Have you all seen Kimi no Na wa?
All posts by Estelulu
Reika-sama – 087
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If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
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With Marin-sensei’s help, I managed to get past a term-end exam. I don’t think I did well, though. That’s why I decided I would enroll for summer cram school.
I guess I’m too weak-willed for self study. There’s just too much temptation lying around the house. Each time there was some problem I couldn’t solve I found myself needle felting, or rearranging my room, or something else.
I’ve decided that if I like the cram school I’ll continue doing it in Term 2 as well. So please, anything but the remedials again…
*
The day of the last exam. It finished in the morning so I went home and got changed. Today I had somewhere to be.
The post office. I wanted to deposit some money, and to buy some postage stamps.
It’s actually a small hobby of mine, stamp collecting. It’s fun keeping some of the cute ones. I don’t have anybody to send letters to, though.
I particularly like some of the anime ones, or the ones with cute figures on them. I have some robot anime ones, and some with characters from picture books.
There was also this Rococo Queen one. Naturally I bought some. I think you’re meant to use multiple stamps or something so I bought extras just in case. Not that I have anywhere to send anything right now.
I was a little embarrassed because I was worried somebody would think I was cosplaying her, but I liked these the most so I’m glad I found the courage.
I hope I’ll get to use them though. Aoi-chan would probably accept it with a smile. Maybe I’ll send her something then~
I was wearing something more casual than most of my other outfits, a feminine dress with a ribbon below the chest. There was somewhere else I wanted to go today, so it wouldn’t do to look too much like an ojousama.
Before going to the post office, I was going to have lunch at a soba restaurant, so I chose something less eyecatching.
Geez, I’m so hungry. What should I have~
*
The soba place was in a mall building. Looking at the menu I found myself at a loss. Sansai vegetable soba would be good, but then chilled soba sounded appetising too. Aah, but it has to be tempura soba in the end!
It came with two prawns, and was delicious. I’m glad I picked this. It had plenty of spring onion too, which is good for the blood, right?
Actually it was so delicious that I ended up draining the broth dry. Mn, so satisfied!
*
After relaxing a bit, I headed to the post office, a large one nearby.
The counter was packed with people so I got a ticket and went to browse the stamps.
These animal stamps are pretty nice, but I like these traditional art-themed ones too~ Maybe I’ll get a few of these Japanese Waka poem stamps.
In the end I found some cute animal ones so I decided to buy those this time. I made up my mind to come again someday.
Happily making my way back to counter, I discovered that there was still quite a while until it was my turn. It was packed so there probably wasn’t anywhere to sit either.
Ah well. I’m still young so a bit of standing won’t kill me.
Just as I was thinking that, some salaryman gave me his seat.
What a gentleman! I guess even Japan has learnt the ‘ladies first’ custom. Thank you, nameless salaryman.
I thanked him with a smile and took a seat.
It’s funny how small acts of kindness can really pick up your mood.
Not that I wasn’t still feeling a bit ill from all the tempura soba I ate. I mean, I drank all the broth too.
As I rubbed my tummy unconsciously, the lady next to me asked,
“How many months?”
Months? What months?
“?”
“You look around 5 months, I’d guess? I hope you give birth to a healthy child.”
“…”
… … … …Eh?
Don’t tell me… Don’t tell me I’ve been mistaken for a pregnant woman!?
Why!? Because I rubbed my tummy!?
I’m not! It’s just because my stomach is full!
“…I’m… not pregnant…”
“Eh?”
“There’s no baby in there…”
I tensed my muscles and pulled in my stomach as far as possible. Which wasn’t far, mind.
“Oh, oh goodness, I’m sorry,” she said, looking incredibly awkward as she found somewhere else to sit.
Gasp! Don’t tell me!
I turned around and the salaryman from earlier averted his gaze.
You too!?
So he gave me my seat because he thought I was pregnant!?
Holy hell…
Apparently I became pregnant without realising. I’ll bet some archangel will descend to announce my pregnancy at any moment now. Son of the God of the Fat Country, please hurry up and be born. If not I’ll be stuck with this belly forever.
…Haha. I really need to stop escaping reality. I was just getting fat.
And there was one other thing I needed to accept.
Could it be that I’m aging? Do I look old enough to be happily pregnant already?
Not only am I fat, I’m older-looking too?
Wow, these lights are kind of dazzling. So dazzling that my eyes are tearing up…
And it still wasn’t my turn at the counter yet──
After trying not to cry as I made my way home, I shut myself in my room and transformed into a hula-hooping devil.
Then I did sit-ups and crunches too. I noticed that I was less fit now.
Starting from the next day my lunches were going to be basically salad. I told the girls at school,
“The heat has been a bit much so my appetite has been dwindling…”
Although they replied with stuff like “Get better soon,” I’ll bet they all realised…
At the Pivoine I only drank tea. Apparently today’s snack was blueberry tarts but I couldn’t have any!
People keep recommending this or that but I could only reject them with an excuse about my appetite.
Even looking hurt.
While that was happening, Enjou who happened to pass by suddenly smiled and said,
“Do your best,” before leaving.
He noticed too? Don’t say needless things! You’re making me even hungrier.
*
When I texted Sakura-chan my grievances, she suddenly replied,
“Zazen meditation, and waterfall training. Which do you want?”
Apparently she thought I ought to fix my weak will first. Not that she didn’t have a point. I’m honestly one of those people who are harsh on others but easy on myself.
Anyway, that’s why I now had a trip to a zazen session with Sakura-chan planned.
By the way, Sakura-chan, I’ll probably fall asleep if I keep my eyes shut for more than three minutes but is that okay?
Also for some reason Okaasama suggested I go to some fasting camp with her. So there was that planned too.
Apparently my entire summer break was going to be dedicated to training and losing weight.
Is my third eye finally going to open!?
Turf War – Chapter 14
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ.
Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
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Chapter 14 – “Ortissio the Fiend!? We have to escape!”
“Orrr? Where are you?”
I wandered about underground for him.
I checked training rooms A to D but only found Pervert(Nielsen) and Muram. Drenched in sweat as always.
I mean, I can appreciate their efforts but they were still on their 5 kg weights, and were always wheezing after a few dozen push-ups. Still way below the fitness of an average man.
Well whatever. Try your best.
Anyway, the point is Or wasn’t there.
As for where else he might have been… Hm, the break room, or maybe the meeting room…?
I checked all the likely places but found nothing.
Phew, who on earth made this place so big, anyhow. It’s not like I had the time to search every single room.
In the end I decided to just ask somebody. I called out to a passerby.
“Ah~ You there, yes, you!”
“W-, Why if it isn’t Tilea-sama!” he answered nervously.
Gosh, this again!?
Why do all the grunt members get so nervous around me?
It’s tiring!
This is exactly why I didn’t want to ask somebody. Is this boot camp? Am I some colonel? Am I the General? Am I the bloody Demon King! Stop being so frantic around a little girl, already!
Unfortunately, my mental complaints went unheeded because the guy stood stock-still at attention. It felt like he would spend his whole life standing here without my dismissal.
God, this is why shut-in chuunibyou are…
“Um, hey, I’ve already told you guys before but can you not be so stiff around me?”
“Understood, Milady!”
How is that any less stiff.
Well whatever. I suppose I can understand. I mean, not only are they chuunibyou, they’re kind of losers too. A cute girl like me talks to them and they tense right up. I get it. Plus, Timu and I are kind of like the idols of this whole group, so maybe his heart is beating so hard he’s trying not to faint? That’s how it is with idol otaku, right?
I mean, apparently the tickets to my “The Evil God’s Splendrous Techniques” performances have a waiting list and a premium on them. And each time I perform, there are people outside the room watching in.
Actually, Dryas-kun tells me that the demand and supply is so bad that even fights have broken out…
Then again, it is Dryas-kun saying it.
Anyhow, I’m basically like some super idol to them. I’ll be frank. I know I’m hot. But having a bunch of grown men squabble over some random girl like me is kind of disturbing.
No matter how starved for entertainment they are in this world without internet there’s still a point at which I just want to ask them to grow up a bit.
Whatever. I can worry about their futures later. For now there’s something else I need to do.
“Umm, you’re… Gorhon, right?”
“No, Milady. I am Orhon, of the Evil God Army’s 1st Division.”
“Orhon… Right, right, you were Orhon, weren’t you. So Orhon, say…”
“Yes, Milady.”
“Do you have any idea where Or is?”
“Yes, Milady. I believe he is presently inspecting a treasury.”
“Treasury? That’s weeeird… I swear I just checked…”
“Commander Ortissio should be in the Treasury C, Milady.”
“Oh, oka――wha-, C!? There’s a Treasury C?”
“Yes, Milady.”
T-, Then doesn’t that mean there’s an A and a B, or maybe even a Z?
“U-Uh, say, are there other treasuries aside from the one on the right at the end of this hallway?”
“Yes, Milady. From my knowledge there should be roughly ten of them or so…”
Just how freaking rich is this family? That one treasury I do know is already packed to the brim.
Or, aren’t you like the ultimate rich boy!?
No wonder. No wonder he can piss away all that money. Geez, just how deep is his family’s wallet. I can’t imagine that they gathered all this money without dirtying their hands.
I know it sounds prejudiced but that’s how rich people are, right? I can’t let Mum meet him at this rate. It’s bad enough that he’s some spoilt rich boy, but the chuunibyou on top of that? It’s a recipe for disaster.
I’d better have a few words with him first.
“Are you busy right now, Orhon?”
“No, Milady. My commanding officer may be waiting for me but your orders are always the priority.”
“Okay. Then could you pop down to that treasury and call Or for me?”
“As you desire,” he said, before sprinting off. Mmn. I’m happy that he’s taking this so seriously, but isn’t he being a bit too serious? What if he trips. But wow, was he that happy to be speaking to me?
Gosh, these damned chuunibyou! With so many of them gathered here, I’ll never be able to relax.
This is exactly why I need to have a word with Or first. What should I do. Should I just stand next to him the whole time and translate…?
“Tilea-sama, I, Ortissio, have humbly arrived.”
Ortissio arrived while I was thinking.
“That was fast. Were you nearby, Or?”
“No, I was at the northernmost treasury. I offer my sincere apologies for the late arrival.”
“Haha…”
What ‘northernmost’! This underground empire is bigger than the damned town, you know. How could anybody come this quickly from the northernmost tip! Damned Or, trying to act cool even though you were probably just around the corner! This is why I hate dealing with chuunibyou.
“I was thinking that it’s about time for me to start learning teleportation magic as well. There’s a bit of a time loss when merely running with body reinforcement magic.”
“Or, enough about that already.”
“Understood.”
“Or, the truth is that my mum wants to meet you.”
“By your mother, you mean…?”
“She normally lives in Beruga Town but today she’s here in the Capital.”
“Beruga…?”
“Yeah, Beruga where Timu and I came from, and the person who came today is our mother. She is absolutely not Mamira. Got it?” I explained to Or before he jumped to weird conclusions.
Oi, pay attention now. You play make-believe so much that I’m worried you think we actually came from the Demonic Capital Benz or something.
“I understand. So it’s the woman that’s your temporary moth――HEBURAH!”
I smacked him with a backfist.
Hahh, I knew it…
Looks like a repeat of the time with Pervert(Nielsen).
[tln: see chapter 28~30]
It’s not like I was expecting otherwise but god this is such a headache. Maybe I should get Pervert(Nielsen) to help me. After that one time, Pervert(Nielsen) hasn’t ever been disrespectful to Mum. Maybe he’d be the right man to educate Or.
I turned to Orhon who was standing at attention.
“Aah~ Orhon, could I maybe ask you for one more favour?”
“Yes, Milady. Whatever you please.”
“Then could I trouble you to go grab Niel from the training room?”
“I understand. Then I shall go call the General Commander at once,” he said before dashing off again.
I’m counting on you, Orhon, I thought as I nodded in approval.
Pervert(Nielsen) arrived a few minutes later. Also I guess Or had finally recovered because he was standing shakily with his hand to his forehead.
“I have humbly arrived, Tilea-sama,” said Pervert(Nielsen).
“Thanks for coming, Niel. The truth is my Mum is upstairs in the shop right now.”
“Sera-sama…? Then I must make haste and greet her.”
“You’ve really matured, Niel. I’m very pleased with your attitude.”
“You humble me. Sera-sama is the shrine that summoned both Camilla-sama and your august self to this world. How could I not pay her my respects?”
Yepyep, that’s how you’re supposed to act. He was talking like a chuunibyou again, but I’m happy about the attitude behind it.
“Or, do you see how Niel is behaving? This is what you’re lacking right now. Learn from him!”
“Understood. However I cannot understand why General Commander Nielsen is behaving this way. Our guest this time is a mere human――hii!”
I placed my hand above Or’s neck. Then I mimed a chopping motion. Looks like he understood.
“Or, that’s a yelloh cardo. The next time you slip up you’re losing your head.
“M-My deepest apologies. Please, Tilea-sama, please give me another chance,” he begged with tears in his eyes.
Geez, you’re a grown man so don’t you have any shame?
“Hahh, if you’re going to cry about it then how about thinking before you act and not messing up to begin with?”
“M-My deepest apologies. W-, What did I do wrong? …General Commander, where did I err?”
“Ortissio! You lack awareness as a retainer!” he roared.
Mmn, mmn. Make sure to teach him a lesson.
“That’s right, Or. You know, in the past Niel did the same thing.”
“Indeed. It is a shame that will follow me to the grave.”
“Yeah, if I had snapped back then I might really have killed you.”
“The General Commander, executed by Tilea-sama…?” asked Ortissio.
“Yeah, almost. But in the end Niel saw the error of his ways. That’s why I forgave him.”
“I am eternally grateful for your kindness, Tilea-sama,” said Pervert(Nielsen) with a bow.
Pervert(Nielsen) might be a chuunibyou, but being polite is one of his good points.
“Or, I’m not even surprised since it’s a rich boy like you, but you really don’t have any sense. Or, you need to learn from Niel.”
“Understood! I shall meditate deeply on your words. Then, General Commander, might I trouble you to teach this humble fool?”
“Ordinarily a thought-traitor like you would meet with summary execution. However, the one who requested me to reform you was none other than Tilea-sama. I shall forge you into the perfect image of a loyal retainer.”
“As you will.”
With that, Pervert(Nielsen) started to teach him some common sense. I told Or to come up to the shop once he was done with his lesson and headed upstairs myself. I didn’t really want to keep Mum waiting. When I got there I found Mum in the shop looking amazed at the furniture.
“Mum, Or’s going to be here soon.”
“R-Right. Tilea, do you actually know how expensive all these furnishings are…?”
“Ahah! Surprised? I was too, Mum. They look pretty plain at first but to a trained eye they’re all super high class.”
“Tilea! Why are you such a carefree girl! These furnishings alone would be able to pay for four or five normal shops, you know. It’s abnormal that anybody would go this far for you.”
“Geez, it’s not what you’re thinking. Or is just the son of some powerful noble.”
“Goodness, you’re so… Do you think that powerful noble would let his son waste his money out of goodwill?”
“B-But, that’s… Or and I are really tight, and um, my cooking is…”
Mum gave a helpless look at my floundering.
Um, Mum, can you please stop looking like you want to say ‘what am I going to do with this idiot daughter of mine’?
“Huu… I’ve made up my mind, Tilea. I really must talk to this Ortissio-san.”
“It’s, you’re exaggerating, Mum. You’ll get it once you meet him. He’s really not such a big deal.”
“Enough, Tilea. More importantly I’ve seen your account book but you still haven’t shown me the promissory note.”
“Promissory note? We don’t have anything like that.”
“Haaah!? You’re hundreds of millions in debt. How can you not have signed anything! I-, I can’t believe this. What is Ortissio-san thinking?”
“Mmn, but well, a verbal contract is still a contract, right?”
“It is, but…”
Mum looked really troubled. I-, Is it really that big a deal? We’ve got the account book so it’s not like I’ll forget how much I owe.
“It’s fine, Mum. We’ve got the account book so who even needs a promissory note.”
“Hahh~ Tilea, if you don’t have the documents then you can just shirk the debt. The opposite is true as well. How are you going to protect yourself if they claim you promised something you didn’t!”
“You’re such a worrywart, Mum. We’re really relaxed with each other, you know? There’s no way he’d do something so sneaky. Really, just trust me.”
Well, to be honest the relaxed thing is kind of one-way, but if I started talking about evil god armies Mum would probably freak. The point is that he wouldn’t do that. I know what he’s like.
“J-, Just listening to you is giving me a headache…” Mum said, as her feet became a little unsteady.
“Mum, you really don’t have to worry so much.”
“Tilea, you don’t understand just how terrifying nobles can be.”
“No, no, I really do. I mean, they’re nobles, right? Leaving Or aside, nobles are like, really rich and perverted, right? Down with the bourgeoisie!” I said as I mimed a pitchfork. “Am I right?”
“Take this seriously, Tilea!”
“Owowow, Maam, sh-shtop dat!”
Mum kept pulling on my cheeks like taffy.
It’s really not a big deal. It’s Or.
But my carefree attitude was just making Mum more and more suspicious of him.
After finally letting go of my cheeks, Mum’s expression turned strained and she began to talk seriously again.
“Tilea, listen carefully to me. I haven’t always lived in Beruga Town, you know. When I was young I used to live in the Royal Capital, and I was something a bit like an adventurer for a time.”
“Wow~ Really? I had no idea. Is that when you met Dad?”
“Yes. Your Dad and I met while I was still in the Capital. It’s my happiest memory here. But it wasn’t all good things. You see…”
With that, Mum began telling me about her bad memories here. About how horrid the nobles were. About how they would smile gracefully as they trampled on the commoners. And then about all the times her friends and acquaintances had fallen victim to that.
At first I was just listening with interest. But Mum’s stories were horrid, and after just a few minutes my attitude with Or had done a complete turnaround.
This last story was completely skin-crawling. It was about a noble that people said was devil in human skin.
……
…………
……………………
“W-What happened to her?”
“She died. By the end both her body and mind were in tatters. The Fiend had targeted her family from the start. He used sweet words and false kindness to trick her… I’d never regretted my own powerlessness more.”
Mum’s expression was filled with grief. It really drove home just how painful it was for her.
And to be honest that girl’s situation had a lot in common with mine. Or’s over-investment in me. How he would always praise and adore me even though he was a high-ranking noble.
But the truth of it was…
“A-Awawawa! T-Then Or’s been tricking me? H-He’s been going after me, or m-maybe Timu?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I need to meet with him to find out. We might let go of the shop in Beruga depending.”
“T-, That can’t be… B-, Because I was being an idiot, the shop… the shop that you and Dad are so proud of… uu… guh… uuu…”
“Don’t cry, Tilea. Mum is happy as long as you two are safe. I don’t need the shop.”
“Uu, wahh, I-I’m sorry Mum… I-, I should have been… more careful…”
“Everything is going to be okay, Tilea.”
Mum stroked my head as she held me in her arms.
But while I was crying in regret…
“I have arrived, Tilea-sama. I have completed damned Ortissio’s training.”
…Pervert(Nielsen) arrived with a smug smile, and The Fiend(Or) was right behind him.
Reika-sama – 086
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
https://discord.gg/0uufyDAsTZXQaMz1
Have a Merry Christmas!
Class Rep passed me in the hallway so I grabbed his arm and dragged him off.
“Eh-, what’s wrong, Kisshouin-san?”
“Class Rep, I cannot imagine that it is true but in addition to your poetry, by any chance have you also dipped your toes into composing love songs?”
“EH!? How did you know!?”
I freaking knew it!
His disease is getting worse by the day. What a tragic discovery.
“I will not speak ill of your hobbies, Class Rep, however I sincerely hope that you are not thinking of singing to the girl in question. Gasp! It cannot be that you intend to do so at the school festival again!?”
“Nono, even I know that would be bad.”
Oh! Has he grown?
“Incidentally, what genre of song is it?”
“…It’s a secret,” he said with a blush.
Damned maiden.
“…I guess girls just find it a bother when somebody suddenly sings a song written for them?”
“I suppose. Not every girl is the same. I suppose the average girl would be shocked before happy.”
“I see…”
Class Rep dropped his head. So he really wants to sing, huh.
Perhaps I should confirm his intentions one more time when the school festival comes. I can’t discount the possibility that he’ll go into a frenzy and sing anyway.
“Instead of singing a strange song that you wrote, you might be better received singing an existing song for her instead.”
“I see.”
“Indeed. A while back, a certain person played a love song on piano. It was wonderful, and the girls were all over it. It shames me to say that even I felt a little something. It was surprising, coming from him. That is the key, Class Rep. Gap moe. Gap moe is everything.”
“Gap moe… I’m surprised you even know the word, Kisshouin-san. But hm, a gap in my image… Would it be surprising if I started playing instruments?”
“The diligent class representative playing a passionate song of love. I suppose it would be quite a gap indeed. Take care to choose the right song, though.”
“Like what? Something that brings to mind the ocean after all? Or would a song on piano be better?”
“The piano might be nice.”
“The problem is when I can play it…”
Suddenly…
“Class Rep, what’s wrong? Are you okay!?”
While the two of us were chatting in secret, Fellow Stalking Horse suddenly rushed out at us.
“Ah, Mizuzaki-kun. Did you need me?”
“No, I was going to ask if anything was wrong. She brought you over here, after all.”
Over here? Uh, we’re just in a normal hallway, but?
“Huh? I was just talking with her.”
“However…”
Stalking Horse seemed really worried for him. He even casually shielded him from me.
Hey, Stalking Horse, am I like some unthinkable fiend in your mind?
“…Umm, I don’t really get it, but I think you might be misunderstanding Kisshouin-san. It’s impossible that she’d do anything bad to me. I mean, she’s my love guru.”
“Love guru?”
“Yeah. Since primary school. She always gives me advice.”
Class Rep started shyly fiddling with his hair. Damned maiden.
“A love guru. For a love guru I’ve heard very little word about you having your own boyfriend.”
Oi, the hell are you saying, Stalking Horse. You picking a fight here? I don’t wanna hear this sass from the damned Vice Chief.
…I mean, I know Stalking Horse is pretty popular with the girls and all, but like, don’t they call me Goddess too?
“More importantly I had no idea there was a girl you liked.”
“EHH! Gosh, Mizusaki-kun, keep it a secret okay?”
The maiden blushed harder.
If Stalking Horse didn’t know then I can only assume that people had slowly forgotten about the poem. Good for you, Maiden. I’ll never forget it though.
“Should I help out then?”
“Eh-, really?”
Class Rep seemed ready to take up Fellow Stalking Horse’s offer so I quickly grabbed his arm.
“You mustn’t, Class Rep!”
“Eh, why?”
Leaving Stalking Horse, I started to whisper in his ear.
“I hear that when a friend offers to help out, it is often the case that the girl will fall in love with said friend instead. Worse yet, Mizusaki-kun is a popular boy. You mustn’t. That way lies danger.”
“That makes sense.”
“One day she might even ask you to help her together with him.”
“Uwah. That’d be the worst. But I can see it happening~”
“Right?”
Discussion concluded.
“I’m grateful that you offered, Mizusaki-kun, but I think I’ll just keep getting help from Kisshouin-san,” he said, with his hand up.
Stalking Horse looked at me with suspicion again.
“You really are just talking about love, right? Class Rep, she’s not threatening you or anything?”
“EH! Of course not!”
Did I do something to Stalking Horse? He seems convinced that I’m a villain.
“Kisshouin-san really does give me good advice. She even told me about this great shrine for matchmaking.”
“…That’s really not much, is it.”
“No, it was plenty. It worked.”
Eh-, worked!?
“Wait, Class Rep, what might you be talking about?”
I was grabbing his arm again.
“You know the school trip? We walked about the park together. It wasn’t just us, of course, but wow, I had fun.”
Oh, the time when I was about to turn into a merlion. Something like that did happen, huh. That’s nice~ Making great memories on your trip. I didn’t have anything like that at all.
“Anyway, the point is that I don’t have any problems with Kisshouin-san so you don’t have anything to worry about, Mizusaki-kun.”
“…I see.”
Why do I have to be doubted like this. I might have to talk to him about this.
“Mizusaki-kun, might I have a word?”
“What?”
I asked Class Rep to give us some room but he looked at me in worry and asked,
“Is everything okay?”
This time it was Stalking Horse’s time to be bewildered.
Hah! See! Class Rep thinks that you’re the dangerous one, not me!
Anyway, the two of us left Class Rep behind but he was still looking worried.
“Say, Mizusaki-kun. Why is it that you seem to have such a bad impression of me? I cannot say I recall doing anything.”
“To me, at least.”
What?
“In our last year in middle school you threatened Tsuruhana, didn’t you. You said that if she disobeyed, you would crush her. And that you had the power to do so. I happened to see it by chance.”
THE TIME WITH THE FOLDING FAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!?!
I knew that somebody might have seen that. And to think it was Fellow Stalking Horse.
I suppose that explains my image then…
“I know she was reaping what she sowed. But I can’t stand people who threaten others with their authority. Not even if it’s how the mighty Pivoine like to do things. I’ll protect the students from you if I have to.”
WHOAAAAA, he’s like totally casting me as the villain here.
But I guess it can’t be helped after seeing that… I can’t even defend myself here.
“…Well, there were certain circumstances involved in that. Still, I understand your point.”
“That all? I’m leaving then.”
“Sure.”
Heaven knows, Earth knows, you know and I know. I keep telling the tanuki that, but to think I’d need hearing it myself. What a terrifying tanuki boomerang.
It’s going to be hard clearing my image, isn’t it~ And to be honest I’m still embarrassed about that fan thing so please forget about it already…
Reika-sama – 085
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
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Merry Christmas! One more left.
As an apology for confusing the crap out of him, I sent Aoi-chan’s brother some high class protein supplements.
Apparently the girl he liked was named literally just ‘Mari’. I should have checked to begin with. He’s a nice guy so he told me that it wasn’t my fault and not to worry, and Aoi-chan wasn’t angry at me in the slightest so things were settled for now.
Because of the strong opposition from all around him, Aoi-chan’s oniisan stopped with the song writing. He’s still been playing the guitar though. One day Aoi-chan called and told me,
“Oniichan’s started a weird guitar comedy routine…”
Stay strong, Aoi-chan!
fo
Anyhow, life passed by and one day I received an invitation to an opening party for one of the Kaburagi Group’s associate companies.
“I recall declining last time. Otousama, Okaasama, just go by yourselves.”
“Yeah, but last time when I met Chairman Kaburagi we talked, and when I mentioned you he told me to bring you next time.”
Ever since I gave him that tanuki doll he’s been going around talking about me like I’m some sort of fathercon. I first heard about it from somebody in the Pivoine:
“I hear that you get along very well with your father, Reika-sama.”
First I’d heard of it. Boy was that a surprise.
Everybody in the upper class already knows about me as a long-time brocon but recently fathercon has been added to the list too. I find that offensive.
But in the end it’s just Otousama’s boasting. The brocon stuff is all true but the fathercon rumours aren’t really sticking. And for good reason. It’s all baseless.
“I am still in high school so I shall decline for now.”
“Yeah, but I’ve already told him that you were going. So come with, Reika?”
HAHH?
Forcing me to go to a Kaburagi party of all things!?
“Reika,” Okaasama cut in. “Masaya-sama might be at this party! How about we show him your new dress?”
That was what I wanted to avoid the most though. Okaasama was rather too cheerful about the whole thing.
And I’ve got my end of term exams too. Instead I have to play dress-up doll for her?
“It’s fine,” said Otousama. “I’ll make sure to escort you, Reika.”
What on earth is this tanuki saying.
“No, I’ll have Oniisama do so if you please.”
Hmph! You think looking depressed like that is enough for me to feel sorry for you!
*
For a while I considered telling Kaburagi I was coming, but in the end I decided against it. To begin with I dunno if he’s even comming, and if he said ‘So?’ I wouldn’t know what to say.
Anyway, the day of the party came in no time at all.
*
Corporate parties are really boring. Growing up I avoided as many as possible on the basis that I was still a child, but I suppose I’ll be seeing more and more of these from now on. What a pain, geez. Incidentally, Kaburagi didn’t come.
Oniisama escorted me as I kept a smile on my face. Some of the parents of fellow Pivoine members were there so I made some polite conversation. Most of it was talking about how wonderful their children were.
Both my parents were doing basically the same thing elsewhere.
“Tired, Reika?”
“I am still fine.”
“Yeah? It’ll only be a bit longer, so hold on.”
Supported by Oniisama’s soft encouragement, I fired myself up for another meet and greet.
“Gokigen’yoh. I am Kisshouin Reika.”
At that moment a voice called out from behind.
“Thanks for coming, Takateru-kun.”
“Why if it isn’t Chairman Kaburagi. Thank you for the invitation tonight.”
Chairman Kaburagi!? Kaburagi’s dad!?
I turned around in a hurry.
-DOKKINNN!!-
Kaburagi’s dad was this unbelievably stylish ojisama.
I’ve always avoided their family so it was my first time seeing him up close.
He’s probably Otousama’s age by what the heck is this different!? His belly isn’t coming out at all! And even his crow’s feet make him look refined instead of old. Not only that but his eyes seem both sharp and magnanimous! It’s a flood of charisma! SO COOOL!!! And WHOA, he’s freaking tall!
He’s like Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto.
Completely unlike his son’s Night On Bald Mountain. This man is a true emperor!
He was just so awesome that I couldn’t help but stare dumbly for a while.
“This is my younger sister, Reika. Come on Reika, it’s Chairman Kaburagi.”
“Good evening, Reika-san. Thank you for coming tonight.”
The elegant ojisama smiled at me.
Oh no! This isn’t the time to be spacing out!
“Thank you very much for your invitation tonight. I am Kisshouin Reika,” I replied politely, suppressing the wild beating of my heart.
Holy crap, please let me leave a good impression with *him at least.
“No need to be so polite. You’re in Masaya’s year, aren’t you. I hope he hasn’t been causing you trouble.”
“No, not at all. Masaya-sama is an amazing and talented person.”
We’re not close enough for that.
“I hear that you’re doing well yourself, Reika-san. Your father must be proud of you. I heard that you always bake sweets for your beloved father. Ah, and there was a plush toy recently too, wasn’t there. Goodness, I wish I had a daughter. I’m envious of your father.”
Otousama, you’re exaggerating too much!
What the heck has he been saying about me. It’s so scary I can’t even think about it.
“Chairman Kaburagi, thank you for earlier.”
Speak of the devil.
“Ah, it’s you, Chairman Kisshouin. I was just speaking to the children you and your lovely wife are so proud of. Reika-san really is a lovely young lady. I expected no less from your beloved daughter.”
“Haha, thank you, Chairman Kaburagi.”
Oi, you’re supposed to say ‘you flatter us’ there, Tanuki.
Next to the chubby Tanuki, Kaburagi’s otousan looked even cooler than usual. I have to hand it to Okaasama, she’s pretty amazing for not feeling disappointed when her husband is standing next to this guy.
After that, the tanuki began to share secret and vastly exaggerated tales of how well he got along with his daughter.
Somebody save me.
The big-hearted Chairman Kaburagi went along with the tanuki’s delusions with a smile.
At the end of it all, Chairman Kaburagi told me,
“I hope we’ll meet again, Reika-san.”
Again with a dazzling smile.
Wow… So dreamy…
Wai-, this isn’t the time for this, Reika!
You vowed to stay away from the Kaburagi family so what are you doing getting familiar…
I have to get back on track!
*
A few days later in the salon, Kaburagi came up to me and laughed,
“Heard it from my pops but not only are you a brocon, you’re a fathercon on top of that?”
TANUKIIIIIIIIIII!!
Reika-sama – 084
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
https://discord.gg/0uufyDAsTZXQaMz1
Merry Christmas!
Cream cheese is delicious with honey.
It’s great just to eat it like that but I like to eat it on scones. It’s even more delicious that way.
My family buys high class honey from specialist honey stores without an issue. What a wonderful life.
I wonder which honey I should have today. Maybe the lavender.
I spread it generously on top of my cream cheese and then gobbled it all down with a scone. Wow. This is true bliss.
I’m feeling full with just one. But I’ll have another just to be safe.
Eating it two days in a row has brought about some terrifying consequences though. Weight-wise.
Truly the food of the devil!
*
Anyway, while I was wallowing in my lack of self-control I received a phone call from Aoi-chan.
“Oniichan is getting weirder and weirder,” she said.
“Ah, the muscley guitarist? Is he still playing every day?”
“He’s singing too now…”
“My my…”
Her voice was grim.
“You know, apparently he started this whole guitar thing after he met somebody he liked. And so he’s going to confess to her with a self-written love song… Every day he submits his own flesh and blood to his horrible love songs. It’s terrible, right? All of my family has been telling him to stop but he doesn’t listen. And oh god, the lyrics.
♫ Ever since meeting you ♫
♫ There’s been a thump thump in my chest ♫
♫ And my heart is light and tender ♫
Who writes crap like that. Some days I feel like I could die from the embarrassment. Whenever Oniichan starts to sing my mum will cover her ears. It’s miserable being his sister.”
A self-made love song? At least it isn’t a poem, I guess.
Sometimes you see people singing and confessing to girls on t.v. but the girls always seem happy enough though. I’d probably run away in embarrassment, personally.
But then it’s usually guys who write love songs and poems, isn’t it. I don’t think a guy would really want to listen to a love song. Maybe that’s why girls make things instead?
Maybe there’s some male-only disease going around that makes them want to spontaneously write stuff like that. Scary… Thank goodness Oniisama never caught it.
Oh, but sometimes Oniisama does play Schubert’s Ständchen (Serenade).
It’s wonderful!
Mn. I guess it’s better to leave song-writing up to the professionals.
“Were somebody to suddenly sing and confess to me I might run from the shock. And what if the girl in question dislikes that sort of thing…”
“Yeah. But apparently the girl he likes is really into music. She likes musicians and that.”
“Oh~”
“They takes classes at uni together and he tried his best to get her but it’s been hard. Apparently that was when he turned to song writing…”
“My~”
Classes at uni together, huh. I forgot he was in university.
“Mari~ Mari~ My beloved Mari~ You have taken me pri-soh-nah~ Good god, I can’t take the idiocy anymore.”
I guess he really doesn’t have any talent. Wow, this might actually be worse than Class Rep’s poem. If Class Rep’s disease gets any worse, do you think he might start breaking into song? Anything but that, Class Rep.
Hm, but Mari…
“Incidentally, might I ask which university he attends?”
Aoi-chan answered with Marin-sensei’s university. Huh, they’re the same grade too.
Wait, no way…
“My tutor is apparently one of your brother’s cohorts. Her type is visual kei musicians too.”
“EHH!?”
“Her name sounds a little close too. I cannot give out her personal information, though.”
“I see. Then it might be the same person, huh. Visual kei, though? Oniichan’s stuff is more like folk songs though. That’s totally different.”
“Well, it may just be a coincidence after all.”
“Yeah. Maybe I should talk to Oniichan though.”
With that, Aoi-chan hung up. No matter what she says, she’s actually pretty worried about her brother’s love-life isn’t she.
Still, Aoi-chan’s oniisan and Marin-sensei? What a small world.
*
The next day I arrived at the salon to find Kaburagi playing Liszt’s Liebesträume (Love Dream).
EHHHH!? WHAT THE HEEECK!? SO COOL!!
The light from between tree leaves was filtering into through the window, and combined with Kaburagi’s amazing and emotional piano, I am ashamed to admit that my heart fluttered for a moment. No, Reika! Open your eyes!
But wow, who knew this stupid horse riding maniac could actually play the piano. I guess this is what they call ‘gap moe’? Goddamn, what power.
Man, but I’ll bet you anything he’s thinking about Yurie-sama as he’s playing. It’s a bit sad…
Oniisama’s Serenade is great too, but Kaburagi’s Liszt was also nice. Exactly what a young maiden would love.
Pretty much all the other girls in the room were completely entranced. A true privilege of being a Pivoine member.
I wonder if he’d take requests?
*
After hearing Kaburagi’s piano, I was certain. Writing your own song is a bad idea.
I messaged Aoi-chan:
“The wise stick to existing songs. Writing your own is high-risk high-return.”
The reply I got though…
“Oniichan can’t stop his fiery passion. After I told him what you mentioned, he became convinced that it was the same person. Apparently the girl he likes is the tutor to some incredibly rich ojousama. He’s changed over from folk songs to visual kei stuff and now he’s even added weird shouts to his song. Oh god.”
…Muscles Oniisaaaaan!
*
For Aoi-chan’s sake, I decided to help as well. I was going to sell her Oniichan to Marin-sensei. Once the two of them got together her brother would stop playing guitar all the time and then peace would return to her family.
I tried it the next day I had tutoring.
“Marin-sensei, as I recall you mentioned somebody rather incessant in their wooing? The rather overwhelming one…”
“Ah, I did. What about it?”
“Is he still interested in you?”
“Gosh, Reika-sama, what are you asking all of a sudden. …Well, yes?”
I knew it!
“You said that he was not truly your type but what if you gave him a chance? I am sure he is a good person. What if you discovered that you liked him?”
“Eh-, well, yeah.”
“Indeed! If he suddenly begins singing to you, I hope that you will not run away!”
“Singing to me? I wonder what you mean. He doesn’t have any interest in music at all.”
“What if he does now! He’s going to sing and play to confess to you!”
Oops.
“Confess…?”
“Ah, that was supposed to be a surprise so…”
“I’m not sure what you mean by confess. I mean, we’re already dating.”
…Eh?
“Dating?”
“Yes. He was just so earnest about it all that I couldn’t help but say yes.”
Marin-sensei showed me a picture of the two of them together. The man was a diligent-looking man who wouldn’t look out of place as a researcher.
Slim, and definitely not muscley.
“Eh-, I thought you said that he was overwhelming… And the complete opposite to the visual kei type…”
“Aah, well, he just kept saying he liked me over and over again so it was a little overwhelming. And don’t you think these serious types have the complete opposite personality to visual kei rockers?”
“Aah… I see… Ah! Umm! Were there any over men that were interested in you? Like perhaps a muscley man.”
“Nope.”
“No?”
“Nope.”
I GOT THE WRONG GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUY!!
Of course. How could there be such a convenient development!
What do I do. I have to quickly let Aoi-chan know or else.
While Marin-sensei was boasting fondly about her boyfriend I got permission to send a text to my friend. Just as I was about to write something a text from Aoi-chan came.
“What do I do!? Oniichan’s gotten into death metal! He’s even started using Mum’s make-up and she’s super angry at him now! It’s scary! How am I going to sleep tonight!?”
WHAT DO I DOO!?
*
Oh man. Oh man, oh man. I don’t think I’ll be able to face her family now.
With trembling hands I told her that it was the wrong person, as I prayed that it wasn’t too late.
…Muscles-oniisan, wanna join my Forever Alone Village?
AAAH! I’M SO SORRYY!
TLN: Gap moe is a term used to describe the appeal present in seeing another, surprising side of somebody you think you already have a good grasp of.
So kind of like when you’re reading Madan no Ou no Vanadis and the woman you’d only known as strict and confrontational happened to have this side to her:
Reika-sama – 083
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
https://discord.gg/0uufyDAsTZXQaMz1
Merry Christmas!
One day in June, Kasumi-sama passed words to me that Tomoe-senpai was calling me to the Student Council room. Apparently it was some secret…
I opened the door in trepidation to find Tomoe-senpai and Stalking Horse there.
“Sorry for calling you out here, Kisshouin-san. Come sit down.”
Tomoe-senpai beckoned me towards one of the couches. Right next to Stalking Horse. Who glanced at me for a moment before averting his eyes.
After sitting down on the sofa opposite ours, Tomoe-senpai looked at my face, and then Stalking Horse’s.
“I actually called the two of you here because I wanted the two of you to serve in the Student Council next term.”
“Hah?”
“Eh?”
Serve in the Student Council!?
In middle school the member of the Student Council served until the end of Term 2, but in high school it’s only until Term 1. Right after the Summer Break the Student Council President retires and an election is held. Once the new Student Council President and Vice President are elected they nominate the other members. The students they nominate are told in advance though.
And apparently I was one of them.
“Arima, I know you were the Student Council President in the middle school section. You’re an obvious choice. You’ll accept, of course?”
“Yeah, well, I don’t really have a problem with it but…”
Stalking Horse looked confused as he glanced my way. Mn. I know what you mean. Why the hell is a Pivoine girl like me here, right? I’m basically asking the same thing.
“True, Kisshouin-san is a member of the Pivoine, but since primary school she’s served as Class Rep a number of times. Not only that but she’s honest and hard-working. This is something I know very well too. Not only that, but she’s one of the Pivoine members who get along more amicably with the Student Council. It’s really a new faction, you could say. That’s why I really hope that she’ll accept.”
Uwahh~ I’m happy that Tomoe-senpai trusts me so much, but defying the Pivoine like that is really too scary. I’d completely ruin myself if I did.
“I am terribly sorry, Tomoe-senpai. That is probably asking a little much. I am still a Pivoine member in the end.”
“You can’t be both?”
“I would probably be seen as a spy by both sides…”
Scaryy. I’m actually in the Pivoine so I know better than anyone else just how scary it would be to anger them. At worse I might be bullied until I drop out of school. Ah, but well, it’s the Student Council’s job to help with bullying isn’t it.
Anyway, the elitist Pivoine and egalitarian Student Council are like, conceptually opposed, so there’s no way I could be a member of both. It wouldn’t make sense.
“Mmn, I guess you can’t after all.”
Tomoe-senpai stretched.
“You know, I thought you might say that but since it was you I was just hoping that you might. You’d be like a bridge between us after all. But I guess the divide between the two groups is even more intense during high school, isn’t it.”
Yes. It’s not just a divide, it’s like the Mariana Trench.
“Then just you for Student Council then, Arima. But Kisshouin-san, you’ll help out in your role as Class Rep?”
“Yes. Whatever I can.”
Next to me, Stalking Horse was looking at me suspiciously. What the heck. Didn’t we get along in middle school? I was Class Rep then too. Aah, but then again I was the one who collected the handouts while it was Monk Boy who actually brought them to the Student Council Room.
Don’t tell me that he thought I pushed all the work onto Monk-kun!? That’s offensive! I worked my butt off!
And I thought we were stalking horse buddies too.
Why are you looking at me like that! You’re supposed to be the Vice Chief of the Forever Alone Village!
“What.”
“Nah, nothing.”
Tomoe-senpai smiled helplessly at the two of us.
“Arima. Kisshouin-san is somebody you can rely on in a crisis. Don’t be prejudiced just because she’s a Pivoine. You need to have an open mind.”
“…But then what’s with that nickname of hers.”
Nickname!?
I heard his mumble with my super hearing.
“Mizusaki-kun. What nickname might you be referring to?”
“Uh… It’s nothing.”
How can it be nothing! Are people calling me by some weird nickname behind my back!?
Could it be that’s why the boys all avoid me!?
“Mizusaki-kun.”
“I don’t know anything!”
“You lie. When a person lies they look up and to the right. Just as you did a moment ago.”
“Why do you know stuff like that!”
Oniisama taught me. Problem?”
“Anyway, I said I don’t know, okay! It’s Makkie or something, okay!”
Makkie? Makkie because I’ve got makigami(curled hair)!?
I’m not sure if I should feel offended or not. I mean, at least it’s not Curls. Isn’t it a bit cute? Makkie. Boys, you can call me Makkie if you want!
Stalking Horse was covering his eyes with his hands. Is he that afraid of me seeing through his lies? Bro, the moment you do that I can tell you’re lying. Is there some other weird nickname?
“Now, now, you two,” said Tomoe-senpai as he came between us. “You’re the two kouhai I trust the most. That’s why once I graduate and leave, I hope that you’ll support the Student Council together.”
Since he stopped us I’ll leave it for now. I can always investigate later.
More importantly… Graduating, huh… Even though I’m finally in the same section as him again, he’ll be gone after just a year? That’s so lonely.
“Oh? Is something wrong, Kisshouin-san?”
“No…”
Wow. That’s really so lonely.
Tomoe-senpai is really balanced so things aren’t too bad between the Student Council and Pivoine right now, too.
Actually, it’s really only him that doesn’t mind the Pivoine. The next Student Council President wouldn’t want me in it anyway.
I wonder what’s going to happen after he leaves. I don’t want things to get tense.
“Anyway, that’s all I had to say. Arima, we’ll hammer out some of the details for next term, so please stay behind for a bit. Kisshouin-san, that’s all I had to say. Thanks for coming.”
“I understand. Then Tomoe-senpai, Mizusaki-kun, gokigen’you.”
“Take care, and stay safe.”
“…You too.”
After that I headed straight for the car waiting for me.
I’m feeling a bit down for some reason. I know! Tomorrow I’ll eat some snacks! It’s been a while! Maybe the Lucky Turn crackers I’ve hidden in my closet.
*
The next day I caught hold of Satomi-kun and questioned him about my nicknames.
“Your nicknames?”
“Yes. Yesterday Mizusaki-kun mentioned something to that effect. I heard about Makkie, but are there any other nicknames I should know about?”
“Makkie? Oh, because of your hair. Ahh, I dunno, not right now?”
“Right now? Then in the past I have had other nicknames? What were they?”
“Eh… Ahhh, Goddess… I guess…?”
“Goddess?”
“Ahh! I really don’t know much about it! But nobody uses it now, okay! It was just in middle school! I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again, promise!”
Goddess…? The first that comes to mind is Aphrodite, but that’s already taken. That boy who got rather enthusiastic with his violin performance on our trip. His hair is a bit of an afro so everyone calls him Afrodite. Except that’s a bit of a mouthful, so really it’s just ‘Dite’ now.
As for other goddesses, there’s like Venus or like Athena and stuff? Those are the famous ones after all. But there are so many Greek goddesses, aren’t there. Well whatever.
“I suppose that will do, for now.”
Satomi-kun let out a huge sigh of relief and ran back to his ring of friends.
…Goddess, huh. But gosh, what if it’s really Venus. Oh no!
Reika-sama – 082
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
Join the Evil God Army on discord!
https://discord.gg/0uufyDAsTZXQaMz1
Merry Christmas! I still have one or two more chapters to release today, so look forward to that~
Hmm hmm hmmmm~
My doll knitting has really coming along. I’ve been using the expensive stuff so it always feels good to touch it! I think I’ll have a lot of fun rubbing my cheeks against it when I’m done.
I’ve been knitting at home as well. After dinner I usually laze about in the living room and work on it. I wonder if it’ll be done soon.
I’m also happy that immersing myself in this has been reducing my snack breaks. Why do humans always go looking for food when they’re bored…
Anyway, maybe I’ll go back to needle felting once this is done. I think I’ll try making a cat this time.
Hmm hmm hmm~
*
As usual, today I headed to the Handicrafts Clubroom with my knit doll.
“It seems to be progressing quite nicely, Reika-sama. It should be done soon.”
“Yup, it’s looking quite cute. I like how you’ve done the belly.”
“Thank you. I have been knitting at home as well.”
I was particularly careful about how I introduced a different colour for the seams. The curvature of the belly was done super, super carefully too.
“I was thinking of using needle felting to create a cat after this is complete. If I am not mistaken there are a few members of this club that practice needle felting as well, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I beamed at the Felting Group.
They smiled back at me. Yup, I really think we’re getting along.
So Club President, please let me into the club already. I know you’ve got the register in a clear folder in that schoolbag over there, okay?
Don’t think you can get rid of me after this knit doll is done.
*
One day while I was heading the Handicrafts Club, as I passed Enjou in the hallway he said to me,
“Kisshouin-san, Katsuragi has been calling you the Violent Woman. Do you have any idea what he means?”
so I replied,
“Not the faintest. I have not the slightest inkling of what on earth he means.”
He smiled at me and drawled
“Of course. You’re ever so graceful after all.”
so I smiled back and replied,
“Of course.”
before making my way to the clubroom.
That little snitch. He brings shame on the entire male sex… It’s settled. My next needle felting project will be a birdbrain.
*
*
Eventually my doll was finally complete. I brought it with me to the living room where my parents and Oniisama were relaxing with some tea.
“Oh? Reika. Is your doll done?”
“Yes, it is.”
“You’ve been knitting quite a bit, haven’t you. Did you make a doll?”
Tadah!
I revealed my doll to the family. It was a small tanuki with glasses.
“This is you, Otousama.”
“Eh-”
I handed it over to him.
“I made the animal that I think suits you best, Otousama. I made it just for you. Will you accept it?”
“For me?”
Holding it in two hands, he stared at it.
Back when Wakaba-chan first entered Zui’ran I was so shocked that I might have repeatedly and vocally doubted Otousama. He got completely depressed and Oniisama told me off. I’m reflecting.
Everyone knows it, myself included, but I’m kind of a brother’s girl. Still, Otousama has always spoiled me since I was little. That’s why I like Otousama as well. Plus, seeing a man his age look so sad made me feel pretty guilty too.
That’s why I made this as an apology.
I know that people hate getting hand-knitted stuff because it’s too intense, but we’re father and daughter so it’s totally okay, right?
“I even added glasses, see? Don’t you think it looks just like you, Otousama?”
I took a seat next to him.
“Yeah, it’s well made. Thanks, Reika. I’m really happy. But you see me as a tanuki, huh. Is it because you think I’m cunning like an old tanuki…?”
“No, the tanuki has a fat belly just like you do. But hmm, an old tanuki. I suppose that fits you as well.”
“…I-, I see.”
Otousama made a somewhat difficult expression as he kept looking at the doll.
“It was my first time knitting so the seams are a little off, but you can barely see it if you avoid looking closely, right? This is my first completed knit doll.”
“Ooh! So the first one goes to me.”
Otousama looked at Oniisama smugly.
Otousama, you really look like an evil tanuki when you do that, you know.
“Good for you, Dear,” added my mother.”
“Yup, yup. But Reika, do you really think my tummy is that big?” he asked as he rubbed his belly.
“Yes, it is. Being overweight is bad for your health, so I think you should take a diet.”
“…I suppose.”
“I know a way to get rid of a stubborn tummy; hula hooping. I shall lend you mine, Otousama.”
“You have something like that?”
“…She’s at it again…?”
Eh, Oniisama, did you say something just now?
“Let us hula hoop together. After all, I hope that my beloved father will stay healthy forever.”
“Ohh! So that’s how it is!”
The moment he heard “beloved” his mood shot through the roof.
Is Otousama going to be okay? I’m worried he’ll get scammed one day. You really shouldn’t trust everything people say.
With the doll in hand, Otousama headed to my room.
“It’s a bit embarrassing entering my daughter’s room,” he said, oddly happy.
Oh gosh. Could it be that it wasn’t fraud that gets him in trouble, but sexual harassment?”
“Now then, Otousama, really put your back into it and work off your tummy!”
“Alright!”
Otousama began vigorously hula hooping.
“GYAH!”
“Otousama!?”
Otousama was admitted to hospital for back pains.
Okaasama got incredibly angry at me.
In the hospital room I just happened to say,
“Sorry. I should have known better than to push the elderly.”
Oniisama said “He’s at a delicate age, so pick your words better!” and got angry at me too.
I’m reflecting…
*
Anyway, after Otousama left the hospital my handmade doll found a place in the study.
I heard that sometimes Otousama would happily pat it.
Since he liked it so much, I decided to be a bit cheeky and give it a cane for its back when Oniisama yelled,
“Have you reflected at all!”
and got angry at me yet again.
Of course I have. I’m teasing him because I love him.
Turf War – Chapter 13
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Chapter 13 – “Another family discussion!? Mum is coming.”
Mum was coming to the Capital today. Why so suddenly, you ask? It’s because I mentioned my financial state in one of my letters. I regularly send letters to my parents because of how worried they are about letting their kids live alone here. That’s why I write whenever I can. Some of those letters may have included my grumblings about shop management.
She replied, “Send me your account book,” so I did and then…
Apparently that had been a bad idea.
I got this letter saying that she was coming immediately, which is why Loser(Bizef) was accompanying my mum here. Mum, I might have exaggerated things a bit in the letters, but we’re really okay now. Geez, the shop is just fine. Dryas-kun’s ideas should make everything just fine.
Geez, I was trying my best not to get her to worry too…
Well whatever. It was a good chance to see Mum again so I’d be lying to say I wasn’t somewhat happy. I decided to get the business talk over with and then spend some quality bonding time with her.
Now then…
It was about time for her to arrive I think…
Before long, I heard the sound of an approaching horse carriage.
Was it her…?
I rushed out of the store to check. Alighting from the carriage was my beloved mother.
“Mum!”
Before I knew it I had rushed over to embrace her.
“It’s been a while, Tilea. Have you been well?”
“Yeah. Both Timu and I have been great.”
Fwahh, it’s Mum. It’s been a while so I’ll fawn on you! I rubbed up against Mum’s chest. Waah, it’s so warm and soft. And I missed this smell. Sniff sniff.
“H-, Hey, Tilea-chan. Sup!”
Loser(Bizef) interrupted our mother-daughter bonding.
Honestly, it’s called reading the mood! Mum and I are supposed to be catching up right now!
I glared at him. He looked flustered and confused as though he had been expecting something else.
I felt a little sorry for him. Thinking about it, he went out of his way to escort her here. I mean, he had ulterior motives for sure, but it still wouldn’t do if I forgot to say thank you.
“Bizef-san, thank you very much for accompanying my mother here.”
“No, no, it was nothing.”
“Don’t say that. I’m grateful.”
“It’s fine, I said, fine. I had some business in the Capital anyway.”
“Business?”
“Yeah, to tell the truth I’m moving here.”
“Really!?”
“Huhu, surprised? If you have any troubles, you can come find me any time.”
“Haha… I see.”
Hey, Loser(Bizef). I’ve completely seen through you. When the hell would I go looking to you for help. Trying to rely on you would make everything ten times harder.
I gazed coldly at him for a while.
“Bizef-san, I really have to thank you too. Please take care of my daughter.”
Mum started to thank him. Please, Mum, the way you worded it sounds like I’m getting married to him.
“Mu-, AHEM, Sera-san, please leave it to me. I’ll take care of Tilea-chan and Timu-chan for you.”
Oi, what the hell did he almost say just now? Are you already pretending to be my husband!?
Oh god, please stop that Mum. You’re looking at him like he’s your future son-in-law or something. He’s going to misunderstand, okay!
Loser(Bizef) was in a good mood after that. Probably because he thought he had my parents’ approval or something. He even started getting touchy-feely with me…
Bro… If you keep this misunderstanding up you’re going to meet my cestus, okay. Seriously.
Anyway, after I was done hugging Mum, she moved onto the main topic.
“Tilea, I looked at your ledger,” she said, letting out a huge sigh.
Probably because she thought I was buried in debt. Well I was, but we had a plan, okay. I tried to put her at ease.
“W-Well, it’s true that I overspent a little but it’s okay. I’ve got a plan to turn this around. Plus, you have to know that nobody can beat my cooking.”
“A-, A little!? Do you have any idea how serious this is? Why didn’t you ask me for help earlier!”
“Sorry, b-but I’ve been thinking about the pricing and like the location and all sorts of stuff and――”
“Tilea, we’re a little past that stage. It’s too late.”
“D-, Don’t be like that, come on. I know it’s going to be hard to pay back a few dozen million but…”
“A few dozen million!? Show me that account book again.”
“Eh-!? What do you…? Wasn’t it like 30 million gold…?”
“Hahh~ Tilea, you forgot a digit. Right now you’re 300 million gold in debt.”
WHA-!? I flusteredly looked over the ledger again.
Umm, so you carry this over and then…
Umm…
After agonising over the maths…
“Tilea, this calculation is wrong. This one too. And also you forgot to add the price of this fish. There’s also…”
Mum began accurately pointing out everything I did wrong. Wow, she’s not the manager of the restaurant for show.
After a lot of fixing, the result…?
300,000,000 gold in debt. Double checked.
O-, Oh my god… With this I can’t even use Dryas-kun’s plan.
A debt in the hundred millions…
Even the government would feel it if they had to bail me out.
“M-, Mum? What do I do?”
I looked at my mum tearily.
“Tilea, when you told me that you were working at a restaurant, I assumed you meant as a chef. Never had I imagined that you were doing everything from the cooking to the management…”
Mum had a good point. To begin with I thought I was going to work for Or’s dad or something. But then Or just left everything to me. He just gave me money and didn’t ask for a thing. I thought it was pretty reckless of him but then decided it might have been his way of saying he trusted me. That’s why I thought I would do it all… but then I let him down like this.
“W-What should I do? I told Or that I was just 30 million behind. Awawa, for that to have turned to 300 million…!”
“Or-san is the owner of this restaurant?”
“Mn, it’s actually Or’s… Ortissio’s relative that owns it though. Or is just the middleman who hands me the funds.”
“And this Ortissio-san provides you with money on a monthly basis? He didn’t say a thing about this debt?”
“Yeah. And far from each month, on some months I even ask for money each week but he’s never complained about it.”
“Each week…? Speaking of which, the month before last you used an absurd amount of money didn’t you.”
“The month before…? Ohh, right, right, there was this fishing boat that had just come back from the ocean with some fresh hamachi yellowtail so I kinda――”
“You silly girl! Both you and your father are such idiots whenever it comes to cooking. Listen, when you buy ingredients you need to match the needs of your customers.”
“B-But… it was so good. I couldn’t just let it go. And Or said it was okay too and gave me the money.”
After hearing my excuses, Mum held her head in her hands. Yeah, thinking back on it, even I think I was being ridiculous.
“…I’ve heard enough. Anyway, can you arrange a meeting with Ortissio-san for me?”
“Eh-!? A meeting with Or? I dunno…”
Mum isn’t used to chuunibyou like I am so will they even be able to communicate?
“Tilea, don’t think so much about it. At this point you can only leave it to me, right? Or are you telling me that you can tell him you’re 300 million in debt?”
“M-, Maybe not. But Or and I are close so…”
“Tilea, you can’t be that disrespectful to Ortissio-san. Isn’t he the son of a noble here?”
“Mn, yeah. But Or and I are close, so we don’t care about that.”
Or might be a major noble but he’s never been arrogant about it. He treats commoners like me equally. Actually, I’ve kind of ended on top.
“Hahh~ You only know the friendly people from Beluga, but the nobles of the Royal Capital are strict when it comes to their money.”
“R-, Really? Or never seems to really care that much though.”
I mean, whenever I bring up money he immediately forks some over. Not a bit of hesitance. I’m basically robbing his treasury and he doesn’t care at all.
“Tilea, it’s impossible that a noble would thoughtlessly waste money. He has a reason. I need to meet with him to find out what it is.”
“That’s impossible. Mum, Ortissio doesn’t scheme like that.”
I mean, I’ve never met a more stupidly honest person. If I found out somebody like that was actually a schemer I don’t think I’d be able to trust other people anymore.
“Tilea, have you never thought it strange? It’s unnatural that somebody would just hand you this much money. Not only that, but to leave the entire store to somebody with zero experience like yourself…”
“That’s because he saw through my skill in cooking and――”
“It’s true that you inherited your dad’s talent. I’d even call you a first class cook. But leaving the entire store for you to manage would be unthinkable. From what I’ve heard, he’s basically left everything up to you these last few months, hasn’t he. Then in that case it wouldn’t be strange to think that he’s bankrupting you on purpose. To being with, it’s unthinkable that he suddenly prepared a store for you.”
“Like I said, Or and I are close――”
“Tilea, what do you mean by Close? Don’t tell me you’ve become his mistress or something?”
GAHOH-!
I choked on my drink. Me, Or’s mistress? Don’t even joke about that.
“M-, Mum, don’t suddenly say something so shocking. I’m not that cheap, okay.”
“I know. I don’t think you’d do that either. But I can’t explain this situation any other way.”
Mum was getting agitated. I mean, looking at this objectively I can kind of see her point. You wouldn’t just hand over your shop to some random girl you met on the streets. No matter how great my cooking was, it was completely unnatural.
In other words, Mum was suspicious of Or. Suspicious that he was handing out all this money because he had his eye on me…
But I couldn’t tell her the truth either. That Or prepared the restaurant as consolation for trying to assault me.
Ahhh, what do I do. I don’t think I can fool Mum. But if I told the truth it would make her suspect him even more…
“That’s why I want you to arrange a meeting, Tilea. I’ll make sure to find out the truth for you.”
I don’t think she was giving me any other option. Mum was being really adamant about it.
Can’t be helped.
I decided to just arrange the meeting. After that I’d just deal with whatever happened.
Or, no matter what you do, don’t start trouble with my Mum.
Lost in my thoughts, I headed underground to look for Or.
Reika-sama – 081
Everybody, please check the FAQ first before asking me questions.
If it’s not on there, please feel free and ask. I only get annoyed at questions when the same one has been asked 10+ times, and by then I’ll have updated the FAQ. Thank you for your consideration, guys!
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Sorry about the translation slow-down again. I suddenly got called into a casual job with only 2 days notice, which I’ll be working until Christmas. I don’t spend that long each day on it but it forces me to wake up before 4AM meaning that I’m tired for the rest of the day which in turn makes it rather difficult for the right words to come to me when translating. I have trouble falling asleep early, you see.
That’s more or less what’s causing the slow-down – actually slow translating.
After entering high school the Emperor became even more popular. I could see in their eyes that the oneesamas in the 2nd and 3rd years seemed especially serious about catching him.
So far they’d always seen him as a middle school kid, but then now he was a high schooler just like them. Not only that but his appearance was mature so he didn’t look younger than them, and most importantly he was the heir to the Kaburagi group. You would be pretty serious considering all that.
Outside of close friends though, Kaburagi himself has been silent as usual. Thanks to that nobody noticed his faults. Silence truly is golden.
Hm. Is it my imagination that a lot of girls are wearing Yurie-sama’s haircut?
Anyway, about Emperor. One day dear Emperor was seated in the salon, partaking in a crème chiboust.
I always start gaining weight the moment I eat anything sweet so why is it that boys never gain weight despite gobbling everything down. So jealous.
Thinking about it, rumour has it that the Emperor goes horseback riding as a hobby. Maybe it really is all the exercise. He turned down the Horse-riding Club, but I bet he would have joined had it been a polo club, right? After all, he’s the Emperor of Cavalry Battles. Upfftpftt.
Maybe I should try swimming or something. But for some reason I have trouble staying underwater. Even though I’ll try my bestttt to dive downwards, I immediately start floating upwards. What the heck is that. Would it help if I went and took lessons?
While I was thinking about stupid things, a 3rd year boy came up to me.
“Reika-san, is anything bothering you? You seemed to be deeply considering something.”
Deeply considering? Uh, I thinking about how I wanted a crème chiboust too, and that I should hurry home so I can needle felt…
“No, nothing of import. I was simply pondering the theme for my next flower arrangement.”
“Ahh, that’s your hobby isn’t it. Should I find the chance I’d definitely want to have a look.”
“Goodness, my creations are certainly not good enough to be shown.”
Hmmmm. All these guys have been randomly approaching me since I’ve entered high school. And I keep getting party invitations too. I’ve been trying to turn those down though.
I mean, I’m interested in romance but guys who come after me all calculating and stuff are a bit…
After that I continued discussing flower arrangement with the few other people who came along.
*
*
Today was the first time Sakura-chan had come to my house.
She’s an ojousama from Yurinomiya Girls School, so Okaasama quite liked her. After seeing Oniisama off to work, I lead Sakura-chan to my room.
“Wow, as expected of the Kisshouin family. Even in Yurinomiya there aren’t many girls with such big houses. And I met the heir too. Maybe I should brag to my seniors or something.”
The very moment she stepped through the door she stopped bothering with the pretenses.
I put down some chilled tea on the table, as well as the luxury fruit jelly that Sakura-chan brought as a gift.
“About Oniisama?”
“Is there any other heir? Amongst older girls he’s like the prime pick right now, you know?”
“Hmmm. Is that so.”
Gosh, I’d hate that. What if Oniisama married a gold digger. I want him to be happy.
Ah, but well, I doubt Oniisama would get caught by such a person anyway.
“Wow, this Kiwi jelly’s pretty good.”
“You really do like sweet things, don’t you Reika.”
“Uu. I’ve actually been wondering about my weight again recently… Am I still in the clear?”
“Have you been continuing yoga?”
“Mmm, just the Mountain Pose and the Corpse Pose though.”
“That’s basically just standing and lying.”
But it’s ’cause it gets so boring doing it by yourself in your room. Guess it isn’t really interesting outside of a classroom.
“Do you do anything active, Sakura-chan?”
“I’ve been doing Nichibu dancing ever since primary school.”
Ooh! A perfect fit for the Japanese-style bishoujo!
“I’ve been thinking about picking up swimming lessons.”
“…I can already see you skipping the moment winter comes along.”
Oh my gosh! I can see it too!
“Ummmmm, have you entered any clubs?”
“The Wind Instruments Club. I wanted to try the cello, and yeah.”
“Huhh. The Wind Instruments Club.”
“And you, Reika?”
“I wanted to enter the Handicrafts Club, but…”
“Handicrafts… It doesn’t really suit you, does it.”
“You think so too? All the club members seem scared of me for some reason so I’ve been worried that joining would bother them…”
“Well, at a glance you seem like the perfect ojousama and all. And you’ve got authority too. …Oh, what if you brought them some homemade sweets? It’d totally destroy your image and then they’d feel closer to you.”
Handmade sweets? I can see that happening.
“Thanks, Sakura-chan! I’ll try making some now!”
“Eh- …Serious?”
Now what should I make.
When Oniisama got home and I asked him what sweets I should make for school he told me not to give my handmade stuff to new people.
“To begin with, why this all of a sudden?”
“I want to enter the Handicrafts Club but I don’t feel very welcome so…”
“Handicrafts, huh. Speaking of which you’ve been making something or other with the stabby needle, haven’t you. That’s what you want to do in your club?”
“Mmm, well, at the club they’ve been knitting dolls. I’ve tried learning through books at home but it hasn’t been going well. And then at some point I got distracted by needle felting and…”
“Why not just be honest and tell them that you’d like it if they taught you to knit?”
“But would they…?”
“It’ll be fine.”
Oniisama patted me on the head. Wow, this brings me back. How come when Oniisama says it’ll be fine I really start to feel that way. What a mystery.
Alright! I’ll try just that then!
*
The next time the Handicrafts Club had their activities I visited by myself to avoid needlessly scaring them.
Although their faces seemed to be saying, ‘She’s here again!?‘
“Umm, to be frank there is something I would you to teach me. Would that be acceptable?”
“What is it?” asked the club president.
I took out my ball of yarn and the book on knitting dolls.
“The truth is I have been trying to knit. It has not been going terribly well, however. I thought that perhaps I could enter the Handicrafts Club and have somebody instruct me, but…”
“Knitting? You, Kisshouin-san?”
The club president seemed awfully surprised.
“What are you trying to knit?”
“This.”
I pointed it out in the book.
“Aah, there’s actually a simple trick to this. …I could teach you if you’re okay with me.”
“Truly!?”
Yay! I should have just asked to begin with!
With Club President’s help, I immediately started knitting away at the brown wool.
Since I was a beginner, and the doll was going to be rather big, it seemed like it would take quite a few trips.
Over the days I visited, the other club members opened up and started giving me all sorts of advice.
Lately they don’t even look scared when I come anymore. I’m super happy.
We talk about silly things too, and it’s just a relaxing time in general.
But to this day, they still haven’t given me a club entry form…
お兄ちゃん、やめてぇ！ 