AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I must have said this in the previous chapters but thank you for reading. I also mentioned the 'Northern wall' in the previous chapter but forgot to explain about it. Well, I'm sorry about that. :D Um, the Northern wall, also known as the 'Main Wing' is only a part of the Ogasawara mansion. The other parts of the mansion are, obviously, the Western wall (Western Wing) and the Eastern wall (Eastern Wing). Also, in this chapter, Yumi refer to Sayako as 'Lady Sayako'. Yumi won't be using much '-SAMA' or other Japanese Honorifics in this story since I said so (joke!). The reason for that is because she didn't grew up in Japan, remember?
Here is the edited CHAPTER THREE of She is my Master.
Enjoy
CHAPTER THREE
Sayako: "Impressive… Sachiko got KO'd by Yumi-chan."
It was a bright Saturday morning. And, at the Mansion, one by one, the servants… workers… and the like started to do their morning duties while I, read the morning paper matched with brewed coffee. I was about to turn a page when all of a sudden I caught a glimpse of my daughter, Sachiko, walking in the Dining Room. And this… really amused me.
"This is new. I've never thought I could get a chance to eat breakfast with you, Sachiko." I asked, teasingly.
Sachiko sat opposite me and said "Good morning to you too, Mother." I immediately caught the annoyance in her voice. Inwardly, I smiled about this. I actually want her to be open especially with her feelings and with herself. And with that thought, I greeted her back "Good morning, Sachiko." this time with a hint of humor in my voice. I saw her reaction from calm to serious. "Is there something you find amusing, Mother?" She asked.
As calm as possible, I replied without letting out a chuckle. "It's just that you never join me for breakfast during weekends since, for all I know, during this time you could still be asleep in your bed." After that I unfolded the table napkin down to my lap. I only paused when I looked back at Sachiko again and said "Something good must have happened last night since you don't look grumpy in this early morning." Still, continuing with my teasing assault.
"Nothing happened, Mother. And please, stop it." Sachiko said. Obviously, she was starting to get annoyed.
Meanwhile, I continued to eat my meal with a happy and knowing smile on my lips as I reminisced what had happened last night.
Both Touru and I including, Yumi arrived at the Mansion. From the Main Door, servants from left to right greeted us. But before we entered, I took the liberty to introduce our 'special' guest for the night.
"Everyone, this is Fukuzawa Yumi. She is going to be tonight's 'guest of honor'." I said and all of the servants present at that time bowed.
Before heading straight to dinner, Yumi followed us to the Lounge are where we talked about things that had happened during that day. Most of the conversation was only done by my husband and Yumi. I only join in whenever I could do so.
After a quarter of an hour, I heard a knock from the door. Promptly, I opened it only to reveal a butler. He stood nearly three feet away from me and said "Madam, dinner is served."
"We'll be there in five minutes." I said to the butler. And with that, he left. I turned back my attention to my husband and to Yumi who were still engrossed to their conversation. Slowly, I walked back to my position. "Touru, Dear, dinner is ready."
Touru nodded with a smile then turned to the young girl adjacent to him and said "Shall we, Yumi-chan?"
Yumi only gave a nod and followed us to the Dining Room. By the time we got there, we promptly started dinner. I noticed Yumi staring at the seat opposite hers. Probably, wondering who the 'other' person who's supposed to eat with them tonight.
"I'm sorry Yumi-chan. But, Sachiko won't be able to join us for dinner. She's sometimes busy with schoolwork. I believe their school is going to have their annual school festival soon. They must be busy with that." I said which earned me an 'Oh…' look from the cute girl in front of me.
"I see." Yumi said with a nod and an added facial expression as she continued… "She must be part of the Student Council of her school since the Student Council is the busiest group that I can think of during events such as this."
I almost let out a smile after I heard what Yumi had said. She was right after all. I could not help but to be impressed with the girl more and more. From this, I could tell that Yumi is actually clever and observant. It only made my interest grow even further. And so, I decided to humor the girl for awhile.
"How is the food, Yumi-chan?" I asked like a good housewife and hostess should be.
"It's delicious, Ma'am." Yumi replied politely then she continued to eat her 'Grilled Steak with Asparagus on the side'.
"I'm glad you like it." I said and Yumi smiled at me. Before she could continue, I asked her another question. "By the way, Yumi-chan, where do you stay at?" I asked as curiosity started to flow over me.
"I live near here actually. And, it's just a…" Yumi started. But then, paused and thought of what she was going to say next. "…ten to fifteen minutes walk gap from here to there, I think… at first… I actually thought that this place was a park when I first arrived in the neighborhood." Yumi added with a small laugh.
After hearing this, both Touru and I laughed at the comment. True, our residence always gives the impression of a park. Since at first glance from the outside of the gate were thick and enormous trees lined up at the front.
"My… this is a first." Touru said after a hearty laugh.
"Ah! I didn't mean to say that you live inside a park or something." Yumi said with a look of panic. And of course, it was clearly written all over her face. This caused another set of laughter inside the Dining Room and a small pout on the already flustered face of the said guest of honor. 'Oh my, what a cute face' I chuckled underneath my hand as I watched Yumi pout on her seat. From there, I realized that I had never laughed these much before or even heard any laughter within this cold rich walls. I want to, at least, experience this every now and then. If not, at least, I'll let Sachiko experience it.
"Before I forgot, Yumi-chan; if you want to excuse yourself to the restroom, feel free and just ask any servants outside the Dining Room, alright?" I said and, she politely replied "Don't mind if I do…" She silently excused herself to find the restroom.
Just as Yumi was visibly gone inside the room, I turned my attention to Touru. "Is there any other way for Yumi-chan to stay here in the mansion with us?" I asked.
For a moment, Touru looked at me as if I got a sudden urge or craving for a certain object. "Sayako, Dear; I'm sure if you ask her to stay for a few days, she will agree." Touru replied to me.
"No! I'm not talking about extended overnights, Touru. I hope you do know what I mean." I said with a little indignation on my part.
"Dear, didn't you hear what Yumi-chan said before?" He asked.
"I know… but, is she going to be fine not to mention, safe? I mean, she's only fifteen years old, younger than our own daughter. She's living on her own away from her family and friends. That is NOT safe." I pointed every single negative detail that I could think of as I said those words. And, I as a mother know this kind of things. It's just like what everybody calls… 'A Mother's Intuition'
I, then, thought of something that could change his mind.
"What if it was our daughter?"
Before Touru gave me a reply, he sighed. "Sayako, Dear, please calm down. Didn't Yumi-chan say that even if she lives on her own the house has an installed fire and security system? So, there is nothing to worry about." He said.
I immediately answered back. "But, security systems nowadays can fail or can be shut down. Let's take for example what had happened today at the bank." I said almost too proudly when I saw the almost defeated look on Touru's face. "Sayako…" He sighed again probably, guessing that the more he argued with me the more I'll push through and try to get what I want. "Alright, I will try to think of a way for her to stay." He said. After hearing his reply, I hugged him with a smile and, I could tell that it made him happy. And just as we were about to let go, I heard someone cough. It was Yumi, making her presence known for me and Touru.
She was grinning like a child and said with a hint of humor "Wow, something lovely must have happened while I was away." I tried to change the topic with a question. "Yumi-chan, I trust that you were able to find the restroom successfully."
"Yes, thankfully, I was able to ask a maid along the way." She said with her usual cheery smile.
"Yumi-chan, would you like to accompany me to my office for awhile?" Touru asked while, Yumi answered with an "Okay, Mister-san." But before they head out of the Dining Room, Touru paused and said "Yumi-chan, can you not call me Mister-san anymore? I prefer if you call me just by my name."
Yumi was about to protest but, suddenly I piped in the conversation. "Me too, Yumi-chan, I prefer if you call me by my name." I said and watched her sigh with a smile. And, she said. "Okay, since it will be nice to greet neighbors like this." She smiled once again, a cute gentle smile.
"Let's go to my office, Yumi-chan, before Sayako decide to make you her dress-up doll." I heard my husband say. Now, that gave me an idea… a wondrous and mischievous idea. "What a wonderful suggestion, Touru." I said with a smile. More like, a mischievous smile. And, I could see Yumi's reaction. Ah… It was so priceless.
"W-what about your daughter, won't you want to make her your 'dress-up doll' instead?" She cutely stuttered when she said those words and, I was barely stopping myself to hug the little girl like a teddy bear. For a second or two, Touru and I blinked in front of Yumi not to mention, Touru, stifled a laugh from the sudden suggestion; while I, thanked Maria-sama for the training and lessons I used to have back when I was still a child. I silently prayed with a little smile 'Amen…'
"The thought is nice, Yumi-chan. But, our daughter is… kind of… reserved." I said as I find the 'right words' to 'describe' my daughter. But when I imagined Sachiko dressed in one of those frilly clothes that I always wanted her to try, I didn't know if I would laugh or just stay silent at the thought and, Yumi who had the look that completely says "Oh…" probably understood or had an idea what I was trying to say.
-Ahem- Touru faked a cough as if he was trying to clear his dry throat. "As I was saying, let's head to the office, Yumi-chan." He said with a tint of pink around his cheeks, trying to compose himself in front of his guest.
As both Touru and Yumi walked back to the office, just a few meters away, I followed then from behind. 'It looks like even the Almighty Ogasawara Touru can still smile a heartfelt and sincere smile.' I thought as I watched both Touru and Yumi walk back to Touru's office from the outside of the Lounge Area. My thoughts were suddenly cut when I saw my daughter, Sachiko, arrived late which was unseemly of her.
I walked up to her and greeted her with a hug. "Sachiko, you've missed dinner." I said. She apologized almost a little uncharacteristically. 'Something must have happened at school… Oh dear…' She gave a small bow and was about to say something but a butler suddenly walked towards our direction and said. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, Madam. But, the Master wanted to see the Young Mistress in his office." He said.
Sachiko promptly excused herself and headed towards Touru's office. I, on the other hand, followed Sachiko from behind. As we arrived, a servant was standing outside of the office and he announced Sachiko's arrival. I watched her walked in. And after a couple of minutes, I was wondering what Yumi might be thinking now that she, Yumi, met Sachiko.
'Could she be dumbfounded or speechless?'
'What could be her facial expression? Eh… bodyguard? What in the..?'
I, then, realized that both father and daughter were exchanging retorts per retorts. It started with Sachiko's high-pitch voice along with Touru's roar-like voice inside of the office. And as the discussion inside the office went on, I saw Sachiko walked out of the office, miffed and, was totally out of it. Moments later, I saw Yumi walked out of the office, probably, to see if Sachiko was alright.
After the arguments inside the office, I decided to walk inside just to what was wrong. I saw Touru with his forehead rested on top of his intertwined fingers. I sighed at the scene. From there, I thought that, at times, if I actually married an idiot. But considering what had happened, it couldn't be her husband's fault. So, for now, I gave him a reassuring smile and a supportive squeeze on the shoulder.
"I told her that Yumi-chan will be her new bodyguard."
I heard him say those words. It was sudden and, I could tell that he was waiting or expecting for me to do the same hysterics like Sachiko. For every passing second, he waited for me to say something anything at all. But I just let it all pass by and said "Then… Yumi-chan agreed to become Sachiko's new bodyguard?" I asked.
"Probably, since Yumi went to check if Sachiko is alright." Touru replied.
"I was surprised when Sachiko walked out of your office. But when Yumi-chan walked out as well, I was even more surprised." I said. I suddenly let go of my husband and promptly walked directly to the door. I only paused when I heard Touru say "Don't tell me you're going to walk out of my office as well?" He asked, sounding like a sulking kid who got left out all of a sudden by his friends. "No, well, kind of… I just thought of something to do. See you later." I said and continued to walk out of Touru's office.
I was walking at the Main Wing of the Mansion when I finally spotted my daughter. I called up to her, but unfortunately Sachiko was not able to hear me. I even noticed that Sachiko was not greeting back to the other servants who were greeting her and, Sachiko only walked passed them with a clouded look on her face. This only made me want to at least 'wake' Sachiko up since, in a third person's point of view, Sachiko looked like she was mumbling and, not to mention, sleep walking.
I continued to follow my daughter and, by now, Sachiko was currently walking up the stairs still dazed and most of her thoughts were still rumbled to the fact that she lost her footing as she went up the stairs that connected the second and third floor of the Main Wing of the Mansion. I could only stare in panic as I watched in horror. And, thankfully, Sachiko was alright. Someone came to her rescue.
Awhile back, I nearly fell from where I stood out of panic and fear; but now everything seemed too calmed down as I continued to watch over at my daughter and at her protector, Yumi.
"Milady, are you alright?" I heard Yumi asked Sachiko.
Yumi was standing behind Sachiko only one step away from the stairs; while Sachiko stood with her back facing the younger girl. Slowly, I saw Sachiko turned her head towards Yumi and said "T-thank you, Yumi…" Sachiko managed to say. And, I swear there was embarrassment in that voice of hers.
"It's nothing." I heard Yumi say.
"Yumi, you can let go of me now." I heard Sachiko say. I can tell that it sounded stiff. She's still probably embarrassed about whatever it is in her mind. I continued again to watch; I saw Yumi carefully let Sachiko go, let her stand on her own two feet and finally, I heard Yumi said with a smile. "Next time, Milady, watch your step."
'Impressive… Sachiko got KO'd by Yumi-chan.'
"R-right… Thank you again." I heard Sachiko say with an incredulous look.
"Milady, is there something that you require my assistance with?" I heard Yumi ask, still, with a smile on her lips while Sachiko dismissed Yumi and said. "No, you may go now." Yumi, who still has her smile evident on her lips, said "Well then, I'll excuse myself. Good night, Milady." After a few seconds, I saw Yumi walked down the stairs leaving Sachiko standing alone in the middle of the stairs.
I stopped reminiscing when I noticed the way Sachiko looked from every part of the Dining Room as if she was looking for somebody. And so, I said "Your Father will not be joining us for breakfast." She turned to me as if saying to go on and I did. "He said… he suddenly has something he needed to do in his office." I said; but Sachiko, for the most part, looked like she wasn't looking for her Father but rather for somebody else. I took this as an opportunity to tease my daughter once again. Inwardly, I smiled as I ask "Oh my… were you not referring to your Father."
"I -" Sachiko wasn't able to answer the question. But instead, she slightly lowered her head and continued to her meal.
'Ah… Sa-chan's is just too cute. Oh my, someone cute has arrived as well. Hee~hee~hee~' I stopped with my musings when I saw Yumi at the entrance of the Dining Room. I gradually invited her in, "Ah~ Yumi-chan, come in… come in…" I said as I motioned the girl to come over. "Care to join us for breakfast?" I asked.
I slightly glanced at Sachiko and noticed there was something different about her today. She seemed a little peeved. I wasn't sure if it was because of Yumi? Or, was it because of something else that I don't know of? I immediately ignored that matter when I heard Yumi politely refused my offer. "Thank you for the offer. But, I already ate after I left my house for a morning jog." She said.
"Morning jog… then, you must be thirsty and tired from all the running that you've done." I said as I pulled Yumi to sit in one of the chairs at the Dining Room; specifically, the chair opposite Sachiko's.
Once again, Yumi refused with eagerness in her voice; she said "Lady Sayako, it's really alright. You don't have to do this.", but I completely ignored it as I continued to give orders to one of the Kitchen Staff.
"Mother, if Yumi doesn't want to eat then, you don't have to make her. It's as simple as that." I heard Sachiko say in a stern voice. Then, she turned her attention towards Yumi with full determination in her eyes and said "And you, stop protesting. It will only make her want to spoil you more and more if you do that." I only giggled after hearing my daughter's antics while Sachiko sighed at her Mother. Yumi, on the other hand, looked puzzled as she tried to figure out, probably, both me and Sachiko who were in front of her talking uncharacteristically.
We managed to stop; or rather, Sachiko stopped giving her 'lectures' after a few passing minutes. Then, a butler arrived with the said breakfast. "Excuse me, Yumi-sama." He said as he placed a set of utensils and lastly a bowl of delicious soup. "We call this 'Classic Mediterranean Fish Soup with Rouille, Croutons and, Gruyere' (2), please enjoy your meal." The butler said as he walked back next to a cart where 'course number two' was waiting to be served.
I watched Yumi properly unfold the table napkin on top of her lap. Next, I saw Yumi used the soup spoon with her right hand while the left tipped the bowl away from her. The way she ate her soup made me watch with interest and I can tell that even Sachiko was thinking the same thing.
"I heard from Touru that you actually grew up in London and that you're going to study here in Japan." I said and at the same time started a conversation with her.
"Yes", she said.
"I also heard that you were supposed to take care of your enrollment yesterday but, unfortunately, the bank robbery and the hostage crisis took place." I said. And before Yumi could reply, Sachiko piped in the conversation asking about yesterdays' events "What bank robbery and Hostage crisis are you talking about, Mother?" She asked.
I could clearly see the look Sachiko was giving me. It's as if she was trying to say 'How come I wasn't told about this before?' I inwardly smiled and decided to play a little trick with her. "Oh my… you didn't know what happened yesterday?" I asked, acting innocently but teasingly.
"No, this is why I am asking you, Mother." She replied back a little sternly if I may add.
"Sachiko, first, relax, okay? Yesterday, your Father was at a bank. Unfortunately, there were four robbers who tried to rob the bank. And as time passed by they also tried to hostage the people inside the bank which includes your Father. Fortunately and thankfully," I paused and stood up from my chair and walked up to Yumi and said "Yumi-chan was there to save the day." And with that, I squeezed Yumi's shoulder as a sign of gratefulness. I was about to say something but Sachiko was still inquiring about yesterday's incident.
"Was someone hurt?" She asked.
"Thank Kami-sama no one got hurt seriously. The Police said that the injured people were only the four robbers." I said.
This caused Yumi to suddenly release her spoon just above the bowl with a little clatter. Obviously, worried, Yumi apologized for the noise she made. "I'm sorry." She said as she picked up the spoon once again with her right hand.
Both Sachiko and I noticed the distressed state looming around the younger girl. And so, I decided to change the topic before Yumi sulk more and more. "Yumi-chan, would you like some dessert?" I asked with a motherly smile on my lips.
I noticed the irritated look on my daughter's face. It was as if telling me - (What were you thinking? Isn't it obvious? Yumi is feeling guilty for hurting people even if they were robbers! This matter cannot be solved with a piece of dessert.) - I only replied with a look that says - (Do not give me that look, Sachiko. Even you couldn't stand against a strawberry parfait back when you were little.) - Our little dispute got ahead of us again, making Yumi look like the third wheel in the scene. It only stopped when Yumi decided to break in.
"Dessert sounds great." Yumi said loud enough to attract attention from both Sachiko and I.
After hearing what Yumi had said, my attention immediately flew to Yumi with much excitement and said to the younger girl. "I know just the perfect dessert, Yumi-chan."
I motioned for the previous butler to come forth once again, this time, to bring the dessert. At Yumi's left side, the butler excused himself again. "Excuse me, Yumi-sama." He said as he replaced the bowl of soup with the dessert the Kitchen Staff made. "We call this 'Passion Fruit Soufflé' (3). Once again, please enjoy your meal, Yumi-sama." The butler said as he returned to his former position.
Yumi could only oblige and so, she started to eat the puffy cake in front of her. At the same time, I watched the girl beside me eat with much more interest. And with a smile, I urged the girl to eat more while thinking of dresses and other set of clothes that would look good on the younger girl whom I find cute in any clothes that I could think of. Just thinking about it made me giggle. And… of course, this didn't go unnoticed by Sachiko and Yumi.
"Oh my, sorry about that. I couldn't stop myself from giggling after thinking of clothes that would look good on you Yumi-chan." I said, still in my dreamy state. It couldn't get any better after I saw Yumi's expression. Her hazel-colored eyes couldn't get any bigger and, her face drained of its color.
After a second or two, Yumi was able to gain her composure once again. "Please… I prefer if you don't, Lady Sayako." She said.
I only grinned at her reply with a hint of mischievousness in my eyes.
"Honestly… she will never listen to you, Yumi. Just look at Mother's eyes… they're filled with mischievousness and its suspicious enough." Sachiko said with her stern voice once again.
"Now, now… don't say it like I'm planning something horrible. For all I know, you (also) find Yumi-chan cute." I said with an all-knowing look on my face.
Sachiko didn't utter a single word. I know the statement would definitely caught Sachiko off guard. She had a flustered and nervous look on her lovely face. Sachiko couldn't even look at Yumi; she just remained in her seat, tried to read the morning newspaper and, acted like nothing embarrassing had happened.
"Wow… time really flies when you're having fun." I giggled while both girls gave me a look that says - (You're the only one who is having fun here.) - I gradually turned my attention towards Sachiko and said "Ah, Sa-chan… I hope you don't mind if I borrow Yumi-chan whenever I decide to go out. Don't worry; I will always make it to a point that I will ask your permission first."
"Do whatever you like. It's not like I am her owner." Sachiko said, obviously, annoyed. And, just to prove how annoyed Sachiko was, she walked out of the Dining Room.
'Oh dear… I guess I went too far…'
"Go on, Yumi-chan, follow Sachiko." I said with a motherly smile placed on my lips. And with that, Yumi left the Dining Room leaving me alone for some early tea.
CHAPTER THREE
CAMEO/S:
n/a
TRIVIA/S:
(2) Their were actually four thieves during the bank robbery at Chapter One
REFERENCE/S:
(2) Classic Mediterranean Fish Soup with Rouille, Croutons, and Gruyere – refer to .com
(3) Passion Fruit Soufflé - refer to .com
DISCLAIMER:
"Maria-sama ga miteru is not mine."