2. The dream cannot be given up
2. The dream cannot be given up
“Please make me your Seraph.”
It was during the lunch time of a beautiful Tuesday.
As she made an announcement to me in advance, Kirara was begging in front of Lady Kagura again.
My stomach started aching.
All the surrounding eyes were on Kirara, but I felt very awkward even though they were not looking at me.
Kirara said that I should just act as usual, but.... Impossible!!!!!
I couldn't look at Kirara straight and I broke into weird cold sweat. I just wished I could run away from the scene as fast as I can, but I had to stay because I'm Ms. Himeko's Seraph.
It was even making the situation worse that neither the member of the Tenku Salon including Lady Kagura nor other students in the Socialite course paid attention to Kirara.
Not even teachers said a single word.
I wonder if it isn't considered to be a huge problem to the school that a Home Economic course student was doing something like that.
“Misaki, shall we go shopping together again today at recess?”
Ms. Himeko was not an exception. She was planning what to do in the afternoon while she was elegantly having her lunch just as if Kirara was not there at all.
Please don't make such a insinuation!
I screamed inside my mind.
Of course Ms. Himeko didn't know about it, but showing off our great maid-mistress relationship to Kirara would make her furious again.
But I just couldn't say no to her for no reason.
“Y-y-Yes.”
I stuffed foods in my mouth while feeling a cold sweat running down all over my body.
Aww, I can't feel any taste of the delicious lunch.
I must had been the most nervous student among all the other.
Hopefully this situation will get better soon.
But unfortunately, my wish was not granted for the next and the following day as well.
****
“Please!”
On Wednesday and Thursday, Kirara did the same in front of Lady Kagura again.
Lady Kagura kept her silence and never even looked at Kirara. But Kirara never gave up and kept begging.
I think at least her gut deserves appraisal.
If I was her I would be completely beaten and heartbroken for being completely ignored like that.
First of all, I will not even be able to do such a courageous thing.
Even though I'm getting used to this situation, I still feel pain in my stomach.
Especially today, I'm having a hard time to swallow the food .I will have a stomach ulcer if this situation doesn't get better.
We, Kirara and I, both need a solution for this situation as soon as possible.
Kirara told me not to do anything but this will go beyond my limit very soon.
It would be so much better to be blamed by her later than to have stomach ulcer.
So at the recess of the day in the Tenku Salon I decided to take an action in order to make it clear how Lady Kagura really thinks and feel about the situation.
“Excuse me, Lady Kagura.”
“Yes? How may I help you?”
While having a tea that I served, Lady Kagura combed her curly blonde hair with her finger and looked at me.
I relieved from my worries for being ignored just like she did to Kirara.
This was my first time to speak directly with Lady Kagura.
Usually it requires anyone to be brave to speak to Lady Kagura directly. Not only because she is a senior student, but she also is in the Socialite course and the possessor of the Tenku Salon.
Her beautiful and crystal clear green eyes made me nervous even more. She looked really mysterious because her left eye was covered by her long bangs. But I couldn't afford to be nervous.
Watching over doesn't lead the situation to anywhere.
Luckily, I didn't see the Kokonoe sisters around Lady Kagura. Other members were also enjoying their own tea time. So it was the perfect timing to speak with Lady Kagura alone.
Here I go!
I fired on myself up and continued with all my courage.
“About Kirara, would you tell me what you think you should do with her?”
“Kirara?”
She doesn't even know Kirara's name?
No no no I won't let it beat me.
“Yes, the girl who has been asking you to make her your Seraph at cafeteria.”
Using gestures, I tried my best to remind her of Kirara.
“Oh yes.”
Lady Kagura said, “that girl” and nodded.
Good. Seems like it wasn't as bad as she was forgotten.
“What about her?”
“That's what I wanted to know, what about her? You will not keep ignoring her forever, will you? Kirara will continue to do the same thing until you do something with her.”
“Wow. What a gut she has. May be it will be interesting to see how long she can keep up with it.”
“Oh no.”
If she really do that, I'm so going to have a stomach ulcer.
“Just kidding.”
Lady Kagura smiled like she was having fun.
“Do you know the girl, Misaki?”
“Y-Yes. She is my roommate and we are in the same class. So I know so much about her. Kirara is a wonderful girl. She is well educated, she knows so much about this school and her skills to become a maid is at better than mine.”
As Lady Kagura showed her interest in Kirara, I promoted Kirara to her as much as I could.
“She taught me everything I need to know about Seraph, and rules and customs of this academy.”
“Then why such a smart and well educated girl has been doing such a crazy thing?”
“Um...”
I could not say anything to her perfect question.
Should I tell her the truth? But what if I say something inappropriate and it cause even more inconvenience for Kirara? But I can't tell her lie either.
“Um Kirara is...”
When I was desperately trying to use my brain in order to give a good impression about Kirara to Lady Kagura,
“Kirara Hoshino, a freshman in the Home Economic course.”
“Her grade is middle upper. She has very high vocational skills”
I heard the stereo voice from behind my back. This voice is...
I put myself on guard right away.
“Did you finish your research?”
Lady Kagura spoke to the person behind me.
“Yes”
I heard the exact same voice by my both ears.
I have a bad feeling....
It could be easily assumed that it was the Kokonoe sisters' voice without turning around.
“Unexpectedly, she is just an ordinary girl to do such a extraordinary thing.”
They said so in perfectly harmonized voice without any incorrect words. And there words were spoken close enough for me to feel their breath on my cheek.
“Excuse me, Ms. Ayaka.”
The Kokonoe sisters has the same name, Ayaka and Ayaka, but written in different Chinese character.
Just like other twin sisters, they look exactly a like to each other. The bow they wear are in two different prints and that's the only way to tell which is who.
I don't know if it is convenient or confusing that we only have to call one name, “Ms. Ayaka”, when we call for both of them.
“What is it?”
I felt heavy on my shoulders because the Kokonoe sisters held my shoulders and put their weight on me, I was almost squished.
While I was trying to hold myself up, I asked the sisters about what they told Lady Kagura.
“Were you doing your research about Kirara?”
Before they answer my question they both said,
“What do you do first when you see junior and senior students?” and blew their breath into my ears.
“Yikes!”
I felt chill on my back.
Eeeeeeww!
When I see junior and senior students?
“Um... how do you do?”
“Very well, how do you do?”
“Good job!”
Greeting is very important, I understand that, but....
“I'm not a child. You don't have to pet my head for being able to greet properly.”
“Oh, then shall I pet your butt?”
“Or shall I pet your flat breast?”
“Neither!”
For the Kokonoe sisters it may look flat, but my breast is not that flat.
The sisters' hands were reaching out to me to do as what they just said, I tried to get away from those evil hands in hurry. This is the reason why I felt danger to be around them.
“Oops, too bad.”
“Ugh, enough is enough. If you don't stop doing that, I will tell Ms. Himeko about it.”
“Even if you do, Lady Himeko will forgive us,”
“Mmmm...”
Probably she will, that's my problem.
“Anyway, let's go back to where we were. You said you did research about Kirara, didn't you?”
“Yes we did.”
The Kokonoe sisters nodded at the same time.
“I ordered them to do so.”
Lady Kagura said and put away the empty tea cup and saucer to the side.
Does it mean that she is interested in Kirara?
The Kokonoe sisters handed the documents they had to Lady Kagura. Lady Kagura was nodding to herself while she was going through those papers.
“Kirara Hoshino. A freshman student in the Home Economic course. Her parents are both care worker. She grew up watching her parents helping others as their job, she started to dream about having a job to help other in her future.
Kirara had been helping her parents with housekeeping chores including cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry.
When she was in junior high school, she had a work place experience and fell in love with maid's job. Comparing to a care worker, a maid might seems to be more glorious to her. Ever since then she had been dreaming about enrolling this Amanotsuka All-girls' Academy and studied hard to make her dream comes true. She has very serious personality. Very tough on herself as well as on others. She was dreaming about becoming the first Seraph among all the freshmen but since Misaki Hotaru beated her to it Kirara is very jealous...hmm..I see.”
Lady Kagura chuckled and looked at me.
How did they know about such things?
“Kirara might felt it was unfair that Misaki was chosen to become Himeko's Seraph just because Himeko randomly picked her, not because Misaki's skill was recognized.”
“Excuse me for not having enough skill.”
I made a sulky face.
I was not willing to become a maid at all, so it natural that I don't have any skill as a maid.
“I'm not judging what Himeko decided to do. I'm sure that Himeko made you her Seraph because she needed you. For those who knows about what is going on between you two, it seems to be you and Himeko have a very strange maid-mistress relationship. Oh, Kirara Hoshino knows about what happened when you and Himeko made the Golden contract. I thought you two are pretending that the promise to make the Golden contract was made prior to your enrollment to this school.”
“Yes I told her because she asked me about it over and over again in our room. Back then Ms. Himeko and I hadn't coordinated our story.”
“I see that's what led her to take such a crazy action from her desperation and her strong desire.”
“Y-Yes.”
“She has a great sense that she came over to me in order to beat you.”
Lady Kagura flapped through the report all to the end and put in on the table. I asked her,
“So, will you make Kirara your Seraph?”
Unexpectedly Lady Kagura seemed to be positive about the situation.
But....
“No,I can't make her my Seraph as she is now.”
Lady Kagura said it in very sharp tongue.
I knew I won't be that easy.
“She might be confident about her own skills”
“But what she did was just too outrageous.”
The Kokonoe sisters criticized Kirara.
“No, you don't understand. Kirara knows that she should not have done such a thing. She is not overconfident about her skills. She felt that it was the only way left for her to become your Seraph, Lady Kagura.”
It is the fact that at least Lady Kagura is interested in Kirara, so perhaps she will decide to make Kirara her Seraph if I can make her more iｎterested in Kirara.
“Well, if the person is qualified to have a great personality and great skills, there is nothing wrong about having a new Seraph. I give my applause to her gut that never give up even if she was l completely ignored. And I really like the person with such a strong will.”
“Really?”
“But I cannot make her my Seraph.”
“Why is that?”
Even though it is confirmed that Lady Kagura likes Kirara, why wouldn't she accept Kirara as her Seraph?
“It's the simple reason.”
“It's because she broke the unspoken rule.”
The Kokonoe sisters answered instead of Lady Kagura.
“You mean the unspoken rule that doesn't allow anyone to make proposal for themselves to be picked as Seraph?”
“Yes she should be ashamed of herself for promoting her to be chosen as a Seraph.”
“Moreover, she embraced herself in public, there is no way she will be accepted as a Seraph by Lady Kagura, don't you think?”
“Oh, no. Isn't there anything you can do?”
“Nothing more for the current situation”
Lady Kagura turned it down cruelly.
“The rule itself is not an official rule, so I don't blame on her for breaking it. I also like her enthusiasm very much. However, I just can't make her my Seraph. Can you guess why?”
“The reason why you can't....”
Lady Kagura mentioned that the problem is not about breaking the rule. That means there are something else that could be a problem.
“What do you think would happen if I listen to that kind of proposal? What would happen if it shows that a student can be chosen as a Seraph just by making a proposal and shamefully begging in front of everyone?”
“Oh”
I clapped my hand because I finally understood.
“There will be copycats.”
“Yes you are right”, Lady Kagura nodded.
“Even if it is not a problem with me, there will be followers if I show them an example once. And when that happens those who will be in trouble are someone else but me. I cannot be responsible for that.”
I get it. Lady Kagura was looking far ahead into the future.
But if it is true, the easiest thing she can do to avoid causing any trouble is just to bark at Kirara to stop her. Instead, she made the Kokonoe sisters to do research about Kirara.
Doesn't it mean there is still a hope for Kirara?
“Excuse me, will there be no problem if no one become copycats?”
“Hmm, yeah I guess. If there is anyway to make it happen I can give her a chance to take a test to see if she is qualified as my Seraph.”
I knew it.
“Do you have any idea, Misaki? Any good idea of the way that everyone would agree with my decision to make Kirara my Seraph, and at the same time, that no one would become copycats of Kirara?”
“That... would be very difficult....”
Almost entire student of the school knows what Kirara did. So, even a very small mistake can mislead other students to do the same thing.
“How about you two, Ayaka?”
Lady Kagura asked the Kokonoe sisters who were cleaning up after the tea.
“Hmm, let me see”
They said it together and turned around. Both of them put their hands on their cheek at the same time.
“How about giving her a horrible challenge or hire her under very severe conditions?”
“Something like she has to risk her own future.”
“That sounds right. It wouldn't be enough to make everyone agree if she cannot overcome such challenges.”
I gulped.
Kirara, now you have your chance but it will be a huge challenge.
“I have one thing in my mind that can be used to test her.”
“You are thinking about ‘THAT' aren't you?”
The Kokonoe sisters looked at each other and smiled devilishly.
Whoa, what evil looks they have! I'm pretty sure they are thinking about something very devilish.
“Let me hear about ‘THAT'.”
Lady Kagura may be used to that kind of devilish behavior of them, because she let them continue without changing her facial expression at all.
“According to the information I have, it supposed to be on today.”
“The shorty will provoke ‘THAT' again.”
THAT? The shorty?
“Oh yes, I just noticed. The open day is coming soon.”
It seems that Lady Kagura and the Kokonoe sisters came up with an idea which can be used to test Kirara.
“I see, it surely is a good idea to take advantage of ‘THAT'.”
Lady Kagura nodded to herself with understanding.
“I have a great idea about how to give Kirara a challenge under what condition too.”
“We can find out if Kirara Hoshino is worth to be chosen as your Seraph and the same time, it can be very persuasive for the surroundings”
The Kokonoe sisters put their hand together just as if they were in the mirror and said, “we can't wait.”
“What is ‘THAT' thing?”
Please don't put on airs like that, I really want to know.
“Hang in there for a moment.”
“The shorty is just about to be coming.”
The Kokonoe sisters looked down outside the window and seemed to find someone.
I put myself against the window too and looked down. There was a group of students coming into this old school building.
“Oh, that's Ms. Himeko...and the principal of students' council?”
There were two more students following the first two familiar face. Latter two face were not familiar to me.
“Are those people going to provoke something on us?”
“Yes they are. Let's wait for a while until they come up here.”
Lady Kagura closed her eyes and exhaled quietly.
****
The elevator to come up to the Tenku Salon stopped with ding sound.
The door opened slowly and someone came out.
Two of them were someone I knew, but unfortunately I didn't know who the other two behind them.
One of them was a Socialite course student. As the Kokonoe sisters called her “The shorty”, she was very short in the height indeed. She was as short as average 5th or 6th grade girls.
Although she seemed to be a junior student just like Ms. Himeko because she was wearing a red bow on your chest. Her bow looked much bigger than others' so it almost covered her entire chest.
Her twin tailed hair tied with frilled ribbon was in red brown color like a red tubby cat and it curled at the end.
And the most noticeable thing about her was the tiara on her head.
I remember Kirara told me once that tiara is the accessory which only salon possessors are allowed to wear.
Her tiara which sparkles on her head was a very cute one with diagonally layered hearts.
The other girl was a Home Economic course student. Unlike the short lady with her, she was very tall and slender like a fashion model. She modestly stood behind her lady with down cast eyes, which made her look very elegant.
With her bangs pinned together with bobby-pins, she has long and neatly braided hair in the back.
The apron and white head piece she was wearing was in different design from mine. It must be in original design of the salon she belonged to. The golden badge on her lapel showed that she was a Seraph. It was obvious that she was this short lady's Seraph.
I could assume that she was a senior student from the purple bow on her chest.
It was my first time to see a possessor of other salon, and I felt that she also has a special aura just like Lady Kagura has.
I'm getting nervous...
“I'm sorry for being late Misaki.”
Ms. Himeko left the group behind and walked up to me. She touched my twin tailed hair softly and smiled.
“Who are those people came in with you?”
“Let me explain it to you.”
It was the principal of the student council, Rika Yasuki a.k.a. Lady Angelica.
I thought I asked Ms. Himeko in very small voice but looks like Lady Angelica had heard me.
“Ms. Kagura, will you call everyone to gather around?”
“Sure. Ayaka, please.”
As Lady Kagura ordered, the Kokonoe sisters went to other members of the Tenku Salon.
“Shall I go with them to help?”
“You don't have to Misaki. Stay by my side.”
“Okay.”
I still don't know what I should do under this kind of circumstances. At least I understand that I should work harder than junior and senior students because I'm, temporarily but, Ms. Himeko Seraph and also a new member of the salon.
However only this time, I was not in need to help because all the other members, who noticed about what's going on here, came to gather around without being called by the Kokonoe sisters.
“Looks like everyone is here.”
Lady Angelica said, looking around all of us.
“Well then, you may all know that this is all about but it is an tradition, so please allow me to explain.”
Lady Angelica cleared her throat once and said,
“Today, on April 24th, there is a someone who challenged the Tenku Salon to a Salon Struggle.”
A Salon Struggle?
“The challenger is Ms. Asuka Nekoyashiki, a possessor of the Seitenrikyu.”
As Lady Angelica introduced the short lady, Lady Asuka Nekoyashiki, who stood behind Lady Angelica, she said, “mm-hmm” and stepped forward with confident.
“Kagura Mikage! Get ready because I will be the one who will win and take over the Tenku Salon this time!”
She pointed her finger at Lady Kagura like she declared war on Lady Kagura.
But Lady Kagura smiles fearlessly back at her.
“Hehehe, you never learn your lesson. No matter how many times you challenged me, I would never surrender the Tenku Salon. Shall I horribly beat you up while trying to avenge previous defeat ?”
“She is right. Why don't you apologize before you start crying?”
“Isn't this your third try? How masochistic you are to challenge Lady Kagura knowing that you will loose again?”
“Whaaaat did you saaaay?”
Whoa, not only does Lady Kagura act provocatively, but also do the Kokonoe sisters.
“Is that okay?”
I asked Ms. Himeko before I knew what I was asking.
Even though they are arrogant, I thought they are allowed to be that way only within the Tenku Salon, like only among family members.
So I didn't think it was not a good idea to behave that way in front a lady In the Socialite course who belongs to different salon. They don't deserve to talk bad about Kirara. But......
“They are both special.”
Ms. Himeko answered like nothing was wrong with it.
Looks like there are no problems.
Special? What is special about them?
It is obvious that the Kokonoe sisters' manners and behavior are completely different from those of other Home Economic course students but I wonder what kind of reason there are to allow them to act like that.
“Please both stop being provocative.”
As Lady Angelica softly calmed their down, they stopped to give off sparks at last.
“So as I explained, the Tenku Salon side needs to check the application form of the challenge and sign it. And please discuss and draw up the date and the type of battle immediately.”
“Certainly.”
Lady Kagura quickly read the document and signed it.
“We will make an announcement about the type of battle tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Lady Angelica checked Lady Kagura's signature and put the documents away. Looked like the contract was made to hold so-called the Salon Struggle.
“Listen. I will definitely and doubtlessly won this battle and take over the Tenku Salon this time! Let's go Mei!”
After Lady Asuka shouted curses at Lady Kagura again, she called out to her Seraph and walked to the elevator.
“Well then ladies, please excuse us. Farewell.”
Unlike Lady Asuka Who was fiercely leaving the scene, Ms. Mei was very peaceful and gentle. She even looked like a professional maid.
I felt that Ms. Mei was more likely a lady than Lady Asuka, who lost her elegant aura already.
After Lady Asuka left, all the member of the Tenku Salon gathered around the center table.
“Well, this is what we all expected. Ayaka, you both had a good plan which is able to rest Kirara Hoshino during the Salon Struggle, didn't you?”
“Yes, it is a super fantastic plan.”
The Kokonoe sisters said it together and both had their devilish smiles again. It gave me nothing but anxiety when I looked at those smiles.
I hope they are not thinking about doing something crazy.
But first of all, I wonder what the Salon Struggle is.
“Excuse me, could I ask one question?”
I could not hold it anymore so I raised my hand to speak.
“What is it?”
As Lady Kagura picked me like a teacher so I felt safe to ask my question.
“What is the Salon Struggle ?”
“Oh, you don't know about it yet Misaki. The word ‘struggle' means a ‘fight' if you translated it straight, but we use it as a word means a competition for salons.”
“A competition?”
“Yes. Basically we all need to pay a fee to use any salon, but the amount of the fee is not designated. So the person who pays the large amount of the fee will receive a right to use the salon. Isn't it simple? But if it is the only way to obtain the right to use salons, all the salon will be dominated by only few people. So we decided to hold the Salon Struggle once in a while in order to give everyone an equal opportunity to use salons of their choice.”
“Wow, I see.”
“Of course they are not trying to use salons taking an official procedures, there are many restrictions on the Salon Struggle challenge. First of all, the Salon Struggle can be applied for only once in every three months. If the challengers loose, they are not allowed to challenge the same salon for the next six months. And current possessor of the salon has privilege to select the date and the place the struggle will be held and what type of battle they will be competing with.”
“What? Then the current possessor can choose the type of battle which will be advantageous to themselves.”
“Of course. The Salon Struggle is the only a saving plan for those who can't afford the official procedure to use the salon. We don't need to give them such a mercy, do we? So there are not a lot of student who challenge the Salon Struggle.”
It seemed like there were a lot more detailed limitations and rules, but any way, it is clear that the battle always tends to be disadvantageous for the challenger side.
For the ladies in the Socialite course, it means a lot for their social status if they can use the famous salon. So I guess it is worth trying even if they know they will loose.
“Do you understand about the Salon Struggle now?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Okay then let's get to the main topic. About this battle, I would like to make it an opportunity to test that girl, Kirara Hoshino. Is there anyone who has any objections?”
Everyone answered “no” to Lady Kagura's question.
She continued after she confirmed everyone's answer.
“Regarding the type of the battle, both Ayaka told me that they have a very good idea. So I would like to hear that. Ayaka.”
“Yes.”
The Kokonoe sisters stood up as they were called.
“With all due respect, please allow us to suggest a plan.”
“It is the battle of table manner.”
“Each competitor started with assigned points, and certain points will be deducted every time they make a mistake.”
“When you look at how well the person behave at the table, you can easily measure the ability of the person.”
“We can find out if Kirara is worth to become Lady Kagura's Seraph within the competition.”
It always is very impressing that they bot hare super harmonized to take turn to speak.
“You are right. It is always said that you will understand your company well if you eat on the same table.”
Lady Kagura nodded to show that she agreed with their plan.
“And Kirara Hoshino will have to fight for the Tenku Salon's fate before she get a chance to become a Seraph.”
“Additionally, if she is disqualified to become a Seraph, she will be expelled.”
“What? No!”
I stood up unintentionally.
Isn't that punishment too harsh on her? I can't believe she has to be forced into such a crucial situation just because she made a proposal to Lady Kagura in order to be chosen as a Seraph.
“Sit down Misaki”
The Kokonoe sisters said it together and gave me a cold glare.
“This is not too much at all. This is completely appropriate.”
“We can't prevent having copycats if we don't show everyone an example.”
“It may be so... but...”
I sat down weakly because I have nothing I can say to argue with them.
“Next, we need to decide who actually will compete in the battle representing the Tenku Salon. Lady Asuka and Ms. Mei will be representing Seitenrikyu.”
“From our Tenku Salon, Lady Kagura and Kirara Hoshino will participate. And...”
For some reason, the Kokonoe sisters was looking at me.
Huh? It may be because...
“Misaki will participate to represent the Tenku Salon as well.”
“I knew it! But why me too?”
“Aren't you the one who asked us to do something about Kirara Hoshino?”
“Then you have to take a responsibility for that.”
“It's true I guess...”
Did I just put myself in a big trouble by any chance?
But I truly wanted their help to do something for Kirara, and I still thought that it would be so much better if she join the Tenku Salon as a Seraph and work there with me.
Though I never anticipated that I would be one of them to fight for the Tenku Salon's fate.
“Um, can't I just reverse what I asked for about..?”
“You can't. Don't even think about it.”
“I know.”
I dropped my head in a disappointment in front the Kokonoe sisters who answered to me in their perfectly harmonized voice.
“Misaki just do your best. I will help you too.”
“Awww Ms. Himeko...”
I cried on Ms. Himeko
“Good girl. You will be fine.”
Well, even Lady Kagura and the Kokonoe sisters must not want to loose the Tenku Salon, so I decided to believe that it was the part of their winning plan.
If it is not, I'm done.
“Well then, we shall inform Lady Angelica and Lady Asuka about what kind of battle it will be tomorrow. I will directly inform Kirara Hoshino about this opportunity.
****
Then, here comes the lunch time on Friday.
As we all expected, Kirara seemed to make the same proposal to Lady Kagura today as well.
Kirara walked toward Lady Kagura as soon as she sat down. We all were getting used to the scene but it still drew attention.
Students in the Home Economic course were quietly watching over Kirara.
It even made the audience nervous just by looking at it, but for me, it was different today.
I didn't have a stomachache anymore. I still had new and other worries, but at least this would be the last time for Kirara to embarrass herself in front of everyone.
I could not sit still for this moment, which would cause a huge change in my and Kirara's life.
When Kirara stood in front of Lady Kagura I met her eyes for a second. She tilted her head in confusion feeling something was different today, but she immediately drew back her eyes at Lady Kagura.
She was going to continue begging today as well, but it was Lady Kagura who took an action first.
“Kirara Hoshino.”
“!!!!”
As Kirara was called by her name, she spontaneously straightened up herself. I guess she did not expect to be called.
Lady Kagura continued.
“I will give you a chance.”
Her words created a stir among all the students watching the scene.
――Lady Kagura have mercy on her.
――No she would be the last one to forgive such a discourtesy.
――She may give her impossible challenge forcing her to quit.
So many predictions and expectation were exchanged between those students and they were still watching over the scene being very curious about what would happen next.
“R-really?”
Kirara said with sparkles in her eyes.
It was natural for her to be excited because it was the first time that Lady Kagura talked to her and moreover she was given a good new. Or at least it sounded like a good news.
“Do you know that Seitenrikyu challenged the Tenku Salon to a Salon Struggle yesterday?”
“Y-Yes.”
-Salon Struggle will be held.
The information about the battle spread out among all the students almost instantly. Students in boarding school in general is starving for some fun that stimulate their school life.
It is the same here for both ladies in the Socialite course and the other students in the Home Economic course.
“You will be competing in the battle.”
“I am?”
“Yes. I will judge you if you are worth to be my Seraph or not during the competition.”
It created even bigger stir in the cafeteria.
“As long as you want to be my Seraph, you have to be loyal enough to fight for me protecting my sanctuary together. Are you willing to devote yourself to the Tenku Salon's fate?”
“I am.”
Kirara answered with no hesitation, looking at straight ahead. I could feel her strong will from her voice.
“Very good. And one other thing.”
I gulped. The most important condition was about to be announced by Lady Kagura. The condition which cannot be accepted feeling halfhearted about it.
“In case that you are disqualified to become my Seraph, you will leave this academy.”
“Wh....”
Even Kirara could not say yes immediately to accept this condition. Not only does she have to fight for the fate of the Tenku Salon, but she also have to risk her own future.
That just costs too much. That's how normal people may think.
However Kirara shook off her hesitation right away.
“I understand. I accept the condition .”
Kirara said to Lady Kagura very clearly.
Lady Kagura smiled looking very satisfied with Kirara's answer.
“Good answer. Then come to the Tenku Salon at today's recess. I will give you more detailed information there. Misaki, you will show her the way.”
“Certainly.”
As long as Kirara decided to give a shot, I have to be prepared as well. I was relieved from the threat of having stomach ulcer from being so nervous, but my stomach will be in pain for other reasons.
****
After school, when I went to the Tenku Salon with Kirara as I promised, Ms. Himeko and Lady Kagura were already there on their seat at the center table.
The Kokonoe sisters were standing behind Lady Kagura as usual.
There were also Lady Angelica, Lady Asuka, and Ms. Mei.
“Welcome.”
“We are very happy to have you as a teammate to fight together at the Salon Struggle. We all warmly welcome you.”
It was clearly visible that Kirara was very nervous because she was greeted by both Ms. Himeko and Lady Kagura.
I got used to it already and moreover, I came to this academy without knowing how honored to be able to speak with those two special ladies, so I couldn't understand, but normally everyone would react just like Kirara did in the same situation.
Obviously because Ms. Himeko is an acting executive director of the Amanotsuka All-girls' academy and Lady Kagura is the possessor of the Tenku Salon, which is the top rated salon among all the other salons. They are as special as a god.
“Th-thank you very much for giving such a kind and thoughtful mercy on me. I will do my best to meet your expectations and devote myself entirely for the victory of the Tenku Salon.”
Kirara bowed deeply but awkwardly like rusting robot running out of oil and making squeaky sounds.
“You don't have to be so formal and so nervous. Why don't you have a seat?”
Lady Kagura had her bitter smile on her face for Kirara.
“Y-Yes. Excuse me.”
Kirara was as quiet as a mouse comparing to how she usually is in front of me.
“You too, Misaki. Have a seat.”
“Yes”
Well, I could not tease about Kirara. Because I couldn't help myself from being nervous if I think about myself competing at the Salon Struggle.
As I sat next to Kirara, I sighed a little.
“Well, now we have all the cast here, let us begin to explain.”
After they confirmed that everyone was on their seat, the Kokonoe sisters announced it together and brought out the white board from nowhere.
Older Ms. Ayaka would host the presentation and the younger Ms. Ayaka would be writing down information on the board.
“First of all, the type of the battle for this Salon Struggle will be the battle of table manner.”
“Table manner?”
It was Lady Asuka Who interrupted immediately.
“Yes. A lady must know the proper table manner, how much more must the possessor of the Tenku Salon. Please consider this battle as a test to see if you are worth to become a possessor of the Tenku Salon as well.”
Unlike yesterday, the Kokonoe sisters acted against Lady Asuka more gently.
Is it because Lady Angelica reproved them for what they said yesterday? Or is it just because that's how they separate their emotion when they are in public?
“Hump! Whatever.”
Lady Asuka snorted.
In this case, it was more likely that she didn't have a right to refuse the proposal rather than she didn't care because we had the right to make all the decision on how to battle. They basically only can agree with it.
“Hehehe. I like how high spirited you are.”
Older Ms. Ayaka showed her smile looking like she was making fun of Lady Asuka. I could see that she was holding herself back very hard not to be rude to Lady Asuka.
“Before I move on to explain the detail of the battle, there is one condition we would like Lady Asuka to accept.”
“What is it?”
“In this battle, Lady Asuka and Ms Mei will participate in the competition representing the Seitenrikyu, but from the Tenku Salon, three people will participate.”
“Huh? What's up with that? Two against three? It is not fair!”
It was very natural that Lady Asuka felt it is unfair. Even though we had the right to decide how to battle, the condition which is clearly and completely unfair to the other side may cause trouble.
“Do not worry. This condition will turn out to be an advantage to your side.”
“???”
“Lady Kagura, Misaki, and Kirara Hoshino, the girl who has been creating a stir in the academy for the past couple days, will be representing the Tenku Salon to compete in this battle.”
As older Ms. Ayaka introduces Kirara, she awkwardly bowed. Seemed that she was still nervous.
“Oh, you ended up making her your Seraph?”
“No. Not yet.”
Lady Kagura answered.
“I would like to judge if she is worthy to become my Seraph during this battle. Therefore, I'm asking you to accept the condition that one of our competitor is not an official member of the Tenku Salon.”
“I don't really care about that...The most important thing I do care is that if the condition we have to accept can be our total disadvantage or not.”
Lady Asuka said it in sharp tongue. She was desperate to negotiate for as better conditions as possible.
“We will explain it later so please hold on for the moment. I just want to let you know for now that it cannot be your disadvantage.”
Older Ms. Ayaka got the better of Lady Asuka and continued to explain.
“Now, let's get to the very important part, the food. For this battle, French full-course style meal arranged with some twists will be served. The eight course dishes including hors-d'oeuvre, soup, Poisson, sorbet, entrée, salado, entremet, and café will be served.”
Younger Ms. Ayaka wrote down what older Ms. Ayaka said on the board.
I wanted to shake my head as I was looking at it.
Hors-d'oeuvre and soup...okay. Even I know what they are. But what on the earth is Poisson? sorbet? entrée? No idea at all.
French meal can be nothing but unknown object for me. I felt more and more discouraged.
“Before serving each course dishes, Lady Kagura and Lady Asuka will draw lots to decide what kind of dishes will be served. Depending on what type of dishes will be served, the proper manner to eat and how hard it is to eat properly will vary. Perhaps some of them have Italian arrange to it or it can be something more in Japanese traditional style. If you are lucky enough, you may have all easy and simple dishes. Of course we all don't know what will be served until lots are drawn. Also we want you to trust us that we will never tell anyone about what will be served because for us, it will be a test for Kirara to make a judgement on her ability as well. Are we on the same page so far?”
“Hmm, Okay, I don't have any objection.”
Lady Asuka nodded respectfully.
“Then I will explain about scoring system next. Each competitor will be assigned certain amount of points at the beginning. And every time they make a mistake, certain points will be deducted from the initial points.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Lady Kagura, Lady Asuka, and Ms. Mei will start with 15 points each and Misaki and Kirara will have 10 points each at the beginning.”
“Huh? Wait a minute. That means that we only have 30 points total while your side has 35 points total at the beginning. Why do we have to start off with 5 points less than your side?”
Lady Asuka was right about the calculation.
“Oh, don't you see how fair enough this condition is?”
“Huh? How could I see?”
Lady Asuka banged her hands on the table and stood up. Older Ms. Ayaka shook her head watching how Lady Asuka reacted.
“Okay, take your time and think about it. If the points will be added as the battle proceeding, it is obvious that we would have an advantage of obtaining more points with three competitors. However, it is completely opposite if the points will be deducted as the battle goes on because we will loose points from three competitors. For example, if all the competitors make the same mistake, your side will lose only two points while we loose three points. Moreover, the worse the mistake is, the bigger the point deduction will be. So, the five points difference at the beginning doesn't mean anything at all. Besides, you have Ms. Mei who is a very skillful Seraph as a competitor, while we have two freshman students who just entered this academy. They are hardly familiar with proper table manner, so we have to train them from scratch. Don't you see how much more disadvantages we have then your side?”
“Grrrr.”
I see. Now I feel like this condition is pretty fair to both side. In fact, I don't know anything about proper table manner.
But Lady Asuka wasn't convinced easily. It may be just because it was explained by older Ms. Ayaka. I assumed that it was mentally challenging to Lady Asuka to accept whatever older Ms. Ayaka said after being ridiculed by her.
“Mei, what do you think?”
“Well, let me see...”
As Lady Asuka asked Ms. Mei, she put her hand on her cheek and thought about it for a while.
“I'm not sure how the difference in the initial points between us and them will affect the result, but according to what older Ms. Ayaka explained, I don't think the condition is not bad at all. If it was the Kokonoe sisters who would compete in the battle, we cannot expect our side to be a winner, but there must be a chance for us to win if their competitors are freshman students.”
Ms. Mei looked at us in a suspicious way. Or, I should've said she turned to us because she always closes her eyes so I couldn't tell if she was really looking at us.
“For instance, how many points will be deducted for the worst mistake you have mentioned before?”
Ms. Mei asked older Ms. Ayaka.
“Let's see. Outrageous taboo can cost about three points.”
“Then, if two of your competitors make the similar mistake once at the same time, and if we don't make any mistake, we will be winning already.”
“That's correct.”
“That doesn't sound bad at all.”
Unlike how she was a moment ago, Lady Asuka was excited and happily raised her voice.
“Mei and I own the perfect table manner. We won't make any mistake at all, will we Mei?”
“No, we won't, Lady Asuka.”
Ms. Mei respectfully bowed to Lady Asuka. It seemed to be that Ms. Mei was deeply trusted by Lady Asuka.
“Then, do you accept these conditions?”
“Yes. Bring the battle on.”
Lady Asuka nodded with confidence.
“Thank you very much. And at the last, regarding the date of the battle. It will be on up coming Monday at the recess. The battle will be held at the Ecole Kitchen Elise. We will have a guest chef so we will only be borrowing the restaurant as a place for the battle.”
“Where is it?”
“Where? Don't you know about it better than me?”
Older Ms. Ayaka tilted her head in confusion.
The Ecole Kitchen Elise is a small European style restaurant which is located in the wood spread behind the Palace Francoise, a dorm building for the Socialite course students. The exterior of the restaurant is in Provence style, which makes you feel like you are in the French countryside. It is truly a fantastic restaurant but it is not popular for some reasons. There are only two or three groups of customers every time I go. Maybe because they don't do any advertisements, the place is known to only certain people.
The reason why I know such a secret place is because Ms. Himeko took me there couple of times. The restaurant is one of her favorite place and she has been their good customer for a while.
So it was not surprising that Lady Asuka didn't know about the place.
“Do you know where it is, Mei?”
“Um, yes...”
Ms. Mei nodded little awkwardly. Then she started to whisper something to Lady Asuka's ear.
All of the sudden, Lady Asuka exclaimed, “what?” in surprising voice.
“Elise is the owner of the restaurant? Is she being involved in such a thing?”
“Yes....”
Sounded like Lady Asuka knew the owner of the restaurant. And she didn't know about the place? I was surprised how little the restaurant is known.
“Now you know where it is, don't you?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.”
Lady Asuka nodded strongly.
After all the explanations were being made, and after we all agreed on the conditions, Lady Angelica stood up and said,
“Well then, the Salon Struggle will be held on Monday after school at the Ecole Kitchen Elise. I'm hoping all of you will have a great and fair battle.”
****
After Lady Angelica and Lady Asuka left, we were having a meeting to make a plan and to prepare for the battle.
Nothing comes before learning proper table manner for Kirara and me, or else we cannot even start the battle.
“We only have two days of this Saturday and Sunday. So the best way would be having someone to teach you two. I think two days will be long enough.”
Lady Kagura said casually, but for me there are “only” two days.
I cannot imagine myself to obtain proper table manner completely within only two days. I'm assuming that it would be much harder than studying to pass an exam.
“We could teach you two but”
“We may accidentally slip our tongue and tell you something about the battle. So we better count on someone else.”
Unexpectedly the Kokonoe sisters is willing to fight fair and square. I guess we shouldn't expect them to give us a small hint to win.
I was hoping that it would be much easier battle...
As long as we have the right to make a decision on how to battle, it is impossible for us to loose, but I'm feeling like I'm on the edge for some reasons.
“I think it is the best to ask Lady Himeko to teach them.”
“You're right. Since Kirara is being tested at the same time during the battle, it doesn't make sense if Lady Kagura teach them for it.”
“That's true. Himeko, will you do it for us?”
“Yes, with my pleasure.”
Ms. Himeko nodded looking very happy.
“Be prepare, girls. I will be very tough on you two.”
“Y-Yes.”
“I really appreciate your help.”
Now, I can neither run away nor hide anymore.
Kirara and I nodded preparing our mind for many things to happen soon.
****
The training had begun within the same day.
However, we could not start practicing at the restaurant from the beginning, so we started with classroom lecture.
Kirara and I were invited to the study room in Palace Francoise and we were sitting there with a book.
The book was called “Table Manners A to Z”
Looked like this would be our textbook.
Ms. Himeko was full of enthusiasm. She dressed like a female teacher with a white blouse and a short navy tight skirt. She was even wearing a fake glasses.
She seemed to be having fun being a teacher.
“Today, we will start off with the basics of proper table manner. Tomorrow, we will begin a practical training. I will contact Elise to set up a table for us.”
“Yes.”
Kirara and I answered at the same time.
“Do you two know how to hold a knife and a fork?”
How to hold, how to hold....
I imagined that there were a knife and a fork in front of me, but all I can do is just to grab them with my hands.
Who am I trying to battle with?
“You should hold a fork with your left hand and hold a knife with your right hand. Hold both of them with your forefingers on the back.”
“Correct.”
Oh, I see.
“There you go Kirara.”
“It is just a common sense.”
She gave me a cold reply for my innocent comment.
I never sat down on the table where I have to use knives and forks so there was no clue for me.
As long as I have chopsticks, I can eat everything. That's my theory....which I just made up.
“It's alright. No one knows at the beginning.”
Awwww how sweet Ms. Himeko is.
If it was the Kokonoe sisters, they would definitely reproached me.
“I will show you the proper way to hold them tomorrow, so for the moment, please pretend to hold them in your hands.”
Ms. Himeko pulled up her both hands and held them right below her chest and took her invisible knife and fork. The way she held them was so perfect that I could almost see an actual knife and fork in her hands. It meant that she owns the manner.
She is a true lady. I was mesmerized by her.
“Come one you two, do the same.”
Kirara and I tried to be as elegant as Ms. Himeko was but we were somehow very awkward.
“First, you need to learn the posture. You basically need to pose like a shape of number eight in Chinese character like this. And you should never put the tip of knife upwards. Once you put your fork on food, you gently and quietly cut it with your knife. If you try to keep the shape of eight in Chinese character, you will look perfectly elegant.”
Hmmm. I was doing correctly in my imagination.
“Anyway, nothing comes before being beautiful and elegant. That's all you need to keep it in your mind. And also, you need to memorize the rules of dos and don'ts for using a knife and fork.”
――Do not make any sounds
――Cut food from the left end
――Do not switch hands to hold knife and fork
.... etc.
“Ugh, that's too much.”
I'm overloaded and confused.
“You are feeling that way because it is your first time to learn these things. You will get used to it very soon. Also it is good to learn manner now so that you won't embarrass yourself when you grow up.”
“That's so true.”
I don't know if I need to know the table manner if I decided to become a maid, but it is always good to know if I will be getting a regular job.
“Okay, to follow what I taught you already, let's move on to what to do in the actual battle in details. First, hors-d'oeuvre. Basically, you need to cut it into small pieces to fit your mouth. Use a knife and a fork placed at the very end of the silverware set. Be aware for a canape? and caviar. You can eat canape? with your hand but you should use your spoon to eat caviar. If there are some crackers on its sides, put caviar on it and eat them together.”
What is canape??
It reminds me of other unfamiliar words. I don't know what “Poisson” and “entrée” are.
I may first need some explanation of these each words or else I can't even follow what Ms. Himeko says.
For me, it will be tougher, more than I ever imagined, to own proper table manner.
****
“Ahhhhh. I'm exhausted.”
As soon as I came back to my own room after Ms. Himeko's lecture about the proper table manner, I fell on my bed.
Ms. Himeko's lecture continued for almost three hours. My head was all about table manner.
It's better not to do something you are not used to. I was mentally exhausted more than I was physically.
“Don't make sound when you eat soup.... Don't pull up a plate of salad with your hand. Use knife and fork to eat them and for something too thin to use fork put them together in the layer....”
Right next to me, Kirara Was murmuring to herself to review what she learned today.
She pretended that there were a dish in front of her to practice how to cut foods over and over again, so she looked like a good pant-miner.
“Did you get all memorized, Kirara?”
“Fish meuniere, you have to peel off the fin first.... I haven't yet but I will memorize everything I was taught today before I go to bed.”
She stopped her hand once to answer my question but she started to move her invisible knife and fork right away.
Kirara is tough.
No......it is natural for Kirara to be desperate because her future depends on the result of the battle.
I will regret forever for not being able to help her from being expelled.
Okay!
“Kirara, I will practice together with you.”
I pulled up myself from the bed and faced against Kirara.
“Oh well, are you motivated suddenly?”
“Yes. There is no time for me to rest because we can't loose this battle, right?”
I took my invisible knife and fork, then posed in the shape of eight in Chinese character.
“Um, when we east fish meuniere, cut it along with its bone using a knife and put nearer half of it on the nearer side of the plate, am I right?”
“Yes. After we eat it all, we will work on the far side of the fish. Then take out the bone with knife and fork.”
“We never turn the fish upside down.”
“Neither can for meat with bone. If there is a finger bowl prepared, it is okay to eat it with your fingers but it is always better to eat it with knife and fork.”
It is very tough to learn proper table manner but I can keep up with it because I'm not alone. It would make me even happier if we can be better friend by going through this challenge together. We practiced all the way through until our bed time over and over again checking each points we learned today.
****
“Well today, we will practice using actual dishes.”
“Yes.”
The next day, we were at the Ecole Kitchen Elise where the battle will be held with Ms. Himeko.
The place has wall painted in gray and orange roof. Once you step inside opening its antique wooden door, you will feel as if you are in a salon from medieval time.
We were the only customer of the day for such a beautiful restaurant. I don't think they are closed for us. There is no clear reason I can think of for the restaurant being unpopular. It's true that it is not the busiest hours and still early for lunch, but no one even come to have tea or coffee?
As long as the restaurant is Ms Himeko's favorite, the place shouldn't be bad. Speaking of Ms. Himeko, she dressed like a female teacher again today.
I wonder she likes the style. She looked great in what she was wearing. She always looks mature for her age but in these cloths she looked even more mature. She was very sexy even I got little nervous looking at her.
“I asked to prepare some dishes which will possibly be served at the battle guessing from the personalities of both Ms Ayaka. Let's bring them on one by one to master how to eat them.”
“Yes.”
I'm fully motivated today.
I decided to do the best of my best for the Tenku Salon and for Kirara.
“Well then, please.”
“Certainly.”
It was the chef of this restaurant who answered. In fact, all the staff working here were students in the Home Economic course. This is not really surprising because almost all the staff of the shops inside the academy are the students in the Home Economic course. Even at the general store, the lingerie stop, and the food court in Palace Francoise, many Home Economic course students are working part time.
It is prohibited by school policy to work part time outside the academy, but many students earn good enough money by working part time at those stores inside the academy. Additionally, it provides those students with great opportunities to meet ladies in the Socialite course. As a result, there has been many actual cases that the students in the Home Economic course were recognized by the ladies that they had great skills while they were working. And they ended up being selected as Seraph or Exousia.
“Thank you very much for waiting. Here you are.”
“Ugh”
Here came the first dish and I groaned when I saw it.
It was the famous dish that many people may have heard the name, but not many of them have actually ate it.
“It's Escargot a la Bourguignonne.”
Totally unexpected dish came the first.
It has a green sauce over snail shell.
How can it be appetizing?
Well, of course, it may be is for someone else. But for me, I can't help myself reminding of a green juice when I look at the sauce.
But there is no way I can refuse to eat it.
When did I start being in the position that I have to force myself to challenge something unknown? I wanted to complain to no one.
“How can I eat this?”
Looked like Kirara had no idea at all as well.
We have not practiced how to eat this certain dish, not even once.
“You need to use a special tool called a tong. Hold a tong with your left hand and use a fork with your right hand to pull out what's inside.”
“I see”
It was not difficult at all anymore because Ms. Himeko taught us all about how to eat it.
“You can eat the sauce left inside the snail shell with a bread if there's any served along with, or you can drink it directly. But looks like it is not Misaki's favorite sauce.”
“Hahaha...”
She knew everything.
“The sauce is made of chopped parsley and garlic mixed with butter. Anyway, it is not a problem at all as long as you can eat what's inside the shell properly. It is just a waste of your point if you do something unsure and spill the sauce.
Our special training, which started off with unexpected dish, got harder and harder.
Cling sounds everywhere, cherry tomatoes were rolling away everywhere, and soup was slopping around everywhere....
It looked like a real battle fields.
I wheezed heavily.
How come I can hardly breathe from only having a meal?
“Ms. Hoshino is getting better, but Misaki, you still need to work even harder.”
Ms. Himeko sighed deeply as if she was in shock.
“All right, I know, I'm the clumsy one.”
Little did I dream that practical training could be as hard as this much.
When I was practicing with Kirara I thought I could do little better than this.
“I wonder if you understand how to control your pressure.... okay, I will show you directly.”
“What?”
Ms. Himeko said so and came around to stand behind me then she put her hands over mine.
“Hold a cherry tomato with your knife like this and put your fork into it diagonally. Don't try to cut something hard with all your strength. Instead, try to cut it little by little by pulling your knife gradually.”
“Y-Yes.”
I had never noticed before but Ms. Himeko's fingers were so white, thin, and very smooth. The hands started to move my hands as if I was on wires. I was able to cut the cherry tomato, which I had having a very hard time to even make it stay on the plate on my own, very easily with her direction.
“Don't be relieved until you completely put it into your mouth. If you drop it before it is in your mouth, your will lose your point.”
My left hand which was controlled by Ms. Himeko's left hand brought the cherry tomato into my mouth. While she was feeding me, I was being impressed deeply by how well-educated and trained Ms. Himeko was. It seemed to be nothing special for her to eat everything properly.
“Okay, we don't have a time to rest. The more you practice, the better you will get, and the more confident you will be. So let's keep going as long as we can.”
“Yes.”
After that, we continued our training using the entire weekend.
As the result, I was confident enough to feel like nothing can interrupt me to perform perfectly.