Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 2 Chapter 2

Welcome to the Tennouji Home

Hinako gave me permission to visit the Tennouji family, and I immediately received Shizune-san's approval. After school, Tennouji-san and I rode in the same car to the mansion where she lives.

"So this is Tennouji-san's house..."

Like Hinako, she usually lives in an annex, so I arrived at the annex, not the main building. However, I thought the same thing when I visited Hinako's home—this mansion was so grand and stately, it was nothing like what a normal person would imagine an "annex" to be. Still, its exterior was interesting in a different way compared to the Konohana family's. In a word, it was opulent. Behind the towering gate was a magnificent garden. Even from a distance, you could see countless colorful flowers blooming in profusion. Any passerby who saw this sight would surely stop in their tracks. The walls surrounding the mansion were also glittering, making you feel as if you were admiring a work of art.

"Compared to the Konohana house, this is... I don't know if 'stately' is the right word, or just 'gorgeous'..."

I couldn't help but mutter.

"You've been to the Konohana house?"

"Ah, no, um... Because of my parents, I've visited their residence several times to pay my respects."

"I see. So that's how it is."

I almost let it slip. In reality, I don't just "pay respects"—I live there every day. But no one can find that out. The main gate opened, and we were escorted toward the mansion by several servants. The wide path was spotless and perfectly maintained.

"Opulence is the Tennouji family policy. Even for an annex, that philosophy doesn't change... This garden, for example, was designed to look magnificent even when viewed from outside the gate."

"...It really is beautiful."

When I said that, she smiled, pleased. We entered the mansion. I had expected it, but the interior was just as splendid. A majestic red carpet covered the floor, and the room was filled with glittering gold and silver decorations. However, none of it was gaudy. The placement and light reflection were all designed so that the decorations dutifully played a supporting role as background. It was like a movie set.

"Ooh, Mirei! You're home!"

A man's voice called from the second floor.

"Ah, Father. I'm home."

Since Tennouji-san said that, I immediately straightened my posture. A man walked down the pure white spiral staircase. He had slicked-back hair, a gentlemanly goatee, and a rather large build, giving off a strong, steady impression. As he approached, I suddenly tensed up.

"I-Is that... your father?"

"Yes. When I told him I was inviting you over, he said he wanted to meet you."

I was completely unprepared and scrambled to compose myself. I bowed deeply to Tennouji-san's father as he stood before me.

"H-Hello. I am Itsuki Tomonari. Your daughter has been very kind to me at school."

"Mm. I'm Tennouji Masatsugu. Please, make yourself at home today."

His friendly tone relaxed me a little.

"Father, I didn't bring him here to socialize, we came to study."

"Oho, is that so! Well then, study to your heart's content!"

Masatsugu-san said, smiling cheerfully. But the next second, his eyes narrowed, and he whispered to me:

"By the way, Tomonari-kun, what's your relationship with my daughter?"

"Huh? Er, we're classmates at the same school..."

"Is that all? You don't have some secret relationship? You know, the man-woman kind—"

"—Father!"

Tennouji-san shouted.

"Goodness... It's not an impure relationship like that."

"Hm. If you say so, then it must be so."

She said, her cheeks red, and Masatsugu-san nodded at her. He was more humorous than I'd expected—no, I can't let my guard down. Kagen-san also seemed like a gentle, doting father at first. Masatsugu-san might have a cold side, too.

"Mirei, you're going to practice table manners, correct?"

"Yes. British cuisine, if possible."

Hearing this, Masatsugu-san stroked his chin.

"Alright... This is a good opportunity. I'll join you."

He glanced at me as he said it.

"...Huh?"

Honestly, just coming to the Tennouji home for a study session was a high enough hurdle. And now I have to eat dinner with the owner of one of the country's biggest corporations...?

Because of Masatsugu-san's proposal, I was led directly to the Tennouji family dining table. I had planned to study, but it suddenly turned into a practical drill. Tennouji-san, ignoring my confusion, seemed quite positive, saying, "Practice is, of course, faster than just drills"... I could only nod in agreement.

◆

7 PM. I finished the British meal placed before me, wiped my mouth with the inside of the napkin, and placed my cutlery on the plate.

"Thank you for the meal."

Saying this, I felt the tension in my shoulders ease slightly. To be honest, I was in no mood to savor the food. I'm sure it was high-class cuisine, but just focusing on my etiquette and not letting my nervousness show took all my concentration.

"...Hm."

Masatsugu-san, sitting across from me, stared straight at me and said:

"What are you worried about? You did just fine. At least, I felt no discomfort dining with you."

"Th-Thank you, sir."

I bowed my head at the praise.

"Father, isn't your grading a little too lax? His movements when drinking his soup were still a bit unnatural."

Tennouji-san said, tilting her teacup to her lips. Her elegant movements were not something one could learn overnight.

"He did seem a bit nervous, that's true... but that's because I was here, so it can't be helped! Wahahaha!"

Masatsugu-san laughed heartily. My own tension eased at this. Thinking calmly... this might be a good opportunity. An experience like this, talking with someone who is particularly prominent even in high society, is rare. Kagen-san, as the head of the Konohana family, is always working in the main building, so I rarely get a chance to see him.

"Excuse me... is there a trick to not being nervous in situations like this?"

Since this was a rare chance, I hoped to get some advice. With that in mind, I asked Masatsugu-san.

"Hm... Let me ask you this: do you think anyone isn't nervous in these situations?"

He turned the question back on me. I couldn't answer immediately. At least during this meal, he didn't seem nervous at all...

"You're asking me because I look like someone who doesn't get nervous, right?"

"Huh!? N-No, that's not..."

"Your honest answer?"

"............Well, a little."

"Wahahahaha! You're honest! That's good!"

He laughed, clearly enjoying this. But I wasn't mocking him; it was the opposite. I admire his composed demeanor, which is why I asked.

"It's true, I'm rarely nervous. I can maintain this attitude with anyone."

"With anyone...?"

"Yes. I'm the same way in front of the Prime Minister."

Hearing the words "Prime Minister" shocked me. However, coming from the leader of the Tennouji Group, it wasn't strange. A man of his status could easily dine with the Prime Minister if he wished. Still, to not change his attitude even then... I was stunned. He probably wasn't joking; he was just stating a fact.

"But, that's now."

He added: "Nobody can act this way from the start. I struggled when I was young, too. It took a long time, and an accumulation of achievements, to become who I am today."

He spoke to me with a dignified air.


"Produce results. In short, you must take action... It's okay to fail. When you're in a critical moment, the only thing that can help you is the actions you've taken in the past."

He spoke to me with a dignified air.

"You have one, don't you? A strong conviction, an achievement you want to reach."

Hearing that, I remembered what happened half a month ago. I was fired, separated from Hinako. At that time, I wanted to be by her side again so badly that I stormed the Konohana mansion. That feeling was, without a doubt, a conviction.

"—I do."

I declared it so clearly, it surprised even me. Masatsugu-san saw this and nodded, satisfied.

"Mm. That's a good look in your eyes. That kind of experience will surely become your backbone. Keep adding to it."

As he concluded, a nearby servant began clearing the table. I vaguely sensed what made Masatsugu-san extraordinary. Unlike Kagen-san, he didn't exude an overly solemn aura. But it wasn't because he disliked solemnity; it was just unnecessary. Even if he didn't adopt a strict attitude, he believed others wouldn't betray him. He wasn't expecting sincerity from others; rather, he deeply believed that his own past struggles and achievements commanded sincerity and respect from others.

"Ngh."

At that moment, thunder rumbled nearby. He hummed slightly and looked out the window. I followed his gaze.

"Is it raining? When did..."

"It started when we began eating. You were too nervous, so you didn't notice."

Tennouji-san said, exasperated. As she said, I hadn't noticed at all.

"A heavy rain warning has been issued. This morning's news only said light rain..."

Masatsugu-san said, looking at his tablet.

"Father..."

"Yes. That would be best."

Tennouji-san and Masatsugu-san exchanged some kind of look. Masatsugu-san put his tablet on the table and looked at me.

"Tomonari-kun, you should stay here tonight."

"...What?"

I heard the sudden proposal and asked again.

"Stay... I-Is that allowed?"

"Of course. It would be rude to send a guest home in this weather."

Tennouji-san replied as if it were obvious. It's not that I didn't understand the sentiment. I did, but...

"...Excuse me, I need to check with my family."

I said, stood up, and called Shizune-san.

'Hello, is something wrong?'

She picked up immediately.

"Actually—" I explained that Tennouji-san had advised me to stay the night.

'I see. Well, the rain is this heavy. I rather expected this.'

The original plan was for Shizune-san to pick me up, but Tennouji-san must have felt bad asking my "family" to send a car in a downpour.

'Fortunately, tomorrow is a holiday, so it's not a problem for the schedule. However, in that case, Ojou-sama will...'

Shizune-san trailed off.

"What's wrong with Hinako?"

'............It's not hard to imagine she'll throw a fit.'

Come to think of it, during lunch today, she had asked worriedly, "Are you staying overnight?" Even though this was an emergency, I had promised I'd be home, and now I was breaking that promise. It made me feel guilty.

"Um, I don't know if this will make her feel better, but..."

I said as a preface, then made a suggestion to Shizune-san:

"Actually, today I received approval on my table manners from Tennouji-san's father... Masatsugu-san. So, tomorrow, we can proceed as planned..."

'...I understand. I will make the arrangements.'

We finished our brief discussion. Shizune-san is so efficient at reporting, contacting, and consulting.

'In any case, staying the night is fine. Please be sure to remain humble.'

"Yes."

I said, and ended the call. I returned to the table where Tennouji-san and her father were waiting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. My family said it's fine for me to stay. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Right! Then let's get a guest room ready!"

Masatsugu-san said cheerfully. A servant nearby quickly left the room, presumably to prepare my room.

"I have work to attend to, so please make yourself comfortable."

"Yes, thank you."

He stood up, and I expressed my gratitude as best I could. I had a valuable experience today. I need to make good use of his advice.

"Tomonari-kun, I'll show you to the guest room."

Tennouji-san guided me. As expected of the Tennouji family, not just the hall, but even the corridor to the guest room was magnificent.

"This is your room."

She opened the door. Inside was a room about ten square meters with a TV and a sofa. This alone was spacious enough, but there seemed to be a separate bedroom in the back.

"It's... huge."

"Is it? I think it's pretty standard."

She said, puzzled. Thinking about it, although I live at the Konohana house, I'm in a servant's room. Their guest rooms are probably this spacious, too.

"And, there are fresh clothes in that closet. Don't forget to take them when you go to the large bath."

"Large bath... Huh? Can I use it?"

"Of course. In fact, I insist you do. It's our family's pride and joy."

She said, puffing her chest out. Well, if she insists...

"Well then, I'm going to take my bath. If you need anything, just tell one of the nearby servants."

"Understood."

Tennouji-san left the room. The moment she closed the door, I let out a small sigh.

"...Today was full of surprises."

I am, technically, staying overnight at a girl's house... but because the scale of her home is so massive, it doesn't really feel like it. Of course, on another level, I'm still nervous.

"But I gained a lot, too."

Hearing Masatsugu-san's words was incredibly beneficial. And, considering I'll continue as Hinako's attendant, I'll surely be invited to other homes like this. This can serve as practice.

"...I should take a bath, too."

I want to calm down. I'll relax in the bath Tennouji-san is so proud of. I took the robe from my room and asked a servant waiting nearby to show me to the large bath. I undressed in the changing room and, with some excitement, slid open the bathhouse door.

"Whoa... This is definitely a bath to be proud of."

The Tennouji family bath was luxuriously designed, not at all what you'd expect from an "annex." There were two pools, each about the size of the school's, and an open-air bath. I had half-expected the faucets to be golden lions, and sure enough, the statues were huge and eye-catching.

"The ceiling... is so high."

Steam swirled like clouds near the ceiling. I admired the sight, washed off, and sank into the pool.

"Phew... I'm alive again."

Not that I was dead. Now that I was alone, I couldn't help but say my usual line. Come to think of it, it's been a while since I bathed alone. Since becoming an attendant, I'm always with Hinako, so this feels much more freeing than usual. Soaking alone isn't bad. It's nice, but... also a little lonely. In any case, being with Hinako must be quite comfortable for me.

"...Oh my?"

Just then, a woman's voice came from behind me. It was so unexpected, I froze. I peered at the source of the voice and saw a figure standing in the steam.

"D-Don't tell me... Tennouji-san?"

"Yes, I'm a Tennouji."

The person responded in a calm voice. However, it wasn't the voice I knew. It was similar, but different. The tone was completely unlike her usual one. Someone approached me through the steam. The person—a young woman with long, chestnut-colored hair tied back—emerged. Seeing her cheeks flushed from the bath and her smooth skin glistening with water droplets, I instinctively looked away. But the woman didn't scream or leave. In fact, she came closer.

"Oh my, to meet here of all places. Hehehe, what a fun first meeting."

She exuded a gentle, virtuous aura, covering her mouth with her hand as she smiled.

"You must be Tomonari-kun... Hello. I'm Tennouji Hanami, Mirei's mother. Thank you for taking care of my daughter."

"Ah... um, I'm Itsuki Tomonari. No, I'm the one who's always in... in Mirei-san's care."

"Oh my, you're such a polite boy~"

Hanami-san smiled in admiration, ignoring my stiff posture. She looked far too young to be a classmate's mother; she looked to be in her early twenties at most. Since she was in the bath, she must have removed her makeup, but she was still stunningly beautiful. Honestly, it was hard to believe she was Tennouji-san's mother.

"I'm always hearing from Mirei about how hard you study. Please feel free to use anything in this mansion, not just the guest room."

"Th-Thank you..."

I bowed my head at the praise. Just then, my brain finally rebooted.

"—Wait! More importantly! This is the men's bath!!"

"Oh? Is it really?"

She tilted her head, completely unbothered. How can she be so calm in front of a naked man?

"I'm pretty sure it is."

"Oh my~ How troublesome."

It's more troublesome for me! Never mind me, the guest; she's the one who's familiar with this house, yet she mistook the men's bath for the women's. It was so backward I was starting to think I was the one in the wrong.

"Since it's such a rare chance, let's bathe together~"

"What!?"

My head was spinning. I don't understand her sense of distance. Does she think I'm a little kid or something?

"Tomonari-kun?"

As I was reeling in confusion, a girl's voice came from the other side of the wall.

"That voice... is that Tennouji-san?"

"Yes, it's me."

It's Tennouji-san (the real one)! Thank goodness. Maybe she can fix this mess.

"By the way, what's wrong? It sounds noisy..."

The women's bath must be on the other side of this wall. Hearing her worried voice, I tried my best to explain without looking at Hanami-san.

"Yeah, well, you see—"

"—Oh, Mirei, are you over there?"

Before I could explain, Hanami-san spoke up. For a moment, time froze. Tennouji-san on the other side went silent. Only the drip, drip of water sounded unnaturally loud.

"M-Mother!? Why are you over there—!?"

Tennouji-san rebooted and shouted.

"Mirei, sorry~ I messed up again."

"Th-Th-This isn't a joke this time! Please get out of there right now! Th-This is going to create my dark history of 'a male classmate saw my mother naked'!!"

She has a point...

"Ehh~ But it's a rare chance, and I want to talk to Tomonari-kun more~"

"Mother!!"

"Why don't you come over here, too?"

"Mother!?"

"Tomonari-kun has a nice build, you know."

Hearing this, Tennouji-san gave no reaction. After a moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the changing room—

"—Mother!!"

Tennouji-san made a racket and slid open the door to the men's bath. I turned to look—and immediately looked away. She was practically naked, wrapped in only a bath towel. Her figure was, unlike Hinako's, extremely well-developed and curvy. Even with the towel, it was a precarious situation, and I didn't dare look directly. Also, probably because she was bathing, her hair was down, not in its usual style. It looked surprisingly soft, and I was almost mesmerized.

"O-Okay! Get out, quick! M-Mother, you're a woman, too! Have some modesty!!"

"Yes, yes. Goodness, can't be helped."

Hanami-san said, and stood up. I immediately tried to close my eyes, but I caught a glimpse of Hanami-san's figure in my peripheral vision, and she wasn't naked.

"A-A swimsuit...?"

"Mother just came from swimming in the pool, so I came straight to the bath~ It would be embarrassing if I were really naked, wouldn't it?"

Hanami-san offered this late explanation to a dumbfounded Tennouji-san. Wait, even if you're in a swimsuit, I'm completely naked...

"By the way, Mirei... you're the one who needs to be more modest."

Hanami-san said, looking at Tennouji-san. She must have been in such a hurry that she hadn't realized her own state. She looked down, saw she was only in a towel, and her face instantly turned bright red—

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—!?"

Her shriek echoed through the spacious bathhouse. She fled, making even more noise than when she'd arrived.

"Oh my, what a clatter."

"...I feel like more than half of this is your fault."

Hanami-san smiled, looking somewhat amused, while I let out a heavy sigh.

"By the way, Tomonari-kun."

Her expression suddenly turned serious as she looked at me. Even in a swimsuit, her figure was... stimulating. I faced her but kept my gaze slightly averted as I listened.

"Is Mirei happy at school?"

Her tone was serious. As a mother, she must be curious about her daughter's life. Maybe this is what she wanted to ask from the start. I thought back on Tennouji-san at school... and nodded firmly.

"Yes. She's always dignified and faces everything head-on... I'm sure she's enjoying every day."

"...I see. That's wonderful."

Hanami-san gave a gentle smile. Her expression looked genuinely relieved.

◆

After the bathhouse fiasco, I returned to the guest room to study.

"...Alright, that's today's goal met."

I finished the prep and review Shizune-san had planned. Since Tennouji-san has been teaching me, Shizune-san's plan has been lighter. Still, if I don't focus, it takes a lot of time, so I can't let my guard down.

"...I'll push on a little more."

Maybe because I'm in a different environment, I'm more focused. A healthy amount of tension keeps sluggishness and sleepiness at bay. I steeled myself and turned the page. Just then, someone knocked.

"Excuse me."

Tennouji-san, dressed in loungewear, opened the door and appeared.

"Tennouji-san?"

"I made some herbal tea. If you'd like, please join me."

She said, holding a tray in one hand. There were two cups. I picked up the one closer to me.

"Thank you."

The steam rising from the cup filled my nose. It was a calming aroma.

"You're studying so hard."

She murmured, looking at my materials.

"Not really... I just live by this schedule, so I feel weird if I don't study."

"...You really do need to produce some actual results."

She said, taking a sip of tea.

"You work so hard, yet you lack confidence. It must be because you haven't achieved a result you can accept... On next month's mock exam, you will get into the top fifty, no matter what."

"I-I'll do my best."

Masatsugu-san also taught me about producing results. Indeed, if I could join the ranks of the top students at Kiou Academy, that achievement would let me hold my head high. I felt motivated, and at the same time, I felt a new respect for Tennouji-san. Her every action must be built on that foundation. That dignified air didn't come from nowhere; it was forged from her efforts up to this point. As I thought this, I looked at Tennouji-san again... she seemed different from usual.

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing... It's just the first time I've seen your hair when it's not styled."

"You're right. I'm rarely like this at school... It's just because I finished my bath."

I had seen her hair down when she burst into the bath, but I'd looked away immediately. Looking properly now, with her hair down, she looked more mature. It was a stark contrast to her usually assertive personality, giving her an intelligent and refined air. The contrast was so charming, I couldn't help but stare.

"Haha~ Don't tell me... you're stunned by my beauty?"

She said with a knowing, mischievous smile. She'd read my mind. I was speechless. I wanted to deny it, but it was too late.

"...Unlike you, I'm not used to this kind of situation."

I said stubbornly, looking away.

"...Me neither."

She whispered.

"I was just pretending to be tough... Um, I'm a little flustered, too. This is the first time I've had a boy stay at my house... a-and the bath thing."

She said, her cheeks flushing red. Seeing this girlish shyness, so different from her usual composed self, I instinctively swallowed. —This is bad. The atmosphere became incredibly awkward. A strange tension filled the air, one that was even harder to bear than dining with Masatsugu-san a few hours ago. My mind went blank. I saw the herbal tea on the table. I'll take a sip to calm down, I thought, and lifted the cup—

"HOT—!?"

I'd gulped it down in a panic, and a burning pain shot through my tongue.

"A-Are you okay!?"

Tennouji-san asked, alarmed. It wasn't a serious burn, but my tongue wouldn't move properly. I just tried to convey "I'm fine" with my eyes, and our gazes met. Seeing each other's wide-eyed expressions, we both burst out laughing. The awkward atmosphere vanished.

"Goodness... I haven't felt like this in a long time."

She said with a smile.

"Looking back, you've been messing with my head since we first met. You knew the Konohana Group but not the Tennouji Group... a-and you accused me of dyeing my hair."

"Well, I'm still suspicious about that."

"Silence."

She snapped, and I shut up. Neither Masatsugu-san nor Hanami-san were blonde. Considering typical Japanese traits, she must have dyed it.

"I don't usually get the chance to say this, so I'll tell you now... I'm grateful to you. Ever since meeting you at the tea party and study group, my school life has become much more fulfilling."

Tennouji-san's voice was full of gratitude. She smiled captivatingly and continued:

"And, you can't tell from just looking, but you have a lot of perseverance. Being with you boosts my own motivation... If you score in the top ten on the next mock exam, I'll recruit you as my right-hand man after graduation."

"That... doesn't seem likely."

"If you back down now, then it definitely won't be."

She joked when I gave a wry smile.

"But, I think it would be fun to work with you."

I said what I was thinking, and her eyes widened.

"I-Is that so?"

"Yeah. Thanks to you, studying has been fun lately. I was just thinking it would be great if work could be like this."

I have no idea about my future, but if I became her subordinate, I'd probably be pretty happy. I've had enough part-time jobs to know: she'd be a good boss.

"Heh, hehehe...!! Right? Right! If you follow me, I guarantee your life will be fulfilling!"

She said triumphantly. She seemed really happy; her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes were sparkling.

"B-But, realistically, to work for me, you'd have to pass the Tennouji Group's exam... N-No, if you get a recommendation from Kiou Academy... or you could just become my fiancé, and I could guarantee you a secretarial position..."

"Fiancé?"

"N-N-N-Nothing! I-I was just... thinking a little too far ahead!!"

I tilted my head, wondering why she was so flustered.

"...Oh dear, I've stayed too long."

She glanced at the clock and muttered.

"Then, finally, let's decide on our slogan!"

"A slogan?"

"Yes! Since ancient times, before a great battle, armies would shout a slogan—a battle cry—to raise morale! 'Charge!' or 'The enemy is at Honno-ji!' are famous ones."

"I see. So we need a slogan, too." (Her shouting 'Charge!' is kind of cute.)

"Alright, repeat after me."

I nodded. She widened her eyes and shouted our slogan:

"Defeat Hinako Konohana!!"

"Defeat Hinako—Huh!?"

"What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing... that's our slogan?"

"Yes! It's perfect for us, isn't it!"

If I actually said that, I'd probably be fired... No, it can't be helped. I can't explain the situation to her. I just have to play along.

"Okay, here we go."

Tennouji-san took a breath and yelled:

"Defeat Hinako Konohana!!"

"D-Defeat Hinako Konohana!!"

I'm sorry, Hinako.

◆

The next morning, I finished breakfast at the Tennouji home. A black sedan was waiting outside the mansion to pick me up.

"Thank you for everything."

I bowed deeply to Masatsugu-san and Tennouji-san, who had come to see me off. Hanami-san had work, so she couldn't be there, but I'd said goodbye to her before leaving.

"You're welcome back anytime."

"Yes! We'll be waiting!"

With their farewells, I got into the car. This car was, of course, arranged by the Konohana family. The Tennouji family probably thought I was returning to my own home, but I was actually heading to the Konohana annex, where Hinako and Shizune-san were. The driver said, "Let's go," and pulled away. Shizune-san didn't come this time, likely because Tennouji-san might recognize her as a Konohana maid. Still... this was a very meaningful day. I'll have to thank Tennouji-san again later. I thought, gazing at the scenery.

◆

Masatsugu watched the guest's car leave, then looked at Mirei.

"Mirei, are you two close?"

"Yes. We're not in the same class, but we get along well."

Mirei affirmed her father's question.

"And... he's helped me."

She remembered last month. The Tennouji family name was so prominent that even at school, she was respected, but she rarely had the chance to laugh and talk with others on equal footing. The one who changed that was Itsuki. Itsuki had invited Mirei to the tea party and the study group. He also bridged the gap with Hinako Konohana, whom she had seen as a rival but also wanted to connect with. Itsuki was also the one who started the recent study sessions. Through them, Mirei's grades improved, and she made friends. Right now, Itsuki might seem like he's bowing his head to Mirei, but in her heart, Mirei was grateful to him. And—

'I think it would be fun to work with you.'

She never thought he'd say something so heartwarming. Mirei always seemed confident, but she wasn't without anxiety about the future. Her competitiveness with Hinako was born from that anxiety—if she lost at school, maybe she'd keep losing in the future. That's why Itsuki's words last night had made her so happy. She maintained a strong front, but Itsuki had seen the anxiety hidden deep inside and dispelled it.

(I feel... if I'm with Tomonari-kun, I can overcome any difficulty.)

As she was lost in thought— Masatsugu let out a low "Hm," stroking his goatee.

"Is this based on romantic feelings?"

"Huh!? I-I told you, it's not an impure relationship like that!!"

Mirei denied it, blushing. She thought her father was joking and pouted, "Goodness," but—

"Hm... Good."

Masatsugu said, nodding with a serious face.

"I have something to discuss with you... It's about time we arranged a fiancé for you."

The proposal was completely unexpected. Mirei's eyes widened, and she repeated:

"A-A fiancé...?"

"Yes. I've been considering it, but I felt it was too early, so I didn't say anything. However, I had a chance to speak with the head of the Konohana family, and we talked about our daughters' engagements. He seems to be thinking about it positively. It's also a way to keep indecent men away."

Masatsugu continued, his expression serious:

"In the future, many people will try to get close to you because of our family's prestige. Some will have bad intentions. Thinking about that, what the Konohana head said makes sense. I still feel it might be too early... but if you're willing, I'm fine with it."

This wasn't him telling her she had a fiancé. As the heiress of the Tennouji Group, she knew she would one day be engaged. However, she thought that was still far in the future. For her, the timing wasn't the important part. It was—

"Is this... for the Tennouji family?"

Her voice trembled slightly. As if to cover up that weakness, she asked her father again:

"If I get engaged, will it be a contribution to our family?"

"...Yes. It will make it easier to set our strategy."

For high society, an engagement solidifies existing connections. Marrying the son of a close partner company makes future business smoother. If they become family, it's easier to avoid disputes and execute large-scale strategies like acquisitions or mergers.

"If that's the case—"

Just as always. Mirei's face broke into a bright, dignified, radiant smile as she replied:

"—Of course, I accept."

◆

"You're back."

When I arrived at the Konohana mansion, Shizune-san was there to greet me.

"I'm home... Sorry about staying out overnight."

"That's fine. The past is not the issue. The current issue is what's important."

The current issue? That sounds like there's a problem right now...

"Please go and appease Ojou-sama immediately. She's furious."

"...Huh? Furious?"

Shizune-san said, looking extremely troubled. I was baffled. I thought she might be in a bad mood, but not furious. It's hard to imagine Hinako being "furious." She's not the type to throw a loud tantrum... I walked to Hinako's room and took a deep breath. I knocked.

"Hinako, can I come in?"

"...Mhm."

A displeased voice came from within. She really is in a bad mood. I opened the door nervously. Hinako was on her bed, curled up in her blanket. When I entered, she wriggled.

"...Itsuki, you're back."

"Y-Yeah, I'm b—"

"You liar."

She said, cutting me off. It was the first time I'd seen her truly angry. I just froze, my mouth half-open.

"You said you'd be back the same day..."

"No, that was... it was an emergency..."

"...You stayed out all night."

Hinako glared at me.

"...Stayed. Out. All. Night."

"Well, yeah, I did stay out all night, but..."

That phrasing has a totally wrong connotation. I wish she wouldn't say it like that. To show I was serious, I figured I should explain everything.

"Er, I planned to come back, but the weather suddenly got terrible... You know, that thunderstorm. I had no choice but to stay at Tennouji-san's house..."

I explained, breaking out in a cold sweat. She just stared at me silently. Her mood was even harder to read than usual.

"S-So, are we okay...?"

"...Mhm."

She gave a tiny nod.

"Good work... coming up with that long-winded excuse."

I'm doomed. She's definitely furious.

"...Come here."

"Huh?"

"...Come over here."

Hinako looked annoyed and patted the bed, signaling me to sit next to her. When I got close, she suddenly buried her head in my chest.

"W-Hey? Hinako?"

"...Scent."

She whispered.

"If it's not your scent... I can't calm down."

My scent? What's that...? Come to think of it, when we first met, she said I "smelled good." Is her sense of smell just really sharp?

"You ate dinner with Tennouji-san...?"

"...Yeah, I did."

"You took a bath there...?"

"...Yeah, I did."

If you stay overnight, eating and bathing are kind of a given.

"You bathed with her...?"

"No, of course n—"

I tried to deny it, but in the next second... An image of Tennouji-san wrapped in a single bath towel flashed in my mind.

"—Ah."

The sound escaped my lips.

"...'Ah'?"

"N-Nothing, that was..."

"What was that 'ah' just now...?"

Crap, there's no way to talk my way out of this. I confessed the whole bathhouse incident.

"Ngh...! Nngh...!!"

As I expected, she turned bright red with anger.

"You said you didn't bathe with her...!"

"It was an accident! An accident! It wasn't 'bathing together,' it was 'happened to be in the same place'!"

I thought my explanation was perfectly clear, but Hinako wasn't buying it.

"You ate with Tennouji-san, and you bathed with her... That's the same stuff you do with me...! Are... Are you her attendant...!?"

"No, that's not it! I'm your attendant!"

I would never do the things I do for Hinako with Tennouji-san. I ate with her, but it's not like I fed her. And we were in the bath, but it's not like I washed her hair.

"Then...!"

Hinako grabbed my sleeve and pulled me close.

"Then... you should be by my side, not someone else's..."

Her attitude suddenly switched from anger to gentleness, which left me a little flustered. I must have made her worry. Did she think I was going to leave her and go work for Tennouji-san? As if that would happen.

"It's okay. I know."

"Ngh... I'm saying it because you don't know."

"No, I do."

I said firmly. Just then, the door opened.

"Pardon me. Ojou-sama, lunch is ready."

"...Mhm."

Shizune-san bowed and announced. Even if Hinako was in a bad mood, she couldn't beat her own hunger. She slowly climbed off the bed and walked to the dining room. When she arrived, a servant immediately pulled out her chair. She sat down familiarly and placed the napkin on her lap. Seeing this—I pulled out the chair opposite Hinako.

"May I sit here?"

"...Itsuki?"

She stared, wide-eyed, seeing me follow her to the dining room. She always ate alone, so she must have been surprised that I was staying.

"Itsuki-san will be dining with you today."

Hinako's eyes went even wider at Shizune-san's explanation. Shizune-san glanced at me. It was better if I explained.

"We agreed that I couldn't eat with you until I'd learned proper table manners... so I had Tennouji-san teach me. And, since I showed results, I can eat with you starting today."

After I finished, Shizune-san nodded and added:

"I will be the one to give the final test of his etiquette... Today's lunch is similar to a dinner course. If there are no issues, he will be able to dine with you for both lunch and dinner from now on."

In other words, this was the final exam. From what I could see, today's lunch was Italian. It had multiple courses, similar to dinner, but not as elaborate as a full-course meal. Even as the heiress of the Konohana Group, Hinako probably didn't eat a full-course meal every day. But there was still a basic level of etiquette. Shizune-san stared at me silently. I get it. I'm on.

I sat down in the chair from the left. The napkin was on the table. I folded it in half, placed it on my lap with the crease facing me. When wiping my mouth, I must use the inside. It's important to note that using a handkerchief or tissue is a breach of etiquette; it implies "I don't want to use the napkin you provided." I must use the cutlery from the outside in. There were two knives and a spoon on the right, three forks on the left.

Today's order was appetizer, soup, fish, meat. The lack of a fork on the right meant no pasta. I held the knife and fork lightly. I must not make noise when using them. After finishing the carpaccio appetizer, I ate my soup quietly. Use the spoon, don't bring the bowl to your mouth. When the soup is low, tilt the bowl slightly away and scoop. As I took a bite of the seasonal grilled sea bream, Shizune-san gave a small nod and looked away.

Does that mean... I passed? I let out a small sigh of relief. Just then, Hinako, sitting across from me, said, dumbfounded:

"Itsuki... you've improved so much..."

"Mhm. I worked hard."

Thinking about it, what I lacked was probably confidence. Masatsugu-san said he felt no discomfort dining with me. That means I already had the basic knowledge. Despite that, I was still worried and nervous the whole time. That was due to a lack of confidence. The final hurdle to mastering etiquette... is confidence.

"If you're okay with it, I'd like to eat with you like this from now on. Can I?"

I felt a little embarrassed saying it. If she rejected me, it would be the darkest moment of my life... but it seems I was worried for nothing.

"...Mhm!"

Hinako beamed. Her mood had improved.

"Then... from now on, you can be informal, too..."

"Huh?"

Before I could process that, Hinako's posture relaxed.

"Haaah—..."

She put her chin on the table and let out a sloppy sigh.

"Uh, Shizune-san, aren't we supposed to follow etiquette during meals...?"

"There's no such rule. However, Master Kagen occasionally visits this dining room. If your etiquette is lacking then, it would give him a negative impression."

So that was the reason... Shizune-san had me learn table manners so I wouldn't make a bad impression on Kagen-san. She was being considerate, trying to protect my position.

"Itsuki... come here."

Hinako patted the seat next to her. I did as she asked and sat beside her. She relaxed and gave a soft smile.

"Let's eat together..."

Her expression was more child-like and at ease than usual. It was proof she was truly relaxed.

I gave a short "Okay," and we continued our lunch. The reason I could see this smile was all thanks to Tennouji-san. I'll have to thank her on Monday.

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