Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 3 part 5
After parting with Itsuki and returning to the mansion, Mirei naturally smiled as she headed to her room.
[….Fufufufu~]
Her legs were light. It was a strange feeling, as if all the fatigue she had accumulated from sweating and practicing for the dance just a few moments ago had been blown away somewhere.
(But I enjoy doing things with Tomonari. I’m honestly sad we will no longer have this kind of time together)
Those words have been roaming around her head after parting with Itsuki.
Each time it does, she gets a warm feeling in her chest.
(He thought he would be lonely)
Mirei put her hand lightly on her chest and began to think.
(So the one who thought it was fun… wasn’t only me)
This sunny feeling wasn’t unique to her.
She felt as if the feelings in her unconscious mind had been proven correct. It was neither a misunderstanding nor an illusion; she had the same feelings as Itsuki.
(What should I do to keep these days going on forever…) (TN: Make him your husband, duh)
Suddenly, she thought about that.
If the arranged marriage got approved, she’ll have fewer opportunities to meet with Itsuki.
(That’s right. However, if I invite him as a guest to the Tennouji family…)
That way, even if the arranged marriage does happen, she can still meet with Itsuki.
They can have tea parties, study together, and practice dance as they have before.
Mirei’s eyes lit up, as if she’d just come up with a great idea, but―
[….What is this, am I stupid…]
She came back to herself. There’s no way she could do that.
For the Tennouji family, Tomonari Itsuki is just a student. There’s no justifiable reason for making him a guest of the family.
[Mirei?]
At that moment, someone calls out to her from behind.
When she turned around, she saw her mother―Tennouji Hanami.
[Ara, mother. Is something the matter?]
[That’s supposed to be my line~. You were groaning in the hallway, so I thought maybe something was wrong…]
[It’s nothing, I was just thinking of something]
Mirei lied as naturally as she breathed.
[Mirei, you… must’ve been having a lot of fun lately]
[Eh?]
[Haven’t you noticed? Ever since you started spending time with Tomonari-san after school, you seem to be having fun lately]
It was only recently that she became aware that it’s fun.
However, she had no idea that this had been expressed in her attitude.
[You know, if you don’t mind it. I want to know what kind of person Tomonari-san is to Mirei]
[Even if you say so… why does mother care about Tomonari-san?]
[Ara, he’s the one who influenced my daughter, you know? It’s only natural I’d be curious about him, right~]
Hanami said somewhat happily.
Mirei felt her mother’s parental love and let out a sigh as she spoke.
[That is true… Tomonari-san, is someone who’s very dedicated]
Mirei told her, recalling the days up to now.
[At first, I had the impression that… he was weak or unsure of himself, but that person had a lot of ambition. I could see that he wanted to change himself and that he cherished his days at the academy very much]
When she first met him, he had a bad posture and a frightened demeanor.
However, what overturned this impression was the direct spirit he showed at the tea party and study group a month ago and then recently, after-school.
[I’m very happy to see that his etiquette, which seemed to be a learning curve in the beginning, has become familiar to him now. Of course, there’s no doubt that my instruction was good, but Tomonari-san’s earnestness must’ve helped him to master it quickly]
She honestly didn’t expect him to learn it so quickly.
She was sure that he studied not only after-school, but also after going home. This attitude was worthy of respect.
[Even at today’s dance practice, Tomonari-san… worked very hard, and I can’t wait to see how far he’ll go]
She wondered if he was back home, reviewing what he just learned today.
For some reason, that thought made her happy.
[Sounds like you made a good friend]
[Yeah. When I see Tomonari-san, I feel elated. If possible, I would like to continue to work with him―]
After she said that, Mirei’s head cooled rapidly.
She realized that she’s cherished these days more than she imagined. She almost felt such a desire spewing from her mouth.
However, those days are coming to an end.
From now on, she must spend time with another partner, prepared by her mother and father.
[…I would be happy if such a person was my marriage partner]
In a squeezed voice, Mirei said that.
She mustn’t know. She cannot let her mother know that she’s even remotely disappointed in this marriage proposal.
[Mirei. I always tell you, you don’t have to be so uptight, you know? You have a habit of holding a lot of things by yourself, but really you should be more free…]
[…Don’t worry about it, mother]
As if interrupting her mother’s words, Mirei says.
[I live in freedom]
[…Un]
Mirei said with a beautiful smile that charmed her, as she acted majestically as usual.
But her mother nodded, looking somewhat sad.
[I’m talking about a meeting soon to discuss your arranged marriage. So, Mirei… could you make some time for us soon?]
[Of course]
Forcing down her looming emotions, Mirei nodded.
As the daughter of the Tennouji family, she’s not allowed to be aware of this feeling.
―Even so.
If she’s allowed to say one thing she resents…
When she met Itsuki before, she wanted to tell him how she actually felt about her arranged marriage.
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo
RinTohsakan
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