Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 5 Chapter 1

Learning the Commoner Life with Ojou-sama

The next day. We arrived in a perfectly ordinary, everyday residential area. This area was mostly inhabited by commuters—a so-called "bedroom town." It was relatively quiet during the day, with only a few pedestrians. Tall buildings like luxury apartments were rare. The townscape consisted of low-rise houses and dense clusters of restaurants, giving it an old-town atmosphere. Though small, there was a shopping street in front of the station.

"...It's been a long time."

I muttered, standing in front of the small, wooden apartment building. The houses around here were packed tightly, the alleys a complex maze, but having lived here for years, I wouldn't get lost. I had returned, after so long, to the apartment I used to live in.

"Itsuki-san, here is the key."

"Thank you."

Shizune-san handed me the key. She was letting me be the first to unlock the door and step inside. It must have been her way of being considerate. I thanked her in my head. I glanced at Hinako. She seemed to find the neighborhood scenery fascinating, her eyes darting around. She'll probably be like this for a while, I thought, and walked through the gate.

"...Huh? Was my front door always this clean?"

"The landlord is, after all, looking for a new tenant. It has been lightly cleaned and repaired. Basic furniture has also been provided."

We'd only decided yesterday, but Shizune-san had already arranged for furniture. I was impressed by her usual swiftness. I opened the apartment door. The narrow genkan and the living room beyond it filled me with nostalgia.

"...It's changed, but it hasn't."

It was a little cleaner, but this was unmistakably the old Tomonari home. The apartment was four tsubo (approx. 13.2 sq meters), a studio layout. It had a kitchen and a unit bath, but no washing machine, so we had to use the nearby laundromat. It was spacious for one person, but cramped for three, with no privacy. On top of that, to get more space, we'd chosen an old building, and the floors creaked. If anyone got up in the middle of the night, the noise would wake the whole family.

"Still..."

I looked around my old home again. For Hinako, this place couldn't be called comfortable. There were gaps everywhere, so the AC wasn't very effective, and small bugs often got in. There was some new, out-of-place furniture—a fridge, microwave, table, TV, and wardrobe—that Shizune-san must have arranged. But it didn't drastically improve the comfort level. Maybe we should change locations. I thought so and looked at Hinako.

"This is... where Itsuki used to live..."

Her eyes were sparkling, shining with excitement.

"Itsuki, what's this...?"

"The oshiire? You can store futons and things in here."

I explained, sliding the closet door open.

"Ooh...!"

"You've never seen one?"

"I have knowledge of Japanese-style rooms, but... this is my first time using one."

Hinako opened and closed the door. Come to think of it, the Konohana mansion is Western-style. Even if she knew about Japanese culture, she'd have few chances to experience it.

"And this...?"

"The unit bath. The bath and toilet are in the same room."

"Bath...? This hole is...?"

"That's the bathtub."

I turned the faucet from the sink to the tub and started the water.

"............Is this for children?"

"...Unfortunately, it's for all ages."

She looked more confused than surprised, which made me feel a bit bad.

"Ojou-sama, if we had waited one more day, the floors and windows could have been replaced..."

"It's fine. I want to experience Itsuki's old life, too."

"Understood."

Hinako was still fixated on my past.

"Well then, I must go discuss things with the bodyguards, so I will be leaving for a while."

Shizune-san said, heading outside. I turned back to the living room. As Shizune-san said, it was clean, but not ridiculously remodeled. They'd probably considered the cost-performance. It's a 40-year-old building; even a full reno wouldn't guarantee tenants. The only changes were the door and parts of the ceiling. The floor still creaked.

"What... kind of life did you live in this room?"

"Even if you ask..."

It was a hard question. However, I suddenly noticed something. The worn tatami, the low table, the drafty windows, the faded paper doors... there were so many things here you'd never see at the Konohana mansion. The me who moved to the mansion and the me who lived here were completely different. The thought came naturally, and I spoke.

"My parents were often out, so I looked after the house. After starting high school, I was out a lot for work, but before that, I'd study or read here."

Though 'reading' mostly meant manga my friends lent me. I took a few steps and looked at the floor.

"This dent in the floor is from when I was a kid. I was trying to fold up the table to lay out my futon and dropped it."

So nostalgic—I was lost in memory when I noticed Hinako spacing out next to me.

"Sorry, I talked too long. This must be boring."

I gave a wry smile and tried to change the subject, but Hinako shook her head.

"...I want to hear more."

She said, staring at me.

"I... want to know more about you."

Her innocent gaze pierced me. I knew she meant it.

"I-I see..."

If that's the case, maybe it's fine. But hearing her say it so earnestly made my heart feel... itchy.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Shizune-san returned.

"First, let's decide on the room arrangement."

"Uh, well..."

Thirty minutes later, I summarized our conclusion for them:

"We'll use the partition Shizune-san brought to divide the room. The kitchen side will be the living room, the other the bedroom. During the day, Shizune-san will use the living room, and Hinako and I will share the bedroom. At night, I'll sleep in the living room, and Hinako and Shizune-san will use the bedroom."

Hinako and Shizune-san nodded. A large partition, which Shizune-san had apparently taken from the bodyguards, now stood in the middle of the room. We'd chosen to split the four-tsubo room into two two-tsubo rooms. The reason Shizune-san would use the living room during the day was mainly to prepare meals. Hinako and I would put the low table in the bedroom area to study or relax.

"I'll be out most of the day, so we can remove the partition then."

"Shizune-san, are you going to be busy?"

"Yes. More work has come up than was scheduled."

Shizune-san replied flatly. At times like this, she never showed any displeasure. It was so like her; you could feel her professionalism as a maid loyal to the Konohana family.

"I will be back by evening, so... Itsuki-san, please refrain from any... strange behavior."

"Y-Yes."

You don't need to tell me. When I was at the Konohana mansion, we were living under the same roof, but this tiny space created a real "cohabitation" vibe. Shizune-san probably prepared the partition to dispel that exact atmosphere. I must not let this special situation affect me or make me mistake our distance.

"Just in case, I'll leave this."

Shizune-san said, taking a small bottle of pills from her pocket and placing it on the table. It's here...! The ED medicine...! I hadn't seen it in a while. What was Shizune-san thinking, carrying that around...

"Itsuki..."

Hinako tugged on my clothes and looked up at me.

"Take me shopping."

"Shopping?"

"I want to know more... about the life you used to live."

Hinako was obsessed with getting a glimpse of commoner life.

"Alright, leave it to me... I'm always the one being taught. Starting today, I'll be the one to teach you about commoner life."

"Ooh—..."

For once, I looked proud. Hinako clapped softly for me. "Clap, clap, clap." Luckily, I knew this area well. Where to take her first? As I started planning, Shizune-san placed several stacks of paper on the table.

"I apologize for interrupting... Ojou-sama, Master Kagen instructed that you are to complete your usual daily tasks."

"Eeh..."

Hinako's excitement vanished, her lips forming a 'へ' shape. The papers were her homework.

"...But I'm on summer break."

"Precisely because it's break, you cannot slack off."

I have the mindset of a normal student, so I get wanting to enjoy break until the last second. But Hinako is the ojou-sama of the Konohana Group. Her responsibilities don't allow it. It was the same for Tennouji-san and Narika.

"Well then, I'm returning to work. Itsuki-san, please don't spoil Ojou-sama too much."

Shizune-san must have sensed my thoughts; she warned me before leaving. The door shut. Hinako looked at me with a sad face.

"Itsuki... help me..."

"...If there's anything I can do."

I wasn't trying to spoil her, but seeing that expression, I couldn't help but want to assist.

(Come to think of it, what are her 'usual tasks'?)

After school, I'd usually be learning etiquette or self-defense from Shizune-san. Lately, I've been reviewing in my room. Thanks to Tennouji-san's help, I've been praised for my etiquette, but if a party comes up, I'll need more training. While I'm doing that, what is Hinako doing? I picked up the papers Shizune-san left and scanned them.

"This is... Konohana Group corporate intelligence?"

"Mhm. Father told me to memorize it for the future."

So this is elite education. Kagen-san wants Hinako to be as useful as possible to the family, so he's making her study now.

"This is info on unrelated companies."

"There's a dinner party... He wants me to memorize it."

It was to avoid any rudeness. The info was a concise summary of her schedule for the next three months and the corporate intelligence on everyone she'd meet. It was easy to read, but a lot to memorize.

"This is... Whoa!?"

I instantly knew I shouldn't be looking at it and turned away. It was a detailed list of the Konohana Group's upcoming business plans, including projects currently in motion. That was top-secret information. It was one thing for Hinako, who helps with the family business, but I'm just an attendant. I can't read that.

(...Doesn't look like there's much I can do.)

Does Hinako study this stuff every day? This is on a different level from schoolwork. It's her homework, and hers alone. I couldn't help. Even setting skill aside, our difference in status made me hesitate.

"But with this much to do, it's going to be hard to go shopping."

I muttered. I saw Hinako flinch in the corner of my eye.

"I wanted to show you the shopping street... Oh well, can't be helped."

She flinched again.

"...Give me two hours."

She said, turning to the homework.

"I'll be done in no time..."

I could almost see a fire burning behind her.

"Hello, Shizune-san? ...Ah, yes. I have a question. Hinako says she wants to go out. Is it okay if I take her shopping?"

A few hours later, I was on the phone with Shizune-san.

"No, we won't go far. We'll grab lunch and check out the shopping street... Her tasks? No, she's... done. Not just for today, but all of it. She said if she 'gets serious,' it's 'nothing'..."

Amazingly, Hinako finished a week's worth of work in two hours. I quizzed her to see if she'd really memorized it, and she answered everything perfectly. Her brain is terrifying. She tries to avoid her duties, but with skills like these, I can see why Kagen-san won't let her go. I finished the call and put my phone away.

"...She gave permission."

"Good."

Hinako pumped her fists.

"Still, it's amazing you memorized all that in two hours."

"Praise me, praise me."

"Right, you're amazing. Seriously amazing."

"Mfu~..."

Hinako looked triumphant. Before hanging up, Shizune-san had sighed,

"Then please ask her to be serious from the start."

I didn't mention it to Hinako, but she had a point.

"Let's get going."

"Okay!"

Hinako replied cheerfully. You'd never see this innocent side of her at school.

"Ah, right. Shizune-san prepared clothes for you, just in case. You should change."

"...Is this no good?"

"It's not... no good... It's just a little conspicuous."

She was wearing an elegant, simple dress, but its simplicity only emphasized her natural beauty. If we were going to a museum or a fancy restaurant, fine. But for the shopping street, it stood out.

"Then I'll change."

"Okay. There's a mirror in the unit bath. You can change in there."

Hinako nodded and disappeared into the unit bath with the clothes.

(...This feels weird.)

At first, it was just nostalgia, but the feeling of "this is my home" was coming back. To think I'd have a girl my age over... Even Yuri had never set foot inside.

"Itsuki."

The door opened, and Hinako came out.

"Are you ready?"

"Mhm. Perfect."

She said, spinning around. ...Not perfect. I looked at her baggy white shirt and the belt hanging off her jeans.

"Hinako, arms up."

"Up~..."

"Your belt goes like this... And, I'm just guessing, but this kind of shirt is meant to be tucked in, right?"

I had her keep her arms up while I tightened the belt and tucked her shirt in.

"...How do I look?"

Hinako showed me again. She wore a loose-fitting white shirt with a logo on the chest and wide-leg jeans that stopped above her ankles. Tucked in, it looked clean and summery.

"It's... different. I like it."

Hinako giggled. The jeans were a new look, but they suited her. Her outfit was simpler, but it couldn't hide her natural grace—her silky amber hair, her porcelain skin, her slender waist. That ojou-sama aura was impossible to hide.

"Let's go."

"Okay!"

She replied, just as cheerful as before. We put on our shoes at the genkan. And so, the "Commoner Experience Tour" began.

"Uooh...!"

Hinako's eyes were shining as she looked around.

"Itsuki, where is this...?"

"The shoutengai—the shopping street. It's just a street with a lot of small shops."

It's surprisingly hard to describe something you know so well. I'd brought her to the shopping street in front of the station. After four months, I knew ojou-samas weren't used to this kind of clutter. As expected, she found it fascinating.

"This was on my way to school. After class, kids would always buy snacks here."

I held back, of course. No money.

"S-So many people..."

"It's more crowded than I thought."

It was 11 AM. There were many housewives out. It wasn't packed, but there was a line at the veggie shop's register and bikes in front of the convenience store.

(Still... it's a bit too crowded.)

I used to live here. I can tell it's busier than usual. Around this time, people are prepping for lunch. It shouldn't be crowded...

"...Hm?"

I glanced at the bookstore. A man inside was flipping through a book. I feel like I've seen him...

"..."

"..."

We stared at each other. A drop of sweat ran down his face. I had my answer. ...That's one of the Konohana bodyguards. I quickly scanned the area. I spotted at least five others pointedly looking away. We were surrounded.

"Itsuki? What's wrong...?"

"...Nothing."

Hinako hates a tense atmosphere; no need to tell her. I brushed it off. The bodyguards sighed in relief.

"This is... a butcher?"

She stared at the cuts of meat in the display.

"...I think it's very cheap."

She seemed unsure of her own sense of money.

"Yeah, compared to what you usually eat, it's cheap. But it's good."

I didn't eat much meat, but I remembered it was delicious. Her interest moved to the next shop.

"A... vegetable shop?"

"Yeah. It's called a yaoya."

"Yao...?"

Hinako tilted her head. Come to think of it, why are they called that? I'll look it up later. Hinako slowly looked over the vegetables.

"See anything you like?"

"...I hate vegetables."

Right. "Come to think of it, what food do you like?"

"Potato chips...!"

"No, that's a snack, it doesn't count..."

"Ice cream...! And cola...!"

"Those don't count either... Hinako, you need to try harder to eat vegetables."

Hinako's eyes went wide, as if to say, "Why!?" Even if I'm not Shizune-san, I worry about her diet.

"Other than those... nothing, really."

"...I see."

She does say "delicious" when we eat, but she doesn't seem to have a favorite.

"Hey, if it isn't Itsuki!"

Someone called from the shop. The yaoya owner was looking at me, holding a cucumber.

"Long time no see! Haven't seen you around. You look good!"

"Same to you, sir. I've been... busy."

It's a long story. Just then, Hinako tugged my shirt.

"Itsuki, who is...?"

"The owner. He helped me out back when I worked here. I had a job here my first year of high school."

As I explained, I noticed the owner staring at us.

"Ohoho... I see. This is why you've been 'busy.'"

"It's not like that."

"No need to hide it. You've become a man, eh?"

Slap, slap. He hit my back. Feeling awkward, I pulled us away. But it kept happening.

"My, Itsuki? Long time no see!"

"Ah, hello. It's been a while."

The pharmacy clerk came out to greet me.

"Yo, Itsuki! Long time! Buy some fish!"

"Sorry, next time..."

The fishmonger called out. The bookstore clerk, the 100-yen shop manager... everyone who recognized me came over. I greeted them and then found a quiet spot.

"...More people said hello than I expected."

I'd meant to show Hinako around, but it just turned into me greeting people. It felt a bit bad.

"Itsuki... are you famous?"

"No, not famous... I just worked a lot of jobs around here."

The shopping street is a tight community. If I was working at one shop and mentioned I needed more work, word would spread instantly, and I'd get introductions. Before I knew it, I'd worked at the yaoya, the bookstore, the pharmacy, and a diner.

"The shopping street runs on mutual support."

"Mutual support...?"

"Yeah. I understood it once I worked here. They share resources. If people stop coming, everyone hurts, so they work together to liven the place up. The butcher advertises the fish shop. Whoever has time makes flyers."

I used to help make those.

"It's like we share a common destiny. The network is deep, so once you're in, people are friendly."

"...It feels... warm."

"Yeah. You can feel the connections. It's nice."

Every greeting reminded me "I lived here." It re-confirmed I have a place here, which was comforting.

"I'm a little envious."

Hinako said, watching the shopkeepers.

"The adults I know... are more calculating."

"...You mean at parties?"

Hinako nodded. The adults around her are at the top of major corporations. They've had to win countless competitions. They have a strong desire to win. The shopping street members compete, but Hinako's world is on another level, with huge sums of money and top talent at stake. The bigger the scale, the more calculating... I didn't ask, but I'm sure Kagen-san was on that list. Which way is "correct"? My inexperienced mind couldn't answer.

"Do you prefer this..."

"—Itsuki! You're back!"

A loud voice boomed from behind. Hinako jumped. I turned. It was the barber I knew.

"Whoa! Sorry, little lady. Didn't mean to scare ya."

"I... I'm fine."

Hinako clutched her chest. After some small talk, we left. Hinako pouted.

"...Maybe I'm not envious."

"Hahaha... Well, for better or worse, the closeness is unique."

A lot of people hate that over-familiarity. It's 'warm' or 'nosy,' depending on who you ask. For Hinako, it's probably just... loud. Just then, a stomach rumbled.

"...I'm hungry."

Hinako said, rubbing her stomach. The smell of curry and soba was wafting from the restaurants. It was noon. Time for lunch. Come to think of it, just past here... is that place.

"Let's go to the gyudon shop."

"Gyudon... shop...?"

Hinako tilted her head. I expected that. I led her to the famous gyudon chain. The AC was a relief.

"You buy a ticket first."

I bought a regular bowl and showed her.

"Ooh... high tech."

Not what you'd expect from the Konohana Group ojou-sama.

"Which one do you want?"

"The same as you."

Hinako said, pulling out her wallet... and a black card.

"Nope, no credit cards... You put the coins in here."

"...I see."

She managed to buy a ticket. I was worried she wouldn't know how to use coins, but she managed. Narika buys old-fashioned snacks, so ojou-samas must know what money is. It's the vending machines they're not used to.

"Here you go~"

We sat at the counter, and our food arrived. I split a pair of disposable chopsticks and handed her one. She just stared at the bowl.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't... know how to eat it."

To a Konohana, gyudon was an unknown.

"Just eat it however."

I split my chopsticks and clapped my hands. "Itadakimasu." I demonstrated, grabbing meat and rice. I quickly brought it to my mouth, the flavor exploding. I'd been eating refined food, but this was still delicious. Maybe more delicious. Hinako watched, then finally reached for her bowl.

"Nngh, nngh...!"

She carefully lifted the rice and meat, as if it were fragile. When it finally reached her lips...

"Mmm~~~~...!"

Hinako groaned in satisfaction.

"Looks good."

"Good... So good...!!"

She still loves oily, strong-flavored food. Hinako was ecstatic.

"Itsuki, what's this...!?"

"Red ginger? It's good if you eat it together."

"And this...!?"

"That's just water."

Everything was a treasure. I'm glad she's having a good time.

"Ooh... this oil is even more sinful than potato chips...!"

Hinako murmured, her eyes glazed. ...Is this okay? I wanted her to have a good time, but this seems dangerous. Am I going to be murdered by Shizune-san for this? I was nervous, but then I saw sauce on Hinako's cheek.

"Hinako, turn here a sec."

I grabbed a napkin.

"You've got sauce on your mouth."

"Nn... hehehe."

I wiped it off. Hinako relaxed like a child. The other customers... were staring. Crap. We stand out.

"W-We should probably go."

"Mhm."

I always forget how beautiful Hinako is. She already stands out, but that just drew more attention. We hurried out.

"First time having gyudon. Was it good?"

"I'm making it my new favorite food...!"

Hinako said, eyes sparkling. Oh no. She's fallen for junk food. I have to remind her never to mention this at a party.

"Gyudon... was delicious. And... relaxing."

"Relaxing?"

"Mhm. I didn't have to worry about table manners."

For Hinako, a meal without etiquette must be precious. She'll have more chances like this for a while, which is good... but worrying.

"I was just thinking the same... but don't forget your manners."

"Mhm. I know."

Hinako looked serious.

"I almost lost you because I forgot my manners... I don't want to feel that way again."

I knew what she meant. Three months ago, at that dinner, when she'd used the "three-second rule" I'd taught her as a joke. She was reflecting on it. I was, too.

"We both have to be more careful."

"Mhm."

The burden of high society is heavy for her. I have to do what I can to lighten it.

"Alright, still got some time..."

I checked my phone.

"I want to play more..."

"Okay. Let's walk in the park to digest."

We walked home, the town bathed in twilight.

"Hwaah..."

Hinako kicked off her shoes and immediately collapsed on a cushion.

"Tired?"

"Mhm."

We took a car here this morning, and we've been walking ever since noon. For Hinako, who's a homebody, today's activity level was probably too much.

(I'm... not really tired, though.)

I still have plenty of physical and mental energy. Compared to my life at the mansion, where I overworked my brain and body every day with studying and my attendant duties, today's schedule was very easy. It almost made me feel... a little unsatisfied. Living a commoner's life today for the first time in a while allowed me to re-examine my usual life objectively. There's a clear difference between commoner and upper-class life, but thinking deeply about those differences, I realize they all have meaning.

I'd been thinking about it when we went into the gyudon shop at lunch. Compared to normal society, Kiou Academy forces its students to take more traditional actions. The lack of ticket machines is a good example. On campus, if you want to eat, you must speak with a server. At first glance, this process seems inconvenient, but when you think about it, it's not a bad thing at all. Kiou students will one day hold leadership positions. That being the case, learning how to treat people... especially how to interact with subordinates... is crucial. If you make unreasonable demands or act arrogantly, team morale will drop. Conversely, if you can manage people well, you can enjoy a level of convenience that surpasses automation. Kiou Academy provides a place to learn this, and you can grasp someone's character just from how they order from a server. Kiou Academy has built an environment where every single action is a learning opportunity. And that, too, reflects the strict self-discipline of the upper class.

(Even I feel like my perspective has widened.)

I've only been at Kiou Academy for a few short months, but perhaps because I've been trying so desperately to keep up, I can feel that I've gained insights I never had before. Once you understand the meaning behind it, it makes you want to apply yourself to your studies. I almost... miss school.

As I was reflecting on the past, filled with mixed emotions, the phone in my pocket began to vibrate. It was Shizune-san.

"Shizune-san? What's wrong?"

'My apologies. The work here is more than I expected. I'll be back rather late. Could I trouble you to prepare dinner?'

"That's fine. If worse comes to worst, we'll get delivery."

'Thank you. If you do cook, feel free to use the ingredients in the fridge.'

"Got it."

The call ended. For some reason, I felt that Shizune-san's voice sounded more tired than usual. If that's the case, I should at least be the one to handle dinner. I opened the fridge and saw all sorts of ingredients stored inside. Onions, carrots, potatoes, and meat.

(...I'll make curry.)

There was curry roux in the spice box. The moment I saw it, I decided on the menu. Since we had gyudon for lunch, I was worried about our nutritional balance, so I'll add extra vegetables. As I was looking for a kitchen knife and a peeler, Hinako came over with a "pat, pat, pat" of her footsteps.

"Itsuki... what are you doing?"

"Shizune-san is coming back late, so I thought I'd make dinner."

"...I'll cook, too."

"You, too?"

I thought with worry, "That's a little dangerous, isn't it?" but Hinako put her hands on her hips, full of confidence, and said:

"I got cooking experience during the summer lecture."

She puffed out her chest triumphantly. Does barbecue count as cooking...?

"Uh, well, can I trouble you with the peeling?"

"Leave it to me...!"

The only job that doesn't require a knife or fire is peeling. I taught her how to use a peeler during the barbecue. It should be fine.

"Hinako, do you like your curry sweet or spicy?"

"Mmm... sweet."

"Got it. Then I'll use this for flavor..."

I put the ingredients I'd dug out of the fridge into the pot.

"Chocolate?"

"Yes, Yuri taught me that adding this increases the sweetness and richness."

"Ooh~... I'm looking forward to it."

According to Yuri, curry is all about creativity, and the flavor can change in countless ways. Rather than finding one key secret ingredient, it's better to adjust it to the person eating. By the way, after many experiments, Yuri discovered that my favorite is curry with miso added for flavor.

"Hinako, can you hand me that potato?"

"Mhm... I finished peeling the carrot."

"Thanks, put it here for me."

Cooking together with Hinako. This conversation... feels a lot like a couple's——I desperately suppressed that thought. I finished cutting the vegetables Hinako handed me and put them in the pot. She seemed to have finished peeling the carrot, so I reached out my hand to take it. At that moment, my shoulder touched Hinako's.

"S-Sorry."

"...M-Eep."

Hinako's cheeks flushed red, and she made a strange sound. Because the kitchen is so narrow, our proximity is unavoidable. This isn't the Konohana mansion, and it's not a wide-open beach. The moment I started to care, I couldn't help but feel conflicted. We were completely fine with it until just now, but now, even our clothes just brushing against each other makes us both freeze. Hinako kept her head down and silently continued peeling. I also endured the... itchy feeling... and kept chopping vegetables.

◆

"I'm full."

Hinako and I ate the curry we had successfully made.

"Satisfied...!"

"That's great."

Although the flavor was average, Hinako seemed very satisfied. After filling our stomachs, we started to get sleepy. I wanted to lie down for a bit, but Shizune-san might be back soon, so I fought the urge to sleep.

"Let's turn on the TV."

I picked up the remote that was nearby and pointed it at the new, thin TV—one of the appliances Shizune-san had prepared. I turned on the TV, and the news was on.

"Come to think of it, you don't watch TV?"

"Mhm... not really."

Hinako lay down lazily and rested her head on my lap. Like an affectionate cat. Even though I'm usually fine with her doing this... When our shoulders touched in the kitchen, we both tensed up, but when it comes to a lap pillow, we're oddly calm. Is it just because we're used to it? I stroked Hinako's head while watching the news, which I had no interest in.

'Next up on the news, Konohana Electronics announced today that they will be developing a new, advanced optical satellite—'

The moment the anchor said the word "Konohana," Hinako closed her eyes and said:

"Because of this."

"...I see."

She must want to at least forget about her family during her private time.

"But... a lot of people at school watch TV."

"Is that so."

Watching the news is a good way to learn about what's happening in society, I guess. However, Hinako was on fire this morning and finished a whole week's worth of her tasks. Shizune-san told me not to spoil her, but... just for today, it's probably fine to forget about studying.

"Then let's watch a variety show."

I changed the channel. We had a TV at my house, too, but it wasn't a new model like this. It was a cheap one my father bought from a secondhand store. Come to think of it, this show is still on... When I wasn't working, I'd watch TV with my mother while we did piecework, and this show was on back then, too. But the host isn't the comedian I remember. It seems they changed at some point.

Speaking of which, I haven't watched TV at all since moving into the Konohana mansion. I was given a laptop for studying, and that's more than enough for keeping up with the news. When I was walking around town, I also noticed the scenery had changed in places. Shops had new signs, the road color was different... It's only small things, but this town is definitely changing. In the future, I might gradually stop recognizing the things I know now.

"...Is this the kind of life you always lived?"

Hinako asked quietly from my lap.

"Yeah. I guess. It was pretty much like this."

"...I see."

She replied. It's possible she was just sleepy, but Hinako's expression seemed a little... troubled.

"What do you think of a commoner's life?"

"...It's fun."

She answered, rolling over.

"Nobody stares at me. I can live... relaxedly."

Hinako was enjoying it more than I expected. However, it would be a lie to say nobody noticed Hinako. A girl as beautiful as her is rare, so she still gathered attention. But, the meaning in those gazes was different, so she probably didn't notice. Although she was being looked at with interest and curiosity, people weren't expecting her to act like a prim and proper ojou-sama.

"And... it's warm."

Hinako smiled gently, her voice full of emotion.

"You said that in the shopping street, too."

"Mhm... Everyone really likes you."

I tilted my head, not understanding. "Me?" Hinako continued:

"So many people came to talk to you. You humbly said it was just the shopping street's warmth... but I think a part of it is because it was you. That's why they greeted you like that."

Hearing her say that, it was hard for me to be modest. But, if that's the case—

"...You, too."

I said to Hinako, who was staring right at me.

"It might have been different in the past, but you're... 'warm' now, too, aren't you?"

Tennouji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho... Hinako now has people she can open up to, even just a little, who are more than just strangers. It's true she's tired of acting. However, precisely because I'm always by her side, I've noticed her change. When Hinako interacts with them, she's able to be more at ease than usual.

"...Maybe so."

Hinako smiled, as if relieved.

"It's all because of you."

"That's not true."

"No... It's all thanks to you."

Hinako lowered her gaze and said:

"But I..."

She cut herself off, falling silent. She was so happy just a moment ago, but she suddenly seemed depressed. I had no idea why.

"Do you like... this kind of life?"

"...Yeah, I guess I like it."

Is it 'like,' or just 'familiar'? It's not that I liked my poor life, but living like this in this lively, bustling town... it wasn't so bad.

"Do you want to come back..."

Hinako whispered, trying to say something. But her voice, as faint as a mosquito's buzz, didn't make it to the end. She fell silent again.

"Hinako?"

"...It's nothing."

Hinako rolled over and got off my lap. She slowly stood up.

"I'm going to take a bath."

"Okay, I'll go run the bathwater."

I went into the bathroom and started the water. The bath seemed to fill up quickly. Hinako took her change of clothes from her travel bag and headed for the bathroom.

"...Itsuki?"

Hinako suddenly turned her head, looking puzzled.

"Why aren't you changing?"

"Huh?"

"We're bathing together..."

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

She said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I put my hand to my forehead and replied:

"Um, let's not bathe together today. This bathroom is tiny."

"Mngh..."

Hinako puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction, but finally relented with a nod.

"Then... just wash my hair."

She said, and walked into the bathroom with her usual swimsuit. From behind the bathroom door, I heard the rustling of fabric, and after a moment, the "plop" of water. Don't mind it, don't mind it... I turned up the TV volume and stared at the uninteresting variety show.

"Itsuki~..."

"...Yes, yes."

Hinako, completely oblivious to my feelings, called for me in a lazy, relaxed voice. When I opened the door, I saw her relaxing in the bathtub.

"Hey, wash... my hair."

"Okay... But we have to drain the water first."

A unit bath is different from a typical Japanese family's bath; there's no washing area outside the tub. So, if you fill the tub first, it's inconvenient to wash your hair or body inside it. I pulled the bathtub plug and picked up the showerhead.

"Close your eyes."

"Mhm."

Since her hair wasn't wet yet, I used the showerhead to wet it. If I wash it directly, my hands and clothes will get all wet and soapy... Oh well, it's fine. I can just wash my clothes and myself later. I sat on the edge of the tub and washed Hinako's hair. This position is a little strenuous.

"I'm going to rinse now."

"Mhm~..."

I rinsed the shampoo from her hair. The bathroom may be small, but Shizune-san had still perfectly prepared a full set of shampoo and other bath items. As I was wondering, "What's next?" and searching through the bottles...

"It's hot..."

Hinako said in a hoarse voice. Now that she mentioned it, I was hot too. Not from the water, but from the temperature in the room. We always use spacious bathrooms, so I never noticed, but this small space traps heat easily. It's completely different from the mansion's bathroom. There's not much ventilation, either.

"Are you okay? I'll make the water cooler..."

"I can't... I'm getting out..."

Hinako seemed to be at her limit. I immediately spread a bath towel on the floor.

"Hey, waah!?"

When Hinako got to the living room, she collapsed onto me, completely limp. Water droplets ran down Hinako's body and dripped onto my cheek. She was completely light-headed from the heat, her eyes closed, looking exhausted. Just as I was thinking, Alright, first, turn on the AC and get her a cup of cold water...

"I'm home."

The front door opened, and Shizune-san's voice came through. She took off her shoes, and then—she saw me holding a swimsuit-clad Hinako, and her eyes suddenly turned dark.

"You beast."

"It's not like that."

That night. We moved the low table against the wall, laid out three futons, and turned off the lights to sleep.

"...Excuse me."

I said from the darkness, my side pressed tightly against the wall.

"Is my spot... a little too close to the edge?"

"Because you have a prior conviction."

Shizune-san's voice came from the other side of the partition. We originally planned to put the partition in the middle of the room to separate the male and female spaces, but... for various reasons, the partition was now placed extremely close to the wall. Since there were more women, we'd planned on a 60/40 split, but now it was 90/10.

"You've really misunderstood. It wasn't on purpose."

"So as long as it's not on purpose, you can do whatever you want?"

She had a point. I was speechless. I couldn't think of a rebuttal, so I stopped defending myself. But, unless I'm overthinking it, Shizune-san seems stricter than usual. Hinako and I are often like this at the mansion... No, maybe it's because it happens so often that she's decided I should know my boundaries by now. Still, she's never been this severe before.

"...Shizune."

Hinako whispered.

"Poor Itsuki. He hasn't been home in so long..."

She's such a good girl... I'm going to cry. Hearing Hinako, Shizune-san... let out a quiet sigh.

"Master Kagen is worried about you."

She said in a serious tone.

"I don't know if Master Kagen himself noticed, but his work performance today was not up to its usual standard; it was a little subpar... He said he allowed this situation because he trusts us, but as a father, he must still be very anxious."

That topic completely woke me up. Now that she mentioned it, that's completely understandable. His high-school-aged daughter is away from home for a week, staying in a run-down old apartment with a boy her age. At the mansion, he could be there instantly, and servants are everywhere. But his protection doesn't extend to this apartment in the same way. He allowed Hinako to attend the summer lecture. But this time, he's worried. The difference between the two... it must be me. During the lecture, Hinako and I were in separate rooms, and Shizune-san was always nearby. So Kagen-san wasn't worried like this. However, this time, Shizune-san will be leaving us for work, leaving me and Hinako alone in the room. Even with bodyguards around, they won't invade her privacy to check inside the room. Thus, the time Hinako and I spend alone in this shabby room will increase. Kagen-san's trust and anxiety aren't directed at Hinako. ...They're directed at me. I'm the one making him worry.

"I'm sorry. I was thoughtless."

I reflected deeply and apologized. Kagen-san is strict, but he's not unreasonable. "As long as you do what must be done, you are free to do as you please"—he always treats me and Hinako based on this principle. And perhaps because he is so strict about our duties, he tries to at least respect our free time afterward. That's why he must have allowed us to stay in this apartment. After all, we've been completing our tasks without fail, and we got good results on the summer lecture exam. However, as a father, he's still going to worry. Kagen-san was willing to trust me, but I wasn't conscious of it. And so, I ended up making him worry.

"Thanks to Itsuki-san, Ojou-sama has changed... And, thanks to Ojou-sama, Master Kagen is gradually changing."

Shizune-san said slowly.

"I believe this is a good change."

Her words had a hidden meaning, implying—precisely because it's a good change, she hopes I won't do anything to make them regret it. I sensed someone stand up on the other side of the partition. Shizune-san's head appeared from behind the partition.

"I'll let it go this one time, for Ojou-sama's sake."

"Thank you."

She moved the partition back to its intended position, and I thanked her.

"Changing the subject, do you have plans for tomorrow?"

Shizune-san asked.

"We're going to Yuri's in the evening."

"Then you won't need dinner."

"Right."

But, this means we'll be eating separately from Shizune-san again. Today, Shizune-san ate her curry while I was bathing. She didn't seem to mind, but...

"Would you like to come, too?"

"No need... I also know how to read a situation."

Shizune-san is a university student, not much older than us, but as long as she's with Hinako, she has to follow the rules of a servant. It's one thing when we're with Kiou Academy students, but this time Yuri will be there, and she isn't familiar with the 'servant' role. Shizune-san is probably being considerate of that. Thinking back on their interactions during the lecture, I don't think she needs to worry, but I won't press her if she's already refused.

"What are you doing before evening?"

"I want to study. It's about time I start preparing for school."

"Your spirit is commendable."

Hinako may have finished her tasks for the week, but I haven't. This morning, I was once again reminded of how gifted Hinako is. I admire it, but I can't copy it. A common person like me has to rely on diligence.

"But, I feel like it's a waste to just go straight there, so I was thinking we could stop somewhere first..."

I haven't decided where, though. There's no need to force it. We can just decide tomorrow. And just as I was thinking that—

"...School."

I heard Hinako murmur.

"I want to see the school you used to go to."

"...Alright, let's do that."

We probably can't go inside, but we should be able to see it from the outside. I'd like to see my old school, too. With tomorrow's plans set, I fell asleep.

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