Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622172789075625/episodes/16818792436048044623
[Reisa’s Perspective]
With the test coming up, we had a slightly longer study session today.
And at that time, I found myself in the daunting situation of teaching English to two people.
“Haa…”
Just thinking about it makes me sigh.
I was really terrible.
I couldn’t answer any of Nagisa’s questions properly, and I could tell that Tsukushi was being considerate.
He said that wasn’t the case, but I know that he is the type of person who unconsciously tries not to make others feel guilty.
It’s undeniable that he’s non-confrontational, but that’s just because he’s clumsy.
Even today, she told me everything she thought about me honestly.
…When I’m praised like that, I don’t know what kind of face to make.
But that’s exactly why.
I’m not being able to help either of them right now, and that’s painful.
Tsukushi gave me a chance to shine, but if things keep going like this, I’ll have regrets.
In fact, this test will change Tsukushi’s life.
His rival for the spot, Takagi Rio, is really good at English, and I can tell that Tsukushi is putting a lot of effort into English this time.
If I can’t teach him properly, he might lose his recommendation.
I absolutely can’t let that happen.
As I studied in frustration, I heard the sound of the door opening.
“You’re working hard.”
“It’s rare for you to come in without making a sound.”
“I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable if you were doing something.”
“……”
As usual, she’s such a vulgar person.
Ignoring her, Mika asked,
“…..What’s wrong? Tears are falling onto your notebook.”
“Ah, um… ahaha. Just a little. I feel so pathetic.”
I was crying.
I was disgusted with my own inadequacy, and I was also disgusted with myself for crying.
In that state, there was no way I could concentrate on studying.
When I looked back, Mika, who usually has a serious expression, was frowning with concern.
Somehow, that made me feel at ease, and I burst into tears.
“I see, you’re studying English. Speaking of which, you were happy when you were asked to teach the two of them before, weren’t you?”
“That’s right ! But…”
” Lady Reisa couldn’t explain it well enough, and felt ashamed of it, so she started studying…that’s about it.”
My proud maid who can guess a hundred things from just one word.
She understood everything, and I felt even more pathetic.
Plus, I was a bit annoyed that she could see through my low level of understanding.
She sees everything, for better or worse.
“I can’t improve the two of them’s grades. What should I do…”
“I don’t think that’s true.”
Mika kept her gaze on my notebook, staring intently.
“Actually, this is the expression I taught Lady Reisa in Paris.”
“That’s right. It just so happens that this grammatical expression comes up in this week’s lesson…ah !”
That’s right.
That’s how it was.
The English I taught the two of them today was colloquial expressions that even I knew.
But if you trace it back to its origins, it was all something I learned from this versatile maid.
Even though we’re the same age, she’s smarter and more efficient than me in every way, and yet the knowledge I have is something I received from Nishiho Mika, who has been like family to me for years.
Noticing my expression, Mika averted her eyes, sensing what I was about to say.
But there was no turning back now.
“Um, well…”
“I understand what you’re trying to say, but is that okay? Setting aside Amakusa Nagisa, wouldn’t it be problematic if Edano Tsukushi found out my true identity?”
“Well, that’s true…”
“If by any chance Lady Reisa were to find out that I was secretly meddling behind the scenes, trying to bring Edano Tsukushi and myself together…it might cause a significant decline in my image.”
Of course, Mika was right.
Nagisa already knows about my relationship with Mika, but if Tsukushi, the person involved, finds out, that would be really bad.
I’m sure he’ll hate me.
Not only will I not be able to be with him anymore, I might not even be able to be friends with him.
…But that’s okay.
“I can’t give up the chance to help Tsukushi achieve his dream for such a trivial reason. I don’t want to hide it. Because if I make up my mind, I can help her, right? If I just stay silent here out of self-interest…no, that’s absolutely unacceptable.”
Saturday and Sunday are scheduled to be study sessions at home, just like during the previous proficiency exam.
It’s a full-fledged study retreat where overnight stays are allowed.
Even though I hate studying, I suggested it because I enjoy being with Tsukushi.
So tomorrow, Saturday, the two of them will come over in the morning.
This is a golden opportunity.
My risk is nothing compared to that.
Even if this ends my relationship with Tsukushi, if he can get first place in this test and get closer to his dream of becoming a doctor,
I can give up on him.
I know how he feels about studying toward his dream, so I can’t just look the other way.
Besides, there’s no need to worry.
“Even if I’m hated, Tsukushi has Nagisa.”
“…I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Mika?”
“Are you sure this is okay?”
“Yes. Please.”
“Understood.”
Mika bowed respectfully.
It was kind of funny, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m sorry. I asked you to do that without thinking about Mika at all, just based on my own feelings.”
“That’s how Reisa has always been.”
“Huh? Isn’t that cruel?”
“Besides, I feel the same way.”
Mika looked at my notebook with sharp eyes.
“I didn’t like it either. I didn’t like letting Takagi Rio act all high and mighty.”
“What? You didn’t like Takagi kun? That’s unusual for someone who seems so uninterested in other people, for better or worse.”
I burst out laughing at Mika, who boldly said she disliked Takagi Rio.
However, she continued without trying to hide her dislike.
“I’m not a robot, so I have my likes and dislikes too. That guy treats women differently depending on their appearance. If he just ignored me, that would be fine, but when he treats me rudely, it reminds me of when I was at the mansion.”
“Hey, don’t suddenly stab me like that. I’ve never treated you badly. Anyway, men are simple. Your natural face is so beautiful, but with just a little makeup, you can’t even see your true self.”
“Speaking of which, there was one guy at school who said I was cute.”
“Eh, who !? Did you get a boyfriend !?”
I was surprised by the unexpected turn of events, but Mika just snorted at me.
“If that were the case, what would Lady Reisa do?”
“Well, I’d congratulate you, I guess?”
“Hmph.”
“Your laugh is creepy.”
She’s still as unpredictable as ever.
But she’s also my best confidant.
As we talked for a while, my tears had dried up without me noticing.
Tomorrow will be different from today, and I think I can be of help to the two of them.
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