Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 4 Chapter 1

Karuizawa and the Young Ladies

"Wait, we're all staying in the same hotel?"

On the way to Karuizawa, I asked Shizune-san this question.

"That's what the itinerary says. Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just, I assumed they'd be staying in a villa or something..."

I already knew we were staying at a hotel, but I thought Hinako and the others would be somewhere else. After all, this is Karuizawa. When you combine "high society" and "Karuizawa," the word "villa" just pops into my head. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

"That was the original plan, but Ojou-sama..."

Shizune-san glanced at Hinako. Hinako, already looking sleepy, spoke slowly.

"I'm... tired of villas."

"And that's how it is. So we opted for a hotel. Ojou-sama will be in a suite that is a rank above ours, but it is the same hotel."

You can get tired of villas, huh...

"Incidentally, Tennouji-sama and Miyakojima-sama will also be attending this summer lecture."

"I see."

I only knew about the summer lecture because of Narika, so I already knew she was coming, but this was the first I'd heard about Tennouji-san. Hearing that the familiar members would be gathering, I felt my mood lighten instantly. The summer lecture might be more lively than I thought.

"Did Hinako attend the summer lecture last year?"

"No. Ojou-sama has visited Karuizawa many times, but this is her first time attending the lecture."

Shizune-san replied, looking straight ahead.

"The lecture is sponsored by Kiou Academy, so it's an excellent educational opportunity. However, due to the stress of her 'performance,' she used to just study at home... But her condition has been good lately, so Master Kagen judged that 'she could participate' and gave his approval. That's also why staying at a hotel was permitted."

"Come to think of it, Hinako hasn't had a fever recently."

"The doctor was surprised as well. He said that although it was a psychogenic fever, it's rare for it to clear up so suddenly... It's said to be proof that she has found an emotional support."

I glanced at Hinako and saw she was already starting to nod off. The comfortable, cool air from the A/C must have relaxed her.

"Mmm... a trip with Itsuki... n'hehehe..."

Hinako mumbled in her sleep, drooling inelegantly. I gently patted her head. Am I really managing to be her emotional support? I don't really feel it, but maybe I don't need to. Whether I feel it or not, I just need to do everything I can for her.

"Itsuki-san, this is a bit late to say, but thank you for suggesting we attend the summer lecture."

"Not at all. I just happened to hear about it while talking with Narika."

This time, it was my idea to participate. To be precise, I just heard about it from Narika's mother and mentioned it, and that served as the trigger for Hinako and the others to join. The thought that everyone was going on a trip together because of something I said made me feel like I was really a part of the Konohana family, which made me happy. But I'd never say such a narcissistic thought out loud. Just then, my phone vibrated briefly. A message had come in.

Katsuya Taisho: Yeeeaaah! It's a mountain~~~!

Taisho sent a photo of a lush, green mountain landscape. It must have been a selfie, as his happy, smiling face was in it. Immediately, a second message came.

Katsuya Taisho: I'm climbing a mountain on my family's company trip! It's awesome!

That's great for him. I replied, "Looks fun, I'm jealous." Just as I sent it, another message came in from someone else.

Karen Asahi: Yeeeaaah! It's the ocean~~~!!

Karen Asahi sent a photo of a sparkling, azure sea. ...Those two are really in sync. Their timing was so perfect it was like they'd planned it. I couldn't help but smile. As I was thinking that, a second message came from her.

Karen Asahi: Look at this swimsuit! It's kinda sexy, don't you think?

"Pfft!?"

I instinctively turned my head away. I only got a glance, but it was burned into my retinas... Asahi in a blue bikini, slightly slipping a strap off her shoulder, smiling seductively for a selfie. Is she completely lacking a sense of caution, or...

"Itsuki-san, what's wrong?"

"N-No, it's nothing..."

Shizune-san was clueless. I tried to brush it off.

"Itsuki... got all happy seeing a girl in a swimsuit."

"Hinako!?"

She was asleep until just a second ago, but now she was glaring right at me. What kind of timing is that to wake up...

"...Itsuki-san is a man, so I understand you enjoy that sort of picture, but perhaps you should consider the time and place?"

"No! A friend sent it to me!"

That picture was a surprise attack for me, too! I wish you wouldn't blame me.

"Even though you see me in a swimsuit every night..."

"Hey!"

That's true, but it's a very suggestive way to phrase it, and it made my face freeze. The car swerved slightly, betraying the driver's shock.

"...Just one picture would be okay."

"Huh?"

"Next time... I'll let you take my picture."

Hinako said, her cheeks slightly red. In that moment, my instincts overrode my reason, and my mind started racing with ideas for what kind of pose to have her do... I shook my head hard, clearing away the wicked thoughts. That was close...

"Itsuki-san, I'm sure you already know this, but..."

"Y-Yes. It's fine. I know."

I wouldn't dare do something so audacious, so please don't worry... In any case, it's good that Taisho and Asahi are enjoying their summer vacations. But I'll have to give Asahi a warning later.

"But, the ocean, huh..."

I replied to Asahi with a noncommittal "Looks nice," and muttered, trying to change the subject.

"Itsuki... do you want to go to the beach?"

"No, I was just thinking I haven't been recently..."

That was a lie. I really wanted to go. Hinako must have seen through me. She thought for a moment.

"Shizune... can we go to the beach?"

"The beach? This year, Master Kagen is planning to host guests at the private beach, so it may be difficult."

As expected of the Konohana Group. They even have a private beach.

"If it's a public beach, we could go from Karuizawa... but Ojou-sama, don't you dislike the beach because it's so hot?"

Considering her state before we left, she definitely doesn't like the heat, but—

"If I'm with Itsuki... I want to go."

"Understood. I will look into it."

Shizune-san must be used to these requests from Hinako recently, as she responded immediately. I, however, was not used to it. To think she'd say something so... cute. I looked away, hiding the unexpected jolt to my heart.

◆

The car parked in the lot. The plan was to go to the hotel lobby and check in... but before that, I had something to do. After waiting in front of the lobby for a moment, a black car pulled up. Hinako and Shizune-san emerged from it.

"H-Hey, if it isn't Konohana-san."

"My, Tomonari-kun. What a coincidence."

"Yeah. Um... if you don't mind, would you like to join me?"

"Yes, I would be delighted."

Hinako entered her Ojou-sama mode, smiling elegantly with a "fufufu" laugh. Just like our commute to school, we absolutely cannot let it be known that we live under the same roof. We took separate cars for the last leg of the journey and met up in the lobby. To any onlookers, it should look like we just ran into each other by chance. This is clearly such an act... I suppressed my complicated feelings.

Before us was a classical, stately hotel built along the mountainside.

"Whoa... it's huge."

"All the hotels in Karuizawa are built with consideration for the natural landscape. They all have various themes, it's quite interesting... It's nice to stay somewhere other than a villa once in a while."

Now that she mentioned it, I hadn't seen any tall buildings on the way here. When I hear "luxury hotel," I picture a city skyscraper, but Karuizawa's hotels are designed to blend with nature, giving them an old-fashioned, quaint appearance. Although it was old-fashioned, the interior was opulent, on par with or even grander than the Konohana mansion we live in. The lobby was filled with intricately carved antique furniture.

"Please wait here a moment. I will go check us in."

Shizune-san walked to the front desk. While she was handling the check-in, we were being watched by curious eyes.

"Look, it's Konohana-san."

"She's staying here? Does that mean she's joining the summer lecture this year...?"

Because this is a Kiou Academy-sponsored lecture, many attendees are from our school. Hinako, who had never participated before, was suddenly here, drawing everyone's attention.

"Thank you for waiting."

Shizune-san returned. She was holding two key cards.

"This hotel has three room grades, each in a different building. The main building is one-star. The building up the slope is two-star. And the one further up is three-star. Ojou-sama and I will be in the three-star. Itsuki-san, you will be in the two-star."

"Two-star? Not one-star?"

Shizune-san, as a maid, will be attending to Hinako. Since there are only two keys, they must be sharing a room. With others around, I can't stay with Hinako. If so, I assumed I'd be in the cheapest room...

"An attendant should be in a room as close to the Ojou-sama as possible."

That makes sense. Due to the layout, I was put in a higher-grade room than I'd expected.

"As you've noticed, there are several Kiou Academy students at this hotel. Even when you are separated from us, please be sure not to cause them any offense."

"I know."

"...However, I've come to trust you a great deal recently, so I believe you'll be fine."

Her trust made me genuinely happy. In truth, I wasn't too worried about it anymore. I've been living at the Konohana estate as an attendant for four months now. Attending Kiou Academy and experiencing high-society events has given me a solid foundation of confidence.

"Well then, Itsuki-san, after you've dropped off your luggage, please meet back in this lobby. We must go to the lecture hall to complete registration."

"Yes, ma'am."

I climbed the gentle slope and came to a fork in the path.

"Itsuki... I'll come visit your room later."

"Okay."

Since our rooms are in different buildings, it wouldn't look unnatural for her to visit a friend's room, even if someone saw. When I nodded, Hinako's eyes widened slightly.

"Hinako?"

"This is... a first for me. I'm a little happy."

Hinako gave a sweet, silly smile—one she never shows during her act—and turned away. I watched her head toward the three-star building on the hill. Come to think of it, she's lived such a restricted life. Shizune-san said she was only allowed to come because her condition stabilized. She must have spent all her long vacations at the mansion. She's probably thinking of this summer lecture as a trip with a friend.

"...I should enjoy it, too."

I'll study, of course, but since we've come all this way to Karuizawa, I'll enjoy it with Hinako. After all, I have almost no travel experience myself. I understand how she feels.

(...Hm?) Just then, I felt like someone was watching me. I turned my head, but I only saw a few hotel guests. I couldn't tell who it was. Am I imagining things? I thought, and went into my room.

"Wow... this room is amazing."

I took off my shoes in the marble entryway, slipped on the nearby slippers, and walked onto the soft carpet. The bedroom and living room were one open space, a common layout, but it was enormous. And unlike the simple furniture in a business hotel, the furniture here was all high-quality, tasteful-looking stuff. Outside the terrace was a lush mountain path. The view was slightly more manicured than wild nature, but it was skillfully done. It was a co-existing blend of welcoming cleanliness and a sense of unity with the natural world. It was, at the very least, far more elegant than the room I usually live in. But—I couldn't feel purely impressed. (This is... smaller... than Hinako's room.) My sense of "normal" has been poisoned. In terms of size alone, Hinako's bedroom is larger, and the furniture at the Konohana mansion is probably far more expensive. Of course, this is an overly luxurious room for me, but I'm starting to understand the feeling of these ojou-samas who can look at this and not bat an eye. I don't know if I should be happy or sad about that.

I took my valuables from my suitcase and left the room. I put my shoes back on and returned to the lobby—

"My, Tomonari-kun?"

"Itsuki!?"

Two familiar voices called out. A girl with golden-blond drills and a girl with long black hair, tied back, stood there. It was Tennouji-san and Narika.

"You two are staying here, too?"

"Yes. My family's villa is not very convenient for accessing the lecture hall, and this hotel has a good reputation."

"M-My reason is pretty much the same."

For these young mistresses, owning a villa seems to be the default assumption. They were both wearing summer clothes, different from their school uniforms. Tennouji-san was wearing an off-shoulder blue blouse and a pure white skirt. Narika was wearing a white sleeveless shirt and green shorts. She had her shirt tucked in, accentuating her long, slender legs. Looking at them again, these two really are stunning beauties. Maybe it was seeing them in different clothes, but it reminded me of when I first enrolled at Kiou Academy and was mesmerized by them.

"If you're here, that must mean Hinako Konohana is staying here as well?"

"Yes."

When I affirmed, Tennouji-san gave a fearless smile.

"There's a test on the last day of the lecture... Hohoho, we haven't been able to settle the score on our school exams, but this time, I will defeat you, Hinako Konohana...!"

A flame lit in her starry eyes.

"I-I'll get scolded by my mother if I don't get good grades, so I'll do my best...!"

Narika was fired up, too. If anything, my feelings were closer to hers.

"Itsuki-Wakasama, thank you for waiting."

While we were chatting, Shizune-san and Hinako walked over.

"Hinako Konohana, so you've come!"

"K-Konohana-san! L-Long time no see!"

Tennouji-san, who sees Hinako as a rival, and Narika, who is gradually becoming her friend through tennis practice, had completely opposite reactions. Narika was still tense, but since this was normal for her, it wasn't awkward.

"It is a pleasure to see you both. I look forward to our time together during the lecture."

Hinako gave a graceful bow. As usual, her Ojou-sama act was stunning. Her elegant bow, like a soft petal quietly blooming, hushed the onlookers, who seemed to be holding their breath in admiration. Even Tennouji-san, the only one who could match Hinako's grace, was momentarily captivated. Then, as if scolding herself, she let out a small "Hmph!" and looked at Shizune-san.

"You must be the Konohana family's head maid."

"I am Shizune Tsurumi."

Shizune-san introduced herself and gave Tennouji-san a deep bow.

"You were a great help to Itsuki-Wakasama."

"The sentiment is mutual. The Konohana family has employed a fine maid."

Narika, hearing this brief exchange, tilted her head in confusion. I, however, understood... When Tennouji-san learned my true identity, she had called and insisted that all responsibility lay with her. At that time, she deliberately contacted Shizune-san, not the group head Kagen-san, and successfully negotiated. As a result, Tennouji-san protected me, allowing me to keep my job. To me, both of them are my benefactors. I can't even lift my head in front of them.

"We are heading to the lecture hall. Would you two care to join us?"

"Yes, since we are all here, let's go together. Miyakojima-san?"

"Y-Yes! I'll go too!"

Our group left the hotel and headed for the lecture venue. On the way—

"...?"

I stopped and turned my head.

"Itsuki, what's wrong?"

"Nothing... I just feel like someone is watching me."

I replied to a confused Narika and looked around. I didn't see anyone I knew... Am I imagining it? Well, I am walking with these unbelievably beautiful ojou-samas. Of course we're going to draw stares.

◆

The lecture venue was a ten-minute walk from the hotel. The building looked like a large log cabin. Inside, it was filled with conference tables, an environment that made it easy to concentrate. We registered at the reception desk and received a document with the class schedule. Apparently, textbooks would be handed out in the first class, and that was all for today.

"Let's head back."

Shizune-san turned, and we followed. As we went to leave the venue, we were the center of attention. (I see. There are people from other high schools here, too...) Although Kiou Academy sponsors the lecture, attendees aren't limited to its students. Many students from the nation's top preparatory schools also participate. Because of this, Hinako stood out even more than usual. After all, even at Kiou Academy, a school full of high-society children, she has a special presence. She emits an aura that no normal person can ignore. And, standing next to her, I must be in their line of sight as well. I tried my best not to look nervous. ...To be honest, Shizune-san in her maid uniform is also attracting a lot of attention.

"The lecture begins tomorrow. You are free for the rest of today."

Shizune-san said to Hinako and me. We have no other plans. What should we do? I looked at everyone...

"I have family matters to attend to today, so I will take my leave."

"I have to go with my dad to visit a client after this... I'll be free to join you all starting tomorrow."

Tennouji-san and Narika both had plans.

"See you tomorrow, then."

"Right."

I said to them. Tennouji-san nodded, then looked at Hinako.

"Hinako Konohana, I will be the one to win this test!"

She pointed at Hinako, who just gave a soft smile and replied, "Please be gentle with me." I watched the two of them leave.

"Well, what shall we do?"

Shizune-san asked. I hadn't thought about how to spend the time. It's already past noon. Considering the lecture starts tomorrow, I don't want to use up too much energy. If Hinako wants to do something—I looked at her, about to ask.

"...I'll leave it to Itsuki."

"Huh? Me?"

Hinako nodded. I have no idea what there is to do in Karuizawa... but she seems to be looking forward to this trip. If so, she'd probably enjoy it if we just took a walk together.

"In that case, shall we just walk around the area?"

"Mhm."

Hinako nodded again. Her expression softened. Good, she seems interested.

"Before that, Itsuki-san, you should put on a jacket. Karuizawa is cool. Once the sun goes down, you'll be cold dressed like that."

"Good point... I'll go back to my room and get one."

It's not called a summer resort for nothing. But, speaking of clothes, Shizune-san is wearing her maid uniform even here. I wanted to ask if she was hot, but seeing her unfazed, she must be fine. It's bad to keep them waiting. I quickly returned to my guest room. Just then—

"...Ngh."

I felt someone watching me again. I kept thinking I was imagining it... but it seems I'm not. My sixth sense told me, "The owner of that gaze is right behind me." In a high-class hotel like this, it's unlikely anyone would be reckless enough to try something like robbery. To check who this person getting closer and closer was, I listened to the footsteps. I waited until they were extremely close, then suddenly spun around. But just before I could—

"Guess who?"

My vision went black. A pair of small hands covered my eyes. From the voice that entered my ears, the face of a single girl popped into my head.

"Y-Yuri...?"

As I said it, a cold sweat broke out all over my body. Please, don't let it be her. I thought that, but I knew it was impossible. There's no way I'd mistake her voice. I'd never mistake the voice I've been hearing for ten years, since we were kids—

"—Itsuki. It's been a while."

The hands covering my eyes were removed. When I turned around—my childhood friend was standing right behind me.

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