The next day
Ryusuiso - Peony Room
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Airi
They told us that it'd be for a camping special, but chopping all that firewood was harder than I expected...
Haruka
I've also been thinking about getting my things sorted, so I'll also join you in a little bit.
Airi
I still have a few emails left that I need to reply to, so I'll head over once I'm finished with those.
Luka
<Yes, it would've been nice to give my skin a refreshing treatment. Is there any way for you to bring back some of the water?>
Shizuku
That may be difficult... Instead, we can bring back some manju. I'm sure you'll enjoy them very much.
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Shizuku
(Still, this inn really is lovely...
Our room feels relaxing, and the staff here are so kind...)
Our room feels relaxing, and the staff here are so kind...)
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Shizuku
(And we agreed to respect Saito's decision to help keep her family's business going.)
???
You're Ms. Hinomori, correct?
???
Ah, I had a feeling.
Thank you for always being so kind to my granddaughter.
Thank you for always being so kind to my granddaughter.
Senior Proprietress
I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I am the previous proprietress of this inn, as well as Ayaka's grandmother.
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Shizuku
No, I should be the one telling you how grateful we are for all the kindness she's given us.
Senior Proprietress
Hehe. I appreciate that very much.
And I'm so glad that I finally got to meet you.
And I'm so glad that I finally got to meet you.
Senior Proprietress
But... I suppose all the stories I'd heard were true. She really has been working with you...
Senior Proprietress
You're the reason why she decided to start working part-time at events, so it seems fate is not without a sense of humor...
Senior Proprietress
Oh, did she not tell you?
Senior Proprietress
Oh, I see...
Senior Proprietress
If I recall...
I believe it all started about three years ago.
I believe it all started about three years ago.
Senior Proprietress
Something about meeting you for the first time at a meet and greet...?
Shizuku
Oh...
That may've been the event where everyone from the third generation was introduced.
That may've been the event where everyone from the third generation was introduced.
Senior Proprietress
I can't recall many details, but I do remember Ayaka making a bit of a mistake while helping out here and feeling bad about it.
Senior Proprietress
Apparently, you asked her if she was okay after noticing that something was bothering her.
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Shizuku
After you release my hands, you should be able to move forward with your head held high. I hope that helps cheer you up.
Senior Proprietress
After that, she gained an interest in working as an event staff member.
Senior Proprietress
I suspect it's because she saw firsthand the power that events have to move hearts.
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Senior Proprietress
But I doubt she ever dreamed of having the opportunity to work with you yourself someday.
Senior Proprietress
Oh, speaking of which, you should've heard how happy she was when she called home after working on one of your group's events for the first time.
Senior Proprietress
She even kept sending us messages saying, “It's so amazing how hard she works,” and, “I'm giving MORE MORE JUMP! all the support I can!”
Senior Proprietress
But above all else, she sounded the happiest when telling us how the event she helped put together actually succeeded.
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Saito
After helping put on your last event, I've decided that I want to assist and support idols for a living...
Saito
It felt like I played an actual role in helping spread hope to others like all of you. That made me feel so happy...!
Shizuku
When she told us that, it became clear that she genuinely has a passion for our line of work... Her words left me speechless.
Senior Proprietress
Ah, yes, I'd imagine so.
Which is why I posed a question to her.
Which is why I posed a question to her.
Senior Proprietress
If she likes it that much, then why not pursue it as a career?
Senior Proprietress
She said...
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Saito
That's why I'm going to become the next proprietress. My event staff job is just a way to build up experience.
Senior Proprietress
But you always sound so happy whenever you're talking about work.
Senior Proprietress
You don't need to worry about this inn. If there's something else that you wish to do, then I think you should pursue that.
Senior Proprietress
We care far more about your happiness than the future of this inn.
Senior Proprietress
Yes, so if you have a different dream in mind, then... I think you should try making it come true.
Saito
I want to become the next proprietress of this inn! I've been planning to since I was in elementary school!
Senior Proprietress
...
What I'm worried about is your...
What I'm worried about is your...
Senior Proprietress
We kept going around in circles after that...
Senior Proprietress
But she was so adamant that I ended up saying, “It seems it really is your dream to take over.”
Senior Proprietress
However, I'm still having a hard time actually believing that...
Senior Proprietress
No.
I've taken it upon myself to hear what Ayaka has to say since her mother doesn't know much about the entertainment industry.
I've taken it upon myself to hear what Ayaka has to say since her mother doesn't know much about the entertainment industry.
Senior Proprietress
Also...
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Senior Proprietress
This subject became a secret between just us after she said that...
Senior Proprietress
However, I have a feeling that her mother would say the same thing as me.
Senior Proprietress
I mean, what parent doesn't want their child's dreams to come true?
Shizuku
(Saito certainly seems to be placing the happiness of those she cares about above her own dream...)
Shizuku
(And yet, those same people want her to pursue what she wants... They believe that's what will make her the happiest.)
Shizuku
(They all care so much about each other, but... They're not on the same page at all.)
Senior Proprietress
Oh, look at the time.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you our whole family's story.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you our whole family's story.
Senior Proprietress
You were about to take a bath, yes?
Our spring's known for being both rejuvenating and good for your skin. I hope you have a soothing bath.
Our spring's known for being both rejuvenating and good for your skin. I hope you have a soothing bath.
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Next Chapter: Words That I Can Say