Chapter 8

"By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Chizuru Tsurumi, your lady's maid."

While walking down the corridor of the mansion, the maid said,

"I plan to provide various instructions to Mr. Itsuki, who will be taking care of you, so please be aware of that."

"Understood."

"Mr. Itsuki will be known as the heir to a mid-sized company, but while in this mansion, he will be your caretaker. Therefore, please change the way you address the lady here."

"...I understand. Should I call her Hinako-sama?"

Chizuru nodded.

"Conversely, outside the mansion, you will be known as a classmate of the lady, so it's better to use '-san' when addressing her."

While at the academy, I should call Hinako-sama with '-san'.

I need to manage the distance properly. I nodded.

"This is Mr. Itsuki's room."

Chizuru opened the door to the room.

The room was about seven tatami mats in size, with only a bed and a study desk, making it a comfortable space. It was probably a servant's room. Feeling overwhelmed by the size of the mansion, I was relieved internally. This would be easy to get used to.

"If you need any additional furniture, I can take your order later. From now on, please spend your time in this room."

"Understood."

Although she said she would take my order, I hesitated to make too many requests as a newcomer.

I'll think about it after I can work at a normal level.

"Whoa."

At that moment, a girl dived onto the bed with a strange sound.

"Um... Hinako-sama, that's my bed, right?"

"The caretaker's bed is... my bed..."

With a happy expression, Hinako buried her face in the futon.

"...There's nothing I can do. Let the lady sleep here for a while."

Chizuru said with a sigh.

"Mr. Itsuki, you will be attending Kikou Academy as a transfer student from tomorrow, but there are a few things you need to learn first."

I nodded at Chizuru's words.

"About the caretaker's duties, right?"

"That's part of it, but there are other things as well."

Chizuru explained.

"Kikou Academy is a prestigious school for the children of the wealthy. The classes are all at a high level, so it's not something someone who has lived a normal life can keep up with immediately. Therefore, from now until dinner, I will have you thoroughly review the course content."

"...Is it really that high-level?"

"Yes. Moreover, since you will be acting alongside the lady, your grades must match hers. At the very least, you need to have enough academic ability to not be at a loss when called on in class."

"...I'm losing confidence."

"It's not just academics. I will also drill you in manners, behavior, and self-defense."

"Self-defense?"

"Just in case."

To my shock, Chizuru said calmly.

"Oh, are you scared?"

"No... I've experienced various physical jobs, so I'm confident in my physical strength."

"I see. Then after the review, let's see what you can do."

In response to Chizuru's matter-of-fact statement, I gave a confident smile.

Considering Chizuru's personality, it would be better to take the initiative early. Of course, she is my superior as a caretaker, but if I show weakness, I'll probably be subjected to Spartan training forever. I want her to know I have my strengths early on.

I'll get back at the people living in this luxurious mansion.

Don't underestimate a poor student—

◆

"I've reached my limit. Please forgive me. I'm going to die."

That night.

I was doing a dogeza in front of Chizuru in a dojo in a corner of the mansion.

"Alright. Let's end today's lesson here."

After completing a series of lessons, including studies and manners, I was so exhausted that I was barely conscious.

Especially the self-defense training was mentally and physically draining. I never thought I would be handled so easily, like a baby. ...I decided to call Chizuru a combat maid in my mind.

"Refer to this manual for the caretaker's duties."

"...It's quite thick."

"I intended to explain it all verbally before dinner, but if you have any questions, refer to the manual or ask me."

Chizuru said as she handed me the thick manual.

"Um... Hinako-sama is still sleeping in my room."

"The lady is usually sleeping when in the mansion. Please leave her be."

"But I want to sleep too..."

"Sleep in the hallway. I'll lay out a futon for you."

"..."

"Just kidding. Please wait until the lady returns to her room."

"...Understood."

"Then I'll take my leave. If you need anything, call me on the phone."

With that, Chizuru left the dojo.

After expressing my willingness to be a caretaker, I received a smartphone provided to the staff of the Kihana family. Chizuru's number was in the address book, but I didn't want to call her if I could help it.

"...Probably, the caretaker's job is something only a highly capable person can handle."

I muttered as I walked back to my room.

Chizuru's lessons are apparently held every day. If I can keep up with them, I might become a perfect person in both academics and martial arts in a few months. ...Or I might give up.

I returned to my room and took a deep breath.

After placing the manual on the desk, I turned around to see the girl still there.

"Mmm... hehe, hehehe..."

It seems Hinako-sama loves sleeping.

She slept a lot even during the kidnapping and looks like she's going to sleep soundly until morning.

Sighing, I sat down in the chair by the desk.

I'm tired and want to sleep early, but with Hinako-sama on the bed, what should I do...

"Right. There's a manual for situations like this."

I flipped through the manual.

"Let's see. What to be careful about when the lady is sleeping, mansion edition. ...The lady spends most of her time sleeping in the mansion. Waking her up while she's in a deep sleep will make her upset, so always guide her to her room before letting her sleep. ...Too late for that."

I know where Hinako-sama's room is, but is it okay to move her without permission?

I decided to check the manual, but my smartphone vibrated.

I had received a message.

Yuri: Want to go to school together tomorrow?

Seeing the message on the screen, I involuntarily said, "Ah."

"...Damn, I forgot to explain."

The smartphone I used before was in my parents' name, so I had synced the data to the one provided. Therefore, messages from old acquaintances were also received on this phone.

How should I explain?

While I was thinking, messages started coming in one after another.

Yuri: It's fine if you don't want to! I'll go with other friends!

Yuri: What's up?

Yuri: ...Don't ignore me.

I wasn't ignoring her.

I couldn't come up with an answer, so I decided to be honest.

Itsuki: I can't go to that school anymore due to some circumstances.

Yuri: Huh?

A reply came immediately.

Yuri: Can we talk on the phone?

Itsuki: Sorry, I'm tired. Let's talk later.

My head was too tired to think.

If I think about unnecessary things now, I might forget everything Chizuru taught me.

The phone vibrated again.

Even though I said later... I can't bring myself to answer.

After a while, another message came.

Yuri: Why aren't you answering?

Yuri: Hey

Yuri: Hey??

"Hey"

"Whoa!?"

Suddenly, a voice came from behind me, and I jumped.

Turning around, I saw Hinako-sama standing there with sleepy eyes.

"You're awake..."

"Who's that person?"

"Eh? ...Ah, she's an old friend from the same high school..."

"Hmm..."

Hinako-sama, who gave a meaningful nod, reached for my smartphone.

Maybe she wanted to look something up online. I handed her the phone,

"...Confiscated."

"Eh?"

Hinako-sama took my phone and crawled into the futon.

"This will maintain peace..."

"Peace... Hey, give it back."

"No."

She said, still facing away from me.

"...I don't like that tone."

"Huh?"

Tone... Ah, the polite language?

"Use the normal tone."

"But..."

"If you don't, I'll fire you."

That's so tyrannical...

"...Is this okay?"

"Yep, that's fine."

"...Chizuru told me to use polite language..."

"I'll talk to Chizuru tomorrow."

If she says so, it's probably fine... I'll ask Chizuru directly tomorrow.

"Mr. Itsuki"

"...What?"

"From tomorrow, please take care of me."

Hinako-sama said with a gentle smile.

For a moment, I was captivated by her, and I replied a bit late.

"...Sure."

Seemingly satisfied with my response, Hinako-sama crawled back into bed—

"Hey! Wait! At least go back to your room if you're going to sleep!"

The lady was already asleep.

You're such a brat, aren't you?

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