Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - Prologue
Prologue
Two days after the Konohana social gathering was over.
Monday morning, I woke up and remembered that I was in the Konohana family mansion.
[…That’s right. I guess I’m still her caretaker]
I had a dream. It was just last week… when I infiltrated this mansion alone to help Hinako.
Looking back, I wonder how I could’ve done something so bold. That’s how wrong I thought Keigon-san’s way was at the time, and that’s how much I wanted to help Hinako.
[All right, let’s keep doing our best today]
I changed into my school uniform and attended the servants meeting.
Then I went to Hinako’s room as usual.
[…You’re sleeping well]
[Nn, muuu….]
Hinako, who kicked off her futon and was sleeping with her navel hanging out, let out a small mumble.
Seeing this happy sleeping face made me realize that I was now part of a warm daily life.
However, I can’t just sit back and relax.
I shook Hinako’s sleeping body.
[Hinako, it’s morning]
[Nuuu… Itsuki?]
[Yeah]
The room’s curtains were opened to let the sunlight in.
Hinako, who raised her body up, rubbed her eyes sleepily.
[…Good morning]
[Good morning]
I turned to Hinako to exchange greetings.
In the brightly lit room, Hinako yawned loudly and sighed.
[School… I don’t want to go]
[Don’t be selfish]
Acting may be hard work, but attending school is important .
I want Hinako to eventually go to school on her own. And that’s my mission as her caretaker.
I must not forget that I was almost dismissed as a caretaker. (TN: Technically he was dismissed)
I have to prepare myself.
While thinking about this, I suddenly focused my attention on Hinako’s mouth.
[Hinako, look up for a second]
[Nnn…?]
Hinako looked up at me curiously, and I brought something I took out of my pocket closer to her.
[What’s that?]
[It’s a handkerchief. You’re drooling, so I thought I’d wipe it off]
[D-Drool…]
Hinako repeated my words, as if she didn’t understand.
The next moment, Hinako turned her face downwards, looking panicked.
[What’s wrong? You suddenly looked down]
[I-I’ll wipe it off myself… don’t… look at me]
Placing a handkerchief on her palm, Hinako immediately wiped her mouth.
I was sure that we were both used to me wiping drool off her face, but… I wonder what’s going on today.
[I brought you a change of clothes]
[…Nnn]
Hinako shook her little head.
After waking up Hinako, the next step is to help her get dressed. At first, the sight of it was very stimulating and made my head spin, but recently I’ve been able to keep my reasoning intact, and my thoughts on it had disappeared.
[…Get out]
[Eh?]
[Come on, get out]
Hinako said, holding her change of clothes in her hand.
Those words were incredibly shocking to me.
[……Eh?] (TN: Itsuki.exe has stopped working) (EDN: Rebooting… Rebooting failed)
Hinako pushed me out of the room, her face flushed red.
Then I heard the sound of door slamming shut behind me.
[…Hmm]
That was very out of character for her.
Apparently, Hinako’s been acting strangely since the day of the social party.
Strictly speaking, her attitude towards me is different than before. She was more open and honest in the past. …what made her change?
[Can we get back to normal after a while…?]
After ten minutes of waiting, Hinako came out of the room.
As expected, she didn’t dress up well, so I ended up helping her. The buttons on her shirt were misbuttoned and the zipper of her skirt was stuck through the fabric. What was unusual was that Hinako kept looking away in embarrassment while I was fixing them.
After leading Hinako to the dining room, I went to my room to get my bag and my textbooks.
On the way there, I came face to face with Shizune-san.
[Itsuki-san. Did something happen between you and Ojou-sama?]
[No, I don’t think anything happened…]
If I had to say something, I’d just say Hinako was acting weird, but not that there was anything wrong with her.
[Ojou-sama said that from tomorrow on, she doesn’t want to be woken up by Itsuki-san]
[Eh..?]
[Let me ask you again. Did something happen?]
She stared at me as if I was a criminal.
I wanted to clear up that misunderstanding, so I explained to her about Hinako’s behavior after the social gathering. If I tell Shizune-san, she might be able to get some hints.
[Ojou-sama’s behavior is weird, is it…]
[Um. D-Did I do something to make Hinako dislike me?]
[No, rather, the other day, I found out that Ojou-sama is quite fond of Itsuki-san…]
I was both happy and embarrassed to hear that.
[I don’t think she’s sick, but I will keep an eye on her. Please report back to me if you learn anything]
[Yes]
I left Shizune-san and headed to the dining room where Hinako was.
It was time to head out to school.
And we’re back. ED actually got some work done (though he skipped this for some reason KEKW), so here it is. Want more? Idk ask ED heh.
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo