"Wait, we're staying at the same hotel?"
While we were on our way to Karuizawa by car, I asked Ms. Shizune for clarification.
"That is the plan. Is there a problem?"
"No, I just thought Hinako and the others would be staying in a villa or something..."
I had been told beforehand that I would be staying in a hotel this time, but I assumed Hinako and the rest of her group would be staying elsewhere.
This was Karuizawa, after all. The combination of the wealthy and Karuizawa naturally conjured images of private villas. I was certain I wasn't the only one who thought so.
"That was the initial plan, but the Young Lady..."
Ms. Shizune glanced at Hinako.
Hinako, who already looked quite drowsy, slowly opened her mouth.
"I'm... tired of the villa."
"And so, we decided to use a hotel. The Young Lady will be staying in a higher-grade suite than us, but we will all be in the same building."
I didn't know it was possible to get bored of staying in a villa...
"By the way, it seems that Lady Tennoji and Miyakojima-san will also be participating in this Summer Seminar."
"Is that so?"
I already knew Narika was participating, as she was the reason I had found out about the Summer Seminar in the first place, but hearing that Tennoji-san was coming too was news to me.
Knowing that a familiar group would be there made me feel more at ease. It looked like this Summer Seminar was going to be more lively than I had anticipated.
"Did Hinako participate in the Summer Seminar last year as well?"
"No. While she has visited Karuizawa many times, this is her first time participating in the seminar," Ms. Shizune replied, her eyes on the road. "Since this Summer Seminar is hosted by Kikou Academy, it is an excellent event for receiving high-level education. However, in the Young Lady's case, she used to study at the manor because of the fatigue from her public performances... But since her condition has been so good lately, Kagon-sama gave his permission, saying she could participate if things continued this way. Staying at the hotel is thanks to that as well."
"Now that you mention it, Hinako hasn't had a fever lately."
"The doctor was surprised as well. Even if the fevers were psychogenic, he said it's rare for someone's condition to improve this rapidly. He called it proof that she has found a reliable emotional anchor."
When I glanced toward Hinako, she was already nodding off. She had likely relaxed now that the air conditioning had brought the car to a comfortable temperature.
"Nnh... A trip with Itsuki... Hehehe..."
Hinako was talking in her sleep, shamelessly drooling. I lightly stroked her head.
I wondered if I was truly serving as an anchor for her. It was hard to feel like I was, but perhaps I didn't need that validation. Whether I felt it or not, I would simply do my absolute best for her sake.
"It's a bit late, but Itsuki-san, thank you for the suggestion regarding the Summer Seminar."
"No, I only happened to hear about it while talking with Narika."
Actually, it was my suggestion that we attend this seminar. To be precise, I had simply heard about its existence from Narika's mother and brought it up as a casual topic, but that became the catalyst for Hinako and the others to participate.
When I thought about how my words had led to this group trip, I felt a sense of pride, as if I had truly become a member of the Konohana family. Of course, even if I thought such conceited things in private, I would never say them out loud.
Just then, my smartphone vibrated briefly. It looked like I had received a message.
Katsuya Taisho: Yeahhh! It's the mountains!
Taisho had sent a photo of a lush, green mountain. It was a selfie; Taisho's happy smile filled the frame. A second message followed immediately.
Katsuya Taisho: I'm mountain climbing right now on my family's company trip! It's so much fun!
That's good to hear.
I replied, telling him I was jealous because it looked like fun. As soon as I sent it, a message arrived from someone else.
Karen Asahi: Yeahhh! It's the sea!!
Asahi-san had posted a photo of the shimmering, brilliant sea.
Those two really are on the same wavelength.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the timing, as if they had coordinated it. Just as that thought crossed my mind, a second message came from Asahi-san.
Karen Asahi: Look at this swimsuit! Isn't it kinda sexy and nice?
"Pfft!?"
I reflexively averted my eyes from the screen.
I only saw it for an instant, but the image was burned into my mind. It was a selfie of Asahi-san in a light-blue bikini, pulling the strap slightly off her shoulder with a provocative smile.
That girl really has no sense of caution...
"Is something the matter, Itsuki-san?"
"N-no, it's nothing..."
I tried to play it off as Ms. Shizune looked at me curiously.
"Itsuki... looked happy while looking at a girl in a swimsuit."
"Hinako!?"
Hinako, who should have been asleep until a moment ago, was glaring straight at me. What a time to wake up...
"...Since you are a man, Itsuki-san, I understand that you have certain interests, but please try to choose a better time and place."
"No! This is just from a friend!"
That was a sneak attack even for me. I wished they wouldn't blame me for it.
"Even though you look at my swimsuit every night..."
"Wait!"
It was technically true, but such a dangerously misleading statement made my face twitch. The car swayed for a moment. I could practically feel the driver's intense agitation.
"...If it's just one photo, I suppose it's okay."
"Eh?"
"Next time... I'll let you take a photo of me," Hinako said, her cheeks slightly flushed.
In that moment, instinct won over reason. All sorts of poses and angles began to swell in my head. I shook my head violently to dispel the intrusive thoughts.
That was close...
"Itsuki-san. I'm sure you understand, but..."
"Y-yes. It's fine. I understand."
I wouldn't actually do such a thing, so she could rest easy...
Anyway, I was glad to see that Taisho and Asahi-san were enjoying their respective summer vacations. But I would definitely have to give Asahi-san a warning later.
"Still, the sea, huh..."
After sending a perfunctory "Looks nice" message to Asahi-san, I murmured in a small voice to change the subject.
"Itsuki... do you want to go to the sea?"
"No, I just realized I haven't been in a while..."
That was a lie. To be honest, I did want to go. As if seeing through me, Hinako adopted a thoughtful look.
"Shizune... can we go to the sea?"
"The sea, is it? This year, Kagon-sama mentioned inviting guests to the private beach, so it might be difficult."
As expected of the Konohana Group—they even owned a private beach.
"If it's a public beach, it is possible to go from Karuizawa... but Young Lady, didn't you dislike the sea because of the heat?"
Judging by her state before we left, she certainly seemed to. However...
"If it's with Itsuki... I want to go."
"I understand. Then I shall look into it."
Ms. Shizune replied immediately, perhaps having grown accustomed to these kinds of statements from Hinako recently. But I hadn't quite reached that level yet. She still said such heart-tugging things... I masked my unexpected agitation by looking out the window.
◆
The car pulled into the parking lot.
The next step was to check in at the hotel front desk... but before that, I had a role to play.
After waiting in the lobby for a while, a black luxury car pulled up. Hinako and Ms. Shizune emerged from it.
"O-oh, if it isn't Konohana-san."
"My, Tomonari-kun. What a coincidence."
"It is. Um... if you'd like, shall we walk together?"
"Yes, gladly."
Hinako, now firmly in Young Lady mode, smiled elegantly.
It was the same as when we went to school. Since it must never be discovered that we live in the same manor, we took separate cars and "met up" at the lobby. This way, to any observer, it looked like we had simply run into each other at the hotel.
This feels so staged...
I suppressed the complicated emotions swirling in my chest. In front of us, a classical, serene hotel built into the mountainside stretched out.
"Oh... it's huge."
"The hotels in Karuizawa are all designed with consideration for the landscape, and they have various interesting concepts. It's nice to stay somewhere other than a villa once in a while."
Now that she mentioned it, I hadn't seen any tall buildings on the way here. When you hear "luxury hotel," you tend to think of city skyscrapers, but the hotels in Karuizawa prioritized harmony with nature, resulting in an old-fashioned yet charming appearance. Even so, the interior was exquisite, not at all inferior to the Konohana manor. The lobby was furnished with antique pieces featuring intricate carvings.
"Please wait here for a moment. I will handle the registration."
Ms. Shizune headed toward the counter. While waiting, we were subjected to many curious gazes.
"Look, it's Konohana-san."
"If she's staying here, I wonder if she's participating in the Summer Seminar this year...?"
Since the seminar was hosted by Kikou Academy, there were many students from the school present. The presence of Hinako, who had never participated before, was drawing significant attention.
"Thank you for waiting."
Ms. Shizune returned with two card keys.
"This hotel has three tiers of guest rooms, and their locations differ. This main building is 'one-star,' the building a little ways up the slope is 'two-star,' and the building further above that is 'three-star.' The Young Lady and I will stay in the three-star, and Itsuki-san will stay in the two-star."
"Two-star? Not one-star?"
Ms. Shizune would be on standby as Hinako's maid. Since there were only two card keys, it seemed they would be sharing a suite. Given the public eye, I obviously couldn't stay in the same room as Hinako. I had expected to be in the cheapest room, but...
"It is better for the caretaker to be in a room as close to the Young Lady as possible."
That made sense. Thanks to the layout, I ended up staying in a room one rank higher than I had anticipated.
"As you have noticed, several students from Kikou Academy are also staying here. Even when we are apart, please ensure you do not act in a way that brings discredit to the family."
"Understood."
"...Well, I trust you by now, so I'm sure you'll be fine."
That trust made me feel genuinely happy. In truth, I didn't feel much of that old tension myself. It had been about four months since I started living at the Konohana manor as a caretaker. My days at Kikou Academy and my experiences in high-society circles were steadily building my confidence.
"Well then, Itsuki-san, let's meet back here at the front desk once you've put away your luggage. We must complete the registration at the Summer Seminar venue."
"Yes."
After continuing up the gentle slope for a while, we reached a fork in the path.
"Itsuki... I'll come visit your room later."
"Yeah."
Since the rooms were separate, it shouldn't look unnatural for a friend to visit another's room. When I nodded, Hinako's eyes widened slightly.
"Hinako?"
"This is... my first time doing something like this. It's a little fun."
With a soft, relaxed smile that she could never show while acting, Hinako turned and headed toward the three-star building on the hill.
I watched her walk away. Hinako had lived such a restricted life until now. Ms. Shizune had said her participation was only allowed because her health had stabilized, which likely meant her previous summer breaks were spent merely resting at the manor.
A trip with a close friend—that was how Hinako seemed to view this Summer Seminar.
"I should try to enjoy myself too."
I would work hard at my studies, of course, but since we were in Karuizawa, I wanted to enjoy it with Hinako. I had almost no experience with travel myself, so I understood her feelings well.
(Wait...)
At that moment, I suddenly felt someone watching me. I looked back, but there were only a few other guests around, and I couldn't identify the source.
Must be my imagination. With that thought, I entered my room.
"Whoa... this is an incredible room."
After taking off my shoes at the marble entrance and switching to slippers, I walked onto the soft carpet. The bedroom and living area were integrated, a common layout, but the space was vast. And unlike the functional furniture of business hotels, everything here was top-tier and ornately decorated.
Beyond the terrace, a verdant mountain path stretched out. It wasn't wild, untamed nature, but a refined landscape that had been carefully maintained. The atmosphere was a perfect balance of cleanliness and natural harmony. At the very least, it was incomparably more elegant than my usual room.
However, I couldn't feel purely impressed.
(It's... smaller than Hinako's room.)
I realized I had become quite spoiled. In terms of pure size, Hinako's room at the manor was likely larger, and the furniture here was probably several grades cheaper than the Konohana family's belongings. Of course, it was more than luxurious enough for me, but I began to understand how the Young Ladies could look at such a sight without batting an eye. I wasn't sure whether to be sad or happy about that realization.
I took only my valuables from my suitcase and left the room. After putting my shoes back on and returning to the front desk...
"My, Tomonari-san?"
"Itsuki!?"
Familiar voices called out. A girl with blonde ringlets and another with long black hair reaching her thighs were standing there. It was Tennoji-san and Narika.
"Are you both staying at this hotel too?"
"Yes. Access to the venue would be poor from my villa, and besides, this hotel has an excellent reputation."
"I-I'm here for similar reasons."
For these young ladies, owning a villa was apparently the baseline. Both of them were dressed in summer outfits quite different from their school uniforms. Tennoji-san wore an off-shoulder blue blouse and a white skirt. Narika was in a collared, sleeveless white shirt and green shorts. Her shirt was tucked in, emphasizing her long, healthy legs.
Seeing them like this, they really were strikingly beautiful. I was reminded of how captivated I had been when I first met them at the Academy.
"If you are here, does that mean Hinako Konohana is also staying here?"
"Yes."
When I confirmed it, Tennoji-san wore a bold smile.
"There is an exam on the final day of the Summer Seminar. Fufufu, we couldn't settle things with the Academy exams, but this time, I will settle the score once and for all, Hinako Konohana...!"
Tennoji-san's eyes burned with intensity.
"I-I have to get good grades too, or Mother will be furious with me, so I'll do my best...!"
Narika seemed desperate in her own way. If anything, I felt more in tune with Narika.
"Thank you for waiting, Itsuki-sama."
While we were chatting, Ms. Shizune and Hinako arrived.
"So you've come, Hinako Konohana!"
"C-Konohana-san. It's been a while."
Tennoji-san, who saw Hinako as a rival, and Narika, who had begun to see her as a friend after their tennis practice. Their attitudes were a study in contrasts. Narika still seemed unable to shake her nerves, but since that was her default state, it wasn't awkward.
"I look forward to seeing you both during the seminar."
Hinako bowed gracefully. Her performance in Young Lady mode was as incredible as ever. At her elegant bow—like a petal unfolding—the onlookers seemed to hold their collective breath.
Tennoji-san, the only one capable of rivaling Hinako's poise, let out a sharp "Hmph," as if annoyed at herself for being impressed even for a second, and turned her attention to Ms. Shizune.
"You are the Head Maid of the Konohana family, are you not?"
"I am Shizune Tsurumi."
Ms. Shizune introduced herself and bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much for your assistance regarding the matter with Itsuki-sama."
"The pleasure is mine. The Konohana family employs a fine maid."
Narika tilted her head, confused by the brief exchange. I, however, understood perfectly. When Tennoji-san had discovered my true identity, she had called to say the responsibility lay with her. She had intentionally contacted Ms. Shizune instead of Kagon-san, the chairman, and negotiated skillfully. As a result, she had shielded me, and I had kept my job.
To me, they were both benefactors I could never fully repay.
"We are heading to the venue now. Would you like to join us?"
"Yes, we shall. Miyakojima-san, how about you?"
"O-oh! I'll go too!"
We all left the hotel together. On the way...
"...?"
I stopped and looked back.
"Itsuki, what's wrong?"
"No... I just felt like someone was watching us."
I answered Narika's question while looking around. I didn't see anyone familiar. Was it really just my imagination? Then again, traveling with such beautiful young ladies made it inevitable that we would draw attention.
◆
The Summer Seminar venue was a ten-minute walk from the hotel. The building looked like a large cottage, but the interior was filled with long tables like a professional conference room. It looked like a good place to focus.
After checking in, we were given documents detailing the schedule. Textbooks would be distributed during the first class, so our business there was done.
"Shall we head back?" Ms. Shizune suggested, and we followed.
As we left, countless eyes were fixed on us.
(I see. There are participants from other high schools here too...)
The seminar was hosted by Kikou Academy, but it wasn't limited to its students. Many students from the country's top preparatory schools were also attending. Because of that, Hinako stood out even more than usual. She turned heads even among the elite at the Academy; to an average person, she had a presence that was impossible to ignore. I was likely in their peripheral vision as well, since I was right next to her. I did my best to keep a poker face.
To be honest, Ms. Shizune in her maid uniform was drawing quite a bit of attention too.
"The seminar starts tomorrow. Let's consider today a free day until then," Ms. Shizune said to Hinako and me.
We didn't have any plans for the afternoon. I looked at the others to see what they were thinking.
"I have plans with my family today, so I shall take my leave."
"I have to accompany my father to a meeting with a business associate. We can all spend time together starting tomorrow."
Tennoji-san and Narika both had prior commitments.
"Then I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Yes."
As they prepared to leave, Tennoji-san looked at Hinako one last time.
"Hinako Konohana, I will be the one to win this time!"
Hinako, at the end of Tennoji-san's pointing finger, replied with a gentle smile, "Please go easy on me."
We watched them walk away.
"Now then, what shall we do?" Ms. Shizune asked.
I didn't have anything specific in mind. It was past noon, and I didn't want to exhaust myself before the seminar started. I was about to ask Hinako if she wanted to do anything, when...
"...I'll leave it to Itsuki."
"Eh, me?"
Hinako nodded. I didn't know the first thing about Karuizawa, but she seemed to be genuinely looking forward to this trip. In that case, she'd probably enjoy just a simple, aimless walk.
"Then shall we just take a stroll around the area?"
"Mm."
Hinako nodded again, her expression softening. Good, she was on board.
"Before that, Itsuki-san, I suggest you grab a jacket. Karuizawa is cool, and you'll find it chilly once the sun begins to set."
"You're right... I'll go grab one from my room."
The reputation of this place as a summer retreat wasn't just for show. As for Ms. Shizune, she was still in her maid uniform. I wanted to ask if she wasn't hot, but she looked as cool and composed as ever. Not wanting to keep them waiting, I hurried back to my room.
At that moment—
"..."
I felt it again. A gaze.
I had tried to tell myself it was just my imagination, but it clearly wasn't. My sixth sense was screaming at me. The source was directly behind me. In a luxury hotel like this, it was unlikely to be a mugger. To finally see who it was, I waited until the footsteps were as close as possible, then spun around.
But just before I could see—
"Guess who?"
Everything went dark. Two small palms covered my eyes.
From the voice in my ear, the face of a certain girl flashed into my mind.
"Yu... ri...?"
Cold sweat broke out all over my body. Please, let me be wrong.
But I knew that was impossible. There was no way I could mistake that voice. It was the voice I had heard right beside me for nearly ten years, from childhood until now.
"—It's been a while, Itsuki."
The palms covering my eyes pulled away. I turned around to find the girl who was my childhood friend standing right there.