Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 1 Chapter 1

My Parents Skipped Town, and I Got Kidnapped

"Take care."

I never thought my parents would say that to me.

I don't know if they were influenced by some hard-boiled Western movie or a manga, but after saying that, my parents left our run-down apartment, which cost 20,000 yen a month. It was 10:00 PM. Were they just going to an izakaya? They'd probably be home around midnight... That's what I thought at the time.

Several days passed, and my parents never reappeared. It seems they abandoned me.

"...You've got to be kidding me."

To be precise, they didn't just abandon me; they skipped town in the middle of the night.

Our family was already struggling financially, and my dad's drinking problem and my mom's gambling addiction were the main reasons. Their bad reputation had spread all over the neighborhood, and one of the neighbors witnessed them fleeing. After hearing from a neighbor that my parents had scrambled off somewhere, the reality of my situation finally hit me.

"...And the opening ceremony for my second year of high school is tomorrow."

Looking back, maybe the fact I was able to attend high school at all was a miracle.

While taking care of my parents, I worked part-time every day to earn my tuition, and I'd just barely managed to make it to the second year... Now, I was completely lost. The rent? Utilities? Food? Our family had been mostly living off the money I earned, though my parents did chip in a bit for rent. Suddenly, all the household expenses fell on my shoulders, and there was no way I could cover them.

...I'll go buy lunch. I decided to stop thinking.

The clock pointed to 4:00 PM, and I hadn't eaten anything all day. I had torn the apartment apart looking for money, but I found none. My total assets are the 200 yen currently in my wallet.

Should I go talk to the police? Before that, maybe I should talk to my friends from school? No, that would just burden them. The bright sunlight shining on me only made my mood gloomier.

As I walked down the familiar street, I heard voices chatting somewhere.

"Hehe."

"Indeed."

What a refined response. I looked over and saw two female students in neat uniforms walking up a gentle slope.

I'd heard that at the top of that gentle slope was one of the country's top three prestigious schools. Unlike regular schools focused on college entrance exams, this was, to put it bluntly, a school for rich kids.

The students who attended that school were all children of millionaires—young masters and young ladies. The academic requirements were extremely high, the facilities were top-notch, and the curriculum was more advanced than a normal high school. They lived fulfilling lives in every sense. My high school starts tomorrow, but theirs has apparently already started. Maybe prestigious schools don't get long breaks.

"We live in completely different worlds... I can't even laugh."

Even the way we walk is different. You can tell they were raised well. I'm too tired to even be jealous. Still, it's rare to see students from that school walking around here.

It was after school hours. Normally, kids from that school would be picked up by their family's car; you don't often see them on the street.

"...Hmm?"

On my way to the convenience store, I noticed what looked like a cardholder at my feet. I picked it up—it was a student ID.

It seemed one of the two girls from earlier had dropped it.

"Hinako Konohana... wait, now's not the time to be reading the name."

The person who dropped it was right in front of me; there was no need to check the name and address.

If I ran, I could easily catch up to her. It looked like she had parted ways with her friend, as she was now walking alone.

"Excuse me!"

When I called out, she immediately turned her head. Bright amber hair fluttered, and the sunlight illuminated her well-defined profile. This must be what they mean by a beauty looking back, I thought, momentarily captivated—

"—Huh?"

Suddenly, a black sedan pulled up next to the girl. The doors opened, and two large men got out. Without a word, the men dragged the girl into the car.

—What's happening?

No, it was obvious what was happening, but it was such an unrealistic scene—something I'd only seen in manga or dramas—that I froze in shock...

This is no time to be stunned. Right now, before my very eyes—someone was being kidnapped.

"W-Wait!!"

I decided I couldn't just ignore this, and I yelled out instinctively.

"Who the hell are you!!"

"You know this girl!?"

The two men, who appeared to be kidnappers, shouted.

Unfortunately, there was no one else around, so my shout only served to make them panic.

"Tch, we can't let a witness go! You're coming too!"

"Waah—!?"

They forcefully grabbed my arm and dragged me into the car. And just like that, I was kidnapped along with the girl.

"Alright, that should hold you. Stay put."

The smaller of the two kidnappers said.

We were in some abandoned factory. This kidnapping seemed to have been carefully planned. The girl and I had our hands and feet locked in handcuffs and shackles that they must have prepared, and our handcuffs were connected by a thick chain.

"...Hey, my parents can't afford any ransom, you know."

"Shut up. You're just a bonus."

The kidnapper said dismissively.

I sighed. My parents skipped town, and now I'm caught up in a kidnapping... I must have done something truly evil in my past life.

I had no energy left. My future was bleak anyway. No matter how this kidnapping turned out, I had no future.

"We really hit the jackpot this time, Boss. This girl is the young lady of the Konohana family. Of all the targets, she's the grand prize, right?"

"Yeah... Speaking of the Konohana family, they're one of the richest families at Kiou Academy. We can demand a huge ransom for this one."

The two kidnappers laughed lewdly. Listening to them, I glanced at the girl shackled next to me.

Her looks were striking enough that it wouldn't be surprising if someone kidnapped her for reasons other than ransom. Her large, round eyes gave an impression of innocence, but a deep intelligence shimmered within them—a mix of cuteness and wisdom. Her straight nose gave her an air of nobility, and her moist, ruby-red lips were enchanting. Her bright, amber hair was as glossy as silk, her skin as white and fine as fresh snow, and her limbs were long and slender.

"...Hey."

The girl made a sound.

Somehow... her demeanor was different from when I saw her on the street. Back then, she had the aura of a high-class ojou-sama. Now, she just looks lazy and melancholic.

Actually, that change makes sense—she must be terrified from being kidnapped, so of course, she can't maintain her usual composure. An ojou-sama from a prestigious academy, unlike me, has a bright future ahead of her. Her fear must be beyond anything I can imagine.

Maybe someone like me, with no future, can at least offer a few words of comfort. I racked my brain, choosing my words carefully to try and cheer her up.

"D-Don't worry. I remember hearing that kidnapping for ransom has a really low success rate—"

"Bathroom."

"Besides, the Japanese police are excellent, so if we just wait... ...What?"

Did I mishear? I thought I heard a very self-centered demand.

"Bathroom. I really have to pee." The girl was expressing an intense need to urinate.

A prim and proper ojou-sama is still human, so of course, she needs to use the restroom. But is that really the first thing to say right now? And with such a calm attitude?

"What should I do?"

"Don't ask me..."

"I'm gonna pee."

Her tone was flat, so it was hard to tell, but she was probably in dire straits. Though baffled, I spoke to the smaller kidnapper in front of us.

"Uh! This young lady has something to say!"

"...Huh?" The kidnapper looked confused. The girl, not at all frightened, addressed the two men:

"Bathroom."

"...What?"

"Gonna pee."

The kidnappers looked astonished. It seemed they hadn't expected this reaction either. This girl wasn't scared at all.

"...Then just pee. It's a pain if you move around."

One of the kidnappers said, annoyed. However, the girl didn't panic at his response.

"Is that okay?"

Such innocent eyes. She seems to have zero resistance to just letting go. A stray cat would probably be more embarrassed.

"N-No, you can't. If you can hold it, please hold it... if only for my sake."

I interjected on behalf of the stunned kidnappers. I'm chained to this ojou-sama; we can't get very far apart. If she pees, I'll be in the splash zone.

"...Take her."

The taller kidnapper said.

"But, Boss."

"We don't know how long we'll be waiting. You don't want this place getting filthy, do you?"

The underling seemed to accept his boss's reasoning. Scratching the back of his head, he walked over to the girl.

"Tch... Don't expect me to undo the chain."

The kidnapper unlocked the shackles on both our feet.

Since the chain on her handcuffs was attached to mine, I had to go to the bathroom with her. She walked into the stall right in front of us, showing no sign of embarrassment.

After coming out of the stall, she clumsily washed her hands, then looked at me and the kidnapper.

"Much better."

""You don't need to report that.""

The kidnapper and I said in unison.

Feeling strangely exhausted, I returned to our original spot and was shackled again.

"Hey."

The girl started talking to the kidnappers again.

"...What is it now."

"Tea."

This girl is invincible. Even the kidnappers were speechless.

"B-Boss... is this broad really the Konohana family's daughter? She really doesn't seem like it..."

"She sure doesn't... Could she be someone else? N-No, impossible..."

The boss walked over to the girl, looking skeptical.

"Hey, you're the only daughter of the Konohana family, right?"

"Yeah. Where's my tea?"

She's too self-centered. The kidnapper looked baffled.

"F-Fine, we'll give you something to drink. It'd be trouble if you starved... But you have to cooperate."

The kidnapper said, placing a bottle of water next to the girl. It was mineral water.

"I asked for tea."

"What!? Y-You're still making demands! You're lucky to get water!"

"I want tea. And snacks."

Hearing the girl's request, a vein popped on the man's forehead.

"Hey! You, the guy! You take care of this girl!"

"Why me!?"

"We're busy right now!"

The kidnapper roared.

With my hands and feet bound, there wasn't much "caring" I could do... but I reluctantly nodded.

"Hey, where are the snacks?"

"...Doesn't look like there are any."

"...Oh."

The girl sullenly picked up the plastic bottle. A moment later, I heard a drip, drip, drip sound, like something was hitting the floor. I turned to look, and the girl was completely soaked.




"Waah!? W-Why are you so wet..."

"...I don't know?"

The girl tilted her head, confused, and brought the bottle to her mouth. Her lips were too far from the opening, and water streamed down her face, drenching her clothes.

"It's spilling everywhere!"

"PET bottles... I'm not used to them."

This isn't an "not used to it" problem. Are all ojou-samas like this? Is she self-absorbed or just dense... Despite being kidnapped, she doesn't seem scared at all.

"...I'll help you drink. Give me the bottle."

"...You won't steal it?"

"No, I won't! Just give it to me!!"

I'd yelled too loud, and the kidnappers looked over. Crap, I pissed them off... I thought, but I saw pity in their eyes. Please don't. Don't look at me like that. You're the ones who kidnapped her in the first place.

"...You're all wet over there. Let's move a bit."

"Mm."

The girl stood up, and we moved together. The next moment, the girl stumbled and fell over nothing.

"...Oww."

The girl stood up, her eyes watery. Her forehead, which had hit the floor, was red. Her motor skills are way too bad.

"B-Boss... I thought our intel said the Konohana girl was called the 'perfect ojou-sama'? She doesn't seem clumsy like this..."

"B-But she looks identical, and I've never heard of her having any sisters..."

The kidnappers whispered to each other. Meanwhile, the girl, tears welling in her eyes, rubbed the spot on her forehead that hit the floor.

"Oww..."

"...Let me see."

Her voice was so pitiful that I felt bad and checked her injury.

"It's not a bad bump. The scrape is what you need to watch. Don't keep touching it, or it might get infected."

"...Mkay."

The girl nodded and lowered the hand that was rubbing her forehead.

"By the way... why are you here?"

The girl asked me, as if she had all the time in the world.

"...You dropped your student ID. I was trying to return it. The kidnappers showed up right then, and they grabbed me too."

"I see."

The girl accepted this explanation.

"Where's my ID?"

"What? ...Oh, right. I have it."

I took the girl's student ID from my pocket.

After taking the ID, she fumbled awkwardly with its surface. Looking closely, I saw an unnatural bump on the bottom right corner, like a small button was embedded there. The girl pressed the bump with her fingernail.

"With this, someone will come rescue us soon."

After saying that, the girl let out a "fuu~" breath and lay down on the floor next to me.

"Sleep."

However, the girl lying on the floor was staring right at me.

"Sleep."

"...Well, then go to sleep?"

"Pillow."

There's no way there's a pillow here. As I was about to say that, the girl silently patted my thigh... Don't tell me she wants a lap pillow?

A beautiful girl acting spoiled like this would normally make my heart race, but after seeing her previous blunders, I had built up some resistance. Still, the kidnappers did order me to take care of her, so I sighed and offered my lap.

"Mmm... perfect height."

The girl said, satisfied.

"Lullaby."

"...Sorry, that's outside my skillset."

"Then tell me a funny story."

So unreasonable. However, her dense nature had the power to dispel the gloomy atmosphere in the room. In a situation where most people would be crying in fear, thanks to this girl, I was able to stay calm.

"One time, when I was on the train with my friend—"

The story probably wasn't very interesting, but the girl listened quietly. A few minutes later, I heard steady breathing from my lap. She sleeps soundly.

"...You're drooling way too much."

I used the corner of my sleeve to wipe the drool from the girl's mouth.

"...Nn."

"Sorry, did I wake you?" "It's fine."

The girl replied and rolled over.

"My hair is bothering me."

"It'll be fine if I tie it up. Turn to the other side."

"Mm."

I tied the girl's hair up in a ponytail.

"You seem pretty skilled at that?"

"Oh... I used to do my mom's hair a lot."

"Mm."

My mom worked at a cabaret club for a while, and I'd often do her hair before her shift. It's not a memory I'm fond of. Just then, one of the kidnappers kicked a nearby wooden board. The sudden loud noise made my whole body jump.

"—Enough small talk! If you keep dragging this out, I'll beat your daughter!!"

The kidnapper pressed his phone to his ear, furious.

"...Try not to say anything to provoke the kidnappers, okay?"

I said, looking at the girl.

"Don't worry. If anything happens, I can at least be your shield."

Even someone with no future like me can still help others. I knew it was just self-satisfaction, but I felt a small sense of salvation as I told her this.

"...Why would you do that?"

"I don't know."

I had no intention of mentioning my own situation. I just gave the puzzled girl the gentlest smile I could manage.

"...You're a good person."

The girl said.

"You're comfortable. And you smell like a futon that's been dried in the sun."

Isn't that the smell of dust mite corpses? That's not a very flattering compliment...

"I've had a lot of attendants, but... everyone was so serious."

"...Oh."

"But because you're so frank, I feel more at ease. I'm happy."

I found myself staring at the shy girl for a moment.

"What's your name?"

"...Itsuki Tomonari."

"I'm Hinako Konohana."

The girl introduced herself.

"You will be my—"

The girl was only halfway through her sentence. A small canister was thrown in through the broken window of the abandoned factory. A clang sound echoed, and the next moment, white smoke spread everywhere.

"Go, go, go—!!"

A loud shout erupted from the first floor of the factory. At the same time, countless footsteps approached from all directions.

"D-Damn it!? I can't see a thing!!"

"When did these guys get here—Gah!?"

A group of men who looked like police officers rushed in from somewhere and subdued the two kidnappers in seconds. They immediately headed toward me and the girl—

"Don't move!!"

"...What?"

They were clearly hostile toward me.

"W-Wait! I'm a victim—"

"Shut up! Stay down!"

"Ugh!?"

They pushed my head down, and I fell straight to the floor.

"Shizune-san! The third kidnapper is also subdued!"

"There were supposed to be two kidnappers... Was the reconnaissance team's information wrong?"

As the smoke cleared, a woman appeared, accompanied by the sound of steady footsteps. She had black hair that flowed down to her waist. She wore a black and white outfit accented with lace—what's commonly known as a maid uniform.

"Ojou-sama, are you unharmed?"

"Mm."

The maid walked over to the girl on the floor and undid her handcuffs and shackles. Despite the huge commotion, the girl remained unfazed. As if finally waking up from her nap, she let out a big yawn.

"My deepest apologies, we were late. However... I have often reminded you to inform us before going out."

"It's too much trouble."

"And this is the result... Unbelievable."

The maid sighed.

"Shizune, this person isn't a kidnapper."

"...He is not?"

The girl pointed at me, and the maid looked surprised. She slowly undid my restraints.

"Ow..."

"Apologies. We mistook you for a criminal."

"I was tied up too, how could I be a criminal..."

"Criminal organizations have infighting. It's not unheard of, especially during prolonged crimes like kidnappings."

...That... might actually be true. I had no retort, so I kept my mouth shut.

"We'll leave the cleanup to them. Let's go back. You, come with us."

She seemed to be leading me outside, so I nodded silently. However, the girl didn't stand up. Her calm gaze turned to me.

"Hey, Shizune."

The girl pointed at me.

"I want this person."

"As you wish. We will arrange it at once."

The maid bowed respectfully.

"...What?" Arrange what?

"Wake me up when we arrive."

"Understood."

We walked to the black sedan. After getting in, the girl immediately fell asleep.

The girl got into the innermost seat, I sat in the middle, and the maid, Shizune, sat last and closed the door. I fastened the seatbelt for the girl who had fallen asleep as soon as she got in, then did my own. Suddenly, I felt a gaze and turned to see the maid watching me. "No wonder she took a liking to him," Shizune murmured, fastening her own seatbelt.

"Excuse me... where are you taking me?"

"You'll know soon enough."

Shizune replied. A light vibration started. She took a phone from her pocket and put it to her ear. After about a minute, she calmly put the phone back in her pocket.

"Your background check is complete."

"...What?"

"Itsuki Tomonari, 16 years old. Attends Ryuguu High School. No siblings, parents are alive... Considering your poor family situation, the fact you earn your own tuition is commendable. However, your parents skipped town five nights ago, taking all the money in the house. You should be in a crisis right now."

"...H-How do you know that?"

"Do not underestimate the Konohana information network. This level of information is trivial."

The maid stated it as a simple fact.

"You were supposed to advance to your second year of high school tomorrow... but you can no longer attend that school."

"...What?"

"You haven't paid your tuition. It seems your parents planned to flee around this time. The tuition you earned from your daily part-time jobs was taken by them."

"H-How could they..."

"Your rent and utilities are several months overdue. You won't be able to live there much longer."

I had no idea things at home were that bad...

"That said, we have a proposal."

The maid said to the dejected me.

"Would you like to work for Ojou-sama?"

"...Work?"

The proposal was completely unexpected. I tilted my head in confusion.

"I don't really understand what you mean."

"Then I will explain it in order."

The maid seemed to be choosing her words, then began.

"Have you heard of the Konohana Group?"

"...I have."

"I thought so. You have an account with Konohana Bank, so of course you would."

Come to think of it, I do have a Konohana Bank account. My part-time wages are deposited there. The background check she mentioned probably came from my account information.

"The Konohana Group, which includes a major city bank, is a well-known conglomerate enterprise with major trading companies, heavy industries, real estate development, and insurance firms. Its total assets are approximately 300 trillion yen, and its influence extends not only domestically but overseas as well."

The maid spoke fluently.

"The one sleeping next to you is the Konohana Group's young lady, Hinako Konohana-sama. I am one of the maids who serves her."

The girl sleeping soundly next to me seems to be a super ojou-sama. I knew she wasn't a commoner, but she might just be one of the highest-ranking young ladies not just in this town, but in the entire country.

"The proposal we just made is for the same job as mine."

"Meaning... you want me to be a maid...?"

"Not a maid. A butler (shitsuji)."

Ah, right. My mind was a mess from being thrown into such a massive situation.

"Strictly speaking, it's not a butler, but it's a similar role. We want you to be responsible for taking care of Ojou-sama from now on. Are you willing to accept this job?"

"Willing... Can I even do it? I'm just a student..."

"This job normally requires essential training before one can assume the role... but because of Ojou-sama's request, we are making a special exception. It seems Ojou-sama has taken a liking to you."

The maid said, glancing at the girl sleeping next to me. She was drooling, fast asleep.

"Nn... mm..."

"Hey... don't hug me so tight..."

The girl rolled over and wrapped her arms around my body. A strangely sweet fragrance wafted from her soft, long hair.

"Furthermore, if you dare to make any indecent moves on Ojou-sama—I will sever it."

"...S-Sever what?"

"The part you are imagining right now."

Absolutely not. Then I'd really be a maid.

"Please discuss the detailed conditions with my employer."

The maid said, looking out the window. Just as she finished, the car came to a stop.

"Ojou-sama, we have arrived."

"...Mm."

The girl, who was clinging to my right side, lazily woke up. The car door opened automatically, and we stepped out. Before me stood an enormous mansion, the likes of which I'd never seen.

"This is..."

"This is a Konohana family annex. You will be meeting Ojou-sama's father now."

More shocking than meeting her father was the fact that this mansion was just an annex. If the annex is this grand... Then is my house a doghouse? Or a toilet?

"Welcome back, Ojou-sama."

As we approached the mansion's entrance, two rows of maids and butlers bowed in unison.

"Mm."

Faced with at least ten servants, the ojou-sama they were welcoming just gave a small yawn and a low grunt.

This ojou-sama is as self-absorbed as ever. However, the servants seemed to be well aware of her personality and didn't react, just kept their heads bowed. The solemn main doors opened, and we stepped into the mansion.

An interior that rivaled a high-class hotel spread before us—a straight red carpet and all-sorts of luxurious furnishings. But this was a residence, not a hotel, so it had an overall calm atmosphere and wasn't gaudy. Still, there were plenty of gold decorations you'd never see in a commoner's home.

"Whoa..."

"What kind of reaction is that?"

"This... this is a completely different world from where I live. I have goosebumps all over..."

"You'll have to get used to it. Once you start working for Ojou-sama, you'll see this every day."

I hadn't even officially agreed to work here, but my confidence was already plummeting.

"Ojou-sama, your schedule from here..."

"Sleep."

"Understood. I must first show Tomonari-san around, so I will have someone else accompany you."

The maid signaled one of the other servants waiting by the wall. However, upon hearing the maid's words, the girl's face hardened.

"...Not sleeping."

"...You're not sleeping?"

"Mm... I'm going with Itsuki."

The girl said, grabbing my sleeve. I was thinking I'd just gained a little sister, when the maid beside me widened her eyes in shock.

"Unbelievable... Ojou-sama is actually postponing her nap..."

Was it really that surprising? She'd been sleeping during the kidnapping and in the car. I just figured she'd had enough sleep... The maid composed herself and continued guiding me.

After climbing a grand staircase, the maid knocked on the door at the very end of the hall.

"Pardon the intrusion."

The maid opened the door. Behind it was a large room, with a man standing in the center.

"You must be Itsuki Tomonari-kun. I am Kagen Konohana. I am Hinako's father and the chairman of the Konohana Group."

The man—Kagen-san—introduced himself. Though he looked young, he wore a high-class suit and had an imposing presence.

"Even as chairman, I just manage one of the group's enterprises. It's not a very high position."

"Please don't joke, sir. You are the next successor. Please don't speak so humbly."

"Hahaha, don't be so angry, Shizune. It was just a little joke. If the atmosphere is too serious, it'll scare Itsuki-kun, won't it?"

Kagen-san said with a laugh. But then, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

"...I see. Hinako certainly has grown attached to him."

Kagen-san looked at the girl standing diagonally behind me—Hinako-san. Hinako-san, who was clutching my sleeve, had her head down at some point, and it was bobbing up and down—

"She's sleeping standing up!?"

Are you some kind of salaryman commuting on a packed train? And you're drooling again. Helpless, I took a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped her mouth.

"Nn..."

After I wiped her mouth, she leaned her body against me, resting lightly.

"...Itsuki-kun, I only heard that you were involved in my daughter's kidnapping. Did something happen during that time? This is the first time my daughter has been so affectionate with someone she's just met..."

"N-No, nothing special."

"I see. Well, Hinako has always been a person who follows her feelings. Your 'wavelengths' must just be a good match."

"Wavelengths..."

I feel like this is a problem that can't be summed up by 'wavelengths'... I really don't get why she's so attached to me.

"Besides, Hinako has wanted an easy-going attendant for a long time. Unfortunately, given my position, it's been difficult to find such a person for her. She must have stumbled upon you by chance and doesn't want to let go."

I see, that makes sense. She herself said her previous attendants were all serious, and she wanted someone easy to get along with.

"Now then, before I explain the attendant's job, you must first get to know the real Hinako... Shizune."

"Yes, sir."

The maid, waiting in the back, bowed and operated a projector set up to her left. The room lights dimmed, and an image appeared on the white wall.

"This is Ojou-sama at the academy."

The girl sleeping behind me—Hinako-san—was in the center of the image. The location... looked like a hallway at the academy.

'Hello, Konohana-san.'

'Hello.'

Hinako-san replied to her classmate's greeting with a graceful smile. Huh...? What is this weird feeling? The scene changed. This time, it was a video of a class.

'This question... Konohana-san, can you answer it?'

'Yes.'

Hinako-san, called on by the teacher, stood up composedly. Maintaining perfect posture, she walked to the blackboard and wrote the answer with chalk in one fluid motion. Her aura was elegant, and the surrounding students looked at her with admiration.

The scene changed again. Still the classroom, but from the angle of the sunlight, it was probably after school. A female student was talking to Hinako-san, who was sitting by the window.

'K-Konohana-san! We're having a tea party in the garden later... w-would you like to join us?'

'As long as you don't mind my company, I'd be delighted.'

'Th-Thank you! I'll prepare some delicious scones for you, Konohana-san!'

'Hehe, you don't need to go to such trouble.'

Hinako-san smiled, and the female student blushed, mesmerized.

The video ended, and the room lights came back on. I offered my most honest impression:

"...Who was that?"

"Hinako-sama."

"...No way."

The girl in the video was a pure, lovely, and noble ojou-sama. That person and the girl who's been sleeping and swaying behind me this whole time aren't—oh god, they're identical.

"Hinako can play the part of a perfect ojou-sama in public."

"...In public?"

"Correct. Conversely, when she is not in public..."

Kagen-san glanced at the maid. Shizune-san nodded silently and changed the video.

The location was the classroom, but there was no one else around. The video showed only Hinako-san and another female student in the same uniform.

'O-Ojou-sama, the next class is starting soon...'

'Tired. Gonna sleep.'

Hinako-san said lazily, flopped on her desk. The scene changed. This time, a hallway.

'O-Ojou-sama! Next period is P.E. Please hurry and change...'

'You change me.'

The scene changed. The school field.

'Ojou-sama!? We just got a notification from the main house, your credit card was used fraudulently—!?'

'I probably dropped it.'

'H-How could you not say so—'

The video cut off just as the female student was about to scream. That last one is no joke...

"That is the real Hinako."

Kagen-san said with a grave expression. It seems the girl named Hinako Konohana has a huge gap between her public and private personas.

As for her private side, since she was like that from the moment she was kidnapped, I was actually more familiar with it. Though, 'familiar' is a strong word, given I've only known her for about three hours.

"Was the female student in that last video a maid or something?"

"She was the previous attendant. She was hospitalized a few days ago for a stress-induced stomach ulcer and resigned."

"...Ugh." That's rough.

"Simply put, Hinako can play the part of an impeccable ojou-sama in front of others. The rest of the time, she's lazy, just like she is now. She's completely different on the inside and out, and she needs someone who can serve her and handle both sides."

"An attendant, you mean..."

"Correct."

Kagen-san nodded.

"The attendant's job is to protect Hinako's image as a perfect ojou-sama. In other words, to secretly support her so her true nature isn't exposed... How about it? Will you take the job? This was Hinako's own request, and it would be a great help to me if you would serve as her attendant."

I thought for a moment, then replied to his offer.

"You rescued me when I was kidnapped, so I'm indebted to you. This might be a shallow question... but is there compensation for this job?"

"Of course. Room and board are covered, and you will be paid a salary."

This—is an amazing offer. This is what you call a windfall. I was about to lose the roof over my head; I couldn't ask for better conditions... They probably proposed this knowing my situation.

"As for the salary... how does 20,000 yen per day sound?"

"T-Twenty thousand!?"

"Oh, too little? But it wouldn't be right to pay you the same as a full-time butler or maid... Then how about 50,000 yen per day?"

"The opposite! I think that's way too much!"

I can't believe the amount went up.

"Then name your price. How much do you want?"

Name your price... That's the first time I've heard that phrase in real life.

"F-For a daily wage, 8,000 yen is more than enough."

For temporary work, 8,000 yen is a lot. I proposed a standard wage, but... Kagen-san frowned for some reason.

"Itsuki-kun, the responsibilities of an attendant are far greater than you imagine."

Kagen-san said with a serious face.

"This is not to be spoken of outside, but the Konohana Group's performance has been sluggish lately. While the economy is a large factor, our internal factional struggles and competition with other corporations have mostly not gone as expected. We're not facing bankruptcy, but we can't be careless... Therefore, Hinako's marriage match is extremely important."

"Marriage?"

Kagen-san nodded, looking at Hinako-san sleeping behind me.

"Hinako plays the part of a perfect ojou-sama in public to find a good marriage partner. At the academy, at parties, and in any situation where she must interact as the Konohana heiress, she needs a flawless performance... The attendant is responsible for supporting her from the shadows. It is a vital job that protects the Konohana family's reputation."

After that explanation, I re-evaluated. We live in different worlds. Marriage, reputation—I've never had to think about those things in my life.

"So, what is your salary request?"

Kagen-san's sharp gaze shot toward me, and I swallowed. He was confirming this so carefully... even I could understand his intention. —He wants to know my resolve. How much work are you willing to do? That's what he was asking. If I sell myself short, he'll look at me with the same disappointed eyes as before. If I ask for a salary beyond my abilities, he'll laugh at me for overestimating myself. In the end, the answer I chose was—

"...Twenty thousand yen."

"Hmm... the initial offer. Fine. In that case, I expect you to perform work worthy of that value."

Kagen-san said, taking a document from his desk drawer. He wrote something on it, then continued:

"You start tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!?"

"You saw the videos. If Hinako doesn't have an attendant, she gets lost even inside her own house. She needs someone to assist her as soon as possible."

A house this big, it's not surprising she'd get lost...

"First, we need to prepare your attire. I've already called a tailor to that room over there. He'll take your measurements."

"Yes... Is this for a work uniform?"

"Not exactly a work uniform. It's a school uniform. Because you will be enrolling in Kiou Academy."

"...What!?"

I was expecting a butler uniform or something, but his answer was completely unexpected.

"Since Hinako attends the academy, her attendant must also enroll."

"But Kiou Academy is the most elite of elite schools. Someone like me won't be able to fit in..."

"You'll have to find a way to adapt. That's also part of your job. Your grades at your previous school were good, so you shouldn't have trouble with the academics, right?"

I did study very hard to improve my chances of getting into college... but this is a completely different league. Will I be okay? ...Academics, sports, etiquette, communication skills... the anxieties are endless.

"Kiou Academy doesn't allow attendants to enroll. You will enter as a regular student. Your identity will be that of a Konohana Group affiliate. To avoid revealing your true status, your cover will be as the heir to a subsidiary company, not the main line... Your goal is to become a manager, but you're a normal guy who also understands the lives of commoners."

"Just being an 'heir' isn't normal at all..."

"At Kiou Academy, it is."

Kagen-san said nonchalantly. It seems my definition of "normal" is already at odds with the academy's.

"Your father's company is affiliated with the Konohana Group, so you can't defy Hinako... If you explain it that way, it should reduce suspicion."

That's true. With that kind of status, it would be hard for people to see me as her attendant.

I looked at the girl sleeping behind me. She was drooling again, so I lifted her chin to close her mouth. It looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together.

"Also, if you dare to make a move on my daughter..."

I noticed Kagen-san glaring at me and quickly straightened up.

"S-Sever it?"

"Sever it? Hahaha! I wouldn't do that!"

Kagen-san laughed heartily.

"I'll kill you."

"Eek!?"

That's so straightforward it's even scarier.

"Well then, I'm counting on you starting tomorrow."

After Kagen-san finished, the maid waiting in the back slowly opened the door. As I was about to leave the room with the drowsy Hinako-san—

"Oh, right—we did a little research on your family history."

I turned back, and Kagen-san spoke with a serious face.

"The young lady of the Miyakojima family also attends Kiou Academy. You personally shouldn't have any dispute with that family, but... just to be cautious, it's best to avoid unnecessary contact."

"...Yes, sir."

I see... so that girl is at the academy too. But she probably doesn't remember me. There's no way we'll have any contact.

◆

"I have not introduced myself. I am Shizune Tsurumi. I am Ojou-sama's maid. From now on, I will be responsible for instructing you, Itsuki-san, in your duties as attendant. Please keep that in mind."

The maid said, as we walked down the mansion hallway.

"Publicly, your identity is that of an heir to a mid-level company, but inside this mansion, you are an attendant. Therefore, you must change how you address Ojou-sama while indoors."

"...Understood. Is 'Hinako-ojousama' acceptable?"

Shizune-san nodded.

"Conversely, outside the mansion, you are her classmate. 'Hinako-san' will suffice."

At school, I can call Hinako-ojousama "Hinako-san." I have to manage the difference in distance very carefully. I nodded.

"This is your room."

Shizune-san said, opening the door. The room was about 3.5-tsubo (approx. 6 tatami mats), with only a bed and a desk. It felt cozy. This must be a servant's room. After being intimidated by the spectacular mansion, I felt a sense of relief. I'm more used to a place like this.

"If you require any other furniture, you can let me know later. You'll be living in this room from now on."

"Okay."

I can tell her, but as a newcomer, I don't dare make big requests right away. I'll think about it after I get the hang of the job.

"Ngh."

Just then, a strange sound was heard, and the girl flopped onto the bed in the room.

"...Um, Hinako-ojousama, that's my bed."

"An attendant's bed...~~...is my bed...~~..."



She said, a blissful expression on her face as she buried it in the blankets.





"...It can't be helped. Let Ojou-sama sleep here for now."

Shizune-san said with a sigh.

"Itsuki-san, you will be transferring to Kiou Academy tomorrow... There are several things you must learn before enrolling."

"About the attendant's duties?"

"Not just your duties. Other matters as well."

Shizune-san began to explain.

"Kiou Academy is an authentic prestigious school attended by the children of the wealthy. The academic difficulty is extremely high, not something a person living a normal life can just jump into. Therefore, between now and dinner, you must study the curriculum."

"...It's that high level?"

"Yes. Furthermore, you will need to be near Ojou-sama often, so your grades must also be befitting of her."

"...I'm not confident."

"Not just academics. You must also learn etiquette, deportment, and self-defense."

"Self-defense?"

"As a precaution."

As I reeled in shock, Shizune-san said nonchalantly:

"Oh, are you scared?"

"No... I've done a lot of manual labor, so I'm confident in my stamina."

"I see. Then after your studies, you can show me what you're made of."

Shizune-san said calmly, and I gave a confident smile. Given her personality, it's best if I seize the initiative now. Of course, she's my superior, but... if I don't get the upper hand, I'll probably be stuck in spartan training forever.

Time to show this person who's lived an elegant life in a mansion what I'm made of. Don't underestimate a poor student—

"I can't... Please spare me... I'm going to die."

That night, in a corner dojo of the mansion, I was on my knees, begging Shizune-san for mercy.

"Very well. That concludes today's practice."

After a series of lessons on academics and etiquette, my mind was hazy with exhaustion. The self-defense lesson, in particular, had pushed me to my physical and mental limits. I never expected her to handle me as easily as a child... Shizune-san is, in fact, a highly-skilled militant maid.

"Regarding your duties as an attendant, you can refer to this manual."

"...It's thick."

"I explained it once before dinner, but if there's anything you don't understand, you can consult this manual or come find me."

Shizune-san said, handing me the heavy manual.

"Um... Hinako-ojousama is still sleeping in my room."

"Ojou-sama spends most of her time in the mansion sleeping. You don't need to wake her."

"But I'd like to go to sleep soon..."

"You may sleep in the hallway. I can prepare a futon for you."

"..."

"That was a joke. Please wait for Ojou-sama to return to her own room."

"...Okay."

"I'll be taking my leave. If you need anything, you can call me."

Shizune-san said, leaving the dojo.

After accepting the attendant job, I was given a phone used by the Konohana household staff. Shizune-san's number was in the contacts... I'm going to avoid calling her as much as possible.

"I had a feeling... This attendant job is something only a very elite person is supposed to do."

I muttered to myself as I left the dojo and walked back to my room. Shizune-san's training would be a daily occurrence. If I stick with it, maybe in a few months, I'll become a hero skilled in both literature and martial arts... or I'll break down and surrender.

When I returned to my room, the girl was still there.

"Nnfuu... hehehe..."

Hinako-ojousama really seems to love sleeping. She slept a lot during the kidnapping, but it seems she can sleep straight through till morning. I sighed and sat in the chair at my desk. I'm exhausted today and want to sleep, but Hinako-ojousama is on my bed. What should I do...

"Right, this is where the manual comes in."

I opened the manual.

"Mngh, found it. 'Precautions for Ojou-sama's sleep, Mansion Edition'... 'When Ojou-sama is in the mansion, she is almost always sleeping. Ojou-sama is extremely grumpy when woken from a deep sleep. You must escort her back to her own room to sleep'... Too late for that."

I remember where Hinako-ojousama's room is. Can I carry her back myself? I was just thinking I should check the manual for that... when my phone suddenly vibrated. I'd received a message.

Yuri: Wanna walk to school together tomorrow?

Seeing the message on the screen, I let out an "Ah."

"...Crap, I forgot to explain."

The phone number I used before was in my parents' name, so I synced all my data to the phone I was issued. That's why messages from my old friends are coming here. How should I explain this? As I was worrying, messages started flooding in.

Yuri: Fine, if you don't wanna go together! I'll go with my other friends!

Yuri: Hello?

Yuri: ...Don't leave me on read.

I'm not leaving you on read. Since worrying wouldn't give me an answer, I decided to just tell the truth.

Itsuki: Something came up. I'm not going to that high school anymore.

Yuri: Huh? She replied instantly.

Yuri: Can you talk?

Itsuki: Sorry, I'm really tired. Let's talk another time.

Honestly, my brain isn't working. If I get distracted by something else now, I might forget everything Shizune-san taught me. Bzzz. The phone vibrated. I just said let's talk another time... No, I don't want to pick up. I ignored the call. Then another message came.

Yuri: Why aren't you picking up?

Yuri: Hey.

Yuri: Hello??

"—Hey."

"Waah!?"

A voice suddenly came from behind me, making me jump. I turned around to find a sleepy-eyed Hinako-ojousama standing right there.

"Y-You're awake..."

"Who's that?"

"Eh? ...Oh, a childhood friend from my old high school..."

"...I see."

Hinako-ojousama replied knowingly and reached for my phone. Does she want to look something up online? I thought, handing her the phone...

"...Confiscated."

"Eh?"

Hinako-ojousama, holding my phone, crawled back under the covers.

"Now I can sleep soundly..."

"What 'sleep soundly'... Please give me back my phone."

"No."

Hinako-ojousama said, her back to me.

"...I don't like your tone."

"What?"

My tone... Does she mean it's too formal?

"Change it back."

"But..."

"If you don't change it back, you're fired."

How tyrannical...

"...Is... this okay?"

"Mhm... good."

"But Shizune-san told me to watch my tone..."

"I'll talk to Shizune tomorrow."

Is that... okay? I guess I'll just have to ask Shizune-san directly tomorrow.

"Itsuki."

"...What?"

"Starting tomorrow... I'll be in your care."

Hinako-ojousama said, giving me a soft smile. I was momentarily captivated and responded a second too late.

"...Yeah."

Hinako-ojousama seemed satisfied with my answer and burrowed back into the blankets—

"Hey! Wait! Go to your own room to sleep!"

The ojou-sama was already asleep. This girl is Nobita.

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