Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 5 Epilogue

Epilogue

After confirming that Takuma-san had moved out, we returned to the mansion.

"It feels like I haven't been back in a long time."

I stood in the garden, looking up at the mansion. We'd been gone less than two weeks, but a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Before I'd even realized it, this mansion—just like my old apartment—had become a precious sanctuary to me. The mansion itself seemed more vibrant than I remembered. Was it just because we'd been away for ten days? Or... was it because I had changed?

"Hinako, how does someone become an officer on the Kiou Academy student council?"

I asked, as we walked into the mansion.

"You... want to join?"

"No, I'm not that far yet..."

If I was serious about becoming a director, I needed a track record at Kiou. But I couldn't just blindly follow Takuma-san's advice. Especially now that I knew what he was like, I couldn't unconditionally trust him. He'd said he'd follow a better option if I found one. That meant... I would have to compete with him. I had to find a better solution, which meant I'd have to compete with him on every level, from my methods to my very position.

(A straightforward villain would be so much easier to deal with.)

Takuma-san was willing to talk. He'd debated Kagen-san and, in the end, accepted his loss, even if he didn't like it. That meant I couldn't just out-maneuver him; I'd have to defeat him with a direct, superior argument. And since he wouldn't commit a crime, I couldn't just wait for him to self-destruct. He was a massive, daunting obstacle. As a first step, aiming for the student council seemed like a good start.

"Ah, but Tennouji-san seems interested in the council, too."

"Tennouji-san..."

The moment I said her name, Hinako's expression clouded over.

"...Itsuki."

"Hm?"

Hinako stopped in her tracks and looked down. Then, she clenched her small fists, looked up at me with eyes blazing with resolve, and said:

"I... won't lose to anyone."

She declared, her cheeks bright red. ...Won't lose what to who? I was completely baffled, but Hinako just looked flustered and spun around.

"That's all...!"

She said, and stormed off. She was probably heading for her room, but she immediately got lost and stopped. A nearby maid, noticing Hinako's mortified dilemma, quickly stepped in to guide her. Shizune-san and I just stared blankly as she retreated, her ears as red as her cheeks.

"...Is Hinako interested in the student council, too?"

"...I wonder."

Shizune watched her go, sensing exactly what she'd meant. That declaration must have taken all her courage, only for her to be overcome by embarrassment and flee.

(Ojou-sama might not be 'perfect' for much longer.)

Hinako, probably still flustered, had started walking with her arms and legs moving in unison. Now that she was aware of her feelings, maintaining that "perfect ojou-sama" facade was going to be harder than ever. Those around her were certain to notice.

(And yet... she's never been more adorable.)

Somewhere between the "perfect ojou-sama" and the "indolent lazy-girl," a third, endearingly clumsy girl-in-love had emerged. Having known her for so long, Shizune was certain: Hinako was more vibrant, more emotional, and more compellingly human than she had ever been. For Shizune, this change was a happy one. But it was also a seed of anxiety.

"...I just hope she doesn't run wild."

This, too, Shizune knew from long experience. When it came to romance, Ojou-sama was... hopelessly clumsy. She suppressed a sigh and glanced at Itsuki. If Hinako did run wild at school, he was the only one who could stop her. That poor boy, she thought. He's in for a lot of trouble... in more ways than one.

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