Asuka the Orange and Zashikiwarashi (household Guardian Spirit) Hotaru
Chapter 5[YOUNG LADY ..... SMILE]
Snap~~
"Naomi-san, my maid, takes a photo of me in my school uniform with an instant camera.
A mix of embarrassment and joy creates an indescribable expression on my face.
Today is the entrance ceremony for kindergarten.
Apparently, there were discussions or so to say dispute between the KeikKa-in main family and other branch family regarding my enrollment in this kindergarten.
With conspicuously eye-catching blonde hair and a somewhat mature demeanor despite being a child, there were concerns about potential bullying. Until entering elementary school, the official stance was that home education by Tachibana and the maids would be sufficient.
But the real reason was my father's scandal, which could lead to isolation.
But still I decided to enroll on my own accord.
''Because I want friends too!''
After all, Teito Gakushukan is where I'll be attending from elementary to university, navigating a complex world of connections, factions, and personal preferences for over a decade, or even more. It's crucial to distinguish between allies and enemies, for foreseeable future.
Rather than such cold calculations, the maids easily side with me by my clumsy request. So, I searched for a place that would be accepted by the older group and decided to enter there. Naturally, it's a kindergarten in Denenchofu, so only wealthy families attend.
"Off I go!"
"Take care."
"Please be careful, young lady."
In Tachibana's car, with the three maids seeing me off, it's my first day commuting to kindergarten. Despite having memories of a past life, I feel fresh and excited. Enrollment occurred during the entrance ceremony held that year, and even though it was an unconventional time to join, I was able to enter by taking advantage of the system for transfer students.
"I'm Keika-in Runa! Nice to meet you, everyone! Please take care of me♪"
I greet everyone with a big smile, as I am being treated as a kind of transfer student, it's only natural to face a barrage of questions from everyone.
"Where is Keikain-san's home?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"What kind of books do you like?"
"Do you have a doll?"
"Your hair is so pretty! Can I touch it?"
Lesson learned: Kids don't hold back.
Enjoying my kindergarten life, one spring day, amid comparing picture books with other kids, a girl with twin tails approaches with a box. Following her was a girl with bobbed hair, carrying similar box.
"Oranges! and Mikan* Asuka has arrived~~!"
[T/N- Mandarin Oranges]
"Hail me as Orange-Lady okay! I brought oranges from my house! Let's all enjoy them together!"
"""Yay!"""
Wh-what's going on!?
While I stood there dumbfounded, everyone happily enjoyed the oranges they received from the two boxes.
Suddenly, oranges appeared in front of me.
The girl with twin tails handed them to me.
"Here, take it. It's delicious."
"Thank you. But this doesn't really look like..."
"It's an orange!!!"
Well, whatever. I peeled the so-called orange and took a bite.
"It's delicious."
"See? Since it's from my place, feel free to eat as much as you want. We have plenty left."
I see. So, the liberalization of Mandarin oranges, one of the disputes in Japan-US trade, is happening right around now.
I hear that many Mandarin farmers went out of business because of that.
Nevertheless, it's sweet and delicious.
Before I knew it, I had eaten a whole one.
A second one is offered, but this time by a girl with a bob haircut.
"Are you giving it to me?" I asked. The bob-haired girl nods eagerly. She smiles as I gratefully accept it. She's cute, like a Japanese doll.
"My name is Keikain Runa. Nice to meet you♪"
"My name is Kasugano Asuka.This child is Kaihouin Hotaru....Nice to meet you."
I learn that the surplus of mandarins from her family became a giveaway event due to its unexpected popularity.
While listening to her story, I naturally arrive at that question.
"So, why are these called oranges?"
"Because it's cool! This is age of Oranges not some Mandarins"
I see.
This is definitely going to be a historical blunder.
By the way, her family is in Diet, and their home, or rather electoral district, is in Ehime Prefecture, known for it's Mandarin . No wonder they have an abundance of mandarins coming their way.
".........."
In the midst of such a conversation, Hotaru-san smiles and munches on mandarins while watching us.
Although her emotions can be somewhat understood through her eyes and expressions, but this girl doesn't talk much.
Sensing my bewilderment, Asuka-san steps in.
"Hotaru doesn't talk much, but she's my friend. Initially, I thought she might disappear on the edge of the bridge, so I offered her a Orange, and we became friends. Now, we're really close!'
Asuka-san hugs Hotaru-san, rubbing their cheeks together. Considering Hotaru-san doesn't seem uncomfortable, their bond seems genuine.
''I want to become friends like that too.''
"Sure. Anyone munching on my oranges is tagged as a friend."
Silently nodding, Hotaru-san takes my hand and places the third mandarin.
Well, it's delicious, but the third one is a bit...
________________________________________________
[Mandarin Liberalization]
Deregulation begins in 1991
Kasunago, an agricultural and water faction family, vehemently opposed this deregulation, but his daughter was apparently watching him closely in the background.
It should be noted that the kasunago is an old family in Ehime with a large mandarin buisness."
[Kaihouin Hotaru Background]
"Kaifouin Hotaru's background:
Born into a Nara aristocratic family of onmyoji, she was a child destined to vanish as part of a supernatural abduction due to her enchantment by spirits . Rescued from this fate by Kasugano Asuka's mandarin, she decided to remain in the human world and live as a person. Embracing her ability to bring happiness to people as a half-Zashiki Warashi, she became a quietly serene girl who enjoys seeing the smiles of those around her.
Scheduled to make an appearance around the middle part of the story, Kanna Mizuki forms a contrasting character with her, both rooted in Japanese folklore.
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