kscans

Chapter 754 - Check-In

Rocked by the comfortable, direct train for just over an hour.

The group of four otaku, leaning towards the extroverted side and being among the most lively people in the world, were in safe mode, mainly because the main topic of conversation involved their positions and other matters that were difficult to discuss loudly in a public place.

Young Lady Hinata, a.k.a. Sora, was just like 'the last time.' After enjoying the view from the train window for a while after our departure, 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 so picturesque it was absurd.

All in all, the journey was surprisingly, or rather, quite 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 Itsuki-san, the all-knowing maid, Kaede, who had a lot of travel experience, and Mizuki, who seemed to be a veteran from often accompanying her best friend, the remaining four of us, myself included, were intimidated by the lively crowd.

I had done some quick research overnight, but… just as Shoko's words, which reacted to my unconscious mutter, suggested, it was truly a tourist spot—

"…Well then. For now, let's head to our inn, shall we?"

The one who started walking, leading the way, was the only adult and our de facto guardian. I had known her for a while now, but this was the first time I had seen her in casual clothes, and the sight of Itsuki, the Natsume sister, was so out of place it felt utterly strange.

We had only exchanged simple introductions on the train, but…

""""Okay!""""

Kaede, who had met her before, was one thing, but the university students (who were a bit simple) with a weakness for cool things were already captivated by the 'capable adult' aura that inevitably leaked out of her.

I had no way of knowing if she planned to reveal her true nature or not, but I decided to watch and see how the evaluation of this free-spirited maid, who was completely devoted to her young lady, would change from here.

………So, what's with that?

She turned around, gave me a meaningful smile, and what exactly was she trying to say?

"Kasuga-san."

"Yes."

"As you can see, there are very, very, very many people."

"Yes."

"So that my cute 'little sister' doesn't get swept away by the crowd and separated from us."

"…Y-Yes."

"Please be very careful, and take care of her."

With a biiiig smile—

"………………"

"…, …………"

""""……………………………………""""

Hey, all of you, stop watching me and get a move on. I'm not a sideshow. Go on ahead, my dear friends. And as for the one remaining person.

"Hah… honestly—come on, let's go. Your hand, my lady sister."

"Th-that was so unenthusiastic… ehehe."

You don't have to stare at me so intently; I'll do my job properly.

And you, Miss Shijo, stop writhing in amusement 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 we'd left behind just before one in the afternoon. I had a bad feeling just from its appearance from a distance, but…

"—Kasuga-sama. Welcome, we are pleased to have you."

"Thank you, we'll be in your care…"

As we stepped through the entrance, we were greeted by an interior that was, of course, just as impressive as the exterior, and by two elderly people who radiated an overwhelming presence.

From their attire and aura, they were probably the master and mistress of the inn, the boss duo.

And the fact that they were both respectfully welcoming a group of university students, whom they could identify as important at a glance… no, I don't know. It's not yet decided that it's that kind of—

"We have been informed by the 'Princess.' Please leave all arrangements to us, and relax to your heart's content…"

…And so, as expected, it seemed to be that kind of situation.

I had a rough idea since it was an inn that could accommodate a sudden request in a tourist spot, but it was likely connected to Ashe or the White family in some way.

In other words, it was best not to think too much about its 'rank.' That being the case,

"…Alright—then, we will be in your care for three nights. Check-in… uh, where should we go for the reception?"

"Just your name here, please. We will take care of the rest."

I wrote my name in the register as instructed, and check-in was complete.

"Thank you very much. Now then, if you would like, we can show you to your rooms right away…"

"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 went with the template 'pleasant young man' approach, and the mistress's reaction was excellent.

And so, I bowed once more and followed her as she began to guide us. Behind me…

"—He's got guts…"

"—So his fundamentals are just…"

"—A social monster."

"—The feeling that he can handle anything, even if he's not used to it…"

Quiet down, my friends. Just follow me silently.

◇◆◇◆◇

Ashe had secured three rooms, exactly. I was half amazed, half impressed at how she'd managed it, but according to the mistress, it was that kind of place.

In short, they had rooms set aside to accommodate the sudden requests of VIPs.

It still felt like a different world to me, but since I'd decided to just go with it, I would indulge without overthinking it.

And then,

"Oh… now this is something."

"This isn't the kind of quality a mere university student should be staying in…"

I was shown to my room. Ignoring the free-spirited maid who had said something crazy like, "Kasuga-san, you're welcome to stay here," inviting me to the room she was sharing with Sora, I entered the men's room.

Opening the door and then the fusuma revealed a space that was far beyond spacious and comfortable, leaving two men who, regardless of their actual circumstances, were mentally nothing more than 'mere university students,' in awe.

As the dazed Toshiki muttered, it was a room far too good for male students who could sleep anywhere, even without a futon. I definitely shouldn't try to imagine the cost.

"Nozomi… no, Nozomi-san."

"What is it, my friend? If you add '-san' like that again, I'm throwing you in the room's bath."

"Sorry. No, I mean, I just wanted to express my pure gratitude or something."

"Say that to the 'Princess' who pulled off the impossible."

"I'd say it if I could… Man, you really never know what life has in store…"

He says it as if he's the only one in this situation, but he shouldn't forget.

"Tell me about it."

I'm still on your side of things, my friend.