Hearing her say that made me feel a little more vindicated.
"Are you still a coward now?"
"Ugh... well... I’m still in training, you could say..."
Narika trailed off awkwardly.
I couldn’t help but laugh. If she had really become a strong woman as she’d declared, she wouldn’t have collapsed and been carried to the infirmary like this.
"Well, Narika's father seemed like a strict man. I doubt he gives you much freedom."
"Actually... I beat my father."
"Beat him?"
"Yes. Kendo, judo, aikido, karate—I defeated him in every martial art imaginable. That was the condition for escaping the surveillance of the Miyakojima family. Thanks to that, I’m free to spend my time almost however I want now."
"I-I see."
As always, she was an incredibly strong girl in a physical sense.
"However... even if I am permitted to go outside, it is a lonely thing when there is no one by my side."
Narika suddenly lost her energy, muttering as she looked down.
"That reminds me, Narika, it seems like you're being misunderstood in a lot of ways at this academy."
I remembered what Taisho and Asahi-san had said.
They were calling her a biker gang member or yakuza, but there was no way that was true.
"That is right. It is all a misunderstanding."
"Why did it turn out like that?"
When I asked, Narika let out a deep sigh.
"The Miyakojima family precept is: 'A sound mind dwells in a sound body.' Because of that, I have had every kind of martial art drummed into me since I was a child."
"Narika, you were practicing kendo when we first met, too."
"Yes. The Miyakojima family is, so to speak, a martial-minded household."
A martial-minded household... That was quite the colorful family lineage.
However, having stayed at that house as a guest, I knew that wasn't an exaggeration. Not only did the Miyakojima family have a private dojo on the premises, but they also operated another dojo right next to the mansion. I remembered hearing the shouts of the students often while I was staying there.
"Perhaps because of that family background, many people think I am dangerous. In addition, well, I am only saying this because it is you, Itsuki... I am not very good at making friends. When I stand in front of people, I inevitably get nervous and my face stiffens. Because of that, I am often misunderstood as a scary person."
Narika had a beautiful face, though her sharp eyes were her most striking feature.
When someone like her got a nervous expression, it looked like she was glaring.
"Well... you've been like that since we were kids, Narika. Even though you acted tough, as soon as we started doing things together, you'd cry easily. You were cowardly about everything..."
"D-did you really think of me that way? I am a little hurt."
"But it's the truth, right?"
"Ugh... you are right."
Narika let out a sigh.
"At first, I intended to make friends and lead a fun student life. But I get nervous and cannot speak well, and just trying to make eye contact gets misunderstood as glaring... b-before I knew it, people started saying terrible things about me, like I was a delinquent or yakuza... Uwaaaaaah!"
That was awful. It was just one stroke of bad luck leading to another.
"What should I do? Hey, Itsuki! Please, help me...!"
With teary eyes, Narika pleaded with me.
From what I had heard, she was a truly pitiable girl. If I could be of help, I wanted to be—but just as I thought that, I noticed my pocket was vibrating.
"S-sorry. I'm going to step out for a moment."
I left the infirmary and took out my smartphone.
As expected, the caller was Ms. Shizune.
"Itsuki-sama, where are you right now?"
"My apologies. A student had collapsed, so I was carrying her to the infirmary."
"I see. Even though it was during class, your location information was out of sync with the Young Lady's, so I wondered what had happened... If that is the case, I shall let it pass without a reprimand."
"Thank you very much."
"Please return to the classroom as soon as possible. Helping people is a fine thing, but you must not forget your primary duty as a caretaker."
For me, who had expected a lecture, the exchange was a bit of an anticlimax.
Or rather... she even knew exactly where I was.
Anyway, I should get back to the classroom quickly as instructed.
But before that, I would check on Narika's condition one last time.
When I opened the infirmary door, Narika turned toward me.
"Hey, Itsuki."
"What is it?"
"Come to think of it, why are you at this academy, Itsuki?"
...Now then. How should I dodge this?
Currently, my official position was the "successor to a mid-sized company," and my relationship with Hinako was "having some acquaintance through our parents' connections."
But this lie wouldn't work on Narika. She knew my true social standing.
As her caretaker, I had to protect Hinako's public image as the perfect lady at the very least. I had to answer carefully.
"I told you a long time ago that my mother likes gambling, right?"
"Yes. I heard it was quite terrible."
Narika sympathized.
"She won big, and we got a lot of money. Thanks to that, I was able to attend Kikou Academy."
It wasn't a bad lie for a spur-of-the-moment one. I felt like I'd nailed it, but—
"That is a lie."
Narika said, narrowing her eyes.
"Kikou Academy is not a school you can enter just because you have money. A strict background check is conducted upon enrollment. Assets obtained through gambling would not be highly regarded."
Is that so...?
How did the Konohana family get me into this academy? As expected of those in power, there must have been some kind of back-door entry.
"Itsuki... why are you lying? Are there circumstances you cannot talk about...?"
Because the lie had been exposed, I was completely under suspicion.
As I panicked, breaking into a cold sweat, the smartphone in my pocket signaled another incoming call. It was probably Ms. Shizune. Since she was calling again so soon, it might be an emergency.
"S-sorry... another call came in..."
I gave a brief apology and tried to leave.
"W-wait!"
Narika grabbed my arm.
"You won't... disappear again, will you?"
Narika asked in a trembling voice.
Seeing that sad expression, I felt a pang of guilt.
I see.
I had made Narika feel anxious.
Six years ago, I had abruptly vanished from her life. At first, I had been worried about that day, too... but before I knew it, the memory had faded.
But it was different for Narika. Until she met me, Narika had no experience playing with other children. That was why, unlike me, she had remembered that day—and the anxiety of it—forever.
"It's okay, we'll meet again."
"Really...?"
"Really."
It was unexpected to reunite with her here, but I was genuinely happy we had.
Just because I had a job as a caretaker didn't mean I had to push her away.
"Then... p-pat my head..."
"Huh?"
"Like you used to! You did it often back then, whenever my father was angry at me..."
Come to think of it, I did used to pat Narika's head often.
I was worried about the smartphone that kept ringing, so I decided to just do as she asked to get this over with.
"Yeah, yeah."
When I patted her head, Narika’s expression softened into a smile.
"Ah... as I thought, it’s reassuring."
"I think it's a bit much for a second-year high school student to find head-pats reassuring."
"I know that! It is just... this was an important memory for me. To be honest, I thought I would never see you again."
Just like in the past, Narika's words were honest and straightforward.
Feeling a bit bashful, I continued to pat her head.
"I'm sorry. For disappearing so suddenly back then."
"We have met again. It is fine now."
Narika gave a smile, looking completely at ease.
It was then that the infirmary door opened.
"What are you doing?"
At that voice, I stopped mid-pat.
Hinako appeared from beyond the door.
"Hina—"
"K-Konohana-san!?"
As if to drown out my voice, Narika's voice rang out in shock.
"W-why is Konohana-san here...?"
"I felt a little unwell, so I left class."
Hinako, playing the perfect lady, answered flatly.
At the same time, the vibration in my pocket stopped. Damn it. Was this what Ms. Shizune had been trying to tell me?
"What has happened with you, Tomonari-kun and Miyakojima-san?"
Hinako asked.
Glancing at Narika, I saw she was completely tense, her expression rigid. It was because she made faces like this that she was feared. To an observer, it looked like Narika was glaring at Hinako with incredible intensity. However, Hinako didn't seem fazed at all.
I should be the one to answer here.
"Ah... well, I saw Narika collapse in the hallway and carried her to the infirmary."
"I see, was that it? Did Miyakojima-san injure her head?"
"Her head? No, it's nothing like that..."
"Is that so? You seemed to be patting her head, so I thought that was the case."
Her tone was the same as usual, but I felt like a faint, dark light flickered in her eyes.
So she had seen it after all...
"Konohana-san, listen! Itsuki and I have met before, a long time ago!"
Narika said, her voice tight with nerves.
"A long time ago...?"
"Yes! When I was ten years old, Itsuki stayed at my house..."
"He stayed there?"
I felt like Hinako's face scowled slightly.
But Narika didn't seem to notice and continued in a loud voice.
"Yes! At that time, Itsuki took care of me!"
"Took care of you?"
Hinako's brow furrowed at Narika's explanation. Rather than taking care of her, I had just been by her side. I thought of us as childhood playmates...
"Itsuki looked after me when I was young; he is my benefactor. That is why I was simply rejoicing at our reunion."
"I see."
Hinako seemed to accept it, though for just an instant, she had a complicated look on her face.
"That's right, Itsuki. Why don't you come to my house again? Just coming over to play is fine... i-if it is all right with you, I was thinking we could go back to the relationship we had before..."
Narika spoke directly to me.
But that was something I couldn't do now, as I was serving as Hinako's caretaker.
"Narika, that's—"
"That is impossible, Miyakojima-san."
Hinako spoke before I could deny it.
"Because Tomonari-kun is currently working at my house."
"Bwah?"
Ignoring Narika, who let out a strange noise, I opened my eyes wide in astonishment.
"Hina—Konohana-san. That's a bit..."
"Is something the matter, Tomonari-kun? It is the truth, is it not?"
It was certainly the truth... but we had promised to keep that a secret.
Fortunately, just explaining that I worked for the Konohana family wouldn't lead anyone to Hinako's true identity. However, I wanted to hide the relationship between us if possible. In the unlikely event that Narika spread this around, Hinako and I would become the center of attention for the entire academy. That would surely interfere with my work as a caretaker.
"W-w-w-what do you mean, Itsuki!? Are you working at Konohana-san's house right now!?"
"No, well..."
Confused, I glanced at Hinako's face.
Even if I denied it here, it would be pointless if Hinako affirmed it.
"Well, yeah, that's right. Mainly... I'm taking care of her daily needs."
When I answered, Narika's eyes widened.
"No fair."
Narika glared at Hinako resentfully.
"That is not fair of you! I would also...! Itsuki was originally mine...!"
"I do not know about the past, but Tomonari-kun's current workplace is my house."
Hinako said with a smile.
"Tomonari-kun. Since Miyakojima-san is doing well, shouldn't you return to the classroom now?"
"Ah, yeah... you're right."
I was probably making a very strained expression right now.
Hinako looked at Narika one last time and bowed.
"It seems my own condition has recovered, so if you'll excuse me."
With a gentle, lady-like smile, Hinako closed the infirmary door.
From the other side, I heard Narika's groan: "Uuuuuuuuuu...!"
Sorry, Narika.
Right now, I'm Hinako's caretaker. Basically, I can't go against her.
Besides... there's something I want to talk to Hinako about, just the two of us.
"Did you come to the infirmary just to see me?"
"Mm. I get lost when I'm alone, so I said I felt unwell and had someone guide me halfway."
Hinako, who had stopped acting, nodded.
"Listen, I'm sorry. Even though I'm your caretaker, I wasn't by your side. But what was the deal with that just now? Ms. Shizune said we should keep our relationship a secret, too."
To be honest, I didn't think Narika would spread rumors for fun, but there was always a possibility.
Walking beside me, Hinako answered in a small voice.
"I just thought..."
"Eh?"
"I just thought... I should probably stake my claim."
That was an answer whose meaning I didn't quite understand.
Or could it be... she was being jealous?
No way.
I thought back to our relationship so far. I didn't think Hinako had such developed emotions.
"Itsuki."
As I tilted my head in confusion, Hinako asked me.
"Whose caretaker are you, Itsuki?"
"That's Hinako's, of course."
"Mm. Then it's fine."
Saying that, Hinako stopped and looked at my face with a satisfied smile.
"Let's go get scolded by Shizune together."
"Yeah."
Nodding, I let out a deep sigh. Now that it had come to this, a scolding would be unavoidable.
What if I get fired...?
"I will not fire you."
After school on the day of my reunion with Narika.
After I explained the circumstances while we were heading to the mansion by car, Ms. Shizune spoke.
"From what I have heard, the problem lies not only with you, Itsuki-san, but also with the Young Lady. In fact, if the Young Lady had not said anything unnecessary, there was a high possibility we could have bluffed our way through."
"But it all started because I made contact with Narika."
"Miyakojima-sama had collapsed in the hallway, had she not? Then it could not be helped that you made contact."
Inwardly, I thanked Ms. Shizune. She was a strict person, but she was also flexible. She wasn't cold-hearted enough to forbid minor acts of helping people just because I was a caretaker.
"I thought I knew about the relationship between you, Itsuki-san, and the Miyakojima family, but it seems I was slightly lacking in my investigation."
"Did you know?"
"I knew that the two of you were second cousins, but I did not know that you were acquainted. The Miyakojima family was likely intentionally withholding that information. Since your family and the Miyakojima family have cut ties, I imagine it was to avoid unnecessary suspicion."
Previously, Kagon-sama had made a remark that suggested he knew about the relationship between the Tomonari and Miyakojima families. At that point, he must have noticed the connection.
"As such, for this time only, I am also at fault. Now that things have turned out this way, it would be better to explain the circumstances to Miyakojima-sama to some extent. First, explain in detail that you are working for the Konohana family, and then offer a deal to keep her quiet."
"I understand. I think she'll be fine regarding keeping quiet, but I'll tell her just in case."
Given Narika's personality, she wouldn't go around spreading rumors.
Besides... Narika didn't even seem to have any friends to talk to.
"Since servants cannot attend Kikou Academy, your status will continue to be the successor of a mid-sized company. We shall set the story that you are performing service for the Konohana family. Fortunately, the Young Lady's true nature has not been exposed, but to be honest, I did not want it known that you were working for the Konohana family, either. It could become an obstacle when the Young Lady looks for a marriage partner."
"An obstacle?"
"A male classmate is living and working there, you know? It would not give a very good impression to men."
"I see."
I guess it would tarnish her image as a lady.
"Kikou Academy also serves as a place for social interaction. Please continue to build your human relationships carefully."
I nodded to Ms. Shizune's words.
"Um, Ms. Shizune. I have a separate matter to consult you about..."
"What is it?"
"Well... is it possible for me to go out and play with my classmates?"
"Play?"
Ms. Shizune's eyes narrowed sharply.
"No, it's not that I'm getting carried away. It's just that the other day, some classmates invited me... and I feel bad continuing to turn them down. I feel like it would seem unnatural if I'm too unsociable..."
"That is true."
Seemingly convinced, Ms. Shizune thought it over for a while.
"Very well. If you tell me the schedule in advance, we will provide support from this end."
"Thank you very much."
I didn't intend to abandon my work, but I should socialize to the extent that I didn't stand out in a bad way.
"I do not mean to ignore my own part in this, but both you and the Young Lady must reflect on this incident."
I nodded at Ms. Shizune's words. However... Hinako, sitting next to me, gave no response.
"Young Lady, are you sleeping?"
As Ms. Shizune turned toward the back seat, I answered with a wry smile.
"She's not sleeping... but she's clinging to me like a koala."
Hinako was tightly grasping my right arm and pulling it close to her chest.
She had been in this position ever since we got into the car.
"Pat me."
Hinako, burying her face against my arm, spoke in a small voice.
"Pat my head..."
"Yeah, yeah."
I patted Hinako's head as told.
Ms. Shizune let out a sigh and turned forward again.
After returning to the mansion, I underwent Ms. Shizune's lesson, then put Hinako in the bath, and finally finished my day's work. I returned to my room while wiping my slightly damp hair with a towel.
When I opened the door to my room, Hinako, who had been right behind me the whole time, dived onto my bed.
"After the bath... the bed is pure bliss."
"I mean, I get the feeling, but..."
Why are you sleeping in my room?
"If you sleep here, I'll have to wake you up at some awkward time."
"Mwee..."
When I called out to her, Hinako rolled over. She was already asleep.
"She really sleeps a lot."
She slept on the way home today, too, and if she slept from now until the next morning, it would be over twelve hours of sleep. Once in a while would be fine, but Hinako slept about that much every day.
I covered her with a blanket and did a bit more studying.
A few hours later, at 1:00 AM, I gave a light stretch.
"Hinako. I want to sleep soon, so go back to your room."
"Mm..."
Looking back, Hinako was lying on the bed, staring intently at me.
"Were you awake?"
"I can't sleep."
Hinako said with a dissatisfied look.
"I slept too much."
I told you so.
It seemed that even Hinako couldn't keep sleeping infinitely.
"What should I do?"
"Even if you ask me that..."
Placing a hand on my forehead, I pushed my textbooks aside and picked up the documents on the desk.
"The manual for times like this is..."
I read the manual, which detailed how to handle Hinako in great detail.
It properly described what to do in case Hinako couldn't sleep. However—
"'Give up and stay with her until dawn'... but I have school tomorrow, too."
Thinking about my grades, I didn't want to neglect my studies. For that reason, I wanted to avoid a lack of sleep as much as possible. It would be difficult to keep up with classes while fighting off drowsiness.
"Somehow... I'm in the mood to run wild..."
"Stop that."
I spoke sharply to Hinako, who was getting restless.
"I'd like you to stop running wild... but it might be okay to move your body lightly. If you get tired, you might get sleepy again."
Fortunately, Hinako's room had a bath. It wouldn't be a problem if she got sweaty.
"The problem is how to exercise..."
I was pondering it when Hinako pulled on the hem of my clothes.
"Let's take a walk."
Even if we called it a walk, I couldn't go outside without permission.
But Hinako knew that, too. What she proposed was—
"A walk around the mansion? Well, if it's this big, it'll be enough exercise."
"Mm."
Hinako nodded while pinching my sleeve.
"But still... it's got an atmosphere."
The mansion in the middle of the night was enveloped in a unique air. It was like the set of a horror movie, and I felt like I was doing a test of courage. I felt like I would break into a cold sweat from fear rather than sweat from exercise.
But more than that, my head was filled with one particular feeling.
I was sleepy.
Unlike Hinako, I had planned to go to bed soon. To be honest, even walking was a chore.
On the other hand, Hinako seemed to be completely awake, and she pulled my arm as we walked through the mansion.
"Over there is... probably the dining hall."
"Is that so?"
That was the office.
"That way is... the parlor."
"Is that so?"
That was the study.
Since the real Hinako tried not to use her brain as much as possible, she often got the directions wrong. But unfortunately, I didn't have the energy to correct each and every one right now.
"Moo... Itsuki, are you listening?"
Hinako stopped and looked up at me.
"Sorry. I'm a little sleepy..."
"And I was going to guide you, even though it's rare for me to do so."
When she put it that way, I felt apologetic.
If it weren't this time of night, I would welcome it... but come to think of it, my schedule was mostly full until night. An opportunity to walk through the mansion with just Hinako might be precious.
"Don't you have a favorite spot?"
Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I somehow shook off my sleepiness and asked her.
"Favorite spot?"
"You aren't always in your room, are you? For example, where are you besides your room while I'm taking Ms. Shizune's lessons?"
When I said that, Hinako nodded slightly as if she had somewhere in mind.
"I'll guide you."
Pulled by Hinako's hand, we began to walk.
Ten minutes later, after going the wrong way many times, we finally arrived at our destination.
It was a small service entrance at the end of a hallway.
"This is your favorite spot?"
"Mm. The mansion's exit."
"Why?"
Why would this be her favorite spot...?
"Sometimes, I secretly go out into the garden from here."
"Hey."
From what I could see, this service entrance was in a blind spot. Since it was also far from where the servants usually worked, patrols rarely came by. Since it was some distance from the gates that led off the property, she could only go as far as the garden, but it was certainly a perfect place to come and go secretly.
"Is it okay? If you tell me, I might tattle to Ms. Shizune."
"Itsuki wouldn't do that. I told you because it's you, Itsuki."
Hinako said with a smile.
When someone trusted me that much, it was human nature to want to live up to it.
"Fwaah... I'm getting sleepy."
Hinako put her hand to her mouth and yawned.
"Shall we go back to your room?"
"Mm."
It seemed that by moving her body, her sleepiness had returned.
As soon as she entered her room, Hinako lay down on the bed.
"Now then... I'll go back to my room and sleep, too."
I quietly closed the door and tried to return to my own room. At that moment—
"What are you doing?"
"Whoa!?"
Suddenly, someone spoke to me from behind, and my shoulders jumped.
Turning around, I saw Ms. Shizune standing there, her eyes sharp.
"I think reacting with that much surprise is quite rude."
"S-sorry..."
In the middle of the night when there was no sign of people and silence enveloped the surroundings, I had been startled.
The moonlight shining through the window illuminated Ms. Shizune. Seeing her appearance, I was lost for words for a moment.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, well... it's the first time I've seen you not in your maid uniform, Ms. Shizune..."
Even the perfect superhuman Ms. Shizune was off-duty now. She was in her nightwear with her hair down.
"Do I look strange?"
"Rather than strange, it feels fresh... compared to usual, you look a bit younger..."
"It sounds like you are looking for a fight."
"I'm not, but I'm sorry!"
Maybe I should have said she looked youthful. No, that would be rude, too.
My brain wasn't working properly because I was sleepy.
"For your information, I am still a university student."
"Eh, is that so?"
"Yes. So please say that I look appropriate for my age."
I had expected her to be young, but I didn't think she was still a student.
"What about university? You're always working at the mansion."
"I am currently on a leave of absence."
I see.
Perhaps Ms. Shizune had practically already secured a career with the Konohana family.
"So, what were you doing at this hour?"
"It's nothing much, but..."
I explained that Hinako couldn't sleep and that we were walking through the mansion.
"I see, so that was it."
"Hinako's always sleeping... so it seems like this would happen often."
"No, this case is a first."
At that answer, I was surprised.
"But the manual included a case like this."
"Please read it carefully. That is the manual for when the Young Lady wishes to stay up late. It is not the manual for when she cannot sleep."
So that's how it was.
Apparently, Hinako's usual life cycle wasn't that messy.
"She must be feeling at ease and letting her guard down. For better or for worse..."
Ms. Shizune muttered in a small voice.
"Since you arrived, Itsuki-san, the Young Lady has changed, for better or for worse."
"My apologies."
"I cannot say it is entirely a bad change, so I cannot blame you. However..."
Ms. Shizune trailed off thoughtfully.
"...I just hope that Kagon-sama does not mind."