Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V1 Chp 4 part 9

Hinako left Itsuki and the others, going towards the front desk of the villa alone.

Her father, Keigon, was easily spotted. Like Itsuki, his attire was a black suit, but this one was of the highest brand and custom made.

The servants of the Konohana family were required to wear expensive uniforms in order not to spoil the dignity of the family, but at the same time, there was a rule that they shouldn’t wear more expensive clothes than the head of the family in order to raise the head of the family. While Itsuki’s suit was a ready-made product costing about 700,000 yen, Keigon’s suit is much more expensive, costing more than 1 million yen.

[Long time no see, Hinako]

[Nn… it has]

Hinako responded to her father’s words with the bare minimum expected of her.

[How did you do on the exam?]

[…No problems]

[That’s good. Keep your grades up, as the daughter of the Konohana family]

Keigon told her as if it were a business call, there was no happiness, anger, or sorrow in his voice.

[How about Itsuki-san? It’s been about a month since he’s become a caretaker…]

[…The best]

Hinako replied with a bit of enthusiasm, and Keigon opened his eyes in surprise.

[That’s rare. I never thought Hinako would praise a caretaker so much]

[…I’d like to keep working with Itsuki]

[Is that so. It was an experimental attempt to hire a commoner who had nothing to do with the Konohana family, but… I’m glad to see that it worked out well]

Keigon didn’t smile, just like a researcher who had confirmed the success of an experiment. He then moved only his eyes and looked at Hinako.

[You’re not under any influence, are you?]

[…Influence?]

[I’m sure that Hinako’s personality goes well with him, but Itsuki is a commoner. There’s no need for you to be seduced by him and become a part of the mundane world]

(TN: original translation was ordinary/regular person, but commoner sounds better since he’s judging the situation)

Hinako looked at him strangely, not quite understanding what he meant.

[Let’s get moving. Hinako, please don’t do anything rash]

With a serious look on his face, Keigon put the nail in the coffin. 

The moment after Hinako immediately put on her facade.

[Yes, father]

[…Good girl]

As a lady amongst ladies. As the most talented girl in the Kiou Academy, Hinako starts her act.

A few minutes later, a car pulled up in front of the villa and the guests for the meal arrived.

[Thank you for coming all this way]

[Hahaha, I like to come here, so don’t say so. I’m told that today is a casual meeting]

The guests were breaking the ice, while Keigon solemnly greeted the guests.

There were 5 guests. 2 of them were directors of Chikamoto shipbuilding, and the others were directors of Sea Japan United. All of them appear to be older than Keigon. The Konohana family is supposed to be the most prestigious among these families, but the reason they have the leisure to relax is because of their age difference and experience. 

[Hey, it’s been a long time. Do you remember me?]

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding called out to Hinako.

[Yes. When I was 7 years old, I greeted you at a social gathering]

[I’m glad you remember me, even after a long time. You’re still polite as ever]

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding was impressed. 

[Hoo, is this Konohana-san’s daughter?]

[Yes. Her name is Hinako]

Hinako bowed elegantly at Keigon’s introduction.

[I’ve heard rumors. I have an acquaintance who has a child attending Kiou Academy. I heard through a friend of mine that you’re called the perfect lady at the academy]

[I’m flattered]

Hinako bowed politely.

[She’s also very promising, with excellent grades. …I’m sure Konohana-san must be very proud to have a daughter with such a good reputation] 

[Yes. I’m grateful that my own daughter has grown up to be honest and upright]

Keigon then took a quick glance around at the guests’ faces. 

[I’m sure you must be tired of talking while standing, so let’s move to the venue. We have a table outside at Chikamoto-san’s request, if that’s alright]

[Yes. It’s a nice day today. And we don’t have a big meeting, so we can relax and talk in the breeze]  

♢♢♢

I was watching Hinako and the others having a meal with Shizune-san.

[How is it, Itsuki-san? The atmosphere]

[Let’s see…] (TN: soudesune. I have no clue what to put in)

I answered Shizune-san’s question without moving my gaze.

[Somehow, their manners are very casual. Each movement is natural… but you can tell that they’re still paying attention…]

[That is proper manners]

Shizune-san explained.

[It feels natural to the point where no one feels suffocated, but enough to make it clear that everyone is showing their manners and polite behaviors. It may seem tokenistic at first glance, but the sense of cooperation created by mutual adherence to common rules builds stronger relationships of trust]

[Trust, is it…]

[Although manners are often despised these days, there are many situations where it is necessary. It is necessary, especially for the upper echelon. …Manners are not about words, but about attitude. It becomes necessary because we’re in a position where we can’t say what we really feel]

That’s harsh. There are times where I can’t understand it as a commoner.

[…That’s why it’s very rude to break it]

With that said, Shizune-san shut her lips.

I also keep my mouth shut and observe Hinako, Keigon-san and the others at the meal.

The meal seemed to be going well so far.

♢♢♢

[Oh, you still study even after you get home?]

[Yes. However, I don’t study all the time]

Hinako was talking to the executives after swallowing a mouthful of finely chopped vegetables with a knife.

They set their sights on Hinako, initially watching over her warmly like a beloved daughter, and their inner feelings gradually started to surface. A woman with such a beautiful face and figure, and extremely courteous Hinako, the title of a perfect Ojou-sama truly suits such an embodiment perfectly.

[She is a very nice girl. I would like to exchange her for my son, who’s a complete idiot]

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding tells Keigon with a laugh.

[Surely you jest. The CEO’s son also graduated from an excellent university, didn’t he?]

[Education and capability are 2 different things. He’s still immature, and I don’t think I can let him take over for the time being]

The CEO said regretfully.

A servant of the Konohana family collects the empty plates and distributes new dishes.

[Oh, no meat?]

[Today’s menu is a little lighter because it’s still lunch time. If it were dinner, I would’ve made something a little more grandiose…]

[I have other matters to attend to in the evening. I would’ve preferred dinner if I could]

Hahaha, the CEO and executives laughed.

[Hinako-chan is still a student at her age. Maybe she wanted to eat something more?]

[No, I’m a small eater, I’ve had enough]

With a fake smile, Hinako replied to them. 

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding puts his finger to his chin when he sees her beautiful and courteous behavior. 

[Oh my, she’s as good as they say she is. I’m sure she’ll have a lot of options to marry into]

[I would be delighted as a parent if that were to happen, but I’m sorry to say that no such plans have been made yet]

When Keigon said that, the CEO was slightly surprised. 

[Oh, is that so? If it was Konohana-san’s daughter, it wouldn’t be surprising to have a fiance…]

[There used to be one, but for various reasons we ended the relationship. He’s not here anymore]

[Hooo]

The CEO’s eyes narrowed.

[Actually, I have an acquaintance who is looking for a marriage partner]

Keigon almost smiled, but quickly suppressed it.

[Could I ask for further details?]

[Yes. My acquaintance is from a family that does a lot of business with foreign countries. The size of their business is okay, but it’s a business that involves celebrity clients, so they were hoping for someone who is polite and respectful. Well, it’s just my idea, after all but… I thought your daughter might be someone he would like] 

[…I see. The other party is the son of said acquaintance]

[That’s right. I’m pretty sure he’s in his early twenties]

As he was given this information, Keigon started thinking about the Konohana family’s future.

An acquaintance of the CEO of a shipbuilding company. A family with extensive overseas business dealings. If so, the business is definitely related to trade. Although not so large in size, the fact that the business is aimed at the celebrity segment of the market suggests that it’s a unique market. 

[I will consider it]

[Hahaha, this is a long shot, isn’t it?]

[You jest. I will seriously consider it]

Telling the CEO it wasn’t flattery, Keigon tilts his cup to his mouth.

Soon after, their plates were collected and the last item on the menu was placed on the table.

[Here is the dessert]

[Oh, baked sweets? An elegant dessert like this isn’t bad once in a while]

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding said [what a coincidence]… But in fact, Keigon had investigated that the man likes baked goods. Sure enough, the CEO is in a good mood and enjoying the pastry. 

[Konohana-san. About what you just said, may I inform my acquaintance about it?]

[Of course. As a father, I can vouch for my daughter’s abilities]

Whether or not the son of said acquaintance is worthy of Hinako isn’t relevant at this point. 

The important thing is to make connections. Even if this doesn’t work out, another may come along, as it did this time.

[Hinako, that’s why―]

Just as Keigon turned around, calling Hinako’s name.

Hinako was just in the middle of picking up a piece of goods that fell on the table with her hands.

The executives were stiff and shocked, with their mouths open. Hinako, oblivious to the air freezing rapidly, quickly puts a piece of the food into her mouth.

―3 second rule.

Yes, right after he was about to speak.

Hinako remembered that Itsuki wasn’t there, and that they were in the middle of a meal. 

[…Ah]

A small voice escapes Hinako’s lips.

[…Hmm]

The CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding lightly stroked his beard.

[…Maybe a little less than the reputation had suggested]

At that moment, I knew Hinako had done it.

…Ahhh.

Maybe I let out my voice at the same time as Hinako.

Hinako must’ve also realized her mistake. But it was too late now.

The meal resumed without a hitch. At first glance, everything seemed to be fine, but… I noticed that Keigon-san’s expression turned grim for a moment.

[That’s not good]

Shizune-san muttered next to me.

[What’s going to happen…?]

[I don’t know. But… considering Keigon-sama’s personality, this is as close as it gets to the worst-case scenario]

Shizune-san, who’s usually calm, speaks in a tense voice.

With a bated breath, we waited for the end of the meal. About 10 minutes later, the participants came out of the villa, preparing to leave.

[Thank you for coming today]

[No, I had a lot of fun today. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a breather like this]

The CEO and executives, who are guests of Keigon-san, greeted him in a good mood as they were in awe. (TN: I have no clue why he’s in awe)

It didn’t look like a mess… But the CEO of Chikamoto shipbuilding opened his mouth as if he just remembered.

[Oh, and Konohana-san. I’m not sure what to do about that marriage proposal, but please pretend it never happened. For now, if I introduce them, it’ll affect my reputation]

[…Yes]

[Hahaha, I’m not too concerned about it. I don’t know how to put it, but it’s just a third party who isn’t here at the event. As for myself, I would like to continue to get along with Konohana-san both publicly and privately]

[Yes, I think so too]

The guests got into their cars, and left the villa.

Climax of the story begins here, so let’s push through! Give your energy to ED-san!

Donations are very much appreciated.

Discord/Ko-fi

TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo