Kayama Esumi: The Girl Becomes an Attendant and a Disciple

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Nagisa... Kirifuji Nagisa. It is an honor to finally meet you, Otaru Cheri."

"The honor is mine. Thank you so much for inviting someone of my station to your home."

Addressing her with a refined, leisurely tone and a graceful posture, Nagisa watched as Cheri bowed in strict accordance with etiquette, though her movements were a bit stiff. Nagisa offered a serene smile and gestured toward a specific corner of the room. In the direction of her hand stood a small table and chairs, with tea already prepared for two. Reading the silent invitation to sit and enjoy the tea together, Cheri followed her lead without hesitation.

"Once again, thank you for accepting my invitation," Nagisa said as they both took their seats. She was the first to reach for her teacup. "I imagine you must be quite bewildered, being summoned so suddenly by someone you've never met. But please, rest assured. What we are about to discuss should prove quite beneficial for you."

"Beneficial... is it?"

"Do you find that hard to believe?"

"N-no. It’s just... I’m having a little trouble processing whether this is actually real. My apologies."

"I see. In that case, let us dispense with the pleasantries and speak plainly. Otaru Cheri, I would like for you to become an artist under the exclusive patronage of the Kirifuji family."

"Excuse me?"

Cheri’s eyes widened in sheer shock. Nagisa, however, simply brought the cup to her lips and took a calm sip of tea. Cheri didn't even touch the refreshments provided for her; her gaze darted around the room as she struggled to grasp the weight of the proposal.

An artist under the Kirifuji family's wing. In other words, Nagisa was offering to become her patron and sponsor her artistic career. Yet Cheri, who had only been painting for a year, was drowning in confusion. Why her?

"Um, Nagisa-sama?"

"Yes?"

"Forgive me for asking, but... why me? It’s true I’ve entered a few competitions in the past, but my skills are still unrefined and I have very little experience. The only award I’ve ever managed to win was a single Honorable Mention. I haven't produced the kind of results that would warrant patronage from a family of your standing. So... why?"

Nagisa carefully set her cup back on the table and let out a soft breath.

"While it’s true you haven't secured any top-tier awards, I do not judge an artist's value by accolades alone. Certainly, as you suspect, winning a major prize would draw more eyes and make your name known to the public. However, patrons like us look not at the 'now,' but at the 'future.' We look for the potential to captivate the masses—the spark required to shake the world with a single canvas. And Cheri, you have been recognized for possessing exactly that."

"I have... potential?"

"Indeed. I personally went to see the works you submitted to those competitions. They were powerful pieces, full of mystery and a certain crystalline clarity. Not only myself, but the rest of my family holds your work in very high regard. Though there are rough edges, I don't believe for a moment that those pieces represent your limit. You are capable of reaching far greater heights."

"I... thank you so much for such high praise..."

"Please, do not be so humble. The reason the judges gave you an 'Honorable Mention' was likely because they hold high expectations for your future. If it were up to me, I would have ranked that work much higher based on its sheer quality."

"You truly expect that much of my skill...?"

"Do you understand now? My reason for inviting you here was simply because I didn't want someone else with a keener eye to snatch you up first. If you are willing, I would like to hear your answer regarding the patronage right now. What do you say, Cheri?"

"......"

"Cheri?"

"I... I am so sorry, Nagisa-sama! Regarding the patronage... please, let me decline!"

Cheri suddenly placed her hands on her knees and bowed her head with such force it looked like she might hit the table, her voice thick with apology. Nagisa didn't flinch or even knit her brows; she simply asked in a level voice, "May I ask for your reason?"

"I... I didn't start painting to become an artist. I turned to art out of a singular, desperate desire to stand beside the person I admire... the person who gave me a dream. I never thought about having a patron or winning big awards; I was just frantically chasing her shadow. Someone like me... I don't have the right to call myself an artist!"

It was true that encountering Kayama Esumi’s work had fundamentally changed her worldview. But unlike other artists, Cheri lacked a sense of independent ambition. To her, art was the "bridge" that connected her to Kayama Esumi. By mastering art, she could get closer to her, one step at a time. It was a shortcut.

To others, this might be seen as a heresy of sorts. Normally, an artist is someone who creates individuality from nothing. They learn, they combine, and after endless trial and error, they complete a work. Even if they have an idol, that person is merely a starting point; eventually, they find their own path. If Cheri was crossing the same bridge as Esumi, other artists were crossing their own solitary bridges over an abyss. If they stopped or faltered, they would fall into the darkness of failure. Thus, they gripped the handrails and forced their trembling legs forward to reach the other side.

By comparison, Cheri, who was simply chasing after a hero, might seem like a half-hearted amateur who lacked the resolve to face that abyss. Cheri knew this. She believed she shouldn't be an artist. She had no burning love for art itself, nor a desire for authority or self-expression. She was just a girl frantically studying art to catch up to Esumi. The title of "Artist" didn't fit her at all.

However, there was one more reason she declined Nagisa's offer.

"Are you aware, Nagisa-sama? My family is currently... on the brink of ruin."

Cheri touched her cup with a trembling hand but didn't drink. She simply watched the ripples on the surface of the tea, mirrored by the storm of emotions in her own heart. Nagisa took a moment before responding.

"Yes, I am aware. I know that your family is carrying a massive debt due to a failed business venture. Your household is in a precarious position within Trinity. A single failure... but a fatal one that gave your rivals the opening they needed to tear you down. Whether you are swallowed by another faction or stripped of your power and erased from the stage, you are indeed walking a path of thorns."

"Yes. That is why it is my duty as the next head of the Otaru family to rebuild our house. Though I believe being absorbed by another family is practically inevitable at this point... unless we struggle, our future remains dark. It pains me to say this, but the art I’ve learned is useless for saving my family. Even if I were to become an artist under the Kirifuji family..."

"No, that isn't necessarily true."

Nagisa finished the last of her tea and, instead of pouring more, pulled a document from beneath the table. It was tucked neatly into a folder, and the reflection of the light made it difficult for Cheri to read the text on the pages.

"Nagisa-sama, what is that?"

"These are contract documents."

"A contract? For what?"

"A contract for you to become an exclusive artist for the Kirifuji family, combined with an agreement stating that the Kirifuji family will assume all of the Otaru family's debts and provide them with full, comprehensive support."

"What?!"

Cheri jumped in shock, her legs hitting the underside of the table. Her untouched teacup wobbled and tipped over. Tea spilled across the table, but Nagisa didn't seem to mind; a small, amused smile played on her lips.

"N-Nagisa-sama! You mean... wait, the table! I am so sorry!"

"Heh, please calm yourself, Cheri. You won't be able to speak clearly if you're this flustered. Don't worry about the table; I’ll have the staff clean it up later. First, take a breath and organize your thoughts."

Nagisa remained perfectly composed, as if she had expected this exact reaction. Cheri took a moment to steady her breathing, deeply impressed by the poise of the Kirifuji heiress. A few minutes later, having regained her composure, Cheri straightened her back and spoke with renewed formality.

"Nagisa-sama. Regarding what you just said... does that mean you are actually willing to save my family?"

Truth or a cruel joke? Cheri searched Nagisa’s eyes for the answer. Nagisa met her gaze with a benevolent smile and gave a small nod.

"Precisely. However, in exchange for our support, you must accept our patronage. You will be expected to continue your work and strive to become a professional artist. Of course, if this is a burden you do not wish to carry, you may simply forget we ever spoke of it."

"No! It’s quite the opposite! If I can save my family simply by promising to become an artist—something I never wanted to give up anyway—then I will gladly sign!"

Suddenly, Cheri’s expression of joy shifted into one of confusion, and she tilted her head.

"But... isn't this a disadvantageous contract for you, Nagisa-sama? My family’s debt is not small. Even if I become a successful artist, the chances of me producing enough profit to match that kind of investment are..."

"Your concern is natural. From a purely objective standpoint, you are the only one who stands to gain a clear profit. If this contract is signed, your family’s crisis is resolved, and you are free to continue chasing the shadow of the artist you admire. Meanwhile, my family—the ones assuming the debt—gets nothing but the rights to an inexperienced apprentice who may or may not succeed. If we were strictly calculating profit and loss, we are undoubtedly taking a loss."

Nagisa interlaced her fingers on the table. "However..."

"The business venture your family was involved in was quite remarkable. Because it was a field no one else had touched, there were few precedents, and I believe they failed simply because they were too eager for results. This means that if we can apply the lessons learned from that failure, the potential for profit is immense."

"That business... do you know why my parents failed?"

Cheri only knew the broad strokes of her family’s business. Since the person in front of her seemed to know the details of the very thing that had almost forced her to quit art, curiosity got the better of her.

"I don't know every detail, but in short: logistics."

"Logistics?"

"Yes. More specifically, the logistics of art supplies essential for creative work. Most of the supplies circulating in Trinity—and indeed, in every autonomous district—are subject to exclusive distribution rights held by manufacturers based in those districts. If you want supplies from another district, you have to pay a premium for shipping, and the delivery times are abysmal. For a meticulous artist who is picky about their materials, it is a difficult situation."

Cheri looked thoughtful. "So... my family saw an opportunity there?"

"Most likely. I don't know the specifics of their solution, but it is a fact that they found a way to sell supplies for less than the standard price. Unfortunately, at that same time, Kivotos was plagued by a string of incidents involving counterfeit goods. The logistics industry in Trinity, including your family's business, was hit hard by the fallout."

"The 'incidents'... are you talking about that criminal group? The news reported on a gang attacking manufacturer transport trucks, stealing the cargo, and selling counterfeits that looked identical to the originals. You mean Trinity was involved in that too?"

Nagisa shook her head.

"The details are being kept strictly confidential by the General Student Council and the Valkyrie Police Academy, who carried out the crackdown. However, rumors are flying that certain students from Trinity were involved. I even heard that the Art Club has been suspended for a year. It’s possible that students were engaging in illegal trade regarding art supplies."

"Which means... my family started their new business at the absolute worst possible time. Of all things, they picked the logistics of art supplies right when Trinity was having a crisis over them..."

"In business, you must first win the trust of your customers. If a scandal like that breaks while you’re launching an unproven new venture, it’s no wonder things fell apart."

Nagisa traced the folder on her lap with her finger, taking a short breath. She placed the file on the table and continued, "That is exactly why."

"If you fail once, you simply try again. Your family has gained immense 'experience' through this failure. At the same time, the fact that a previously untapped market exists has been made known to the world because of your family’s attempt. A race is about to begin to see who can successfully claim that market first."

She pushed the contract across the table toward Cheri, tapping it lightly with a slender finger.

"So, what is needed to gain the advantage over everyone else? It is to bring the pioneers of that venture—your family—to our side. By doing this, we secure both a promising future artist and the wisdom needed to master a new business."

She’s a master strategist, Cheri realized.

Kirifuji Nagisa was the same age as her, yet she was one of the top young ladies in Trinity. To the world, she was just a girl in middle school, someone who shouldn't even be involved in such discussions. Yet her depth of knowledge and her powers of observation were equal to any industry veteran. Cheri was deeply impressed; this was a person truly fit to lead the Kirifuji family.

Cheri placed her hands on the documents and pulled them toward her, her resolve set.

"I understand. Now that I see this contract is as beneficial to you as it is to me, I will not refuse. I gratefully accept the Kirifuji family’s offer."

"And I thank you for your decision, Cheri."

"However, Nagisa-sama... may I make one proposal of my own?"

"A proposal? Certainly, I don't mind at all."

Having received permission, Cheri rose from her chair and walked around to Nagisa’s side. Nagisa, who was barely 150 centimeters tall, naturally had to look up at the 170-centimeter-tall Cheri. But then, Cheri dropped to one knee before her.

"Cheri?"

"Nagisa-sama... please, hire me, Otaru Cheri, as your personal attendant."

Nagisa’s eyes widened slightly. "My attendant?"

"Yes. You will be enrolling in Trinity General School soon, as planned. For someone of your status, there is no place for you but the Tea Party. I have spent my life learning the skills necessary to serve as an attendant or a servant. Even within the storm of politics and power struggles that define the Tea Party, I know I can be of use to you."

"May I ask... why me?"

Cheri, who had been bowing her head, looked up sharply.

"Until now, I have never once thought, 'I want to support someone' or 'I want to be useful.' Coming from a low-ranking family, always one step away from being discarded, I viewed everyone around me as an enemy."

Cheri knit her brows, her lips thinning into a tight line. Judging by her expression, her life up until now—excluding her family—must have been incredibly lonely. Given her serious and polite nature, she might have made many acquaintances, but she likely couldn't bring herself to trust them enough to ask for help, knowing not all of them were pure of heart. It was only natural she saw the world as a battlefield.

"But despite that, you reached out to me for the sake of my dream and my family. You are my savior, Nagisa-sama. I want to repay that debt. Please, let me use whatever strength I have to contribute to your future."

"......"

This, perhaps, was what it felt like to have someone fall for you. Nagisa hadn't reached out to Cheri as an act of charity; she had simply proposed the best tactical move for mutual benefit. But for some, a tactical move is the hand that saves their life. Otaru Cheri was one such person.

Nagisa could have simply said she was happy, but instead, she frowned slightly and asked, "Cheri, the contract we just discussed is a trade for our mutual benefit. But your request is nothing short of 'service' beyond the scope of that deal. It is different from being an artist; there is no reward for being an attendant. Are you truly certain?"

"Absolutely. I have regained the opportunity to pursue art, and my family’s survival is guaranteed. I require no further reward."

"You are a remarkably selfless person for someone my age. You remind me of a certain someone."

"Is there someone else like me?"

Nagisa let out a sigh that was halfway to a groan and nodded.

"An artist who loves art, pours everything into it, and considers the encounter with art itself to be their reward. A selfless soul who lives a life far beneath what their talent deserves... Heh. You could say they are a sinful person who constantly disturbs my heart."

She paused, exhaled again, and stood up from her chair.

"My apologies. It was rude of me to speak of someone else while I have a guest. Regarding your offer to become my attendant... I accept. From now on, you are an artist of the Kirifuji house, and the personal attendant to me, Nagisa. I look forward to working with you."

Nagisa held out a pale, delicate hand. Cheri, her face glowing with joy, bowed several times before taking it. Thus, Otaru Cheri began a new life as an apprentice artist for the Kirifuji family and the personal attendant to Nagisa. It was a miraculous return from the brink of despair.

But the story didn't end there.

"By the way, Cheri. Since you are now an apprentice with a patron, we should find you a master to help you refine your skills."

"I see. If you say so, I have no objection, Nagisa-sama. But for an apprentice backed by the Kirifuji family, I imagine many ambitious people would fight for the position...?"

An apprentice with a powerful patron is a golden ticket. By teaching her, a master would gain access to the patron and an opportunity to make a name for themselves. People seeking power or fame might try to apply under false pretenses. One wrong choice could even put Nagisa’s position at risk. Behavior and reputation can be easily faked, so caution was paramount.

As an artist, Cheri would love a master to help her reach new heights. As an attendant, however, she wanted to avoid anything that might put her mistress in danger.

"Rest assured. I am well aware of those risks. Fortunately, I know someone who has zero interest in power—someone who would be delighted to help a new artist grow."

"Could it be... the person you mentioned earlier?"

Just as Nagisa nodded with a knowing smile, there was a soft, polite knock at the door. Cheri assumed it was a servant coming to clean up the spilled tea, but Nagisa’s comment of "It seems they’ve finally arrived" suggested otherwise.

"I didn't exactly plan this timing, but since they're here, let me introduce you. The person behind that door will be your master... and is someone very special to me, whom I trust from the bottom of my heart."

"Someone... special to you?"

Does that mean it's someone she's in love with? Cheri wondered, seeing how Nagisa couldn't quite hide her excitement. But as an attendant, she had no complaints even if her master turned out to be her mistress's crush. Even if the person was a man entirely unworthy of Nagisa, Cheri would gratefully become his disciple for the sake of her master's happiness.

"I understand. I would like to greet them."

As Cheri steeled her resolve, Nagisa invited the person to enter. The heavy wooden door opened slowly, revealing not a man, but a girl so beautiful Cheri found herself momentarily entranced.

She was a bit taller than Nagisa, but shorter than Cheri herself. Dressed in clothes that looked incredibly expensive, with pale blue hair that swayed with every graceful movement, she possessed a presence that commanded the room. She was simply impossible to ignore. If Nagisa’s words were true, this girl was an artist with no desire for power... though even if she didn't seek it, people would likely throw power at her just for a chance to know her.

"Kirifuji... is this her?"

Perhaps noticing Cheri’s intense observation, the beautiful girl turned her gaze toward her before speaking to Nagisa. Whether out of tension or shyness from being the center of such a girl’s attention, Cheri’s heart began to race.

"Yes. This is Otaru Cheri, the apprentice artist the Kirifuji house has taken under patronage. She is also my personal attendant."

"An attendant? A bit early, since she hasn't even started at Trinity... but I see. So this is the girl..."

"Y-yes! My name is... Otaru Cheri!"

The girl wasn't exactly judging her, but she seemed curious about the apprentice Nagisa had chosen. She looked at Cheri’s face, then her hands and fingers. Seeming satisfied, she gave a small, polite bow.

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Kayama Esumi, a first-year in the High School division at Trinity General School. Congratulations on becoming an artist for the Kirifuji family and an attendant to Nagisa. Let us work hard together as master and disciple."

Esumi’s face broke into a soft smile as she spoke in a clear, dignified voice.

"Kayama... Esumi-san...?"

"Yes. I’m just a fledgling painter who’s managed to make a bit of a name for myself in Trinity lately..."

"Um... by any chance, are you the one who painted the angel for the competition a few years ago?"

"Oh, you saw that? I’m surprised. That was my first major work, but yes, I painted it."

"......!"

Realizing that the person standing before her was the very artist she worshipped, and that she was now that person's disciple, Cheri’s emotional capacity hit its limit. For the first time in her life, she wept tears of pure joy.

But it wasn't just that.

(My idol and my savior are actually close... and Nagisa-sama clearly has a crush on Esumi-san! Wait! I know this! This is a forbidden love! A one-sided romance between a female artist and her patron! Is it really okay for me to be in the middle of such a blessed space?!)

In that instant, Otaru Cheri had opened a new door. She was far too ignorant of otaku culture to know that this feeling was called being a "shipper," but that realization would come much later.

"Ch-Cheri?! What’s wrong?!"

"Was my voice too intimidating? What do you think, Kirifuji?"

"What? You’re asking me? No, I thought you sounded as polite and kind as always, Esumi-san."

"But she's crying..."

Nagisa was shocked by the sudden outburst of tears, while Esumi worried she had said something wrong. Meanwhile, Cheri, watching the two friends interact, offered a silent prayer of gratitude in her heart.