Saturday.
After waking up in my bed, I opened the curtains and looked at the documents sitting on my desk.
(…Right. I need to fill out this report over the next two days.)
The Self-Interview Report.
It was the document President Minato had handed me yesterday. I just needed to give a rough account of what I did over the two days of the weekend, but the problem was that I lived in the Konohana family manor.
(I can't let it slip that I’m living with Hinako…)
I’d need to do some blurring of the facts. For example, if I casually described the sheer scale of this manor, someone would likely snap back with, "Is your house really that big?" Since my public persona was the heir to a mid-sized IT company, I’d better change the phrasing as much as possible when writing about my work as a servant.
That said…
(I can do the fine-tuning of the content tomorrow night. Until then, I’ll just try writing things down exactly as they happen.)
President Minato did say he wanted me to write it like a diary.
He probably meant that it’s easier to see a person's character if they stay relaxed while writing.
And so, I washed my face and changed into my usual servant's clothes.
— 6:00 AM.
My routine on weekend mornings was mostly set.
First, I left my room to help with the cleaning of the manor.
"Good morning."
Other servants were coming out of their rooms as well, so I greeted them lightly.
Everyone was older than me. Even the young ones were in their early twenties, while the older staff members were in their forties or fifties.
"Itsuki-san, could you help me lift this vase for a moment?"
"Certainly."
I was wiping the stair railing with a cloth when a maid asked for a favor, so I headed over immediately.
The vase held cosmos flowers. They were characterized by their large, pale pink petals, and having them on display made the scenery feel much more vivid.
"Is it okay if we don't change the flowers yet?"
"This spot is fine, but it looks like they're going to swap out the flowers at the entrance and the drawing room. Today’s guest apparently likes cyclamens, so they want to match that."
"I see. I’ll go pick them up from the gardener, then."
"That would be a huge help."
I set the vase aside and went to find the manor's gardener.
The Konohana family changed the paintings and flowers on display every time they had a guest. It was all to ensure that something would catch the guest's eye and leave a good impression.
"Excuse me."
Once outside, I called out to the gardener who was tending to the grounds.
"Could I get some cyclamens?"
"Certainly. How many do you need?"
"They’re for a guest—for the entrance and the drawing room…"
"In that case, about ten pots should do. I don't think the vases you're using now will match, so I’ll prepare some floral vessels as well. Meissen or Herend would probably fit…"
Meissen was a brand born in 18th-century Germany, and Herend was a brand born in 19th-century Hungary. Since both brands handled porcelain, they produced not only floral vessels but also tea sets.
Since becoming a caretaker and living in the Konohana manor, I’d had many opportunities to handle porcelain. Both floral vessels and tea sets were, fundamentally, porcelain. And there were countless brands of porcelain. Meissen, Herend, Wedgwood… Becoming naturally well-versed in these brands might be a privilege of the upper class.
Well, I was just a commoner clinging to an upper-class lifestyle, though…
"…Something like this, perhaps?"
The gardener brought the cyclamens along with their pots and deftly arranged them into the vases.
The red and pink petals of the cyclamens stood out beautifully against the white vases. The cosmos flowers currently on display were a similar color, so I had wondered if it was even necessary to swap out the vases too, but seeing it like this, I felt the combination of these flowers and these vases created a unique piece of art.
"They're wonderful."
"Hahaha, thank you. I’ll load the cyclamens and the vessels onto a cart now, so please hand them over to the maids along with this sample."
A few minutes later, I took the cart loaded with the ten cyclamen pots and the vessels, transporting them inside the manor along with the sample vase.
When I handed the flowers to the maid cleaning the entrance, she immediately set to work swapping them out. The fact that she could understand how to arrange them just by looking at the sample proved that the maids of the Konohana family were no ordinary staff. Ms. Shizune must have trained them strictly.
— 7:00 AM.
I had breakfast in the servants' dining hall.
Compared to the dining hall used by Hinako and the others, the scenery in the servants' dining hall was a bit bland, but it was still luxurious beyond anything found in an average household. Numerous antique tables were lined up, and nearly fifty servants ate at once. Since the times were staggered, not every single servant was gathered there, but eating surrounded by so many maids and butlers was quite a strange sight. It had taken me a while to get used to it.
"I have one announcement regarding the cleaning of the entrance. By 10:00 AM today, the vases—"
The Head Maid, Ms. Shizune, gave crisp instructions to the servants while they ate. Since Ms. Shizune handled business communications during this breakfast time, it seemed she finished her own breakfast beforehand. Given her high-responsibility position, she had a demanding schedule.
"Also, we’re short on hands for taking out the trash, so if someone could—"
"Oh, I’ll do it."
When I raised my hand to volunteer, Ms. Shizune nodded.
Since I attended the academy as a caretaker on weekdays, I was in a position where it was difficult to assign me a fixed post as a servant. That’s why I often actively showed up wherever hands were short.
"That is all for the announcements. Well then, let’s do our best today."
Starting with those who had finished eating, the staff returned to their work one by one.
After I finished my breakfast, I helped with the trash and then resumed cleaning.
— 10:00 AM.
The alarm on the smartphone in my pocket went off, so I returned to my room once. Then I changed into a fresh set of servant's clothes, straightened my appearance, and left the room.
Walking down the long corridor, I opened the door to the target room.
"Hinako, it’s morning."
"Mngh…"
I pulled back the large curtains, letting the sunlight in through the window.
Hinako rolled her body over on top of the bed.
"Itsukiii…"
"Yeah?"
"…………Hold me."
With her eyes still closed, Hinako spread both arms wide.
"…Right, right."
I scooped Hinako up as she sat on the bed and carried her to the washroom to have her wash her face.
I’d figured this out recently, but Hinako in this state wasn't actually awake yet.
When she was half-asleep, Hinako became even more of a spoiled child than usual. Since mornings often involved this kind of close physical contact, I made it a point to change my clothes every time before coming to wake her up.
"Wash me…"
I pulled Hinako’s bangs back with a headband and washed her face as gently as possible.
"Wipe me…"
I quickly wiped Hinako’s face with a high-quality face towel kept nearby.
(…She’s about to wake up.)
On weekdays, she often headed to the academy while still half-asleep, but today was a holiday and she’d gotten plenty of sleep. On days like this, Hinako usually woke up right around the time I finished washing her face.
Even so, Hinako’s skin was… so soft. Like mochi.
I tried touching my own face as a test, but the sensation was completely different. Why was Hinako’s face so soft?
As I touched Hinako’s mochi-soft cheeks through the face towel—
"…………Aeh?"
"You're awake."
Hinako’s eyes snapped wide open.
"……………………………………Good, morning…………"
"Good morning. I’ve finished wiping your face."
I folded the face towel and removed the headband.
Her bangs fell back down with a rustle, and without even pausing to fix them, Hinako stood up—and ran out of the room with her face turning bright red.
Wondering if something had happened, I followed her out of the room, only to find Ms. Shizune in the hallway checking to see if a painting was tilted.
"Sh-Shizune…!"
"Young Lady? Good morning."
"Wh-Why didn't you wake me up before Itsuki came…!"
"I did wake you. However, you said it was fine for today because you were too sleepy, Young Lady…"
Hinako started drumming her fists against Ms. Shizune.
Ms. Shizune watched over her with a cool, composed expression.
(…Hmm.)
Lately, I’d been thinking that Hinako’s hair and appearance were remarkably well-kept for someone who had just woken up, but apparently, she’d been getting Ms. Shizune to wake her up before I arrived.
Why was she doing that…?
Could it be… that she was studying early in the morning?
(…I get it. I totally get it, Hinako.)
Actually, I had also been waking up earlier than usual during the Management Game to keep up with my class previews and reviews. Since I was usually busy dealing with the game itself, I wouldn't have been able to keep up with my studies if I hadn't carved out time that way.
"Ugh… I-Itsuki is nodding really intensely…! I-Itsuki… f-found out…!"
"…It's alright, Young Lady. Looking at that face, he’s probably just making a strange misunderstanding."
Misunderstanding…?
I was curious about what they were discussing, but seeing Hinako’s state, it seemed she wanted to hide it from me, so I decided to back off quietly.
"Well then, I’ll be off…"
"Yes. I will take over from here with the Young Lady."
Leaving Hinako to Ms. Shizune, I returned to my duties as a servant.
◆
— Noon.
When this time came, I headed to the dining hall to have lunch with Hinako.
Basically, once Hinako was awake, I prioritized my duties as her caretaker over being a general servant. However, Hinako’s routine after waking at 10:00 AM involved eating a light snack and then studying in her room. Since there was nothing for me to do while I was by her side during that time, I usually spent my time doing servant work until noon. In fact, I’d just been helping hang out the futons earlier.
"Say 'ahhh'."
I brought a thin slice of scallop to Hinako’s mouth.
"…Mmm, it's delicious."
While Hinako was busy chewing, I ate some scallop too. The faint hint of ginger was exquisite. Today’s lunch seemed to be French, and every dish was delicately plated.
(…But how should I write this in the report?)
I recalled the morning's events. Should I just write "cleaning, taking out trash, laundry"? I wouldn't be lying, and I could gloss over the fact that I was working as a servant.
Then there was waking Hinako up and eating together like this…
"Itsuki…"
"Yes, yes.…Say 'ahhh'."
I brought some seared bonito to Hinako’s mouth.
(I feel bad for Hinako, but… I’ll just write 'feeding the pet'.)
I thought to myself as I watched Hinako chew happily, thinking maybe I’d just claim I was keeping a hamster or something.
"Oh, this is good."
"Mm… thanks to the chef…"
When I ate the bonito I’d just fed to Hinako, I was surprised by the flavor—it was even better than expected. The bonito was paired with avocado and cheese, and when you took it all into your mouth together, you got a rich, deep texture.
I’m afraid my palate is becoming too refined.
I wonder if my tongue will still find cup ramen delicious…?
— 1:00 PM.
After lunch, Hinako went back to her studies.
According to Hinako, the studying after waking up was "light," but she had to work seriously after lunch. This was also an instruction from Kagon, and apparently necessary to maintain her facade as the perfect lady. Hearing that, all I could do was cheer her on.
On the other hand, as for what I was doing—
"…Wait, Yuri made that dish?"
"That's right. It was good, wasn't it?"
I chatted with Yuri while washing dishes in the kitchen.
Of course, I wasn't just moving my mouth; my hands were busy too. I’d been doing dishes since I was a kid, so I was used to it.
"You've improved again…"
"I improve every day."
Yuri patted her upper arm and gave a proud "hmpf."
There were dishes for thirty people to wash—the ones Hinako and I used, plus the ones the servants used. Yuri and I had to wash all of them.
One thing I had to be careful of was that all the tableware consisted of brand-name products. Since some were made of special materials, we had to change the detergent and sponge each time. I’d been shocked when I first heard that from Yuri. And I was even more shocked to see Yuri handling it without any trouble.
"Lately, if there’s a surplus of time and ingredients, the chefs compete to see who can make the better dish. It’s good stimulation, and it doubles my motivation."
"Sounds interesting. What’s your win rate?"
"I lose most of the time. But when the theme is commoner food, I win quite a bit."
As expected, the chefs of the Konohana family were formidable.
It seemed the Konohana chefs were sharpening each other's skills in a way that resembled sports matches. Ms. Shizune surely knew about it, so it was likely being tacitly permitted. A serious match leads to personal growth whether you win or lose. I thought it was a great system.
…I wonder if Narika grew up that way too?
Narika, who usually seemed so timid, was said to have devoted herself to martial arts almost every day at home. For Narika, victory and competition must have always been close at hand. That’s why she was so peerless in sports that even Hinako couldn't hold a candle to her… and why her courage in crucial moments was so incredible.
(…This is bad.)
I looked at the ceiling and let out a quiet breath.
Lately, so many things made me think of Narika.
As I carefully wiped the water droplets off the cutlery, I tried to calm my heart.
"…Itsuki."
"Yeah?"
"Are you worrying about something?"
It seemed there were many sharp-witted people around me.
Or perhaps I was just acting too obviously.
"Well, a little."
It didn't seem like I could hide anything from Yuri.
But this was one worry I couldn't easily discuss with anyone.
What kind of answer should I lead myself to regarding Narika…?
The surface of the spoon I’d dried reflected my face like a mirror. My brow was furrowed, giving me a look of clear distress.
…I don't want to show this face to Hinako.
Yuri had already seen it, but it couldn't be helped.
When it came to Yuri, it was too late to try and put on appearances anyway…
"Hmm.…I won't ask anything for now."
Yuri said that as she handed me more washed dishes.
I couldn't help but stare at her.
"What?"
"No, I just thought for sure you'd go prying…"
"You had a look on your face that said you didn't want to be pried into.…It's a worry you want to think through yourself, right? If you really get stuck, I'll be here to listen. I'll wait until then."
I took the dishes and wiped the droplets.
Why was Yuri so good at sensing my state of mind? Sometimes she would force her way in, but when I didn't want that, she knew how to back off properly, like this time.
Was my face really that easy to read?
"…Thanks."
"Don't mention it. I am your big sister, after all."
"Haven't heard that one in a while."
"If you start getting sloppy, I’ll say it as many times as it takes."
Yuri laughed jokingly.
"Anyway, I should be the one thanking you. You're always helping me with the dishes."
Yuri said this while carefully washing the inside of a tea bowl.
"Let me do at least this much. Do you have any idea how much you've helped me, Yuri?"
"Heh~ so you do feel a proper sense of gratitude."
"Of course I do. I feel like I owe you so much I could never pay it back in a lifetime."
"…………Hmph."
For a brief moment, Yuri went silent.
"Th-Then… maybe I’ll have you help me for the rest of my life."
Yuri said this with her cheeks flushed.
After lining up the glasses on the shelf, I returned to her side and answered.
"…Whoa, don't drop something that heavy on me so suddenly."
She kicked me in the shin.
"Ow!?"
"You're the one who says heavy things all the time!"
I might indeed be saying things like that to Yuri… but come to think of it, wasn't that Yuri’s influence?
◆
After the dishes were done.
Walking down the hallway, I looked at the shin where Yuri had kicked me.
I’d reflexively said it hurt, but unfortunately for Yuri, the pain had vanished instantly. After all, a kick of that level was no match for a body forged through sweat and toil.
(Speaking of training…)
Come to think of it, I hadn't studied self-defense lately.
Several of Ms. Shizune’s lessons had been skipped once the Management Game started. I was still following that reduced schedule, but should I ask to have them brought back?
(…But once the election starts, things will get busy again.)
Before I knew it, my own schedule had become quite tight.
When I first became a caretaker, I was just desperate to keep up with this environment, but now I had set high goals for myself. Naturally, that meant I had less spare time.
Still, I wanted to move my body once in a while.
As I was thinking that, Ms. Shizune came walking from the other end of the corridor.
"Oh, Itsuki-san. What are you doing?"
"I was handing out the flowers we swapped for the guests to people who wanted them. There are still some left—would you like one too, Ms. Shizune?"
"Cosmos flowers, was it?…Yes, I suppose I’ll take one."
When the Konohana family had guests, they swapped the displayed flowers to match the guest's preferences… but those swapped flowers were often distributed to the servants so they wouldn't go to waste.
Since the entrance and drawing room flowers had been changed to cyclamens this time, the cosmos flowers originally there were surplus. There were still enough for Ms. Shizune, so I’d suggested she take one.
"Where should I carry it?"
"To my room, please."
"Understo—… wait, what?"
I was about to nod normally but stopped in my tracks.
Ms. Shizune’s… room?
"Come to think of it, you've never been to my room, Itsuki-san.…I will show you the way."
I followed behind Ms. Shizune as she led the way.
— 2:00 PM.
For the first time, I visited Ms. Shizune’s room.
"Ex-Excuse me."
I opened the door while holding the vase.
"Please don't be so nervous. It's just a servant's room."
"No, I don't think you're 'just a servant' though…"
She was the Head Maid, after all.
Ms. Shizune’s room was one size larger than the servant's room I used, but there wasn't as much of a difference as I’d expected.
But as expected of her, despite the sudden visit, the room was perfectly tidy. The atmosphere of the interior was generally calm, and looking at the colors of the curtains, table, and pillows, she seemed to have unified everything in brown tones.
"Where should I put the vase?"
"On the window ledge next to the desk, please."
I gently placed the vase with the cosmos flowers on the ledge.
While doing so, Ms. Shizune’s desk entered my field of vision.
"…Are you studying management too, Ms. Shizune?"
On top of the desk was a management textbook.
No… looking closer, it wasn't just management.
There were various other textbooks for different subjects lined up on the desk. It seemed Ms. Shizune was studying every field we were learning at Kikou Academy.
"I make it a point to study every field the Young Lady learns at the academy. If I didn't, there might be times when I couldn't be of assistance to her."
"…I see."
Looking back, Ms. Shizune had indeed stayed by Hinako’s side during the Management Game, supporting her activities. Even when I asked for the shareholder registry of Konohana Motors, Ms. Shizune had responded instantly. She wouldn't have been able to act so quickly if she hadn't been studying management herself.
…Incredible.
This person really was a world-class maid. To keep up with the curriculum of Kikou Academy while performing her duties as a maid…
"This whiteboard is…"
In Ms. Shizune’s room, there was a large whiteboard, like the kind found in a meeting room.
On it, several sentences and diagrams were written in black marker.
"I use it to note down important things. Mainly instructions for my subordinates."
Schedules for the Kitchen Team, Reception Team, Cleaning Team… and the caretaker were briefly noted. It seemed she’d made a simple organizational chart, summarizing the placement and roles of each person. Given her position as Head Maid, she had to keep track of the actions of all the servants under her.
"It's about time for your break, Itsuki-san. Would you like something to drink?"
Ms. Shizune said this while looking at the whiteboard.
It was even noted on there that I was about to go on break.
"Well, since you're offering…"
"Please wait a moment."
Ms. Shizune opened the refrigerator.
By the way, in this manor, every servant's room had a refrigerator. This was because of the distance to the kitchen—a circumstance unique to such a massive estate.
…What did Ms. Shizune usually drink?
Curious, I peeked into the fridge from behind her.
Inside were rows of numerous glass jars. Sticky notes were attached to the jars with names of tea leaves like Darjeeling and Assam written on them.
"…Are these all black teas?"
"I have several varieties of coffee as well. Beans, roasting methods, grinds… I have to be familiar with all of them, or I won't be able to serve them to the Young Lady."
I noticed then that there were many coffee beans lined up on the side.
This, too, was for her studies.
"So many varieties… surely Hinako can't tell them all apart, can she?"
"She can."
Ms. Shizune said this while picking up a glass jar.
"I took time to study and finally became able to taste the differences… but the Young Lady seems to have a natural ability to perceive the fine differences in both tea and coffee."
"Is that so?"
"It seems to be common among those of the upper class. They are born with delicate and sharp sensibilities. Whether it's food or art, their ability to see the true value of things is top-tier."
I see…
But it made sense. Not just Hinako—Tennoji and Narika likely had a high ability to see the value in things too. To put it simply, they had sense.
"In that regard, I was surprised by the sharpness of Ms. Hirano’s sense of taste. To be honest, I thought it would be much longer before she was useful as a chef, but…"
Now, she was even making dishes that Hinako herself ate.
When it came to taste, Yuri was probably on par with those of the upper class.
Yesterday, I found out that Yuri felt she "couldn't afford to lose" to me… but maybe I had already lost?
It made me feel a bit sad.
"We have both come into a difficult world, haven't we?"
"…Though I think you’re more on 'that side' of things, Ms. Shizune."
"Not at all. Compared to the real thing, I am still a mere imitation."
I accepted the cup of tea.
It seemed she had gone to the trouble of reheating it on a small stove. Along with the mellow aroma of Darjeeling, I slowly savored the tea.
To think that the day would come when I could share my struggles with Ms. Shizune…
I couldn't have imagined this back when I first became a caretaker.
"…Hm?"
Just then, something strange caught my eye.
A white, cloth-like object was sticking out from under the bed.
"Is something wrong?"
"No… just wondering what this is."
I stood up and pinched the cloth sticking out from under the bed.
It was likely a piece of clothing. It must have ended up under the bed by some accident. It might get wrinkled if I left it, so I tried to pull it out—
"…Ah!? P-Please wait! That is—"
Ms. Shizune shouted for me to stop in a voice louder than I’d ever heard from her.
But I pulled it out before she could.
"……………………Hmm?"
It was Gothic Lolita.
It was an unabashedly girl-targeted Gothic Lolita dress, loaded with cute frills.
(………………A variation of a maid uniform?)
My brain, on the verge of short-circuiting, tried to come up with a plausible explanation.
But looking closer, there were still a large number of costumes hidden under the bed.
Timidly, I pulled them out.
A nurse uniform.
A sailor suit.
A magical girl costume.
"……………………Phew, uuuuugggghhhhh………………"
Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I let out a deep breath to try and calm my mind.
I’d seen something I shouldn't have.
Why did my curiosity have to spike at a time like this? I should have just pretended I didn't see anything and turned back the moment I saw the Gothic Lolita dress.
I didn't want to see the face Ms. Shizune was making behind me.
But it was also a problem that I couldn't move a single step.
Slowly, slowly… I turned around.
Ms. Shizune opened her mouth while staring at me.
"…So what if…"
"Eh?"
"So what if I like cosplay?"
She just went and owned it.
It was information so heavy I couldn't process it.…I wonder if I can pretend I didn't hear it.
"I told you before that my family owned an apparel company, didn't I?"
"Y-Yes…"
"So I grew up seeing all sorts of clothes since I was a child. Among them were maid uniforms like the one I'm wearing now… and cosplay costumes like the ones stashed there."
Ms. Shizune took a breath while looking out at the scenery outside the window.
Then, she looked back at me once more.
"It is only natural to take an interest in them. Is it not?"
"I-It is…"
If I shook my head here, my life would end.
I felt that kind of pressure.
"No, I mean… I was certainly surprised, but I don't think it's anything strange?"
"…"
"I understand what you're saying, Ms. Shizune… and if your environment was special, it's all the more understandable that you'd have a hobby like that…"
"…"
I wanted her to say something, anything.
With her face bright red, Ms. Shizune remained completely silent. I couldn't say anything careless because I didn't know where the landmines were buried, but if we both stayed silent, I’d die of awkwardness, so I had to be the one to bring up a topic.
"…………Oh, so maybe the reason you're working here at the Konohana manor is also because you found the idea of working in a maid uniform attractive…?"
The moment I said it, I realized.
There was no way.
As I’d just been thinking, Ms. Shizune was a world-class maid. There must have been tremendous struggle to reach her current position. I couldn't believe she would overcome that struggle based on a simple motivation like just liking maid uniforms.
But Ms. Shizune’s eyes went wide, and her mouth snapped shut.
That silence might, perhaps, signify affirmation…
"…Uh, hey, please say something."
"…………"
"I-Is that really it? Like, there isn't some more serious reason…?"
Though she had been expressionless until now, Ms. Shizune’s cheeks finally began to flush a deep crimson.
Was it seriously just that she liked maid uniforms?
"…Wait, but I think you said before it was because your university classes were tedious, or because you respected Takuma-san back then?"
During summer vacation, when we went grocery shopping together, I’d heard about Ms. Shizune’s past. I’m pretty sure that was the story behind how she became a maid for the Konohana family.
"…Well, those were also part of the reason,"
Ms. Shizune said while averting her gaze, her ears turning red.
"But the maid uniform was ninety percent… and the other reasons were about ten percent."
Thaaaaat high?!
The ratio for the maid uniform was thaaaaat high?!
It was basically just the maid uniform, then. It was like she was working just to wear it.
Now that I thought back, when we went shopping in the summer, Ms. Shizune had been staring at a cute, girl-targeted outfit displayed in a shop window. At the time, she’d told me she was only interested because her family was in the apparel business, but thinking about it now, she probably just wanted to wear it.
"Ugh… kuugh…!"
Just then, Ms. Shizune let out a squeezed-out sound.
Looking closely, tears were welling up in her eyes.
"Wait, what!? Are you crying!?"
"Such… humiliation………… I’ve never… been caught by anyone before…………!"
"I-It’s okay! I won't tell a soul!"
"Even my parents… I’ve kept it a secret from them…………!"
It seemed it was a secret of epic proportions.
Until now, I’d been comforted by Ms. Shizune many times. She had followed up on my etiquette, studies, and all my various immaturities, sometimes strictly and sometimes kindly, but to think I would be the one comforting her…
After a while, Ms. Shizune finally regained her composure.
"…………My apologies. I lost my head for a moment."
"No, I’m the one… I’m sorry."
Honestly, if Ms. Shizune hadn't lost her head, I would have been the one in extreme confusion.
"Um, a tissue… here."
"…Thank you."
Honnnkkk! Ms. Shizune blew her nose loudly.
So even the great Ms. Shizune blows her nose with a Honnnkkk!…
I stared once more at the woman in front of me.
Ms. Shizune. Her family name was Tsurumi. Her straight, long black hair was beautiful, but more than that, her poise was so full of grace that she didn't pale even in comparison to Hinako’s Young Lady mode…
…But she was indeed a university student.
She was different from Kagon or Takuma-san. This person wasn't a fully matured adult yet.
Perhaps Ms. Shizune was a much more ordinary girl than I’d thought.
(…………No.)
That wasn't it.
There was no way Ms. Shizune was just an ordinary girl.
Because this person had climbed all the way to the position of Head Maid within the Konohana Group.
"…Um, I really don't mind it,"
I said to Ms. Shizune after she finished blowing her nose.
"Everyone has one or two things they want to hide. I was surprised your hobby was cosplay… but even so, to me, you're still a perfect, top-tier maid, Ms. Shizune."
Just because a rare hobby had been discovered now, my image of Ms. Shizune wouldn't waver.
To me, Ms. Shizune was someone whose lead I should continue to follow. There was still so much for me to learn from her, my senior who supported Hinako by her side.
"So, my attitude toward you won't change.…Please continue to give me strict guidance just as you have until now."
I bowed deeply. I intended to convey my unchanging respect.
Then, Ms. Shizune stared intently at me.
"…It's exactly that side of you."
"Pardon?"
"It's nothing.…You really are a man who is the embodiment of sincerity."
Ms. Shizune said this with a small smile.
I couldn't tell if I was being praised or if she was amused by me… but as long as Ms. Shizune was back to her usual self, either was fine.
"Lately, looking at the Young Lady appearing so happy, I have occasionally thought… perhaps I, too, should become a little more open."
Did she mean sharing her hobby with someone?
Though it was an accident, I was honored to be the one chosen, but…
"On that note, Itsuki-san. Could I ask a favor of you?"
"…………If I’m the one for the job."
What could it be?
I felt like we were closing on a nice atmosphere… but I had a bad feeling about where this was going.
Leaving my feelings aside, Ms. Shizune continued, fidgeting bashfully.
"Actually, while doing cosplay… I-I became interested in photography.…Um, would you… be willing to help me with that…?"
…
…………
……………………Phew, uuuuugggghhhhh………………
"………………………………………………………………I… understand."
◆
"…Sorry to keep you waiting."
Suddenly, Ms. Shizune’s photoshoot began.
I waited in the room for a while, holding the camera she’d handed me, until the door to the dressing area opened and Ms. Shizune appeared.
She wasn't in her usual maid uniform—she was wearing a habit like a church nun.
"Whoa…"
"I-Is something strange?"
Because I’d reacted awkwardly, Ms. Shizune tilted her head.
"No… it’s just, it suits you so well…"
"…A-Ah, thank you."
Perhaps Ms. Shizune hadn't been praised for her cosplay before, as she bowed stiffly.
Actually, it did suit her. Since she already had a refined and pure impression, seeing her in a nun’s habit fit so perfectly that it didn't even look like cosplay.
If I had to nitpick, the skirt length seemed a bit short compared to a real habit… but I suppose that was just the nature of a cosplay costume.
"As for the camera angles… could you take the photos like this?"
Ms. Shizune opened a laptop on her desk and showed me some reference images.
"Understood.…So you do research on these things."
"…Yes."
Ms. Shizune nodded shyly.
Since she was getting help with the photography, she had no choice but to be honest. But seeing the great Ms. Shizune act so honestly… was a bit cute.
However—
"…Um, I think you really shouldn't post these on the internet…"
"I won't. I wouldn't do that, obviously. It is strictly a personal hobby."
Though I didn't think it was likely, if Ms. Shizune posted cosplay photos online, someone might point at her while she was out and say, "Hey, it’s that cosplayer!" That could eventually jeopardize the Konohana family’s position.
We were, after all, servants of the Konohana family.
We had to enjoy our hobbies while being mindful of that fact.
"Well then, I’ll start taking photos."
Using the images on the laptop as a reference, I photographed Ms. Shizune.
I immediately showed her the photos I’d taken, but—
"No. Please use an angle from a bit further to the bottom right."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
"Let’s adjust the lighting.…There’s no need to capture my face so meticulously. Please prioritize making the costume stand out."
"Understood…"
There it was.
Head Maid mode was coming out.
Even with a rare hobby, Ms. Shizune was still Ms. Shizune. As I listened to her serious instructions, I also began to take the photography seriously.
Come to think of it, Ms. Shizune wore a maid uniform normally. I’d grown used to it, but in the eyes of the general public, a maid uniform is also a type of cosplay.
It shouldn't be that surprising for Ms. Shizune to be wearing these special clothes.
Of course, it was also because she pulled them off so perfectly…
"Ah… Ms. Shizune, there’s a wrinkle here."
A small wrinkle had formed in the veil she wore on her head. It was a spot that was difficult to explain verbally, so I approached her and lightly smoothed out the fabric.
After smoothing out the wrinkle, I lowered my gaze—and my eyes met Ms. Shizune’s.
"!"
Her elegant face filled my entire field of vision.…Crap, I’d gotten too close.
However, contrary to my agitation, Ms. Shizune smiled gently.
"…Thank you. If I had been photographed like that, the clothes would have been pitiable."
Her words were filled with her genuine heart.
…………Ah.
This person… really loves clothes…
She had said so herself, but the depth of that feeling was beyond my imagination.
I’d already intended to take the photos seriously, but knowing Ms. Shizune’s feelings, my motivation flared up even more.
I aimed the camera and took photos of Ms. Shizune.
"Did you get a good shot?"
"Yes, it looks like this."
"…Good. Well then, I will go change into the next costume."
The next thing Ms. Shizune wore was a nurse uniform.
It was pink, with a skirt at the bottom. It was an outfit with a more "cute" atmosphere, and perhaps because she wasn't used to wearing such things in front of others, she looked shy, but I photographed her with total seriousness.
"I got some good ones. It suits you very well."
"Thank you. Now for the next one…"
Perhaps because we both maintained a serious atmosphere, the photography proceeded quickly after that.
Gothic Lolita, sailor suit, magical girl, cheongsam… Ms. Shizune’s face was still flushed, but more than that, her desire to have the costumes photographed beautifully shone through.
I photographed her while wanting to respond to those feelings.
"Itsuki-san, how is it?"
"It’s perfect. You look good in anything, Ms. Shizune."
"I-Is that so.…Well then, I’ll go change into the next one."
Looking somewhat happy, Ms. Shizune went to change.
In the meantime, I checked the photos I’d taken, but…
(………………Wait? Aren't these a bit provocative…?)
I hadn't been conscious of it during the shoot, but looking back at the photos, I felt like they might be bad.
The magical girl’s miniskirt, the slit in the cheongsam… looking at them now, they were quite daring. Both her chest and the tops of her legs were visible.
(…I’ll refrain from pointing it out for now.)
We’d finally gotten into a smooth rhythm. And while she was still shy, Ms. Shizune seemed to be enjoying herself.
Ms. Shizune had never shared her cosplay hobby with anyone before.
For her, today was the first day she could enjoy cosplay and photography to her heart's content. It would be terrible to ruin that.
"I’ve finished changing. Please take the photos."
"Leave it to m—wait, wh—"
Ms. Shizune was wearing an outfit that made my hard-won resolve crumble in an instant.
"It seems to be a costume from some anime. The fabric appears to be a little thin, but…"
Since she was only interested in the clothes, she didn't seem to know much about the anime the cosplay was based on.