Chapter 3
Here’s chapter 3 of Kazama’s route! Translation of this chapter was done by shizuumi and yuugs, with proofreading by KittenSparkles, kuririn, yuugs, and dei-hime. Enjoy!
Time flew by, and soon enough it was already October. As the season gradually began to feel cooler, our winter uniforms came out. But midterms were approaching again, and you could feel that the whole school was on edge...
Things were different from the first term, when people weren't ready at all. You could tell that everyone was able to prepare well in advance. Then, as we overcame that huge ordeal, the next thing that awaited us was...
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, those of you who actually read the school calendar for public events will know this already..."
At the beginning of morning homeroom, Harada-sensei began to write 'Today's Agenda' at the edge of the blackboard in big letters. After he finished writing, he turned back this way, and smacked his hands on his lectern with a thud.
Sanosuke Harada: "The cultural festival's at the end of this month. Every year, for the Hakuo Academy Cultural Festival, it's customary for classes to judge other classes’ programs by voting for their favorite. After considering several of the best picks, the class who snatches an uncontested, overall win will receive a wonderful prize."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A wonderful...prize?"
Classmate A: "No way, is it a million dollars? Or a trip to Hawaii!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "C'mon, now... Get your head out of the clouds. Last year's prizes were discount coupons for the school cafeteria for the whole class. In all likelihood, they'll be the same this year."
Classmate A: "...Discount coupons for the cafeteria… I dunno how happy I should be about this..."
Classmate B: "It'd be weird if people wanted them that much, that's for sure..."
Everyone's shoulders dropped simultaneously after receiving such a let-down. You could tell just by looking that everyone was disappointed. Despite our low spirits, though, there was one within our ranks who felt entirely the opposite.
??? : "...Discount coupons? For the cafeteria...?"
His chair screeched with a clatter, and he bounded to his feet without a second thought.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Hey, you guys... This is one fight we can't afford to lose."
Classmate A: "What're you getting so fired up for...? What's gotten into you, Ibuki?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You moron! The cultural festival, that's what! The cultural festival! It's a once-in-a-year chance for us to bond as a class! This event is more than key! It's vital! Don't say it's annoying, meaningless, or whatever — get your head in the game!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I couldn't quite put my finger on it. What he was saying wasn't wrong, but it felt like he was kind of a bit...intense...
Harada-sensei looked amused, watching the state of the class.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, it's good if you’ve got the motivation for it. And you'll have me teaching for first period, so you're just in luck." He checked the time with a glance, then looked around at all of us as he spoke. "You guys wanna decide on a program right away? It'll also give us more time to get ready if we decide earlier."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I'm all for it! I plan on leading the charge! The more time we get, the better!"
Classmate A: "The man reeks of desperation, but I'm in favor, too. Not just for class stuff. It seems fun as well."
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright, then it's decided. Well, I'm gonna head back to the staff room for a bit. Think about what you wanna do while I'm gone."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A program for the cultural festival, huh..."
While I started to think about the cultural festival, I opened up my notebook to brainstorm.
Then first period came. Although we carried out another discussion on what program we should do for the cultural festival...
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, not that these are bad ideas… But none of them are a shoe-in, really."
It was a shame, but Harada-sensei was right. A drama performance, a café, an exhibition booth… There were a lot of proposals that seemed interesting, but it would've been difficult to say that any one of them could guarantee us a win for sure…
The discussion continued, and time marched on.
But then, Ibuki-kun abruptly stood up. His eyes swept across the rowdy classroom, and he made a decisive announcement:
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "There's only one answer... Our class program will be a maid café!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "A-A maid café...?"
He didn't care how bewildered we were, utterly serious as he mustered the courage to deliver a fervent speech.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Listen up. If people are gonna vote for us, then we gotta have something original that no other class has. Having said that, doing something too novel isn't good either. Your average visitor is gonna have a vote, so having something they'll be well-acquainted with is key."
Chizuru Yukimura: "And that'd be a café...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "To be fair, you'll be able to use the break room for other things if you did a café."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yes. And more than that...! Our class has a secret weapon! The most powerful, original thing that no other class in this academy has—!" Taking a deep breath, Ibuki-kun’s eyes suddenly flew wide open. "The only female student in this academy: Chizuru Yukimura!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" I couldn't even express my surprise. I looked up at Ibuki-kun in a daze.
Classmate A: "I kinda get it... We use the fact she's the only girl in the academy and appeal to the other guys."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "How about it? Isn't it the perfect plan?!"
Ibuki-kun was full of determination, and it seemed to inspire the rest of my classmates, who were now completely on board with the idea.
...Save me, who was a key part of this plan, and whose thoughts on it were being ignored.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh, um, Ibuki-kun...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright, now, settle down. If you're going to get anyone on board with this, it'll be her and what she thinks about it."
I wasn’t totally on board just yet, and Harada-sensei turned his attention to me, perhaps to see if I would be convinced.
Sanosuke Harada: "Yukimura, what do you think about all this? If this maid café is going to happen, serving customers will basically be your job. That'll be no small responsibility."
I thought…
[I had to do it]
[Could I even do it...?]
Chizuru Yukimura: "It might be true that I'm the only female student in Hakuo Academy, but..." I knew that. But for me to be on maid duty… I went on, "I mean, to use me in a maid café to get votes feels really..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki "What're you talking about! If we draw all the attention to you, the guys’ votes are all but guaranteed!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "But..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I'm telling you how other guys will feel as a fellow guy. You're talking to an expert here. I'm not wrong about this!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I looked up to Mr. Harada, silently pleading for a way out...
Sanosuke Harada: "He has a point. Even if I were a different class' homeroom teacher, I think I'd still want to come to see you." He continued, "You've got this, no doubt about it. Have more confidence in yourself," Mr. Harada nudged me with a gentle smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I understand." Though I still had some doubts, I gave a tentative nod. "If everyone's saying this is the way, then I'll do my best...!"
At my declaration, the class burst into cheers of joy. And just like that, class 1-1's was set to do a maid café.
Once we decided on a plan, everything afterwards went swimmingly. The cultural festival would be at the end of the month. With our class activity decided, we had to go all-out on preparations right away.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Looks like things are gonna get busy around here..." There was plenty to get ready for the cultural festival. ‘I hope it'll be a fun one…’ With thoughts like that at the back of my mind, suddenly, as I was leaving the school—
???: "You filthy mongrel!"
I heard a booming voice coming from the middle of the school courtyard. Surprised, I looked to see what was going on… Then, I saw Ibuki-kun and a man with a demonic-looking scowl.
???: "I come all the way to your school, and you can't even arrange a single plan for them to come greet me?!"
(CG GET! \\ (ʘ言ʘ╬))
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "H-How was I supposed to know...?! You just didn't tell me anything...!" Ibuki-kun was half-desperate with his rebuttal. "Besides the fact you showed up all of a sudden, expecting them to come out and greet you properly when you do is too unreasonable—"
???: "I don't want to hear your cheek, you mutt! And why am I the one who has to take their needs into consideration?! You useless piece of trash!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Owowowowow!!"
The man didn't just stop at verbal harassment, but went so far as to squeeze Ibuki-kun's head tight. The situation unfolding before my eyes overwhelmed me with surprise for a brief moment. After I came back to my senses, I hurried to stop them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "E-Excuse me—!"
???: "Don't, Yukimura."
Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder.
Toshizou Hijikata: "This doesn't concern you."
I looked up to see Hijikata-sensei, his expression positively stormy.
Isami Kondou: "......" Looking a little tense beside him was Kondou-sensei.
The two teachers rushed over and quickly forced their way between Ibuki-kun and the man.
Isami Kondou: "Welcome! Thank you for coming all the way over here! What business brings you here today, Serizawa-san?"
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..."
Isami Kondou: "...Ah, pardon, how rude of me. It won't do for us to stand around and talk like this. Please, let's speak in our reception office. I have the perfect tea from my hometown that I could bring out for you..." Kondou-sensei was remarkably courteous while dealing with the man.
Kamo Serizawa: "So my reception has finally arrived, then. However… I'm in the midst of doling out some discipline. Wait a bit."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Serizawa-san..." Just before the man could turn to Ibuki-kun again, Hijikata-sensei stood in his way with a severe expression. "You'll startle the other students if you have an outburst by the entrance here." Hijikata-sensei threw me a glance, while I stood behind him. He went on, "You have your standing to think of, so consider whether this is the time or place to do this."
Kamo Serizawa: "You wish to meddle in my obedience training, Hijikata?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I’m not interested in picking on your parenting methods. It's just that this is the sort of conversation you should be having at home."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Huh...!?" Ibuki-kun let out a small cry from how he'd been quietly forsaken.
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..."
Even at Hijikata-sensei's silence, pregnant with anger, the man didn't particularly look like he was inclined to let up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Uum… May I ask who this man is?" I asked the question diffidently, and Kondou-sensei clapped his hands together.
Isami Kondou: "Ohh, that's right. This is the first time you'll have met him. This is Kamo Serizawa. Serizawa-san is the chairman of the Hakuo Academy board, and works as the academy's PTA president as well."
Toshizou Hijikata: "He's also Ibuki's foster parent."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh...!" That's when I realized that this was the person Ibuki-kun was often grumbling about.
Kamo Serizawa: "So you're Chizuru Yukimura..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You know about me?"
Kamo Serizawa: "You're the only girl in this academy, are you not? You say that as if I wouldn't know you on sight. I'd heard whispers about the girl who even Hijikata permitted in our school, but..." He looked at me from head to toe with scrutiny, as if he were appraising my value.
I resisted the urge to shrink back and stood straight as he fixed his gaze on me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please allow me to introduce myself once more. I'm Chizuru Yukimura. I'm in the same class as Ibuki-kun, and he's always been a great help to me."
Serizawa-san stared at me for a moment...
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..." He let out what I think was a snort, then walked towards the front entrance. With a nod from Kondou-sensei, Serizawa-san shortly headed towards the school building.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...You just have to step in, no matter how troublesome it is."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh...?"
Having muttered that under his breath, Hijikata-sensei took a step forward to follow after Serizawa-san… Then, as if he'd just remembered something, he turned back this way.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura. That reply you gave just now wasn't half bad. I thought you would've said something about Ibuki then, but... You held yourself back. Well done."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, I didn't really do anything..." There were definitely a lot of questions I wanted to ask Serizawa-san about… But it definitely wasn't the time for me to bring that up. I felt a smile coming on, and Hijikata-sensei hurried back to the school building.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Phew..." After Hijikata-sensei and the others had left, I felt a sweat coming on belatedly. It seemed like the tension had finally cleared up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you okay?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yeah. It's just the same old, same old..." He let out a sigh, like he'd given up a little. "But don't worry about me. Just think of how you can make the cultural festival a success. Alright? My lunches, my fate, and my everything are riding on that."
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right. Got it..."
He said it with such seriousness, I gave him a stiff nod. All I’d been thinking of was how to make it fun for everyone, but… The cultural festival seemed to bring its own troubles...
It was time to start preparing for the cultural festival. Classes were shortened, and after school people would work on preparations. In Class 1-1 too, the whole class would stay late of their own volition and put overtime into getting the maid café ready.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Alright, done!"
I was in charge of making the small props. Most of the work was detailed embroidery. I’d never really noticed before, but the decorations in a café needed a particular kind of fabric.
The tablecloths for all the desks.
The curtain separating the kitchen area from the customer area...
And the maid outfit: the biggest obstacle.
Knowing I was facing such a formidable opponent, I gave a light sigh and decided to give my hands a break.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Whew... I've been at it for a while now. I should take a little break..."
I went out to the hallway to clear my head, and found that the whole building was bustling and lively. People rushed around with cans of paint or hammered nails into things. With just a quick look around the hallway, it looked like every class was busy. The way the school building was getting decorated bit by bit for the festival was kind of exciting to see… I craned my neck, looking all around while walking...
Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai said that Class 2-1 was doing a food stand in the courtyard, I was pretty sure.
Saitou-senpai was in Class 2-2. I wanted to ask what their program was going to be...
I also heard that the gymnasium was being hired out for exclusive use by someone with a lot of leverage...
Speaking of which, I wondered where Harada-sensei would be. Maybe in the staff room? I expected that the other teachers would be with their own classes.
Now, where should I visit?
[Stay inside the school building]
[Head to the courtyard]
[How about the gymnasium...?]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, right, which class will be using the gym then...?" I was suddenly curious, and continued down the passage to the gymnasium.
On my way there, I spotted a familiar face.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...? Why's Ibuki-kun here? Wasn't he in our classroom...?"
Ibuki didn't notice me, and looked fidgety as he stood and left for the other side of the school building.
‘I wonder what happened...?’ But I was in the middle of my break, so maybe Ibuki-kun was as well…
[Continue on to the gym.]
[I'm a little curious.]
He was probably just on his break… I decided to keep heading for the gym. At some point, Kaoru showed up and drew near me.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Chizuru. What are you doing in a place like this?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hey. I reached a good stopping point with my work, and decided to take a break. What were you up to, Kaoru...?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "I came to check on the gym for a bit. Some idiot said he'd take up the gymnasium for private use up 'till the day of the festival."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That reminds me... Which class was using the gym again?"
The Hakuo Academy Cultural Festival basically had people turning their own classrooms into booths or the like… All you had to do to use the courtyard or other locations was to send in an application. The most popular location for that was the gym. I heard classes could allocate room for doing theater productions or form choirs every year with how wide and spacious it was...
Kaoru Nagumo: "...Pretty sure it was class 3-3."
Chizuru Yukimura: "3-3, meaning..."
???: "―That's right. My class."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ka... Kazama-senpai..."
Kazama-senpai suddenly appeared, and gave a leering smile when he saw me.
Chikage Kazama: "My wife. I know you're interested in the comings and goings of your husband-to-be...But you should be a good girl at this time and wait for the festival. I will personally entertain you to your heart’s content when the time comes."
Exactly what sort of performance was he planning to do...?
Kaoru Nagumo: "Hey, you... What're you trying to pull? You're bothering the other students."
Chikage Kazama: "Is that so? Yet I believe that my wife was merely looking forward to seeing me here."
Something dangerous was brewing between the two of them…
‘Wh-What should I do?’
[I'm a bit excited.]
[It's a nuisance.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, um, you know! We'll see how it turns out on the actual day, right? I'm a little interested in seeing how it'll be then..."
Kaoru Nagumo: "Hey, what're you saying?!"
Chikage Kazama: "I see. I had not realized that you were pining for me so."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm not pining! But I think it's okay for me to look forward to what it'll be like on the day of..."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...Hmph! Do what you want!" Kaoru said angrily and left.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wait, Kaoru!" ‘Did I upset him...?’
Chikage Kazama: "Worry not. He simply could not bear the weight of your love for me. Incidentally... Your class is preparing a maid café, is that not so?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes, we are..."
Chikage Kazama: "Waiting on tables as a maid will make for excellent training in homemaking, I should think. I shall be looking forward to it." He went on, "Now, I have my own preparations to do. I eagerly await your performance on the day of the festival."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sure. You do your best too, Kazama-senpai." Being a maid wasn't training for homemaking, though… But, hey, I guess that was him rooting for me?
Something was a little off in his logic, but it still made me want to work hard!
When I got back to my classroom, I spotted my classmates making a sign for the maid café. I needed to do my part, too.
As I was thinking that, I suddenly heard a voice from behind me:
???: "Mhm... That's some fine craftsmanship, there."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Kondou-sensei."
Isami Kondou: "Hey there, Yukimura. Looks like your class is exceptionally motivated for this culture festival."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. We all decided we'd do our best to win."
Isami Kondou: "I see, I see." Hearing what I said, Kondou-sensei nodded with a happy-looking smile. "The truth is, the PTA president, Serizawa-san, pays for the expenses of the cultural festival prize every year."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh? Serizawa-san does...?"
I thought of the impression I had of him when I accidentally met him the other day… This kind of came as a surprise.
Isami Kondou: "He'll pay for the prize for this year's winning class as well. Make sure you all work at it, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "We will do! Thank you for the support!"
Isami Kondou: "Every class is getting interesting-looking events ready... I can't wait to see how this year's cultural festival goes."
Looking happy from how much effort the students were putting in, Kondou-sensei walked off with a smile on his face. I also wanted to do my very best.
And then… The day of the cultural festival had finally arrived.
In the classroom ―which had been completely transformed into a café― everyone waited restlessly for the event to open.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you alright? You're looking a little pale."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I'm fine. Just trembling with excitement." He went on, "...Up until today I did everything I possibly could to prepare, but I wonder if it was enough..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It will be fine."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You can't guarantee that..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, we’re all in this together, and I don't think there is a single other class that has worked as hard as we have. So I'm sure that things will go smoothly."
Classmate A: "That's right… It's just like Yukimura-san says!"
Classmate B: "We've all been doing our best for today. Our interior decorations are just as good as any other class, and we have a cute maid!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I see... I guess you're right!" Ibuki-kun looked to have broken through his gloom, and he suddenly raised his fist and looked at all of us. "Let's go seize our victory! You guys ready!?"
Whole class: "YEEEEAAAHHH!"
And then, after that little pep talk, we heard the chime that signaled the start of the cultural festival…
Classmate A: "The cake set is done!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right!"
Classmate B: "Miss Maid, come guide your newest customer to their seat!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes, right away!"
I was overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar customers, but I was still trying my best. Still, the number of customers kept increasing, and in a blink of an eye things were really busy!
Chizuru Yukimura: "Welcome! ...No wait, I mean: Welcome, master!"
The line never seemed to get any shorter, which meant the advertisements we had done worked really well. I had heard that the others had put up posters around that read "We have a maid!" or something… Because of that, I suppose that everyone had high expectations of our class, even before the festival began...
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, what should I do? If it keeps up like this...!"
We couldn't keep up with seating or orders any more. During the rush, a new figure appeared in the classroom doorway.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Welcome back, master!"
Chikage Kazama: "'Master,' was it...?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......!"
The person who'd shown up was Kazama-senpai. He looked strangely serious for some reason, and looking at him gave me a bad feeling about what was to come.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes?"
Chikage Kazama: "For the most part, I must praise your readiness to serve me. However...As I've said many times before, I already intend to accept you as my wife. I am not looking for a housekeeper; I want you as a woman. ...Understand?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
His eyes were earnest as he stared at me, and I felt that he was being honest. But, in the first place...His assumption that I'd be his bride was wrong...
I was too perplexed to reply, but Kazama-senpai just kept on speaking.
Chikage Kazama: "Anyway, let's go."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Where...where are we going?"
Chikage Kazama: "Today I am performing a tea ceremony as part of my class' program."
Chikage Kazama: "Naturally, I have already prepared a seat for you. Now then, hurry and come along."
A tea ceremony... That'd be taking place in the gymnasium.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please wait, Kazama-senpai."
Chikage Kazama: "Hm?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "A lot of customers have come, so I'm very busy right now. I really shouldn't try and slip away with things the way they are."
Chikage Kazama: "...Hmph..." After hearing my excuse, Kazama-senpai looked around us, looking as if he was thinking things over. Finally, he nodded in agreement. "It cannot be helped. In that case, in order to end your duties more quickly, I will remain by your side."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Pardon...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Although this is a mere school festival, if you feel the weight of your betrothed's gaze, even this sort of work should be worthwhile. That being the case, you will surely put more effort into your work. Am I wrong?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I did think he was wrong, but… As I was standing there, too perplexed to respond, a ton of customers suddenly flooded into the shop!
Chizuru Yukimura: "―Welcome home!"
Feeling Kazama-senpai's gaze on me, I hurried off to face the customers...
[Minigame Victory]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, looking good...!"
It seems like that was the biggest rush of people for today, and we managed to make it through smoothly! Noticing that, I was ready to continue to give it my all until we reached the finish line...!
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. You are very attentive. That is exactly why you are worthy of being my bride."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you...?"
Setting aside his usual 'my wife' comments, being praised for my hard work today might just have made me happy, although I wasn’t ready to show it. Anyway, if I kept up the pace, it looked like I'd have enough time to go to Kazama-senpai's tea ceremony demonstration...?
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Alright... Things are calming down. Yukimura, you can take a little break."
The panic caused by the customers had come to an end, and Ibuki-kun called out to me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Really?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki "Just a little one!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...All right. Thanks!" Feeling grateful for his consideration, I removed my apron and turned on my heel to leave the classroom.
Chikage Kazama: "I heard what he said. I've grown tired of waiting."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I-I understand. I'll quickly go and change―"
Chikage Kazama: "We do not have the time for that. We are leaving now. Come."
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-Wha..!?"
I did keep him waiting for an awfully long time, so I couldn't bring myself to strongly oppose him. Partially convinced and coerced by Kazama-senpai, I exited the classroom―
Outside the gymnasium where Kazama-senpai’s class was performing tea ceremony, there was a long line-up.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Everyone, please form two rows. Numbered tickets will be handed out."
Kyou Shiranui: "Hey, c'mon! The dividers are bulging out! You there, line up properly!"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai were working together to hand out the numbered tickets, and they noticed us immediately as we hurried in.
Kyou Shiranui: "Yo, Chizuru. So you seriously ended up coming..." he gave me a pitying look.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes..." I nodded, my own feelings about it... complicated. "Anyway, there sure are a lot of people."
Kyou Shiranui: "Yeah. The tea ceremony's held a couple times, but the starting times are really strict. We're opening the door to the gym and letting people in according to the schedule."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...That's amazing."
It was a very efficient system. I felt like I'd glimpsed the experience the third-year students had with the school festival.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "However, Kazama-sama. We cannot delay the next tea ceremony for even a moment longer. Please hurry and make the prepara―"
Chikage Kazama: "Very well. ...Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?"
Chikage Kazama: "This is a good chance. Take your seat in the place of honour so that you might see me clearly. Understood?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha―"
He didn't wait for my responseーhe just disappeared into the gymnasium. It seemed like he really was in a rush, so I couldn't bring myself to call out and stop him...
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, that’s where the highest-profile guest should sit..."
Kyou Shiranui: "It's just a school festival demo. Don't worry about it."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Things are first come, first serve right now. If you are able to push through the waves of people, you will be able to sit in the seat of honor. Although… Yukimura-kun, do you have any prior experience participating in tea ceremony?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "No..."
When I shook my head, Amagiri-senpai continued to speak in a serious tone, giving me detailed instructions.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "The etiquette and manner of drinking at a tea ceremony is learned through observation. Because the tea is served starting from the guest of honour, it is usually best to imitate them."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-So, that means… If I were to sit there, I couldn’t copy anyone else...?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "That is correct."
If that were the case… ‘Things might be a little tough…’ I knew Kazama-senpai had told me to sit in the place of honour, but I was a little hesitant...
Kyuuju Amagiri: "That being said, only those few who sit in the place of honour during each ceremony will be able to receive tea that Kazama-sama himself prepared."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah."
Kyou Shiranui: "Everyone else’ll get served tea brewed by the guys in the back."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Oh, I see..."
‘What should I do...? Should I sit in the seat of honour or not?’
[I'll decline this time.]
[I have to be bold…]
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I will sit in the place of honour." After worrying for a bit, I made up my mind. "Since I was specifically invited, I can't just leave without drinking Kazama-senpai's tea… It'd be too disappointing for him, and I would feel guilty."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Understood. Then, although it may be presumptuous of me, allow me to briefly explain the etiquette."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please do! Thank you so much!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "First are the accompanying sweets. After the sweets have been presented, please begin to eat them straight away..." he began to explain.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Alright!"
Kyou Shiranui: "...I’m tellin’ ya, this is just a school festival demo. Don’ sweat the details so much."
With their help, I continued to learn the general etiquette for the ceremony right up until the doors opened...
At last, the tea ceremony was about to begin.
I pushed my way through the throng of people, desperately thinking of ways to seize the guest of honour’s seat.
I looked out over the tea ceremony from the seat closest to the hostーclosest to Kazama-senpai.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chikage Kazama: "Esteemed guests. Thank you very much for taking the time to come today. This is but a humble tea room, but I hope that you will be able to relax here." Kazama-senpai made his announcements in a calm tone. He withdrew and folded his fukusa kerchief and began preparing the tea utensils.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
If I had to be honest, today he… He looked surprisingly cool. He was always saying rude, totally uncalled-for things. But when he was silently preparing tea like this, he seemed flawless. I'd heard that his family ran a prestigious tea ceremony school... I supposed that, as the son of that family, Kazama-senpai acting so sophisticated at a time like that shouldn't have come as a surprise.
Chikage Kazama: "......"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru Yukimura: !
Kazama-senpai looked in my direction and gave me a slight smile, and I felt my heart begin to pound faster in my chest. That look he had just given me was gentle, somehow. Maybe… Maybe he was glad that I was the one sitting in the place of honour.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I watched closely as Kazama-senpai performed the tea ceremony with practiced ease― Whenever he moved, I found myself captivated by each individual action.
After the tea ceremony had ended, the other customers and I exited the gymnasium en masse. I didn't know how to put it… I felt as though I were dreaming. It felt like I was floating, as if I had drifted away into some other world.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes...!?"
Chikage Kazama: "I must praise you for keeping your promise to me. After all, it is appropriate for my wife to sit from where she can see me most clearly." He looked uncharacteristically satisfied, and for some reason I couldn't bring myself to respond. He asked, "And? How was the ceremony?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uuumm..."
'You looked really cool, Kazama-senpai.'
...I definitely couldn't say something like that.
Chizuru Yukimura: "The tea was delicious, and it was wonderful to experience a tea ceremony first-hand."
Chikage Kazama: "I see, so you were pleased," he smiled in satisfaction. "Well then, one day soon I will permit you to see how I look during a proper tea ceremony."
Chizuru Yukimura: "During a 'proper' ceremony...? What do you mean?"
Chikage Kazama: "A tea ceremony is not a spectacle. The only people necessary in the tea room are the master of the house and one guest. On the occasion that a special guest is invited to attend, the host himself will humbly entertain them… That is the tea ceremony at its heart."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
As expected of the heir of a tea ceremony school…The deep connotations behind his words told me that this had been only a small fraction of the knowledge Kazama held.
Chikage Kazama: "My home has a seperate building for hosting tea ceremonies. Someday I will invite you there."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "A quiet tea ceremony truly gives one an appreciation for the transient beauty of life. It is tasteful. By the time the autumn colors begin to change, the section of the garden that can be seen from the tea ceremony building has also been dyed beautifully. It is a sight to behold. ...What say you, Chizuru?"
I couldn’t find it in me to lie and say that I was uninterested, so I nodded at his prompting.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If given the chance, someday… I would like to see it."
Chikage Kazama: "Very well," Upon hearing my answer, Kazama-senpai spoke in a dignified, resounding, and infinitely satisfied voice. "If you already hold so much interest in the way of the tea ceremony, there is no need for further marriage preparations."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha..."
Chikage Kazama: "You may cross the threshold into the Kazama family at any time. Even if that time is today."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
As Kazama returned to his usual kind of talk, I let out an involuntary sigh. While he was performing tea ceremony, and when he was talking about it, Kazama-senpai had looked really, really attractive, but… I wonder if that really was a dream after all?
Chizuru Yukimura: "Haah..."
Very soon this long, long day would come to an end.
A chime sounded to signal the end of the festival, and all of the customers who had come from outside of the school headed home...
The evening sun shone through the classroom windows as we tidied up, waiting on the closing event of the school festival. We planned to wait to put the large, time-consuming decorations away another day, but… This was the only school-wide festival, so the amount of trash was much greater than usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: "All right… oh."
Carrying a garbage bag, I walked into the waste collection area behind the school, whereー
Susumu Yamazaki: "Shimada-san, can burnable garbage be left here?"
Kai Shimada: "Yes. Please don't forget to separate the cans, jars, and plastic bottles."
Shimada-sanー our excellent school janitorー was talking with Yamazaki-senpai, who had also come to throw out some trash.
The teachers all relied on and trusted Shimada-san a lot: he was the unsung hero of Hakuo Academy. When we first met I was shocked at the sheer size of him, but he is a very friendly, gentle sort of person. There were rumors that he absolutely adored sweets, and that's how he got so big, or something like that...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hello, Yamazaki-senpai. Shimada-san, please help with this garbage as well."
Kai Shimada: "Sure, Yukimura-kun. Thank you for your hard work."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Thanks. Did you come to throw trash away too?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. Even so, there really is so much today..."
Trash was piled up high in one corner of the area. Looking at the heap, Shimada-san let slip a small, wry smile.
Kai Shimada: "It's a sign that things were successful, I suppose. I've worked as a janitor here since the school was founded, but… This year's cultural festival was really very busy, huh?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, really?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yes. Even from my perspective, I think it was more exciting than the one last year."
When I turned to look at the school, it was dyed in the fading light of the late sunset, and the enthusiasm of the festival still lingered. But, as the sun vanished, little by little so did the electric atmosphere… As the loneliness weighed on my chest, a voice reached the rear yard.
Sanosuke Harada: "In other words, all that excitement means that this was the best one yet, right?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "That's exactly why us teachers had it so rough. ...That being said, the most important thing is that no big issues cropped up."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, it's Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sen...sei?"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
The two of them looked... different than I expected. For some reason Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sensei were both wearing aprons. Moreover, the design and colors of the aprons totally clashed with the image I had of those two. They were somehow kind of... cute.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Um... Those are some very unusual clothes for you two..."
Kai Shimada: "...May I ask why?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "... My class ran a takoyaki stand," he explained, looking indignant, "but we prepared way too many ingredients. The class was talking about eating them as soon as possible." Now that I thought about it, there were conspicuous stains of stuff like sauce and flower at the ends of his apron.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, you mean to say… You cooked it personally, Hijikata-sensei...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Yep. I got to see the rare sight of Hijikata-san’s face when he’s obsessively cooking takoyaki."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Shut up. ...Well, I couldn't just let the students do it," Hijikata-sensei gave a wry smile, and then suddenly looked behind him.
Standing there was Nagakura-sensei, his cheeks stuffed full from the veritable mountain of takoyaki he was carrying. Munching loudly, he exclaimed:
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Wow! Can I really eat all this, Hijikata-san?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah. Consider it a reward for all your hard work. Eat up."
Sanosuke Harada: "...Oh, looks like someone else is joining in on our little break."
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When I looked where Harada-sensei had glanced, I saw that Sannan-sensei had also appeared.
Keisuke Sannan: "Hehe… I am also helping myself to some takoyaki."
Behind Harada-sensei and Hijikata-sensei, Sannan-sensei was also snacking on some takoyaki.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "At any rate, today was a lot of work. My shoulders and stuff are stiff, and I'm totally worn out..." he munched away on his takoyaki snack.
Keisuke Sannan: "Well then... would you like to test this out?" Saying that, Sannan-sensei produced a small vial filled with a crimson liquid.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...? What's that?"
Keisuke Sannan: "It is an energy drink that I created. One sip will remedy any fatigue. Please drink it, if you like, Nagakura-kun."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Wow, that's amazing! Well then, thanks a bun--"
Susumu Yamazaki: "N-Nagakura-sensei! W-wait!"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Huh? What's wrong, Yamazaki?"
Keisuke Sannan: "...Is something the matter, Yamazaki?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "...N-no… It's nothing..."
Harada-sensei laughed lightly at their exchange, and then he reached his hand out to me.
Sanosuke Harada: "You should also eat some, if you're in the mood."
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-um... are you sure?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Of course. Welcome to our humble store, my lady. Allow me to show you to your seat."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...All right!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "I swear... hey, Harada. Don't tease the kids like that."
I couldn't help feeling shy amongst this circle of friends...
The closing ceremony for the Hakuo Academy cultural festival was non-compulsory, taking place after the sun had set. Of course, almost everyone from my class chose to participate, but there were also those few who didn't.
And so, before the ceremony and the announcements of the victor, students from every class gathered to wait on the school grounds.
Isami Kondou: "Students of Hakuo Academy! Before the closing ceremony, let me officially announce the end of the school festival!" As Kondou-sensei stood on a stage with the school building in the background, Serizawa-san appeared. Kondou-sensei continued, "Thanks to all of your incredible efforts, this year's cultural festival has been a great success. Especially for certain classes things were more tense and exciting than they have ever been before! Now then, the PTA Chairman Serizawa-san will announce which class performed best!"
Kamo Serizawa: "Hmph..." Serizawa-san opened the paper he was holding, looking completely uninterested. "By virtue of gathering the most votes, this year's winning class is..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "...C'mon, please..." Ibuki-kun murmured hoarsely, and tightly clasped his hands together.
The rest of us from our class waited for the moment of the announcement with bated breath.
Kamo Serizawa: "Year 1, Class 1."
Chizuru Yukimura: "!!!"
Whole class: "YEEEES!!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "T-this isn't a dream, right!? Our class really did..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah! Our class really won!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "!!!" Ibuki-kun seemed unable to speak, and just struck a big victory pose instead. "With this, I'll be able to eat lunch like a normal person from now on! I've never even dreamed of this...!"
Kamo Serizawa: "............"
All of a sudden, Serizawa-san had materialized behind Ibuki-kun.
Kamo Serizawa: "...You just said ‘eat lunch like a normal person.’ Aren't you misunderstanding something?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Eh...!? But, we won didn't we? That means the school lunch discount ticket is ours, right?"
Kamo Serizawa: "I don't know where you heard such a rumor, but the championship prize for this year is not that. It's a class-wide pre-paid book card."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A pre-paid book card..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "H-how is that possible!? Why haven't I heard about it!?"
Kamo Serizawa: "How should I know? You're annoying! You must have purposefully misunderstood! Come!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ow ow ow ow!? P-please don't pull on that!"
In the end... many students were happy, but Ibuki-kun alone was so depressed it seemed he wouldn't recover…
With that, the school festival came to a close. Serving all those customers at the maid café had been tough, but it ended up being a fulfilling day. Thanks to everyone's hard work, I had no doubt in my mind that today would become a wonderful memory...