Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume17

Prologue

"Gokigenyou."

"Gokigenyou."

This clear morning greeting resounds through the serene blue sky.

Even today, maidens with pure, angelic faces assemble here in Maria-sama's garden, and pass through a tall gate.

Their innocent hearts and bodies wrapped in dark uniforms.

Etiquette demands that they walk slowly here, so as to not disturb their skirt pleats or set their white sailor collar aflutter. Naturally, one would never expect to see something shameful such as a student running because she is late.

Lillian Girls' Academy.

Founded in Meiji 34, this academy was originally for the raising of daughters of noble families; a Catholic school for princesses.

In the capital of Tokyo—in this prefecture where even today many traces of Musashino's greenery remain, watched over by God—is a garden where maidens can be protected under a single school, from kindergarten through college.

These days in the Heisei era, three era-names removed from Meiji, young ladies are produced after 18 years of attending this precious school of sheltered upbringing. Such a place still exists within this campus.

Field Trip: A trip where school faculty take children or students to experience the nature and culture of places outside their everyday life. It is a school event characteristic of our country. (Definition from Kojien Japanese Dictionary)

So there you have it.

How we came to this extraordinary land.

But even here, one must walk slowly and ladylike, to avoid setting one's sailor collar aflutter.

Because Maria-sama, who watches over us always and everywhere, can be felt even closer in this land.

Clutching a red passport, it is our first time traveling abroad.

Ciao, Italia!

We start our week in an unknown country.

Everyone's Farewell Presents

Part 1

"I'm sorry, what was that again?" Yumi asked in front of the M Station gates. Before checking herself in the mirror, she had heard—quite well—a perfectly reasonable answer.

"'I worry because sometimes you act boldly.'"

Just like rewinding a cassette tape, Sachiko-sama replayed a few words. Impressive, but unfortunately not the answer Yumi was asking for. Just a few words before that.

"No, before that," Yumi said.

"Before that? Well, 'Even if your shoulders slump low, keep your spirits high.'"

"A bit more."

"A bit more? 'The field trip starts tomorrow, huh'. . . ?"

"No, not that."

Hey, that's all the way back to when we rode the bus from in front of the school to the M Station North gate! That's rewinding the tape too much. At most, maybe one minute ago, not five. Yumi thought she might be playing innocent, but contrary to that, her onee-sama's face held a serious look.

To either side of the couple, people rushed hurriedly by. Some people caught the train here, others got off the train. In the evening, the area around the ticket gate was crowded with people returning from school or work.

"I asked if there was anything you'd like as a souvenir. And then you said?"

"Didn't I say: 'For you all to return safely is a souvenir better than anything'?"

"Yes, you said that."

Yumi was staggeringly happy to hear those words. Because after one week, she could be "a souvenir better than anything." But . . .

"Then I don't know what I should buy and bring back. You said, 'If you feel so strongly.' After that preface, didn't you say something?" Yumi thought she had misheard, so she asked again. "What did you say just now?"

"What? 'Roma Manjuu or Firenze Senbei'?" Sachiko-sama answered, without hesitation.

"Is that what you said?"

That's what she said. Definitely.

(What should I do here? Laugh it off as a joke?)

Yumi was lost. It seemed futile; could she laugh it off smoothly? If she laughed at something meant to be serious, Sachiko-sama could be rather annoyed. Two choices: make the wrong choice and it would determine her onee-sama's mood. Now, which one? It was too hard for Yumi to decide. As soon as she tried to laugh, "ha ha," Sachiko-sama folded her arms and grumbled.

"We did not buy any last year. Should you have the opportunity, please buy either one of them."

". . . Where are they sold?"

"I could not buy any, so how would I know?"

"Ah."

(I wonder if it wasn't a joke.)

"Have a fun trip."

And then, as if to bring the topic to an end, Sachiko-sama straightened Yumi's tie. Because of that, Yumi could not make any further inquiries. After their token display, her onee-sama departed.

Part 2

It has become an established routine that whenever there is an event, the Hasekura and Shimazu families would get together and go out for dinner. New Years, Setsubun, Hina-matsuri, Ohigen, Obon, Christmas. Really, any excuse they could come up with for a lively get-together. Shinto, Buddhist, Christian; they'd mix and match, it didn't matter. If situations prevented celebrating on that particular day, a few days before or after was close enough. It was a chance to get together with close relatives. It would be rude to dampen everyone's spirits.

(Well, I know they're doing this because I had such a weak body before.)

Stepping out of the restaurant ahead of everyone, Yoshino looked up at the night sky and took a deep breath. The stars were so beautiful.

In the past, I couldn't go far or play sports, so the possibility of taking this trip was unimaginable. For special days, all we could do was go to a nearby place and eat delicious food. But thanks to the surgery, this child now has a healthy body. The time had come to gradually reevaluate this rut we were stuck in. Also, father's belly was starting to resemble that of a raccoon.

(First . . . All this for a school trip? Why the big send-off party?)

Even though I'll be back in a week. This is exaggerated, like a farewell party for a salaryman being relocated to a rural office.

The waitress bowed her head as she entered and exited the private party room as if she did not know the reason for the party, right up to its end. Isn't it obvious? The youngest is in the seat of honor and the grown-ups are offering words of farewell.

She smiled a bit at the sound of the sliding door being opened.

"Yoshino," Rei-chan called while approaching.

My cousin, next-door neighbor, and onee-sama. I love you more than anything in the world, but, sometimes you can be the most annoying thing in the world. A tender, pitiful, precious, person.

"What about the grown-ups?"

"Mother and auntie are at the register paying the bill. Father is looking after uncle. Taking a train would be too hard, so they're calling a taxi."

"Is he smashed?"

"He's smashed. He's just so happy that you've become strong enough to go on the school trip."

And with that, he unintentionally drank too much.

"Yeah."

In elementary school, I had to come home in the middle of a trip. In middle school, my mother followed along and watched from the shadows so that my classmates would not see her. But this time, no special treatment. I have graduated from my usual spot at the teacher's side. I look forward to taking this trip in the same stride as all my friends.

"Let's take the train since we're young," Yoshino suggested, tugging on Rei-chan's shirt. Three people from the Hasekura family, three people from the Shimazu family. A total of six people cannot all fit into a single taxi.

"Yeah. Let's do as you say," Rei-chan said in agreement, and went back through the sliding door.

Yoshino looked at her wristwatch and said, "If we leave now, we should easily make it back in time for a 10 p.m. TV drama."

Rei-chan returned and made the OK sign with her fingers.

Let's go. Yoshino could only gaze at Rei-chan's back as she turned and walked towards the main street, then ran to catch up.

They held hands instinctively.

She was so happy, walking side-by-side. She realized that there was no substitute for this.

"Really . . ." Yoshino muttered a bit, before closing her mouth.

"Mm, what?"

"Nothing. Let's go home."

The reason I asked to return by train isn't because "we're young." It's because I wanted some time alone with you. But I'll never tell you.

Because Rei-chan would be delighted at the appearance of such defenselessness.

But right now, holding hands like this, I can give you a bit more "Gentle Yoshino."

Because we won't see each other for a week.

It would just be too awful if Rei-chan looked up into the blue sky and remembered the face of "Sulking Yoshino."

Part 3

It was after 10 p.m. when Noriko phoned.

"Sorry for calling at such a late hour."

"It's fine. We have all sorts of folks visiting us, so we're going to be awake for some time."

"But, Shimako-san . . ."

"Yes?"

"You're not 'early to bed, early to rise'?"

During school, Noriko called Shimako "onee-sama," but anywhere else she used "Shimako-san." Initially, after they first became sœurs, she was a bit shaky switching between the two names. She'd hesitate and it would not go smoothly, but she's settled into it now. She knew that Yoshino-san called Rei-sama "Rei-chan" in private, so the switch was possible. Even among third parties, she could easily move between "Shimako-sama" and "Shimako-san" as appropriate.

"I already checked over tomorrow's luggage one last time."

She started preparing little by little a week ago, so she was mostly done already. Although, I wonder if she's the kind of person who keeps a list of her belongings in her guidebook so that she can check it again to make sure nothing would be left behind.

"I see. Because of where you're going, you can't go back to pick up anything."

"They sell things there, but would it be easy to shop?"

But it would be a problem to forget something you needed like a uniform or a passport. Because you wear your uniform, it would be impossible to forget it. As long as you carry your passport, you can borrow from friends or procure items locally without interrupting the trip. Whether that's comfortable or not.

"Me too . . ." Noriko started. "I'm also the type to worry about forgetting things."

"I see."

"I forgot to say something at school. I'd gotten a little flustered, so, sure enough, I ended up calling. Shimako-san . . ."

"What is it?"

"Have a good trip. Take care. Well, because it's you, Shimako-san, I'm not worried about you behaving rashly or anything."

"Yes."

"I'll be here, waiting. Waiting for you to come back."

"Noriko."

She'd always thought of it as a place that she wanted to be free to fly from at any point. But now she had someone there waiting for her to return. It was a precious nest; not a birdcage keeping her trapped.

At some point, unnoticed, Lillian Girls' Academy had become a place she felt compelled to return to.

"Thank you."

Shimako savored the meaning of that word.

A nest that precious chicks could depend on.

Happenings and Heading Out

Part 1

The official name of Narita Airport is New Tokyo International Airport. It was after 10 a.m. on the Departures floor of International Terminal One.

A few girls in dark school uniforms had crowded together; red passports in hand and big bags at their feet. Their greetings of "Gokigenyou" included bit of nervousness.

"I wonder why we had to assemble more than two hours early?" Yoshino-san grumbled, walking towards the green flag in the class committee member's hand.

"It's because this is an overseas flight," Yumi replied.

"That's not why. These days, international phone calls are easily made, information from around the world is instantly at your fingertips thanks to the internet, and we can watch live broadcasts via satellite from the other side of the globe. The barriers between countries are growing noticeably smaller, and incredibly closer. After all, don't people going somewhere in Asia get there much faster than going to some remote place in Japan?"

"Hmm."

"For travelers, don't you think the distinction between international and domestic travel is steadily disappearing?" Yoshino-san asked, even though this was her first time leaving Japan. Yumi knew this because they'd gone to get their passports together.

"So?"

"Basically, can't they simplify it even further? We shouldn't have to arrive more than 30 minutes before the flight takes off."

". . ."

In other words, Yoshino-san wasn't trying to engage in a complicated debate, all she was trying to say was that she had to wake up earlier than expected and she was tired. But there was no one she could complain about this to, so she was distracting herself by talking about "these days" and "simplification."

Along the way, passing by the Wisteria class, they found Shimako-san among the crowd.

"Gokigenyou. Did you two come together?"

'Yes. We took an express bus from the K station to the airport."

"Oh, such a thing exists?"

"Yes, though it takes a while. Onee-sama said it would be terrible to transfer trains over and over while carrying luggage. This way, once we got on the bus, we could sleep until it brought us to the airport."

"But it looks like Yoshino-san didn't get to sleep.”

"I never would have thought that Yumi-san sleeping peacefully beside me could be so annoying."

It seems that Yoshino-san was so wound up telling herself, "I need to sleep, I need to sleep," that she could not sleep. Yoshino-san probably would have easily overcome this if she'd taken the motion sickness tablets that Yumi had received as a farewell present from Sachiko-sama, but since sleep came naturally to Yumi she hadn't thought to offer them. As for Yoshino-san, it seemed like she never got carsick so she hadn't considered taking any medication either.

"Excuse me. Please, could you three look over here?"

By reflex, they turned their faces towards "here," but were met with a flash and a click instead of a greeting.

". . . Tsutako-san."

She was generally acknowledged to be the ace of the Photography club. Takeshima Tsutako-san lowered her camera, then belatedly said "Gokigenyou" with a smile.

"'The Appearance of Rosa Gigantea, Rosa Chinensis en Bouton, and Rosa Foetida en Bouton Before They Depart.' That was pretty good timing. A blessing from Maria-sama. Who knows when I'll be lucky enough to get this sweet shot again."

While saying this, Tsutako-san clicked the shutter.

The three of them exchanged glances that said, "it can't be helped," and posed for photos. On a trip, several classes traveled together, so Wisteria class's Shimako-san and everyone in Pine class was together without restriction.

"Tsutako-san, did Mami-san put you up to this?"

The Newspaper club would not turn a blind eye towards the school field trip. Then–

"Exactly."

Yamaguchi Mami-san—current Editor-in-Chief of the Lillian Kawaraban—appeared from behind; writing implement held tightly in one hand, standing by to record news at a moment's notice. A perfect match for Tsutako-san, who never lets go of her camera. With these two as a tag-team, they become a formidable force.

"Mami-san is busy, running around even outside of school," Shimako-san said with a giggle.

"I've been back and forth from here several times by now. Truth is, I was chasing some bad info to the Information counter."

"Bad info?"

"I heard the announcer call for 'Satou Sei.'"

"Satou Sei?!"

Yumi, Yoshino-san, and Tsutako-san all replied at the same time.

"I said bad info, though, right? You're jumping the gun, it was a mistake."

"The name that was called, it was 'Katou-san,' wasn't it?" Shimako-san said with a smile.

Actually, it was a bit of a shock to hear that announcement. But with good ears, you could tell it was someone else because they said "Katou." She's still the same, composed, person. I wonder if I would have reacted that well, thought Yumi. Whether "Odazawa Sachiko-san" or "Okadawara Sachiko-san," they all sound like "Ogasawara Sachiko-san," and Yumi would dash off to whoever was calling for them.

"Even if it was 'Satou Sei,' there's a high chance that several people have that same name."

"Oh! I once met a Fukuzawa Yumi while in the hospital. She was a grandma about 80 years old,” Yoshino-san said.

"Now that you mention it, there is a first grader, Yamaguchi Mami-chan, in elementary school," Tsutako-san added.

"Any relation?"

"No, I didn't really know her. Because the elementary school was in our neighborhood, the students would walk in front of our house. If I approached those cute kids, I could see the name tag pinned to their chest."

"That's dangerous, Tsutako-san."

She may look like an ordinary high school girl (no reason for caution), but on the inside was a lecherous old man. Saying "It's fine, because she's seven or eight years too young for me," is kind of missing the point. Mami-san is Mami-san though, and having the same name as a "cute kid" put her in quite the good mood.

"But I appreciate it. Wisteria and Pine classes are in the same group. If she were taking the reverse route, Shimako-san couldn't help but go the other way."

That's right. The airplane lands in Milan first with all the second year students together. Then some make the rounds in Rome (Course A) and some in Venice (Course B). There are six classes, three per course. Both courses meet up only in the middle, in Florence.

"Thank you, teachers who drew the lottery, and Maria-sama." Mami-san and Tsutako-san pressed their hands together and lifted their faces, eyes closed. But there was only a tall ceiling.

"Tsutako-san, since when did you become the Newspaper club's cameraman?"

"No, no. I had been asked by Mami-san, but I already had a greater personal desire."

"Are you going to put this in a corner of the Photography club's panel at the school festival?"

"Yoshino-san, asking it straight out. I wonder if you couldn't have softened that just a bit."

Saying that, I wonder if Tsutako-san intends to fill an entire panel. Good grief.

Yumi's face grew distracted as she watched the retreating figure of Tsutako-san and wondered if she, Yoshino-san, and Mami-san were going to keep this sparring up for the rest of the trip.

Because I'm not sharing a room with her, I won't have to worry about her taking a photo while I'm changing clothes or taking a bath.

"Should I pray for your good luck in battle?" asked Shimako-san, as if reading Yumi's mind.

"Thank you. I think we'll meet up again soon, but I wish you a good trip too, Shimako-san."

Shrugging her shoulders, Yumi chased after the three people. It was right where the Pine class had assembled.

Part 2

Because this was her first trip abroad, Yumi was ready for trouble. But getting out of the country was easier than she thought.

"From here on out we're not in Japan anymore."

That's what a teacher announced in a loud voice. Even though my passport was stamped at the departures counter, this is still Narita Airport. It doesn't feel like that at all. For example (and not a very good example), if there were a big earthquake right now, this airport would be demolished. Of course, in this story, I would survive, and eventually be able to make it home through my own efforts.

Upon hearing Yumi's mumbling, Yoshino-san laughed.

"But that is a very Japanese-esque feeling, isn't it?"

There was still a little time until departure. Long enough for a 15 minute bathroom break, which Yumi finished right away. Quickly peeking into a store on the way back, she spotted Yoshino-san, and walked in. Book, cosmetics, drinks, souvenirs, all jumbled up side-by-side; it was hard to call this store a "store." Other than Yoshino-san, there were a few other students scattered within, and a teacher warning them, "Don't run out of money before we get to Italy."

"Japanese-esque?" Yumi asked again while chasing after Yoshino-san at the register.

"Yes. Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea: no other nation has adjoining land. So, you don't think that there is any other country that you can just walk to?"

"Nation has adjoining land, huh. . . ."

I see.

"Take for example a French person, who lives in France, was traveling in Italy when a big earthquake hit. All transportation systems stopped. But, theoretically, they could walk home."

"Because the nation has adjoining land?"

"Exactly. For somebody born and raised in such a land, wouldn't they feel like every foreign country is eventually reachable under their own power? Or, as an extreme example, a house built on a border would have one room that crossed two countries. Things like that."

"Eh . . ."

"But thanks to our island nation, you really notice when leaving our country. I think that's a good thing."

This is not Japan anymore. But it would be completely incorrect to say this was Italy. It's not Italy any more than it is America. What is the currency of a place that is not any country?

Although Yumi's head was swimming in such thoughts, Yoshino-san pulled out some Japanese coins and bought a lip balm.

"Really? The price in yen was written on the tag. Just like in a regular store."

"No it isn't," Yoshino-san said, laughing it off. She turned and handed the receipt to Yumi, adding, "Duty-free. No sales tax."

I see. Sure enough, this must be outside of Japan.

Part 3

The overhead bins were packed solid, not unlike rush hour, because the entire second-year class of Lillian Academy were crammed into them. To save time and avoid trouble, it was decided that for the school trip, all luggage would be carry-on. When you boil it down, the amount of stuff you bring on a trip doesn't differ much between domestic and international school trips: Outside you only wear your school uniform; after that, just hotel robes and pajamas; some travel-size toiletries, and so on. In that case, you don't need a suitcase. At least, that was the school's side of things.

But these were all young girls. Their bags were crammed full of this or that, miscellaneous things. These were the kinds of people who pack right up until the last minute, decide which personal effects to take, which creams and facial cleansers, and still pull things out and put things in. They barely got the zipper closed, and now they put these bags in the overhead compartments. Bags were piled in, side by side and on top of each other. Pulling them out and putting them back in was like solving a puzzle. Finally, they got all the overhead compartments to close. Students who ended up with their luggage over their own seat were lucky. Less lucky were the ones whose luggage ended up above some neighboring classmate.

"Please watch over this for the next 13 hours or so," Tsutako-san said while tightening her seatbelt. She would be in the nearby seat until Milan.

"Tsutako-san, you really don't want the window seat?"

"Nope, I'm good. I'm more interested in the people inside than things outside the plane."

". . . Is that right?"

While they were talking, the plane started to move slowly. The scene outside the window was proof that they were rolling backward. Here and there a voice cried out "Oooh!" It wasn't because they were about to faint, it seems like it was a reaction to the airplane's movement. Despite being a school with girls typically from well-off families, there were plenty of students like Yumi, who were traveling overseas for the first time. Of course, there was no small number of folks flying for the first time.

A little bit ago, the screens in front of them had started to repeat emergency evacuation instructions and how to don their life jackets. Additionally, the flight stewardess unobtrusively demonstrated how to put on the life jacket. Just about everyone listened, with varying degrees of attention, depending on how many times they had flown before.

Hey now.

While that was going on, the plane had started moving forward. There was no departure bell like there would be on a train, so there was no way to know how long they would taxi to the runway before takeoff.

"Oh! Michiyo-san is trembling and praying!" Tsutako-san muttered while leaning out from her aisle seat. "It would be a lot easier to take pictures without this seatbelt."

". . . That's awful."

Nowadays, people living in modern times are so quick to accept things like an airplane, a chunk of metal, soaring through the sky. Michiyo-san prays to God, Sachiko-sama takes medicine and falls right asleep; there are many different ways to cope with a fear of flying.

"Well, I'm just giving my honest opinion. It's certainly unfortunate. I think it would have made a great photo. She looks just like a little bird, frozen in fear. That's too bad. Both for me and for her."

That's Tsutako-san . . . someone who considers it an obligation, handed down from heaven, to preserve the shining moments of beautiful high school girls' "present." Or something like that.

"Ooh!"

With a deep rumbling sound, the airplane gradually picked up speed — and then in one instant, took off. The moment the wheels separated from the Earth's surface, there was a floating sensation that was a bit unpleasant. After that, it was fine. It was sort of like a roller coaster, but without the wind rushing around you. Really, you can't compare an incredible, personal experience like this to a roller coaster.

"Wow, we're up high!"

Out the window, it was just the Earth's scenery shrinking, flashing by as the airplane climbed.

"Hey, Tsutako-san, I wonder if this is how it feels to be Maria-sama watching over everything," Yumi said, tugging on Tsutako-san's sleeve.

Tsutako-san buckled over as her whole body shook with laughter, "I take it back. . . . Yumi-san is funny after all!"

A little after 12 noon, the Lillian Girls' Academy high school second year class safely departed from New Tokyo International Airport.

Part 4

The scenery outside changed to just blue skies and white clouds. As soon as the "fasten seat belts" sign turned off, students relaxed, pulled out paperback books and playing cards and other amusements for a long trip, and started moving around between seats. However you put it, it would be a long while until arriving in Italy. They wanted to pass the time as pleasantly as posslble, because by any calculation, they were stuck inside an airplane for more than half a day. Even trembling Michiyo-san could not stay afraid all 13 hours. Now she was playing a card game with Itsue-san. But it was rather difficult to keep the cards turned the right way on the airplane seat.

It was as though the cabin was changing to the overseas destination's local time, to help acclimate their bodies, so the passengers also set their wristwatches back seven hours. Strange, it had suddenly become five in the morning. There's no way to go back in time without a time machine. It felt like they had gained something.

"But we lose those seven hours on the way back."

"Ah, is that right? Then, if you live the rest of your life in Italy, do you keep those seven hours?"

"Hey, can you stop already with that stupid conversation? Listening to Yumi-san's driving me insane."From the seat in front, Yoshino-san stood up and turned around, then continued, "Time doesn't actually go backwards, so you don't gain or lose anything. Whatever year, month, or day we call it, that's just for the convenience of humanity. If they changed where the International Date Line was drawn, then Italy could even be ahead of us. No matter how far around the Earth Yumi-san moves, Yumi-san's body will still feel the same passage of time, unchanged."

"Is that limited to just the Earth?" Tsutako-san asked, caught up in the moment. "Because if we go into space, there's time dilation to worry about."

"Time dilation?"

"It's said that if a spaceship approaches the speed of light while traveling out and back, more time will pass on Earth than they expect. If you don't understand Einstein's theory of relativity, you can't grasp it."

"Tsutako-san? Do you understand and grasp it?"

"I have heard about it, it's in my head, but I don't understand it perfectly."

Tsutako-san may have just heard it and it's in her head, but Yumi still admired her with "wow, amazing."

"Did Urashima Taro go to the dragon castle on a spaceship?"

"The turtle is a UFO, Princess Otohime-sama is a space alien. That's a wonderful theory."

So by the time he returned, many centuries had passed.

"If he went into space, you'd expect him to say 'I cannot draw a picture.'"

"I see. So for us, we will dine upon an in-flight meal inside of an airplane."

The flight attendant pushed a cart and started to hand out breakfast, although it felt more like a late lunch. This was an Italian airline, so the staff was about half Japanese and half Italian. On the menu for breakfast was a light meal of a ham and cheese open-faced sandwich; not really enough for a growing child. But if you thought about it, it probably had plenty of calories because you got almost no exercise within an airplane.

"Tsutako-san, shoot this meal," Mami-san directed.

"Uh . . . I don't want to use my prized film for this," Tsutako-san complained.

Mami-san held out a disposable camera, "Fine, here. Use this camera. I'm not very good at taking pictures up close."

Her hands tended to shake; focus tended to blur.

"Sure, sure."

While putting an olive, skewered by a plastic toothpick, in her mouth, Tsutako-san reluctantly stood up. Really, she was not interested in anything except people (high school girls). But, fumbling about as if it had been a while since she used a disposable camera, she took a few good angles.

When lunch ended, the lights went off. If it were still Japan local time, now would be an active hour. What happened?

"Don't complain. Passengers are sleeping, so this is the best for in-flight harmony," Tsutako-san said, covering herself from the neck down with the blanket that was handed out.

Perhaps so. There would be no time for the cabin crew to take a break while the passengers were awake. Plus, if she slept, there was less tedious flight time. If there was someone who absolutely did not want to sleep, it was fine to stay awake. She could rely on the reading lights, with which they could literally read books and not much else. But hearing the soft, rhythmic breathing of the others made her sleepy. Imitating her friends nearby, she covered herself with a blanket and got comfortable. Before reclining her seat, Yumi tried to check with the classmate behind her, but it was too late. The classmate had already departed for the land of the sleeping. Yumi lowered her seat gently so as to avoid waking her.

(I wonder what onee-sama is doing right now?)

The clocks had changed time zones, so she didn't really have a good sense of time. If she thought about it carefully, adding seven hours was easy, but she was already beginning to nod off, making such calculations exceedingly difficult.

Part 5

Given how she felt, she agreed with Sachiko-sama's choice of sleeping the entire way. By the time their life onboard the plane had come to an end, after eating, sleeping, visiting the toilet, sleeping, and eating again, she felt a little like she'd been in a broiler.

"The cabin-lag is worse than the time-lag. My body doesn't feel like it's on Japan time, or Italy time, or any other time at all."

"I had all sorts of weird dreams."

"Yeah. I slept most of the time, but I'm still exhausted."

"I didn't even open the book I brought to pass the time."

Landing at Milan–Malpensa Airport, everyone from Lillian Girls' Academy stretched their shoulders and necks. It was after 6 p.m. local time. They did not plan to stay in Milan on this trip, this was just a layover. Their connecting flight was later in the evening. Group A was heading to Rome, whereas Group B was heading to Venice. A similar example of this would be passengers from overseas land at Narita Airport, then connect to flights to Nagoya or Fukuoka. This was the same thing. Probably.

It was about two hours until the airplane headed to Rome boarded, so they had around an hour of free time to spare, which was plenty if they needed to use the bathroom again. However, they had to stay on this floor, and in groups of at least two people. They'll call roll 30 minutes before, so absolutely be back here by then. Those were the conditions. Nobody would dare complain, "all those rules are annoying" and, "isn't that a bit overprotective?" on their first trip overseas. A child lost in a place like this would be terrible. Yumi remembered how nervous she was on her first errand out alone, about ten years ago.

It was natural that there was nothing written in Japanese anywhere in the airport. It was all in Italian, or maybe English. Her eyes were too tired to tell which was which; she could just make out the alphabet. She'd been taught Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji all her life and she was used to them. Her eyes could see them without even thinking. Sometimes she'd see Japanese written on a small sign, likely for tourists. That alone made her happy.

In the airport were many duty-free brand-name shops with just authentic Italian fashions. She'd decided to carry only ¥20,000 as pocket money, not enough to buy shoes or a bag even if she wanted to. If you managed to sneak a family credit card on the trip, you couldn't get larger items home unless there was room in your carry on baggage. The prohibition on suitcases seemed to be a precautionary measure against buying such items.

"Students who need coins, come forward," Katori-sensei called out to the Pine class students who had gathered around for roll call. Everyone had exchanged currencies in Japan, but only paper bills; they were to get coins after arriving in Italy. You tip in this country, unlike in Japan. They learned in an explanatory meeting that it was essential to pay gratuities for service in hotels and restaurants, and they needed small coins for that.

The teacher exchanged money with students as they came up, breaking their bills into small change. In a broad sense, the exchange of money could be thought of as social studies, but naïve students might not realize that on their own at first.

"Yoshino-san?"

Yumi asked as they returned from the restroom together.

"Well, Rei-chan gave me a farewell gift of some coins she didn't use and brought back last year. So that should be fine for right now, don't you think? Beyond that, I thought I'd break some notes buying souvenirs or similar things . . . oops."

Yoshino-san covered her mouth with her hand, as though she'd made a mistake. Apparently it was supposed to be a secret that the coins put her slightly over ¥20,000. That said, it was a mistake on about the same level as not factoring in sales tax when buying sweets for an excursion.

"What about you, Yumi-san?"

With the roles reversed, Yumi was in two minds. It would certainly be easy to exchange money at the "Bank of Katori-sensei," but where was the fun in that?

"I'll break a bill myself. It'll be an experience if nothing else."

Yumi came to Italy, so shouldn't she try an experience that she can only do here? The whole point of the school trip was to learn from experiences you cannot normally have.

"Ooh, a challenger!" Yoshino-san exclaimed, and clapped her hands together.

Well, once you've made a decision, you need to figure out how to do it. She thought she could easily break a bill by buying something, so the strategy is to go into a duty-free shop, buy something small, and get some coins. She might buy something useless, but looking at the long term view, she had more than enough money.

"Something like gum or chocolate should be fine, right?" Yoshino-san asked while pointing to the corner near the register, but Yumi couldn't be pinned down to either choice.

"Are you giving up the challenge?"

"But, like, sure I could buy them, but it'd be a complete waste if they turned out to be awful. Because I'm using my precious spending money."

It was probably in keeping with Italy's national character, but the sweets looked fashionable, and from a glance it looked like they were full of food coloring and flavorings.

"Then what about chocolate? This one's a major brand you can get in Japan."

Yumi had eaten those, so she knew what they tasted like. Inside the brown package were small, button-shaped chocolates covered in various colored coatings.

"But isn't that chocolate a gamble?"

That sack would only seal once, so once it was opened, it would need a rubber band or something, or else its contents would spill out and stain your bag without your knowledge. In fact, that happened once when she unwittingly left her bag in a warm place. Yumi was well aware that there are methodical people that constantly pay attention, but one can get excited or distracted.

"Then, what would be good? While we've wavered, it's almost time to meet back up."

"Mmm . . . "

Inexpensive, not too large—nothing seemed appropriate. Even at a Japanese convenience store, it might be hard to come up with something quickly. When you're in a hurry, it becomes hard to think.

"I got it. This." Yumi quickly pulled something from a side shelf with a "Yaa!"

"What's that?"

"A magic marker."

"Yeah, I can tell from looking. But," trailing off, Yoshino-san looked like she didn't really want the first thing she bought overseas to be a magic marker. "You can buy those just as easily in Japan."

"It's fine. Going by that, chocolate is the same. We had two goals here: buy something on our own, and get some coins. So it'll be a huge success if we clear those goals."

"Even if it's a marker?"

"Put an entry on the printed map that you got. 'I went to this place.' You can use it when you return to Japan. Underline things in your textbook."

"Yes, yes. I got it. I understand, so please buy it quickly. I'll wait outside the shop exit."

"R-roger."

Yumi got in the checkout line and waited. As she expected at an international airport, looking around inside the shop, she saw many people with different skin, hair, and eye color, all shopping and holding their preferred items in their hands. Lillian's black school uniform stood out among them. Other than Yumi, the students here and there drew the attention of the foreigners. No . . . here, the Japanese were the foreigners.

"Bo-buon giorno."

That was the initial greeting after entering a store, and sticking to what she was taught to say, she spoke with the lady at the cash register, who replied with, "Buona sera." Even in Japan, the boundaries between "good day," "good morning," and "good evening" were a bit fuzzy, so it couldn't be helped. If you think about it, Lillian's standard "gokigenyou" was a reasonable greeting. After that, Yumi used a bill to buy the marker. Change was placed in her hand. Success! She had completed her first mission. Because this was a shop in an airport, the prices were printed in both Italian and English at the checkout stand, so even if you couldn't speak the same language you would be fine.

While rushing back to Yoshino-san, she heard the words "Rosa Gigantea" along the way. She turned and look over her shoulder, and saw it was a bunch of Lillian students who were gathered together, standing and talking.

(Shimako-san, what have you been doing?)

She was glad to turn back and listen, even though Yoshino-san was waiting out front, silently creating a "hurry up!" pressure. She stopped. Within that group was a familiar face. It seemed that Shimako-san was methodical and reliable, unlike Yumi and Yoshino-san. Shimako-san was at the Wisteria class meeting place.

"How are you?" Yumi greeted her.

"Fine. Oh, you already bought something?" Shimako-san noticed.

"He he he! This first mission also serves to make some change," Yumi said with an awkward laugh. Next to her, Yoshino-san added a supplementary, "It's a marker."

"Ah. Ah, I see," Shimako-san clapped her hands together as if to say, "I just remembered." She did not seem particularly interested in the marker. "I need to discuss something with you two. I wonder if the three of us could pool our money to buy souvenirs for the Rose Mansion."

"I think that would be good."

"Ah, yes."

It's economical. That way they could buy something good. Yoshino-san and Yumi had no objection, it was as if they already had an unspoken agreement to do so.

"We can get it at the airport on the way back. It will just sit in our luggage otherwise."

"I was thinking food, perhaps? Touko-chan and Kanako-chan have been coming to help us lately, so we should include them as well."

"Oh yeah. I should have brought you to that shop from earlier."

"You think so? But, that's fine. There will be time on the return flight."

As Shimako-san and Yoshino-san rapidly continued the conversation, a thought arose from within the murky depths of Yumi's brain. The keywords were "souvenir" and "food."

"Hey. Regarding souvenirs," Yumi started. After hesitating, she confided in the two of them.

"What?"

"Do you have a good idea?"

It was hard to speak when facing such expectant faces. But she spoke anyway, because she would never be able to forgive herself if she did not see this through to the end. How will they react after they hear this?

"If possible, Roma Manjuu or Firenze Senbei would be nice."

Needless to say, Shimako-san and Yoshino-san were both frozen for a bit.

Part 6

Fiumicino Airport, considered to be the entrance to Rome, was also named after an artist well-known even in Japan: Leonardo da Vinci Airport. It was more than an hour's flight from Milan, and when they arrived it was after 9:30 p.m.

"Thank goodness, we finally made it!"

But it was a bit too early to relax. They still had to take a bus to get from the airport to their hotel in Rome. While waiting for the teacher's suitcases—which were large because they were filled with things from school—to come around on the luggage carousel, they took roll and reviewed tomorrow's plans. Shortly after that, the three classes split up and boarded two charter buses that were waiting at the exit of the terminal.

The gentle vibrations invited the Sandman. Dozing a bit, Yumi awoke to a classmate's voice of admiration: "Wow." Following suit, she looked out the window and uttered, "Wow," herself. Until a little while ago, they were traveling down a road as ordinary as anywhere in Japan. Now, they were meandering through a town of historic relics.

"How beautiful!"

One after another, old stone buildings appeared in the light, like a movie set. But this wasn't a movie set. They coexisted with modern life: signs for brand names, shop windows, traffic lights, crosswalks, streetlamps dazzling with electric light. All there as if natural; brazenly asserting their existence here in the middle of this ancient capital.

Eventually, the bus turned through a gap in the roadside trees and stopped. If a clock were nearby, they would have seen that it was 10:30, finally arriving at their hotel.

Room keycards were first distributed in the lobby, then the girls were herded into elevators. It was not that big of a hotel, so if the first set of students were not up in their rooms by the time the second bus arrived, the lobby would be jam-packed.

"231."

While looking at the room card key, she stretched a finger towards the panel. But the ② button was already lit.

"It appears that it's not on the second floor," Mami-san said while looking at her notebook. In Europe, they counted floors differently than they counted in Japan. In Japan, the ground floor was the first floor. But here, that was up one flight of stairs. In other words, the ground floor was the zeroth floor. The ground floor here could be counted using the same logic as the first basement floor in Japan. Because there was a floor for the breakfast hall in this hotel, they could not calculate which floor held room 231, at least not like they could in Japan.

"Ah, I'm tired," complained Yoshino-san, her roommate, as she entered. She then collapsed onto the bed closest to the door.

"Oh, Yumi-san, did you want this bed? If so, we can switch right now."

"No. Either one's fine."

Shaking her head, Yumi walked to the bed nearest the window, holding her own bag. She wasn't particularly worried about visiting the bathroom at night or hearing footsteps in the hallway. She couldn't imagine that sleeping on either the left or right bed would be any different.

"Okay. Then I'm here," Yoshino-san said as she lolled about, eyes closed.

"Your uniform will get wrinkled."

"Unn."

Yoshino-san had barely gotten her shoes off, but in her state, you couldn't really call her polite. But while she was like this, she was impossible to wake up.

Well now, thought Yumi. She then opened her bag's zipper and from within, pulled out a T-shirt, trainer, and three-quarters pants and changed into them. She sat down on the bed. It looked like Yoshino-san was going to stay where she was. In a room with only two people, if they both collapsed, it was over.

While she took off her uniform and put it on a hanger, she pulled the change from a pocket and put it on the nightstand. She was ready to give a tip after asking a bellboy to bring up their luggage. But since she ended up carrying her own luggage to the room, she decided to leave the unused portion as a tip for housekeeping tomorrow morning.

She took out some travel slippers, removed her socks, she slid her bare feet into the slippers. Her feet breathed a sigh of relief. She finally had a chance to relax and look around the room.

Ivory walls. Deep purple carpet with a dark red floral pattern. Brown furniture and doors. The room had a simple and slightly retro ambiance. However, the curtains asserted themselves. A floral pattern on top of yellow stripes of varying widths, it was a gorgeous and fashionable design, it matched the one-legged sofa in the room.

"Yoshino-san."

"Nnn . . . just a bit more."

"It can't be helped."

Yumi entered the bathroom and decided for the time being to fill the bathtub with hot water.

Well, not quite fill. Must not overflow. At the preliminary information meeting, the teacher repeatedly emphasized this. Apparently, in the past, some seniors had flooded their bathroom, causing a leak through the ceiling of the floor below. To avoid making this same mistake herself, Yumi stayed right here on this spot until the proper amount of water had filled the tub.

While occasionally checking the water's temperature, she looked around at the bathroom.

"It's gorgeous. . . ."

Walls and floor made of marble that looked like caramel ice cream. This and that. Wow, marble. White porcelain for the sink, tub, and toilet.

"Ooh, just as rumored."

A bidet. It seems that Europeans used one after the toilet. However, she didn't really know how to use the one in front of her. At the informational meeting, a teacher explained that "it is not a sink for children," but did not pose to show them: "this is how to use it."

"Hey, how do I use this thing?"

Opening the door, she turned to ask Yoshino-san. But, of course, there was no reply.

This was boring. It was fun to chatter away, looking at things like this, with somebody else. Not alone.

While doing this, the bathtub filled with hot water.

"Yoshino-san, the bathtub's ready. Go on in."

Returning to the room and shaking the shoulder of her sleeping friend, the thought, "I'm like a new wife," entered her mind.

"Yu . . . san . . . go . . . he. . . . et . . eep . . . ger. . . ."

"What?"

Deciphering this unintelligible code, it was probably, "Yumi-san, you go ahead. Let me sleep a while longer."

"Yoshino-san!"

"Unn."

Hey, that was no good. Would it be better to just let her sleep? She hated to wake the poor thing, but Yoshino-san was not a baby, nor could she put a sleeping Yoshino-san in the bath. Yumi wondered if Rei-sama had to deal with things like this with Yoshino-san. Grabbing a vinyl toiletry pouch and clean underwear, she headed towards the bathroom.

"Oh yeah, that's right."

She took her uniform from the closet and brought it into the bathroom. It was now on a hanger, hanging on a hook on the back of the closed door. The steam from the bath can get minor wrinkles out of clothes.

Prepared. While thinking that it was the time to plunge into the bath, Yumi suddenly noticed.

"There's nowhere to wash first. That means I cannot wash before getting in the tub."

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But Japanese do love their baths. Oh well, soak first.

"In the tub, wash your hair, wash your body, wash your face. Then you have to pull the stopper to drain the water in which you were immersed."

In the Fukuzawa household, the water is reheated and reused for four people. What a waste. But she cannot help but use shampoo and soap. After deliberately deciding all that, she relaxed her body in the warm water. Twice she had to force herself awake, shaking off drowsiness.

"Don't do that. If I fall asleep in here, I could drown. No joke!"

It will be tomorrow soon. It's 8 a.m. Japan time. Although she slept on the plane, it was just a shallow nap. Naturally, she was sleepy.

Washing her whole body while yawning, bath time came to an end.

While drying her hair with a hair dryer, she got things ready for Yoshino-san's turn next. But the shower head was fixed to the top of the wall, like the showers by the school's pool, so it was hard to rinse away the foam from the sides of the tub. It turns out, there is a considerable amount of skill to washing oneself.

"Yoshino-san. I'm out. Wake up."

"Un."

Yoshino-san hadn't moved from when Yumi last left her. Still in her uniform, lying on her bed.

"Are you going to take a bath or not? If not, I'll turn off the hot water."

"Not now."

Well, that was a complicated answer.

"So, later then?"

"I don't know."

"Then it would be better to sleep properly. Or you'll catch a cold." Here, take off your uniform. Then I can hang it in the bathroom for you."

". . . I can't wake up," Yoshino-san lazily spoke, and sluggishly put her arms out in front of her.

"It can't be helped." Yumi took those arms and pulled. "Okay, let's get changed."

I've become a mother. No, I can't say that. No way could I do that.

"Huh?"

At that moment, Yumi noticed something.

". . . Yoshino-san?"

"What?"

Yoshino-san, finally sitting up on the bed, looked at Yumi.

"Do you have a fever, maybe?"

"I thought I might. But Yumi-san's hands don't feel cold, so it can't be very high."

"That's high! I'm still warm from just getting out of the bath."

And yet, Yoshino-san's hand was as hot as she was.

"I'm calling the teacher."

She was sure there was a note with the teacher's room number somewhere, in case something happened. Yumi turned to go look for it, but Yoshino-san grabbed her arm.

"I'll be fine. Please."

Don't tell the teacher. Even in her weakened state, she had a strong grip.

"But—"

"It's a slight fever. I get them a lot. It will go down if I sleep with a damp towel on my forehead."

"Yoshino-san . . ."

Yoshino-san's eyes filled with tears. It wasn't because her body hurt. It was because she hated that someone else knew.

"Is this usual?"

Yumi knelt beside the bed and looked into Yoshino-san's face. Yoshino-san gave a small, definite, nod.

"If you cool your forehead, you'll get better?"

"Yes," Yoshino-san stated with a clear voice.

"All right. Then that's what we'll do."

Yumi turned off the hot water pouring into the tub, pulled pajamas out of Yoshino-san's bag, got her changed into them, and into bed properly.

"For the towel, is the hotel's smallest size okay?"

"About that. Please use the hand towel that's in a pocket in my bag."

"In a pocket in your bag, huh."

Searching in the designated place, she pulled out a small towel with cute chicks patterned on it.

". . . how old is this?"

It was quite faded, with a few mended spots here and there. Even though it was a towel, it gave the impression of a cherished stuffed animal.

"Yeah. But it's a magical towel. It has always lowered my fevers. When I was little, I couldn't sleep without it."

"I see. Well, time for it to go to work again."

Yumi rinsed the towel in the sink, wrung it out slightly, and placed it on Yoshino-san's forehead.

"Thank you. That feels good."

"Ah. I'm glad."

Yumi pulled up a chair near Yoshino-san's bedside and sat down. Somehow, Yoshino-san's face appeared peaceful.

"My heart problems are over, but I still get fevers when I get tired. But their frequency is gradually going down."

"Unn."

"Sorry," Yoshino-san confessed. "I didn't want to tell the teacher because then I couldn't be together with everyone."

"I see."

Yoshino-san had been in poor health, so on extracurricular lessons, she was always at the teacher's side. Watching hard play from the sidelines, excused from her share of work, a classmate not part of the group, she probably felt quite alienated. But she still could participate. She was absent on school trips.

"In homeroom, when they were handing out hotel room assignments, I really wanted a room together with Yumi-san. I hoped so hard, didn't I? So everyone else backed down."

"That's right," answered Yumi. She remembered that time well. "By all means, I want to be in the same room as Yumi-san," was a bit too straightforward, but honestly, it made Yumi happy. That somebody liked her that much. Because of Yoshino-san's personality, it wasn't something she ever thought about.

Yoshino-san confirmed. "Yeah. This was why. I suspected something like this might happen. I think our classmates all backed down so unexpectedly for the same reason."

Even though they had both been at Lillian since kindergarten, this was the first time they were in the same class. But the students who had been in classes with Yoshino-san certainly still remembered her before her surgery. Thinking that she might get sick during the trip, they decided it would be better if she was with someone who could give her peace of mind.

"Yumi-san. Thank you for taking care of me."

That sounded like a line from an old story, which an old and sick father would say to his daughter. The next line from the daughter would be, "Don't say such things."

"I've been told 'friends exist to take on such burdens.' So don't worry about it."

It was the previous Rosa Chinensis, Mizuno Youko-sama, who said it. Right around the time of the Yellow Rose Revolution.

"But when you look at it objectively, those are just words, right? Because I don't consider it a burden to take care of Yoshino-san. I certainly think that this is the kind of thing that friends should do."

"Thank you."

"No more talking. Sleep," Yumi ordered, then turned off half the lights. "But, If it hasn't gone down by tomorrow morning, I'm telling the teacher."

"I understand."

She laid down on her own bed, but was too worried to sleep. Her body was awfully tired, but her thoughts kept going. I want to change Yoshino-san's towel now and then. Anyway, I had better resolve to get a good night's sleep.

(I hope I can wake up properly tomorrow morning.)

Suddenly, that thought crossed her mind, waking her with a start. Oops. She had not set an alarm clock.

(Let's see, tomorrow morning's Pine class breakfast time is . . .)

Quietly slipping out of bed to avoid waking the sleeping Yoshino-san, Yumi got up and checked the travel guidebook.

(7:15 to 7:45.)

That means she had to wake up before 7:00. No, they didn't have to all sit and say grace together, so it would be fine to get to the dining hall at 7:30. It's just divided by class to avoid a concentration of people at one time.

Brush teeth, wash face, put on uniform. Going through a sequence of tasks that would take 15 minutes, she decided to wake up at 7:00. She could do her hair after the meal.

(Now, the alarm clock . . .)

She searched the nightstand between the two beds. Usually, it would be here somewhere. In the hotels we stay at during family trips, it was usually built right into the table, next to the phone.

(It's not here.)

Smart travelers did not carry items they thought the hotel would have. She heard from the teacher that they didn't have toothbrushes, slippers, or robes. But she did not think there would be no alarm clock. She didn't even consider wearing a different wristwatch.

(Wa-wake-up call?)

Even at a Japanese hotel, she had never done such a thing. But she was unlikely to wake on her own, so it could not be helped. She had to rely on help from someone else.

(I certainly can't ask Yoshino-san.)

She could not ask the teacher, it was already 1 a.m. Besides, if she called the teacher's room and the teacher asked about Yoshino-san, she lacked the confidence to lie smoothly.

While hesitating, time marched on. Resolute, Yumi turned to face the telephone. It was a very ordinary phone with numbers next to push buttons that looked like speed dial. Perhaps pressing one of these buttons will do. But in the small print next to the buttons, there was nothing like "Wake Up Call."

(Maybe "Front Desk"?)

But there was nothing like "Front Desk" written anywhere.

(Uh . . . Which should I push?)

It wasn't "Room Service." Didn't seem to be "Housekeeping," or "Laundry," either. All that was left was "Operator" and "Reception." "Operator" gave an image of a telephone operator, but she had no idea what "Reception" was.

(Come on. What are you going to do, Yumi?)

Two choices. Whichever she chose, she had no confidence. Next time she travels abroad, she's bringing an alarm clock and a Japanese–English dictionary. Finding some courage, she reached out for the receiver. If it was the wrong choice, she could try again. She pushed the button labeled "Reception".

In English, she heard, "Hello?"

The other party had picked up after 5 rings. It was the deep voice of a man. She did not understand well because it was so fast, but maybe it was . . .

"How can I help you?" or something like that.

"Er, um . . . Morni—"

Stopping halfway through "Morning Call," she thought, "that's not it," and changed her mind.

In English, she said, "Wake up call, please."

Because "Morning Call" is a Japanese phrase of English words, and would not be understood. She remembered her teacher's words from when she read in English class. When it comes to human memory, there are all sorts of things that come up.

She continued, in English, "At seven."

Wow, what steady English! When she had to read in English class, she was told to pronounce a bit more clearly. Well, if she was able to communicate this time, she could hold her head with pride. She might be unable to speak smoothly or start sentences with "could you" or "would you." That couldn't be helped. As long as she was still understood by the other party.

"Okay." The reply came from the other end of the phone. Looks like he understood. After that was a stream of non-stop rapid talking. As expected, she could not understand any of it. She barely made out "seven" and "two three one," to which she replied, "Yes".

"Ni san ichi, ne. O-yasumi-nasai."

Saying that in Japanese, the other end of the phone hung up. It seems they get a lot of Japanese tourists. Apparently, the other side's language skill was one level higher.

After refreshing Yoshino-san's forehead towel with cold water, Yumi crawled into bed.

A day 8 hours longer than usual came to an end. The problem of the alarm clock had been solved. She needed to catch some shut-eye.

She wasn't Yoshino-san, but once she closed her eyes for a moment, it looked like it would be a long time before she would be able to wake up.

A Leisurely Dialog

Part 1

She awoke before the wake-up call. The sound of rain filled her ears.

It was dark, due to either the weather or the curtains being closed. Or maybe it was still night, not yet morning. If she got up and walked over to the window, she would know right away. But both her eyelids and her body were heavy, and she was cozy, wrapped up in a blanket. Her nose was cold.

"Oh yeah, Yoshino-san!"

Finally remembering last night's events, Yumi instantly woke up. But looking over to the neighboring bed, there was nobody there. Just the vacant shape of a sleeping body left behind in the blankets.

"Ba . . . bathroom?"

The sheets were not warm. While feeling the empty space with her hand, Yumi was certain it had been a long time since the bed was vacated. At least five minutes or more.

"W-what. . . ?"

She began rapidly feeling worse; so much so that she might even throw up. It appears while this happened, Yumi slept like a log. She had stopped paying attention after falling asleep.

Her feet got tangled as she went to open the bathroom door. Then —

"!"

It was locked from inside.

"Yoshino-san!?"

Don't lock the bathroom door if you're in ill health. They probably had such a rule in the Shimazu household.

"Yoshino-san! Are you okay!?"

She knocked on the door, hard. Bam Bam Bam. No response. If she was in there, choking, with something blocking her throat, she wouldn't be able to get up and open the door. Last night, no matter how hard she begged, it would have been better to leave Yoshino-san in the hands of the teacher.

"What should I do?"

Just as she made up her mind to call for help and turned away from the door, Yumi noticed something. Through a gap in the curtains, she could barely see daylight.

(Huh?)

And yet, she could still hear the sound of rain. She could hear it coming from the bathroom.

"Yo-Yoshino-san?"

If she listened carefully, she could even make out something like humming mixed in with the rain sound.

No way.

Yumi stood in front of the door. Soon the rain sound stopped, and the door opened from the other side.

"Sorry, Yumi-san. Do you need to use the bathroom?"

". . ."

Yoshino-san appeared, wearing a bathrobe and her hair dripping wet. Yumi, her mouth gaping wide open, shook her head.

"No? Okay. Sorry, just let me dry my hair," said Yoshino-san, then returned behind the door.

Yumi just watched all this then crouched, head looking through her knees. Unbelievable. A few hours ago Yoshino-san seemed to be so ill, but now she had recovered and was taking a shower. If Yumi had looked at her watch, she would see that it was half-past six. For now, she returned to her bed, feeling hazy and unable to calm down.

(I was worried and burdened.)

But friendship isn't a burden, is it? That's what I said last night.

(She was awake 30 minutes earlier than planned.)

Yoshino-san's physical condition improved as though she had a blessing bestowed upon her at 17 years of age. But Yumi was just Fukuzawa Yumi, not a saint. If she were, it was probably unnecessary to attend Lillian to study Jesus' teachings.

"Ah, I feel refreshed. Thank you for waiting, Yumi-san."

Yoshino-san came out of the bathroom in good spirits. Yumi felt the need to say something.

"Just a minute."

Yoshino-san guessed what Yumi was going to say, and answered, "I told you that I'd get better if I slept with a cooled forehead, didn't I?"

"I heard that, but . . ."

But usually one would still worry after all that.

"Before my shower, I took your uniform from the bathroom and hung it in the closet, so that it didn't get all damp."

While saying this, Yoshino-san opened the curtains and turned on the TV. Naturally, the broadcaster was reading the news in fluent Italian.

While looking at the screen, Yoshino-san confided in Yumi, "You were worried. You are the only classmate I can show my weakness to."

If she's going to say such a killer line like that. . . . The only response is, "That's all right."

That's all right.

She got a taste of what it must feel like to be Rei-sama, manipulated by Yoshino-san.

Yumi turned from Yoshino-san to face the TV, and replied, "I really was worried."

Two minutes after the TV news said 7:00, the room phone rang.

Part 2

At 7:20, arriving in the dining hall between the lobby and first floors, one group of classmates were already seated and had started eating.

"Yumi-san, Yoshino-san, over here." Tsutako-san and Mami-san beckoned with waving hands. "Two seats just opened up."

"Gokigenyou."

Yoshino-san exchanged greetings then sat down. A man who appeared to be a waiter came up to the two of them and asked if they'd like anything. Understanding only the initial "Buon Giorno" but fairly sure it was a greeting, they replied "Buon Giorno" just in case.

"He's asking what would you like to drink," Tsutako-san explained for them. It seems breakfast was buffet style, but first, drinks were ordered. Even so, that was some incredible listening comprehension. He spoke quickly and muttered. Yumi couldn't understand a thing.

"We didn't understand, either. But the Wisteria class students who were sitting here a while ago explained it to us. So, what would you like?"

"What to drink. . . ."

But there was no menu. Without hesitation, Yoshino-san ordered, "Café au lait, please."

At that, the waiter tilted his head.

"What did you two get, Tsutako-san?" asked Yumi.

"Caffè latte."

"Then I'll get that too. Caffè latte, please."

Yoshino-san added, "Me too."

This time she ordered properly. If you thought about it carefully, café au lait was a French drink. Tsutako-san and Mami-san exchanged glances and chuckled. Likewise, the two of them had copied the Wisteria class students and ordered caffè lattes. So, they weren't smart from the beginning.

When they returned with their plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, and croissants covered in powdered sugar, their caffè lattes were already placed at their seats. Yumi mused that there weren't all that many vegetables, so Yoshino-san got up, poured a glass of tomato juice and brought it back for her.

"You can drink that, right?"

She was being excessively helpful, perhaps as a result of what happened last night.

"So, how was last night?"

Mami-san broached the topic while pouring herself another caffè latte. She wasn't holding her usual reporter's notebook, this was just idle chatter.

"The shower is hard to use."

"Ah, when you went to flush the toilet, did you know what to do?"

It looks like Mami-san had consulted Tsutako-san on this matter after answering the call of nature. At first, Yumi was also stumped: she could not find a lever like they have in Japan. But when she noticed a big square button on the wall (about the size of a small drawer in a writing desk) she got all excited. If that moves, that's it.

"Speaking of bathrooms, isn't the toilet small and cold?"

"Yeah. When I sat down, I let out a 'yikes!'"

"Okay, that's enough."

It was mealtime, so it would be better to end this discussion as soon as possible.

"Come to think of it, did any of you bring an alarm clock?"

Yumi disclosed the events of last night, when she asked for a wake-up call while in a panic. Then —

"It was on the TV, wasn't it?" Both Mami-san and Tsutako-san said after exchanging glances.

"Really?"

"It felt like programming a VCR, didn't it? At the set time, the TV will automatically turn on and wake you up."

". . . I didn't notice that."

She probably would have noticed if she had turned on the TV. But last night? Not so much.

"But that's good, right? Thanks to that, you were able to have a valuable experience."

The two of them had already finished their meals, so they waved, laughing, and left. Some folks who had come in were looking around for seats.

"Is it okay if we sit here?"

It was Michiyo-san and Itsue-san, also from Pine class. Little by little, the faces of Sakura class students were starting to appear, too.

"Yes, please do."

Yumi and Yoshino-san greeted them with warm smiles. The waiter came and greeted the new guests with "Buon Giorno."

"He's asking what do you want to drink."

Of course, somebody explained it to them.

Part 3

At half past eight, they left through the first-floor exit and got on a waiting bus. Once on board, they said a brief prayer then took attendance.

Today, the class was joined by a guide who would be showing them around, riding along in the Pine class bus. She was a Japanese lady, old enough to be their mother. She said her husband had been working in Italy for almost seven years.

"From here we will head towards Vatican City. First, an art museum. After that, we will visit St. Peter's Basilica. Is everybody in good shape?"

"Yes."

Yoshino-san was the first to answer and the loudest voice. Like a kindergarten child, she raised her hand high above her head with all her might.

". . . Hey, you didn't say anything to Guide-san, did you?" Yoshino-san asked, reclining in her seat. Yumi felt her gaze but said nothing. "In any case, I'm fine now."

"So you say."

A small peace sign. Well, even when one's health is bad, it is better to at least appear good. This goes for everyone, not just Yoshino-san.

"Oh, before I forget. I have two or three warnings and instructions for things in the hotel room."

The teacher started to talk while looking at her notebook. This was a kind of homeroom.

"The alarm clock is on the TV. Students who are not confident in working the machine can press the Reception button on the phone and ask for a wake-up call."

Sure enough, looks like there were reports of students who were distressed because they did not understand. She didn't know who they were, but Yumi was happy to learn that there were others like her.

"The string hanging from the top of the bathtub is not a switch for a ventilation fan. It is an emergency call cord. Do not pull it unnecessarily."

Upon hearing the teacher's words, about half of the students laughed. The remaining half turned pale. It was unclear how many cases there were of hotel employees coming running after students let out a small, "What's this for?" and gave it a quick tug, but it appeared to be quite a few. That included Yumi. She pulled with quite a lot of strength, but nothing happened so she gave up. She was glad she had given up, and breathed a sigh of relief. But in a true emergency, would someone have the strength to make it work? Her doubts remained.

"The toilet will flush if you push the big button on the wall," she paused, looking over the list. "I guess that should cover just about everything, yes?"

At this, they all laughed. It appears that there was nobody who had left without flushing.

Soon after the teacher finished her announcements, the bus stopped and the door opened. It was only about a ten-minute ride, so they arrived much sooner than she thought.

"Are we really here?"

There was no building outside the window. This place had an atmosphere more like the main street in front of a train station.

"Okay, everyone. Please take your bags and disembark. Because this bus will go back to the hotel to pick up the Sakura class. After getting off, please form two lines."

The guide quickly issued instructions. If you listened, the entrance to the art museum was much farther. The bus stopped here because this was the end of the queue. It was a waste of time and energy to walk all the way from the entrance to the end of the line. Knowing how far the line stretches is a skill that only a local guide who actually lives here would have.

The guide led on, carrying the Pine class flag, whereas the teacher brought up the rear. Two adults were at either end of the long line. Looking back and forth, all types of people could be seen. As expected, all roads lead to Rome; tourists had come here from all over the world.

In front, they could see a group of Wisteria class students who had left the hotel just before them. They stood out, thanks entirely to the dark uniforms. Outside of school, a group of students in uniform are hard to miss. That was probably why the school made everyone wear them on official trips: teachers could respond quickly if a student got into an accident or trouble.

"The bus ride was a lot shorter, wasn't it?" muttered Yoshino-san.

The line slowly but surely moved forward. From the main street, they turned onto a small side street, with signs of fashionable bars and apartments. Gazing at all this, Yumi found it in no way disagreeable.

"This country is relaxed."

The voice came from Mami-san, right behind her.

"Relaxed?"

Yumi looked back over her shoulder.

"Rules, morals, environmental issues, things like that." Mami-san explained while taking notes. "First of all, the road is filthy."

As if it were common for people to drop cigarette butts, paper scraps, and vinyl. The roads in Tokyo weren't particularly pretty, but people were a bit more careful about dropping garbage.

"Besides, this is like a smoker's paradise, this country." Tsutako-san added, from next to Mami-san. These days, everywhere in the world, smokers are thought of as shameful. But in the hotel lobby, at cafe tables, on the street, everyone smoked with pride.

"Another culture's rules, huh?"

Pedestrians crossed even where there was no traffic signal. Whether or not that got in the way of traffic, they would normally hurry, smoothly making their way across. The drivers were used to this, easily avoiding pedestrians without slamming on the brakes.

"I'm not saying it's totally bad."

Don't get me wrong, Mami-san said. Tsutako-san nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Because you could also say they're leisurely, big-hearted, and generous. There, look."

They looked towards where she had pointed with her chin, where an old man sat. In the space before the old man was an empty can, into which passersby put money.

"Is that. . . ?"

"The act of giving one's own fortune to another. It's not a scene we see on the streets of Japan."

Sure enough, this is a Christian country, muttered Tsutako-san. A culture that produced compassionate hearts. A culture where leniency was the rule.

It wasn't whether it was good or bad. It was the national character.

It and was just not polite to be surprised by foreign cultures. Definitely not. No matter what you say, they were travelers. From their position, they were only a brief intrusion into this land.

"It would be nice if we discover all sorts of things."

On this trip, Yumi thought. Until now, all that they knew of the world was what they had seen on their own. It was a complicated, but important thing.

"All sorts of things?" Yoshino-san replied.

What kind of thing, specifically?

"If I said lots of all sorts of things, then I meant lots of things!"

For example . . .

Just when Yumi replied, a horn blared. Involuntarily, the students all turned to see. "Ah!" they all cried out with a bit of delight.

"It's a wedding."

A bride in a wedding dress and groom in white tuxedo rode a lavishly decorated convertible.

"Oh, yeah. It's Saturday isn't it?"

The bride and groom's car was led and followed by cars full of what looked to be young people—their friends. With all their excitement, they gave more a feeling of making fun than congratulations.

"Sure is nice."

With enchanted eyes, the high school girls watched the merry-making.

Right after that, a Dalmatian, its owner dragging it by its leash, pooped while running.

". . . Sure enough, relaxed," Mami-san muttered with boredom.

From what that dog left behind, befitting of something "relaxed," it looked like it had an upset stomach.

Part 4

After 50 minutes in line, they finally reached the entrance to the art museum.

Do not absorb everything at art museums as if it is all the same. Yumi just realized this 10 minutes after walking in.

Starting out, she was filled with high spirits. But one after another the exhibits came into view. The sheer number was more than could fit in one person's brain. The memory of the previous picture could not be taken out; the next picture could not be put in. She had to, but could not, replace one work with the next. At each and every amazing religious painting, she thanked or apologized to Maria-sama.

"That's okay."

Katori-sensei said.

"Even if you look around aimlessly, you'll see something you like." In an art museum, it is better if you find one or two pieces that you like and think of them as 'hits'. If you don't, your eyes will roll into the back of your head."

"Although I will explain every important point, it's fine to take my words as background music. When there's a work of art that interest you, listen in."

Guide-san said the same thing. I instantly felt better. Even people who are well-versed in art get more than their fill in places like this.

And the artwork at the Vatican City art museum that Yumi thought of as a "hit" was Michelangelo's "Last Judgement."

Christ the judge is in the upper middle of the chapel's large wall, with the Holy Mother Maria nearby. Around him are many people to be judged. It is a very famous fresco. Said briefly, it is heaven and hell.

Because it's a famous painting, people are drawn to it. Or it may be the reverse: only because the painting touches people's hearts, it became famous. The size also helps: it's quite impressive.

Shimako-san gazed upon the art, overcome with amazement and unaware of Yumi who stood next to her. No, since Wisteria class started earlier it was Yumi who, staring at the fresco, was unaware that she had stepped next to Shimako-san.

Meeting here was an amazing coincidence. Yumi was about to greet her with "Gokigenyou." But she was startled by her friend's face.

"Wha!?"

Shimako-san was shedding tears.

"Shi, Shimako-san?"

"I wonder, why won't the tears stop?"

Her cheeks glistened as large drops spilled over them.

Were they tears of compassion for the people being judged? Or consideration for the despair of Christ, who must judge, and for the sorrow of the holy mother, her eyes covered?

Shimako-san herself said she did not know why she cried. The only thing for sure was that faith was involved.

Looking at the fresco, Shimako-san was as beautiful as Maria-sama.

The Wisteria class assembled, so Shimako-san left the chapel. Yoshino-san came up to Yumi and whispered,

"Really, Jesus has gotten fat."

She got to see two extremes of reaction in just a short moment.

But.

They are both dear friends to Yumi.

Part 5

Within the art museum were occasional sales stands. They were simple shops, tables with items arranged on tables, selling things related to the Vatican City art museum. Guidebooks translated to languages of various countries, miniature replicas, the items varied by shop.

"Yoshino-san, what are you doing?"

Yoshino had stopped in front of a stand in the middle of a wide corridor. She had seen something important and turned around to take a look. And then, there.

"Rosaries..."

With a serious expression, Yoshino-san gazed upon the rosaries arranged on the table. She didn't even glance at the paintings of Maria-sama next to the rosaries.

"Really, I was torn."

Determined to produce a little sister, as if she could make that little sister's face become visible.

"Going to buy a new one?"

"Hm. But Shimako-san gave Noriko-chan the one that she got from Sei-sama."

Because Sei-sama also received hers from her onee-sama, it had continued in the White Rose family for untold generations.

"For mine, Rei-chan bought one for me."

So it appeared that Rei-sama still had the rosary that Eriko-sama gave her.

It did not matter whether the rosary that is exchanged between soeurs was one passed down from generation to generation, or purchased new. Because if it was limited to just "generation to generation," that could cause problems.

"What about Yumi-san's rosary? Did Sachiko-sama receive it from Youko-sama?"

"I don't know."

Now that you mention it, she never asked.

"All I know for certain is that it wasn't something prepared for me."

It was on the day when they first exchanged words that Sachiko-sama made her sudden soeur proclamation. Even though Yumi did not accept it at first, it did become the rosary that now hung around Yumi's neck.

"I see. Before Yumi-san, Sachiko-sama asked Shimako-san."

Yoshino-san muttered things best left forgotten. If Sachiko-sama had bought something for their future little sister, it would have been with Shimako-san in mind. ...It was a bit complicated.

"So Yumi-san, aren't you going to buy one?"

"Aha, so plan to drag your friend along with you."

"I thought of something even better. Rosary Fortune Telling."

"What's that?"

"From the rosaries here, I purchase the one that fills me with inspiration." Then, once we return home, the first-year at school who best suits this rosary? I choose her to be my little sister. What do you think?"

1. page 87

"What do I think?"

Like picking Cinderella by the size of her shoes. Anyway, while she could say it was fortune telling, it totally was not fortune telling.

"I'll pass."

Saying that, Yumi left the table. With Rosary Fortune Telling cast aside, the will to choose a rosary from those lined up faded.

They were florid and used colored stones. She preferred something simple.

For the time being, she left it at that.

Part 6

After the art museum, St. Peter's Basilica.

It is the Catholic headquarters. It is where the Pope is. It is a church built above the grave of the martyr St. Peter.

They waited in line for admission at the piazza's entrance gates. Just like the art museum, there was an amazing number of tourists. In line, about ten people ahead of the second year Pine class group, a western-looking middle-aged man and an Asian couple were denied entry. Guide-san explained that this was because the man wore short pants and sandals, the woman in the couple wore a slip dress that showed quite a bit of skin. This is a sacred place. Without appropriate attire, you won't be allowed to set foot within.

The couple was admitted once the lady put on a men's shirt and covered up her skin. But in the case of the shorts, there was no way to improvise a solution. The man shrugged and turned back.

"I wonder, was that man a Christian?"

Shimako-san said softly, while watching his retreating figure.

"Whatever your own religion, if you know you're going to visit sacred places, you need to dress suitably."

Yoshino-san struck a final blow. It was a sound argument, but a harsh comment.

"But, Japanese people are somewhat in danger, are they not? There seem to be few people going about daily life while devoutly holding faith."

Shimako-san said while Yumi was still thinking what to say.

"I think Japanese people are safe enough."

"Why?"

"We bought a guidebook and prepared, right? Like it said in the book, we paid attention to our clothes."

Seeing both Mami-san and Yoshino-san nod vigorously in agreement, it seems all three of them pored over every corner of that guidebook as if preparing for a test.

"By the way, do you need your passport when entering?"

Mami-san said as if she suddenly thought of it.

"Passport?"

"Because Vatican City is literally a country."

Oh yeah, it is the smallest independent country in the world.

"Yeah, it's not Italy in here."

"I guess you're right."

"But if that's the case, what about when we entered the art museum?" We did not show passports then, right? But is that part of Vatican City?"

Probably because of its name, "Vatican Art Museum."

"So if this is not Italy, how does the Pope govern?"

"The Swiss Guard watches over Vatican City. Well, let's go."

After the man and the couple, nobody else was stopped due to clothing. The entrance flowed smoothly, and just like that, it was Yumi and friends' turn. Indeed, in the case of uniforms, once you look at one, there's no need to look over every single one, so they flowed through smoothly.

They were able to enter St. Peter's Basilica without even showing a passport. As they passed by the official standing at the entrance, they nervously had their bags searched, like before riding an airplane. Of course, the Lillian Academy for Women uniform was "suitable" and no cause for rejection.

Their first impression of the piazza was "it's like an outdoor stage." Or more precisely, "grounds set up for a concert." A colossal number of chairs were lined up, facing the church.

"They're preparing for tomorrow."

Guide-san explained for them.

The faithful from all around the world gather for Sunday mass. It was probably a lifelong dream for the faithful to participate in mass at the Catholic headquarters.

Like the basilica exterior, the interior was built to draw out the spirit.

First, the ceiling was very, very, high. And gorgeous and dazzling. Beautiful. Sparkling. Sublime. Brilliant. Anyhow, with one word "amazing." Although they had already looked at gorgeous things at the art museum, they were merely Japanese high school girls. They stood frozen, mouths agape.

It's a big world. They had never seen such a building.

While their heads were still in a daze, Guide-san led on, showing them Michelangelo's "Pieta", "Statue of Saint Peter" and more. Yumi had only impressions of the famous statues that were here, so as one would expect, she received quite a culture shock.

Part 7

Still half-dazed, the line of second-year Pine class left St. Peter's Basilica. After a walking a bit, they came to their senses, and feelings started to bubble to the surface.

"I'm hungry."

Looking at their wristwatches, it was already around 2 in the afternoon. There were stairs between the art museum and the basilica. Getting so late, it wasn't funny. They had been through so many places so quickly. For careful study, even a whole day is not enough.

"Just a bit longer, so please wait."

Like little chicks pestering a parent for food, voices of "I'm hungry" cried out here and there throughout the line. Because of that, even the students who were unconscious up to now, they started to notice their own hunger. It was troublesome.

After reaching an outdoor cafe where they had a reservation (or something akin to that), the ladies ate panini. Their insatiable hunger came out. They had walked far, so it tasted great.

Italian mineral water is carbonated. So when you want normal water, you have to ask for "no gas."

Yumi and her group of friends discussed it and ordered half with and half without, so that they could compare. At first, "with gas" was novel and popular. But by the end of the meal, "no gas" won everyone's vote. As expected, people return to the things they were familiar with as children. A few preferred "with gas", and thought about buying some to take back to Japan. But water as an Italian souvenir? They thought it would be heavy and bulky.

Now. "challenger" Yumi decided to end with a first experience of using the shop's restroom.

When she considered that there would be a cleaning lady, she took out some coins. Then into the cafe interior she went.

According to the guidebook, Italian for toilet is "bagno," and "for women" is "donna." In the situation where the restroom is locked from the outside, the key to borrow at the counter is "chiave."

While whispering this to herself so as not to forget, she made her way through the customer tables until a staircase came into view. On the wall by the staircase hung a piece of paper with an arrow pointing down and the word "Toilette" written on it. Apparently, this cafe's restroom was in the cellar. Yumi faced the dark cellar and headed down the stairs.

"...and that's all there was to it. No big deal. A brief report, as requested."

Back at the table after finishing with the restroom, Yumi reported on her new restroom experience & went into her feelings and minute details. But Yoshino-san looked impatient and kept looking at the exit.

"To sum up, the restroom was in the cellar? And did you pay? Did you not pay?"

"...I did not pay."

"Was there toilet paper?"

"There was."

"All right. I've heard enough. I will report any difficulties."

"Ah, Yoshino-san"

Without hearing that last call, the New Bathroom Experience, Second Unit jogged into the cafe and disappeared. Looks like she was in a state of urgency. Such things can't be helped. But.

"...Why didn't you tell me there wasn't any toilet seat?"

She came back and abruptly asked. So Yumi answered with childish mischief,

"If you think about it, isn't it the perfect toilet to strengthen your leg muscles?"

Yoshino-san threw those words back at her,

"Before muscles, what about balance?"

It seems that Yoshino-san had to use a Western-style toilet without sitting down.

One imagines that would be rather difficult.

Part 8

After a late lunch, then visiting Castel Sant'Angelo, then returning via bus to the hotel for a moment, they had some free time together as a class.

As a result of earlier homeroom discussions, Yumi and friends decided to stroll around the Piazza di Spagna and go to the Trevi Fountain this evening. For tomorrow's similar free time, they planned on the Colosseum and the Mouth of Truth. In other words, the Pine class had adopted a theme of "Roman Holiday."

"It feels like it's crammed with people."

It was the famous Spanish Steps, where a great deal of people crowded together. There was nothing to do, but some people were sitting and eating gelato they had gotten somewhere, imitating Princess Anne.

"Is it enjoyable, just sitting on the stairs?"

Grumbling while standing around without sitting is human nature. Laugh if you want. Because they came so far, no one would get punished for sitting down. So everyone in the Pine class sat down on the stairs. Without a moment's delay, Tsutako-san took pictures. While grumbling "that nearby old man is in the way" and whatever.

"Yumi-san, what are you thinking about?"

"Huh?"

"From time to time, you sigh like you're thinking of something. Today... yeah, from the afternoon on."

Tsutako-san said from behind her camera lens. That's the Photography Club ace for you. She really saw people's expressions.

"Homesick already? Or do you miss your onee-sama?"

"No way. That's not it."

Shaking her head and waving her hands, Yumi denied it. Not even a day and a half had passed since they left Japan. It was a normal weekend. It was common to be unable to see your onee-sama. And they have experienced many even longer breaks since becoming soeurs.

"Then what is it?"

Tsutako-san laughed, then put down her camera and sat next to Yumi. Yoshino-san and Mami-san sat down on the stairs for a moment, and thus satisfied, were ready to go see the fountain. Rolling up the sleeves and splashing the water, goofing around, it sounded like fun.

"Didn't we go the Castel Sant'Angelo just a little while ago?"

Yumi confessed to Tsutako-san.

"Ah. That castle is said to be the stage for 'Tosca.'"

The opera "Tosca" is a tragedy where a woman kills to help their lover, but that fails, her lover is executed by firing squad, and she kills herself by leaping from a parapet. If briefly summarized.

"About that. While listening to the opera, I suddenly remembered Kanina Shizuka-sama."

"Rosa Kanina"

The singer who previously vied with Shimako-san for the title of Rosa Gigantea. Before she became a third-year, she traveled to Italy to study music.

"I wonder how she's doing. Is she happy?"

Standing now on the soil of Italy, it seems obvious, but, the land was vast and the people many. Shizuka-sama was probably somewhere under this wide sky, but without knowing her street address or the name of her town, if you wanted to see her, finding her while just passing by on a school trip seemed unlikely.

"Why wouldn't she be happy? No news could be evidence she's happy, right?"

After Tsutako-san said this, Mami-san "speaking of news" appeared from behind

"You surprised me. When did you get back?"

"Just now. While Tsutako-san and Yumi-san are happily telling secrets, I thought I'd listen in."

"But it wasn't a secret. So, what is this 'news' you bring us?"

"Oh, yes, yes! Did you know? There's a post office inside the Vatican art museum. The Sakura class wrote and sent picture postcards back to Japan."

"To their families?"

"No. To their onee-samas and little sisters."

Upon hearing 'onee-sama', Yumi suddenly became envious. It's not that she was homesick, but she wanted to see her onee-sama. It's not like she couldn't endure it. But this was a chance to send a picture postcard from overseas to her onee-sama. She didn't know when such a chance would come around again. Right now it was Saturday evening. She didn't know the business hours of this country's post office. Until she bought some stamps, she couldn't send anything even if she happened to see a mailbox.

"Come on, Pine class. We're going to Trevi Fountain."

Upon the teacher's order, they stood up and brushed off their skirts.

They were travelers, not free to do as they pleased.

Part 9

The Trevi Fountain had an appearance in the evening that she liked, Katori-sensei said.

Because of that one comment, Pine class put it on the schedule for Saturday evening.

Even after 50 years, The masterpiece "Roman Holiday" remains a movie popular with girls. Not just Pine class, but Wisteria and Sakura class also planned a tour of its settings. But only Pine class saw the Trevi Fountain in the evening. The other two classes planned to visit during the day tomorrow. Probably because in the story, it was bright when Princess Ann came here.

As the teacher had recommended, the Trevi Fountain was beautiful in the evening. Emerging from the darkness were many white statues, brightly lit. The water poured forth from around their feet. Actually, it seemed like it was the face of the Palazzo Poli, but it was too artistic for a building wall.

Turn your back to the fountain and throw in coins. It is said that if you do this, you will someday return to this place.

Yumi also pulled a coin from her wallet, and hollered "eee." Regrettably, since she had her back turned to the fountain, she couldn't tell which was her coin.

"Why don't I take a picture of Takeshima-san with Fukuzawa-san and everyone all lined up? I'll press the shutter."

Katori-sensei offered, but Tsutako-san declined with "that's very considerate." She likes taking photographs far more than being photographed.

"Sensei, you're not going to throw a coin?"

"Oh, right. But even if I do not throw it, I come here often. Throwing a coin just to do it, isn't that a waste of money?"

Because she comes here often, she could say "I prefer the evening." Trevi Fountain in the daytime, Trevi Fountain in the evening, she knows these things.

"Sensei, was it Italy in your day?"

"No. Kyushu."

Katori-sensei was a Lillian Academy OG: Old Girl. She had attended Lillian Academy as a student. Ten or so years ago, it seems there were no plans at all for overseas school trips.

"Both last year and this year, I was the homeroom teacher for second-years, so this is the second year in a row I've been to Italy."

Katori-sensei said that she doesn't know what next year will bring, but as long as she's a teacher at Lillian Academy, she's likely to travel to Italy many times.

"Sensei, do you like being a teacher at Lillian?"

"Mm-hmm. Yes, I like it."

"Then you definitely should throw in a coin. You'll be able to come again. Because while you accompany school trips to Italy, you'll be able to be a teacher at Lillian."

"Oh no. I'll wish for coming on a personal trip."

Whispering this while she pulled out money, Sensei threw a coin.

Painting an exquisite and long arc as it shone in the brilliant light, the coin fell into the fountain.

Part 10

"This is unconfirmed information."

Mami-san said with a hushed voice, sitting at the dinner table.

Conversing at the restaurant next to the hotel. Porcini mushrooms roasted until browned, together with whitefish, plated, and served.

"Just a while ago, Sakura class students supplied the story. Oh, this story is off the record, please. Because if I get stuck, I might put it in the Lillian Kawaraban."

However, the Sakura class supplied something that might be useful later. This story was a scoop, but it probably would turn out to be nothing. More than that, she was leaking a rumor before publishing it herself. But Mami-san continued, unconcerned with that. She'd been staying in Italy, so maybe her reporter's soul had grown a bit leisurely.

"For the evening class activity, do you know where the Sakura class went?"

"A stroll through Borghese gardens?"

Yoshino-san answers in a flash. It felt like a quick answer, without putting on airs.

"Yes. There was a small accident there."

"A single student strayed from the pack. If that was all, everyone knows that. I'm sorry, but that is not a scoop."

Tsutako-san pointed out. To which Yumi nodded "yes, yes" in agreement.

Eventually, that student was crying and wandering around the park. A kind, local, elderly, couple found her and took her to where her classmates were. When we returned from Trevi Fountain, some Wisteria class students told me in the hotel lobby. Perhaps that was when Mami-san heard the news.

"I dared to visit the student's room for an interview."

"...did she answer your questions?"

"Under a promise of anonymity. So we'll call her... A-san."

Sakura class arrived at Borghese Gardens with various conditions attached. Travel in groups of several people was one of them. Of course, at the beginning, A-san was in a group of seven friends. Map in hand, they walked around the park. Taking pictures next to the splendid sculptures, riding around on bicycles, waving at the many young locals, it sounded like wonderful fun.

"Then, did A-san lose sight of her group?"

"That's correct."

Mami-san lowered her voice.

"She was distracted by something, separated from her group, and wandered around unsure of where to go. The time to assemble drew near, they had to return soon. But it looks like her group did not notice that they were missing a person. It was getting dark around there, and it was far better to travel together, so each group should track its own roll call."

"So, what did they do? Really, Mami-san. You're putting too much emphasis on this. Folks are good-natured."

Yoshino-san was striking out with admonitions, but really she was just antsy to know what happened next. Mami-san knew that. This was certainly a pattern she picked up from writing the Lillian Kawaraban.

In the middle of all the students excited over topics like the Vatican in the daytime and Trevi Fountain at night, only this table had their heads together, whispering in private. Won't our classmates notice? Yumi thought they'd have to notice. But everyone else was fully engrossed in their own stories, so nobody noticed anything in this direction.

Still, Mami-san lowered her voice.

"She saw Satou Sei-sama."

The Mouth of Truth's Complaint

Part 1

Rome's subway has only two lines, A line and B line.

Because it is so simple, at least compared to the Tokyo Subway Transit Map, you probably wouldn't recognize it if you saw it.

Well, this is a foreign land. Not being what you're used to, even buying one ticket is a big task.

Each class had some freedom in choosing some activities. In Japan, they chose the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colosseum, and the Mouth of Truth. In that earlier discussion, it was unanimously agreed that "this would be a good chance to ride the subway." But now that they were actually trying it, it was quite the terrible challenge.

In any case, it was crowded. But today is Sunday.

Because it would have been impossible for 30 people to all board the same car, they split into three groups, confirmed how many stations down the line to go, and which exit to head towards. After they got through the exit, they called roll. After confirming that everyone was present, they moved on. They called roll before leaving the station. They called roll as soon as they left. Everything was fine. Because of the event with Sakura class yesterday, Sensei was more nervous than usual.

Upon hearing the word "subway," Sensei blatantly made a face that meant "that's going to be a hassle". Now they understood why. But Katori-sensei was trying to accommodate what the students decided, as long as it wasn't dangerous. That was also the high school's policy.

From the station next to the hotel, they first rode the A line, bound for Termini Station. Here the station intersected with B line, along with international and domestic national rail lines. It was probably the largest station in Rome.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was around a 5-minute walk from Termini Station. This was a church built due to a revelation of Maria-sama. By coincidence, there wasn't a cloud in the sky today. So under a sky that reminded them of the deep blue of Maria-sama's Heart, the white building also called "Saint Mary of the Snows" shone bright and beautiful.

When they entered the church, it was the height of Sunday mass.

In the center of the wide church was a simple partition of something like rope, where rows of seats for the priests and faithful offered their prayers. Although the words of the prayers and sermon differed, there were many sections that overlapped the masses held in Lillian's church. They attended a Christian school, so Yumi's group also put their hands together and prayed behind the faithful.

They returned to Termini Station, this time riding the B line to the Colosseum. As soon as they exited the station, the famous round stadium appeared. To tell the truth, the second-year Pine class homeroom had arguments for and against including this place in the plans

The arguments in favor included "this was one of the many places that Princess Anne went sightseeing in 'Roman Holiday', which I want to see with my own eyes." The arguments against included "I don't want to go to places that made a spectacle of killing." Eventually, they decided to look at it only from the outside. Both sides agreed that the Colosseum was a good waypoint for the Mouth of Truth, even though it was one train station earlier.

There was lots of greenery. The air improved. Relaxing and walking on old cobblestones, they came to an old church.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Really, there was no doubt that the reason this place stood out was that the "Mouth of Truth" was here. If you saw the line formed outside the church, you'd nod in agreement "yes, yes."

"I bet it's empty inside the church..."

"Yeah. You can see that from the street."

Despite this conversation, for now, the second-year Pine class formed a single line behind the queue. The head of the queue turned to the right after entering the church, then down a long and narrow passage. There is the "Mouth of Truth."

The "Mouth of Truth" is a marble disk with the face of Triton, a god of the sea. Tradition says that if a liar put their hand into its mouth, it would eat the hand

The disc is said to be an ancient manhole cover. Yet people line up to see it. Is this too the influence of that famous scene in "Roman Holiday"? All the time Yumi and friends were watching, nobody mimicked a tabloid reporter by howling and pretending to have lost a hand.

Tourists were conscious of the number of people lined up behind them. As each person's turn came up, they took a picture or two in front of the "Mouth of Truth," then made way for the next person. As a result of this, the line moved much more quickly than they thought it would. Of course, it goes without saying that the Lillian students followed this implicit rule.

Yumi and Yoshino-san both put their hands in the "Mouth of Truth" at the same time, and Tsutako-san's camera went "click."

"The two of you together" was requested by both the Newspaper and Photography clubs. If Shimako-san had been in the same class, they certainly would have asked for "all three people."

After they finished taking their picture, they went into the church. It was old, dark, and small. But the floor was beautiful with its Italian tile and gave the church a special atmosphere. Some tourists were content to just put their hands into the "Mouth of Truth" and leave, but that seemed more than a little wasteful. There was a lovely church here, just a few steps away.

After a late lunch at a restaurant a short walk from the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, they walked to Circus Maximus Station (a nice leisurely stroll while digesting lunch), rode the B line to Termini Station, then the A line back to the hotel

Part 2

"I have an eyewitness report of Sei-sama."

Mami-san said, while holding her chopsticks like a pen.

"Not just A-san from Sakura class. There are others."

Apparently, Mami-san did not relax in her room during the brief time between returning to the hotel and dinner time. It seems she was gathering intelligence, calling out to students in the lobby, sometimes visiting the rooms of friends in the Sakura and Wisteria classes. Meanwhile, roommate Tsutako-san was in her room, checking remaining quantities of film and carefully going over her camera, just as you'd expect. They were both the "go your own way" type.

"Others?"

Yoshino-san asked, while stuffing her cheeks with stewed vegetables. Tonight was their first Japanese cuisine in a long time. The school knew that they would eventually miss rice, so they incorporated a Japanese restaurant into the plans.

It was not in the spirit of "when in Rome...", and probably heresy, but they were honestly grateful for some food that wasn't cooked in olive oil.

"Some Wisteria class students also saw someone who looks like her at Milano airport. It was quite a topic of discussion amongst the Wisteria class. Someone who looked just like the original Rosa Gigantea walked by."

"At the Milano airport...?"

While listening, Yumi felt like maybe she just might have been there. When she bought the marker pen, the words "Rosa Giganea" had come from a cluster of Wisteria class students. But they weren't talking about Shimako-san.

"And it looks like that was the case even at Narita."

"That was just a similar name, though."

Mami-san herself even admitted that she mistook "Katou" as "Satou." When three people all asserted this at the same time, Mami-san muttered, "I can't say that for sure."

"Now it's not just the same name, but also the same face."

"But, Shimako-san..."

"Yeah. She heard the announcement and said it was Katou-san. But what about the students who said they saw someone who looked like Sei-sama? Do you think it is just a coincidence?"

Too many coincidences. Everyone thought so.

"Sei-sama came to Italy?"

To Yoshino-san's question, Mami-san shook her head and added a correction.

"To Rome"

Rome.

The three people mulled over that word. Sei-sama had come to Rome. Rather suddenly, the mood had shifted.

"What is she up to?"

"A trip, right?"

"What about school?"

"Oh yeah. The university is on post-exam vacation right now."

So there was no problem with the schedule.

"But didn't Sei-sama come to Italy on her school trip? I wonder why she would return to somewhere she had just been two years ago? Wouldn't France or England be better? Because she's spending all that airfare to Europe."

"That's true."

Yoshino-san's argument had an unusually persuasive power.

"So, that person is someone else after all...?"

"Even after hearing about all the people who saw someone who looked like Sei-sama? That doesn't suggest something? Sei-sama looks like a customary Japanese person. That's not someone you'd see around here.

"Naria, Milano, and Borghese Gardens? These are all accidental resemblances?"

"Hm."

The three of them folded their arms and pondered. For the time being, they sipped their Japanese tea and gave their brains a break.

"If it was really her, wouldn't she get in touch with us?"

While nodding in agreement, the four of them all raised their teacups with both hands and drained their cups.

Dinner was over, but this conversation was not.

Because none of them had seen this "just like Sei-sama" person themselves, all four of them were not completely convinced.

Part 3

That night, while Yumi took a bath, Yoshino-san called Rei-sama on the phone.

Since it was 11 p.m. Sunday here, it would be 6 a.m. Monday in Japan. Rei-sama would probably be getting dressed for the morning, with time for a nice long phone call.

The rule was that calls to Japan from the hotel room had to be called collect. Because of that, students could only call their homes. Even if they wanted to hear their soeur's voice, it would be impossible unless they burdened the other party with the phone bill.

But in Yoshino-san's case, her onee-sama was Rei-sama, her neighbor and cousin. They had more flexibility when it came to finances. She could call Rei-sama at home, even collect, and a relative could cover the cost.

Yumi got out of the bath without noticing, saw the back of Yoshino-san sitting on the bed and laughing, and envied her.

She wanted to hear Sachiko-sama's voice. To say silly things, and be scolded for it.

When she was touring various places, in a hurry, helping out, then she didn't feel so lonely. But when the day was done, and she had a chance to breathe? She really missed her onee-sama during such nights.

There was no TV program here to distract her. Even variety shows were not funny when they're in Italian.

A person could be homesick, but this was something different. In other words, she was sister sick.

And though she could call home, that would do nothing for this particular ailment

She wanted to see her right now. She wanted Sachiko-sama to know that she missed her.

Japan and Italy. Right now they were separated by an easy-to-understand "distance on a map" that could only be bridged by a return flight home.

But.

What should someone do when sooner or later such vague things as "circumstance" or "daily life" or "time" pull two people apart?

As she thought about it, a flood of tears overwhelmed her.

It was already late, and too hard to think about things after onee-sama graduates while in the middle of a school trip.

Slowly but steadily the tears filled her eyes and rained down. And she could not make them stop.

She heard no sign of Yoshino-san's phone call coming to an end, so Yumi softly closed the open door.

Back in the bathroom, she washed away her tears with cold water.

Tomorrow was Florence.

She had to change moods.

What Kind of City is the Capital of Flowers?

Part 1

Monday.

They left Termini Station a little before 11 o'clock aboard a Eurostar, heading towards Florence. The Eurostar is a train like Japan's Shinkansen.

Unlike the subway, national railway stations have no ticket gate. Each person must carry a stamped ticket. If you forget the stamp, you may have to pay a fine. It appears that the system is unaffected by the tears of countless surprised travelers.

While eating sandwiches, they watched the rural landscape float past the windows.

The greenery filled their eyes. The color of dry earth. Clear sky. Stone buildings. The scenery that appeared and disappeared was just like an oil painting. Maybe the arts blossomed here because of the beautiful land.

They rode the Eurostar for around 1 hour 45 minutes, then arrived at the Santa Maria Novella station, which was the next place they were staying: Florence.

The Capital of Flowers, Firenze, was a small town. There were plenty of local buses running, but they got around on foot so that they could focus on the tourist attractions centered in a 700-meter radius around the Duomo, as printed in the guidebook.

So naturally, they walked from the train station to the hotel. To avoid the roads packed with tourists, they walked along the Arno river, and soon arrived at their hotel.

It was not yet check-in time, so they left their luggage and strolled around the vicinity of the Duomo. Although it was a small town, there was plenty to see. They could not go around and see everything. First, check what was Monday's class activity, the Sensei said.

The Duomo was a beautiful church, like something out of a fairy tale. Looking at its surface, it was glamorous like a wedding cake. It appeared like a round cake, covered all around with chocolate powder.

When she expressed these thoughts, her classmates guffawed with laughter.

"Yumi-san, are you sure you're not hungry?"

"Nothing of the sort. After all, just now when I saw that statue of the boar, I thought that I didn't want to eat it."

Well, there you go.

"So, if Yumi-san is hungry, do you think live cows, pigs, and chickens look delicious when you look at them?"

This evoked even more laughter. Certainly that wasn't it. Although, when she saw a crab in an aquarium, she did think it looked delicious.

"I've got it. Yumi-san is hungry for sweets right now."

At this moment, she could not deny that point. Why? Because right now in front of her eyes was the Basilica di San Lorenzo. As she looked at its walls, she imagined that it looked like a black tea chiffon cake with sides covered in combed icing.

"But, for me, that wasn't totally wrong."

Yoshino-san whispered quietly to herself.

Exactly.

Florence is a delicious-looking down that looks like a cake shop.

Part 2

They checked into their hotel after finishing their light sightseeing. This hotel had a unique charm, different from their hotel in Rome. Simple. Chic.

Both exterior and interior had a modern theme, using lots of hard and cool surfaces of glass and silver.

"Oh! This time the shower has a hose! Lucky!"

Yoshino-san called out, having burst into the bathroom first.

"Hm, they don't have a toothbrush though. That's strange. Hey, Yumi-san. Did you hear me? Even though this point was emphasized at the informational meeting, it seems that lots of students didn't bring a toothbrush. The majority of us purchased one at Narita, but there were still some who didn't realize they needed one until they were at the hotel. But since Sensei had predicted this, she came prepared. I wonder how many it would take to fill that huge suitcase of hers? Hey, Yumi-san, are you listening?"

Good grief, Yoshino-san sure was chipper. Back when they arrived at their hotel in Rome, she had been ill, and no condition to explore the room. Essentially, this is the type of person that she is. In fact, this is what Yumi wanted to do in the hotel in Rome.

"Hey hey hey, did you try using the bidet?"

Yoshino-san asked, pointing to a washbasin-like fixture next to the toilet.

"I never used it. I don't know how."

Yumi answered, overwhelmed by Yoshino-san's excitement.

"Right. I don't know, either."

"As for the toilet, I think I prefer the Japanese shower and toilet."

"I agree. And bath. I want a separate washing place and tub."

"Ah, me too."

When they saw that they both held the same opinion, they laughed and playfully batted each others' hands.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

But it can't be helped: after spending a long time in a foreign land, you still yearned for the familiar.

Even in modern times.

One can't help but think that long ago, when the first missionaries set foot on Japanese soil to spread Christianity, they must certainly have had the same difficulties.

Part 3

That night's dinner was huge.

Even though young girls should be thoughtful when choosing from a menu, the volume of food piled on one plate was not particularly varied.

A donburi-like bowl filled with soup cooked with vegetables was plopped in front of them with a big "don!" Roast beef, not sliced, just served as a lump. "Plop." And more. Pasta and bread, "ba-ban." They were growing children, but they could not eat all this.

"What a waste!"

While such laments continued, not a single student could finish their meal.

An elderly local couple was seated a bit from the Lillian students. While eating a meal even more voluminous than the students', they drank wine, "glug glug."

When their bellies were full and they still had food left over, Yumi thought "if only Yuuki were here." With an "it would be my pleasure!" he would eat it all up. "Chomp chomp."

"Not just Yuuki-kun. He'd have to call Kobayashi-kun, Takada-kun, maybe not Alice, but also Nikko/Gakkou-sempai, too."

Yoshino-san said while laughing. If he did that, there would certainly be no leftovers after they ate.

"Yuuki-kun is Yumi-san's younger brother, right?" The current Hanadera school council president. Has anyone asked if he's coming to help with our own school festival? Like last year's prince or something?"

"Prince!?"

That's way past his limits, Yumi denied and shook her head. The Fukuzawa family had a couple tanuki-faced siblings. The only time Yuuki could play the prince is when the story takes place in the Tanuki kingdom.

"Maybe it's a more incredible role than the Prince!"

Yoshino-san, with a slightly indiscriminate mouth, threw a pick-off ball.

"Yoshino-san... That's confidential until we return from this school trip. Sorry."

"All right, I'll stop talking. Just one more little hint? Hey, it's okay, Yumi-san."

"It's a secret."

"No way, a love scene between siblings!?"

"... Stop it already!"

Originally her stomach was full, but Yumi clenched a fork.

A love scene between siblings? That's not something to joke about. Ew, gross.

That notwithstanding, she still could eat: a lady came carrying an after-dinner cake. A girl's dietary needs are a great mystery, constantly changing.

"Florence is a cake shop town, so I have to eat this."

What an excuse.

Tonight, another image was added to the cake town.

A lump of meat.

Yumi thought that from now on, whenever she saw a lump of meat, she would remember Florence.

Resounding! Leaning! Melting?!

Part 1

Tuesday.

Today's plan was the San Marco art museum and Pisa.

Because the art museum can get crowded, they left their hotel at 8 a.m.

The road was full of pedestrians yesterday, but uninhabited before the shops opened. In the cold morning air, deserted streets around the Duomo gave it a mysterious mood. Of course, it was the difference between a decorated cake and an ice cream cake.

They arrived at the San Marco art museum at 8:30. Although they did not know exactly how long they would have to wait until it opened, two or three groups of tourists had already gathered near the entrance. It would have been hard to find the plain door of the entrance without them. This should be the place, an art museum in a monastery.

They walked along the collonade while looking at the beautiful courtyard.

Up some stairs, inside was Fra Angelico's "Annunciation."

This fresco was painted on the wall over 500 years ago, yet still held its beautiful colors. "Annunciation" was a theme frequently painted by many artists. Comparing what was in front of her eyes with an illustrated reference, Yumi thought that she liked Fra Angelico's "Annunciation" better. The beauty of the colors, such as the vividness of the angel's wings, was magnificent. As was the pure face of Maria-sama as she received the divine message.

She suddenly remembered a scene from a play at her kindergarten Christmas party, the nativity of Jesus. At that time, the archangel brought lilies when descending to speak with Maria-sama.

"Do not be afraid."

And then revealed that the savior dwelled within her body.

Someone ordinary would be surprised. But Maria-sama was not ordinary, so she accepted this incredible fact. No, it probably was because she was an accepting woman that god chose Maria-sama.

"It's so beautiful."

Like Shimako-san standing in front of the "Last Judgement", Yumi found it difficult to leave. Because it could not be "loaned" to other art museums like a framed oil painting, this art piece could not be seen unless you came here. Conversely, for as long as this artwork existed, you could see it if you came here.

"Hey, let's go, Yumi-san."

Yoshino pulled on her hand, so she eventually managed to move.

Yumi thought it would be nice to come again someday and gaze upon this Maria-sama.

By the way, in the kindergarten play, Yumi played one of the three wise men who came to celebrate the birth of Jesus. She didn't remember a single one of her lines.

Just as they went outside after gazing upon the fresco, some tourists arrived on a large bus.

Part 2

After about one hour's train ride from Santa Maria Maggiore station, they arrived at the central Pisa station.

It was around 1 p.m., so they stopped in at a fast food restaurant by the station to fill their stomachs.

It felt like the famous hamburger chain was all over the world. These young Japanese people nowadays. They ate burgers and fries while exchanging cries of "ah, nostalgic." Hm. Well, things were rather americanized.

The bus leaves from the front of the station. Since the bus does not accept cash, you have to purchase tickets ahead of time from the tobacco shop. Right after you get on, you put the ticket into a machine that stamps it with a "ka-chunk." This is the same as the railroad.

The entire class was able to board a single bus, either because they had already eaten lunch when the train arrived and thus avoided the crowd, or because they got there just after the earlier bus had left.

Jostled by the bus for around 10 minutes. They arrived in front of the Duomo piazza, where there was the leaning tower.

As they got off the bus, the second-year Pine class all exclaimed simultaneously:

"Oh wow, it really is leaning!"

Probably everyone who came here uttered the same words, but in different languages. "The tower is leaning."

Most of the people who visited this place already knew that the tower stood diagonally. Even still, after confirming the lean with their own eyes, the shock escaped their mouths. Really, how can it not collapse?

"I thought Pisa had just the leaning tower, but..."

"Right. How many other buildings can we see? Uh, wait a moment. Looks like there's the Duomo, baptistery, art museum."

Said a classmate who had pulled a guidebook from her bag. Pisa is a maritime kingdom from ancient Roman times.

Coming to the lawn side of the leaning tower, Katori-sensei stopped and looked back at the queue.

"Well then, it's free time from now until 3:30. I think you all know this, but don't miss it. If something happens, come to this area. Because I'll be strolling around here. Now then, the folks who wanted to climb the leaning tower, assemble at 1:45. And, dismissed."

With the sensei's hand clap as a signal, the Pine class all dispersed into groups. Tsutako-san took the first initiative with "over here". Yumi and friends followed.

After all, this was a "sightseeing spot" of sightseeing spots. Along the roadside were lines of souvenir shops, selling a jumble of Leaning Tower of Pisa ornaments, Leaning Tower of Pisa picture postcards, Leaning Tower of Pisa T-shirts, somewhat unrelated to Pisa Pinocchio puppets, neckties printed with masterpieces, and so on.

"Hey, do you think they got permission?"

Yoshino-san laughed, pointing at a T-shirt with a drawing of the most famous mouse character in the whole world propping up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

"More than that, I'm trying to imagine a mouse giant enough to support that leaning tower."

Mami-san said quietly.

"..."

That would be a bit scary." No, not a bit. That would be quite scary. Which would be bigger, that or Godzilla?

"Let's take a picture here"

Tsutako-san stopped.

"I wanted to take a cliche photo after I got to Pisa. Yumi-san, collaborate with me."

"Sure, but how?"

She stood where she was told, and posed how she was told. Turned sideways, with both arms extended, one leg bent at the knee, she leaned forward. Like so.

"Yes, like that. Titled 'Rosa Chinensis en bouton, propping up the leaning tower by herself.'"

"It's definitely a cliche."

Mami-san interjected from the side.

"Cliche, but totally fine. There's no point in being embarrassed when taking photos that can only be taken here. Okay, strike the pose one more time so that I can fine-tune it."

"Sure, sure."

After that, Tsutako-san had Yoshino-san strike the same pose, taking a photo titled in the same vein, "Propped up by Two Boutons." Mami-san, who at first thought these "cliched" and a little foolish, got a little envious after seeing them, and eventually joined in, propping up the leaning tower with the most serious face of them all.

"If only Shimako-san were here, then we could complete the 'Red, White, and Yellow Rose Lineup.' ... too bad."

Like a photo of the lineup during the concluding festivities of a sumo tournament. Pondering this, Yumi caught something at the other end of her gaze.

"Shimako-san is here, though."

The three remaining members of her group all said simultaneously, "What? " and turned to look around.

"Over there."

Yumi pointed towards a bunch of people relaxing in the middle of the lawn, then broke off running.

"Shimako-saaan."

"Ah, Yumi-san."

Shimako-san stood up from sitting on the lawn, and greeted Yumi with a smile. The two were happy to see each other again, and right away exchanged greetings of "Gokigenyou."

"The Wisteria class also came."

"Yes. So did Yumi-san and everyone come after the San Marco art museum? We came here first."

"Is that so."

Yumi unintentionally lowered her gaze. She asked, "Shimako-san, are you here by yourself?" after looking around.

Then. Her eyes spotted a normal tourist, sitting down by her side. At the same time that she thought, "oh, who is this person?" that other person's voice said,

"Gokigenyou, Yumi-san."

"Rosa Canina!"

The three people chasing after Yumi called out the name of the person before Yumi. Ah, so the person here was Rosa Canina, Kanina Shizuka-sama.

"Shizuka-sama!? How come?"

Yumi squatted down on the grass, spontaneously clapping Shizuka-sama's shoulders, "pon, pon." This wasn't a dream. She was real. But her hair had gotten quite a lot longer. Except for that, the Shizuka-sama that existed at Lillian Academy just half a year ago was right here.

"Because I decided to come and meet you? All of you."

Well, unless Shizuka-sama lived here in this piazza, it was rather unimaginable that they would just meet by chance here.

"You knew your schedule?"

"I have a pen pal who leaked the information to me."

"Pen pal?" No, could it be?"

Sei-sama? Yumi, Yoshino-san, Tsutako-san, and Mami-san, they all thought so. But the name that flew out of Shizuka-sama's mouth was,

"Shimako-san."

Shimako-san smiled as she said "yes."

"You two are pen pals!?"

"Why, is that so strange?"

"Well."

Because of all the things that happened with Sei-sama and Shimako-san at the time of the student council elections. Not only that, but is it okay to interpose in Shimako-san's delicate relationship with Sei-sama? And more, because Shizuka-sama found Shimako-san's hidden white card during the the newspaper club's Valentine's Day project, the two of them went on a half-day date. Somehow or other, they were friends whose relationship could not be summed up in a few words.

So, even though she can inquire, "Is it strange, I wonder?" Nobody can really say what is strange. But they couldn't think of how Shizuka-sama and Shimako-san became close friends.

"Excuse me, may I ask a question?"

Mami-san raised her hand and asked.

"I'm Yamaguchi Mami of the newspaper club. There is a rumor that Sei-sama has come to Italy. Do you have any information about that that you could share?"

After being asked this, Shimako-sama looked at Shimako-san instead of answering.

"Have you heard anything?"

"No?"

"I've not heard anything either. If she was coming, it would have been nice to get in touch with me. I gave her my house address and phone number."

So, it was bad info after all. Mami-san was obviously disappointed. If it had gone well, she could have some breaking news for the Lillian Kawaraban: an article with a three-shot of Sei-sama, Shizuka-sama, and Shimako-san. It appears that she had put the cart before the horse this time.

"You three, did you just get here? Are you climbing the tower?"

Shizuka-sama brushed off her skirt as she stood up.

"Yes, ... pretty much."

Yumi's voice had gone tiny. Actually, back at school when they asked who was going up, Yumi raised her hands and said "I'm going!" with great force. For some reason or another, she felt like a lucky charm for times like this. But now with the real thing before her eyes, she realized that she was honestly scared. Thinking "it's so big" plus "it's so tilted."

"What time?"

"At 2 o'clock."

"Well, then there's time. If you like, won't you come with me to the baptistery?"

"Actually, since I was just waiting for Yumi and friends, I haven't been inside either."

Wisteria class's free time ran until 2 p.m. It seems that Shizuka-sama and Shimako-san had already talked about it, and they were waiting for a little while before going to the baptistery if the Pine class did not come.

The clock read 1:20. They promptly bought tickets and headed towards the baptistery.

"But why the baptistery?"

Shimako-san asked Shizuka-sama. It seemed that she too had not been told why. They deduced that this had to be the baptistery since the information stand was neither the Duomo nor the art museum. Shizuka-sama made a small smile through pursed lips and said "because this is my favorite place" then stopped.

The baptistery was close to the entrance of the piazza, so going back didn't seem that far. It was a round, white, and cute building.

In front of the door, the person in charge came out to meet them. She was a young lady with pretty blond hair. Perhaps this person was what one would call an "Italian beauty." Wearing a police or guard uniform, she looked incredibly cool.

Inside was a big space without partitions. In the center was something that looked like an octagonal bathtub. This was the baptismal font.

"How's this?"

Since she was asked, Yumi offered her honest impression.

"It looks like a big bathroom."

"Hey, Yumi-san."

That's indiscreet. Mami-san poked Yumi with her elbow. But then Shizuka-sama said,

"That's Yumi-san for you."

"Huh?"

"The real answer to the earlier question. The reason that I like this place. It's because this is indeed a big bathroom."

"Haa."

While saying this answer, Shizuka-sama just grew more and more mysterious. Everyone was tilting their heads, looking around at their surroundings as if won't somebody explain this?

Then, the baptistery interior suddenly grew darker. The door, which had been open up until now, was closed with a clang.

Some tourists murmured, what's starting? The Italian beauty from before stepped to the center, quietly said "shh" as if giving directions.

The baptistery grew quiet. Then the Italian beauty clapped her hands. Clap. Clap. Then.

Claap! Claap!

It reverberated like an echo.

(Ah)

I got it. It reverberates.

Since Yumi couldn't say anything, she watched Shizuka-sama. It's a big bathroom, huh? Shizuka-sama smiled and nodded. That seems to be correct.

The Italian beauty continued, crying out "Aaa." A beautiful voice. Before the first "Aaa" had disappeared, the sound of a second "Aaa" came from the ceiling. Third, fourth. All different sounds. But they formed a chord, not a muddled pile, each mutually enhanced the other sounds. They played beautiful music.

This was a place where one voice could become many.

After she finished a verse, a round of applause burst forth from the audience. That applause also echoed from the ceiling, creating the applause of a much larger crowd.

Before the door was opened, Shizuka-sama approached the Italian beauty and said something in Italian. After receiving a gesture that looked like "go ahead," Shizuka-sama stood where the Italian beauty had just been and took a deep breath. And then the next moment,

"Aaa"

A voice that sounded like it pierced the sky, reverberated throughout the baptistery.

And then a second voice. Beautiful chords.

Goosebumps.

Probably a hymn or a verse from an aria that she had never heard. It was a song that created the impression of a clear, blue, sky.

Amidst the echoes, Shizuka-sama bowed her head deeply. Unexpectedly and spontaneously, tourists from many lands applauded in a huge ovation. Some also shook her hand.

"What was that song called?"

"Improvisation. I could not think of any existing songs that would make pretty echoes."

It had to be notes that wouldn't be ruined when covered with the remnants of the previous notes as echoes piled up one on top of each other. It was the same principle as stepping on a piano's pedal.

"I wanted to try that once."

Shizuka-sama stuck out her tongue.

"You all gave me an excuse."

To say such a thing. Really, she thought it might be a present to a junior schoolmate who had come all the way from Japan.

Part 3

It was 1:40 when they left the baptistery. Shizuka-sama and Shimako-san said their farewells and split off, leaving the group of four close friends (?) to head towards the leaning tower.

The general rule for the leaning tower is to raise both hands to the sky when you go up. They left their bags in a small locker in a spot a little ways from the leaning tower. Tsutako-san took the camera hanging from her neck and put it in her bag. As a replacement, she pulled out a small camera out and placed it in her pocket. Just how many cameras did she bring?

"My heart's racing, somewhat."

It was an odd nervousness, like before riding a roller coaster.

Fewer than half of the Pine class were climbing the tower, 16 people. Did they view this number as many or few? Incidentally, it seems that Fuji class' Shimako-san did not go up. The reason was "because it is tall and scary." One had no choice but to nod at such a strong view.

Although Yumi never bothered to ask, she thought that when Sachiko-sama came to Pisa last year, she probably did not go up the leaning tower. But because Sachiko-sama's demonically stubborn hatred of losing, she would never say "it was scary." Yumi decided that Sachiko-sama would have declined by saying something like "where's the fun in climbing a tower?" or "I don't do well in tilted places?"

The time had come. In succession, they entered the leaning tower.

Inside the stone staircase, the walls were sturdy, so it wasn't as scary as they had imagined when looking from outside. Because it was a spiral staircase inside a cylindrical building, they could only focus on climbing the stairs. They could not see the landscape outside.

Although it wasn't scary, it was still hard to walk. Because it was leaning. But that was obvious.

But the human brain is too good at processing information on its own. It cannot help but correct things coming in from the eyes as if this were a properly straight building. Which is why even though their heads understood that things were leaning, their feet kept trying to stand perpendicular to the steps. But in reality, their feet were on a slope, so it felt like gravity pulled at an angle, and that was unpleasant. Depending on the place, the walls would either stick to or separate from the body. They could not get used to the sensation.

"I cannot believe you got Rei-sama to approve of this."

The stone steps had been worn smooth and slippery, which would have made the climb to this height difficult even without the lean. She can say that, but overprotective Rei-sama was not there herself. She disliked Yoshino-san's rashness more than anything else.

"I did not exactly get Rei-chan's approval."

Yoshino-san said, while out of breath.

"Because she might have misunderstood things on her own. I might have said something like 'Yumi and friends are going up the tower. That sure is brave.'"

"..."

Saying it like that, Rei-sama would certainly think that Yoshino-san was not interested in going up the leaning tower.

"Yoshino-san, I can't believe the Mouth of Truth didn't bite your hand."

"It wasn't a lie."

But. It wasn't the whole truth. Not when said like that.

"Oh well, it's totally impossible. I can't go out."

They had come to a balcony-like place on the way. Mami-san stuck her face out the opening, and was now trembling in fear.

"Even just walking inside, aren't you nervous? There's no reason to stand outside. Since the earth's surface is tilted diagonally."

To be correct, it was the tower that was diagonal.

"Plus, there's no railing."

There was no railing. Which is why even if the tower wasn't leaning, it would still be "totally impossible." Because it was a world heritage site, they tried to modify it as little as possible. If this were Japan, they would have put up iron bars or something to prevent folks from falling over.

"Anyway, let's go up to the top."

Tsutako-san led, cheering on Mami-san who had suddenly lost her strength. Because there are people coming up from behind, if they did not go up or out, they would block the passage here.

They thought this place was already up plenty high. It felt like the stone steps had grown narrow. Before long, they came to a small opening. Seeing the people before them relaxing and doing as they pleased, it seems this was the final destination.

"If you think of this as three layers, the highest layer's small column connects to the second layer's long column here."

With their hand holding on the lower part, they were practically crawling on all fours. To do something so vaguely terrifying as stand up was completely impossible. At the risk of repeating the same thing, the floor was slanted. If you lost your balance and took a tumble, you were in danger of falling from the tower. There was a fence here, but it was thin and had spaces wide enough for a person to pass through easily. Your survival instinct said you should not put too much trust in that fence.

Timidly making their way through all the people, they finally found a place where four people could sit down. If they looked up, they could see a small circle placed above this big circle. There was a donut-shaped ring section upon which maybe 20 people had crowded.

Far, far below, was the tilted ground. Far away, they could see a soccer field.

From the top of the leaning tower, battered by the wind, gazing at the ground, it was a wondrous feeling. Just a small change in angle and height make a huge change in how the world looks. That's why, even with human relationships, if you can take one step ahead, and look at the same things from a different side, you can gain a greater understanding. From this place of great height, Yumi thought of great things.

"It seems there is still more above to go..."

They heard Tsutako-san say, after a shutter click and while she returned her camera to a pocket. If they looked up, it seems that it had become possible to go to the top of the column that the four of them were clinging to, thanks to signs from others who had already gone up.

The top of the tower is like a belfry, shaped more like a pipe than a column. The pipe section had a narrow walkway (also leaning), not very walkable. Sitting here was more than enough.

"That's impossible."

"Pass."

"Me too."

Mami-san, Yoshino-san, and Yumi all declared retirement. Tsutako-san who had originally asked also said softly "Oh, thank goodness." If the three others said they were going up, she didn't know what she'd do.

So with a unanimous decision to "end here", they descended the tower.

Part 4

They descended the stone steps carefully to avoid slipping. When they got to the exit, Shizuka-sama was there waiting.

"Ah, excuse me, sensei."

After bowing politely, she left Katori-sensei. That's right, Katori-sensei was also in charge of last year's second-year students, so she would know Shizuka-sama.

"I thought you were going home."

Yumi said after running up to Shizuka-sama.

"I wanted to have a more leisurely talk with Yumi-san."

So she was waiting for Yumi? Huh. It's not that Yumi wouldn't be happy to talk to her. Certainly, Yumi thought the farewell back then was a little sad.

"Yumi-san. We're heading to the restroom."

Yoshino-san said to Yumi while waving a handbag from their locker. Yumi-san, what will you do?

Yumi replied, "I'm fine." I'll wait here. Everyone go on.

"Are you sure?"

Shizuka-san asked.

"Yes. I already went at the fast food place by the train station."

After seeing the three of them off to the rear of the Duomo, Yumi and Shizuka went to the middle of the lawn and sat down. What to say after such a long time?

"Shizuka-sama, do you live near here?"

Asked this, Shizuka-sama said, "not so near." She pulled out a notebook from her bag. Fluently writing letters and numbers, then tearing out a page, she held it out to Yumi, "here." It was a foreign address, so Yumi did not know right away where it was. But Shizuka-sama explained that it was a town near Florence. Right now she was staying as a guest (to hear Shizuka-sama say it) in a house with my aunt and her Italian husband. While attending a private school to study Italian language and vocal music, she also was working on the various things for college admissions.

"Your parents must be relieved to know you're safe, staying with a relative."

"You think so? Still, they call often. It's troublesome. But I guess it's not strange. That they want to know that I'm happy, to hear my voice. In that manner, that also makes me happy. It means that they care. It's just straightforward and easy to understand."

"Shizuka-sama, you don't call them?"

"International calls are expensive. So it's exclusively these."

Shizuka-sama then pulled something from between the pages of her notebook.

"Ah."

A picture postcard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. She had already written the address and text, and affixed the stamp.

"My parents are not good with computers, so we cannot really exchange email. If it's just a status report, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get there. What else could I do that would be better than that? That's why, whenever I come to a tourist spot like this, I buy a postcard and write a letter. E-mail is e-mail, but airmail is better, no?"

"Excuse me, where did you buy that postcard?" A souvenir shop? And the stamp? Can I run there?"

Yumi might get her wish here. The wish that she could not get at the Vatican art museum. After thinking this, she could no longer sit still. She stood up without waiting for Shizuka-sama's reply.

"What's wrong? Settle down, Yumi-san. First, sit here. You want to send a letter to Japan, right?"

"Yes."

"To Sachiko-san?"

With a deep nod, Shizuka-sama opened her earlier notebook and once again pulled something from between its pages.

"Here, let me give this to you."

What she offered was a picture postcard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, different from the earlier one. Of course, it was an unused one.

"Huh?"

It seems that out of habit, she buys several. She sends some to her Japanese friends, but she had many and never uses them all up.

"I have stamps, too."

"I see. Then, uh, please sell this to me."

"That's not very charming, Yumi-san. At times like this, it is better to just say 'thank you very much.'"

She remembered that Sachiko-sama had said something similar, a long time ago. At the venue for one of Rei-sama's kendo matches, whether to pay or not pay for a sandwich.

"But."

Shizuka-sama is not my onee-sama. There's no reason to accept it. But it felt somewhat rude to refuse it stubbornly.

"I wanted to play the upperclassman, but fine. How about I take just the postage cost?"

"Yes."

After their mutual concessions, the negotiation concluded. Yumi accepted the postcard from Shizuka-sama, and in ballpoint pen, wrote Sachiko-sama's address and name.

"Hm."

For the text of the letter, she was stumped. First of all, what should she write? If this were a New Year's card, then "Happy New Year" or "Greetings for the New Year." If this were a seasonal letter, then something like "how are you on this hot summer day," even though that was rather cliched. "Dear Sir or Madam" and "To whom it may concern" felt strange. Why did the opening greeting on a letter become the main issue all of a sudden? At first, she thought that she wanted something like a simple greeting.

"How do you say 'Gokigenyou' in Italian?"

"Gokigenyou? If it's the 'konnichi wa' nuance, then 'Buon Giorno,' I think. If it's addressed to Sachiko-san, then would 'Ciao' be okay?"

"Ciao."

"Yes. If it's 'Gokigenyou, onee-sama,' then 'Ciao, Sorella'"

Japanese "shimai" changes to "sister" in English, "soeur" in French, and "sorella" in Italian. Yumi learned how to spell it from Shizuka-sama. Then using the marker that she bought at the Milano airport, wrote 'Ciao sorella!' in big letters. Under that, 'I'm in Pisa now. The trip is fun.' written in ballpoint pen.

"Yumi-san, no little sister yet?"

Done writing, Yumi put the cap on her ballpoint pen and answered.

"Yeah, well..."

"Sachiko-san isn't nagging you?"

"Not for now."

"Ah. But soon you won't be able to say that."

Shizuka-sama's vague prediction piled on top of Yumi's own insecure hunch.

"So for now, enjoy being the one doted upon."

With those words, and the episode of Shizuka-sama's parental phone call behind them, Yumi secretly wrote on the bottom of the postcard, 'I miss you, onee-sama.' Then, so that nobody would see it, she quickly put it in her handbag and closed it. Now it was not only Shizuka-sama. The three who had gone to the restroom had returned. If it became known that she wrote such a thing, she'd get made fun of.

"It was a pay toilet. I paid the lady at the entrance."

It appears that Yoshino-san was having fun with experiences she could not have in Japan.

"I honestly used up the last of my change there."

"It was a place that you pay to use, so it wasn't dirty."

While listening to Tsutako-san and Mami-san's report, Challenger Yumi was glad for her own experience. Her goal of sending a postcard to Sachiko-sama was also a challenge, and that was fine.

"The three of us were talking on the way back. Don't you want to eat some Italian gelato?"

"While we were going up the leaning tower, Itsue-san and friends ate some."

"We missed our chance at the Spanish steps, right?"

With an invitation like that, there's no way she could refuse. Nope. She would rather take the opportunity to eat some. Yumi had quite the sweet tooth.

"Gelato shop, huh. From here go straight and you'll end up on a street lined with bars and restaurants. It's there."

Shizuka-sama said, "I think you'll find it soon."

"Huh? Shizuka-sama?"

"I was able to speak with Yumi-san, so I'll take my leave soon. I have to go back and prepare for tomorrow's lessons."

"Is that so?"

"And today's a bit warm, no?"

Yumi thought that asking more might start to feel like a serious investigation, might make things feel uneasy. If it is warm, maybe the voice will come easier, studies will advance, probably something like that.

"Oh, Yumi-san. Shall I mail your postcard for you? There are mailboxes all over the place, but when you're searching for one they can never be found."

"Ah, is that okay?" Thank you very much. That's a big help."

That said, it would be a bit embarrassing if the 'I miss you, onee-sama' line was read. But she could not say "No, that's okay" at this point, so she gently handed it over, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa photo side up.

"Be seeing you."

"Thank you very much for the postcard."

"If you can get a little sister, please send me a letter of report."

"Yes."

Yumi and friends watched Shizuka-sama head towards the entrance, then they started for the gelato vendor.

Here, a double scoop seems to be normal. Studying the inside of the glass case, they saw any varieties of ice cream lined up. Some, like chocolate, they recognized. Others had fruit and things that they did not recognize. But they lacked the language ability to understand any explanation, so they used vague "this and this"-like gestures to buy their gelato.

They moved to the side of the street and tried it right away.

"Delicious."

But compared to the ice cream from a popular ice cream shop in Japan, this was a little soft. Mami-san said softly, "This country's ice cream is leisurely." Everyone spontaneously laughed.

"So, Rosa Canina, huh."

Yoshino-san said while licking vanilla gelato.

"She was certainly considerate of us."

Perhaps she was, Yumi thought, too. Or maybe because she was told so by Yoshino-san, her simple guess made with unusual confidence. Such thoughts wooshed through her head.

"Ah. Yumi-san. Dripping, dripping!"

Her chocolate gelato was melting, flowing down the cone and hand, falling to the ground in drips.

"Wow."

She licked it quickly, but the gelato melted a rate faster than she could lick.

"Aw, I can't appreciate it like this."

She finally understood what Shizuka-sama meant by "today's a bit warm, no?" It was a short warning, a reproach, a wee bit of "mischief" from the Shizuka-sama of olden days. The essence of a person probably does not change even if they go to a foreign country. With this, she had defeated the unprepared Yumi.

"Yumi-san, look over here please."

The moment she reacted to the words and raised her head, the sound of a shutter clicked.

"Wow... you were really gone."

That was a really unattractive face. Now.

"Thank you."

Because Tsutako-san had just finished her gelato, it was easy for her to pick up a point on Yumi.

The Parakeet's Hint

Part 1

Wednesday was group free activity all day. Compared to Rome, the city of Florence was small and apparently easy for the students to see it all.

This morning, Yumi and friends went to the Uffizi Gallery. The school had booked reservations in advance for the number of students planning to come. But the surge of tourists from around the world was huge, and the lines were long. Both the line people with reservations and the line of those without. Many tourists just looked at the long lines from the gallery entrance and gave up.

After about a 20-minute wait, Yumi's group entered quietly. They tried hard to see it all, because they had to squeeze everything into a single day. With their guidebook, they decided which artworks to see, and smoothly made the rounds of several pieces.

Starting with the far too famous "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," by Sandro Botticelli.

"The Birth of Venus" had Venus standing upon a giant scallop in the center, two embracing wind gods conveying Venus to shore on the left, and a young lady holding Venus' cloak while waiting for her. The blue of the sea and sky. The pink was beautiful, distributed through every important part such as the cloak and flowers.

"Primavera" had been in the "pictures I do not know very well" category for Yumi since long ago. In a forest where flowers bloom, Venus, three goddesses, Flora the goddess of Spring, and other fairies were arranged. Looking over the whole scene, she could not help but think it was a bit inconsistent. She didn't remember if it was from an art book or a middle school art textbook, but whichever book she first learned of this painting, it only included the portion with Flora the goddess of Spring. Now, even standing before the actual thing, it looks like a collage.

"So that's it. Might you be overthinking it?"

Said Yoshino-san.

This, just like "Maria-sama's Heart", was a question that Yumi would probably grapple with for her entire life.

Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation." Speaking of da Vinci, his most commonly known work was the "Mona Lisa", which sadly was not here. Although this was her first time learning of this "Annunciation", Yumi was totally pleased with how lovely this Maria-sama was painted. She arbitrarily decided that this "Annunciation" was number two behind Angelico's.

Another big "art that I want to see" was Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch." A very young Jesus petting the goldfinch held in Saint John the Baptist's hands, Maria-sama watching over them, a very, very, beautiful thing!

"I got it."

Yumi said softly while walking along the corridor lined with ancient sculptures and busts.

"I like paintings where Maria-sama is drawn beautifully."

Then.

"I too have understood something."

Yoshino-san said. When asked "what?", this was her reply,

"Because there are so many statues of naked men, you cannot blush at each one."

... I see.

Part 2

They got a brief impression of the other paintings, then left the gallery around lunchtime.

"Well, what shall we do?"

Yumi, Yoshino-san, Tsutako-san, and Mami-san: the four of them exchanged glances. They had tentatively decided that the plan for the afternoon was shopping (including window), but they were getting hungry. The story was, the school had arranged panini lunches for folks who wanted them, but since the four of them didn't want panini, they set their sights elsewhere. Amidst the fading memories of conquering the leaning tower, feelings of "if we cannot get lunch on our own, what will we do" grew bigger.

So they started the discussion off with "what shall we do?" While watching the Arno river.

"If this were Japan, we could look for a fast food place or a convenience store. But there aren't any on this map. There will probably be one if we go to the train station."

Mami-san went while flipping through pages of the guidebook.

"Uh. Yesterday's hamburger, today too? No thanks."

"But, Yoshino-san. Are you confident enough to go into a restaurant and eat?"

"No. First, I don't know the proper etiquette."

Me neither. Yumi shook her head in agreement.

"I do not really understand how to pay the bill. It's complicated, with tax and tips and service fees."

I see. So what to do?

"Anyway, can't we think while walking? I'm hungry."

With Tsutako-san's one statement, the four of them headed to the other side of the Arno river. Perhaps if they went past a food place, a solution would more easily come to mind.

Ponte Vecchio is a wondrous bridge with both sides lined with precious metal shops. Originally it was butcher shops and grocers, but Ferdinando the First hated the smell, so he replaced the whole area with gold and silver artisans. If you look him up, you'll find he was someone of importance, a "Grand Duke of Tuscany."

High school students had no need for precious metals. Actually, they did notice some, but the change they carried was totally not enough to buy anything. And that's how they persevered Ponte Vecchio's shops, just looking from outside. After they became adults, worked, and had money of their own, they could come again.

"But old is good for the look of the town."

Thus urged on by Tsutako-san, they took a souvenir photo on the bridge, then finished crossing.

Following the street that extended from Ponte Vecchio, they came out in front of Palazzo Pitti. According to the guidebook, there are lots of art galleries and museums in the vicinity. But if they went sightseeing they wouldn't be able to fulfill their original purpose of shopping so they turned around. If anything, they had the impression that this left bank of the Arno was more spacious than the right bank with the train station.

"Okay, I got it."

Mami-san suddenly stopped and said.

"Let's get take-out from this place here."

Here before their eyes was a bar like there was everywhere in Italy.

"Take out... I see."

This way, at least, they won't have to worry about etiquette or tips. Of course, this also clears the "no hamburgers" requirement.

"All for this plan, raise their hand."

Mami-san raised her hand. The remaining three hands went up.

" 'Can I take out O.K.?' "

"Take out" might not have the same meaning here as it did back in Japan, but the young man in the restaurant understood perfectly. The four of them each purchased panini and a bottled beverage, then they left.

"One way or another, we did it."

"Yep. They want to sell; we want to buy." So it's like we tried with all our might to understand the meaning of each other's words."

They crossed Ponte Vecchio again, and stopped in at the hotel for a moment. Since eating at the side of the road would have been ill-mannered, they searched around for a piazza or a park or someplace. While searching they decided to sit at the hotel.

Panini and drinks. In the end, it was the same as the lunch provided by the school, but theirs came with a sense of accomplishment. The results were the same, but the process differed.

Easy do to in Japan, but in a foreign country, an adventure.

The field trip was the embodiment of thrills and excitement.

Part 3

After finishing lunch, they once again went out.

First, they went to a shop selling marbled stationery and bought a souvenir for Sachiko-sama.

"I wonder if we should get something for Touko-chan and Kanako-chan."

Since Noriko-chan's onee-sama, Shimako-san, probably bought something for her. Yumi said quietly. To which Yoshino-san replied:

"It's fine."

" 'It's fine,', meaning what?"

"It's fine to buy something" or "it's fine to not buy something?" Or did Yoshino-san's "it's fine" mean "it's fine either way, whether you buy something or not"? But Yoshino-san seemed to be engrossed in choosing a souvenir for Rei-sama. That's right. Mami-san was also puzzling over a souvenir for Tsukiyama Minako-san, and Tsutako-san was closely examining picture frames to be used for some unknown person. Inside the small store, other Lillian students had also come in to shop.

Eventually, Yoshino-san brought two cute, small boxes to the cash register. As if she just started to remember the earlier conversation,

"It's fine to buy something."

"But?"

"Yumi-san, which are you going to make your little sister?"

"Which... ?"

In this case, "which" probably meant Touko-chan or Kanako-chan.

"They cannot both be your little sister together, so it's better if you don't keep their hopes up."

"Hopes, huh?"

What should she do for a souvenir? She didn't want to create a misunderstanding, so she had to be careful.

Little sister.

One year ago, after just one action by the center of attention Sachiko-sama, Yumi became a "candidate for little sister" and the focus of rumors throughout the high school. Back then, because of all the things going on, it was scary to be surrounded by so many inquisitive looks. Eventually she did become a little sister. Now, she can look back and laugh. But being made to think of those two girls, it was pitiful. If she was just feeling guilty for not doing anything, then there's nothing she can do about it right here and now.

"Is that what you mean, Yoshino-san? Did you buy a rosary for your future little sister at the Vatican?"

"I did not. I changed my mind."

"Oh. And why's that?"

"It is futile to buy something for someone without being able to think of that other person. "Also."

"Also?"

"I thought maybe I would give the precious rosary that Rei-chan gave to me, so that I would choose a precious little sister."

That was a very compelling argument.

Yumi could tell that Yoshino-san was thinking about this seriously.

Part 4

Even after paying once at the register, gazing at the shop's goods while waiting as friends shopped, she'd see something else she wanted. So after purchasing some more stationery, the four of them headed out towards the Duomo.

They walked along the Arno river, to Ponte Vecchio, then turned north. Changing to a westerly course after the Duomo, after going to the vicinity of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella​, the Arno river comes out to the south, and from that spot then returned to their hotel. This was their rough course. If they noticed a side street, of course it was okay to digress.

Brand shops were futile. They focused on small shops selling small things, gatherings of souvenir stands. They were a little curious about what Italian department stores were like.

"Gokigenyou."

At a jumbled store that spilled out into the street, Yumi and friends suddenly heard a voice. It was a greeting in Japanese. Naturally, thinking they themselves were being addressed, they looked around left and right, but found no such person. Around here, such a greeting would be from a Lillian student or teacher.

Thinking it was just their imagination, they once again started walking.

"Gokigenyou."

Mami-san pointed, "Ah! Over there!"

There, in a store that sold leather bags and belts, probably not for sale but at the same height as items for sale, hung a birdcage. Within that birdcage was a large parakeet.

"Did it talk?"

"Probably. Gokigenyou."

Mami-san spoke to the birdcage. Then. Sure enough, "Gokigenyou" came back as a reply.

"Wow, amazing. It's so well-trained. Gokigenyou."

Talking with the bird was amusing. Everyone greeted it simultaneously. Every time, the parakeet would reliably respond:

"Gokigenyou."

Some Lillian students who came here previously must have taught it. Or it also could be students from Course B, who came from Venice.

Thanks to the parakeet, the young ladies had stopped at the store and appeared happy. The shopkeeper also grinned and with a big smile, said "Gokigenyou." Although it was doing best to understand, unfortunately, the pet bird was just imitating what it heard.

"Gokigenyou."

The parakeet continued to chatter away.

"Welcome to Florence."

Surely, as if someone suddenly pushed the 'play' button on a tape recorder, unexpected words came out.

"Coming to Florence at least once is a good thing."

Who taught it these words? They listened while starting to become amazed. Yumi was startled at the next words to come out:

"Florence senbei. Florence senbei."

"No, isn't this a handbag store?"

Tsutako-san and Mami-san both buckled over in laughter, while Yumi and Yoshino-san both spontaneously exchanged glances. Florence senbei? Is there a chance it's possibly real?

And then the parakeet emitted a guaranteed shock:

"C'mon, stop it, Satou-san."

Satou-san.

Satou-san, Satou-san. No way.

No way, Satou Sei-sama!

Part 5

"Hey, so you think it was Sei-sama after all?"

Yumi asked a steaming hot Yoshino-san as she came out of the bathroom.

"I don't know. But no matter how much you think about it, you won't be able to solve it here. Unless Sei-sama appears right now before our eyes."

They had talked about this for a long time while walking back after that scene. And after returning to the hotel. And at the dinner table. Whenever their faces met, the topic of conversation unfailingly was "Is Sei-sama in Italy or not?" The explored every clue, but clues were just clues. There was no way that a great detective would appear and expose the truth like in the solution of a mystery novel.

"Ah, me too, please."

Yumi saw the label of a small bottle in Yoshino-san's hand, so Yoshino-san held offered one in the palm of her hand. It was stomach medicine to help digestion.

Every night a different restaurant, yet they all conspired to serve a mountain of meat. Japanese were originally an agrarian people. Even with their youth, they could not digest so much meat at one time.

"Also, we need to pack again? I just realized. Am I forgetting anything?"

Tomorrow morning, they vacate this hotel and head for their final destination: Venice. She hadn't forgotten anything. The problem was that the souvenirs that she bought today were crammed into her bag. Because it was stationery, it should not be folded or crushed.

"When we get back to Japan, we'll figure it out."

Saying this, Yoshino-san, washed the medicine down her throat with water from a plastic bottle.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

Just like the meat, tonight's discussion topic seemed to cause indigestion.

From the City of Water to the Island Nation

Part 1

The Eurostar departed Santa Maria Novella station after 10:30 a.m. and arrived in Venice at the Santa Lucia station around 1:30 p.m. The trip took about three hours, but it did not feel so long because they dozed along the way. The exhaustion hit them like a wave on the way here.

After they arrived at the station, they rode a water taxi to Piazza San Marco. Venice was the city of water. It seems there was not a single car here.

Because they were returning home tomorrow, Venice was just a one-night stay. Since they were only here for a half day, they ate lunch at a street cafe facing Piazza San Marco, dropped their luggage off at the hotel, and then sallied forth into the city.

They first saw the Basilica di San Marco, then today's main event: attempt to ride in one of Venice's famous gondolas.

That started at the wharf where they negotiate the fee to ride a gondola.

"They start with an overly high fee, so you have to be careful."

The four of them had each read this in their guidebooks from their earlier information meeting.

"Okay, so we'll limit it to only 2,500 yen per person."

Although it varied by course, the market rate seemed to be around 10,000 Japanese yen.

The fee is charged per gondola, so it does not go up or down depending on the number of people on board. But since the bill would be split by the number of people, they needed to discuss the per-person cost ahead of time.

It was a simple calculation: 10,000 ÷ 4 ＝ 2,500 (yen).

"What if it goes over 2,500 yen?"

"We'll negotiate with a different gondolier. Because nobody said we have to ignore market rates and pay a ridiculous amount."

Apparently, an opponent can be defeated just by the sight of getting a quote from a competitor. In fact, Tsutako-san successfully kept it within budget, winning a negotiation with a gondolier who started by asking for a fee over twice what they were willing to pay.

"We don't have that much money, so we'll skip it."

She said this in Japanese, and turning her back to him and grabbing Yumi and friends shoulder, she prepared to take their leave. In a panic, the gondolier rushed after them and said in Italian mixed with English, "then how much do you have?" Offering too low a price would break off the negotiations, so she offered about 2,000 yen per person. The gondolier responded with a pose that said, "that's impossible." They eventually shook hands on 10,000 yen for a 40-minute course. This was the market rate, so it could not be said that this was a gain or a loss.

According to a story that they heard later, there was one group that, because it didn't have anyone good at negotiation, paid 20,000 yen for the same 40-minute course. It was a six-person group, so they paid around 3,300 per person. Those girls had to pay a lot of money, which was extraordinarily frustrating.

So the four people, having concluded their own negotiations, boarded the gondola from the wharf by Piazza San Marco. The rower is called a gondolier. The gondolier for the gondola that Yumi and friends boarded was a young man. Was the t-shirt with horizontal stripes and the wide-brimmed hat a uniform? Because everyone at the oar of a gondola dressed the same.

After easily gliding into the Grand Canal, they entered a small canal. Was this the sensation of passing from the main street into a back street?

Amidst the backs of pastel-colored three- and four-storied buildings, the gondola glided along. The gondola passed under various low bridges, made of brick and marble-looking white stone, each lovely.

The gondolier was quite chatty. In slow English, without interruption, he explained the town.

"I don't even understand one-third of what he's saying."

Yoshino-san said while smiling ear to ear. Yes, certainly. But she could pick up a word here and there. While thinking "I can get a general idea of what he's saying", she also thought that idly riding the gondola was nice. She could later look up anything about things from the 13th century and the story of the people who ruled this area in olden days. But only in this moment could she experience the atmosphere created by the canal, look at the scenery of this old back street.

Mami-san had constantly written down notes at the beginning of the trip, but lately, she hadn't opened her notepad. It was as if she suddenly understood that to communicate the joy of travel to Lillian Kawaraban readers, she first had to experience it herself.

When a crosswise canal came into view, the gondolier let out a sound like a howl. It was probably a signal like "my gondola is approaching the intersection now." There weren't any traffic lights, so they probably decided on this as a way to avoid accidents.

There were places along the way where the waterway got quite narrow. At such times, they would pass other boats, packed with luggage.

"It's a wonder that they don't collide."

But, as one would expect from a professional, they handled their gondolas diligently. Although he was young, he was a third generation gondolier. He piloted the gondola that his grandfather did, having repaired it many times over.

Although the gondolas all appeared the same at first glance, their interior and decoration differed according to the owner. It was probably the same as with people who love cars, constantly tinkering with their automobiles. Probably each was their own form of "obsession."

They were momentarily in a wide canal, passing under the Rialto bridge. On the bridge, they could see some girls in Lillian uniforms. Even though they couldn't tell who those girls were, they waved to the bridge from the gondola.

After the Rialto bridge, they split off into another small canal. In rhythm with the oar, the gondolier sang a verse of a canzone (an Italian ballad). He had an amazing voice.

"I think there are Italians who are not good singers, but are they all without exception not bad singers? Or can they not become gondoliers if they cannot sing?"

This simple question came to mind, but she lacked the language ability to ask it.

"If several generations of your family are gondoliers, then by blood and environment, one way or another, you end up becoming one, right?"

Yoshino-san said.

"I see."

By blood or environment, one way or another. From someone who just started kendo, those words held unusually persuasive power. But in her case, it wasn't that long ago that she did, one way or another.

Before the approach to the San Marco Grand Canal was the 'Bridge of Sighs.'

"The legend says that if you kiss while going under this bridge, you will have eternal love...."

As Mami-san said this, the gondolier heard words like "kiss" and "tradition" in her explanation.

"Kiss, huh."

Just how the heck could a group of four high school girls explain this to him? Oh yes. All he could do was chuckle. Then the gondolier said something like "next time, come with a lover."

"But."

After they went under the Bridge of Sighs, Mami-san then continued her unfinished story.

"But really, long ago, when prisoners crossed over that bridge, they would lament that they would never return. That's why it's called the 'Bridge of Sighs.' Sorry to crush your dreams."

"Eh."

A bridge spanning the gap between the Doge's Palace and the nearby prison. That's the Bridge of Sighs. So that explanation was probably correct. But what will become of the feelings of the uncountable number of couples who kissed under this bridge?

"Oh, even if you know that the origin was the sighs of prisoners, that doesn't negate the tradition."

"Yeah, that's right."

But to kiss under the sighs of prisoners. She thought more than a few couples might reconsider once they knew.

"Well. What should I do?"

The group of four high school girls thought, each without a counterpart.

The gondolier did not understand Japanese and did not know what troubled his passengers. With a big smile, he rowed through the canal.

Last stop.

The gondola wharf came into view.

Part 2

Because there was a little time until the 5 o'clock meetup time, they peeked into just a few souvenir shops.

Speaking of Venice: Venetian glass. Wondering whether to buy something for home, they suddenly felt faint upon seeing the prices.

"That's surprisingly expensive."

"These are tourist trap prices, aren't they?"

Tourists will by things even if they are somewhat expensive. But being humble high school girls, their pocket change is limited, and they cannot buy anything that is somewhat expensive.

Eventually, after peeking into many shops, Yumi got a Venetian glass pendant for her mother, a Venetian glass tie pin for her father, and a Venetian glass bookmark for Yuuki.

The shopkeeper even spoke some broken Japanese while helping customers. Probably because so many Japanese tourists visit.

Standing on the Rialto bridge at dusk, they could hear the hustle and bustle below. Looking down, they saw a gondola carrying a band playing music pass under the bridge.

Part 3

The cuisine of Venice was abundant with seafood and totally delicious.

Shrimp, crab, and squid. Ingredients that reminded them of Japan as they each made their entrance. Just what they'd expect from the city of water. It was as if they were quite conscious of how their stomachs were tired of Florence's meat. Of course, there wasn't any sashimi. Everything was cooked in olive oil.

The hotel room was spacious, gorgeous, and old-fashioned. This time it was not a card key, but a heavy metal key. The deadbolt was also heavy, and required a little work to open. But thanks to that, hotel guests will probably stay in their rooms and not be out in the halls. One less thing for the students to worry about.

After getting out of the bath, Yoshino-san put her luggage on the red, pink, and gold floral bed, then turned on the television.

"Hey, look."

From the television came the sound of Japanese. Matching that was the screen, showing a Japanese living room.

"What's this?"

"Japanese drama."

But the set really felt like a set. The actors were acting seriously, somehow in a living room.

"It's probably at least 20 years old."

An actor appeared that Yoshino-san's mother liked long ago. Yumi wasn't sure when she heard this. That actor had died many years before Yumi and friends were born.

"Ah, this young man, I know him. He, uh, I can't recall his name. But he's in a drama right now, he's the protagonist tormented by an evil old man."

"That's him!"

Yoshino-san had stopped packing for a bit. Even far away in Italy, she could watch Japanese television shows. Even though it was an old drama full of dialog.

"Last week's episode was tough, huh? But, that character holds the key to unlocking the secret of the protagonist's birth, so he'll show up every time."

"I can't stop watching that show. I look forward to every Thursday...."

After a while, they both suddenly burst with excitement:

"What day is today?!"

They had an unpleasant premonition. A very very bad one. Before saying another word, Yoshino-san jumped on the phone.

"Hello, auntie? Rei-chan, answer!"

According to the clock, it was a little before 11 at night. Adding 8 hours, in Japan it was almost 7 in the morning. Rei-sama would probably be getting up soon.

"Ah, Rei-chan?"

Yoshino-san opened with "How are you?" and "sorry for calling so early," then quickly switched to the main issue, rattling on and on without pause.

"Eh? Oh. Ah, that's right. No, no, it's fine. Talk to you later."

Yoshino-san looked powerless as she returned the receiver. Like she'd lost her focus.

"So that's it. That drama's too harsh for Rei-chan to watch, she switched it off partway through. Oh, I messed up. I watched the drama on Thursday night, then departed Friday morning. I was so busy that I forgot. Oh, Yoshino no baka baka."

Yoshino-san stamped her feet out of extreme frustration. Then, as if a great idea struck, she grabbed Yumi's shoulders.

"Yumi-san."

"Ye, yes?"

"Of course, Yumi-san records it! Loan me the tape after you're done watching it. Before next week's episode if possible."

With an incredibly cute face.

"...The truth is, I also forgot."

"Oh."

"Sorry."

Yumi was in the same boat as Yoshino-san. If it was a Friday drama, she probably would have thought "I need to record it" as she left. But since she had just watched it Thursday evening drama, she was satisfied and did not think about the day of the next airing or her return home from abroad.

The old drama ended, and the screen switched to a news program. Even though it was midnight here, the familiar morning announcer from Japan smiled and said "good morning." He then clearly said the date.

"This is the Friday 7 a.m. news."

The Thursday drama was broadcast around the same time that everyone was enjoying themselves riding the gondola.

Part 4

Friday morning, Italy time.

They took a water bus from Piazza San Marco to Marco Polo airport. Then by air to Milano.

Milano's Malpensa airport, where just one week ago they started their time in Italy. It was already a nostalgic airport.

There were about two hours until departure for Narita, so they had an hour of free time. Yumi and friends headed to the duty-free shop to buy souvenirs for the Rose Manor.

"We could not find any senbei in Florence. People in my group had never heard of them."

Shimako-san said while they walked. It seems she had really searched for them during her free time.

"They don't sell anything like that."

Yoshino-san said, cackling with laughter. But after the parakeet's words, I thought "maybe they do exist", at least for a moment.

"So, what will we do?"

They searched sweet shops all over, but sure enough, they never found any "Roman Manjuu" or "Florence Senbei."

"Perhaps chocolate will be fine?" Although it will be the same as last year."

"Acceptable, and delicious."

Since Shimako-san and Yoshino-san were already residents of the Rose Manor by this time last year, they would know what souvenirs came back from last year's school trip. Not just know, but ate, too. This made Yumi terribly envious.

Eventually, they picked a box with a variety of chocolates arranged in rows. The three of them pooled their money and bought it.

Yumi still had some pocket change left, so she bought some sun-dried tomatoes and porcini mushrooms for her family. Actually, she also wanted to buy some olive oil, but the bottle was massive and she was afraid it would break on the trip home, so she gave up on that.

"Excuse me, Shimako-san. About Sei-sama."

Yumi said while waiting her turn in line at the cash register. Because she had not yet talked about the parakeet in Florence. But before hearing that, Shimako-san replied,

"Sure enough, she was here, wasn't she?"

"You met!?"

Yumi and Yoshino-san both said, surprised.

"No."

Shimako-san shook her head.

"But I felt it. She was nearby."

More than the testimony of seeing someone that looks like Sei-sama, more than fact that the parakeet spoke Satou-san's name, Why was it that just Shimako-san's "I felt it" was more convincing?

"Then why didn't Sei-sama get in touch?"

Like Shizuka-sama. They could have met up as much as possible during their free time. Yumi wanted to ask that. But probably because it was about Sei-sama's feelings, she didn't ask Shimako-sama.

"I wonder if it's conceit on my part."

Shimako-san smiled, a bit bashfully.

"I think it was for my sake."

Shimako-san's sake.

Those words, from Shimako-san's mouth, are probably the correct answer.

Sei-sama, for Shimako-san's sake, did not come and meet them. So, that's what it was.

Shimako-sama and Sei-sama are always connected, even when apart. As far as Yumi was concerned, this was a totally lovely example.

Part 5

Inside the airplane was same as before. Sleep, wake, eat, visit the restroom. After two rounds of this, they had at last returned to Japan. The return trip felt faster than going out. Flight time was not shorter, but they were tired and probably slept more on the return trip.

It was Saturday mid-morning in Japan.

Surrounded by Japanese flitting about, bitten by the heartrending return to her home country, dazed by her time abroad, Yumi said "thank you" in English to the person in front of her who held the door open to a Narita airport restroom. The other person was probably Japanese.

Each class held a quick homeroom, then disbanded at the airport.

The teacher spoke mainly about tips and pointers. "Be careful going home." "No side trips." "You've been with the school since Monday, so take the weekend to rest at home." Even if the teacher hadn't taken the time to warn them, the students probably would have done so. Everyone was tired and wanted to hurry up and rest on their own futon.

Thinking that because it was Saturday, the roads would be packed, or that she'd miss the morning rush hour, Yumi decided to return home via train.

"See ya."

Yoshino-san planned to split off at the airport, taking a bus to K station and sleeping along the way.

"I'm sorry you have to carry the souvenirs."

Shimako-san said to Yoshino-san.

"It's fine, its fine. I'm closest to the school, and I commute on foot so we don't have to worry about the box getting crushed on a box or train during rush hour, or the chocolate melting."

No matter when, Yoshino-san's spirit of service flourished.

"More than that, Yumi-san."

Turning her head, she approached Yumi.

"Yes?"

"Give my sincere regards to Yuuki-kun."

"...I will."

At Yumi's reply, Yoshino-san nodded, lifted her incredibly heavy luggage, and disappeared in the direction of the bus stop.

"Why?"

Shimako-san tilted her head with curiosity.

"There's this TV drama that Yoshino-san forgot to record. She knows that Yuuki recorded it for me. That's what she means."

"Oh my. She must be so happy."

"You said it."

But in that luggage, even without rush hour, the chocolates might get broken. They both thought of this at the same time, and their faces met before either could say this.

Already, Yoshino-san could no longer be seen.

"Yumi-san, Shimako-san, are you heading somewhere together?"

Mami-san and Tsutako-san waved from where they waited by an escalator."

"Yes."

Answering, Yumi and Shimako-san joined the two people. Their sailor collars fluttered only a moment, but it was like Yoshino-san's bag of unrelenting cheerfulness.

Even though their bodies were exhausted, everyone was somehow buoyed by the sensation of returning home.

Ah, that sure was fun.

Souvenir Report

Part 1

She didn't know if it was jet-lag or what, but on Saturday, just laundering everything from the trip used up all her energy. Sunday she spent the whole day sleeping.

So even though she thought about calling her onee-sama to report on how the trip went, Yumi decided to wait until she was properly awake. She was never in quite good enough shape to make calls. Eventually, Monday came.

"I'm back, onee-sama."

"Welcome back."

Seeing Sachiko-sama for the first time in a week, she was still just as beautiful as always. Yumi was a little embarrassed, since she had just sent a letter saying "I miss you."

She went to her classroom before morning prayer, and in the courtyard, presented her souvenir. A small photo album, covered in a marble pattern.

"Did you take lots of pictures?"

Sachiko-sama said while opening it.

"Oh. Yes. Tsutako-san took them."

"Ah. Did you have fun?"

"Yes."

With a big nod, Sachiko-sama laughed. "I'm glad."

"Um, but I could not find any 'Roma Manjuu' or 'Florence Senbei'."

"Huh?"

"So, um."

Yumi tried to explain. Then Sachiko-sama interrupted,

"You seriously looked for it? You didn't take it as a joke?"

"Jo, joke!?"

No way.

"As I recall, didn't Yumi laugh at that time?"

More than a laugh, it was an attempt to reel in the truth.

"How strange. Even though it was one of Sei-sama's jokes, Yumi did not get it."

"Oh. No, I'm sorry."

If Sei-sama had said it, she probably would have laughed. But not when Sachiko-sama told the joke with a straight face. Even the same gag, whether one got it or not depended on the teller's character.

"Did you buy souvenirs for the first-year students?"

"Yes. Shimako-san bought one for Noriko-chan, and I took care of Touko-chan and Kanako-chan. Yoshino-san warned that it would be better not to buy them anything and raise their expectations, but then I bought them souvenirs anyway."

"Will it raise their expectations?"

"No. Because I bought things for people other than just Touko-chan and Kanako-chan. I bought things for some of the Hanadera Academy people, too."

"Hanadera...?"

"For their help with the school festival, same as with Touko-chan and Kanako-chan."

"I see. An expression of gratitude for their help."

"Yes."

"That's eight people."

"That's fine. But."

She wasn't sure what Touko-chan and Kanako-chan would think, but her desire to give souvenirs was greater than her fear of a misunderstanding. She enjoyed giving presents. Whether it was appreciated or not, the act itself was the thing.

"I understand how you feel."

Sachiko-sama nodded. And then, while stretching, said,

"Should I ask Tsutako-chan for a reprint?"

"Huh?"

When Yumi asked, "which picture?", Sachiko-sama laughed, "I wonder?" Then turned away.

'Could it be?' Yumi thought. But might that also be her own conceit talking? She was cautious, did not want to get her hopes up too much.

If she got too persistent and clingy, she'd be scolded as "unseemly." This morning, the shapes of students could be seen here and there throughout the courtyard. Everyone seemed to be giving souvenirs to onee-samas and little sisters.

"Are you done already? You're not pushing enough."

Sachiko-sama said, looking over her shoulder. 'If you asked just a bit more, I'd tell you' she seemed to be saying.

"Well, then please tell me."

"Soon."

Saying that, Sachiko-sama waved her hand and returned to her classroom.

I still have a lot of training to do before I can become a younger sister like Shimako, who can read their onee-sama's mind.

"But sometimes, it's really easy to understand."

Yumi crossed her arms as she left the courtyard. "Well, I don't understand."

Part 2

She looked at the tall girl with long hair and the wide-eyed girl with her hair in ringlets. Neither were smiling.

Surely these two people lined up were on guard.

"Here. For you."

Extending her left and right hands simultaneously to Kanako-chan and Touko-chan, each hand presented a small bag.

"Souvenirs. Please use these if you like."

Marble-patterned mechanical pencils.

They both, after first glancing inquisitively at Yumi's face, accepted with "thank you very much."

She wasn't expecting much, nor did they smile much.

But Yumi found even that uncharming response to be charming.

Like twins, the two of them stood back to back and peeked into their bags.

Part 3

And now a follow-up to the story of the field trip.

One week after returning home. It was a day when preparations for the school festival were coming to a head. In the Rose Manor, having finished eating her bento box, Sachiko-sama beckoned Yumi "can I talk to you for a bit?" She touched Yumi's shoulder and then left the room ahead of Yumi.

Because of Sachiko-sama's sour look, Yumi panicked, wondering "what did I do?" as she went down the stairs.

"Um?"

Outside, leaning against the Rose Manor wall, Sachiko first said, "you." This side of the manor was opposite from the courtyard side, a blind spot hidden from the other school buildings.

"You. Why do you make such bad plans like this?"

"Plans? Uh, did I mess up bringing things to the gymnasium stage?　Or did I send the wrong instructions to all the club leaders?"

"Nothing like that. Your Yamayurikai work is perfect. I appreciate your work there. But."

Sachiko-sama raked her fingers through her long hair and let out a long breath.

"When you inadvertently do things, you make fallout. How am I do deal with this now? You forgot to think things all the way through."

"Yes?"

It wasn't her Yamayurikai work, it appeared to be something recent that troubled her onee-sama. While Yumi pondered, Sachiko-sama made a face like "it cannot be helped" and said softly,

"...here."

"Huh? Ack!?"

Before her eyes was clearly the postcard from Pisa.

"How should I respond when I receive this now? I see you every day."

"Aah!"

Oops.

So that was it. Shizuka-sama did say. Airmail takes some time. She did say so back then.

"Wh, when did it...?"

"It was delivered yesterday after I got home."

"Is that so?"

You cannot help but be excited as you write love letters alone late at night. But you often hear that it is embarrassing when you read them years later. Perhaps a letter written on a trip is similar to that. Even more so, a postcard. At the thought of someone in the Ogasawara household reading the postcard, Yumi's face burst flame red.

"I am sorry, onee-sama. I'll get rid of this letter."

As Yumi reached to take the letter, Sachiko-sama raised her arm to escape Yumi's grasp.

"Get rid of it? This is not a joke. I have decided to put this in the album, preserved alongside Yumi's pictures."

"What?"

"I will remember it for the rest of my life."

She had looked angry, but now her cheeks were just a bit less severe, and blushing. Yes, she was just a bit different. Yumi finally realized.

"Anyway, that was all."

With nothing more, that concluded the chat. And with that, Sachiko-sama straightened herself from leaning on the wall and stood and stopped after a few steps.

Then. "I see that I wasn't the only one who missed somebody."

Leaving those words in her wake, Sachiko-sama quickly returned to the Rose Manor.

" 'I will never forget this for the rest of my life', huh."

Yumi whispered to herself as she watched Sachiko-sama's retreating figure. After that, she touched her earlobes. Her ears were as red as Sachiko-sama's.

"... So that's it. I see."

Sachiko-sama gets a little angry when she feels embarrassed. Oh.

Ciao, Sorella!

Happy, she spontaneously looked up at the sky.

Blue.

Serene.

And pure.

The Absence of Rosa Chinensis en Bouton

One day at the end of September.

The Rose Manor was quiet.

No, not just the Rose Manor. The entire school was rather quiet.

The second-year students are gone. That's all.

Six classes. It might not be such a big deal compared to the whole school from kindergarten to university. But without the students who were usually here, it seemed deserted.

Rosa Chinensis, Ogasawara Sachiko, was drinking tea alone in the Rose Manor.

It was quiet.

Rei was not there. She had gone to club activities.

There was work related to the school festival, assorted tasks, but nothing urgent. So she was taking a little break.

It had been too busy lately. She had said something like that to the first-year students.

Although it had been so long since she could go home early, Sachiko somehow ended up coming here.

Slowly sipping tea in the Ros Manor. What a luxurious time.

It was a big task, preparing for the Yamayurikai's play. But without the second-year students, it was difficult to progress smoothly.

Sachiko smiled as she flipped through the pages of the completed script.

Yumi's face when Sachiko revealed the story and cast.... Just remembering that made her happy.

She poured herself some more tea. Sitting in her chair, Sachiko suddenly looked up after hearing something.

"Oh?"

It sounded like someone had come to the Rose Manor. It was so quiet that even from the second floor, she could clearly hear the first-floor door open and close.

There was no call. Soon the stairs began to creak. It was probably a student who comes frequently to the manor. Sachiko lowered her cup and waited for the biscuit-like door to open.

Nothing. Then.

"Ah."

The visitor opened the door, blurted out that word, frozen stiff for a moment. She had come here not thinking there would be anyone else already here.

Sachiko, knowing that someone could come up here, remained composed. But still, she was a bit surprised that the someone was this girl.

"Gokigenyou."

Sachiko called out first.

"G, Gokigenyou, Rosa Chinensis."

Regaining her composure, Hosokawa Kanako bowed her head. Her hair was long and her body tall.

"Excuse me. I had heard that there was no meeting after school today, so I thought nobody would be here."

"Yet you came?"

"... Yes. Well..."

Yet she had decided to come anyway, Sachiko noticed. Hosokawa Kanako picked up her handbag that was sitting by the window. It looks like she had come to pick up something that she had forgotten.

Having understood the reason for this visit, Sachiko returned to her script, sipping her tea.

But Hosokawa Kanako showed no signs of leaving.

"Please, don't mind me."

Sachiko announced.

"But."

She might find it difficult to go home, leaving an upperclassman all alone to check a script. Even so, Sachiko did not want to be so familiar as to tell her "go home" or to pull her tie, so she decided to leave it alone.

"If you want to stay, that's fine. Please, have a seat."

Sachiko pointed to a chair. Saying, do whatever you like. The tall Hosokawa Kanako cannot help but be noticed, even when just standing there doing nothing.

"Rosa Chinensis."

"Hm?"

"But won't you be uncomfortable, knowing that I'm here?"

"Did I not just say you should sit down if you want to stay?"

Oh, bother. Sachiko made a face like she found this frankness tedious.

"No, that's not it."

Hosokawa Kanako said.

"I'm not talking about today."

"Ah..."

It appears that she was talking about helping with the school festival, coming to the Rose Manor. Either way, that doesn't change that this conversation is bothersome.

"You and Touko-chan are a big help."

"But, I'm an eyesore?"

Well, that was a straightforward question.

"Why?"

"...The day before the Hanadera school festival, in the old greenhouse."

Speaking of that, that was indeed a thing. It was indeed a thing for Kanako, but not for Sachiko.

"Like I said then, if there's something you want to say, say it."

But it appears that there was still something that she wanted to say, still buried under the gloom. Although they had met many times since then, they'd not had the chance to talk privately. So she'd been dragging along up to today.

"Could you ever forgive me for hurting your precious Yumi-sama?"

Hosokawa Kanako's words contained a bit of sarcasm.

"I forgive and don't forgive. Like you, I am not the law of the world. That you made a mistake and unknowingly hurt others, that much is certain. But we are just small, imperfect humans. ...I am in no position to judge."

"Imperfect.... If Rosa Chinensis' fans heard that, I wonder what they'd say."

"I would rather that you heard it."

Sachiko said, raising her voice.

Generations of Roses have gained too much of a perfect image. Because of that, the gulf separating the Yamayurikai leaders and the general student was not easily filled. It was good to be looked up to. But being celebrated was not their original purpose.

"If you think about it for a bit, you will quickly understand the reason for Yumi's popularity with the first-year students."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I wonder."

I wonder, indeed, Sachiko said softly. I myself do not know.

"So then, it does not matter if I become Yumi-sama's little sister?"

"If Yumi chose you, I would not particularly object."

The setting sun, shining through the curtains, darkened a bit. It was probably a cloud.

"But you don't want to be Yumi's little sister?"

"That's right."

"Well, then isn't that okay?"

"Yes."

It was quiet.

"Would you like some more tea?"

Saying that, Hosokawa Kanako stood up.

"Didn't I say don't mind me?"

"No. I want some, too."

"Well then, if you're getting some too. Please?"

Sachiko offered her cup.

Then the two of them both, in this quiet room, drank one cup of tea apiece, then went home.

Afterword

It's nice to have a story like this occasionally.

Hello, this is Konno.

And so, we have the field trip.

As one would expect from Lillian Academy for Women, Italy. Incredible. I bet the first-year students place a deposit for the field trip.

Now.

Before writing this book, in October of last year (2003), I went to Italy. The Lillian Academy field trip was at the end of September, so this would be a bit later than Yumi and friends. The Cobalt editorial department sent me. My first press tour.

It was roughly the same three-city itinerary as Yumi and friends: Rome, Florence, and Venice.

However, mine was an adult's trip. Yumi's was a group trip with a school for rich girls. So it's not like you could say the two are identical. No matter what happens, you would not take a taxi on a field trip. So I had to write many parts with imagination. Of course, I also let the Lillian students share my experiences.

Writing for this field trip edition was "trouble." Roughly speaking, what should I do with things that have changed in recent years or even months?

For example, they switched currency in 2002 from the lira to the euro.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa underwent restoration from 1990-2001, so it was closed to the public.

Art galleries loan out their works and change their exhibits, so there are many situations of things no longer there.

It was troublesome to write, limiting the time period of this story. So to avoid those problems, the story's subject matter was confined. Well then, isn't that getting one's priorities backward?

It's the result that matters.

I don't show units of currency in Italy. Everything is converted to Japanese yen. I don't worry about construction or loaned artwork. I decided that they will exist in their original shape, in their original place.

Because of this, it is pointless to try to calculate "Yumi was a first-year student in year X." But even with that, some readers would extrapolate from Christmas and Valentine's Day that "It must be year X". But the author herself hasn't even thought of that (or at least should not).

Yes, yes. Speaking of trouble, there was trouble with the computer that I use to write these light novels. It seems there was an accident with the hard disk. Just in case, I put it on a floppy. That file could not be read.

I called the word processor support, we tried all sorts of things, nothing worked. "Oh, my 80 pages of novel!" I really was in a panic.

Fortunately, someone in the Cobalt editorial department was familiar with computers and amazing skills at prying open files from corrupted disks. So I survived without loss. The restored novel was garbled in a few places, and one part (about 7-8 pages) was gone. But compare that to thinking about the disappearance of all 80 pages. Thank you, thank you. If it hadn't been restored, it would not have been ready in time for the release date. Even just thinking about it is scary.

So while writing this book, I had support from the Cobalt editorial department from beginning to end.

Konno Oyuki

Translator's Notes

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