Episode One Hundred and Thirteen

After consulting with Kikuno-san, we decided to make our move on the Miyazono household tomorrow, Sunday afternoon.
It was sudden, but considering Ibara’s state of mind, we couldn’t afford to dawdle.
Ibara’s mother is busy, but according to the housekeeper’s information, she should be at home from tomorrow evening onwards.
I suppose we should consider that fortunate.
Though I said, “I’ll manage somehow,” I don’t really have a plan. At best, I have something that could be called resolve or determination.
With the housekeeper’s help, we’ll get inside and meet Ibara. Then, I’ll tell her what needs to be said.
That’s all.
After that, it’s up to Ibara. I don’t want to do anything heroic like rescuing a captive princess.
Ibara should decide her own path.
　But if that girl is trying to sacrifice something for my sake, that won’t do. That alone I cannot allow.
Because.
If a sacrifice is truly necessary, then surely it should be me, the adult.

†

A lonely bed is hard to sleep in. Still, that night I forced myself to sleep. I got a solid eight hours of sleep and ate breakfast properly. Rice, bacon and eggs, shredded lettuce.

“Right then.”

I prepared for battle with meeting-appropriate makeup and a grey trouser suit I rarely wore even for work.
I know it doesn’t suit me. But this is a matter of resolve.

“Off I go.”

I called out to the still-empty room and locked the door.

　I met up with Kikuno-san at Tokyo Station. She was also in trousers, but her figure was much better and she looked far more put-together than me.
We took the Shinkansen and then a local train to our destination station. It was an area famous as a resort for holiday homes. We took a taxi from the station.

“Here we are.”
“…I see.”

I got out of the back seat and looked at the house we were aiming for.
　A pristine two-storey house. Over the hedges encircling it, I could see the gently sloping roof.
The neighbourhood played a part, but it had the unmistakable air of a wealthy family’s villa.
The vast main gate, wide enough for any car to enter with ease, stood firmly shut.

“Let’s go round the back.”

“Yes.”

We skirted the hedges. Late May was approaching, and the air carried the scent of deep green.
The hedges seemed meticulously tended, with leaves changing shape at regular intervals. Some even bore flowers.
Particularly eye-catching was a flower with white sepals and blue-purple petals spreading radially, its pistils resembling the hour and minute hands of a clock.
I wasn’t particularly knowledgeable, but I recognised this flower.
A passionflower.

“Was there such a conspicuous flower last year?”

Kikuno-san murmured softly.

“It’s a large garden, but does Nobara-san tend it?”

“No. They must employ a professional gardener. Though she might instruct them on what to plant.”

“…I see.”

Turning to the rear, there was a gate just large enough for one person to pass through.
There was a keyhole. Meaning it was the type that could be locked.
Yet when Kikuno-san lowered the handle, it opened easily. The housekeeper, who was her friend, must have discreetly unlocked it beforehand.
A narrow path led from the gate to the mansion.
Dirt-stained planters lined the path, filled with various flowers and plants.
Whether the gardener tending them was meticulous or not, small wooden signs bore their names. Lavender, lemon balm, spearmint, German chamomile.
The chamomile, right at its flowering season, bore sparse clusters of white blossoms.

“Amami-san, is something wrong?”

“No.”

We reached the inner door of the mansion.
Beyond this point, one wrong step… no. Even without a wrong step, this is trespassing.
Kikuno-san questioned me with her eyes. Ready?
I took a deep breath, then let it out.
I nodded slowly.

The back door led to a compact tiled entrance. I slipped off my pumps and stepped inside. The exterior had already seemed spacious, but once inside, it was all the more apparent.

“The children’s room is upstairs.”

Kikuno-san pointed towards the spiral staircase, which opened up into the lofted space.

“I don’t think Nobara and Natori-chan will be back yet, so you should go now.”

“And you, Kikuno-san?”

“I’ll be off to renew old acquaintances with our insider.”

“Ah, in that case…”

I handed Kikuno-san the paper bag I’d been carrying all this time. It contained a box of macarons from Dalloyau, bought yesterday at the department store on my way home.

“Oh.”

“Please give my regards. And thank you so very much, Shinomori-san. For indulging my whims…”

“You worry too much. But yes, I suppose some tea and sweets would be nice.”

Taking the bag, Kikuno-san walked towards the far end of the corridor. I wished I could emulate her straight posture and light step.
　I headed for the stairs. Stepping firmly, one pale wooden step at a time, I ascended.
Kikuno-san had told me where the children’s room was. I stopped before the door and took another deep breath.
With a loosely clenched hand, I knocked. There was movement inside, but no reply.
Once more. Still no reaction.
Only then did it dawn on me. She must have mistaken me for someone else.
I pressed my forehead against the door and said.

“Ibara, it’s me.”

Immediately afterwards, something heavy thudded to the floor.
The sound of hurried footsteps approaching.
The lock turned from the inside, and the door opened cautiously.
Her hair was a mess, dark circles hung heavy under her eyes. Naturally, she wore no make-up, and still in her pyjamas – had she been holed up in her room since morning?
Even so, she was the most beautiful thing in the world.
　Her slightly chapped lips trembled pitifully.

“Shigure…..san?”

“Yes.”

I reached out and brushed away the fine strands of hair falling over her double-lidded eyes.

“Sorry for taking so long. I’ve come to get you, Ibara.”