Chapter 1 | May 15th (7:00 AM)

(In front of the dormitory entrance)

 

“…Ehe. Please take care of me, Akito-niisama.”

With a shy smile, the girl dropped a bombshell on our student dormitory.

Takanomiya Arisa.

The new dormitory manager, starting her duties today.

A prodigy who studied at a university abroad, with her research papers already recognized worldwide, and an all-rounder skilled in all household chores.

Moreover, she is the daughter of the Takanomiya family, who I had been under the care of just a few months ago, and to top it all off, she is also my fiancée. To put it in mahjong terms, she’s a girl with a full set of honors. And now, she has appeared before me and my colleagues from the student council with a complete surprise.

“…Uh, what? This girl? The new manager?”

“…Seems so. Unless it’s some kind of malicious joke.”

“…I’m shocked. I really didn’t see this coming. Well, this is a tough one.”

Akiko, Nasuhara-san, and Ginbei were exchanging their thoughts with expressions as if they were seeing a daydream. Even though they’re usually strong in the face of sudden events, they seemed genuinely troubled this time.

“Kakkaka. That’s right, that’s right. I totally forgot to share the crucial information about the new manager.”

The only one who was in a position to arrange the new manager, the president, deliberately slapped her forehead with her palm and continued,

“She’s got an impressive background, but she’s only twelve years old. But hey, her abilities have my seal of approval, and there’s no issue with her practical skills. So, rest assured.”

“Well, I do trust the president’s judgment on that matter.”

Speaking on behalf of everyone, Ginbei stepped forward,

“We’ll let slide the fact that you clearly withheld important information. As for the point about making a twelve-year-old girl work, I’m sure you’ve cleared it through some means, so we won’t question that either. We’ll also set aside all the other points we could nitpick for now. But, however…”

She looked at the new manager again, with a puzzled expression,

“Isn’t she the daughter of that Takanomiya family? Is it really acceptable for a girl from such a prestigious family to be in a position almost like a servant?”

“It’s fine. We’ve got her parents’ approval, and more importantly, it’s her strong wish.”

The president shrugged nonchalantly,

“As you can see, Takanomiya Arisa has proper manners and can handle the job well. She’s already quite capable as she is, but… well, her age is her age, so she lacks experience. That’s why she’s here, to gain experience as the dormitory manager and grow further. So, no need to hold back, okay? Just because she’s from a famous family doesn’t mean we’ll treat her specially. Since we’ll be living under the same roof and eating from the same pot, she’s one of us. So, understand that and get along with her. …And with that, Himenokouji Akito.”

“Huh? Yes?”

“From here on, it’s your job. You know the new manager best, so it’s only right that you introduce her. After all, you’re the current manager, and if you don’t hand over the reins, what’s the point?”

With that, she dumped the job on me.

…This is tough.

She’s definitely doing this to mess with me. The president knows full well that Arisa is being treated as my fiancée… Damn, this is an awkward role to be in.

But well, it’s better than having her introduced through some weird lens. I’m the only one who can explain my slightly complicated relationship with Arisa without causing misunderstandings.

“Well then, let me introduce her.”

I stepped behind Arisa and placed my hand on her slender shoulder.

“…Niisama.”

With a shy smile, Arisa looked up at me.

Her expression showed a mix of anxiety, like “Will I get scolded for coming here like this?” and joy, like “But I’m so happy to see niisama after so long.” She’s always been the type to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Smiling at her, I looked around at my colleagues and said,

“This is Takanomiya Arisa, a girl from the family I was under the care of until recently. Akiko and Ginbei probably know her, and Nasuhara-san might too. The Takanomiya family is quite a prestigious one, but don’t let that make you act distant or anything. Just treat her normally and get along with her. Please take care of her, everyone.”

“…Well, if onii-chan says so.”

“…I guess. If Akki says so, I don’t have any objections.”

“…I don’t mind either. Yeah, I definitely don’t mind, but…”

While they nodded at my explanation, Akiko, Nasuhara-san, and Ginbei all had subtle expressions.

To paraphrase their expressions, it was basically “Your explanation is lacking.” The president was just grinning silently, and

“… , …”

Arisa, for her part, was looking up at me with expectant eyes.

Hmm.

I guess I can’t avoid saying it. We’ll be living together for a while, and the other three seem to sense that there’s more to the story.

But the problem is how to say it… I want to avoid causing any waves, but the atmosphere is practically screaming that there’s going to be a storm if I touch on the core issue.

“Well, you see…”

I racked my brain, choosing my words carefully as I tried to add to the explanation.

“The Takanomiya family has had deep ties with my Himenokouji family for a long time. Not only that, but my parents and Reiichirou-san and Kyouko-san were actually quite close… Ah, Reiichirou-san and Kyouko-san are the current heads of the Takanomiya family and Arisa’s parents. Anyway, because of those connections, I was taken in by the Takanomiya family, but well, it was a new environment, so every day was pretty tough. During that time, Arisa was the one who looked out for me. She’s really kind and a good kid. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but back then, I was really helped by this girl who’s four years younger than me… Really, thank you, Arisa. I’m grateful for that time.”

“…Ehe.”

When I patted her head and smiled at her, Arisa’s cheeks turned red, and she smiled back shyly but happily.

Hmm, hmm.

She’s still such a good kid.

She doesn’t talk much, but she’s kind, attentive, and always watches over others warmly from a step back. She’s definitely going to grow up into a proper, graceful Japanese beauty, and whoever becomes her husband will undoubtedly lead a happy life.

Though if there’s one problem,

“? …?”

It’s that while she looks happy, there’s something subtle about her expression.

To be more specific, there’s a sense of “That’s not it” oozing from her… Like she’s waiting for me to say more, hoping for something.

Well, yeah. I get it.

But hey, I have my reasons too.

The whole engagement thing is something Reiichirou-san and Kyouko-san got excited about on their own, and they’ve been subtly laying the groundwork everywhere… But the key point is that I, the person in question, haven’t agreed to it. No matter how much they try to fill in the moat and make it a fait accompli, I’m not going to let it slide. The troublesome part is that Arisa seems really into it. How into it? Enough that the usually reserved Arisa is silently urging me to introduce her as my fiancée.

Hmm.

I do care about Arisa, and if it’s her wish, I’d like to grant it. But this is just… a bit much, don’t you think?

“–Well, about my relationship with Arisa…”

So, I hardened my heart and decided to speak my honest opinion.

Choosing nice-sounding words here wouldn’t do Arisa any good in the long run. Plus, the stares from Akiko, Nasuhara-san, and Ginbei have been prickling at me uncomfortably for a while now.

“Actually, my relationship with her is…”

“…………” (←Arisa’s expectant eyes)

“Well, how should I put it…”

“…………” (←Arisa’s even more expectant eyes)

“Yeah. I guess you could say she’s like a younger sister to me, despite the age difference?”

“…………!” (←Arisa’s eyes widen in shock, her face turning pale)

Ah, crap.

Arisa’s in shock, completely frozen.

And when she finally snapped out of it, she started trembling with teary eyes… Like a hungry kitten meowing in the rain…

Ah, geez!

She’s so cute!

I’ll never forgive anyone who makes Arisa cry! Even if it’s me!

So, change of plans.

“Ah, sorry. I guess I didn’t explain well enough.”

I racked my brain again, trying to find some follow-up words.

“Saying she’s like a younger sister despite the age difference might not be quite right. Sorry, Arisa, I think I said something that shocked you.”

“…………” (←Arisa shakes her head, forcing a smile)

“Since I’m introducing Arisa properly, I should do a better job. Let’s try again.”

“────” (←Arisa’s face lights up, nodding eagerly)

“Well, you see, Takanomiya Arisa is a very important person to me. She’s someone irreplaceable, one of a kind. When Arisa was just starting elementary school, I used to play with her and teach her things… She’s been studying abroad a lot recently, so we haven’t spent much time together, but even if we’re far apart, she’s not just some girl I’m staying with. She’s a girl who occupies a big part of my life.”

“…………♡” (←Arisa fidgets shyly, looking very happy)

“How should I put it… She’s not just someone else to me. She’s almost like family.”

“～～～♪” (Arisa’s face turns bright red, but she looks down happily)

“Yeah. You could say she’s like a sister connected by blood, right?”

“────!?”

Ah.

Crap.

Arisa’s gone pale and stiff again.

Damn it, I messed up… I got carried away by how fun it was to see Arisa’s expressions change and ended up saying something mean. It’s a bad habit of mine.

But it’s not just because her reactions are fun.

Honestly, this is really hard to say.

Under the silent pressure of three girls, introducing a girl who’s supposed to be my fiancée… It’s like introducing a girlfriend to your parents or asking your girlfriend’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage. The hurdle is just as high.

But still, I’ll have to explain the engagement thing eventually, so it’s better to get it out now to avoid friction later. It’s the best strategy for the future──

“…Um, onii-chan. Can I say something?”

Just as I was thinking that, Akiko raised her hand to speak.

“I’m sorry for interrupting the introduction, but there’s something I really need to say.”

…Uh-oh. This is bad.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, her voice low like a growl… This was the rarely seen, maximum-level displeasure from my usually cheerful little sister. This might not end without bloodshed.

“First of all, onii-chan, you’ve been patting her head this whole time. That’s really strange.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Why, you ask? It’s because you never pat my head, even though I’m your real sister. I beg you every day, but she gets rewarded without even trying… This is clearly unfair. I want onii-chan to pat my head more often too.”

“Well, if I do that…”

If I start patting her head, this sister of mine, who’s as clingy as a natural monument, will start clinging to me endlessly. If that happens, the brakes on her already questionable behavior will come off completely… Ah, even now, I’m struggling to keep her in check, you know?

“And one more thing.”

But Akiko showed no sign of noticing my inner turmoil, her eyebrows furrowing even more as she continued,

“Onii-chan, you just said she’s ‘like a sister connected by blood,’ right?”

“Ah, yeah. I did.”

“Onii-chan’s sister is the one and only me in this world.”

Puffing out her cheeks and turning away,

“This Himenokouji Akiko is the one and only sister that onii-chan should love, and no matter what happens, we’re family that will never be separated. For some random girl who came out of nowhere to call herself onii-chan’s sister, I can’t accept that.”

“Well, it’s not like Arisa is calling herself my sister. I’m just thinking of her that way.”

“That’s not the point.”

“And it’s not like she’s some random girl. Arisa is a proper member of the Takanomiya family. If anything, her lineage is as prestigious as it gets.”

“Anyway!”

Akiko glared at me sharply,

“Onii-chan’s real sister is only Akiko! There’s only room for one sister, and there’s no need for two!”

…Hmm.

In short, Akiko’s argument boils down to that one point.

‘If she’s not a sister connected by blood, then onii-chan and I could be lovers without any issues,’ she often says, but this time her argument seems a bit off. It seems she’s throwing a tantrum because she’s so upset.

Additionally, Akiko was raised in the Arisugawa family, which has a bad relationship with the Takanomiya family, so she naturally doesn’t have a good impression of them. Furthermore, if the Takanomiya family didn’t exist, Akiko and I wouldn’t have been separated… Yeah, this is tough.

In fact, there’s not a single reason for Akiko to feel positively about Arisa.

Now, this is troublesome.

At least for now, sending Arisa away isn’t a realistic option. So, how can I get her accepted as the new dormitory manager──

“Um, uh…”

Just then,

Arisa, who had been anxiously watching the exchange between me and Akiko, spoke up in a small, hesitant but earnest voice,

“Arisa doesn’t want to be niisama’s sister. Ah, but I keep calling you ‘niisama,’ but that’s just a habit from before… So, I’m not trying to take Akiko-neesama’s position or anything…”

She spoke haltingly, choosing her words carefully, speaking each word with sincerity.

Despite being a prodigy who had her academic papers recognized at the age of ten, at her core, she’s still just a shy, reserved child.

Her earnest efforts to fit into this new community would tug at the heartstrings of anyone with a normal sense of empathy. It’s the kind of thing that stirs up protective instincts. The fact that she’s not trying to flatter anyone but is just being her natural self makes it even more endearing.

“So, um, Akiko-neesama is the sister of the respected Akito-niisama, and Arisa actually wants to get along with Akiko-neesama. So, Arisa hopes that she and Akiko-neesama can talk about niisama together. So, please, accept Arisa as the dormitory manager. Please.”

Pekori (bows her head).

She bowed so deeply that her forehead almost touched her knees.

Hmm, hmm.

She’s still as excessively polite as ever.

Humble, always putting others first… This is undoubtedly the result of Reiichirou-san and Kyouko-san’s upbringing. Wow, she’s grown up so well in the time I haven’t seen her. If anything, Akiko has a lot to learn from Arisa.

“–Of course we’ll accept you!”

Just then,

Someone suddenly spoke up loudly.

It was Nasuhara-san, who had been mostly silent and observing until now.

“Takanomiya Arisa-san. We accept you as the new manager of our dormitory and welcome you. I, Nasuhara Anastasia, have decided this just now. And I won’t allow anyone to object to this decision.”

“Ah──” Arisa’s face lit up, “R-Really?”

“Of course it’s true. I don’t mince words. Yes, indeed, how could anyone not welcome such an adorable girl like you? If such a fool exists, I will personally ensure they are swiftly removed from this world. So, rest assured. You have nothing to worry about. Work freely and comfortably in this dormitory.”

“Ah, thank you very much! Arisa will work hard!”

“Fufu. That full-faced smile of yours is irresistibly adorable again… By the way, Arisa-san, are you interested in playing doctor or something?”

“…Eh? Playing doctor…?”

“Now, now, Nasuhara-san.”

Sensing that the vice president was about to go off the rails, I hurriedly stopped her.

Nasuhara-san… Her face maintains its usual expressionless state, but her eyes are pretty scary, huh? She’s clearly got the eyes of a hunter locking onto her prey… For someone who loves cute things like her, Arisa’s presence might be a bit too stimulating.

At any rate, it seems Nasuhara-san has accepted Arisa. If she and Arisa didn’t get along, it would just add to the already plentiful headaches, so I’d say this is a good start, wouldn’t you?

“I welcome her too.”

Just as I was thinking that, Ginbei, smiling, continued,

“I didn’t expect a child around elementary school age to come, so I was a bit taken aback at first. But other than that, there’s no problem, right? As you can see, she’s quite mature for her age, and the president has vouched for her abilities. For now, there’s no reason to oppose her joining.”

“Oh? So Ginbei, you’re welcoming Arisa too?”

“Indeed. She’s an acquaintance of my dear friend, after all. It’s only proper to treat her with respect. Besides, such a small child is working so earnestly for us. It wouldn’t be right to treat her coldly, would it?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I’m glad to hear that. Thanks, Ginbei.”

“No need to thank me. Despite how I look, I always try to be kind to small children. And it’s only natural for us older folks to guide and teach kids like them. In fact, I’d like to actively welcome kids like Arisa-kun and teach them various things as their senpai in life, yeah.”

Ginbei, nodding repeatedly, seemed to be in an unusually good mood, and it was clear that she genuinely intended to welcome Arisa.

Though, Ginbei, you’ve been oddly fixated on the phrase “small child”… Could it be that you’re happy about Arisa, who’s even more childlike in stature than you, joining the community? Among the student council members, who are all blessed with model-like figures, Ginbei is the only one with less-than-ideal measurements, and she seems quite self-conscious about it. With Arisa joining, that inferiority complex might ease a bit. Though, I’d like to believe my best friend isn’t that petty.

“Well, then, it seems Nasuhara-san and Ginbei have no issues with this.”

Having gotten their approval, I looked around at everyone again,

“The president is the one who brought Arisa here, so of course she has no objections. That leaves just one person with a problem, huh?”

“Ugh…”

Akiko, meeting my gaze, took half a step back.

“So? Right now, it seems like you’re the only one who has a bad impression of Arisa.”

“Nguu…”

“You can see for yourself, but Arisa’s a good kid. She’s hardworking and ambitious, but she’s completely harmless since she has no ulterior motives. In fact, she’s so capable that she’s skipped grades and earned credits at overseas universities. If anything, I think she could afford to be a bit more aggressive.”

“Mnnn…”

“Of course, as she said herself, she’s not aiming to take your place as the little sister. As for patting her head, well, it was just a habit, and I wanted to help her relax since she’s meeting everyone for the first time. Tell you what, I’ll pat your head later too, Akiko. It’d be unfair otherwise, right?”

“Uuu…”

“Come on. Arisa, you ask Akiko-neesama too.”

“…Um, well…”

Urged by me, Arisa looked up at Akiko with pleading eyes, her gaze earnest.

“Arisa wants to get along with Akiko-neesama. Arisa wants to become friends and cook together, clean together… for Akito-niisama’s sake. And like I said earlier, Arisa wants to hear stories about Akito-niisama. Neesama knows so much about him that Arisa doesn’t… And Akito-niisama cares so much about Akiko-neesama, so Arisa wants to know more about her and come to love her too.”

“Kuh…!?”

“Um, that’s how it is… Is… is that not okay…?”

“…Ah, fine! I get it, okay!?”

Finally, Akiko clutched her head, writhing as she gave up.

“I’ll accept Arisa-chan as the dorm manager! Are you satisfied now!?”

“Oh. So you’ll accept her, Akiko?”

“Hmph! It’s only for now, okay!?”

She turned away with a pout,

“I don’t have the hobby of bullying earnest girls, after all. Though I do sense a bit of a dangerous aura from her, she doesn’t seem like the type to be two-faced… For now, I’ll accept her.”

“I see. Well, thanks, Akiko.”

“It’s only for now, okay!? If there’s even the slightest problem with her behavior, all bets are off! If necessary, I’ll steel my heart and kick her out of this dorm!”

“But you know, Akiko. You actually kind of like Arisa, don’t you? Even though you’re saying all this, deep down, you think she’s cute, right?”

“Hmph, not at all! I was way cuter when I was a kid!”

“Well, yeah. You were cute as a kid too.”

“See!?”

Akiko nodded vigorously, then quickly straightened her face after accidentally grinning,

“Anyway, I don’t think she’s cute at all! I’m only accepting her because Onii-chan insists! Don’t get the wrong idea, okay!?”

…Huh, this is rare.

My usually honest little sister is in full tsundere mode… Well, for Akiko, Arisa’s presence isn’t something she can easily accept, so this reaction is understandable. Time will probably solve this eventually.

Alright, mission accomplished.

Now that Arisa’s presence has been smoothly acknowledged, I’ll quickly hand over the duties to the new manager and let her start working—

“By the way, she’s his fiancée. That girl.”

But things didn’t go as planned.

Just as I was about to let things slide, the president, with a look of exasperation, stopped me,

“Himenokouji Akito’s fiancée, that’s what this Takanomiya Arisa is. That’s what I’ve heard, and at least in the Takanomiya household, that’s how it is. Right, Takanomiya Arisa?”

“Y-Yes!”

Finally getting the introduction she’d been waiting for, Arisa’s face lit up with joy,

“Arisa will become Akito-niisama’s bride in the future. That’s why I’ve come here to serve, as part of my training to become a proper adult woman worthy of Niisama! I’ll do my very best, so please, everyone, take care of me!”

Bow.

Arisa bowed so deeply her forehead nearly touched her knees.

“…Huh. Is that so.”

A low voice reached my ears as I stood frozen.

“Quite an interesting story. An angelic, adorable girl like Arisa-san is Akki’s fiancée? Huh, I see.”

Her usual expressionless face and monotone voice, but… why does her gaze feel so terrifying? Nasuhara-san…

“I’ve only known Akki for a few months, but we’ve been living under the same roof, so I thought our relationship wasn’t shallow. Was I just deluding myself? I’ve never even heard a whisper about him having a fiancée. Isn’t that right, Akki?”

“Ah, no. Wait, Nasuhara-san. There’s a proper reason for this…”

“I’ve never heard a whisper of this, but what about everyone else? Hey, GinGin, what about you? Had you heard Akki was engaged?”

“No way. This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

Ginbei, who’d been addressed, laughed and shook her head,

“I’m Akito’s best friend, but I’m not particularly close to the Takanomiya family. I had no idea such a thing was happening. Well, this is troublesome. I’ve always prided myself on being Akito’s best friend, but… could it be… no, it’s unthinkable, but… maybe Akito doesn’t consider me a best friend at all? That thought has suddenly crossed my mind.”

“Ah, well. Ginbei? Let’s calm down—”

“No, I get it. Of course, I trust Akito. He’s my best friend, so if something as important as having a fiancée came up, he’d tell me first, right? So, in other words, it’s impossible for me to be hearing about Akito’s fiancée for the first time here… But there’s one problem. To my eyes, the president doesn’t seem to be lying, and Arisa-kun doesn’t seem to be joking either. This is quite the conundrum. A truly illogical, contradictory situation. I expect Akito to provide some explanation for this strange turn of events. Right, Akito? You’ll answer your best friend’s request, won’t you?”

“Ah… well, um…”

Prompted by her smiling face, cold sweat ran down my back.

Nasuhara-san’s gaze was scary, but… Ginbei, your smile is terrifying! Being smiled at like that makes my lower half shrink, so I’d appreciate it if you could tone it down a bit…

“Onii-chan.”

And finally, there was this person.

Akiko, who had been radiating negative energy while maintaining perfect surface-level politeness, gestured gracefully, as befitting someone raised in high society,

“Why don’t we go inside? It’s rude to keep our guests standing out here. Let’s have some tea in the dining hall. Then we can have a nice, long talk. Oh yes, a very long and thorough talk.”

“…Yeah. You’re right.”

At this point, I had no choice but to resign myself.

I knew this from the start, but there’s no room for excuses or delays here. All I can do is sit on this bed of nails and come clean about everything.

Surrounded by Akiko, Nasuhara-san, and Ginbei with no room to escape, I desperately racked my brains on how to explain things in a way that would minimize misunderstandings and avoid displeasing anyone…