Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V1 Chp 4 part 4
After school. I talked to Shizune-san about the study group after the lessons were over. (TN: Usual lessons with Shizune)
[A study group, is it?]
[Yes. To prepare for the exam, we decided to study together with the same members of the tea party…]
[It hasn’t been too long since the tea party… Is it really necessary to study in groups?]
Shizune-san gave me a sharp look.
[Since it’s only a preparation for the academy’s exam, I thought it’d be useful to learn from someone experienced]
But if that’s the case, I could always just ask Hinako.
Why do we study with the same members of the tea party? I have my own ideas.
[This is just my selfish idea but… All the people I invited to the tea party are the ones I rely on. Asahi-san, Taisho, Tennouji-san, and Naruka are very precious to me and I want to cherish it]
So please, allow me to interact with them more.
When I implied this, Shizune-san gave me a small nod.
[I understand. I was also planning to start the actual curriculum of the exams tomorrow, but if that’s the case, we can adjust the schedule]
I widened my eyes at Shizune-san, who told me this indifferently.
[I’m sorry. I didn’t know you already prepared it for me]
[You don’t need to worry about it. I’m an outsider after all. As Itsuki-san said moments ago, fellow students would be able to come up with more countermeasures]
However, it’d be a waste if I didn’t use the time and effort that’s been spent already.
Along with the study group, let’s also complete the curriculum Shizune-san prepared.
[I think that’ll be the end of today’s practice. Ojou-sama is waiting for you, so please go to your room as soon as possible]
I thanked Shizune-san and left the dojo.
The after school schedule for a caretaker is relatively hard. After completing class preparations and review, I’m also given table manners over dinner, more study after, and last is self-defense training.
After practice, I then head to Hinako’s room and we go inside the bathroom together.
The schedule was tough at first, but I finally got used to it.
[…But, first]
Remembering my errands, I went to my room first.
After getting the forgotten items, I head to Hinako’s room again.
[Muuu…]
I joined Hinako, who was already in the bathroom and washed her hair.
Meanwhile, Hinako was grunting and groaning.
[…Are you still sulking?]
[But I was supposed to be the one to teach you… muuuu…] (EDN:WHERE IS HER POUT FACEEEEE)
[I’m sorry I decided to do this on my own. But it’s not like I’m going to stop studying with Hinako just because we’re having a study group]
[…Are you discontent with me?]
[No, that’s not what I meant but…]
She seems to be in a really bad mood.
So I rinsed the shampoo off and got up.
[…Just wait a bit]
I went back to the dressing room and got the things I prepared earlier.
[Don’t tell Shizune-san]
I took something out of the cold bag, and handed it to Hinako.
[This is…?]
[It’s ice cream. I secretly bought it before getting into the car]
Since Hinako and I supposedly live in different houses, she was supposed to get in the car alone first, then I went to a secluded place to get picked up. After school today, I secretly bought a cooling bag and ice cream before going to the meeting point and hid them in my bag. Shizune-san gave me the minimum amount of money when I go to school, so I used that.
[Hinako, have you ever eaten ice cream in the bathtub?]
[No, but…]
[It’s the best thing you will ever taste]
I also bought one for myself, so I’ll eat one first.
Then Hinako did the same and ate it while soaking in the bathtub.
[!! So good! So yummy…!!]
[Right?]
With a sparkle in her eyes, Hinako is seriously impressed.
Seeing her happy expression, I can’t help but smile.
…I managed to get her back to a good mood.
This was originally prepared for Hinako to take a break.
As a caretaker, my goal is to make Hinako’s days clear without collapsing. If she’s been collapsing regularly, that means the way she’s done it up until now isn’t working.
These small steps become important. The things I’ve prepared with this in mind paid off.
[Ah…]
A piece of ice cream falls to the floor. The floor was warm and the ice cream quickly melted. …Hinako quickly scooped the leftover liquid with the palm of her hand.
[3 second rule]
I frowned at Hinako’s bragging.
[No, don’t do that on fluids…]
[…3 second rule]
The rule isn’t applicable here. Hinako looked dejected and put the liquid back on the floor.
[Just so you know, don’t do the 3 second rule in public too often, okay?]
[Hm… I’ll be careful]
I wasn’t sure if she was paying attention or not, as her response was vague and ambiguous.
[Itsuki… the study group, when are you doing it?]
[We haven’t decided a date yet, but the sooner the better. Maybe tomorrow or the day after…]
[..I’ll join]
From the way the conversation went, I knew she’d say that.
However, unlike at the tea party, I have a sense of uneasiness now.
[I forgot to ask but… maybe the reason Hinako got sick before was because Hinako attended the tea party?]
Feeling guilty, I asked that.
[If so, I think the study session will be a burden for Hinako. I think it would be easier for Hinako if she went back to the mansion first]
[Nn….]
In response to my words, Hinako answered thoughtfully.
[It’s not like… that’s any better]
Hinako said. She didn’t say much, but I can probably understand what she meant.
[…I see]
It’s easier for her to be alone, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s happy with that.
To be honest, I also wanted Hinako to interact with as many different people as possible. Considering the examples of Naruka and Tennoji-san, I feel that Hinako should have good friends too.
[Besides… I hate it more if I don’t have Itsuki by my side]
I laughed at Hinako when she told me this.
[Then, would you like to join us?]
[Nn]
Editor on the roll this week, so here’s more
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo