Chapter 58

Immediately, I asked a friend from the same class as Tezuka about Ririna.

"Indeed, that girl has been clinging to the Emperor recently. Oh, I'm sorry. She is Lady Reika's cousin, after all."

"It's fine. I'm the one who should apologize for causing trouble."

So that's how it is. The reason I didn't know was because everyone was being considerate and trying not to say bad things about my relative in front of me.

Enough already, Ririna.

"What exactly is she doing?"

"Calling out to Tezuka-sama, and sometimes even coming to the classroom. She hasn't done anything too noticeable yet, though."

That's enough. For a first-year student who has just entered to loiter around upperclassmen is one of the most frowned-upon behaviors by senior female students.

Even in my middle school days in my previous life, the vertical hierarchy among female students was quite strict. If you didn't greet seniors in the hallway, you'd be called "rude." It's the age when seniors start to act like seniors.

If a junior female student tried to charm a senior male student, she would immediately be known throughout the grade and be labeled as an enemy.

It's scary. If it gets extreme, you might even be called out and lectured by the seniors.

I don't know if such things happen at Suiran, but I think the psychology of junior high school girls is similar, so I can't help but worry about Ririna's future.

Actually, I'm more worried that I'll be affected just because she's my cousin.

"I'll try to talk to my cousin as well."

"Yes, that's right. Actually, we don't mind, but the group led by Manaka-san..."

Oh, they've noticed her.

My stomach started to churn.

The last time I talked to Ririna was when we came to greet Suiran before I entered.

That girl has always disliked me. But I feel the same way.

But even then, she was still calling me "Aniki-sama, Aniki-sama." When did she become a fan of the Emperor?

And why Tezuka of all people? Even Enjo would be better. Tezuka's surroundings are a minefield. If you approach carelessly, it could be disastrous.

I can see a future where Ririna ruins all the effort and reputation I've built up.

So, there's this problem too.

Even if I try to avoid the Emperor's displeasure, work to stop my father's wrongdoing, and eliminate the seeds of destruction, there's still the possibility that a relative will mess things up.

The system of collective punishment is truly terrifying.

Ririna is indeed a spoiled, arrogant, and pampered child, much like a miniature version of Kiyomi Reika from *Kaguya-sama: Love Is War*.

What should I do? I don't think I have the skills to reform her!

But I decided to call her to at least say something.

"Ririna, I heard you're loitering around Tezuka-sama. It's best to be careful not to cause too much trouble for the upperclassmen."

"Oh, what I do is my own business. Besides, Tezuka-sama hasn't said it's a bother at all."

That's when it's the end.

"But..."

"Actually, Reika, I want to go to Pivoine's salon once. Take me there."

You brat!

"Pivoine is off-limits to outsiders. But more importantly, Tezuka-sama. The upperclassmen, especially the noble girls, don't have a good reputation for him."

"Hmph, so what? I'm not afraid of that. Are you jealous that I'm getting close to Tezuka-sama, Reika?"

What?!

"Ririna, Suiran has its own rules. If you ignore them, you'll be crushed."

"Yes, yes, I understand. Goodnight, Reika-onee-sama."

The call was abruptly hung up.

...I'm so angry. So angry, so angry, so angry—!!!!

What was that attitude? I was worried and called her! And I'm telling her to stop because it will cause trouble for me!

Gah! I'm so angry!

Is it true that every family has a troublesome relative? Ririna is too much of a problem.

I could ask my brother to help, and Ririna might calm down a bit, but my brother is very busy with his studies and family business. I don't want to burden him with Ririna's troubles.

But can I stop Ririna?!

Ugh! I'm so stressed!

I opened the bag of snacks I had hidden in the back of the closet and ate them with a vengeance.

If I get fat because of her, I'll resent her!

The school trip this year was to Yamagata's Yamadera. Why a temple for a school trip?

After taking the shinkansen and a bus, we arrived at a place with a very long staircase. Are you telling me to climb this?

I was complacent because it was a temple this year. It's the same as last year's painful mountain climb.

At first, I climbed lightly. Is it really that easy?

But soon, my calves started to hurt. My body leaned forward. Someone, please give me a cane.

As I climbed, panting, I saw Manaka and her group pass by, snickering at us. I couldn't say a word.

This temple is famous for a well-known haiku by Matsuo Basho. Did Basho climb these painful stairs? Maybe the theory that Basho was a ninja is true.

It's painful, but I'll try. Because this is the "Temple of Cutting Evil Ties."

Cutting evil ties. I have many ties I want to cut right now. Ririna, Tezuka, Enjo, Manaka...

Names keep coming up. Thanks to this, my heart is completely black. Will there be any benefit if I climb with such bad energy?

Somehow, I managed to climb up, but we were immediately told to go down. Why!? It seems we were the ones they were waiting for. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting...

After that, we were taken to Goshiki-numa and went for a walk in nature. I don't want to walk anymore.

But when I saw the boats floating on the pond, my mood suddenly lifted. I want to ride! And I want to row!

I quickly invited a friend and got on.

It didn't move. No matter how hard I rowed, it didn't move. It just spun in circles. What is this?

A friend who couldn't bear it took over the rowing. Thank you, Ayame.

The boat glided smoothly on the water, feeling great. Looking around, I saw couples on other boats! When did this happen!

In front of me was a smiling girl. No, thank you for rowing. But I also wanted a boy to row for me...

But then I saw Tezuka and Enjo on a boat together. Two boys on a boat... *giggle*.

It's good that I had company.

By the time I got home, my calves were starting to ache with the early signs of muscle pain. Ah, tomorrow will be tough.

Oh! I forgot to eat the konjac balls!!