Chapter 7

This is the second update of the day.

It seems that this girl, Kono Hina, has a very significant difference in attitude between her public and private sides.

Even when I say "private," Hina was in that state from the beginning when I found her at the kidnapping scene, so to me, this side is more familiar. Although, "familiar" only means about three hours.

"Um, is the girl in the video a maid or something?"

"She was the previous caretaker. She recently developed a hole in her stomach from stress, was hospitalized, and then submitted her resignation."

"…Wow."

That's a pretty harsh story.

However, you just said "previous."

Does that mean you're asking me to be the next victim?

"In short, Hina can play the perfect lady in public, but in private, she becomes very careless, as you saw. The difference between her public and private sides is quite extreme. That's why we need a caretaker who can handle both sides."

"So, that's the role of the caretaker…?"

"Exactly."

Kagura nodded.

"The role of the caretaker is to maintain Hina's perfect lady image in public. In other words, to support her from behind so that her true nature doesn't come to light. …How about it, will you take the job? It's Hina's own request, and it would be a great help to me if you could be her caretaker."

After thinking for a moment, I answered.

"You saved me from being kidnapped, and I owe you a lot, so it feels ungrateful to say this… but, will there be a salary?"

"Of course. You'll live here, with three meals a day. On top of that, you'll receive a salary."

That's—unbelievably good treatment.

This is like finding a bun on a shelf. For me, who was about to lose my place to live, there couldn't be a better condition. …More than that, it seems they considered my situation and made this offer. It's a very grateful situation.

"About the salary… how about 20,000 yen per day?"

"20,000!?"

Surprised, I looked at Kagura, who widened her eyes.

"Oh, is that not enough? However, I hesitate to pay the same as a professional butler or maid… How about 50,000 yen per day?"

"Wait! That's too much!"

I didn't expect the amount to go up.

"Then, let's hire you at your asking price. How much do you want?"

Asking price.

I've never heard that phrase outside of fiction.

"Um, 8,000 yen per day would be enough."

In part-time jobs, 8,000 yen is on the high side.

I thought I was stating a general market rate, but for some reason, Kagura frowned.

"Imadate-kun, the responsibility of the caretaker is more serious than you think."

With a serious expression, Kagura continued.

"To be honest, the Kono Group's performance has been declining recently. While the economy is a big factor, there are also factional disputes within the group and competition with other companies, making it difficult to achieve our goals. It's not to the point of bankruptcy, but it's significant enough to be a concern. …That's why finding a good marriage prospect for my daughter is important."

"A marriage prospect?"

Kagura nodded and looked at Hina, who was sleeping behind me.

"Hina plays the perfect lady in public to find a better marriage prospect. At events like the academy and parties, where she interacts as the Kono family's daughter, she always maintains this act. …The caretaker's role is to assist in this, which is crucial for maintaining the Kono family's brand."

Hearing this explanation, I realized again.

We live in different worlds. Marriage prospects and brands are things I've never thought about in my life.

"I should have explained this earlier. …I apologize, but this is the first time I've hired a commoner. I didn't properly align the expectations."

Kagura said with a slightly apologetic look.

"So, how much do you want for the salary?"

Pierced by Kagura's sharp gaze, I swallowed hard.

After being so thoroughly pressed, I understood the intent behind this question.

—You're being tested.

Kagura is indirectly asking, "How much are you worth?"

If I undervalue myself, I'll be looked at with disappointment, as before. But if I ask for an unrealistic amount, I'll be laughed at for being out of my league.

In the end, the answer I chose was—

"…20,000 yen, please."

"Hmm… the original price, huh. Well, that's fine. I expect you to work accordingly."

Saying that, Kagura took out a document from a drawer.

While writing something on the paper, Kagura continued.

"You'll start work tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!?"

"You saw the video, right? Hina can get lost even in the house without a caretaker. We need someone to support her as soon as possible."

Well, considering the size of this mansion, it's not surprising that she could get lost…

"Imadate-kun, what size do you wear? M?"

"Ah, yes. That's right… but, are you providing work clothes?"

"More like a uniform. You'll be attending the Kikou Academy from now on."

"…Huh!?"

I was expecting something like a butler's uniform, but I got a completely unexpected answer.

Kikou Academy. The prestigious school Hina attends.

"Hina attends the academy. It's decided that the caretaker will attend with her."

"But, Kikou Academy is a very prestigious school. I don't think I'll fit in…"

"Try to adapt. It's part of the job. From what I heard, your grades were good at your previous school, so I don't think you're bad at studying."

I studied seriously to increase my chances of getting into university, but… a prestigious school is a different level.

Will I be okay…?

Studies, sports, manners, communication skills. The worries are endless.

"Since attendants are not allowed in Kikou Academy, you'll attend as a regular student. Your background will be that you're related to the Kono Group. To avoid any slip-ups, you'll be the heir of a subsidiary, not a direct descendant, and you're aiming to be a business leader in the future, but you're also familiar with commoner life."

"Being an heir is not exactly ordinary…"

"At Kikou Academy, it is."

Kagura said matter-of-factly.

To me, the academy itself is not ordinary.

"Your company is part of the Kono Group. That's why Hina can't look down on you. …If we say this, it will ease any suspicions."

I see. Indeed, such a background would make my role less likely to be exposed.

Looking at the girl sleeping behind me, I lifted her chin to close her mouth, as she was drooling again. I might be dealing with her for a long time. Thinking about it, I feel a sense of affection.

"By the way, if you lay a hand on my daughter—"

Realizing I was being glared at by Kagura, I straightened up.

"Um, you'll, um, cut it off, right?"

"Cut it off? Haha! Of course not!"

Kagura laughed heartily.

"I'll just kill you normally."

"Ah!?"

Too simple, and therefore scary.

"Then, I look forward to working with you from tomorrow."

As Kagura said this, a maid who had been waiting in the back slowly opened the door.

Hina, who had been sleeping, woke up and rubbed her eyes.

Just as I was about to leave the room with her,

"Ah, and—"

Turning back, I saw Kagura with a serious expression.

"I did a little research on your family. The Toshima family's daughter also attends Kikou Academy. There shouldn't be any personal conflicts, but to be safe, avoid unnecessary contact."

"…Understood."

I see… so that guy is also at the academy.

Well, he probably doesn't remember me.

There's no way we'll have any contact.