Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 4 Bonus Chapter

Hinako and the Fun Karuizawa Bath

Day five of the summer lecture. It was around the time I'd gotten able to navigate the vast hotel without needing a map.

"By the way, Itsuki-san, what have you been doing for bathing?"

"Bathing?"

I was invited to Hinako's room, where Shizune-san asked me this. I glanced at Hinako, who was lazing around on the bed, and answered:

"I've been using the onsen."

I was wondering "What's this about?" when Shizune-san bowed her head slightly.

"My apologies. We've had to act separately."

"Not at all. It can't be helped. I'm the only guy."

Even if we're separate, we can still talk like this, so I'm not lonely. This trip was for the lecture, not just a vacation. Still, between walking the hotel grounds and the pajama party, it's been more fun than I expected.

"Ah, but I was planning to use my room's bath today. It's a waste not to try such a nice room's bath at least once."

"I think that's a fine idea. Ojou-sama and I have also been using only the room's bath."

"Oh?"

"Because if others are present, Ojou-sama cannot relax."

Come to think of it, that's true. Kiou Academy students are staying here. If she ran into them at the onsen, she'd have to switch on her act as usual.

"...You talking about bathing?"

Hinako slowly sat up from the bed and looked at us. When I nodded, she opened her cherry-like mouth and said:

"Itsuki, let's bathe together."

"N-No, no, no..."

I knew she'd say that.

(Bathing together aside... I am kind of curious about this room's bath.)

After all, this is a members-only suite for the upper class. It'd be a lie to say I'm not curious about what the bathroom looks like. My inner commoner is burning.

"...Bathing together is a no-go, but can I just see the bathroom?"

"You can if you bathe with me."

"No, I don't have my swimsuit..."

"Ngh..."

Compared to when we first met, Hinako has developed a sense of shame. She can't bathe with me without one. Plus, Shizune-san is watching. I have to refuse. I'm curious about the suite's bathroom, but I'll give up...

◆

A few days later. I was back from the beach and had been invited to Hinako's room again.

"You bought a swimsuit."

"...Yes."

I can't escape.

(Oh well. I'm curious anyway.)

The hotel's decor is similar to the Konohana estate, or perhaps a slight step down, but the view is incredible. I might never come back, so I really want to experience it.

"...Shizune-san, is this okay?"

"...Yes. It is."

She muttered, "It's the same as usual, anyway," and I thanked her. I left the room for a moment, and we both changed into our swimsuits. My swimsuit, which I'd just worn, was already clean and dry. When we decided to go to the beach, more Konohana servants must have come to enhance Hinako's security. They probably washed it. I thanked them in my head and entered the bathroom with Hinako.

"Whoa... It's a scenic bath."

It doesn't seem to be hot spring water, but there was a large window with a great view. It was also very spacious, so it didn't feel cramped even with two of us. I'd rinsed off at the beach a few hours ago, but after the barbecue, my skin was sticky from the sea breeze. I showered again, washed my body, and got into the tub.

"Haaah."

"Haaah."

We both sighed at the same time.

"Great view."

"...Mhm."

We enjoyed the relaxing bath, taking in the view of the hotel blending into nature.

"Did you get sunburned?"

"A little, I think."

Hinako said, looking at her body. I glanced at her, but it felt wrong to stare, so I silently looked away.

"Hwaah..."

Hinako yawned.

"Tired today."

"Mhm. But it was fun."

I felt the same. The exhaustion built up in my body gradually melted into the hot water, leaving only a sense of fulfillment. It was proof of a good day. I'll probably sleep well tonight.

"Playing at the beach is great, but this kind of relaxing time is nice, too."

"Mhm... relaxing."

When I bathe with Hinako at the estate, I sometimes feel guilty, like I'm doing something wrong. But with the vacation atmosphere, I feel relaxed, too. Playing at the beach, stuffing our faces with barbecue, and ending with a relaxing bath. What a luxurious day. Being an attendant isn't so bad... I felt grateful to Hinako for giving me this life as I gazed at the peaceful night view.

The Ojou-samas and High-Level Beach Volleyball

While the group was playing at the beach.

(I wonder where Itsuki and Miyakojima-san went...)

Yuri thought, tossing the round beach ball into the air. It had been five minutes since Itsuki and Narika said they were going to rest. If they were just resting, they could sit on the sand where our stuff was, but they'd snuck off behind the rocks. Hinako and Mirei hadn't noticed, but Yuri had... Those two were definitely up to something.

(Oh well. It's not like Itsuki would do anything.)

Yuri hit the beach ball that Mirei had sent back, knocking it toward Hinako. From their chat a few days ago, Yuri had a pretty good idea of how Narika felt about Itsuki. She must have worked up her courage... Yuri cheered for her in her heart.

"Oh, my."

Just then. The beach ball Hinako hit lost speed before it reached Mirei and fell into the sea.

"Ohohoho! Hinako Konohana, that was your mistake!"

Mirei laughed, looking delighted. Mirei seemed to see Hinako as a rival. Yuri had only known her a few days, but she could vaguely tell.

"My apologies. The wind blew it..."

"My, making excuses is so shameful."

Mirei picked up the ball, a bold and fearless smile on her face. Hearing this, Hinako quietly exhaled and said:

"Again."

Hinako smiled her usual lovely smile, raised a single finger, and said:

"Let's play one more."

For a second, despite the summer heat, Yuri felt a chill. Yuri vaguely understood why Mirei was so competitive with Hinako. After asking around, she'd learned that Hinako Konohana was the most famous ojou-sama at Kiou Academy. Mirei, with her high pride, must think she should be the one in the spotlight. But, Hinako was also competitive toward Mirei. The reason was unclear... but if it wasn't based on grades or popularity, it had to be something more personal.

"Hah!"

Mirei shouted, hitting the ball. Hinako returned it with an open palm. She put a spin on the ball.

"A cheap trick!"

"It's called 'technique.'"

Hinako must have calculated for the wind. The spinning ball curved dramatically and landed near Mirei, who barely managed to save it with one hand. Yuri set the ball that came to her.

"I'll hit it."

Hinako spiked it straight down.

"Too-Too naive!!"

Mirei slid under the ball and received it. Maybe I'm imagining it... but it looked like she started moving before Hinako even spiked...

"Heh. Your attacks are too obvious!"

"You were lucky."

"...Has your mask been slipping lately?"

Mirei's cheek twitched. Hinako just maintained her gentle smile. The ball they'd hit landed right in front of Yuri.

"W-Wait!"

Yuri had been distracted and couldn't keep up with the high-level match that had suddenly started.

"Huh? What? Are you pros? Are you both beach ball players?"

Yuri asked, confused. The two ojou-samas just paused and tilted their heads.

"This is normal."

"It's normal, right?"

Of the three of them, Yuri was the only one who seemed out of place.

"W-Wow... I see..."

These ojou-samas' base specs are too high...! Is this what it means to be an ojou-sama raised in an environment that allows no compromise? You'd think they'd be delicate, but they're on another level. (Itsuki...! Hurry back...!) Yuri nervously hit the ball. In the end, they didn't settle the score before Itsuki returned. When they reluctantly suggested a break, Yuri sighed in her heart, I'm saved.

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