Chapter 5

—Yes. Of course. Much obliged, Hibiki-sama.

Yes. It appears that the master is feeling unwell, and so I am requesting that I am the only one to attend the afternoon lesson.

Mhm. No, it’s nothing so serious. Rather, judging based on only his behavior, he seems to be even more lively than usual.

But he’s been sleeping poorly, and it’s difficult to wake him up; furthermore, he hasn’t been eating much, either.

And so I had suspicions that he might not be feeling well.

Fufu, though his lack of appetite might be due to him seeing through my attempt to put ground beef bones in his favorite pudding.

Yes, he is a growing boy. He needs calcium to strengthen his bones.

But to see right through my plan—I had underestimated his underdeveloped taste buds, but it seems he’s grown up a little in that regard, too.

Of course. Yes, it is possible that I am mistaken about the master’s health.

I tend to be something of a worrywart when it comes to him.

Nonetheless, I ask you to trust in my intuition, as someone who has served him for many, many years.

Yes, I see your point. It very well may be that he is merely forcing himself to be in good spirits.

It seems that ever since the events at SANCTUARY, he has been worrying about something—

He has been straining himself with work and lessons, so I would prefer if he could take this time before the SS Finals to recuperate.

I simply feel that if he can’t relax here, then when will he be able to do so? Yes—But well before I am an idol, I am his butler.

My utmost priority is that he leads a healthy life.

You say I am not just his butler, but also part of his family? However, even if that is the case, that wouldn’t sway my judgment now, would it?

It is a bad habit of yours to poke at others in places they’d rather you leave be, Hibiki-sama.

No, it’s not “Amazing!” Please don’t shout so loudly; my eardrums will burst.

I may be able to stop a bullet, but even I cannot stop sound waves.

Yes, mhm. Precisely—I hate to ask this of you, but I would appreciate if you could convey this to Eichi-sama. I presume he’s there with you.

Hm? He’s not? You have been going off on your own quite a bit recently—Hibiki-sama.

Not at all. Rather, I think it’s splendid. If I may be frank, I found it somewhat unpleasant that you were glued to his side at all times.

…No, this isn’t “Amazing!” either. It is also a bad habit of yours to shout out incomprehensibly when you have trouble explaining yourself.

I would ask you to use your words, Hibiki-sama.

Attending Yumenosaki Academy taught me that that is one of the most essential things to do, on top of your idol activities.

Mm, yes… That’s all I had to say.

Yes, yes… Then I’ll speak with you later ♪

……

(…Phew. Now my ears are ringing. I can’t fathom how that man is always so energetic.)

(Does he possess infinite stamina? Or, more simply, is he a child?)

(Forever a child—Though perhaps that may be ideal for this line of work.)

Yuzuru…?

I heard you talking; is someone here? Maybe Eichi-sama?

No, no. I was on the phone with Hibiki-sama.

As I mentioned earlier, I needed to inform him that only one of us would be attending lessons today—So I called to tell him that.

Huh? You’re skipping out today? Did something come up that you couldn’t get out of?

No, I’m not the one missing lessons. You are. You really weren’t listening to me earlier.

I’m not saying you need to go down in history, but if you intend to one day be someone who stands above others—

Oh come on, shut up! Every time you open your mouth another lecture comes out!

…I’m doing my best, okay? Can’t you go easy on me for once?

The problem is more that you’re trying too hard.

What does that even mean?! Anyway, I’m going to our lesson today! I’m your master, so you should just listen to what I say.

But—

No buts. Just shut up, I don’t wanna hear it. I’m not gonna listen to people who have nothing important to say.

…I’ve gotta get bigger and stronger. So that no one can ignore me anymore.

……