Chapter 19 (1/2)
“Chizuru-sama, where are you going for summer vacation?” (Follower A)
“I plan to go to Greece together with my family … Ara, Asahina-san. Do you have any plans for a summer vacation with your family?” (Chizuru)
“My little sister just born this year so my family doesn’t have any plans to go for a vacation.” (Tsubaki)
“Ara, is that so? This would be a lonely summer break for you, isn’t it?” (Chizuru)
She then put her hand around her mouth and let out a laugh “Hohohoho”. Toward that Toudou, Tsubaki tells her plans for summer break with a smile.
“Instead, I have a plan to go to Monaco and France for a summer vacation together with Kyousuke-san and my uncle.” (Tsubaki)
“Bragging!? Is that a bragging I heard!?” (Chizuru)
No, it’s not, I’m just messing around with you, said Tsubaki as she immediately passes through Toudou while ignoring her.
For summer this year, it has been decided that Tsubaki will spend her time together with her cousin and uncle at Monaco and France for a vacation.
And for the reason that happened, Haruki wanted to spend more time together and having conversations with Kyousuke, but since he didn’t know what he should talk about with Kyousuke, he decided to drag Tsubaki along with him.
I wish he stop with his “ask Tsubaki when you’re in trouble” mindset, seriously, Thought Tsubaki.
The next day after the day of the closing ceremony. Tsubaki, Kyousuke, and Haruki departed to Monaco.
As it was her first time experience going abroad, be it in her previous life or present life, along their journey to Monaco, Tsubaki kept her eyes nailed on the vehicle’s window to watch the changing landscape of a foreign land, moved by the difference of the sunlight, and amazed with the grandiose of a high-class hotel’s suite room, it was surprise after surprise for Tsubaki.
The next day as Tsubaki had woken up early because of the jetlag and headed for the living room, she saw her uncle was taking a little breakfast, prepared in a hurry and leave the hotel room.
Right after he left, Miyamura, Haruki’s second secretary, entered the room and Tsubaki asked her what happened, Miyamura answered,
“The managing director leaves to an associated company of Mizushima in France for an inspection. And for his return, is scheduled to be by this evening.” (Miyamura)
Oi! Somebody drag that workaholic back here! Just what he thinks a vacation is for!
“The managing director has asked me to take care of the rest in his absence. Do you want to go out somewhere?” (Miyamura)
“I’m sorry for troubling you, even though you are on a day off right now.” (Tsubaki)
“You don’t need to apologize, Tsubaki-sama. Besides, I’m planning to take a day off in September so it’s okay.” (Miyamura)
“It’s good then. … Ah, that’s right. I want to go to visit the morning market.” (Tsubaki)
Tsubaki was interested and wanted to take a look at the food in a foreign country. Seeing that this was her chance while her uncle was gone, she dragged the unwilling Kyousuke out and goes to the morning market accompanied by Miyamura and a guard.
Arrived at the morning market, Tsubaki was captivated by different kinds of colors of fruits and vegetables that lined up on the stalls. And also her nostrils were greeted by a sweet and appetizing smell that was wafted out from somewhere.
Perhaps because France and Italy were neighboring countries, catching sight of the difference in the food ingredients between the two countries around the morning market were quite enjoyable for Tsubaki. Time flies as Tsubaki and co were walking around the morning market.
However, since they can’t stay too long on the morning market, Tsubaki then decided to buy something to eat and they began looking for a shop that sells food.
After buying pieces of hard bread and sandwiches that sold at a bakery, that letting out a sweetly fragrant, and some fruits and bulk of different kinds of nuts, Tsubaki and co then returned to the hotel.
Tsubaki wanted to eat outside, but since Kyousuke said he wanted to return to the hotel, she gave up on that idea.
Done with her breakfast, Tsubaki then thinking to go sightseeing with Kyousuke, however, the person in question had already seated on a sofa and started reading a book.
“You are not going to sightseeing?” (Tsubaki)
“There are a lot of people wherever we go, it’s starting to tiring me out… Also, I prefer to stay indoors than going outside.” (Kyousuke)
Stop sounded like a Hikikomori.
Tsubaki almost wanted to Tsukkomi his remarks, but then she remembered that at school or whenever he goes outside, Kyousuke would always become the center of attention. Perhaps because he can’t find a place to be at ease in Japan, he might have wanted to use this chance to spend his time in leisure.
From now on I will have plenty of chances to go abroad, let’s respect Kyousuke’s decision this time, thought Tsubaki as she started to take out the homework that she brought with her and solve the problems quietly.
In the end, the time Tsubaki spends in Monaco mostly at the hotel’s pool or the hotel room.
Tsubaki could see how Kyousuke would start sulking if she going out alone, also thinking about the efforts she needs to do to calm him down if he starts sulking were troublesome, Tsubaki decided to give up on the idea of sightseeing.
Several days later, Tsubaki was currently in a hurry looking for a dress at a boutique, this happened because one day before the day they depart to France, her uncle suddenly told her they will be going to watch an opera.
Tell me about this beforehand! I didn’t bring any dresses with me, okay! Wasn’t it you who told me that I didn’t need to bring any dresses!? What….. Just what is wrong with that uncle!— Thought Tsubaki as she continues to leashed her uncle with abusive words in her mind while putting on the dress they purchased. But the one who has a hard time was the boutique attendant who was dressing her up.
Still, this person is so skillful, thought Tsubaki as she was deeply impressed with the boutique attendant’s skill.
After done with her dress up, Tsubaki then seated in front of a mirror and surprised how beautifully polished her hair was and thought she was under some kind of magical spell.
Also, the result of the boutique attendant’s work was so beautiful, in which Tsubaki believe she won’t be able to achieve no matter how hard she tries, that made her want to keep checking on her appearance in front of the mirror.
After that Tsubaki was dragged away by Kyousuke from the mirror after he said: “We don’t have much time left, leave checking on yourself in the mirror for later.”
Ahh, I want to enjoy it a little bit more, thought Tsubaki in regret.
Arrived at the theater, Tsubaki and Miyamura were waiting in the lobby for Haruki, together with Kyousuke, to finish their greeting on some acquaintances they met.
Bored by waiting around, Tsubaki picked up a pamphlet and looking at it. Suddenly, she heard someone was talking to her on her back.
The person she heard was speaking in German, and there is only one person who speaks in German she’s acquainted with. Why are you here in Monaco? Thought Tsubaki in wonder, but since she was in a public place, she can’t just go press him for an answer.
Making sure she had a natural smile, Tsubaki then turns around.
And there Tsubaki saw a person that she had in mind, Leon, who was arrogantly standing in front of her.
“Long time no see, Leon-sama” (Tsubaki)
[Indeed, Tsubaki. So you’re having a vacation in Monaco too. What a coincidence.] (Leon)
Tsubaki, who was speaking Japanese, and Leon, who was speaking German. If there’s someone who sees this spectacle, surely they would find it to be quite humorous.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, Tsubaki wanted to say this to Leon but after remembered that she’s in Monaco then she would have to speak French, sadly Tsubaki could only speak English and Japanese.
Feeling like she would lose at something if she started speaking English for him, Tsubaki continues to talk to Leon in Japanese.
“Ara, you are alone? Where are your families?” (Tsubaki)
[They are still greeting people around. What about you, Tsubaki? I heard your little sister is still six months old but, did your family coming with her?] (Leon)
“It seems like for today opera, there would be a famous singer who would take a stage. This is my first time coming to an opera so I don’t know who they are.” (Tsubaki)
[You don’t know? She is a famous singer who would play the Princess’ role tonight. She’s so famous in Europe that everyone finds it curious by the time she agreed to take a stage in Monaco, you know?] (Leon)
“It’s hard to read the pamphlet when everything is written in English. I know I am asking a lot but, I wish they write it in Japanese as well, or at least an interpreter would be nice.” (Tsubaki)
“Do you guys even trying to have a conversation?” (Kyousuke)
Couldn’t hold his patience anymore at the conversation that was so disconnected, Kyousuke called out to both Tsubaki and Leon.
While she was a little surprised when she saw Kyousuke, who should be together with her uncle, was looking at her with an exhausted expression, Tsubaki answered his question while kept it from showing on her face.
“I can’t speak German” (Tsubaki)
“Learn it.” (Kyousuke)
[Who is he?] (Leon)
Leon was looking at Kyousuke, who suddenly showed up and intimately talking to Tsubaki, with an inquisitive gaze.
Remembered that this was Kyousuke and Leon’s first meeting, Tsubaki then introduces Kyousuke to Leon.
“He is my cousin, from the family of my mother’s side” (Tsubaki)
[My name is Mizushima Kyousuke]
[…. Leon Groth Kreuz]
Kyousuke and Leon then started to look at each other with an evaluating glare.
While on the other hand, Tsubaki was feeling uneasy where she believed they might bore hostility toward each other because of the natural rejection that happened when people of the same kind met each other.
Still, toward Kyousuke who was still having a staring contest with Leon, Tsubaki was amazed by how he fluently speak German and was looking at him in a new light.
You really can do anything, huh. How’s that brain of yours working anyway?– That was what she wanted to say, however knowing this wasn’t the right time for her to say that, she stays quiet.
At the meaningless glaring at each other, the one who broke their line of sight first was Kyousuke.
He then looks towards his wristwatch to check the time.
“It’s about time to start. It seems like Otou-sama going to take more time for the greeting, let’s go take our seats first.” (Kyousuke)
“That seems so. Okay then.” (Tsubaki)