"Yeah....I mean, thanks for the help."
"Don't worry about it."
I wasn't sure if this was a common occurrence, but bikini-style tops were probably prone to slipping.
"Moving around that freely in every direction, it's no wonder it came undone."
"Y-yeah. I intended to take it easy at first, but Hirano-san was tougher than I expected. I just got caught up in the heat of the moment."
"Yuri’s good at sports too. We were messaging last night, and she kept saying how she wanted to cut loose and go wild."
"Messaging..."
Narika suddenly lowered her gaze. However, she soon looked back at me with an expression of firm determination.
"I-Itsuki. Um, could you move a little closer this way?"
"Eh? I mean, sure, but what are you—"
The moment I tried to ask what she was planning, Narika quickly closed the distance and thrust out her right arm with a sharp cry.
"Sei!"
"Whoa!?"
The palm strike of Narika Miyakojima, a literal martial arts genius, grazed my cheek. Even with the self-defense techniques I’d been learning from Ms. Shizune, I couldn't react in time.
Thud! A heavy sound echoed from behind me. Narika's palm strike had grazed my cheek and slammed directly into the rock.
"W-why an open-hand strike...?"
"An open-hand strike!? N-n-no! This—this is a Kabedon!"
"A Kabedon?...A Kabedon?"
It wasn't exactly an "Oh, it's just a Kabedon" moment for me. If anything, the mystery only deepened.
"I-I heard that if I did this, um... I could get closer to Itsuki."
Narika haltingly explained the situation.
"...And who, might I ask, told you that?"
"...Hirano-san."
Figures, I thought, completely convinced. There was no way the concept of a "Kabedon" had permeated the circles of Young Ladies on its own. Since I hadn't taught her, it had to be Yuri.
"...A Kabedon isn't quite as universal a solution as you think, Narika."
"I-is that so?"
"Also, doing it while dressed like that... I'm not really sure where to look."
I spoke while carefully averting my eyes. Narika looked blank for a second, but she immediately grasped my meaning.
"—!?"
Scrambling away from me, Narika covered her chest with both hands. Her embarrassment seemed to hit its limit, and she crouched down, clutching her head.
"Aaaah... today, all Itsuki ever sees are my embarrassing moments...!"
You're always kind of like that, though, I thought, but I wisely kept that to myself.
"...So, in the end, what was the point?" I asked after giving her some time to settle down.
Narika slowly stood up and looked at me with moist eyes.
"...Itsuki. Actually, there's something I've wanted to ask for a long time."
I gave a small nod, and Narika continued.
"What is your relationship with Konohana-san?"
Her voice was strangely serious. I felt an odd pressure emanating from her. It took me a few seconds to suppress my agitation.
"Even if you ask, it's exactly as I explained before. I'm currently working for the Konohana family."
"But you call her by her first name."
"..."
How did she know that? In place of my silence, Narika pressed on.
"You probably didn't realize it, Itsuki, but you called her by her first name once in front of me....In reality, you're on a first-name basis, aren't you?"
I hadn't noticed at all. Normally, I would never make such a slip-up. Was it back when I was still getting used to my caretaker job? Even then, I should have been careful... No, never mind. She'd already heard it. The timing didn't matter now.
A sudden excuse flashed through my mind. I could say there just happened to be another servant with the same surname at the manor, so I used her first name to avoid confusion. It was a bit forced, but the logic held up.
But in the end, I felt a resistance to lying.
As long as I was employed, I mustn't cause trouble for the Konohana family. But beyond that, I didn't want to lie more than necessary.
"That's... right."
What finally spilled from my lips was a confirmation.
"While working at the manor, Hinako and I became close....Probably more so than you imagine, Narika."
Narika's eyes widened when I intentionally used the name.
"But even so, if I used that name at Kikou Academy, it would make Hinako stand out too much. Even though the manor is large, we're living under the same roof. If unsavory rumors started flying, it would be a nuisance for Hinako and the rest of her family. That's why I call her 'Konohana-san' in public."
Narika showed signs of understanding. Simultaneously, an expression of realization crossed her face.
My calling her "Hinako" in front of Narika was only for this moment. From here on, I would go back to the formal address. Since other students from Kikou Academy were staying in Karuizawa, there was a chance some might have come to this very beach.
"...That's very like you, Itsuki. In the end, it's for someone else, not yourself....I can't even complain when you put it like that."
Narika let out a deep sigh. She looked as if she were resigning herself to the situation, but—
"But if you think about it, we've been on a first-name basis from the start."
"Ugh... T-true, that is true, but..."
Narika seemed unable to properly verbalize the dissatisfaction lingering in her heart. She moved her arms up and down, trying to organize her emotions as she spoke.
"But, but... I still want to be someone special to Itsuki!"
Was that a weapon born of her own clumsiness? Narika sometimes threw her feelings at me with such startling directness. Not knowing how to react, I remained tense and kept my mouth shut.
"S-so, Itsuki!"
"Y-yes?"
"L-let's exchange email addresses!"
"...Huh?"
How did she arrive at that conclusion? My thoughts ground to a halt.
"I-I want to try communicating with Itsuki through... 'messages' too! Not just when we're at the Academy, but I want to stay in touch during the holidays too!"
Ah, I see.
"...Right. Now that you mention it, we haven't actually exchanged contact information yet."
It really was long overdue. Since I rarely communicated with anyone other than Yuri on my phone, I had completely forgotten about it.
"Let's head back to get our phones....We can exchange email addresses, but these days people mostly use apps, so for you, Narika, we should start there."
"Y-yeah. I want you to teach me that, too."
We headed toward the sandy beach, navigating over the unstable rocks. As we walked, swayed by the gentle waves, Narika suddenly spoke up.
"Itsuki. Is that mark on your back from Hirano-san hitting you?"
"Oh, is it still there? It doesn't hurt at all anymore, so don't worry about it."
"..."
Narika suddenly went silent. The next instant, a loud smack sounded against my back.
"Ow!? Hey, why!?"
"...It's nothing."
Why did I just get slapped on the back? Wondering that, I climbed up onto the shore.
Now that I thought about it, I didn't see Hinako and the others. Was everyone taking a break?
"You two, over here!"
Yuri, sitting under a parasol, spotted us and called out. Narika and I headed toward her. Hinako and Tennoji-san weren't with her.
"Just you, Yuri?"
"Could you not say that like I'm a loner? Konohana-san and the others are reapplying sunscreen in the changing rooms, so I'm watching the bags."
The real loner was right next to me, so I hadn't meant it that way.
"Anyway, where did you two go?"
"We were looking for some shade, but we couldn't find a good spot."
"Oh, is that it? Well, it's pretty hot even under the parasol..."
Yuri waved her hand like a fan, trying to get some air on her face. For a spur-of-the-moment excuse, I thought I did pretty well. Yuri didn't seem suspicious.
I picked up my bag from under the parasol and took out my smartphone.
"Narika. Do you have your phone?"
"Y-yeah!"
I had Narika, who took her phone from her bag, install the app first. For a moment, I caught a glimpse of her address book, and the small number of entries made me feel a bit hollow, but I figured we could just increase them together from now on. With the way Narika was now, she should be able to do it if she tried.
"Alright, registration complete."
I confirmed that the ID exchange had gone smoothly. Just then, I saw Hinako and the others heading our way. I was about to put my phone back in my bag—but right before I did, it vibrated.
"Hm?"
I received a message. It was from Narika.
Narika: I don't intend to lose to anyone-meow.
Seeing the content, I reflexively looked at Narika standing right in front of me. She shyly averted her eyes.
The fact that her first commemorative message had a typo was just like her. Maybe she wasn't used to the phone's interface yet. The true meaning behind the words reached me vaguely but certainly.
But... I really didn't think there was any need to compete over something like that. I immediately sent a reply.
Itsuki: Narika has her own good points-meow.
Upon receiving the message, Narika first looked like she was savoring the joy, but she soon noticed that the end of my sentence was also "-meow" and tilted her head. After a while, realizing her own typo, she let out a small cry.
"I-Itsuki, you're mean...!"
That's my line. Don't go rattling my composure out of nowhere.
◆
After joining up with Hinako and the others, who had finished reapplying their sunscreen, we played in the sea again. We chatted lazily on the sand and went for another swim when we got hot. It felt like we were doing very summer-like things.
What had I been doing last year? My memories were fuzzy because I’d spent all my time working part-time jobs. But I probably wouldn't forget this summer for the rest of my life.
"I am feeling a bit thirsty."
"Oh, then I'll go buy drinks for everyone."
I had just been resting on a floatie, tired from swimming. My stamina had returned, so the timing was good. I got out of the water and took my wallet from my bag.
"Tomonari-san."
As I was putting on my sandals, I was called from behind.
"Oh, Tennoji-san?"
"Carrying drinks for five people by yourself would be difficult, wouldn't it? Besides, I was the one who said I was thirsty."
As she spoke, Tennoji-san also put on her sandals. The two of us headed toward the vending machines.
There was a short line at the nearest machine. Thinking that buying five drinks would take time and might bother the people waiting, we headed for one further away.
"Itsuki-san."
Once the presence of people around us thinned out, Tennoji-san changed her form of address.
"...There might be Kikou Academy students nearby."
"Even if there were, they wouldn't be able to hear us at this distance and volume."
That might be true, but... Giving in, I let out a small sigh.
"You're quite bold, Tennoji-san."
"Yes. I always intend to live my life with bold fearlessness."
Certainly, as far as I knew, the phrase "bold fearlessness" suited Tennoji-san best. However, even if her voice couldn't be heard, her appearance drew every gaze.
A golden-haired beauty with wet, ringlet curls—those words crossed my mind. Her wet blonde hair looked beautiful and shimmering, and she was showing off a well-developed physique that didn't pale in comparison to that flashiness.
It was better not to look directly. Even though I was used to seeing Hinako in a swimsuit, this was poison for the eyes.
"Oh? This is..."
As we approached the vending machine, Tennoji-san tilted her head slightly. I see. Perhaps a Young Lady attending Kikou Academy had never actually used a vending machine before.
"This is called a vending machine, and—"
"D-don't mock me! I know at least that much!"
"S-sorry. Well, of course you do."
These days, you see vending machines everywhere. You see several just by commuting to Kikou Academy. If I thought about it, there was no way she didn't know they existed.
For a moment, I wondered what to get, but I chose sports drinks to be safe. I felt a slight urge to pick something weird to surprise them, but I’d save that for another time. I handed two cans to Tennoji-san and held three myself. It certainly would have been hard to carry these alone. I was glad she came.
"...?"
Tennoji-san was staring intently at the cans in her hands, looking truly puzzled. After carefully examining the lid, sides, and bottom, she suddenly spoke as if convinced of something.
"Is the can opener sold separately?"
"Pfft—!!"
That was an unexpected blow. I reflexively burst out laughing. She knew about vending machines, but apparently not about pull-tab cans.
"T-this is how you open it....Pfft, haha."
"—!! Please do not laugh! Please do not laugh!!"
When I opened the tab and showed her by drinking the contents, Tennoji-san's face turned bright red. She started pummelling me with her fists, but it was just cute and didn't hurt at all.
"W-well, we bought enough for everyone, so let's head back."
Since laughter still felt like it was going to bubble up, my voice was trembling slightly. I walked with Tennoji-san, who was puffing out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
Along the way, Tennoji-san suddenly stopped.
"Itsuki-san. Could we talk for a moment?"
"Talk?"
"Yes. Um... there is something I would like to consult you about."
Judging by her expression, the topic was by no means light. Waiting for her next words, Tennoji-san summoned her courage and began to speak.
"This is... yes! It is a hypothetical story!"
It was clearly about Tennoji-san herself. She was a person who couldn't lie.
"For example, let's say there is a veeeeery promising young girl here!"
"Veeeeery."
"Yes. Veeeeery."
I didn't know exactly how impressive she was, so for now, I decided to assume she was about as impressive as Tennoji-san.
"That girl is promised to eventually reign at the top of this country, or at a position equal to it. However, the girl's heart is by no means made of steel. Somewhere in her heart, she yearns for someone to stay by her side... someone she can rely on."
I nodded, prompting her to continue.
"If such a girl asked you to stand alongside her... Itsuki-san. What would you think?"
Hearing that question, I thought. What would I think—what did she mean by that? To me, who couldn't immediately decipher the intent, Tennoji-san added a supplement.
"In order to stay by that girl's side, naturally, you would have to overcome various trials. The work would be grueling, failure would not be permitted, and you would be in a position to lead thousands, tens of thousands of subordinates..."
Tennoji-san stared at me.
"...Would you not feel pressured?"
Tennoji-san's eyes wavered slightly. Maybe my brain hadn't been working properly due to the summer heat, but only now did I understand the full picture of the consultation.
Apparently, Tennoji-san was harboring deep anxieties. She was aware of her own standing. That was why she was seriously considering the feelings of the person who would stand beside her. This was an emotion that was difficult for me to empathize with directly.
Ordinary people like us often worry in a similar way—that someone like me isn't a match for that girl, or that I can't meet that person's expectations. Even students at Kikou Academy surely have those thoughts.
But in Tennoji-san's case, it was the opposite. Sensing that kind of concern from us, she was trying to be considerate in return. The person being considered isn't a fool either. While being looked at from a distance or being deferred to, they might notice something—that I shouldn't be standing next to these people.
(As for me...)
What about in my case? The hypothetical subject was someone as amazing as Tennoji-san. High status, strong power, and yet someone I could respect. If I were told by such a person that they wanted me to stand beside them...
"...There would definitely be pressure."
That was my honest impression. Tennoji-san lowered her gaze.
"But I think it would be a great honor."
At my subsequent words, Tennoji-san looked up. I simulated the situation exactly as she had described it. As a result, emotions other than anxiety sprouted in my heart. It was a bit embarrassing to disclose those feelings... but I knew she wouldn't make fun of me. I spoke while organizing my words.
"As you know, I've struggled every day since I entered Kikou Academy. But strangely enough, there's a part of me that finds those days enjoyable."
From the beginning until now, and probably from here on out, it would be nothing but struggles. But the reason I could live positively through those days was—
"...I think it's because I'm proud."
"Proud...?"
"Yeah. I struggle, but more than that, I feel proud of my days at the Academy. Being in such an environment, being able to work hard together with amazing people... I'm reminded of my immaturity every day, but every time I overcome that immaturity, I feel a sense of fulfillment."
Without that sense of fulfillment, I would have given up long ago.
"So, the answer to your question is the same." I looked Tennoji-san in the eye. "If that girl asked me to stand alongside her... I would be proud."
Pressure is a sign of responsibility. Being entrusted with responsibility is a sign of trust. If I were trusted by a veeeeery promising young girl, I would surely be proud.
"...I see."
Tennoji-san nodded quietly. Seeing her expression, which looked happy for some reason, I reflexively voiced what had been on my mind.
"Um, Tennoji-san. That girl... isn't she you?"
"...No, it isn't. I am not yet that promising for the future."
Since she said "yet," it seemed she was aiming for it.
"However, after hearing what you just said, I have decided." Tennoji-san continued, looking somewhat amused. "I will aim for even greater heights. To the point where I will allow no one else to keep up."
With a bold smile, Tennoji-san spoke. In her eyes, a defiant will was lit.
"Specifically, what do you intend to do?"
"That has not been decided yet, but I intend to change my policy."
"Policy?"
"Both now and in the past, I have wanted to defeat Hinako Konohana....It is frustrating, but for me, she is an ideal and an easy-to-understand goal. However, when I matched her score on an exam recently, a thought occurred to me. Simply winning in academics might not be a victory in the true sense."
Tennoji-san continued.
"I have no intention of changing my goal of wanting to surpass Hinako Konohana. However, it might not be necessary to fixate only on academics. That is what I am thinking."
Of course, I have no intention of losing in academics either, Tennoji-san added.
Certainly, Tennoji-san viewed Hinako as a rival, but the specific fields they competed in were mainly Academy exams and grades. Tennoji-san once matched Hinako's score. At that time, she probably felt not only accomplishment but also a sense of dissonance. Would she really be satisfied just by rushing down this single path? Having caught a glimpse of that finish line, she was now considering other ways.
"Well, I intend to think about what to do from here....Things that Hinako Konohana doesn't have, but I alone possess. I want to polish those qualities."
The direction didn't seem to be decided yet, and Tennoji-san appeared to be pondering. Thinking if there was anything I could do to help, I considered her strengths. In areas other than academics, something she excelled at was...
"...You have a lot of personal popularity, Tennoji-san."
"But that is the same for Hinako Konohana."
"No, how should I put it... the nature of it is different from Konohana-san."
I couldn't express it well. But there was certainly a difference between them.
"...Charisma, maybe."
The difference between Tennoji-san and Hinako. The answer gradually took shape in my mind.
"I think you have charisma, Tennoji-san. The power to bring a group together, the feeling that makes people want to follow your instructions... that's probably a power Konohana-san doesn't have."
In fact, Hinako wasn't the type to stand in front of people by choice. She could do it capably, but she felt it was a burden. So, the field where Tennoji-san could beat Hinako was there. Precisely because I knew Hinako's true nature, I was certain. Tennoji-san might be able to shine more than Hinako through her interactions with others.
"...I see."
Listening to me, Tennoji-san nodded.
"Charisma... bringing people together... yes, now that you mention it, it feels right. Those are certainly areas of expertise for me. Even with Hinako Konohana as an opponent, I do not feel like I would lose."
By putting the vague feeling into words, she clearly recognized her own emotions.
"And... having been told so by you, all the more reason for confidence to well up."
Muttering this as she looked at me, a determination lit up in Tennoji-san's eyes.
"Thank you, Itsuki-san. I can see what I must do." Tennoji-san bowed her head. There was no more hesitation in her voice. "For now, aiming for Student Council President might not be a bad idea."
"Student Council President?"
"Oh, did you not know? The Kikou Academy Student Council Election will be held in the month after next. I had planned not to participate due to family business... but I have just decided to run."
She seemed to have worked out a specific plan in this single moment. Kikou Academy already attracted exceptional students. To become its Student Council President would surely require extraordinary effort. Even Tennoji-san should have a hard time.
"If there's anything I can do, just say the word. I'll help."
"Yes. When that time comes, I will have you feel thoroughly proud, Itsuki-san."
Trust was poured in through her gaze. So that I could respond to that trust, it might be better for me to start working hard from now on.
"Shall we head back soon?"
"Yeah."
I returned to everyone else along with Tennoji-san.
"By the way, Itsuki-san. Is that red mark on your back from Hirano-san?"
"Ah, no, some of it is probably from Narika. She slapped me for some reason earlier."
"..."
Tennoji-san made a somewhat complicated expression.
"...I would like to write my name, but since there is no pen, I will settle for this. Ei!"
"Ow!?"
Tennoji-san slapped my back. Just why...!?
◆
A few minutes after Itsuki and Mirei had headed toward the vending machines by themselves, Yuri watched in silence as the two of them returned.
"We've bought the drinks."
Itsuki was carrying three cans and Mirei was carrying two. One of them was already opened; it seemed Itsuki had already drunk from it.
(Oh... something definitely happened here.)
The sense of distance between Itsuki and Mirei seemed just a little bit shorter than before. Mirei had consulted Yuri previously, so she must have discussed that matter with Itsuki. Judging by the look of the two of them, she had heard an answer that was favorable for her.
(I pretended not to notice earlier, but it seemed he was doing something alone with Miyakojima-san too... looks like both of them successfully took a step forward.)
Yuri had also noticed Itsuki and Narika heading toward the shadow of the rocks. The sense of distance between those two had also shortened. For Yuri, who was cheering for both of them, it was a reassuring result.
(...Hm?)
Suddenly, Yuri noticed that Hinako, who was next to her, was acting strange. Hinako, who always had a pleasant smile... was now wearing a faintly bitter expression.
"What's wrong, Konohana-san?"
"No, it's nothing."
Contrary to her words, Hinako's expression remained stiff. Her gaze was fixed on the two in front of her... Itsuki and Mirei, who looked a little more intimate than before. It looked as if she were fretful about their relationship—
(I wonder why she's making that face...? Konohana-san doesn't even like Itsuki.)
Yuri tilted her head.
◆
Before we knew it, the sky had turned dark. Perhaps because the days are long in summer, the boundary with night is hard to distinguish. I'm sure none of us knew when the evening had passed. That was how much of a pleasant time we were able to spend.
It was starting to get chilly, so we got out of the sea. After showering, changing, and gathering again, the barbecue had been prepared.
"I have prepared the barbecue set."
Ms. Shizune said, bowing respectfully. There was a stove with a grill, charcoal, charcoal tongs, and a full range of ingredients. It looked like we could start right away.
"It has been a long time since I have done this in Japan."
"In Japan?" I tilted my head at Tennoji-san's remark.
"In countries like America where home parties are popular, there are many opportunities to eat barbecue. That too is a type of social circle."
"I see..."
It was a global story. But if I thought about it, it was only natural. The authority of the Young Ladies here didn't stop at the domestic level. Hinako surely had plenty of overseas experience as well.
"By the way, did you grill the meat yourself at those barbecues?"
"Eh? Isn't barbecue something where a professional chef grills the meat?"
"...For us commoners, it's something we make ourselves."
It wasn't a matter of who was right, but she'd fallen into the exact trap I’d anticipated. Then, Tennoji-san became restless. Narika showed similar signs.
"...Shall we try making it ourselves this time?"
"Y-yes! I would love to try!"
"I-I want to try making it myself too...!"
They were Young Ladies full of curiosity. Not only Tennoji-san, but apparently Narika had no experience making it herself either.
"Then, shall we all make it together?"
Yuri said with a look full of motivation. If Tennoji-san and Narika had no experience, Hinako probably didn't either. But with Yuri around, who provided food to customers daily, it should be no problem.
"Then, we will be some distance away. Please call out to us at any time if you need anything."
Ms. Shizune bowed and moved away. This beach was adjacent to a park where camping was possible, and between the sea and the park, there were water facilities for washing dishes. First, we all carried the ingredients there.
"Alright. First, we have to start by washing the vegetables."
Yuri put both hands on her hips, psyching herself up. There, I suddenly had a question.
"By the way, do any of you have experience cooking, even before barbecue...?"
The Young Ladies shook their heads. Thought so, I muttered inwardly. Apparently, the Young Ladies had never done any cooking at all.
"...I'm going to have to work hard."
After a moment of silence, Yuri muttered. The words especially me were hidden by her kindness.
I didn't have experience with barbecue itself, but I had plenty of experience sautéing ingredients in a cheap frying pan. It seemed best for me to actively help out. Hinako bowed to Yuri apologetically.
"We ask for your guidance and instruction."
"Yeah. Well, a barbecue is just cutting and grilling, so nothing too major is required....Since Itsuki and I will use the knives, shall we have Konohana-san and the others do the other simple preparations? Specifically..."
Yuri quickly gave out instructions. Glancing at the ingredients and aluminum foil we’d carried over, she continued.
"...Shall we make foil-wrapped baked potatoes too? Could you peel those potatoes there? Put the washed ones here."
"I understand."
The three Young Ladies picked up the potatoes and vegetable peelers. While they were busy, Yuri and I took charge of the other vegetables.
"Yuri, is it okay if I slice the onions into rounds?"
"Yeah. Oh, pass me those king oyster mushrooms."
I handed the pack of king oyster mushrooms to Yuri. It was a brand I’d never seen; the pack itself was shimmering in gold.
"...I've certainly never used ingredients of this level before."
"...Is this really that amazing?"
"Yeah. By the way, even the meat was all BMS 12."
"BMS...?"
"To put it simply, it's the highest rank possible. There was even Chateaubriand."
I only knew about meat grades like A5 or B4, but apparently there were other standards for grading. The onions were probably expensive too. Unlike things like king oyster mushrooms, these were just in a net, so I couldn't tell the brand, but I decided to handle them more carefully than usual. I cut both ends of the onion with a knife first to make the skin easier to peel.
"You're quite practiced."
"I’ve been doing all sorts of things since I was a kid. Cooking and sewing were my jobs at home."
Come to think of it, I’d never shown Yuri my cooking. When we had tasting sessions, I’d offered to help several times, but Yuri always shook her head, seemingly wanting me to just relax. I felt a bit refreshed. Occasionally being impressed by Yuri's efficiency, I enjoyed the cooking.
"You've always had good grades in home economics, haven't you? The teachers used to praise you a lot."
Yuri said as she set down her knife. The memory was hazy, but it was there.
"Come to think of it, Kikou Academy doesn't have home economics classes."
"Huh. I guess for Young Ladies, it's normal to leave cooking and sewing to the servants."
"Right....Thinking about it that way, it's only natural they can't cook."
I finished slicing the onions. Now, how were the Young Ladies doing? I checked on them just in case.
"I have figured it out! One holds it like this!"
"No, look at the angle of this blade... I bet you're supposed to hold it with a reverse grip."
They hadn't even been able to peel the skin off the potatoes yet. Tennoji-san and Narika were debating how to hold the peeler. Hinako was standing silently, but while tilting her head, she was putting her finger into the hole of the handle and spinning or swaying it. She was keeping quiet to maintain her facade as a perfect Young Lady, but like the other two, she clearly didn't know how to use it.
"...It looks like I'd better teach them how to use a peeler first."
Especially Tennoji-san, who was holding it in a somewhat dangerous way. Glancing at Ms. Shizune in the distance, she was looking this way with a look of extreme anxiety. It was a rare sight, unimaginable from her usual dignified self, but it looked like I’d be scolded if I left them like this, so I immediately went over.
"Tomonari-san! Who is correct!?"
"Everyone is wrong. You hold it like this—"
Whether Tennoji-san and Narika both thought they were right, they looked so depressed I could almost hear a thud sound effect, but I chose to ignore it. I explained in detail how to use the peeler and how to remove the eyes from the potatoes.
From the outside, it might have seemed like a scene fraught with difficulty, but I wasn't particularly rushed. These girls were Young Ladies of Kikou Academy. Once taught the correct knowledge, they would immediately put their sharp brains to work and adapt. Watching Hinako and the others start their preparations in silence, I returned to my station.
Since I’d finished cutting all the onions, I started on the shiitake mushrooms. As I was removing the stems and making incisions on the surface of the caps, I noticed Yuri next to me staring intently.
"I'm surprised....You're really used to this."
"Used to it... well, not as much as you, Yuri, but I’ve done some cooking too—"
"That's not what I mean."