Chapter 4

I’m home.

……

I apologize for my tardiness, sir, but Takamine-sama simply would not let me leave…

In the end, I had little choice but to stay with him and help him finish his work.

Fufu, Perhaps it’s because I’m not very approachable, but I don’t have any kouhai who’ve latched onto me. So this is something of a pleasant surprise, actually.

I’m not quite sure why he’s become so attached, though; it’s truly puzzling.

……

Sir? You aren’t responding; have you fallen asleep? If you don’t rest in your bed, you’ll surely catch a cold?

Yuzuru. …C’mere.

Pardon? Of course… What do you need, sir?

Fufu, did you wish to give me a hug to welcome me home?

You truly are a pampered child, aren’t you? I’ve been outside all day, though, and my body has gotten quite cold… ♪

Please allow me to do some squats to warm myself up so that I don’t freeze your dear, precious body ♪

Quit saying dumb things and come here. Have you been hanging out with those morons in Ryuseitai for so long your IQ went into the negatives?

Fufu, even were my IQ were halved, I would still be smarter than you ♪

Oh yeah? Keep pissing your master off and see how long you have a job—manservant.

…But whatever, if you’re gonna brag about how smart you are, then lemme use some of that wisdom.

Yuzuru, I’m… Well, I’ve been working on a proposal for Star Fes. But I’ve never done anything like this before, and I don’t know what to do, so can you help me?

What’s this? A proposal? Whatever do you mean?

Ah… Allow me to prepare you a drink before you explain any further. The fireplace isn’t sufficient; you must warm yourself from the inside, as well.

Sure, go for it. But it’s pretty late, so I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep if I drink tea.

Then I shall make hot cocoa. You quite like that, don’t you?

Hmm-hmhm~ ♪ Oh, we’re out of cocoa… Would you like warm milk instead?

I really don’t care… You’re in a weirdly good mood, Yuzuru. Kinda pisses me off… Did you have that much fun hanging out with those Ryuseitai guys?

That is part of it, yes. But more than that, cleaning season is soon approaching, and so I was able to buy all kinds of new cleaning products.

I look forward to this time ever year, when so many new products are being released…

Here, have a look. This concept was a triumph, and a spectacular one at that ♪

…Yeah, sure. You’re a high school kid, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you be buying stuff like toys and games?

Or manga and stuff—Those are pretty interesting. Apesara in the student council started letting me read his sometimes.

It’s also a good way to learn about what other kids my age like and stuff.

Oh? And what kind of manga is Isara-sama letting you read?

If it’s one that depicts blood or women who show too much skin, he will not be able to greet the new year.

Horrifying. It’s fine though, they’re just normal ones… Basically kiddie stuff. Apesara said it was good to start there.

If I may. That boy is your senpai; you shouldn’t liken him to a monkey.

He’s taken good care of you, as well, so please show him proper respect and call him by his actual name.

What? But he said it himself that he doesn’t wanna be treated like a stranger, so I could give him a nickname.

It’s a matter of courtesy, sir. …Now then, here you go: warm milk ♪

Thanks. I don’t wanna burn my tongue though, so blow on it for me to cool it down.

Yes, of course. Foo, foo… ♪

Ahh… In moments like these, I am truly happy.

Oh, right, that’s good to hear… But in all seriousness, I really am relieved that you’re so full of life these days.

You’ve changed a lot. You used to have this look in your eyes, like you could kill.

But now you’re essentially just some housewife.

Sir? Well, if that’s what you desire, I don’t mind becoming a killer once more.

In any case, we’ve gotten entirely off topic—

You said you were thinking up a proposal for Star Fes?

Yep. I mean look, fine isn’t planning on making much of an appearance in Star Fes, right?

Correct. Mainly because Star Fes is intended to be a send-off party for Trickstar as they go into SS at the end of the year.

In an extreme sense, all other units are simply playing a supporting role for them.

And it’s also been said that President-sama’s health goes on the decline around this time of year…

And so we will not overwork ourselves or take on a heavy burden at Star Fes, and instead focus on building up our strength.

We were told as such the other day in the briefing session we held to plan our future activities, were we not?

You didn’t seem to have any objections at that time.

So why the change of heart now?

Ngh… Um, it’s like. I’ve got a lot of reasons.

Then I shall hear them out one by one.