Volume 2 - CH 3

After school.

I returned to the Konohana family mansion, and as usual, I was receiving instructions from Shizune-san.

“This is the end of today’s lesson. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Prep, review, etiquette class, and self-defense.

As each lesson came to an end, I realized that the day was finally over.

I used to be so exhausted by this time that I couldn’t even speak, but now I have a little more energy to spare. I guess that means I’m developing both physically and mentally.

After this, I had to go to Hinako’s room and take a bath.

I wiped off my sweat lightly and looked at Shizune, who was looking over some documents with a difficult expression on her face.

“What is this document?”

“It’s a schedule for Itsuki’s coaching. Your improving faster than I expected, so I thought I’d readjust it.”

Shizune-san read through the document with a serious expression.

…… Maybe it’s just right to talk about…

“Shizune-san. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you…….”

I then explained to Shizune what I had talked to Tennoji-san about today.

It’s about learning to study and manners from Tennoji-san after school.

“…… You see. I’ve had that conversation with Tennoji-sama.”

After listening to the conversation, Shizune put down her papers once and pondered.

“What do you want to do, Itsuki-san?”

“Personally, I would like to accept it. Tennoji-san’s teaching style is good, and …… I can rely on her for many things.”

Shizune is good at teaching, but Tennoji-san, being a classmate of mine, is able to give me advice from the same perspective.

Besides, she said to me.

“You feel inferior to the people around you, don’t you?”

“I promise you that with my guidance, you will be able to break free from that complex.”

Those words resonated strongly in my heart.

Tennoji-san has always been an imposing person, and I can say that she is a student worthy of being at the academy. I’ve never been aware of this, but I’m sure I admire her.

“I think I can be more worthy of Hinako if I take her guidance.”

To be able to accompany Hinako whenever she needed to relax. And to be able to support her perfectly in times of need. In order to be that kind of caretaker, there are still too many things I lack. I hope I can absorb those lacking points from Tennoji-san.

“I don’t think that will be a problem.”

Shizune continued.

“I’m sure Tennoji-sama can teach you manners better than I can. Besides, I’ve received a message from Kagen-sama ……. that he would like you to actively make connections for the Konohana family on his daughter’s behalf.”

“…… Kagen-sama?”

“Yes. I was hoping that you would be aware of it in the same way that you were when you invited Tsukishima-sama, Tennoji-sama and the others to the social gathering, in a way that would make his daughter look respectable.”

To be honest, I was surprised.

I had the feeling that he didn’t trust me very much.

If Kagen-san had changed his mind about me, it must have been because of that social gathering. That night, I felt as if I had heard his true feelings for the first time.

“I understood. If that’s the case, I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you very much. However, please do so naturally and within the scope of a …… student.”

Only as students. Only as friends.

As long as the connections are within those limits, they can be made freely. In the end, they should be able to connect with Hinako.

“… Itsuki?”

At that moment. The door to the dojo opens and I hear Hinako’s voice.

“Is the bath …… ready yet?”

“Sorry, I was talking to Shizune-san for a bit.”

“Talk ……?”

I explained to Hinako, who tilted her head.

“I was going to talk to Hinako about it, but is it okay if we don’t go home together after school for a while?”

“…Eh.”

Hinako was slightly surprised.

“Now that I’ve been hired again by Kagen-san, I’d like to get my mind right and learn a lot of things. I want to improve my grades at the academy and learn some manners so that I won’t be ridiculed in the social scene. That’s why I want you to let me spend some time after school studying.”

“Does that mean an outsider will teach you? Can’t it be …… Shizune?”

Shizune answered that question.

“I have other duties too, so sometimes I can’t concentrate on Itsuki’s lessons. Especially these days, due to the recent social gathering, my workload has increased, so …… I may not be able to devote time to lessons for a while.”

“…… Mmm.”

If anything, Hinako was dissatisfied.

After thinking about something for about thirty seconds, Hinako eventually opens her tiny lips slowly.

“Is that for …… me?”

“It may not be for Hinako’s sake, but it is for the sake of being a good …… caretaker for you.”

I’m not trying to be patronizing, but I’m willing to take this on because I want to help Hinako more than ever.

Hinako let out a distressed “mmmm” and then let out a sigh.

“Then it can’t be helped. I will allow it …….”

“Thank you.”

Hinako also gave her permission.

Tomorrow, I will tell Tennoji-san that I will accept this.

“But who’s going to teach you …… about studying and manners?”

I’ll answer that question.

“Tennoji-san.”

I told Hinako, whose eyes seemed to have rounded slightly, once again.

“I think I’ll be spending some time with Tennoji-san after school.”

“………………………..What?”