Volume 6, Chapter 8: I became a Fifth Grader, Part 2

How cute, Yuzu. It suits you well.

As I was attending a party for the first time, Kotone-chan coordinated with me most enthusiastically.

Wearing dark colors so as to not be gaudy, it was a knee-length one-piece that had fluffy hems, with an American-style sleeve that exposed both shoulders while covering the nape, with many beige-colored areas. The back was also slightly visible.

Since Im an elementary schooler, I thought that a more childish dress would have been better, but it seems that the mood isnt one for a child.

So, is it good?

O-of course.

Ah, a stammer.

Even so, I was surprised that I didnt feel much resistance towards baring my shoulders, and felt a sense of incompatibility about the knee-length. I got a feeling that the hem was longer than was supposed to be on the dress, but why is that?

Its Yuzus first time wearing a proper dress, right?

Yes, thats correct?

You seem strangely accustomed to it? Or perhaps I should say, you wear a dress like its a normal piece of clothing for you.

U~n?

Aah, now that I mention it, I wonder if I was able to wear this dress normally because of those fragmented memories of that castle.

And now, today is the 70th anniversary of Nikuno Ham.

Its a big party where affiliate companies like ours, celebrities and local politicians are all attending.

For the children like us, to put it bluntly, the reason for these is for us scions to meet face-to-face and make our choices of marriage partners. Im worried for Kotone-chan.

I went out early with my family and had my make-up lightly done by my usual hair stylist, and having done up my hair in a half-up, I affixed a flower hair ornament carved out of a seashell that Id gotten from my mother.

Is it necessary for a grade-schooler to have makeup? After all, the skin of a Demon doesnt even have visible pores, much less acne. The makeup artist only put on foundation and blush, and seemed to be at a loss.

The venue seems to be a combination of three banquet halls that can hold 500 people total in a luxury hotel.

With that many people coming, I think that the possibility of me meeting with Kouki-kun and Kako, who are supposed to be attending is quite low.

I told them to meet me after they were done with their greetings via email, but I guess that the two of them have an incomparable number of greetings compared to me

We came as a family, but once we were done with the greeting, mother broke away from us.

It seems that she got captured by the other wives of the company directors, and couldnt leave, and since she seemed like she wouldnt be done soon, we left. That is the Hell of this world.

Next, Ooba-onii-chan got captured by two executives from Nikuno Ham. Because its someone that would be looking after him in his department when he takes the job, it seems that his conversation wouldnt end any time soon.

And then

Thats right, Yuzu, theres a cake smorgasbord over at the other side. Ill go get something.

Ah, Kotone-onee-chan

Her back walking away that was the last I saw of Kotone this day. Also, her enthusiasm for swimming will definitely intensify tomorrow.

F-father is on the other side.

Excuse me, President Toukaki. Theres a matter that I would like to discuss with the Nikuno Company, I would like to ask of you

As father was called out by the secretary of the president of Nikuno Ham and walked off, I felt that it was going to be bothersome, so I took a break out on the sofa out in the hallway.

As I emailed Kako, I noticed something approaching.

Ah, Mob-girl, you were here.

*cough*

There, a cute girl wearing a pink princess dress with a twin tail set in drills pointed at me with an imposing stance.

Oh, ah, its Matsuri. As always, the only thing cute about her is her face. Her dress taste is on the level of a Showa-era idol.

For once, you look like a lady. Pupu, what is with that lowborn dress? Well, youre Mob-girl after all, so its normal to be shoddy.

Why are you here, Matsuri?

Haa? Are you stupid? There is no party where the heroines event doesnt happen. Papa was invited, so I came as his daughter. Papa is fortunate to have such a lovely girl as me.

Heeeh

Is Kako going to take much longer? I received an email from Kako, replying that she was done.

But papa didnt want to take me along at first. As expected of a mob character parent.

Fuu~hn.

So I kept bothering my dad. Mob-girl, if youre supposed to be part of my entourage, you should have some great ideas for harassment, no?

Eh, aah, I think itll be good to go get your hands on some chicken bones.

Why would you try to harass people with chicken bones!? Really, youre useless.

Ah, was it wrong? Which reminds me, since Dad-chan had been done a good turn by them, perhaps I should go and make my greetings to the President of Nikuno Ham.

Should I mail Ouji-kun too?

Mob-girl, Kouki-kun is supposed to have come here, did you see him?

Nn~? I havent seen him.

Previously, I had bumped into Kouki-kun at the corner outside the school, but no event occurred. I wonder if it has to be at night, after all. I knew from Papa that the grandfather of the Kuon family had retired, but wasnt he a bad guy? Even though the event hadnt occurred, such a thing happened. I dont understand it at all, even though Im talking to a mob character~

Hoho.

Is Kako doing something after all Damn it, it makes me angry. She really doesnt reveal her true colors easily, that girl. Hey, you, have you figured out any of Kakos weaknesses?

Recently, it seems that she hasnt been able to speak to Kouki-kun.

Heeh! Its clearly to be expected! How satisfying.

Yep yep, it was their puppy love up until now, but it seems that shes finally realized her romantic feelings now that were heading into adolescence, and she went into that cute state, and went into a tizzy when the two of them were alone.

I didnt make a mistake, right? Its not a pretense, right?

Thats right, I thought that Kako being here would bring me good. Mob-girl, seize the opportunity and mix this into Kakos drink.

Nn? Whats this?

Fufufu, its gonna be good. There is no need for one such as you to know. Pupupu.

Ah, I see.

Because its a pain in the rear for now, Im going to leave it in the drink that Matsuri brought. Since its a good thing, therell be no problems.

And hey, Mob-girl, about Handsome-kun.

*twitch*

Did you know about a woman whos been involved with the Nikuno family? Apparently theres someone aiming at the seat of being his fianc.

I know no such thing.

Ouji-kun sure is popular lately It wouldnt be strange even if there was such a person.

It was, err Kabosu or Zabon or something, some citrus-related name. (TL note: Yuzu is a citrus fruit.) I think even a dullard like you would be able to investigate if you know this much.

What, is that person some freezer accessory

It seems that in our school, theres another child whos named after citrus fruit other than myself.

The event for Handsome-kun havent started either. It seems that in the end, nothing starts if I do not acquire Toshikuni-kun. Its really annoying. Go search for Toshikuni-kun quickly, Mob-girl, and remove yourself from my surroundings. When a mob character doesnt remain involved with me, their lives will end, hahaha, ukyuu.

After saying all these funny things without consideration, Matsuri disappeared somewhere else into the hall.

Just what do you want me to do? Do you really think that I am not human but some character in a story instead?

Haha, surely, theres no idiot that dumb, right?

Ara?

While I was playing with my phone on the sofa as I was, two e-mails had come in. One of them was from Father, and the other was from Ouji-kun.

Both of the mails had roughly the same content, and it seems that both his parents and mine wanted me to go over, and it seems that Ouji-kun was going to come pick me up.

This is about Prince-kuns engagement.

Authors Notes:

As per usual, the conversation doesnt really mesh.

Next time, a serious party continuation.