Chapter 7

The trip was so much fun.

The hotel was right in front of a beautiful blue sea, which really lifted my spirits.

The room was, of course, a suite, and I stayed in a room with two bedrooms separated by a living room with my older brother.

My parents spent most of their time sunbathing or getting spa treatments on the beach and hardly went into the sea at all.

It was unbelievable. Why did they come to the sea if they weren’t going to swim?

At times like these, it’s great to have an older brother.

He can act as both a guardian and a playmate for the sea activities.

I invited my brother to the sea early in the morning, and we swam and snorkeled together. I even clung to his shoulders like a baby turtle while he swam.

I know my brother is already in his second year of middle school, so he might find it boring to play with his little sister.

He might have wanted to invite a good friend like Ayazaka, but that would leave me alone, so I’ll have to ask him to bear with it.

One time, I got carried away and swam confidently, only to end up like a kappa in a river, and my brother had to rescue me in a panic. It’s a good memory.

Despite applying sunscreen, I still turned completely black, which made my mother look like she was about to faint.

After returning from the trip and basking in the afterglow of the fun, I had to increase my piano lessons to prepare for the recital in the fall, attend other extracurricular activities, and participate in family gatherings. My schedule was packed, and before I knew it, the summer vacation was almost over, and the day of the summer party was just around the corner.

"Reika, are you ready?"

My brother, who had finished getting ready, came to my room to fetch me.

"Yep!"

This was my first summer party, and my brother, who is a member of the Pivoine group in the middle school, would be my escort.

It’s reassuring.

"You look cute in that dress. It suits you well. Is the flower in your hair real?"

Hehe.

My brother is so good at giving compliments.

I fell in love with this sherbet green flared dress at first sight when I saw it in the store.

It’s summery and very cute.

When I bought this dress before the trip, I thought it would look delicate with my fair skin, but I ended up getting more tanned than expected, so it’s a bit different from what I imagined. But it still has a youthful and energetic vibe, which is nice.

I’ll pretend not to notice that my mother looked a bit disappointed when she saw me in this dress.

My hair was styled at a salon, and a white fresh flower was used as a hair accessory.

Ah, I feel like a princess.

Fashion really boosts a girl’s mood.

I can’t stop smiling.

Wearing my favorite dress, I’m heading to the summer party!

But I have to be careful not to smile too much, as it’s not ladylike.

However, my cheeks won’t listen to me. I can’t stop smiling.

"Shall we go now?"

"Sure!"

We’ll be driven to the venue, which is a hotel, so it’s fine even with my delicate sandals with heels.

Ah, I’m so excited.

"Hey, hey, Onii-sama, can you tell me about the summer party?"

"Again? I already told you the other day. Besides, we’ll be there soon, so you can see for yourself."

My brother is smiling wryly, but I really want to hear about it.

I know it’s a bit unfair to make him repeat the same story over and over.

The venue is in the first-floor hall of a hotel in the city center, facing a private garden, so we can also spend time on the terrace.

The garden has a rose arch, which is said to be very beautiful.

According to my brother, "It’s a garden Reika would like."

"Let’s definitely go to the garden!"

"Sure, sure."

The food is served buffet-style, but there are tables and chairs for those who want to sit and eat properly.

However, most people are there for socializing, so not many people eat a lot.

It’s a shame, considering the food is from a top hotel.

In my previous life, I would go on a diet from morning until the buffet and then eat to my heart’s content.

For me, buffet = eat until I drop!

I remember going to dessert buffets with my friends a lot. We always aimed to try every single dish, but we never managed to do it.

...I wonder if everyone is doing well.

"Reika?"

Oops! I can’t let myself get lost in my thoughts.

I need to focus and not think about unnecessary things.

"I’m looking forward to it, Onii-sama."

I am now Reika Kichijouin.