Thinking about it again, the Konohana family’s educational know-how is truly exceptional. I, who was just a struggling student not long ago, have become quite capable in the field.
I bet I could make a fortune if I published a book. Something like The Konohana Guide to Etiquette: A Comprehensive Manual.
I tilted my teacup, sipping the tea Narika had prepared for me.
"…It’s delicious."
"I’m glad."
I tasted a faint sweetness amidst the profound bitterness—proof of her skill in whisking the tea.
"I never expected you to treat me to such refined hospitality, Narika."
"Hmph… I have things I’m good at, too, you know."
"I know."
I thought I knew everything about her, but I was surprised to find there were still depths I hadn't reached.
"I had no idea you had this kind of talent. Honestly… I was mesmerized."
"M-Mesmerized…!? R-Really…!?"
"Yeah. I’m sure Konohana-san and the others would be surprised, too."
Even Tennoji-san, who tended to be a harsh critic, would undoubtedly give her a perfect score.
"Now, if you could only act like this in front of other people, you'd be perfect…"
"I-I know that! I think about it all the time!"
She seemed painfully aware of her own shortcomings.
"Though, it’s not like you need to act the same way with everyone as you do with me."
"I-I know. Even I have a face I want to show the world, and a face I only want to show you, Itsuki.…Because you’re special to me."
She whispered those last words, likely intended as a private thought, but I heard them clearly.
Special. Every time that word left Narika’s lips, I couldn't help but be reminded of what happened at the Athletic Festival.
I wanted to ask her.
What exactly did she mean by "special"?
(…No, no. I already decided not to think about that yet.)
I had made that promise to myself while we were playing with the soccer ball. Until the chaos of the Management Game settled down—and until Narika’s social standing stabilized—I would keep those thoughts locked away.
I wanted Narika to succeed. Because I wanted her to give it her all, I didn't want to cause any unnecessary confusion right now.
"…Well, knowing that I'm the only one who gets to see you like this makes me feel a bit proud in its own way."
Perhaps because I was lost in thought, my true feelings slipped out. Narika looked at me with a startled expression.
"D-Does that mean… you feel a sense of… e-exclusivity regarding me, Itsuki?"
She asked with a look of pure disbelief. Meeting Narika’s direct, searching gaze, I…
"…Who knows."
"Ah!? W-Why are you being so evasive!?"
I didn’t give her an answer. Even I had things that were far too embarrassing to say out loud.
◆
Between studying and chatting, the time passed in the blink of an eye. Watching the sunset from the veranda, I checked the time on my smartphone.
(It’s almost time to head back.)
When I looked down, my eyes fell upon Narika’s peaceful sleeping face. She must have worn herself out talking; she was using my lap as a pillow, fast asleep. I didn't mind, but my leg was starting to go numb.
"Narika. My leg is falling asleep…"
"…Mmm-nya."
I poked her cheek, but she didn’t stir. There was nothing for it. I would just have to endure it as long as I could.
"She looks like she’s having a lovely dream."
A voice spoke suddenly from behind me.
"…Otsuko-san."
Otsuko-san sat down quietly beside me, careful not to wake Narika.
"Is life at the Kikou Academy going well?"
"Yes. It’s a lot of work, but…"
"You will be fine."
Otsuko-san looked at me with a steady gaze as I gave a wry smile.
"Distant as the connection may be, you carry the blood of the Miyakojima family. Narika was surprised by your accomplishments, but I predicted you would turn out this way from the very beginning."
"Is that so?"
Otsuko-san nodded slightly.
"Your grandmother, Yuri Miyakojima, was said to be a brilliant woman. She was exceptionally gifted in management; back then, she even had the potential to become a female CEO, which was rare for the era."
That was news to me. I had no idea my grandmother was such a formidable person.
"However, she was a free spirit and frequently ran away from home. Then, one day, she fell for the heir of a rival corporation and had a child with him. She was disowned as a result."
"I see…"
Values were different back then, I suppose. To the Miyakojima family of that time, my grandmother must have committed an unforgivable act.
"Records show that Yuri Miyakojima brought bold, daring ideas to the table when it came to management. That boldness is a trait your mother inherited as well."
I laughed awkwardly. When I was a small child being cared for by this house, my mother had apparently barged in and shouted at Otsuko-san and the others, "The one you disowned was my mother, not me!" and forced her way through the door. You’d think she would have worked diligently after that, but she just left me there and spent all her time at the horse races. She was certainly "bold" in more ways than one.
Still… I was relieved. I was glad to know my grandmother wasn't a criminal or something. Given my mother’s personality, I had worried she’d been disowned for something truly scandalous. If it was for eloping, that was well within my range of tolerance.
"Please, take this."
Otsuko-san handed me a large, scroll-like object.
"What is this?"
"The Miyakojima Five Articles."
"The Miyakojima Five Articles?" I repeated, wondering what it could possibly be.
"A hanging scroll inscribed with our family precepts. We have many spares, so I shall give one to you. Now that the Miyakojima blood within you has awakened, you are entitled to possess it."
I immediately unrolled the scroll. On high-quality paper, a series of statements were written in masterful calligraphy.
『The Miyakojima Five Articles』
I. Maintain a corporate culture that upholds integrity. II. Do not fear an audience. III. It is permissible to cut down corporate racketeers. IV. Never forget courtesy toward shareholders and customers. V. Save the small and the weak.
"…That’s quite profound."
"The Miyakojima family's roots trace back to samurai, so even after establishing the company, they managed it with the spirit of bushido. These five articles reflect that warrior code."
So that was it. Looking closely, the second article was the one Narika had mentioned before. It seemed she had grown up with these principles.
"…Thank you. I’ll accept it."
"Good."
As I bowed, Otsuko-san looked at me with a solemn gaze.
"Yuri Miyakojima… the greatest management genius the Miyakojima family has ever known. It was inevitable that you, her grandson, would awaken to that same talent."
After speaking with such gravity, Otsuko-san relaxed her shoulders.
"Please continue to stay by my daughter’s side."
"…I will."
◆
After being treated to dinner at the Miyakojima residence, I returned to the Konohana manor.
It was 8:00 PM. I still had time to do a bit of prep and review for my classes. Thanks to Narika, these past two days had been a perfect break.
"…Huh?"
As the car pulled up to the gate, I saw two figures. Hinako and Ms. Shizune had come out specifically to meet me. I got out of the car and hurried toward them.
"I’m back."
"Yes, welcome home."
Beside Ms. Shizune, who gave a polite bow, Hinako watched me approach. For some reason, she was wearing a dress. It wasn't anything flashy—something that could be worn casually—but she was clearly more dressed up than usual. She typically preferred relaxing clothes when she was at the manor, so this was unusual.
"Itsuki… welcome home."
"I'm home, Hinako.…What’s with the outfit?"
"Nothing… It’s just what I’m wearing today."
There was no way that was true. I wondered why she was dressed up so nicely this late at night, but since she wouldn't give me a straight answer, I didn't press the issue.
"Can I stop by my room? I want to put my things away."
"…I’m coming with you."
Hinako nodded slightly.
"By 'things,' do you mean that scroll sticking out of your bag?" Ms. Shizune asked.
"Yes. It’s the Miyakojima Five Articles."
"The Miyakojima Five Articles."
Ms. Shizune repeated the name with a dubious expression, as if wondering what on earth I was talking about. I understood the feeling perfectly.
We headed to my room. Since Hinako was following me, Ms. Shizune naturally followed as well. As the three of us walked together, I glanced at Hinako.
"Aren't you a bit closer than usual?"
"…I’m not."
Hinako denied it even as she walked so close that our skin was practically touching. When our steps fell out of sync and a small gap opened up, she would quicken her pace for an instant until we were touching again.
…What was going on with her?
"Please be indulgent with her. The Young Lady was worried that you might never come back, Itsuki-san. She is only dressed up because she wanted to catch your eye."
"Sh-Shizune…!? Why are you telling him everything!?"
"It was a slip of the tongue."
It was absolutely, 100% intentional.
"Well… the dress looks good on you."
"……………………Mm."
Hinako lowered her gaze, her face flushing.
Once we reached my room, I organized the items in my bag. My laundry from the stay had already been done for me, so I just had to put the clothes in the dresser. I set my laptop and textbooks on the desk.
As I finished tidying up, Hinako approached me.
"…Lap."
"Huh?"
"Lend me… your lap."
Hinako sat on the edge of the bed and patted the spot next to her, so I sat down. She immediately rested her head on my lap.
Watching her let out a long, soft sigh, I realized just how much she had been worrying. She really had been afraid that I wouldn't return. It had only been a day, and I didn’t think I’d left in a way that would cause such anxiety, but…
"Even if one believes, one can still be struck by doubt. All the more so when the feelings are strong," Ms. Shizune said, as if reading my mind.
Hearing that, I gently stroked Hinako’s hair.
"…I’ll always come back."
I made sure to say the words clearly. When I was talking to Musashi-san, I had felt a twinge of envy for Narika having such a family. But I knew better. I knew there was someone here waiting for me.
That was why I didn't feel any sense of inferiority. I could be moved by Narika’s parents and her home, but I had already decided where I belonged.
"No matter where I go, I’ll always return. Because this is my home."
I was content with this being the place I returned to.
Hinako, her head still on my lap, let out a small "mm" of acknowledgement.
"…Then it's okay."
Within a minute of saying that, she was asleep.
It was a different feeling than when Narika had done the same. This felt like my daily life—my reality.
"Itsuki-san. Shall I carry the Young Lady to her room?"
"…No, I’m fine like this for a little longer."
I had intended to study, but I supposed I could afford to relax for a while. The Management Game would enter its final week soon, but currently, no one in the Tea Party Alliance—myself included—seemed to be facing any major obstacles.
Because I felt so secure, I never could have imagined what would happen next.
I never dreamed that the very next day, Hinako would be subjected to such an ordeal.