Himeko, having officially moved into the Himemiya Mansion as Chikane's future wife, sat nervously as Otoha lectured audibly while two other maids handled the old projector. Himeko could hear the projector's fan blowing and the reel whirling as it showed images of a fancy restaurant that Himeko was going to attend with Chikane. She sat there, in the elegant dining hall of the Himemiya estate, dressed in the Ototachibana white-and-burgundy uniform complete with string tie, black tights, leg-o-mutton sleeves, as though today were another picturesque school day when in reality, it would be a week before she would attend the restaurant for the very first time.
"L'Orangerie is one of the few restaurants in Japan, let alone in Mahoroba, that has been awarded Three Michelin Stars, famous for its world class cuisine, explementary service, pristine cleanliness and, above all else, its clientele," Otoha's voice said in a low but audible voice.
The projector showed various images of the restaurant to waiters and waitresses in very clean and neat uniforms, holding up platters and trays of food with one hand and holding towels on their wrist with the opposite arm. Himeko mistakenly thought "Michelin" referred to a tire company but Chikane told her that it was reserved for restaurants of the highest caliber. If this restaurant had three Michelin Stars, it must have been very important. As more and more images of the restaurant flashed before Himeko's eyes, she sat in awe of how it all looked.
"L'Orangerie specializes in its Duck L'Orange, made fresh from range free poultry that is prepared in the kitchen each and everyday. However, guests are also encouraged to partake in the all you can eat buffet complete with chocolate fountain and cheese fondue dipping station. The restaurant's prized possession is its historic chandelier, an ornament adorned with diamonds that has remained intact for over 100 years, sparkling as though it were the many stars in the night sky."
Images of what Otoha had described appeared on screen: the massive ballroom that was instead a restaurant with its crimson red interior, the restaurant attendees dressed in the finest fabrics and clothes that Himeko saw Chikane wear time to time, the chocolate fountain almost tall enough to reach the ceiling and the fondue pot with boiling cheese. Add to that the picturesque buffet with neatly cut fruit of all colors, carving station and roasted pig with apple in its mouth and Himeko felt hungry just looking at it.
"The client list is so exclusive, one not born into a noble family must go through a lengthy interview process and waiting period just to be considered to be on the guest list."
Himeko thought at how even the idea of having to interview to attend a restaurant scared her, let alone anyone else unable to be accepted in.
"The Himemiya Clan is no exception. Oku-sama went through intense scrutiny before being allowed entrance. The day Danna-sama introduced the world to Oku-sama is the day he proposed to her, marking a picturesque moment fit for a fairytale."
Himeko stifled a squeal of delight when she saw Ryo Himemiya get down on one knee, produce a diamond ring to Hiromi Himemiya and how the staff and restaurant guests applauded in unison when Hiromi accepted. Chikane's mother had come from a higher middle class family, which according to Otoha and the other maids, was already a 'step down' for the Himemiya clan. Was that why Chikane's mother was more accepting of Himeko as a daughter-in-law more so than Chikane's father? Himeko, at first, thought it was because she and Hiromi Himemiya were both women but it seemed that, because Hiromi married into the Himemiya clan, she shared some sort of unspoken bond.
However, if the matriarch coming from higher middle-class family was seen as a step down, Himeko might seemed as though Chikane was stepping into a bottomless pit. Himeko came from the lowest of commoner bloodlines, and it was unthinkable for someone so plain to marry into a rich family.
"Ojou-sama has been to the restaurant many times in the past as it is a favorite of hers ever since she was a young child."
When the projector showed a child Chikane Himemiya wearing a charming pink dress, its fabric soft and flowing, puffed sleeves that end just above her elbows, a white lace collar, a bold red ribbon cinching to her waist, tied into a neat bow at her back and a vivid red headband, accentuated by a delicate pink rose nestled to one side, Himeko had to stifle another squeal of pure delight.
"Even when she was young, Chikane-chan looked so adorable!" Himeko thought to herself.
"Ojou-sama's manners and behavior were applauded and complemented by both staff and attendees," Otoha said, showing a young Chikane neatly cut her filet mignon, take a bite and clean her mouth with a napkin.
"Chikane-chan was so poised even back then!" Himeko thought to herself.
"While your and Ojou-sama's… relationship is similar to Danna-sama and Oku-sama's, there is one major difference, aside from you being granted instant access due to Ojou-sama's influence, that being what is referred to as the social media.
Himeko wanted to correct Otoha, stating that there was no 'the' before social media, but felt too shy to do so.
"When I first heard about the social media, I incorrectly assumed it was just a means of distraction with its numerous videos, focusing on celebrity weddings, cats and obnoxiously, irritatingly catchy songs concerning deer girls."
Himeko said nothing, wondering what the irritatingly catchy songs concerning deer girls referred to.
"However, upon further inspection of this so-called social media, I soon realized it was a means of communication. And unfortunately, bad word travels faster on the social media faster than weeds grow in the garden."
The projector showed a small family with a young daughter, similar to the Himemiyas.
"The Sato family was a long regarded welcome guest at the restaurant, until their youngest child made the mistake of using the butter knife instead of the steak knife. It caused quite a bit of an uproar to the point where the entire family, including its descendants, were banned from the restaurant."
Himeko had no idea such fortunes and misfortunes could occur with just a mistaken selection of a utensil.
The projector stopped as some maids turned on the lights and others wheeled the projector away. Otoha Kisaragi, complete with light brown hair styled in ringlets and the outfit the other Himemiya maids wore: a white blouse over a dark skirt. Otoha looked more like a stern school teacher rather than a maid with her arms crossed and a frown on her face.
"And while Ojou-sama is away attending a young business leaders conference, the task falls onto me to tutor you in the ways of fine dining."
Himeko winced hearing this reminder; Chikane had been flown overseas to attend a conference alongside other future CEOS and business leaders. She would be far too busy 'networking' and discussing the future of Himemiya International (as she would eventually inherit the title of CEO) while Himeko would stay at the mansion. The blonde wasn't sure if she was glad or hurt by the fact that Chikane's parents were too busy to attend that dinner.
Being physically far apart hurt enough; being Otoha's unwilling student hurt even more.
"And while the Danna-sama and Oku-sama have accepted you into the family, reluctantly I might add, you have still yet to prove yourself amongst the other members of the Himemiya clan.
This was only partially true. While her father remained as stubborn as, well, a mule (as most Japanese CEOs were) her mother seemed more than happy to accept her as a daughter-in-law, after she had gotten over her initial hesitation that Himeko was both female and from a commoner bloodline.
(Having Himeko dress up in wedding gowns under the pretense that the blonde was the exact same measurements as Chikane's cousin was more on the nose from the usually subtle matriarch).
"Kurusugawa-san, I shall make this clear to you: Ojou-sama will introduce you to the highest members of society, many who come from old families and old money. Until only recently, the idea of same-sex relationships has been frowned upon and is barely tolerated today, similar to the way one tolerates a crying child on an airplane. In addition to that, you come from a commoner status. You will be under intense scrutiny from those critics. It is my job to make sure you have no mistakes so those critics cannot pick on you."
Himeko had hoped that when she and Chikane reunited on that busy street and all their memories flooded back, they would be spared any social stigma when Chikane welcomed Himeko to move into the Himemiya mansion. No such luck.
"You may be Oujo-sama's romantic interest, but I will not have you embarrassing her, not while I'm still here."
The girl with purple eyes felt a sort of animosity between her and the head maid. In their past lives, she got the sense that the head maid did not tolerate Himeko's presence very much, and in this lifetime, she tolerated it even less. Somehow, Shiitake mushrooms were found in each and every one of the meals.
Otoha couldn't have remembered Himeko from their past lives, could she? Himeko thought only she and Chikane remembered everything since the two of them were Miko.
"Your task is simple. You shall be presented with a dish and I will tell you which utensil to pick. Remember these lessons well, for I will not be able to assist you on that night."
Himeko sat in front of a table with a pristine white bowl and plate with warm soup and numerous utensils placed at each side. Himeko didn't even think the number of variations of forks, spoons and knives existed until now.
Otoha cleared her throat. "One must, upon a single glance be able to pick up and correctly use the Salad Fork, Fish Fork, Seafood Fork, Dessert Fork, Butter Knife, Fish Knife, Steak Knife, Dessert Knife, Soup Spoon, Teaspoon, Dessert Spoon, Coffee Spoon and the Bouillon Spoon."
(Author's note: Yes, these are real utensils. Stop asking.)
"Never, under any circumstances, confuse the soup spoon with the teaspoon," Otoha said. "Given the limited amount of time we have, I shall spare you no niceties. Be prepared to learn as quickly and harshly as possible."
Otoha turned behind and pulled out a hand ruler and gently tapped it on her palm.
"In Catholic schools, whenever a student misbehaves, a sister would slap the student on the knuckles to get the point across."
Never had Himeko seemed so afraid of a hand ruler.
"Now, Kurusugawa-san, pick the Soup Spoon."
Himeko's vision began to blur upon witnessing the many spoons placed before her. With very deep hesitation, she picked a spoon she thought was the correct one.
"Wrong!" Otoha screamed, taking her hand ruler and slapping Himeko's knuckles. Himeko winced, rubbing her right hand.
HImeko, after taking a moment to recuperate, reached for another spoon.
"Wrong again!" Otoha screamed, slapping the hand ruler on Himeko's knuckles, causing a scream from Himeko.
"Otoha-san," one maid whispered to her. "Maybe we should try-"
"There's no other way," Otoha shook her head. "If I had a month or longer, I would consider alternative methods. But time is not on our side. Again, Kurusugawa-san."
Himeko reached for another spoon but hesitated. Was this a new spoon or did she already pick that? Her amethyst eyes looked upwards to a higher floor where she saw two maids, dressed in the same fashion as other ones, holding up something she couldn't quite make out at first.
When one of the maids, a redhead in french braids, held up a white cue card with a spoon and the other, a slightly stocky one with a black bun, held up another one only with letters written in bright yellow, it dawned on her what was happening; the two maids were helping her cheat by holding up the large cue cards indicating the correct utensil to pick. In addition, the cue cards had brightly colored words and pictures showing which was the soup spoon.
Using this, she found the most similar looking utensil, picked it up and showed it to Otoha.
"Kurusugawa-san," Otoha said, a frown deepening on her face, "I will not accept cheaters as students, and I certainly won't accept maids who are helping her cheat when they should be cleaning the guest rooms!" Otoha said in a rather demonic voice and not once turning around.
The two maids eager to assist Himeko quickly ran away.
Himeko wondered if Otoha had eyes in the back of her head.
When Himeko's knuckles stung so badly she couldn't even hold a spoon let alone use it, Otoha moved on to the next lesson. Himeko wondered why she was standing as a maid carried large tomes to her. Did Himeko have to read before going to this L'Orangerie?
"One must maintain perfect posture while a guest at L'Orangerie," Otoha said with her arms crossed and her eyes closed in concentration. "Walking straight is a must and doing so while balancing these texts on one's head should teach you well enough."
Himeko sighed as another maid put books on Himeko's head. The books weighed down on Himeko's skull and she felt their weight. Were these phonebooks or dictionaries?
"Do your best," The maid whispered so quietly that Otoha couldn't hear her."
"Now, walk across the room," Otoha said. "Take care not to let any of the books fall."
Himeko took a deep breath and took a very small step. However, the weight of the books shifted and she attempted to regain her balance. She failed miserably.
"Aah!" Himeko cried, the thunderous crash of her body and textbooks causing quite a stir in the manor.
Otoha groaned, performing a facepalm where she used her thumb and index finger to squeeze her nasal bridge together. The maids quickly assisted Himeko back up and took the books away from her.
"Maybe we should start you off with a smaller, thinner book," Otoha said. "Preferably one written for toddlers, perhaps? I fear this next week will be the longest in my career."
Himeko silently agreed with Otoha.
Himeko rubbed her sore knuckles. An entire afternoon passed and Himeko still hadn't gotten down the basics. If she managed to fumble this training so badly on the first day, how was she going to learn everything by the end of day 7?
Night had fallen onto the Himemiya mansion and Himeko walked by herself after taking a long bath and soaking her sore knuckles, back and shoulders after an intense day of Otoha's training. Her pale yellow pajamas gently swayed in the night breeze. The fabric was soft, draping loosely over her slender frame. The sleeves, slightly long, brushed against her wrists as she moved, giving her an almost childlike appearance.
These were technically Chikane's pajamas and they were loose in several areas, particularly the chest. Himeko could have had them adjusted to fit her but didn't want to. Wearing those pajamas felt as though Chikane was there with her instead of thousands of miles away.
"I must taken longer in the bath than I realized…" Himeko thought, walking through the dark hallways of the mansion. She spotted a sliver of light break into the hallway, indicating someone was in the room and had the fluorescent lights turn on.
"Otoha-san has been trying her best, ever since that girl moved here," Himeko heard a female voice say. Curious, she sneaked towards the open door frame and listened in.
Some maids gossiped to one another. Rather than one or two, there were at least a dozen tidying up the room by cleaning the windows, changing the sheets, wiping the dresser or changing a lightbulb.
"I don't know why Ojou-sama's saddled with her," one maid said.
"Saddled…" Himeko thought to herself. Although none of the maids were aware of Himeko's or Chikane's past roles as Miko, Himeko did think that word described Chikane's situation. "Is Chikane-chan saddled with me because we are destined to be together?"
"It can't be helped," the other maid said. "No matter how hard Kurusugawa-san tries, being a commoner means she'll be a burden to Danna-sama and Oku-sama."
"Burden…" Himeko heard. Was she a burden to the Himemiyas?
"Talk about marrying into wealth!" One maid cried. "That Kurusugawa-san's one clever minx! Behind that sweet, innocent face is a gold digger and she sure struck gold!"
Himeko had heard the term 'gold digger' before from her former roommate, Makoto Saotome, and learned that it described people who married people for wealth. Was that what the maids thought about Himeko; that she was some sort of parasite that simply latched onto the family to suck them dry? Her cheeks burned hearing this. She didn't mind if strangers thought that but if the maids thought so, did the Himemiyas think that? Did Chikane think that?
"That's enough!" One of the other maids spoke up. Himeko recognized the redhead with French Braids from before. "Kurusugawa-san is doing her best and you're just making fun of her."
"You're one to talk!" Another maid snickered. "Everyone knows you had a crush on Ojou-sama. I've heard of living out fantasies through other people but this is ridiculous!"
The other maids 'oooooh'ed in mockery and jest, laughing out loud and teasing the redhead.
"Still, the one that's really having to deal with this mess is Otoha-san," another maid spoke up.
"Otoha-san?" Himeko wondered silently.
"No kidding," Another maid wiping the windows said. "Everyone knows she's had a crush on Ojou-sama ever since she came here 10 years ago. It's one thing to see her crush date someone but having to train that someone so she doesn't embarrass Oku-sama and Danna-sama? I wouldn't want to be in her shoes right now."
"Not to mention that if Kurusugawa-san so much as trips, Otoha-san's going to get blamed for it," a maid carrying the clean bed sheets said. "A leopard can't change its spots and Kurusugawa-san just can't change that quickly no matter how hard she or Otoha-san tries."
Himeko didn't want to hear anymore and snuck off quietly back to her room. She threw herself onto the large bed she shared with Chikane and sniffed the sheets, hoping to smell her love once again.
"I wish you were here, Chikane-chan…" Himeko thought to herself. "You're in the same world as me, you're alive with me and yet… you're still so far away. I just want to talk with you and ask you what you think. Am I a burden to you? Are you saddled with me? Are you with me because you feel guilty about what you did?"
She turned to see the rotary phone and walked over to it. It was the dead of night and even later for Chikane. But… would Chikane answer the phone?
Taking a deep breath, Himeko picked up the phone's handle, rotated the numbers of Chikane's cellphone and waited.
"I just… need to hear your voice again, Chikane-chan," Himeko thought to herself.
"Hello, you have reached the voicemail for Chikane Himemiya," The machine said, in Chikane's voice. "Please leave a message after the beep."
Himeko thought about leaving a message but decided against it. She was already causing trouble for her love. She didn't want to worry her. She hung up the phone and sighed.
"At least I got to hear Chikane-chan's voice…" Himeko thought to herself, wishing the real person were in front of her.
Guilt washed over Himeko. She already knew that Chikane had sacrificed so much as their past lives as priestesses, but realizing that Otoha also put aside her pride and her clear dislike of Himeko, made the blonde even feel even worse. Didn't she promise to be Chikane's handkerchief? Wasn't she supposed to be the shoulder to cry on instead of the crybaby who always relied on Chikane?
"I'll change… for everyone's sake." Himeko thought to herself, throwing herself onto the bed and slowly falling asleep. "Especially yours, Chikane-chan…"
Himeko sat silently in the back of the limousine and waited patiently to be dropped off. Depending on how this night went, she would either be returning with Chikane as the pride of the Himemiya family or the embarrassment that Chikane was saddled with.
7 days. 7 days of picking the correct utensils, pronunciation training and balancing books on her head, but it was worth it. Himeko had to thank Otoha for the lengthy lessons she gave her. When the limousine stopped, Himeko recognized the signal to thank the driver and step out of the vehicle.
The outside of the restaurant showed a long line of wealthy clients waiting to enter. Although it was the dead of night, the street lights and the bright radiance from the restaurant's interior lit everything up.
Himeko stood in the dim light, her elegant gown cascading around her like liquid rubies. The bodice, meticulously crafted to fit her form, accentuated her slender waist, while the short, puffed sleeves added a touch of delicate charm with their ruffled edges. A black choker adorned her neck, contrasting beautifully with the rich red fabric of the dress. The voluminous skirt flared dramatically from her waist, its luxurious sheen catching the light with every subtle movement. Black accents around the waist provided a striking contrast, enhancing the gown's opulence. Her long blonde hair, tied with a matching red ribbon, framed her face as she clasped her hands near her chest, her expression a poignant blend of elegance and vulnerability. In that moment, she was the epitome of classic sophistication, her presence both captivating and ethereal.
"I hope Chikane-chan likes this," Himeko thought about the last time she wore this dress when Chikane returned after that stormy night and played a private piano concert for Himeko.
"Himeko…" Her love's voice call out. Himeko turned to face the direction the voice came from.
Chikane stood gracefully in the opulent restaurant, her presence commanding attention. Her dress was a vision of elegance and sophistication, a shimmering masterpiece that captured the essence of an enchanted evening. The gown was a deep, alluring shade of teal, reminiscent of the tranquil depths of the ocean, with a fabric that seemed to dance with the light, creating a cascade of sparkling reflections with every movement. Delicate spaghetti straps held the dress in place, allowing her smooth shoulders to be elegantly displayed. Intricate beadwork and delicate sequins adorned the bodice, forming intricate patterns that sparkled like constellations against the night sky. A delicate, sheer shawl draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of softness to the overall ensemble. It was secured at her waist with an elegant brooch in the shape of a blooming rose, the gold and emerald accents complementing the rich teal of the dress.
Her long, midnight blue hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, the color a perfect match to the deep hue of her gown. With every step, the combination of her flowing hair and the shimmering fabric created an image of serene beauty, as if she were a mythical siren brought to life.
"Chikane-chan…" Himeko smiled.
"Himeko!" Chikane cried out, walking forward and hugging Himeko before giving her a peck on the cheek. Himeko could tell that the other guests were staring and raising their eyebrows at this scene.
"I've missed you so much!" Chikane breathed a sigh of relief. "I can't believe my flight got delayed and I had to take a separate car."
Before Himeko could answer, a man cleared his throat. The two women turned to see the Maitre'd.
"Himemiya-san," the Maitre'd with a snooty accent bowed politely, his stereotypical French mustache curling towards the end. "What a pleasure it is to have you dine with us again."
"A pleasure to be here," Chikane nodded politely.
"And who is this lovely lady accompanying you this evening?" He asked, with a tone that indicated it was less than friendly.
"This lovely lady is my future wife," Chikane smiled. "If I'm ever so lucky."
"It is a pleasure to be here," Himeko curtseyed politely before resuming her straight posture.
The Maitre'd looked Himeko up and down, as though the blonde were a piece of meat to be inspected for expiration.
"I see…" he said. "Allow me to accompany you to your table."
Himeko took Chikane's hand, going through the set of double doors and resisting gasping upon entering L'Orangerie. Whether the footage was outdated or the projector had failed, seeing the interior of the restaurant put the filmed footage to shame; the chandelier sparkled magnificently, the scene of the cooked ducks made Himeko hungrier and the towering chocolate fountain really did reach the ceiling. The buffet table showed fresh fruits of all colors, the carving station with chef and the fondue station.
However, the blonde noticed the stares most of all. Wealthy families dressed in the finest clothes gave cold side eyes and whispered into their napkins at Himeko. As the waiter seated the two women at a table with padded chairs and soft candlelight, Chikane smiled at Himeko.
"How was your business trip, my love?" Himeko said, careful not to butcher the pronunciation.
"Dreadful," Chikane shook her head. "If being apart from you wasn't enough, I had the displeasure of meeting the vultures who would eventually run the businesses of the world. One in particular stood out, some snob who gloated about his jets, his amusement park and his accomplishment of overthrowing his adoptive father."
"While I am saddened you had an unpleasant experience, I'm grateful you have returned to me safely."
"Himeko, are you alright?" Chikane asked.
"Of course I am…" Himeko said, enunciating each word and using correct pronunciation.
"Did Otoha send you to finishing school while I wasn't looking?" Chikane snickered.
"Otoha simply taught me the finer ways of etiquette and how to behave properly in public," Himeko said in perfect and slow enunciation.
"She didn't make you say 'The Rain In Spain Falls mainly on the Plain', did she?" Chikane pronounced in perfect English.
"An amusing reference," Himeko smiled.
"Did she make you walk straight while balancing a book on your head?" Chikane chuckled. "I'll have to talk to her about that."
"She did, but to my benefit." Himeko said.
"Himeko, relax," Chikane placed a hand on her wrist. "You don't have to put on airs just because I'm taking you to a fancy restaurant."
"This is your favorite restaurant," Himeko said, again slowly and with perfect enunciation. "If I caused a scene, it would look poorly on you and your family."
"Did Otoha-san tell you that?" Chikane said. "Perhaps when I was a child, but nowadays, it's a bit too… much for me. As for looking poorly on my family, I think this restaurant would be worse for wear if the Himemiyas stopped dining here."
"Soup is served," A waiter announced, placing two hot bowls of piping hot, pale yellow soup before the two girls. "Potage Parmentier.".
Chikane's eyes widened and she attempted to speak up.
"Himeko, dear, let me-"
However, Himeko picked the correct soup spoon, gently took a scoop of soup, and sipped it, before placing the spoon back perfectly on the table and wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin.
"My compliments to the chef," Himeko nodded. The waiter smiled, bowed and left.
Chikane looked dumbstruck.
"Have I offended?" Himeko said in a polite and slow manner.
"Who are you and what have you done with my Himeko?" Chikane chuckled. "Otoha-san may have done too good a job!"
Himeko could overhear the whispers and murmurs from the crowd.
"I have to say, when I heard Himemiya was courting a commoner, and a female one at that, I thought she had taken some blow to the head. But after seeing this Kurusugawa, I have to say I can see the appeal."
Himeko fought the urge to smile widely upon hearing this. She felt glad she could help Chikane's reputation.
"Don't listen to them," Chikane said. "Tonight would be a perfect evening, as long as you're in it."
Before Himeko could respond, another waiter came up and put two extravagant salads before them.
"Pepper?" The waiter offered, holding up a classical black grinder in his hands.
"No thank you," Himeko shook her head.
"Just a little," Chikane said.
The waiter began peppering the salad and it became obvious that 'a little' was much different than what Chikane defined. The pepper began to overwhelm the dish to the point where the black clouds even caused Chikane to cough into her napkin. Worse of all, the black smoke caused Himeko's nose to itch.
"That's enough!" Chikane coughed, attempting to wave away the pepper. Himeko, however, had other concerns in mind.
"Ahh…ahh…"
"Oh no!" Chikane quickly grabbed a clean napkin and attempted to give it to Himeko.
"Ahh…Ahh…Ahh…" Himeko's nose burned. She wasn't sure how long she could hold in this sneeze, if at all.
"It's okay," Chikane reassured. "Just sneeze into this napkin."
"Aah…" Himeko's nose stopped burning and put her hands down.
Both Chikane and Himeko breathed a sigh of relief when Himeko's nostrils stopped being itchy and she didn't need to sneeze anymore. Or so they thought.
"Achoo!" Himeko sneezed.
That sneeze set off a series of events that somehow managed never to occur during the hundred years the restaurant was in business.
The shock of the sneeze was so loud, it cost the waiter holding the black pepper grinder to stumble, backwards, and crash into the buffet table.
The colorful fruit at the buffet flew into the air and landed on a poor woman's head, giving her the appearance of wearing a Carmen Miranda hat.
The chef at the carving station threw his hand holding the carving knife in shock, sending it flying backwards and spinning midair. Miraculously, it managed to hit not any restaurant attendee or staff but the roasted pig.
The force of the flying knife knocked the apple from the roasted pig and managed to fly out, landing perfectly into another customer's mouth, stuffing it.
Worst yet, the waiter's backwards fall on the buffet table caused the fondue station to fly in the air. Of course, since the fondue was full of boiling cheese, when it spilled upon a nearby waiter, and he screamed in pain and ran around as though he were headless chicken. But he was screaming and running in pain, he managed to knock himself against the chocolate fountain.
The towering chocolate fountain swayed until it eventually lost its balance and spilled with a spectacular crash, causing gallons of chocolate to spill onto the neat red carpet floor.
As if that wasn't bad enough, the commotion stirred up the ducks inside the kitchen as they got loose and started running and flapping around the restaurant, scaring several seated guests and forcing them to run away in a panic.
Disaster wasn't adequately enough to describe the scene before her. Catastrophe might've been an understatement at this point.
"Well, at least the chandelier is alright," Chikane said.
As if on cue, the chandelier crashed with spectacular noise and fashion, causing audible gasps and cries. When the dust cleared, no one was hurt, at least not physically.
The same, however, could not be said of the reputation of the Himemiya family.
Himeko saw the numerous guests pull out their smartphones and take pictures and videos of the incident. The numerous flashes of the cameras made Himeko's cheeks blush to a tomato red.
"P-please, excuse me…" Himeko said before running off to the women's washroom. As she somehow avoided crashing into someone, she burst into the pristine and clean washroom with brightly lit lights, scented incense and attendant staying still to offer hot towels. Not even the red tiled bathroom with no graffiti could distract Himeko.
Upon seeing her, the other restroom users quickly finished their makeup and washed their hands before hastily exiting the room. The restroom attendant also , no one wanted to be seen with Himeko.
Himeko couldn't blame them. After she turned on the faucet to let the water run, Himeko ooked in the mirror and saw a gigantic failure and embarrassment. In a single moment, she ruined everything: her chance to make Chikane happy, the Himemiya's reputation, Otoha's and everything else. No matter what fine fabrics she wore, Himeko couldn't change her nature.
With this in mind, Himeko winced and let hot, wet tears run down her face.
When she heard the door open and a pair of footsteps walk behind her, Himeko knew exactly who they belonged to without having to look in the bathroom mirror.
"Well, at least there wasn't a lack of entertainment this evening…" Her future wife's gentle voice soothed.
"I'm sorry, Chikane-chan!" Himeko bawled into her hands. She couldn't bear to see the look of disappointment on Chikane's face.
"Himeko, it's okay-"
The blonde immediately cut Chikane off.
"No, it's not okay!" Himeko cried, turning to face Chikane with tears streaming down her face. "All I do is mess everything up! I'm such a failure, even when we were Miko. You've given me so much and all I do is take and take."
Everything had come pouring out; the truth, the tears and the agony Himeko held within her.
"That's not-" Chikane tried to interrupt but HImeko wouldn't let her.
"It's not fair I'm such a burden to you. You shouldn't have to saddled-"
Chikane silenced the blonde's outburst with a warm hug.
"You're not a burden," Chikane's voice soothed. "I'm not saddled with you. I'm glad you're part of my life, this one and the ones after."
Himeko couldn't help but sob, as though she would never stop crying.
"But, Chikane-chan…" Himeko gasped out between sobs. "Your family…your favorite restaurant…"
"You are my family, Himeko. In this life and the ones after. And if you think this little incident would stop me from loving you, you're sorely mistaken. And if this restaurant can't see that, then it doesn't deserve us, favorite of mine or not."
Himeko sobbed even as Chikane embraced her. It didn't seem fair. Himeko was relying on Chikane again. Himeko chastised herself for not being stronger.
"I'm a bad handkerchief…" Himeko sniffled.
"We can take turns being the handkerchief," Chikane chuckled.
Himeko didn't know when she stopped crying and sitting on the red tiled floor with Chikane. The Himemiya daughter continued to dry Himeko's eyes with the napkins she stored in her purse. When the outside of the door began to get noisier and noisier, it was a signal for them to leave.
"We'll have to leave here, eventually, Chikane-chan," Himeko said.
"Do we?" Chikane smiled. "I'm more than happy staying here with you."
"No, that's not fair to you or the restaurant," Himeko stood up and patted herself down. "Besides, it's only fair they see the face of the girl who ruined their evening."
"You will not be alone," Chikane rose to her feet and took Himeko by the hand. The two walked out of the restroom and Himeko braced herself. Her cheeks burned seeing the dozens of eyes, camera lenses and phones staring at her.
Chocolate, cheese, fruit and duck feathers covered restaurant's carpet floor and apparently, several news teams had come to report the situation with camera crews and reporters setting up.
"Himemiya-san," the Matre'd glared at her, arms crossed. "I'm afraid we have no choice but to ban your family from this establishment if your guest is an indication of the company you keep. We have a reputation to uphold."
"What a coincidence," Chikane replied with the gracious poise she was known for. "I was just about to tell you that the Himemiya clan will have no further business with the likes of you. Additionally, if your reputation relies on keeping out people such as Himeko and myself, I would question the company 'you' keep."
Shocked gasps and whispers emerged when Chikane said this, but the blue-haired billionaire didn't care as she led Himeko away from the restaurant and back into the limousine.
Chikane comforted Himeko the whole ride home.
Himeko, despite not ever wanting to leave Chikane's warm embrace ever again, had to eventually pull away from their bed to use the restroom. Himeko's pajamas were a cozy ensemble of soft, blush-pink fabric, adorned with delicate white accents. The pajamas fit her comfortably, the material flowing loosely over her slender frame.
Himeko didn't feel right wearing Chikane's yellow pajamas and instead wore the pink ones she had at the Ototachibana dormitory before moving out.
She wiped her eyes, attempting to get the sand out of them.
Suddenly, she looked into the kitchen, seeing a crack of fluorescent light entering the dark hallway.
"Is someone there?" Himeko said. Would she encounter the gossiping maids talking ill of her again? Himeko thought about her options, the main one being to go back to the bedroom, wake Chikane and tell her about the situation. Himeko, whether out of courage or foolishness, or some combination of both, entered the kitchen instead.
The Himemiya Kitchen was as clean and neatly organized as it had been during her past life. Lit by bright florescent bulbs, a lone figure stood before the stove. Himeko saw a woman with light brown hair in hair curlers wearing a neon pink bathrobe.
"There's a stranger in the house!" Himeko screamed.
"It's me, Otoha!" The woman in curlers screamed.
"O…Otoha-san?"
"Alas, you have discovered my horrible secret," Otoha pouted. "I am, in fact, not a naturally curly haired person."
Himeko laughed nervously, seeing Otoha move around the kitchen.
"Tea, Kurusugawa-san?" Otoha said, brewing a fresh pot.
"No thank you," Himeko shook her head.
"Camomile is good for the nerves," Otoha replied. "Try a sip, at least."
Himeko sat down, took the tea and saucer from Otoha and sipped the tea.
"It's very good!" Himeko said, surprised.
"Brewing tea for more than 10 years does tend to make one quite the expert," Otoha said, a hint of pride in her voice.
"Otoha-san, Chikane-chan won't let me use my smartphone and told me to stay away from the news. Is it that bad?"
"Which would you prefer to hear: the bitter truth or a pleasant lie?" Otoha asked.
"The truth," Himeko said. Even when she was a Miko, Himeko always wanted to know the truth, no matter how horrible or painful it was.
"The incident has been posted all over the social media and the Himemiya name has been smeared," Otoha said. "Several of the incidents have been trending on the social media as well as being transformed into amusing videos set to popular music."
Himeko felt her cheeks redden upon hearing this.
"And, of course, L'Orangerie has billed the Himemiya estate for the damages, physical and emotional, incurred after your… spectacular display." Otoha sighed. "It's a complete scandal. The Himemiya name has been sullied.."
"I'm sorry…" Himeko bowed her head in shame.
"The fault lies with me," Otoha said.
Otoha took the blame?
"Studies have been conducted that show that corporal punishment has limited to no effectiveness when teaching someone information to retain long-term. I let my ego get in the way and I apologize."
"No, you did nothing wrong."
"Ojou-sama disagrees," Otoha said. "She had quite the harsh words waiting for me when you two came home."
Himeko pitied Otoha at that moment; Chikane could be quite scary when she wanted to.
"Kurusugawa-san, I must get something off my chest," Otoha put her tea and saucer down and cleared her throat. "Your table manners are atrocious, your posture is a joke and you slurp your soup far too loudly!"
Himeko felt more blows to the stomach. Who knew Otoha's words could hurt so much?
"But you make my Oujo-sama happy," Otoha smiled. "After all those videos on social media showed up, not one of them showed Oujo-sama embarrassed or mortified. If anything, she was concerned about your safety."
Himeko smiled for the first time that night.
"Chikane… Chikane-chan is like that," Himeko said, feeling confident enough to call her future wife by such an intimate name.
"Kurusugawa-san, I don't claim to know the nature of your… relationship beyond the surface," Otoha stirred her tea with a spoon. "When I look at the two of you, it is as though you have spent lifetimes with one another. I've only known her for 10 years, yet somehow, in less than a quarter of that, Ojou-sama has become completely enraptured with you and you her."
Himeko kept silent; she wasn't sure if Otoha would believe her if she had told the story about Ame no Murakumo, the Orochi and their past lives.
"Perhaps, that's how love works," Otoha said.
Now, Himeko really did wonder if Otoha had some inkling of their past lives.
"Have a good night's rest," Otoha said. "Ojou-sama has insisted that she monitor how I tutor you from now on."
"You mean… I still have to learn all those utensils?" Himeko asked, feeling a stone sink in her stomach.
"Of course!" Otoha said. "You will be living here, after all. No hand rulers, I promise you."
Himeko, feeling tired, stood up and politely bowed.
"Good night, Otoha-san," Himeko said, walking away.
"Good night, Himeko-Ojousama," Otoha said with a smile.
Himeko paused, turned back to Otoha and pinched herself to make sure this wasn't a dream. Did Otoha really call her what Himeko thought she called her? Not wanting to ruin the moment, she walked back to her room.
On that day forward, Himeko was never served a single Shiitake mushroom ever again, not while living in the Himemiya manor.
