Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 3 part 2
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- Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN]
- V2 Chp 3 part 2 - The Troubles of a Young Lady (Ojou-sama)
Monday, after class.
While studying like I usually do in the cafe next to the cafeteria, I noticed that Tennouji-san’s pen stopped.
[Tennouji-san?]
[Eh? …A-ahhh, excuse me. I was lost in my thoughts]
Tennouji-san seemed distracted, which is quite unusual for her.
It wasn’t just now either. From a while ago, I had a feeling that Tennouji-san was focusing on something else.
[Is something wrong? You seem a little out of sorts today]
[…No, don’t worry about it. I’m feeling fine]
Then Tennouji-san graded the answer sheet I had with a red pen.
[I finished grading the quiz. You got a score of 98… Seems like you were too enthusiastic about the application questions, you forgot about the basic questions]
After grading my math quiz, Tennouji-san immediately explained my mistake.
I silently took notes on Tennouji-san’s explanation.
[Next, we will practice table manners. …Let’s take a break before that. I will go to the restroom first]
Tennouji-san got up and headed towards the academy building.
I watched her as she left and tilted my head again.
[… As I thought, Tennouji-san doesn’t seem very energetic today]
She said it was nothing, but I was sure that was a lie.
Her complexion wasn’t bad, and there was nothing wrong with how she walked. So it might not be a physical thing, but something was weighing on her mind.
However, I feel like it’d be rude to go to pry if it’s something she wanted to keep it a secret. I would like to help, but only to the extent that I don’t become a pushover of kindness…
As I was thinking about this, a familiar figure crossed my path in front of me.
I called out to the girl with her black hair dangling down to her thighs.
[Narika?]
[Mm?… Itsuki! You’re Itsuki, aren’t you!]
Narika noticed my presence and approached me with a twinkle in her eye.
I never thought she would be so happy to hear me just by calling out to her… She’s like a friendly dog. I can see an imaginary tail wagging on Narika’s back.
[Did you call for me, Itsuki!?]
[No, I didn’t really call you, I just saw you walking… What are you doing staying at the academy this late?]
[What, it’s no big deal. I was asking whether the product we’re developing could be used at the academy. My family makes sporting goods and the academy is one of our customers]
Narika’s family, the Miyakojima, run a sporting goods manufacturer.
Perhaps they were selling equipment to use in PE classes.
[…So you’ve been doing that]
[Well, I’m still the daughter of the Miyakojima family. You can praise me all you want]
[That’s great, very great]
[…Isn’t that a bit of a throwback?]
Having said that, Narika looks happy.
[By the way, what are you doing, Itsuki?]
[I was studying with Tennouji-san. We’re preparing for the competency test, and we’re about to practice table manners]
[Mm, I didn’t know about that. Both Itsuki and Tennouji-san are so serious to continue studying even after the midterm exams are over]
[That’s how it is. …But you know, our grades aren’t that far from each other, right?]
[….Right, I should probably study up]
To tell the truth, Narika’s grades are lower than mine.
She has near perfect marks in PE and history, but in every other subject, she avoided red marks, but she must’ve been below average.
When we lost the point of the conversation, we both went silent.
For some reason, Narika was nervous. Maybe she still has some business to attend to.
[I’m sorry I stopped you. I’ll see you later]
[Wha- wait! That wasn’t an invitation for me to join the study group too!?]
(insert Dog Naruka)
[No… I mean, you didn’t say anything]
[I thought you’d figure it out!]
Narika shouted.
Even if you said that…
[O-or what? …As I thought, I’m still a difficult person to ask out, aren’t I…?]
[I didn’t say that, but…]
[It’s okay, you don’t have to worry about it…. I heard some of my classmates talking about it the other day]
[….That, must’ve been hard]
[Yeah. ….It was very, very painful] (TN: I relate) (EDN: Mood)
Narika looked like she was going to cry.
Dear God. Can’t you let Narika live an easier life, even if just a little…?
[Well, I’ve already finished today’s study, but I’m going to have Tennouji-san look over my etiquette now. If you don’t mind, why don’t you join us, Narika?]
[I-is that okay? E-even if someone like me participates…?]
[At least I don’t find it hard to ask you out, and I’m sure Tennouji-san would be fine with Narika]
[I-Itsuki..! After all, Itsuki’s the only person on my side…!!]
I’d like to see you actively making connections other than me if possible… but I guess that’s just wishful thinking.
For today, though, I’m grateful that Narika is participating.
I was still concerned about Tennouji-san’s situation. If Tennouji-san was suffering from a problem that I couldn’t solve, she might be able to tell me what was going on if Narika joined us.
[Ara, Miyakojima-san?]
Tennouji-san returned from the restroom, and noticed Narika’s presence.
[Tennouji-san. Is it okay if Narika participates in the etiquette practice we’re about to do?]
[That’s fine, but…]
Tennouji-san looked at Narika.
Narika opened her mouth in panic.
[J-just for today! I’ve been too busy these days with work at home… but, um, you know, I want to spend some time as a student… once in a while…]
In short, she’s lonely and wants to have friends.
Tennouji-san nodded with a gentle smile, as if she somehow grasped Narika’s personality after the previous sessions and tea party.
[I don’t mind. Let’s have a light dinner today, shall we?]
Narika’s expression brightened in an instant.
I wondered what kind of life Narika had before she met me again… I was curious, but afraid to ask, so I sealed that question in the back of my mind.
[E-Eh!? I-Itsuki… stayed at Tennouji-san’s house!?]
While enjoying a light meal at the cafe, I explained to Narika what had happened so far, and she was wide-eyed and surprised.
[Well, it just happened]
[T-That’s not just something that can be dealt just by chance, you know…! W-well, I’ve been thinking for a while now, but what did you do to get along with big names like Konohana-san and Tennouji-san…!]
Narika, the daughter of the Miyakojima family, is supposed to be included in that big group, but she still feels that Hinako and Tennouji-san are in a different class.
[When Tomonari-san stayed at my house, my father checked his etiquette, and said he got a passing grade. Therefore, I will conclude the etiquette practice today]
[I understand]
I agree with Tennouji-san’s plan.
Today’s practice session was like a final confirmation. If I make a mistake here, I’ll have to relearn my etiquette again… but maybe because I had dinner with Masatsugu-san at Tennouji-san’s house, I feel that I have the courage to shrug off a little nervousness.
[However…]
While eating, I looked at Narika.
Although not as attentive as Tennouji-san, Narika was also attentive to the way she eats. She used her knife and fork lightly and did not make any unnecessary noise when drinking her soup.
[Narika, you… have proper manners]
[Y-You!? Are you making fun of me!? As I told you earlier, I’m still the daughter of the Miyakojima family!]
Narika’s face turned bright red and she became angry.
[Pffft]
At that moment, Tennouji-san broke into a smile.
[I’m sorry. …You two seemed to be having too much fun]
Tennouji-san wipes tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingers.
Maybe now was a good time to ask. ―So I looked at Tennouji-san and expressed my concerns.
[Um, Tennouji-san. Can I ask what’s bothering you today? …I owe Tennouji-san a lot of things, and if it’s okay with you, I can give you as much advice as you need]
When I asked this, Tennouji-san’s expression clearly darkened.
But eventually, as if gathering her determination, she looked up and began to speak.
[Actually, I’ve been asked about a arranged marriage]
Narika and I looked at each other, over one particular word she said.
I grew up as a commoner, so I’m not too familiar with this kind of talk. However, through Hinako and the Konohana family’s situation, I think I understand some of it.
An arranged marriage isn’t necessarily bad.
However, judging from Tennouji-san’s lack of usual confidence…
[Does that mean Tennouji-san isn’t too on board with the matchmaking…?]
[No, that’s not what I meant]
Contrary to my expectations, Tennouji-san denied it.
[I am the daughter of the Tennouji family, so I was prepared from an early age for marriage offers. However, it was a bit sudden, so I’m surprised… or rather, I don’t know how to feel, and I’m currently confused]
It was really unusual for Tennouji-san to act this way, and she seemed bewildered.
[Well… for us, it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s a fateful decision]
Narika says with a complicated expression.
[Has Narika ever been approached for an arranged marriage too?]
[No, I’ve never had one. I heard that it’ll happen eventually but… Ah!? Well, wait! Don’t get me wrong! I’d rather have a marriage out of love, and…. Anyways, I don’t accept any arranged marriages!!]
[Y-yeah…]
Suddenly, Narika was staring at me and speaking energetically, and though I was puzzled, I agreed with her.
[And in my case, my parents weren’t too keen on the idea of arranged marriage. There was a time when it became a topic, but both my father and mother said “It’s too early for you”]
[That’s… your parents are looking out of you]
[What the hell do you mean!?]
I looked away from Narika who seemed to be saying “You’re out of your mind!”
I imagined Narika’s arranged marriage. …She remains completely silent and stands as stiff as a Jizo statue. (TN:Kasa Jizō is a Japanese folk tale about an old couple whose generosity is rewarded by Jizō, the Japanese name for the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha/// Or it’s a battle cat, I really don’t know) (EDN: You can think of him as a Buddist God of Earth)
[Tomonari-san… what do you think about my arranged marriage?]
Tennouji-san asked, looking at me.
I thought for a moment and then answered.
[In my house, we’ve never talked about arranged marriage… So to be honest, I don’t really know. But if it’s good for Tennouji-san, I will support it]
I meant every word I said.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Tennouji-san. So I want to help her as much as I can.
[Thank you, the both of you. …Thanks to you, I feel like I can see clearly]
Tennouji-san raises her eyes and says.
[If I think about it calmly, accepting an offer of marriage will not change my existing relationships. …I might have been more defensive than I needed to]
I shook my head at Tennouji-san’s words, who had regained her energy.
[I also enjoy spending time with Tennouji-san this way, so even if an arranged marriage was decided, I hope this relationship would continue]
[M-Me too!]
Narika agreed.
Later, after dinner with Tennouji-san, who was back to her old self, we parted ways.
We’re moving full speed ahead, more uploads incoming
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo
lgb_yt
No, kasa jizo is a cat
A battle cat