Uneasy daily life

Houtarou Oreki quickly understood and followed Haku's example, taking off his shoes and going inside to sit to the right of Yukinoshita's mother. For young people in the new era, sitting upright is something that is occasionally used in classes and customs... just like being required to fold blankets into tofu blocks during military training.

Houtarou Oreki was not comfortable sitting there; his posture was a bit crooked, and he seemed to be subconsciously trying to 'shrink' up.

Yukinoshita's mother didn't seem to notice this, but glanced at the white figure and understood.

For actors, this challenge is indeed quite simple. The more important question lies in…

She looked at the girl and the empty seat opposite her.

Before entering, I saw the other person quietly taking a deep breath, clenching their fist, and encouraging themselves.

After entering the house, he took off his shoes, neatly placed them side by side, walked over with a poise and sat down opposite him without hesitation.

She sat upright, with a beautiful face and a calm and composed demeanor.

The one who needs to have a conversation with you isn't the white figure, but this little girl?

The mother looked a little regretful as she picked up the teapot and served tea, her movements unhurried and deliberate.

This atmosphere made Houtarou Oreki feel extremely uncomfortable. He silently tried to convince himself that he was invisible—was this Uncle Bai just pretending to be a wooden sculpture as soon as he came in? Was that appropriate? Even so, he could only pretend to be a stone in this somewhat serious and earnest environment. Ah… it felt like ants were crawling all over him.

The aroma of black tea filled the room.

Bai Ying took a sip of tea and began to mimic the shape of a wood carving.

"So, what can I do for you, gentlemen?"

Yukinoshita's mother confirmed that of the three people who came to the door, Shirokage had made this little girl the real person in charge.

Using a young girl as a shield? They don't think they can get away with it that way, do they?

Hmph, there's no reason to run away after winning...

After a brief setup, the mother prepared to call Bai Ying.

"Lady Yukinoshita, my name is Chitanda Eru, daughter of the Chitanda family in Kamiyama City."

Chitanda Eru spoke in a steady voice and with clear enunciation: "Excuse me for bothering you, but I wanted to discuss the Sobu High School study trip with you."

Houtarou Oreki was somewhat stunned.

This is the first time I've seen Chitanda like this.

Chapter Seventy: The Demeanor of a Prestigious Family

“School trips are a choice made by schools and students and have nothing to do with the guardianship association.”

"The purpose of school trips is to broaden horizons, increase experience, relieve stress, and exercise. Since it is related to the students' education, it is also related to the responsibilities of the guardians. From a practical point of view, guardians will also pay some fees during school trips, so there is an economic connection."

"Students' responsibilities are to vote and participate in school trips. Organizing events is not the students' responsibility, nor is it their place to decide."

"So the one here is not Chitanda Eru, a student at Sobu High School, but Chitanda Eru from the Chitanda family."

They can grasp the key points, provide clear and logical rebuttals, and express their opinions effectively.

It's a piece of chewy candy.

Yukinoshita's mother began to doubt whether her own aura had weakened. Why was she unable to control even the young people lately?

Yukinoshita's mother smiled kindly, but her tone was anything but kind: "Then let's hear your thoughts. What are your opinions on Soubu High School's school trip?"

Chitanda Eru said, "I wouldn't call it a brilliant idea; I just hope that the destination of the school trip will be our hometown."

"This has nothing to do with the guardianship association. It is the students' freedom to choose where to vote."

Yukinoshita's mother felt that the other party was talking nonsense. Could it be that she was asked to promote her hometown and then let the parents influence the children's decisions? That was simply wishful thinking and not a very clear-headed idea.

“That’s right, it’s the students’ freedom to decide where they vote,” Chitanda Eru nodded. “So I hope that Mrs. Yukinoshita will support the students’ freedom of decision.”

...Have you been trapped?

It's not about finding ways to influence student voting, but about finding ways to cover up the results of the student votes you cast.

Yukinoshita's mother calmly replied, "This still has little to do with the Guardian Association."

“Parents must be worried and concerned that their children are going on a school trip to a remote place that is not well-known and has never been heard of,” Chitanda Eru said calmly. “Therefore, we need to ask Mrs. Yukinoshita to try to dispel the parents’ concerns when the results come out.”

"Are you really sure the students will vote for a region they've never heard of?"

"This is something we need to take responsibility for."

Chitanda Eru thought to herself: Although Yukinoshita's plan has failed and there is currently no effective solution, there is no need to reveal this information; it is a 'trade secret' of our side.

The old plan failed, the new plan is still undecided, time is tight, and there are no results yet... but we must have confidence! Yes!

“The location of a school trip does indeed affect the guardian.”

Yukinoshita's mother became slightly more serious, gazing at this young man who had surprised her somewhat, and then asked a question.

What exactly is the situation regarding your hometown?

"Kamiyama City is known as Little Kyoto. Jinde is located in the northern part of Kamiyama City. My hometown is located north of Jinde. Although it is not as famous as Kyoto, it has no less beautiful scenery."

"It sounds like a very remote place, too far away. Students probably wouldn't consider it, right?"

"This is a problem that students need to consider, and it is also a problem that we need to solve."

“The journey is long and the expenses will be greater, and not all children’s families are wealthy enough.”

"The school promised that the school trip could be located within Japan, and Soubu High School has covered most of the expenses over the years. Although Kamiyama City is remote, it is not so far away that the cost would skyrocket."

“A school trip is essentially a trip, and it is really worrying if the destination does not have adequate facilities.”

"The benchmark for the formation is tourism. The annual April festival attracts many tourists. Hotels, hot springs and other facilities are readily available to accommodate tourists."

Chitanda Eru took out her phone, opened the photo album, and showed the pictures to Yukinoshita's mother one by one: "This is the hot spring inn in Zaizen Village, this is the mountain road for tourists, this is Senri Shrine... As for the route, although it requires several transfers, it is not a long journey. The roads are not extensive, but they are wide and straight, and safety can be guaranteed."

The little girl came prepared.

Yukino's mother remained noncommittal: "Being so far from the city is already considered unsafe."

"The Chitanda family will be responsible for everyone's safety."

"Chitanda family..." Yukinoshita's mother narrowed her eyes slightly as the other person's self-introduction came to mind: the daughter of the Chitanda family.

"Well—my family is a well-known family with a long history in Shenshan City. I will contact my parents later to ensure my classmate's safety during the trip. At least arranging some transportation should not be a problem."

He was neither arrogant nor humble; he introduced himself in a very ordinary and unassuming way.

Yukinoshita's mother nitpicked, "So, in other words, you came here without consulting any of the adults in your family—"

“Lady Yukinoshita.” Chitanda Eru shook her head and calmly repeated, “I am a daughter of the Chitanda family.”

Here, I am not representing a student or a minor, but the representative and image of a family in foreign negotiations.

Yukinoshita's mother did not press the matter further; she understood the feelings and words behind them.

Upright, elegant, composed, calm, articulate, and neither arrogant nor servile.

I used to strive to become a representative of the family, a pillar that would uphold the family's reputation.

result……

Yukinoshita's mother composed herself and asked in a deep voice, "So, what is your purpose? If it's to revitalize the hometown, a simple school trip is meaningless. If it's to generate revenue for the hometown, having the Chitanda family handle security and reduce expenses, plus the fact that you're just a student in the same grade, won't boost the hometown's economy and won't generate much profit..."

It was a completely unproductive and thankless sudden idea.

"I want to introduce Zhenchu ​​to the other students."

The mother was taken aback by the snow.

“My parents made me apply to Soubu High School so that I could leave home and see the world’s prosperity. And I did see it—the train passed through Tokyo, the streets, shops, and skyscrapers were packed with people, the whole city was on fire, and the wave of progress was overwhelming. I heard the noise, passed through the prosperity, and finally arrived in Chiba, a city that is not as good as Tokyo, but is more advanced and offers more opportunities than my hometown.”

“I don’t think that changing a school trip can bring about any earth-shattering changes to my hometown, nor do I think that my actions are meaningless. Even if one more person knows about that land, it is enough to make me happy.”

Chitanda Eru smiled and said, "That's all, Lady Yukinoshita."

Yukinoshita's mother suddenly asked, "Why do you think I should help you?"

This is a classic killer move comparable to asking "Why did you choose our company?" or "What did you do wrong?"

Chitanda Eru was a little confused by this question, which seemed a bit like she was asking for trouble, and simply replied, "I don't know if you'll help, but you won't know until you try."

"Then I will keep an eye on things and wish you success."

Yukinoshita's mother gave her own answer, shifting her attention from the girl who was still calmly thanking her, when she suddenly heard the sound of tea being poured.

She turned her head and saw the white figure pouring red tea for herself.

"Hmm? Finished chatting?"

Bai Ying downed her black tea in one gulp and laughed heartily, "Thanks, Auntie, we'll be going now."

Before Snowfall's mother could even unleash her death stare and cast Freeze, the white figure had already swiftly slipped away, putting on her shoes.

"Then I'll take my leave, Lady Yukinoshita."

Chitanda Eru and Oreki Houtarou then bid farewell and left.

As Yukinoshita's mother watched Chitanda Eru's retreating figure, she felt both satisfied and regretful. She wished her two daughters had the same spirit as this child.

She instinctively picked up the teapot, only to find it incredibly light. With a slight shake... the entire pot of black tea was almost gone?

What an outrageous young man.

Speaking of which, it's rather strange that the child calls Bai Ying "Uncle Bai," but it's not appropriate to ask such a question suddenly during our conversation.

Yukinoshita's mother got up and returned to her proper office. She went online to look up the Jinde area of ​​Kamiyama. Although it wasn't very famous, there were quite a few pictures of Jinde's scenery. She also found information about Jinde's Girls' Day Festival and things related to the Chitanda family.

After verifying its authenticity, Yukinoshita's mother felt even more regretful.

It's a pity it's not their own child.

When I think of my own child, I think of Yukino during her rebellious phase.

Whenever I think of Yukino, I think of Shirakage, that very... very unique young man.

The thought of Bai Ying reminds me of Chitanda Eru, who visited me today and was poised and elegant, with the demeanor of a master.

After some deliberation, Yukino's mother had a general understanding of the investigation into Shirokage. The other party had set up a strange aid club at school, while Yukino had set up a strange service club at school—and the two clubs even had some kind of competitive agreement... As for how Yukino managed to win Shirokage home during the competition, that was beyond her comprehension.

Chitanda said it was a commission, and the white shadow provided a way for the other party to meet with her. Then, it turned into a wooden sculpture and placed there, causing her preparations to fall through.

So, Yukino must have received Chitanda's request as well, right?

Hmm... It's perfectly reasonable to make a call and ask about it yourself.

After gathering her thoughts, the mother took out her phone.

……

……

"Wow—I'm so nervous! I'm so nervous!"

Adopting the demeanor of a Yamato Nadeshiko (ideal Japanese woman), after walking a few dozen meters from the Guardian Association, Chitanda Eru suddenly stamped her foot and rubbed her hands, pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pan, her face showing lingering fear and joy: "I was so scared just now! Lady Yukinoshita's aura was truly terrifying, completely different from any other adult I've ever met! I was almost too frightened to speak! Luckily, I managed to persuade her!"

Houtarou Oreki was taken aback.

"Uncle Bai, why didn't you say a word just now?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, my niece Airu, if I were to speak up, Auntie's attention would definitely be on me, and she wouldn't care at all about what your request is." Bai Ying clicked her tongue and said, "From my observation, if it's not someone she approves of, no matter how much you plead or flatter her, Auntie won't take it to heart at all—don't you think the more you talk, the more she approves of you?"

"Eh? Is that so?"

Chitanda Eru rested her chin on her hand, frowning as she thought, "I was so nervous back then, my heart was in my throat, and all I could think about was how to respond to Lady Yukinoshita..."

Houtarou Oreki still looked listless, and casually said, "Didn't you do a great job? You weren't overwhelmed by that aggressive aura at all."

This is the first time I've seen Chitanda like that...

"It has the air of a prestigious family."

Houtarou Oreki said this.

"A prestigious family? Lady Yukinoshita has more of a prestigious air about her, doesn't she? Dignified, dignified, and powerful." Chitanda Eru poked her head and smiled. "I just feel that as a daughter of the Chitanda family, this is something I should strive to achieve."

Perhaps I don't know Chitanda very well either.

Houtarou Oreki thought of this and noticed the white figure heading down another path. He turned his head and gestured towards him.