Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 3 part 8

It was Monday, three days after I heard that Tennouji-san was meeting with her marriage partner.

Today, I was going to the academy with Hinako.

[Itsuki~]

[What is it, Hinako?]

[How was… studying with Tennouji-san and the others?]

As I walked out the mansion and towards the gate, Hinako asked me.

[I’m doing well. At this rate, my grades will be better… and by being in contact with someone like Tennouji-san, I’m getting more gutsy in many ways]

Although Tennouji-san has a unique atmosphere, she’s an upper class student representing the academy. Having become accustomed to interacting with her, I was becoming more comfortable with interacting with others as well. I’m sure I’ll behave better at my next social gathering.

[Tennouji-san seems to be doing well in her studies too… so maybe Hinako might be beaten in the next competency test]

[….Muu]

Hinako spilled a somewhat grumpy voice.

But she was still sleepy and didn’t say anything in particular.

[Both of you can chit-chat as you please, but please walk properly]

[I’m sorry]

I took a few more steps and headed for the car.

As I approached the black car, the waiting driver bowed solemnly. I bowed lightly in response. 

At that moment, Shizune-san glared somewhere with her eyes, they flashed sharply, then―

[―Intruder!!]

[Eh!?]

I was astonished when Shizune-san suddenly pointed outside the mansion.

Immediately, the Konohana family security rushed to the place Shizune-san pointed.

A minute later, one of the security guards approached Shizune and told her that no one was found.

[…Was it my imagination?]

With a quizzical look, Shizune said.

[Please excuse me. I felt a gaze on us]

[I-Is that so…]

I never thought I would hear the word “intruder” here in the modern day.

[But this is strange. Most of the time, my intuition is correct…]

Shizune-san muttered.

[…If you weren’t imagining it, you’re pretty sharp]

I gulped at Shizune-san, who told me something disturbing.

What in the world am I getting myself into? (TN: A lot buddy)

We got out of the car and headed for the academy.

[Tomonari-san]

As I was changing my shoes in the footwear box, I was approached by Tennouji-san.

[Tennouji-san, good morning]

[Yes, good morning]

It’s rare to meet in such a place.

Thinking this, I looked at Tennouji-san and saw that she had a serious look on her face. I wondered if she had something she wanted to talk about.

[Tomonari-san. I’ll be straight to the point. ―Have you been lying to me?]

The question pierced through my heart.

It was intensely surprising. But I didn’t let it show on my face.

There are two things I have lied about to Tennouji-san.

One is that I got inside the Imperial Academy through non-legal ways. The second is that I’m under the care of the Konohana family.

Neither can be known.

[…Well, what could you be talking about?]

[…I see]

Tennouji-san nodded, looking a little disappointed.

[I understand. I’m sorry for being so weird]

[N-No. It’s fine…]

Why did she suddenly ask that?

I was curious, but couldn’t ask because I felt that prying would lead to something outrageous. 

[I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel today’s lesson. I have some urgent business to attend to]

[I understand. …Is it the arranged marriage?]

[No, not this time]

With eyes lit with a somewhat angry emotion, Tennouji-san said.

[It’s something more important than that]

After school that day.

I opened my locker in the footwear box and saw something outrageous.

An envelope was in my locker.

On the surface, the following words were written in masterful handwriting.

―A letter of challenge.

Editor here, this is the final part of chapter 3! There is just chapter 4 and the epilogue after this to finish off volume 2 and it should be out soon, sorry it took so long!

Donations are very much appreciated.

Discord/Ko-fi

TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo