Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 2 Chapter 3

The Young Lady's Troubles

The next morning, I woke up at my usual time and immediately put on my school uniform.

After I finished my servant duties, I was heading to my room to get my school bag when I saw Hinako walking from the other end of the hall.

This was the direct path to the dining room. Shizune-san must have guided her part of the way.

"Hha... Itsuki, mornin'..."

"Oh, good morning. Are you heading to breakfast?"

"Mhm..."

She nodded, her eyes heavy with sleep.

"It'd be nice if we could eat breakfast together..."

"I have my servant duties in the morning, so it can't be helped."

"...But you don't have to wake me up anymore, right...?"

"I still have other work. Cleaning, laundry, that kind of thing. Shizune-san is busy too, you know."

Hinako didn't seem satisfied by that, letting out an incomprehensible "Nngh." I decided to voice my own question:

"By the way, I've been wondering... Why did you suddenly tell me not to wake you up in the morning?"

"Eek."

She made a strange sound. She had an expression like I'd hit a sore spot.

"Th-That's because..."

"Also, you used to ask me to carry you, on my back or in my arms, but you haven't been asking lately..."

Honestly, I was pretty dejected at first, wondering if I'd done something wrong. But, Hinako has continued to show that she trusts me deeply, which is why I'm so curious if her feelings have changed for some reason.

"I-I just thought... I'd graduated from that sort of thing..."

"Is there a reason?"

"There is... but I don't really get it myself..."

Hinako sounded distressed, but finally said slowly:

"............If you want to do it... I'll ask."

I wasn't expecting that answer. What should I do... Honestly, I don't dislike it, but we really shouldn't be so casual about carrying each other. In more ways than one, excessive physical contact is... bad.

"It's not that I want you to ask... but if you stop needing to be taken care of, there's no point in having an attendant."

"—!?"

Although, in reality, she still gets lost in the house and falls asleep at the drop of a hat, so there's plenty for an attendant to do... I thought, giving a wry smile. But she suddenly went pale, as if she'd just witnessed a tragedy.

She frowned, her lips quivering. Finally, with a look of resolve, she said:

"............Carry me."

"Huh?"

"Carry me...!"

It was the first time in a while she'd asked, but her tone was different—it felt insistent. I was confused by the change, but I still moved to lift her. As I got close enough to touch, she turned sideways and wrapped her arms around my neck. It seemed she wanted to be carried "princess style." It's a little embarrassing... but since she hasn't asked in so long, I'm also a little happy.

I gently lifted Hinako. Her small face, resting against my chest, was bright red.

"...Um, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. So... just carry me to the dining room like this..."

She seemed to be trying to hide her blushing face by burying it in my chest. But she couldn't hide her bright red ears.

"I... I want you to be my attendant in the future, too..."

She said, gripping my collar tightly. Seeing that, I couldn't help but smile.

"I'm not planning on quitting, either."

"...Mhm."

Hinako replied meekly. She's definitely different. But it's not like she dislikes me. It's more like... she's starting to see me as a guy, to be conscious of me—

"...No, that's impossible."

I whispered, too quietly for her to hear. Hinako just sees me as a trustworthy family member. I convinced myself of that... and carried her to the dining room.

◆

Monday, after school. We were studying at the usual cafe next to the dining hall when I noticed Tennouji-san's pen had stopped.

"Tennouji-san?"

"Eh?... Ah, sorry. I was just thinking."

It was rare to see her so absent-minded. And not just now; I'd felt she was distracted for a while.

"What's wrong? You seem a little under the weather today."

"...No, don't worry. I'm fine."

She said, grading my quiz with a red pen.

"I've finished grading your quiz. 98 points... You were careful on the applied problems, but you got sloppy checking the basics."

She explained my mistakes, and I silently took notes.

"Next is table manner practice... Let's take a break first. I'm going to the restroom."

She stood up and walked toward the school building. I watched her go, tilting my head in confusion again.

"...Compared to her usual self, she's definitely lacking energy."

She said she was fine, but that must be a lie. She didn't look pale and wasn't walking strangely, so she probably wasn't sick. But something was definitely bothering her. But it would be rude to pry into a secret she's trying to hide. I want to help, if I can do so without overstepping... As I was thinking, a familiar figure walked by. A female student with thigh-length black hair tied in a single ponytail. I called out to her:

"Narika?"

"Hm?... Itsuki! It's Itsuki!"

 


She noticed me, her eyes lit up, and she walked over. I just called her name, and she's this happy... She's like an attached puppy. I could almost see her tail wagging.

"Itsuki, you were looking for me!"

"No, it's not that I was 'looking for' you, I just called out... What are you still doing at school?"

"Oh, just talking to the school about using a product my family developed. We make sporting goods, and the school is a client."

Narika comes from the Miyakojima family, which specializes in manufacturing sporting goods. She must have been pitching them equipment for PE class.

"...You handle that kind of stuff?"

"Yep. I'm a member of the Miyakojima family, after all. You can praise me, you know."

"Good job."

"...That sounded a little half-hearted."

Narika said that, but she looked overjoyed.

"Anyway, what are you doing?"

"I'm in a study group with Tennouji-san. For the next mock exam, and also practicing etiquette."

"Huh, I see. Still studying even after midterms. You and Tennouji-san are so diligent."

"Yeah... That said, my grades aren't that different from yours."

"...True. Maybe I should study more, too."

To be honest, Narika's grades are worse than mine. Her PE and History scores are near-perfect, but everything else is below the grade average, though not failing. When the conversation died, we both fell silent. Narika looked restless for some reason. Maybe she had other things to do.

"Sorry for holding you up. See you."

"W-Wait! This is the part where you're supposed to invite me to the study group!"

"What... You didn't say anything."

"I thought you'd figure it out!"

Narika protested. Even if you say that...

"O-Or... am I just hard to invite...?"

"It's not that..."

"It's fine, you don't have to spare my feelings... I overheard some classmates talking about it."

"...That's rough."

"Yeah............ I was super depressed."

She looked like she was about to cry. God, can't you let Narika's life be just a little bit easier...?

"Um, we're done with the studying part, but Tennouji-san is about to help me with etiquette. If you want, you can join us."

"I-I can? A hard-to-invite person like me...?"

"I don't think that, at least. I'm sure she'll welcome you."

"I-Itsuki...! I knew you were the only one on my side...!!"

You really need to find other allies... but that's probably a lost cause.

Still, I was grateful Narika was joining today. I'm still worried about Tennouji-san. If it's a problem I can't solve, maybe having Narika around will get her to open up.

"Oh, Miyakojima-san?"

Tennouji-san returned and noticed Narika.

"Tennouji-san, is it okay if Narika joins the etiquette practice?"

"I don't mind..."

She looked at Narika, who quickly stammered:

"J-Just for today is fine! I've been busy with family stuff, too... I-It's just, sometimes I want to do something more... student-like..."

In short: "I'm lonely and want friends."

Tennouji-san, who had probably figured out Narika's personality from the tea party, gave a gentle smile and nodded.

"Of course. In that case, let's have a simple dinner today."

Narika's expression bloomed like a flower. What kind of life did she live before she ran into me...? I was curious, but also afraid to ask, so I sealed the question away.

◆

"Wha!? I-Itsuki... you stayed over at Tennouji-san's house!?"

We were having a light meal at the cafe and explained what happened. Narika's eyes went wide with shock.

"Yeah. It just sort of happened."

"Th-That's not something you can just brush off as 'it happened'! ...I've been wondering, how do you get to be friends with big-shots like Konohana-san and Tennouji-san...!"

Narika is an ojou-sama of the Miyakojima family and should be a "big-shot" herself, but she seems to think she's in a different league from Hinako and Tennouji-san.

"When you stayed over, my father checked your etiquette and gave you a passing grade. So, today will be the last of the table manner drills."

"Sounds good."

I agreed with Tennouji-san's plan. Today's drill seemed to be the final test. If I messed up, we'd have to start over... but thanks to the experience of eating with Masatsugu-san, I'd gained the confidence to be a little less nervous.

"But..."

I glanced at Narika as I ate. She wasn't at Tennouji-san's level, but her table manners were also quite elegant. She used her knife and fork lightly and drank her soup without making a sound.

"Narika... your table manners are pretty good."

"Y-You! Are you looking down on me!? I told you, I'm a member of the Miyakojima family too, you know!"

She fumed, bright red.

"Pfft."

Just then, Tennouji-san let out a small laugh.

"Sorry... You two just looked like you were having fun."

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Now's the time to ask— I thought, and looked at her directly.




"Um, Tennouji-san, is something wrong today?... You've helped me so much. If you're willing, you can talk to me about it."

As soon as I asked, her expression clearly darkened. But, finally, as if making up her mind, she looked down and spoke:

"It's... about an engagement."

She whispered. Narika and I looked at each other. As a commoner, I'm not familiar with this topic, but through Hinako—through the Konohana family's situation—I understood it a little. An engagement isn't necessarily a bad thing. But from her expression, I could guess...

"You don't want to go through with it...?"

"No, that's not it."

To my surprise, she denied it.

"I'm the daughter of the Tennouji family. I've been prepared for an early engagement since I was little. But... it was just so sudden, it startled me... I wasn't mentally ready, so I feel lost."

For her, this look of confusion was truly rare.

"Oh well... For people like us, it's a worry you could call 'fate,' I guess."

Narika said, her own feelings mixed.

"Have you had offers, Narika?"

"No, not yet, but I hear it'll happen someday... W-Wha!? W-Wait!! Don't get the wrong idea!! If anything, I want to marry for love... A-Anyway, I'm not accepting any offers!!"

"O-Oh..."

Narika suddenly glared at me and insisted. I was confused, but just agreed.

"Besides, in my family, my parents aren't keen on it either. It came up once, and they just said, 'It's too early for you,' and that was the end of it."

"That means... your parents understand you well."

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

Narika looked offended. I looked away. I tried to picture Narika at an engagement meeting... All I could see was her, silent, frozen like a statue.

"Tomonari-kun... what do you think about my engagement?"

Tennouji-san stared at me and asked. I thought for a moment, then answered:

"My family never talks about this... so I don't really get it. But if it's a good thing for you, then I'll support you."

I meant it from the bottom of my heart. Tennouji-san has done so much for me. I want to help her however I can.

"Thank you, both of you... Thanks to you, I feel a little better."

She looked up and said:

"Thinking about it calmly, even if I accept, my current relationships won't change... Maybe I don't need to be so nervous."

Hearing her spirits lift, I nodded and said:

"I really enjoy spending time with you like this, too. So even if you get engaged, I hope we can keep this relationship."

"M-Me too!"

Narika chimed in. After that, we finished our meal with the restored Tennouji-san and went our separate ways.

◆

After saying goodbye to Itsuki and Narika, Mirei got into the Tennouji family car waiting at the school gate.

"Mirei-ojousama, welcome back from school."

"Mhm."

A servant opened the back door, and Mirei sat down. Inside the moving car, she watched the scenery fly by, recalling their conversation.

(Goodness... He's so dense.)

She sighed quietly, so no one would notice.

(If I get engaged, I won't be able to spend time after school like this anymore...)

If you have a fiancé, you hesitate to frequently meet other men alone. School activities aside, the chances to be alone together would definitely decrease. At the very least, they couldn't meet every day like this.

(But... Tomonari-kun's reaction was more nonchalant than I expected... Why didn't he say something more...)

"If it's a good thing for you, I'll support you."

His words were sincere... but they also sounded distant, polite.

(And he even said that to me before...)

Itsuki had said, "I think it would be fun to work with you."

Didn't that mean—he wanted to be with her, even after graduation? Thinking of this, Mirei felt a strange discomfort in her heart.

"...It's strange."

She had decided to live for the Tennouji family. She had thought that was her ultimate happiness.

(What... is this feeling...?)

It was baffling. Mirei didn't feel at all that this engagement would bring her happiness.

◆

Two weeks had passed since I started spending time with Tennouji-san after school. The study sessions were planned to last until the mock exam, and today was the halfway point.

"We're starting ballroom dance lessons today!"

There were only two weeks left until the exam. Tennouji-san and I faced each other in the gym.

"Sorry for making you reserve the gym."

"It was nothing."

She was wearing the school-issued gym uniform. I thanked her. Since we'd finished table manners, we were starting dance practice. I had received some simple instruction from Shizune-san, but my knowledge and experience were far more lacking than with etiquette. Honestly, this was an area I had no confidence in.

"Let's start with a slow waltz."

Tennouji-san said, pressing a button on the stereo in the corner. Waltz music flowed out.

"Come on, what are you standing there for? Get over here."

"O-Okay."

Ballroom dancing requires a man and a woman to dance intimately, face-to-face. I was only just realizing this, and my limbs felt awkward.

"Closer."

"C-Closer...?"

We were already less than 50 centimeters apart. I took a half-step closer, she did the same. Our bodies were pressed together. I could feel a soft touch and smell a sweet fragrance.

"Please take my right hand with your left. Then, turn your body slightly..."

I desperately suppressed my indecent thoughts and followed her instructions, adjusting my posture. I placed my right hand on her shoulder blade, and she placed her left hand on my arm.

"This is the basic pose, called the 'hold'... Now, let's dance slowly in this position."

"Huh? But I don't really know how..."

"As they say, 'practice is the best teacher.' I'll lead, so just follow me carefully."

Her right foot moved back. I followed, stepping forward with my left. We repeated similar steps, moving slowly counter-clockwise around the gym.

"A half-turn right here... yes, and another half-turn..."

As I focused on not separating from her, I suddenly realized I was dancing. The music stopped, and so did we.

"See? You can do it, can't you?"

"Yeah... I think I mostly get the flow."

"I was leading, but you learn quickly... You must have good reflexes."

It's true, I've always been better at physical activity than etiquette or studying. I don't hate exercise. Maybe ballroom dancing is something I can be good at.

"Alright, from the hold again."



Just like before, I followed her lead. Normally the man is supposed to lead, so it must have been difficult for her, but she didn't show it, and continued to guide my body.

"...This is more tiring than I expected."

After an hour, I said, wiping the sweat from my chin with my collar.

"It is... We're supposed to take breaks."

She said, wiping away her own sweat.

"Okay, let's continue. Tomonari-kun, hold."

"Right."

I straightened my back, opened my arms, and Tennouji-san moved in. I recalled her instructions and moved to get into position when—I noticed something. —It's see-through.

We were dancing in a stuffy room, and she was sweating a lot. Her white gym shirt was clinging to her, and I could faintly see a pale-yellow bra underneath. I... must not look.

Out of respect for my instructor, I averted my gaze as much as possible while holding the pose.

"Wait, where are you looking?"

She noticed me looking away and corrected me.

"Please look at me properly. Ballroom dancing isn't just about movement; gaze and expression are also important."

"Er... I guess so..."

I had a reason I couldn't look, but it was hard to say. As I was trying to figure out how to tell her—she grabbed my face and forced me to look at her.

"Here. Like this. Look at me properly."

Her face was right in front of mine. And right below it was her sweat-dampened shirt, clinging to her skin.

"Um... Tennouji-san, this is really hard to say..."

I can't keep looking. I thought, steeling myself to just say it.

"Um......... your shirt is... see-through from the sweat..."

"My shirt?.........!?"

She finally realized, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Wh-Wh-Where are you looking!?"

"I'm sorry!"

But you told me to look!

◆

After Tennouji-san changed out of her sweaty gym shirt and into a fresh one. We started practicing again, waltzing for about another hour.

"...Your steps are starting to look pretty good."

"Thank you."

Right turns, left turns... I was executing the steps smoothly. The timing of opening and closing your feet... if you're not in sync, the whole thing falls apart. The reason I was finding it easier than expected was that Tennouji-san was matching my movements. When my steps were too wide, she'd adapt. She must be very flexible. As I followed her fluid motions, my own tense body started to loosen up.

"Let's stop here for today. It was our first practice, and I think I pushed us too hard."

"Yeah... I'm almost out of stamina."

We caught our breath together. I was exhausted, probably from using muscles I don't normally use.

"S-So..."

As I started packing up, she said awkwardly:

"...If my shirt gets... damp again, I'd like you to tell me sooner... Um, it's embarrassing to realize it later."

She stammered shyly.

"W-Well... but if you can notice it yourself... If I'm the one telling you, that means I saw..."

"I-It's fine. I trust that you're not... that kind of person."

Trusting me that easily is a problem for me, too. Thanks to my daily life with Hinako, I have some resistance, but I have my limits. Still, it's proof that she trusts me. If only to not betray that trust, I nodded.

We packed up the equipment and walked out of the gym. The orange sunlight hit our faces. Outside was already dyed in the colors of dusk.


"I'm used to dancing, but this might be the first time I've danced for so long."

She murmured, brushing back her damp hair.

"With a family like the Tennouji family, you must get a lot of chances to dance, huh?"

"It depends on the person,"

she explained as we walked.

"Unlike a simple dinner, a ball requires a lot of prep. Usually, they send out 'will you be attending' invitations, and people who aren't good at dancing just choose not to go."

"I see... Unlike a dinner, it's not rude to decline, and it's an easy way to separate the dancers from the non-dancers."

"Exactly. That said, if you do attend... never mind dancing badly, it's embarrassing to be a wallflower. You should just think of it as one of those skills that's good to have."

Hearing that, I nodded in agreement.

"I don't get invited to many balls... but I hope I can practice enough to not be embarrassed before the next chance comes."

If Hinako needs to attend one, that might be my debut.

"...You can't be too relaxed about it."

Just then, she looked down and said:

"If my engagement goes through, I won't be able to spend time after school like this."

"...Oh, right."

"Of course. If you have someone you've pledged your life to, you should spend your free time with them."

Hearing her put it that way, it makes sense. If you have a fiancé, you should avoid meeting privately with other guys.

"That... would be a shame."

I muttered, unable to help it. Tennouji-san's eyes widened, and she looked at me.

"You'd... think it's a shame?"

"Yeah... Thinking about it, this time with you has been really fun. Losing it would be a real shame."

I said honestly. Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her face away.

"I-I see..."

I tilted my head, not getting her strange reaction. Was that too forward?

"...Hehe."

With her back still to me, she let out a small laugh.

"Uh, Tennouji-san?"

"N-Nothing."

She shook her head quickly.

"Well, Tomonari-kun, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

I said goodbye to her at the school gate. Her retreating figure looked much happier than usual.

◆

"Hehe."

After parting with Itsuki, Mirei returned to her mansion. On the way to her room, she found herself smiling.

"...Hehehe."

Her steps were light. She had just been drenched in sweat, but now her fatigue felt gone.

'This time with you has been really fun. Losing it would be a real shame.'

She kept replaying his words in her head. And every time, she felt a warmth in her chest.

(A shame...)

She placed a hand lightly on her chest.

(I'm not the only one who's enjoying this.)

It wasn't just her. Mirei felt her subconscious feelings had been validated. It wasn't a misunderstanding. He felt the same way.

(How can I make this last...)

She couldn't help but wonder. If the engagement went through, her time with Itsuki would be drastically reduced.

(That's it! What if I had him become a retainer of our family...)

That way, even after the engagement, she could see him. They could have tea, study, and dance, just like now. Mirei's eyes sparkled, as if she'd had a brilliant idea—

"...What am I daydreaming about."

She came back to her senses. It was impossible. Setting aside his value to her, to the Tennouji family, Itsuki Tomonari was just a student. There was no justification to bring him in as a retainer.

"Mirei?"

A voice called from behind. She turned to find her mother, Tennouji Hanami.

"Oh, Mother. What is it?"

"That's what I should be asking~ You were muttering to yourself in the hallway. I thought something was wrong..."

"It's nothing. I was just thinking."

Mirei replied evasively.

"You seem... very happy lately."

"Huh?"

"You haven't noticed? Ever since you started studying with Tomonari-kun, you've been happy every day."

She had only just realized it herself. She didn't think it had been so obvious.

"Can you tell me? What kind of person is he to you?"

"Even if you ask... Mother, why are you so interested in him?"

"Oh, well, he's the one who's influenced my daughter. Of course I'm interested~"

Hanami said, looking pleased. Mirei sensed her mother's affection, sighed, and replied:

"I see... He's a very serious person."

She recalled the day's events as she spoke.

"He was a bit timid at first... lacking confidence, but he's motivated. I think he strongly wants to change himself, and he really treasures his school life."

When they first met, his posture was bad, his attitude hesitant. But that impression was overturned by the tea party and, more recently, his proactive attitude after school.

"His table manners were slapdash at first, but he's very proficient now. Of course, that's thanks to my excellent teaching, but more importantly, he's a serious student, so he learns fast."

Honestly, she hadn't expected him to learn so quickly. He must be studying on his own at home, not just in their after-school drills. That dedication was respectable.

"The dance practice today, too... he's trying so hard. I'm looking forward to seeing how much he improves."

He's probably at home right now, reviewing. Just thinking about it gave her a sweet feeling.

"You've made a good friend."

"Yes. Watching him is very motivating. If I could, I'd like to be with him in the future, too—"

Mirei stopped, her thoughts suddenly going cold. She realized just how much she cherished her current life, and she'd almost spoken her true desire. But that life was already over. In the future, she would have to spend her life with the partner her parents chose.

"...I wish my fiancé was that kind of person."

She said in a mosquito-like whisper. She can't find out. Mother must not know I'm having regrets.

"Mirei, I always say this, but you don't have to force yourself. You have a bad habit of carrying everything on your own. You can be more free..."

"...Mother, you don't need to worry."

She cut her mother off.

"I am living freely."

"...I see."

She said this with her usual beautiful smile, dignified and dazzling. But her mother just nodded, looking a little sad.

"About the engagement, it's time you met him. Mirei... can you make time soon?"

"Of course."

She suppressed the feelings welling up inside and nodded. As the daughter of the Tennouji family, she wasn't allowed to acknowledge such feelings. —And yet. If she could just complain.

I wish this engagement had come up before I met Itsuki-kun.

◆

I was getting used to the dance lessons with Tennouji-san. Ballroom dancing requires you to be close, and I was pretty pathetic at first, but seeing how serious Tennouji-san was, my ulterior thoughts vanished.

"Let's stop here for today."

She said, lightly wiping her sweat. I looked at the clock. We'd only practiced for an hour.

"That's earlier than usual."

"Yes. I wanted to dance more... but I have something today."

"Something?" I asked casually. Her expression darkened.

"...It's the engagement I mentioned. I'm meeting him today."

She said, her face still gloomy.

"Um... are you having second thoughts?"

"Why would you think that?"

"Because you don't seem very happy about it."

I'd assumed she was positive about it, so I planned to support her. She seemed worried before, but I thought that was just fear of the unknown, not anxiety about the marriage itself. But maybe that wasn't it. I asked her again, but—

"You don't need to worry. I'm considering it positively."

She answered with an evasive smile.

"Besides... given my position, I have to accept it."

"Your position...?"

"Yes. Since we're on the topic, I'll tell you."

Tennouji-san looked at me seriously and said:

"I—am an adopted daughter."

Hearing this, I was speechless. She continued calmly:

"I was adopted as a baby, so it doesn't feel real... but I'm not their biological daughter."

She explained, with a slightly self-deprecating look:

"Father and Mother treat me as their own, but the fact is, I don't have Tennouji blood... That's why I have to be even more careful to act as a member of the Tennouji family. Since I didn't inherit their blood, I must inherit their legacy. That is my duty."

I tried to process her words, my mind reeling. In other words, because she's adopted, she feels she must meet the family's expectations. And she sees that as her duty.

"W-Wait a minute."

I processed this, and a previous assumption shattered.

"Don't tell me... you're getting married out of duty?"

She gave a faint smile and nodded.

"Yes. But for people of our class, this is very common."

Maybe so... —Is that okay? Is that really okay?

I immediately thought of Hinako. Following your parents' orders doesn't guarantee happiness. I'd learned that firsthand from my time with Hinako. But this time, Tennouji-san herself was accepting it. An outsider shouldn't interfere. I knew that, but it still bothered me.

"My situation is a bit special... but I thought you would understand."

"Huh...?"

"Because you're adopted, too, right?"

I froze, my mouth open.

"Do you remember what I said at the study group Konohana-san attended?"

I remembered. During a break, she asked me, "Are you really the heir to a mid-level company?"

"...My etiquette was rushed, and I said I hadn't been educated as an heir."

"Yes. I sensed it then. You're probably... just like me, someone who has to fulfill their duty to protect the family's reputation."

Based on that, she concluded I was adopted. But—unfortunately, that wasn't it. She was right up to a point. I, like her, have a duty to protect a family's reputation. However, the reputation I'm protecting is the Konohana family's. I'm not an adopted son. I'm just a servant.

I couldn't tell her that. It would violate my contract with the Konohana family. I'm not a genius, but even I could imagine the trouble it would cause the Konohana family if my identity were exposed here.

"...Please keep it a secret."

"Of course... Hehe, I knew my intuition was right."

Tennouji-san smiled, pleased. But I felt a pang in my heart. It was a guilt I had been ignoring...

◆

"...Itsuki?"

I returned to the Konohana mansion. During dinner, I'd paused, and Hinako called my name, confused.

"Oh, sorry. What were we talking about?"

"About... skipping school tomorrow..."

"I don't think so. And we probably weren't talking about that."

Hinako gave a cute "Ehehe~" and brushed it off. Right, we were talking about schoolwork. We both have to prep and review, so even though our grades are different, we have a lot in common.

"Itsuki... I want this next..."

"...You can eat it yourself."

"...I can't."

Calling her out would just be tactless.

"Alright, alright."

I picked up the roast pork from the plate and brought it to her mouth. As she chewed, I took a bite myself... It was delicious. The mustard cream sauce was so smooth.

"By the way, when do you study at home?"

"From when I get home... until dinner. And sometimes I'm forced to study after, too..."

"Forced to study"

sounds just like her.

"If you're studying at night, too... that's a lot of time."

"It's not just school... I have to know the Konohana Group's performance to keep up at parties... and if I go to meetings, I have to prep what to say..."

Come to think of it, Hinako and I live together, but we don't do everything together. Especially after school, while I'm with Shizune-san or Tennouji-san, she must be studying. It's not just Tennouji-san who carries her family's duty. Hinako also works hard for her family every day—

"...Don't you hate that?"

I asked before I could think—and immediately realized. I know exactly how hard she works, but I just asked a detached, outsider's question.

"Sorry, I'm not pitying you. I'm just... curious how you, as the Konohana heiress, deal with your responsibilities."

"Mmm~"

After I rephrased, Hinako made a troubled sound.

"Studying is... a pain."

That's true. I get it.

"But... I don't like making people sad... so sometimes I think, 'I have to try~'... Although, sometimes the family pressure feels suffocating."

I see. So Hinako does feel suffocated sometimes. She'd been so exhausted she got a fever, so it makes sense. But this was the first time I'd heard it from her directly, and it hit me again how serious it was.

"That's why... when you came to save me, I was so happy..."

She said with a sweet smile.

"Because I knew my world... wasn't just the Konohana family anymore..."

She gave a radiant smile, more dazzling than a shooting star. But, the image of another girl flashed in my mind. Tennouji-san said engagements are normal for her class. ...Does she know a world outside the Tennouji family?

◆

That day, Mirei met her engagement candidate. The location was her own home. Most first-time visitors were intimidated by the Tennouji mansion, but he wasn't. His manners were dignified, his speech refined. I see, Mirei thought. Just what you'd expect from my parents' choice. And yet... her heart felt heavy.

"Well, that's all for today."

Mirei's mother, Hanami, ended the meeting. The candidate and his mother gave one last polite greeting and left.

"Mirei, good work~"

"Mhm... You too, Mother."

Her mother gave cleanup orders to the maids, then asked her daughter:

"What did you think~? It looked like you were having a good chat~"

"Yes. He was well-mannered. A fine partner."

Mirei recalled the man and elaborated:

"He was well-groomed, knew his etiquette... He's certainly not just a 'corporate heir' in name. Just as I'd expect from your choice."

"That's because we want you to be happy~"

Her mother said with a soft smile.

"But... he's just so... 'by the book.' He's refined and reliable... I wouldn't need to teach him anything. He wouldn't make me worry..."

"...Is that bad~?"

Her mother asked, puzzled. Mirei herself was confused. What am I saying? Her expression was complicated.

"By the way, this candidate~... how does he compare to Tomonari-kun~?"

"Wh-Why bring up Tomonari-kun?"

"Oh~? I'm just curious. No other reason~"

That attitude definitely means there's another reason. Mirei sighed. Mother, you're impossible.

"They're worlds apart. Tomonari-kun is still lacking... There's a mountain of things I have to teach him. If I went to a dinner with him, I'd be worried sick."

"Oh my, sounds just like your type~"

Her mother was saying something, but it made no sense, so she ignored it.

"By the way, I never asked... what does Tomonari-kun's family do?"

"An IT company under the Konohana Group, I think... I never asked the name."

Come to think of it, Itsuki never brought it up. Normally, students at Kiou Academy would talk about that within a week. Not to rank each other, but just out of simple curiosity.

(But with Tomonari-kun... there are so many other, more interesting things about him.)

For better or worse, Itsuki was a fountain of topics, so much so that they never had time for family backgrounds. For Mirei, this was new, and comfortable.

"An IT company, huh. For an heir, he's very 'commoner-like,' in a good way... Very approachable~"

Her mother said, hand to her cheek.

Even if it's a mid-level company, he is an heir. But he really does have a commoner-like feel. Mirei knew why. She knew she shouldn't say it... but her mother seemed to like Itsuki, so it would be fine. She let her guard down.

"...It's a secret, but... he's adopted, like me. So of course he seems like a commoner."

Mother will understand. She's adopted, too. She thought this, but noticed her mother's face grew serious.

"Hey, Mirei, does that mean... his family adopted him because they needed an heir~?"

"Yes... I think so."

Mirei was puzzled by the question, but answered anyway.

"That's strange~ I've never heard of any Konohana Group IT company that's lacking an heir~..."

"...Huh?"

◆

Three days had passed since I heard about Tennouji-san's meeting. It was Monday. As usual, I was heading to school with Hinako.

"Itsuki~..."

"Hinako, what's up?"

"Your study group with Tennouji-san... how's it feel?"

She asked as we walked from the mansion to the main gate, soaking in the sun.

"It's going well. My grades should improve... And, being around someone like Tennouji-san is, in many ways, making me bolder."

Tennouji-san has a unique air, but she's still a model student of high society. By getting used to her, I'm less hesitant with other upper-class people. I'm sure I'll do better at the next social function.

"She's prepping hard, too... You might lose to her on the next exam."

"...Ngh."

She grunted, slightly annoyed. But she was probably too sleepy to say more.

"You two, feel free to chat, but please keep walking."

"Sorry."

I quickened my pace toward the car. As I approached the black sedan, the waiting driver bowed respectfully. I gave a small nod. Just then, Shizune-san's eyes sharpened as she stared at something—

"—A spy!!"

"Huh!?"

I was shocked as she pointed outside the grounds. The Konohana family guards ran to where she pointed. A minute later, a guard returned and reported,

"All clear."

"...Was I imagining it?"

She said, surprised.

"My apologies. I felt a gaze."

"I-I see..."

I never thought I'd hear the word "spy" in modern Japan.

"But that's strange. My intuition is usually sharp..."

She muttered.

"...If I wasn't imagining it, they must be highly skilled."

She came to this unsettling conclusion. I swallowed nervously. What have I gotten myself into?

◆

I got out of the car and walked to school.

"Tomonari-kun."

As I was changing my shoes at the locker, Tennouji-san called out to me.

"Tennouji-san, good morning."

"Yes, good morning."

It was rare to run into her here. I thought, looking at her. Her face was serious. Did she have something to say?

"Tomonari-kun, I'll be blunt. Have you been lying to me?"

Hearing that, I felt my heart seize. I panicked, but couldn't let it show. I had told her two lies. One, my faked identity. Two, my employment with the Konohana family. Neither could be exposed.

"...No. Not that I recall."

"...I see."

She nodded, looking somewhat disappointed.

"Understood. Sorry for the strange question."

"N-No, it's fine..."

Why would she ask me that all of a sudden? I was curious, but I felt pushing it would expose me, so I didn't ask.

"Oh, also, please let me cancel today's lesson. Something urgent has come up."

"Got it... Is it about the engagement again?"

"No. Not today."

Her eyes burned with something like anger as she said:

"It's something more important than that."

◆

Today, after school. I opened my shoe locker and found something incredible. Inside my locker was a letter. On the envelope, written in beautiful script, was—

A Letter of Challenge.

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