Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 3 part 6
- Home
- Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN]
- V2 Chp 3 part 6 - The Troubles of a Young Lady (Ojou-sama)
I’m getting used to taking dance lessons with Tennouji-san.
Ballroom dancing is performed by a man and a woman in close physical contact. I felt like I looked pretty pathetic at first, but as I watched Tennoji-san’s serious attitude, the evil feelings I had inside me disappeared.
[That’s all for today]
Saying so, Tennouji-san wiped her sweat lightly.
I looked at my watch and saw that we’d only been practicing for an hour.
[It’s faster than usual]
[Yes. I’d like to go on a little longer… but I have some errands to run today]
[Errands?]
When I casually asked her back, Tennouji-san’s expression clouded over.
[…It’s about the arranged marriage I told you about before. Today, I’m meeting the other party]
When Tennouji-san told me this, her expression was still clouded over.
[Um… Tennouji-san, do you have any thoughts about the arranged marriage?]
[Why would you think that?]
[It’s because you don’t seem very enthusiastic]
I’d always thought that Tennouji-san was keen on the idea of arranged marriage, and I was going to support her. I remember that she’d shown some anxiety for a while, but it was only because she was nervous about the unknown experience of matchmaking, not the arranged marriage itself.
But, I’m starting to think that’s not the case.
Once again, I asked Tennouji-san about her true feelings and―
[No need to worry, I’m open minded about arranged marriages]
Tennouji-san answered with a deceptive smile.
[Besides… I’m in a position where I must accept the offer]
[Position…?]
[Yes. Since this is a good opportunity, I’ll tell Tomonari-san about it]
Tennouji-san looked at me in a reformed manner.
[I… am an adopted child]
My eyes widen at that statement.
Tennouji-san calmly continued her story.
[I was adopted, but I was taken in by the Tennouji family when I was a baby, so it doesn’t really feel like it… but the point is, I’m not the biological daughter of the Tennouji family]
With a slightly guilty look on her face, Tennouji-san speaks.
[Both my father and mother treat me as if I were their own daughter. But still, it’s an undeniable fact that I don’t have the blood of the Tennouji family in my veins. …Because of this, I must behave in a more befitting way as the daughter of the Tennouji family. Since I don’t have the blood, I must at least carry on with my achievements. This is my duty]
Somehow working it all out in my head, which seemed to be getting lost, I sorted out Tennouji-san’s story.
In other words, Tennouji-san felt that because of her position as an adopted child, she mustn’t fail the Tennouji family. Tennouji-san believes that this is her duty.
[P-Please wait for a moment]
Having sorted out the story, I had a feeling that one of the assumptions I’d been holding on to had been shattered.
[Don’t tell me, Tennouji-san… you’re accepting your matchmaking because of your obligations?]
To this question, Tennouji-san nodded her head with a thin smile.
[Yes. But this is a common story for people of our class]
That may be true, but…
―Is this fine for you?
Is it really okay as it is?
I immediately thought of Hinako. Just because you do as your parents say doesn’t mean you’ll be happy. I understand this very well from my relationship with Hinako.
This time, however, Tennouji-san herself is satisfied with her current circumstances.
The outside world shouldn’t say anything. Even if I knew that, it still bothered me.
[My case is a bit unusual, but… you, of all people, would understand, wouldn’t you?]
[Eh…?]
[I mean, you’re adopted too, aren’t you?]
I stiffen with my mouth open at the word that came to me unexpectedly.
[Do you remember? What I said before at the study group that Konohana-san and the others attended?]
After I heard those words, I remembered.
During a break in the study session, Tennouji-san asked me [Are you really the son of the heir of a medium-sized company].
[…As I recall, you said my mannerism were tacked on and not what you’re educated to be as an heir apparent]
[Yes. At that point, I had an idea of your status. Perhaps… you’re like me, a man trying to do his duty to protect his family name]
Apparently, Tennouji-san thought I was adopted as a result.
But―unfortunately, that’s not the case.
She’s on the right track. Like Tennouji-san, I’m trying to do my duty to protect a family name.
However, the family name I protect belongs to the Konohana family.
I’m not adopted, I’m just a servant employed by the Konohana family.
I cannot explain this to Tennouji-san. That would violate the contract between me and the Konohana family.
I don’t have a very good head, but I could still imagine how much trouble I would cause the Konohana family if I revealed myself here.
[….Keep this a secret, please]
[Of course. …Fufu, after all, there’s no mistaking my eyes]
Tennouji-san smiled happily.
Throbbing, my heart aches.
It was… the guilt I’ve been pretending to ignore all this time.
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo
RinTohsakan
Slowly Sinking