Epilogue: A Different Young Lady
TL/ED: Bogdi
A week has passed since my dismissal as a caretaker was abruptly cancelled.
I was to participate in the social gathering hosted by the Konohana family.
“How do you feel in it?”
“It’s fine.”
Shizune-san carefully checked my costume.
The event was to be hosted by the famous Konohana group, so it was going to be a glamorous affair. There are already a lot of guests gathered at the venue, so the party can start at any time.
“This time, Itsuki-san is invited to the ball, outwardly as the son of an heir to a medium-sized company. If you are not confident in your etiquette, please at least try to act inconspicuously.”
“I understand.”
As Shizune-san nonchalantly went about her duties, I suddenly opened my mouth.
“Shizune-san. Thank you once again.”
I continued to speak to Shizune-san, who turned to look at me.
“It was you who asked Kagen-san to disregard the incident at the dinner and hire me as a caretaker again, right?”
“…… It’s true, I was the one who suggested that, but it was Itsuki-san who made it possible.”
Shizune said as she tightened the tie around my neck.
“I was a little scared that day, though. In order to persuade him, I judged that words alone would not be enough and I was going to try to persuade him by directly showing him the invitation that I had obtained from the main residence. …… I never thought that Itsuki-san would take such a bold action before that.”
“…… Sorry.”
I still remember the words that Shizune said to me that day.
She is an ally of the Lady, though employed by the Kagen-sama. –That’s what Shizune had told me. I’m sure that Shizune was also working hard for Hinako without my knowledge.
“I’ll go back to work then.”
Shizune said as she finished checking my costume.
“During the event, of course you have to be on guard, but if you can spare the time, it’s a good idea to observe the people around you. I think you’ll learn a lot.”
“I understand….. For me, this event is like a training.”
“Of course.”
Shizune said.
“You have to continue to develop your skills.”
With that, Shizune turned on her heels and left.
From now on. Those words brought relief to my heart. At least Shizune-san thinks that my days as a caretaker will continue from now on.
A few minutes later, the party began.
Political bigwigs, presidents and executives of major corporations, and their associates gathered in one place. As I stepped into the glamorous venue, I instantly felt uncomfortable.
“…… I feel out of place here.”
Shizune had also told me not to stand out, so I should keep quiet.
I moved to the side of the wall, avoiding attention.
“Hello, Nishinari-kun!”
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind me, making me jump.
When I turn around, I see two people I know.
“Asahi-san and Taisho-kun? ……”
“Yo.”
Next to Asahi-san, who was full of energy, Taisho also casually greeted me.
Unlike me, the two of them were used to the atmosphere in social circles and they walked up to me in the hall.
“Oh, Nishinari, you’re wearing a nice suit. Isn’t that an Italian brand?”
“Yes. I prepared it for this day. I’m not used to wearing it, to be honest…….”
“Oh ……, I feel the same way. Well, this time it’s hosted by the Konohana family. You can’t afford to embarrass yourself with a bad costume and there’s no harm in being careful.”
Taisho was probably right.
I nodded and looked at Asahi-san’s outfit as well.
“You look gorgeous in that dress, Asahi.”
“Isn’t it? Did you fall in love with it?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m in love with it…….”
I smiled and replied to Asahi-san, who spun around and puffed out her chest.
I feel like it’s a little bit of a stretch, but I’m not going to tell everyone.
“Nishinari, you can be honest with us, it’s a dress for a horse.”
“Hahaha! Taisho, you’re funny. Do you want to come over here for a minute?”
Taisho was pulled by his ear by Asahi-san and disappeared somewhere.
After watching their backs, a blonde girl approached them as they passed each other.
“They’re as noisy as ever, aren’t they?”
It was Tennoji-san who muttered this with a sigh.
“But I suppose it’s one of those talents that allows you to be at ease in any environment.”
“……I guess so.”
It was a strong word that pierced me as I stood in the corner of the hall, shrinking.
“Itsuki …….”
From behind me, I hear a familiar voice.
“…… Naruka?”
“Ugh …… help me. What is this gorgeous space? It’s ….. bright. It’s too …… bright.”
Naruka’s face paled and she let out a weak cry.
Tennoji-san sighed at her appearance.
“Miyakojima-san ……, you’re not going to make it in this world like that.”
“Well, that’s true, but I guess that’s just the way it is…….”
“Not at all. …… This is a good opportunity. Why don’t you try a little rough treatment?”
“Ah, rough treatment?”
“I’ll take you with me to meet everyone. Fortunately, there are a lot of big names from all walks of life here, so you’ll have the courage to talk to them.”
“No, no, no! If I do that, I’ll die!”
Naruka, who was half crying, was forcibly taken away by Tennoji-san.
It was as noisy as Asahi-san.
“Everyone is having fun …”
I mutter, watching the back of the girls as they move away.
I was a little thirsty, so I went to get a drink.
On the way, I spotted a man in a well-fitted suit.
I make up my mind and call out to him.
“Kagen-san.”
I bowed to him as he turned to me.
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“…… Oh.”
Kagen-san looked a little surprised.
