Takane no Hana - Volume 2 Chapter 11

At Masatsugu-san’s suggestion, I was invited directly to the Tennoji family’s dining table.

It was supposed to be a study session, but it suddenly turned out to be a practice session. I was confused, but Tennoji-san was more than willing. When she said, “Of course you learn more by practicing than by learning.” ……, I couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

It was 7 pm.

Having eaten the English-style food laid out in front of me, I wiped my mouth with the inside of my napkin and placed the cutlery on my plate.

“Thank you for the meal.”

As soon as I said those words, my tense feeling loosened up a bit.

To be honest, I didn’t have much time to enjoy the taste. The food must have been served at a high level, but my mind was occupied with practicing my manners and not letting my nervousness show on my face.

“…… Hmm.”

Masatsugu, who was sitting across from me, looked straight at me.

“Well, you’re in good hands. At least I didn’t feel uncomfortable eating with you this time.”

“Oh, thank you very much.”

I bowed my head in admiration.

“Father, isn’t your judgment a little weak? His movements are still a bit awkward when he drinks the soup.”

Tennoji-san tilted the cup of tea to her lips as she said this.

The graceful movement was not something that could be imitated.

“Sure, I did notice that he was a little nervous, but …… well, that’s because I’m the one who’s facing him! You can’t help it.”

Masatsugu laughed vigorously.

The tension that had been building up eased, thanks to him.

If I think about it calmly, …… this might be a good opportunity.

It is a valuable experience to be able to hear various things from a person in a particularly high position in the upper class, like this one. Kagen-san, the head of the Konohana family, is rarely seen as he is always working at the main residence.

“Um ……, do you have any tips on how to avoid getting nervous in these situations?”

Since this was a great opportunity, I wanted some advice.

So, I asked Masatsugu-san.

“Hmm. …… I’ll ask you the opposite, do you think there are people who don’t get nervous in these situations?”

Masatsugu-san asked me back.

I couldn’t answer that question right away, at least he didn’t seem to be nervous during this meal…….

“Perhaps the reason you asked me that question is because I don’t seem to be a nervous person?”

“Eh!? No, that’s not the …… reason.”

“What’s the truth?”

“It’s ……………… a little bit…”

“Ha-ha-ha! That’s good honesty!”

Masatsugu smiled happily.

However, I was not making fun of Masatsugu-san. On the contrary, I asked him the question because I admired his dignified behavior.

“It is true that I am a person who is almost never nervous. I can carry this attitude to anyone.”

“To everyone……?”

“Hmm. I don’t lose this attitude even in front of the Prime Minister.”

The mention of the Prime Minister startled me inwardly. However, it was no surprise that the head of the Tennoji Group would mention the word. I guess he is in a position where he can easily have dinner with anyone if he feels like it.

However, I was surprised that he would maintain this attitude even when dealing with the prime minister.

I’m sure he wasn’t joking. Masatsugu-san told me as a matter of fact.

“But that’s just for the present.”

Masatsugu added.

“No one can start out with such an attitude. I had a hard time when I was young, but over the years I’ve built up a lot of accomplishments, and that’s how I got where I am today.”

Then Masatsugu looked at me with eyes that held a strong will.

“Make achievements. Just take action. …… It doesn’t matter if you fail. It’s what you have done in the past that will support you when the time comes.”

The words were spoken with dignity.

“You must have at least one thing in your life, right?　Something you’ve accomplished with strong conviction.”

This question reminded me of a time about half a month ago.

When I had been dismissed as a caretaker and was about to be separated from Hinako. I had broken into the Konohana house because I wanted to stand next to Hinako again. That feeling was nothing short of conviction.

“–Yes.”

I was able to affirm it with such confidence that even I was surprised.

Seeing me like that, Masatsugu nodded in satisfaction.

“Mmm, good look. I’m sure that experience will become your core. I hope you can build on that.”

As soon as Masatsugu concluded his talk, the servants beside him began to remove the plates from the dining table.

Somehow, I felt that I understood how great Masatsugu-san is.

Unlike Kagen-san, he did not exude an air of seriousness. But that’s not because he’s not good at being serious, it’s just because he doesn’t need to be.

Masatsugu believes that he will not be betrayed by the other party without taking the trouble to act in a dignified manner.

It’s not that he trusts the sincerity of the other party. Masatsugu has struggled so hard that the other party can only be sincere. He trusts in his past self.

At that moment…

“Mm.”

There was a sound of thunder nearby.

Masatsugu let out a slight squeak and looked at the window. I was caught up and looked out the window as well.

“Rain? When did it ……”

“It started raining around the time we started eating. Nishinari-san was so nervous that he didn’t seem to notice.”

Tennoji-san said in a dumbfounded tone.

As she said, I didn’t notice it at all.

“There’s a heavy rain warning, isn’t there? I heard it was supposed to be a light rain on the news this morning…….”

Masatsugu said, looking at the tablet in his hand.

“Father…….”

“Hmm. I suppose that would be good.”

Tennoji-san and Masatsugu-san were making some eye contact.

Masatsugu put his tablet on the table and looked at me.

“Nishinari-kun, you should stay at our house today.”

“…… Ah?”