CH 27

The first tea party, a memorable one for me, ended peacefully without any problems.

After leaving the cafe, we walk straight to the gate of the academy.

There were some black-painted cars waiting in front of the gate.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, young lady”

“I told you not to do that.”

Asahi laughs bitterly and gets into the car driven by the servant.

A little later, Taisho got in the same car.

“… Huh? Is Taisho with Asahi?”

I am surprised and ask a question to Taisho, who rides in the same car as Asahi in a very natural way.

“Oh, because I and Asahi are close to each other and have been with each other for a long time.”

“Our servants take turns taking us to and from work.”

I see.

It seems that Asahi-san and Taisho have a family connection, just like Hinako and I do.

“So we’ll leave you guys to it.”

“We had a good time today. See you tomorrow.”

The car carrying the two drove away.

Beside that, Tennoji-san’s car was also waiting.

“I’m going to take my leave now.”

With that said, Tennoji bowed lightly.

There were several servants dressed in suits beside her. Unlike Asahi’s servants, these servants were subtly alerting their surroundings like secret police.

” Konohana Hinako!”

“Yes?”

While Tennoji-san nervously called out her name, Hinako responded with her usual soft smile.

“I’m sure we can. If there is an opportunity, I would be delighted.”

“That’s right. If you have a chance, please do.”

It was Tennoji-san who made the next appointment.

Tennoji, who smiled happily for a moment, immediately narrowed her eyes and looked at me this time.

“…… And Nishinari-san.”

“Yes?”

“You were straightening your back today. I think you look more attractive that way.”

When I heard those words, I stiffened for a moment.

“Oh, thank you.”

I hadn’t expected a compliment, so I delayed my response.

I’m not sure what to make of this.

“‘…… You two are quite close, aren’t you?’

I’m not sure what to say.

Naruka mutters.

“It’s almost like a corporate gesture.”

“No, Tennoji-san is an honest person. You can take this as honest praise. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that I’m not the only one, who thinks that.”

Naruka who told me that was somehow dissatisfied.

Unlike Tennoji-san, Naruka doesn’t seem to praise him openly.

“Thank you for your hard work, Miss and Itsuki-san. “

At that moment, two black cars pulled up nearby, and I was approached by someone who appeared from inside.

“…… Shizune-san?”

Shizune, dressed in a maid outfit, appears in front of us and bows. Shizune turned her gaze to Naruka, who standing next to me.

“You must be Miyakojima Naruka-sama. My name is Shizune Tsurumi, a servant in the Konohana family.”

Naruka, who didn’t expect to be called out, jumped up a bit.

Shizune surprising talks to Naruka.

“I think you have already heard from him about the circumstances of Itsuki-san . As for our family, Itsuki-san’s parents’ home is a business partner who is friendly to us, so please do not leak anything about this matter. “

“I’m not going to blow the whistle on it. I have no intention of blowing the whistle on this, so please don’t worry.”

“Thank you very much.”

Shizune thanked her reverently.

Naruka knows that I work for the Konohana family. So even if I and Hinako get in the same car and go home, Naruka won’t be suspicious.

“Naruka hasn’t come anyone to pick you up yet?”

“Yeah. They should be here any second. ……”

Naruka closed her mouth as she said this. Naruka took her phone out of her pocket and put it to her ear. There was an incoming call.

Narika ended the call and let out a small breath.

“What’s wrong?”

“It seems that the road is congested and the arrival of the pick-up is a little late. Fortunately, it seems that they are near, and I will go there, so Itsuki and others should go back first.”

Even if I was told to go home first.

As a person involved in the kidnapping the other day, I’m a little worried about leaving Naruka here.

“I’m not sure what to do. I’m going to take Naruka home.

When I said this, Shizune and Naruka, who was standing next to me, rolled their eyes.

I looked at Naruka, “The car is close by, right?　Let’s go there together.

“I’m glad to hear that, but is it …… okay?”

Naruka looks at Mr. Shizune to confirm.

“I understand. We will return to the mansion first because the miss’s schedule. I will immediately prepare a substitute pickup, so please wait for that Itsuki-san.

Then Shizune looked at Hinako who got into the car first.

“You don’t mind, do you, young lady?

” Yeah.”

Hinako replied with a smile.

“Thank you.”

I thanked Hinako and decided to take Naruka home.

◆

“Tsukareta …” (ED: “I’m tired…”)

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Around the time the car left the academy, Hinako stopped acting like a young lady.　Hinako sighs in a lazy manner, laying in the back seat, looking back and looking at the scenery from the back window.

“Muu … Itsuki is with other people …”

“If you don’t like it, you shouldn’t have allowed it.”

“…… You’re happy to let him go?”

“It was a …… gaffe. It would be unnatural for a young lady in the middle of a performance to keep Itsuki-san back in that situation.”

Itsuki’s idea of ​​sending Naruka was gentlemanly. A perfect lady can’t prevent it with her own selfishness.

“The miss has changed, for better or worse, since Itsuki-san’s arrival.”

“…… Really?”

“You have attended several tea ceremonies in the past, but they were all in accordance with Kagen-sama’s instructions. Isn’t this the first time you’ve attended a tea party on your own, like this one?”

“Hmm … it may be true.”

Hinako says with a voice that seems to be in a tired mood.

Shizune gives a worried look to Hinako.

“Lady …. How are you feeling?”

“… maybe it’s about time”

Hinako replied lazy.