“Ryusuiso”...
I think we're in the right place.

It's further into the mountains that I initially realized, but I'm really enjoying being surrounded by nature like this.

Thank goodness we managed to catch the last bus though. A few more seconds and we would've had to walk.

*Sob*
I'm so sorry! I feel awful about getting held up at the gates after forgetting where I put my ticket...!

That's okay since it was still in one of your pockets.

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?

Yeah, that's a great idea!
Thanks for offering, Shizuku!

<Wait, are we here already?!>

<Oh wow! So this is what a traditional inn is like! It's like a big Japanese-style mansion! This is so exciting!>

Oh, you guys are quick.
But we're just getting started!

Right.
I'm sure our room is going to be just as lovely, so we'll...

Ah, good evening!
Welcome to our little corner of these mountains.

Oh...

<Does she work here?>

<For now, we may want to keep quiet.>

Good evening!
We have a two-night reservation under the name “Momoi”. I apologize for coming to check in so late.

Ah, Ms. Momoi, we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival! I need to apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner.

My name is Saito, and I am the proprietress of this establishment. I hope you ladies enjoy your stay.

Thank you very much.
We're really looking forward to the next three days!

(Saito...?)

(That made me jump a little, even though it's a very common surname.)

Now, we'll take care of the luggage, so please come right in and make yourselves at home.

Ayaka!
Please come help with our guests' things!

Okay, be right there!

Good evening, and welcome to Ryusuiso!
I'll take care of the luggage, so please—

Huh...?

W-Wait, Saito, what are you doing here?!

M-Me? I could be asking you the same...

We're staying here to do a shoot nearby tomorrow...

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.

O-Oh, I see...

Um, could I ask you a question...?

If the proprietress's name is also “Saito”... Does that mean this inn...?

Yes.
It belongs to my family.

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.

I see...

Oh, do you happen to be Ayaka's friends?
That's quite a coincidence considering how deep in the mountains we are...

Would you mind if I asked how you all met? At university?

No.
We, um...work together, sort of...

Remember what I told you the other day about how I've been helping an idol group run their events?

Ms. Momoi and her party are that group.

Oh, I see!
Then you must be the idol she adores so much, Ms. Momoi!

No, this is the idol she absolutely adores!
Shizuku, you're up!

Oh, umm... It's nice to meet you. My name is Shizuku Hinomori. It's been an incredible pleasure to work with Saito.

Oh my!
Now that I'm getting a closer look, you really are an outstanding beauty! Otherworldly even!

I can see why Ayaka's so entranced by you. Beauty also runs in my family, but you're quite a sight to behold!

M-Mom, stop. You're embarrassing me...

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.

I do need to apologize for that.
I just find it hard to sit in front of a television for extended periods of time.

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.

Oh, you're too kind.
But I have to ask...

How have things been going between you ladies and Ayaka? I hope she hasn't been causing you any trouble.

M-Mom, cut it out!

Trouble...?
No, actually... She's been a huuuge source of support for us!

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.

Yes, I'm not sure if we'd even be here right now if it weren't for her.

To us, she isn't just someone we work with...
She's an invaluable partner who's been helping us put events together.

Everyone...

Yes, I see.

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.

(Oh...)

(She has such a kind look on her face...)

(She must love her daughter very much...
Hehe. What a wonderful family.)

If you all have that much to say, then Ayaka must be doing an excellent job.

Which means this inn will be in capable hands after she takes over.

What...?

Oh...

After she takes over...?

Hehe. After she graduates, Ayaka here says she's going to take over from me as the next proprietress of our inn.

I know I dote on her quite a lot, but she's grown to become such a resourceful woman...

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.

(Oh...)

(She's going to take over after she graduates...)

(Is this what she meant when she mentioned her family the other day?)

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.

Ayaka, would you mind showing our guests to their room?

Okay.

I'll carry your luggage. It's right this way.

Oh...

For now, let's go...

Okay...