She sees right through me

It was break time after the first period.

Once again, I discussed with Tennoji-san.

"What do you mean by spending time together after school?"

"I'll teach you how to study."

She continued to explain her intentions.

"I participated in a study group you organized before. ...... To tell you the truth, that was the first time I taught anyone how to study."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, so I noticed it for the first time at that time ... Apparently, the act of teaching things to others seems to be good for me."

What does that ...... mean?

When I tilted my head, Tennoji-san told me.

"In short, by teaching others to study, I have also improved my own academic ability. That's the result of the test I just took. I was able to overcome the gap against Konohana-san."

I see.

I'm starting to see what she's talking about.

"So, you're saying that you want to continue this kind of study group in the future, right?"

"That's what I meant."

I understood what she was saying and shook my head.

"But why did you choose me to help you?"

"Because you're the lowest-performing person I've ever known."

"Gu ..."

It was frustrating, but I couldn't say anything back.

"However, this is just too much trouble for you. I wish there was something I could do to help you......"

"If you can help me with my studies ......, that would be great for me."

"No. It's not fair to you if I don't pay you something because it's my pleasure to teach you."

She is a disciplined person.

I think it's not so much my feelings as Tennoji-san's own inability to accept it.

"Are there any other things you're not good at besides studying?"

"Something I'm not good at......"

It reminded me of all the mistakes I've made since becoming a caretaker.

I'm far from perfect at studying, exercising, housework and self-defense, but the one thing I'm worst at is .......

" ...... Manners, I guess."

When I answered that, Tennoji-san smiled with satisfaction.

"I will teach you manners in person! The Tennoji family is a family that values etiquette. Manners are my specialty!"

She put her hand on her chest and said, "Leave it to me!".

To be honest, that would be very helpful. But if I'm going to be spending my time after school, it's not a decision I can make on my own.

"I'm very grateful for your help, but ...... I need to think about it a little bit."

When I said that, Tennoji-san gave me a strange look.

"Why? You seemed to like the idea."

"Well, I'm not allowed to make up my own schedule for family reasons."

"I see. It sounds like a difficult household."

If you say it's difficult, it is indeed difficult. After all, this is the Konohana Group.

Even though I've gotten used to it lately, I still find myself in a tight spot every now and then.

When I let out a light sigh, remembering my daily hardships, I noticed that ...... Tennoji-san was silently staring at me.

"Nishinari-san, when you are at home, do you behave the same way as you do now?"

"When you say the same as now, you mean ......?"

" I mean the way you act now, without a trace of self-confidence, as if you are somewhat frightened."

The point was as harsh as ever.

But if I'm acting frightened now, I'm sure I'm the same way when I'm at the mansion.

"I think I'm like this at home ......"

When I answered, Tennoji-san sighed.

"I invited you for one more reason besides your grades. It's about your behavior at the school."

Tennoji-san looked me straight in the eyes and continued.

"I'm going to ask you something straightforward. ... You feel inferior to the people around you, don't you?"

For a moment, I thought my heart had been grabbed.

It was not the shock of seeing through the truth that I had been hiding, but rather the insight into my ...... psychology that even I had not ... noticed.

I'm the only ordinary person in the academy. Compared to the other students around me, I am inferior in intelligence, family background, and everything else.

I don't usually think about it that seriously, but it suddenly crosses my mind. I was originally not allowed to enter the academy, and I was only enrolled there because of the power of the Konohana family. It would be difficult not to feel inferior.

...Maybe I have a complex.

Even after all this time, I still think so.

Perhaps sensing my silence, Tennoji-san continued.

"It's not uncommon for students of the academy to suffer from this kind of complex. Fortunately, however, you have a lot of ambition. I promise you that with my guidance, you will be able to get rid of that complex."

Thank you.

I was so grateful for the proposal that I almost agreed to it right away.

I want to contribute to Hinako as her caretaker. The stronger I felt that way, the more often I was confronted with challenges. It may be a simple idea, but I have a feeling that if Tennoji-san could teach me how to study and use manners, it would solve all my problems at once.

"I have to get back to the classroom soon. It would be nice to hear your answer as soon as possible."

" ...... I understand. I'll get back to you tomorrow."

I'll talk to Shizune about it as soon as I can after school.

"Thank you for your kind words. ...... Tennoji-san really has a good eye for people. To be honest, I didn't expect you to see through me so well."

"I'm flattered. It's no big deal."

"No, I think it's really great."

When I told her with admiration, Tennoji-san averted her gaze.

"It's really no big deal. ...... I'm just an experienced person."

The second half of her words were mostly to herself, so I could barely hear her.

However, the only thing that remained strong in my memory was the unusually gloomy expression on her face for Tennoji-san, who always acted so tough.