After receiving Hinako’s permission to visit the Tennoji family, I immediately secured Ms. Shizune’s approval as well.
After school, I boarded a car with Tennoji-san, heading toward the residence where she usually lived.
"So this is Tennoji-san’s home..."
Just like Hinako, Tennoji-san apparently lived in a Separate Residence rather than the Main Residence, and that was where I was taken. But as I’d thought with Hinako, it was a mansion so massive that the term "separate residence" felt like an understatement.
The exterior, however, was vastly different from the Konohana manor.
In a word, it was flashy. Beyond the large gate stretched a magnificent garden, filled with colorful flowers that looked beautiful even from a distance. Passerby on the street would surely stop in their tracks at the sight. The gates and walls surrounding the manor were covered in intricate decorations; looking at them felt like gazing at a single piece of fine art.
"Compared to the Konohana house, it’s quite flashy... or rather, vibrant..."
The murmur escaped my lips before I could stop it.
"You are familiar with Konohana-san's home?"
"Ah, no, well... because of my parents' work, I've been there a few times to offer my greetings."
"I see. That makes sense."
My tongue had almost slipped.
In reality, far from just "offering greetings," I lived there every day. But I couldn't let her realize that.
The gate opened, and we headed toward the manor, flanked by several servants. Not a single speck of dust marred the wide path. The maintenance was impeccable.
"Vibrant and dignified. That is the policy of the Tennoji family. That philosophy remains unchanged even for our Separate Residence....Did you know this garden is calculated to appear beautiful even when viewed from outside the gates?"
"...I certainly thought it was beautiful."
When I told her that, Tennoji-san smiled happily.
We entered the manor. As I had expected, the interior was equally flashy. I saw high-end red carpets and gold and silver decorations everywhere. However, none of them were overly ostentatious; the light reflections and placement were carefully calculated so that they served as a tasteful background.
It felt like walking onto a movie set.
"Oh, Mirei! You’re home!"
Just then, a man’s voice called out from the second floor.
"Oh, Father. I have returned."
Since Tennoji-san said that, I immediately straightened my posture.
A man descended the white spiral staircase. He had his hair slicked back and a distinctive, dandy goatee. He was large-framed and gave off a powerful impression. As he approached, I felt a sudden surge of nerves.
"Is... is that Tennoji-san’s father?"
"Yes. When I told him I was inviting Tomonari-kun to the house today, he insisted on meeting you."
I wasn't mentally prepared for this. I hurried to regain my composure. As Tennoji-san’s father reached us, I bowed deeply.
"P-Pleased to meet you. My name is Itsuki Tomonari. Tennoji-san is always very kind to me at the Academy."
"Umu. I am Masatsugu Tennoji. Please, make yourself at home today."
I felt a sense of friendliness in his tone, and my tension eased just a little.
"Father. He is not here today to socialize, but for a study session."
"Oh, right! Then by all means, study to your heart’s content!" Masatsugu-san said with a bright smile.
But in the next moment, his eyes narrowed sharply, and he leaned in to whisper in my ear.
"By the way, Tomonari-kun. What exactly is your relationship with my daughter?"
"Eh? Um, we’re just students at the same Academy..."
"Is that really all? There isn’t some suspicious connection? Like, a relationship between a man and a woman—"
"—Father!" Tennoji-san’s voice was sharp. "Honestly....We do not have such an impure relationship."
"Umu, if Mirei says so, it must be true."
As Tennoji-san spoke with blushing cheeks, Masatsugu-san nodded.
Masatsugu-san might be more humorous than I’d expected. —No, I couldn't let my guard down. I’d thought Kagon-san was kind and cared for his daughter at first, too. Masatsugu-san might also have a cold-hearted side.
"Mirei, you wanted to work on your table etiquette, correct?"
"Yes. If possible, I would like to practice with a British-style meal."
Hearing those words, Masatsugu-san placed a finger on his chin.
"Very well... since we’re here, I shall join you." He cast a brief glance my way.
"...Eh?"
To be honest, just having a study session at the Tennoji house was already a high hurdle. Was I really about to eat dinner with the head of one of the country's representative enterprises...?
By Masatsugu-san’s suggestion, I was invited directly to the Tennoji family dining table.
What was meant to be a study session had suddenly turned into a live practical exam. Despite my bewilderment, Tennoji-san was eager. "Practical application is far more effective than mere rehearsal," she claimed... and I had no choice but to nod.
At 7:00 PM, I finished the last of the British-style courses. I wiped my mouth with the inside of my napkin and placed my cutlery on the plate.
"Thank you for the meal."
The moment I spoke, my frayed nerves relaxed slightly.
To be honest, I hadn't been in any state to enjoy the flavor. I’m sure it was top-tier cuisine, but my head was full of etiquette rules and trying to hide my nervousness.
"...Hmm."
Masatsugu-san, sitting across from me, stared at me intently.
"Well, you’re quite solid. At the very least, I didn't feel any discomfort dining with you tonight."
"Th-Thank you very much." I bowed my head at the praise.
"Father, isn't your judgment a bit soft? His movements when taking the soup were still quite stiff."
As she spoke, Tennoji-san gracefully tilted her teacup. That refined movement was something that couldn't be easily imitated.
"True, I noticed some tension... but that’s only natural since I was his dining partner! Wahahaha!" Masatsugu-san laughed boisterously.
Thanks to that, the last of my nerves finally faded.
Thinking about it calmly... this was a great opportunity. It was a rare experience to be able to talk with someone at the absolute peak of the upper class like this. Kagon-san, the Head of the House for the Konohana family, was always working at the Main Residence, so I rarely got to see him.
"Um... is there some kind of trick to not getting nervous in situations like this?"
Since the opportunity was there, I wanted some advice. I posed the question to Masatsugu-san.
"Hmm....Let me ask you instead: do you think there is any human being who doesn't get nervous in a situation like this?"
I couldn't answer immediately. At the very least, Masatsugu-san hadn't shown any signs of nerves during dinner...
"I suspect you asked me because I looked like a man entirely unrelated to nervousness, correct?"
"Eh!? N-No, it’s not exactly like that..."
"What’s the truth?"
"..................Well, perhaps a little."
"Wahahahaha! It’s good to be honest!" Masatsugu-san laughed heartily.
I wasn't making fun of him. Quite the opposite; it was because I admired his dignified bearing that I’d asked.
"Indeed, I am a man almost entirely unrelated to nervousness now. I can maintain this attitude toward anyone."
"Toward anyone...?"
"Umu. I wouldn't break my composure even in front of the Prime Minister."
I was inwardly stunned by the mention of the Prime Minister. However, it wasn't strange for the head of the Tennoji Group to say such a thing. He was likely in a position where he could dine with him whenever he pleased. Still, the fact that he could maintain this attitude even with such an opponent was surprising. He didn't seem to be joking; he stated it as a matter of fact.
"However, that is only who I am now," Masatsugu-san added. "No one starts out this way. I struggled in my youth as well. It is only because I have spent a long time accumulating results that I am who I am today."
Masatsugu-san looked at me with eyes full of strong resolve.
"Build achievements. Take action, regardless of the outcome....It doesn't matter if you fail. What supports you in a time of need are your own past actions."
He spoke with words backed by true gravitas.
"You must have at least one thing, don't you? Something you accomplished with strong conviction."
That question made me remember something from about half a month ago.
The time when I was about to be dismissed as a caretaker and separated from Hinako. I had intruded into the Konohana manor because I wanted to stand by Hinako's side once more. That emotion was nothing if not conviction.
"—Yes."
I was able to declare it with a dignity that surprised even myself.
Seeing me like that, Masatsugu-san nodded with satisfaction.
"Umu, those are good eyes. That experience will surely become your core. You should keep adding to that foundation."
As Masatsugu-san finished his thought, the servants nearby began clearing the table.
I felt like I finally understood Masatsugu-san’s greatness. Unlike Kagon-san, he didn't constantly radiate a solemn aura. But that wasn't because he was incapable of being solemn; it was simply because he didn't need to be.
Masatsugu-san believed that even without a formal, rigid attitude, he wouldn't be betrayed. He wasn't relying on the other person’s sincerity; he had fought so hard that the other person had no choice but to be sincere. He trusted his past self.
"Hm."
Just then, a flash of lightning struck nearby. Masatsugu-san let out a soft sound and looked toward the window. I followed his gaze.
"Rain? Since when..."
"It’s been raining since around the time we started eating. You seemed too nervous to notice, Tomonari-kun," Tennoji-san said with a look of exasperation.
She was right; I hadn't noticed at all.
"A heavy rain warning has been issued. The morning news said it would only be a drizzle..." Masatsugu-san said, checking a tablet.
"Father..."
"Umu. That would be best."
Tennoji-san and Masatsugu-san shared a meaningful look. He placed the tablet on the table and looked at me.
"Tomonari-kun, you should stay the night."
"...Pardon?"
The abrupt proposal made me reflexively ask for clarification.
"Stay... I-Is that really all right?"
"Yes. It would be rude to send a guest out into this weather," Tennoji-san said as if it were the only logical conclusion.
I understood the logic, but...
"...Excuse me, let me check with my side first."
I stood up and called Ms. Shizune.
"Yes. What is it?" Ms. Shizune answered immediately.
"Actually—" I explained that the Tennoji family had invited me to stay over.
"I see. Well, given this rain, it’s understandable. We had anticipated this might happen."
The original plan was for Ms. Shizune to pick me up after the study session. However, the Tennoji family likely felt it was wrong to make someone drive through this downpour.
"Fortunately, tomorrow is a holiday, so there are no scheduling issues. However, the Young Lady will be..." Ms. Shizune trailed off.
"Is something wrong with Hinako?"
"..................It is not difficult to imagine that she will become incredibly sulky."
Come to think of it, Hinako had asked "Are you staying?" with an anxious look during lunch break today. Even though this was an unavoidable emergency measure, I felt guilty for breaking my promise to return today.
"Um, I don't know if this will fix her mood, but..." I prefaced my proposal to Ms. Shizune. "Actually, today, Tennoji-san’s father... Masatsugu-san, gave me his seal of approval on my table etiquette. So, if you could arrange things for tomorrow as we discussed..."
"...Understood. I will have the preparations ready."
We finished our brief coordination. Ms. Shizune was always efficient with communication.
"In any case, the overnight stay is not a problem. Please ensure you do not commit any blunders."
"Yes."
I ended the call and headed back to the table.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. It seems I’ve cleared it with my side, so I will be in your care tonight."
"Umu! Then let’s get a guest room ready immediately!" Masatsugu-san said happily, and a servant nearby hurried off to prepare the room.
"I have work to attend to now. Tomonari-kun, please relax as you like."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
I gave my thanks to Masatsugu-san with as much sincerity as I could. I’d had a truly valuable experience today. I fully intended to use the advice I’d received from him.
"Well then, Tomonari-san, I shall guide you to your room."
Tennoji-san led the way. As expected of the Tennoji family, not just the front hall but the corridor leading to the guest rooms was filled with a luxurious atmosphere.
"This will be your room."
Tennoji-san opened the door. Inside was a room of about twelve tatami mats with a TV and a sofa. This alone felt like more space than I knew what to do with, but apparently, there was an entirely separate bedroom further back.
"It’s... very spacious."
"Is it? It seems standard enough to me." Tennoji-san said, looking puzzled.
Calmly thinking about it, even though I live at the Konohana manor, I use a room meant for servants. I’m sure a guest room at the Konohana house would be just as large.
"Also, there is a change of clothes in that closet. Don't forget them when you use the Grand Bath."
"The Grand Bath... wait, am I allowed to use it?"
"Of course. In fact, I insist you use it. It is our family’s pride and joy," Tennoji-san said, puffing out her chest.
If she was going that far, I had to try it.
"Well then, I shall go take my own bath. If you need anything, please contact the servants nearby."
"Understood."
Tennoji-san left the room. As the door closed, I let out a soft sigh.
"...This has been a day of many surprises."
Technically, I was staying over at a girl’s house... but the scale of the place was so massive that it didn't really feel like it. Of course, it was nerve-wracking in other ways.
"Well, I definitely gained something from this."
Hearing those stories from Masatsugu-san was a major plus. Besides, considering my future as Hinako’s caretaker, I’d likely be invited to other homes like this eventually. This served as a perfect trial run.
"...I think I’ll head to the bath too."
I wanted to calm my nerves. I decided to take a relaxing soak in the bath Tennoji-san had been so proud of.
Grabbing the bathrobe from the room, I had a servant who was waiting nearby guide me to the Grand Bath. I stripped down in the dressing room and opened the door to the bath with a bit of excitement.
"Whoa... okay, this really is worth bragging about."
The Grand Bath was so gorgeous it was hard to believe it was part of a Separate Residence. There were two pools about as large as a school swimming pool, and even an open-air bath. I’d vaguely guessed the faucets would be golden lions, but they were massive, striking statues.
"The ceiling... is so high."
I enjoyed the rare sight of steam clumping near the ceiling like clouds. After a quick scrub, I sank into the water.
"Haaa... I feel alive again."
I wasn't exactly dying, but it’s the kind of thing you say when you’re finally alone.
Come to think of it, it had been a while since I’d bathed alone. Ever since becoming a caretaker, I’d always been with Hinako, so it felt strangely quiet today. A peaceful soak by myself wasn't bad.
But at the same time, it felt a little lonely. I suppose I’d grown comfortable always having Hinako around.
"...Oh?"
Just then, I heard a woman’s voice from behind me.
It was so unexpected that I froze. Squinting through the steam, I realized a silhouette was standing there.
"N-No way... Tennoji-san?"
"Yes, I am a Tennoji."
The reply came in a very composed tone. But it wasn't the Tennoji-san I knew. It was similar, but subtly different. Her manner of speaking also felt different.
The figure approached through the steam.
The person was a young woman with chestnut hair tied back. Seeing her flushed cheeks and the water dripping from her skin, I reflexively averted my eyes. However, the woman didn't scream or leave; instead, she came even closer.
"Oh my, what a coincidence to meet here. Ufufu, this makes for an interesting first meeting."
The woman, exuding a gentle aura, smiled while hiding her mouth with her hand.
"You must be Tomonari-kun....Pleased to meet you. I am Hanami Tennoji, Mirei’s mother. My daughter is always in your debt."
"Ah... um, I'm Itsuki Tomonari. No, it’s I who am in Tennoji... Mirei-san's debt."
"My, what a polite boy~"
As I stood there paralyzed, Hanami-san smiled with interest. She looked incredibly young for a classmate's mother—like she was in her early twenties. Since she was in the bath, she likely had no makeup on, which made her youthful appearance even harder to believe.
"Mirei is always telling me how hard you study. Please feel free to use everything in this manor as if it were your own."
"Ah, thank you very much..."
I bowed my head reflexively at the praise. Then, my brain finally caught up.
"—Wait! More importantly! I’m pretty sure this is the men’s bath!!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Hanami-san tilted her head nonchalantly.
Why was this woman so calm in front of a naked man?
"I'm fairly certain it is."
"Oh dear, that is a problem."
I’m the one with the problem here! Putting aside a guest like me, how could someone who lives here mistake the men’s and women’s baths? I was starting to wonder if I was the one who was crazy.
"Well, since we’re both here, why don't we just bathe together~?"
"What!?"
My head was spinning. I couldn't grasp her sense of boundaries. Did she think I was a little kid or something?
"Tomonari-san?"
As I was panicking, another girl’s voice called out from beyond the wall.
"That voice... Tennoji-san?"
"Yes, it is I."
It was the real Tennoji-san! Thank God. She could handle this.
"Is something wrong? You seem quite distressed..."
It seemed the women’s bath was directly adjacent. At Tennoji-san’s worried voice, I tried to explain while doing my best not to look at Hanami-san.
"Actually—"
"—Oh, Mirei. You're over there, aren't you?" Hanami-san spoke before I could.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Tennoji-san on the other side of the wall went dead silent. Only the sound of water dripping, plip, plip, echoed in the silence.
"M-Mother!? Why are you over there—!?" Tennoji-san, having apparently rebooted, shouted.
"Sorry, Mirei. I seem to have made another mistake."
"Th-This isn't a joke! Get out of there this instant! H-Having a classmate see my mother naked is a dark history I can never erase!!"
She had a point...
"Ehhh~. But I finally have a chance to talk to Tomonari-kun~"
"Mother!!"
"Maybe Mirei should just come over here too?"
"Mother!?"
"Tomonari-kun has a rather nice build, you know?"
There was no reply from Tennoji-san. After a brief wait, I heard heavy, hurried footsteps from the dressing room—
"—Mother!!"
With a loud bang, Tennoji-san burst through the door of the men’s bath. I turned toward her and immediately looked away again.
Tennoji-san was wrapped in nothing but a single bath towel. Unlike Hinako, Tennoji-san was quite well-developed, making the single towel look very precarious. I couldn't look directly at her. Furthermore, having just come from the bath herself, she had her hair down, which made her look strikingly mature. I almost found myself staring.
"N-Now! Out with you, immediately! M-Mother, you’re a woman too, please have some modesty!!"
"Yes, yes, you’re so fussy."
Hanami-san stood up. I went to close my eyes, but just before I did, I noticed something in the corner of my vision. Hanami-san wasn't naked.
"A... swimsuit...?"
"Mom was swimming in the pool just a moment ago, so I came straight to the bath~. It would be embarrassing to be naked, wouldn't it?"
Hanami-san gave the overdue explanation to a stunned Tennoji-san.
I mean, even if you’re in a swimsuit, I’m still naked...
"Honestly, Mirei....You're the one who should show a bit more modesty, don't you think?" Hanami-san said, looking at her daughter.
In her panic, she hadn't realized what she looked like. Tennoji-san looked down, realized she was wearing nothing but a towel, and turned bright red.
"Hiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?"
Tennoji-san’s scream rang through the bathhouse. With footsteps even louder than when she’d arrived, she fled the room.
"My, my, she’s so loud."
"...I think that was about seventy percent your fault."
Hanami-san smiled enjoyably as I let out a long, deep sigh.
"By the way, Tomonari-kun." Suddenly, Hanami-san’s expression turned serious. Even in a swimsuit, she was a lot for a healthy teenage boy to handle. I turned my body slightly away while listening. "Is Mirei enjoying herself at the Academy?"
The serious question was about her daughter. Perhaps she’d wanted to ask me this from the beginning. I thought of Tennoji-san at school and nodded firmly.
"Yes. Tennoji-san is always dignified and gives everything her all... I’m sure she’s having a great time every day."
"...I see. I’m glad."
Hanami-san gave a gentle smile. She looked truly, deeply relieved.
After the chaos in the bathhouse, I returned to the guest room to study.
"...That should be enough for tonight’s quota."
I finished the preview and review tasks Ms. Shizune had set for me. Lately, because Tennoji-san had also been teaching me, Ms. Shizune had lightened my load a bit. Still, if I didn't focus, it would take all night, so I couldn't afford to slack off.
"...Maybe I’ll do just a bit more."
The change in environment seemed to help me concentrate. The moderate tension kept any drowsiness at bay. I steeled myself and turned the page.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Excuse me."
Tennoji-san appeared, now in her loungewear.
"Tennoji-san?"
"I’ve brewed some herbal tea. I thought you might like to join me."
She held a tray with two cups. I took the one closest to me.
"Thank you."
The steam rising from the cup had a calming scent.
"You really are dedicated," Tennoji-san muttered, looking at the materials on the desk.
"I wouldn't say dedicated... this is just my usual schedule. I don't feel right if I’m not studying."
"...You definitely need achievements," Tennoji-san said after a sip of her tea. "The reason you lack confidence despite all this effort is because you haven't seen results that satisfy you....In next month’s proficiency exam, I will see to it that you break into the top rankings."
"I-I'll do my best."
Masatsugu-san had just told me the same thing. Being a top student at Kikou Academy would certainly be an achievement to be proud of. As my motivation surged, I felt a fresh sense of respect for Tennoji-san. She must live with this mindset every single day. Her dignified presence wasn't an act; it was built on a foundation of hard work.
Looking at her again, I noticed she seemed different from usual.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, well... it’s just the first time I've seen you with your hair down."
"I suppose so. I rarely wear it down at the Academy... and I just finished my bath."
I’d caught a glimpse of it when she’d rushed into the men’s bath, but I’d looked away too quickly to really see. Now that I looked properly, she seemed much more mature. She wasn't radiating her usual fierce competitive energy; instead, she looked intellectual and soft. The gap was incredibly attractive, and I found myself unable to look away.
"Aha. Could it be... that you are entranced by me?" Tennoji-san gave a mischievous, teasing grin.
She’d hit the nail on the head. I was at a loss for words. I wanted to deny it, but it was too late for that.
"...Unlike you, Tennoji-san, I'm not used to situations like this." I averted my eyes, sounding like a sore loser.
"...I am not used to them either," Tennoji-san said in a small voice. "I was just acting tough a moment ago....Well, even I am a bit shaken. This is the first time I've had a man stay over... and then there was that incident in the bath."
Her cheeks were flushed. Seeing her blush like a normal girl, something so different from her usual self, made me swallow hard.
—This was bad. The atmosphere had turned very awkward. A strange tension was closing in, making me more restless than when I was eating dinner with her father.
My mind went blank, and I grabbed the herbal tea to distract myself. I tilted the cup—
"Hot!!"
The tea scorched my tongue.
"A-Are you all right!?" Tennoji-san panicked.
It wasn't a severe burn, but my tongue was tingling. I tried to tell her I was fine with my eyes, and our gazes met. Seeing each other’s wide, startled eyes, we both suddenly burst out laughing. The awkward tension vanished instantly.
"Honestly... it’s been a long time since I've felt like this," Tennoji-san said with a smile. "Now that I think about it, you’ve been disturbing my peace ever since we met. Knowing the Konohana Group but not the Tennoji Group... saying my hair must be dyed..."
"I mean, I still have my doubts about that."
"Silence!" She shut me down immediately.
Neither Masatsugu-san nor Hanami-san were blonde. Given their heritage, it was only logical to assume she dyed it.
"I don't often get the chance to say this, so I’ll say it now... I am grateful to you. Since meeting you, my student life has become so much more fulfilling."
Her gratitude was clear in her voice. With a beautiful smile, she continued.
"Besides, you have more grit than you look. Being around you raises my own motivation....If you can manage a single-digit rank in the next proficiency exam, I shall scout you to be my right-hand man after graduation."
"That... seems like a long shot."
"If you're already being weak-hearted, then it certainly is." She smiled wryly at my response.
"Still, working with you, Tennoji-san, does sound like it would be fun."
When I said what I was thinking, her eyes went wide.
"D-Do you really think so?"
"Yes. I’ve enjoyed studying with you lately. I think working with you would be much the same."
I hadn't really thought about my future, but I knew from my many part-time jobs that she’d make a great boss.
"Fu, fufufu...!! Of course! Of course you do! If you follow me, I guarantee your life will be full of success!" Tennoji-san puffed out her chest. She looked delighted; her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were sparkling. "W-Well, as a practical matter, to work for me, you would need to pass the Tennoji Group entrance exam... No, but with a recommendation from Kikou Academy... Or perhaps, if you became my fiancé, your position as my secretary would be guaranteed..."
"Fiancé?"
"N-N-Nothing! I-I was just thinking too far ahead!!"
As she flustered, I just tilted my head.
"...Right, I have stayed too long." Tennoji-san checked the clock. "Before I go, let’s decide on our slogan!"
"Our slogan?"
"Yes! Since ancient times, there has always been a battle cry to raise morale! 'Ei! Ei! Oh!' or 'The enemy is at Honnoji!'"
"I see. So we need something like that." The way she’d said "Ei! Ei! Oh!" was actually quite cute.
"Now, repeat after me!" I nodded, and she looked at me with fire in her eyes. "Down with Hinako Konohana!!"
"Down with Hinako—wait, what!?"
"Is something wrong?"
"I mean... is that the slogan we're going with?"
"Yes! It’s perfect for us!"
If I actually shouted that, I’d probably be fired instantly... but I couldn't explain my situation. I had to go along with it.
"Here we go!" Tennoji-san took a breath. "Down with Hinako Konohana!!"
"D-Down with Hinako Konohana!!"
Sorry, Hinako.
The next morning, after breakfast, a black car arrived to pick me up.
"Thank you for everything." I bowed deeply to Masatsugu-san and Tennoji-san, who had come out to see me off. Hanami-san was already at work, but I’d said my goodbyes to her inside.
"Please, visit again whenever you like."
"Umu! We’ll be waiting!"
I got into the car as they waved. Of course, this car was sent by the Konohana family. Tennoji-san and her father thought I was going to my own home, but I was actually headed back to the Separate Residence where Hinako and Shizune were.
The driver said, "Departing," and the car pulled away. Ms. Shizune hadn't come herself because Tennoji-san might recognize her as a Konohana maid.
Still... it had been a very productive day. I’d have to find a way to thank Tennoji-san later, I thought as I watched the scenery pass by.
After the guest’s car had disappeared from view, Masatsugu turned to Mirei.
"Mirei. Are you close with him?"
"Yes. We are in different classes, but we interact frequently." Mirei affirmed her father's question. "Besides... I owe Tomonari-kun quite a bit."
Mirei remembered the events of last month. The Tennoji name carried immense weight. At the Academy, she was often respected from a distance, but rarely had anyone she could talk to on equal footing.
Itsuki had changed that. He’d invited her to tea parties and study sessions. He’d even given her a connection to Hinako Konohana, whom she’d always wanted to interact with despite their rivalry. He was the reason for their recent study sessions. Her grades had improved, and she’d made a genuine friend. Even if Itsuki seemed a bit intimidated by her at times, Mirei was deeply grateful to him.
And—
Working with you, Tennoji-san, does sound like it would be fun.
She hadn't expected him to say something so heartening. Even Mirei, who always seemed full of confidence, had her anxieties about the future. Her rivalry with Hinako was partly a fear that if she lost at the Academy, she’d be losing to her for the rest of her life.
Itsuki’s words had reached into the depths of her heart and cleared away those worries.
(I feel like... as long as Tomonari-kun is with me, I can handle any challenge.)
As Mirei was lost in thought, Masatsugu stroked his goatee and let out a small "Hmm."
"Is it a relationship between a man and a woman?"
"Heh!? I told you, it’s not an impure relationship like that!!" Mirei denied it, her face turning scarlet. She pouted, thinking he was just teasing her again, but—
"Hmm....Well, that’s good." Masatsugu nodded seriously. "Actually, Mirei, there’s something I need to discuss with you....It may be time to arrange a fiancé for you."
It was a sudden proposal. Mirei’s eyes went wide.
"A f-fiancé...?"
"Umu. I’ve been considering it for a while, but I thought it was too early. However, I spoke with the representative of the Konohana family in social circles recently. It seems they are proactively considering an engagement for their daughter to keep 'bad insects' away. It’s a protective measure."
Masatsugu’s expression turned grave.
"From here on, many will try to approach you for the power of the Tennoji name. Some will have malicious intent. Looking at the future, the Konohana family’s logic makes sense. I still feel it’s premature... but if you are willing, I won't stop it."
It wasn't that a fiancé had already been chosen. Being the Young Lady of the Tennoji Group, Mirei knew she would have to marry someone eventually, though she’d thought it would be much later.
But the timing didn't matter to her. What mattered was...
"Will it... be for the sake of the Tennoji family?" Her voice trembled slightly. She took a breath and asked again, louder this time. "By getting engaged, can I contribute to our family?"
"...Umu. It would certainly make our future planning easier."
For the upper class, an engagement was a tool to strengthen connections. Marrying into a friendly company would smooth out all future business dealings. With a future relative at the helm, the risks of corporate friction were lowered, allowing for larger mergers and acquisitions.
"In that case, of course—" Mirei answered with her usual, dignified smile. "—I shall accept."
"Welcome back."
When I arrived at the manor, Ms. Shizune was there to meet me.
"I'm back....Sorry about staying out so suddenly."
"That is no longer the issue. The issue is the current situation."
Current situation? She made it sound like we were in the middle of a crisis.
"Please go and fix the Young Lady’s mood immediately. She is... quite ticked off."
"...Eh? Ticked off?"
Ms. Shizune looked genuinely troubled, which made me tilt my head in confusion. I knew she might be sulky, but "ticked off"? It was hard to imagine Hinako truly angry. I didn't think she was the type to throw a tantrum...
I went to Hinako’s room and took a deep breath before knocking.
"Hinako, can I come in?"
"...Nn."
A grumpy voice answered from inside. She definitely sounded unhappy. I opened the door cautiously.
Hinako was lying on her bed, buried under a blanket. When I entered, she shifted slightly.
"...Welcome back, Itsuki."
"A-Ah. I'm ba—"
"Liar Itsuki."
Hinako cut me off. I froze, my mouth hanging open, seeing her angry for the first time.
"You said you’d be home yesterday..."
"No, well... it was an emergency..."
"...You stayed out all night." Hinako glared at me. "...All night."
"Well, yes, I suppose technically I did... but that phrasing sounds a bit misleading."
I had to explain properly to show my sincerity.
"Listen, Hinako. I really meant to come home. But the weather turned bad so quickly... you heard the thunder, right? Staying at Tennoji-san’s was a last resort..."
I explained while breaking into a cold sweat, but Hinako just kept glaring. Her expression was even harder to read than usual.
"D-Do you understand...?"
"...Nn." Hinako gave a tiny nod. "Making so many excuses... must be tiring."
No good. She was definitely ticked off.
"...Come here."
"Eh?"
"...Come here." She patted the bed with a pout. She wanted me to sit next to her.
As soon as I sat down, Hinako suddenly buried her face in my chest.
"H-Hey? Hinako?"
"...The scent," she whispered. "It’s not Itsuki’s scent....It’s wrong."
What does that even mean? I remember her saying I smelled nice when we first met. Does she have a super-sensitive nose or something?
"You had dinner with Tennoji-san...?"
"...Well, yes."
"You took a bath at Tennoji-san’s house...?"
"...I mean, I stayed over, so naturally..."
"You took a bath with Tennoji-san...?"
"No, of course we didn't take one together—"
The moment I went to deny it, the image of Tennoji-san in her towel flashed through my mind.
"—Ah."
The sound escaped me involuntarily.
"............Ah?"
"No, I mean..."
"What was that 'ah' just now...?"
I was caught. There was no way out of this. I confessed everything that had happened in the bathhouse.
"Muu...! Muuuuuu...!!"
As expected, Hinako’s face turned bright red with rage.
"You said you wouldn't...!"
"It was an accident! A total accident! We weren't together, we just happened to be in the same place at the same time!"
I tried my best to explain, but Hinako wasn't having it.
"You ate with Tennoji-san, you bathed with Tennoji-san... You’re doing the same things you do with me! Itsuki... are you Tennoji-san’s caretaker now!?"
"No! That's not true! I'm Hinako's caretaker!"
Besides, I’d never do the same things for her. I’d eaten with her, but I hadn't fed her. I’d seen her in the bath, but I hadn't washed her hair.
"Then...!" Hinako grabbed my sleeve and pulled me close. "Then... Itsuki should be with me more than anyone else..."
Her sudden vulnerability caught me off guard. I’d really made her anxious. She must have thought I was going to leave her for Tennoji-san. —As if that would ever happen.
"It’s okay. I know that."
"Muu... you say that, but you don't."
"I really do."
Just then, the door opened.
"Excuse me. Young Lady, lunch is served."
"...Nn."
Even a grumpy Hinako couldn't ignore her stomach. She climbed off the bed with sluggish movements and headed for the dining room. When she got there, a servant pulled out her chair. She sat down and placed her napkin on her lap with practiced ease.
I followed her in and pulled out the chair directly across from her.
"Can I sit here?"
"...Itsuki?" Hinako’s eyes went wide.
She’d always eaten alone until now. Seeing me there for lunch seemed to stun her.
"Today, Itsuki-san will be dining with you," Ms. Shizune announced.
Hinako’s eyes widened even further. Ms. Shizune looked at me; it was my turn to explain.
"We had a promise that I wouldn't eat with you until I mastered my table etiquette. That’s why I’ve been learning from Tennoji-san. I finally managed to show some results, so I’m allowed to eat with you now."
Ms. Shizune nodded. "I will be conducting one final check myself. Today’s lunch is a dinner-style menu. If there are no issues, you will be permitted to dine with the Young Lady for both lunch and dinner from now on."
So this was the final exam. It was Italian today. It had multiple courses, clearly leaning toward a dinner style, though not quite as complex as a full-blown formal course. Even if Hinako was a Konohana, she didn't eat a full course every single day. Still, there was a baseline of etiquette to maintain.
Ms. Shizune watched me in silence. I didn't let my guard down.
I sat from the left. I took the napkin, folded it in half, and placed it on my lap with the fold toward me. I made sure to use the inside for wiping my mouth. I also reminded myself that using a personal handkerchief or tissue was a violation; it would signal that I didn't want to use the provided napkin.
I used the cutlery from the outside in. Two knives and spoons on the right, three forks on the left. The order was appetizer, soup, fish, then meat. Since there was no fork on the right, I knew there was no pasta today. I held the knife and fork lightly, being careful not to make any sound against the plate.
After the carpaccio appetizer, I finished the soup. I scooped it with the spoon, never putting the cup to my lips. When it got low, I tilted the cup slightly to scoop the rest.
After a bite of the grilled sea bream, Ms. Shizune gave a small nod and looked away.
I... passed?
I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Hinako was staring at me from across the table.
"Itsuki... you’ve improved so much..."
"Well, I worked hard."
Thinking back, maybe all I’d really lacked was confidence. Masatsugu-san had said he felt no discomfort dining with me. At that point, I already had the knowledge. I’d just been too nervous to use it well. The final step to mastering etiquette was simply believing in myself.
"If you're okay with it, Hinako, I’d like to eat with you as much as possible from now on. Is that all right?"
Saying it out loud felt a bit embarrassing. If she’d said no, it would have been a disaster... but I needn't have worried.
"...Nn!" Hinako gave a radiant smile. Her mood had finally recovered.
"Then... we can drop the formalities for Itsuki, too..."
"Hm?"
As soon as she said that, Hinako slumped in her chair.
"Phew..." She rested her chin on the table and let out a lazy sigh.
"Um, Ms. Shizune? Isn't she supposed to follow etiquette at the table?"
"There is no strict rule. However, Kagon-sama occasionally stops by this dining room. If your etiquette were poor at such a time, it would leave a very bad impression."
So that was it... Ms. Shizune had pushed me to master etiquette specifically so my standing with Kagon-san wouldn't suffer. She’d been looking out for me all along.
"Itsuki... here." Hinako patted the chair next to her.
I moved to the seat beside her, and she gave me a soft, content smile.
"Let's eat... together."
She looked younger and more relaxed than usual. This was her natural self. I gave a short "Yeah," and we began our lunch.
The fact that I could see this smile again was thanks to Tennoji-san. I’d be sure to thank her on Monday.