Chapter 754 - Check-In
Rocked by the comfortable, direct-route train for a little over an hour.
Our group of four slightly-nerdy social butterflies, whose main topics of conversation were often related to their in-game status and thus difficult to discuss loudly in public, remained in safe mode.
Sora, or rather, Lady Hinata, seemed to be reliving our “last trip.” After enjoying the view from the window for a while, she had, at some point, drifted off into a peaceful nap.
While enduring the grinning faces of my friends and lending my shoulder to my partner, I glanced over at the maid. The lone adult, not in her maid uniform, was engrossed in a book, looking like something out of a painting.
All in all, the journey was surprisingly—or rather, remarkably—quiet.
And then—
“—Whoa, so many people…”
“Wow, a real tourist spot…!”
Our destination was the main street in front of Hakone station.
Aside from the all-knowing maid… or rather, Itsuki-san, the well-traveled Kaede, and Mizuki, who seemed to be a veteran from frequently accompanying her best friend, the remaining four of us, myself included, were all taken aback by the vibrant crowd.
I’d done some quick research overnight, but… just as Shoko’s words, which were a reaction to my own unconscious mutterings, suggested, this was a tourist town, through and through—
“…Well then. First things first, let’s head to the inn.”
Taking the lead was the only adult and our de facto guardian. Come to think of it, despite having known her for some time, this was the first I’d ever seen her in casual clothes. It was Itsuki-san, Big Sis Natsume, looking utterly and completely out of place.
Like Sora, we’d only exchanged simple introductions on the train, but…
““““Okay!””””
Kaede had known her from before, but the rest of my university friends (who are suckers for cool things) were already captivated by the aura of a “capable adult” that she couldn’t help but exude.
Whether or not she planned to reveal her true, eccentric nature as a die-hard fan of her young mistress was anyone’s guess, but I was certainly interested to see how their opinion of this free-spirited maid would change from here.
…So, what was that about?
She turned back, gave me a meaningful smile, and looked like she was about to say something.
“Kasuga-san.”
“Yes.”
“As you can see, there are very, very, very many people.”
“Yes.”
“So that my cute little ‘sister’ is not swept away by the crowd and separated from us…”
“…Y-Yes.”
“Please be very careful, and take good care of her.”
A beaming smile—
“…………”
“…, ………”
““““………………………………””””
Hey, all of you, stop staring at me. Stop it. I’m not a sideshow, walk ahead of me, my dear friends. And as for the one who remains…
“Haaah… honestly— All right, let’s go. Your hand, if you please, my lady sister.”
“Y-You sound so unenthusiastic… ehehe.”
You don’t have to stare at me so intently. I’ll do my duty properly.
And you, Lady Shijo, stop writhing with delight and start walking. I’ll leave you behind.
◇◆◇◆◇
And so we made our way through the crowd, arriving at the “inn” secured for us by the princess back home just before one in the afternoon. I’d had a feeling just from the exterior, but…
“—Kasuga-sama. Welcome, we are honored by your visit.”
“Thank you, we’ll be in your care…”
As we stepped inside, we were greeted by an interior just as impressive as the outside, along with an elderly couple who exuded an overwhelming air of dignity.
From their attire and aura, I guessed they were the master and madam of the inn.
And the fact that these people, who could identify a group of college students as important guests at a glance, were greeting us so reverently meant… no, I couldn’t be sure. It wasn’t decided yet that it was that kind of place—
“We have heard everything from the ‘Princess.’ Please leave all arrangements to us and make yourselves completely at home…”
…Right. Just as I thought, it was that kind of place.
I’d had my suspicions, given that it was an inn in a tourist town that could accommodate a last-minute request, but it was likely connected to Ashe or the White family.
In other words, it was best not to think too much about the rank of this establishment. Which meant…
“…Right— We’ll be staying for three nights. For check-in… uh, where should I sign in?”
“If you would just sign your name here, please. We will take care of the rest.”
I signed my name in the register as requested, and that was it for check-in.
“Thank you very much. Now, if you are ready, we can show you to your rooms…”
“Yes, please. Oh, our luggage is fine. Please don’t worry about it.”
“Very well. This way, please.”
I had no idea how to act as a guest in a high-class ryokan, so I just went with my best template-nice-young-man impression. The madam’s reaction seemed positive.
And so, as I followed her after another bow, from behind me…
“—He’s got guts…”
“—I knew it, this guy’s fundamental nature is…”
“—A social monster.”
“—That sense of being able to handle anything, even if he’s not used to it…”
Quiet, you lot. Just follow me in an orderly fashion.
◇◆◇◆◇
Ashe had secured exactly three rooms. I was half-exasperated, half-impressed that she’d managed it, but according to the madam, it was to be expected.
Apparently, they keep rooms open specifically to accommodate sudden requests from VIPs.
It all still felt like a world away from my own, but since I’d resolved to just enjoy it, I decided to accept their generosity without overthinking it.
So then…
“Oh… my.”
“This ain’t the kind of quality a mere college student should be staying in…”
We were shown to our room. Ignoring the free-spirited maid who suggested, “Kasuga-san, you are welcome to stay here,” and invited me to share a room with Sora, I entered the men’s quarters.
Opening the door and then the sliding fusuma revealed a space that was far beyond merely spacious and comfortable. The two of us—men who, whatever our actual circumstances, were mentally nothing more than “mere college students”—were dumbfounded.
Just as the stunned Toshiki muttered, it was a room far too good for invincible male students who could sleep anywhere, even without a futon. I definitely shouldn’t even try to imagine the cost.
“Nozomi… no, Nozomi-san.”
“What is it, my friend? If you call me ‘-san’ like that again, I’m throwing you in the room’s bath.”
“Sorry. No, it’s just, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude, or something like that.”
“Tell that to the ‘Princess’ who pulled all the strings.”
“I would if I could… Man, you really never know what life has in store…”
He says that as if he’s the only one here feeling it, but he shouldn’t forget.
“You’re telling me.”
I’m still on your side of that feeling, my friend.
I want to go on a trip too.