REIKA-SAMA -259

School ended early today, so I met with mother after school. After going to the beauty salon with her, we were to have dinner with father after work.


Just as I want to go on a date in my uniform, mother enjoys going out with me in the Zuiran uniform.


"I won't be able to see you in this uniform for much longer. So sad…"


"Yes, I've worn this for 11 years, though the elementary school had slight differences. I'm reluctant to part from it, also."


"You, too? Then let's go out often until graduation."


"Yes." If I can make her happy being with her in a uniform, I'll do that as much as you want.


"Welcome, Kisshouin-sama."


We were greeted at my mother's salon, and she underwent the anti-aging treatment, while I used the whitening treatment. Sakura-chan gave me that insulting advice that white skin hides problems, after all. After increasing blood flow using a footbath with rose petals, I receive a facial treatment.


"Reika-sama, have you been tired or stressed recently?"


"You can tell?"


The pressure of entrance exams, and the inability to learn as I wish. With trouble at school and the problems brought to me by Kaburagi and Enjou, my fragile soul is exhausted.


"Yes, your mimetic muscles are a little stiff, increasing waste products that lead to some swelling. You seem to stress around the forehead often. That may lead to wrinkles, so we should treat it."


"Please do!" Wrinkles on my forehead!? Too terrifying! This is all their fault…


"Reika-sama, you're too tight… Please relax."


"I'm sorry." I couldn't control my anger… I close my eyes. Relax, relax…


An hour later, I awake, and the swelling is gone, and I was smooth and white. As expected, this suits me better than training.


We leave the beauty salon and go shopping. As we walked to the store, "Oh, if it isn't Kisshouin-sama."


We turned around and found the always flashy Kaburagi mom!


"Oh, Kaburagi-sama! Gokigen yoh."


"Gokigen yoh, Kisshouin-sama. I saw the Zuiran uniform and wondered who it was, and it was Reika-san, so I had to call." The uniform caused this! It really does stand out. I don't know who else has seen me. I should watch where I wear this. Kaburagi stands out by himself, so I should just reject the commoner tour with him. I swear it.


"So where are the two of you been?"


"I just came out from the beauty salon with my daughter."


"Oh, so that's why your skin looks even more gleaming than usual."


"Hohoho. You're too kind, Kaburagi-sama."


"Oh, don't be modest. I always admire your sense of style. Reika-san's beauty is passed down from her mother. Is she not a mother's pride?"


I laugh in an ambiguous manner so that it can be interpreted either way.


"I know. The new hotel we're building just signed an exclusive contract with an organic beauty salon, the first in Japan. Please come when it opens. I've tried them myself, so I can confidently invite even Kisshouin-sama."


"Oh, my! I'll look forward to it when the time comes."


"I'm so glad. Reika-san, please attend with your mother!"


"Thank you very much. I'll look forward to it along with my mother."


Kaburagi-mom nodded in satisfaction, and said, "Oh, girls are so nice. To be able to walk around with a cute daughter like this. My boy's not cute at all."


"Oh, but we've heard how capable Masaya-sama has been. He's the president of the Pivoine, and shown outstanding leadership. The Kaburagi Group will be secure with such a wonderful heir."


"Hohoho. He's still green, I'm afraid. I've heard that your son, Takateru-san succeeded in a huge project. So impressive."


After praising each other's children, Kaburagi-mom slapped her hands with her brilliant nails together. "Oh, my. I was enjoying myself so much, I've kept you so long. Forgive me. I believe that you've received an invitation already, but is Reika-san coming to our Star Festival party?"


"Eh?"


"Reika-san doesn't attend parties often, so I'm always disappointed in not seeing you. Masaya is also participating in our Star Festival party, and there are many other young ones coming, so please come at ease."


"Um, uh…"


"That's wonderful, Reika-san. Masaya-sama is coming, let's accept this invitation. I'm looking forward to choosing Reika-san's dress."


"Oh, how splendid, choosing a dress together. I'm looking forward to seeing that dress." I didn't have time to answer, and now I'm attending!? I don't want to go…. But I can't turn it down now…


"Why don't I have Masaya escort Reika-san?"


"Oh, Reika-san! Isn't that wonderful!"


"No, I'm sure that Masaya-sama is busy. I'll have my parents, so your feelings will be enough for me."


"Oh, really?"


Mother glared at me disappointed, but there's no way Kaburagi's escorting me. I'm getting stomach pains just thinking about it.


Kaburagi mom left grandly, leaving me to my stomach pains.


Mother and I waited at the bar of the French restaurant drinking champagne and a non-alcoholic cocktail when father arrived. Onii-sama was too busy, unfortunately. Onni-sama has to work, but father doesn't?


We were led to our seats, and a beautifully arranged appetizer was brought out. Oh, delicious.


"We ran into madam Kaburagi, and Reika-san will be attending their next party."


"Oh, that's rare. Reika said she didn't want to attend them while she was still in school.


"Yes…" I couldn't turn Kaburagi mom down while she watched…


"But Reika-san turned down an offer to have Masaya-sama escort her."


"Why? What a waste."


"Isn't it?"


I pretend not to hear and keep eating. Oh, the aroma on this white-fish… delicious.


"But Reika brought home the younger son of the Enjou's, so she must be making plenty of friendly relations at Zuiran."


Hmm… friendly relations? Serika-chan and the others are the same as always, Fuyuko-sama is different, but we're able to speak freely, Wakaba-chan and I get along, the kids at the Petit are cute, especially Yukino-kun, and Kaburagi and Enjou make me run errands, but I guess you can call that friendly.


"I guess so," I nodded.


"But even Zuiran has students of a different nature starting in high school. They must be excellent students to pass the entrance exam, but grades aren't enough, right."


Huh…?


"It's how the school works, but many of the guardians were worried about how allowing so many unfit for the school traditions may cause Zuiran's reputation problems."


"Yes, we can't have Reika be affected by their problems or bad influences by those unworthy enter Zuiran in the first place. Are you okay, Reika?"


"…Uh, yes. We're all working hard."


"All right. If you have any problems at school, let me know. I'll respond immediately."


"…"


"Reika-san's friends are all nice young ladies since the elementary school, so I'm relieved."


The meals that were delicious until now felt heavy in my stomach…

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