Hello again! I'm KaleidoMirror, and I'm back with another exciting update.

It's been a while since we last met, and during that time, I've been reflecting on the stories I've shared so far. I've noticed that some of them haven't generated as much interest as I hoped, so I've decided to pause them for now and focus on those that have received a more positive response.

Speaking of which, it seems like nobody managed to guess the theme of "Can a Sword Have a Romantic Teenage Comedy?" But that's okay! I'll wait to see who the lucky one here on Fanfiction is who achieves that goal.

As for what's coming next, I'd love to hear your suggestions. What would you like to see in the next update? Which story has been your favorite? Your feedback is important to me!

I want to share my work inspired by great works like "Kenkyo Kenjitsu" by Hiyoko no Keeki and "Fate/Stay Night" by Nasu and TypeMoon. I always do it with the purpose of having fun and entertaining together. Of course, none of the characters or parts of the work belong to me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share this work with you.

Are you ready? Enjoy it!

It's been about a week, and things at home have continued as usual, at least from what I've been able to observe. For now, my main concerns are focused on the significant challenge I face as a student.

To begin with, in the primary section of Zui'ran Academy, the results of the tests we regularly take are not made public. However, upon entering the middle school section, the top twenty students overall, especially those outstanding in each subject, are placed on a honor roll. This suggests a strategy to foster excellence in an elite academy like Zui'ran. Additionally, each student is privately informed of their ranking, along with counseling provided by our school tutors. However, this rarely happens in the primary section, unless special cases arise.

Although there is a report card, the system is based on non-relative evaluation, making it unreliable. Therefore, you lack a clear idea of others' performance as well as your own school performance.

Most girls attending Zui'ran from the primary section usually enter into political marriage after graduating from university, or they find employment through their parents' connections, or seek a convenient marriage. Consequently, none of them really strive to excel in their studies.

"But I am different."

So far, I haven't incurred the Emperor's wrath, but I can't ignore the possibility of facing the protagonist in high school and in the process angering the Emperor and endangering my entire family. Additionally, there is still the mystery surrounding the new character in this version of Kimidol, Yamamoto Mashiro, who has cast doubt on whether things will follow the predetermined course of the plot.

I must be cautious of the narrative pattern: '

Otou-sama's dishonesty comes to light' → 'people demand father's resignation' → 'our assets are confiscated' → 'our family falls into ruin'. This pattern is firmly established.

"Ah..., Otou-sama, please, just change your ways. Although I don't really know if he's doing anything dishonest, it's fine even if it's a false charge, but just change!"

If our family falls into ruin, I may not find someone to marry, so I need to earn my own income.

To achieve that, I need to study.

Faced with the possibility of not having the necessary funds to attend a private university, I am preparing for the worst-case scenario. I want to have the academic level to enter a national or public university. In the future, I wish to earn enough money not only for myself but also to take care of my parents. For all this, I asked my parents to allow me to attend a school for private lessons.

"You're a girl, so, is there really a need to study so much?" As expected, Okaa-sama's response was a resounding no.

"How about practicing the flute or violin?" she suggested. By the way, for Otou-sama, who had completely left the upbringing of the children to Okaa-sama, he was entirely useless in times like this.

"But Okaa-sama, I find studying very interesting," I wondered if that was too weak an excuse. If things are going to be like this then...

"When we enter the middle school section, talented people from other schools will join. If that happens, I'll be left behind," I added to make sure. "Although I'm a member of Pivoine, it would be embarrassing..." looking at her, I noticed the subtle movement of her eyebrows. "Pivoine" is like a magic word to her.

"You're right, should I find you a private tutor?" she suggested with a concerned look.

"That would be worrying! I don't want a tutor, I want to go to the Cram school. I've researched, and it has very good reviews for its excellent supplementary study program," besides wanting to be smarter, I also have another hidden goal.

"I want to go to the private school, I want to see what the environment is like where other people from other schools are developing," I leaned my body forward as I pleaded with her. I had to attend many preschool classes before entering Zui'ran, so it wouldn't be feasible to enter such schools as a backup plan.

"But as my daughter, as part of the distinguished Kisshouin family, there shouldn't be a need to get along with common children. Besides, in a place like that, there are also children from public schools. It would be terrible if they hurt the little and adorable you!"

And here it is again, that feeling of belonging to the chosen class. That's why I had to hear things like, "You need to choose who you associate with, okay?".

"Alright, Okaa-sama. I'll just go there to study, and I'll make sure to remember your teachings at all times, Okaa-sama." I'm a little annoyed, as someone who once attended a public elementary school, I can't help but feel terribly offended, but I'll endure here, I'll endure.

"Well? Please, Okaa-sama," I clasped my hands in front of my chest as if I were praying.

"How can this be?! My lovely daughter is pleading with me!" My mother's voice, laden with drama, glanced at me as she disapproved of my sincere request.

"Wouldn't it be fine?"

Oh, my sudden reinforcements arrived from behind! Upon hearing our conversation, Onii-sama supported me.

"It's not often to find someone who wants to study. What do you think if my younger sister attends the same supplementary school I attended when I was in elementary school? The lessons there are quite comprehensive and easy to understand, you know?" he smiled as he finished descending the stairs of the grand hall.

What joy, being able to attend the same school Onii-sama went to! That sounds quite reliable! What do you say, Okaa-sama? Even Onii-sama supports the idea. Come on, come on! Please, give me a positive answer!

After looking at both of us and giving a small sigh, Okaa-sama responded resignedly. "Since both of you agree, I don't see any inconvenience in Reika attending, so starting tomorrow, I'll take care of the enrollment."

"Yahoo! Hooray! I can go to the supplementary school! Thank you, Okaa-sama!" I couldn't contain the smile inside me. With this, my dream will come true...

"Onii-sama, thank you for earlier."

As we were returning to our rooms from the living room, I caught up to Onii-sama in the hallway and thanked him, "As always, so kind Onii-sama! Uhuhu!"

"It was nothing much. By the way, I know you really want to go to the Cram school for some reason, but I wonder if there's another motive behind it."

-(Creak)-

Am I that easy to read?...

"Mm, mm, if I study at home, I'll probably slack off and won't be able to give my best to excel. I also want to interact with kids outside of Zui'ran, as a way to gain more experience, so~"

As I glanced away into a corner, I somehow managed to evade it.

"Hm~ mm."

Onii-sama observed me for a moment, but when I noticed he was frowning, he interrupted me.

"I understand, I understand. Let's go with that then," he said, giving me two pats on the head before smiling.

"So, have you understood, Onii-sama?" I asked with some doubts before noticing him getting closer to me.

"But you know, Reika," Onii-sama whispered near my ear. "When people lie, they tend to look towards the upper right, you know." Then, with a smile, he added, "Well, good night," before returning to his own room.

Um, what was that just now? Wow, quite scary for a 13-year-old Onii-sama! How is it possible for him to know something like that? Could it be that the kind and gentle Onii-sama is actually a cunning type? What if he knows how to detect lies to hide his own?

Oniisama, please, stay as my mental oasis.

Anyway, from now on, I'll be careful when I lie...

At the end, the plan was for me to attend Cram School starting from the end of the summer vacation in September.

Not only is it a convenient time to join, but it also aligns with the curriculum schedule. Although there are still two months until September, I won't say anything greedy. It would be suspicious if I insisted on going at this moment, after all.

"I'm looking forward to it! But first, it's summer vacation!"

As a wealthy elementary school, we weren't given any boring homework for the holidays, like writing a journal about observing morning glories. Although I actually really enjoy growing morning glories and fluffy pumpkins and the like. "Tsk."

"Where are you going for summer vacation, Reika-sama?"

Moreover, since summer vacation lasts a few weeks, the whole school is excited. Number 1 follower, Serika-chan, seemed eager about it, as did Kikuno-chan, my number 2 follower. And, of course, me too!

"I'm going to Tahiti with my family," I replied to the conversation. After all, beaches are really the best in summer, aren't they?

"How lovely!"

"I've already bought a new swimsuit, so I'll show you Japanese swimming skills!" I could tell how my followers cheered me on with great pride.

"As soon as the vacation starts, my family will go to our vacation home. After that, we'll be visiting Hawaii."

Upon hearing this from Serika-chan, Kikuno added, "My family is also going to Hawaii! Maybe we'll see each other there!"

"Really?"

Their eyes sparkled at the unexpected coincidence, and they began comparing their itineraries and destinations.

Looking around the classroom, all my other classmates were also excitedly talking about their travel plans. People often say that the moments leading up to the trip are the most fun, and it really seems that way.

You just wait so much.

But from what I heard, almost everyone is going abroad. Apparently, this school doesn't have kids going to the beach in Chiba or Kanagawa. In my past life, they were the standard beach travel spots for my family.

Ah, I miss the grilled corn I ate in Boso in Chiba.

"Speaking of which, have you heard? They say Kaburagi-sama is going to the Mediterranean Sea," Serika-chan whispered with a smile before saving the best for last, "But he won't be alone, as Yamamoto-sama will be accompanying him."

"Hmm, the Mediterranean, huh," I automatically responded before comprehending what they were saying, "Yamamoto-sama will be there too?"

Seeing my curious expression, Serika-chan wasted no time in revealing more details.

"Not only that, but they were invited by Yamamoto-sama's maternal family themselves. It seems they are English nobles who claim to be descendants of the royal family of none other than King Arthur of yore."

Again, this information was like a bombshell to me. Honestly, I didn't expect this degree of background from this "irregular" character like Yamamoto Mashiro, but Kikuno-chan also added more details.

"So far, few people personally know the noble 'Pendragon' family. Not to mention there are rumors about the upcoming transfer of the main family's second daughter, but nothing is clear yet."

Both of them looked at me because apparently, my blank expression had worried them.

And how can they not worry me now, before starting my vacations, I'm in a predicament because I find out that there are more new variables to all of this. Tell me how they don't want me to die of nerves when more famous names come out left and right.

Please, I just want to have a quiet life... Is that too much to ask?

Before I sank further into my negative mood, Kikuno-chan offered me a cup of tea, hoping to cheer me up. I smiled gratefully as I drank, feeling my thoughts becoming lighter.

Apparently, this incident had made them a bit apprehensive to continue the conversation, but I reassured them that I was truly fine, that there was no problem with continuing, especially since I still had doubts about the omitted details in the novel.

"I bet both Yamamoto-sama and Kaburagi-sama will enjoy everything the royal family has to offer, so they'll surely spend almost the entire vacation abroad. I don't think I can bear not seeing their faces for a whole month," Serika-chan said joyfully about our famous Emperor and King of the Knights, before sadly expressing her wish to meet them.

To this, Kikuno-chan responded, "I bet they'll be accompanied by Tohsaka Shuusuke-sama. Ah, if only I could go to the Mediterranean with them!"

"And not only that, but their older sister, Tohsaka Rin-sama, will be with them!"

"Do you mean the most famous Miko among Japan's families?" asked Serika-chan with great joy. "Are there any new updates about my idol after so long?"

"That's right," confirmed Kikuno-chan, showing a picture on her phone of a beautiful young woman a few years older than us. "Don't forget how all the elders of the Royal Pivoine have tried to be on good terms with our 'Yasakani no Magatama', who will return to Zui'ran after the vacation."

"I can't believe it!"

Both exclaimed amidst a crowd of cheers and joy, although we noticed the surprised looks of the others in the room.

These two have a good grasp of the information related to Kaburagi, despite being in different classes. As expected from our fan network.

"You're very well-informed," I praised them, although they told me it was only natural to know at least that, especially since it's common knowledge that the famous Priestess had finally overcome her illness with the help of the Yamamoto family, so it's not strange that the Tohsaka family would try to win her favor. "Is that so?" I inevitably began to reflect on this point.

But still, "Is Tohsaka Shuusuke going on vacation with the Emperor?" It's kind of strange now that I think about it, or maybe I'm mistaken. "Shouldn't his last name be Enjou?" That's not to mention there wasn't even an older sister, and the more details they told me about her, the more unreal it all seemed. Have I forgotten something, or is it just something that wasn't detailed in the novel? At this point, nothing would surprise me anymore.

Anyway, those two have surely been on good terms for a long time, huh?

In the novel "You're My Dolce," Tohsaka Shuusuke was introduced as the Emperor's childhood friend and current friend, and supported the romance between the protagonist and the Emperor. There were few people who could speak with the Emperor on equal terms, and once the protagonist and the Emperor had a disagreement, Shuusuke even scolded him to finally come to his senses.

Unlike the Emperor, with his cold and overwhelming atmosphere, Tohsaka, who always measured with a gentle smile, was popular as a "relaxing" character among readers. Especially among the more 'spoiled' women, he was treated as "the Emperor's second girlfriend." But when it came to anyone trying to harm his friend the Emperor, he became quite stern. There were even times when he was tougher than the Emperor, huh? And, of course, Kisshouin Reika was an enemy to him, and occasionally she would be brutally cut down.

Even now sometimes I see them together in the Petite Pivoine or in the hallway, and it seems that their relationship is already like that in the manga. If I remember correctly, they were supposed to have attended kindergarten together too.

If it were just about appearances, I'd be perfectly fine with the "Team Tohsaka".

In the color illustrations, he had honey-colored hair and was like a prince. When I first enrolled and saw his black hair, I was surprised. "Wasn't that dyed blonde? Wasn't that hair color not natural?" I thought. But that makes sense, I suppose. He wasn't a half-Japanese character, so of course, he couldn't have that hair color.

Did he dye his hair at some point? Did he suddenly get a blonde dye job? What did everyone around him think? I'll wait to see what happens, while I smile a little inside.

Speaking of which, is it allowed to dye your hair in this school?

The Pivoine will have its usual summer party.

In the end, it's mainly for the Royal Pivoine, and us Petites are just tagging along. But since we also received invitations, lately the salon has been filled with chatter about the party. The girls have been talking about the dresses they're going to wear.

As for me, I'm looking forward to it too. I mean, it sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? Just imagine; a dazzling hall with Onee-samas in beautiful dresses, escorted by all the Onii-samas. And in the middle of the aisle, people are waltzing! Just thinking about it sounds exciting.

The drawings in the manga were also gorgeous. However, the protagonist was bullied by Kisshouin Reika and her followers...

I ended up remembering something unpleasant.

Well, whatever. Let's get back on track and think of fun things. I heard that Kaburagi Masaya won't be in Japan this year, so while he's away, "I'll enjoy the Pivoine all to myself!"

The trip was truly enjoyable.

When I saw the blue sea in front of the hotel, my mood soared. Naturally, we stayed in luxury rooms with bathrooms and Jacuzzis included. I was in a suite with Onii-sama, with separate rooms on either side of the living room. My parents sunbathed on the beach and in beauty salons, but they hardly ever went to the beach.

Ridiculous, right? Going to the beach and not swimming? What the heck are they doing here?

At times like this, I'm grateful to have an older brother. He can act as my guardian and someone I can drag to the beach as my playmate.

I invited Onii-sama to the beach from the morning itself and surrendered to the sea. I did things like diving, as well as clinging to Onii-sama's shoulders and swimming like a baby turtle. Onii-sama is already in his second year of high school, so he should have found it boring to play with his little sister.

Maybe he actually wanted to invite his close friends like Kaburagi Masaya did, but in that case, I would be myself, so he probably held back.

Not to mention, I got a bit ahead of myself and started swimming boldly. Well, even professionals make mistakes, so I got a little drowned, but Onii-sama came to save me in panic.

That was also a good memory.

But the most memorable part of the trip was meeting a nice girl my age named Illyasviel, who apparently was traveling with her mother. So she became an inseparable friend during my vacation. Unfortunately, we had to part ways because she was expecting her adoptive brother to come in the following days with the rest of his friends to travel elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Now that I remember, she was very beautiful to the point of calling her a snow fairy, with her long white hair and captivating red eyes; she looked like an ancient porcelain doll. We became very close over the course of two weeks, to the point of discussing our own family issues.

She didn't mention much about her family situation, but I had the decency not to seem rude when I found out she was her father's illegitimate daughter. Both parents loved each other, but due to family issues with the Einzberns, she had to leave her surname behind to live with her father's new marriage, despite protests from the new family. Her stepmother, Maiya, was very good to her, and her older brother was definitely very affectionate towards her.

At this point, I can also understand her; I too was an imouto with a big "Brocon" complex, but in the end, apparently that brought us closer. Not to mention how she talked about some kind of "Lion", "Yōkai", "Yuki-onna" that was getting too close to her beloved brother and she wasn't willing to allow it.

I felt identified with her to the point of exchanging phone numbers. We promised to share messages regularly telling about our vacations, as she says she will finally return to Japan to continue her studies when all the family trouble she has finally fades away.

With that promise, we both ended up parting ways with some regret. But unfortunately, I didn't follow Illya-chan's advice and didn't put on enough sunscreen, so I still got as black as a wolf's mouth, and Okaa-sama looked like the painting "The Scream" when she saw me.

After returning from the trip and enjoying the good memories, I also had more piano lessons and focused on the autumn recital, as well as other lessons, family gatherings, and other things. It seemed like every day had something planned, so I spent all my time busy, and before I knew it, the holidays were almost over and the summer party was about to arrive.

"Reika, are you ready?" Onii-sama awaited me in my room, having concluded his preparations before me.

"Yes!"

Today marked my first summer party, and Onii-sama, being a member of the Pivoine's middle section, was acting as my escort. How reassuring!

"Your dress is lovely. It suits you very well. Is that a real flower in your hair?"

"Hehe."

Oh, Onii-sama. What a knack you have for compliments. I adore this dress too. When I first saw this sorbet green bell-shaped dress in the store, I was immediately captivated.

It's summery and truly adorable.

I bought it before the trip, so I thought, "Don't I look a bit ephemeral? Muhuhu." But with this unexpected tan, the image has faded a bit. But still, isn't this healthy look quite charming?

Okaa-sama accompanied me to buy this dress. She seemed a bit down when she saw me just now, but I'll pretend I didn't notice. They styled my hair at a salon, and instead of a hair accessory, they placed a fresh white flower.

Aah, I feel like a princess.

I'm really starting to feel like an elegant girl. Honestly, I can't stop smiling, you know? I mean, I'm wearing my favorite dress and going to the summer party! But this smile isn't very ladylike, so I must be careful.

Still, my cheek muscles aren't listening to me. -smile-

"Shall we then?"

"Yes!"

A car was taking us to the Yamamoto family's hotel, so it was fine even with these high-heeled sandals.

Aah, I'm so excited~

"Hey, hey, Onii-sama. Won't you tell me about the summer party?"

"Again? Didn't I talk about it recently? We're almost there, so you'll see it for yourself soon."

Onii-sama gave a wry smile, but I couldn't help it. I really just want to know. Still, I feel bad for making Onii-sama have the same conversation over and over.

The gathering place was a hallway on the first floor of a hotel in the city center, and the room overlooked a private garden where you could relax on the terrace. According to Onii-sama, there was a very beautiful rose arch in that garden.

"It's a garden that I think you'll like, Reika," he said. "Plus, they'll be introducing the little princess of the Yamamoto family too."

I was thinking that the summer party usually started in the evening, but given how late the summer sun sets, apparently it was possible to enjoy the garden both in daylight and in the evening. But the unexpected information my brother threw at me made me wonder, did the King of Knights have a little sister?

"I can't wait to meet her," I said with high expectations, "But we definitely must go to the garden too! Don't you think?"

"Yes, yes."

Food was served buffet-style, but there were also tables and chairs for those who wished to sit and eat properly. But most people attended to socialize, so nobody sat down to eat much, according to Onii-sama.

What a waste! It's also cuisine from a high-class restaurant! When I planned to go to a buffet in my past life, I would fast all day so I could eat to my heart's content too...

I mean, in my mind 'buffet = eat until you drop!' after all... Speaking of which, I often went with my friend to dessert buffets, but I never succeeded. Every time I went with the goal of conquering every dish they offered, but not once did I manage it, eh~... I wonder if everyone else fares well...

"Reika?"

Haha, sorry, Onii-sama, I was lost in thought. I'd better make sure not to think about anything unnecessary at this gathering.

"It's exciting, isn't it, Onii-sama?"

After all, now I am Kisshouin Reika.

Here concludes the second chapter: "A Young Lady During Her Vacation." It was truly enjoyable to write, and I'm excited for what the next update will bring. Stay tuned, friends!

See you in the next installment!

Best regards,

KaleidoMirror