CH 11

Chapter 11: Closer to common people (compared to our company)

Translated by Hikaru

Edited by VampireKnight

“It’s too late to answer. Next time, please answer within five rings.”

When I answered the phone call from Shizune-san, I was scolded at the opening.

“….. It’s quite generous.”

“While spending time at the academy, Itsuki-sama will not be able to respond quickly. I will take that into consideration.”

There is enough time with five rings. Shizune-san is not only strict. She also wants high results. I’ve worked for various bosses in my part-time career, and I think Shizune-san is by far the best boss among them. That being said, the toughness of the work condition is outstanding.

“It’s lunchtime at the Academy, isn’t it? Until Itsuki-sama gets used to being a caretaker, I will check on you like this during your lunch break.”

“……Thank you.”

“Is the Lady by your side?”

“Yes. She’s sleeping now.”

I didn’t bother telling her that she is using my knees as a pillow.

“Did you have any problems?”

“Especially at the moment. ….If I had to say, the classes were difficult.”

“So let’s have more preparation today.”

“Oh, it was a buzz kill.”

“Honest people grow well.”

But they also say that you will look like a fool if you’re too honest . I don’t think I’ll be able to relax when I get back to the mansion. I let out a small sigh so that Shizune-san could not hear me.

“Speaking of which, I heard from Hinako earlier…… that all the caretakers so far have quit after three weeks at most?”

“……That’s right.”

Shizune-san replied as if she had a hard time saying it.

“Why is that?”

“Up until now, all of the caretakers have been subordinates of the Lady’s father, Kagen-sama. However, being a subordinate of Kagen-sama is no different from being a subordinate of Hinako-sama. As a result, when I acted as a caretaker, my attitude as a servant inevitably surfaced. ……This led to the young lady’s displeasure.”

“….. Hinako doesn’t like servants very much, does she?”

“Right. She does not like the servants… stiff air.”

Well, I had a faint idea about ​​that.

“This is the first time that we have hired an ordinary person who has nothing to do with the Konohana family to be the caretaker. …… When I was having trouble finding the next caretaker, the Lady recommended you, so we hired you as a sort of experiment.”

“So that’s what it was…..”

From the appointment of the caretaker to the transfer to the academy, things had progressed so quickly that I was a little worried, but it seems that this was something of an experiment for the Konohana family. The decision was probably made quickly because the strategy is to try everything before thinking about anything else.

“What is your relationship like with the young lady at the academy?”

“For starters, I just explained to my classmates that there is a connection between the parents. I don’t think they’d be suspicious if we interacted somewhat.”

“It’s a nice touch. Keep that distance. Is there anyone you have had close interaction with……?”

“It’s only the first day, so there aren’t many of them, but I talked to…… Karen Asahi and Katsuya Taisho rather well.”

“Hmm. Asahi-san and Taisho-san?”

I hear Shizune-san’s brief pause.

“Asahi-sama’s family run a retail business……, an electronics store. It’s a company called Jaze’s Holdings.”

“….. I’ve never heard of it.”

Asahi-san and Taisho-san described themselves as students who were close to the common people. So I guess they’re not that big of a company like us.

“Is that so? I think Jaze’s Denki is a famous store.”

“… What? Jaze Denki?”

“Yes.”

I’ve heard of Jaze Denki. In fact, I’ve even used it. It’s a chain store that’s been running commercials many times, and most of my former high school classmates would know about it.

“Ah, it’s a very famous place, isn’t it……!”

“Yes, it is. It’s one of the top five electronics retail stores in Japan in terms of sales.”

Hey… what’s closer to the common people. Aren’t you a hell of a Lady?

“By the way, Taisho-sama’s family is a major transportation company famous for its moving services – Taishou.”

“That is also famous…”

“That’s right.”

I felt like I had been betrayed. Both of these companies are very well known.

“Your schoolmate’s family business is often a topic of conversation, and it is good to know about it. Please keep us posted as you make more connections. By the way, since Itsuki-sama’s family supposedly runs an IT company, we will also be studying IT-related topics starting today. Let’s learn a minimum amount of programming.”

“… Please go easy on me.”

“Please continue to stay with the young lady. If there are any problems, please report to me immediately.”

I end the call with Shizune-san. As I let out a deep sigh, I notice that Hinako is staring straight at me.

“Itsuki… what’s wrong?”

“No, I mean, I’ve lost a lot of confidence…”

I wonder if I will really be able to get along at such a school. There are unreachable flowers all around me. I feel as if I am going to be worn out and cause trouble to the Konohana family one day.

“That.”

“What is…?”

“Why did you assign me as your caretaker?”

“Hmm……”

After thinking for a moment, Hinako replies.

“I thought Itsuki wouldn’t be…… flirtatious.”

“… flirtatious?”

“Hmm,” Hinako affirmed, shortly after. “I like the fact that you take care of me while thinking……  ‘I can’t help it’.”

I don’t think the context of the previous and subsequent sentences are connected. Maybe she is talking in her sleep.

“Afternoon class… I want to take a day off.”

“……no good.”

“Eh～…”