Tsukemono are a Japanese pickle used as a side dish.
Also Japanese apparently have a dish that’s basically leftovers and bread. Sometimes it’s eaten like a sandwich, but recently(ish) they have taken to selling it as its own dish, and baking various ingredients into the dough itself.

---

With the summer break over, I entered term two and began going to cram school like I had hoped.
Oniisama used to go here so it should be quite good. Apparently it’s a really high level cram school, filled with students from private schools and high level national schools.
Completely different from the cram school I went to in my old life, which had but flyers going for it…

At the moment we’re only learning Japanese and arithmetic so following the lessons is no problem at all. Rather, this feeling of invincibility is amazing.
Well, it’s just Year 1 work after all. It would be a problem if I didn’t understand.
One of the reasons I wanted to go to cram school was of course in preparation for my future, but it was the other reason that was the important one.

Eating sweets.

I do go to a few different lessons, but the Kisshouin chauffeur takes me to all of them.
They drop me off in front of the classroom before the lessons begin, and pick me up in front of the classroom when the lesson ends.
Indeed! I have no time to move about freely!
To begin with, I can’t even walk outside alone. Somebody is always by my side.
But that’s troubling.
Why it’s troubling is because I can’t buy sweets to eat.

If you want to laugh at me for my gluttony, go ahead and laugh.
However! Each and every day, the sweets I get are all high class, and even my meals are always a menu like some high class restaurant’s.
I am thankful, you know? It really is delicious, you know?
But this commoner’s tongue from my old life wants junky snack food. It wants to eat simple stuff like tsukemono on plain rice. It wants to eat leftovers baked into bread!

And so I started thinking.
‘Wouldn’t it just be fine if I just went to a lesson where I didn’t have an attendant?’
Cram school has a Japanese class, and then an arithmetic class; between those two classes is breaktime, you see.
‘Couldn’t I use that time to sneak out and secretly buy snacks?’ I thought.

If possible, I wanted the cram school to be close to a convenience store.
If I sneak out too often, the teachers at cram school might find it a problem and report it to my parents, so I need to be careful when doing so.
I’ll only buy things small enough to fit between my cram textbooks and into my bag. No way will I ever get greedy and try buying something as big as potato chips. Even small packets are bulky because of the air in them.
And one day I’ll buy onigiri too.

Whenever I started daydreaming about that, it became impossible to stop.
That’s why I wanted to go to cram school no matter what.

There was a convenience store about 2 or 3 minutes walk from the cram school that Oniisama used to go to.
How splendid.
I was a newcomer, and on top of that a student from the famous Zui’ran, so I couldn’t slip out due to the attention at first.

I go to cram school once a week now, and it was two months since I started attending that I was able to somehow sneak out to the convenience store──

*imouto*

The first thing I bought were two Tirolian chocolates and caramel.
I obviously couldn’t leave the cram school with my bag, so I was limited to buying things that I could fit into my pockets.
We only get fifteen minutes break, so I had to hurry back.
The following 2 hour lesson didn’t sink in at all.

When I returned home, the Tirolian chocolate that I secretly ate in my room tasted so nostalgic that I cried.
I took care to slowly enjoy the other Tirolian chocolate and 8 caramel pieces as well.

Cheap food, banzai.

*imouto*

*imouto*

In autumn we have stuff like the athletics carnival or the Zui’ran presentation day so it’s busy. As for my private life, I have a piano recital as well. It’s so hectic.

Naturally, the two tops of our grade, Kaburagi and Enjou flourished at the athletics carnival. They even overwhelmed some upperclassmen. Thanks to that, their fans increased, in the upper grades as well.
Unfortunately I couldn’t become our class’ hero. I’ll try my best in other fields.

The Zui’ran presentation day is something like a cultural festival, so the place will be decorated with artwork created by the students, and we’ll have a choir contest and a bazaar and stuff too.
It was much harder to prepare for presentation day than the athletics carnival, and so in order to replenish my body, I would eat snacks at the Petite Pivoine in between preparations.
Being able to eat sweets on school grounds really is a special privilege.

Lately at the salon, it’s all been talk about the choir programme or the artwork that each class has been creating.
The class artwork becomes harder as you go up a grade, so it’s tough. Apparently in the upper years of the primary section, they even create dioramas and stuff.

“Reika-san, today we have Pierre Evan macarons, you know. Will you eat some?”

“Gosh. I definitely shall.”

This person is an Oneesama in Year 5, Minazuki Aira-sama.
Unique for a girl in Zui’ran, she has short hair and a bit of a boyish appearance, and gives the impression of growing up to be the lead male-role actor in an all-female theatre troupe somewhere.
Ever since Aira-sama saw me waltz with Oniisama at the summer party, she’s been on good terms with me.
Apparently seeing me try my very best to dance was cute. I’m thankful that she feels that way.
She said stuff like “You have such a kind Oniisama. I sure am jealous.” and although I didn’t know where she got it from, she gave me a picture of Oniisama and I ringing the bell as a present.
As it turns out, apparently an acquaintance of Aira-sama had been there to take the picture.
“They were a lovely couple, so I wanted to give them a picture later.” apparently.
Oniisama, they’ve decided we’re a couple, you know?
I had thought it was a needless and huge embarrassment in front of Kaburagi Masaya and Enjou Shuusuke, but when one door shuts, another opens, huh.

──But there’s just one very big problem with Aira-sama. That is…

“Yurie. This limited-time macaron is delicious, you know.”

Right. Aira-sama is that Yurie-sama’s good friend.

“Mn, then perhaps I’ll have just one more. What about you two, Masaya, Shuusuke?”

“I’ll have one.”

“Hmm, I think I’ll pass.”

The spot next to Yurie-sama is almost always occupied by ‘I ♥ YURIE’ Kaburagi. And Yurie-sama and Aira-sama are close friends. And recently, there’s been this underclassman that Aira-sama has taking a liking to; me.

I’m in a pretty dangerous position.

Lord Emperor basically pays no attention to anybody but the people he has an interest in, so up until now he’s been completely disregarding me.
But one time when Enjou Shuusuke said “Oh, aren’t you the girl from the summer party who did the waltz in the middle of the dance floor?” and Emperor went “Ah… That time.” and looked my way.
Enjou Shuusuke, don’t say unnecessary things!

“Masaya, are you making sure to properly help with your class’ presentation?”

“…Well, I get around.”

“That’s no good. You have to do it properly.”

“Aahh… Mn.”

“What’s with that response? I’m going to see you all the way to class. You know what to do, right?”

“I get it, already. You sure are noisy, Yurie.”

“What was that!?”

“Joking. Geez, sorry. You get angry so easily.”

I sneakily watched them as I munched on a macaron.
Despite his abusive tongue, he looks quite happy, doesn’t he. I see, I see. So that’s what you like?
Emperor is always smiling when he talks to Yurie-sama. Plenty of expressions, like a completely different person from that bored-looking and expressionless Emperor everywhere else.
Geez, look, isn’t he blushing too? Hey, your love is leaking outside, you know?
While I was observing this incredibly funny Emperor, I met eyes with Enjou.
I’m sorry, I won’t look anymore. I’ll still be eavesdropping on their flirting though.

Anyway, while all that was happening, my busy, but peaceful, autumn passed by.

 

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

“Unique for a girl in Zui’ran, she has short hair and a bit of a boyish appearance, and gives the impression of growing up to be the lead male-role actor in an all-female theatre troupe somewhere.”
I added in the ‘all-female’ part because she’s referring to the Takarazuka Revue, which English readers might not immediately understand.

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

In Japanese, you refer to other people’s family members by their title. Like, “How is Okaasan?” means “How is your mother?”. Imouto-san and Otouto-san are standard polite-ish ways of referring to other people’s younger siblings.

---

We finished the one dance we agreed on, and as I was thinking about how fun that had been, my gaze clicked in place with someone else’s.
And in that instant, I turned to stone.

I tripped on my own legs because of the shock and almost fell, and then Oniisama immediately caught me, but more importantly,

WHY IS KABURAGI MASAYA HERE――――!!

Even though they weren’t supposed to be in Japan for the entire holiday, standing right here were Kaburagi Masaya and Enjou Shuusuke──.

How long have they been there? How much did they see?
Weren’t you two supposed to be in the Mediterranean?
It’s because I thought you weren’t in Japan! It’s because I was relieved that you wouldn’t be here that I casually did something eyecatching as being the only little kid dancing here!
If I knew you guys were gunna come I definitely wouldn’t have stood out so much!

“Reika?”

Calm yourself. Calm yourself.
For now let’s leave aside the reason why they’re here even though they’re not supposed to be, and figure out how to naturally leave the area.
First I’ll remove my gaze from those cursed eyes, and undo the Petrification spell.
Naturally, naturally…
GYAH-! Even though I was supposed to move just my eyes, my neck turned by itself―!
Doesn’t this look like I turned my head in scorn now? Will he think I’m picking a fight with him!?
Can’t be helped. What’s already been done can’t be helped. I’ll just naturally leave the area.
GYAH-! My knees won’t bend! I’m walking like a soldier now―!
Maybe those cursed eyes attacked my brain because I can’t stop all these involuntary movements.
Aahh, what do I dooo?

“Reika, are you listening? Reika―”

Anyway, I need to slip into the crowd and disappear, or else. I’ll make a beeline for the drink corner since it has the most people.

[Monotone:] I am not particularly paying any special attention to you, all right? My throat has simply become parched from the dancing, and I have begun to desire a drink.
[Monotone:] Indeed. That is simply it.
[Monotone:] You, over there. May I have some juice?

“Reika!”

Somebody struck me on the back and dispelled the Confusion spell.
Aahh, I went completely weird just now.
Thanks for returning my sanity, Oniisama.
Casting both Confusion and Petrification at once. As expected of a last boss.

“What’s wrong? You’ve been a little strange.”

Mn, I’m more aware of that than anyone.

“Oniisama, I am going to make a small trip to the restroom.”

I want to be alone for a little to reset myself.
I want to hole up in the toilet and calm myself down.
All the reflecting I need to do comes after that.

“Are you okay? Are you not feeling well? Should I have somebody go with you?”

“No, I am fine.”

“Hmm, but…”

Perhaps I was being pretty suspicious because Oniisama seemed to be worried.
I’m sorry for worrying you, Oniisama.

“Sup, Takateru.”

“Imari.”

With good timing, somebody who seemed to be his friend called out him, so I’ll leave while I can.

“It is nice to meet you. I am his sister, Reika. Oniisama, I will be fine by myself, so please excuse me for a little.”

Giving friend-san a quick bow, it’s now time to GO!

“What’s wrong with Imouto-chan? She seemed to be in quite a hurry.”

“Ahh, the toilet.”

Don’t say it!

*imouto*

I rushed into the dressing room, and after entering a private room, I collapsed onto the seat.
Haah――.
I suddenly felt tired.
It was like the excitement from just now had been a lie.

…That surprised me.
Why were they here?
Was that stuff about them staying in the Mediterranean all holiday just nonsense?
I even heard at the Petite Pivoine that they were going to miss out on the summer party.
Still, that expression.
It suure was scary.
It was like he saw me happily dancing the waltz and thinking, ‘What the hell is this girl doing?’.
I definitely came off as some ugly chick who thought of herself as hot stuff!
If I knew he was going to come, I wouldn’t have gotten ahead of myself and waltzed!

*imouto*

“Hey, Masaya-sama was there, wasn’t he. Wasn’t he supposed to be skipping this party?”

While I was in the pits of depression, I heard the voices of some girls who were probably older than me.
I think they might be from the middle or high school section.

“Right. He was actually supposed to spend the whole holiday overseas, but I heard he came back early enough to make Yurie-sama’s birthday.”

“My, is that so? My younger sister was making a huge fuss about Masaya-sama being there. But with Yurie-sama as the rival, she really doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Huhu! Isn’t it still too early to say? She’s your own sister, so you need to cheer for her. It looks like there are lots of rivals though.”

“True. My, Maika-sama. Gokigen’yoh.”

“Gokigen’yoh.”

Apparently they stopped talking because yet another acquaintance came in, but with this, the mystery was solved.
So it was Yurie-sama’s birthday!

Suzushino Yurie-sama is Emperor and Enjou’s four years elder childhood friend, and shockingly, Emperor’s first love.
In 『you are my dolce』, Yurie-sama was a dignified and radiant beauty who was admired by all the girls in Zui’ran.
Kisshouin Reika admired her as well.
Since Reika also admired Yurie-sama who detested the unjust, I don’t think it would’ve hurt if she learnt from her example a little, but Reika was a villainess character, so I guess it can’t be helped? How pitiful, Reika…

And so, Emperor loved her up until high school, but Yurie-sama had always thought of him as just a little brother.
In the end his love ended in an honourable defeat, and there was also a scene where he lashed out at the protagonist to vent, but before long his interest in the protagonist turned into love, and he completely got over his first one.
But even so, Yurie-sama was a childhood friend who was like an older sister, and as a special existence to Emperor. Being a person filled with independence, when she graduated from university she stood her ground against her parents, and when she decided on her own to go overseas to look for work in an American company, Emperor lent his help in convincing them.
When Yurie-sama was about to leave for America, he said, “If you ever need me, I’ll always come to help. No matter where you are, Yurie,” and the readers remembered her as somebody who would always be special to him.
When the protagonist saw this, she did get nervous and say “Is he actually still in love with Yurie-san?” though.

Being who she is, if Yurie-sama had a birthday, of course he came back. I understand it now.
Even in the Petite Pivoine, whenever he speaks to Yurie-sama he always breaks into a smile after all.
He always goes Yurie, Yurie, and tries to get her attention doesn’t he.
First love, huhh? It sure is bittersweet. Mmn, but that love never bears fruit, does it. Aah, how sad.

Considering how I sneakily observe those two and get all excited about somebody else’s love affairs, my personality is pretty bad, isn’t it.

But wellll, at any rate, I now know why Kaburagi Masaya is here when he isn’t supposed to be.

There’s no use crying over spilt milk.
I can’t change the fact that he saw me doing the waltz.
…Let’s forget about it.
I’ll consider this some dark history and sink it into the swamps of my heart. Mn.

“Upsie daisies.”

Now then, I’ve probably worried Oniisama as well, so I’ll head back.
I spent too long in the toilet, didn’t I. What am I going to do if they get the wrong impression, and my honour as a maiden is besmirched?
Should I really drive in the fact that my stomach is completely fine?

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

People were already gathering at the hall.

“Fuwahh~”

A stupid sound escaped me because of how moved I was.

The hall was overflowing with Oneesamas in fluttering dresses of various colours. Together with the vivid rings of flowers decorating the hall here and there, the room was like a sea of flowers.
Although the Oniisamas weren’t dressed as gorgeously as the Oneesamas, they were dreamy in their formal attire too.

Hahh, so this is the Pivoine Summer Party that everybody adores.
It’s like everything is glittering!

To begin with, almost all the guests here were students from Zui’ran, so the place was filled with youth.
I’ve been to various parties as the daughter of the Kisshouin family before, but they were focused around the Ojisamas and Obasamas of the upper class, so they just stressed me out and weren’t fun at all.
Because I was still a child, I tried my best to avoid going.
Apparently my parents wanted to bring me with them though.

“Reika? Are you okay?”

Oh gosh. Did I leave my mouth open?
I hurriedly put my fallen ‘ojousama mask’ back on.

“I am fine, Oniisama. But please make sure to stay by my side, okay?”

Although we were only supposed to be lightly linking arms, I was firmly wrapped around.
Sorry if it gets your jacket wrinkly, Oniisama.
But if I let my guard down, I’m confident that I’ll end up lost while my eyes are glued on something.

“Look, Oniisama. Everything is sparkling so radiantly.”

“Isn’t it just the reflections from the chandelier? It’s thanks to the calculated lighting.”

Please don’t pour cold water over a maiden’s dreams.

*imouto*

Now that the party had begun, everybody was chatting and smiling with a glass in hand, so I quickly invited Oniisama to come look at the rose arc with me.

“I wish to see it before the sun sets! You recommended it to me, didn’t you?”

“Yes, yes.”

Oniisama escorted me out onto the terrace and furthest back in the garden with a small white fountain and tables sets… There it was! A rose arch!
It’s even cuter than I imagined!
The arc decorated with red roses was tied by ribbons of white chiffon, and blowing in the wind made it look like a wedding veil.
And at the top was a bell!
I want to ring it!

“Oniisama! Could it be that it’s one of those bells that grants you happiness if you ring it!?”

“I wonder. I haven’t heard that, but… You want to ring it?”

“Uu-”

With such a cute bell, anybody would want to ring it, right!?
I wonder if I can’t. There are lots of people around me, after all.
Would I look like a bumpkin?

“Come.”

Oniisama took me by the hand and brought me in front of the arch.

“Excuse me. It seems that my younger sister would like to ring the bell. Would that be all right with you?”

Oniisama spoke to the senpai closest to the bell.
The senpai happily gave the spot to us, and Oniisama urged me forward. But. With all these people watching now, ringing it needs courage―!
Oniisama sure has guts~

But they went out of their way to give me this chance. I guess I’ll take advantage of everyone’s good will and ring it?
It’s embarrassing by myself, so I’ll do it together with Oniisama.
Oniisama was making a complicated expression, but I won’t mind it.
When the two of us rang the bell, somebody said “My, it’s like a pair of newlyweds at their wedding.” and Oniisama made an even more complicated expression. Don’t mind it.

Apparently girls from the primary section saw me happily ringing the bell because they gathered here and wanted to ring it too.
Right? Right?
I knew it. Everyone actually wanted to ring it. It’s because I did the embarrassing thing of going first that they had the courage to do so, right?
Good job, me.

After having my fill of the rose arch I returned inside to find that people in the middle of the room were dancing the waltz!
Party! Waltz!

“Oniisama,”

Sensing something from me, Oniisama averted his face and tried to head to the buffet corner.
But he had his armed linked to the unmoving me.

“Oniisama, it’s the waltz.”

“Don’t wanna.”

An immediate reply?

As a daughter of the upper class, I take ballroom dance classes as well.
Apparently Oniisama isn’t taking them now, but of course he took them in the past.
Since he went to the trouble of learning it, wouldn’t he want a chance to put it to use? Otherwise what did he learn it for, right?
After ringing the bell on the rose arch I’ve been on an odd sort of high.
Normally I’d be too embarrassed to decide to dance of my own accord.

“Just one song, Oniisama. Okay? Okay?”

Please say yes. It’s to make good memories for your cute little sister.

“Hahh…”

Oniisama gave a big sigh before dropping his head dejectedly.

“Just one song, okay?”

YAYYYY!

*imouto*

The orchestra’s song flowed through the hall.

One, two, three. One, two, three.
Straightenn your back. Don’tt lower your arms. Now! One, two, three. One, two, three.

While recalling my teacher’s lessons, I span around, and around.
The chandelier up on the ceiling sparkled with light.
The hem of my favourite dress danced in the air.
Aahh, this is so much fun. It’s like a dream.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

The trip was fun.
When I saw the blue sea in front of the hotel, my mood shot up.
Naturally we stayed at suite rooms. I was in a suite with Oniisama, with separate bedrooms on either side of the living room.
My parents went sunbathing on the beach and to beauty salons and stuff, and almost never went to the beach.
Ridiculous. Going to the beach and not swimming? What on earth are you doing here!

At times like this I’m glad I have an older sibling.
He can act as both my guardian as well as somebody I can drag to the beach as my playmate.
I invited Oniisama to the beach from the very morning, and indulged myself in the sea. I did stuff like snorkeling, as well as clinging to Oniisama’s shoulders and swimming like a baby turtle.
Oniisama is actually already in his second year of middle school, so he should have actually found it boring to play with his little sister though.
Maybe he actually wanted to invite his close friends like Kaburagi Masaya did, but in that case I would be myself, so he probably held back.
I got a little ahead of myself and started swimming boldly. Well, even professionals make mistakes, so I drowned a little, but Oniisama came to save me in a panic. That was a good memory too.

I did put on sunscreen, but I turned pitch black anyway, so Okaasama was like The Scream when she saw me.

After coming back from the trip and basking in the good memories, I also had more piano lessons and concentrated for the autumn recital, as well as other lessons as well, and also going to family gatherings and stuff too, and because each and every day just seemed to have something planned, I spent all my time busily, and before I knew it the holidays were almost over and the summer party was just ahead.

*imouto*

“Reika, are you ready?”

Having finished his preparations first, Oniisama waited for me by my room.

“Yeees!”

Today was my first summer party, so I was being escorted by Oniisama, a middle section Pivoine member.
How reassuring.

“Your dress is cute. It suits you well. Is that a real flower in your hair?”

Ehehe.
Geez, Oniisama. What a silver tongue you have.
I also quite like this dress. When I first saw this sherbet green flare dress in the shop, I was taken by it at a glance.
It’s summer-ey, and really cute.
I bought it before the trip so I thought “Isn’t my atmosphere kind of ephemeral? Muhuhu.” when it went with my pale skin, but because of this unexpected tan the image has gone a bit off. But still, isn’t this child-like healthiness also quite good?
Okaasama had gone to buy this dress with me. She looked a little crestfallen when she saw me just now, but I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.
I had my hair done at a salon, and in place of a hair accessory I had a fresh white flower placed in.
Aah, I feel like a princess.

I’m really starting to feel like a stylish girl.
Honestly, I can’t stop my smirking anymore, you know?
I mean I’m wearing my favourite dress, and I’ll be going to the summer party!
But this kind of smile isn’t very ladylike, so I need to be careful.
Still, my cheek muscles won’t listen to me. -smirk smirk-

“Shall we go then?”

“Yes!”

A car was taking us all the way to the hotel venue, so I was fine even with these heeled sandals on.
Aah, I’m so excited~

“Hey, hey, Oniisama. Won’t you tell me about the summer party?”

“Again? Didn’t I talk about it just recently? We’re almost there, so you can see it for yourself.”

Oniisama gave a wry smile, but I couldn’t help it. I just really want to know.
I feel bad for making Oniisama have the same conversation over and over again though.

The meeting place was a hall on the first floor in a hotel in the middle of the city, and the room faced a private garden so you could relax on the terrace.
According to Oniisama, there was a really pretty rose arch in that garden.
“It’s a garden I think you’d like, Reika.” he said.
The summer party usually began during the evening, but given how late the summer sun set, it was apparently possible to enjoy the garden in both the sunlight and the night lights.

“We must definitely go to the garden! Okay?”

“Yes, yes.”

The food is being served as stand-up buffet, but there are also tables and chairs for people who want to sit down and eat properly.
But most people attended to socialise, so nobody actually sat down to eat a lot, Oniisama said.
What a waste~ It’s cuisine from a high-class restaurant too!
When I was planning on going to a buffet in my past life I would fast all day so that I could eat to my heart’s content, too…
I mean, in my mind ‘buffet = eat until you die!’ after all…
Speaking of which, I often went with my friend to dessert buffets, didn’t I. Each time I went with the goal of conquering every dish they offered, but not once did I get around to them all, huh~
…I wonder if everybody is doing well…

“Reika?”

Hah-! No good, no good. I went into my own little world.
I’d better make sure not to think about anything unnecessary.

“It’s exciting, isn’t it, Oniisama.”

After all, I’m Kisshouin Reika now.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

In case you guys aren’t familiar with the imagery, something like a ‘baby turtle’ is basically a small thing on top of a bigger version of itself. This is because some species of turtle carry their baby/babies on their back. It’s really cute when there’s just one.

Ah, and 儚い美人 is a type of beauty in Japan that’s delicate, very fair-skinned, slender like a willow, and generally softer in expression and more subdued in demeanour.

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Again, let it be noted that ‘healing’ or ‘soothing’ is a very, very common term in Japanese for things that sooth the heart, whether through gentleness or cuteness.

Also fujoshi = women that enjoy imagining BL pairings, and literally means ‘rotten woman’. It’s a pun/homophone for ‘lady with class（婦女子）‘.

---

In the end, the plan was for me to attend cram school starting the end of the summer holidays in September.
Not only is it a clean time to join, but it matches up with the schedule of the curriculum too.
There’s still two months until September, but I won’t say anything greedy.
As you’d expect they’d be suspicious if I insisted on going right this moment after all.

I sure am looking forward to it.

*imouto*

But first is summer break!
As a wealthy primary school, they didn’t give us any dull holiday homework like writing an observation diary of a morning glory.
Although I actually quite like raising morning glories and sponge gourds and the like. Tsk.

“Where are you going during the summer break, Reika-sama?”

Also, since the summer holidays are a few weeks long, the entire school is excited.
Follower #1, Serika-chan seemed to be really looking forward to it, just like Follower #2 Kikuno-chan was.
And of course I was too!

“I am going to Tahiti with my family.”

“My, how lovely!”

Beaches really are the best in summer, aren’t they!
I’ve already bought a new swim suit, so I’ll show them the swimming skills of the Japanese!

“As soon as the holidays begin, my family is going to our holiday home. After that, is Hawaii.”

Hearing Serika-chan say this, Kikuno added,

“My family is going to Hawaii as well! Perhaps we’ll meet over there!”

“Eeh-, really!?”

Their eyes sparkled at the unexpected coincidence, and began comparing their itineraries and destinations.

Looking across the classroom, all my other classmates were excitedly talking about their travel plans as well.
People often say that the moments leading up to the trip are the most fun, but it really does look like it.
You just look forward to it so much.
But from what I hear, almost all of them are going overseas. Apparently this school doesn’t have any kids that go to the beach at Chiba or Kanagawa…
In my old life, they were my family’s standard beach trip spots.
Aah, I miss the grilled corn that I ate at Bousou in Chiba. -drools-

“Speaking of which, have you heard? They say that Kaburagi-sama is going to the Mediterranean sea.”

Serika-chan whispered with a smile, like she saved that best bit for last.
Hmm, the Mediterranean huh.

“I’ll bet they’re going to stay at a hotel owned by the Kaburagi Group, and spend almost all of the holidays overseas. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle not seeing his face for a whole month.”

Serika-chan spoke happily about Emperor, and then spoke sadly about not being able to meet him. To that, Kikuno-chan replied,

“I’ll bet he’s going together with Enjou-sama. Aah, if only I could go to the Mediterranean with those two.”

These two have a good grasp of Kaburagi’s information even though they’re in different classes. As expected of the fan network.

“You two sure are informed.” I praised, but they told me that it was natural to know at least that much.

Is that how it is?

But still, Enjou Shuusuke is going on vacation with Emperor?
Those two sure have been getting along from way back, huh.

In 『you are my dolce』, Enjou Shuusuke was a character introduced as Emperor’s childhood and current friend, and supported the protagonist’s romance with Emperor.
There were few people who could speak with Emperor on even terms, and one time when the protagonist and Emperor had a disagreement, Enjou Shuusuke even rebuked him.
Unlike Emperor with his cold and overpowering atmosphere, Enjou who always mediated with a soft smile was popular as a ‘soothing’ character amongst the readers.
And amongst the more ‘rotten’ women, he was treated as Emperor’s bride…
But when it came to anybody who tried to harm his friend the Emperor, he became quite harsh. There were even times when he was harsher than Emperor, huh~
And of course Kisshouin Reika was an enemy to him, and occasionally she would be brutally cut down.

Even now I sometimes see them together in the Petite Pivoine or the hallway, and it seems that their relationship is already just like the manga’s.
If I recall, they were supposed to have attended kindergarten together as well.

If it’s just the faces, I was in Team Enjou.
In the coloured illustrations he had honey-coloured hair, and was just like a prince.
When I first enrolled and I saw his black hair, boy was I shocked.
‘Was that honey dyed!? Was that hair colour non-natural!?’ I thought.
But that makes sense I guess. He wasn’t a half-Japanese character, so of course he couldn’t have that hair colour.
‘Did he dye his hair at some point? Did he suddenly have a honey-dyed make over? What did everyone around him think?’
I’ll be looking forward to seeing what happens, while smirking inside a little.

Speaking of which, is hair dye okay in this school?

*imouto*

The Pivoine is going to have their customary summer party.
In the end, it’s mostly for the real Pivoine, and we Petites are just tagging along.
But since they sent us invitations as well, lately the salon’s been filled with talk about the party.
The girls have been talking about what dresses they’re going to wear.

And as for me, I’m looking forward to it too.
I mean, it sounds so fun, right!?
Picture it; a dazzling hall with Oneesamas in beautiful dresses, being escorted by all the Oniisamas.
And in the middle of the hall are people doing the waltz.
Just watching it alone sounds fun!
The drawings in the manga were gorgeous too.
The protagonist got bullied by Kisshouin Reika and the followers though…

I ended up remembering something nasty.

Well, whatever. Let’s get back in gear and think about fun things.
I heard that Kaburagi Masaya won’t be in Japan this year, so while he’s gone I’ll enjoy the Pivoine!

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

In the Zui’ran primary section, the results of the tests we regularly have aren’t published.
When we enter the middle school section, the top 20 students overall, and in each subject are pasted up on a board, and each student is privately told what their ranking is, but even that doesn’t happen in the primary section.
There’s a report card at least, but it’s all based on a non-relative evaluation, so it isn’t really dependable.
Because of that you don’t get a good idea of how everybody else is doing. Nor do you get a good idea of how you yourself stand in the school.
Most of the girls who attend Zui’ran from the primary section tend to enter a political marriage after graduating from university, or find work through their parents’ connections, or go looking for somebody to marry, so basically none of them will really give it their all studying.

But I’m different!
I haven’t incurred Emperor’s wrath as of this moment, but I can’t ignore the possibility that by some chance I butt heads with the protagonist in high school and anger the Emperor, and end up having my whole family destroyed.
And it seems that the pattern of ‘Father’s dishonesty coming to light’ → ‘people demand Father’s resignation’ → ‘our assets are seized’ → ‘our family falls into ruin’ is set pretty firmly.
Aahh, Otousama, please turn over a new leaf. (Although I don’t actually know if he is doing anything dishonest. It’s fine even if it’s a false charge!)

If our family falls into ruin then I probably won’t have anyone to marry after all, so I need to earn my own living expenses.
To that end, I need to study.
In preparation for if I don’t have the fees to pay for a private university, I want to have enough academic ability to get into a national or public university.
In the future, I want to make enough money not just for me, but to take care of my parents as well.
Because of all this, I asked my parents to let me go to cram school.

*imouto*

“You are a girl, so isn’t there no need to study so hard?”

As expected, Okaasama was negative.
‘How about flute or violin instead?’ she suggested.
Incidentally, Otousama completely leaves child-raising to Okaasama. He’s completely useless at times like this.

“But Okaasama, I find studying very interesting.”

Hm~mm, I wonder if that was too weak an excuse.
Well then,

“When we enter the middle school section, talented people from other schools will enter. When that happens, I will be left behind.”

Just to make sure, I added, “Even though I am a Pivoine member, to have something so shameful happen is…” which made her eyebrows twitch.

“Pivoine” is like a magic word when it comes to her.

“You’re right. Then shall I find you a private tutor?”

That would be troubling! I don’t want a tutor, I want to go to cram school.
Besides becoming smarter, I have one other goal too.

“I want to go to cram school. I want to see how people from other schools are doing as well.”

I bend my upper body forward as I begged her.
I had to go to so much infant class before I got into Zui’ran, so can’t you just let me go to cram school as well!

“But as a daughter of the Kisshouin household, there shouldn’t be any need to get along with ordinary children. And what’s more, in a place like that, there are children from public schools too. It would be terrible if they hurt the cute little you.”

It’s here. That sense of being a class of chosen ones.

She’s saying stuff like “You need to choose who you associate with, okay?”.
Didn’t the Kisshouin Reika in kimidol turn out to be that useless rich girl because she chose who to associate with?

“It is fine, Okaasama. I will just be going there to study. I will make sure to remember your teachings, Okaasama.”

I’m a little irritated as somebody who once went to a public primary school, but I’ll endure here, endure.

“Okay? Please, Okaasama.”

I clasped my hands together in front of my chest like I was praying.
How’s this? My ‘Cute Daughter Begging Beam’!

“Isn’t it fine?”

OOOHH! Sudden reinforcements from the rear!
Hearing our conversation, Oniisama supported me.

“It’s not often that you get somebody who wants to study. What if she went to the cram school that I attended when I was in primary? The lessons there are thorough and easy to understand, you know?”

The cram school that Oniisama went to! That sounds really reliable!
How about it, Okaasama. Even Oniisama is supporting the idea. Come, come! Give me a positive reply!

After looking at the two of us and giving a small sigh, Okaasama said,

“I understand. Then tomorrow I will take care of the enrolment.”

YAHOOOOO!
Hooray! Hooray! I can go to cram school!

“Thank you, Okaasama!”

I couldn’t hold back the smile from inside me.
With this, my dream will come true…

*imouto*

“Oniisama, thank you for earlier.”

While we were returning to our rooms from the living room, I chased behind Oniisama in the hallway and thanked him.
As expected of my kind Oniisama~
Uhuhu.

“It wasn’t much. More importantly, I know that you really want to go to cram school for some reason, but I wonder if you have some other motive as well.”

-creak-

Was it that easy to tell?

“Mm~mm, if I study at home I’ll probably just relax and get lazy~ And I want to become close to kids outside of Zui’ran too, so~”

While my eyes swam about in a corner, I somehow managed to wring that out.

“Hm~mm.”

Oniisama looked right at me for a while, but when I began to pout,

“I got it, I got it. Let’s go with that then.”

After giving me two pats on the head, Oniisama smiled.
So you’ll be understanding, Oniisama?

“But you know, Reika.”

Oniisama brought his face close to my ears.

“When people lie, they look to the top right, you know.”

And then with a smile, Oniisama said “Well then, good night.” before returning to his own room.

*imouto*

Eh-, what was that just now?
Gosh, what a scary 13 year old. Why does he know something like that?
Could it be that the kind and gentle Oniisama is actually a crafty type?
Like, what if he knew how to see through lies to hide his own lies.

Oniisama, please stay as my mental oasis.

Anyway, from now on I’ll be careful when I lie…

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

gokigen’yoh: if you haven’t experienced marimite or anything featuring a lot of rich girls, ‘gokigen’yoh’ is basically the ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ for rich girls.

---

“Reika-ojousama, welcome home.”

A car from my family came to pick me up at school.
It was to avoid abductions and the like, and with study and practice materials already onboard, I headed to my afterschool lessons instead of home.

The life of an ojousama is hectic.

After school I almost always go to practice of some sort.
Unlike the children going to public primary schools in their neighbourhood, the students at my school all live at different places, so to begin with we couldn’t just leave our stuff and go play together, but even without that everybody was busy with lessons, so after school it was just ‘gokigen’yoh’.

Now then, today’s lessons are for flower arrangement and piano.

*imouto*

“I have returned.”

Aahh, so tired. It really is hard studying two things at the same time.
Piano is pretty fun in its own way, but flower arrangement is…
Honestly, it’s all one’s sense in aesthetics for that.
Once again, my flower arrangement was a mess today, and it didn’t turn out too well.
Apparently my arrangement didn’t look complete to my teacher, because she asked me what I was going to do next, but that was pretty much the limit for my pleb aesthetics, so no matter how much you ask, Teacher, nothing else will come of it you know?

In the end my teacher said, “Now wouldn’t it be better like this?” before plucking things out and rearranging it, and the end result was an arrangement that had nearly none of my work in it.
I’m sorry for being a poor student, Teacher.

After changing out of my uniform I headed to the living room and found that Oniisama had just returned home.

“Welcome home, Oniisama!”

“I’m back, Reika.”

Right. I didn’t know it, but Kisshouin Reika had a brother, you know.

To begin with, Kisshouin Reika only appeared as a villainess, so unlike the protagonist or the Emperor, we never got to learn much about her family.
At most, her parents appeared a little during the engagement incident.
And the readers didn’t want to know to begin with.
Ah-, tears are…

“Oniisama, were you at club activities today?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

My brother Kisshouin Takateru is 13 years old, and 7 years my elder. Right now he’s in his second year of Zui’ran’s middle school section.
He’s in the kyudo club, and goes there a few times a week.

Takateru-oniisama is such a gentle and upright person that I couldn’t believe that he was that Reika’s sibling.

“Your private tutor is coming after dinner tonight, right? Then until dinner, won’t you listen to my story?”

I love Oniisama.
In my past life(? Can we just settle on it being my past life? This is getting annoying.) I only had a little sister, so I can’t help but having an older brother that spoils me.

“Sure. What do you want to talk about? How was your day, Reika?”

Oniisama patted the seat next to him while he said that, so I immediately sat down next to him like a doggy being called by its master.

“Today I had piano and flower arrangement practice, you see.”

I happily told him about how piano was fun, and how I messed up in flower arrangement.

Today Oniisama wasn’t doing quite so well at kyudo club, so,

“Oniisama, shoot this fan do~wn.”

I said, as I waved a fan made from a magazine I found on the table.

“Nasu no Yoichi? You sure know some difficult stuff for being so little, huh.”

He was a little surprised.

Hmm? I can’t tell what common knowledge is for a Year 1 student.

*imouto*

After I had dinner with my family, Oniisama returned to his room with his tutor and began to study, so I sat down in the living room to spend some time with my parents.

“How was school, Reika?”

“It was fun.”

“Reika-san, how was the Pivoine?”

“Everybody was wonderful, and made for good models.”

After I entered primary school, Okaasama stopped using -chan with me and switched to -san instead.
I’m her daughter so she could just call me Reika, but apparently this is how people do it in high society.

Okaasama is from Kyoto, so she never went to Zui’ran, and because of that, it seems that she’s fixated on it, and the Pivoine in particular.
With her own daughter as a Zui’ran member, and what’s more, a Pivoine member, apparently she couldn’t help but feel proud.
Whenever I talk about the Pivoine, just like I am now, she looks as happy as she can be.

“Speaking of the Pivoine, have you become close with Masaya-kun of the Kaburagi family?”

“Eh-”

Otousama looked at me with expectant eyes.

“No, not particularly. That personage is only close to certain friends of his.”

When I said that, Otousama looked obviously disappointed.

Otousama is trying to use Reika to become friendly with the Kaburagi family, isn’t he.
Perhaps her father’s influence is part of the reason that even after being coldly rejected multiple times, Reika never stopped chasing Emperor in Kimidol.
Of course it also had to do with Reika’s natural disposition though.

However, Father! Destruction visits the overly ambitious, you know!

No, seriously, we really will be crushed, so Otousama, for now please just stop your dishonest management.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

Now then, the Pivione has its own salon inside the school grounds.
A luxurious room that’s already gone way past a school room, and is more like the living room in a royal suite in some first class hotel.
What’s more, it even has its own exclusive concierge.

The Petit Pivione salon is inside the primary school section, and as a member I need to show my face there.
If I never associate with the Pivione even though I was privileged enough to be chosen, it’s quite possible that the backlash would make me some enemies.
When it comes to human relationships and contact, communication is important.

Honestly, I don’t actually hate going to the salon. There’s yummy sweets after all, and I even hear information about the school from my upperclassmen.
If that was all it was, then I might have been happier to go there.

But the salon has “that person”.

“that person”

Right, Kaburagi Masaya, the Emperor.

To begin with, the Kaburagi family is a group that has hands in businesses around the world. A wealthy clan that leads Japan.
And of course, just like the Kisshouin family, they’ve inherited blood from former nobles.
In terms of peerage, the Kaburagi are apparently higher ranked though.
Apparently some of their ancestors had a really esteemed lineage.

Honestly, we’re not on the same stage…

No flaws in any aspects. A perfect clan. That’s the Kaburagi.

And the direct descendent of that lofty family is Kaburagi Masaya.

The boy himself has already displayed the necessary calibre to inherit the family.
Even though he’s only a Year 1 student, he already has this aura that makes people want to obey, and when he glares over the people with this beautiful face that reminds you of a blue flame, he really does seem like an emperor.

Even right this very moment, he’s sitting boldly in a special seat like it’s natural.
Even the idea of giving this seat up to somebody else doesn’t seem to occur to him. As expected of the Emperor.

Just like bees gathering around honey, people are gathered around Kaburagi Masaya.
And he’s paying almost no concern to them, and is instead looking out the window in boredom.
Just what kind of upbringing would you need to raise a six year old so bored of life.
A sovereign’s upbringing? If you give a child a sovereign’s upbringing, is this what they turn into?

If it’s that boring, how about you go outside and play some dodgeball or tag?
But well, unfortunately there are no such children in the Zui’ran schoolyard.

I wonder if this kid can actually play like a normal child.
The image of Kaburagi Masaya going kyaa kyaa kyaa on a unicycle comes to mind.

Uu-pfft-pfft, just imagining it is funny.

Or so I was thinking as I was watching him from a distance when he suddenly looked me right in the eyes.
Geh-, he’s frowning at me. Could it be that he read my mind!?

Hieeeeee, I’M SORRY, I’M SORRY!

Faking the body language of somebody thinking “My! I have suddenly remembered something I needed to do in the classroom. I must return at once!” and then casually, CASUALLY, averting my eyes from him, I left the salon like nothing happened.

S-, Scary. I couldn’t find the courage to look back.

*imouto*

“Reika-sama, did you go to the Petit Pivione salon?”

When I returned to the classroom, a girl from my class spoke to me.

“Yes. I had some tea.”

Another girl came to my side and asked,

“Umm, was Kaburagi-sama there?”

with a blush on her face.

“Yes. He was in fact there.”

“My!”

The girls began kicking up a fuss, going kyaa kyaa!

These girls aren’t members of the Pivione, and Kaburagi Masaya is in a different class to us, so they haven’t really had many chances to get close to him.

“Are you close with Kaburagi-sama, Reika-sama? What kind of conversations do you have in the salon?”

I’m not close, and I’m not planning on getting close.

“Kaburagi-sama is a taciturn person, and I have basically never spoken to him. Most of the time I chat with the upperclassmen Oneesamas after all.”

“My, is that so…”

The girls immediately lost their excitement.
Mm~mm, I’m sorry. If possible I’d love to tell you some wonderful stories too, but this has to do with my future, so.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t meet your expectations. Ah-, but he was eating chocolate. Perhaps he is fond of sweet things.”

For these depressed girls, I tried my best to reveal the fruits of my observation.
It’s nothing big, but how about it?

“Wahh, Kaburagi-sama eating chocolate. I want to seee.”

“I love chocolate too. I’m just like Kaburagi-sama!”

“If he likes chocolate then I’d better prepare some high class stuff for Valentine’s!”

Ooh, they liked it more than expected.
For now, I’m glad that they’re happy.
But isn’t it a bit early to be thinking about Valentine’s?

“To think that you girls would try to ask Reika-sama about Kaburagi-sama.”

“Honestly, how rude.”

Oh! It’s Kisshouin Reika’s followers #1 and #2.
Kazami Serika-chan and Imamura Kikuno-chan.

In Kimidol they also adored Emperor together with Reika and chased him around, but it seems that they’re already fans of his in primary school.

They’re acting like they’re angry for my sake, but they actually just don’t like the fact that other girls get to hear stories about him too.
They’re my followers so I guess they want me to give them exclusive information.

“It was unbecoming of me to carelessly spread rumours about Kaburagi-sama. Serika-san, Kikuno-san, I’m sorry as well.”

“Ah-, no-”

“For Reika-sama to apologise,”

The two of them panicked and followed up with a smile.
Since they’re all fans, wouldn’t it be fine to just happily talk about their idol(Kaburagi Masaya) together?
Later, I’ll make sure to tell the two of them what brand of chocolate he was eating, so I hope they get along with these girls.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

---

<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

I’m in. Zui’ran Academy, that is.

It’s completely different to the primary school I attended in my old life(?).
The exterior looked like a European cathedral, befitting a school of long history. There was beautiful stained glass glittering at the entrance.
But inside, everything was completely new. Of course having aircon was standard for every room, but more than that, every classroom had its own humidifier and water dispenser. Floor heating for the winter too.

There was a heated swimming pool, and a tennis court, and a soccer field, and a baseball field, and a concert hall too. Even a mini theatre. Even a planetarium. While I’m at it, they even had a dome-shaped greenhouse and a tea room.
Besides these ones were plenty of other common sense-defying facilities as well.
Though there were a few facilities that were shared between the primary, middle and high school sections, anyway, it was all stuff that overturned my idea of what a “primary school” was like.

Anyway, even though Zui’ran is in the middle of the city, it takes up a huge amount of land, and because of all the greenery around, it’s nicknamed Zui’ran Forest.

The uniform was designed by a famous designer, and is a blazer type uniform, as opposed to the sailor fuku types. For the middle and high school sections, the uniforms are white blazers with embroidered lines, and while the girls wear ribbons, the boys have a necktie, which are both burgundy for middle and dark blue for high.
Perhaps so that any dirty spots wouldn’t be obvious, the primary blazer is navy with light blue ribbons and neckties. All of them are terribly cute.

As expected of a famous designer. Just being able to wear the uniform made me happy that I came here.
Zui’ran’s uniform monopolises first place in the “uniforms people want to wear” rankings, and is admired by all the girls.
If I remember correctly, one of the reasons that the protagonist wanted to come here was because she adored this cute uniform.
Mn, mn, I totally understand.
Only, because the protagonist was bullied, her uniform was dirtied a lot…

In the middle and high sections you either choose from bringing your own lunch or buying food at the cafeteria, but in the primary section school lunches are provided.
But the ones who make the lunch aren’t your usual cafeteria obasans; they’re chefs.
There’s no cafeteria duty for the students either. I mean, the cafeteria has full-time waitresses after all.
And the menu is so luxurious that I’m not even sure it’s okay to call it a school lunch.
Things like vichyssoise or veal terrine are on the menu like it’s totally natural. I think we learn table manners here as well.
Black tea for drinks. If you’d prefer, you can add lemon or milk. By no means would you ever find a kid with a white moustache from gulping down milk.
For dessert we don’t have frozen mikan; we have crêpe suzette.

Aah, it feels like it can’t get any more impossible. This is what you call a culture shock.
I bet this is how the protagonist felt when she entered the high school section, huhh.

I wonder just how much the tuition fees for this place are. It’s scary so I’m trying not to think about it though.

Finally, the most important feature of Zui’ran Academy is a society called the Peony Society, or the “Pivoine”.
The Pivoine is a gathering comprising students who not only entered during the primary section, but who passed strict requirements for lineage, parentage, and monetary assets.
The Pivoine exists in the middle and high sections, and all Pivoine members receive various special treatments from the school.

In the primary section, we instead have the Petite Pivoine. Once Petite Pivoine members enter the middle school section, they become Pivoine members.
Because it comprises only purebred Zui’ran students, no matter how great your lineage, parentage or assets are, if you enter Zui’ran during the middle or high school sections, it’s impossible to join.
A society that only the chosen can enter; truly the adoration of all Zui’ran students.

And I, Kisshouin Reika, am naturally a member of the Petite Pivoine.
Hmm, Reika abused her authority as a Pivoine member and did whatever the heck she wanted in 『you are my dolce』 as well.
Just being a member of the Pivoine meant that most things were allowed.
But I really wonder about something like that being allowed in an institution that’s supposed to teach its students how to live properly.

Pivoine members pin a peony badge under the Zui’ran crest on their uniform.
It’s made from real gems, so it sparkles beautifully.
And at the same time, it functions as a school-wide pass for exemption from the rules.
…Once I considered that… although it was pretty, it felt a little scary too…

Ah, and as for why it’s the ‘Peony Society’, apparently in the language of flowers, the peony means the “the bearing of a ruler”.
…Honestly, there’s just a lot of things scary about the way they think.

Being a Pivoine member means the other students look at you in half admiration, and half fear.
And that’s natural. If you start trouble with a Pivoine student, it’ll be hard for you to keep going to school here.
And their families would also be pressured by the people behind the Pivoine members, sometimes even harmed.
Basically ‘If you know what’s best for you, don’t get involved with the Pivoine’.
I also want to follow that rule.

But well, that’s impossible, huh. I’m a member after all. And I’m in really deep.
Aah, so scary. And what’s even scarier is their sense of money.
I mean, when I was in high school my monthly allowance was only 5,000 yen, so I can’t help but see money differently, right?
Just how much money are they giving to these primary schoolers? It’s already gone past the level of ‘pocket money’ into the realm of ‘living expenses’.
Well, I’m the same though.

Anyway, the point is, thanks to my family’s influence and money, I’m fairly comfortable at school.
No, calling it “fairly” is being extravagant, I guess. I’m extremely comfortable at school.
Even though I’m only a Year 1 student, I’ve already got followers after all.
These girls were Reika’s followers in 『you are my dolce』 as well, weren’t they.
Have they been currying favour this far back?

Even though they’re only six years old, they already know how to get ahead in life, huh~
Aah, what a harsh world this is. Even children are having it rough.

But if I had to be a bit greedy, I’d prefer friends over followers.

Hm? 『you are my dolce』 didn’t have any “Kisshouin Reika’s friend” characters either. Could it be that I’m going to stay friendless like this?
Ah-, oh no. Tears are…

The manga only began when the protagonist entered the high school section so I don’t know what kind of school life Reika lived before that.
But I’ll bet she looked down on people beneath her in her “Reika Pose” with left hand on hip, and laughing into the back of her right hand, doing whatever she pleased.
All whilst following Emperor about.

But the current me will absolutely not do the same. After all, I can hear destruction’s footsteps on my door.
And also I honestly don’t have the nerves to go “OOOHOHOHO” as anything but a joke.
Even I know what shame is.
But well, I get the feeling that in a school like Zui’ran, plenty of other students will be using the Reika Pose…

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

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<Previous Chapter | Imouto | Next Chapter>

I have memories of my previous life────────

…No, I’m not a headcase. It’s too embarrassing to tell anybody at all, but it’s the truth.

I realised it around the time I was about to take my elementary school entrance exams.
I’ve always kind of thought, ‘Huh, I think I’ve seen this somewhere~’ about my name “Kisshouin Reika”.
It happened on a day when Okaasama said, “Reika-chan, this is the school you’re going to attend starting next year, you know.” and brought me in front of this building surrounded by a brick wall.
Next to that large gate were the words 『Zui’ran Academy – Primary School Section』, and in particular, the words 『Zui’ran Academy』 shot through my head.

“Zui’ran Academy” and “Kisshouin Reika”? They were the names of the school and the character that appeared in 『kimi wa boku no dolce』 or 『you are my dolce』!!

And as for that feeling of joy you get from solving a vague mystery that’s been bothering you for many years (having said that though, it’s only been a few since I was born), I didn’t really get it.
‘I see, I see. Kimidol, huh~? Woww, I feel so refreshed now. I see~.’ or so I was thinking, when in the next moment, my face paled at my own situation.

『you are my dolce』.

It was a popular shoujo manga in my past life. After the serialisation finished, it was turned into a drama with popular idols as the cast.
The story began when a commoner scholarship student protagonist entered the high school section of private school that girls from decent families attended.
The commoner protagonist couldn’t get used to the rich students who were incredible with everything they did. Even so, she somehow made friends with the few commoner students there, and worked hard every day at her hobby of making sweets.
And one day, she met with the boy known as ‘Emperor’ within the school, and fell in love. However, his followers wouldn’t allow the commoner protagonist to get close to him, and relentlessly harassed her.

Well, the ringleader of the harassment was Kisshouin Reika though; in other words, me.

In the end, after overcoming numerous hardships, the two of them got together and lived happily ever after. However, at the very, very end, Kisshouin Reika who had continually bullied and tormented the protagonist once again got in their way, and using her parents’ influence even went as far as getting engaged with the Emperor. And so, during the party where the engagement was to be announced, she was completely and utterly taken down.
In front of all the guests, the Emperor gave the shocking announcement that he was engaged to the protagonist, and on top of being majorly humiliated, as revenge for all the bullying she had done until then, the Kisshouin company had its stocks bought up and was taken over, Reika’s father’s fraud was exposed, and the entire family fell into ruin.
Reika who had a strong sense of being ‘chosen’ above others and who had looked down on commoners was expelled from the upper class, and fell to the commoner class.
With her prided curls disheveled, Reika gave a mad scream, and with the readers thinking back on her villainous ways until now, they all thought “Serves you right!” and felt refreshed. In my past life, I screamed “Hell yeah!” as well.

However, if this is how my current life ends, then the situation has changed. It’s definitely no good, that kind of thing is no good.
As for why, it’s because I’ve become that complete villain, Kisshouin Reikaaaaa!!

Please, if this is a dream, let me wake up from it.

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

────────Unfortunately, I did not wake up from the dream.

The shock to my five-year-old body was too great, and I collapsed on the spot, and stayed in bed with developmental fever.
While having feverish nightmares of my certain future of ruin, I cried in terror.

To begin with, in my old life I was a complete commoner.
From my primary to high school, all of them were public schools, and in my high school days I worked a part time job to save up for a mobile.
I was born to an incredibly average salaryman family, and with a medium build and a common face, I was honestly a girl you could find just about anywhere.

I remember as far as graduating from vocational school and looking for a job. I can’t remember anything from after that. I have absolutely no memory of getting married, or having children, or approaching old age.
Could it be that I died around 20? That’s what it means to have no memories past there, right?
Or could it be that for some reason or other I’ve become a vegetable, and right now I’m continuing to dream of a manga that I liked from back when I was healthy?

Rather than a reincarnation story that I’d see in a dream, a story about dreaming as a vegetable seems more likely though.

Only, it was tough when I had the fever, when I fall over it hurts, and my meals are yummy too. The sensations were too realistic.
As long as I knew how real these sensations were, I just couldn’t really decide “It’s just a dream anyway, so it’s fine~”.
It didn’t matter if I’d reincarnated or if this was a dream, but if I was possessing someone else’s body, anybody was fine, so I really wished it could be anyone other than Reika. I sincerely thought so, you know.

After recovering from my teething fever, the first thing I thought was ‘Wouldn’t it be fine to fail the exam to Zui’ran Academy then?’.

Zui’ran Academy is the pinnacle of schools for rich people. Just going to the school is a better status symbol than anything else.
My Kisshouin family is a powerful one that hails from a Kazoku aristocratic house, and manages a number of companies. Both of my parents believe in the importance of bloodline, and are basically lumps of pride that believe that they’re a special type of human.
And so, from before I was even a year old I was going to infant classes, in order to hammer in what I needed for the Zui’ran Academy entrance exam. Even the kindergarten I went to was one that boasted high rates of Zui’ran entrances; a ‘brand name’ kindergarten, you see.
I think at this rate, with my lineage, parentage, and assets, I’m going to get into Zui’ran. But if I go to school there, I’ll meet with disaster in the end.

If I don’t get involved with the main characters and live my own life, perhaps I’ll be able to avoid destruction.
I mean, Zui’ran isn’t the only rich people school. There are plenty of schools for Ojousamas, aren’t there?
Right! That’s what I’m going to do!

Or so I had determined, but the moment I saw my parents’ faces, my determination wavered.
As lumps of pride, wouldn’t my parents treat the daughter who “failed to get into Zui’ran” as the dregs of our family and just abandon me?
I do have the memories as an adult from my old life(?), but living as a 5 year old whose parents treat her coldly would be tough.

And also, even if I failed to get into the Primary School Section, I can still get in during the Middle School Section.
Well, Zui’ran has “that”, so only those who get in during Primary School are real Zui’ran Students, and even if I got in during the Middle School Section, I doubt my parents would fully approve.

Okaasama is acting like I’ve already gotten in (she told me “this is the school you’re going to attend.” before I even took an exam, after all). And almost all my relatives are attending Zui’ran, or have graduated from Zui’ran.
As for the courage I’d need to purposefully fail in an environment like this, it’s absolutely impossible for me now that I’ve gotten back the memories of a cowardly super-plebeian.

Can’t be helped. Guess I’ll resign myself and go.

But I’m going to give it my all to avoid becoming a villainess character like in the original manga. It’s tough being hated, right?
And even if I can’t avoid that, I want to at least start planning for what happens after my family is ruined.

1. Cherish harmony amongst others. Don’t make needless enemies.
2. Do not waste money. Steadily save up the pocket money you get. Set aside college tuition for after the fall.
3. Do not get involved with the Emperor. Naturally, do not get involved with the Protagonist who will appear during the High School Section.
4. Show no interest in other people’s romance, or else show a smile and faintly flaunt the fact that you won’t get in their way. “Faintly” is important here; you can’t have too much of a presence.
5. Even if you do fall into ruin, make sure to find a job that will provide for your meals. The goal is a government worker.

Alright. Guess that’s good enough for now.

Unwilling villainess, Kisshouin Reika, will now give it her all to lead a life of peace and tranquility!

*imouto*

*imouto*

*imouto*

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