Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V3 Chp 1 part 4
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- Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN]
- V3 Chp 1 part 4 - Competitions and Narika’s Melancholy
[Then let’s get started]
We gathered at a table in a secluded garden.
It was July, the end of early summer, and the weather was gradually getting hotter.
Since I didn’t intend to talk for a long time, I didn’t prepare any tea. But since the temperature was higher than expected, I was in the mood for a light thirst-quenching drink.
As I was thinking this, a drink was unexpectedly placed on the table.
When I turned around, there stood a waitress from the cafe on campus.
[Uhm, I didn’t ask for this though…]
[It’s service sir]
It was like a luxury resort.
Before I knew it, tableware was placed in front of me. On top of that, several cookies were placed with an experienced hand.
We thanked the clerk as she walked away.
There were still many things about the academy that surprised me.
After quenching my thirst with a cup of cold tea and settling down, I exhaled.
[Alright then, now—]
I declared while looking at the faces of the two people in front of me.
[Commencing the Free Narika From Loner Status Project]
[O-Ouu!!]
Narika clenched her fists and looked motivated.
Meanwhile, Hinako, sitting next to her, smiled softly.
[Ouu, is it? Fufu]
Slightly embarrassed, Hinako made a fist with her small hand.
It was a massive gap moe. The destructive power of the unusual Hinako made me and Narika stiffen.
What a cute gesture.
[Khh…!?! Is this the power of the academy’s number one in popularity…?]
Seeing the gesture of Hinako, who reigned at the top, Narika seemed to give up quickly.
To be honest, I was also surprised.
Hinako, who plays the role of the perfect Ojou-sama, can act in a classy manner that would make anyone admire her, but she can also be down-to-earth depending on the mood. She’s not a pompous girl at all. That’s why she’s well-liked by all the students at the academy.
[First, let’s review your current status. …Can I ask you that?]
[A-Ah. Well, I don’t think I can say anything else because I’m already talking about everything frankly to Itsuki…]
After a small pause, Narika spoke again.
[First, except for Itsuki… and the others, I have no friends]
A sad fact was shared.
She hesitated for a moment, probably because she wondered whether she could include Hinako in the discussion. However, she decided it would be rude not to.
[Next, when I try to talk to anyone, they keep their distance]
An even sadder fact was shared.
[On the other hand, I’m feared despite not doing anything. The other day, I was just walking normally, but the moment everyone noticed me, they all moved aside like I was Moses splitting the sea…]
[Enough, that’s enough… Narika, it’s enough…]
[Uu… Uaaaaa]
Narika looked as if she’s about to cry.
[Why would that happen… you’re not being bullied, are you?]
[Y-Yeah, I don’t think I’m being bullied… but it feels like something is being grandly misunderstood]
If Narika herself denies the possibility of bullying, I’ll also believe her for the time being.
Now that I’ve heard the subjective story, I turned to Hinako
[From Konohana-san’s point of view, what is your impression of Narika?]
Since I was in front of Narika, I had to be careful with my language.
Hinako, in her Ojou-sama mode, replied thoughtfully,
[About that].
[She’s in the next classroom over, so I don’t know much about her… but I’ve certainly heard stories like that]
[Uuu]
Narika looked shocked.
When I first saw Narika at this academy, her expression was certainly stiff.
I guess the problem was her expression.
[Narika, can you try smiling a little?]
When I thought about it, Narika didn’t smile in public very often.
She smiles in front of me sometimes, but… if the people around her could see that smile, she would probably become a little more approachable.
With that in mind, I made a suggestion to Narika but—
[L-Like this?]
Narika smiled awkwardly.
It was like being stared at by an evil mastermind.
[Scary]
I couldn’t help but let my honest thoughts slip.
[Stoppppp!! If even Itsuki says that, I’m done for!!]
Narika held her head.
[There’s no doubt Narika had some unfortunate misunderstanding, but Narika herself also has some problems. …At any rate, she needs to do something about her habit of getting nervous and her face getting tense around others]
[Uuu, but that’s…]
She struggled to find a solution to her problems.
After all, the only way is to make friends like us with whom you can converse without hesitation.
Narika gets nervous easily whenever she’s dealing with strangers.
If that was the case, she should feel more comfortable by limiting the percentage of strangers to just the academy.
[The most important thing to do is to think about how to make friends with other people. Let’s see…]
When is the right time to make friends? Each of us had an opinion on the matter.
I, of course, and Hinako too, came up with several ideas.
I picked the ones that Narika would seem to be good at.
[…Okay, you have a few options]
To start, three operations were selected
While they may not be so complicated to be called “Operations”… they are all things Narika must muster up courage to do to solve her problem.
But, each one of them was worth a try.
[Then let’s give it a try starting tomorrow]
[T-Tomorrow!? W-wait a minute! I haven’t had a chance to prepare myself…]
[We don’t have much time before the competition, and I don’t think we have time to shy away from this]
Narika couldn’t respond to my clear statement.
I guess she just couldn’t stop herself from being anxious.
I understood that feeling. ―I wasn’t an all-powerful person either. When I was first appointed as Hinako’s caretaker, I was filled with anxiety every day.
At that time…. I wonder what kind of encouragement would make me happy?
[…Narika]
I spoke to Narika, who was anxious, trying to boost her spirits.
[Let’s work together]
[…Toge-ther]
As if repeating my line, Narika muttered in a small voice.
[…Yes. I have… Itsuki]
Narika said as if telling herself.
Then―
[I’m… gonna go for it…!!]
Narika seemed determined.
More parts, and next thing I know I’m in senior year, how did things end so fast?
Donations are very much appreciated. (EDN: Help fuel me and Ezu’s Honkai addiction plz)
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo
Thatguy
Thank you for the chapter.