Editing Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume4 Chapter3 6 (section)

===<noinclude>What do you think? </noinclude>Part 6.===

"I tried calling out downstairs, but no one responded, so I let myself in."

After being lead to the middle of the room, then recommended a seat, and then sipping on the tea she was given, the visitor asked, "Was it a bother?"

"Not at all.  Actually, we're sorry.  When we're on the second floor, we often don't notice anyone knocking on the door.  So it helps us greatly that you walked in."

Incidentally, it was Shimako-san that lead Shizuka-sama into the room, pulled a seat out for her, and then poured her tea.  Yumi was frozen in place, stuck between Rosa Canina in front of her and Rosa Gigantea en bouton behind her, so she was rendered immobile.

Shizuka-sama was alone.  Without being accompanied by her classmates or her colleagues, she entered the Rose Mansion, the nesting place of her enemies.  She probably came, not minding how many could be inside.  As proof, she was actually surprised it was so empty.

The visitor took another sip, very elegantly.

Someone other than the usual members sitting at this table and sipping tea.  It felt mysteriously natural, but it also felt a bit odd.

She blended into the room, like she was in a place she was used to being in.  Even so, a part of Yumi refused to believe what she saw.  Like she was trying to find a mistake, and only Shizuka-sama was out of place.  It might have just been that she was unused to the sight.

But if Shizuka-sama won the election, this would be the norm.  But it was still difficult to imagine that with the addition of Shizuka-sama, someone else would vanish.

"There's not much time, so I'll leave the pleasantries aside.  I came here today to speak to Shimako-san."

Somehow managing to thaw herself, Yumi looked at her wrist-watch.  There were only about fifteen minutes left until lunch break ended.

"Then, shall I… shall I take my leave?"

"That would be unnecessary.  On the contrary, please remain, Yumi-san."

Shizuka-sama stopped her.  Shimako-san nodded, too.  They were both calm.  They looked so amicable to each other that it was difficult to believe they were actually enemies.  Of course, it may simply be the people around them believing them to be enemies.

Yumi sat down in a seat that saw them from the side.  In truth, she was more on Shimako-san's side, but she felt it would be awkward if she chose a side here.  Plus, she couldn't say it aloud, but she didn't dislike Shizuka-sama.  Rather, she leaned more toward liking her.

"May I ask what you want?"

Shimako-san said.  It felt like her drifting personality had vanished, and now she was completely locked in.

"You are aware, I believe, that I've announced my candidacy for the student council."

Shizuka-sama began.

"Yes."
Shimako-sama smiled, gently.  In this case, Yumi was basically just a spectator, so she kept silent.

"But it's not out of nonconfidence in you or the other boutons.  Will you believe me?"

"Of course."

Shizuka-sama didn't decide, "I'll do it," because she felt Shimako-san and others weren't up to the task, in other words.  And Shimako-san basically replied, "I know that already."  Yumi knew that much, too.  Actually, she hadn't even thought about the possibility of people being dissatisfied with the boutons, so the confirmation took her by surprise.

"Then, why have you not registered?  Wouldn't you have registered with Sachiko-san and Rei-sama if I hadn't?"

"I may have."

"The deadline is today, after school."

"Yes."

Shimako-san understood that perfectly well, without the need for Shizuka-sama to point it out.  Because Sachiko-sama and Rei-sama seemed to be rushing her every time they saw each other.  And she was just talking about it with Yumi.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't think I am obliged to tell you."

Surprisingly, Shimako-san used a harsh tone.  Of course, this reaction was wildly different from when Yumi asked essentially the same question.

"… Indeed."

While Shizuka-sama made a "how unexpected" face, she didn't show any signs of backing down as she continued to speak.

"I have come simply to present you with another road, because you seem to be lost."

"Road?"

"I think you're hesitating over running because you're not the same age as the other boutons.  You've done well as a bouton despite being a first-year.  And now, after working harder than anyone else, I can also sympathize if you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of working even harder for your second, and third, years."

"What do you want-"

Shimako-san's angelic smile became a bit strained.  I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't see where this is going, Yumi thought.

"If you want to become like Yumi-san, use me.  –That's all."

It was still beating around the edges, so Shimako-san rephrased Shizuka-san's words quite directly.

"Are you saying I should step aside and let you become the Rosa Gigantea next year?"

(What!?)

She didn't think Shizuka-sama would say such a thing, so Yumi almost jumped out of her seat in surprise.  You're joking, aren't you? was how Yumi felt as she searched Shizuka-sama's face, but she, in turn, simply stared at Shimako-sama, with a benevolent smile.

"Of course, but I have no intention of kicking you out of the Rose Mansion.  Fortunately, I have no sister, either.  Once Rosa Gigantea graduates, I have full intention of welcoming you as my sister."

"Shizuka-sama, you liked Shimako-san!?"

She was trying so hard, but finally Yumi burst out.

"No, Yumi-san.  Shizuka-sama isn't saying that."

Please stay silent a bit longer, Shimako-san seemed to scold, so Yumi zipped her mouth shut again.  Shizuka-sama didn't confirm nor deny that, but she glanced at Yumi and giggled, so it proved Yumi's logic was off.  She thought Shizuka-sama had ended up running because she wanted Shimako-san as her sister, but apparently that was wrong.

"I don't think it's a bad proposal for you, at all."

Shizuka-sama repeated.  Yumi nodded inside, "That's true."

That way, Shimako-san automatically became Rosa Gigantea en bouton again.  And she would take up the same duties in the Yamayurikai.  And then when she became a third-year, she would become Rosa Gigantea.  It sounded great.  It sounded too great, so it was scary.

"Think about it."

The fifth period bell rang, so Shizuka-sama stood up.

"Wait, please."

Shimako-san followed her.

"I have not made up my mind about running, yet, but I must answer this now."

"What is it?"

"No matter what happens, I have no intention of becoming your sister.  Of becoming anyone's sister.  My onee-sama is Satou Sei-sama and Satou Sei-sama alone."

"… I see.  I understand."

Shizuka-sama simply nodded, quietly.

And then, Shimako-san announced her candidacy after school.  In the end, you could say Shizuka-sama took it upon herself personally to blow away all of Shimako-san's worries.  And only Yumi, who'd been present at their conversation, knew about that.

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