“Then, I’m off.”
I stepped out of the car and bowed to Ms. Shizune and the driver.
Hinako was walking about ten meters ahead of me. Maintaining that distance, I made my way toward the Academy.
“Konohana-san, good morning.”
“Oh, Tomonari-san. Good morning.”
I met up with Hinako at the shoe lockers, where we exchanged greetings.
In truth, we had already seen each other in Hinako’s room this morning, but for the public, this was our first encounter of the day.
Playing the part of the perfect Young Lady, Hinako was approachable yet exuded the aura of a flower on a high peak. She radiated a charm so potent it would make any man falter.
However, perhaps because I knew her true nature, I preferred the usual Hinako—the girl I knew in private.
“…This is such a chore,” Hinako whispered, letting her true feelings slip.
“What is?” I asked in a low voice, mindful of the eyes and ears around us.
“We come here together every morning… only to go through the trouble of separating just so we can ‘meet up’ like this.”
“It can’t be helped. It would be a disaster if anyone found out we live under the same roof.”
It was restrictive, but things had actually improved.
After the tea party and the study group, the fact that Hinako and I were on friendly terms had become common knowledge within the Academy. Compared to when I first started, I no longer had to keep an excessive distance from her. We could talk normally in the classroom, and even if we were spotted spending time together after school, we could usually play it off.
“But… I want to go to school together once in a while.”
“We’re in the same car until halfway here, aren't we? It’s only the final stretch where we separate.”
“That’s not it…” Hinako said, her gaze dropping. “I want to walk outside… together. Just the two of us.”
So that was it.
While I agreed it would be nice, I also knew it wasn't something that could be easily realized. I decided I might try consulting Ms. Shizune about it later.
“Ah! You two!”
As I finished changing my shoes and headed toward the classroom with Hinako, we ran into our classmate, Asahi-san.
“Good morning.”
“Morning! Hey, I heard the midterm results were just posted in front of the faculty office. If you’re free, do you want to go take a look?”
Asahi-san looked back and forth between Hinako and me.
At Kikou Academy, class rankings are announced after every periodic exam. However, only the top fifty are publicly listed. I highly doubted I would be among them.
Hinako and I shared a glance and nodded almost simultaneously.
“I’d love to.”
“I shall accompany you as well.”
There was still plenty of time before the first bell.
Sitting in the classroom would just be boring, and honestly, I was curious about the rankings. My previous high school hadn’t done anything like this.
The three of us headed toward the faculty office.
On the way, I spotted another familiar face.
“Ah, Taisho.”
“Oh. You guys are here too?” Taisho noticed us and gave a light smile.
“Taisho, there’s no way you’re on that list,” Asahi-san teased.
“Shut up. Even if I’m not on it, I still want to see.”
Taisho turned his attention back to the rankings posted on the bulletin board.
Following his lead, we looked at the board as well.
Occupying the number one spot—the very first name anyone would see—was a name we knew all too well.
“Konohana-san is first again! You’re amazing!”
“Hehe, thank you very much.”
Hinako wore an elegant, lady-like smile. Her beauty acted like a magnet, drawing in the gazes of all the surrounding students.
Since I usually saw her raw personality, I sometimes forgot, but Hinako truly was a Gifted Girl who excelled in every field.
Her abilities were genuinely top-tier.
Only her abilities, though.
“Ow!”
Suddenly, Hinako stepped on my foot.
“…You were thinking something rude just now.”
How did she even know?
I looked away from Hinako, who was puffing out her cheeks.
Lately, it felt like Hinako had become much more expressive. Not the calculated expressions she used for her persona, but her true self. I took it as a good sign, even if I didn't know exactly what had triggered the change.
Hinako’s transformation wasn't entirely a bad thing.
As I pondered this, my gaze shifted to the side, where I saw a girl with blonde ringlets who stood out remarkably even in this crowd.
She had a finger to her chin and was wearing a troubled expression.
Curious, I called out to her.
“Tennoji-san?”
“Oh, Tomonari-san. You have come as well, I see.”
Mirei Tennoji.
She was the daughter of the Tennoji Group, a conglomerate that rivaled the Konohana Group itself.
I glanced at the board she had been studying and spoke.
“Congratulations on second place.”
“…I cannot truly be happy as long as that detestable name occupies the first rank.”
I had meant it as a sincere compliment, but Tennoji-san looked frustrated.
Thinking back, she had been burning with rivalry toward Hinako since the moment we met. As long as Hinako’s name was above hers, she would never be satisfied.
“However, this result proved to be meaningful.”
“Meaningful?”
As I tilted my head, Tennoji-san explained.
“Compared to the previous exam, the gap between myself and Konohana-san has closed. It is not that her scores have dropped. This is unmistakably a result of my own growth! Hehehe… I can finally see a path to victory!”
Tennoji-san whispered, a fire burning in her eyes.
“By the way, what was your rank?”
She asked so naturally that it took me a moment to respond.
“I wasn't on the list. I’m probably average, or maybe a little bit below.”
“Pardon?” Tennoji-san’s voice carried a hint of irritation. “What did you just say?”
“Uh, well… I said I’m average, or maybe a little below that…”
“Despite receiving direct instruction from me… you are below average?”
A vein throbbed on Tennoji-san’s forehead.
“Well, the subjects you taught me went well, but…”
“Silence!” she snapped. “Your awareness is as low as ever! No matter how serious you are, you will never grow if your goals are set so low.”
“Ugh.”
That single remark hit me right in the chest.
I had intended to grow at my own pace while knowing my place, but perhaps that was just a self-deprecating way of looking at things.
“Straighten your back.”
“Y-Yes!”
I snapped my spine straight. I hadn't even realized I’d started slouching.
“Honestly… I have thought this for some time, but you are the type whose emotions show far too easily in your bearing.”
“Is that so…?” I hadn't been aware of it at all.
“Conversely, if you can only gain firm confidence, you should be able to carry yourself with much more dignity.”
Tennoji-san paused, looking as though she were considering something.
I waited nervously to see what she would say next.
“I have a proposal. For the time being, why don’t you spend your after-school hours with me?”
Tennoji-san’s suggestion was far beyond anything I had expected.
During the break after the first period.
I spoke with Tennoji-san again to clarify things.
“What exactly do you mean by spending my after-school hours with you?”
“I shall tutor you in your studies.”
Tennoji-san proceeded to explain her reasoning.
“Previously, I participated in the study group you organized… but to tell you the truth, that was the first time I had ever taught anyone else.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It was then that I realized something. Apparently, the act of teaching others is beneficial to my own learning as well.”
I wasn't sure I followed.
Seeing me tilt my head, Tennoji-san continued.
“In short, by teaching you, my own academic understanding improved. The proof is in the exam results we just saw. I was able to close the distance between myself and Konohana-san.”
I see.
I was finally starting to understand.
“So, you want to continue doing something like those study groups, Tennoji-san?”
“Exactly.”
I nodded, following her logic. “But why me?”
“Because among the people I know, your grades are the lowest.”
“Guh…!”
It hurt, but I couldn't argue.
“That being said, it would not be fair to simply burden you. I wish to offer something in return… is there anything I might help you with?”
“…Just having you teach me is more than enough of a help.”
“No. Since this is for my own convenience, it would not be fair unless I provided some form of compensation.”
She was remarkably dutiful. It wasn't about what I wanted; it was about her own sense of propriety.
“Is there nothing you struggle with besides your academics?”
“Something I struggle with…”
I recalled the various blunders I’d made since becoming a caretaker.
Studies, athletics, manor duties, self-defense—I was far from perfect in any of them. But my biggest weakness was…
“…Etiquette, I suppose.”
When I answered, Tennoji-san gave a satisfied smile.
“Then I shall personally instruct you in etiquette! The Tennoji family prizes decorum above all else. Proper manners are my specialty!”
She placed a hand on her chest, looking full of energy as if to say, “Leave it to me!”
Honestly, that would be a massive help. But if I was going to spend my after-school hours on this, it wasn't a decision I could make alone.
“I’m very grateful for the offer… but could you let me think about it?”
Tennoji-san looked puzzled. “Why? You seemed quite enthusiastic just a moment ago.”
“Well, due to my family circumstances, I’m not allowed to set my own schedule as I please.”
“I see. It sounds like quite a troublesome household.”
Troublesome was one way to put it. This was the world-renowned Konohana Group, after any.
Even though I’d gotten used to it, I still felt out of place sometimes.
As I let out a small sigh at the thought of my daily struggles, I realized Tennoji-san was staring at me in silence.
“Tomonari-san, do you carry yourself at home the same way you do here?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean your attitude—lacking a shred of confidence, looking timid and uncertain.”
Her assessment was as sharp as ever.
If she thought I looked timid now, I was almost certainly the same way at the manor.
“Probably… yeah, I’m probably like this at home too.”
Tennoji-san let out a long sigh.
“There is one more reason I invited you, besides your grades. It concerns your behavior at the Academy.”
She looked me straight in the eye.
“I will ask you point-blank—you feel a sense of inferiority toward those around you, do you not?”
For a second, I felt as if my heart had been seized.
It wasn't just the shock of a hidden truth being exposed… it was because she had seen through a part of my psyche that even I hadn't fully recognized.
I was the only commoner at Kikou Academy. Compared to everyone else, I was inferior in everything—brains, lineage, everything.
I didn't usually dwell on it, but the fact would occasionally flash through my mind. I was someone who shouldn't have even been allowed to enroll, here only because of the Konohana family's influence. It would be harder not to feel inferior.
I might actually have a complex.
It was only now that I realized it.
Sensing my silence, Tennoji-san continued.
“It is not rare for students here to fall into such a complex. Fortunately, however, you have the drive to improve. I promise that if you receive my guidance, you will be able to shed that sense of inferiority.”
I was grateful.
It was such a kind offer that I almost agreed on the spot.
I wanted to contribute more to Hinako as her caretaker. The stronger that feeling grew, the more I was forced to face my shortcomings. It might be simple-minded of me, but I had a feeling that learning academics and etiquette from Tennoji-san would solve those problems all at once.
“It is almost time to return to class. I would appreciate an answer as soon as possible.”
“…I understand. I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”
As soon as school was over, I would talk to Ms. Shizune.
“Thank you for reaching out to me. You really have an eye for people, Tennoji-san. I didn't think anyone would see through me like that.”
“Flattery is unnecessary. It is no great thing.”
“No, I really think it’s impressive.”
When I said that with genuine admiration, Tennoji-san looked away.
“It really is nothing special. I am simply… someone with experience, is all.”
Her last sentence was almost a mumble to herself, and I barely caught it.
But the uncharacteristically somber expression on the usually stouthearted Tennoji-san’s face remained burned into my memory.
After school.
Back at the Konohana manor, I was receiving my usual training from Ms. Shizune.
“That concludes today’s lessons. Well done.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Preparation, review, etiquette lectures, and self-defense.
As each lesson ended, I finally felt the day coming to a close.
In the past, my energy would have hit zero by this point, and I wouldn't have been able to speak, but now I had a little bit of leeway. I suppose I really was growing, both mentally and physically.
After this, I had to head to Hinako’s room and draw her bath.
Wiping away a bit of sweat, I saw Ms. Shizune looking through some documents with a serious expression.
“What are those?”
“Your guidance schedule, Itsuki-san. Your progress is faster than expected, so I’m considering a readjustment.”
Ms. Shizune continued reading with intense focus.
This was the perfect opportunity.
“Ms. Shizune. I have something I’d like to consult you about…”
I explained everything Tennoji-san had said to me today—the proposal to teach me academics and etiquette after school.
“…I see. So you had such a conversation with Lady Tennoji.”
Ms. Shizune set the documents down and thought it over.
“What do you want to do, Itsuki-san?”
“Personally, I’d like to accept. Tennoji-san is a good teacher, and she’s reliable in a lot of ways.”
Ms. Shizune was a great teacher too, but because Tennoji-san was a classmate, she could provide a perspective that was closer to my own.
And more importantly—Tennoji-san had said it.
‘You feel a sense of inferiority toward those around you, do you not?’ ‘I promise that if you receive my guidance, you will be able to shed that sense of inferiority.’
Those words had resonated deeply with me.
Tennoji-san was always dignified, a student truly fitting for Kikou Academy. I hadn't realized it until now, but I clearly admired her.
“I feel like if I learn from her… I can become someone more worthy of being Hinako’s caretaker.”
Someone who could keep up with her during her breaks and support her perfectly when it mattered. I still lacked so much to become that kind of caretaker. I wanted to absorb what I was missing from Tennoji-san.
“I believe there is no problem,” Ms. Shizune said. “Lady Tennoji can likely teach you etiquette even better than I can. Furthermore… I have a message from Kagon-san. He wishes for you to actively build connections for the Konohana family in the Young Lady’s stead.”
“…Kagon-san said that?”
“Yes. Just as you did when you invited the Miyakojima family and the Tennoji family to the social gala, he would like you to keep the Konohana family’s interests in mind in a way that reflects well on the Young Lady.”
To be honest, that was unexpected. I’d always felt like that man didn't trust me much.
If Kagon-san’s opinion of me had changed, the social gala was surely the trigger. That night, I felt like I had heard his true feelings for the first time.
“I understand. If that’s the case, I’ll do my best.”
“I’m counting on you. However, please keep things natural… strictly within the scope of a student’s life.”
Strictly as fellow students. Strictly as friends.
It meant I was free to build a network within those boundaries. Ultimately, I just had to link those connections back to Hinako.
“…Itsuki?”
The dojo door opened, and I heard Hinako’s voice.
“The bath… isn't it ready yet?”
“Sorry, I was just talking to Ms. Shizune.”
“…Talking?”
Hinako tilted her head, so I explained.
“I was going to ask you too, Hinako. Would it be okay if I couldn't go home with you after school for a while?”
“…Eh?”
Hinako’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’ve been formally hired by Kagon-san again, and I want to double down and study harder. I want to improve my grades and master etiquette so I won't be looked down upon at social events. I’d like to use my after-school hours for that.”
“You’re going to be taught by someone else? Is Shizune not good enough?”
Ms. Shizune answered for me.
“I have other duties as well, so there are times when I cannot focus entirely on Itsuki-san’s lessons. Especially lately, my workload has increased following the social gala… I may not be able to dedicate as much time to his training for a while.”
“Muu. Then… what about me teaching him?”
“You have many responsibilities of your own, Young Lady, so your schedule would be too tight. Besides, changing environments and learning from different people will be beneficial for Itsuki-san’s growth.”
“Mu, muu…”
If anything, Hinako looked dissatisfied.
She thought about it for about thirty seconds before slowly opening her small lips.
“Itsuki… is this for my sake?”
“It might be a little different from saying it’s for your sake, but… it’s so I can properly fulfill my duties as your caretaker.”
I didn't want to sound like I was doing her a favor, but it was because I wanted to be more of a help to her that I wanted to take this offer.
Hinako let out a troubled groan and then a sigh.
“Then I suppose it can’t be helped. I allow it.”
“Thanks.”
I had Hinako’s permission.
Tomorrow, I would tell Tennoji-san that I was taking her up on her offer.
“But… academics, etiquette… who is going to teach you?”
“Tennoji-san.”
I saw Hinako’s eyes widen slightly as I made the announcement.
“I think I’ll be spending my after-school hours with Tennoji-san for a while.”
“…………………………”
Inside the bathroom of Hinako’s suite.
I was watching over Hinako as she soaked in the tub, happily eating a popsicle.
“This is so good…”
Unlike her persona at the Academy, Hinako was currently in a completely relaxed state. I couldn't help but give a wry smile.
“Does this make up for it?”
“…I’m still a little bit annoyed.”
“Give me a break. It wasn't easy smuggling ice cream in without Ms. Shizune catching me.”
When I said that with a sigh, Hinako looked down.
“I still don’t really like the idea… but if it’s for my sake, I’ll permit it.”
I had officially received her blessing to spend time with Tennoji-san.
From the moment I brought it up in the dojo until now, Hinako had been against it, but the deciding factor had been this bribe of ice cream. Between the chaos of the caretaker dismissal scare and the social gala, she had been busy lately, so she was probably just happy to finally have a moment to breathe.
Still, she looked somewhat pouting.
I called out to her as she stared moodily at the surface of the water.
“If you really hate the idea, Hinako, I can still turn her down…”
“…………I don't want to get in Itsuki’s way.”