Shizune read the situation instantly from that single look.
"Honestly. Falling asleep before the Young Lady... you really are failing as a caretaker."
Shizune spoke the words, but her expression didn't actually look angry. Perhaps she, too, had begun to acknowledge Itsuki’s hard work lately.
Itsuki was fundamentally serious. Even if Shizune didn't say a word, he would naturally reflect on his own conduct the moment he woke up.
"Young Lady. If you are ready, I shall escort you to your room."
"......Mm."
Hinako nodded and left the room with Shizune.
"Shizune."
"Yes?"
"I feel... strange," Hinako whispered. "I'm happy that Itsuki became my caretaker... but when I think about being 'taken care of' by him, I sometimes feel this unpleasant sensation."
"......An unpleasant sensation, you say?"
If it had been the Shizune of a month ago, she would have suspected Itsuki of doing something untoward, but things were different now. They had lived under the same roof for over a month. Shizune understood well that Itsuki was a sincere person.
"Are you dissatisfied with Itsuki-san being your caretaker?"
"......No, it's not that."
Hinako shook her head, though her expression remained anxious.
They arrived at her door, and Shizune opened it. Hinako stepped slowly inside.
"It's not that, but... just that isn't enough."
With those words, Hinako sank onto her bed. She rested her arm over her eyes, finally giving voice to her inner turmoil.
"The only reason Itsuki listens to me... is because it's his job, right?"
Hearing that, Shizune finally grasped the true nature of Hinako's anxiety. She felt a reflexive surge of endearment, but she firmly suppressed any change in her expression.
"Please rest assured," Shizune said in a gentle tone. "The reason Itsuki-san stays by your side, Young Lady, is not merely because of his job."
"......Really?"
"Yes. If you can wait just a little longer, I believe you will see that for yourself."
Originally, Itsuki had accepted the caretaker position simply because he was broke. However, if money were his only goal, he likely wouldn't have gone so far as to protest against Kagon just to remain in the position.
The Itsuki of the past was one thing, but the Itsuki of today was different. He was approaching his duties with a sense of purpose that went beyond a mere paycheck.
Hinako was surprisingly dense when it came to the things that mattered most. It was something she should have understood immediately if she just gave it a little thought.
"However, this is a first. For you to consult me on a personal matter like this, Young Lady."
"......Was it?"
"Yes."
Hinako tilted her head with a soft "Hmm?" as she searched her memories.
Watching her, Shizune allowed a faint smile to cross her face. A feeling akin to watching a daughter grow up welled within her.
"......This won't do."
She didn't intend to start feeling like a mother just yet.
After pulling a duvet over Hinako—who had drifted off to sleep before she knew it—Shizune quietly left the room.
A week had passed since I began spending my after-school hours with Tennoji-san.
"Good morning."
I opened the classroom door and offered my morning greeting. The students nearby returned it with pleasant smiles. Feeling a bit of warmth from the interaction, I took my seat.
Lately... I felt like I was finally starting to adapt to the atmosphere of Kikou Academy, if only a little. Part of it was familiarity, but the real catalyst was likely the etiquette lessons from Tennoji-san. The more I learned, the more I realized how much effort the students here put into their conduct. My desire to live up to those standards had, without me realizing it, fueled my own ambition to improve.
"Yo, Tomonari."
"Morning, Tomonari-kun."
Taisho and Asahi-san walked over to my desk.
"By the way, Tomonari. Have you been doing something with Tennoji-san lately?" Taisho asked out of the blue.
"Hehehe... there have been quite a few sightings, you know? People say you've been meeting up every day after school," Asahi-san added with an amused glint in her eyes.
Since it felt like they were jumping to the wrong conclusions, I decided to set the record straight.
"Actually, Tennoji-san has been teaching me etiquette lately."
"Etiquette?" Asahi-san echoed.
I nodded. "It's basically an extension of the study sessions we were doing before."
"Oh, is that all? And here I thought Tomonari-kun was finally trying to marry into wealth."
"I'm afraid not."
I gave a flat rejection to Asahi-san’s wild speculation.
"Oh, speak of the devil."
Taisho looked toward the classroom door. Following his gaze, I saw Tennoji-san standing there. She beckoned to me, her eyes fixed squarely on mine.
Wondering if something had happened, I walked over to her.
"Tennoji-san, good morning. Is something wrong?"
"Good morning. Actually, there is something I wish to consult you about."
Consult me?
"I had forgotten until today, but the cafe we usually use has scheduled holidays. Today happens to be one of them."
"Ah... I see."
We usually held our sessions at the cafe next to the cafeteria. Since it served menus from various countries, it was incredibly useful for practicing practical table manners.
"In that case, I guess we should find another spot for the study session... and skip the etiquette lesson for today?"
"I considered that, but I have a different proposal," Tennoji-san said. "Why don't you come to my home?"
"......Excuse me?"
I blinked at the sudden suggestion.
"Familiarity is the greatest enemy of mastering etiquette. No matter how much tension you maintain at first, everyone naturally settles into a comfort zone once they grow accustomed to the environment....However, that composure is merely a result of being used to the situation; it isn't the true grace that comes from mastering manners."
"I suppose that makes sense."
"Yes. Therefore, to prevent you from becoming too 'familiar,' I believe we should change locations periodically. This is a fine opportunity, so why not have our study session at my residence?"
Tennoji-san delivered the explanation with perfect logic. Faced with such a proposal, I—
"......And that's the situation. What do you think?"
It was lunch break. I had met up with Hinako at the Old Student Council Building as usual and shared Tennoji-san’s proposal with her. While I’d been told I was free to manage my own social life at the Academy, I was still Hinako's caretaker. Consulting her first was only right.
"......Mu."
"Hinako?"
"Mmm, mmm, mmm......"
Rarely for her, Hinako was lost in serious thought. Personally, I didn't think it was something to agonize over so much, but Hinako had her arms crossed and a very grave look on her face.
"......Itsuki."
"Yeah?"
"............................................................Are you staying the night?"
For some reason, Hinako asked the question timidly, refusing to meet my eyes.
"No, I plan on coming home the same day."
"............Then it's fine."
Despite her words, Hinako still looked conflicted.
"Itsuki....Are the study sessions with Tennoji-san fun?"
"I guess so. Tennoji-san isn't the type to compromise, even with people she knows, so it helps me stay focused..."
"......Hmph."
People who can be strict with their acquaintances are rare. Usually, the fear of being disliked gets in the way, but Tennoji-san didn't seem to have that problem. It was likely because of her absolute self-confidence; she prioritized her own actions over how others perceived her.
Even putting aside my current job, I genuinely admired that kind of dignified poise.
As I was thinking that, Hinako tugged on the hem of my jacket.
"......Because you're my caretaker."
"Eh?"
"Itsuki... you're my caretaker."
She stared straight at me from point-blank range. Her elegant features were right in front of my face, and I felt a flicker of agitation. Even though we lived in the same manor, a faint, lovely scent always seemed to drift from her.
"......I know."
I suppressed my heartbeat with a slow exhale. Then, I turned my attention to the lunch box in my hand.
"I know that, so for now... could you please stop secretly sneaking your vegetables into my lunch?"
"............I'm busted."
My Young Lady was nothing if not crafty.