Chapter 3: The Konohana Family’s Day Off

Saturday.

Waking up in bed, I opened the curtains and glanced at the documents on my desk.

(…Alright. I’ve got two days to fill out this report.)

A self-interview report.

It was handed to me by President Minato yesterday. All I need to do is jot down a rough outline of my weekend, but the problem is that I live in the Konohana family’s mansion.

(I can’t let anyone figure out I’m living with Hinako…)

So, some fudging is necessary. For instance, if I casually mention the mansion’s size, someone might prod, “Is your house that big?” Since I’m supposed to be the heir to a mid-tier IT company, I should probably rephrase anything about servant work to keep it vague.

That said…

(I can fine-tune the details tomorrow night. For now, I’ll just write down what happens as is.)

President Minato did say to write it like a diary.

That kind of relaxed approach probably lets my personality shine through better.

With that in mind, I washed my face and changed into my usual servant uniform.

—Six in the morning.

Weekend mornings usually follow a set routine.

First, I leave my room to start cleaning the mansion.

“Good morning.”

Other servants emerge from their rooms, and we exchange light greetings.

They’re all older than me. The youngest are in their early twenties, while the older ones are in their forties or fifties.

“Tomonari-san, could you lift this vase for me?”

“Leave it to me.”

While wiping down the staircase railing with a cloth, a maid asks for help, so I head over right away.

The vase holds cosmos flowers. Their large, pale pink petals are distinctive, and they make the scenery feel vivid when displayed.

“Is it still okay to leave these flowers as they are?”

“These are fine, but the flowers at the entrance and in the reception room need to be swapped out. Today’s guest apparently likes cyclamens, so we’re adjusting for that.”

“Got it. I’ll go pick them up from the gardener then.”

“That’d be a huge help.”

I set the vase aside and head to meet the mansion’s gardener.

The Konohana family changes paintings and flowers for every guest, aiming to catch their eye and leave a good impression.

“Excuse me.”

Stepping outside, I call out to the gardener tending the garden.

“Could I get some cyclamens?”

“Sure thing. How many do you need?”

“For the guest, at the entrance and reception room…”

“About ten stems should do it. The current vases probably won’t match, so I’ll prepare some new ones. Meissen or Herend might work well…”

Meissen, founded in eighteenth-century Germany, and Herend, from nineteenth-century Hungary, are both porcelain brands. They’re known not just for vases but also for teaware.

Since becoming Hinako’s caretaker and living in the Konohana mansion, I’ve handled porcelain a lot. Vases, teacups—most are porcelain. And porcelain comes with countless brands: Meissen, Herend, Wedgwood… Getting familiar with them feels like a privilege of the upper class.

Well, I’m just a commoner clinging to this high-class life…

“…Something like this?”

The gardener brings cyclamen in pots and deftly arranges them in a vase.

The red and pink petals pop against the white vase. I’d wondered if swapping vases was necessary since the cosmos have similar colors, but seeing this, the combination feels like a one-of-a-kind work of art.

“It’s stunning.”

“Haha, thanks! I’ll load the cyclamens and vases onto a cart now, so please pass this sample to the maids.”

A few minutes later, I take the cart with ten cyclamen stems and vases, along with the sample vase, and haul it back into the mansion.

Handing the flowers to the maid cleaning the entrance, she immediately starts swapping them out. She grasps the arrangement just by glancing at the sample—proof that the Konohana maids are no ordinary bunch. Shizune-san’s strict training must be the reason.

—Seven in the morning.

I eat breakfast in the servants’ dining hall.

Compared to the dining hall Hinako and the family use, the servants’ hall is a bit plain, but it’s still far more luxurious than an average household. Antique tables are lined up, seating nearly fifty servants at once. Since we stagger our times, not everyone’s here, but eating surrounded by so many maids and butlers is a bizarre sight. It took a while to get used to.

“Regarding the entrance cleaning, one announcement: please ensure the vases are ready by ten o’clock today—”

While we eat, the head maid Shizune-san briskly gives instructions. Since she uses breakfast time for work updates, she apparently eats beforehand. It’s a tough schedule for such a heavy responsibility.

“Also, we’re short-handed for trash duty, so if anyone—”

“Oh, I’ll do it.”

Raising my hand to volunteer, Shizune-san nods.

As a caretaker who goes to the Academy on weekdays, it’s hard to pin down my servant role. So, I often jump in wherever help is needed.

“That’s all for announcements. Let’s do our best today.”

Those who finish eating return to work one by one.

After breakfast, I help with trash duty and then resume cleaning.

—Ten in the morning.

My smartphone alarm buzzes in my pocket, so I return to my room. I change into a fresh servant uniform, tidy myself up, and head out.

Walking down the long hallway, I open the door to my destination.

“Hinako, it’s morning.”

“Mmm…”

I pull back the large curtains, letting sunlight flood in.

Hinako rolls over on her bed.

“Izuki…”

“Hm?”

“…Hug.”

Eyes still closed, Hinako spreads her arms wide.

“…Alright, alright.”

I lift Hinako, who’s sitting up on the bed, and carry her to the bathroom to wash her face.

I recently realized that Hinako’s still half-asleep in this state.

When she’s groggy, Hinako gets even clingier than usual. Since mornings often involve this kind of close contact, I always change before coming to wake her.

“Wash it…”

I lift Hinako’s bangs with a headband and gently wash her face.

“Wipe it…”

I quickly dry her face with a luxurious towel nearby.

(…She’s about to wake up.)

On weekdays, she might head to the Academy still half-asleep, but today’s a weekend, and she’s had plenty of sleep. On days like this, Hinako usually wakes up after her face is washed.

That aside, Hinako’s skin is… so soft. Like, mochi soft.

I touch my own face for comparison, but it’s totally different. How is her skin this silky?

As I stroke Hinako’s mochi-like cheeks through the towel—

“…Huh?”

“You’re up.”

Hinako’s eyes snap open.

“…Good… morning…”

“Morning. Your face is all clean.”

I fold the towel and remove the headband.

Her bangs fall back, and without fixing them, Hinako stands—her face bright red—and bolts out of the room.

Wondering what’s up, I follow her and find Shizune-san in the hallway, checking the tilt of a painting.

“Sh-Shizune…!”

“Ojou-sama? Good morning.”

“Why… why didn’t you wake me before Izuki came…!”

“I did try. But you said you were too sleepy and didn’t need it today…”

Hinako lightly smacks Shizune-san.

Shizune-san watches her calmly, unfazed.

(…Hmm.)

I’d noticed Hinako’s hair has been unusually neat for someone just waking up lately. Apparently, Shizune-san’s been waking her before I arrive.

Why’s she been doing that…?

Could it be… she’s been studying early in the morning?

(…I get it. I totally get it, Hinako.)

During the Management Game, I’d been waking up earlier than usual to prep for classes. Normally, the game keeps me so busy that I had to carve out time like that to keep up with studies.

“Ugh… I-Izuki’s nodding so hard…! He… he knows…!”

“…It’s fine, Ojou-sama. That look probably means he’s just misunderstanding something.”

Misunderstanding…?

I’m curious what they’re talking about, but Hinako seems to want to keep it from me, so I’ll back off for now.

“Well, I’ll head out then…”

“Yes, I’ll take care of Ojou-sama.”

Leaving Hinako with Shizune-san, I return to my servant duties.

◆

—Noon.

At this time, I head to the dining hall to have lunch with Hinako.

Once Hinako’s up, I prioritize my caretaker duties over servant work. But after waking at ten, she eats a light snack and studies in her room. Since there’s not much for me to do then, I usually handle servant tasks until lunch. Just earlier, I was helping dry bedding.

“Ahh~”

I bring a thin slice of scallop to Hinako’s mouth.

“…Mmm, yummy.”

While Hinako chews, I eat some scallop too. The faint ginger aroma is perfect. Today’s lunch is French, with every dish delicately plated.

(…But how do I write this in the report?)

I recall the morning: cleaning, trash duty, laundry… That should work, right? It’s not a lie, and it hides that I’m working as a servant.

Then there’s waking Hinako and eating together like this…

“Izuki…”

“Here you go… Ahh~”

I bring a piece of seared bonito to Hinako’s mouth.

(Sorry, Hinako, but… I’ll write it as feeding a pet or something.)

Maybe I’ll say I’m keeping a hamster… I think, watching Hinako chew happily.

“Oh, this is good.”

“Mmm… Thank the chef…”

I try the bonito I fed her and am surprised by how good it is. Paired with avocado and cheese, it’s rich and creamy when eaten together.

My taste buds are getting spoiled.

Will I still find cup ramen tasty…?

—One in the afternoon.

After lunch, Hinako returns to studying.

According to her, morning study is light, but after lunch, she has to get serious. It’s Kagen-san’s orders, part of maintaining her perfect Ojou-sama image. Hearing that, all I can do is cheer her on with a “You’ve got this!”

As for me…

“…Wait, Yuri made that dish?”

“Yup. Pretty tasty, right?”

I’m washing dishes in the kitchen while chatting with Yuri.

Of course, my hands are moving, not just my mouth. I’ve done dishes forever and am used to it.

“You’ve leveled up again…”

“I level up every day.”

Yuri smacks her biceps, grinning proudly.

We’re washing dishes for thirty people—Hinako’s, mine, and the servants’. It’s a two-person job.

The catch is that these are all brand-name dishes. Some have special materials, so we switch detergents and sponges as needed. When Yuri first told me this, I was shocked. And seeing her handle it effortlessly shocked me even more.

“Lately, when we have extra time and ingredients, the chefs compete to see who can cook better. It’s great motivation and really fires us up.”

“Sounds fun. What’s your win rate?”

“Mostly losses. But I do pretty well when the theme’s casual food.”

The Konohana chefs are tough competition, apparently.

They seem to hone their skills like it’s a sports match. Shizune-san probably knows and lets it slide. A serious contest, win or lose, fuels growth. I think it’s a solid approach.

…Did Narika grow up like that too?

Narika, who seems timid, trained in martial arts daily at home. For her, competition and challenges must’ve always been close by. That’s why she’s unstoppable in sports, even against Hinako, and her courage in clutch moments is unreal.

(…Crap.)

I look at the ceiling and let out a quiet breath.

Lately, everything reminds me of Narika.

Wiping water droplets off cutlery carefully, I try to calm my mind.

“…Izuki.”

“Hm?”

“You worrying about something?”

Seems like I’m surrounded by sharp people.

Or maybe I’m just too obvious.

“Yeah, a bit.”

I can’t hide things from Yuri.

But this isn’t something I can easily talk about with just anyone.

What kind of answer should I find for Narika…?

The polished spoon’s surface reflects my face like a mirror. My brow’s furrowed, looking totally troubled.

…I don’t want Hinako to see me like this.

Yuri’s already seen it, but oh well.

With Yuri, there’s no point in pretending anymore…

“Hmm… I won’t pry for now.”

Yuri says, passing me a washed dish.

I can’t help but stare at her.

“What?”

“No, I just thought you’d dig into it…”

“You had a ‘don’t ask’ face. It’s something you want to figure out yourself, right? If you’re stuck, I’ll listen then. I’ll wait.”

I take the dish and wipe off the water.

How does Yuri read my mood so well? Sometimes she pries forcefully, but when I need space, like now, she backs off perfectly.

Am I that easy to read?

“…Sorry.”

“No biggie. I’m your Onee-san, after all.”

“Haven’t heard that one in a while.”

“I’ll say it as much as you need if you start slacking.”

Yuri laughs, half-joking.

“Actually, I’m the one who should apologize. You’re always helping with the dishes.”

Yuri says, carefully washing the inside of a teacup.

“Let me do this much. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me.”

“Oh? You actually feel grateful?”

“Obviously. I feel like I’ll never repay you.”

“…Huh.”

Yuri goes quiet for a moment.

“Well… maybe I’ll let you help me forever then.”

Her cheeks flush as she speaks.

I finish shelving a glass and return to her side to reply.

“…Whoa, that’s a heavy thing to say out of nowhere.”

I get a kick to the shin.

“Ow!?”

“You say heavy stuff all the time too, jerk!”

Sure, I might say stuff like that to Yuri… but thinking about it, isn’t that her influence?

◆

After finishing the dishes.

Walking down the hallway, I glance at my shin where Yuri kicked me.

I yelped reflexively, but sadly for Yuri, the pain faded fast. A kick like that doesn’t faze a body forged through sweat and training.

(Speaking of training…)

Come to think of it, I haven’t been practicing self-defense lately.

Ever since the Management Game started, some of Shizune-san’s lessons have been skipped. I’ve been following the same schedule as is, but should I ask to have them reinstated?

(…But once the election starts, things will get hectic again, won’t they?)

Before I realized it, my own schedule has gotten pretty tight.

Back when I first became a caretaker, I was just desperately trying to keep up with this environment. But now, I’ve set high goals for myself. Naturally, that means I have less free time.

Still, I’d like to get some exercise every now and then.

As I was thinking about this, I saw Shizune-san walking toward me from the other end of the hallway.

“Oh, Izuki-san. What are you up to?”

“I was handing out some flowers we swapped out for guests to anyone who wanted them. There are still some left—would you like one, Shizune-san?”

“Cosmos, huh? …Sure, I’ll take one.”

At the Konohana household, when guests visit, we swap out the flowers to match their preferences. The replaced flowers are often distributed among the staff to avoid waste.

This time, we changed the flowers at the entrance and reception room to cyclamens, so the cosmos that were originally there were left over. Since there were still some for Shizune-san, I suggested she take one.

“Where should I take it?”

“To my room, please.”

“Got it—…wait, what?”

I was about to nod casually but froze mid-motion.

Shizune-san’s… room?

“Come to think of it, you’ve never been to my room, have you, Izuki-san? …I’ll show you the way.”

I followed Shizune-san’s back as she led the way.

—Two o’clock in the afternoon.

For the first time, I visited Shizune-san’s room.

“E-excuse me.”

I opened the door, holding the vase.

“No need to be so nervous. It’s just a servant’s room.”

“I don’t think you’re just any servant, though…”

She’s the head maid, after all…

Shizune-san’s room was a bit larger than the servant’s room I use, but the size difference wasn’t as big as I’d expected.

Still, as expected, the room was impeccably tidy despite my sudden visit. The overall atmosphere of the decor was calm, and judging by the curtains, table, and pillow colors, she seemed to favor earthy brown tones.

“Where should I put the vase?”

“On the windowsill next to the desk, please.”

I carefully placed the vase with the cosmos on the windowsill.

As I did, my eyes caught sight of Shizune-san’s desk.

“…Are you studying business management too, Shizune-san?”

On her desk was a textbook on business management.

No… upon closer inspection, it wasn’t just business management.

There were textbooks on various subjects lined up on the desk. It seemed Shizune-san was studying all the same fields we were learning at Kiou Academy.

“I make it a point to study everything Ojou-sama is learning at the academy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to assist her properly.”

“…I see.”

Thinking back, Shizune-san was always by Hinako’s side during the Management Game, supporting her every step of the way. When I asked for Konohana Automotive’s shareholder registry, Shizune-san handled it instantly. She couldn’t have responded so quickly without studying business herself.

…That’s incredible.

This woman really is a top-tier maid. To keep up with Kiou Academy’s studies while handling her duties as a maid…

“This whiteboard…”

In Shizune-san’s room, there was a large whiteboard, like the ones you’d find in a meeting room.

It was covered with text and diagrams written in black marker.

“I use it to jot down important things. Mostly instructions for my subordinates.”

Kitchen team, reception team, cleaning team… and even the attendants’ schedules were concisely noted. She’d drawn a simple organizational chart, outlining everyone’s roles and assignments. As head maid, she must need to keep track of all the servants’ activities.

“It’s about time for your break, isn’t it, Izuki-san? Would you like something to drink?”

Shizune-san said, glancing at the whiteboard.

Sure enough, it even had my upcoming break time written on it.

“Well, since you’re offering…”

“One moment, please.”

Shizune-san opened her refrigerator.

By the way, in this mansion, every servant’s room has a fridge. The kitchen is too far away otherwise—a quirk of such a large estate.

…I wonder what Shizune-san usually drinks?

Curious, I peeked over her shoulder at the fridge.

Inside were rows of glass bottles, each with a sticky note on it labeled with tea names like Darjeeling or Assam.

“…Is this all tea?”

“There’s coffee too—various kinds. Beans, roasts, grinds… I need to be familiar with them all to serve Ojou-sama properly.”

Now that she mentioned it, I noticed a bunch of coffee beans lined up on the side.

This, too, was part of her studies, apparently.

“With so many types… doesn’t Hinako have trouble telling them apart?”

“She can.”

Shizune-san picked up a glass bottle and continued.

“It took me a long time to train myself to distinguish them through tasting, but… Ojou-sama seems to have a natural knack for picking up subtle differences in both tea and coffee.”

“Really?”

“It’s common among the upper class, apparently. They’re born with refined, sharp senses. Whether it’s food or art, their ability to discern value is top-notch.”

Is that so…?

It makes sense, though. Not just Hinako—Tennouji-san and Narika, too, seem to have a keen eye for value. In a word, they have sense.

“On that note, I was surprised by Hirano-san’s sharp sense of taste. Honestly, I thought it’d take her much longer to become a competent chef, but…”

Now, she’s even making dishes for Hinako to eat.

When it comes to taste, Yuri must be on par with the upper class.

Yesterday, I learned that Yuri feels like she “can’t afford to lose” to me… but maybe I’m the one who’s already losing?

That thought’s kind of depressing.

“We’ve both ended up in quite a challenging world, haven’t we?”

“…I’d say you’re more on their side, Shizune-san.”

“Not at all. Compared to the real deal, I’m still a mere imitation.”

I took the cup of tea she handed me.

She’d gone out of her way to warm it up on a small stove. I savored the rich aroma of Darjeeling, sipping slowly.

To think I’d be sharing hardships with Shizune-san like this…

Back when I first became a caretaker, I never could’ve imagined it.

“…Hm?”

Just then, something odd caught my eye.

A piece of white fabric was sticking out from under the bed.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh… just wondering what this is.”

I stood up and pinched the fabric sticking out from under the bed.

It was probably part of some clothing that had accidentally slipped under there. It might wrinkle if left like that, so I started pulling it out—

“…Ah!? W-wait, please! That’s—”

Shizune-san shouted in a voice louder than I’d ever heard, trying to stop me.

But I was faster, and I pulled it out.

“…Huh?”

It was a gothic lolita dress.

A frilly, ultra-cute, unmistakably girly gothic lolita dress.

(…Is this a variation of her maid uniform?)

My brain, on the verge of short-circuiting, scrambled for a plausible explanation.

But upon closer inspection, there were still piles of other outfits hidden under the bed.

Hesitantly, I pulled them out.

A nurse outfit.

A sailor uniform.

A magical girl costume.

“…Ugh, ughhh…”

Rubbing my temples, I took a deep breath to calm myself.

I’d seen something I shouldn’t have.

Why do I always get so curious at times like this? I should’ve pretended I didn’t see the gothic lolita dress and backed off.

I didn’t want to look at Shizune-san’s face behind me.

But I couldn’t just stand there frozen forever.

Slowly, ever so slowly… I turned around.

Shizune-san was staring at me, her mouth opening.

“…However…”

“Huh?”

“I like cosplay. Got a problem with that?”

She doubled down.

That was way too heavy a bombshell to just brush off… I can’t pretend I didn’t hear that.

“I mentioned before that my family runs a clothing-related business, didn’t I?”

“Y-yes…”

“So, ever since I was little, I grew up surrounded by all kinds of clothes. That includes maid outfits like the one I’m wearing now… and the cosplay costumes stored over there.”

Shizune-san gazed out at the scenery beyond the window, taking a deep breath.

Then, she looked back at me.

“It’s only natural to take an interest, isn’t it?”

“N-no, it’s not…”

If I nodded here, I felt like my life would be over.

That’s the kind of pressure I sensed.

“I mean, it was surprising, sure, but I don’t think it’s weird or anything!”

“…”

“I totally get what you’re saying, and… if your environment was unique, it makes even more sense that you’d develop a hobby like that!”

“…”

Please, say something.

Shizune-san’s face was bright red, and she stayed completely silent. I couldn’t tell where the conversational landmines were, so I had to avoid saying anything reckless. But if I stayed quiet too, the awkwardness would kill me, so I had to come up with something to talk about.

“…Oh, wait, does that mean part of why you’re working for the Konohana family is because you were drawn to a place where you could wear a maid outfit…?”

As soon as I said it, I realized.

No way that’s true.

Like I thought earlier, Shizune-san is a top-tier maid. She must’ve gone through incredible hardships to reach her current position. I couldn’t believe she’d overcome all that just because she liked maid outfits.

But Shizune-san’s eyes widened, and her mouth shut tight.

That silence… could it actually mean she was agreeing?

“…Uh, come on, say something.”

“…”

“Is that… actually true? Isn’t there, like, a more serious reason…?”

Up until now, Shizune-san had been expressionless, but finally, her cheeks started turning red.

No way. Was she really just in it for the maid outfit?

“…Wait, didn’t you say before that it was because your university classes were boring, or because you admired Takuma-san back then?”

During the summer break, when we went shopping together at the supermarket, I heard about Shizune-san’s past. That’s how she ended up becoming a maid for the Konohana family, right?

“…Well, that’s part of it.”

Her ears now red, Shizune-san averted her gaze as she spoke.

“The maid outfit is about ninety percent… the other reasons are maybe ten percent.”

That’s way too much.

The maid outfit ratio is way too high.

It’s basically all about the maid outfit. She’s practically working just to wear it.

Now that I think about it, when we went shopping during the summer, Shizune-san was staring at a cute, girly dress displayed in a shop window. She said she was interested because her family was in the clothing business, but maybe she just wanted to wear it herself?

“Kuh… kuhh…”

At that moment, Shizune-san let out a strained sound.

Looking closely, I saw tears welling up in her eyes.

“W-whoa, are you crying!?”

“Kuh… it’s humiliating… No one’s ever found out before…”

“It’s okay! I won’t tell anyone, I swear!”

“Even my parents don’t know…”

Apparently, it was a grand secret.

All this time, Shizune-san has comforted me countless times. She’s guided me through manners, studies, and all my shortcomings, sometimes strictly, often kindly. But to think I’d be the one comforting her…

After a while, Shizune-san finally calmed down.

“…I’m sorry for losing my composure.”

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry…”

Honestly, if Shizune-san hadn’t lost her cool, I’d probably be the one freaking out even more.

“Here, a tissue…”

“…Thank you.”

Zubiii! Shizune-san blew her nose.

To think the Shizune-san would blow her nose like zubiii…

I looked at the woman in front of me anew.

Shizune-san. Last name: Tsumuri. Her long, straight black hair is beautiful, but more than that, her presence is so refined that it rivals even Hinako in her Ojou-sama mode.

…But she’s a college student, right?

Unlike Kagen-san or Takuma-san, she’s not a fully mature adult yet.

Maybe Shizune-san is more of an ordinary girl than I thought.

(…No way.)

That can’t be true.

There’s no way Shizune-san is just an ordinary girl.

After all, she’s risen to the position of head maid within the Konohana Group.

“…Look, I really don’t mind.”

I said to Shizune-san, who’d finished blowing her nose.

“Everyone has one or two things they want to keep hidden. The cosplay hobby was a surprise, sure, but… to me, Shizune-san is still the perfect, top-tier maid.”

A quirky hobby popping up now didn’t shake the image I had of her.

To me, Shizune-san will always be someone to look up to, a mentor supporting Hinako by her side. I still have so much to learn from her.

“So, I won’t treat you any differently. Please keep guiding me as strictly as always.”

I bowed deeply, conveying my unchanging respect.

Shizune-san stared at me for a moment.

“…That’s what I mean.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. You really are like a walking embodiment of sincerity, aren’t you?”

Shizune-san said with a small smile.

I wasn’t sure if she was praising me or teasing me, but as long as she was back to her usual self, I didn’t care either way.

“Lately, watching Ojou-sama enjoy herself, I sometimes think… maybe I should be a bit more open myself.”

Did she mean sharing her hobbies with someone?

It was an accident, but I felt honored to be the one she chose to share with…

“So, Izuki-san. Could I ask you for a favor?”

“…If it’s something I can do.”

What could it be?

It felt like we were about to wrap things up on a nice note… but this flow doesn’t feel good.

Oblivious to my unease, Shizune-san continued, fidgeting shyly.

“The thing is, while cosplaying, I… got interested in photography. Could you… help me with that…?”

…

………

…………………..Ugh, ughhh…….

“………………………..Got it.”

◆

“…Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Out of nowhere, Shizune-san’s photoshoot kicked off.

Holding the camera Shizune-san handed me, I waited in the room for a bit until the door to the changing area opened, and there she was.

Her outfit wasn’t the usual maid dress—it was a nun’s habit, like something you’d see in a church.

“Ugh, oh…”

“Is… something off?”

My weird reaction made Shizune-san tilt her head in confusion.

“No, it’s just… it suits you so well…”

“…Th-thank you.”

Maybe she wasn’t used to being complimented on her cosplay, because Shizune-san gave an awkward little bow.

Honestly, it did suit her. Shizune-san already had this pure, refined vibe, so seeing her in a nun’s outfit felt so natural it barely seemed like cosplay at all.

If I had to nitpick, the skirt was a tad shorter than what real nuns probably wear… but that’s just the cosplay flair, right?

“About the camera angles… could you shoot it like this, maybe?”

Shizune-san opened a laptop on the desk and pulled up some reference images.

“Got it. …You’ve really researched this stuff, huh?”

“…Yes.”

She nodded, looking a little embarrassed.

Since I was helping her out, she probably felt obliged to be upfront. But seeing this Shizune-san—so honest—felt… kinda cute.

Still—

“…Um, you’re not planning to post these online, right? That might be a bad idea…”

“I won’t. Absolutely not. This is just a personal hobby.”

I doubted she would, but if Shizune-san ever posted her cosplay pics online, someone might spot her on the street one day and go, “Hey, it’s that cosplayer!” That could spiral and even jeopardize the Konohana family’s reputation.

After all, we’re technically servants of the Konohana household.

We’ve got to keep that in mind while indulging in hobbies.

“Alright, let’s start shooting.”

Using the images on the laptop as a guide, I began photographing Shizune-san.

Right after, I showed her the shots I took, but—

“No, that’s not right. Could you angle it a bit more from the lower right?”

“Y-Yes, ma’am.”

“Let’s adjust the lighting. …You don’t need to focus so much on my face. Prioritize making the outfit stand out.”

“Understood…”

There it is.

The maid chief mode Shizune-san is coming out.

Even with her unusual hobby, Shizune-san was still Shizune-san. As I listened to her serious instructions, I found myself getting just as serious about the shoot.

Come to think of it, Shizune-san wears a maid outfit every day. I’ve gotten so used to it that I forgot—in the eyes of the world, a maid outfit is basically cosplay too.

So it’s not that surprising to see her in something else this elaborate.

Of course, the fact that she pulls it off so perfectly helps…

“Oh… Shizune-san, there’s a wrinkle here.”

There was a small crease in the veil she was wearing. It was hard to explain where, so I stepped closer and gently smoothed out the fabric.

After fixing the wrinkle, I glanced down—and locked eyes with Shizune-san.

“!”

Her refined, delicate face filled my entire field of vision. …Crap, I got too close.

But while I was freaking out, Shizune-san just gave me a gentle smile.

“…Thank you. If we’d kept shooting like that, the outfit would’ve looked pitiful.”

Her words carried an unmistakable sincerity.

…Oh.

This woman… she really loves clothes, doesn’t she?

She’d said so herself, but the depth of her passion was beyond what I’d imagined.

I was already planning to take this seriously, but seeing how much it meant to her lit a fire in me.

I raised the camera and snapped a shot of Shizune-san.

“Did it come out well?”

“Yup, like this.”

“…Nice. Alright, I’ll change into the next outfit.”

Next up was a nurse outfit.

It was pink, with a skirt instead of pants. The vibe was more cute than professional, and Shizune-san seemed a bit shy, probably not used to wearing something like this in front of others. Still, I kept shooting with focus.

“Looks great. It really suits you.”

“Thank you. Onto the next one…”

Maybe because we were both keeping things professional, we moved through the shoot quickly.

Gothic lolita, sailor uniform, magical girl, cheongsam… Shizune-san’s face was still a bit red, but her desire to showcase the outfits beautifully shone through even more.

I wanted to match that energy and kept shooting.

“Izuki-san, how’s it looking?”

“Perfect. Shizune-san, you make everything look good.”

“R-Really? …Alright, I’ll go change into the next one.”

Looking quietly pleased, Shizune-san went to change again.

While she was gone, I checked the photos I’d taken…

(…Wait a sec. Aren’t these a bit… risqué?)

I hadn’t noticed while shooting, but looking back, some of these felt like trouble.

The magical girl’s mini-skirt, the cheongsam’s slit… now that I’m seeing them, they’re pretty bold. You could clearly see her chest and the tops of her thighs.

(…Maybe I shouldn’t point it out right now.)

We’d finally gotten into a good rhythm. Plus, Shizune-san still seemed a bit shy but was clearly having fun.

She’d never shared her cosplay hobby with anyone before.

For her, today was the first time she could fully dive into cosplay and photography. Ruining that would be unthinkable.

“I’m ready. Please start shooting.”

“Leave it to me—wha—”

The resolve I’d steeled myself with crumbled in an instant at the sight of Shizune-san’s new outfit.

“It’s like something from an anime. The fabric feels a bit thin, though…”

She’s so focused on the clothes that she doesn’t seem to know much about the anime this cosplay is based on.

But that outfit… “thin” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Her chest and the tops of her thighs were completely exposed. The frilly, fluttering silhouette was cute, sure, but it did nothing to cover the important bits. The skirt was so short you could see inside… and was that supposed to look like a swimsuit? Is that even allowed in a cosplay?

It’s not just thin—it’s barely there.

“Uh, is it… okay to shoot this?”

“Yes.”

“It’s just, the, uh, exposure level feels a bit high…”

“It’s fine. No one else will see it but us.”

I’m the one who’s worried here…!

But I didn’t have the confidence to talk her out of it. At this point, it’s probably best to just finish the shoot quickly. I raised the camera and started snapping.

“Izuki-san, don’t rush. We have time, so please shoot carefully.”

“Y-Yes…”

“Carefully” is not the vibe this outfit calls for.

Also, my break time is almost up, so we don’t actually have that much time. …Shizune-san’s completely forgotten the schedule, hasn’t she?

(…Hold it together, my self-control.)

I’m pretty confident in my self-control. I don’t share a bath with Hinako every day for nothing. But seeing Shizune-san—who’s usually so guarded—in an outfit like this? Even I couldn’t stay calm.

And then—an even greater threat arrived.

Knock knock. Someone tapped on the door.

“…Shizune, you in there?”

Hinako showed up.

◇

—2:30 PM.

Hinako set down her pen and stretched her stiff back.

“…Phew…”

The studying she’d been grinding through since morning finally hit a good stopping point.

The pace of classes had slowed a bit to accommodate the Management Game, but it’d pick back up soon enough. She’d been diligently prepping and reviewing to stay ahead.

(Let’s see… what assignments do I still need to tackle?)

She opened her laptop and checked her email. In her inbox was a message from her father, Kagen, with a list of tasks.

Her father always sent her a rundown of assignments at the start of each month.

Language and culture, logic-based Japanese, classical literature, geography, world history, math, physics, biology, chemistry, earth science, civics, ethics, political economy, music, art, crafts, calligraphy, English, home economics, information science… even agriculture, industry, commerce, fisheries, nursing, welfare, and physical education.

Her father always pinpointed exactly what Hinako needed to focus on.

Hinako didn’t exactly love studying. In fact, she kind of hated it. Honestly, she’d trade every second at her desk for time napping in bed if she could.

But even so, she didn’t resent her father for pushing her.

Analyzing and curating such a detailed list of tasks wasn’t easy. Her father, busy as he was, must’ve put in serious effort to carve out time between work to compile it for her.

Knowing that, she couldn’t just brush it off.

Plus—

(…Heh, this is nothing.)

Ever since Izuki became her caretaker, Hinako had been on a roll.

She was even surpassing her father’s expectations.

It was strange. To tackle tough problems, you didn’t need raw intellect, stamina, or sheer willpower… you needed someone you cared about.

A heroine in a shoujo manga once said: A girl in love is invincible.

Hinako was starting to get what that line meant.

There were forces in this world that defied logic.

(…Where’d I put those materials?)

She rummaged around her desk but couldn’t find them.

Then she remembered—Shizune had helped her organize her bookshelf a while back. When she’d prepared some business management books for Izuki, they’d found a bunch of materials she wouldn’t need for a while and stashed them away. Turns out, she needed some of those now.

She left her room to find Shizune. In the hallway, a maid was cleaning the carpet.

“Oh, Ojou-sama. Is something the matter?”

“Shizune… where is she?”

“The head maid? I saw her heading into a room with Izuki-san earlier.”

Hinako’s eyes widened.

“With Izuki… in a room…?”

“Y-Yes… uh, is something wrong?”

The maid forgot to mention the crucial detail—that they were carrying spare flowers.

“…Take me there.”

“R-Right away.”

Sensing urgency in Hinako’s expression, the maid nervously led her to Shizune’s room.

“H-Here it is.”

“Mm… thanks.”

Arriving at Shizune’s door, Hinako knocked right away.

“…Shizune, you in there?”

The moment she called out, she heard a frantic clatter from inside.

“Shizune-san! Hurry and change…!”

“I-Izuki-san! Don’t talk right now…!”

Izuki’s voice.

Without hesitation, Hinako twisted the doorknob. It was locked.

Hinako might not know her way around, but she’d been to Shizune’s room a few times.

So she knew—Shizune, as head maid, got a lot of visitors and usually didn’t lock her door during work hours.

Right now, Shizune was definitely hiding something.

“…Shizune?”

“O-Ojou-sama, my apologies. I’m in the middle of changing…”

“With Izuki in there?”

“…”

Shizune went silent.

What… did that silence mean?

“…Open the door.”

Knock knock. She tapped on the door.

“…Open the door.”

Knock knock. She tapped on the door.

“…Open the door.”

Knock knock. She tapped on the door.

“…Open the door.”

Knock knock. She tapped on the door.

…

“…Shizune? You’re not… betraying me, are you…?”

…

…

Bam bam. She pounded on the door.

The maid who’d guided her looked pale.

Bam bam. She pounded again.

The door started to creak, but she kept hammering.

A heroine in a shoujo manga once said: A girl in love is invincible.

A door like this? She’d smash it to pieces.

“S-Sorry to keep you waiting, Ojou-sama!”

Just as she raised her fist to strike harder, Shizune emerged from the room.

Izuki came out too.

Both looked flustered… and drenched in sweat.

“The thing is, uh, my maid outfit tore…”

“Y-Yeah, so I was, uh, sewing it back together…”

“By ‘changing,’ I meant just swapping out the detachable apron…”

“It’s not like Shizune-san changed in front of me or anything…”

They were saying something, but it didn’t reach Hinako’s ears.

It was autumn, a bit chilly, yet both were sweating unnaturally. And for some reason, Shizune’s maid outfit was disheveled. She always wore it flawlessly, but now her chest area was slightly undone.

Two sweaty people. Shizune looking like she’d just thrown her clothes on in a hurry.

A scene from a shoujo manga Yuri had lent her flashed through Hinako’s mind.

That manga was… a different genre from the ones she’d borrowed before.

“Konohana-san, about that manga I lent you today. It’s kinda spicy, so maybe don’t show it to Shizune-san.”

“Got it. I’ll sneak it back to my room.”

Yuri had warned her, so Hinako had smuggled it to her room and read it in secret.

That manga taught her, for the first time, what intimacy between a man and woman really looked like. She knew such things existed, but the specifics—the steps, the movements—were new to her.

Her brain nearly short-circuited multiple times. She kept looking away, but for the sake of her future, she forced herself to keep reading.

So now, all she could see was two people who’d just been doing that.

The locked door, their frantic behavior—it all pointed to one thing.

“…”

Her mind refused to process it. Hinako’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

“H-Hinako’s dead—!?”

“No way, but let’s get her to the infirmary just in case!”

◆

—3:00 PM.

“For now, it seems there’s no cause for concern.”

Looking at Hinako sleeping on the infirmary bed, Shizune-san says.

According to the doctor, not only is her life not in danger, but her health is completely fine, so Shizune-san and I let out a sigh of relief. The cold sweat that had been dripping down finally begins to calm.

As her caretaker, it might be better for me to stay here and look after Hinako, but…

“…Hehe, Izuki…”

Hinako is completely sound asleep.

(She seems fine.)

At first, she was restless, but now she’s sleeping happily as usual.

What kind of dream is she having? It seems like I’m in it…

“Ojou-sama always takes a nap at this time, so she’ll probably keep sleeping for a while. …Shall we both get back to work?”

“Yes.”

I knew Hinako takes naps, so I think that’s a good idea.

“I know you understand, but… please keep my hobby strictly confidential.”

“…I understand completely.”

To Shizune-san, who gives me a serious look as if driving the point home, I nod deeply.

I have no interest in exposing people’s secrets.

“…Oh, right.”

“W-What? Don’t tell me there are conditions for keeping it confidential…?”

“No, that’s not it.”

To Shizune-san, who braces herself, I quickly deny it. …It seems her cosplay hobby is such a weakness that it makes her paranoid.

I just remembered something I wanted to consult with Shizune-san about.

“Shizune-san, could we resume the self-defense lessons? Things might get busy again, so I’m not sure if we can continue regularly, but…”

“It’ll get hectic once the election period starts, won’t it?”

It’s helpful that she catches on quickly.

Becoming a consultant. Joining the student council. When I prioritize those goals, self-defense lessons honestly aren’t that high on the list. Still, if I stop training altogether, it feels like a waste for my body, which I’ve worked hard to train, to get rusty.

“Actually, I have a perfect suggestion.”

Shizune-san says.

“Do you remember when you were almost fired as her caretaker and beat up the estate’s guards?”

“Beat up… I don’t think I went that far, but, well.”

It was when I forced my way into the estate to see Hinako again.

It’s already been half a year since then.

“I told you that after that incident, the guards got fired up and started training even more seriously, right? Recently, they’ve been asking to test their progress.”

“Progress?”

Does that have anything to do with me?

“They want a rematch.”

“…Huh?”

“Izuki-san. Would you spar with them?”

◆

–Four in the afternoon.

At the Konohana family’s dojo, I stood facing three guards.

“Osu! Please, let’s have a good match!!”

“Y-Yes, please…”

To the loud shouts of the stern men dressed in karate uniforms, I awkwardly bowed.

I was the one who said I wanted to resume self-defense lessons after a long break, but I didn’t expect to jump straight into actual combat.

My opponents were the three guards from the Konohana estate I defeated half a year ago. Two were gatekeepers, and one was patrolling inside the estate. Come to think of it, back then, after taking down the gatekeepers and entering the estate, I threw and kicked various staff members.

Looking back, I… really didn’t hold back.

I wanted to see Hinako again that badly, but maybe I should’ve thought things through a bit more.

“Izuki-kun. Do you remember me?”

One of the guards speaks up.

“Uh, you’re one of the gatekeepers, right?”

“That’s right.”

“…But I haven’t seen you around much lately.”

Having worked at the Konohana estate for half a year, I know that, except for special roles like an attendant, staff generally have fixed posts.

This guy should be a gatekeeper, but I haven’t seen him much. I go to the academy with Hinako, so I enter and leave the estate every weekday.

To my question, the guard answers.

“I was training in the mountains.”

…What’s that?

“I was training in the mountains.”

I shouldn’t have asked.

“…Uh, sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault. If anything, thanks to you, I realized my own weakness. …I begged the head maid and spent six months training in the mountains. Now, feel the evolution I’ve achieved.”

Glancing at Shizune-san, she puts a hand to her forehead and sighs. It seems she approved the mountain training but is exasperated by it.

“That said, I heard from the head maid that you haven’t been training lately. We requested this rematch, but are you sure you’re okay jumping into a match like this?”

“I practiced with Shizune-san for about an hour to get my senses back, so…”

As a warm-up, Shizune-san helped me review self-defense techniques.

I recalled all the techniques she taught me, and my body moved surprisingly well, so–

“…I think I’ll be fine.”

At that, the two guards widen their eyes, then grin confidently.

“Hmph… That aura. It wasn’t a fluke that you beat us.”

“Acting humble, but brimming with fighting spirit. That’s what got us last time.”

I feel like they’re massively misunderstanding me.

When I said I’m fine, I meant, “I’ll be okay enough not to get injured,” not, “I can take you guys down easily.”

Stop treating me like some overpowered character.

“Both sides, are you ready?”

At the center of the dojo, I face Guard A.

Shizune-san, acting as referee, looks at us.

The rules are simple. Since injuries could affect our work, attacks to vital areas are banned. Victory is achieved by making the opponent submit or scoring a point based on judo or karate rules. Shizune-san seems well-versed in martial arts rules, so that’s how it was set.

As Guard A and I take our stances, Shizune-san swings her hand down–

“First match–begin!”

As if aiming for a preemptive strike, Guard A lunges to grab me. I quickly step back to keep my distance, but as if reading my move, he closes in with a large step, slipping into my space.

(Crap–!)

For me, who was aiming to reset the situation, his sudden approach was unexpected.

My posture is off after retreating. The gatekeeper shoves me back with a palm strike.

Guard A immediately tries to pin me down with a grappling move as I fall. I try to push him off, but I can’t break free.

“G-Give…”

“That’s it!”

I tap Guard A’s back, and Shizune-san calls the match.

“I won! I freaking won!!”

“Hell yeah! Revenge achieved!!”

The guards hug each other, celebrating their victory.

As expected, they’re professionals. When they get serious, I can’t keep up.

But… what’s this feeling?

Seeing them celebrate so openly…

(Phew…)

I quietly exhale the air trapped in my lungs.

To cool my heated head.

“…So you can make that face too, Izuki-san.”

Shizune-san mutters something while looking at me, but I don’t catch it.

I silently stare at the guards.

“Izuki-san, want to take a break?”

“…No, I want to start right away.”

Since I lost so quickly, I still have plenty of stamina.

Plus, while I cooled my head, I didn’t want to douse the fire burning in my chest.

“Alright! I’m up next!”

Perhaps because the guard team won the first match, Guard B steps to the center of the dojo with high spirits. He should also be a gatekeeper.

I stand in front of Guard B, regulating my breathing.

“Second match–begin!”

Shizune-san swings her hand down.

At the same time, Guard B closes the distance. He must think taking the initiative leads to victory.

(Don’t underestimate me!)

I slap away his outstretched hand.

He reaches with his right arm, then his left, but I deflect and redirect each attempt. This guy seems skilled in jujitsu, avoiding strikes and focusing on grabbing me.

Elbow, belt, collar… If he’s using jujitsu, the places he’ll grab are predictable. If I can anticipate his targets, I just need to time my counters to fend him off.

“Tch!!”

Guard B, frustrated by the stalemate, reaches out irritably.

That’s what I was waiting for. –I grab his outstretched arm.

I’m pretty good at jujitsu too. I kept deflecting his grabs to lower his guard against being grabbed himself.

Seizing his carelessly extended arm, I sharply twist his joint outward.

“Owowowow!?”

As Guard B’s posture collapses, I execute an O-soto-gari throw.

Thud! Guard B’s back slams into the tatami.

“That’s it!”

Shizune-san signals the end of the match.

The defeated Guard B slumps on the spot.

“N-No way, I lost…!?”

“A lightning-fast setup, layered with complex feints… and that guy handled it so calmly. To think someone so young could surpass our skills…!?”

The two watching guards are stunned.

I knew there were feints mixed in. I can’t explain it well, but… by observing his face, I somehow saw through them.

I had a similar feeling recently. …Right, during the management game, when I looked beyond the data to the faces of the executives. It felt oddly similar.

“Izuki-san, are you okay without a break?”

“…Sorry, I’ll take a short one.”

This match used a bit of stamina.

I wipe the sweat from my forehead and take deep breaths.

“Honestly, that was close. I barely won with some mind games, but I don’t know about the next one…”

“…You’re already weird for beating a professional.”

Shizune-san says, slightly taken aback.

Guard B seems too devastated to move, as the other guards carry him to the edge of the dojo.

Well, it’s understandable for a professional guard to feel down after losing to a student.

It’s kind of odd for professionals to challenge a student to a match in the first place. …Wait, am I being put through something pretty immature here?

“Now, let’s begin the final match.”

After the break, I stand at the center of the dojo.

Guard C stands in front of me.

“I’m in charge of the estate’s security.”

Guard C bows politely.

“You probably don’t remember me, Izuki-san… but my back still aches from when you kicked it.”

Guard C flashes a bold grin.

But I stare straight back at him and say,

“…No, I remember. You’re the one who tackled me, right?”

After I entered the estate, this guy came at me with a merciless tackle. I barely dodged and kicked his back, but one misstep, and I would’ve lost.

If I’d taken that tackle back then… I wouldn’t have reached Hinako.

“…We’re even, then.”

“…Heh, exactly.”

Both of us exchange bold grins and face off.

“Third match–begin!”

As Shizune-san swings her hand down, Guard C and I step forward.

He unleashes a fierce strike, but I dodge by twisting my body. Palm strikes, roundhouse kicks, hand chops into hooks, straights. He’s mixing techniques from karate, boxing, and various martial arts.

Considering he tried a tackle half a year ago, he’s likely hiding more tricks. If those include submissions or throws, closing the distance is risky.

(…He wants me to think that, doesn’t he?)

It feels like he’s trying to keep me at a distance, maintaining a safe zone to attack while hoping I’ll slip up. He must be confident in his stamina, expecting me to falter eventually.

I use footwork to keep my distance–or pretend to, then take a step forward.

“!?”

Guard C’s eyes widen in shock, but he instantly raises his right knee.

Solid guard. I was aiming for a palm strike, but that knee won’t budge.

He regains the distance.

“Hehehe…”

Guard C chuckles.

“Shall I make you despair first? I’ve got a fifty percent win rate against the head maid.”

Only winning half the time against a professional makes me wonder what Shizune-san even is… but that’s impressive. Learning self-defense from her makes it clear.

However, Shizune-san, the referee, speaks up after hearing this.

“Izuki-san is stronger than me.”

“…What?”

“Even in the warm-up sparring before the match, he had a sixty percent win rate against me.”

No, that was just a fluke, I think… I only barely won more.

But it’s true that, compared to when I first became a caretaker, I’ve started winning against her a few times.

I feel like I’ve gotten better at mind games. In terms of self-defense mastery, I’m still no match for Shizune-san, but my win rate in matches has caught up.

“H-Heh, hahaha…”

Guard C laughs.

“E-Even so… there’s no way I’d lose…”

Cold sweat beads on his forehead.

He started this psychological warfare, but an unexpected counter has shaken his confidence. Mind games really aren’t worth it…

Guard C closes in. Maybe out of desperation, his moves are full of openings, but that makes them more aggressive.

I fail to properly deflect a front kick, and my posture falters as I step back.

“Now–!!”

Guard C goes for a tackle.

Tackles are tricky moves. A sloppy attempt can lead to a knee counter. But seeing my posture collapse, he must think he can close the gap now.

However–

(I lured you into that–!!)

My faltering posture was a bluff.

The moment Guard C goes for my torso, I collapse onto his body from above.

In the next instant, I roll backward, throwing Guard C over my head.

“Guh!?”

Guard C’s back slams into the dojo’s tatami.

It’s a judo move called Tawara-gaeshi.

“That’s it!”

The technique lands perfectly, and Shizune-san calls the match.

It’s customary to bow after a match, but the guard seems too stunned, staring at the ceiling in a daze.

“Ha, haha… No way… I trained so hard…”

“Do I have to go back to hiding in the mountains…!?”

The two defeated bodyguards clenched their fists in frustration.

(Two wins, one loss, huh…)

For me, who was fully prepared for a complete defeat, this is a good outcome.

No, it’s more than just a good outcome.

To compete against professional bodyguards and come out ahead… what’s that all about?

“…Izuki-san.”

Shizune-san called out to me, her expression complicated.

“Honestly… you’re more suited to being a bodyguard than a consultant.”

“…”

“Of course, you have talent as a consultant too… but as a bodyguard, it seems you have the kind of talent that could dominate the world.”

“…Please, stop.”

You’re making me waver…

◆

–Seven o’clock in the evening.

After the matches with the bodyguards ended, I quietly went about my servant duties, and before I knew it, it was time for dinner. Hinako, who had fainted earlier, was fully awake by then, and I headed to the dining hall with her.

As Hinako took her seat, the food was brought out.

“Ahn~”

I fed Hinako, sitting next to me, some carpaccio.

Tonight’s dinner seemed to be Italian. The main course hadn’t been served yet. It would probably be brought out once we finished the appetizers.

“Is it good?”

“Mmm… delicious.”

As Hinako’s caretaker, I eat in the Konohana family dining hall instead of the servants’ dining area while I’m with her. Normally, I’d eat the servants’ menu, but when I’m with Hinako, I get to eat the same food as her.

At first, I felt guilty, like I was getting special treatment, but not anymore. That’s because, for me, these meals are a chance to practice manners. Unlike other servants, I often have to display proper etiquette in public at Kiou Academy or high-society events. These meals serve as a rehearsal for those moments, so it’s not exactly like I’m the only one getting a good deal.

Well… feeding Hinako like this pretty much obliterates any sense of manners.

At the very least, I decided to mind my own etiquette and adjusted the position of my cutlery.

“…By the way, Izuki.”

“What’s up?”

“This afternoon… do you know if something happened?”

I dropped the fork I was holding onto the table.

“I think I went to Shizune’s room… but my memory after that is kind of hazy.”

“I-Is that so? Well, I don’t know anything about it~…”

“Hmm… I feel like something happened, though…”

“M-Maybe it’s just your imagination? You usually take a nap around that time, right? Could be you just dreamed something.”

Conveniently, Hinako seemed to have forgotten I was in Shizune-san’s room. But her memory wasn’t completely gone, as she tilted her head curiously.

No way I’m letting her remember—.

“H-Hey, Hinako! Look, the next dish is here! Ahn~!”

“Mmm…”

A hearty minestrone soup arrived, so I carefully scooped some with a spoon and brought it to Hinako’s mouth.

Hinako’s face lit up. It must’ve been delicious.

Switching spoons, I started eating my own portion.

Italian courses often include two main dishes. The first is usually pasta, and the second is typically meat or fish. But even for the Konohana family, a full course every night is a bit much, so one of them is usually skipped.

As I savored the refined tanginess of the minestrone, the pasta arrived. Looks like the meat dish was skipped tonight.

“You two are as close as ever, huh.”

A voice suddenly called out from behind.

Turning around, I nearly spat out my soup.

“Ah… Papa.”

“Kagen-san—!?”

It had been a while.

I’d been busy with the management game lately, and Kagen-san had been staying at the main residence for work, so we hadn’t had a chance to meet.

“Shizune, I’ll be eating here tonight too.”

“Understood. I’ll have your meal prepared immediately.”

Shizune-san, who had been standing by, headed to the kitchen.

Kagen-san took a seat across from me.

“What’s wrong, Izuki-kun? Just eat with my daughter as usual. Like always.”

Kagen-san smiled gently as I paused mid-meal.

But on closer inspection, his eyes weren’t smiling.

“Izuki… I want to eat this next…”

Hinako pointed at the pasta.

Please, Hinako…

For the sake of my heart, just eat on your own for now…!!

◆

With a sense of tension, dinner came to an end.

Hinako, sitting next to me, started to look drowsy.

“Hinako, sleepy?”

“Mmm…”

She’d been looking tired since I fed her the tiramisu for dessert, and now she seemed to have hit her limit.

I’d just finished eating too, so I thought about carrying her to her room when—

“Shizune, take Hinako to her room.”

“As you wish.”

At Kagen-san’s words, Shizune-san nodded.

As Shizune-san moved to take Hinako, Hinako looked at me.

“Izuki, come too…”

“Izuki-kun and I have something to discuss.”

At Kagen-san’s words, Hinako let out a small “Muu…” of protest but followed Shizune-san down the hallway and out of sight.

…Discuss? What’s that about?

With Shizune-san gone, the dining hall was left with just me and Kagen-san. Kagen-san, who started eating later, was still working on his main pasta dish, and the faint clinking of cutlery echoed in the room.

His impeccable manners were beautiful just to watch.

Hinako and Tennouji-san have perfect manners too, but Kagen-san exuded a deep, experienced confidence. This wasn’t a formal social setting, so he was probably a bit more relaxed. Yet his grace was undeniable, a result of meticulous habits ingrained in his body.

“Come to think of it, you’ve had that look in your eyes from the start.”

Kagen-san said, looking at me.

“The kind of look that sincerely respects others and tries to learn from them. It’s no wonder you pick things up so quickly. Your manners have improved quite a bit, haven’t they?”

“…Thank you.”

He’s praising me… right?

In this solemn atmosphere, I wasn’t sure how much I should let myself feel happy. Kagen-san rarely praises me, so I was a bit unsure how to respond.

“You’ve been through enough situations that you don’t even seem nervous anymore.”

Kagen-san said, taking a bite of pasta.

“…No, I’m definitely nervous.”

I’m just holding it in.

When I answered honestly, Kagen-san widened his eyes, then chuckled lightly.

“…Not quite like Takuma, huh.”

What does that mean?

But if it were Takuma-san sitting in front of me instead of Kagen-san… he’d probably have seen through my inner nervousness in an instant.

As Kagen-san finished his pasta, the tiramisu dessert was brought out.

After the maid cleared the plates and disappeared into the kitchen, Kagen-san began to speak.

“I’m truly glad I didn’t fire you.”

Kagen-san said, scooping a bit of tiramisu with a small teaspoon.

“…But I’m hesitating to say that so easily.”

He said, bringing the spoon to his mouth.

“Since you came, Hinako has started showing expressions she never did before. As a father, that’s something I should welcome. …But I’m also the chairman of the Konohana Group. Honestly, watching Hinako lately makes me a bit anxious.”

Kagen-san spoke calmly.

He didn’t look anxious at all, though…

“…To you, Kagen-san, is Hinako changing for the worse?”

“I can’t say that outright, which is why I’m troubled. Sometimes I feel she’s more immature than I thought, but lately, I’m more often surprised by how unexpectedly she’s growing. …She’s even breezing through the monthly study assignments. She pretends to barely manage them to avoid getting more, though.”

Hinako was doing that…?

“But my position doesn’t let me simply rejoice in those surprises. If Hinako becomes uncontrollable like this, I might not be able to raise her into someone suitable for the Konohana Group. …If I think purely about how easy it is to control her, things were overwhelmingly simpler before you came.”

I had a feeling he wasn’t asking for an apology. …So I didn’t apologize.

It’s nothing major. Kagen-san is just wavering. Seeing Hinako’s recent changes, he’s unsure what he should feel—expectation, joy, anxiety, or urgency. He might not know which is the right answer.

He was simply venting those very human concerns.

Since I’m likely the cause of those changes… Kagen-san must have chosen to confide in me.

“…I don’t know what kind of struggles you’ve been through, Kagen-san.”

So I don’t know what the “correct” emotion for him to feel is.

“But I think it’s not too late for you to be free from that position.”

Kagen-san once told me something.

That he prioritized the family over his daughter. That at that moment, he became a cog in the Konohana family machine.

But—.

“It’s not too late to step away from being a cog in the Konohana family and just be a father.”

Kagen-san’s eyes widened.

“…You’re starting to overstep.”

“I’ve been through a lot of problems that couldn’t be solved without overstepping.”

These past six months have been the most intense time of my life.

The people I’ve met, the problems they faced, and the answers they found—I’ll never forget them.

Kagen-san is just another person with his own problems. Back when I first became Hinako’s caretaker, I thought it was arrogant for someone like me to try to connect with him… but now, I think I might be able to help, even just a little.

I’ve always thought this.

Kagen-san seems to be carrying too much.

Over the past six months, I’ve met other adults in similar positions— Tennouji-san’s parents, Narika’s parents. They’re in roles like Kagen-san’s.

But compared to them, Kagen-san seems to lack some kind of ease.

There’s definitely something going on with the Konohana family.

“If there’s anything I can do…”

“—It’s too soon.”

Kagen-san said firmly.

“This isn’t like the management game. For you to step into the Konohana family—it’s still too soon.”

He clearly set a boundary.

Thinking about it, while I’ve grown close to Hinako over these six months, I haven’t had much deep interaction with Kagen-san. As for Takuma-san, his elusive personality makes me feel like I still don’t fully understand him.

And to begin with—this mansion is just the Konohana family’s secondary residence.

The truly important matters for the Konohana family are handled at the main residence, not here.

I’ve lived with the Konohana family for six months, but… maybe I still don’t know anything about them at all.

“…If you manage to join the student council at Kiou Academy, I’ll consider it.”

Kagen-san said, showing a hint of hesitation.

My eyes widened involuntarily. That was something Kagen-san would never have said to the old me, no matter what.

He’s watching me too.

He’s acknowledging my growth.

“…Understood.”

I nodded, firming my resolve.

A new goal had been set.

Join the student council and get more deeply involved with the Konohana family.

During this conversation with Kagen-san, I had a faint premonition.

If things stay as they are, there might come a time when I can’t support Hinako. …That’s the feeling I got.

“Pardon the interruption during your meal.”

At that moment, Shizune-san, who had taken Hinako to her room, returned.

“Kagen-sama, Ojou-sama wishes to go out tomorrow.”

“Go out? Why?”

“Earlier, Tennouji Mirei-sama invited her to a study session. She wants to repay Izuki-san for the help during the management game, but…”

That’s probably about her keeping me company when I was burning out from the game.

“Have her come here.”

Kagen-san said.

“We visited their place before, didn’t we? It’s about time we invited her to this mansion.”

“Understood.”

As Kagen-san sipped his coffee, Shizune-san nodded deeply.

◆

And so, on Sunday—.

Tennouji-san came to the Konohana family mansion.

“We’ve been expecting you, Tennouji-sama.”

“Indeed!”

Tennouji-san puffed out her chest proudly as Shizune-san bowed deeply.

“I—have arrived!”

She was even more cheerful than usual.

Her golden blonde vertical curls somehow seemed to shine brighter than ever.

The study session today would include just three people: Tennouji-san, Hinako, and me.

The main focus of the study session was to reflect on the management game. Tennouji-san probably wanted to discuss it with Hinako, who had managed a company of the same scale during the game, and suggested the study session. I got roped in too.

“Welcome, Tennouji-san.”

“Fufufu… Konohana Hinako, let’s make today a productive day!”

Hinako and Tennouji-san met at the mansion’s entrance.

Then Tennouji-san looked at me, standing next to Hinako.

“…You really are living together, aren’t you?”

I gave an awkward laugh.

I’d already explained my official role, but seeing me so naturally at the Konohana mansion seemed to make her think twice.

“Now, Tennouji-sama, allow me to guide you.”

“Indeed!”

Following Shizune-san’s lead, the three of us walked through the mansion.

After entering, Tennouji-san’s eyes darted around.

“T-this is Konohana Hinako’s home… As expected, it’s filled with nothing but top-class items…”

I wondered what she was looking at, but apparently, she was appraising the paintings and ceramics on display.

Tennouji-san’s house was plenty luxurious too, but…

“…By the way, this is the secondary residence.”

“The secondary residence!?”

When I whispered that clarification, Tennouji-san was shocked.

Yeah, a secondary residence of this scale is something else.

It’s not worth dwelling on now, but… the fact that they built a secondary residence of this magnitude might be one of the Konohana family’s mysteries.

Someday, I’ll ask Kagen-san for the answer to that mystery.

“Where am I being led to right now?”

“To one of the guest rooms. We’ve prepared an environment conducive to focus.”

When Shizune-san explained, Tennouji-san paused to think.

“Is Konohana Hinako’s room not an option?”

“…My apologies. Ojou-sama’s room is currently under renovation.”

Renovation? Tennouji-san tilts her head.

To tell the truth, I can’t let her in because the room’s a mess and I’d slip up. …If she found a bag of potato chips or something, it’d be no laughing matter.

“Then how about Tomonari-san’s room?”

An unexpected proposal is thrown my way.

Shizune-san glances at me, silently asking for my opinion.

“I don’t mind, but wouldn’t a more proper room be better…?”

“Oh my, I suggested it precisely because I’m tired of studying in those so-called proper rooms you’re imagining, Tomonari-san. It’s a rare opportunity, and a change of pace isn’t a bad idea.”

When she puts it like that, my room starts to feel like the only right choice.

I meet Shizune-san’s eyes, and she nods.

“Alright, my room it is then.”

I haven’t prepared for guests at all, but I do have a table that can seat three. I haven’t slacked on cleaning either, so it should be fine.

“Then I’ll go prepare some drinks.”

At the hallway’s fork, Shizune-san bows and starts to leave.

At that moment, Hinako speaks up.

“Shizune, I’ll help.”

“Ojou-sama…?”

“Tennouji-san is always so kind to me, so I want to brew the tea myself.”

Hinako says this with a gentle smile.

“Ko-Konohana Hinako…!!”

Tennouji-san clutches her chest, visibly moved.

Tears well up in the corners of her eyes. Apparently, being served tea by Hinako is an overwhelmingly joyful event for Tennouji-san.

Lately, Hinako has been taking up tea brewing as a hobby. …This is just my guess, but for Hinako, who’s always relying on others, doing something for someone else might be surprisingly enjoyable.

I once had her brew me tea as a thank-you for something.

This must be one of the changes Kagen-san was talking about.

Since Shizune-san and Hinako head toward the kitchen, I guide Tennouji-san. It’s just to my room, so no problem.

“This is my room.”

I open the door and let Tennouji-san enter first.

Tennouji-san takes a quick look at the room’s interior.

“As expected, compared to the room I saw during summer break, this one’s much tidier.”

“Well, even if it’s a servant’s room, it’s still part of the Konohana family’s estate.”

This room is leagues better than the house I used to live in. The floors and walls are pristine, there’s a fluffy bed… it’s paradise.

“Izuki-san.”

Oh… that’s the signal.

Right, we’re alone now. I can drop the formal tone.

“What’s up?”

“Hehe, I just wanted to try calling you. …I was wondering what I’d do if you forgot our signal.”

I probably won’t ever forget. …When we’re alone, I drop the honorifics. It’s an important promise between me and Tennouji-san, a sign of our true closeness.

“It’s been a while since we’ve talked alone like this.”

“Has it? We hung out during the Management Game…”

“That was already half a month ago.”

Was it that long ago…?

The Management Game was so intense that time feels like it’s flying by.

“Half a month since we’ve been alone. And in Izuki-san’s room, no less…”

Tennouji-san seems to realize something, her cheeks faintly flushing.

“…In Izuki-san’s room… alone…”

I wish she’d stop muttering weird things.

It’s making me conscious of it too.

“…Oh?”

Suddenly, Tennouji-san looks down and lets out a puzzled sound.

“…Slippers, two pairs?”

Cold sweat pours from my entire body.

Tennouji-san is staring at two pairs of slippers by the room’s entrance. It’s been chilly at night lately, so I’ve been using slippers… but the problem is that one pair is unmistakably cute and feminine.

Of course, they belong to Hinako.

Tennouji-san then shifts her gaze to the bed…

“A woman’s blanket…?”

Of course, that’s Hinako’s too.

This is bad.

I need to deflect.

Spotting some papers left out on the desk, I seize on a new topic.

“O-Oh, by the way! How far have you gotten on your self-observation report!?”

Forcing the subject change, Tennouji-san opens her bag.

“It’s mostly filled out. Here’s how it looks.”

Seems like Tennouji-san wanted to discuss this too, as she brought the report with her.

I take a look at its contents.

—7:00 AM, wake up!!

—I drink an early morning tea!!

(…Her writing’s flashy too.)

It’s written in bold, thick pen strokes with so much force it’s almost unsettling despite her elegant handwriting.

Apparently, she drinks tea in the early morning, then takes a light walk in the garden to break a sweat, all for beauty and health reasons.

Come to think of it, Hinako doesn’t exercise at all, yet somehow maintains her figure.

It’s a mystery…

“So, how is it!? My elegant daily routine!?”

“Uh… it’s full of energy.”

“Isn’t it just, isn’t it just!”

It’s more the writing than the content that catches my eye.

Thinking about it, Tennouji-san’s financial reports for the Management Game were so flashy they looked like supermarket flyers.

“…Wait, do you write all your assignments like this?”

“Yes! I make them as bold as possible!”

Seriously…?

Well, I guess that’s part of Tennouji-san’s charm. Her hairstyle’s already that bold.

As I’m thinking this, Tennouji-san lets out a “hmph.”

“I know what you’re trying to say, Izuki-san. But I believe this is a way to catch people’s attention.”

“I think you catch everyone’s attention without doing that.”

I voice my honest thoughts, and Tennouji-san suddenly falls silent.

Her cheeks, for some reason, flush red.

“I-Is that so…?”

“Yeah.”

I nod, and Tennouji-san goes quiet again…

“In your…”

Tennouji-san looks at me and says,

“In your eyes, do I stand out too?”

She asks with a hint of nervousness.

But the answer to that question is already clear in my mind.

“Of course.”

I answer firmly, and Tennouji-san puffs out her cheeks.

“Mmph~”

“W-What?”

“That’s not a question you answer so easily!”

Was it…?

To me, it felt like a question I could answer instantly.

“Have you finished your report, Izuki-san?”

“Nah, I’m planning to fill it out tonight.”

I show her my blank report.

I could’ve written it last night, but I thought leaving some time would help me write more calmly.

“Miyakojima-san might be working on her report right now too.”

Tennouji-san says in a small voice.

“Still on your mind, huh?”

“Naturally. We’re rivals aiming for student council president.”

Tennouji-san has always seen Hinako as a rival.

But in the upcoming student council election, Narika is her rival. Hinako isn’t running for any position.

Tennouji-san probably… isn’t letting her guard down. You can tell from the mix of tension and anxiety on her face right now. She likely sees Narika as a rival on par with Hinako.

Honestly, Narika’s performance in the Management Game was incredible.

Narika was already a standout at Kiou Academy, mostly due to her looks and athletic achievements. But the Management Game completely flipped that image.

In terms of the shockwave she sent through the student body, Narika outshone both Hinako and Tennouji-san. Everyone now knows Miyakojima Narika has a talent for business.

“Izuki-san.”

Tennouji-san looks at me with a serious expression.

“Whose side are you—”

“—Excuse me.”

Mid-question, the door opens, and Shizune-san enters.

“Izuki-san, Ojou-sama is looking for the tea leaves, but…”

“Tea leaves? I think they’re at the back of the shelf…”

Pretending to recall the location, I keep my composure.

…Honestly, Shizune-san’s timing saved me.

I wasn’t confident I could answer that question.

“…It’s in a tricky spot, so I’ll go check.”

I remember where the tea leaves are.

I once discussed with another maid and stored the less-used tea leaves at the back of the shelf. That’s probably what she wants. I recall the spot, but it’s hard to explain in words.

“Tennouji-san, sorry, I’ll step out for a bit.”

“Oh, I’ll wait here leisurely.”

Since Shizune-san is here, I revert to my formal tone with Tennouji-san.

Tennouji-san gives a soft smile.

◇

After Izuki and the others leave the room,

Mirei lets out a small sigh.

(I wanted him to say he’s on my side… but not saying it is what makes Izuki-san so great.)

The maid interrupted her question. But he probably guessed what she was about to ask.

For a moment, she hoped. Hoped he’d say he’s on her side. But at the same time, she feared. Feared he’d say he’s on the other candidate’s side… Miyakojima Narika’s.

But thinking about it, he’s not the type to give such a careless answer.

Izuki is the kind of guy who ponders when he needs to.

He’s not particularly quick to judge, nor does he have an extraordinary wealth of knowledge or a genius-level intellect. His family background is, frankly, below average, he doesn’t exude intense charisma, and his looks aren’t exactly breathtaking.

But… he’s relentlessly sincere and spares no effort to follow through on his convictions.

That’s what she fell for.

(…Fell for.)

She loves him.

There’s no lying about these feelings.

Putting it into words means she has to face this emotion head-on. These feelings have caused her plenty of worries, but in those moments, she thinks of him.

She wants to be someone who can face things as directly as he does.

(Now then…)

Mirei scans the room.

She’s alone. No one’s watching.

So Mirei—boldly expresses her current feelings with her body.

(Just as planned, I made it into Izuki-san’s room—!!)

She strikes a triumphant pose.

Truth be told, the moment the study session was set to take place at the Konohana estate, Mirei had been scheming to get into Izuki’s room. The casual conversation right after entering the estate was all part of her strategy. If Izuki had refused, she would’ve backed off, but thankfully, he allowed it.

(To know more about the person you love, you must see their private space. …That’s what the book said!!)

It was written in her favorite book, Even a Monkey Can Understand the Art of Romance.

But this situation has a time limit. Mirei quickly begins observing Izuki’s room.

(So Izuki-san studies here…)

The first thing that catches her eye is the desk.

Textbooks, reference books, and notebooks are neatly arranged. Sticky notes list tasks, including one for reviewing the Management Game. He’s thorough, even revisiting past events. Such a hard worker.

(Not a speck of dust. So meticulous.)

She runs her finger along the desk’s surface, but no dust sticks.

It’s not just the desk. The table and chairs are spotless, and the floor is pristine. He must clean regularly and handle things with care.

(…So this is how he studies, huh?)

She gently sits in the chair.

She tries to experience the view he sees for herself.

(When he’s tired… maybe he rests like this…)

Standing from the chair, she plops down on the carpeted floor.

There’s a soft cushion, so she uses it as a backrest. With a table in front of her, he might read books here.

Is this how he spends his days?

It’s starting to feel kind of surreal…

As her gaze wanders restlessly, she spots the bed.

(…A-At night… he’d be on the bed like this…)

Unconsciously, she climbs onto the bed.

She lifts the covers and slips her body underneath.

Pulling the covers back over, she’s fully ready to sleep.

Does he always sleep here, like this…?

Taking a soft breath, she’s surrounded by a scent that’s not her own.

(I-Izuki-san’s scent… wait, isn’t this Konohana Hinako’s scent?)

Her dreamy mood instantly cools.

No way, she thinks, but buries her face in the covers to check the scent.

…No mistake.

This is Konohana Hinako’s scent.

(That’s strange…)

It’s unlikely they use the same detergent… that theory doesn’t hold. Clothes and bedding use different detergents. It’s odd that the scent from Konohana Hinako’s clothes matches the one from this bed.

Mirei has danced with Izuki several times. Dancing brings bodies close, making it easy to catch the other’s scent.

So she’s certain.

This scent isn’t Izuki’s.

(…He brushed it off, but women’s slippers and a blanket in Izuki-san’s room are definitely suspicious.)

What exactly is he hiding?

As she seriously ponders this—

“—Excuse me.”

The door suddenly opens, and Shizune steps in.

To be precise, she had knocked, but Mirei, lost in thought, didn’t notice.

And I had forgotten.

Where I was right now—.

“Tennouji-sama, would you prefer scones or muffins for tea—”

Shizune froze.

Mirei was lying on her back in Izuki’s bed.

The blanket was neatly tucked over her, from her toes all the way up to her chest…

Cold sweat broke out across Mirei’s entire body.

“T-The Tennouji Group! They’ve been thriving in bedding development!”

“Yes.”

“Checking the performance of the bed Tomonari-san uses daily is, without exaggeration, a mission befitting the daughter of the Tennouji family!”

“I see.”

“S-So, this is absolutely not due to any improper feelings…!!”

“I understand.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

…

“…Please don’t tell anyone.”

“Understood.”

The tea was paired with muffins.

◆

The study session proceeded smoothly.

With tea and snacks prepared, Hinako, Tennouji-san, and I gathered in my room, opened our laptops, and discussed the results of the management game.

The focus was mainly on identifying improvements, like “we should’ve done this” or “that would’ve been better.” We delved especially deeply into whether those strategies could realistically be applied in the real world.

“Konohana Hinako. Your approach is certainly efficient, but doesn’t it make it difficult to boost employee motivation?”

“I believe that’s not necessarily true if the vision is carefully shared with employees. In fact, here’s a survey from the Konohana Group’s employees in real life…”

“You plan to share the vision in detail across the entire group? Time and labor costs aren’t free, you know. In that case, my approach of clear, bold reforms would surely—”

“With lifetime employment being questioned these days, flashy reforms don’t seem to fit the times. For a startup, maybe, but we’re managing rock-solid conglomerates…”

Both of them were pulling real-world data to fuel their debate.

“What do you think, Tomonari-san?”

The conversation turned to me, so I thought for a moment before answering.

“We might need to reform the HR system. I’ve been studying HR consulting lately, and there was a similar case…”

There happened to be a textbook on the desk, so I picked it up to show everyone. Having the study session in my room was a lifesaver.

And so, the study session continued seriously until the end—.

“—Oh, it seems my ride is here.”

It was time for Tennouji-san to head home.

We left the mansion and passed through the gate, where the Tennouji family’s car was already waiting. I caught the driver’s eye and gave a slight bow. He was a sharp-looking man in a black suit, perfectly fitting the image of a Tennouji family servant. Even their drivers were cool.

“Ahem.”

Tennouji-san cleared her throat softly.

“Well… today was truly enjoyable! So, um… you’re welcome to invite me again, you know?”

“Sure, we’ll call you again.”

When Hinako said that with a smile, Tennouji-san’s face lit up with joy.

“T-then! I shall take my leave!!”

Tennouji-san climbed into the car.

Somehow, her steps seemed a little livelier than usual.

After seeing the car off, we returned to the mansion.

I headed to my room with Hinako.

Hinako walked into my room as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“We studied a ton.”

“Mmm… I’m tired.”

But Hinako seemed to feel the time was well spent, her expression tinged with a sense of fulfillment.

She slipped into the slippers left in my room as if it were second nature, then wrapped herself in a blanket. It was a familiar sight for me, but I decided I’d hide them whenever guests might show up in the future.

“Alright… time to write.”

I sat at the desk and looked at the documents in front of me.

Hinako, still wrapped in her blanket, shuffled closer.

“The student council… report?”

“Yeah. I was thinking of summarizing yesterday and today’s stuff.”

The content was mostly set, so once I picked up the pen, the words flowed easily. I recalled yesterday’s schedule, noting why I did what I did.

Since living in the Konohana household had to stay a secret, I wrote mansion cleaning as room cleaning, taking care of Hinako as pet care, and sparring with the guards as jogging or strength training. The tasks weren’t all that different, so for showing my character, this should be fine. …Though taking care of Hinako might be a bit of a stretch.

At some point, Hinako had curled up on the bed, fast asleep with a blissful expression.

For a while, the only sound was the scratch of my pen on paper.

“…Alright.”

Finishing the report, I stretched my back lightly.

It took about an hour, all told. I glanced back to check on Hinako, and she was still sleeping soundly. Come to think of it, she joined the study session today, so she didn’t get her usual nap. The sleepiness must be hitting her now.

(…Oh, right, I was asked to organize the kitchen.)

Earlier, while looking for tea leaves in the kitchen, Shizune-san had asked me to tidy up. She’d said to do it when I had free time, so I decided to tackle it now.

(Hinako… I’ll just let her be.)

There was still a little time before dinner.

I’d wake her when it was time, so for now, I’d let her sleep.

Careful not to make a sound, I quietly opened the door and left the room.

◇

Feeling the door move, Hinako slowly opened her eyes.

“…Izuki?”

He wasn’t there. Maybe he had something to do?

She thought about going back to sleep, but her eyes were already awake. A glance at the clock showed it was almost dinnertime. It might be better to stay up.

Groggily climbing out of bed, Hinako’s gaze fell on the desk.

There was a report, apparently from the student council.

“…Mmm.”

It looked like it was already filled out, so she decided to read it.

Yesterday and today’s schedules were roughly outlined, but…

(…So Izuki.)

A smile crept onto her face.

His personality shone through in the way he wrote.

Morning cleaning. But I didn’t know how to handle some of the tools, so there’s still a lot to learn.—Or something like that.

Finished prepping and reviewing for classes. But lately, my grades in memorization subjects feel like they’re slipping, so there’s room to improve my study methods.—Or something like that.

He was still far from satisfied with where he was.

The report practically radiated his determination to keep pushing harder.

But in truth, Izuki was already doing more than enough.

Hinako had often overheard the mansion’s staff praising him.

For example, yesterday… the gardener was talking to the butler.

“The flowers today were absolutely stunning. The guests were thrilled.”

“Actually, Izuki-kun came by this morning to collect flowers. You can’t slack off in front of him. Even to a humble gardener like me, he gives a look of respect… I’ve been working harder to live up to his expectations.”

The maids were chatting too.

“Izuki-kun somehow memorized all the dishware brands already.”

“He memorized the vases too. He’s so dedicated. We need to step up our game.”

And the guards were talking.

“Protecting Ojou-sama is our job, not that guy’s!!”

“Exactly!! …Ugh, damn it…!!”

“Don’t cry, you lot. To surpass him, we’ll aim even higher!!”

Since Izuki arrived, the people in the mansion seemed brighter.

He might not have noticed the change himself, but Hinako, Shizune, and the staff—who’d been here for years—knew it well.

That’s why everyone was grateful for him.

“…Just a little.”

Picking up the pen, she added a brief note to the report.

Just a little shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Izuki tended to undervalue himself. If the student council read his self-assessment and thought that was all there was to him, that wouldn’t do.

“…There.”

She put the pen back where it was.

At that moment, the door opened, and Izuki walked in.

“Oh, Hinako. You’re awake?”

“Just woke up.”

“Perfect timing. Dinner’s almost ready.”

“Mmm… Let’s go.”

Hinako left the room with Izuki.

Once, to Hinako, Izuki was just a caretaker she could easily lean on.

But now, having fallen in love with him…

His back… felt stronger and more dependable than anyone else’s.