Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 2 Prologue

Prologue

Two days had passed since the social banquet hosted by the Konohana family.

It was Monday morning. I woke from my dream and suddenly remembered I was in the Konohana family's grand mansion.

"...That's right. I'm still her attendant."

I'd had a dream about what happened last week... how I'd stormed this mansion alone to save Hinako. Looking back on it now, even I'm surprised at how reckless I was. But that just shows how much I believed Kagen-san's educational policy was wrong, and how desperately I wanted to help Hinako that I'd go to such lengths.

"Alright, gotta do my best today, too."

I changed into my school uniform and attended the servants' morning meeting. Afterward, I headed to Hinako's private room as usual.

"...She's sleeping so soundly."

"Mmm, nngh..."

Hinako had kicked off her blanket, revealing her navel. She let out a tiny breath, fast asleep. Seeing her blissful sleeping face, I truly felt that I was part of a warm, everyday life. That said, I couldn't just stand around. I shook the sleeping Hinako's body and said:

"Hinako, it's morning."

"Nngh... I-Itsuki?"

"That's right."

I pulled open the room's curtains, letting sunlight stream in. Hinako sat up, sleepily rubbing her eyes.

"...Mornin'."

"Good morning."

I greeted her as I walked over. The room brightened as the sunlight poured in. Hinako let out a big yawn, then sighed.

"I... don't wanna go to school."

"Don't be difficult."

Even if playing the part of the "perfect ojou-sama" is exhausting, going to school is definitely not pointless. I hope that one day Hinako will want to go to school on her own. That's probably my mission as her attendant, too. I can't forget that I almost got fired. I have to be on my game, too. As I thought that, I noticed the corner of Hinako's mouth.

"Hinako, lift your head a little."

"Nngh...?"

Hinako tilted her head in confusion. I took something from my pocket and walked over to her.

"What's... that?"

"A handkerchief. You drooled. I'll wipe it for you."

"Dr-Drool..."

Her brain must still be foggy. She repeated my words. The next second, she suddenly looked flustered and ducked her head.

"What's wrong? Why'd you suddenly look down?"

"I-I'll wipe it myself... Don't look at me."

I placed the handkerchief in her outstretched palm, and she immediately wiped her mouth forcefully. Wiping drool should have been a normal thing for both of us by now... What's with her today?

"I brought your change of clothes."

"...Mhm."

Hinako gave a small nod. After waking her up, the next step is to help her change. At first, it was so stimulating that my head spun, but recently I've been able to maintain my composure and not feel troubled by it.

"...Get out."

"Huh?"

"Hurry up and get out."

Hinako said, clutching the clothes to her chest. To me, those words came as an unbelievable shock.



"...............Huh?"

Her cheeks flushed, she pushed me out the door. The door slammed shut behind me with a bang.

"...Hmm."

It wasn't just my imagination. Ever since the social banquet the other day, Hinako's been acting strange. To be specific, her attitude toward me is different. In the past, she would act spoiled more openly... I wonder what's changed in her heart.

"She'll be back to normal after a while... right?"

I waited by the door for ten minutes before Hinako emerged. As I expected, she hadn't managed to change properly, so I had to help her anyway. Her shirt buttons were in the wrong holes, and her skirt zipper was caught on the fabric. But unlike before, as I fixed her clothes, Hinako seemed shy and kept looking away.

I led her to the dining room, then went to my own room to get my school bag. On the way, I ran into Shizune-san.

"Itsuki-san, did something happen between you and Ojou-sama?"

"No, I don't think anything happened..."

The only thing I could say is that she's acting strange, but no specific incident occurred.

"Ojou-sama said that starting tomorrow, she doesn't want you to wake her up."

"Huh?"

"I'll ask again. What happened?"

Shizune-san glared at me as if I were a criminal. I wanted to clear up this misunderstanding, so I explained how Hinako had been acting differently since the banquet. Maybe explaining it to Shizune-san would provide some clues.

"Ojou-sama is acting strange, isn't she..."

"Did I do something to make her hate me?"

"No, on the contrary, after the incident the other day, I've come to understand that Ojou-sama is very fond of you..."

Hearing her say that made me feel both shy and happy.

"It's not that she's unwell, but I will observe her for a while. If you notice anything, please report it to me."

"Yes, ma'am."

I parted ways with Shizune-san and headed to the dining room where Hinako was waiting. It was almost time for us to go to school.

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