academy too.”

“That’s not the level I’m talking about.”

With his glass at his lips, Kagen-san spoke.

“Hinako may have a problematic personality, but she’s got a natural talent for business. …Despite how she seems, that girl’s inherited talents truly befitting the Konohana bloodline.”

Staring into the distance, Kagen-san continued.

“That’s why I want Hinako to inherit the family. Of course, officially, it’ll be a son-in-law who does, but… there’s no way I’m letting that talent go to waste. Once she graduates, she’ll be free from all these obligations, and if we give her a private office, her workload will lighten considerably. If she can get through this, a new path will open.”

I felt like I could understand, even if just a little, the kind of future Kagen-san was envisioning.

Though, even if I understood, I couldn’t agree or accept it.

“…Does it really have to be Hinako?”

“Hah, if there was anyone else, I’d be the first to jump at the chance.”

Kagen-san smiled.

“But the Konohana family is a heavy burden.”

His smile quickly vanished as Kagen-san continued, looking solemn.

“Across the entire group, there are about 800,000 employees. To bear the weight of all their lives, half-baked talent isn’t enough. A single mistake can cost many employees their livelihoods… and sometimes, being crushed by the pressure, you lose people important to you.”

With that, Kagen-san stroked the ring on his finger.

I’d heard from Shizune-san before that not only the head but also the wife is involved in the Konohana family business. But… I’d also heard that Kagen-san’s wife had already passed away.

He must have gone through something in his past.

Still, that doesn’t mean he can disregard Hinako.

“Kagen-san, what do you really think of Hinako?”

It was something I’d always wanted to ask.

With his eyes lowered, Kagen-san answered,

“I put the family above my daughter. The moment I did that, both my daughter and son became just cogs in the Konohana machine to me.”

Lifting his elbow from the railing, Kagen-san turned back toward the hall.

“Of course… that goes for myself as well.”

Muttering softly, Kagen-san left the balcony.

The chilly night breeze brushed my cheek. The heat of the hall didn’t reach here.

I decided to stay on the balcony for a while to cool my scrambled thoughts.

“Izuki.”

Someone called out to me.

“…Hinako.”

There was a lovely girl with amber hair standing there.

Dressed in a beautiful white dress, Hinako walked up with small steps.

“Why are you here?”

“Papa said you’d be out here, Izuki…”

“I see.”

There was no one else around. So Hinako was back to her true self.

“Thank you for still being my caretaker…”

Hinako said as she touched the balcony railing.

“What you said back then… made me really happy.”

She must be talking about when I stood up for her in front of Shizune-san. I blurted out a lot of things in the heat of the moment, so it’s a bit embarrassing for me… but if Hinako was happy, I guess it’s fine.

“I’ll… keep believing in you, Izuki.”

She looked at me with pure, innocent eyes.

That attitude, that expression, her words—they shook me to my core.

“…Yeah.”

I tried to answer, suppressing my agitation.

Sometimes—just sometimes—I almost forget.

Hinako doesn’t see me as the opposite sex. For her sake, I can’t let myself see her that way either.

“Whew…”

Hinako rested her chin on the railing and let out a sigh.

“You okay?”

“I greeted so many people, I’m tired… Rub my head.”

“…Alright, alright.”

I smiled wryly as Hinako held out her head.

I suppose what she wants from me is the warmth of family. To live up to that expectation, I gently patted Hinako’s head.

“…Hm?”

As I patted her like always, Hinako let out a strange little sound.

“…Hm? …Hm?”

As I kept patting her head, her face turned bright red—

“…Huh!?”

Hinako, whose ears had turned red all the way to their tips, suddenly took a big step back.

Her eyes wide, she looked completely bewildered.

“Huh…?”

“What’s wrong? Your face suddenly got all red…”

“…It’s nothing.”

Looking like she didn’t even know what happened herself, Hinako seemed confused.

Maybe she’s not feeling well. Worried, I approached her.

“If you’re not feeling well, you shouldn’t push yourself—”

“I-I said it’s nothing…!”

Getting oddly flustered, Hinako backed away again.

…Wait, what?

Could it be… she’s avoiding me?

As far as I know, this is the first time Hinako’s ever shown such obvious agitation. …Could she really want to get away from me that badly?

Was I being too familiar?

No, but I’ve patted her head like this many times before.

“…Weird.”

As if trying to hide her flushed face, Hinako touched her cheeks with both hands and muttered in wonder.

“I… feel kind of weird…”

”