Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 2 part 2

At Masatsugu-san’s suggestion, I was invited directly to the Tennouji family’s dining table.

　

 

It was supposed to be a study session, but suddenly it became a practical session. I was confused, but Tennouji-san was enthusiastic about it and said [This is better than just practicing] …So I had no choice but to nod.

 

7:00 p.m.

 

After I finished the English-style food laid out before me, I wiped my mouth with the inside of my napkin and placed the cutlery on my plate.

 

[Thank you for the food]

 

As soon as I uttered those words, my tense feelings loosened up a bit.

 

To be honest, I didn’t have much time to enjoy the taste of the food. I’m sure they served high-class food, but my mind was too occupied with practicing my etiquette and not letting my nervousness show on my face.

 

[…Fumu]

 

Masatsugu-san, sitting across from me, looked straight at me.

 

[Well, I’m sure you’ll be fine. At least I didn’t feel uncomfortable having dinner with you]

 

[T-Thank you very much]

 

I bowed as a form of thanks.

 

[Father, aren’t you being a little lax in your judgment? He still moved awkwardly when he drank the soup]

 

Saying so, Tennouji-san tilts the cup with the tea around her mouth.

 

Her graceful movements aren’t easy to imitate.

 

[I did notice that you were somewhat nervous… but well, that’s just because I’m the one you’re dealing with! Wahahaha!]

 

Masatsugu-san laughed boldly.

 

The tension that was building up was eased thanks to his actions.

 

If I think about it calmly… this might be a good opportunity.

 

It’s a valuable experience to be able to hear the opinions of people in high positions in the upper class, as I did this time. The head of the Konohana family, Keigon-san, is always working at the main residence and is seldom seen.

 

Since this is a unique opportunity, let’s ask for some advice.

 

[Umm… Do you have any tips on how to not be nervous in situations like that?]

 

With that in mind, I asked Masatsugu-san.

 

[Fumu. …I ask you this, do you think there’s any person who doesn’t get nervous in situations like this?]

 

Masatsugu- san asked me back.

 

I couldn’t answer immediately after that question. At least during this session, Masatsugu-san didn’t seem nervous.

 

[Perhaps the reason you asked me that question is because I seem to be someone who has no tension whatsoever?]

 

[Eh!? N-no, that’s not what I meant…] 

 

[What’s the truth?]

 

[….That, a little]

 

[Wahahaha! Honesty is a virtue!]

 

Masatsugu-san laughed happily.

 

However, I was not making fun of Masatsugu-san. I was just asking the question because I admired his confident behavior.

 

[I am certainly a man of little to no tension. I can maintain this attitude toward anyone]

 

[Towards anyone, is it…?]

 

[Umu. I will not even change my attitude even in front of the prime minister]

 

The word “prime minister” came out of nowhere and I was inwardly astonished. But it’s no surprise that the head of the Tennouji Group said those words. He would be in a position to dine with them casually if he felt like it.

 

However, I was surprised to hear that he maintained this attitude even when dealing with the prime minister.

 

I guess he wasn’t joking as Masatsugu-san told me this as a matter of fact.

 

[But that is only at this moment of time]

 

Masatsugu-san added.

 

[No one has this attitude right from the beginning. Even I had a hard time when I was young. I am the way I am right now because I have gained experience from a long period of time]

 

Saying this, Masatsugu-san looked at me with a strong will in his eyes.

 

[Make achievements. Just do it. …It doesn’t matter if you fail. It’s what you’ve done in the past that will help you when the time comes in the future]

 

Those words were spoken with dignity.

 

[You as well, you must have at least one thing right? Something you’ve accomplished with a strong conviction]

 

The question reminded me of something that happened half a month ago.

 

I was about to leave Hinako when I was dismissed from being a caretaker. Then I broke into the Konohana mansion in order to stand next to Hinako once again. That feeling is nothing but conviction.

 

[—Yes]

 

I could indulge myself with an open mind, that it was strange even from me.

　

Seeing me like that, Masatsugu-san nodded in satisfaction.

 

[Umu, that’s a good look. I’m sure that experience will become an important part of you. I hope you will keep building on that]

 

As Masatsugu-san concluded his talk, the servants began to clean the plates from the dining table.

 

Somehow, I felt like I understood Masatsugu-san’s greatness.

 

Unlike Keigon-san, this person doesn’t let out a very stern air. But that’s not because he isn’t stern, but because he doesn’t need to be stern.

 

Masatsugu believes that he does not have to go out of his way to be awe-inspiring to not be betrayed by others.

 

He doesn’t expect the other party to be sincere. Masatsugu-san has struggled so much to get to where he is now that the other party can have nothing but sincerity. He trusts in such a past self.

 

[Mu] 

 

At that time, I heard the sound of thunder nearby.

 

Masatsugu-san let out a small voice and looked out the window. I followed suit and looked out as well.

 

[Rain? Since when…]

 

[It started raining around the time we started dinner. Tomonari-san seemed so nervous that he didn’t even notice]

 

Tennouji-san said with dismay.

 

Like she said, I didn’t notice at all. 

 

[There’s a heavy rain warning issued. I heard that the rain was light this morning though…] 

 

Masatsugu-san looked at his tablet while saying that.

 

[Father…]

 

[Umu. That would be fine]

 

Tennouji-san and Masatsugu-san were making eye contact.

 

Masatsugu-san put his tablet on the table, and looked at me. 

 

[Tomonari-kun, stay with us for today]

 

[…Excuse me?]

 

The sudden suggestion made me reflexively ask.

 

[Me staying… is that okay?]

 

[Yes. It’s rude to let our guests go home in this weather]

 

Tennouji-san said as a matter of course.

 

I don’t know about that. It’s not hard to understand but…

 

[…I’m sorry, I’ll have to discuss it with my house first]

 

With that, I got up from my seat and called Shizune-san.

 

『Yes. Is something the matter?』

 

Shizune-san immediately answered the phone.

 

[Actually—]

「実は――」

 

I explained to her that Tennouji-san advised me to stay the night.

 

『I see. Well, it is raining like this. I also expected this, to some extent』

 

According to the original plan, Shizune-san was supposed to pick me up after the study session. However, Tennouji-san probably felt worried about driving in this rain.

 

『Fortunately, tomorrow is a holiday, and we don’t have a problem with the schedule. However, Ojou-sama will be…』

 

Shizune-san slurred her words.

 

[Is something wrong with Hinako?]

 

『…..It’s not far fetched to think that things are going to be very messy』

 

Come to think of it, even at lunchtime today, Hinako looked somewhat uneasy and asked [Are you staying over?]. Even though it was unavoidable in an emergency, I feel guilty because I promised to come home and yet I broke it.

 

[Um, I don’t know if this will fix Hinako’s mood but…]

 

I’m going to preface this with an idea to Shizune-san.

 

[Actually. Today, Tennouji-san’s father… Masatsugu-san, endorsed my table manners. So, if you can make arrangements for tomorrow, if possible…]

 

『…I understand. I’ll get it ready』

 

I finished the small meeting.

 

I appreciated the fact that Shizune-san is efficient in her reports and communication.

 

『Anyways, there’s no problem with the arrangements. Please make sure there aren’t any rough edges』

 

[Yes]

 

With that, I hung up the call with Shizune-san.

 

Then I headed back toward the dining table where Tennouji-san and the others were waiting for me.

 

[I’m sorry to keep you waiting. It seems like it’s all right, so I’ll be in your care today]

 

[Umu! Then let’s get the guest room ready right away!]

 

　

Masatsugu-san said happily, and the servant beside him quickly moved somewhere. They probably went somewhere to prepare the room.

 

[I have work to do. Tomonari-kun, please relax as you like]

 

[Yes. Thank you very much]

 

As Masatsugu-san stood up from his seat, I thanked him with as much sincerity as I could.

 

Today was a valuable experience. I’ll make good use of the advice I got from Masatsugu-san.

 

[Now, Tomonari-san, let me show you to your guest room]

 

Tennouji-san escorted me to the guest room.

 

The Tennouji family, as they say, is a family of luxury. Not only the front desk, but even the corridors leading to the guest rooms have a luxurious atmosphere.

 

[This will be Tomonari-san’s room]

 

Tennouji-san opened the door of the room.

 

Beyond the door was a single room about 12 tatami mats wide with a TV and a sofa. This alone is more than enough space to accommodate a person, but apparently there’s even a room in the back as a dedicated bedroom.

 

[It’s wide, isn’t it…?]

 

[Really? I think this is as normal as it gets] (TN: your sense of normal is like the size of my house’s garage) 

 

Tennouji-san said curiously.

 

Even though I’m living at the Konohana mansion, I’m using a room for servants. I’m sure that the Konohana mansion rooms are as spacious as this when it comes to guest rooms.

 

[And don’t forget to bring change of clothes from the closet over there when you use the public bath]

 

[Public bath you mean… eh? I can use the bath?]

 

[Of course. I mean, please use it. It’s the pride of our house]

 

Tennouji-san said with confidence.

 

If she insists that much, I’ll use it.

 

[Then, I will be taking a bath first. If you need anything, please contact one of the servants around here]

 

[I understand]

 

Tennouji-san left the room.

 

As soon as the door was closed, I let out a gasp.

 

[…A lot of things happened today, it was full of the unexpected]

 

In case you’re wondering, it’s due to the sleepover at a house of a member of the opposite sex, but… the house is so large it doesn’t feel that way. Of course, it makes me nervous in a different way. (TN: 4th wall break?)

 

[Well, did I get anything from it?]

 

At least it was great to hear Masatsugu-san’s insightful advice..

 

Besides, considering that I’ll continue to work as Hinako’s caretaker, I’ll eventually be invited to someone else’s house like I did this time. This could be considered practice for that.

 

[…I guess I’ll take a bath too]

 

I needed to calm down.

 

Let’s spend time relaxing in the bath Tennouji-san was so proud of.

 

---

We’re back and I’m still sick, typical me fashion

Donations are very much appreciated.

Discord/Ko-fi

TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo