Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 8 Bonus Chapter

A Surprise for Yuri

"Mm, yes. Tastes good."

"Thank you, sir."

It was the day before the party. Yuri was having the head chef taste-test the dish she was in charge of.

"Still, suggesting a flavor change the day before the party... You've got guts, kid."

"S-Sorry..."

"Don't worry about it. As long as it improves the final quality, it's always welcome here."

This is a good place to work, Yuri thought. Everyone worked together to achieve a better result. Laziness wasn't tolerated. You could feel a sense of unity driven by ambition. Just then, Shizune appeared at the kitchen entrance.

"Head Maid. Thank you for your hard work."

"You as well... Is this the dish for the party?"

"Yes. It's Hirano-san's revised fish sauté. She's made the seasoning a little richer."

Shizune took a bite. As Yuri watched nervously, Shizune chewed quietly.

"The seasoning, the aroma, the texture... all excellent. Hirano-san, why did you decide on this adjustment?"

"Er, I knew many of the guests at this party enjoy white wine, so I tried to create a flavor that would pair well with it."

This was the strategy Itsuki had come up with for her. Let's aim for a flavor that complements the drinks at the venue—after hearing Yuri's idea, Itsuki had immediately gathered data on the guests and the previous party. His analysis revealed a strong preference for aged white wine. Itsuki was the one who had given her a concrete direction. She had to thank him.

"I see... It seems you have a good consultant."

"Ngh..."

She saw right through me. But Shizune wasn't scolding her. If anything, she looked a little proud.

"This dish is approved."

"My thoughts exactly."

Both Shizune and the head chef gave their permission. Yes—!! Yuri clenched her fist. She'd produced results as a chef. This would surely lead to more official duties. The Konohana kitchen was a meritocracy, after all.

"By the way, Hirano-san."

"Yes?"

"What are your favorite colors?"

"...What?"

It was a complete non-sequitur. Still, Yuri thought about it.

"White and red."

"Red and white... A little too flashy, perhaps."

That didn't seem to be a good answer.

"I like black, too. Stains don't show as easily."

That was a pure chef's answer...

"Black... Black, I see..."

This time, the reaction was better. Shizune fell into thought, leaving Yuri to tilt her head in confusion.

"Um, Head Maid, are you sure we can trouble you with this...?"

"Don't worry, Chef. When it comes to clothing in this mansion, no one knows more than I..."

They were whispering. In the end, Yuri went into the party without ever figuring out what they were talking about.

◆

On the day of the party, the kitchen was, as expected, a warzone. All the guests were connected to the Konohana Group. People were eating well, and plates were emptying fast... That wasn't supposed to happen, but dishes would get cold, or gaps would appear in the buffet, making it look bad. The kitchen had to coordinate perfectly with the servers, who were also checking drink levels, to keep the food coming.

"Hirano-san, thank you for your hard work. You can take a break."

"...Thank you."

The person who'd been on break returned, so it was Yuri's turn. There was still more to do, but the head chef would worry if she looked too wound up. I'll come back a little early, maybe, she thought, as long as I'm not obvious about it.

"Since you're here, why don't you go enjoy the party?"

"Huh...? Is it okay for me to go to the hall?"

"Of course. Want to get dressed up in an evening gown, too?"

The head chef said, clearly enjoying this.

"But I don't have a dress..."

"Yes, you do."

Shizune was standing behind her. Yuri was finally starting to learn: Shizune was ubiquitous.

"This is for you."

Shizune said, holding out a black dress.

"...Huh?"

"It's a surprise from the chefs... This was a difficult job to suddenly push on you. This is our apology, and our thanks."

The other chefs in the kitchen were looking at Yuri with kind eyes.

"Th-Thank you all so much... I'm so happy..."

Yuri was so moved, her eyes welled up. Don't cry. I'm not a crier...

"Now, put this on and go to the hall."

Shizune handed her the dress.

"I will... Ah, but I still have work to do, I can't be long..."

"It's fine. The main rush is over."

The head chef assured her.

"We'll be counting on you to keep working hard... so you should use this as a chance to learn from the guests' perspective. I think you'll understand... what kind of food people naturally reach for while walking around, talking, and taking a short rest."

"...I understand."

Yuri felt like she was being skillfully managed, but she'd let him win this one. This was a good place to work. Yuri was deeply grateful to Itsuki for giving her the chance to be here... but she had a feeling he'd just say,

"That was all because of your own hard work."

The Ojou-sama's Profile

"Well then, I shall fetch some refreshments."

After Mirei Tennouji arrived at the Konohana mansion, Shizune said this and headed for the kitchen. As she turned to leave, Hinako spoke.

"Shizune, I'll help."

"Ojou-sama...?"

"Tennouji-san is always so kind to me. I'd like to make her tea."

Hearing Hinako's rare, proactive offer, Shizune's eyes widened.

"H-Hinako Konohana...!!"

Mirei, for her part, was theatrically moved.

◆

And so, Hinako and Shizune went to prepare the tea.

"Which tea leaves should we choose..."

Hinako opened a drawer, examining the canisters. Watching her, Shizune knew this was genuine. This was an act of pure kindness toward Mirei. For Shizune, who had served Hinako for so long, this sight was deeply moving. This girl, who had once been unable to open her heart to anyone, had possessed no emotional room for such kindness. Now, Hinako could extend herself not only to Itsuki, but to her school friends as well. It was an incredible change. That lazy Hinako... is on her feet, in a part of the house that isn't her bed... on a holiday. Thanks to this, cleaning Hinako's bedding had recently become much easier. It used to be a struggle to wash the sheets when she refused to get out of bed.

"By the way, the Tennouji family is partial to this brand."

Shizune picked up a canister as Hinako dithered.

"Mm... but I think she'd prefer this one today."

"May I ask why?"

"Because she was fanning her hair before she came inside. It's hot out... I think she'll want something more refreshing."

Truly the daughter of the Konohana family. When she was motivated, she could deduce the perfect answer, one that a commoner's mind would never reach.

"...There was another one, with a sweet fragrance, wasn't there?"

"There should be, but I don't see it."

"I think Tennouji-san would like that one today."

"Let's look for it."

The tea was arranged differently. Other maids had been preparing it recently, so there were a few unfamiliar tools and tea sets. Shizune pulled out three different tea services and set them on the counter.

"Ojou-sama, which will you choose?"

"Mmm... This one."

"Understood. If I may ask, why this one?"

"Because it suits Itsuki's room. And it will also complement Tennouji-san's dress."

"I see. I've learned something."

That truly was worthy of reference. Thinking of a tea set that suited the room was one thing, but complementing the guest's attire was a brilliant idea. A guest presented with a service that suited them would feel all the more elegant. Itsuki was her caretaker, so he usually only saw her lazy side and couldn't imagine it. But to Shizune, Hinako was a genuine ojou-sama. Not an imposter, like herself. She was the real, high-born article.

"...I can't find the tea."

"Mm. I want to look a little longer."

Making the guests wait was a problem, but it should be fine. Shizune was still wondering why Hinako was trying so hard today, when Hinako whispered:

"Because with Tennouji-san... I don't want to compromise."

The words struck Shizune. In other words... Just as Shizune saw Hinako as a "genuine" ojou-sama... Hinako saw Mirei in a similar light. A rivalry had sparked. Not a romantic one, but... for Hinako, who hated "ojou-sama" duties, to feel competitive in that very arena...

Shizune couldn't help but smile. It seemed "genuine" ojou-samas had their own struggles. She mused that, in the end, "ojou-sama" or not, they were still human. And that was why they needed help. These girls were just people, and people needed support.

◆

Meanwhile, at that very same moment... Mirei Tennouji—

(My plan to get into Itsuki-kun's room... was a success!!)

—was in Itsuki's room, pumping her fist in victory.

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