Volume 2 - CH 5
Hot—With this sensation, I woke up. In the midst of my hazy view, I recognized a familiar ceiling. It seems like I was sleeping in my own bed up until now. When I gazed over at the clock inside my room, to my surprise, the time had already progressed towards evening. Oh wow, I was actually sleeping for half a day?
“Urk…”
I put on my glasses that were laying right next to my pillow, and tried to raise my upper body. However, immediately after, I realized that my body wasn’t fully listening to me. I feel so sluggish. My body felt heavy enough to exhaust me just trying to get up. On top of that, a headache was making my head spin. It’s like Mom forced me to drink shōchū again like she did before. I feel like this is a two-days worth of a hangover.
And…I feel cold. Despite the inside of me burning up with fire, I couldn’t stop shaking because it felt freezing in my room. What is this feeling? Thinking that something was off, I quickly wanted to cover myself with my blanket, when—
“…!” I swallowed my breath.
Konoe was right next to me. She was still wearing her butler uniform, as she clung to me in her sleep.
“……”
Um, what is this about? I don’t remember buying such an adorable hugging pillow, you know. Or, is that some kind of early Christmas present? Is Santa Claus secretly working in human trafficking or something…
“…Mmm…” Muttering something, Konoe clung to my waist.
She might be mistaking me for some plush toy or whatever. Either way, this is bad. Be it her slender body, with slim arms and legs, or her feminine outline with a sweet scent drifting upwards from it, she undoubtedly was a girl. If I don’t get away from her soon, I’ll get a nosebleed again.
“……”
Ahh, but…she’s warm. I guess this is what you call a human’s warmth. Even through her clothes, our bodies were touching directly. The warmth coming from this felt calming towards my shivering body. I guess…staying like this for a bit longer wouldn’t hurt. As my head was still a mess, I carelessly judged so, and was about to hug her small body like a true hugging pillow, when—
“Nii-san, I’m coming in.”
The door to my room opened.
“K-Kureha!?”
Indeed, it was Sakamachi Kureha. Without even knocking, she entered my room, and saw the two of us on the bed, practically embracing each other.
“Y-You’re wrong! I wasn’t doing anything! This position was out of my control…!”
All my hazy thoughts cleared up in an instant. What an awful scene for her to walk in. My body woke up quickly enough to realize what a bad situation this was. I tried to push away Konoe, but my sluggish body wouldn’t allow me to muster up enough strength. Come on, get away. She’ll get the wrong idea…
“Nii-san!” Kureha started acting without a moment’s hesitation.
Her small body soared through the air. Immediately after, her body slammed into mine. It’s like a Zero fighter plane in the American army. It’s like she landed an NFL touchdown.
“Guho!?”
I tried to accept her body, but my body full of lead couldn’t react in time, so Kureha basically slammed me back onto the bed. This normally would be the moment for a tragedy to occur. Indeed, a pro-wrestling move banquet was all-you-can-eat for me. Damn it, if I had at least had my usual strength…However, fear got hold of my body, leading me to freeze up…
“…Idiot…Nii-san, you idiot…”
To my surprise, these words reached my ears.
“Kureha?”
I looked down at her in shock, only to find her head buried in my chest. She was bawling her eyes out. Waaah, what is this now? Is she trying to charge up energy like yesterday? But, she’s crying way too much. She should probably charge herself with some Pokari Sweat drinks instead.
“I was…I was really worried…!” Even during her weeping, she strongly clung to my body.
…This is bad. My little sister crying already is an awful occurrence, but even worse than that is the fact that two girls are clinging to my body right now. I can already feel it stinging in the back of my nose. My gynophobia is activating. I need…I need to get away…
“You’re awake now, huh.” A dignified voice rang out.
Looking over towards the source, Suzutsuki Kanade stood there. She still wore her maid uniform, resting against the doorframe.
“S-Suzutsuki…” I asked for help, reaching out for her with my hand.
Because of my symptoms, my field of view switched on and off like a color timer in Ultraman. At this rate, my soul will go on a honeymoon to heaven hand in hand with death himself.
“……Ahaha.”
However, as if to betray my expectations, Suzutsuki inspected me like a researcher who wants to experiment with actual human bodies, and showed me an evil grin…Amen. I cursed my own foolishness, and started praying to God despite not even being Christian.
In the midst of my hazy view, I saw that cursed maid who prepared herself for a dive. I was an idiot for asking that rich wench for help. However, I wasn’t given much time to regret, because the soft sensation hitting my face had my consciousness sink into a deep slumber.
×
“38.1°C, that’s a cold alright.”
After I regained my consciousness, Suzutsuki announced as such while looking down at the thermometer. I see, a cold, huh. Suzutsuki mentioned that a cold was going around right now. And, it seems like my body has fallen victim to this cold. Yay, I wasn’t late to a trend for once…Why am I happy about that?
“If I had to guess, you probably weren’t living the most healthy life, right? Adding any excessive exercise you’re not used to…and lack of proper nutrition, it’ll do the trick.”
Oh, I have a few ideas now, actually. It even started when I woke up, with my head hurting beyond belief, and when Konoe and Suzutsuki were having their competition, I felt chills. Thinking about it now, my body was giving out SOS signs all this time.
Damn it, at least tell me in a way that’s easy for me to understand. Like in morse code or flag signaling. I would have acted sooner. You agree with me, right? I looked at Suzutsuki to ask for something resembling sympathy, but she just showed me a dubious reaction.
“It seems like you have a fever as well. For now, just go get some sleep. Since it’s Golden Week, the hospitals don’t see patients, but with a bit of medicine, you should survive this.” Suzutsuki said, and put a thin cooling sheet on my forehead.
Somehow, this feels off. Is this the first time she’s actually kind to me? Is the world going to end tomorrow?
“You hurry and get better soon. It’s no fun bullying you when you’re this weak.”
“You damn sadist!”
“Why aren’t you a bit more thankful? You collapsed and left it all to us. Kureha-chan got all pale, screaming ‘What should we do, Nii-san is going to die!’ and started crying.”
“…She’s overreacting again…”
She was crying here just a second ago as well. Talking about Konoe, she’s in Kureha’s room right now.
“Oh yeah, why was Konoe sleeping in my bed?”
“Who knows? If I had to guess, she probably was nervous? I took care of you together with her. You were shaking even in your sleep, right?”
It sounded like absolute nonsense, but I don’t think she would be lying about that. Not to mention that I really am quivering even now. The chills just won’t stop.
“Right. How did that competition end?”
If my memories served me correctly, then I must have passed out before we reached the conclusion. Well, I can guess as much, since Konoe is still here.
“No conclusion. Everything turned chaotic because you collapsed…And the situation took a turn for the worse.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Subaru. She can’t leave people close to her alone, especially when we’re talking about sick people.”
“What’s that about? What does it matter? You’re talking about her nursing me, right?”
“That is one part of it, but…Well, eventually you’ll understand.”
“……”
Come on, don’t leave me hanging like this. I wanted to ask what she was talking about, but the door opened right at that moment. Talking about the devil, Konoe entered the room, while carrying a pot.
“Since Subaru’s here, I’ll be taking my leave. Bye bye, Jirou-kun. Don’t die on me, okay.” Suzutsuki stepped out of the room.
Why’d she add that last part? Normally you’d say ‘Take care’, right. Am I some soldier about to head to war?
“How are you feeling?” Konoe asked with a worried gaze.
“I’m still feeling a bit hot, but it’s a lot better. Also, it’s just a cold, remember? You don’t need to be so worr—” I said, only to stop myself mid-sentence.
After all, Konoe gave me a really harsh glare.
“…Jirou, you can’t underestimate a cold. You won’t recover with that kind of mentality.”
“Y-Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.”
For some reason, I found myself apologizing. I couldn’t stand the pressure. Not to mention that Konoe sounded awfully serious when saying that.
“Also…I’m sorry about what happened before. I just snuck into your bed…”
“Don’t worry about it. And sorry, you were nursing me, right?”
“Eh…A-Ah, yeah, of course. Right now, I’m your butler after all, so I need to look after my master.”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
That damn Suzutsuki, what are you talking about? If I had a butler nurse me back to health like this, I’d gladly catch a cold.
“So…I actually made some food for you, Jirou. Do you have an appetite?”
“I’m fine, but…Wait, food? You cooked?”
I totally thought Kureha or Suzutsuki made it. But, looking at Konoe’s fingers, I could see band-aids everywhere.
“It was a bit of trouble, but you should be able to eat it…Would you?”
“—Yeah, of course.”
How could I decline? She tried her best to make food for me, despite having this much trouble…and having a fear of knives. I accepted the pot, and thought. Since she used a pot we had here, it must be rice porridge…or rice gruel. Either way, it’s stuff easy to digest, and I’m thankful for that. Filled with expectations, I opened the lid, and—
“…!” I swallowed my breath.
It was red, crimson red. It was like a red hell. A mysterious substance X was filling the pot.
“……”
K-Kimchi stew? I think we still had some left over in the fridge, but…I can’t even see any pieces in there…
“Here, open wide.” Konoe scooped up some of…that…and carried it to my mouth.
…Alright, this isn’t so bad. I’ve lived through Kureha’s hellish eating routines, so I won’t die this easily.
“T-Thanks for the food.” I tried my best to not catch a whiff of that mess in the pot, and gulped down on it. “…Gueh!?”
Ahhh, spicy! What is this! My tongue! This isn’t normal kimchi anymore! What did she put in there!? I feel like I’m eating at an Indonesian restaurant right now!
“How is it?”
“Y-Yeah, it’s not bad. A bit spicy, maybe…”
However, I wouldn’t be worthy of being called a man if I complained about a girl’s cooking. My nose won’t stop running, and my eyes are tearing up. I feel like going to a field hospital would be a better choice.
“I see! I was worried about putting too much spice into rice porridge, but…I’m glad you like it!”
Ahaha, that’s crazy. This is supposed to be rice porridge? I feel like this definitely will not help my digestion. I’d rather get medicine for my stomach than my cold now.
“Eat as much as you want. I still have lots.”
“Y-Yay, I love it…”
I can’t run away. I definitely can’t run away. Rather than a normal dish, this feels like training or mortification, but when I see that smile of hers, I can’t betray her expectations. Urk, if only I could get some water…
“P-Please…can you get me some water.”
“No can do, Jirou. You won’t be able to become a proper food fighter if you immediately ask for water.”
“I neither need nor want to become one! Just give me water!”
“Hmpf, then you can have some after you finish eating all of this.”
“Y-You better…”
I stole the spoon from Konoe, and stuffed my cheeks with the contents of the pot. Ahhh, my tongue is going numb. I can’t even feel the inside of my mouth anymore. It’s like I went on a trip to the dentist, and got my wisdom teeth pulled.
I somehow managed to eat up everything, and accepted the cup of water from Konoe, gulping it down aggressively.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I heard that it’s better for you to sweat a lot when you have a cold, so I put lots of spice into it.”
Ahh, that’s why. You’re right, I really can’t stop sweating. Not to mention that my headache and chills got worse as well. I feel like my symptoms have gotten worse.
“Now that you finished eating, you should be getting some more sleep. Getting rest is most important.”
“…Yeah, you’re right. I agree.” I let out a sigh, and snuggled deeper into my bed.
For now, I’ll just catch some sleep. I don’t want to think about it, but there’s a chance I might have to suffer through that same dish for breakfast. I need all the endurance and energy I can get.
“It must be lonely sleeping all on your own, so I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.” Konoe grabbed a chair and sat down next to my bed.
Hmm, this is pretty embarrassing. It’s not like I’m on my deathbed or anything.
“I even brought some special goods with me that should help you fall asleep faster. They’ve been passed down in my family for generations.”
“Oh really now…”
I feel like I can fall asleep just fine even without you using that…It’s like I’ve overcome a huge obstacle or battle, I’m super sleepy right now. See, I can already feel my consciousness drifting away just by narrowing my eyes.
Konoe took out what looked like a black lump of plastic out of her chest pocket. The heck is that? Since she talked about goods for sound sleep, I figured she was talking about some pillows or whatever, but…weird, it oddly looks similar to a stun gun…
“Rest assured. You’ll be out cold with a single zap.”
Click, I heard the sound of a switch being flipped. Right after, I saw a blue flash come out of the tip of that murder weapon. Without hesitation, I jumped up from my bed.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Jirou. Why’d you protect yourself with that lid?”
“Shut yer trap! You put that thing down! What do you mean sleeping goods!? That’s a stun gun!”
“No need to be scared. It’s adjusted so that two seconds will do the trick.”
“I’ll die! If you hit me with that, I will greet my maker!”
“Hmpf, why would you say that? These are a butler’s sleeping tools.”
“I don’t see any relation to you being a butler!”
She’s crazy. I highly doubt she’s using that method on Suzutsuki. Is she actually plotting to kill me and hide it with my cold?
“It’s fine, you don’t need to use that. I’ll fall asleep by myself just fine.”
“Urk…Really? If you say that, then I won’t force it, but…” Albeit hesitant, she put the stun gun away.
That being said, because of this chaos, all my sleepiness pretty much vanished in an instant. On top of that, my stomach feels awfully hot. Must be because of that rice porridge. Sweating all the bacteria out is one thing, but I’m feeling like I’m inside a sauna.
“Jirou, you’re sweating a lot. Should I wipe you dry?” Konoe’s eyes light up with excitement.
…Crap. Reflexively, I tried to run, but it was too late. Without a moment’s notice, my right arm was grabbed, and I was robbed of my freedom. Looking over, I spotted handcuffs. They’re the same kind I already got to know before, connected between my wrist and the pillar of the bed, as they shone in a silver light.
“You can’t move. If you don’t get any rest, you won’t recover.”
Awful memories from my childhood filled my mind. When I ran away from my planned vaccines, the nurses acted like we were playing rugby as they pushed me down. But, I was probably better off back then. Right now, I feel like a sacrifice for some cult worshipping an evil god, or a guinea pig for her cooking.
“U-Um, Konoe-san…?” I tried to force out a quivering voice, looking at Konoe.
She gave me a gentle face, like she was talking with a child, and…
“Now, let’s take off those clothes, shall we.”
To me, it sounded like a declaration of death penalty. Let me take back my previous statement. I’m not a guinea pig, I’m a dress-up doll.
“W-Wait a second! I can take off my clothes myself!”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t use that one arm.”
“Because you put those handcuffs on me!”
“No need to hold back. This is also a part of my duty as a butler.”
“Again with the butler nonsense…Ah, hey! Why are you even trying to take off my underwear!”
“…Don’t blame me, I don’t want to go that far myself, but this is all for you to get over that cold of yours.”
“Nooooo! Stooop! I’ll take off my underwear myseeelf!” My shriek ran through the house.
More and more of my clothes flew through the air. Right when that devilish hand reached my last defence line—I remembered Suzutuski’s words.
…Killed. At this rate, I’ll be killed by my butler.
×
“See, I told you.”After Konoe finally left the room, Suzutsuki took her place, and spoke up with a sigh. “I bet she’s probably doing this purely out of good will and intentions, but she’s going around in circles. Because of that, I went from a normal cold to pneumonia before.”
…Why did you not tell me about that sooner? Thanks to that, I was about to end up butt naked in front of a classmate.
“Don’t give me such a resentful gaze, will you. I brought something with me to brighten your mood.” She took out a single apple from her maid dress’ pocket.
That’s all? Not even cut? You’re lucky I’m too exhausted to even complain. I accepted the apple, and took a bit from it. Ahh, so juicy and delicious. I’m sorry that I always complained about you, apples. I’ll learn to appreciate you from now on. While munching on my apple, I heard an electronic beeping sound.
The thermometer beneath my armpit was the source for this, signaling that it finished measuring my temperature. Let me see…Wah, are you serious?
“38.6°C? Amazing, it’s gone up.”
“Makes sense why my head felt like it was spinning…”
“Ah, have you finally realized the charm of the maid standing in front of you?” She raised the skirt she was wearing to the absolute limit, striking quite the bewitching posture.
I don’t even have the energy to throw a retort or joke at her. Just breathing was starting to become too heavy for me. And no, it’s not that I was breathing heavily because of the garter belt I could see on her thighs, okay.
“Are you okay? Should I call for Subaru?”
“Please don’t. You might as well call for a hearse while you’re at it.”
“I see. Then, would you prefer the police instead?”
“Why!?”
“I mean, you were entranced by my garter belt, thinking ‘I want to get squished between there so baaaadly!’, right?”
“Slander! I most definitely wasn’t going that far!”
“Then, what were you thinking?”
“Urk…M-More importantly! Can’t you do something about this? You’re her master, right!”
In order to avoid criminal prosecution, I switched the topic at hand. I don’t have time to play along with her pranks. And, I need to avoid talking about that garter belt for good…
“No can do. As long as we’re staying here, Subaru and I are enemies. Since that rule is still active, I can’t give her any orders.”
“So cruel…”
“Why not give in and be freed from this?”
“Don’t jinx this!”
“I’ll make sure to properly burn your body and serve you as roast chicken.”
“Are you planning some Christmas party or something!?”
“Thanks for the food.”
“Me being eaten is the premise!?”
“Ah, I’m sorry. My mistake. My condolences.”
“You’re not wrong, but also not right either!”
As I screamed, Suzutsuki clapped her hands together. Can you seriously drop it, you’re terrifying me. At this rate, my cold will only get worse. Save me, Black Ja*k1-sensei.
“You act like this, but you have a definite fault in this situation as well.”
“What are you on about?”
I mean, I was the one who caught the cold, so I get what you’re putting out, but…I don’t feel like I did anything that would make Konoe go crazy like that.
“Listen, the reason Subaru is so dead-set on taking care of people when they’re sick is because of her mother, who passed away on a sickbed.” Suzutsuki carefully explained. “She died ten years ago. This might just be my personal opinion, but normally you would try to forget such awful memories. However, in Subaru’s case, it’s the opposite. She’s trying her hardest to not forget her mother, and is subconsciously glorifying those memories.”
“Glorifying?”
“Yes, by quite a bit as well. That’s why, the older she gets, the more these memories she has will start to become more beautiful and alluring.”
Of course, the same goes for the feelings she had when she lost her mother—Suzutsuki added, and continued.
“That’s why she can’t leave you alone no matter what. She can’t help but compare you to her mother, as you’re lying sick in your bed.”
“……”
That’s the reason Konoe is working this hard. I feel like she’s taking things too far though. I’m not terminally ill or something.
“But, what does that reason have to do with me?”
“It’s simple. Jirou-kun, you told Subaru some nonsense about your father being on a business trip, right.”
“Urk.”
“I knew it. Something was off. When you collapsed, Subaru’s face lost all color.”
“That bad?”
She saw me collapse? But, why would she figure out that I was lying?
“I told you just now. When you collapsed, Kureha-chan was panicking. And, she actually screamed the following. ‘What should I do, Nii-san is going to die as well!’.”
“…!”
Damn it, what a blunder. To think it had to be such an awful pattern for Konoe to find out.
“I asked Kureha-chan about this before, but your father died because of an illness as well, right. That’s why it must have been quite a shock for Kureha-chan, don’t you think? Seeing a family member collapse like that.”
“……”
She’s not wrong. However, more than quite, it probably was a huge shock. Possibly because of Mom’s spartanic training, never Kureha nor I often caught colds like this. That’s why she’s not used to it. She has no resistance towards the fact that a family member can catch a cold and simply recover from it. This is the first situation where I collapsed because of a cold, and not because I couldn’t withstand a wrestling technique.
However, now it happened. And, she was reminded, she suffered a flashback. I’m sure her memories must be hazy, but our old man often collapsed because of his weak condition. I bet that, in Kureha’s eyes, I must have looked exactly like our old man. And, worst of all…
“Subaru found out that you were talking nonsense. At the worst possible timing, not to mention. And, there’s one more thing that makes this worse.”
With no warning at all, Suzutsuki reached for the glasses on my face, and took them off.
“Jirou-kun, without your glasses, you look exactly like your father, right.”
“!”
I see. Since Kureha generally has more of Mom’s blood, I resemble my old man a lot more. I even heard my Mom say ‘You really look like him in his younger years’ when she was drunk. Maybe that’s a big reason why Kureha was panicking like that? She mentioned something about me looking like him the older I get, but…how did Suzutsuki and Konoe…
“—Ah, the pictures in the living room.”
These pictures showed me and Kureha when we were still young children. Of course, Mom and my old man were there as well. I know it might sound weird coming from me, but my old man in those pictures…looked awfully like me. Or rather, I’m starting to look like him.
Anyway, Konoe must have realized that, and gotten the wrong idea. Namely, that I have the same weak and fragile body that my old man has.
“Of course, Subaru understands that you are different from your father. Kureha-chan explained that to her. But, knowing it and being able to accept it is different. Thinking that you might just die, like your father did—like her mother did.
“……!”
That is the truth, and the reason why Konoe is that desperate when it comes to nursing me back to health.
“The problem is that Subaru goes beyond the point of simply nursing, and creates the opposite effect. You’ve experienced it yourself, haven’t you.”
I am indeed very much experienced, yes. Suzutsuki must have been reminded of this experience herself, as she shuddered.
“Using a stun gun and calling it sleeping tools, stripping off my clothes to wipe off my sweat, calling it medicine but feeding me some weird grass, saying that it’ll fix my fever, so she’ll use…use onions…!”
“H-Hey, calm down, Suzutsuki. I get it, I get how much you must have gone through, so don’t force yourself.”
She must have been reminded of her past trauma, as Suzutsuki started shivering. The later half even I hadn’t experienced. What did she do with the onions? Well, that’s a problem for the me of tomorrow. I won’t be able to sleep otherwise.
“By the way, the worse your condition gets, the more Subaru’s nursing escalates. Through that, your condition worsens again. This continues and on and…Fufu, It’s amazing, right? Such a vicious circle.”
“Don’t laugh, it’s definitely not funny.”
It’s an awful downward spiral. I’ve experienced that plenty today, so just thinking that it could get even worse gives me the shiffers.
“So then, do your best, will you. While you’re being nursed back to health, Kureha-chan and I will be having fun with Kojirou.”
“H-Hold on a second!” I desperately reached out to her skirt as she left the room.
“Lewd. You want me to take off my skirt that badly?”
“Don’t be stupid! You’d lose your identity as a maid if you took off your skirt.”
“Your fever has gone up again, I see. Or, are those your honest feelings, I wonder.” Suzutsuki showed an awfully complicated expression.
“I’m not joking around. Please, save me. If she continues to attack me like this, I won’t be able to do anything. You should know what I’m going through, right?”
I think Suzutsuki even ended up with pneumonia after all. I might actually end up hospitalized…if they were open.
“Mmm…but…”
“What, is there a reason you can’t help me?”
“The thing is, Kojirou just learned ‘Paw’. At this rate, we might even make it to ‘Amazing Ani*als!2’, you know.
“Like hell this is the time to be proud about your dog’s education. Not to mention that show isn’t even running anymore.”
“…Eh? You’re kidding, that divine show…”
“Why is that so much of a shock?”
Did she like it that much? I mean, it was pretty popular when it was running…
“I mean, it’s cute.”
“Well, watching cute animals is fun.”
“Makes me want to hug Mino*onta.”
“That’s what you meant!?”
“I recorded every single episode of Asa*ba3.”
“Even though that’s running every morning?!”
“Ahh, Mino*onta is so adorable.”
“Stop it! You’re ruining my image of you!”
“Don’t worry, you’re just as cute, Jirou-kun. You’re definitely not losing.”
“You’re not making me happy even if you say that now!” After screaming, I burst out in a coughing fit.
How could this happen, now even my throat hurts. My body is getting more and more sick.
“Well, leaving aside the jokes.” Suzutsuki let out a snicker. “Let’s do a Give & Take. If you want me to save you, could you assist me in something?”
“Assist you?”
“That’s right. Think about the reason why I came to his house.”
“……”
The reason she came here…was to play with her butler…No, not that. The only reason a rich lady like her would come to such a shabby place…
“…You want to take back Konoe, right.”
“Indeed, that’s the gist of it. But, what is Subaru’s motivation to nurse you back to health like she is attempting to?”
“That’s…because she’s my butler.”
“That’s right. Subaru is your butler, and you are Subaru’s master. That is the ultimate reason why Subaru has to care for you. Then, you can just destroy this entire relationship as a whole.”
“!”
I see. Then, she won’t have to nurse me anymore. Because that’s outside the range of her duties.
“Basically, if I can make Konoe go back to your place…”
“She’ll stop being your butler. Once she’s back at our residence, she will be busy with work, and won’t be able to nurse you back to health. Do you understand what I’m asking for, dear master?” She grinned, showing the perfect smile of a servant.
“……”
…I see. What a reliable maid you are, Suzutsuki. You’re the best.
“But, how can we make her go back? Another butler vs maid competition?”
“Not quite. For now, let’s go.” Suzutsuki offered me a jacket she took out of her corset.
“Hey, where are we going?” I asked, while putting on the jacket.
It’s currently 5pm in the evening, and it’s starting to get dark outside.
“Isn’t that obvious? We’re going to visit the reason why Subaru came to this place.”
“The reason?”
“Indeed. I never explained, did I. Subaru begged me not to tell you, but this situation won’t improve otherwise.” Suzutsuki continued with a heavy atmosphere. “The reason—is a family quarrel.”
“Family quarrel?”
So…she’s having a fight with that old fart?
“Konoe Nagare, you already met him once. They got into a fight, which is why Subaru left. That’s why, as long as these two make up, everything will be resolved. So now, let’s go meet him—Konoe Nagare.” She announced with no hesitation, as her apron dress fluttered.
1 A Japanese manga (?) series about a doctor
2 A TV show
3 AsaZuba, with its host Minomonta
“Urk…”
I put on my glasses that were laying right next to my pillow, and tried to raise my upper body. However, immediately after, I realized that my body wasn’t fully listening to me. I feel so sluggish. My body felt heavy enough to exhaust me just trying to get up. On top of that, a headache was making my head spin. It’s like Mom forced me to drink shōchū again like she did before. I feel like this is a two-days worth of a hangover.
And…I feel cold. Despite the inside of me burning up with fire, I couldn’t stop shaking because it felt freezing in my room. What is this feeling? Thinking that something was off, I quickly wanted to cover myself with my blanket, when—
“…!” I swallowed my breath.
Konoe was right next to me. She was still wearing her butler uniform, as she clung to me in her sleep.
“……”
Um, what is this about? I don’t remember buying such an adorable hugging pillow, you know. Or, is that some kind of early Christmas present? Is Santa Claus secretly working in human trafficking or something…
“…Mmm…” Muttering something, Konoe clung to my waist.
She might be mistaking me for some plush toy or whatever. Either way, this is bad. Be it her slender body, with slim arms and legs, or her feminine outline with a sweet scent drifting upwards from it, she undoubtedly was a girl. If I don’t get away from her soon, I’ll get a nosebleed again.
“……”
Ahh, but…she’s warm. I guess this is what you call a human’s warmth. Even through her clothes, our bodies were touching directly. The warmth coming from this felt calming towards my shivering body. I guess…staying like this for a bit longer wouldn’t hurt. As my head was still a mess, I carelessly judged so, and was about to hug her small body like a true hugging pillow, when—
“Nii-san, I’m coming in.”
The door to my room opened.
“K-Kureha!?”
Indeed, it was Sakamachi Kureha. Without even knocking, she entered my room, and saw the two of us on the bed, practically embracing each other.
“Y-You’re wrong! I wasn’t doing anything! This position was out of my control…!”
All my hazy thoughts cleared up in an instant. What an awful scene for her to walk in. My body woke up quickly enough to realize what a bad situation this was. I tried to push away Konoe, but my sluggish body wouldn’t allow me to muster up enough strength. Come on, get away. She’ll get the wrong idea…
“Nii-san!” Kureha started acting without a moment’s hesitation.
Her small body soared through the air. Immediately after, her body slammed into mine. It’s like a Zero fighter plane in the American army. It’s like she landed an NFL touchdown.
“Guho!?”
I tried to accept her body, but my body full of lead couldn’t react in time, so Kureha basically slammed me back onto the bed. This normally would be the moment for a tragedy to occur. Indeed, a pro-wrestling move banquet was all-you-can-eat for me. Damn it, if I had at least had my usual strength…However, fear got hold of my body, leading me to freeze up…
“…Idiot…Nii-san, you idiot…”
To my surprise, these words reached my ears.
“Kureha?”
I looked down at her in shock, only to find her head buried in my chest. She was bawling her eyes out. Waaah, what is this now? Is she trying to charge up energy like yesterday? But, she’s crying way too much. She should probably charge herself with some Pokari Sweat drinks instead.
“I was…I was really worried…!” Even during her weeping, she strongly clung to my body.
…This is bad. My little sister crying already is an awful occurrence, but even worse than that is the fact that two girls are clinging to my body right now. I can already feel it stinging in the back of my nose. My gynophobia is activating. I need…I need to get away…
“You’re awake now, huh.” A dignified voice rang out.
Looking over towards the source, Suzutsuki Kanade stood there. She still wore her maid uniform, resting against the doorframe.
“S-Suzutsuki…” I asked for help, reaching out for her with my hand.
Because of my symptoms, my field of view switched on and off like a color timer in Ultraman. At this rate, my soul will go on a honeymoon to heaven hand in hand with death himself.
“……Ahaha.”
However, as if to betray my expectations, Suzutsuki inspected me like a researcher who wants to experiment with actual human bodies, and showed me an evil grin…Amen. I cursed my own foolishness, and started praying to God despite not even being Christian.
In the midst of my hazy view, I saw that cursed maid who prepared herself for a dive. I was an idiot for asking that rich wench for help. However, I wasn’t given much time to regret, because the soft sensation hitting my face had my consciousness sink into a deep slumber.
×
“38.1°C, that’s a cold alright.”
After I regained my consciousness, Suzutsuki announced as such while looking down at the thermometer. I see, a cold, huh. Suzutsuki mentioned that a cold was going around right now. And, it seems like my body has fallen victim to this cold. Yay, I wasn’t late to a trend for once…Why am I happy about that?
“If I had to guess, you probably weren’t living the most healthy life, right? Adding any excessive exercise you’re not used to…and lack of proper nutrition, it’ll do the trick.”
Oh, I have a few ideas now, actually. It even started when I woke up, with my head hurting beyond belief, and when Konoe and Suzutsuki were having their competition, I felt chills. Thinking about it now, my body was giving out SOS signs all this time.
Damn it, at least tell me in a way that’s easy for me to understand. Like in morse code or flag signaling. I would have acted sooner. You agree with me, right? I looked at Suzutsuki to ask for something resembling sympathy, but she just showed me a dubious reaction.
“It seems like you have a fever as well. For now, just go get some sleep. Since it’s Golden Week, the hospitals don’t see patients, but with a bit of medicine, you should survive this.” Suzutsuki said, and put a thin cooling sheet on my forehead.
Somehow, this feels off. Is this the first time she’s actually kind to me? Is the world going to end tomorrow?
“You hurry and get better soon. It’s no fun bullying you when you’re this weak.”
“You damn sadist!”
“Why aren’t you a bit more thankful? You collapsed and left it all to us. Kureha-chan got all pale, screaming ‘What should we do, Nii-san is going to die!’ and started crying.”
“…She’s overreacting again…”
She was crying here just a second ago as well. Talking about Konoe, she’s in Kureha’s room right now.
“Oh yeah, why was Konoe sleeping in my bed?”
“Who knows? If I had to guess, she probably was nervous? I took care of you together with her. You were shaking even in your sleep, right?”
It sounded like absolute nonsense, but I don’t think she would be lying about that. Not to mention that I really am quivering even now. The chills just won’t stop.
“Right. How did that competition end?”
If my memories served me correctly, then I must have passed out before we reached the conclusion. Well, I can guess as much, since Konoe is still here.
“No conclusion. Everything turned chaotic because you collapsed…And the situation took a turn for the worse.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Subaru. She can’t leave people close to her alone, especially when we’re talking about sick people.”
“What’s that about? What does it matter? You’re talking about her nursing me, right?”
“That is one part of it, but…Well, eventually you’ll understand.”
“……”
Come on, don’t leave me hanging like this. I wanted to ask what she was talking about, but the door opened right at that moment. Talking about the devil, Konoe entered the room, while carrying a pot.
“Since Subaru’s here, I’ll be taking my leave. Bye bye, Jirou-kun. Don’t die on me, okay.” Suzutsuki stepped out of the room.
Why’d she add that last part? Normally you’d say ‘Take care’, right. Am I some soldier about to head to war?
“How are you feeling?” Konoe asked with a worried gaze.
“I’m still feeling a bit hot, but it’s a lot better. Also, it’s just a cold, remember? You don’t need to be so worr—” I said, only to stop myself mid-sentence.
After all, Konoe gave me a really harsh glare.
“…Jirou, you can’t underestimate a cold. You won’t recover with that kind of mentality.”
“Y-Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.”
For some reason, I found myself apologizing. I couldn’t stand the pressure. Not to mention that Konoe sounded awfully serious when saying that.
“Also…I’m sorry about what happened before. I just snuck into your bed…”
“Don’t worry about it. And sorry, you were nursing me, right?”
“Eh…A-Ah, yeah, of course. Right now, I’m your butler after all, so I need to look after my master.”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
That damn Suzutsuki, what are you talking about? If I had a butler nurse me back to health like this, I’d gladly catch a cold.
“So…I actually made some food for you, Jirou. Do you have an appetite?”
“I’m fine, but…Wait, food? You cooked?”
I totally thought Kureha or Suzutsuki made it. But, looking at Konoe’s fingers, I could see band-aids everywhere.
“It was a bit of trouble, but you should be able to eat it…Would you?”
“—Yeah, of course.”
How could I decline? She tried her best to make food for me, despite having this much trouble…and having a fear of knives. I accepted the pot, and thought. Since she used a pot we had here, it must be rice porridge…or rice gruel. Either way, it’s stuff easy to digest, and I’m thankful for that. Filled with expectations, I opened the lid, and—
“…!” I swallowed my breath.
It was red, crimson red. It was like a red hell. A mysterious substance X was filling the pot.
“……”
K-Kimchi stew? I think we still had some left over in the fridge, but…I can’t even see any pieces in there…
“Here, open wide.” Konoe scooped up some of…that…and carried it to my mouth.
…Alright, this isn’t so bad. I’ve lived through Kureha’s hellish eating routines, so I won’t die this easily.
“T-Thanks for the food.” I tried my best to not catch a whiff of that mess in the pot, and gulped down on it. “…Gueh!?”
Ahhh, spicy! What is this! My tongue! This isn’t normal kimchi anymore! What did she put in there!? I feel like I’m eating at an Indonesian restaurant right now!
“How is it?”
“Y-Yeah, it’s not bad. A bit spicy, maybe…”
However, I wouldn’t be worthy of being called a man if I complained about a girl’s cooking. My nose won’t stop running, and my eyes are tearing up. I feel like going to a field hospital would be a better choice.
“I see! I was worried about putting too much spice into rice porridge, but…I’m glad you like it!”
Ahaha, that’s crazy. This is supposed to be rice porridge? I feel like this definitely will not help my digestion. I’d rather get medicine for my stomach than my cold now.
“Eat as much as you want. I still have lots.”
“Y-Yay, I love it…”
I can’t run away. I definitely can’t run away. Rather than a normal dish, this feels like training or mortification, but when I see that smile of hers, I can’t betray her expectations. Urk, if only I could get some water…
“P-Please…can you get me some water.”
“No can do, Jirou. You won’t be able to become a proper food fighter if you immediately ask for water.”
“I neither need nor want to become one! Just give me water!”
“Hmpf, then you can have some after you finish eating all of this.”
“Y-You better…”
I stole the spoon from Konoe, and stuffed my cheeks with the contents of the pot. Ahhh, my tongue is going numb. I can’t even feel the inside of my mouth anymore. It’s like I went on a trip to the dentist, and got my wisdom teeth pulled.
I somehow managed to eat up everything, and accepted the cup of water from Konoe, gulping it down aggressively.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I heard that it’s better for you to sweat a lot when you have a cold, so I put lots of spice into it.”
Ahh, that’s why. You’re right, I really can’t stop sweating. Not to mention that my headache and chills got worse as well. I feel like my symptoms have gotten worse.
“Now that you finished eating, you should be getting some more sleep. Getting rest is most important.”
“…Yeah, you’re right. I agree.” I let out a sigh, and snuggled deeper into my bed.
For now, I’ll just catch some sleep. I don’t want to think about it, but there’s a chance I might have to suffer through that same dish for breakfast. I need all the endurance and energy I can get.
“It must be lonely sleeping all on your own, so I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.” Konoe grabbed a chair and sat down next to my bed.
Hmm, this is pretty embarrassing. It’s not like I’m on my deathbed or anything.
“I even brought some special goods with me that should help you fall asleep faster. They’ve been passed down in my family for generations.”
“Oh really now…”
I feel like I can fall asleep just fine even without you using that…It’s like I’ve overcome a huge obstacle or battle, I’m super sleepy right now. See, I can already feel my consciousness drifting away just by narrowing my eyes.
Konoe took out what looked like a black lump of plastic out of her chest pocket. The heck is that? Since she talked about goods for sound sleep, I figured she was talking about some pillows or whatever, but…weird, it oddly looks similar to a stun gun…
“Rest assured. You’ll be out cold with a single zap.”
Click, I heard the sound of a switch being flipped. Right after, I saw a blue flash come out of the tip of that murder weapon. Without hesitation, I jumped up from my bed.
“Huh? What’s wrong, Jirou. Why’d you protect yourself with that lid?”
“Shut yer trap! You put that thing down! What do you mean sleeping goods!? That’s a stun gun!”
“No need to be scared. It’s adjusted so that two seconds will do the trick.”
“I’ll die! If you hit me with that, I will greet my maker!”
“Hmpf, why would you say that? These are a butler’s sleeping tools.”
“I don’t see any relation to you being a butler!”
She’s crazy. I highly doubt she’s using that method on Suzutsuki. Is she actually plotting to kill me and hide it with my cold?
“It’s fine, you don’t need to use that. I’ll fall asleep by myself just fine.”
“Urk…Really? If you say that, then I won’t force it, but…” Albeit hesitant, she put the stun gun away.
That being said, because of this chaos, all my sleepiness pretty much vanished in an instant. On top of that, my stomach feels awfully hot. Must be because of that rice porridge. Sweating all the bacteria out is one thing, but I’m feeling like I’m inside a sauna.
“Jirou, you’re sweating a lot. Should I wipe you dry?” Konoe’s eyes light up with excitement.
…Crap. Reflexively, I tried to run, but it was too late. Without a moment’s notice, my right arm was grabbed, and I was robbed of my freedom. Looking over, I spotted handcuffs. They’re the same kind I already got to know before, connected between my wrist and the pillar of the bed, as they shone in a silver light.
“You can’t move. If you don’t get any rest, you won’t recover.”
Awful memories from my childhood filled my mind. When I ran away from my planned vaccines, the nurses acted like we were playing rugby as they pushed me down. But, I was probably better off back then. Right now, I feel like a sacrifice for some cult worshipping an evil god, or a guinea pig for her cooking.
“U-Um, Konoe-san…?” I tried to force out a quivering voice, looking at Konoe.
She gave me a gentle face, like she was talking with a child, and…
“Now, let’s take off those clothes, shall we.”
To me, it sounded like a declaration of death penalty. Let me take back my previous statement. I’m not a guinea pig, I’m a dress-up doll.
“W-Wait a second! I can take off my clothes myself!”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t use that one arm.”
“Because you put those handcuffs on me!”
“No need to hold back. This is also a part of my duty as a butler.”
“Again with the butler nonsense…Ah, hey! Why are you even trying to take off my underwear!”
“…Don’t blame me, I don’t want to go that far myself, but this is all for you to get over that cold of yours.”
“Nooooo! Stooop! I’ll take off my underwear myseeelf!” My shriek ran through the house.
More and more of my clothes flew through the air. Right when that devilish hand reached my last defence line—I remembered Suzutuski’s words.
…Killed. At this rate, I’ll be killed by my butler.
×
“See, I told you.”After Konoe finally left the room, Suzutsuki took her place, and spoke up with a sigh. “I bet she’s probably doing this purely out of good will and intentions, but she’s going around in circles. Because of that, I went from a normal cold to pneumonia before.”
…Why did you not tell me about that sooner? Thanks to that, I was about to end up butt naked in front of a classmate.
“Don’t give me such a resentful gaze, will you. I brought something with me to brighten your mood.” She took out a single apple from her maid dress’ pocket.
That’s all? Not even cut? You’re lucky I’m too exhausted to even complain. I accepted the apple, and took a bit from it. Ahh, so juicy and delicious. I’m sorry that I always complained about you, apples. I’ll learn to appreciate you from now on. While munching on my apple, I heard an electronic beeping sound.
The thermometer beneath my armpit was the source for this, signaling that it finished measuring my temperature. Let me see…Wah, are you serious?
“38.6°C? Amazing, it’s gone up.”
“Makes sense why my head felt like it was spinning…”
“Ah, have you finally realized the charm of the maid standing in front of you?” She raised the skirt she was wearing to the absolute limit, striking quite the bewitching posture.
I don’t even have the energy to throw a retort or joke at her. Just breathing was starting to become too heavy for me. And no, it’s not that I was breathing heavily because of the garter belt I could see on her thighs, okay.
“Are you okay? Should I call for Subaru?”
“Please don’t. You might as well call for a hearse while you’re at it.”
“I see. Then, would you prefer the police instead?”
“Why!?”
“I mean, you were entranced by my garter belt, thinking ‘I want to get squished between there so baaaadly!’, right?”
“Slander! I most definitely wasn’t going that far!”
“Then, what were you thinking?”
“Urk…M-More importantly! Can’t you do something about this? You’re her master, right!”
In order to avoid criminal prosecution, I switched the topic at hand. I don’t have time to play along with her pranks. And, I need to avoid talking about that garter belt for good…
“No can do. As long as we’re staying here, Subaru and I are enemies. Since that rule is still active, I can’t give her any orders.”
“So cruel…”
“Why not give in and be freed from this?”
“Don’t jinx this!”
“I’ll make sure to properly burn your body and serve you as roast chicken.”
“Are you planning some Christmas party or something!?”
“Thanks for the food.”
“Me being eaten is the premise!?”
“Ah, I’m sorry. My mistake. My condolences.”
“You’re not wrong, but also not right either!”
As I screamed, Suzutsuki clapped her hands together. Can you seriously drop it, you’re terrifying me. At this rate, my cold will only get worse. Save me, Black Ja*k1-sensei.
“You act like this, but you have a definite fault in this situation as well.”
“What are you on about?”
I mean, I was the one who caught the cold, so I get what you’re putting out, but…I don’t feel like I did anything that would make Konoe go crazy like that.
“Listen, the reason Subaru is so dead-set on taking care of people when they’re sick is because of her mother, who passed away on a sickbed.” Suzutsuki carefully explained. “She died ten years ago. This might just be my personal opinion, but normally you would try to forget such awful memories. However, in Subaru’s case, it’s the opposite. She’s trying her hardest to not forget her mother, and is subconsciously glorifying those memories.”
“Glorifying?”
“Yes, by quite a bit as well. That’s why, the older she gets, the more these memories she has will start to become more beautiful and alluring.”
Of course, the same goes for the feelings she had when she lost her mother—Suzutsuki added, and continued.
“That’s why she can’t leave you alone no matter what. She can’t help but compare you to her mother, as you’re lying sick in your bed.”
“……”
That’s the reason Konoe is working this hard. I feel like she’s taking things too far though. I’m not terminally ill or something.
“But, what does that reason have to do with me?”
“It’s simple. Jirou-kun, you told Subaru some nonsense about your father being on a business trip, right.”
“Urk.”
“I knew it. Something was off. When you collapsed, Subaru’s face lost all color.”
“That bad?”
She saw me collapse? But, why would she figure out that I was lying?
“I told you just now. When you collapsed, Kureha-chan was panicking. And, she actually screamed the following. ‘What should I do, Nii-san is going to die as well!’.”
“…!”
Damn it, what a blunder. To think it had to be such an awful pattern for Konoe to find out.
“I asked Kureha-chan about this before, but your father died because of an illness as well, right. That’s why it must have been quite a shock for Kureha-chan, don’t you think? Seeing a family member collapse like that.”
“……”
She’s not wrong. However, more than quite, it probably was a huge shock. Possibly because of Mom’s spartanic training, never Kureha nor I often caught colds like this. That’s why she’s not used to it. She has no resistance towards the fact that a family member can catch a cold and simply recover from it. This is the first situation where I collapsed because of a cold, and not because I couldn’t withstand a wrestling technique.
However, now it happened. And, she was reminded, she suffered a flashback. I’m sure her memories must be hazy, but our old man often collapsed because of his weak condition. I bet that, in Kureha’s eyes, I must have looked exactly like our old man. And, worst of all…
“Subaru found out that you were talking nonsense. At the worst possible timing, not to mention. And, there’s one more thing that makes this worse.”
With no warning at all, Suzutsuki reached for the glasses on my face, and took them off.
“Jirou-kun, without your glasses, you look exactly like your father, right.”
“!”
I see. Since Kureha generally has more of Mom’s blood, I resemble my old man a lot more. I even heard my Mom say ‘You really look like him in his younger years’ when she was drunk. Maybe that’s a big reason why Kureha was panicking like that? She mentioned something about me looking like him the older I get, but…how did Suzutsuki and Konoe…
“—Ah, the pictures in the living room.”
These pictures showed me and Kureha when we were still young children. Of course, Mom and my old man were there as well. I know it might sound weird coming from me, but my old man in those pictures…looked awfully like me. Or rather, I’m starting to look like him.
Anyway, Konoe must have realized that, and gotten the wrong idea. Namely, that I have the same weak and fragile body that my old man has.
“Of course, Subaru understands that you are different from your father. Kureha-chan explained that to her. But, knowing it and being able to accept it is different. Thinking that you might just die, like your father did—like her mother did.
“……!”
That is the truth, and the reason why Konoe is that desperate when it comes to nursing me back to health.
“The problem is that Subaru goes beyond the point of simply nursing, and creates the opposite effect. You’ve experienced it yourself, haven’t you.”
I am indeed very much experienced, yes. Suzutsuki must have been reminded of this experience herself, as she shuddered.
“Using a stun gun and calling it sleeping tools, stripping off my clothes to wipe off my sweat, calling it medicine but feeding me some weird grass, saying that it’ll fix my fever, so she’ll use…use onions…!”
“H-Hey, calm down, Suzutsuki. I get it, I get how much you must have gone through, so don’t force yourself.”
She must have been reminded of her past trauma, as Suzutsuki started shivering. The later half even I hadn’t experienced. What did she do with the onions? Well, that’s a problem for the me of tomorrow. I won’t be able to sleep otherwise.
“By the way, the worse your condition gets, the more Subaru’s nursing escalates. Through that, your condition worsens again. This continues and on and…Fufu, It’s amazing, right? Such a vicious circle.”
“Don’t laugh, it’s definitely not funny.”
It’s an awful downward spiral. I’ve experienced that plenty today, so just thinking that it could get even worse gives me the shiffers.
“So then, do your best, will you. While you’re being nursed back to health, Kureha-chan and I will be having fun with Kojirou.”
“H-Hold on a second!” I desperately reached out to her skirt as she left the room.
“Lewd. You want me to take off my skirt that badly?”
“Don’t be stupid! You’d lose your identity as a maid if you took off your skirt.”
“Your fever has gone up again, I see. Or, are those your honest feelings, I wonder.” Suzutsuki showed an awfully complicated expression.
“I’m not joking around. Please, save me. If she continues to attack me like this, I won’t be able to do anything. You should know what I’m going through, right?”
I think Suzutsuki even ended up with pneumonia after all. I might actually end up hospitalized…if they were open.
“Mmm…but…”
“What, is there a reason you can’t help me?”
“The thing is, Kojirou just learned ‘Paw’. At this rate, we might even make it to ‘Amazing Ani*als!2’, you know.
“Like hell this is the time to be proud about your dog’s education. Not to mention that show isn’t even running anymore.”
“…Eh? You’re kidding, that divine show…”
“Why is that so much of a shock?”
Did she like it that much? I mean, it was pretty popular when it was running…
“I mean, it’s cute.”
“Well, watching cute animals is fun.”
“Makes me want to hug Mino*onta.”
“That’s what you meant!?”
“I recorded every single episode of Asa*ba3.”
“Even though that’s running every morning?!”
“Ahh, Mino*onta is so adorable.”
“Stop it! You’re ruining my image of you!”
“Don’t worry, you’re just as cute, Jirou-kun. You’re definitely not losing.”
“You’re not making me happy even if you say that now!” After screaming, I burst out in a coughing fit.
How could this happen, now even my throat hurts. My body is getting more and more sick.
“Well, leaving aside the jokes.” Suzutsuki let out a snicker. “Let’s do a Give & Take. If you want me to save you, could you assist me in something?”
“Assist you?”
“That’s right. Think about the reason why I came to his house.”
“……”
The reason she came here…was to play with her butler…No, not that. The only reason a rich lady like her would come to such a shabby place…
“…You want to take back Konoe, right.”
“Indeed, that’s the gist of it. But, what is Subaru’s motivation to nurse you back to health like she is attempting to?”
“That’s…because she’s my butler.”
“That’s right. Subaru is your butler, and you are Subaru’s master. That is the ultimate reason why Subaru has to care for you. Then, you can just destroy this entire relationship as a whole.”
“!”
I see. Then, she won’t have to nurse me anymore. Because that’s outside the range of her duties.
“Basically, if I can make Konoe go back to your place…”
“She’ll stop being your butler. Once she’s back at our residence, she will be busy with work, and won’t be able to nurse you back to health. Do you understand what I’m asking for, dear master?” She grinned, showing the perfect smile of a servant.
“……”
…I see. What a reliable maid you are, Suzutsuki. You’re the best.
“But, how can we make her go back? Another butler vs maid competition?”
“Not quite. For now, let’s go.” Suzutsuki offered me a jacket she took out of her corset.
“Hey, where are we going?” I asked, while putting on the jacket.
It’s currently 5pm in the evening, and it’s starting to get dark outside.
“Isn’t that obvious? We’re going to visit the reason why Subaru came to this place.”
“The reason?”
“Indeed. I never explained, did I. Subaru begged me not to tell you, but this situation won’t improve otherwise.” Suzutsuki continued with a heavy atmosphere. “The reason—is a family quarrel.”
“Family quarrel?”
So…she’s having a fight with that old fart?
“Konoe Nagare, you already met him once. They got into a fight, which is why Subaru left. That’s why, as long as these two make up, everything will be resolved. So now, let’s go meet him—Konoe Nagare.” She announced with no hesitation, as her apron dress fluttered.
1 A Japanese manga (?) series about a doctor
2 A TV show
3 AsaZuba, with its host Minomonta
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