Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 4 part 5

After school that day, I was studying with Tennouji-san at the cafe next to the cafeteria.

[We’re getting closer to the competency test desuwa]

[…That’s right]

Since there’s no one around, I spoke to Tennouji-san in a plain manner.

The exams were approaching, but I didn’t see many students present after school. In the first place, the students of the academy probably have an environment where they can concentrate at home so there was no need for them to stay at the academy.

[For the time being, you’ve listened to the story so far, so I will explain the circumstances]

Putting down the mechanical pencil in her hand, Tennouji-san said.

[I’ve been allowed to enroll until the next proficiency exam. So, as planned, I’ll definitely beat Konohana Hinako in this exam. And… I’ll prove that I have no reason to stay here at this academy]

My eyes widened when I heard those words.

[That’s…]

[…Well, I did say it before]

When the arranged marriage is set, Tennouji-san is confirmed to be leaving the academy.

Yet, Tennouji-san doesn’t say anything else about it.

This person… She’s different from Hinako. Tennouji-san has a strong heart and is able to restrain herself, so she can’t just say [Help me].

[Don’t look so concerned]

Suddenly, Tennouji-san looked at me.

[Contributing to the Tennouji family is what makes me happy. Therefore, I—]

[―Is that really what you think?]

I looked straight at Tennouji-san.

Tennouji-san remained silent.

[…Tennouji-san. Can you make time for me just for tomorrow?]

I continued to speak at the surprised Tennouji-san.

[You said before, right? You’re interested in the lives of the common people]

[Yes. I certainly did say that]

Tennouji-san is an adopted child, but since she was raised in the Tennouji family, she doesn’t know the lives of ordinary people. Which is why she seemed interested in them.

[Would you like to take a breather before the exam? Because of all the things you did for me before, if you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce you to the commoner’s ordinary life as thanks]

It might be a hasty suggestion.

But, Tennouji-san showed that she was thinking seriously about my proposal.

[That’s right. Since this is a good opportunity, I’d be happy to join you]

Tennouji-san said with a smile.

Since it was a good opportunity… She talked as if she was making her last memories as a student of the academy.

If Tennouji-san is so inclined to think so, I’ll do my best to avoid that.

The next day off.

After persuading Hinako and Shizune-san to let me go out, I waited for Tennouji-san in front of the station.

[…Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I had a day off]

It was late afternoon. It was probably the first time since I became a caretaker that I went out purely for fun, unrelated to work. Since becoming a caretaker, I’ve spent most of my days studying, so today I feel somewhat restless, as if I have too much time on my hands.

And… If I think about it, today’s technically a date.

I’m embarrassed to say it, but I’ve never been on a date before.

After all this time, I’m starting to get a little nervous.

[Sorry to keep you waiting]

A voice called out to me from the side.

When I turned around, Tennouji-san was there but―

[Tennouji-san, those clothes are…?]

[It’s a disguise desuwa. I’m sure that you’re taking me somewhere someone like me rarely visits today, right? It’s just a way to avoid attracting attention]

Tennouji-san’s blonde hair, which was always curled, was straight down and she was wearing a light blue beret. She was dressed in a white blouse and blue skirt, which gave her a slightly more subdued and innocent image compared to the often conspicuous Tennouji-san at the academy.

It was an outfit that blended in with the city. I would say that her disguise was a brilliant success.

However, Tennouji-san was originally good looking. Usually Tennouji-san is beautiful, but today, I feel a different kind of charm from Tennouji-san. In any case, because of her good looks, she was still attracting the attention of the people nearby.

[It’s… weird, isn’t it?]

Tennouji-san asked with a blush.

Oh no. I stared at her for too long.

[No, it’s not weird… I thought it was refreshing to see you like this]

[If you are referring to my hair being down, you’ve already seen it like that at my house]

[It’s not just your hair, but your whole atmosphere is different…]

I was embarrassed to say [Fresh and cute] honestly, so I slurred my words.

Then Tennouji-san, perhaps sensing my state of mind, gave me a smile.

[Which do you prefer? The me now, or the usual me?]

It was a very difficult question.

After much thought, I answered.

[….If anything, I like the usual Tennouji-san more]

[I see. This isn’t Itsuki-san’s preference]

Tennouji-san put her hand to her chest and said proudly.

[Today I’m free to take you anywhere, right? We’re not going anywhere dangerous, but we’re going somewhere not very befitting the daughter of the Tennouji family]

[There’s no problem. That’s why I’m disguising myself. Even if someone sees me, I can protect the public name of the Tennouji family if they don’t find out who I really am, so I’m going to enjoy myself to the fullest today]

Tennouji-san made a proud face, as if to say her disguise was perfect.

[It’s a bit late but, I’m surprised your family allowed this. You don’t have an escort, right?]

[Yes. Both my father and mother are very tolerant]

Tennouji-san said proudly.

[On the contrary, did Itsuki-san get permission without any problems?]

[Ahh. Well… It’d be a lie to say nothing happened]

Shizune-san was immediately convinced, as she stopped restricting my behavior as much recently.

The problem was Hinako. When I told her that I wanted to go out with Tennouji-san alone, she became surprisingly indignant. When I explained that I wanted to thank Tennouji-san for all the things she taught me, she somehow agreed, but then grumpily reminded me that I had to make it up to her.

[Anyways, Itsuki-san]

Tennouji-san asked in a small voice.

[This, um, can it be counted as a date…?]

[Hngh!?]

I had no reply.

Even though I was trying not to think of it, it seemed Tennouji-san had the same thing in mind.

[W-Well, I guess…]

When I affirmed it, Tennouji-san blushed slightly

[…This is the first time I’ve been on a date desuwa]

That said, Tennouji-san looked at me.

[That’s why… I’m looking forward to it?]

Tennouji-san said with a somewhat mean smile, but with expectation in her eyes.

That attitude of hers reminded me of the tough lessons I’ve been through.

Thinking about it calmly, I’ve always spent time alone with this person.

There’s no need to be overly conscious of her now.

[Ahh, today I’m going to teach you how to play like a commoner to the fullest]

I’m going to enjoy myself to the fullest today.

I went out to the city with Tennouji-san.

[What is this!? What is that!? What in the world is this~!?!?]

Tennouji-san was confused as she spun the steering wheel in circles.

I watched the scene with a sideways glance while slowly tilting my steering wheel to the right.

It had been a while since I visited an arcade, but the atmosphere was exactly as before. Miscellaneous sounds surrounded my ears, and people of all ages, from children to adults, were playing all around us.

What we were now playing was a popular racing game. Tennouji-san’s car, which was in the corner of the screen, went off course and hit a guardrail.

[Ahh!?]

While Tennouji-san screamed, I continued to lead the race with ease.

[―Alright! First place!]

As I reached the finish line, I took my hand off the steering wheel and looked at Tennouji-san next to me.

[Tennouji-san is…]

[….Last place desuwa]

I burst out laughing when I looked at Tennouji-san, who was clearly depressed.

[Please don’t laugh! I was desperate, you know!?]

[M-My bad. But it’s a game, and it’s funny to see the bananas being thrown and hearing ‘That’s bad manners desuwa!’ afterwards… Pffttt]

[I told you to stop laughing!]

It wasn’t only me, but everyone around us was laughing as well.

Tennouji-san regained her composure and looked at the other games. She still looked frustrated, perhaps still feeling the sting of her defeat earlier, but she was still observing the other games with great interest.

It was a good decision to invite Tennouji-san to the arcade. Like Hinako, Tennouji-san was apparently not familiar with this type of entertainment.

Today, Tennouji-san should be able to experience the unknown.

[Itsuki-san, what are these taiko drums over here?]

[Taiko no Tatsujin, one of those rhythm games. …Let’s try this one next]
(TN: Taiko no Tatsujin is a game series with rhythm gameplay using taiko as the main instrument/mechanic)

A rhythm game? In front of the confused Tennouji-san, I inserted a 100-yen coin.

I told Tennouji-san how to operate the game and immediately selected a song.

As soon as the game started, Tennouji-san was confused.

[T-This is nothing like playing instruments!!]

Where did her usual confidence go? Tennouji-san was moving the drumsticks in both her hands in a flustered and bewildered manner.

Finally, the song ended and our scores were revealed.

[Yosha! I win this one too] (TN: He’s just bullying her)

[Ughh…! If it was a real taiko, I’m sure I’d be better than you…!]

It was a rather unique losing complaint.

Tennouji-san started looking for another game to play.

[Itsuki-san, this is!?]

[Ah, air hockey. It’s kind of nostalgic]

[Is this… a small flying disc? Should I just throw this?]

[W-Wait wait! I’ll explain it to you!]

I stopped Tennouji-san, who was about to throw the puck, and explained the rules.

I didn’t really know whether she genuinely didn’t know or if she was just ignorant of games as a whole… But this unbalanced knowledge really seemed to be a common trait of a high-class lady. Hinako was also similar.

So I then played air hockey with Tennouji-san.

As a matter of course, I won.

[Next! Let’s go!]

Tennouji-san looked for another game.

[Is that… a horse racing game?]

[A horse racing game huh. Do you want to try it?]

[We can’t! You have to be 20 years old to gamble!]

[It’s okay, it’s just a game]

I said with a laugh to Tennouji-san, who was panicking.

The user registration was a bit of a hassle, but I was able to join the game right away.

[I lost again….!]

[Well, this is a game of luck…]

It looked like Tennouji-san had bad luck today.

Tennouji-san tried to find another game to play… but before she did, we decided to take a break first.

After purchasing 2 drinks from the vending machine, we sat down on the bench near the stairs.

[Itsuki-san, did you play around here often?]

[Rather than playing around, I was working part-time here. When an acquaintance came over, I got permission from the store manager and played a little bit]

That’s why I didn’t lose to Tennouji-san, who was a complete beginner.

[A game center… was it? This is a very exciting place, isn’t it? It’s the first time I’ve visited a place with such atmosphere]

That was probably true, I thought to myself.

This place isn’t exactly flattering or safe. Tennouji-san’s parents are tolerant, but in Keigon-san’s case, he would never let Hinako in here.

However, there are experiences that can only be gained here.

Tennouji-san was charmed by the atmosphere and acted both happy and sad like an innocent child while she played.

[…Nn?]

Suddenly, I thought I felt a gaze.

Behind the UFO catcher. On the other side of the window, someone was watching me.

The girl was wearing the uniform of the high school I once attended. She was staring at me with eyes that looked like she was staring at a pest, and I broke out in a cold sweat.

[Ah shit]

Why wasn’t I watching my surroundings?

This was the area I used to live in. So naturally, there was a good chance I would run into someone I knew.

The last time I spoke to this girl… My childhood friend, Yuri, was the first day I was appointed as Hinako’s caretaker. In other words, it’s more than a month ago. It wasn’t a verbal conversation, just an exchange of messages on our phones. I haven’t been in touch with her since…. but it seems like I found myself in quite a predicament.

However, after Yuri looked back and forth at me and Tennouji-san, she silently turned her back.

[What’s wrong?]

[….No, it’s nothing]

Contrary to my expectations, Yuri left quietly.

It was a little worrisome, but I had to pay attention to Tennouji-san for the time being.

[Then, next let’s go bowling. No… is karaoke more common?]

For me, Hinako’s caretaker, today’s expenses are insignificant.

Next, it would be appropriate to go bowling or to go to karaoke. Anyway, I would like to provide Tennouji-san with an unusual experience. (TN: how about a hotel?) (EDN: Bonk)

Thinking like that, I thought to myself.

[…Let’s go to all of them]

With a voice that seemed to have been squeezed out, Tennouji-san announced.

[We’re going to all of them! I’m not letting you go until I win!]

Perhaps I lit Tennouji-san’s fighting spirit too much.

However, my hope came true, so I nodded and agreed with Tennouji-san.

Donations are very much appreciated.

Discord/Ko-fi

TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo