Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V1 Chp 4 part 1

Chapter 4: Caretaker

Hinako’s illness lasted longer than expected.

According to Shizune-san’s assumption, Hinako was supposed to recover on Saturday, but her fever didn’t go down until Sunday morning. For the time being, she has been resting the whole day, and if it stays down until the next morning, she will go back to the academy.

Monday morning. Hinako, who had recovered, got into the car looking lazy.

[Are you sleepy?]

[Nn… I fell asleep halfway through the night]

As I watched Hinako sleeping next to me, I remembered what I decided back on Friday. 

As a caretaker, I wanted to reduce Hinako’s burden as much as possible. There was no change in that regard.

[…Lend me your lap]

[Yes yes]

Hinako put her head on my lap.

I lightly patted Hinako’s sleepy head. Startled, Hinako widely opened her eyes.

[Itsuki… something changed?]

[What made you think that?]

[…Somehow, feels kinder]

“I’m glad to hear that.” I continued stroking Hinako’s head, neither confirming nor denying her question.

[Warm…]

Looking more comfortable than usual, Hinako went to the academy.

However, there was a glance coming from the passenger seat. Shizune-san was watching us silently. 

♢♢♢

We reached the classroom and I took my seat.

The students of the academy were full of energy on Monday morning. They must have a regular lifestyle as they’re very different from my classmates at my old school. 

[Yo, Tomonari!]

[Good morning, Taisho-kun]

As I put my bag next to my desk, Taisho called out to me.

Since the tea party, I felt closer to Taisho. Although I needed Shizune-san’s permission, I was reminded once again that it was important to deepen my interactions with classmates. 

[Konohana-san as well, good morning! You took Friday off, what did you do?]

[Good morning, Asahi-san. I was helping out with some house work on Friday]

[I see. That’s tough]

I listened to Asahi-san and Hinako’s conversation as they talked about Taisho and other trivial matters.

Apparently, Hinako’s absence isn’t considered to be due to an illness at all. That may be right for appearance sake, but it’s still a complicated feeling for me.

　―Lunch break.

I sneaked out of the classroom as usual and was eating my lunch with Hinako. 

[Hinako, open your mouth a little more]

[Nn~]

I fed Hinako, who opened her mouth a little bigger, a side dish from her bento. 

As usual, I was feeding Hinako her lunch.

…I feel like this is the only thing out of place from my normal pace.

I had only been fed like this when I was little. Either way, if this is a way for Hinako to relax, I’ll do my best to do it for her.

[…Muu]

Hinako looked at her bento and let out a small grunt.

[Itsuki… this is for you]

Hinako pointed a chopstick towards my mouth. 

What she gave me was a piece of fresh and juicy green pepper.

[…No can do. Even if you dislike it, you have to eat it]

[Muuuu…]

I could have just followed Hinako’s orders, I’m sure any other caretaker could’ve done the same. But it’s never that easy.

What Hinako needs is the warmth of a family.

You must treat them like a member of your own family, and not yield in cases like these.

To do that, I need to care more about Hinako more than Hinako herself.

[If your nutrition isn’t balanced, you’ll become ill]

[….It’s not a big deal, I’ll just sleep in the mansion if I get sick. It’s probably easier that way…]

[Don’t say that]

I didn’t want her to feel that way, so I gave her some motivation.

[I’d be happy if Hinako is healthy and well]

With that, Hinako lowered her gaze and put her chopsticks back in the bento.

[…I’ll eat]

Terrified, Hinako ate a green pepper.

I couldn’t help but be impressed at the sight of Hinako eating green pepper while having a difficult look on her face.

♢♢♢

After school. I returned to the mansion with Hinako and was receiving Shizune-san’s training as usual.

[Thank you for the meal]

After finishing dinner at the table in my room, I wiped my mouth and sat down.

Today, we were practicing table manners. I was eating all the dishes served to me with the knowledge I’ve acquired, while Shizune-san was standing by my side, calmly scoring me.

[You’re still moving awkwardly, but… you’ve acquired the bare minimum of knowledge]

[Thank you]

[However, you’re still too naive. I told you to leave from the left side of the table when you get up]

[Ah… I’m sorry. I forgot]

I remembered when I was sitting down. But, after finishing my meal, I relaxed and forgot.

I still have a lot to learn. I have to work harder to be there for Hinako.

[…By the way, what does Hinako usually do for dinner?]

I suddenly asked Shizune-san what I was interested in.

[I always eat in my room, being taught manners, but where… no, who does Hinako eat with?]

[Ojou-sama already finished her dinner in the dining room of the mansion]

Shizune-san answered briefly.

[…All alone?]

[Yes. The servants may help bring the food, but only Ojou-sama is allowed to eat]

I had a premonition that that was the case, but I still had mixed feelings about it.

[Um… so, can I have dinner with Hinako from now on?]

[That would be a no]

In a definite manner, I was given a firm rejection.

[Itsuki-san hasn’t finished learning mannerism. We will reconsider once Itsuki-san has mastered it]

[…Yes]

If I can be there for Hinako by learning manners, I must work even harder.

[And, Itsuki-san. Please wake up Ojou-sama tomorrow morning]

[Wake her up… Me?]

[As I told you on the first day, we will be increasing Itsuki-san’s work step by step. The caretaker will eventually be in charge of every aspects on Ojou-sama’s life, from getting her up to putting her back to bed]

[…I understand]

Hearing Shizune-san’s explanation, I nodded.

TLN: I had this on the bag for weeks now, ED had some things to do, so it took a while. I finished the whole volume and already started on v2, so look forward to that!

EDN: Sorry for the wait, had a lot of irl things to sort out, expect more parts very soon!

Discord/Ko-fi

TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo