A few days later
Ryusuiso - Lobby
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Haruka
It's further into the mountains than I initially realized, but I'm really enjoying being surrounded by nature like this.
Airi
Thank goodness we managed to catch the last bus though. A few more seconds and we would've had to walk.
Minori
*Sob*
I'm so sorry! I feel awful about getting held up at the gates after forgetting where I put my ticket...!
I'm so sorry! I feel awful about getting held up at the gates after forgetting where I put my ticket...!
Shizuku
That happens to me from time to time as well... Why don't we check with each other where we're going to keep them on the way back?
Sound Effect: Play
Miku
<Oh wow! So this is what a traditional inn is like! It's like a big Japanese-style mansion! This is so exciting!>
Sound Effect: Play
???
Ah, good evening!
Welcome to our little corner of these mountains.
Welcome to our little corner of these mountains.
Airi
Good evening!
We have a two-night reservation under the name “Momoi”. I apologize for coming to check in so late.
We have a two-night reservation under the name “Momoi”. I apologize for coming to check in so late.
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???
Ah, Ms. Momoi, we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival! I need to apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner.
Proprietress
My name is Saito, and I am the proprietress of this establishment. I hope you ladies enjoy your stay.
Proprietress
Now, we'll take care of the luggage, so please come right in and make yourselves at home.
Proprietress
Ayaka!
Please come help with our guests' things!
Please come help with our guests' things!
Sound Effect: Play
Haruka
Coming to this area and back in one day was going to be difficult with everything scheduled, so we decided to find an inn to stay at.
Saito
This is one of the busiest times of year for us because of a famous festival that takes place nearby. I come back every year to help out.
Proprietress
Oh, do you happen to be Ayaka's friends?
That's quite a coincidence considering how deep in the mountains we are...
That's quite a coincidence considering how deep in the mountains we are...
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Proprietress
Would you mind if I asked how you all met? At university?
Saito
Remember what I told you the other day about how I've been helping an idol group run their events?
Proprietress
Oh, I see!
Then you must be the idol she adores so much, Ms. Momoi!
Then you must be the idol she adores so much, Ms. Momoi!
Shizuku
Oh, umm... It's nice to meet you. My name is Shizuku Hinomori. It's been an incredible pleasure to work with Saito.
Proprietress
Oh my!
Now that I'm getting a closer look, you really are an outstanding beauty! Otherworldly even!
Now that I'm getting a closer look, you really are an outstanding beauty! Otherworldly even!
Proprietress
I can see why Ayaka's so entranced by you. Beauty also runs in my family, but you're quite a sight to behold!
Saito
I'm really sorry...
She doesn't really watch TV, so she isn't exactly up to date on which idols or personalities are in right now.
She doesn't really watch TV, so she isn't exactly up to date on which idols or personalities are in right now.
Proprietress
I do need to apologize for that.
I just find it hard to sit in front of a television for extended periods of time.
I just find it hard to sit in front of a television for extended periods of time.
Haruka
No, that's okay. If anything, I think we all really appreciate how relaxed you're being around us. This way, we can be at ease too.
Proprietress
Oh, you're too kind.
But I have to ask...
But I have to ask...
Proprietress
How have things been going between you ladies and Ayaka? I hope she hasn't been causing you any trouble.
Haruka
If anything, we've been the ones causing her a lot of trouble... We can't even begin to thank her for all the incredible advice she's given us.
Shizuku
To us, she isn't just someone we work with...
She's an invaluable partner who's been helping us put events together.
She's an invaluable partner who's been helping us put events together.
Proprietress
Yes, I see.
Proprietress
I've been so worried about how she's been doing after leaving home to go live and work in the city... But I feel so relieved after hearing what you all just said.
Proprietress
If you all have that much to say, then Ayaka must be doing an excellent job.
Proprietress
Which means this inn will be in capable hands after she takes over.
Proprietress
Hehe. After she graduates, Ayaka here says she's going to take over from me as the next proprietress of our inn.
Proprietress
I know I dote on her quite a lot, but she's grown to become such a resourceful woman...
Proprietress
We're looking forward to the day she takes over since we as a family believe that she will help usher in a new era for this inn.
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Proprietress
Oh, I'm so sorry...
I didn't mean to keep you for so long after just arriving. I'm sure you're all very tired after your trip.
I didn't mean to keep you for so long after just arriving. I'm sure you're all very tired after your trip.
Proprietress
Ayaka, would you mind showing our guests to their room?
Next Chapter: The Whole Story